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A reflection on the recent midwest tornadoes and how to help... from Pastor Tim & Pastor Matt This past weekend, at least 27 tornadoes rolled over 200 miles through Missouri, Arkansas, Mississippi, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee, and Kentucky. As we continue to learn about the massive destruction and loss of human life in places either foreign or familiar, it is normal to feel the entire spectrum of human emotions. It is normal to feel the entire spectrum of human emotions. First things, first. There has been an incredible response of local church and first-responders to the needs of those directly affected by last weekend's tornadoes. From search and rescues to food and from comfort dogs to clean-up, people are being the hands and feet of Jesus in the midst of tragedy. We can first go to God in prayer. Ask Him that people's light would shine through relief efforts, simple words, and the presence of ordinary people coming together for help and healing. Why? So that all may see it and give glory to God (John 8:12). Lutheran Church Charities is a national disaster relief organization. They have deployed people to assess damage for work, chainsaw, debris removal, and ministering to those in need through the local church. If you would like to:
Go directly to Lutheran Church Charities at www.lutheranchurchcharities.org. Want to Talk? If you would like to talk to somebody, our ministry team and care ministers are here for you. Please reach out to the church office to schedule an appointment. From search and rescues to food and from comfort dogs to clean-up, people are being the hands and feet of Jesus in the midst of tragedy. It is OK to ask questions and seek understanding. When horrific things happen, it is normal for us to seek understanding.
In fact, an early church leader, Augustine says that faith seeks understanding. In other words, seeking understanding is not a demonstration of a lack of faith. In fact, it is the opposite. We seek to understand events that are out of our control and do not seem aligned to who we know God to be because we already have a relationship with God. That’s why circumstances like the recent tornados can stir up questions, doubts, and emotions. In a way, seeking to understand these events with God in mind is a clear demonstration of our faith in Jesus, not the lack of it. Into the Unknown. Oftentimes, we feel the gap between what we know about God from the Scriptures, what we expect from God based on our relationship with Jesus, and our lived human experience. When we are in this “gap”, we are in the unknown and therefore, seek understanding. Let’s focus a moment on the three responses already shared (above). When we are in this “gap”, we are in the unknown and therefore, seek understanding. 1. How could God allow this to happen? God is described as both a Loving Creator and an Almighty Ruler of All Creation. The Philosopher, Aristotle would describe God as the Immovable Mover. Let’s reframe the question. Who said that God allowed this to happen? What if the tornadoes happened because everything on this side of heaven from humanity to creation is broken? And what if part of that brokenness is that weather wreaks havoc on people, places, and things? And just like we need to deal with our own human brokenness, we need to deal with the brokenness of weather patterns? It’s not that God isn’t in control of all things and still doesn’t silent the winds and the rains… it’s that the nature of weather is broken. And just like we live in the “now and not yet”, simultaneously completely broken and completely forgiven, our weather is also in a “now and not yet” reality - simultaneously producing destructive storms and restorative precipitation and sunshine to nourish creation. We can be confident of one thing: there are no tornadoes, death, or destruction in heaven. Who said that God allowed this to happen? 2. I know God allowed this to happen, but I don’t know why. For all the modern world’s research, science, and advancements, our human understanding of God remains extremely limited. These tools are great gifts and do an amazing job of describing how situations, phenomena, and wonders of our world occur. However, they rarely satisfy our curiosity to understand “why”. We are reminded of Paul writing to the church in Corinth about a “thorn in his side” that God allowed and didn’t remove despite him pleading multiple times. The oft-quoted words God spoke to Paul - “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9) - remind us of important truths when facing trials, evil, and brokenness.
