My Response to SCOTUS and the Same Sex Marriage Ruling

I have been practicing James 1:19 “Everyone should be quick to listen and slow to speak” ever since the Supreme Court ruling to redefine marriage. I have spent much time in scripture, prayer, reading and listening to your varied thoughts and feelings on this sensitive and volatile issue.

Here is my response.

Some of the best, smart, talented, fun, interesting, generous, energetic, loving people I know are gay. Several are a part of Pathway. Some of the most obnoxious, challenging, mean, judgmental, selfish, lazy people I know are straight. Some are a part of Pathway. But as I read the scriptures as a whole especially through the eyes and words of Jesus, I sincerely believe, even with deep anguish for those I like and love, same sex marriage is not a part of God’s plan for humanity. God’s plan for marriage is one male and one female, equally yoked in Christ for life. (Genesis 1:27-28; Genesis 2:23-24; Matthew 19:4-6; Ephesians 5:24-32; Hebrews 13:4)

I believe it is an oversimplification to say that Christians, or evangelicals, are simply against same sex marriage. We are not to be an advocate for any behavior or lifestyle that is against God’s plan and restrains people from everlasting joy in God. Same sex marriage, is just getting all the press because, at this cultural moment, it’s the main non God approved life practice that is being endorsed in our society by the powers that be.

Some would like to see this whole issue of homosexuality and same sex marriage divided into two camps: those who celebrate it and those who hate it. Both of these groups exist in our society. There are growing numbers, under great societal pressure, who praise same sex marriage. For conversation purposes, we call them the left. And there are people who hate homosexuality and same sex marriage, with the most bigoted rationale and apart from any Christian concern. We call them the right.

The current debate is plagued by this binary lens, the left and the right. Those on the left try to lump everyone who disagrees with them into that right side. “If you don’t support, you hate.” Meanwhile, those on the right see compromise and spinelessness in anyone who doesn’t get red-faced and militant. “If you don’t hate, you support.”

But Jesus Followers, true disciples, will walk neither path. We have something to say that no one else is saying, or can say.

Distancing ourselves from both the left and the right, we don’t celebrate same sex marriage. We acknowledge according to both the written and Living Word that God’s plan for humanity is one man and one woman equally yoked in Christ for life.  But neither do we hate those who embrace homosexuality or same sex marriage. We love them enough to not just collapse under the societal pressure. We speak the truth in love into this confusion, saying, simultaneously, “Same sex marriage is not God’s plan” and “I love you.” We’re not the left and we’re not the right. We speak good news, with those sweetest, deepest, most glorious words of the cross, the same words that God spoke to ALL of us … “I do not condone your lifestyle behaviors and I love you.”

God tells us we are all sinners, heterosexual and homosexual, and that the wages of sin is death. (Romans 3:23; Galatians 3:13)  God also tells us we’re loved, that even while we were sinners, Jesus died for us. That while we were unrighteous, Jesus died on the cross for our sins. (Romans 5:8; I Peter 3:18; Ephesians 2:1-7)

That’s the unique voice of the Christian. I saw this quote on someone’s face book page and thought it nailed our current condition. “We (not just they) are far worse than we ever imagined, and far more loved than we could ever dream.”

That’s our message in this cultural shift. When the left says we are haters and the right says we are spineless, when the “spiritually elite” look down on us and when the “spiritual existentialists” vilify us, when no one else has the resources to say anything outside of those two extremes, we have this incomparable opportunity to let the gospel shine, to reach out in grace. “Same sex marriage is not a part of God’s plan, but I love you.” Or “We (not just you) are far worse than we ever imagined, and far more loved than we could ever dream.”

I am praying for you. Please pray for me as together we lovingly navigate through this ever changing cultural landscape while striving to stay true to Jesus and the Gospel.

Jesus is Lord!

Rick

Season of Preparation, Remembrance

The season of Lent originated in the 4^th century as a 40-day preparation for those who wanted to be baptized.  It was a time of concentrated study and prayer before their baptism on Easter.  Over time the entire faith community was called to join those preparing for baptism in the disciplines of prayer, fasting and the study of scripture so they were better ready to receive and disciple the new followers of Jesus.

Today, Lent is a 40-day time of
introspection, self-examination and repentance for new and long timers in the faith. The number 40 is connected to many events in Scripture, but especially with the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness resisting temptation before beginning his three-year journey to the cross.

Ash Wednesday is always the first day of Lent.  Its name comes from the ancient practice of placing ashes on worshipers’ foreheads as a sign of humility before God, a symbol of mourning and sorrow at the death sin brings into the world.  On Ash Wednesday we begin reflecting on what needs to change in our lives so we can better live an authentic Christian life. 

Lent is a spiritual pilgrimage through a very secular culture. It is where we set our focus on following Jesus in the midst of all our distractions, even if it means taking up our own cross.

