Be In Prayer With Me

Dear friends and church family,

This last Sunday I preached about overcoming conflict.  In my message I spoke of the Ferguson MS community, the shooting and death of Michael Brown, and the conflict the community is in.  Since that shooting on August 9th, there have been riots, looting, more shootings, tear gas and curfews, and the National Guard called in.  There is a nationwide awareness with people watching in bated-breath, wondering what happens next.

Earlier today I was at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary meeting with Dr. Gennifer Brooks, who is African-American and originally from Trinidad.  We spoke about what’s happening in Ferguson and in her perspective she spoke of a deeper issue of poverty, racism, lack of quality education and opportunities for minorities to ‘get ahead’ in their lives.  I know there are many issues to be considered with the Michael Brown shooting and death.  I know this is tinder for the fire in many communities and we may see continued rioting and additional shootings.

So, I ask you to be in prayer with me – not only for the Brown family, the Ferguson community and police force; but, for our nation as a whole.  We obviously have much to fix, especially in regards to racism, mis-treating and exploitation of minorities, abuse of power and authority.  There is no easy answer to all of this.  I recognize this.  But again, I ask you to be in prayer with me.

In Sunday morning’s message I said, “I think about what’s going on in Ferguson and I believe the churches of the community need to be involved in helping to restore peace.  I believe the churches have a greater possibility of doing this – than the police, the mayor or the governor.  The families and community and police need to be helped through their grief and find a place of mercy and forgiveness.”

Part of the answer to all of this is deeper than mercy and forgiveness.  Justice, reconciliation and equality must play a part of the solution.  But I believe this begins with mercy and forgiveness.  Church, please join with me in prayer for the healing and reconciliation of a broken community.  May we find ways to work together, shedding our bias and prejudices, and seeking equality in all people.    

Christ’s peace with you,

Patrick

OVERCOME - Finding Purpose In Life

It's not surprising to me that one of the areas we struggle to overcome has to do with our purpose in life.  Why are we here?  What is it we are supposed to be doing?  

The prophet Micah would tell us we are here to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with God.

The psalmist would tell us we are here to praise the Lord – to praise with dancing and melody and to take pleasure in God’s glory.

Jesus would say we are to feed the hungry, to give drink to the thirsty, to clothe the naked, and help heal the sick and care for the imprisoned.

I would suggest these are all reasons of why we are here and what we are to be doing.  But, I would also suggest our question of purpose goes deeper than this.

I think one of the questions of purpose we are asking is ‘Do I matter? Do I make a difference?’ Who among us wants to look back upon decades of living and say to ourselves, I've made no difference at all.

Paul helps us to think through this question of purpose in his letter to the Philippians when he writes, "If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy…  Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves.  Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others."

It is not easy, in all humility, to regard others as better than yourselves.  It is not easy to set aside your own interests for the interests of others.  There is something innately born within us that calls us to be self-centered and to place ourselves first.  Part of this begins as a survival instinct.

As a baby we cry to have our needs met with feeding and changing and burping and warmth on cold nights.  As we grow older we cry and laugh, and pose and pout to get the attention we want and privileges we feel we deserve.

As adults our employers, and sports, television shows, even our education systems inform us we need to be number one.  Be the best.  Be the smartest and most popular and prettiest and better than everyone else.

We celebrate and reward the best and the first, while the last and the least are thought of as… well, as last and least.  What begins as a survival instinct quickly becomes an expression of fallen human nature.

But consider this.  We have been made in the image of God.  Not just some people, and not just believers – we've all been made in the image of God.  The most compelling earthly image we have of God is Jesus Christ.

So when we ask ourselves the question of purpose, we inevitably ask, are we doing all we can to be more Christ-like – to be faithful in the image of God.

John Widtsoe once wrote, “There is a purpose in life – to be nearer to the likeness of God.” 

If our purpose in life is to be nearer the likeness of God it matters not if we are school teachers, factory workers, stay at home moms, retired or just starting in school, whether we are musicians or police officers or clergy. 

In all that we do, in anything we do, we do it for the glory of God – to be nearer to God, striving to be more like Christ. 

God has created us uniquely and with great intent and wondrous love.  It’s not so much of what we do, but how we do.  Paul says, “Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.”

Does what you do reflect the character of Jesus Christ – or the mind of Jesus Christ?

