tuba weekend

As many of you know I play tuba and enjoy doing it very much. Well, this past weekend was simply fantastic with regards to music and performing. I was fortunate enough to perform every day of the weekend! On Friday I had the Christmas concert with Eastern's wind ensemble. Then Saturday was great day full of art. To begin with, I spent my morning at the Kimmel Center rehearsing for the Tuba Christmas concert we played at noon there. Oh what an amazing experience it was to perform a concert with 70 different kinds of tubas! Then we went to the Annenberg center to watch London's Globe Theater company perform Shakespeare's "Measure for Measure." This group is the premere Sakespeare performing company in the world. My wonderful weekend concluded with me performing a mozart aria for my church family at Calvary. I had a fantastic weekend and was very glad that it concluded with my sharing one of the things I enjoy doing the most with my Calvary family. I am really looking forward to sharing much more with you all as we begin spending time together outside of church in small groups and just socially.
Just one more thing, thank you all who have hosted the meet Pastor Doug groups! Dot, Susan, Wilma, VanBroekhovens, it's been great! I'm still waiting for the rest. Remember, all you need to do is be gracious enough to offer your home. I'll take care of what we will do during that time. God bless.

small groups

During this and the upcoming months, I will be spreading the word around about our upcoming small groups. I thought I may also use this space to speak about them a bit more. To begin with, the premise for beginning our small groups is that we need more fellowship time with each other. As such then this small groups will be as part of our desire to have Calvary offer a fuller picture of the Christian walk. Most of what we do now is during Sunday morning and at administrative meetings. These small groups will be aimed to help us be family, and walk together in much more relaxed settings.
How will we organize the groups? Well, that will be mainly up to you, the family. I will be where all the information about the small groups will be held, things such as groups, meeting times, events, etc. But, you get to decide what types of activities will form the basis for the small groups. We would love for you to be glad to offer to lead one yourself. Now, before the thoughts of how busy you are and don't need more work from church let me tell you this; these groups will be formed around something you enjoy doing. So, your job as a group leader then, would be to come up with something you think would be fun to do. Then, let me know about it and we'd both work on finding others than would enjoy that same or similar activity. Of course we will have worship elements, Bible study, prayer, etc. as part of the groups, I will help you with that.
My reasoning for organizing these groups in this way is based on the wonderful gifts our Lord has given each of us. Each and everyone of us is gifted in one way or another. I think the problem with many churches is that we limit the range of these gifts. Leading worship, teaching Bible study well, singing, are all great gifts but they are only part of the many that can serve the church. God has given you something to work with, findind that gift may require you to look outside the church. Keep in mind that it is very likely something you enjoy doing very much. Why would God "gift" you with a talent you don't enjoy or are not comfortable with!? So, how about it? Think of something you love doing (Studying the Bible, cooking, listening to music, eating, etc.), tell me about it and we will find a way for you to enjoy it with other members of our church family!

Defending reason

I came across this article just recently and I think it speaks a great deal to the way I feel we as a church can speak to this world. We are not all naive, unquestioning people willing to make full use of our "religious crutch" to help us deal with the tough realities of this world.
Here is Cardinal Shoenborn speaking on his concern with the current view of neo-Darwinists"If this is a scientific theory, it must be open to scientific criticism, he said. What I'm criticizing is a kind of strategy to immunize it, as if it were an offence to Darwin's dignity to say there are some issues this theory can't explain." Vienna Cardinal Christoph Shoenborn

For the full article please click here, Vienna cardinal draws lines in Intelligent design

Fronteras

This past weekend a group of us explored our fronteras (borders) on several different levels. It was an amazing experience for me to walk with a fantastic set of members from the congregation as we explored our feelings as we become more proactive about reaching out to our neighborhood. We enjoyed breakfast and lunch at one of the fine restaurants just blocks from the church.
One of the many interesting experiences from that weekend was the concluding time spent at worship with one of the Latino congregations here in Norristown. The worship time was great and we even had Calvary's own coming up to the front with some of those worshipping there and singing, in Spanish! One interesting thing about that worship service was that it was in a small room but it had a sound system for a large room and the volume for it was on that level. For some of us, that experience was unnerving and it may have even bothered our ears. Though I think Neil did not have any trouble hearing everything that happened while we were there. I am very glad our first Fronteras group went through unscathed and the better for it, at least I think so. Thank you for being willing to explore your limits and borders with me.

