My Uncle Cal

My uncle Cal was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Some of you have dealt with this deadly affliction yourself - with your spouse, or mom or dad, or grandparent. And you understand how tragically this disease impacts the whole family. Uncle Cal has recently had to retire from work, because of this disease, and is currently at home with his wife. He served in the Marine Corp as a machine gunner and was wounded in Viet Nam. He went to bible school many years ago and has served as deacon for his church for quite some time. He raised three lovely children (my cousins) and is my godfather who stood with me when I was baptized. It is difficult to see anyone, much less a close relative whom you love dearly, be affected Alzheimer’s.

Cal and I share some things - I was in the Marine Corp right out of high school. I'm in the ministry. Cal is my mother's brother - mom passed away July of last year. His struggles with this disease touch me quite closely.

We visited Cal and his wife this last weekend. What a wonderful visit. You would not suspect anything amiss, from just sitting and visiting with him. However, Chris (his wife) mentioned he can no longer drive. And while he loves to read, he gets quite overwhelmed when visiting the local library to find new books. And he has some difficulty following the printed words of a book - so he is listening to books on tape (CD really) more and more.

There is a sense of helplessness in watching someone go through this. You know you can't change what is happening. There may even be a question of where God is in the midst of all of this. If God is a loving, kind, generous God, then why does he allow something like this to happen? I don't know if I can answer that question to everyone's satisfaction (perhaps my own included). What I do know is that God has never promised any of us an easy life. Many of the biblical people we talk about each week have had tremendously difficult lives. Yet, God promises to be with us and to give us strength to see us through the difficult times. When we find our strength failing, and our faith flagging, perhaps we can remember that we find more strength in the relationships with those around us. Those who are willing to pray for us, to sit with us, to hold our hand when we need holding; they give us strength and remind us of God’s love for us.

“Then I saw a new heaven and anew earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “See the home of God is among mortals. He will dwell with them; they will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them; he will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for the old order of things have passed away.” (Rev 21)

A Sense of Community

Earlier this week I stopped by the Milton Family Restaurant for a late breakfast. As I sat in my booth, reading one of my books and eating a wonderful omelet, I listened to the chatter and laughter around me. I enjoy so very much listening to people in fellowship. Friends reuniting, family members gathering, people talking and sharing. As I came into the restaurant I walked by a table without really looking – until a young voice said to me, “Hello pastor!” I turned and there was my young friend Jacob eating with two of his buddies. We visited for a moment or two and then I went to sit down.

In some ways I feel like Norm of the old TV show Cheers, when I enter our local restaurant. I guess we all want to go to a place where everyone knows our name. The Apostle Paul reminds us in his letter to the Romans, “Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” (15:7).

It is important to feel like we belong. I'm working towards the finish of a sermon series entitled, "Men of the Bible; Women of the Bible" and the last two sermons (focusing on women of the Bible) the characters I talked and taught about were outcasts, unwanted, ostracized by the community. How terribly lonely we can feel when we aren't wanted. Have you ever felt that way?

Not everyone finds that sense of belonging in the church. I wish they did - truly I do. I'm very glad to be a part of a church where we do our best to make people feel wanted, like they belong. I'm sure we are not one hundred percent successful with this. But I really believe we try.

Where do you go to feel like you belong? Home? The bar? The restaurant? Church?

Bless you my friends. I’ll see you on Sunday. Let us all welcome one another by name and enjoy our time of fellowship and worship.

God of Wonders

A week or two ago I listened to a thunder and lightening storm roll in. I watched the lightening stream through the sky. I heard the thunder rumbling in the heavens. I felt the raindrops pelting down. And I wondered at the wonder of God’s might. Several weeks ago, as I drove through the Bad Lands in South Dakota, I wondered at the creative, majestic, might of God. And I was drawn to the words of Psalm 8:

“O Lord, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth! When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and stars that you have established; what are human beings that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them?”


