I really don’t like doing business with the United States Postal Service. After all, I gave up licking stamps and paying bills through the USPS nearly 20 years ago when my old Macintosh SE/30 was connected to CheckFree (the online banking approach of the 1980's). So why did two recent events rattle my cage so much?
I mailed a letter to my sister (who unfortunately does not have email access) and incorrectly addressed the envelope by only one digit in the address line. Today I received this returned mailing stamped “outside of delivery area.” Now I admit, I don’t know what "secure system" they have engaged to determine when a letter should not be delivered, but it seems that someone in charge of mail going to 138th Avenue in Holland would be familiar with her name. But, no! The address incorrectly listed as 5178 instead of 6178 prompted something in their system to remove my letter from delivery status. Returned letter, new envelope, new stamp, walk to mailbox.
A few days ago I needed to pick up a certified letter at the post office since their attempt at delivery didn’t find me at home. Honestly, how many working people really are at home in the middle of the day when USPS delivery is attempted? Well, my next discovery was that this taxpayer is certainly not “next in line” at the local post office. Only two postal employees were at the font desk in a futile attempt to serve a continuous flow of customers. I held the lobby door open as I began the not-so-patient wait all the time hoping my mail carrier wasn't attempting another delivery at this very moment. That would have really sent me over the edge.
Okay, I have to give them some credit: I did know the postal clerk and she did know me, so it wasn't that I had to prove my identity with a driver's license. They did have my certified letter. But what happened to those great days when my uncle walked his route in the village of Spring Lake and even delivered a letter addressed to Ruby Cluttendon? Who was this Ruby guy that lived at our house? I guess someone had difficulty reading my signature. Go figure.
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
SUMMER PROJECTS
Along with power washing the house and removing some playground equipment now that the kids are in high school, summer projects around our home are essential in preventing total dysfunction among two teachers and two adolescents who are pretty much under the same roof 24/7 during the summer.
Two technology related projects have consumed some of my time in recent weeks as I assisted in helping launch two web sites. ChurchWebSitesSuck.com is the most recent endeavor involving several friends. I look at it as a form of technological discipleship. Now there’s a term you won’t find listed among the course offerings at Cornerstone University; but visit the site and see how we hope to help some local churches.
Actually Paul Yuen and Warren Kramer comprise the design engine and I’m along to manage content and develop some sense of community. Paul is a very talented interactive developer for Gospel Communications. You can check out some of his creative projects at www.yuenvision.com. Warren has been involved in communication arts for nearly three decades. He also teaches seminars on visual design, Web design and digital imagery. Pay him a visit at www.warrenkramer.com.
Secondly, I’ve wanted to collaborate in a writing project with others for several years, so the idea of Faithscope.com went beyond incubation this summer and became reality when a few friends were willing to join in the effort. Even today as I chatted with another person who may be contributing to Faithscope, I realized that some very good writers crave an opportunity to express themselves in relationship to their faith journey.
I believe Christian writers have significant things to say and the promotion of appropriate communication among them is essential to our unity. As writers contribute their thoughts on classical spiritual disciplines such as prayer, study, simplicity, solitude, service, and worship, I hope their messages will infuse our faith with fertile teachings that produce abundant spiritual fruit.
Thanks for spending a few minutes of your summer with me. I’m back outside to spread some black dirt and grass seed where the playground equipment once stood. Actually, the task is somewhat of an emotional passage. Where did the last decade go?
Two technology related projects have consumed some of my time in recent weeks as I assisted in helping launch two web sites. ChurchWebSitesSuck.com is the most recent endeavor involving several friends. I look at it as a form of technological discipleship. Now there’s a term you won’t find listed among the course offerings at Cornerstone University; but visit the site and see how we hope to help some local churches.
Actually Paul Yuen and Warren Kramer comprise the design engine and I’m along to manage content and develop some sense of community. Paul is a very talented interactive developer for Gospel Communications. You can check out some of his creative projects at www.yuenvision.com. Warren has been involved in communication arts for nearly three decades. He also teaches seminars on visual design, Web design and digital imagery. Pay him a visit at www.warrenkramer.com.
Secondly, I’ve wanted to collaborate in a writing project with others for several years, so the idea of Faithscope.com went beyond incubation this summer and became reality when a few friends were willing to join in the effort. Even today as I chatted with another person who may be contributing to Faithscope, I realized that some very good writers crave an opportunity to express themselves in relationship to their faith journey.
