Community Among Our Houses

Engagement between Jews and Christians has never been better; interfaith councils exists in many communities. Conversations take place regularly at the organizational level. And theological and liturgical developments within Catholicism (and amongst many Protestant thinkers) have reshaped the perception of Jews and Judaism.

In spite of all this success, however, we have only scratched the surface in realizing the power of interfaith dialogue. Our focus has been on concerns and beliefs we share—the need to feed the hungry, work for peace, fight hate, build stronger communities. These are critical concerns.

We have not, however, delved deeply into the places where we differ. We have avoided the hard topics: Why do many Jews resist hearing the name of Jesus? Why do many Christians believe the God of the Old Testament is a vengeful God? Why do Jews care so much about the modern state of Israel? Why do many Christians proselytize non-Christians? These are topics that go the core of our identity. They can be difficult to discuss. Yet, true growth comes from engaging with the hard stuff. True dialogue asks not only respect. It also asks for the willingness to be challenged and changed—not changed in what we believe, but changed in how we understand and appreciate the deep beliefs that drive and sustain one another.

So how to we generate those conversations and build a deeper trust? Here are a few ways.

1. Start with difficult texts. I rarely study the Ten Commandments with my congregation. We all know they are good and critical. What is more challenging to study are the difficult parts of the Bible: Why does God command Abraham to sacrifice his first-born son? Why does tempt Adam and Eve with the Tree of Knowledge in the first place? These texts push us to think hard. We can do the same in interfaith settings. We can choose texts that make a little uncomfortable. A Jewish participant in the discussion might introduce the text from the Passover meal that asks God to destroy our enemies. A Christian participant might introduce the text from Matthew which reads, “His [Jesus’] blood be upon us and our children.” These texts may make us uncomfortable, yet true growth occurs outside the comfort zone, and in studying them we will discover how complex and rich they are. We will learn creative ways of understanding and interpreting them in the twenty-first century multi-faith world.

2. Experience each other’s worship. Some clergy will not enter into the house of worship of another faith. They believe it lends some kind of legitimacy to that faith’s truth, or betrays one’s own core beliefs. Such obstinance is sad and counter-productive. We appreciate the faith of another best when we see how important it is to them. What better way to see that importance than visiting their spiritual home? I have had transformative conversations with visiting Church groups after opening up a Torah scroll, showing and describing it to them, and then sitting down in the sanctuary to talk. I have also witnessed the depth of Passion story in attending Good Friday worship. Experiencing another’s worship opens us up to their truths.

3. Reveal what you love about your faith. Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, the former Chief Rabbi of the United Kingdom, shares a remarkable teaching credited to a nineteenth century Hasidic rabbi.

“Imagine two people, “ he writes,  “who spend their lives transporting stones. One carries bags of diamonds. The other hauls sacks of rocks. Each is now asked to take a consignment of rubies. Which of the two understands what he is now to carry? The man who is used to diamonds knows that stones can be precious, even those that are not diamonds. But the man who has carried only rocks thinks the stones are a mere burden. They have weight but not worth. Rubies are beyond his comprehension.

So it is, he said, with faith. If we cherish our own, then we will understand the value of others. We may regard ours as a diamond and another faith as a ruby, but we know that both are precious stones. . . . True tolerance, he implied, comes not from the absence of faith but from its living presence. Understanding the particularity of what matters to us is the best way of coming to appreciate what matters to others.”

To that we can only say Amen.

Evan Moffic is lead rabbi of Congregation Solel, a synagogue of five hundred families. Having officiated more than two hundred interfaith weddings, he has brought new understanding of the Jewish heritage to churches and Christian groups, including the largest Catholic and Presbyterian churches Chicago, where he lives with his wife and children.

The Grace of Making Connections

Picture these three scenes:

Scene 1: A moving van sits next door. You step outside to greet your new neighbor. “Welcome to the neighborhood, you say. We’re glad you’re here.” Her face clouds with a look of discomfort, almost panic. You realize: We don’t speak the same language.

Scene 2: The Missions Committee of your church recommends offering a Spanish class. It’s only six weeks. You sign up, with trepidation. You are introduced to about a hundred words, and to your surprise, you have fun.

