You are an Essential Part of the Resuscitation Team for the Global Church!

John chapter one begins with this proclamation: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it….”

As I ponder the future of the Church, John 1 gives me great hope. Many in the “Western Church” currently announce that “the Church” is drastically declining. Some are even saying it needs to die so it can be reborn. I don’t agree. I believe the message from the passage above inspires us to trust that the light of Christ will still shine even in the darkness of decline and will not be overcome by it. We, you and me, and all in “the Church” today can rally together to transform and reform the church to give it new life without letting it completely die first.

An analogy might be found in healthcare, where I previously worked. Caregivers don’t let the patient die first and then try to resuscitate. Nurses catch the patient on the way down, before life is completely gone, so that chances for a favorable outcome are good. Each of us can do this now on behalf of the global Church of Jesus Christ.  Each of us is critically important in the resuscitation process. You are vital to the life of the church, and your presence in this process makes a successful resuscitation happen.

Our Presbyterian Church in Morristown is doing better than most. We have a vibrant, growing congregation. This new church year is our opportunity to give hope and life to others personally and invigorate our church itself. When we thrive, others will catch our contagious hope and be inspired to thrive as well. The light we shine out into the community of Morristown brightens the lives of others who are feeling hopeless about their own futures.

Stopping the decline of the "Church" takes all of us working together as a team. Like the Code Blue team in the hospital, success depends on each of us -- using our gifts and talents to strengthen our own church so we can reach out and help others. Does this sound exhausting to you?

Jesus said, "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."

There are many whose lives we touch who may feel too exhausted, stressed or alienated to attend church. Each of us can proclaim the gospel by inviting these weary folks to receive the strength and rest that comes with attending worship in a faithful community. May you not let the darkness and confusion of unrelenting busyness overwhelm you this new church season. Be an active resuscitation team member and find new life in the light that shines as a result of your service - all for the glory of God and the global church. 

My Prayer for a Dying Church Member

Creator God, Nancy is your beloved child who was known to you before her birth. Now Nancy's life on this earth is coming to a close. We are grateful Nancy has had a wonderful life fully lived. She will never be forgotten as her life and loves are carried along in our own lives in many ways. 

Wrap her in your loving arms so she can feel your presence here at this time. Reassure Nancy that she is never alone, that you are here with us and there is nothing to fear, for you promise that NOTHING can separate us from your all-encompassing love. Please forgive the things that Nancy believes need to be forgiven. Give her reassurance of your mercy, understanding, and unconditional acceptance; for you alone know our deepest thoughts and needs.

May Nancy trust in your promise that you are with us to the end of the age and that we will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Take away any present suffering and fear. Replace our worries with your gifts of grace, love, and comforting peace that surpasses all understanding. And in your wise timing, may your heavenly angels peacefully carry our beloved Nancy to the next dwelling place where there is joy; no more tears or sorrow.
Receive Nancy into your tender loving arms of mercy.

And grant us all an awareness of your love interweaving the Universe together in everlasting life. Amen

Prayer for All People

I lift up to you, our Eternal and Loving God, in prayer:

The lost and all who go searching for them, the broken and wounded, and the merciful who tend to them.

The frightened souls and those who advocate for them;

all nations and their advisers who have influence over them.

The diverse peoples of the world and all who protect the smallest and the weakest, 

those involved in warring regions, and for the peacemakers who try to bring a just reconciliation.

We pray:

For the hungry millions and for the homeless, for refugees;

and for all who do their best to provide for their needs.

 For the physically challenged, the oppressed, the addicted;

 and each clinic, advocate and therapist that offers respect and hope.

For the diseased, the mentally ill; and we ask for God's tender loving care of them and encouragement for those who patiently work for their wellbeing.

For the dying and for those who comfort them, and we pray for those grieving the loss of loved ones.

For the unemployed and all who despair with economic problems. 

Inspire those of us who can be of help to boldly take others under our wings.

For the church in its many denominations and congregations. 

May we together present a strong armor to the world protecting the weak, providing for the poor, lifting up the downtrodden, and doing justice with mercy and kindness.  May we channel God's love through all our words and actions.

Thank you Lord for challenging us to be more than we think we can be. Help us be alert to the inspiration of your Spirit and remember to pray at all times. As we draw strength from your power may we stand firm against all that can corrupt your creation.  

Thank you for the reassurance that you deeply love each one of us. 

In Christ's name we pray. Amen

A Cheerful Heart is Good Medicine

 “A cheerful heart is a good medicine, but a downcast spirit dries up the bones.” (Proverbs 17:22)

Last weekend a staff member commented that it was good to hear laughter in the congregation during the service. She believes it attracts more people to our church when they hear how happy and fun we are. I agree with her! When we count our blessings here at PCM we have lots to be thankful for and show it with joyful laughter.

"The power of humor can transform heads and hearts," said Michael Farrell, author and publisher. He believes God gave us a whole system of facial muscles designed just for laughing; so we must use them! We are created to laugh! Yet, life is a mix of tragedy and comedy. Soren Kierkegaard wrote: “Wherever there is life there is contradiction and wherever there is contradiction the comical is present.”

