preaching dates

When I served the church full time, it felt like Sunday came three times per week.  Every Sunday you had to have something to say, and it better be good, and it better be fresh.  No reruns allowed!

Because of this pressure, I started taking annual retreats to the redwoods.  I would devour some books and try to come up with new ideas to take back to the congregation.  One of the bad things about living in Florida is that the redwoods are much farther away... but so are my opportunities to preach.

I am thankful to Pastor Tim for allowing me to fill in for him from time to time.  I had the last Sunday in June and the last Sunday in July, and now I will have the last Sunday in August.  I am excited for the opportunity to talk to the folks.

What once seemed like high pressure and a burden, now is something that I look forward to. 

There may be many things in life that feel difficult to us now, but how would we feel if  we lost those things?  Take a good look at the burdens that you carry... there may be some good inside of them as well.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

- - - - - - - -

I am leading a trip to Ireland next year. If you are interested in reading about it, or joining in, the link is below.....

Treasures of Ireland
July 13-22, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

To Understand

To understand another person is a huge gift to them and to you.

We all have folks in our life that we don't get.  A boss that is constantly mad.  A spouse that is judgmental.  A friend that is fair weather.  A neighbor that is nasty.  A driver that cuts us off.

We can react to the bad behavior of others, and often we do.  When we choose to react, we let them get under our skin.  We carry a bad attitude about them and sometimes that poison comes out and infests them as well.

What if we took a bit of time to try and understand the other person.  Why are they doing what they are doing?  Now I don't want to excuse bad behavior, but what if we delivered a bit of grace to them by trying to be empathetic?

Maybe they are behaving that way because they feel threatened.  Maybe they are in a hurry.  Maybe they are not paying attention to the beauty of life.  Maybe they don't know how or what to do.  Maybe their home life is a mess.

When I think about why people act the way that they do, it is much easier for me to be kind to them, even when they are not kind to me.  Let us not render evil for evil, but overcome evil with good.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

- - - - - - - -

I am leading a trip to Ireland next year. If you are interested in reading about it, or joining in, the link is below.....

Treasures of Ireland
July 13-22, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

I pray

Yesterday I was working on the Sunday morning prayer.  I felt moved to pray like this...

Dear Father,

Today I lift up those who hurt, I pray for those who are wounded.  I pray for those who are lonely.  Those who are frustrated and sad.  I pray for those who are separated from loved ones.  I pray for those who have been rejected.  I pray for every person that is experiencing any form of sorrow.

Lord, go to them.  Comfort them.  Send friends to bring words of grace.  May their smiles and hugs be steps along the way to a renewed joy.

In all things and in all circumstances, we look to you.  We thank you for your deep love for us and your interest and care in who we are.

Be with us, each one.  Walk with us.  And we will be whole.

In Jesus name, Amen.

click here for an audio of this prayer

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

- - - - - - - -

I am leading a trip to Ireland next year. If you are interested in reading about it, or joining in, the link is below.....

Treasures of Ireland
July 13-22, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

Sermon Audio from 7-28-19 Lessons from Exodus

A sermon on 5 or six random thoughts from the Exodus story.

Click here to listen

on having enough

When we realize that we have enough, it opens the door for generosity. 

Yesterday's blog has fueled a good deal of email response. One that I thought was beautiful was this one...

As we have done the last couple of years, my granddaughter and I have gone shopping for school supplies. Her mother had given her money for supplies, but I offered to buy her a new back pack and some clothes. She said she had enough and really didn’t need anything new. (Pretty remarkable for an eleven year old girl getting ready for middle school!)
We then did my shopping for school supplies for the church back- to -school backpacks program. I had picked out tags for two girls that were my granddaughter's age. We had gotten all the supplies, and it was time to get the backpacks. I picked out a couple of medium-priced ones, but she reminded me that the ones I got last year were too small and had to be taken back. She then told me that we needed to get bigger backpacks. She went down the aisle to the expensive packs and found two lavender and white ones. She said, “Grandma, those girls would LOVE these backpacks. They are so pretty, and they are really nice and roomy and would hold everything.” I bit the bullet and bought them. They did look pretty and they held all the supplies, and they are very sturdy. I have never been happier turning in backpacks at church. I am grateful that we could afford to do this. I am so proud of my granddaughter who taught me a great lesson.

