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Tuesday, January 19
On my birthday, April 4, 1968, Dr. King was assassinated in Memphis. My working class congregation, in somewhat segregated Baltimore, might have been cynical. After all the FBI was tracking him and openly charged him with being communist. But that was not my people’s response. At my meeting that night was with the Ladies’ Aid, they needed to talk. It was somber.
They were shocked that a clergyman would be shot and especially because they recalled his words of non-violence and his obvious call for justice. This is was not a congregation used to engaging in social justice issues or even hearing sermons about it. I had not led them into social engagement. But, martyrdom is persuasive.
Now nearly forty-two years later, what is the heritage of MLK (before it turns into another shopping bonanza)?
His martyrdom cannot be lightly dismissed. The assassinations of the 60’s left a mark on more than one generation. It was so for early Christianity; the church emerged in the blood of the martyrs. We feel it for Bonhoeffer, for Lincoln, for Joan of Arc.
His agenda for equality is perhaps more endangered than ever in our country, as ugly racism peaks its head above the table of niceness and the well-intended legislation of forty-years. And it still fails to apply to the poor. A signature event was the Poor Peoples’ March on Washington. Is our Outreach for Hope and partnerships in urban Milwaukee a worthy witness? Remember, the dream in his most famous speech and why he was in Memphis, was economic justice, not charity.
His soaring rhetoric will stir us for generations, I suspect, an inspiration still challenging as I heard bits of the “I Had a Dream” speech at Good Shepherd Monday. But Lutherans must be careful that eloquence doesn’t replace action in all matters of faith. Our children (and prospective members) are still learning to trust us by our deeds as well as words. Let us cherish the words and then live them.
What is your inheritance from Dr. King? I will put my money on his courage and conviction. It always came through. It often stands as a critique of my preaching and my living faith. He too had clay feet, his kids haven’t fared too well, his memorials and re-named streets are eroding. But I am glad to even compare myself with him once a year.
Bishop David Olson
Tuesday, Dec. 29
A word heard about the special election assembly was spiritual. One speaks that with a certain unease because it doesn’t mean this one was and others weren’t, or that God guided the outcome, or that we were in some kind of other worldly mood.
I have long been a proponent of some advance surfacing or identifying of interested, open leaders who will speak of their visions and intentions so we start thinking before the assembly. I am grateful for our twelve and even more for the seven who were very public on Saturday Dec. 5. You gave us much to ponder.
The conclusion I come to after many years and elections is that the Holy Spirit is at work if we prepare and expect it. First, because you can’t predict the outcome. In the Fourth Gospel Jesus teaches the Spirit is like the wind—where it blows from or to we cannot see. Second, there really is power in prayer, in silence, and—in my experience—singing together. I count our Holy Communion together Friday evening as prime time for the Spirit, even more when it follows inspirational proclamation. Third, our nominees were inspired in their engagement with us. Any nervousness was covered by the earnest words of hope for our ministries together (definition for ”synod”), and for Church in its several expressions. Finally, I simply felt those moments before we put a mark on a paper were HOLY. Didn’t you? Yes, and God has blessed us in that process and in the outcome.
As we begin a new year Bishop-elect Jeff and I will work together. The training of a new bishop is not a process conducted by one person—an interim or another mentor bishop. It is yours. Give him your counsel and feedback as well as your requests. Pray for him as he seeks staff and puts forward a vision. I promise in the next weeks to make room for him, even as he leaves his parish, take time to reflect, even seed some ideas with me, and be ready to come to work even before the end of January.
But you’re not through with me quite yet. I hope expect to keep communicating and listening. This is a hard time for many parishes—tight 2009 receipts and belt-tightening or worse for 2010. I offer to walk with any parishes, pastor, or people struggling with the churchwide decisions. As the new year opens with its perennial optimism and options, let us be as open to God’s grace and guidance as were together assembled in Our Savior’s Church. Soli Deo Gloria—to God be the glory—can be our New Year’s greeting.
Bishop David Olson
Monday, Dec. 21
For Advent IV, from the Gospel according to Luke 1:39-45
The Baby's Kick
I remember 46 years ago when Nancy was pregnant with our daughter Kate and she first, and then I, felt the “kick”. It’s an awesome thing, other-worldly in a sense. This gift of life is independent of us but filled with energy, potential, and relationship--John was to prepare the way. The kick of excitement or whatever between cousins, inspires Elizabeth with words prayed by Roman Catholics for centuries.
