Christmas Eve 2016

Christmas Eve 2016

I'm currently sitting at Starbucks wrapping up my Christmas Eve sermon. It's an odd tradition these last few years, but I love watching people rush into the final hours of the shopping season. Most are picking up a drink on their way to a crowded store. The folks sitting to my left are from different towns but meeting for a quick gift exchange. A young dad and his two girls are across the way, almost certainly on their way to buy mommy's gift. 

Two of the baristas have Santa hats on, although I can only imagine that they're ready for this final rush to be over. A local pastor just walked in, already dressed for services later this afternoon (um, I'm not, by the way). 

In line for my coffee, I was browsing through the well-placed "stocking stuffers." The older lady in front of me began to offer her advice, although I didn't think anything would fit in Krista's stocking. She recommended a cute mug or an acrylic tumblr or the whole bean coffee, pulling reading glasses over her eyes to show me the difference between the varieties. Her family is arriving tomorrow and she was picking up a nice "holiday" blend. 

"They all think I'm losing my mind," she laughed, "but I can still be useful. We all need help every now and then." 

On her way out she walked over to say "Merry Christmas," smiled warmly at the little girls across the way, and whisked off into the final hours of this remarkably interesting time of year.

I should stop watching and put final touches to this sermon. But before I do, please let me extend Christmas greetings to you and yours today. May you be surrounded by the peace of Christ and the wonder of the shepherds. May the star of Bethlehem shine brightly in your path.

And may you, too, be greeted by angels-in-our-midst who want nothing more than to smile, share the warmth of the season, and serve as a reminder that "a Savior has been born for you." 

Merry Christmas! 

Pastor Rhodes

We Three Kings

December 14, 2016

We three kings: St. John's Kindergartners 

As I write this note I'm listening to our kids preparing for their annual Christmas program, which will be held this evening in the Faith Center. 

I remember marching into the fellowship hall of Lutheran Chapel Church in Gastonia sometime in the early 1970s, decked out in a blue bathrobe and jeweled crown kept throughout the year in the church's "Christmas pageant" closet. I seem to remember an arm wrestling match with Marty Lineberger in order to be the third king. He ended up as Joseph. Yuck. What 5 year old boy wanted to be married to Mary? 

As I told the story of Jesus' birth to our Kindergarten students this morning, it struck me that some of them may well have be hearing it for the very first time. They're young enough that that's certainly a possibility. I asked about their favorite part of the story and arms shot up: the donkey, the baby in a manger, the angels scaring the shepherds. "Ooo yeah," they all said.

What if we heard the story of Jesus' birth again for the first time. What would captivate us? What would draw us in? How would we begin to process it? You've heard this story 100s of times, no doubt. As you encounter it again this week, try to listen as if hearing for the first time. Allow yourself to be captured by the drama, the simplicity, and its utter beauty. I bet it will come alive for you in a wonderfully fresh and new way. 

Blessings to you and yours this Christmas. May you be surrounded by the peace of Christ and the glorious song of the angels. I'll see you in church. 

Pastor Rhodes

Another Murder in Salisbury

December 7, 2016

	Become a 3rd grade reading mentor.

7 year old A'Yanna Allen was shot and killed Saturday night while sleeping with her grandmother. The motive has yet to be determined, but the end result is no less tragic, regardless of the motive. 

It was a night that saw three murders in Salisbury. Three. What's becoming of our sleepy little community? 

For one, it's not a sleepy little community. As much as I love this place, there are some significant issues that have to be dealt with. Poverty remains problem #1, but has yet to be firmly identified as such by our community leaders. The other day a law enforcement official said that Enochville has more meth labs per capita than any community in the state. Last week in East Spencer, a 25 year old man hitched a ride with someone he then shot three times and left in the ditch, covered with leaves.

I'd much rather be writing about all the good and happiness that fill our community each Christmas -- and there's a lot, to be sure -- but the underbelly of crime, racial tension, poverty, and drugs has got to be dealt with. But how? 

There are multiple approaches, but let me lift up two that need your help. 