For all the modern world’s research, science, and advancements, our human understanding of God remains extremely limited. 3. I’m angry at God, but trusting Him at the same time. The anger is real. As people shaped by the Western American value of personal responsibility, we can be honest and admit that we tend to look for somebody to blame because the one who causes the inconvenience, pain, and suffering is also responsible to fix it. It’s fair to ask the question, “who is to blame?”. So, let’s listen to Jesus’ answer… His answer is always better than our own. Jesus had someone ask him who is responsible for a man’s inconvenience, pain, and suffering? Because whoever it is, they’re responsible to fix it. Jesus’ response: “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life. As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world” (John 9:3-5). In other words, there is no blame. Instead, look for Jesus. Let’s listen to Jesus’ answer… His answer is always better than our own. The Best Place to Be is With Jesus. When disaster strikes - whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, we want clarity. What is wrong? How do we make it right - right now. Martin Luther says it best, “When you look around and wonder whether God cares, you must always hurry to the cross and you must see Him there.” Jesus is always in the middle of pain and suffering. At the cross, Jesus righted the wrongs for all times, in all places, for all people. If we want to know where Jesus is working, look for pain and suffering. If we want to join Jesus on His mission, look for pain and suffering. In these moments:
And by doing so, you let your light shine so that people will see your good deeds and join you in giving glory to God (John 8:12). When you look around and wonder whether God cares, you must always hurry to the cross and you must see Him there. How Can I Help?
Lutheran Church Charities, a national disaster relief organization, will be deploying to assess damage for work, chainsaw, debris removal, and ministering to those in need through the local church. Additionally, Lutheran Church Charities have deployed comfort dogs and ministers to the Edwardsville, Illinois area. They will be helping create a safe and spiritual environment for the communities affected by the damaged Amazon warehouse in Edwardsville, to share love and compassion to the victims, and assist in helping first responders process their grief. You can help by making a donation directly to Lutheran Church Charities at www.lutheranchurchcharities.org. You can also pray for the families affected by the tornadoes to experience the unconditional love of Jesus through the hands, feet, and voices of ordinary people. And seriously… We are always here for you if you want to talk. Love you much. Pastor Tim and Pastor Matt Advent is all about Jesus’ arrival - at both Christmastime and at the end of all human time. And, this week, we want to orient our hearts to look for and see “Jesus-things”. Here’s the point: Look for what God is looking for and maybe we’ll begin to see Jesus’ “advent” in a whole new way. Let’s start with the obvious: you don’t need to go very far to see the shadows of Christmas.
The many things we cherish are, no doubt, shadows of the arrival of Jesus at Christmastime. Now, you can call me a “Scrooge” when I say this: while all of these shadows are good and helpful, I have not yet found a place in the Bible where Christmas lights, rich food, holiday trees and ornaments, candy canes, or presents are pointing the way to Jesus. They’re all very much a cultural expression of an ancient truth. Again - they’re helpful… they’re just not in the Bible. So, as we turn the corner in our Advent journey to focus on the hope that Jesus brings, let’s take a moment and look at five Jesus-things God looks for… and if it’s good enough for God - it’s probably good enough for us, too. Look for what God is looking for and maybe we’ll begin to see Jesus’ “advent” in a whole new way. Here we go... Humble Servanthood - Luke 1:48 says that when Jesus arrives as a baby, God looks for humility and a servant’s heart. Beyonce is right when she said, “God is God and I am not”. That’s humility. And servanthood is joyfully responding to the work of God through praising the One who is God and loving the people