Ministry

My ministry began in Chicago in 1957. I was licensed for Christian ministry at the old Mennonite Home Mission, renamed Union Avenue Mennonite Church. I served there for one year in what was for me, a continuing part of my education, following graduation from Goshen College Biblical Seminary. I served under Lawrence Horst while the church was in transition from Union Avenue to Englewood. I was taught more about being a pastor in that one year than in the years of school at Hesston and Goshen. That's not intended to be a slam against those schools, but the fact is that our pastoral training at that point was not what it is today.

I concluded my ministry at Clara's and my home church, Arthur Mennonite Church, in Arthur, IL in 1995. I was asked to be a mentor on a team that followed my retirement. While some of those years were painful times and have left some scars, I am grateful for people who were there to help us through those times. And I learned a great deal in making the transition from being an active pastor to being a retired pastor. Finding places for retired pastors to continue to serve in some way has not been an easy one for some, while for others it has opened new vistas of service.

It took a few years of being in pastoral ministry activity for me to know with certainty that I was where God wanted me to be. That certainty has stayed with me throughout the years, and continues today. Since retirement I have made it my goal to find ways to minister to people in whatever situation I find myself.

Since retirement I have learned to do computer assisted drawing, drawing house plans for a builder. I have worked in helping to set up and open a retail store, worked as a clerk in another retail store, worked in three cabinet shops, and transported Amish with my car and van. In all of these situations I felt it was my calling to see these opportunities to relate to people as my ministry. Obviously I was not very successful at times, if at all in some situations. But in others opportunities presented themselves that gave me a sense of fulfilling what God has called me to do.

Since living here at Schowalter Villa there have been new and different opportunities for service and ministry. I enjoy relating to people in assisted living and health care especially. Learning to know some of these people has been enlightening at times, and has given me many opportunities to just sit and visit, or to do something that someone needed, and wanted to have done that others probably couldn't or didn't do.

But living here is also sometimes depressing. It is sad to see people go from independent living, to assisted living, to health care, and then die - people that I had learned to know and sometimes help. There were two men who worked in the shop, whom I was able to help with something almost every time they were there, who are no longer with us. Another began spending time there and he and I became friends, good enough that we would have enlivened discussions about various things at church and elsewhere. Now he's in memory care where I seldom see him. Recently I was asked by a friend in health care to make a couple of boxes for their CD's, which I did. When I delivered them to their room last Saturday they were both taking their naps, and so I just left them on their desk. I found out only on Tuesday following that he had died on Sunday. While these kind of experiences are in one way fulfilling, they also are very vivid reminders of our mortality.

I try not to think about what might be ahead for Clara and me, but sometimes those thoughts do come. My continuing goal is to remain as mobile as possible and to continue to serve the Lord in whatever way I can. I know that my life is in His hands and that He will always be with me no matter what. I trust that you also have that assurance. And so I remain -

Pilgrim on the way

Book Promo

Now It Springs Up

This book has three authors: Carol Duerksen, Michele Hershberger, and Laurie Oswald Robinson. These three women are all unique writers in their own right and they have combined their talents into a very interesting, and inspirational devotional book.

A brief note about the authors: "Carol Duerksen is a freelance writer. She lives on a farm between Goessel and Hillsboro, KS. ....She is the editor of With, a magazine for Christian teens; has co-authored nine Amish novels with her husband; and collaborated with her cat, Slickfester Dude, in writing a children's book."

"Michele Hershberger serves as Chair of the Bible and Ministry Division at Hesston College, where she teaches Bible and youth ministry classes. She has authored A Christian View of Hospitality and God's Story, Our Story, the catechism resource for Mennonite Church USA and Mennonite Church Canada. Michele also enjoys preaching, touring as a speaker for The Giving Project and speaking at several Mennonite youth conventions and conferences."

"Laurie Oswald Robinson is editor for Mennonite Women USA and its publication, timbrel: women in conversation together with God. She formerly served as news service director for Mennonite Church USA, and before that as assistant editor for Mennonite Weekly Review."