1. Our 3rd grade reading initiative at Isenberg School has shown some remarkable results. At-risk kids are beginning to read at grade level and relationships formed between student and mentor are life-changing. We need 5 more mentors to volunteer for 45 minutes/week. I'd love for you to be one of the five. A small investment of time -- less that a normal lunch break -- can make an enormous difference in the life of a kid whose future is at risk. Let me know if you'd be interested. 

2. Our Barnabas Connection is taking on new life for 2017. Yesterday Celia Jarrett met with some wonderfully creative thinkers who mapped out an exciting plan for the program's future. Barnabas Connection invites 15 at risk Knox middle schoolers to our campus for mentoring, spiritual nourishment and engagement with a local artist. It's a tremendous program started by Celia's mom, Shirley Ritchie, ten years ago. In the next few months we'll be inviting a new crop of volunteers to invest time in the future of our community -- a future that is walking the halls of Knox today. Want to learn more? Contact Celia. She'd love to talk with you about it. 

A congregation our size should have no problem filling those critically important volunteer slots, so in advance I want to say thank you for stepping up to the plate. 

Those are just two initiatives to deal with a much bigger problem. There are many others that community groups, agencies, schools, and congregations are developing as we speak. Become involved in one or more of them. For the sake of our community, become involved.

In fact, that's a great way to think about it. Consider your volunteer efforts as your Christmas gift to our community. I can think of no better gift. And you won't even have to mess with wrapping paper :)

Blessings to you and yours. May the peace of Christ surround and fill our community in wonderfully profound ways. I'll see you in church. 

Pastor Rhodes

"I want what he's got"

December 1, 2016

Three summers ago our youth were painting classrooms in a rural Guatemalan school. Peering over the cement wall was a neighbor boy, too young for school but extremely interested. Our students smiled and waved at him, but the language barrier and the tall wall kept him separated from us. 

As we were loading the bus to return to Antigua for the night, I climbed the stairs and was surprised to see the little boy behind me. He was pointing at my cross, a colorful wooden cross that our St. John's Chrismon group made for each of us before we left the states. We wore the crosses wherever we went. 

I let him take a close look, but that clearly wasn't enough. He wanted the cross. When I gave it to him he jumped off the bus and started running home, waving as the bus pulled out of sight. 

That little boy had spent all day observing this group of students. He saw their hard work, their friendship, their drive ... and he saw the crosses hanging around each of their necks. He wanted what we had. 

The cross has never been an exclusive gift. We didn't earn it and we sure don't deserve it. At Christmas we're reminded that the cross is made from the beams of a manger, holding a man, a Savior, whose arms are stretched wide for all. The cross was given for all. 

We're entering into a time of great celebration and gathering. Through it all, people will be peering over the wall of your life and looking carefully inside. Plenty of folks will be peering over the wall of our church. What will they see?

Pretty lights and beautiful decorations, to be sure, but I hope they see something more. I hope they see our love for God and for one another. I hope they'll see lives marked by generosity and selflessness., kindness and self-control. I hope they'll see saints/sinners who are bound by grace -- people who know they're not perfect but give thanks for having been forgiven. 

If that's what they see, don't be surprised if folks are standing at the door of the bus saying, "I want what you've got." At which time we'll smile and say, "It's already yours. Come and see."

May God's grace and peace rest upon you. I'll see you in church. 

Pastor Rhodes

Thanks for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving 2016

Lake Lure, North Carolina

Like many of you, I'll be spending these next few days celebrating Thanksgiving with family from far and near: my mom, siblings, in-laws, nieces and nephews, including a nephew we haven't seen in a few years. We're looking forward to a few relaxing days of catching up, telling stories, and, well, eating way too much. 

I woke up early this morning, made some coffee and watched the sun rise over the NC mountains. It gave me time to read back issues of Our State magazine and become filled with thanks for our beautiful state.

In the October issue is an article about Salisbury, loaded with names and references that are so very familiar.

It reminded me of how blessed we are to live in this uniquely beautiful part of the world and at how blessed we are to be at St. John's. Thank you for your partnership, your passion for ministry, and your drive to make our community a better place. 

On this quiet mountain morning, I'm filled with thanks for lots of things, including you. May God bless you and keep you in his grace. 

And if that includes some yummy sweet potato casserole or chocolate pie, then all the better.