Join us this Wednesday, February 18^th at 7:00 PM in the ARC for Ash Wednesday Worship.  You will receive the ashen cross upon your forehead or hand, your choice, and then be invited to spend some time in prayer and personal reflection. The entire service will last about 30 minutes but you can remain as long as you like to pray or simply be still in the presence of God.

Lenten Journals will be available in the ARC foyer, $3 each, beginning Ash Wednesday.

This weekend, February 21-22, we begin a new message series titled “Impact.” We will be learning about the Impact Jesus had upon those who encountered him in a personal way and how to posture ourselves to experience the same.  We are also providing a short video lesson each week during Lent for all small groups that will coincide with the weekend message. 

Invite a friend and I will see you in worship, Wednesday and this weekend, as together we continue to intentionally “grow up” into our faith.

I am praying for you! Please pray for me.

Rick

A Special Message

Thanksgiving Blowout: From St. Matthew to Pathway

Sunday, November 23, 2014 - 5:32 PM

For 28 years St. Matthew (soon-to-be Pathway) has gathered the Sunday Night before Thanksgiving at 5:32 PM for an event aptly named the Thanksgiving Blowout. It is a long standing tradition that has served our body well for the election of elders and deacons, sharing an old fashion potluck dinner while engaging in fun and frivolity.

The term “Blowout” came into existence because the delicious food was plentiful and the entertainment was over the top.  Before there was “American Idol”, “America’s Got Talent” and “The Voice” there was “The Blowout.”  Before there was Ryan Seacrest, Nick Cannon and Carson Daly there was Judy Madden, Sherri and Chris Sechrist Jerry Wood and many more. And, before there was Kelly Clarkson, Bianca Ryan or Regan James, there was YOU, the people of St. Matthew (soon-to-be Pathway) singing, dancing, and acting, I guess you could call it acting. There was so much laughter, joy, clapping and fun we practically blew out the roof of the building and thus “The Blowout” was born.

Like many St. Matthew (soon-to-be Pathway) traditions “The Blowout” has changed over the years. We no longer gather in an overcrowded Mound Cafeteria for 3 ½ hours sitting on little round stools designed for little people to sit on for less than 30 minutes.  We no longer assemble a make shift sound system and pop in cassette tapes so the singers can sing and the dancers can dance.  We no longer have to suffer through , I mean enjoy,  7 different  7-year-olds all singing “Tomorrow” on the same night back to back to back plus countless amateur, some funny some not so funny, vaudeville like skits.

Yes, much has changed in 28 years but we will still gather this Sunday evening at 5:32 in the ARC to elect elders and deacons, share an old fashion pot luck dinner and engage in fun and frivolity. Here is the Plan for this Sunday Night, November 23.

5:32 Potluck Dinner

6:15 Church Business Meeting (keep on eating)
Elect Elders/Deacons & Construction Update

6:30 Social Media tutorial for the evening, Andrew Dolan

6:35 Emcees Chris Bohon and Josh Fortney

Celebration of and Honor St. Matthew’s History

Celebration and Honor of who we are today

Celebration of the future and becoming “Pathway”

 7:25 Activites

Receive your free Pathway T Shirt  

Selfie Photo Stations for posting on Social Media

Shop the Pathway Store

Tour the Construction Site, write scriptures/prayers on floors/walls  Sign the bible to be placed in the Time Capsule

Fellowship with your St. Matthew/Pathway Church family.

8:00 Depart at your discretion, but we will turn off lights at 8PM.      

Please wear a St. Matthew T-shirt if you have one so you can easily put on your new Pathway shirt for the photo ops. Bring a covered dish and an appetite for some historic fun as we, again, Blow Out the roof by honoring the past, giving thanks for the present and stepping into the future God has prepared.



Connecting people to people and people to God,

Rick

A Brand New Name: Pathway Church

The bigger the plane the longer the runway needed to get the flying machine airborne. 

After several years of discussion and prayer, your session unanimously voted in their December 2011 meeting to proceed with rebranding and renaming our beloved church so as to maximize our efforts to connect with the un-churched and de-churched. Six months later a rebranding team was called out from the body to create and execute a process that would present 3 -5 names to your session. The Rebranding Team consisted of Jeff Ogden (chair) Arlen Fuhlendorf (founding member), Liz Mitchell, Lana Horadam, Bill Whatley, Cheyenne Davis, Nedra Lamar and Josh Fortney.

The Team spent much time in prayer and scripture, seeking counsel from a marketing firm and inviting the congregation to submit their own name ideas. The team submitted regular reports to the session and finally in June of this year, presented 5 names for consideration. Your session spent much time praying individually and collectively before voting at our July stated meeting and unanimously agreeing on “Pathway Church.”

Since we are and will remain Cumberland Presbyterian, we presented the new name to the Board of Missions of Red River presbytery for approval in August. They enthusiastically concurred in the recommendation and will present to Presbytery in October for final approval. 

 

1318 people showed up to worship God and celebrate “The Reveal” last weekend. God received a standing ovation by a packed house Saturday Night when the name and logo was made known.  Simultaneously a rainbow appeared over our property signifying to all who witnessed God was in approval as well.