This book is a compilation of devotional readings, each accompanied by a scripture text. The segments of each day's writings are, PLUNGING INTO THE WORD, PONDERING ON THE WAY, and PRAYING AND WALKING IN THE WORLD. The latter segment gives suggestions for what one might pray for, and sometimes questions to help make the thoughts of the meditation practical. Included in the writings are special meditations written especially with interest for children and families. These most usually include things to do to as practical suggestions.

I am enjoying using this book in my morning quiet times. I like the variations in writing style and content. I have received permission to quote from the book at any time, and have done so a few times on my posts here. I would encourage my readers to consider purchasing this book and using it in your quiet times. And if you don't have a quiet time in your day currently, now would be a good time to begin that, and use this book to help you in your spiritual pilgrimage.

I conclude this promo by quoting a recent meditation by Carol Duerksen, entitled FAITH SHAPES.
Scripture text: Romans 12:1-8

"Heaven forbid
Cookie-cutter Christians
Shaped in the exact same mold
Same
Same
Same

Yet when your faith shape
Conflicts with mine
I cringe
I critique
I cry, "Foul!"

So what is it exactly
That I want?
I want sister and brother Christians
Who believe mostly like me,
Whose diversity is interesting
But never challenging,
Whose understanding of the Bible
Resonates with mine.
Not cookie-cutter
By any means.
Just the same dough
At least.

God forbid
I get
What I want."

Reprinted by permission from Now It Springs Up by Carol Duerksen, Michele Hershberger, Laurie Oswald Robinson. Published by Willow Spring Downs, email willowspringdowns@juno.com.

This book may be purchased by email request to the above address, or to micheleh@hesston.edu.

Passion Week - Resurrection Sunday

The Empty Tomb

He is risen! He is risen indeed! With these words we greet one another on this great and wonderful day! Good Friday has past - Easter Sunday has come. "We have passed from death to life. Hallelujah!"

The music in our worship service this morning was fantastic. The prelude of organ, trumpet, congregational hymns all prepared our hearts for a great time of worship. The morning message was well given and well received. Special music by a mixed ensemble singing with Tony Brown was exceptional. All was a means for true worshipers to enter into the spirit of worship and praise for the mighty act of God in raising Jesus to life. Hallelujah!

I would never even attempt to second guess God, but I have often wondered what might have taken place if things had been different. Such as the stone remaining over the grave where Jesus had lain. After all the stone wasn't removed so that He could get out, but so that others could see, and enter in. And the two women who went to the tomb on that "first day of the week" were wondering on their way who was going to roll the stone away for them so that they could anoint Jesus' body (Mark 16:2,3). And should it have been necessary for someone to roll the stone away for them, what might have been their response then in finding Jesus gone and an angel sitting there instead? And what might have been the response of the Roman soldiers who had been "guarding" the tomb in finding it empty when the stone had been there all the time? Just some "what ifs" that have gone through my wondering mind.

But that's not how God chose to do things. And I like God's way, because it was God's way. Sometimes my way conflicts with God's way. Does that ever happen to you? And sometimes it is even hard to accept God's way rather than my own. And sometimes I don't follow God's way, and God calls that sin. For me, that's what this "Holy Week" is all about - God rescuing us from our sinful, willful, ways and calling us to follow Him and His ways. That often takes us through the valley of the shadow of death, or across rough paths, or through sorrow, suffering, and other often unpleasant pathways. But Easter, or as I prefer, Resurrection Sunday, is about what God offers on the other side of those things. Its about finding life, even in the midst of, or beyond those things. Its finding God's way to live, to follow Christ in life.

My prayer is that God will continue to lead me through some of life's darker times to those times of life, joy, and service that He has for me. Then Resurrection Sunday can happen over and over again. And so I remain just a

Pilgrim on the way

Passion Week - Good Friday

Trial and Crucifixion

This painting of Jesus on the cross is one of those traditionally used. Many others were available, some showing the blood and gore of the scene. In some respects, one of those might have been appropriate to use here, but I chose this one as it very simply brings a visual reminder of our Lord's act of love and mercy.

Jesus' trial was a farce in the best of human imaginations. But then it could be assumed that it was representative of most trials conducted by Rome. And while we can critique the methods used to send Jesus to the cross, we need to acknowledge that without some sort of unfairness Jesus probably wouldn't have been sentenced to die in that way.