It is amazing that in all of God’s creation we (you and I and all humanity) are placed first before all else. It is equally amazing that God continues to stand by his creation, loving and caring, forgiving and shedding grace – even when we so little deserve it. Today, I give thanks for all God has given us. The beauty of this world and all its majesty. The beauty of the people around me. The boundless love and grace our God shares through Jesus Christ.

Take some time this week, my friends, to wonder at the wonder of God’s might and creation around us! Blessings to you and see you on Sunday!

Patrick

The Parable of the Sower

I was recently reminded of the parable of the Sower, found in Matthew 13:1-23, when my 3 year old daughter asked me about our roses (growing outside our back door). We have a small rose bush that gives 2-3 roses each summer. As we were coming into the house she asked me why one rose was blossoming and looking beautiful, and the other two were not. I said perhaps the one rose bud is getting more nutrients and is being fed, while the other two aren't. She puzzled and pondered that for a while, asked many more why questions, and eventually moved on to something else.


As we spoke and I answered her questions, I was reminded of the parable Jesus tells of the seeds that are sowed on rocky grown, the seeds that fall among the thorns, and the seeds that fall on good soil. Of course, the seeds on good soil grow and bring forth grain and the others do not. He goes on to explain this parable by telling the people that when one hears the word of the kingdom (the gospel of Jesus) and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in the heart. In order for us to grow from this teaching, this word of Christ, we must understand that when we find ourselves on rocky ground or amongst the thorns of life - where we are not in a good place in our relationship with Christ (through our prayer lives, regular bible study/reading, attending worship, serving and giving to those in need) we will find ourselves not growing. "But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundred fold, in another sixty, and in another thirty." (Matt 13:23)


During the summer months we sometimes take off - from church services, from bible studies or time in the bible, from Christian fellowship. Travel, beautiful weather, friends and family visiting... can lead us to take the summer off. Please stay immersed in your relationship with Christ - even and especially during the summer months. Let us stay focused on Christ that we may bear fruit for him and the Kingdom of God on earth.

God's peace to you all,

Patrick

Keeping It Green - How are we stewards of God's earth?

I recently completed a sermon series entitled, “Keeping It Green”. It was a short series – 3 weeks long. The overarching scripture verse supporting the series came from Genesis 2

“Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; and have
dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over
every living thing that moves upon the earth.

I have given you every plant yielding seed and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food. Every beast of the earth, every bird of the air, everything that creeps on earth, and everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food.”

I recieved about three to four times the number of people supporting and substantiating the need to talk about how we are stewards of God's earth as compared to negative comments for this series.

Following the second part of this series, where I talked about the foods we eat, how they are processed and how that impacts our health and the health of our planet, I was invited by one of my regular church attenders to tour his corporate pheasant farm. He wanted to show me around since he is a corporate food producer. I appreciated his positive approach and his wanting me to be informed. He wasn't criticizing - he wanted to enlighten. So, I took him up on his offer.

I truly enjoyed the tour and appreciated the time he took to do so. He runs a wonderful pheasant farm raising over 1.5 million birds a year and selling them worldwide. His facilities are clean, sanitary and many of his employees have been there for years – the longest 25. They focus on being ecologically, environmentally, healthy and bird conscience.

I had a good time listening to him talk about the industry and how they do things. One regret I have is that I did not talk to him before I ran the series. I would have appreciated the balance he would have brought to my message. I know not all food providers or industries are as conscientious as he is, but there are those who are. And we need to know about them, recognize them, and applaud them.

And on a side note one of the most surprising statistics I came across was the rapid declination of our rain forests. 1.5 acres are cut down every second. By the year 2025 over one half of the world’s rain forests will be gone. By 2060 all of our rain forests will be gone. What will happen to our world’s climates, the air we breathe, and our atmosphere when this happens?

As I prepared for this series I learned a lot about people and businesses that are doing much toward perserving our world and world resources. At the same time I learned there is still much work to be done. If we believe what scriptures have to say, and we work to follow God's commandments and commission, I know that we can better stewards of what God has blessed us with.

