Dear Bearcreekians,

What is on my mind is Mom. You’ve noticed this no doubt over the period of time. I have a tendency to write this column and sermons out of what comes from inside. And a big part of my insides are my mother.

I am calling her dying a “sad blessing.” It is sad from a correctly selfish point of view. I miss her terribly. I miss her wisdom and her humor. I miss her loving me with pride and gentle correction. I miss her smell. I miss the ministry, particularly in mission, for which she was so well equipped. I miss her prayers. I miss the continual wonder of how the love of God transformed her evermore toward grace. I miss how she was with Vickie, my daughters and their husbands, and with my granddaughter Ashlyn. There is not a part of my life in which I don’t miss her.

Mom’s death is a blessing because in this life there is no other possible outcome. In her case, with the advanced cancer, she had no real life left, and death was the only possible release of her spirit. And it is a blessing because in this release she has come to the full grace of God. She now lives fully, wholly and holy, in God’s tender healing love. It is a blessing I will one day share with her, and I very much look forward to that day.

Life is a sad blessing for all of us. I pray that God’s shalom comforts you and strengthens you to comfort others.

Shalom,
Dave O

Dear Bearcreekians,

First, I remembered to fast this week. The thought of having to yet again confess made me remember. This is the accountability factor that is so important to our spiritual growth. In January Susan Jackson will be facilitating a Sunday morning experience of prayer and accountability. You can note your interest on the Presence slip in your Sunday bulletin, watch for details in the Bear Fax, or talk with Susan if you are curious or interested.

NOW A REPORT ON “THE TIME OF DISCERNMENT. Jim Morris has stepped forward to facilitate the conversation necessary amongst the groups working on each of the Four Efforts. He is now regularly meeting with the Executive Committee of the Administrative Council. With his help we are seeing that there are actually two processes going on:

1) One is strategic. We are gathering knowledge about the needs and quality of Worship, Children’s and Family ministries, Evangelism and Marketing. The various groups studying each of these Four Efforts are in different stages of the process. Our work is reaffirming what the last Long Range Committee observed and advised and is calling us to identify the necessary action and to take it. We are beginning to feel like we have talked long enough; now we need to plan and implement! Evangelism and marketing are further along than Worship and Children’s and Family Ministries. From their studying and listening, they have begun implementing some experiments. The E-team is asking for those who will pray for each of us throughout worship. Marketing has published and mailed a brochure to our neighbors. Marketing has also produced a Christmas yard sign. These are free as long as the supply lasts and can be picked up at the office or on Sunday morning.

2) The other is emerging ministries. I have used the Prayer Shawl Ministry as an example of this in the past. It is a ministry which seemed like a good idea to Joan Pierce, was enthusiastically received by her small group, quickly expanded so that even folks who have never knit are now knitting, has spread God’s love quickly to 48 recipients of shawls and has spawned similar ministries among other congregations. The experiments of the E-team and Marketing are also being experienced as emerging rather than forced. The Marketing folks are calling this “low-hanging fruit.” They are the opportunities beckoning us to act. We will continue to encourage and support such emerging ministries whether they fit into a strategic plan or not.

Jim has also helped us remember that everything we do at Bear Creek is about calling ourselves and others to a more faithful discipleship in the way of Jesus. The central faith framework of this Time of Discernment is a deepening trust in God, a more regular breathing of the Holy Spirit in our spiritual disciplines (worship, study and service), and a readiness to be made new yet again by the transforming power of the Holy Spirt.

May God guide and bless us in this and all things.

Shalom,
Dave O

Dear Bearcreekians,

So how is the discernment process going for us? What ministries are being reaffirmed? What ministries might be emerging (remember the college students on bicycles)?

I must admit I haven’t been following my own process very well. I said I would fast one day a week. The first week I did it. The second week I had a bit of breakfast and then remembered. This week I totally blanked. It is a good thing God is the ultimate forgiver. Which makes me realize how much I need to be forgiven.

This was also brought to mind in a conversation with Mom I had over the last week. In facing her death she is reminded of her need for forgiveness. She was having some remorse, and I asked if she thought God forgave her. She said she was certain of it but that she was having trouble forgiving herself. I asked that if the God of everything who knew her shame better than she did herself forgave her, how could she not forgive herself? She said she wanted to forgive herself, but then she just had the same bad thought about “so and so” again, a remembered anger came back, or ….

I am not big on shame or guilt. I am particularly adamant about not operating out of guilt. But I do carry shame for some of the stuff I have done to others in my life. And I am ashamed of how some of my faults just keep on going like an Energizer Bunny. You don’t need the details; you understand.

So I thought maybe I needed to share with you that God loves Mom, me and you, just as we are. That though we are not perfect in love or faith, God continues to see us with forgiveness. In fact, when we will feel shame, I am convinced that a tear comes to God’s eye (being metaphoric here) just as a tear comes to any lover or parent’s eye when the one of their affection suffers in soul.

God loves us in a old ministry and the emerging ministry. Whatever you as an individual, or we as a community, discern, it will be of God’s forgiving servant love. I am sure. I am absolutely sure.

Shalom,
Dave O