Small groups

This past weekend I was fortunate enough to attend two more small group gatherings. It was a great time for me. I have felt very welcomed and loved here since my arrival in July. However, it has been difficult for me to meet many of you in a more personal level. Saying hi on sunday morning or in passing at the office isn't really the best way to get to know a bit more about anyone really. So, the small groups have been a blessing for me as I've gotten to hear more about some of you and your life in Calvary as well as outside of church. In fact, I was even able to learn a bit more about the history of Calvary,social security, and retirement prescription plans. I am looking forward to meeting more of you in these groups.
We have Christianity because of Jesus. However, I wonder how different Christianity would have been if it hadn't started with a small group that spend time inside and outside of synagogue together?

On the edge

This past friday I went to my Seminary roomate's house warming party. It was cool catching up with him and just enjoy spending time with friends. A very interesting thing came out of that experience for me. The first is that this is their first house.
So, a first home. My friends have been married for a bit over a year by now. They just got their house a couple of months ago. When I came in I congratulated him on being a home owner now. His reply was; "I won't be a home owner until 2030." It made me laugh and now that I have thought about it I also know it tells me a lot about him. Realism, confidence, faith, perspective, etc. A lot of it is grounded in realism. He knows he doesn't yet own the house, he knows it'll be a long way before they "truly" own the house. However, he is confident they will make it through, after all he did say he was going to be a home owner. There is also a very real sense faith as how could one possibly know where life would lead or how it will go for the next 25 years or so. Finally, he was smiling as he said that; the prospect of owning this house is daunting and long, yet not crushingly impossible. Commitments are interesting, some are easy to get into and agree with. Others are more like very heavy, even annoying endeavors. As I sit here I wonder what kind of commmitment is Calvary to each one of us. It is obvious to me that many of you are deeply committed to Calvary. In fact, I can say that I now count myself amongst that group.
The reason I am wondering what kind of commitment Calvary is to you is the fact that it will affect how each will deal with the problems we have now and the ones that are coming. Pastor Kim has spoken often about the Chinese character for crisis ( I think that is the word) and the two meanings it has. I believe very strongly that if we see our commitment to Calvary the way my roomate and his wife see theirs with that house we will have a much easier time with the problems. It doesn't mean the problems won't be hard or we won't be scared, upset, annoyed, etc. But it does mean that we have little something inside us that pulls us through. In their case they're starting a life together, it's a house they like very much, etc. In my case, it is the love I see in the church, the family that makes Calvary what it is. The vision to do its best to adjust to this new world and work to live in it, etc. What's that little something that helps you know you love Calvary?
Just one more thing, that "little something" isn't so little. Have you ever notice how many of the most important things in Christianity are little somethings? A little baby changing the world. A man from a little unknow part of Galilee redeemed all of us. A faith system that started in a little, far away part of the Roman empire eventually conquered that empire.

It all starts with a little something. In the case of Christianity all those little somethings have been cared for by God! We are yet another "little something" in a long line that is deeply cared for and loved by God.