In this Gospel, we hear nothing from Mary. True to her way of few words, as in the Christmas Gospel, “she ponders them in her heart.” So the real action from the kick is not in Mary but in Elizabeth--a kick that has had the same impact on the whole world. We disciples react to what God does in the miracle of birthing and living, at life itself, and at the baptism new birth.
In my town you can watch the Catholic channel and see the nuns praying the Rosary, in the words: “Holy Mary, Mother of God,. ..blessed are you and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.” Yet these dear ladies don't know and can hardly can convey this "kick of blessing." It was not about words.
Something happening. It has to do with touch, and very close. Not something distant but still other-worldly. A kinetic glimpse of God's power to enter life and make a mark in time, the mark we bear and each baby born is to receive in baptism.
Did you know the birthrate is up in America? Who in your community is not yet baptized but whose parents cherish the new life. Tell them of God's gift of new life.
Even though we are not mothers, not pregnant, not even husbands, we are touched by baby John's little kick. Let us cherish all signs of new life, new potential for Christ-like acts, and all relationships in the Body of Christ. Be ready for gentle kicks, unexpected and deeply felt this next week of holy moments. And, Lutherans, let the joy out; maybe in song, or prayer, or tears, or even with an Elizabethan exclamation!
Bishop David Olson
Monday, Nov. 23
One commencement weekend at St. Olaf College, the two pastors arrived Sunday morning to prepare the chancel for Baccalaureate worship. After some time, thy just happened to look out into the nave and only then noticed: all the long oak pews on one side had been reversed, facing the entrance doors in the back instead of the altar! Screws and drills were found indicating a long night’s work for the pranksters who must have left in a hurry.
The two pastors made a quick decision. Keep the pews in place. Thus, they began worship with confession at the rear—all standing to face the doors; they praised and preached from the chancel and aisle, and then prayed and sent from the back again—some the congregation facing each direction in turn. Not a bad metaphor.
We do need a break from our over busy, over wordy, over scheduled life and the word of welcome and respite (even silence!) in the opening confession makes that possible. Then is time for the body to praise and learn and give and feast. Well nourished, we turn again to that waiting world.
If we think only of ourselves cloistered for the worship, we miss the thrust of Jesus message, who spent very little time in church buildings. Most of us would agree the world is not that bad, not hostile on the face of it, certainly not as it was for the first Christians. The towering vaults of the cathedrals are gone and the dark wood and brick of the 70’s as well. Clear glass windows even close to the chancel invites us to pray for and enter that world. We are invited into mission not hiding.
When the ELW liturgy settled on Gathering, Word, Meal, Sending, I noticed that the Eucharistic visitors were commissioned as part of Sending. Is extending the table to our shut-ins really Sending. I don’t think so. It diminishes the bold meaning of mission, of being sent, of going out into the world not extending the communion circle for the faithful.
When Jesus sends us out, we go to among unbelieving people or at best Christians who are practical atheists. We need to know we bring leaven and salt, elements of the bread we have just taken that expand compassion and give savor to life. Our witness should be distinctive enough to notice.
Bishop David Olson
Monday, Nov. 16
Commuting by car, air, and rentals absorbs a sizeable amount of time, 8-9 hours each way! It's also confusing. Returning by air to Hartford this week, I took the Fastrack parking shuttle and couldn't find my car. Surprise. Monday I had used the airport parking ramp!
I am trying to live in two worlds. Two to three days a week I serve the Milwaukee Synod, working with interim staff, talking to pastors, preaching, listening and leading. The other world is my home in Connecticut, where I am painting our front porch, getting gardens ready for winter, putting the sailboat to rest, completing some work for our college reunion, and sharing in our congregation's ministry.
The fact is that this is little different from most of you. You have a day job, including travel time, and you have a home life. Two worlds. Or is it three? My walk with Jesus Christ, my citizenship in the kingdom of God, my sense of the Holy Spirit's presence--that's the world that encompasses both of mine and yours. Does my daily prayer and bible reading, Sunday and Wednesday worship with others, does even my ministry as bishop fulfill that world?
