There are many “theories” and accounts to explain the old notion of “giving up something” for Lent.

Stephen Colbert said he was giving up Catholicism for Lent.  It didn’t work.  By Easter, he was back in church!

Timothy Merrill writes: “If I do (give up something) it will be something I’ve already given-up on anyway, like liver….”   But then he wonders, “Are you really going to find a way to explain how giving up chocolate for Lent is a spiritual discipline?”

The observance of Lent itself, however, is an early Church practice inspired by Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness.  It is traditionally a time for us to concentrate on penance (seeking forgiveness for bad things we do), and change (as in not doing those things any more).  James Kushiner remarks that Lenten disciplines help us get ourselves “and our Alaska-sized egos” out of the way so we can open up to God’s grace.

The wonderfully creative Still Speaking Writer’s Group in our United Church of Christ suggest we give up giving up, and instead give in!  Try that on for size:  what would we want to give in to?

How about giving in to the conviction that God is God, and we are not?

Or, give in to the urge to do whatever is necessary to bring God’s peace and will “on earth as it is in heaven.”  We pray often about God’s realm as though God will just hand down a new world, and plug it in.  Perhaps we need to figure out how to behave in order to make God’s peaceable realm a reality among us.

Consider giving up anxiety, discouragement, excuses, alibis, violent speech and actions, spitefulness, dread, and whatever else keeps us from living like faith-filled Christian disciples.

Timothy Merrill had another good idea when he declared, “I am not giving up faith, hope and charity (or) ..  prayer, friends and friendships!  I am not giving up on a future of peace and good will.”

What will you NOT give up on?  Personally, I’m not ready to give up the dream that Peyton Manning will again be an incredible quarterback – for the Colts!

And the other side of the coin is the challenge to us to think about what we will give in to!

Forty days of Lent can be practice time to give in to holy tasks like being just,  practicing peace, offering compassion, extending hospitality, and dealing with others in love with all its implications.

In case we need support during the process of giving up the idea of giving up things, and replacing it with determination to give in to some substantial real-life behaviors that make a difference for the lives of others, consider this from I Corinthians 16:13-14:

“… stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.”

SHALOM

Pastor Gantt

Hello Immanuel Church and friends.

We are in the “getting acquainted” mode, and will be for a few weeks.  This tab on the web page will help us strengthen our journey together.

And it is a journey.  Just so you know, my journey includes pastorates in Covington, KY; Tiffin, OH; Newport, KY; and  interim pastorates in Columbus, OH; Plymouth, IN; and Center Point, IN.  I enjoyed several specialized ministries as executive director of CROSSROAD/Ft. Wayne, IN; as interim executive of  Back Bay Mission, Biloxi, MS; and again as interim Director of Client Services at Back Bay Mission.  Two other positions of note were interim Conference Minister for Central Pacific Conference (Oregon and southern Idaho) and most recently interim Conference Minister Indiana Kentucky Conference.

It is my prayer that each of these previous experiences will contribute to our having a wonderful  adventure as we work together in the next year or more.

During the next months, we’ll do much more than just hold things together.  We’ll “keep on keeping on” (to borrow one of my favorite phrases.)  That doesn’t mean just doing the same old-same old, however.  We’ll keep on moving forward, addressing issues, solving problems, being disciples, all of it with an eye toward growing a strong, healthy, effective, faithful congregation that is ready to welcome the new pastor whom God has in mind for us!

Here are five things you can count on during the transition period:

First, it is OK to miss Jenny.  You may tell me about her.  You may grieve that she’s not going to be the one who celebrates your birthday, or officiates at weddings in your family, or provides the pastoral touch when there are serious illnesses and deaths in your circle of friends.  It’s OK to miss Jenny.

Second, when the new pastor comes, it will NOT be OK to keep talking about Pastor Jenny.

Third, during the interim period -

We’ll stay focused on the Vision Plan which you have created.

We’ll make the new governance structure work.

We’ll find new energy for all the good works of this congregation.

And I’ll ask questions like “how have you been used to doing that?”  and right behind that one, I’ll probably ask:  “Why?”  Then, “Who takes care of that?” and “What if ….”  meaning “What if we tried it this way!”

Fourth:  I am your pastor for the time being.  I’ll be responsive to your concerns,  your upsets, and what turns you on.  I’ll be interested in your achievements, sadnesses and wonderments.  We probably will not always see eye to eye, and when we don’t you can depend on me to be respectful and thoughtful about your point of view.

Fifth and last: I may be your interim pastor for more than a year. During that time, however long it takes, you will get your money’s worth!

Take a look for new musings in this space each week.  In the meantime, keep the faith, do good works of love and compassion, and pray – a lot!

Shalom

Pastor Gantt

February 19, 2012

The Rev. John Gantt has been called by the Council to serve as our interim pastor beginning Sunday February 19, 2012.  Pastor John served as the Executive Director of Crossroad in Ft. Wayne, IN for 19 years.  He has been very active in mission work directing work camps for the Indiana Kentucky Conference. He also served as interim Director of Back Bay Mission in Biloxi, MS before Hurricane Katrina and as interim Director of Client Services for Back Bay in 2010.  Previous to this call he served as the interim Conference Minister for the Indiana Kentucky Conference of the United Church of Christ.  It is a joy to welcome him to guide us as we make the transition to new pastoral leadership.

FOOD FOR BODY AND SOUL
The last Wednesday of every month come gather for dinner with family, friends and neighbors. This is a free meal to nourish the body, and to help build community in our neighborhood. Friends and neighbors share music and even free haircuts.
We have a prayer service in the chapel at 6:15 pm to also feed spirits hungry for God’s care. Come be our guest!

Are you looking for some quiet, sacred space in your busy life just to pray? Come join us the last Wednesday of the month in our chapel for a service of prayer. It is a time to just “be still” and know God.

Where?  The green space, fellowship hall, and Sunday School rooms.

Who?  Children ages three through twelve.

Children will follow Jesus Journey Through Jerusalem.    They will participate in crafts, games, and coloring of Easter eggs.  An Easter egg hunt and a story will round out the morning.