Generosity is always a beautiful thing.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com- - - - - - - -

I am leading a trip to Ireland next year. If you are interested in reading about it, or joining in, the link is below.....

Treasures of Ireland
July 13-22, 2020

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

giving

My brother-in-law Mark is a very smart and very cool guy.  I am glad that my sister married him a few years back.  He is good to have around.  He sent me this article, I thought I would share it...

“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” ―Winston S. Churchill

A while back I was walking past a car that was being ticketed and I asked the parking cop if I put a quarter in, would she tear up the ticket. She said yes, so I promptly fished a quarter out of my pocket and popped it in the meter. I started to walk away and she called after me, “Is this even your car?” I turned around and smiled, “Nope.” And for 25 cents I bought two smiles and perhaps helped a total stranger (in my mind someone who was innocently simply running late — something that’s happened to me plenty) avoid a ticket. For a measly quarter!

It may be a bit trite to say we’d rather give than receive, but in so many cases giving is so much more rewarding than receiving. Watching someone open a gift they really wanted can be incredibly uplifting. Giving someone a well-deserved compliment can change the course of their day, and thus, yours too. Making a difference through giving can help us find balance in our wellness journey. Remember, total wellness isn’t just about the physical, it’s about finding balance in all areas — financial, family, physical, social, spiritual and career.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com
- - - - - - - -

I am leading a trip to Ireland next year. If you are interested in reading about it, or joining in, the link is below.....

Treasures of Ireland
July 13-22, 2020

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

Chuck

I love Chuck.

So we all know good people.  And then we know exceptional people.

Quiet, hard working, kind, and funny, Chuck is one of the best.  I remember when we needed a new coach for one of our softball teams.  I asked him to coach the Buzzards.  He had Major Hammett, Chuck Stark and a number of other great guys on his team.

Today, softball is over for us.  Chuck has a number of grandchildren.  His oldest is Abbey.  She is 5 years old.  Every time that she comes to town, he takes her to breakfast.  They have been doing this for 2 years.

Abbey's favorite thing is to go to breakfast w Grandpa Chuck.  Other grandkids want to jump in, but Abbey says "no!"

Friends the greatest gift of life is the gift of time.  Time that you spent with someone that loves you.

Way to go Chuck!!!


It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

- - - - - - - -

I am leading a trip to Ireland next year. If you are interested in reading about it, or joining in, the link is below.....

Treasures of Ireland
July 13-22, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

Red Letter Bible

A red letter Bible is a Bible where the words of Jesus are printed in red ink.  Many people love the red letter Bible because they love the words of Jesus.  There is even an official group called Red Letter Christians.

The implication of a red letter Bible is that the words of Jesus stand a little higher than the others.  To me, to read the words of Jesus is the core of Christianity.  It is just the pure and simple teachings of kindness and non-judgement. 

So many people want to read the Bible and they ask me where to start.  I suggest the gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.  This is where most of the red letters are.

In a world of crazy things that some Christians teach and practice, I thank God for the words of Jesus.  Do not judge.  Love your enemies.  Forgive.

It's really pretty simple.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

- - - - - - - -

I am leading a trip to Ireland next year. If you are interested in reading about it, or joining in, the link is below.....

Treasures of Ireland
July 13-22, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

Redding, California

Megan Rapino is from Redding California. Megan is one of the stars of the US Women's soccer team. I was reading an article about her [see the link below for the entire article] and I was stunned to read of some of the practices of a local Redding Church.

click here to read the whole article

According to the article, the town is also home to another divisive, wildly successful, cultural claim to

fame: the Bethel Church. The multimillion-dollar revivalist megachurch has stirred controversy in Rapinoe’s hometown and throughout the religious world for its embrace of consumerist Christianity, extensive gay conversion therapy programs (Rapinoe is an out lesbian), and semi-mystical practices. Bethel members believe that miracles can occur on earth, and YouTube is filled with footage of their efforts: from faith healing, to “fire tunneling” (where members form a “tunnel” with two lines and speak in tongues to people passing through), to “grave sucking”—where someone lies on a grave to “suck up” the dead person’s blessings.