I believe Christian writers have significant things to say and the promotion of appropriate communication among them is essential to our unity. As writers contribute their thoughts on classical spiritual disciplines such as prayer, study, simplicity, solitude, service, and worship, I hope their messages will infuse our faith with fertile teachings that produce abundant spiritual fruit.
Thanks for spending a few minutes of your summer with me. I’m back outside to spread some black dirt and grass seed where the playground equipment once stood. Actually, the task is somewhat of an emotional passage. Where did the last decade go?
Sunday, May 21, 2006
PARTNERS
I recently heard Dr. James Garlow speak in response to the DaVinci Code and was reminded of a book he wrote when he was the minister of lay development in Oklahoma City. Simply titled, “Partners in Ministry,” Garlow fluently addressed the topic of laity and pastors working together in his book.
It has been a joy to work alongside Pastors Gary Hashley and Peter Newland this past year. Their passion for sharing the Gospel and biblical teaching denotes exemplary pastoral leadership. The joy of partnering with them and their families in relationship to worship development was an exhilarating experience.
With their departure, it is time for me to leave the dance as well and to seek an opportunity for my family to worship and partner in ministry elsewhere. With our resources in worship development stripped now to a mere few people, I believe others need to wrestle with the reality of providing meaningful worship experiences at Nortonville Chapel.
This entire situation seems considerably more complicated than first appears. However, the responsibility of church leadership to partner in ministry has failed. Some have failed to support their pastors—some have failed to make decisions that would promote the wineskins to stretch and grow in order to contain the cataclysmic power of the Holy Spirit—and some have failed to fulfill their role as elders and deacons of a new testament church.
I also believe we have witnessed a failure of church governance in that many issues would have been resolved through the design of sufficient by-laws that enable appropriate decision making by church leadership. Research shows that 43 percent of forced-out ministers said a "faction" pushed them out, and 71 percent of those stated that the faction numbered 10 persons or less.
It appears that a small group of people were planning to ask for a pastoral resignation at the recent congregational meeting; which seems, at least, inappropriate if not contrary to most church by-laws which would require 2/3 of the voting membership to even approve such a motion. Although doubtful, I hope church leadership responds with appropriate disciplinary action to this group.
I am discouraged with behaviors that fail to promote unity: the turmoil surrounding the Nooma study and one of the most effective small groups in which I have ever participated; the inappropriate response to a meaningful women’s retreat that discouraged planners to consider a future endeavor; unacceptance of various musical forms used in worship even when a blended design was encouraged; allowing a staff member to remain employed when they chose not to attend; and a failure of the church board to communicate openly and frequently with the congregation.
We will miss many wonderful people in our departure. As I watched my mother hang on to life this afternoon in the nursing home, I again realized that life is about cycles—some short, some long. This has not been a long tenure, but one that has allowed me to partner in worship development and for my family to enjoy many wonderful relationships as we grew in God’s grace.
It has been a joy to work alongside Pastors Gary Hashley and Peter Newland this past year. Their passion for sharing the Gospel and biblical teaching denotes exemplary pastoral leadership. The joy of partnering with them and their families in relationship to worship development was an exhilarating experience.
With their departure, it is time for me to leave the dance as well and to seek an opportunity for my family to worship and partner in ministry elsewhere. With our resources in worship development stripped now to a mere few people, I believe others need to wrestle with the reality of providing meaningful worship experiences at Nortonville Chapel.
This entire situation seems considerably more complicated than first appears. However, the responsibility of church leadership to partner in ministry has failed. Some have failed to support their pastors—some have failed to make decisions that would promote the wineskins to stretch and grow in order to contain the cataclysmic power of the Holy Spirit—and some have failed to fulfill their role as elders and deacons of a new testament church.
I also believe we have witnessed a failure of church governance in that many issues would have been resolved through the design of sufficient by-laws that enable appropriate decision making by church leadership. Research shows that 43 percent of forced-out ministers said a "faction" pushed them out, and 71 percent of those stated that the faction numbered 10 persons or less.
It appears that a small group of people were planning to ask for a pastoral resignation at the recent congregational meeting; which seems, at least, inappropriate if not contrary to most church by-laws which would require 2/3 of the voting membership to even approve such a motion. Although doubtful, I hope church leadership responds with appropriate disciplinary action to this group.
I am discouraged with behaviors that fail to promote unity: the turmoil surrounding the Nooma study and one of the most effective small groups in which I have ever participated; the inappropriate response to a meaningful women’s retreat that discouraged planners to consider a future endeavor; unacceptance of various musical forms used in worship even when a blended design was encouraged; allowing a staff member to remain employed when they chose not to attend; and a failure of the church board to communicate openly and frequently with the congregation.