and creation God gives to us. In fact, Luke 1:52 actually says when Jesus arrives, that God replaces the arrogant and prideful people with those who are humble servants. This is true both at Christmas and at the end of human time. How is my heart feeling about God being God and me not being God? Am I OK with that? Is there something I need to change in my thinking or feeling that will allow me to be OK with this truth? “God is God and I am not”. A fear of God - In Luke 1:50, God looks for those who demonstrate a reverent honor and respect toward what God can do - namely, give them mercy. Mercy is receiving undeserved favor. God looks for the undeserving and makes them deserving of His unconditional love, forgiveness, and power. It’s like a Christmas present. It’s yours… but you need to freely receive it and own it. The ironic thing is that the more aware we become of God’s mercy given to us in Jesus, we develop a deeper honor and respect for God. Let that sit on your mind for a while and see where it leads you. How much do I need God’s unconditional and undeserved mercy? Am I in awe of this, or do I take it for granted? Lord, forgive me when I don’t honor and respect this gift! The more aware we become of God’s mercy given to us in Jesus, we develop a deeper honor and respect for God. The proud - Yes - Luke 1:51 does seem to say that God looks for the proud. When God sees them, He doesn’t bury them in guilt, shame, or cancel them like we ordinarily would want to do (hello, social media?). Rather God sees them (that’s grace!) and He allows them to be scattered in their own thoughts, pride, and arrogance. Let’s be honest, sometimes we discount the work God is already doing in the lives of people and think that we must be the power behind the life change. That’s not how God works. God convicts us by showing us our “scattered mindedness”. I’m reminded of Peter’s words, “Lord, to who else would we go? You have the words of eternal life” (John 6:68). For the proud, the words of Joel 2:13 resonate: “Return to the Lord, your God, for He is gracious and merciful. Slow to anger and abounding in unconditional love”. Where in my life am I proud? May I return to you in all areas of my life… make me more like Jesus. You alone have the words of eternal life. “Return to the Lord, your God, for He is gracious and merciful. Slow to anger and abounding in unconditional love” Hungry people - Luke 1:53 lifts up the hungry in body and spirit. Where are the hungry bellies and souls around you? Let’s follow Jesus’ example when He feeds people on the mountaintops and valleys, front rooms and backrooms with His teaching, His healing, bread and wine, and the loaves and fish that is passed around with the Zacchaeus' (Luke 19) and Nicodemouses (John 3) in our lives. Am I “hungry” for you? Do I want more of your Word? Do I crave more of your presence? Or, do I starve myself by relying on my own body weight to sustain me throughout the day? Where are the hungry bellies and souls around you? Rich people - It seems as if God looks for rich people and empties their bank accounts. Now before we think of socialism or go all Robin Hood, let’s look at what Jesus actually does. Jesus never “robs” people. Jesus never “takes from Peter to pay Paul”. Instead, Jesus says things like, “give to Caesar what is Caesar's and God what is God’s” (Mark 12:17). We also see rich people walking away from Jesus (Matthew 19:22 and Mark 10:22). They aren’t walking away because Jesus sent them away, but rather Jesus’ way of living meant that they had to part with their hard earned or inherited riches. . . not because they "have" to - but because they "get" to. They were sad because they so wanted to follow Jesus, but they also wanted to part with something that became part of their identity. For you, does your wealth shape your lifestyle of following Jesus? Or, does your lifestyle of following Jesus shape what you do with your wealth? By the way, I’m just pointing out what Mary, Jesus’ mother sees when Jesus arrives in her tummy. Check out her song in Luke 1:46-55. Jesus’ way of living meant that you must part with your hard earned or inherited riches... not because you "have" to - rather, because you "get" to. Here’s the point: If it’s good enough for God to look for - it’s good enough for me, too.
