Monday, September 25, 2017

We teach boys to burn flags. . . properly.

I love the opportunity to teach and train boys to be men.
Boy Scouts of America gives me a great place to do just that.

In our little country of the USA, there are many conflicting voices; loud, shrill, quiet, calm, violent, or fearful. Undignified and some refined. All have their opinion about things like mayonnaise or mustard, pastels or earth tones, paper or plastic, stand or kneel, burn or dance, tear down or leave it be. I must make two confessions; I believe that not all opinions are equal and not all questions are valid. I hold strongly to the belief that there really are stupid questions in life, and your opinion, if it is trying to be forced on other people, better have something to back it up.

Any person in America has the right to believe or think anything. They even have the right to express themselves, and get together with other like-minded idiotic people of the same OR DIFFERENT mindset to talk about it. Isn't that what the 1st Amendment of the Constitution protects?

I do not want the government or anyone else telling me what I can or cannot teach as a Pastor within God's church and with God's people. That is the duty of  The Holy Scriptures and The Holy Spirit. Because I want to be protected, I will defend the right of a Muslim, Spiritualist, Wiccan, whoever, to worship in their own way. Even if I do not agree with them. I won't help them, but I will protect their right to do so. This is Freedom of Religion, protected under that same 1st Amendment of the Constitution.

So back to teaching boys. The 1st Amendment of the Constitution of the United States is really well seen and taught within the scouting movement. (We practice and teach the 2nd Amendment as well, but that is for another day.) We teach boys to fulfill their duty to God and their country, these two come up a lot together. We teach respect for other faiths. Within our own unit we have Christian, Muslim, Morman, Catholic, and None or the above. We also have a natural born Jordanian, English, and some kid from up the head of a hollow (pronounced "holler").

You know what the ironic thing is, these kids don't realize it. They don't know they are a hodge- podge of abnormality.

In teaching respect for the flag of the United States of America we cover the history, the care, storage, and presentation. We teach about wearing, using it for different purposes and flying the flag upside down (this is a sign of distress). We teach that people in America are free to burn the flag.

One of the boy will always ask the question, "Is it illegal to burn the flag?" we take the same 1st Amendment approach. A person has a constitutionally protected right to burn the flag out of anger, disagreement, protest, or just don't like the color blue. They have the right to jump up and down on it while screaming about their restricted rights. The very flag they hate, is a symbol of their protected right to do so.

Flag retirement done with a BSA Troop
As a side note, we also teach this; If someone is not an American citizen, they don't have to nor should they be expected to Pledge Allegiance to the Flag. It's good to stand out of respect for flag that is protecting you, but you don't have to pledge allegiance. I wouldn't say the Canadian Pledge if I was there for something, but I would stand out of respect for that sovereign nation whose protection I am under at the time. Most all of this teaching time happens in the individual units, packs and dens.

Now back to our real goal of the teaching time. How to properly "burn", let's not use that word, "RETIRE" a flag from service. In this case, at a District event with several Boy Scout and Cub scout units from 3-4 counties.

There is a lot of confusion over how, when, where, and all the details about retiring a flag from service. There are ceremonies written and shared. There are different ways to prepare the flags; quarter them, separate the colors and the field of stars, keep it whole but folded in a square. However it is accomplished it is to be done with dignity. Respect is key to properly retiring a flag from service.

Boy Scouts standing vigil, protecting the fire and flags. Sept 2017
At our district event we had a large amount of flags. The red stripes alone filled 3 garbage bags, as did the White stripes. The blue starry fields filled two bags worth. Something strange happens during this type of ceremony. As a brief history is given of the flag and description of how they were being retired the entire camp is silent.

The Boy Scouts started with the White stripes and then formed a circle around the fire so as to protect it and those participating. The cub scouts followed their lead.

Then we went through the Red stripes with leaders and adults. The cub scouts, these boys who were 10 minutes earlier yelling and laughing, and jostling each other around watched each adult submitted their portion to the flames. This is not a quickly done ceremony. It takes a while for this to happen. I know strange, right.

The blue starry fields are held to last. These were for our military, First Responders, and children of military personnel. The entire group of over 250 people stood. As the first of the blue went into the fire the camp saluted. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited for these flags one last time as they waved in the air as flames. Once the pledge was finished everyone remained standing. They were not asked to stand. They were not told to stand. They were not expected to stand. Everyone stood in silence as Old Glory shown one last time.
The Blue Starry Fields being retired by current and former military personnel. Sept 2017

Everyone left in silence after the last piece was added. The older boys scouts remained and kept vigil over the fire as it died to embers and then dust. The next morning the grommets were collected from the ashes and buried in the woods so no part of the flag could be desecrated or disgraced in any way.