A friend of mine observed about Americans. We worship our work, work at our play, and play at our worship. True? Read it again and think. There's the problem. Work can be too much or play not really fun and worship not deep enough to let God close. This might be a job hazard for church leaders who read this page more than the average. Take care of yourselves, your multiple worlds, and your souls. I'll try to take my own advice.
Bishop David Olson
Monday, Nov. 9
Many of you have welcomed me, a stranger from the East (but a born Midwesterner). Thank you! I especially appreciate concerns for my travel/commute from Connecticut and my residence and travel while here. (Yes, my wife Nancy will join me some trips.) Mt. Carmel’s “Grace Place” is my temporary home. St. John’s, Jackson, is providing a car starting next week. Milwaukee is a great place to live and serve.
I will be writing a short piece, “Weekly Word,” on the synod website. Today’s is about travel. Nothing exposes you more to your own needs and foibles than traveling. Finding your way, making mistakes, forgetting needed items, feeling dumb. That’s my first few weeks. I remembered Abraham.
In Genesis 12 our travel begins with Abraham and Sarah. These phrases stick out from that chapter: “Leave your country, your father’s home, go to a land I will show you, he started out, traveled through the land, after that he moved on, with his wife and everything he owned, and moved from place to place until he reached Bethel, where he had camped before and had built an altar.” Bethel-- house of God, in Hebrew. “There he worshipped the Lord.” (Gen. 13:4)
Travel is in our spiritual genes but often submerged as we find security in houses and churches. It might be better if our altars were outside. It might be better to be portable. Traveling exposes us, loosens us from secure footings, necessitates dealing with others, strangers, newness, diversity. The bible is the narrative of God’s people on the move, often in transition, mostly in unknown settings. The Gospels portray Jesus seldom in church and often on the way. Early Christians were first called followers of The Way.
Pastor’s are called to public ministry, which doesn’t mean street preaching, but it does mean we are open to the public. Lay persons experience this every day. They are our “traveling team.” On the move, you are tangible evidence of Christ--on the way to Calvary, to the poor, to the feeding of 5,000, to the stormy sea. Thank you for you traveling witness.
Bishop David Olson
Tuesday, January 19
On my birthday, April 4, 1968, Dr. King was assassinated in Memphis. My working class congregation, in somewhat segregated Baltimore, might have been cynical. After all the FBI was tracking him and openly charged him with being communist. But that was not my people’s response. At my meeting that night was with the Ladies’ Aid, they needed to talk. It was somber.
They were shocked that a clergyman would be shot and especially because they recalled his words of non-violence and his obvious call for justice. This is was not a congregation used to engaging in social justice issues or even hearing sermons about it. I had not led them into social engagement. But, martyrdom is persuasive.
Now nearly forty-two years later, what is the heritage of MLK (before it turns into another shopping bonanza)?
His martyrdom cannot be lightly dismissed. The assassinations of the 60’s left a mark on more than one generation. It was so for early Christianity; the church emerged in the blood of the martyrs. We feel it for Bonhoeffer, for Lincoln, for Joan of Arc.
His agenda for equality is perhaps more endangered than ever in our country, as ugly racism peaks its head above the table of niceness and the well-intended legislation of forty-years. And it still fails to apply to the poor. A signature event was the Poor Peoples’ March on Washington. Is our Outreach for Hope and partnerships in urban Milwaukee a worthy witness? Remember, the dream in his most famous speech and why he was in Memphis, was economic justice, not charity.
His soaring rhetoric will stir us for generations, I suspect, an inspiration still challenging as I heard bits of the “I Had a Dream” speech at Good Shepherd Monday. But Lutherans must be careful that eloquence doesn’t replace action in all matters of faith. Our children (and prospective members) are still learning to trust us by our deeds as well as words. Let us cherish the words and then live them.
What is your inheritance from Dr. King? I will put my money on his courage and conviction. It always came through. It often stands as a critique of my preaching and my living faith. He too had clay feet, his kids haven’t fared too well, his memorials and re-named streets are eroding. But I am glad to even compare myself with him once a year.
Bishop David Olson
Tuesday, Dec. 29
A word heard about the special election assembly was spiritual. One speaks that with a certain unease because it doesn’t mean this one was and others weren’t, or that God guided the outcome, or that we were in some kind of other worldly mood.
