Julotta and the New Year

We are closing in on the end of another year! The end of 12 and the beginning of 13! The past 7 months have gone by more quickly than I would have expected. Closing the calendar year at Blomkest Baptist Church has been wonderful.

In traditional Swedish fashion we celebrated Julotta with Christmas Carols and a Christmas breakfast. This was my first Julotta and the tradition is wonderful! Imagining the faithful arriving at the church before the service with horse drawn sleighs and torches creates vivid pictures in my mind. We however kept the church heated so there was no reason for blankets or heavy coats inside. We sang Christmas Carols and laughed and remembered the promise of prosperity and hope through the tradition of Julotta as well as the message of the first Christmas.

Julotta celebrates Christmas morning, the time of the birth of Christ. That in itself is getting more unique in the world today. There are more and more churches who do not hold Christmas worship if it occurs during the week and there are some who do not hold Christmas services even when it occurs on Sunday! Unfortunate, because even if they do not celebrate Julotta in Swedish tradition, they miss out of a joyous event of community and faith.

And now we look to the New Year and all that God has in store for us, and there will be plenty! Last week the youth group went out carolling at the nursing homes around Willmar and it continues to grow. We have plans for activities and events to develop strong Christians for the future. The ministries will continue to grow and expand as we continue the work started 136 years ago! This will be more than a renewal of vision. It will include new vision and new direction as the world and life continues to change. The need for Christ remains and through God's grace we will continue to reach those in need and those seeking a church family.

Everything Everyday!

There are so many directions life can take a person, it's overwhelming to think about concentrating on one area. Even holding a few directions together becomes a task beyond what most can control. There must be an objective in life. What is the most important thing you can do or want to do? I think when we look into it more sincerely, we come to wondering what it is we should want to accomplish in life.

Accomplishment is a vital part in the human life. I truly believe that we all want to accomplish something, we want to be known for or at least remembered for something. I also think that because we are more than simply creatures on this planet, being the best ball player or best actor/actress is minor in what we seek. These are all part of the big picture, they don't really capture the whole drive a person has in life, the drive that tells us deep inside that there must be more to this life than simply living it. We want impact! We want to be a positive impact on our family, neighborhood or community or more! Even as we look to the last elections, I want to hope that those elected have more in mind than simply being elected. I hope that they want to be known and remembered as a person who has made life better for others. Accomplishment seems only possible though if there is a focus in life, a concentration of energy and effort. Where do we focus our effort to impact those in our area of influence, those with whom we have contact? I think even being a pastor is only part of the bigger picture just as being a chaplain in the Army is only part of the whole. There has to be more than simply running through the gates of the status quo for any given occupation or vocation. There has to be more to life than that!

While focus seems to give the idea of what I'm looking for in life, it still doesn't crystallize the idea I am looking for with life. Focus has the idea of direction and emphasis. This is good but only part. We need to include foundations and stability and consistency and solidness. When I think of focus I think of one direction at a certain point in the distance. Life has to be lived in a complete 360 degree circle from me to as far as eternity! I need to be ground zero, letting the waves of my intent ripple through all of my life. A driving force in life that impacts all my movements, all my energies, everything I am everyday!

Ok, so I guess this is where I get in trouble. I understand the expected answer to this issue is Jesus! I know that but, and please bear with me but Jesus is the short answer to a bigger question. Time to explain........

What do you think of when I say "Jesus"? I don't know what you think when I mention His name but I know what I think of.... I think of God in human form who walked this earth as the Word of the Father to humanity. Now maybe you see the challenge. Jesus means so many things to so many people from those who truly believe to those who just laugh at the idea. But really, I think Jesus is so much more than what I could ever try to write down, and probably so much less than some may want to write down.

I believe its the "motivation of Jesus" that's the key! By motivation I am trying to get everyone to think of what made Jesus get up every day and face the world He saw and those who walked in it! I'm speaking of the human side of Him.... the side of Him that offered the question to the Father, "If possible, please take this cup from me!" The side that arrived at the Temple and got angry at those profiting from the system....the side that cried when He heard His friend Lazarus was dead....the side that loved, laughed and felt all those things, those feelings, those challenges of life that we face every day! That, or those things are what make up life and are what we need to show every day! The emotion, compassion, empathy and love. The part of Jesus that made Him like us...His humanity!

There's that saying "No one cares how much you know until they know how much you care." And when it comes to caring for a person, it becomes an everything everyday situation. Our emphasis needs to continue to be on caring, and caring as completely as possible for those around us. I believe that's how Jesus lived and I believe that was His intent all along. He knew that unless people knew of His love they would never accept Him as God. That's seen through the Gospels. That's seen at the cross.

A Rich History - A Rich Future

Mondays are a change of pace. I'm not too anxious to dig into the next message or be too concerned about the music for the following Sunday. It's more of a day steal away from reality some time to myself, to look forward in a more philosophical or contemplative way. Or maybe it's just daydreaming but that sounds like I'm wasting time! It's a way of getting ready for the days to come because it really never slows down. As the adrenaline flow from of yesterday's service slowly eases through the afternoon, and the football games play on, I have finally relaxed toward evening. Thinking to myself, tomorrow I'll get started on planning the work of replacing windows in the house, clearing the leaves from the apartment properties, somehow giving my four-legged best friend a bath, getting a few things accomplished at and for the BBC and trying to find time to work USAR Chaplain work into the mix! Yea, tomorrows are usually the best time to get started with all that stuff! Today is meant for planning, dreaming, hoping and resting!