We will miss many wonderful people in our departure. As I watched my mother hang on to life this afternoon in the nursing home, I again realized that life is about cycles—some short, some long. This has not been a long tenure, but one that has allowed me to partner in worship development and for my family to enjoy many wonderful relationships as we grew in God’s grace.
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
I JUST DON’T GET IT
I’ve had to blink my eyes more than once in recent weeks and was wondering if the trees were once again obstructing my view of the forest. Maybe I just don’t get it.
SCENARIO: I almost changed lanes stretching my neck to confirm the sign on M104 boldly proclaiming the topic for Easter Sunday: “The Cosmic Christ Risen in Us.” The alliteration was nice but the adjective seemed almost blasphemous at worst and merely Darwinian psychobabble at best.
I just don’t get this new age Christianity that has sadly infiltrated some congregations that once focused on a Biblical Christ. And don’t write off my criticism as merely a fundamentalist point of view—hardly. Even C.S. Lewis recognized potential flaws in both the Catholic and the Protestant journeys.
SCENARIO: The field trip was in question because school policy required 90 minutes of uninterrupted reading instruction every day. I know the edicts continue for educators every year (and the federal government seems to be making a mess of state responsibilities), but this one blew me away. No doubt the mandates in this urban school district are vital, but I just don’t get it.
This “it” sounds like a case of school getting in the way of education to me. What are teachers to do? Although William Shakespeare was not addressing 21st century English language arts, his phrase “to thine own self be true,” just might be appropriate for those of us who have spent years becoming the teachers we are.
SCENARIO: I was cheering for our high school basketball team, and the guy one bleacher in front of me turned around and threatened me with words that I don’t care to include in this blog. I just don’t get why someone would say such things, especially with my young daughter sitting next to me.
I then spotted a policeman standing near the entrance to the gymnasium only yards away. I was nervous, but knew I needed to seek help. After all, social boundaries do exist and this unwelcome breech required attention. The officer agreed. Thankfully, the opposing fan complied and left the stands. We won the game, but I also decided to travel to the parking lot with a group of friends that night.
Whether its bizarre religiosity, frustrating educational mandates, or inappropriate human behavior, an occasional blink is necessary to clear my vision and to reestablish some sense of reality and hope. I feel better.
SCENARIO: I almost changed lanes stretching my neck to confirm the sign on M104 boldly proclaiming the topic for Easter Sunday: “The Cosmic Christ Risen in Us.” The alliteration was nice but the adjective seemed almost blasphemous at worst and merely Darwinian psychobabble at best.
I just don’t get this new age Christianity that has sadly infiltrated some congregations that once focused on a Biblical Christ. And don’t write off my criticism as merely a fundamentalist point of view—hardly. Even C.S. Lewis recognized potential flaws in both the Catholic and the Protestant journeys.
SCENARIO: The field trip was in question because school policy required 90 minutes of uninterrupted reading instruction every day. I know the edicts continue for educators every year (and the federal government seems to be making a mess of state responsibilities), but this one blew me away. No doubt the mandates in this urban school district are vital, but I just don’t get it.
This “it” sounds like a case of school getting in the way of education to me. What are teachers to do? Although William Shakespeare was not addressing 21st century English language arts, his phrase “to thine own self be true,” just might be appropriate for those of us who have spent years becoming the teachers we are.
SCENARIO: I was cheering for our high school basketball team, and the guy one bleacher in front of me turned around and threatened me with words that I don’t care to include in this blog. I just don’t get why someone would say such things, especially with my young daughter sitting next to me.
I then spotted a policeman standing near the entrance to the gymnasium only yards away. I was nervous, but knew I needed to seek help. After all, social boundaries do exist and this unwelcome breech required attention. The officer agreed. Thankfully, the opposing fan complied and left the stands. We won the game, but I also decided to travel to the parking lot with a group of friends that night.
Whether its bizarre religiosity, frustrating educational mandates, or inappropriate human behavior, an occasional blink is necessary to clear my vision and to reestablish some sense of reality and hope. I feel better.
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
LIFE IS GOOD
I’m not good with the New Year resolution thing. So I’ll refrain from the temptation of committing to more frequent posts in 2006. However, I hope my winter in relationship to writing will soon end.
Life is good! Jeff looked at the sticker the other day and marveled at how a simple message of optimism could provide such a lucrative brand for an apparel company. “Hey, dad, that Jake guy with the big grin is so…basic.” I had to agree. Maybe it’s time for Jeff and me to revisit his fifth grade drawings of Fred. Is it possible that Fred could launch the next trend in [fill in the blank]?