Gay conversion therapy??? Fire tunneling???  Grave sucking???  WOW!!! Now I have heard everything.  No wonder people are leaving the church in such great numbers.

As for me, faith should be something normal.  Something beautiful and simple and normal.  It should make sense to those on the outside.  Our life together at church should be warm and kind and sensible.  Snake handling is not needed.  Just love and kindness and grace.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

- - - - - - - -

I am leading a trip to Ireland next year. If you are interested in reading about it, or joining in, the link is below.....

Treasures of Ireland
July 13-22, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

St. Peter won't care

St. Peter won't care.  Jesus won't care.  Our Father won't care.

When we get to the pearly gates, no one will care.

No one will care if you believed in the trinity or not.

No one will care if you believed that Jesus was the preincarnate Christ or adopted at his baptism [various Christian groups believe several variants.]

No one will care if you speak in tongues or not.

No one will care if you were baptized as an infant or an adult.  For that matter, no one will ask to see your baptismal proof of purchase.

Whether you followed the pope or not is irrelevant.  

No one will ask if you went to church camp.  No one will ask if you went to the altar and cried.

No one will ask you if you were actually married to that person that you lived with for a while.

No one will ask you if you attended church or which one.

No one will ask you about any of the fake rules that the church has made up over the years.

If anything is asked at the pearly gates, it will simply be, how did you respond to the great commandment?  Did you love God?  Did you love others?

Please Christians, please churches, get over the doctrine, get over the dogma, get over the BS and just get back to loving.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

- - - - - - - -

I am leading a trip to Ireland next year. If you are interested in reading about it, or joining in, the link is below.....

Treasures of Ireland
July 13-22, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

Some organizations are doing the right things.

From my friend Pat...

I attended a Rotary meeting in San Diego today.

The speaker today was the new District Governor for this geographic Rotary area, sort of like a Methodist Bishop. She spoke about her commitment to Rotary, about taking school supplies to an impoverished Mexican school where no one spoke English or Spanish, only an Indian dialect. The children had never seen a simple pencil sharpener. They smiled and laughed at its simplicity when demonstrated for them.

She spoke about visiting a prison and dining with the inmates. A prisoner asked her about Rotary and what it does. She pointed out some machines the inmates used to make plates sold to support themselves in prison, and give them a usable skill and told the inmates Rotary had supplied them. He cried with appreciation when she told him that Rotary was there to help them help themselves and their families.

And there are a hundred more stories like this. Rotary is ordinary people coming together to do extraordinary things.

I relay this to you not to extol the virtues of Rotary. There are numerous other similar organizations dedicated to helping those who are the least among us. But when you hear about declining church enrollment, know that large numbers of your non church going neighbors are none the less practicing Christ’s message in the world.

We are all in this together. And what’s more important? Going to church or living Christ’s message?

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com
- - - - - - - -

I am leading a trip to Ireland next year. If you are interested in reading about it, or joining in, the link is below.....

Treasures of Ireland
July 13-22, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

what not to say, what to say

At the time of a death we humans often want to say something to make things better for our friends who are grieving.  But there are some things that should not be said.  Please don't say the following. [and I have heard each of these...]

He looks better.
You look terrible.
He is in a better place.
Remember you have your children that need you.
It was God’s will.
It must have been his time.
How are you going to carry on?
How are you fixed financially?
Life goes on.
You know he is going to hell.
Are you taking any medication?
I know how you feel.

At least he’s no longer in pain.
You are young, you can marry again 

Don’t ask, “how did he die?”
Don’t call the person the deceased. They had a name. Everyone is uncomfortable, don’t act out of your discomfort or nervousness.
Don’t overdo your emotions.  Don't make it about you.

If those are things not to say, here are things to say. Here are things to do...

Do go whenever possible.  You in person is always better than a text.

Keep your visit short.  Keep it quiet.  Keep it positive.  Remember at a visitation, there are 130 people in line behind you that all want to offer their love to the grieving.  Move on, don’t hover.

Remember that your presence is the gift.  The ambiance of you there is enough.  But if you need to say something, here is what to say... it's short, but it is enough.
I love you.
I am sorry. 

hug them.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

- - - - - - - -

I am leading a trip to Ireland next year. If you are interested in reading about it, or joining in, the link is below.....