Oct. 2nd Fall Festival

On Oct. 2 there was a street festival on West Marshall st. It was an amazing experience. The people and all that stuff. What I enjoyed the most was walking down from church with 7 people from church! Not only that, we hung out for a while and then had lunch at a place that already had Russ, Becky and their children taking up two tables!
I've been talking a lot about us walking down the street. So, when I saw 15 people related to Calvary eating in, and interacting with the people in one of the restaurants down the street I was very proud. What I did not expect was that the one reason I was most happy about was not the fact that we were all "taking up space" on West Marshall. It was the fact that I was spending time with Calvary people with no agenda other than being together. Since that day I've been thinking about how much I was fed by that time.
I'm writing this on Sunday night right after coming home from yet another empowered task force meeting. What was different about this night was that we refocused and changed our process. I haven't left one of these meetings as hopeful and fulfilled as I did today. Up to this point we had been greatly stressed and worried by the process in addition to the issues that precipitated our undertaking it. I trust we will now be able to come back to our reason for the work we're putting in, the church.

a flooded home

Well, this past week we had very heavy rains early in the morning. I couldn't tell it was raining that bad but the fire alarm went off. So, I promtly left my apt. and went out into the hallway. As I came out I could hear the water very well and it was then that I got worried there may actually be a fire. At that moment I simply assumed I was hearing the sprinkler system's water. As I got down to the first floor I saw water just pouring out of the ceiling directly in front of one of the apts. so I thought the fire had been there. However, when the fire dept. got here they investigated and told us that it was rain water. I was amazed at how much water was coming down. Soon half of the 1st floor hallway was full of water. Fortunately the rain did not last too long and the building mangers could get to work by removing the carpet and search for the source of the leak. The next day they brought in big loud fans to dry the floors. They've been on since that day and it isn't until today that they're taking them down. Anyhow, I thought a bit about my everyday life would be a nice break from my questions to you.
An interesting thing came out of this whole event. There was a person downstairs from me who loved to play music really loud. So loud that it made my floors vibrate. Now, I wouldn't mind it if it weren't for the fact that this person did it at 6am! So the game was me asking her to turn it down and she listening for almost a week then doing it again. But, since the "flooding" I haven't heard any music. So, now I have a dilema, I'm happy because I don't have a vibrating bed at 6am. While at the same time I'm feeling bad at the thought that the reason for it may be that the water coming in ruined her sound system. And if the sound system's ruined what about the rest of her furniture?

Sweet music

Well, a new school year has begun and even the stubborn heat seems to be starting to give way. I too have gone back to school but not as a student. I've just started working with Eastern's wind ensemble in their low brass section. I'm really looking forward to playing as well in the concerts that are coming up. These days it seems like my tuba is getting almost as much as a workout as it did when I was in school still. I'll be playing on Sunday morning at church too! It's good, I really have missed playing my tuba and now I don't have to force myself to practice as I actually have responsibilities that depend on my practicing. It's always great to have an exterior motivating influence.
There was a time when going to church had something that functioned just as my getting ready for a concert does to my tuba playing. I wonder what has happened that has made us lose that motivation. So, I'm curious, what motivates you to come to church? Is it to get something? To give? A combination? Please, let me know.

Do we Baptist demean Communion?

Baptism and Communion have been points of contention between us Baptist and most other mainline denominations through our history. A common misconception is that we Baptist refuse value or honor the importance of this Sacramental act, mainly due to our intentionality about keeping the human aspect of church as part of the focus. Heck, we don't even call it a Sacrament!
Well, I am a Baptist and have nothing but the outmost respect and awe for this very Sacramental event. There is something very special about the act. Some friends of mine say that there is a special presence of God in the event and as such it is very Sacramental and much, much more than a simple remembrance. In other words, something happens through this communal act that elevates it above just remembering Jesus by drinking juice and bread squares. I agree with most of what I've just written down. I may even go as far as to say that one would be hard press to find a Baptist who feels that Communion does not deserve the outmost respect, reverence and humble approach. I think that what's gotten us in trouble with our Christian family is our constant reminder of the human side of the church. They are not Sacraments but ordinances for us precisely because they are so incredibly important and beyond our humanity. Yes, it was a reactionary measure by our ancestors but only out of witnessing excess. It was some in church thinking that they had the right, and authority to channel the grace of God. "The right Sacraments rightly administered". The ordinances of Baptism and Communion were and are Sacramental to me a Baptist. I/we just hesitate in saying that our church has a monopoly on how the grace of God is dispensed.
Fortunately for the whole of the Christian community we have all shifted our focus away from arguing which extreme is right. As such then this little rant of mine is not to pick an argument. This is simply me working out the importance of these Sacraments as I take part in them in my church. This isn't a worked out opinion on my part, it simply is my brainstorming here in cyberspace with you catching a small glimpse of my free thought. As always, feel free to respond through any medium you choose.

