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I wish it were possible in our culture to have a nuanced conversation. I suppose it is possible, but far too rare. Lines of bifurcation are drawn and people are expected to be on one side or the other. If one supports the current health care reform proposal, she is accused of being a socialist. In fact, if one advocates any health care reform, she might face the same charge. But if another voices reservations about that particular plan, he’s accused of not caring about the poor. He may think some kind of reform is badly needed, but disagrees with this strategy. Never mind. He must be heartless.

Consider, for another example, the question of abortion. At one extreme we have a situation in which the best medical predictions are that if a baby is carried to term it will result in the death of both mother and child. At the other extreme is the situation of a young woman who wants to terminate a pregnancy because if she doesn’t she won’t look good in her junior prom dress.

If you are “pro life” you’re presumed (obligated?) to oppose the first termination. If you’re “pro choice” you’re expected to endorse the second. See what I mean? Must one answer address every question?

I understand:  some might truly oppose either abortion and others might support both. But can we at least recognize that there is a vast difference between the extremes?

Further, I understand that either situation is likely more complex than what I’ve described. How sure can we be of the doctors’ prognosis in the first case? What ramifications beyond the prom are involved in the second?  But those complexities reinforce my point.

Why must we draw the line so dark and bold? Why must we presume that people fit stereotypes when we know that we ourselves do not? I’m more nuanced. You’re more nuanced. What would happen if we had civil, respectful conversations in which we honestly expressed ourselves, listened to one another and were open to learning something new? Too radical?

I’m wondering why on almost any given Sunday we have between 140 and 180 people in worship, but we have nearly 300 people on our church roll. I have a couple theories, but rather than tip my hand, I’d rather hear your wisdom first – especially elders and church staff.
Of course we’re not interested in knowledge for knowledge’s sake. The point is that Sunday morning is disciple-making prime time (adore God, care for others, teach, involve, offer new life). Those things are done all week, but the highest concentration is on Sunday mornings. But it’s hard to edify the absent! So how can we get more of the Lord’s people in the Lord’s house on the Lord’s Day? Ideas?

I talked with Dick when I got back in town yesterday. Esther continues to improve. I also visited Carolyn at MD Anderson. Keep praying for her. She was conscious and very aware of the conversation, but she didn’t speak or open her eyes. She gesticulated with her hand like she does when she’s telling a story, snapped her fingers when she wanted attention and held and squeezed my hand as we talked and prayed.

This morning I’ll attend the funeral for Leigh Ann Brooks at Avalon Church, then visit Bill Weinischke (at Florida East), Carolyn Peters (at MD Anderson) and Esther Sikkema (at Florida South). I’ll publish an update on how they are when I get home. Pray for them. God is with us in hurting times, too.

On Easter Sunday I’ll preach on I Peter 1:3 (”In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.“) If you have questions or insights about “new birth” or being “born again” please post them in a comment to this post. In the sermon I’ll try to address those! Thanks for your help.

What a great day we had  in worship yesterday. Laura Viau (one of our members who is in seminary) preached a very helpful and insightful sermon on Matthew 14:22-33. Five young people were baptized and confirmed (Titus, Brandon, Melvin, Caleb and Melissa), another four were confirmed (Quiny, Juan, Erin and LB) and 1o other brothers and sisters became members. (Dan and Suellen, Frank and Heather, Andres, Judy, Stacy, Edward, Bruce and Cheryl.) It’s neat to see God at work in people’s lives! Rejoice with me and give thanks.

Greetings! I’m finally venturing into a blog, thanks to Bob Strong! Later I’ll post some messages about the exciting things God is doing at our church — IF I get the hang of this. Meanwhile, back  to the tutorial.