In honor of Kristina Laura May Schultz

Our first daughter - born at 6 months and received home by God.  I wrote this and read it as part of the funeral service.

A Blessing to Our Father

How obscured has been our sight

When on the path we pause;

Stumbling in the darkened night

Unable to see the cause.

How precious is your gracious love

Your Son you did commit,

The Word that was with you, O God. 

This is the light that comes to us

The darkness banished before it.

Jesus Christ, the Lamb of Life

Protects and loves his children.

The Lamb of God who lights the way

Guides us on those darkened days.

Give us grace, ease and comfort

In our sorrow, hope and faith. 

Let your tender love, doth guide us; 

Guide us to you every day. 

Our heavenly savior, Jesus Christ,

We pray.

                                                                                                Patrick Schultz

Prayer is good for the soul...

The words, ‘prayer is good for the soul’ seems like a scripture verse we read in our Bible.  Interestingly enough, we don’t find those exact words in the text, but we come close with John’s third letter in the New Testament “Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, just as it is well with your soul.” (1:2)  

Some weeks ago I spent the afternoon from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. in the chapel in prayer for each of our church members and friends, for our church and church ministries, for our community, country, nation’s leaders and world.  I prayed for prayer concerns given to me during worship.  I prayed for my peers & colleagues who would be meeting me in Chicago for our residency program. I prayed for peace in our world, help with our church financial situation.  I prayed for those who were filling the pulpit while I was gone in Chicago.

Occasionally, as a pastor and a person, I find myself weighed down with cares and concerns, fears and worries of church and community, family, friends…  This particular afternoon I found myself a bit weighed down, feeling kind of heavy laden, wearied, and burdened.  By the end of my prayer time I felt much lighter – not carefree – but assured and reassured that I wasn’t carrying the burden all by myself.  I share this as a way of saying – prayer is good for our soul.

Are you feeling burdened, heavy laden?   Jesus reminds us in Matthew, “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”  (11:28)  Bring it to God, share it with God, tell it to God… let God carry that burden with you and for you.  Know that God loves you my friends.

Student Charge the Dean of the ACTS DMin in Preaching Program

This week the ACTS DMin in Preaching Program installed a new dean - Rev. Dr. Gennifer Brooks of Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary.  As part of the program I brought before Dr. Brooks a charge from the students.  Here is my charge:

Dr. Brooks, Dr. Edgerton, Bishop Satterlee, esteemed guests, visitors, friends and students, it is an honor to be a part of this momentous occasion with you.  I thank God for the grace and mercy and blessings of this day.  My name is Patrick Schultz.  I am a third year student here and on behalf of the students – Dean, I give to you this charge.

Some years ago I was asked the question by Dr. Ellsworth Kalas, “what arrogance drives us preachers if we feel we have a right to take twenty or twenty-five minutes of time from thirty or one hundred or four hundred people and leave them with no new insight, no quickening of mind or spirit to repay them for the time they have invested?”

This is a question not only appropriate for the preacher, it is entirely appropriate for the ACTS Doctor of Ministry in Preaching Program as well.   

Dean Brooks on behalf of the students, both now and to come, who attend from parts of the world, both near and far, you are asked, “How is God directing you and the leaders of this program so that, as your students take hours and days and weeks of their time here, they leave with new insight, quickening of mind and spirit, to repay the time and money they have invested?” 

You are charged on behalf of all your students to ask yourself this question each time you hire a new teacher, evaluate a class or an advisor, or introduce a new curriculum.  You are charged to ask yourself this question each time you receive a new wave of students.  You are charged on behalf of the churches and communities and families these preachers serve to continue developing a program that repays the investment that has been made. 

You are charged to continue moving this program in such a way that when you stand before God, God will have no choice but to say – well done good and faithful child.  You have helped shape faithful and better preachers out of your students. 

Praise God.  

I read this post earlier this morning.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/steve-mcswain/why-nobody-wants-to-go-to_b_4086016.html?ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000051

I think there are more shades of gray than what McSwain is putting forth.  I have studied Stetzer over the years (began with some of his writings when I was still in seminary in Kentucky), and I don’t think McSwain has it quite right either.  There is more give and take, more shades of gray and complexity than either McSwain or Stetzer can possibly fit into one particular book or post.

I would agree churches are dying; however, I would not say Church is dying.  It is naturally in a state of transition as socio-cultures, ethnicities, ages… change, merge, blend and transition, and grow.

