Ray's Blog

Man steals communion wafers

ray@rayreavis.com — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 15:14:20 GMT

I read a bizarre story from Jensen Beach, Florida where a 33-year old man from Connecticut grabbed a handful of communion wafers at a Roman Catholic Church. Apparently he was confronted by angry worshipers ("angry worshiper" should be an oxymoron) and a scuffle ensued.

When the Martin County Sheriff Deputies arrived about a half-dozen parishioners were holding the man down. He was charged with simple battery, theft, and disruption of a religious assembly.

I wonder what the man's motivation was? Maybe he was hungry. Maybe he is mentally ill. I found several articles, none of which outline his motives.

I consider the sacrament of communion very important, and I believe it is important to treat the eucharist with dignity. But at the same time I hope if a stranger in our midst were to do the same thing that I would be able to handle the situation without an altercation.

I look at what communion represents -- that Jesus made the ultimate atoning sacrifice for we who are yet sinners. And when I look to Christ's example I wonder if Jesus would have placed the importance of a ritual over the importance of getting a man the help he needs. Who knows what help this guy needs, may be needs nourishment in a physical, spiritual, and emotional way. You would think church would be the place to get that.

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/news/world/man-allegedly-steals-communion-from-priest/2008/11/12/1226318699171.html

Javalujah?

ray@rayreavis.com — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 20:12:31 GMT

I found this hilarious YouTube video on Monday Morning Insight. I thought it was hilarious. I know there are some lurkers out there who read this blog and don't post. That's okay, but I'm really interested in seeing comments on this video. What are some of the things they do in this mock coffeeshop that remind you of what you see/have seen in actual churches?

I Serve a Jealous God

ray@rayreavis.com — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 03:33:23 GMT

I had a young person ask me a great question. This person asked me that if jealousy was a bad thing, why does God say that He is a jealous God?

The best answer I could come up with on the spot was to use my marriage covenant as an analogy of God's convenant with us. Because I have a covenant with my wife, I should certainly be able to expect fidelity in our marital relationship, and she should certainly expect it from me. That is something that could be seen as "jealousy" in our modern use of the word, but it is justifiable.

On the other hand, if I were jealous because my wife received recognition that I did not, that is not justifiable. That is an emotion based on selfishness, and that behavior is not Christ-like.

God has every right to expect faithfulness from us. It's not contradictory at all for God to demand that we not bow our knee to anyone other than our one true God.

Peace,

Ray

I survived my first charge conference

ray@rayreavis.com — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 15:47:32 GMT

In the United Methodist Church we hold a charge conference annually for each charge. A charge can be a single church, or it can be a charge comprised of multiple churches who share a pastor. I am appointed to the New Zion/Shady Grove charge, so officers of both churches come together to present reports about membership changes, pastor's compensation, and other financial reporting.

Most important to me are the pastor's reports on the state of the church(es) and plans for future ministry. Besides the obvious reason that I'm the one who has to complete them, I consider them most important because these speak directly to our mission in the world. I take my responsibility very seriously, and I passionately believe that my most important responsibility is to ensure that our charge provides opportunities for individuals' growth as disciples.

I'm excited about the future of our charge, and I'm honored (and occasionally overwhelmed) to be called upon as a leader in this little corner of God's Kingdom. Sometimes I can't help but to think "Who, me?"

I've had a very rewarding career in technology. But I have known for about a decade that I wasn't doing what I was called to do. Days just flew by because it seemed like one day was like the next. But just last night I told my wife Vicki that since June it seems like time has slowed down. I mean that in a good way, because I so enjoy the work I am doing in the ministry. I didn't hate the career I had (well, I still have it until January 2nd, 2009), and in some ways I'll probably miss some of the geek-work. But right now I feel as though I am exactly where I am supposed to be.

Peace,

Ray

Our Heritage

ray@rayreavis.com — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 19:36:59 GMT

It's been awhile since my last post, but I've been really relating to "Lucy Ricardo" in the chocolate factory. You know the scene from "I Love Lucy" where Lucy and Ethel are working in the chocolate factory and the conveyor is going so fast they can't keep up? Yep, that's me.

I've been busy, but things are going very well at New Zion. We had our first midweek Bible study last Wednesday night. No one there remembers when the last midweek study was held, but it's been at least several years. I'm teaching a pretty basic one. I'm using a video-based study titled "What Does it Mean to be United Methodist?" It's a 5-week study that teaches about the history of John and Charles Wesley, the founders of Methodism. We had about 9 people show up, plus we had I think about that many children and three adults show up for the Christmas drama rehearsal that my wife Vicki leads.

I think it is important to understand the history of the church and of the movement. I have many whom I count as friends from different denominations, and the fact that I am proud of our Methodist heritage in no way detracts from my belief that Christians from all denominations have their own strengths and purposes in ministry. John Wesley said "In essentials, unity; in nonessentials, liberty; in all things, charity," (although I believe someone else said it before him -- gold star to whomever can identify the source).