So my question for you all – what do you think of being environmentally green? Do you think it is biblical – that God calls us to be stewards? Are we treating God’s green earth the way you think he would have us? What are your thoughts?

Is Judgement Day near?

Perhaps you have heard the recent news that the end times are upon us? Harold Camping, founder of Family Radio, has been instrumental in proclaiming the end date (or Judgement Day) as May 21st, 2011. His date selection is based on the analysis of hundreds of biblical verses. Many have taken this as an opportunity to plan nothing beyond that date. I've read reports of some people leaving their jobs, living on their savings accounts, with nothing planned beyond the 21st.

The advent of large, natural disasters such as the Tsunami hitting Japan, earthquakes, hurricanes, flooding, tornadoes... have lent impetus to the end time idea. Some, I believe, see this as an escape from the travails and trials of our world. While others see no creedance in the date of May 21st as "the day". Many do believe that Jesus will come back, but aren't sure of when.

Biblically, we understand Jesus tells us, "But nobody knows when the day or hour will come, not the heavenly angels and not the Son. Only the Father knows." (Matthew 24:36 and Mark 13:32)

While I have had very few people ask me about the end times, is it the 21st, is it soon ... ? The thought I would impart is to not ask 'when is Jesus coming?' but instead are you living your life as if Jesus were coming tomorrow? Have you trusted Jesus? Have you taken Jesus as your savior and are you living the life Jesus calls you to?

The life Jesus calls us to is found in many parts of our scripture and is lived out in many ways, however I summarize this 'life style' in three distinct yet intertwined ways:

1) Do you have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ? Do you pray? Do you learn more about Him through the Scripture? Do you seek God's help in your daily decisions? Do you invite the Holy Spirit to be active in your life as you reflect your relationship with God outwardly?

2) Do you have a good relationship with the people around you in a way that reflects Christ in your life? In otherwords, are you filled with grace, forgiveness, love, understanding... to others? Do you seek to help others in their time of need? Lift others up in prayer? Are you sharing your Christian faith with others through words and (more importantly) your actions?

3) Do you go into the world and live your life missionally to help others come to know Christ?

I think knowing that Christ is coming again is important for and to everyone. We believe that Christ is risen and that Christ will come again. In the time that we have, here on this earth, we are called to be faithful to God's word and build communities of hope and healing. Let's not be worried about the when, but rather how we are being faithful to God.

Spring Storm Relief - How We Can Help

May God bless you today! It's a beautiful day. The sun is shining in my office window. The green plants on my sill are growing. I see the birds outside and I hear children's laughter in the room next to me (our preschool in full swing!). Today I am counting my blessings as I read about, think about, and pray for those who have been impacted by devestating tornadoes last week. Eighteen states from as far west as Texas to as far north as New York and Michigan experienced tornado activity between April 21 and 28th. Many states in the Midwest and South are experiencing destructive flooding. Alabama took the brunt of that storm system, which left a total of at least 300 people dead across six states: Alabama, Tennessee, Mississippi, Georgia, Kentucky, and Virginia. Here is my question for you: How can we help?

I'd like to ask you to be a part of the relief effort by:
1) Praying. Pray for the people and communities that have been hit by the storms. Lift up the emergency response and relief workers who will be assisting them.

2) Donating. This weekend, in both our 9am and 10:30am services, we will take a special envelope offering which will go directly to UMCOR #3021326 which is specifically for spring storm relief. If you are able to set aside any extra money for this effort, it will be greatly appreciated. If you are not a regular attender of our church services but would like to give toward this relief effort you can do so one of two ways:
a) Send a check to Milton UMC, PO Box 158, Milton WI 53563 and label it for UMCOR #3021326.
b) Or you can go directly to UMCOR's website and donate through their on-line donations at: http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umcor/

3) Serving. We do not have any mission teams, or relief teams, (from our church) going to serve in any of the affected areas at this time. However, if you are interested in going in the near future, or being a part of a mission relief team to help rebuild in any of the affected areas please contact our church at 608-868-2860. Ask for Pastor Patrick Schultz. We would love to be a part of actively helping those in need, in their time of need, in a way that God calls us.