The seven words of Christ are often used for meditations on this day around the country. But one of my favorite themes in remembering the death of Jesus is one that I have very seldom heard expounded. That theme comes from John's and Matthew's accounts of the event. Matthew records this: "And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit" (Matthew 27:50). The Apostle John records, "When he had received the dring, Jesus said, 'It is finished.' With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit" (John 19:30).

It has always been my contention that the Romans did not take Jesus' life - rather He gave it up. He gave it up voluntarily before he would have died from the crucifixion itself. (Remember how the soldiers were surprised when they came to sped up the process of death by breaking the legs of the dying - they found that Jesus had already died, and they didn't need to break his legs.) Jesus had said in a passage in John 10:17-18: "The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life -- only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father."

One might ask why this is important. It is important to me because it reveals that God is in control of what happened to Jesus, even if it didn't seem that way to his followers who were there. After all it was God's purpose in sending Jesus for Him to die for the sins of mankind. But it was to happen at the time of God's choosing. It was God who made the decision that the work Jesus came to do was finished.

One more thing to remember here. God's way to life is through death. That was true for Jesus and it is true for all who would follow Him. Jesus' own words were, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life for me will save it" (Luke 9:23-24). As was so aptly put by the speaker at the Good Friday breakfast this morning in the Villa, "Easter must always be preceded by Good Friday." That's God's way. We await Easter morning!

There will be no post here for Saturday. I remain -

Pilgrim on the way

Passion Week - Maundy Thursday

Maundy Thursday

The term "Maundy Thursday" is a term commonly used for the day before Good Friday, but its meaning is often not known. For a definition and description of this term, follow this link.

One of the most fascinating events in the life of Jesus took place as the twelve disciples sat around the table at what is commonly called "The Last Supper." Jesus told them that one of them sitting at the table with them would betray him. The disciples were puzzled by this and began to discuss it among themselves. Then Jesus said that it would be the one dipping in the dish with Him. When Judas was pinpointed as the one, Jesus told him to do quickly what he was planning to do. Bold Peter said, "Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death," (Luke 22:33). But Jesus warned him that before the cock crew in the morning, Peter would deny him three times.

The Last Supper was the time when Jesus wanted to draw His disciples close to him and give them the opportunity to make their final commitment to Him. Surely the betrayal of Judas and the knowledge of Peter's coming denials saddened the Master. But His grief was only about to begin.

Following their intimate time together in the upper room, Jesus took the remaining eleven disciples and went out to the Garden of Gethsemane to prepare for the upcoming events. While Jesus was praying so earnestly that He sweat drops of blood, the disciples were overcome with fatigue and went to sleep. Obviously they did not comprehend the intensity or gravity of the situation that was about to begin for them and for Jesus. I can only imagine that when the people came with swords and spears, they became wide awake immediately.

Jesus' arrest and trial are always difficult for me to contemplate, but once again in this season of the year I must. But we'll leave that for tomorrow's discussion. Until then I remain -

Pilgrim on the way

Passion Week - Wednesday

Teaching the Disciples

In following the life of Jesus during what we call Passion Week, we move now from the temple courts in Jerusalem to the upper room in Bethany. From the Gospel accounts, the place and time for the disciples and Jesus to observe the Passover was prearranged by Jesus.

While all of the Gospels give an account of the Passover, or feast of unleavened bread, only John gives an account of Jesus washing the disciples feet. John also gives an extended account of the teachings Jesus gave to these men at this event. There were lessons to be learned just Jesus' example of washing his disciples' feet -- to follow Him meant servitude rather than demanding service, learning humility by performing the duty of a servant, and learning to find meaning and blessing in putting oneself in such a position. Other lessons Jesus taught here include: 1) as His followers they would be vulnerable in facing possible enemies - such as Peter was; 2) they were not to fear but take courage in the days ahead -- times would be difficult; 3) Jesus was going to go away but the Holy Spirit would come to be their teacher and guide; 4) the world would hate them, as it hated Him; 5) they would soon experience deep sorrow, but would later be filled with joy; 6) they were to seek to live in unity and harmony with one another. The prayer of Jesus recorded in John 17 must have been uttered in the presence of the disciples and therefore was a part of His teaching to them (John 17:1).

