The Pursuit of Happiness

After an extended absence I return to the virtual land to post a blog. There is evidence that I may have inadvertently deleted someone's comment. I apologize if I did so. Your input matters to me, as does posting it to share with others.

‘Tis the season for my annual plug to read the Declaration of Independence and/or the Constitution. You can read part of the Declaration now:

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

Although the right to pursue happiness is not listed in the Constitution it does carry legal weight. It is defined as “the right to pursue any legal activity as long as it does not infringe on the rights of others,” (Webster’s New World Law Dictionary). The legal minds behind that definition were not concerned about how one pursues happiness just as long as it doesn’t interfere with someone else’s pursuit. The application of that principle has proved a little tricky. So, the value of the pursuit of happiness endures, while we struggle to know how to do it. How do we pursue happiness?
Jefferson wrote the phrase in the Declaration, but didn’t invent it. It was a phrase being batted about by thinkers of the day including two as diverse as Dr. Samuel Johnson and John Locke. Johnson observed that his country (England) was lacking in what he called, “civil wisdom.” He wrote, “We are still so much unacquainted with our own state, and so unskillful in the pursuit of happiness….” (The Surprising Origins and Meaning of the “Pursuit of Happiness”, Carol V. Hamilton, George Mason University’s History News Network, 1-28-2007). Two and a quarter centuries later Johnson would likely conclude we still lack civil wisdom. Isn’t it also true that we remain unacquainted with our own state, and unskillful in the pursuit of happiness?
Jesus didn’t have a lot to say about civics. (Or did He?) He did say quite a bit about the pursuit of happiness. One place we find that teaching is in Matthew 5:1-12. These verses include The Beatitudes, such as: Blessed are the poor in spirit. Blessed are the merciful. Blessed are the pure in heart. The word translated “blessed” could also be translated “happy.” Some Bible translations do so: Happy are the poor in spirit. Happy are the merciful. Happy are the pure in heart.
Although we think “happy” is often used to describe something superficial, the pursuit of happiness matters a great deal. In nearly all of Jesus’ teaching He addresses the very things Johnson said we lack: Jesus acquaints us with our own state and describes how to pursue happiness. That is worth some serious reflection. I recommend we take time to be grateful to God that the pursuit of happiness is a nationally preserved value. Simultaneously, I recommend a reflection on at least the Beatitudes to help us consider how Jesus is telling us to pursue and find that happiness.
The pursuit of happiness detailed by Jesus works. It is for every person. It is usually legal.

Pastor Chuck

Stilling, plus

Here's a bit of a mixed bag.

Thanks for the comment on being still, Drew. Very nice word picture.

Below are more thoughts on Psalms 46, and then after that a plug for a Friends Peace Team event that I hope some Friends from Denver can attend. I'm booked on that day and will have to miss it.

I’m continue to return to Psalm 46.
This week I visited a woman who told of a time several years ago when she went to the Emergency Room with classic heart attack symptoms. After the initial tests she began feeling fine. She sent her husband home to take care of the kids, while she continued to wait to be dismissed from the examination room. Eventually the nurse returned with the test results, “You have had a heart attack. Remain calm.” Then the nurse left here alone in the room again.
A heart attack?! Remain calm?! I need my husband here! Then God spoke to her heart assuring her that she wasn’t alone at all, and that she could trust Him. She did. She settled into a wonderful calm. She became still. She knew God was God.
That is precisely the gist of Psalm 46. I recommend reading it with this story in mind. - Or with Drew's story in mind. See his comment on my previous blog entry.


Peace Teams
The purpose of Friends Peace Teams is to invite, challenge, and empower individual Friends and Friends churches and meetings to participate in Spirit-led peace team work locally and internationally. Peace Teams are groups of people working together in places and times of conflict for reconciliation, justice, and the promotion of nonviolence.
I know this possibility captures the imagination of some of you reading this. An opportunity is at hand to learn more about Friends Peace Teams from a remarkable African woman, and possibly open the door to your participation.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s 14 year civil war has led to the deaths of more people than any other conflict since World War II. Zawadi Nikuze is a Friend working for peace in the midst of this ongoing tragedy. Since 2007 she has been the Coordinator of the African Great Lakes Initiative’s work in North Kivu. In this capacity she facilitates Healing and Rebuilding our Communities workshops and reconciliation with displaced persons who have fled the violence to refugee camps.
Zawadi is a member of the Religious Society of Friends in DRC, and speaks fluent Swahili, Kinyarwanda, Kirundi, French and English. She will be speaking on Sowing Hope Amidst War and Rape at Mountain View Friends Meetinghouse, 2280 S. Columbine St., Denver, 80210 on Saturday, June 5 at 3:00 p.m.
You can learn more about the African Great Lakes Initiative and serving on Friends Peace Teams at www.friendspeaceteams.org.
An opportunity to serve proactively as peacemakers is at our doorstep. Perhaps some from among can check out this opportunity. Let me know if you go. I wish I could join you, but I have a previous commitment.
Pastor Chuck

Still Shouting

The familiar passage, Be still and know that I am God, has been a good word for me during the last week. It has been especially helpful to consider “being still” in light of the entire Psalm 46. The psalm opens with some other familiar words: God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

Both lines inspire strength, hope, and comfort. However, I have never put the two together. I haven’t even considered they were the opening and closing of the same psalm. Now I am appreciating how each illumines the other. This week when I think about being still and knowing God, I am remembering it more as, “Easy now. God is God. You can trust Him. He is my proven refuge, strength, and help.”