UMCOR is the United Methodist Committee on Relief. One hundred percent of your gift to 2011 Spring Storms, UMCOR Emergency Advance #3021326, brings hope to survivors of these devastating storms.

For more information on our church please check out www.miltonumc.org

Thank you all, and bless you.

Patrick

The End of a Terroist Leader

The news of Osama bin Laden’s death, perhaps much like the news of 911, is that which will leave many saying – I know exactly where I was when… For me, I was laying on the couch watching TV when my wife leaned around the computer screen and said to me, bin Laden is dead. Since hearing the news I have listened to commentary from CNN correspondents, congressmen and senators, and of course President Obama, as well as comments posted on Facebook. The responses range from elation to still concerned. Dr. Drew indicated the head of the snake has been cut off, while Senator Kerry stated the threat is still not gone.

From a pastoral perspective, and as one who served in the Marine Corp many years ago, I am relieved that a significant leader of al-Qaeda has been removed and that for many families and individuals in the United States (and throughout the world) who suffered through 911 and other al-Qaeda led attacks, there is a perhaps a sense of closure and relief.

Lives were devastated and changed forever following the horrors of 911. Many have never recovered from the loss of friends and family and continue to struggle today. Many clergy, churches, denominations… as well as other spiritual and Christian organizations have expended great resources (time, energy, counseling, finances…) to help families and individuals find a way to live their lives in spite of their losses. There are many that still feel anger and grief over the loss of so many innocent lives – as I still do.

I am angered every time I hear of innocent lives being taken (not lost, not given, not ending – but taken!) through the cowardly acts of terrorism. Taking the life of another is never condoned and while there may be circumstances where it is justified – such as self-defense, or acts of war – I will never believe that God intends us to act in such a way towards one another. I know our own Christian heritage is rife with acts of equally abhorrent behavior such as the Crusades, the Spanish Inquisition or even hate crimes against homosexuals or people of other ethnicities that result in degrading the humanity of our sisters and brothers; however I cannot believe that is God’s will, but rather is misguided egotism.

While I understand there is no magic wand to wave that will eliminate the acts of hatred, cruelty and antagonism we can harbor against one another; while I understand that much of what is done against humanity in the name of God is actually in self-interest; and while I understand that humanity is a flawed creature, I continue to place hope in the activity of Jesus Christ in our lives.

bin Laden sowed discord, hatred, death and division in the name of God. I will say that I don’t believe his God is my God. Or perhaps another way to say this is, we don’t know the same God. The God I know does not command anyone to commit wholesale murder and destruction in his name. Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi recently said:

"In the face of a man's death, a Christian never rejoices, but reflects on the serious responsibilities of each person before God and before men, and hopes and works so that every event may be the occasion for the further growth of peace and not of hatred,”

And therein lies the secret. We must understand our responsibility before God. God doesn’t call us to murder those who disagree with us. God doesn’t even call us to make fun of, harass, embarrass, pick-on… those who disagree with us. God calls us to come to know one another, to forgive one another, to live side-by-side with those who are different from us, and to perpetuate peace.

I am not sorry Osama bin Laden is gone. I believe our world is a safer place without him at the helm of al-Qaeda. However, I do not rejoice in the death of anyone, not even an enemy. As MLK Jr. would say, returning hate for hate multiplies hate. It adds a deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. I turn to the light of Jesus Christ and ask that Christ be with those of our military, my Marine Corp, and the lives of those who have been impacted by acts of terrorism. May God continue to bless us and watch over us and turn us to a better way of living together.