A very happy Birthday

Well my birthday was this past weekend. It was great being in church and seeing my family walk in right before the start of the service! I had no idea they were coming at all! It was a fantastic time. It was also Meghan's first time at the church. All in all a great day. It was my first time doing the whole service myself and I think I was even nervous. Of course now I know most of it takes care of itself. All I had to do was make sure I helped with a shove here and there and it was all fine.
I never like my sermons and this past Sunday's was particularly hard for me. So, lots of prayer went into that sermon and I was very glad the Spirit took care of carrying the message. The only other thing I have to say about my sermons is that I pray I never lose the humbling feeling that comes to me everytime I preach. It really brings to mind how I am nothing more than a vessel and a weak one at that.
Now, the afternoon was fantastic. I went to lunch with my family and it was a great time! Then after spending time with them Meghan and I went to an outdoor concert. We got to see Norristown's Verdi band. It was a wind ensemble, I thought it was going to be a Jazz big band. However, it was still an awesome experience. There were Italian marches, arias, and all kinds of great music. I was very glad we got to go. All in all, my birthday was a great day.

I'd like to tell you a story

this is the story of a traveler who encountered a most peculiar town.
Once upon a time there was a town, a beautiful town. Providence had smiled upon this town and placed it at the center of commerce for the region it was in. The people prospered, but not only because they were placed there. These people were hard working, family oriented, and truly cared for this town because they knew they'd be a round for a long time. The town then became much more than that, it became a community. This was a place where people with families wanted to come to live in. It was a place where neighbors knew each other and stopped to chat during their afternoon walks. Kids played with their friends under the watchful eyes of the caring mothers who lived next door to each other. There was even a church where many of this families met and found a second home. Life was good, the Lord had blessed this little piece of His wonderful creation.
Then something terrible happened. A new town came to existence not far from the beautiful town. Only this town was different than any other, it had no houses or streets, or churches. This town was nothing more than a really big market. But somehow, people really liked it. People liked it so much that they left the beautiful town. Slowly but surely the town began to show signs of being abandoned. Some businesses moved to the other town, others had a worst fate, they could not survive so they closed. As these stores closed many people also left the beautiful town, it wasn't at the center any more. Soon there were only boarded up store fronts and the streets became dirtier and dirtier, the town wasn't beautiful anymore. What a sad end to such a beautiful town.
But wait, an incredible thing has happened just recently to this town. Somehow, a group of people who were looking for a home has heard of it. No one really knows how that happened but they started coming to the town! Why?,Nobody can figure it out, the town isn't beautiful anymore! Yet, what's even more amazing is what type of people they are. These people are hard working, family oriented, and they really seem to truly care for this town! Yes, I know, it's incredible! Since their arrival many of the boarded up stores have been restored, the streets are looking cleaner and cleaner. Some of them even come out early in the morning and sweep the sidewalk in front of their house or store! Could it be that providence is smiling again on the beautiful town? We don't know but it sure looks like it did a bit over one hundred years ago again. Perhaps there is an happily ever after ending for this story.

What do YOU mean by change?