The problem with not understanding our own identity is that we cannot possibly be effective at bringing people into the fold if we don't even understand what exactly we believe! I also believe that if we as methodists understand exactly how our group was formed we will be inspired to move forward towards our mission of making disciples for Jesus Christ.

John Wesley saw the upper class people discriminating the lower-classes in 18th-century England. He was disgusted at how the aristocracy ruled the church as an institution for their own purpose rather than as God's church. Wesley saw that the church did not give a hoot about the very people Jesus told us to reach out to.

The Wesleys were riduculed for their pious beliefs about regular scripture readings, prayer, and fasting. They were called "Bible Moths" and "Methodists" as a way of poking fun of their rigidity. Oh, if only all our churches were so stubbornly devoted to regular Bible study now!

Then you have John, himself. He was very human, maybe even eccentric at times. There was a time when he realized that he had the theological knowledge required, but lacked the assurance of salvation. His attempt at ministry in America was a big flop. Then his encounter with Moravians prompted him to attend a meeting at Aldersgate Street where he "felt his heart strangely warmed."

There are books (and video studies) on this, so I can't cover enough in a blog post to do methodist history justice. But the point is that there is much in our heritage that is so desparate need of rejuvenation in our modern times.

There are churches out there (sadly, many are methodist) whose membership, while perhaps not wealthy, act as though the church belongs to them. Some members think they are the gatekeepers of all that is holy, and if you dare come to their church you best follow their rules -- not matter their rules have no basis in scripture. This reminds me of the upper class English in Wesley's time who didn't want the dirty coalminers from Bristol in their pretty cathedrals making a mess of things.

And I think about John Wesley's own experience, and how much it could speak to so many today. How many people grew up hearing about the gospel and maybe have some idea about the gospel in intellectual terms, but haven't opened themselves up to experience it? If we know our history we can relate our collective story to others who may need to hear our testimony. There are many people who need to know the gospel is for THEM just as much as it is for everyone else.

Peace,

Ray

Sunday Brunch was a hit

ray@rayreavis.com — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 21:25:43 GMT

This past Sunday Vicki and I hosted a brunch for the New Zion folks. I was appointed to New Zion as of June 18th, and we had no fellowship opportunities the whole time we were there. I really felt we needed a fellowship opportunity to come closer as a church family, and so that I, as the pastor, could get to know more of the congregation on a personal level.

We also were unveiling the inaugural edition of the New Zion UMC Newsletter. I'm not sure if they ever had a newsletter in the past, but I think it's a helpful communication tool. In fact Saturday I met someone near the church at a convenience store and was able to give them a newsletter outlining some of the opportunities for ministry New Zion has in store for them.

Vicki did an amazing job of contacting everyone that she could. I announced it from the pulpit the week before and it was in the bulletin, but attendance was a little low with it being Labor Day weekend. So Vicki called as many people as she could and sent notecards to the rest inviting them to come the church and stay for a brunch afterwards. We would have given more notice but the last three Sundays in September I have to go to Shady Grove UMC right after the New Zion service, and I didn't want to have to wait until October.

We had a good crowd at church on Sunday. I didn't get the counts, because I usually just wait for the report at the end of the month, but I'd say we had at least 70, which is pretty good for New Zion. I didn't count how many stayed for the brunch, but I had set out 48 chairs around the tables Saturday night, and we had to quickly add tables and chairs, so I'd guess around 60 stayed for brunch.

Vicki also created questionnaires asking people to check the boxes indicating which ministry areas they presently serve, which areas they wish to serve, and which areas they do not wish to serve. We had a great response to the questionnaires. I think they will prove helpful going forward as we try to build up the ministry opportunities and we reach out into the world.

Zakk was a real asset, scrambling dozens of eggs and just all-round working hard! I really appreciate the work he is putting into the church. I am very proud of him.

I also had a chance to sit and talk with several members during the brunch. I didn't have a chance to talk with everyone beyond simple pleasantries, but I feel we have begun building our relationships with the good people of New Zion UMC. God has blessed the ministry of our little church greatly.

Peace,

Ray

My wife is awesome

ray@rayreavis.com — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 13:59:58 GMT

I love my wife very much. I've always known this but in the past week my appreciation for her has grown so much. I have experienced some real challenges, time pressures, and all-around stress this week, and Vicki has been by my side through every minute of it, willingly sharing with me the burdens.

She is a wonderful partner in love and in my ministry. My cup overflows!

Peace,

Ray

One Simple Rule

ray@rayreavis.com — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 04:57:21 GMT

This Sunday I will be preaching from Romans 13:8-14. In this passage Paul is explaining to the Romans that all the commandments from God can be summed up in one simple rule: "Love your neighbor as yourself." Simple, right?

Well, you would think it would be simple, but it's not always so easy to follow through on. I'm not sure exactly why we (I) fail so miserably on this point so often, but my guess it is because we are (I am) inherently sinful, prideful, and selfish.

I find it interesting that this passage begins with a discussion of debt: "Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fullfilled the law." (Romans 13:8 NIV). In the first part of this sentence debt is bad. Our debtors hold power over us. The fact that I have a mortgage to pay means that a good part of my labor each month is devoted to paying the payment. Imagine if I didn't have that mortgage what I could do with that time!

