Anointed or Annoying?

I don't know about you, but I certainly have been to my fair share of worship services that are utterly annoying. The community feels closed, the preaching or music drags on, and yes, I've even had an usher try to pull my skirt further down to cover my knees! Bottom line -- for whatever reason -- I've walked in and the Spirit feels like its done flown the coop. I hate to go on a rant about my extended family because I recognize that what might not work for me, may very well work for someone else.

The flip side of course is that for every annoying worship service I've endured, there has been another at some other time or place that has felt anointed and alive. When I stop and think about what has made the difference for me, it has been whether or not I can see myself in the story being told -- through worship, song, prayer, hospitality, etc. It has not necessarily been about the quality of the music, or the charisma of the preacher, or even how good the coffee has been. No, it has been mostly about whether or not I've felt included in the story.

Recently, Arlington UMC under the direction of local talent and FR member Shelby Sours performed "A Century and a Half of Faith" about the church's history. What an amazing history it is. What made me most proud, though, was Shelby's willingness to cast the principles in the play according to their gifts. Shelby made an intentional decision to broaden the story to include men and women of color in some of the key roles. For example, Betty Entzminger (pictured above) played Mrs. Hunter, the church's founding mother who sacrificially donated her land for the first church to be built. Historically accurate? Of course not. Then, why would Shelby take such a risk? To help the community see themselves in our story -- that's why! Fundamentally, this is what Faith Renaissance is about -- helping more people to see themselves in God's story of faith. Annoying? At times, probably. Anointed? Let's hope so.

Creating from the Heart: Jesus' Harsh Demands

This is the fourth and final piece that we'll be posting from "Creating from the Heart" (probably!) I'm hoping that Adella will weigh in, as she found many of the sayings of Jesus that Ken read to be harsh and troubling. Having heard such sayings requiring me to "hate my family", "take up my cross", "let the dead bury the dead" for most of my life, I discovered that I had strong filters in place, protecting me from the hard demands of following Jesus. Sharing the studio experience with Dells made me look again at what is asked of us. In this season of resurrection, the season that wouldn't be without the cross and crucifixion, what do you think of Jesus' demands?

Also, some in the class found this painting troubling, and yet it makes a feminist statement about creation and creativity. Does it trouble you, speak to you, or perhaps both?

Join us on April 25th to continue the discussion, at the New Creations Cafe Coffeehouse!

The Last Word

"It is finished." These are the last of seven words or phrases spoken by Christ from the stark, wooden cross on Good Friday so long ago. The work of redemption completed once and for all with the ultimate cost of his life paid in full. One by one, the crowd thinned. Ultimately, all that remained were the Roman guards and the women at a distance. The one who would save the world -- no, the one who saves even me -- was abandoned and alone. It grieves me to even write these words, and yet, we are called to remember. We must remember. We must go to the darkest of places where we find the center of our faith --to the very cross of Good Friday so that we may find our way to the hope of Easter morning. Without the cross, there is no resurrection. As we draw closer to worship this Good Friday, I wonder what beliefs, habits, or circumstances in your life need to be pierced by the words Christ speaks from the cross? Can you hear him whisper, "It is finished." as he closes his eyes for the last time and the weight of his head sinks into his chest?