Peace+

Pastor Rhodes

Anne's Monkey Bread

November 18, 2016

I've just returned from our Senior Seasons beach trip with 30 of our "seasoned citizens." Honestly, it's a highlight of my year. The camaraderie is outstanding, the food is superb, and everyone is so very relaxed and at peace. Even the Bible study is loaded with great questions, insight, and enthusiasm. 

We've done this long enough that we have a few traditions ... so when we learned that we wouldn't be eating Anne Loeblein's monkey bread on Monday morning, well, we almost had to pack it up and go home. Saner minds prevailed and we started a new tradition. No worries. 

I'll be the first to say that the Senior Seasons beach trip is a pretty cushy part of my "job." But I'll also say that it's a critically important part of what we do and who we are. One of the primary responsibilities of the church is to create space for folks to experience the power of the Holy Spirit. Sometimes that happens in worship (often, we hope), other times as we join together for a "St. John's Serves" project. It also happens as we step aside from our daily routine in the joy of intentional Christian fellowship. 

That's what our beach trip was all about: venturing from home to a place set apart so that we might focus hearts and minds on the power of the Holy Spirit in our midst -- a Spirit that gathered us together in love, peace, and joy.

The fact that shrimp, sand, and sunshine were involved made it all the better :)

Blessings to you this week of Thanksgiving. I'll see you in worship.

Pastor Rhodes

Post-election thoughts

Post-election thoughts | November 9, 2016

November 9 is finally here. After a bitterly divisive campaign, we have elected a new president: Donald J. Trump, the 70 year old real estate mogul who has literally shocked the world by defeating Hillary Clinton, the woman so many people just assumed would be the next president. I think she made the same assumption. 

What now? Several things come to mind: 

1. Let's pray for our elected leaders. Whatever their motivation, they have now been entrusted with the responsibility to govern. From school board members to senators, judges to the president, it's our job to "pray for all those in authority" (1 Timothy 2:2). Pray for wisdom, strength, and humility. Pray that they will lead according to the common good, so that our country might continue to be a place of "justice for all," not just a few. 

2. Hold our leaders accountable, but do so in light of kingdom standards, not political standards. After all, the only perfect kingdom is God's kingdom, and God's kingdom is rooted in justice, mercy, love, forgiveness, and grace -- a kingdom in which all might flourish. So, before spouting out the latest political talking points over the latest hot button issue, ask yourself: How might kingdom standards affect this conversation and my decision? Immigration, affordable health care, refugees? You might be surprised.

3. Remember that we're all in this together, which means we've got to figure out how to live and talk and debate together. Our political discourse is embarrassing. With that in mind, NYT columnist David Brooks writes this: "Respect for one another is the binding glue that holds our friendships together, even when we disagree strongly on politics and policies." Can we build respect for one another without racial slurs or the politics of destruction? Of course we can. Civility must overcome petty partisanship. 

4. Remember that God is sovereign over all things, and at the end of the day he will lovingly guide those who follow him. My hope is built on nothing less. 

Some of you are happy today, some are sad. My prayer is that we all will pull up our bootstraps and get to work ... together. Impossible? Well, I know someone who makes all things possible :)

May the peace of Christ be with you and our country+

Pastor Rhodes

Pre-election thoughts

Pre-election thoughts | November 2, 2016

Have you ever stepped into a voting booth, still uncertain as to how you'll vote?

I'm not sure I'm at that place as of yet, but with each passing day/revelation, voting becomes more and more complicated, doesn't it?

This has been the most bizarre election cycle I've ever experienced. It's not uncommon for nearly 50% of the country to be disappointed in the outcome of a presidential election, but I've never experienced the distinct possibility that 50% of the country will be angry at the outcome. In fact, I'm sure that a large percentage of those who vote for the winning candidate will still be disappointed. When both candidates' "negatives" are larger than their "positives," that's not a good sign.

So what are we to do?

My prayers have been focused on November 9, the day after the election - that our country will find within itself a way to honor the winning candidate, no matter our political persuasion. I'm praying that a sense of civility will rain upon us. I'm praying that leaders will step up to the plate who are blessed with the spirit of reconciliation, are bound by time-honored principles, and understand the need for compromise.

And, yes, I'm praying that this crazy election cycle will be a watermark - a low point that encourages our citizens, political parties, and potential candidates to demand a better way.