Keep looking for the things God is looking for and maybe we’ll begin to see Jesus’ arrival in a whole new way. Jesus has come. Jesus is risen. Jesus will come again. God’s voice is best heard in silence. I think about Elijah in 1 Kings 19:11-13. A boy named Elijah is trying to listen for God’s voice. Interestingly enough, he doesn’t hear God speak in wind, earthquake, or fire. Instead, Elijah hears God speak in the silence of a gentle whisper. If you’re like me, you’re always listening to something. We listen to the loud winds of the news feeds and media. We listen to the traumatic earthquakes happening in people’s lives and in our culture. We listen to the foray of fires in our workplaces and relationships. We don’t need to necessarily listen to anything sinister to find ourselves feeling overwhelmed, cluttered, and busy listening to everything else in life - other than Jesus. God’s voice is best heard in silence. Think about it with me…
God sends us silent moments everyday as we prepare to celebrate Jesus’ first advent (Christmas) to declutter our thoughts, stills our heart’s rat race of a rhythm, and gives us confidence in whose and who we are. The question is, do we take, open, and use God’s gift of silence? Slow Down and Stop. Sit and be still. Listen and Seek to Understand. My desire to embrace silence in the midst of the winds, earthquakes, and fires around me is really a “heart-thing” than a “schedule-thing”. The question is, do we take, open, and use God’s gift of silence? Roman Catholic Pastor, Thomas Keating once said that silence is the expression of our intent to surrender our will to God’s presence and action. If I were completely honest with you, it’s easy to choose busyness to feel productive and worth something to others. I listen to the voices in my own head instead of seeking the voice of the One whose second advent is coming soon (Revelation 21:5) and who says I am loved and accepted for who I am, not for what I do. The bottom line question (for me, and perhaps you, too) is this: do I want to hear Jesus’ voice more than anything else? If not - then Jesus’ voice will always be second to the noise and clutter of preparing to celebrate Jesus’ first advent (Christmas). But, if I do want to hear Jesus’ voice more than anything else, then slowing down and stopping, sitting and being still, and listening for Jesus’ voice will always be a priority until Jesus’ second advent (His Return). Do I want to hear Jesus’ voice more than anything else? For me, in my current season of life, finding an entire hour or even 30 minutes of uninterrupted silence is almost impossible. And, while I also have my own devotional rhythm, that’s more of a “work pattern” than a personal habit. (That’s part of the reality of the pastor-life… personal devotional life can quickly run dry because you’re always reading the Bible, devotional books, and in prayer for others as “your job”… I’m happy to unpack it more sometime, if you’d like.) So, here’s what I do… you can join me, if you wish! I remember this because our area code is 2-5-3.
In his book What’s Wrong with the World, G.K. Chesterton said, “Anything worth doing is worth doing badly [at first]”. This was clunky at first. But, over a short period of time, it has become something I can’t live without. The goal is to consciously and consistently experience God’s gift of silence in order to listen for the voice of Jesus at some point everyday - not to all become silent monks. And, how better to prepare for Jesus’ first and second advent (Christmas and His Return) than by getting to know His voice and following Him wherever He leads us? After all, Jesus Himself is the best Christmas gift we could ever receive. Anything worth doing is worth doing badly [at first]. Where will you find your consistent silent moments each day to say, “Lord, speak, I’m listening.”?
Advent.
I’ll be the first one to admit that it is a “churchy” word. You probably don’t hear it outside of “church world”. Afterall, the word, “advent” has its roots in the Roman Catholic tradition derived from the Latin word, “adventus” which literally means “coming”. Putting “advent” in its right place, it is a “churchy” word that is often connected to getting ready for the coming of Jesus at Christmastime. So, we plan parties, decorate homes, prepare for church services, and listen to carols. But, whether you grew up with the word, “advent” or you’re just learning about it - I want to invite you to consider how the first Christians thought about and practiced advent. They didn’t see advent as manger scenes, charcuterie boards, Amazon lists, and Pentatonix on Spotify, but rather looking for Jesus to return (Matthew 24:36, John 14:3, 1 Thessalonians 5:2, Revelation 22:7). Simply put, advent was about their hearts - not about their calendar. They practiced silence. Diligently looking. Waiting well. So, over the next three weeks of blogs, I’m going to help us dive into silence, looking, and waiting… not for Jesus in a manger, but for Jesus coming back and making all things new (Revelation 21:5). So, share this blog with family and friends as we rest in silence to hear God speak through prayer. Look diligently for ordinary things that point to Jesus’ presence today and his coming in the future. And, wait well as we are patient - not jumping to conclusions, but resting in God’s Word. Sure, in this season of “advent”, let’s continue to get ready for the coming of Jesus at Christmas. Hang lights. Sing carols. Go to church. Let’s also prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus - whenever that will be. Jesus has come. Jesus is risen. Jesus will come again. Reflection Questions
