The 2014 Confirmation Class of 12!

Once upon a time, there were twelve.

Intelligent, funny, punny, beautiful, musical, handsome, smart, sassy, athletic, compassionate, patient, thoughtful, shy, out-going, go-getters, and faith filled are the words to describe our students this year.  As I am always blessed by the experience, this year is no exception.  This students are just gosh-darn neat people!

All of their classes, faith statements, interviews and mentoring meetings have wrapped up.  We are now preparing for three creek baptisms and twelve confirmations. (See the lovely, muddy creek to your left? That's some holy water!)

Their answers to "How has your faith changed since we started Confirmation class?" sounded like this:

• my faith is bigger!
• my beliefs in God are more solid
• my faith has tripled in size!
• my beliefs have clarity and boundaries.
• I actually know what I believe!

And you know what I believe as a result of these twelve young people?  I believe in the making of disciples in Jesus Christ because it does transform the world.

And the world transformation has started in little ol' Brownsburg, Indiana.

He is Risen!

He is Risen!

He is Risen!

What a glorious day this is!

Death, despair, disease, dysfunction, mental illness, cancer, depression, evil, injustice..... all have victory because of Christ's triumph!

God's last word is LIFE!

Amen!

And amen!

Preparations for Holy Week

A hundred golden eggs sit quietly on my table next to four bulletins for later this week.  This is just one example of craziness of Holy Week and Easter preparations a pastor goes through.  Coordinating a thousand details so that we, as a faith community, can move through symbolically and in remembrance of Jesus' last week.

Some times I like all the craziness.

Other times I don't.

Yet, I know I need to hear the stories over and over again.  Repeated for me one more time so that the stories sink deep into my bones.  I notice different things each time I hear them. And also my heart, my will and my mind respond to the stories each time so that my discipleship... my willingness to follow this Savior deepens.

May it be so for all His Disciples around the world this week.

Deepen your experience with Jesus by marking time with his last week of life prior to his Resurrection.

What I Did Miss During Lent Fast

While I experienced spiritual renewal during my fast from on-line games and Facebook, I must confess that I did miss connecting with my family, friends, and faith community through Facebook.

Hearing their stories, celebrating their high moments, and praying with them during difficulties...that absence in my life was noticed and mourned in ways I did not anticipate.  Again, that reminds me that these tools of technology and communication have their place in our world; it just behooves me to find meaningful and helpful ways to use them.

When I resume Facebook on Easter morning, I think I shall endeavor to limit my access to scrolling through the News Feed to one time a day.  And when I do so I hope to move through the news feed prayerfully; as a spiritual exercise of 'checking in' on others.

As for some of the other distractions of games... I will leave them buried deep on my iPhone where I do not see them and have no interest in playing them.

Learnings from my Lent Fast

My fast experience this Lent has been fascinating!  At first it was very difficult not to be tied to my phone or computer.  I thought I was missing something by not following Facebook or checking on my various on-line games.  I did miss writing for this blog.  Yet, life went on.  And life was so, well, quiet.

And then, I began to like the quiet.

I was still for the first time in a long time.  God did not change, but I began too.  So here are some learnings from my Lent fast:

• reading my devotion instead of checking Facebook starts the day with a sharper focus
• fasting from on-line gaming was an inspiration for my daughter to give it up too.  She remarked last week after I said fasting helps us focus more on God, "Well, it's working for me!" 
• my creativity output has increased especially in writing
• I can hear myself ponder again
• I am less agitated and stirred up over human drama that is not mine to own
• fasting really is a spiritual discipline that offers a huge impact because of the nature of our culture. 

Now, as the Easter season lingers close... I will resume some of my contact with blogging, Facebook, and on-line games.  Or maybe not.  

I do know that HOW I approach these contemporary tools of communication will be different, because I have been renewed, redeemed, and refreshed!

Alleluia and thanks be to God!

Lent Fast!

Moments ago I wrote on my "wall" of Facebook the following:

Facebook friends/family... as of this coming March 5th (Ash Wednesday) my Lent fast from Facebook/social media/on-line gaming will begin. I will use my FB/gaming/social media time for reading, prayer, reflection and maybe even a nap! 

During those 46 days until Easter if you have a birthday- make it happy! If you or a loved one has something sad or tragic happen- I am praying. If you, your kid or pet does something amazing- I am applauding. I realize that I will miss all of March Madness on FB- but such is a sacrifice. You know which team I cheer for (Go Blue Devils). 

If you really, really need me- go old school to call 317-852-2541 or email me (mknight@calvaryunited.org). I am eager for a deep and meaningful Lent. How about you?

Some time during Advent the thought grabbed me that I am over-addicted to my phone, Facebook, social media, on-line games etc.  Thus, my Lent fast began during Advent as I pondered what life would be like without any of these new toys, distractions, and addictions.  yes, social media is a terrific communication tool.  It is not evil.  But how I have become addicted to it bothers me.  

I do hope to spend time here with some reflections about how my time in scripture, reflections and prayer has re-shaping me during this holy season.

As Pastor Todd or I will say during our liturgy on Wednesday - "I invite you, therefore, in the name of the Church, to observe a holy Lent: by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and meditating on God's Holy Word."

Survived the Confirmation Retreat, again!

Twelve disciples and Jesus- that sounds about right.  Doesn't it?!

Pictured here are our twelve confirmation students with a bronze life-sized rendition of Jesus who is holding the broken bread in his hands.

Athletic, puny, smart, sassy, quiet, musical, artistic, loving, compassionate, silly- this describes our confirmation class of 12.

Our weekend retreat accomplished all of the goals and objectives: 1) teach about worship and sacraments; 2) spend time together as a group creating community; 3) practice worship in three different and unique ways; 4) compare these various worship experiences and thus to appreciate the church universal.

Yet, what I re-learned this weekend is how ripe we all are (no matter our age to stage) to dig deeper and ponder more eternal, holy and spiritual things.  This group of disciples is not so intimidated that they will not ask tough questions. Nor will they refrain from pondering deeply to as to make amazing connections and thus integrate their faith and their lives.

They amaze me!