Scene 3: You haven’t seen your new neighbor for several weeks. She doesn’t seem to go out much. You bake a loaf of bread and knock on her door. You can only remember about thirteen of your new Spanish words, but you take a deep breath and say, “Bienvenido.” She smiles. Encouraged, you sing a few bars: “Cristo me ama. . . .” She beams. The two of you embrace.

This is why Joyce Carrasco, Ngoc-Diep Nguyen, and I wrote Who Is My Neighbor? Bishop Sally Dyck, of the Northern Illinois Conference of the United Methodist Church, challenged a group of clergy and laypersons in January 2013 to live the Great Commandment by designing and implementing a Spanish as a Second Language program for one hundred churches.

The curriculum teaches about a hundred words of Spanish to speakers of other languages. The focus is on words and phrases that will help you practice radical hospitality: Greeting people, talking about family, likes and dislikes, songs, the Lord’s Prayer, the Great Commandment, cultural tidbits. The series ends with a potluck and celebration of Holy Communion in Spanish.

The Teacher Manual provides detailed lesson plans for active, engaging teaching, plus documents to guide a congregation in hosting a class. The Student Manual supplies vocabulary lists, a pronunciation guide, and the order of worship for Holy Communion in Spanish.

Yet how will this make a difference? Let’s listen to four voices. Rev. Fabiola Grandón-Mayer (Centennial Multicultural UMC, Rockford, Ill.) talks about feeling invisible. As an immigrant herself, she understands that it is hard to live in a different culture, hard to take the first step to connect with others. “Fear is a powerful deterrent,” she says. “English speakers may assume that I don’t speak English, they may blame me for not speaking perfectly, they may even assume that I don’t have my papers.” Who is going to break down that wall of perceived blame?

But she also reminds us that a Spanish speaker with minimal English and an English speaker with minimal Spanish can communicate. As her two-year-old twins prove, a few words can go a long way. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts: the grace of making connections goes far beyond the literal meaning of a handful of words.

So—where to begin? As Rev. Michael Mann, Director of Mission and Advocacy for the Northern Illinois Conference, puts it, “Our main ministry is not to get people to come in our doors. The doors aren’t ours. Our responsibility is to go out of the doors.” So, armed with our hundred (or thirteen) words of Spanish, we walk out.

Where to? Manuel Padilla works with the National Plan for Hispanic/Latino Ministry. In an article entitled “Key Actions for Ministry and Strategic Planning in Any Community”, he writes: “ . . . [Y]our congregation’s first priority is to discern where God is already at work in your area . . . through a study of places where people gather.”

Grandón-Mayer says a Hispanic/Latino supermarket is the best place of all. Grab a basket, shop for groceries, ask questions of the people you meet in the aisles. How do you cook this? Which are the best tortillas? What kind of salsa goes with this? Or just: “Hi. This is good, yes?” (Hola. Es bueno, ¿no?) Smile!

As Deacon Luke Pepper (Kingswood UMC, Buffalo Grove, Ill.) points out, “Don’t just put on programs and hope people will come. Find people where they are, minister together with them. Show your appreciation for the gifts that they have.”

This is outreach. We are called to minister with, not to, our neighbors.

The other day, my husband and I encountered a group of Latino construction workers in the park. I greeted them in Spanish—and their faces lit up. We chatted for ten minutes, in mixed Spanish and English. As we walked on, one of the men said, “This is nice. You and me, talking.” Big smiles all around: Clearly, he no longer felt invisible, and for once I felt like a faithful servant of Jesus Christ.

Your turn.

Ruth Cassel Hoffman, Ph.D. founded Language Resources Ltd. in 1983, providing corporate foreign language training, translation, and interpretation. She has developed active curricula in French and Spanish for students from preschoolers to adults. Who Is My Neighbor?—Dr. Hoffman’s field-tested resource through which English speakers of any church and congregation can learn basic Spanish-speaking skills—was written along with Joyce Carrasco and Ngoc-Diep Nguyen, and is available for purchase on Cokesbury.com.