I've been at Calvary for a bit over a month now. There is still much I need to learn as I adjust. Unfortunately I need to do this as we (the leadership) oversee radical changes in the church that need to lead it to a path it's never been on before. In the midst of that I have come to more fully realize something I hadn't thought much about this past 6 months of involvement with the church. A big part of my coming here was for the sake and awareness of the need of change. The problem is that though we are all using that word the meanings intended are vastly different at times. So, the problem isn't change itself, the whole church knows that it is paramount to our survival. The problem is the nature and result of that change. So, I ask you this then, what does change for Calvary mean to you? ( to our church members reading this) What does change mean to you? ( to the rest of you reading this in cyberspace) For this one I would really appreciate the responses and involvement from our Calvary membership.
Perhaps the most interesting question for me to ask the membership is this; what does Calvary Baptist Church of Norristown make you think of? When you see that title or think of the church what does it look like? I am new here so for me the changes coming will be part of my view of Calvary. You, however, have been here, many for generations, so you already have a view of Calvary. I'd like you to tell me what that is. What's important about that view? What do you think makes Calvary a church?

These are all very important things for me to know as I, along with the rest of the leadership, try to devise a way to shepherd the change that is inevitably coming. Please, get back to me and let me know what's important to you about Calvary!

World Missions Conference

Well, I just returned from WMI conference at Green Lake. It was a fantastic experience for me. I have had the priviledge of attending many of these conferences and they never fail to impress me greatly. One of the things I always look forward to is the diversity at the conference. American Baptist Churches is one of the most diverse denominations in the United States, and every time I'm at green lake I get to see and enjoy the richness that comes from that. For me the people there let me see a glimpse of what the Kingdom will be. For example, a typical breakfast was me with, Moises from the Dominican Republic, Xavi from Spain, Frank from PR, etc. Then at night there was soccer with kids from Colorado, PA, IL, Republic of Georgia. Our God is not limited to one type or race of people and American Baptist Churches is one of the denominations who embodies this best. I look forward to helping Calvary as it too aims to be more of a glimpse of the kingdom here in Norristown.

Does anyone remember what evangelism is?

I've been in Norristown for a month now. I have enjoyed tremendously my interactions with the congregation and my walks to and from work. Everytime I walk I am reminded of the reason for Calvary being where it is, a place where Christ can be brought to Norristown through the power of the Spirit and the work of the body. During one of these walks I was thinking about what or how we could reach this community. There were many words and phrases in my mind, reaching out, culture imersion, social action, etc. Evangelizing never crossed my mind until I sat here to think about my next blog! Once I thought about it in the context of what Calvary and the church as a whole should be doing, all other words and phrases fit nicely into it. See, the way I see evangelism is all of the words I wrote before but with the added benefit of Christ's blessing. We are called to evangelize, together as part of the body of Christ.That is how we will reach out to our community.
It truly is fantastic that Calvary now has a pastor who lives in the community the church is in. But, did the church hire someone to do it's work for it? Is the work of the pastor to evangelize for the church? What is the responsibility of the church? These are questions I'd love for you to think about and reply to here in the little section at the end of this blog. ( the comments section)
Just one more thing, a good friend of mine just gave a sermon that really showed me a great deal about the responsibility of the church, pastor and congregation. You can hear it here www.fbcl.com/fbcl_sermons.htm

Pastors Kim & Doug visited Korea

Well, just a short update on a fantastic experience. Pastor Kim was given an invitation to a dinner put on by the Norristown Korean Business Association. The whole event was run by the pastor of a Korean church in Chonshohoken. We had the chance to sit at the "pastors" table and well, a good time was had by all. It was great to see Christ through that experience as well as hearing from our Korean brothers and sisters.