I had a little fun with the passage. One translation I read put an exclamation point after "Be still and know I am God!" So, I started reading the psalm as a crescendo from a quiet first verse to a shout at verse 10. It works a little different to shout out "Be still and know that I am God," but it makes sense in the context of the psalm. Try it.
Pastor Chuck

4-21-2010

I want to never graduate from Children’s Church.

Of course if I started attending Children’s Church there would be problems. For one, I have never been able to figure out the crayon thing. And there are several other good reasons the Children’s Church teacher would probably be calling my parents to discreetly insist they find a more age-appropriate placement for me. Nevertheless, although the Christian Education administration will find ways of moving me through the system, I am reluctant to accept the demotion to Adult Church.

As we all know Adult Church is ever so much less interesting than Children’s Church, but we are there because the system moves us along, and we eventually collect in the only place left. Last Sunday two grade school aged worshippers stayed in the service upstairs even though there was a Youth Service alternative. I know they were there because they were passing notes – to the church staff. I’ll share them with you,

I love Jesus. He’s a good guy.
With lots of love,
A.


I like the prayers you guys do. I’m very thankful.
Love,
C.

My sermon content last Sunday did not surpass the down-to-earth, personal faith of these younger worshippers. A person could live well by the straightforward terms expressed in those brief notes. It is the simple, personal faith of a child that is the Children’s Church from which I pray I never graduate.

Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them. Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Matt 19:13-14 (NIV)

CO

River Days

“I thank my God every time I remember you,” says the apostle Paul to his friends in Philippi (Philippians 1:3). Vicky and I say the same about you, our church family. You have cared for us and our children and grandchildren for over 31 years now. You would think we would get used to it, but you keep finding ways of raising the bar of lovingkindness.

On Palm Sunday I was totally surprised by the reception after the worship service celebrating my 60th birthday and 31 years of partnership in ministry with you. It was fun and the cake was especially tasty. Vicky and I were deeply honored as we received your words of appreciation and gifts. I’m keeping your thoughtful cards on my office bulletin boards. They are very meaningful to me. It is a privilege to serve and be embraced by you. We thank God every time we remember you.

Another special treat that I took as a personal gift (though it wasn’t) was Ali singing Shall We Gather At the River at the Easter Feast. I love this hymn although I don’t remember ever having sung it congregationally. It was written in the 19th century back in the day when friends were more inclined than we are to gather at the river for a rest, recreation, and sometimes, worship. The hymn is making reference to “the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb” that John witnessed in heaven (Revelation 22:1). The picture is one of good times upgraded to even better on heaven’s river bank.

The songwriter is celebrating happy times together in a world forever healed. I imagine mixed tears of longing, sorrow and joy that accompanied the publication of this song as the Civil War drew to a close. It appeared in a songbook entitled Happy Voices. Even the book title offered a generous helping of hope and faith – scarce commodities among a war-weary people. What hope of restoration must have been expressed in the invitation, “Shall we gather at the river!”

At the smiling of the river,
Mirror of the Saviour’s Face,
Saints whom death will never sever,
Lift their songs of saving grace.

We have more days ahead of us than we can count of gathering together at the river. I’m looking forward to them.

Thankfully,
Pastor Chuck

St. Patrick Prayer

Thanks for the great story from Vienna, Carrie. Anyone is welcome to keep those "Eyes fixed on Jesus" stories coming.

Drew asked about a website for The Lord's Pantry. I don't think they have one. If you call the church office you can get a phone number for Dale and Elsie.

I normally don't even remember St. Patick's Day, but it's on my mind today. His Breastplate prayer is a gem. I’ve pasted a translation below that is minimally modernized. It reminds me that when we pray we are being cheered on by the great cloud of witnesses distant from us in many ways, but near in Christ. I like the thought of being cheered on by our ancient Celtic forebearers. I imagine them primitive in some ways, but tender in Spirit. Perhaps you, too, will find inspiration in Patrick’s great prayer of spiritual warfare. Praying this prayer is a way to "keep our eyes fixed on Jesus," while praying for God's participation in our lives.