Treasures of Ireland
July 13-22, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

Being there

To be there for another person when they need you is indeed a holy thing. 

I think back on many times that I was not there for someone.  Maybe I was overbooked.  Maybe I wasn't paying attention.  Sometimes circumstances made it difficult for me to be there.  Sometimes I didn't know until it was too late. 

Over the past few years I have grieved not being there for former parishoners.  But friends, I can't be there like I used to be.  Your pastor is Robyn, your pastor is Chuck.  But I do love you and hug you from afar.

Back to being there.  I have been thinking lately about my Dad's funeral visitation.  It was from 5-7pm at Mt. Moriah at 105th and Holmes.  I remember standing up in the front by Dad's casket.  It was probably 4:45 and the first people started to come.

It's pretty emotional when you say goodbye to your last parent.

Here came my friends through the back door and up the isle to give me a hug.
Darren Evans
Robin Fisher
Bruce Letner
Doug Hawley
many others.

I will never forget the feeling of watching my friends show up.  Being there is such a good thing.
May we all be there for one another as much as possible.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com
- - - - - - - -

I am leading a trip to Ireland next year. If you are interested in reading about it, or joining in, the link is below.....

Treasures of Ireland
July 13-22, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

a hug is coming up

Something happened on Sunday that made me feel good.  I got to church and saw one of my friends.  They were in a deep discussion with another person.

They saw me out of the corner of their eye.  Without turning away from the person that they were talking to, they extended an arm towards me like, "get over here and give me a hug."

It was like, I may be busy but I do have a hug for you.  Hugs are good.  Hugs make people feel valued. 

Give all the hugs that you can.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com
- - - - - - - -

I am leading a trip to Ireland next year. If you are interested in reading about it, or joining in, the link is below.....

Treasures of Ireland
July 13-22, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

don't miss the good parts of life

The American businessman was at the pier of a small, Mexican village when a small boat docked. Inside the boat were several large tuna. The American complimented the Mexican on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took to catch them. The Mexican replied only a little while.

The American then asked why didn't he stay out longer and catch more fish? The Mexican said he had enough to support his family's immediate needs.

The American then asked, but what do you do with the rest of your time? The Mexican fisherman said, I sleep late; fish a little; play with my children; take siesta with my wife, Maria; stroll into the village each evening where I sip wine and play guitar with my amigos; I have a full and busy life, señor.

The American scoffed, I have a Harvard MBA and I can help you. You should spend more time fishing; and with the proceeds, buy a bigger boat; with the proceeds from the bigger boat, you could buy several boats; eventually you would have a fleet of fishing boats. Instead of selling your catch to a middleman, you would sell directly to the processor, eventually opening your own cannery. You would control the product, processing and distribution. You would need to leave this small coastal fishing village and move to Mexico City, then LA and eventually NYC where you will run your expanding enterprise.

The Mexican fisherman asked, But, señor, how long will this all take? To which the American replied, Fifteen to 20 years. But what then, señor?

The American laughed and said that's the best part. When the time is right, you would announce an IPO and sell your company stock to the public and become very rich; you would make millions.
Millions, señor? Then what?

The American said, Then you would retire. Move to a small coastal fishing village where you would sleep late, fish a little, play with your kids, take siesta with your wife, stroll to the village in the evenings where you could sip wine and play your guitar with your amigos

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com
- - - - - - - -

I am leading a trip to Ireland next year. If you are interested in reading about it, or joining in, the link is below.....

Treasures of Ireland
July 13-22, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

creating culture

Creating or shaping culture is the job of every leader. If you are a leader, you ignore this task to your peril. For years I have watched people shape culture and marveled at how hard it is to explain how people do this. In other words, most people that know how to shape culture, just do it, but they can't really codify what they are doing. It just comes out of their DNA.

Ryan Stigile, in an article found on the web here:
https://www.churchleadership.com/leading-ideas/how-leaders-create-culture-every-day/

suggests that there are five ways that leaders shape culture.
1. What you say.
Be positive, kind and gracious.