I'd give u a call but I'm at a meeting

Well, life as Pastor Doug goes on.
An interesting thing about my brand new life is that there are two. Well, there's the pic. I had in my head and the one that is rapidly obliterating most of said picture. This isn't to say that there are no places were my two lives overlap. Though I wish these overlapping places would happen in more of the parts of my liking. Anyhow, why don't I just mention some of these, both the ones in common and the ones I was way off on.
My original picture of being a pastor was one in which there were no administrative duties and meetings would be short, to the point and 100% productive. That would be because the meetings would be there to agree on all the great ideas and results of the creative process that all committees have already gone through. Of course, I was aware that that was my fantasy and was eager to see how reality would change it.
So, I started work and this is what happened to that picture. In order to get anything done there is much administrative work to be done. But that's just so that one is more prepared to go to the meeting to discuss what's hoped to be the end product. There's nothing wrong with the idea changing and being adjusted as more people bring their input on it. However, some ideas spend a really long time being thought of, about, and worked out. Now granted, some of these ideas deserve to be there and stay there. So, my fantasy has been and will be adjusted and brought to reality as time goes on. The first adjustment, or the one that's seem most noticeable for me has been on the creative side, this has made me look at that process in a very different way. I think now I've come to see my ideas and or possible plans for the church in very much the same way NYC looks like from across the Hudson river. It is beautiful, in some instances breathtaking. It also looks very orderly and well planned. On a clear day one can see clear across Manhattan through one of the streets that run east to west. From a distance it's great, but now as a Pastor I need to cross that bridge and deal with all the details and how people affect them. In other words, I know now my ideas will get messy, difficult, and changed. For some people that's very stressful. Just as they do not like NYC because it's loud, messy, etc. some prefer not to go through all the trouble of working an Idea through to execution. I on the other hand, like NYC so much that I'm willing to "put up" with all its messiness and its even fun for me ( at times). Well, this analogy was working up to now. I'm not sure I like the messiness of working through ideas as much as being in NYC. But what I do know is that I like the picture I have of the church from across the river so much that I am willing to get in there and work. Not as a challenge but in a thankful attitude towards the one who created all its beauty and calls us to come closer to Him through the church He created.

Graduation into a new life

First thoughts on being called to be a pastor at a church

Graduating from seminary changed my life more than the time leading to my choice to go to seminary about 4-5 years ago. Everything about me was new, well everything outside of me. The Apostle Paul spoke of us (Christians) being clothed by Christ, covered all around by Him. My coming to Calvary has truly been a very palpable example of being clothed with something. The traditional "apostolic succession" churches would probably call that "something" the office of the pastor. I no longer live as an individual who happens to do a certain job for a living. I AM a pastor. Being a pastor isn't something I can only do, it is something I have to live. Of course, I have chosen to live it but even if I wanted a break I couldn't take one. My name is no longer Doug, I am Pastor Doug now.

The pastor's first official outing

This past Sat. 6/9/05 there was a festival at Elmwood park in Norristown. JAM ( Jesus and me, I think) It was my first outing as Pastor Doug representing Calvary Baptist. I was amazed by what that little word above my name in my name tag did for the way I was treated! My interactions went something like this; hey, how're you doing? ( I'd get close enough for my name tag to be read) Oh! Pastor how are you. My name is... All day long it went in similar ways. Then there was one guy who stood above all my other interactions on that day. Here's an excerpt ,
Guy: Hey, how are you?
Me: Hi, I'm alright
Guy: ( looks at my name tag) pastor Doug...PASTOR! You're a pastor!? ( guess he doesn't really have much of an inner editing sense) Come here for a second. So, you're a pastor? What, did you start right out of high school!? ( I laughed) But, seriously, aren't you too young to be a pastor?
Me: Shouldn't you think a bit before you say these....Well, that's what I wanted to say. What I did say was, well, I'm just getting started...

I guess my spiky hair and cargo shorts didn't really give out that pastoral aura, whatever that may be. I guess the question in my mind is, how do I keep my ego in check while at the same time establishing and presenting the office of the pastor in a dignified and appropriate manner. Perhaps the issue does go back to Paul. The best way may be to keep in mind the fact that the only reason I can even be here much less be a pastor is because of the fact that Christ has embraced me and clothed me with himself. So, I am a pastor called to be a servant first. While at the same time, never forgetting that the office serves to humbly represent the one and only God, creator of all that is seen and unseen... ( little nicene creed quote there) But above all, a God who loves all of creation much more than we can comprehend.

a Pastor?