I have long been a proponent of some advance surfacing or identifying of interested, open leaders who will speak of their visions and intentions so we start thinking before the assembly. I am grateful for our twelve and even more for the seven who were very public on Saturday Dec. 5. You gave us much to ponder.
The conclusion I come to after many years and elections is that the Holy Spirit is at work if we prepare and expect it. First, because you can’t predict the outcome. In the Fourth Gospel Jesus teaches the Spirit is like the wind—where it blows from or to we cannot see. Second, there really is power in prayer, in silence, and—in my experience—singing together. I count our Holy Communion together Friday evening as prime time for the Spirit, even more when it follows inspirational proclamation. Third, our nominees were inspired in their engagement with us. Any nervousness was covered by the earnest words of hope for our ministries together (definition for ”synod”), and for Church in its several expressions. Finally, I simply felt those moments before we put a mark on a paper were HOLY. Didn’t you? Yes, and God has blessed us in that process and in the outcome.
As we begin a new year Bishop-elect Jeff and I will work together. The training of a new bishop is not a process conducted by one person—an interim or another mentor bishop. It is yours. Give him your counsel and feedback as well as your requests. Pray for him as he seeks staff and puts forward a vision. I promise in the next weeks to make room for him, even as he leaves his parish, take time to reflect, even seed some ideas with me, and be ready to come to work even before the end of January.
But you’re not through with me quite yet. I hope expect to keep communicating and listening. This is a hard time for many parishes—tight 2009 receipts and belt-tightening or worse for 2010. I offer to walk with any parishes, pastor, or people struggling with the churchwide decisions. As the new year opens with its perennial optimism and options, let us be as open to God’s grace and guidance as were together assembled in Our Savior’s Church. Soli Deo Gloria—to God be the glory—can be our New Year’s greeting.
Bishop David Olson
Monday, Dec. 21
For Advent IV, from the Gospel according to Luke 1:39-45
The Baby's Kick
I remember 46 years ago when Nancy was pregnant with our daughter Kate and she first, and then I, felt the “kick”. It’s an awesome thing, other-worldly in a sense. This gift of life is independent of us but filled with energy, potential, and relationship--John was to prepare the way. The kick of excitement or whatever between cousins, inspires Elizabeth with words prayed by Roman Catholics for centuries.
In this Gospel, we hear nothing from Mary. True to her way of few words, as in the Christmas Gospel, “she ponders them in her heart.” So the real action from the kick is not in Mary but in Elizabeth--a kick that has had the same impact on the whole world. We disciples react to what God does in the miracle of birthing and living, at life itself, and at the baptism new birth.
In my town you can watch the Catholic channel and see the nuns praying the Rosary, in the words: “Holy Mary, Mother of God,. ..blessed are you and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.” Yet these dear ladies don't know and can hardly can convey this "kick of blessing." It was not about words.
Something happening. It has to do with touch, and very close. Not something distant but still other-worldly. A kinetic glimpse of God's power to enter life and make a mark in time, the mark we bear and each baby born is to receive in baptism.
Did you know the birthrate is up in America? Who in your community is not yet baptized but whose parents cherish the new life. Tell them of God's gift of new life.
Even though we are not mothers, not pregnant, not even husbands, we are touched by baby John's little kick. Let us cherish all signs of new life, new potential for Christ-like acts, and all relationships in the Body of Christ. Be ready for gentle kicks, unexpected and deeply felt this next week of holy moments. And, Lutherans, let the joy out; maybe in song, or prayer, or tears, or even with an Elizabethan exclamation!
Bishop David Olson
Monday, Nov. 23
One commencement weekend at St. Olaf College, the two pastors arrived Sunday morning to prepare the chancel for Baccalaureate worship. After some time, thy just happened to look out into the nave and only then noticed: all the long oak pews on one side had been reversed, facing the entrance doors in the back instead of the altar! Screws and drills were found indicating a long night’s work for the pranksters who must have left in a hurry.
The two pastors made a quick decision. Keep the pews in place. Thus, they began worship with confession at the rear—all standing to face the doors; they praised and preached from the chancel and aisle, and then prayed and sent from the back again—some the congregation facing each direction in turn. Not a bad metaphor.
We do need a break from our over busy, over wordy, over scheduled life and the word of welcome and respite (even silence!) in the opening confession makes that possible. Then is time for the body to praise and learn and give and feast. Well nourished, we turn again to that waiting world.
If we think only of ourselves cloistered for the worship, we miss the thrust of Jesus message, who spent very little time in church buildings. Most of us would agree the world is not that bad, not hostile on the face of it, certainly not as it was for the first Christians. The towering vaults of the cathedrals are gone and the dark wood and brick of the 70’s as well. Clear glass windows even close to the chancel invites us to pray for and enter that world. We are invited into mission not hiding.
When the ELW liturgy settled on Gathering, Word, Meal, Sending, I noticed that the Eucharistic visitors were commissioned as part of Sending. Is extending the table to our shut-ins really Sending. I don’t think so. It diminishes the bold meaning of mission, of being sent, of going out into the world not extending the communion circle for the faithful.
When Jesus sends us out, we go to among unbelieving people or at best Christians who are practical atheists. We need to know we bring leaven and salt, elements of the bread we have just taken that expand compassion and give savor to life. Our witness should be distinctive enough to notice.
Bishop David Olson
Monday, Nov. 16
Commuting by car, air, and rentals absorbs a sizeable amount of time, 8-9 hours each way! It's also confusing. Returning by air to Hartford this week, I took the Fastrack parking shuttle and couldn't find my car. Surprise. Monday I had used the airport parking ramp!
I am trying to live in two worlds. Two to three days a week I serve the Milwaukee Synod, working with interim staff, talking to pastors, preaching, listening and leading. The other world is my home in Connecticut, where I am painting our front porch, getting gardens ready for winter, putting the sailboat to rest, completing some work for our college reunion, and sharing in our congregation's ministry.
The fact is that this is little different from most of you. You have a day job, including travel time, and you have a home life. Two worlds. Or is it three? My walk with Jesus Christ, my citizenship in the kingdom of God, my sense of the Holy Spirit's presence--that's the world that encompasses both of mine and yours. Does my daily prayer and bible reading, Sunday and Wednesday worship with others, does even my ministry as bishop fulfill that world?
A friend of mine observed about Americans. We worship our work, work at our play, and play at our worship. True? Read it again and think. There's the problem. Work can be too much or play not really fun and worship not deep enough to let God close. This might be a job hazard for church leaders who read this page more than the average. Take care of yourselves, your multiple worlds, and your souls. I'll try to take my own advice.
Bishop David Olson
Monday, Nov. 9
Many of you have welcomed me, a stranger from the East (but a born Midwesterner). Thank you! I especially appreciate concerns for my travel/commute from Connecticut and my residence and travel while here. (Yes, my wife Nancy will join me some trips.) Mt. Carmel’s “Grace Place” is my temporary home. St. John’s, Jackson, is providing a car starting next week. Milwaukee is a great place to live and serve.
I will be writing a short piece, “Weekly Word,” on the synod website. Today’s is about travel. Nothing exposes you more to your own needs and foibles than traveling. Finding your way, making mistakes, forgetting needed items, feeling dumb. That’s my first few weeks. I remembered Abraham.
In Genesis 12 our travel begins with Abraham and Sarah. These phrases stick out from that chapter: “Leave your country, your father’s home, go to a land I will show you, he started out, traveled through the land, after that he moved on, with his wife and everything he owned, and moved from place to place until he reached Bethel, where he had camped before and had built an altar.” Bethel-- house of God, in Hebrew. “There he worshipped the Lord.” (Gen. 13:4)
Travel is in our spiritual genes but often submerged as we find security in houses and churches. It might be better if our altars were outside. It might be better to be portable. Traveling exposes us, loosens us from secure footings, necessitates dealing with others, strangers, newness, diversity. The bible is the narrative of God’s people on the move, often in transition, mostly in unknown settings. The Gospels portray Jesus seldom in church and often on the way. Early Christians were first called followers of The Way.
Pastor’s are called to public ministry, which doesn’t mean street preaching, but it does mean we are open to the public. Lay persons experience this every day. They are our “traveling team.” On the move, you are tangible evidence of Christ--on the way to Calvary, to the poor, to the feeding of 5,000, to the stormy sea. Thank you for you traveling witness.
Bishop David Olson
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