2. What you celebrate.
The things that you lift up will gain some traction. Choose wisely.

3. What you spend.
Pastors have a fiduciary responsibility to be careful with church funds. After all, it is Jesus' money. The folks put it in the plate trusting that you will make very careful decisions. Bad decisions reduce giving and raise suspicion while good financial decisions engender trust and participation.

4. What you codify.
What systems are you putting in place to make things happen and keep them happening? The things that you codify, will be seen as important.

5. What you address.
Every organization has problems. Which ones will you speak into? Which ones will you ignore? You have to know when to hold em, and when to fold em. When to go all in and when to let something ride.

Finally I would add this: if you are not shaping the culture at your church, someone else is, and you may not like the result. Take the initiative and set a good tone.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

- - - - - - - -

I am leading some trips this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Paris-Normandy River Cruise
October 23-31, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/rc19102319x17768#.W3avNFJK3cs

Holy Land Trip leaving January 20, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl20012020g17768#eotours

Treasures of Ireland
July 13-22, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

positive or negative

My friend Brian shares the story about Rudy, a server at First Watch, and how he has adopted our Friday morning breakfast/fellowship group. We are greeted with hugs every week and look forward to seeing him as well as to our gatherings. He has also taken to giving me a life quote on my “to go” box each week. I thought you would like the one from last week. “Train your mind to see the good in everything. Positivity is a choice. The happiness in your life depends on the quality of your thoughts. Being positive won’t guarantee you’ll succeed but being negative will guarantee you won’t.”

Good stuff.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

- - - - - - - -

I am leading some trips this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Paris-Normandy River Cruise
October 23-31, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/rc19102319x17768#.W3avNFJK3cs

Holy Land Trip leaving January 20, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl20012020g17768#eotours

Treasures of Ireland
July 13-22, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

egos get in the way

From my friend Pat...

I confess to being a child of the 60s. And I have always held the music of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young close: they blended a sweet harmony of voice to produce an almost intoxicating brew of sound. When they sing with one another, the harmony is unparalleled.

Unfortunately, their personal lives apart and together belied their music. Mostly they fought with one another about a collection of “Me” issues: egos, drugs, and so on. These guys could not get it together to stay together. And they still let such things get in the way, in spite of 50 years of experience. Who’d a thunk that adults could be so stupid.

Its a testament that working together, being with others, can lead to beautiful things. While focusing on our selves can get in the way of the great things we can accomplish with others. Its amazing what you can get done when you don’t care who gets the credit.

Christ teaches us to be with one another, and tells us how. CSNY is an example of beauty that can result from that way of life. Imagine if we could all put ourselves in a place where we could truly be WITH those around us. It might be something we could Teach Our Children in Our House.(google it if you don’t get it)

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

- - - - - - - -

I am leading some trips this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Paris-Normandy River Cruise
October 23-31, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/rc19102319x17768#.W3avNFJK3cs

Holy Land Trip leaving January 20, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl20012020g17768#eotours

Treasures of Ireland
July 13-22, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

It's your day

Wouldn't it be great if every now and then, it was your day.  Somebody, or a group of somebodies did nothing but take care of you that day.

Sleep in?  No problem.
Breakfast in bed?  sure.
Take your time getting going?  Absolutely.
Lunch on the beach?  Paid for?  Yup.
The afternoon, whatever you want.  Float in the pool, shop, watch your favorite show... all good and all covered.
Dinner at your favorite joint.  Done.

Just once in a while you should get a day when everyone tries to make you happy.  When everyone helps you see how special you are.  You need to know how much you are loved.

It could happen.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

- - - - - - - -

I am leading some trips this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Paris-Normandy River Cruise
October 23-31, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/rc19102319x17768#.W3avNFJK3cs

Holy Land Trip leaving January 20, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl20012020g17768#eotours

Treasures of Ireland
July 13-22, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

powerlessness

Some days I feel powerless to affect the things in my life that need help. I wish that I was the boss of the world, but I am not, so I try not to worry and I am reminded of the prayer:

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
the courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

Some days that is all we have.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

- - - - - - - -

I am leading some trips this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Paris-Normandy River Cruise
October 23-31, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/rc19102319x17768#.W3avNFJK3cs

Holy Land Trip leaving January 20, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl20012020g17768#eotours

Treasures of Ireland
July 13-22, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours