Spiritual Pyramid

This is a tool put together by Bishop Sally Dyck of the Minnesota Annual Conference.



















It isn't perfect; no spiritual tool made by human beings is perfect. But it's an interesting visual aid to help Christians grow into proper stewards of their time and commitment to Christ.

Bishop Dyck's explanation of the pyramid can be found here.

A printable PDF version of the pyramid can be found here.

'Tis the Monster season

Steelers review

Steelers 45, Kansas City Chiefs 7

Game Ball: Steelers Offensive Coordinator Ken Whisenhunt, who did a remarkable job in planning and calling the game; runners-up: QB Ben Roethlisberger, who returned to form, and safety Troy Polamalu, who was everywhere (10 tackles including 9 solo, 1 49 yard int)

Play of the Game: Steelers safety Troy Polamalu's interception, which sealed the victory; runner-up: WR Santonio Holmes' 50 yard catch/run, which lit the spark for the team

Steelers Grades:

Coaching: A+ ...great job all-around

QB: A...an almost perfect performance

Running Game: A+ ...219 rushing yards (109 for RB Willie Parker)...a great offensive line performance

Passing Game: A...some excellent plays by the QB and all the wide recievers

Defense: A+ ...allowing only 7 points, they were solid, even without star linebacker & defensive leader Joey Porter; they kept Chiefs Pro Bowl RB Larry Johnson to a mere 26 yards

Special Teams: B...Holmes did a fine job returning kicks; K Jeff Reed missed what should have been an easy field goal

Chiefs analysis: This is a mediocre team with a new head coach (albeit one with previous head coaching experience). They were led by a mediocre back-up QB. The Steelers looked Super Bowl good...finally...but it was against a mediocre team, and no one should lose sight of that. A solid win for Pittsburgh. Next week, the Steelers play the Atlanta Falcons, which will be a true test.

'Tis the Vampire season

Starring Bela Lugosi, the definitive film Dracula

'Tis the Phantom season

Starring the great Lon Chaney

Back from Retreat

I returned home yesterday from a retreat mandated and led by Bishop Thomas Bickerton, along with other clergy from the Pittsburgh and Butler Districts. The rereat was held at Camp Lutherlyn, which was absolutely beautiful, especially when filled with the vibrant colors of autumn and the falling leaves. Excellent facilities, and the food was pretty good too, as far as camp food goes.

It is always good to connect with sisters and brothers in Christ, and the conversations and "down time" were certainly a highlight of the two day event. I'm blessed to be a part of this Annual Conference, with so many gifted servants.

The Bishop presented his take on the itinerancy. His presentation was detailed and, while the topic can be a bit dry, fairly enlightening. Many in our Conference, myself included, have questioned the wisdom of the process in years past, as it has seemed at times as if salary considerations and politics have had far more to do with appointment-making in our Conference than gifts, graces, and missional needs. Bishop Bickerton has been very honest and open, and it seems as if the days of money and politics as primary considerations are gone. Praise God! I can certainly affirm that my current appointment seems the result of excellent matching and Spirit-filled direction, rather than other factors. I appreciate our Bishop's openness and the hard work our episcopal leader and his Cabinet.

He also spoke about why we need to support our Conference's strategic plan, "Believe Again", which is an attempt to not only recapture a sense of optimism, but do something to really affect mission among United Methodists in western Pennsylvania. While no one likely feels the plan is perfect, hopefully we can agree that it's a noble attempt to try something new to revitalize ministry in our Conference. In my view, we need to support our Bishop and the strategic plan as strongly as we can.

The highlight of the retreat - by far - was the sharing of the sacrament. How blessed we are to experience this gracious gift. I believe that the breaking of the bread and the sharing of the cup may be the most powerful thing we do as the Church, for it encompasses so much. Too often, we take it for granted, when the Eucharist is a proclamation of penitence, forgiveness, reconciliation, new life, and empowerment unrivaled in Christian praxis. When we celebrated the sacrament at Camp Lutherlyn, it was a moving moment for me. At Jefferson UMC, we celebrate communion monthly; that isn't enough. It's my desire to lead the congregation to a deeper understanding of the sacrament (something which my predecessor successfully accomplished, taking them far on the "sacramental journey"); weekly celebration is my goal. It may take a few years, but it's a goal worth working toward.

All in all, a decent retreat...a good opportunity for Bishop Bickerton to be honest and open about what may be the most stressful thing he does, which causes serious anxiety for our Conference clergy. It could've been a lot worse...I could have been there on my wedding anniversary. It was wonderful to get home and see my beautiful wife and children, though I have a lot of work waiting for me in the church. Praise the Lord for that, too!

North Korea

A Call to Prayer with the President of the United States and Leaders of the World

by Taylor Burton-Edwards (UM General Board of Discipleship)

Retreat

I'm leaving today for a retreat with our Bishop and the pastors of the Butler and Pittsburgh Districts of Western PA Conference. We'll be staying at Camp Lutherlyn, a Lutheran retreat center near Butler, PA.

Bishop Bickerton has been holding these mandatory retreats throughout the Fall; I believe he'll be discussing our Strategic Plan ("Believe Again!") and his take on the itineracy. I'll try and blog a bit about my impressions upon my return.

Our Bible study will continue later this week, continuing our study of Joseph (the OT figure, not the NT figure) and what we can learn from his life concerning godly character. This week, we'll be looking at Joseph and sexual ethics (this week's study is entitled "When All Else Fails - RUN!").

NFL Rankings - Week 5

1 - Chicago Bears (last week 2)...they look like the best in the NFL right now

2 - New England Patriots (last week 4)...the NFL's best coach (Belichick) and best QB (Brady) always contend...two future Hall of Famers at the peak of their games

3 - Indianapolis Colts (last week 1)...another record set for future Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison with his 159th consecutive game with a catch...but they shouldn't have had to come from behind against the Titans

4 - Cincinnati Bengals (last week 5)

5 - Baltimore Ravens (last week 3)...despite losing to Denver on MNF, they are still tough

6 - Philadelphia Eagles (last week 10)...McNabb showed Dallas who is boss...did anyone in America want T.O. to win?

7 - New Orleans Saints (last week 6)

8 - Atlanta Falcons (last week 7)

9 - Denver Broncos (last week unranked)...big win vs. Baltimore on Monday night

10 - San Diego Chargers (last week 9)...they struggled a bit to beat a sloppy Pittsburgh team

Honorable mentions:
Carolina Panthers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants, Seattle Seahawks (last week 8), St. Louis Rams

Help:
Pittsburgh Steelers...they are in bad shape, extremely inconsistent, and Big Ben needs to get his act together

Games to watch next week:
NY Giants @ Atlanta
Seattle @ St. Louis
Philly @ New Orleans
Carolina @ Baltimore
KC @ Pgh (which team will begin to climb up)

Laity Sunday

In The United Methodist Church, this Sunday (October 15) has been designated Laity Sunday. It is a day when we are called to celebrate the ministry of the laity. What's so odd is that we should be doing that every day!

Many congregations celebrate the day by having lay speakers preach. At Jefferson UMC, we have two lay speakers who will bring the message. At our 8:30 AM service, Eric Jones will preach; at our 11 AM service, Ron Lewis will preach. Both are fine communicators and faithful servants in our church. I'm looking foward to sitting with my family as we worship the Lord together, something we don't get to do very often.

"...as God said,
'I will live in them, and move among them,
and I will be their God,
and they shall be my people.'''

- 2 Corinthians 6:16 (RSV)

Steelers review

San Diego Chargers 23, Steelers 13

Game Ball: Chargers QB Phillip Rivers

Play of the Game: Chargers safety Marlon McCree's interception of Ben Roethlisberger's pass at the Chargers 42 yard line in the fourt quarter, which killed the Steelers last hopes of coming back.

Steelers Grades:

Coaching: C...failure to make adjustments.

QB: D...Ben Roethlisberger didn't look anywhere near "game ready"...he looked confused, hesitant and unsure of himself.

Running Game: D...57 yards for RB Willie Parker? Sad.

Passing Game: C...WR Hines Ward, WR Nate Washington, and TE Heath Miller looked focused, but WR Santonio Holmes remained a non-factor, and Big Ben threw some pretty poor passes.

Defense: C - ...While still the strength of the team, making some great plays at times, they simply gave up too many plays.

Special Teams: B...noticeable improvement.

Chargers analysis: I don't think they are a playoff team, but they really have some talent and, with the development of Philip Rivers, could be a real threat in a year or two to the top NFL teams.

Sunday's Psalm

"Clear my name, God; I've kept an honest shop.
I've thrown in my lot with you, God, and I'm not budging.

Examine me, God, from head to foot, order your battery of tests. Make sure I'm fit inside and out

So I never lose sight of your love, But keep in step with you, never missing a beat...

I scrub my hands with purest soap,
then join hands with the others in the great circle, dancing around your altar, God,

Singing God-songs at the top of my lungs, telling God-stories.

God, I love living with you; your house glows with your glory.

When it's time for spring cleaning, don't sweep me out with the quacks and crooks,

Men with bags of dirty tricks, women with purses stuffed with bribe-money.

You know I've been aboveboard with you; now be aboveboard with me.

I'm on the level with you, God; I bless you every chance I get."

- from Psalm 26 (The Message)

Fox News at 10

This weekend, Fox News celebrates ten years on the air. Several news outlets have stories on the anniversary, including USA Today and TIME Magazine.

What can be said with certainity about Fox News? First, without question, it's the highest rated cable news network; as Peter Johnson of USA Today says, "...it has reduced granddaddy CNN to a distant second and NBC's cable news venture, MSNBC, to an also-ran." Second, it's commentators by and large definitely lean to the Right...Bill O'Reilly and Sean Hannity being perhaps the most notable of the network's commentators. There are more Left-leaning commentators on Fox News, but, for every Alan Colmes, there are three or four O'Reillys and Hannitys. Third, Fox News' style has has an undisputed impact on TV news...from the "news zipper" at the bottom of the screen to "in your face" graphics to ultra-aggressive commentary. TIME Magazine, in fact, a generally moderate-left publication, talks about these influences quite concisely in its article.

What has been said about Fox News that is disputed? The common charge is that it is, as TIME Magazine phrases it, a "covert Republican shill". Peter Johnson's USA Today article deals with this charge well. Referring to Roger Ailes, the head of Fox News, Johnson writes, "Ailes also says Fox News is probably more conservative than other TV news outlets, but only because it has consistently given equal voice to people whom mainstream media traditionally ignored if not disdained: conservatives. Liberals 'hate us for coming on the scene and changing the game and making people look at both sides of issues,' he says."

Ailes is on to something here. Getting more than one side of an issue is crucial; getting more than one perspective adds depth.

While the commentary on Fox News is, as I've stated, generally right-leaning, the news coverage, in my view, tends to be, as the cliche goes, "fair and balanced". While journalists like Brit Hume and Chris Wallace may indeed lean to the right (I've really no idea), their coverage tends to be pretty fair. It was Fox News, for example, that broke the story in 2000 a few days before the Presidential election that years ago, George W. Bush had been pulled over for driving while intoxicated.

So, my view is that Fox News seems "conservative" to many people for two reasons. First, they haven't recognized the inherent bias of the "mainstream media" (ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC, NY Times, Washington Post, etc.). This inherent bias is detailed in the 2001 book Bias: A CBS Insider Exposes How the Media Distort the News by journalist Bernard Goldberg. It's also detailed daily by Fox News commentator Bill O'Reilly and non-Fox News right-leaning radio commentators such as Rush Limbaugh and Jim Quinn. Second, the inherent bias of the viewer has a tremendous effect on how they "view" TV news. If Sean Penn or Barbra Streisand are watching Fox News, they're going to think it's too conservative; if Pat Buchanan or Michael Savage are watching Fox News, they're going to think it's too liberal. The more left-leaning you are, the more you'll consider Fox News a "Republican shill". The more right-leaning you are, the more you'll consider, say, the NY Times a "Democrat shill".

Given the dominance of Fox News, it's no wonder that CNN and MSNBC are envious, and the Left is disgusted by the network (witness Bill Clinton's recent assault on Chris Wallace for doing his job as a journalist by asking legitimate, tough questions). Folks like MSNBC's Keith Olberman (a fine sports broadcaster) reek of jealousy and nastiness toward the people of Fox News.

All in all, Fox News is a quality news organization. While I very often disagree with its commentary, it usually presents the news well and, even when I disagree with O'Reilly et al, I find them entertaining and informative. It is a fine alternative to the more lazy, one-sided view often presented elsewhere.

In the interest of full disclosure, I took this online test found on Alan Colmes' web site...

You are a Social Moderate (56% permissive) and an... Economic Liberal (35% permissive) You are best described as a: Centrist Link: The Politics Test

Who created the monster?

The Rev. Bob Edgar, a United Methodist pastor and General Secretary of the National Council of Churches, has written a new book entitled Middle Church: Reclaiming the Moral Values of the Faithful Majority from the Religious Right. The book is discussed in an article from the United Methodist News Service (UMNS).

In the book, Rev. Edgar appropriately calls the Church to a new commitment toward defeating poverty, violence, war and illiteracy and fighting for civil rights and education. Without question, these are important issues and the Church needs to do more to address them in a Christian manner. We have fallen short.

The UMNS article goes on to say, "His problem with the denomination today, he notes, is that United Methodists are so reflective of U.S. society, they have been sidelined by 'what I call the piety issues' at the expense of Methodism founder John Wesley's call to care for the poor. The piety issues include homosexuality, civil marriage and abortion."

I think there's some truth there. We have indeed been distracted by what Rev. Edgar calls "piety issues". However, Rev. Edgar blames the right wing of the Church for this, and I believe he is incorrect.

As I recall, it was the left wing of the Church who pushed to allow Rev. Elizabeth Stroud to continue to pastor while in violation of the Book of Discipline as a "self-avowed, practing homosexual". The right wing didn't make an issue of Rev. Stroud; the left wing did.

As I recall, it was the left wing who pushed for changing the definition of marriage from "one man, one woman" to other alternatives, attempting to push barriers in the last few years in both the religious and secular worlds. The right wing didn't make an issue of marriage; the left wing did.

So, as Rev. Edgar bemoans the fact that the Church seems distracted from its larger mission, perhaps he should ask himself, "Who created the monster?" There is much about the right wing of the Church I find quite disturbing (wrapping up in the flag, a sickening gun culture, an incredible moral failure to stand against the war fronts in Afghanistan and Iraq, etc.), but it seems clear that the left wing of the Church bears responsibility for distracting us all with these so-called "piety issues" during a time when the world has needed the Church to be a prophetic voice of reconciliation, hope, and the transforming power of the gospel.

'Tis the Frankenstein season

What's up at Asbury?

A recent blog post by member of our Conference, also a true brother in Christ, discusses the tense situation at Asbury Theological Seminary in Kentucky. It sounds indeed as if there is some serious spiritual warfare going on. We are in prayer for the president of the school, the Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Greenway (also a member of our Conference), his family, and the school. Difficult days.

"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'"

- Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

Monkees

Forty years ago this autumn, "The Monkees" debuted on TV. Great show, great group, great songs. Underrated. I've seen them in concert several times.

Here's a video for my favorite Monkees tune, "Pleasant Valley Sunday".

Thankful

"I thank him who has given me strength for this, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful by appointing me to his service,
though I formerly blasphemed and persecuted and insulted him; but I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief,
and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. And I am the foremost of sinners;
but I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience for an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.
To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen."

- 1 Timothy 1:12-17 (RSV)

As I work today in my office, praying for my family, the sick, the poor, and for the ministry of Jefferson UMC and Western PA Conference, and looking over our preparations and plans for Advent and Christmas (almost complete), I am filled with immense gratitude to God. I am so blessed in so many ways, deserving none of it, and keenly aware that I owe the Lord everything.

I give thanks to the Lord Almighty today for my exquisitely beautiful wife Robyn, who is a blessing beyond my dreams, about whom there are not words to express her beauty and grace...

I give thanks to the Lord Almighty today for my children, loud, obnoxious, and beautiful, through whom the Lord has given me joy greater than I ever realized was possible...

I give thanks to the Lord Almighty today for the ministry to which the Lord has called me, the awesome responsibility of serving as an ordained Elder of the Church and as pastor to a wonderful congregation filled with giftedness, grace, and possibility...

I give thanks to the Lord Almighty today for living where I do, in an imperfect but free nation, in what may be the loveliest region on the planet (western Pennsylvania), near a great city, and in a suburban area (Jefferson Hills/Pleasant Hills) that simply must be one of the best places on earth to live...

I give thanks to the Lord Almighty today for the blessing that my children attend school in a truly excellent school district (ranked #9 in PA for academics), with lots of opportunities, and a fine football team (ranked #1 in PA)...

I give thanks to the Lord Almighty today for leisurely joys like the music of the Beatles and Bob Dylan, the sheer joy of watching "The Monkees" and "M*A*S*H", the excitement of the Pittsburgh Steelers and the NFL, and great books to read on a cool autumn evening...

As the leaves begin to change into beautiful colors, silently praising God by their very appearance, I am truly thankful to the Lord Almighty. I, the foremost of sinners, am truly blessed. Thank you, Father.

NFL Rankings - Week 4

1 - Indianapolis Colts (last week 1)

2 - Chicago Bears (last week 2)

3 - Baltimore Ravens (last week 7)

4 - New England Patriots (last week 9)

5 - Cincinnati Bengals (last week 6)

6 - New Orleans Saints (last week 8)

7 - Atlanta Falcons (last week 10)

8 - Seattle Seahawks (last week 3)

9 - San Diego Chargers (last week 5)

10 - Philadelphia Eagles (last week unranked)

Honorable mentions:
Buffalo Bills, Carolina Panthers, Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos, Jacksonville Jaguars (last week 4), New York Jets, St. Louis Rams

Are they for real?:
Washington Redskins...what a win in OT against Jacksonville...but they'll need another win against a good team to convince me that they are for real

Horrible to watch:
Miami Dolphins...nobody thought they'd be this bad...Culpepper is having an absolutely horrible season

What to watch next week:
Pittsburgh at San Diego on Sunday night...both teams are out to prove themselves during prime time

Spamalot

This afternoon, my beautiful wife Robyn and I went to see Monty Python's "Spamalot", a Tony-award winning musical based on the film Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Funny, funny stuff. I recommend this show, which is just completing its current tour stop in Pittsburgh, to anyone who likes to laugh and loves to sing. After the show, Robyn and I went to dinner together...a rarity, given the busy nature of our lives and the balancing act called "parenthood" with our four children.

So, I celebrated the Eucharist this morning on World Communion Sunday, then spent some time with a stunning woman whom I happen to love. All in all, a good day!

"If you trust in your song
Keep your eyes on the goal
Then the prize you won't fail
That's your grail

So be strong
Keep right on
To the end of your song
Do not fail
Find your grail

Life is really up to you
You must choose what to pursue
Set your mind on what to find
And there's nothin' you can't do

So keep right to the end
You'll find your goal my friend
You won't fail
Find your grail"
- Eric Idle, 2004

(Those lyrics, to the Spamalot song "Find Your Grail", sounded fairly Arminian to me, so I thought I'd post them.)