McSwain quotes the numbers of churches closing – 4000-7000 or 8000-10,000 every year (depending which statistics you look at).  I see many articles noting the closing churches (I don’t sit with a "head in the sand saying, it ain’t so!" view)  But I’d like to see more information in articles like this that indicate new church starts, new church communities, new church ministries…  These ‘new churches’ are not always mainline denomination-ally oriented or founded or launched.  This doesn’t make it any less church growth.

A better balance of information would give greater overall perspective.  Truth is, churches have been born, lived, transitioned, dying, changing, merging, melding… since Acts tells us of the newly forming churches following Pentecost.  I don’t think this is anything new.  How many of the churches Paul launched/started/formed we read about in the New Testament are alive and well today?

Nevertheless, there are some good points in this article – ages of church, trending of ‘stylized’ contemporary, ethnic realities, technology and competition…  some truth in what McSwain is saying and areas for us to pay attention to.

What are your thoughts?

New Year's Resolution

I came across the following in one of my readings.  I didn't note where I had made a copy of it, when I did so.  So I can't credit the original author.  My apologies for that and all due credit to whomever came up with this.  I did think it kind of funny and shared it with my congregation last week.

At the beginning of the new year, it is traditional that we make resolutions.  Resolutions are promises concerning things we will try to accomplish in the year to come.  Usually, they have to do with losing weight or something like that.  A wise man once made a list of resolutions that I want to share with you today.  I believe that they are resolutions that will help to insure that we will have a happy and prosperous New Year.

In the New Year, be sure to: LIE, CHEAT, DRINK, SWEAR and STEAL more than you did last year. 

LIE back and relax just a little more this new year.  Let a little more life happen to you without so much worry.

CHEAT failure.  Don't be afraid to try something new because you think you may fail.  It is through failure that we learn the most valuable lessons.

DRINK from the fountain of knowledge.  Many people around you have already been down roads you are about to travel.  Learn from mistakes they have made.  Take what they have learned and use it.

SWEAR to do your best.  All the time, in every situation.  That is all anybody will ever ask.

STEAL a little time for God.  Everyday take a little more time to develop your relationship with God.

So, if you lie, cheat, drink, swear and steal just a little more in the next year, you will have a profitable and enjoyable year ahead!  God bless you in the New Year and may our words, our actions, our thoughts, and our very being be pleasing to God.  

Let’s Get Acquainted With our Bibles

Beginning this Wednesday evening (January 15th) Pastor Patrick will be leading a study group exploring and getting acquainted with our Bibles.  

You know how he’s always saying, ‘Bring your Bibles to church?’  Well, here’s a chance to learn more about our Bibles and perhaps stump the pastor with great questions!  

Study materials are provided.  Bring your own Bible (all translations accepted).  This 8-10 week study is an overview of our Bible, preparing us for more in-depth studies down the road. 

When:  6:00 – 7:00pm

Where:  Study room right off Fellowship Hall

Who:  All ages, all levels of biblical knowledge, all are welcome! 

What:  Bring your own Bible – all translations accepted 

If you do not have a Bible of your own, Pastor Patrick will provide you with one that will be yours to keep!  

Patrick W. Schultz

Franksville UMC

262-886-0326

www.franksvilleumc.org

All In The Family

In the Gospel of John we see Jesus telling his disciples (and subsequently each one of us), “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another.  Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.” 

Loving one another as Jesus has loved us is not only difficult – it seems downright impossible at times!  We suffer a myriad of maladies that hinder our getting along and are often times confused and feeling hopeless in addressing these issues.  At all times of the year this is worth exploring, but as specially as we begin our new year together. 

I recently conducted a very brief survey in my church, asking church members to note their biggest relational challenges.  I took the top five challenges and have developed this new six-week sermon series entitled, “All In The Family”.  In this series I’ll talk about the relational challenges we face and how we might overcome them.  This is not a ‘fix-all’ by any means, but as we look at varying relational obstacles I hope we can identify one, two, maybe three things we can do that will help us.  Most importantly, we’ll see how having God in our lives improves our relationships with one another. 

I hope you can join us for this series beginning this Sunday - January 19th.