I start looking through some of the historical documents of the BBC. There are always things we can do to improve the worship time and experience. I found it interesting that 100 years ago this past summer they were looking at exciting new possibilities! "It was then that some of our young people received the first impulse and longing to start a choir here and succeeded beyond all expectation..." Those had to be some exciting times! At that time they were sharing a pastor but 4 years later they called their first full time pastor! As I read through this time of the church...I see a baptistry was installed in 1914. Until then they baptised in the lake in freezing weather and sometimes breaking through the ice to get into the water!

So what's next for the BBC? I say that with a bit of excitement because there is always something new around the corner of time. We will visit the history of the BBC as we continue through this blog but to be sure, we are experiencing the same adventure of this church 100 years ago! In 100 years from now, what will the church read? A choir in 2012? A youth group? Additional services and outreach? With everything else aside I am assured of two things - 1) God has done great things in the BBC, and 2) God has great things planned for the BBC! If all we do here is for the glory of God there will be no restraint to the outpouring of God's grace and growth for the BBC!

Last Year I Was In Afghanistan!!

This is a day that brings so much to mind...I look through my Facebook and see a clear divide in what people post today from 9/11 tributes and remembrances to "It's still all about me" postings. This isn't right or wrong, this is simply age. 11 years ago still seems like yesterday. I know where I was and I know what I did and how I felt....and things don't change much. Looking at the pictures and watching the History Channel brings back the hurt and the blurry eyes.

What would I say if I had my last phone call to make.....

I hear Romney and Obama are trying to respect this day by putting their campaigns on hold....but you know, tomorrow they will be as mean and vicious as ever....a real sad note because I for one thought this country would be forever changed for the better, but I guess I might still be in the minority. I think people should and can be a lot better than they are.... I've been called a fool before...and I know who my friends are as well...

It was 11 years ago today that, like an outpouring of God's character on the US, people began to care more for others than they did for themselves. It was unreal....perhaps surreal. the composure, the control and at times....the fear. I don't want to hear about people not understanding the true impact of the event. Two planes hit and destroyed the Twin Towers in New York! People understood very clearly Innocent people killed and in their clarity....they were concerned about others. Can you imagine...others were for, seemingly the first time more important, more of a concern, more valuable than we were to ourselves. Calls from the Towers to tell their families "I love you". Telling their families that it's far more important for me to tell you I love you, than it is for you to tell me the same. YOU NEED TO KNOW I LOVE YOU!!!! Just in case you someday might forget...these are my last words.

I am looking at crossing 23 years of service to our country next summer. I love the Army. I serve my country through personal sacrifice. The greatest and most amazing hero's I know are those who support those who serve. The families, the churches, the VFW, the American Legion, and all the support groups out there...but mostly, if you want to meet a hero.....talk to an Army wife...and respect them because their attitude has come from a place where most of you have not been....alone and separated from the one you most want to be with at this time.....alone and separate. Like a POW in your own world....I love them all....but mostly mine!

Quickly comes this day. 11 years later. 42 months away from Them. Memories forgotten. I am so appreciative for those who were there and those who remember....as I am for those in WW2, Korea and Vietnam. Time seems to dilute any sense of grief, any sense of anger, any sense of self-sacrifice. I am worried that our young people will forget or worse, not be told about this time of tragedy and service. Even today, only 11 years after I have heard that "it's too painful to remember". Apparently people have forgotten how painful it was to live through. Some memories are supposed to be painful so that you do not forget!!! Innocent people killed and arrogant self-righteous people to blame.

Today, today is a surprisingly hard day. For a chaplain/ preacher, thinking of the loss of innocent lives naturally brings me to Jesus. Remembering our Army wives reminds me of Mary and Mary who went to the tomb. And all the tomorrows remind me of the Apostle John and Paul who continue to spread the word so that none can forget!

9/11 should always bring sadness and resolve. The Gospel message should always bring humility and repentance. 

Just the Beginning!

"A picture from Helpful Hearts Orphanage in Kabul, Afghanistan"

 

I always smile when I look at the changes that come in time. When some say that history is circular, always ending up in repeating itself at some point, I think about some of the ways it is and some ways it isn't.

Looking at the Centennial booklet of the BBC there is one theme that seems to flow through the pages: The desire to have a place of worship.

    First called the Lake Lillian Church, then Fahlun Baptist and now Blomkest Baptist, this church has been the hope of community people from the time it began at Lind Eric Olson's home in 1876. Through the years there have been building programs, moving to different land, many different pastors and a variety of directional changes for this church (I'm sure!).
   Today we are no different, and the while the direction of this church will continue to be consistent with the founders of BBC and to God's Word, the culture and community have changed. We will seek to meet the needs of those in the community and surrounding areas and all age groups who make up these areas. And just like those who built this church, we will envision the changes which need to occur while embracing the traditions so loved for the past 136 years.

Trying to reach people for Christ is the objective of the evangelical church. How we go about accomplishing this can be as different as the churches that make up this country. We are a unique rural church with a unique legacy.

We will continue to move forward following God's will for this group of believers and trusting in His grace to fulfill our mission. It's a great time to be at the BBC!

A New Day!

Where have you been in the last couple years? I am amazed at the different trails life has in store for anyone. I am amazed at the life story each person has to tell. Whether a story of high adventure or one of routine, life always has a way of keeping our interest. While we look back, we also must look forward. Memories have a way of getting us to wonder what might be next over the horizon, what might be next to come around the corner!

So.....what's next?  In the next couple years my life will be moving in new directions. I'm always excited, maybe more relieved when I complete another class. In about a year I should be complete with the next requirements in weekend services. I believe the most exciting part of my life right now is the direction the BBC can go! There are so many options and so many challenges facing us.

My hopes are that this blog will serve to motivate those who support our mission and will annotate the movements this wonderful little church is planning, to encourage and motivate the members and others to continue the good fight........being empowered by the grace of God into the future!!

I hope you will continue to check in on us....There will always be something new happening at the church!!