Volume 2 Issue 40

I started a sermon this week, but it is now apparent that I’m not going to finish it. I am still working on the self-motivation aspect of this cyber-ministry as I become increasingly aware of how very dependent I was (and obviously still am) upon the stimulation provided by a real-time audience. Ironically the message I am working on concerns distractions and their ability to take our focus away from where it really needs to be. As with everything, distractions fall into a spectrum from bad to good, and the good distraction this weekend has been that Rachel and Steve have chosen to be with us for their Spring Break from NAU. The not-so-good distraction has been the looming IRS deadline that requires our household finances receive top priority this weekend.
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There are new postings on the Bulletin Board this week, including Dad’s earliest “religious” memory (see the current sermon, “Food for Thought”). Others are encouraged to follow his lead and share theirs. If I didn’t know the wealth of knowledge and experience contained in this virtual congregation I probably wouldn’t be as upset by the fact that there’s so little of this kind of sharing going on, but I do and I am! Growing in Christ is dedicated to serving as a sanctuary from orthodoxy, political/religious correctness, evangelicalism and fundamentalism, and to being inclusive of diverse and divergent thought on any subject matter, but especially theology. I concede to a certain degree of disappointment at learning there is so little interest in this forum that invites the free and open exchange of ideas and opinions. Per Gump: that’s all I’m going to say about that!
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If there was ever an appropriate time for reflection, introspection, and earnest meditation, this first anniversary of our nation’s attack upon Iraq would certainly seem to qualify. As a coworker and I were discussing the many stressors that seem to be negatively affecting our workplace, it was interesting that, almost as an afterthought, the effect the war may be having on everyone was lifted up. The tragic bombings in Spain this week certainly refute the argument that the defeat of Iraq and the capture of Saddam Hussein was the solution to world terrorism. Indeed, it lends credence to the argument that such a preemptive action would, in the long run, create more problems than it could ever hope to solve. Fanaticism is no less of a threat to world peace just because it originates from American soil.
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I can only ask that you periodically check this website for new sermons, new postings, etc. In the meantime, take advantage of the archive located at the bottom of the Sermons page and spend some time with the Bulletin Board. May God’s voice find expression in all that we say and do in the coming week.
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Until next week…….Shalom!