1)     The Brokenness of Relationships (Genesis 4:8-10)

2)    This Language is Confusing (Genesis 11:1-9)

3)     I Hate Dealing With Conflict (Romans 12:14-21)

4)     Time Keeps Slipping (Psalm 39:4-5; 2 Peter 8:8-13) 

5)     Living at the Corner of Faith and Finance (Isaiah 9:2; Psalm 121:1-2; 1 Timothy 6:17) 

6)     Standing At the Cross Roads (Jeremiah 6:16; Matthew 7:13-14) 

I believe this series will help us in our marriages; our relationships at church or school or work; and with our families, friends and neighbors.  

Perhaps you know someone struggling in their own relationships.  This would be a perfect time to invite them to spend some time with us and see what God has to say about our relationships! Come and join us beginning January 19^th!   

Made In God's Image

"Then God said, "Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness..." (Gen 1:26)


Today my family and I went to the Milwaukee Museum.  I've been there quite a number of times, but like reading the Bible every time I wander through it something new strikes me.

The museum covers quite a lot of human history, of different people from diverse climates, of multiple cultures from poles apart places and ages:  the ice age, Native Americans, Samoan islands, Neanderthal, the rainforests, Taiwanese, ancient Greece, Andes mountains, Peruvians, Japanese... and so much more.  People, places, time, cultures, societies ... different, diverse, strange and familiar.  The climate ever changing from warm to cold to dry to wet: desert, water, plains, mountains and deciduous.

As I looked upon the artifacts of these various and sundry people - from headhunters to sailors to miners to plains tribes Indians to Milwaukean brewers drafting their beers and the places they lived and how they worked and what was important to each - I thought to myself even with all these differences they still have something (at least this something) in common.

Each one, every person, every being - no matter color, nor culture, nor time, nor place - was and is and always will be created in the image of God.  God imbued all of humanity with characteristics that are godlike. This doesn't  mean we are god, nor should we aspire to be gods.  But we have the characteristics of God - we are made in God's image.

We have the ability to love, and show mercy, to have grace and to forgive, and to create with our own hands using the creative imaginations God blessed us with.  This struck me significantly today as I saw the wide variety of tools people used to cultivate land, or shape wood, or mold clay pots.  I looked at the styles of sailing vessels people used when navigating the waterways.  I saw the weavings and sewings and stitching and materials and cloth and silk and reeds and skins the people used to cover themselves. I held the pots and vessels and plates and eating wares and drinking chalices and marveled at their uniqueness.

I saw the different homes represented in which these beautiful people lived, from one end of the globe to the other; spanning time from one age to the next.

And in all of this I was amazed!  I saw things of creation made at the hands of man and woman.  Tools used to shape the things they would need to survive, to build the homes in which they would live; to make the canoes and sailing vessels that they might navigate the seas and water ways and too, the navigational tools in which to get around on vast seas.  I saw the heavy merino woolen serapes and capes used to keep mountaineers warm in the snowy heights.  There is so much more to describe, yet let this suffice....

In all these differences - peoples, places, climates, and cultures and societies one thing was similar.  All that was made was made with intentional and deliberate beauty imagined and ingrained.  God who created all the world - the universe and everything - created with great beauty.  The world itself is of breathtaking beauty. The beings and creatures roaming and swimming and flying through our world are of exceedingly intricate beauty. And the people made in God's image are beautiful.  


A simple covering (for modesty or to keep the elements off and out) was imbued with color - at times the iridescent blues of the Blue Morpho didius butterfly; at times with the reds and oranges woven intricately to reflect the glorious colors of the setting desert sun.



A simple sailing vessel, a reed canoe, was artfully crafted with a myriad of beautifully designed patterns - it would not do to simply make a vessel that floats.  It must look beautiful as well!

Ancient Grecian pottery, not content to merely hold water or wine, it must be artistically made with designs and colors with ridges and rills and graceful narrow necks - far beyond what was necessary to hold liquids or plates to heft dinner.

China, ivory, gold, valuable woods, silk cloth, bejeweled boxes... All far above and beyond the need to accomplish their base design.

All made by human hands echoing the beauty seen in God's own creation - from the brilliant plumage of the Birds of Paradise, to the iridescent wings of butterflies, or the iridescent carapaces of the Egyptian beetle, to the grandeur of beautifully tall standing trees and the liquid beauty of blossoming moon flowers.

  The things of beauty we strive to create are but mere imitation of the Master's creations, and yet we honor the Creator in our desire to imitate.