On a more personal level, have you ever owed someone money or some object that you borrowed? It weighs heavily on your mind, doesn't it? I borrowed a book from my pastor once, and when I was through with it, I forgot to bring it to church on Sunday, I forgot to bring it to the Bible study, I forgot to bring it to the meeting, and on and on and on. He wasn't hounding me for it, but every time I saw him I kept thinking about that stupid book that I needed to return to him, because I owed it to him. Because seeing my pastor immediately made me think of the book (which I had left at home), my debt seized my first thoughts about him each time we crossed paths.

This is the part where verse 8 speaks about the one good debt: the debt of love. The reason Paul calls this love a debt, is because our love is something we owe every other person. Because we owe this person our love, it should be the first thing we think about each time with cross paths with someone.

Imagine if on your commute to work tomorrow if some so-and-so cuts you off in traffic if you could immediately think of your debt to this person -- the debt of love. That my friend, is the peace of God that surpasses all understanding, that will guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus. (paraphrase of Philipians 4:7)

What have I gotten myself into?

ray@rayreavis.com — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 18:44:26 GMT

The title of this blog entry is part tongue-in-cheek and part reality. Where that ratio falls depends on the day. Today I'd say it is about 80% tongue-in-cheek. A week ago it may have been the inverse.

I have the end of my term at Western Governor's University bearing down on me right now. At the same time my team at Microsoft was short 3 engineers (out of 7 total) for the week due to training. Last (but not least) I'm trying to hang on by my fingernails to the two churches in my charge as we blast headlong into charge conferences season.

I had an exam last week that was worth 6 semester credits. It was my CompTIA Project+ certification. The exams are pass/fail, so it really doesn't matter than I didn't have a huge buffer between my score and the minimum. Actually considering what all is on me right now, and having just fought off a 4-week bout of bronchitis, I'm downright proud to have survived it.

My next exam is tomorrow. It is my CompTIA Network+ certification. Not only will failure mean bad things for me academically, but my team at work knows I'm sitting for this exam. It would be rather embarrassing for a third-tier commercial support engineer to flunk a Network+ exam. But this thing is requiring me to dredge up things like Token Ring, Novell Netware, and 10BASE2 networking which is quite archaic. So while I should pass, I can't be complacent and I'm having to blow a precious holiday off work cramming for the exam.

New Zion and Shady Grove are going very well. There is lots of work to be done, and my greatest challenge is in pulling back on the reins lest I take on way more than I can, or should, handle. This is one of those areas where getting certified as an IT Project Manager really helps in a church setting. It's kind of funny really, but I was telling my wife that many of the questions on the exam about setting priorities, counseling in times of team member conflict, and keeping a project focused on the scope of the project charter could easily be rewritten to apply directly to church leadership.

I had a great experience at worship yesterday. It's kind of ironic, because I thought my sermon was probably the worst one I have given in my brief 2-month tenure as a pastor, but I felt the Holy Spirit's presence yesterday like I have never felt before.

Maybe both my perception of poor pulpit performance (how's that for alliteration?) as well as my deep appreciation for the message were brought on by immense and total fatigue. I prayed last night that people got something from the sermon, because I feel guilty for feeling so ministered to by the sermon when I felt like I was rambling so.

I was preaching on Exodus 3:1-15 where God speaks to Moses through the burning bush. My message was about calling and purpose. My message was about how each of us are called to service and thus have a purpose. We only have to be perceptive enough to recognize when God is calling us. Moses was curious, which is why he went closer to investigate the burning bush that was burning without being burnt.

Anyway, I talked about how some of us are so cynical we would have dismissed the burning bush as an illusion, or maybe thought the bush had been covered with oil, and like an oil lamp, the wick doesn't burn, only the oil that is in the lamp. I wondered aloud if Moses had missed earlier signs. Maybe God had to use something as dramatic as a burning bush to get Moses' attention.

I thought about my own call to the ministry, and how it has taken so long for me to answer the call. I thought about all the times when I refused God's marching orders and went about my own way. And I thought about how far I had come and how thankful I am to be given a purpose in God's overall ministry, no matter how small a part.

This past week something came up that potentially could be an awesome opportunity. It's something that I had dreamed of and had failed to achieve in times past. But I cannot pursue that opportunity. I was not even tempted to pursue that opportunity, because I knew doing so would conflict with my goal of leaving fulltime IT work on December 31st to focus on my ministry.

I suppose that opportunity was a test. If so, I passed. I say this not in a way to brag, but in an act of thanksgiving. I am so thankful to have grown spiritually to the point where I do not have any doubt that I am called to the ministry. And what's more I do not doubt for one instant that God will be with me, just as He was with Moses and Aaron. Thanks be to God!

Peace,

Ray

Cardboard Testimony

ray@rayreavis.com — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 20:50:20 GMT

Trey Morgan linked to this powerful video on his blog. It's awesome.