The plan is to pull back the throttle on the metaphorical airplane called “Pathway Church” between November 23 -29 and soar into the promise of God’s preferred future. Please continue to pray as we pick up speed these last 10 weeks of transitioning into our new name. We will keep you posted as the plan transition plan unfolds.

“Thank you God for all you done in and through us while flying under the banner St. Matthew and we look forward to the future as we follow in the Way of your Son and the Path laid before us. Father, may you, your Son and the Holy Spirit be glorified in all that we do. In Jesus name, amen.”

Connecting Generations,

Rick

Jesus said “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

John 14:06

 

Good Bye July & Hello August!

"Good Bye July 2014! You will long be remembered as a month where God moved among his people.”

• Scores of adults said ‘YES’ to serving our children and youth.
• 169 children took over our entire facility to attend Pine Cove Camp and be energized by the Holy Spirit of God.
• 184 children and youth, 34 adults filled up four buses for a 5 day trek to Camp Wow. There a group of imperfect humans were introduced to the perfect love of Jesus.
• We sent mission teams of 10 and 8 to Mexico and Nicaragua.
• We finally have “engineered dirt” that is ready to receive the 19,500 square foot foundation upon which our Connecting Generations facility will be built.
• We had four GREAT weekends of worship led by Josh, Judy, Jeff and Chris.
• Our Rebranding Team and Session is getting closer and closer to a BIG announcement.
• Dallas and I finally have a daughter in law and at least the HOPE of grandchildren.

“Hello August 2014! We are eager to witness and participate in all God has in store for us.”   

• Families moving into the area will be longing for invitations to join you in worship.
• Children are gearing up for school and that means Little Red School House will joyfully receive our school supplies and clothing for the least of these.
• Youth Week, August 9-17.
• Youth led worship August 16-17, founded on the teaching of Jesus in Matthew 6.
• Other weekend worship celebrations will focus on “Envisioning” the importance and the how to, when it comes to sharing our faith with friends and family.
  
• Family Ministry will be praying over and inviting servants to say “Yes” to children and youth  for Wednesday Night and Sunday morning ministries.
• August 22, Family Ministries will host an event at Hurricane Harbor so we can invite our “unchurched” family and friends to a non threatening, non churchy, fun event. See the website to purchase tickets.
• Our Session and Executive Leadership Team will be strategizing how to reveal our new name and how we can all participate in the transition.
• Foundation forms will be laid. Trees and marquee on Thomas Street will come down and work for covered drive through will begin.
• Dallas and I will NOT be sending a child to school or college for the first time in 28 years.

Thank you God for mild summer temperatures, a spirit filled July and the hope of a life changing August. And thank you for our incredible Church Family!  In Jesus name.

Amen. 

Rick

Somethings Will Never Change

Our landscape is changing as we move into the future, but the essence of who we are and what we are about remains rock solid.   “On Christ the solid rock I stand”

We are NOT changing:

-          Our mission and purpose, glorifying God, reaching the lost and making disciples

-          Our DNA and Core Values

-          Our Denominational Affiliation

-          Our commitment to both traditional and contemporary worship

-          Our commitment to Small Groups, Family Ministry and equipping the body to

Provide pastoral care to each other

-          Our commitment to be a Recovery Community

-          Our commitment to be “user friendly” to surrounding communities and organizations.

-          Our vision to be a regional and teaching church

-          Our vision to birth satellite churches

-          Our vision to develop our entire 14 acre campus

We ARE changing and improving:

-          Our facility by expanding our Children’s Area and Foyer Space.

-          Our facility by adding defined information, sign up and children check in stations, a coffee bar, two gathering areas, a baptistery, covered drive through, and office space.

-          Our facility by upgrading the ARC bathrooms

-          Our exterior and interior signage.

-          Our website and social media presence.

-          Our commitment to training and developing paid and lay servants

-          Our vision for future staff openings.

-          Our Brand and Name presence.

Any organization or person who lives in the past will not exist in the future. Any organization or person who compromises their core values or who they are will eventually crumble.  But any organization or person, who stays true to their DNA, purpose and values while creatively adapting to an ever changing culture will thrive and be relevant for generations to come.

We are planning on being in our New Facility before Easter 2015.  Between now and then leadership will be feverishly working to create a transition plan so we are ready to move in and function at a high level from the beginning.  We will also be continually tweaking and modifying our current signage and parking to minimize construction disruption.  We sincerely appreciate your patience and positive attitude in the midst of so much change.

Your Rebranding Team and Session have been fully engaged in the process of prayer and discernment as we move closer and closer to a new name.  Please continue to pray for these two groups.  I suspect we will have more to share by the end of the summer.   We will soon be developing a plan to execute the rebranding of our new name to our own church body and the community at large.   Stay tuned.

Yes, much is changing but much is staying the same, especially “on Christ the solid rock I stand.” Let’s stand firm together, arm to arm, hand to hand as we move towards God’s preferred future for our local church body.

Connecting Generations,

 Rick