Possible? Who knows. But this one thing I know: we are better than this. Our country deserves better than this. Our children deserve better than this. If we are to be the "shining light" we strive to be, then we better figure this thing out.

Let's start on November 9. May God bless us and guide us as we do just that. 

I'll see you in church.

Peace+

Pastor Rhodes

Reformation 2016

Reformation | October 31, 2016

The doors of Castle Church, Wittenberg

On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther, a German monk, posted his 95 Theses on the door of Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany. Because it was common for scholars to post disputations to the door, there was no fanfare and no reason to give it a second glance. Yet, this particular sheet of paper sent shivers down the spine of Christianity. 

It’s the second time in history that the fate of humanity has been nailed to a piece of wood.

The church of the Middle Ages had become massive and exceedingly wealthy. Church leaders became the power brokers in all things religious and political, in some cases creating a theology that did little more than maintain the church’s power and authority. After centuries of growing fat with worldly prosperity — often on the backs of the working poor — the church was soon to be shaken out of its slumber. The 95 Theses became a rallying cry for reform. 

No one ever imagined that reforming the church would literally change the world. But that’s precisely what happened. 

Jon Bloom expounds on the impact of the Reformation: 

Wherever the church opened the door to Jesus, repentance and reformation was like chemotherapy to the cancer of spiritual corruption, and recovered belief in the gospel of Christ spread spiral health through much of Europe, then on to the New World, Asia, and Africa. It spawned massive evangelism, church planting, Bible translation, and frontier missions efforts. And in its wake, it brought about all manner of social good: stronger families, honest commerce, economic empowerment for the poor, hospitals and clinics for the sick, education for the  masses, encouragement for the scientific enterprise, democratic forms of civic government, and on and on.

October 31, 2017 marks the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, what Time magazine calls one of the most important events of the last 2000 years. This Reformation (October 31, 2016) begins a one year celebration — a year marked by special worship services, Reformation concerts by the Salisbury Symphony and the Lenoir-Rhyne A Capella Choir, a play jointly produced by St. John’s and the Piedmont Players, and the opening of our Lutheran Heritage Museum. It’s a lot to look forward to, to be sure. 

Let’s not let October 31 go to waste. Instead, use it as an opportunity to reconnect with our Lutheran heritage and recommit to the time-honored disciplines of faith. 

May God’s blessings rest upon you and the church he serves as Shepherd and Lord. 

Peace+

Pastor Rhodes

Happy 500th!

Reformation 2016

Happy 500th anniversary! 

Well, not quite yet ... but beginning this Sunday we'll begin a year-long celebration of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. And what a celebration it will be!

Incredibly St. John's has been around for more than half of these 500 years. As the third oldest Lutheran church in North Carolina and the founding church of the NC Synod, our roots run deep in this community and in American Lutheranism. 

So how do we celebrate? Oh, let me count the ways ..... Let's begin with a festival service of celebration this Sunday at the 11:00 service. The service will include The Reformation Brass, a fantastic new anthem offered by our Chancel Choir, Bishop Tim Smith presiding at Holy Communion, and Martin Luther himself (really!). If you're a 9:27 worship-goer, you'll enjoy the Reformation story retold in dramatic fashion. 

During the year to come we'll welcome the Lenoir-Rhyne A Capella Choir in concert, the Salisbury Symphony will perform "The Reformation Symphony" in our sanctuary, and next October we're co-producing with the Piedmont Players and the repertory theater group of Saxe Gotha, Germany, the world premier of "In God's Own Country," a play that captures the early history of Lutheranism in America. Also to look forward to: the grand opening of our new museum, the only professional quality museum that tells the story of Lutheranism in North Carolina.

There's much to celebrate, to be sure. But the best way of celebrating is by joining in worship and giving thanks for the opportunity God has given us to serve as his church in our community. 

So pull out your party hats and let's celebrate! I'll see you in worship. 