As our church seeks to connect more people to Jesus Christ, we can do so with our facial muscles to greet visitors and old friends with smiles and laughter. People are automatically attracted to laughter when it is positively based on God’s good humor. Plus, a light-hearted look at life can give us hope and optimism in times of trouble.

God had a plan when human creation was blessed with the ability to laugh. Laughter lowers your blood pressure, improves your digestion, and increases the serotonin in your brain that enhances your mood. One of my favorite sounds is a baby’s belly laugh when playing peek-a-boo. I find it impossible to not laugh along with the baby I hear laughing. Humor is contagious! (I can't help but laugh when I look at this photo of my son, Ian, who was laughing at me when I took this picture.)

As a Psychiatric Nurse Therapist/Pastor, I must share with you more of the mental health benefits of humor. Laughter adds joy and zest to life, eases anxiety and fear, relieves stress, improves mood, and enhances resilience. A dose of laughter is important to have each day. Look up a new joke-a-day on the internet and start your day with a laugh. Share the good medicine by making one of your daily goals to make another person laugh heartily and positively.

Strive to see the funny side of tension, disagreements, disappointments, or surprising changes in plans. Marriage counselors say that one of the key qualities to a successful marriage is when one of the couple is able to step back and diffuse an argument with genuine positive laughter or lightheartedness. Not to ignore the problem, but to give a new perspective on it that changes the tone from hopeless to hopeful.

God created us to enjoy three L’s:  to laugh and love and live together. Angela Macnamara suggests it is best to seek the lighter side of life in all circumstances. She said, “There is no period of life that does not have its own silver lining.”

As we become more “silver,” over time, let us keep the gift of laughter active to enhance our faith and mental health status as we respond to the contradictions and calamities of life on earth. (For more on the health benefits of laughter see: http://www.helpguide.org/life/humor_laughter_health.htm)

Your Image of God is Created in You and Creates You

Hand of God Nebula image by NASA/CXC/SAO/P.Slane, et al.

Forgiveness was the theme for a week of my Interdisciplinary Approaches to Trauma seminar this semester at Princeton Theological Seminary. One particular article described the parental influences on a child’s religious perspectives. How we see God (or the image of God we carry around with us) is greatly influenced by our relationships with our parents or other caretakers growing up.

With this in mind, I discovered this quote from Albert Einstein who said, “I cannot imagine a God who rewards and punishes the objects of his creation and is but a reflection of human frailty.” He added, “God may be subtle but he isn’t mean."
                                              
How does this perspective on God reflect the influence Einstein’s significant role models had on his development as his image of God was being created? 
                                                    
Richard Rohr, a Franciscan friar who writes a daily devotional for his Center for Action and Contemplation said, “Your image of God, your operative image of God --  lives in a symbiotic relationship with your soul and CREATES what you become. Loving people, forgiving people have always encountered (or perceived) God as a loving and forgiving God. Cynical people are cynical about the very possibility of a coherent loving center to the universe.” 

Ponder this scripture: Psalm 103: 1-5 -- “Bless the Lord, O my Soul, and all that is within me, bless God’s holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and do not forget all his benefits; who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the Pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfied you with good as long as you live so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”
                                                                          
2 questions for your soul to contemplate: 1) How do these words align with the image of God that continues to create you? 2) How does your life show this image of God to the world?

Making Summer a Time of Rejuvenation

“The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.”

(Psalm 29:11 NIV)

When we think of summer we may think only those who get to lounge on the shore or go on a tour of some exotic place are truly enjoying summertime and having a summer vacation. Sadly church attendance tends to slump in the summer because of this expectation that one needs to “get away” or “take a break.” But there are many ways to take “mini-vacations” right here that can rejuvenate your body, mind, and spirit – in healthier ways without having to go away.

Hebrews 10: 24-25 tells us to keep coming to church even in the summertime: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another —and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

I suggest approaching summer differently this year, with healthy Christian living that can rejuvenate and give you rest without having to go anywhere and spend money. Then donate the money you saved to a good cause like our PCM Outreach programs. By doing so you will be helping others rejuvenate through food, clothing, or by participating in mission trips like the Foundation for Peace trip serving those in the Dominican Republic.

We are instructed to: “Have no anxiety about ANYTHING but in everything through prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus.” (from Philippians 4:8-7) 

When I am stressed I consider the passage above as a command from God. The scripture doesn’t say, “Maybe if you pray you will feel less stressed.” It says first to have no anxiety about anything. This is stated as if it is a sin to be anxious. We are told to give up everything to God gratefully. And the Peace of God “will” (it doesn’t say “possibly”) we are guaranteed that God’s peace will guard our hearts and our minds as we follow the ways of Jesus. John 10: 10 also reminds us that Jesus came so we can have life abundantly. His ways show us how to be healthy in our living in community with others and in our relationship with God. 

A summertime rejuvenation plan is: 1. Keep coming to church. 2.To prevent feeling stressed, take “mini-vacations” (even in the car or plane) and Pray, Pray, Pray. Learn the Centering Prayer method used in the study of resiliency last Advent. (Nearly 100% of our PCM study participants improved their Resiliency status with just 20 minutes of “resting in God” each day for six weeks!) 3. Learn the ways of Jesus for faith and health. And feel God’s peace rejuvenate your body, mind, and spirit. May you have a blessed summertime! See you at church! 