I wonder when I review these passages how well we (I) have learned these lessons. Do I understand my vulnerability when as I go about in my world? Am I sometimes fearful when I face uncertain days ahead? Do I allow the Holy Spirit to teach, lead, and comfort me day by day? Does my life always radiate the joy of the Lord? Am I in unity with my fellow believers, those with whom I worship and fellowship? These are sobering questions, and as I approach the latter days of this week, I want to work on these, and other issues in my life. Will you journey with me?

Pilgrim on the way

P.S. Could this be a modern day version of the above painting?

Passion Week - Tuesday

Teaching in the Temple

Following the activities of Jesus during passion week is a bit difficult. My effort to do that took me through the Gospels. My conclusion is that He spent a couple of days teaching the crowds that gathered around Him there, and also some time teaching the disciples. For Him it appears these days were days of offering to the Jews one last time the opportunity to accept Him for who He said He was. It was also evident that not only did the Jewish authorities not accept His message, but that they took strong steps to do away with Him.

Some of the subjects Jesus spoke about were about proper attitudes in giving, as in the picture here, signs of the end of the age, the resurrection and marriage, and on paying taxes, to name a few. He also had some debates with the Jewish leaders. Due to His action in cleansing the temple, His authority to do such things was questioned and responded to. Jesus also took this opportunity to ask the Jews some questions, such as "How is it that the teachers of the law say that the Christ is the son of David? David himself, speaking by the Holy Spirit, declared, 'The Lord said to my Lord: Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet.' David himself calls him Lord. How then can he be his son?" (Mark 12:35-37). Of course they had no answer to give to this question.

We note in the Gospels that Jesus taught in the temple areas during the day and left the city for the night. Some say simply that He left the city. One says He went to the Mount of Olives to spend the night. One says that He was in Jerusalem in the day and in Bethany at night. At any rate He was obviously not wanting to stay in the city during the night, probably so that He could remain safe from those who were seeking to destroy Him. They were afraid to try anything during the day because they were afraid of the crowds, who were yet finding Jesus interesting to listen to.

Finally the time came for Jesus to go into "hiding." It becomes evident that He still wanted to teach some things to the disciples before His death. He gave instructions to have an upper room in Bethany prepared for their observance of the Passover, where, as we know, He instituted, what we call, the Lord's Supper. We'll take up there tomorrow.

Pilgrim on the way

Passion Week - Monday

Cleansing the Temple

It is my intention to do a blog each day of this Holy Week. I'm centering my thoughts this week on the tone of the events in the life of Jesus, which it appears to me, are often much different than our traditional interpretation of those events. I'm not sure what all will come of this - only the passing of the week will tell.

While it appears that the time when Jesus cleansed the temple was the same day as the triumphal entry, it is appropriate to make that our subject for this blog.

Each of the four gospels include the story of Jesus cleansing the temple, however John includes it at the beginning of Jesus' ministry rather than just preceding his crucifixion. At any rate, even though it is a short story, it is important in our understanding of what was happening here.

The action of the followers of Jesus in waving their palm branches, putting down their cloaks, and crying "Hosanna" was reminiscent of previous events in the life of these people. For instance, William Barclay in his commentary on Mark records that Judas Maccabaeus came into Jerusalem, after he drove out Antiocheius following his desecration of the temple, in much the same manner as Jesus had done. The cries of the people were an almost verbatim quotation of the verses found in Psalm 118:25-27. It was a cry for God to come and deliver them from the throes of enemy occupation and control over them.

So entering the temple in Jerusalem was thought to be a sign of Jesus beginning the overthrow of the Roman occupation, as were some of the earlier events symbolizing victory over the enemy. Jesus did enter the temple, and cleansed it of those who were taking financial advantage of the many hundreds of visitors who came in to Jerusalem for the great passover feast. This act was one which again signaled the different direction that Jesus was taking in showing what his role as Messiah was to mean. He was not going to overthrow the occupiers but instead was intent on throwing out the system which had taken a wrong turn and was totally out of sinc with what God wanted for His people. This event was surely to put Jesus in harms way, and the teachings which followed would eventually lead to his arrest, trial, and crucifixion.