The Lord is with us,
CO

"St. Patrick's Breastplate is contained in the ancient Book of Armagh, from the early ninth century. along with Patrick's authentic "Confession." St. Patrick is said to have written this prayer to strengthen himself with God's protection as he prepared to confront and convert Loegaire, high king of Ireland. I see in it some similarities to Paul's exhortation to "put on the whole armor of God" (Ephesians 6:10-18), except that it is much more detailed. I recommend St. Patrick's prayer to you as a wonderful prayer of spiritual preparedness." (This is taken from, and you can read more at: http://www.joyfulheart.com/stpatrick/breastplate.htm)

I bind to myself today
The strong virtue of the Invocation of the Trinity:
I believe the Trinity in the Unity
The Creator of the Universe.

I bind to myself today
The virtue of the Incarnation of Christ with His Baptism,
The virtue of His crucifixion with His burial,
The virtue of His Resurrection with His Ascension,
The virtue of His coming on the Judgement Day.

I bind to myself today
The virtue of the love of seraphim,
In the obedience of angels,
In the hope of resurrection unto reward,
In prayers of Patriarchs,
In predictions of Prophets,
In preaching of Apostles,
In faith of Confessors,
In purity of holy Virgins,
In deeds of righteous men.

I bind to myself today
The power of Heaven,
The light of the sun,
The brightness of the moon,
The splendour of fire,
The flashing of lightning,
The swiftness of wind,
The depth of sea,
The stability of earth,
The compactness of rocks.
I bind to myself today
God's Power to guide me,
God's Might to uphold me,
God's Wisdom to teach me,
God's Eye to watch over me,
God's Ear to hear me,
God's Word to give me speech,
God's Hand to guide me,
God's Way to lie before me,
God's Shield to shelter me,
God's Host to secure me,
Against the snares of demons,
Against the seductions of vices,
Against the lusts of nature,
Against everyone who meditates injury to me,
Whether far or near,
Whether few or with many.

I invoke today all these virtues
Against every hostile merciless power
Which may assail my body and my soul,
Against the incantations of false prophets,
Against the black laws of heathenism,
Against the false laws of heresy,
Against the deceits of idolatry,
Against the spells of women, and smiths, and druids,
Against every knowledge that binds the soul of man.

Christ, protect me today
Against every poison, against burning,
Against drowning, against death-wound,
That I may receive abundant reward.

Christ with me, Christ before me,
Christ behind me, Christ within me,
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ at my right, Christ at my left,
Christ in the fort, [i.e., at home]
Christ in the chariot seat, [i.e., travelling by land]
Christ in the poop. [i.e., travelling by water]

Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks to me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.

I bind to myself today
The strong virtue of an invocation of the Trinity,
I believe the Trinity in the Unity
The Creator of the Universe.

Eyes on Jesus

As we approach the Easter celebration and commemoration of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection I’m encouraging us to "fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God," (Hebrews 12:2). I've given an example below. I'd like to hear from any of you if you have an example. They don't have to be as long-winded (yawn) as mine. But, hey, how is it working for you to remember to "fix your eyes upon Jesus?"

I was invited to join the team at The Lord’s Pantry last week. The Lord’s Pantry distributes food to about 150 needy families per week. This is a big operation that is staffed 100% by volunteers. It is run by Dale and Elsie who are well enough advanced in years to have great-grandchildren. They have been doing this every week for 20 years. You might want to pause and think about that for a bit.

Here’s what it looks like. At 6:30 a.m. on Friday mornings the sawhorses and plywood are set up for an assembly line in the fellowship hall of a generous church in Commerce City. Canned goods are pulled from the storage room. There is a pile of 300 loaves of bread that was donated that morning. 1500 pounds of flour is on the way. Someone is rounding up a bargain on fresh produce.

For the next couple of hours groceries from different sources, and people, drift in. It is a merry band. Everyone pitches in dividing up the food to make precisely 154 bags of groceries, which is the number of households they are serving that day. Some of the volunteers will be beneficiaries. Most of the bags are delivered to shut-ins in the immediate neighborhood. A volunteer leads in prayer and we bag groceries.
Bob and I leave to deliver 32 bags of groceries. Bob has been doing this for a long time. He is a Commerce City native and a retired school teacher. Our stops are brief, but Bob exudes genuine care to every single person. He makes each visit personal. He knows everyone by name, their history, their circumstance in life, their family. Every recipient can’t wait to see Bob. They love this man.

I can’t help but think of Jesus telling us that when we serve the least of these we serve Him. I can’t help but remember that James said that pure religion includes taking care of widows in their distress. I don’t know what a worship service or a Bible class would look like with these 40 volunteers from a lot of different congregations, but it looked like church to me. It was being with Jesus. It was great.

By the way, a corporate sponsor is matching any donations made to The Lord’s Pantry in March and April. You might want to talk to Dale or Elsie Quillen about that.

CO