Learning About Resilience in Haiti

As the tears ran down my cheeks, I watched them drop to the dusty ground. Upon arrival to this village I could no longer contain my sadness in seeing the overwhelmingly impoverished living conditions. Our medical team of nurses and other volunteers stood in a big circle holding hands with the Haitian people and children of the Vilaj Kanes near the Lake Azuei, a salt lake in the center of Haiti.  In an effort to hide my tears I didn’t release my hands from the circle.  I just bowed my head low and watched them hit the dirt until the prayer was finished. Then I jumped up into the back of our tap tap  (open air bus) parked nearby to find a tissue. Soon I would be asked to greet the crowd on behalf of our Presbyterian Church in Morristown and the Foundation for Peace. So I had to pull myself together.

My tears surprised me because I normally do not cry when I am in the presence of the people I came to care for. As a psychiatric nurse therapist and a pastor, I have witnessed many sad situations. But the overtly poor condition of these children, the primitive dirt floor shacks where they lived, and the sparse barren land surrounding them was clear evidence of their desperate poverty.

At 10am, the hot sun mixed with the humidity coming off the lake created a tropical atmosphere. The only sheltered place available for the free medical clinic was under the one large shade tree in the center of the village. Twelve University of Pennsylvania graduate nurse practitioner students and the Foundation for Peace, Haitian and US team members spent some time shaking hands and introducing ourselves to the kids and adults who were waiting for us to arrive. We played with them by blowing bubbles for the kids to jump up and pop. And we let them touch our stethoscopes and gloves as a way of warming them up to the idea of being examined by these strange white nurses.

After singing a few hymns in Creole and saying a prayer of thanks for this opportunity to be with our brothers and sisters in our global family in Haiti, I felt spiritually more at peace.  This was our third medical clinic of the week and we came prepared to care for whatever need came forward to the best of our abilities. I was so proud to be a nurse/pastor among this team of graduate nurses who never complained about the hard work of providing free healthcare in desperately poor communities almost every day of our trip to Haiti. 

As the nurse practitioners set up mini open air exam areas with a few card tables and chairs, the rest of the team opened the suitcases full of medicines and wound care supplies and created a “pharmacy area” with two wooden benches. Then the Haitian pastor-leader of our group, Pastor Valentin, began to call people up to the designated intake area.

The people of Kanes watched all of this activity patiently and understood that they would all depart with vitamins, anti-parasitics, or other medicines as needed. Each family unit also would receive a bag containing beans, rice and cooking oil.

Each community we were sent to by the Foundation for Peace had little to no access to healthcare prior to our arrival. But this Village Kanes was suffering the most of all. Many of the children were covered with bug bites probably acquired from sleeping on the dirt floors in their little huts.  Some of the children were extremely weak due to a lack of water and food. Three infants with high temperatures needed rehydration immediately upon arrival to our clinic.

A few months prior to this clinic the Foundation for Peace (FFP) staff had discovered this fishing village was unable to fish due to broken fishing boats. Now with help from the FFP, they are starting to fish again; but the time of desperation when they had lost their ability to fish took a toll on their spirits and on their bodies. Many seemed depressed and ill with parasites, body aches, and other signs of malnutrition.

So where does one start working in partnership with a group when confronted by a place with such overwhelming need? You look for signs of hope and start there. The goal is to empower them to build upon the strengths they already have.

At the end of the day I found a group of the healthy looking kids swimming in the lake near the fishing boats. One little girl in a blue dress grabbed my hand as I walked toward the water. She had a huge smile on her face and spoke a few words of English.  When she beckoned me to go for a swim with her and some of the other kids already in the water, I quickly caught her attractive smile on camera.

Her name is Adrienne. And she gave me hope for the Vilaj Kanes. Adrienne’s resilience shines out through her smile, and her clever engaging personality.

Although these children have many challenges, they have advantages our children lack as US families become more isolated inside large high tech homes. Their village is a cohesive community that cooperates, plays and works together. Their care for each other was demonstrated by the way it was nearly impossible to distinguish blood relative from neighbor as they came forward in the medical clinic as “families” with each other’s children. We discovered mothers were breastfeeding one another’s babies. They cared for all the children as their own. No one family had a shack much larger than the other. And as we handed out the food, it became clear that this attitude of sharing all their resources was the key to this village’s survival. All of the food would be shared among the village rather than kept by just one family.

In contrast to the overwhelmingly sad feelings I experienced upon arrival at this beautiful lakeside Haitian village, I departed with a sense of hope that by working together in partnership they can be empowered by building upon their strengths: community cohesiveness, deep abiding faith in God’s love and care for them, compassion for one another; and their strength of resilience that is clearly within those who have endured many years of hardships.

I came away with a blessed realization that Americans have much to learn from the Haitian people about mutual care, cooperation, and faith for the development of resilience within our own communities. I look forward to returning to Village Kanes in the Fall to learn more from these resilient Haitian people.