As we continue through this important week we will notice some final teachings of Jesus to the public, as well as some specifically to the disciples. Jesus is trying to prepare his followers for the horrendous events that were ahead. Jesus' earlier teaching that his followers were to "take up your cross and follow me," were about to take perhaps a more literal turn than they were expecting.

Pilgrim on the way

Sunday Times - Fourth Edition

PALM SUNDAY

I guess we all know that its Palm Sunday, don't we. And I suppose that some of us may have differences of opinion on the meaning of this day, or of how to observe this day. And since this is my blog spot I guess I am free to express my views of this day.

Most of the time Palm Sunday is observed in our churches by the call to express our exuberance and joy by waving palm leaves and singing joyful songs and shouting "Hosanna," and sometimes marching. That's the way they did it on the first Palm Sunday, right?

In stopping to reflect on the term "Hosanna" we learn that it meant "Lord, save us," a cry for deliverance from the tyranny of Rome. That puts a bit of a different slant on what this might have been about. For when Jesus did not replace Pilot, or Herod, by establishing himself as rightful ruler of the Jews, the Jews turned on him and shouted "crucify him, crucify him."

My take on this day and this event is to look at it from Jesus' perspective. Jesus knew what lie ahead, and for him it wasn't anything to shout about. Instead, he wept when he looked down on the city of Jerusalem. "As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, 'If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace - but now it is hidden from your eyes." Jesus goes on to prophesy the destruction of Jerusalem and the total annihilation of their worship center and the killing of many people, including children - "because you did not recognize the time of God's coming to you." This was indeed a very sad day for Jesus the Christ.

Somehow for me Palm Sunday represents the beginning of the end, the bitter end for Jesus as he faced the cross. That's one of the reasons I like to participate in the Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services. It helps me keep what I think is the right perspective on what is commonly called "Holy Week."

Was Jesus a king, as the crowds proclaimed (Luke 19:38)? It was all right for them to proclaim that, but unfortunately their understanding of what that meant was erroneous. During his trial Pilate asked Jesus if he was indeed a king, and his reply was, "Yes, it is as you say" (Luke 23:3). And in John, Jesus adds, "My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place. 'You are a king then! said Pilate. Jesus answered, "You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me" (John 18:36,37).

And so on Palm Sunday I see Jesus going into a situation that he knew would result in his death. Jesus' heart was filled with sorrow and grief because of the rejection of him as God's promised Messiah and King - "He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him" (John 1:11).

My heart grieves also when I see the rejection of Jesus the King by our world at large today. And many who proclaim to be his followers also have not as yet accepted him as their king in the here and now, some still looking for Jesus to come sometime to establish a throne in Jerusalem. I grieve for them as well.

That's my take on this day. Comments are welcome, as always. And I remain -

Pilgrim on the way

Sunday Times - Third Edition

Everybody Needs a Friendly Sock

This is a story about a black cat named Slickfester Dude and a Siamese cat named Tjej (Tjej is swedish for 'girl' and it's pronounced Shay.) Slickfester and Tjej were real cats, and Tjej really did these things. Slick's conversation with me is, of course, imaginary.

"She's doing it again," Slick told me one evening as he jumped up onto the bed next to me. Downstairs, I could hear Tjej making cat noises.

"Sounds like she's got her sock," I said to Slick, who rolled his eyes.

"She is so strange," he said.

Moments later, Tjej showed up in the bedroom. In her mouth was a rolled up pair of socks. She set them down, said a few words, and lay down beside them.

"When did all this start?" Slick wanted to know.

"When she was a kitten she played with socks she found in the clean laundry basket," I explained. "She carried them around like a doll and talked to them."

"But she's not a kitten anymore. So what's her problem?"

"Actually, she quit for a while, until she had kittens of her own. Then she started again, as if to teach them about playing sock."

"I saw one in the food dish one day," Slick said. "And another time, it was in the water pan."

