March 2008 - To See or Not to See

John 9:1 As he (Jesus) walked along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned; he was born blind so that God’s works might be revealed in him. 4We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming when no one can work. 5As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” 6When he had said this, he spat on the ground and made mud with the saliva and spread the mud on the man’s eyes, 7saying to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which means Sent). Then he went and washed and came back able to see.

On the weekend of March 2nd and 3rd, we will hear the powerful story of John, chapter nine. This entire chapter of the Gospel of John deals with a man who receives his sight from Jesus. In typical style of the storyteller of John, we are encouraged to see double meaning in this “vision” giving. The man is given sight but more importantly, as the story progresses, he comes to see the Light of the world, Jesus Christ. Learned religious officials, so it appears, choose not to have that type of vision when it comes to Jesus. They do not see him as the Light of the world. They do not recognize the hope, life, and good news His message brings. This theme, “ To See or Not to See” reminds us of the great dilemma for 21st century Christians. Where is God calling us in our personal lives and to what type of ministry is God calling Holy Trinity Lutheran Church? Discernment is never an easy task. Faithfulness to God’s call in one person’s eyes is paramount to blasphemy to another. Keeping our eyes on Christ is never an easy task, especially when it is human nature to keep eyes on self, or at least the things that we want in life.

I met with our Holy Trinity Church Council in a weekend retreat in February. The mood was positive and yet realistic. We did some visioning. In that discernment, we were reminded that we were graced with a past year of faithful ministry. We also recognized that our growing congregation faces challenges. Do you suppose that we need Jesus to rub some mud in our eyes on the way to better vision?

We are a congregation with attributes which growing congregations possess. For example, we have a vibrant worship life with great variety in three weekend services led by gifted staff members. We also have family ministry opportunities that few congregations can match. Members often remark at the large number of children present at our youth message times. An exceptional preschool directed by Jenny Goodno and a Youth and Family Ministry with Sara McCaw lead the way. A growing and exciting process of Christian Education for all ages also continues here.

In all this, I understand that some of us, including me, are coming to realize that the daily demand of maintaining this ministry is beyond the ability of one pastor, at least beyond mine. I often feel overwhelmed as I recognize that many key aspects of ministry go unattended. The most obvious is pastoral care and new member development.

A parallel to that vision process will need to be the question of giving (finances). This calendar year of ministry finds us in a “faith budget.” We are not sure if will meet all the ministry expenses for 2008 and remember all too well that 2007 brought a shortfall in giving. I believe our financial leaders prepared a sound budget for 2007, but our giving fell short. I am always confident that God directed ministry is never really blocked by lack of funds. The Holy Spirit will direct and encourage us if God decides that we are to continue to grow as we have in past years. I am eager to join in a vision filled with prayer and a watchful eye. Our congregation has more than enough financial resource in our families for whatever ministry God will set before us. With patience and hope we will together join in this journey of, “To See or Not to See?”