Pastor Rhodes

A divided nation

A divided nation | October 12, 2016 We live in a nation that is divided. In this moment, we are divided by culture, race, politics and just about every other difference you can imagine -- or so it seems. We see protests and riots and debates on television. We scroll through our newsfeeds and become overwhelmed with dissenting opinions. It's easy to get a sense that nothing could ever change for the better. The toxic combination of declining virtue alongside unfiltered opinions creates an environment that causes even the most hope-filled person to shudder. How do we have healthy, faithful conversation during a time such as this? That's where Q Commons comes in. Join us tomorrow night, October 13, from 7 to 9 pm in the Faith Center, where Dr. Ravi Zacharias will present his case for how we can influence our culture for good in a time that feels anything but unified. He'll be joined by political commentators Ross Douthat and Kirsten Powers who will talk about the upcoming election. Hip hop artist Lecrae will speak openly about the racial divide in our community.  I hope you'll join us as we seek to Engage a Divided Nation. It all begins tomorrow night at 7. For more information visit QCommons.com/StJohns. See you there! Peace+ Pastor Rhodes

Consecration Sunday

Consecration Sunday | September 28, 2016

This Sunday is Consecration Sunday, when our members and friends make pledges to support the mission and ministry of the church. 

Consecration Sunday is a bit different than previous campaigns. In fact, it's not a campaign at all. You may have noticed that you haven't seen a 2017 budget or goals for the coming year. In the past, we've tried to motivate your giving by explaining exactly how much is needed to meet the ministry goals of the church. 

This year's approach is a bit different and, to be honest, much more biblically-rooted. We're inviting you to give because, well, it's important to give. It's an important part of being a disciple because it invites all of us into the shared task of advancing the kingdom and caring for our neighbor. 

The tithe is a good example. God instituted the tithe as a gift to his people, not a burden. The tithe helps us better manage our resources, welcomes us into the joy of shared ministry, and teaches us to trust God more than we trust our own resources. The promise of the tithe is simple: "God will provide." The tithe teaches us to trust God's promise. 

I hope you'll join us this Sunday. Pastor John Propst is our special guest and the catered brunch will be down-right scrumptious. At the conclusion of worship you'll be asked to complete a pledge card and place it at the foot of the altar.

At the end of the day, your decision to give is between you and God. We trust that the Holy Spirit will guide and direct us in the decisions we make as together we Consecrate our gifts and our lives to His glory. 

Peace+

Pastor Rhodes

On Colin Kaepernick

On Colin Kaepernick | September 14, 2016

I disagree with Colin Kaepernick, the back-up 49er QB who refuses to stand for the national anthem.

Naturally I support his right to make a statement, and i don't entirely disagree with the statement he's trying to make. Sure, we need more conversation about violence and poverty and inequality. We've come a long way through the years, but way too many folks have been left behind, and their struggle is very, very real. 

And I don't mind the idea of peaceful protest one bit. It's what distinguishes us as Americans and, well, I'm proud of that part of our identity. 

And I have to admit that, as a Christian, I have to pause when a fellow Christian makes a statement about justice and mercy, the hallmarks of Judeo-Christian ethics. That's a rich part of Christian history, after all. Lest we forget, the apostles were taught to submit to governmental authority, but not when it conflicted with the way of Christ. And no Christian in the first 300 years after Jesus would have even thought to pledge allegiance to Rome. "One faith, one Lord, one baptism" was the rallying cry, not as a protest to Rome but as a reminder that our ultimate allegiance is to a different kind of king and kingdom.

So yes, I'm thankful for Kaepernick's right to free speech and this long-standing history of peaceful protests. 

But I disagree with his choice of time and space. These days there are fewer and fewer places where we Americans set aside agendas and division and speak with one voice. Divisiveness is at a chronic level. Grandstanding is all too common. The explosion of "Individual expression" is tiring. It seems like everyone wants to go viral these days, and its rarely for any reason other than pure self-promotion. 

Amidst all the disagreement and grandstanding, there remains one place where all of that is set aside, and that's during the singing of the national anthem. Rituals matter, after all, and this is one ritual that's designed to unite, not divide. It's that one remaining American ritual when we figuratively join hands and say, "we're all in this together."

I remember the outcry when Roseanne Barr butchered the national anthem during a Padres game. And I admit getting irritated when other singers have done their best to turn attention on themselves more than the star spangled banner and the corporate history/values it represents. 

Why should we care? Because it's important that we honor those moments, not out of blind allegiance, but out of a common drive to be "the land of the free and the home of the brave." 