"I know. She treats them as if they're alive. Like they're friends."

"I saw one on the bed next to her grown-up son, Lloyd. Does that mean he's doing it too?" Slick sounded quite disgusted.

"I don't think so. I saw Tjej put that sock there, next to him, while he was taking a nap," I said. "In fact, she did that to me once."

"She gave you the sock?"

"Yep. I was taking a nap, and when I woke up, the sock was lying against my arm. As if Tjej was giving it to me to be my friend."

"Very peculiar," Slick said. "It's probably because she's Siamese."

"What do you mean by that?"

"Weird cats, those Siamese."

"Any weirder than black ones?"

"What do you mean by that?" Slickfester Dude sat up straight and glared at me.

"I mean, all of you cats are unique and special because of what's inside of you, and your color or breeding isn't what's important."

"Well, it's what's inside of that Siamese that's strange."

-----Carol Duerksen

Reprinted by permission from Now It Springs Up by Carol Duerksen, Michele Hershberger, and Laurie Oswald Robinson. Published by WillowSpring Downs, email willowspringdowns@juno.com

playing the meds game

For the last number of years, about 12 I suppose, I have been playing the meds game. It wasn't that difficult at first, but somehow life has gotten more complex health-wise the last few years. At first it was taking an aspirin and cholesterol medication. Now it includes thyroid, adrenal, and a couple of heart related meds, plus several supplements and a couple of over the counter stuff. Sometimes it seems like the different meds are fighting against one another, but the pharmacist seems to think there isn't a problem with what I'm doing.

Part of my problem with meds is that I have decided that I need to be in control of my health, and of what I put into my body. That's o.k. but today it got me in trouble with one of my doctors. I haven't been following his orders exactly like I was supposed to. I guess I learned that in dealing with thyroid medication I need to be very precise as to how to follow doctor's orders. In most cases that's probably a good thing to do anyway.

The other thing about the medical profession these days is that it's so specialized. Sometimes I wish I could go some place and have an overall review of all my "problems" under one doctor, but unless one goes to Mayo clinic or some similar place that just doesn't happen. So one doctor prescribes a med for one thing and another doctor a med for something else. I rely on my pharmacist to help me sort out these things. He's very good about that.

So much for all that. The meds game is tricky to play. But for now that seems to be the only way to continue to live in today's world. Until its time to change worlds, I remain -

Pilgrim on the way

The Sunday Times

My thoughts for this week come from someone whom I call a friend. I met Tony Brown a couple of years ago after I had heard him sing several times. Tony is an internationally acclaimed baritone who is a promoter of peace and good will around the world. Tony has traveled to areas of conflict as a peace ambassador in Europe, Asia, Africa and North America.

I appreciate receiving Tony's permission to use the words of his song, "Each Other's Light," for our thoughts for this week. I hope you take time to read the words of this song. I only wish I could bring the music to you as well.

Each Other's Light

Look at the world with me, is this how it should be?

people dyin' cryn' out for peace.

Nations prolong history’s bitter song, till all our hope and innocence is gone.

And how in all the death and pain can freedom flow like falling rain?

For love to live tomorrow we must melt away this sorrow.

Refrain:

If we can see each other’s light

then we can be each other’s light

and all the war and hate will disappear.

If we can both see eye to eye

raise our hearts and voices to the sky.

Then we’ll find beauty so clear, love without fear -

If we can see each other’s light.

Dream with me of how this world could be

if our love was without walls and boundaries.

Then we would know no enemy or foe

and the seeds of peace could root and start to grow.

If we could as one decide to lay down our arms and pride.

Then our children would not sorrow

there’d be joy for their tomorrow

Refrain:

We fight to protect our land, but we don’t understand

that we must walk hand in hand.

In unity we can plant a garden of peace,

a garden of hope, a garden where every one will know.

That there is light in every living thing.

So let us see each other’s light,

so we can be each other’s light.

And all the war and hate will disappear.

When we both see eye to eye,

raise our hearts and voices to the sky.

We will find beauty so clear, love with out fear -

When we see each other’s light

Used with permission from Tony Brown 2/29/2008