From time to time, we all find ourselves in a hot mess. . . especially during the Christmas holidays. The truth is, God didn’t create us or redeem us to be a hot mess. God has created us in His image (Genesis 1-2) which means that we are more complex than we could ever imagine. We have emotions that feel brokenness and wholeness. We have curious minds that wonder and seek understanding (“why?”). We have lives that ache and long for connection. So, in all of this beautiful complexity that we can humanity, here are three things God gives us permission to do when you’re in a hot mess this holiday season (and anytime!). You have permission to ugly cry. It’s OK for ugly tears and laughing until your side hurts to co-exist. Take a note from Joy and Sadness, themselves. God gives us both joy and sadness to feel and to own. So, cry away. Your tears are given by God to express your sadness just as much as your giggles are given by God to express your joy. You have permission to care for yourself. I was recently reminded that in moments of crisis and trauma, before tending to others, you must first care for yourself. Here is what caring for yourself might look like:
Bethany Dearborn Hiser says “taking care of ourselves is essential for our well-being as beloved children of God, allowing us to be effective and resilient, loving people instead of using those we serve to support or enhance our own sense of worth”. You can check out Bethany’s entire article from Christianity Today, here. You have permission to find your way back to Jesus. Between the hot messes and ugly tears combined with all the feels, it’s easy to lose sight of Jesus. The good news is that Jesus has never lost sight of you. These five responses may help you as you find your way back to Jesus:
What have you found helpful when you're in a hot mess during the Christmas holiday season? Let me know at [email protected]. Hi Friends!
I want to share an update regarding the Environmental Safety issues at Main Campus and how we are moving forward. First, great news about this week’s Sunday Worship! We plan to gather for Sunday Worship on-site at 8:00, 9:30, and 11:00am and online at 8:00, and 9:30am! Here’s what to expect Sunday: West Bathrooms by the chapel are closed. Public bathrooms can be found in the following locations:
Otherwise, this Sunday will feel pretty “normal.”
What's happened so far this week… On Monday, a Professional Abatement Team (PAT) isolated the facility areas compromised by the Environmental Safety Issues and began “cleaning the air.” On Wednesday, the PAT began remediating the environmental hazards, removing carpet, sheetrock, and other contaminated items that cannot be cleaned over the next three days. They will also attempt to clean as many of the free-standing items located in the affected areas as possible. After everything is cleaned, the basement will most likely be exclusively used for utility access. Furthermore, we are looking at installing groundwater control solutions to prevent future issues. A separate and related water issue was discovered inside the wall of the West Bathrooms (by the Chapel). This specific situation also contributed significantly to the overall environmental safety of the facility. We will know more about the extent of remediation and reconstruction necessary for the West Bathrooms later this week. Our Professional Abatement Team continues to remediate the environmental hazards in the affected areas of our Main Campus Facility. Thanks in advance for helping make Our Savior a place where all people can belong, gather, connect, serve, and be sent to love God, love people, and live like Jesus! Between now and Sunday, here’s how you can pray with us:
See you Sunday… on-site or online! Love you! Pastor Tim I want to share with you some really important news about what ministry may look like for you, this week.
Yesterday, we discovered environmental hazards related to mold, mildew, and water which severely limit the use of our Main Campus facility. As always, if you feel ill or are experiencing respiratory challenges, please consult a medical professional. As a result, it has been recommended that for the good and safety of the general public that we not gather at the Main Campus facility until the environmental safety issues have been isolated. We expect that these issues will be isolated by the middle of next week. After the issues have been isolated, we may be able to use parts of Main Campus (lobby, worship center) while still isolating the areas of the facility that need to be remediated. Here is what you need to know this week:
Thanks for your ongoing prayers over this matter as it is resolved with God's good gifts of skilled people, prayers, resources, and finances. Even during this unique upcoming week of ministry together, you and I will continue to love God, love people, and live like Jesus. I have no doubt that Jesus is with us right here… right now. I’ll see you Sunday, online! Love you! Pastor Tim Do stories of life change inspire you?