Peace to all,

Pastor Patrick Schultz

My Soul Waits In Silence

Our culture, our society today, is one of busyness. We tend to rush from one task to another, from this errand to that, making a pick-up, dropping something off, shopping here or there and in one way or another generally rushing about. It seems we have taken it upon ourselves to fill every moment of our days with activities. Because of this we often miss out on the quiet solitude, and inner reflection so very necessary in the recharging of our batteries.

We don’t do silence, quietness, or stillness very well, do we? Yet, time and time again we see our scripture remind us of the need for this very thing. Nehemiah – one of our Old Testament prophets – once commanded the Israelite people, “Be still, for this is a sacred day.” King David writes in Psalm 37, “Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him.”

One of the commonly used Hebrew verbs throughout our Old Testament is but three letters long (hsh) and it captures a sense of silence; it emphatically commands us to hush.

And too, from Psalm 62 we hear the words of stillness impressed upon us: “For God alone my soul waits in silence.” Stillness and silence are a theme seen quietly running throughout much of our scripture – Old Testament and New. It is a command given to us for a specific purpose – that we might draw closer to our Lord. That when God comes to us with something to say, with some type of guidance or direction in our lives that the busyness of our day, the frenetic activity we go about, does not get in the way of listening and responding to the Almighty.

This command is necessary for us, that we might learn to rely upon God more, and human strength and endeavor less. When we are still in the Lord, we acknowledge the strength and power of God as the place of refuge and ultimate security in the midst of trouble. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress… Ultimately, we place ourselves in the capable hands of God’s care.

The Need For Prayer

For over well over a week now I have followed the news of Governor Scott Walker, the Republicans and the Unions “going at it” in terms of Walker’s proposal to cut the $137 million state budget deficit which is projected to top $3.6 billion by 2014. As a means of addressing the budget Walker moves that public employees pay into their retirement and help cover medical insurance costs. Additionally, he has built into his initiative that collective bargaining rights of many state workers would be stripped. In response, tens of thousands of union members and supporters have gathered at the state capital in protest. Actually, there has recently been a gathering of those supporting the Governor’s initiative as well resulting in opposing picket lines, signs and a certain amount of yelling at each other.

While all this has gathered national attention, especially in places like Washington, New York and other states similarly looking to address their own budget deficit woes, it has also gained the attention of our religious leaders such as Milwaukee’s Catholic Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki who writes in a letter to Governor Walker, “hard times do not nullify the moral obligation each of us has to respect the legitimate rights of workers.” and Bishop Linda Lee, the Wisconsin Conference United Methodist Bishop who writes to Governor Walker, “far more is accomplished for the best interests of all those we serve when employers and employees work together…” Copies of letters sent from our state’s religious leaders can be found at: http://www.wichurches.org/

I have the unique perspective of having worked with unions – although not as a union member – rather as a state employee in management with DOA for almost five years. My mother was a career teacher and I am married to a teacher of almost eighteen years. I understand as well as most what is hanging in the balance: addressing our state fiscal needs by balancing the budget through responsible stewardship and the impact on the lives of many throughout our state. I’ve listened to my own church members, several who work in our school systems, tell me of their concern of loosing jobs or not being able to cover mortgage payments. I’ve read countless Facebook and blog articles – some with derogatory language not publishable in public forums in my opinion. Some support the initiative. Some do not support it.

It is my humble opinion that much prayer is needed. Whether you agree with Walker’s initiative or not; whether you support the public workers or not, there is much need for prayer. We must be in prayer for those who are hurting and suffering, if nothing else because of the anxiety over what may occur. We must be in prayer for our Governor, the Senate, our government leaders and the people of Wisconsin as this decision has far reaching consequence and ramifications – much of which we can only imagine and surmise at this point. Please take time each morning to pray for those who are making decisions which will impact the lives of many. Please pray for those who will be adversely affected by these decisions. May we strive to work together, listen to one another, and make decisions for the betterment of God’s people.

Blessings all,

Patrick