Outrageous Outreach for Kids and Teens

 

More often than not, reaching out to your community’s children equals reaching out to their parents, and the key to reaching your non-church-going neighbors might mean you need to shift your thinking about how you approach outreach. We have a few outside-the-box ideas that will engage kids, families, and even businesses/organizations throughout your community!

Draw People in
Art Show. Team up with a community day care for this event. Kids make works of art and parents are invited to an art show held in your church. Mount the art on colorful cardstock to make the pieces look like they’ve been matted and hang them (gallery-style) with non-stick tape along a hallway, or in your community room. Attach a little card that includes the name of the piece as well as the name of the artist. Prepare trays with cups of punch and cookies and have volunteers walk around the “gallery” offering refreshments to your guests. Offer to give tours of your church and have a handout about your children’s ministry activities available to give to guests as they leave.

Piano Recital. Piano teachers need to hold their recitals somewhere, right? Ask around and you’re sure to find a music teacher who would love to invite his/her students and their families to your fellowship hall or sanctuary for a recital. Offer to print the recital program in exchange (and with permission) to add information about your children’s activities and service times on the back. Have a post-recital coffee reception so parents will stick around a few minutes and use that opportunity to invite families to visit your church again.

Scare up Interest . . . at Halloween
Treat Coupons. Make some simple coupons redeemable for a candy bar or some other treat. Include wording explaining how the coupon can be exchanged for the treat at your church at a certain date and time. Give copies to your members and ask them to drop the coupons into trick or treat bags—in addition to their treat, please—on Halloween night. Be sure you’re prepared with a coupon-exchange location that includes information about your children’s ministry, too.

Reverse Treats. This outreach idea actually involves your current roster of kids. Create a note that invites people to attend your church or Sunday school. Let your child sign his or her name to the note. Attach it to individual pieces of candy, or to personalized pens, magnets or other promotional items your church might have. As your child goes door to door receiving treats, he or she gives a treat back as well. You may have to help your princess or superhero explain the proceedings, but that gives you a chance to introduce yourself.

Reality Outreach. Admittedly, the To Hell and Back walk-through drama presented each October by Grace Chapel (Westerville, Ohio) is extremely outrageous. No matter what you think of this idea, Pastor Doug Meacham says the anti-drinking driving/texting event delivers a powerfully spiritual message. Grace Chapel has put on this event for years and it’s become an October staple in the community.

“The event takes guests on a journey through a teen party scene, followed by a very realistic car accident scene from distracted driving,” Meachum explains. “Then, the group will see a death notification scene by a police chaplain to the parents of the teen who died in the car crash, a police interrogation scene for the teen driver who took the lives, and a funeral scene.”

“At this point, the focus turns towards the spiritual,” he continues. “Guests are taken through an ‘outer darkness’ maze where the devil gives a speech about choices and the consequences of those choices.”

Again, you might need to think about outreach a little differently than you do now—so what do you think?

Judy Bumgarner is a freelance writer in Nashville, Tennessee. She also works at Brentwood United Methodist Church in the church’s Caring Ministry.

Add a Kick to Your Kick-Off

August is here. And that means your church calendar is once again packed with classes, activities, Wednesday night dinners, and choir practices. August also means it’s All-Church Picnic and Fall Festival time—which, for most of us, involves blowing up the bouncy houses, filling up the dunk tanks, and cooking up some burgers. It’s fun, yes . . . but if you’d like to freshen up your fall event, see if these ideas inspire you (if not for this year, then for next!).

Add a Pinch of Local
Instead of serving the traditional burgers and dogs, Frenchboro Congregational Church (Outer Long Island, Maine) holds an annual Lobster Festival. The festival is so popular, a special ferry is scheduled to help transport the hundreds of people who come to the island, although most people take their own boats. Frenchboro’s event is not only a great example of how to give your event local flavor, they’re also proof that you don’t have to be a big church to put on a big event; the population of the whole island is sixty-eight.

Illinois is a long way from fresh seafood, but fresh corn? No, sir! Community Church’s Cornfest (Rolling Meadows, Illinois), has been a time-honored August event since 1957. You can have a hamburger, hot dog, brat, and watermelon, but what sets this event in a class all its own is the main course: All-you-can-eat sweet corn, locally grown and picked mere hours before it is served. A craft show, musical entertainment, and fun for the kids round out Cornfest’s activities.