Well, here is some good news to brighten your day! Thanks to the generosity of ordinary people like you...
Remember when the world gets darker, Jesus shines brighter in and through you. Learn more and let's continue loving God, loving people, and living like Jesus when it comes to helping hungry people in our own communities at oslc.com/b4k. The COVID-19 pandemic is creating an unprecedented rise in mental health and substance use issues, leaving many of us asking how we can better support our friends and loved ones.
In June, I completed my training and certification to become a Mental Health First Aid Instructor and I'm excited to lead an online training on November 13, 2021 from 9am - 3pm, Online The course offers relevant and powerful training and resources you need to answer questions and have conversations about mental health. You will leave with a broader understanding of the mental health crisis we face and how together we can be helpful as a community and as individuals. You can register at oslc.com/mhfa or you can give our office a call at 253.531.2112. Mental Health First Aid, an international, evidence-based program that teaches people to identify, understand and respond to signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges. I think you’ll find it’s an extremely helpful program that’s well worth your time and investment. Love you! All fall and into the spring, we want to make disciples who love God, love people, and live like Jesus by:
So, I want to take a moment and share three points of unity that are fostering a culture of care and belonging as we embrace being a church (a people!) both onsite and online. Honor What do you do when everybody has a preference? When it comes to wearing face coverings, each of us has feelings, reasonings, and understandings of what they do and what they mean. ...and that's normal and very much OK. Right now, perhaps for reasons only God really knows, the State of Washington requires all people regardless of vaccination status to wear a face covering while in public spaces. As Jesus followers, we choose to come together in unity not over our preference of wearing face coverings, but in the unity of faith which honors the authorities God has placed in our lives (Romans 13, 1 Timothy 2:2). We also choose to honor each other's preferences over our own (Philippians 2) by wearing a face covering while on-campus. If you need a mask, we have plenty onsite as you enter any of our campus facilities. Where else do you see honor promoting unity in your life? "Be" the Church The unified church is seen wherever people are gathered together around God’s Word and promises - wherever they are. Jesus followers are never satisfied with only “going” to church onsite or online - we want to “be” the church everywhere we go. That’s why most everything we do onsite can be translated into an online or at-home experience. For example, we worship as "be" one united church in how we worship.
Another example of "being" the united church is Faith in Action. While the context or location of faith in action may change, you are choosing to be united as once church by living generously and living your life on mission - wherever you are... which happens onsite when people gather for a variety of service projects and can also happen right where you are - with the people in your life (even those who may not know Jesus or go to church).
You may know something your local neighborhood needs - you can give Kristi a call or send her an email at [email protected] to figure out how best you and some friends can make things happen. That’s faith in action. While the context or location of faith in action may change, you are choosing to be united as once church by living generously and living your life on mission - wherever you are. One last example: We grow in unity through Youth and Adult Life Groups and Bible Studies which help you become the intergenerational body of Christ. While some groups meet onsite, others find growth opportunities in their homes, neighborhoods, workplaces, and wherever else they find themselves.
Again, Jesus’ church is wherever people are gathered around God’s Word and promises. That’s why most everything we do onsite can be translated into an online or at-home experience - right where you are. Care We are united in our care for each other and our community. This unity flows from the love of Jesus who cares for each of us - right where we are.
So, let's continue to be unified in honoring others, "being the church", and caring for each other as we move into October and November - onsite... online... right where we are. I’m praying that you stay healthy and that together we continue to make disciples who love God, love people, and live like Jesus - everywhere. Love you! |
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Pastor Tim Meet Pastor TimTim Bayer has served as Our Savior's Lead Pastor since September 2019. He also serves as an Adjunct Instructor at Concordia University - Irvine, a National Leadership Facilitator and Resource, and with the Northwest District of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod. Archives
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4519 112th St E, Tacoma, WA 98446 Office Hours: Mon-Thu 8:30-3:00 Sunday Services: 9:00 & 10:30am |