Looking in the rear-view mirror too long can be dangerous, but I have to admit that a certain “real simple” component of the recent past has made life pretty good for the immediate future.
I finally ditched Microsoft Internet Explorer as my browser of choice. After it took a half day of my vacation time to correct the infectious problems on one of our computers, I made a fairly rapid decision (blink) to convert to Mozilla Firefox—an open-source browser with basic scripting features, making it a smaller target and not as convenient for a hack attack. I hope less is more.
Working with a team of folks from our church to develop a new web site was on my 2005 punch list. We reviewed considerable design in our initial stage of planning and discovered a lot of really bad church sites online. Few of us wanted to access the template-style approach of a design service; and limiting the features of the site was proving to be our initial challenge. Once a more relaxed and relevant approach to the design surfaced, we were on our way with a practical solution. The site for Nortonville Chapel rolled out shortly after Thanksgiving.
The unnecessarily complex scope and sequence of our aging fifth grade science curriculum nearly thrust me into retirement in September. I think some curriculum development teams suffer from an attention deficit disorder and are unable to design a cohesive and practical framework to get the job done. Their focus is NOT reality. In regard to the existing curriculum, if I was going to survive, then more needed to become less. After all, after 19 years of teaching I know that it’s not my awesome science lessons that kids will recall a decade from now. Meaningful reality is defined by events and relationships.
I’ve always enjoyed participating in and directing choirs. A friend from earlier musical years recently reminded me that my 70-voice choir was always a bit of a nemesis when it came to choral competition. It was a fond memory. So when the opportunity came to direct another choir this year, I was hoping that “getting back on the bike” would be a basic kind of thing. So far, the ride has been very enjoyable and keeping an uncomplicated approach has attracted a wonderful group of singers.
Bottom line--I hope this new year will comfortably mirror the world according to Bert and John Jacobs. Their Life Is Good dream is summed up in the tenet: do what you like, like what you do. It challenges me to discover renewed meaning and significance through the events and relationships of 2006. I can only imagine that a contagious passion for life will result. You can’t get any more uncomplicated than that!
Life is good! Jeff looked at the sticker the other day and marveled at how a simple message of optimism could provide such a lucrative brand for an apparel company. “Hey, dad, that Jake guy with the big grin is so…basic.” I had to agree. Maybe it’s time for Jeff and me to revisit his fifth grade drawings of Fred. Is it possible that Fred could launch the next trend in [fill in the blank]?Looking in the rear-view mirror too long can be dangerous, but I have to admit that a certain “real simple” component of the recent past has made life pretty good for the immediate future.
I finally ditched Microsoft Internet Explorer as my browser of choice. After it took a half day of my vacation time to correct the infectious problems on one of our computers, I made a fairly rapid decision (blink) to convert to Mozilla Firefox—an open-source browser with basic scripting features, making it a smaller target and not as convenient for a hack attack. I hope less is more.
Working with a team of folks from our church to develop a new web site was on my 2005 punch list. We reviewed considerable design in our initial stage of planning and discovered a lot of really bad church sites online. Few of us wanted to access the template-style approach of a design service; and limiting the features of the site was proving to be our initial challenge. Once a more relaxed and relevant approach to the design surfaced, we were on our way with a practical solution. The site for Nortonville Chapel rolled out shortly after Thanksgiving.
The unnecessarily complex scope and sequence of our aging fifth grade science curriculum nearly thrust me into retirement in September. I think some curriculum development teams suffer from an attention deficit disorder and are unable to design a cohesive and practical framework to get the job done. Their focus is NOT reality. In regard to the existing curriculum, if I was going to survive, then more needed to become less. After all, after 19 years of teaching I know that it’s not my awesome science lessons that kids will recall a decade from now. Meaningful reality is defined by events and relationships.
I’ve always enjoyed participating in and directing choirs. A friend from earlier musical years recently reminded me that my 70-voice choir was always a bit of a nemesis when it came to choral competition. It was a fond memory. So when the opportunity came to direct another choir this year, I was hoping that “getting back on the bike” would be a basic kind of thing. So far, the ride has been very enjoyable and keeping an uncomplicated approach has attracted a wonderful group of singers.
Bottom line--I hope this new year will comfortably mirror the world according to Bert and John Jacobs. Their Life Is Good dream is summed up in the tenet: do what you like, like what you do. It challenges me to discover renewed meaning and significance through the events and relationships of 2006. I can only imagine that a contagious passion for life will result. You can’t get any more uncomplicated than that!
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