Stir it up
Who says you have to have an afternoon or evening event? Clinton Presbyterian Church (Clinton, New Jersey) officially welcomes the new season with a Fall Kick-Off Breakfast in September, which immediately follows a Sunday morning service. Cross Creek Church (St. John’s, Florida) also hosts a Sunday morning Fall Kick-off Breakfast in September, but has scheduled their event so that it wraps up just in time for everyone to attend an introductory Sunday school class.

Serve Warmly
Spirit Garage Church (Minneapolis, Minnesota), so-named to illustrate their welcoming spirit, takes its mission to heart when it comes to their annual fall picnic. The picnic is held at a park across the street from the church primarily so that others in the community feel free to join them for food and fellowship.

“It’s an outreach event,” says Spirit Garage founder and pastor Rob Norris-Weber. “We wanted to have a church without walls so this is an outreach event which actually lives up to the original concept of our name.” He says church members hand out postcards, take to social media and spread invitations to the picnic by word-of-mouth, encouraging everyone in the community to attend.

Let it Breathe
It’s not what Shadow Rock United Church of Christ does to prepare for kick-off fall activities that is unique—it’s what they don’t do: Anything. At least, during the month of July. The church believes that everyone needs an intentional time of rest, recreation, and re-creation, and so for the whole month of July, Shadow Rock closes for Summer Sabbath. No Sunday school. No worship services. No office hours (although a minister is on-call for pastoral emergencies).

Don’t you wish you knew more about Shadow Rock’s Summer Sabbath? You’re not alone. But as of publication, the church had not reopened and so we could not get in touch with them. If you’d really like to hear about how Shadow Rock’s congregation reacts, what their community thinks, if a month off really makes a difference, let us know in the comment section below. We’ll try to find out, and post an update!

Judy Bumgarner is a freelance writer in Nashville, Tennessee. She also works at Brentwood United Methodist Church in the church’s Caring Ministry.

Spiritual Rhythms

As I watch the days slip by on the calendar, I wonder where the time has gone. I’m not ready for the approaching fall just yet—especially when I think about my oldest child leaving for college in just a matter of days. I’ve attempted to “stay in the day” and enjoy each moment of summer. The respite from leading a small group and Bible study and the absence of an overcrowded calendar full of kids’ sporting events, church activities, and meetings has been glorious. The margin has left room to chat outside with neighbors, sit around a fire pit with friends, and get away to make memories on a family vacation.

While in some ways I mourn returning to a more scheduled routine, in other ways I must admit I’m looking forward to it (and not just because the kids will be back in school). Taking a summer break in order to provide rest and flexibility is vital in ministry, but returning to spiritual rhythms can be the key to our personal growth as well as in the lives of those we shepherd.

I don’t usually look forward to exercising or following a healthy eating plan. Similarly, spiritual habits aren’t always easy to implement and execute with joy. However, the results are worth the effort. Here are some ideas that help prepare my heart and mind for the end of summer break.

Remember the reasons for spiritual rhythms. By revisiting the “why” for those things that will begin to fill our calendar, we can find renewed passion and vision. Whether it’s a Bible study group, midweek children’s ministry, or regular committee meeting, we can take a few minutes to remember how these commitments echo into eternity. Women will grow in faith. Children sense the love of their Savior. Missionaries receive support. Even time spent on budgets and facilities serve purposes that ultimately enhance spiritual growth by ensuring adequate resources. When we consider the lives changed, we can look at added responsibilities with excitement instead of dread.

Find joy in God’s plan of balancing rest and productivity. Just as God designed six days for work and one for rest, we also find Him creating seasons of celebration, rest, and times of hard work. During the summer months we find more time for walks, relaxing at the pool, vacations, and reflection. As our ministry, home, and work schedules fill up during the start of a new school and ministry year, we can find great joy in a season of productivity. God designed us for work. It was His plan for us before the curse. When we see work as a gift, we can put our heads on the pillow at night knowing we accomplished much to serve others and bring God glory.