Sure, there's a lot to protest these days. If we don't take seriously the epidemic of poverty, we're going to face some serious consequences. If we don't figure out how to prioritize public education, our community's future will be in serious jeopardy. And, yes, if we don't take seriously the fact that "black lives matter," our racial divide will become even more chasmic. 

Please, let's have that conversation. But not during the singing of the national anthem. In that moment, let's dare to stand as one. 

Peace+

Pastor Rhodes

Buying a car

Buying a car | September 7, 2016

This past Monday I helped my mom make her first car purchase since 1955. Since then, my dad had always bought the family cars, but since his death in 2009, mom has had to do a lot of things for the "first" time. 

She was so nervous and anxious, especially when she signed her name to the largest check she had ever signed. But then, almost immediately, there was a wave of satisfaction, accompanied by a great big smile and a few tears of relief. She took some pictures of her old car -- my dad's last major purchase -- and then drove her new, white, 2016 Honda CR-V off the lot. Well done, mom. You did it. 

We've entered into a season of new beginnings and fresh starts. A few weeks ago, Matt started college and Anna started high school. Fall programming at St. John's begins with a new youth minister, and last week a slew of new, wide-eyed kindergarteners walked on campus for the first time. It's all good ... but "firsts" can produce a lot of anxiety and, well, a few tears, too.

When mom took pictures of her old car, it helped me to see the importance of saying goodbye to a part of our past while anticipating the beauty of what is to come. I felt the same way when I watched Matt hug his mom one final time in the parking lot of NC State the other week. There was power in that ritual of saying goodbye .. and great beauty in watching Matt take those first steps on his own. 

If this is a season of "firsts" for you, may God use your past as a springboard to the joy and beauty of a brand new day.

"I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11). 

Peace+

Pastor Rhodes

Sabbatical musings

Sabbatical musings | August 26, 2016

I can’t begin to thank you enough for this summer’s sabbatical. You’ve been more than gracious in granting it and so encouraging in walking me through it. I’m keenly aware that it takes a village for me to step aside for ten weeks. Pastor Danielle and our entire staff did a fantastic job — so much so that a common response has been, “Oh, have you left yet?” I love it. It shows such great teamwork a

Creek walking in Paraiso, Costa Rica

nd camaraderie, and allowed me to disappear without a worry in the world. 

Thanks also to our many volunteers who have stepped up to the plate. Sure, church activities slow during the summer, but worship, pastoral care, and day-to-day business keeps moving along. Pastors Linda Voelker, Geoffrey Hoy, and Leonard Bolick were such blessings, as were the many office volunteers and church leaders who didn’t miss a beat. Thank you! 

A sabbatical is a unique opportunity, without a doubt. Teachers and professors have long understood its value as a necessary time of separation and rest. McDonald’s now requires an eight week sabbatical every ten years. REI, the camping retailer, offers a four week sabbatical, and Hallmark employees can apply for up to six months of sabbatical leave. Business journals are quickly jumping on the bandwagon, calling it an important way to rejuvenate employees and bridge the gap between work and life. 

I’ll be the first to admit that I wish everyone, everywhere would have the chance to step aside for focused and extended time off. That’s unlikely in our current work culture, in which American employees working full time in the same field for five years average only 11.9 days of paid vacation, compared to the 24 paid vacation days German law requires for all employees. 

Without a doubt, there would be significant challenges for independent and small businesses to work through the complexities associated with a sabbatical policy … but it’s still a good idea that would make an enormous difference in our employees’ health, energy, and longevity. 

After all, God established work as a blessing, not a burden. When Adam and Eve were asked to care for the garden, they accepted their new job as a grace-filled opportunity to co-manage a part of God’s creation. They understood what we oftentimes forget: our work matters. 

But without proper rest, we become exhausted and lose sight of our own grace-filled opportunity to co-manage our part of the garden. 

Thank you for this time to refresh and rejuvenate … to spend precious time with my family … to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime family trip to Costa Rica … to take the best continuing education class I’ve ever taken (more on that later) … and to be reminded of how very fortunate I am to help lead this remarkable congregation. I missed being with you, but will be ever-thankful for this very special and blessed summer. 

Peace+

Pastor Rhodes