Rediscover the excitement of possibility. The fall kickoff of ministry brings with it new opportunities. As we listen to God’s Holy Spirit we can find new studies or curriculum to implement that will spark interest and curiosity. As leaders, our posture toward the restart of spiritual rhythms will be contagious. If we find it drudgery, others will catch the attitude. When we approach our Bible study, Sunday school class, or ministry with excitement, we can inspire others with a vision to see the possibilities that come with inviting new people, studying new topics, and falling more in love with our God who loves to do new things.

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:19

So while fall might bring a heavier load, it can also bring an opportunity to remember that what we do matters . . . for eternity. God-ordained seasons of work and rest, and endless possibilities lie ahead for us. We may relish summer’s beautiful weather and relaxed schedule, but we can also look forward to the joy that comes with the new spiritual rhythms of fall.

Melissa Spoelstra is a popular women’s conference speaker, Bible teacher, and writer who is madly in love with Jesus and addicted to the study of His Word. Her brand-new Bible study, Joseph: The Journey to Forgiveness, just released!

Dog Days Unleashed

 

If you want some ideas on how to squeeze the most fun you can out of these last days of summer, check out these ideas.

Water Water Everywhere
Playing with water is easy, relatively inexpensive, and fun for all ages. Turn your church lawn into a water park, or invite a smaller group to your backyard. Put together one of more of these water activities, add some super soaker water guns, and drench yourself with end-of-summer delight.

Water blob
Think huge plastic bag filled with water. This idea is an incredibly easy and clever way to make a DIY slippery good time.

Water balloon piñatas
Hanging balloons of water. Plastic baseball bat. You get the idea.

Pool noodle sprinkler
You know those long, tube-like foamy things at swimming pools? Poke a bunch of holes in one. Block one end with a soda bottle cap and stick the hose into the other end. Let the fun begin!

PVC sprinkler
You can make one as complicated or as simple as you want, but you basically put together PVC pipe, connect it to a hose and let the water escape wherever its not blocked.

Water bombs
Cut strips of kitchen sponges, tie some strips together, and put them in a bucket of water. Same result as playing with water balloons: you get wet!

By the Light of the Moon
Late summer evenings offer opportunities for more laid-back, relaxed family entertainment. Plus, if you live in a really hot part of the country, outdoor activities are much more enjoyable once the sun sets and the temperature cools.

Outdoor movie night
Hang a white sheet. Grab your laptop and portable speakers. Hook up a laptop projector. (If you don’t have one, someone you know does. Ask around.) Pop some popcorn and handout boxes of Raisinets. You’re in show business.

Bonfire/campfire party
You can search the Internet for ideas, but you know how this works: fire pit, hot dogs, marshmallows, bug spray, maybe a guitar, and definitely “Kumbaya.”

Glow-in-the-Dark Party
Glow sticks have come a long way, baby. Now you can get glow-in-the-dark beach balls, paint, duct tape, flying disks, footprints—you name it. And the Internet is full of creative ideas on how to use them for a great after dark get together.

(Note: An Internet search of any of the suggested italicized terms above provides detailed “how-tos” on any number of sites.)

The Five Ws
If your family or group would rather go on an adventure in a nearby city, explore the great outdoors, or become tourists in your own hometown, how do you find the who, what, where, whens and whys about what’s going on? Oh, you already know—there’s an app for that! Check out these two examples of apps that’ll help you find out what’s happening almost anywhere at anytime.

Eventbrite
Event organizers use this app to promote and sell tickets to events everywhere. Type in your location and dates, and you’ll see an amazing number of things to do in your immediate area or another area of your choosing.

Yuggler
Made by and for parents, Yuggler touts itself as the app that helps you “discover kid’s activities in seconds—anytime, anywhere.” Once you download the free app, you can click on “near me” to find events in your area or use the search box to specify another location.

What does your church or family have planned as a last hurrah of Summer 2015? Please share your ideas.

Judy Bumgarner is a freelance writer in Nashville, Tennessee. She also works at Brentwood United Methodist Church in the church’s Caring Ministry.