The Flag is a symbol of the protected right to stand or kneel in its presence.
The Flag is a symbol of the protected right to be silent or scream at it.
The Flag is a symbol of the protected right to respect or disgrace it.

The Flag also means I have a responsibility to teach the next generation. To teach the rights and liberties we Americans hold so dearly. To protect people of other faiths and nationality. To allow others to express their beliefs, protests, or ask stupid questions. To also teach the right to make an informed decision while at the same time showing respect to everyone. It doesn't mean we have to help them or encourage them, but respect their right to do so.

All of this happens by teaching boys to burn, sorry, RETIRE, the flag.





Wednesday, August 16, 2017

Coloring Ministry? I wonder about people.


Sometimes I wonder about people.
Right now in the news is arguments over what is terror, peaceful or violent, alt-right, alt-left, ant-this and anti-that, fascist, racist, demonetization of those and tear down that. . . 
How is God going to work ALL OF THIS to the good of those who love him? How is God going to receive glory from idiots on all sides 

And I wonder, can God really use anyone?

This was my thoughts today as I approached the librarian's desk. A lady walked up to me, arm outstretched from a long ways off, handed me a book marker. She was dressed simple and plain. She had three books in her arm. Her hair was shoulder length and curly. Nothing at all to draw attention or make her stand out. She looked like a regular book worm.

I was focused on my mission so I asked, without really looking, "What's this?"

She said, "I have a coloring ministry".
My first thought was, "that's not a real ministry listed in any of the apostolic letters. Paul didn't discuss this with Timothy and Jesus didn't mention anything about crayons in the Great Commission."
So slightly taken aback I ask, "Wait, what do you do?"
Very softly, because she obviously greatly respects the mood and ambiance required of a library, told me she colors the bookmarks and prays for the person who will receive it. 

She spoke in a fast whisper, but with confidence. 
I looked up and the lady was already at the door telling the next lady coming in she left some bookmarks on the counter. 

Huh?!?!

There was no Gospel presentation. 
No theological support for what she does. 
No church name or phone number. 
No assumption of salvation or sinfulness. 
Just doing what God has revealed she can do with her particular gifts and means. 

I wonder about people.
I wonder what is it that makes this lady Love so much to take the time to make gifts and pray for strangers.
I wonder if the lady behind me picked up a small blessing in the form of a bookmark, or did she hurry on and miss it?
I wonder how many people have been blessed by this little prayer warrior?
I wonder how many people have been blessed by books turned back in with the colored proclamation of the love of God dangling in front of them?

Thankfully, amidst the chaos and arguing I didn't miss it. Since then, my thoughts have changed from hate and anger to love and serving. From fear and frustration to the beauty of the Gospel presented in its various forms and "ministries".

The scripture, "Thanks be to God for His Indescribable gift."  

That indescribable gift was Gloriously displayed in the ministry of a colored bookmark.

Thank you for your prayers and gift. 
AND on a practical note, I actually needed one. 

Tuesday, February 28, 2017

Daily Scripture Reading for Lent 2017

Daily Scripture ReadingsLent, 2017

March 1 to April 8, 2017


These readings are adapted from The Book of Common Prayer, Daily Readings for Year One.
Date
Psalm
OT
Epistle
Gospel
Wed
Mar 1
am: 95, 32, 143
pm: 102, 130
Jon 3:1-4:11
Heb 12:1-14
Luke 18:9-14
Thur
Mar 2
am: 37:1-18
pm: 37:19-42
Deut 7:6-11
Titus 1:1-16
John 1:29-34
Fri
Mar 3
am: 95, 31
pm: 35
Deut 7:12-16
Titus 2:1-15
John 1:35-42
Sat
Mar 4
am: 30, 32
pm: 42, 43
Deut 7:17-26
Titus 3:1-15
John 1:43-51
Sun 1
Mar 5
am: 63, 98
pm: 103
Deut 8:1-10
1 Cor 1:17-31
Mark 2:18-22
Mon
Mar 6
am: 41, 52
pm: 44
Deut 8:11-18
Heb 2:11-18
John 2:1-12
Tues
Mar 7
am: 45
pm: 47, 48
Deut 9:4-12
Heb 3:1-11
John 2:13-22
Wed
Mar 8
am: 119:49-72
pm: 49, 53
Deut 9:13-21
Heb 3:12-19
John 2:23-3:15
Thur
Mar 8
am:  50, 59, 60
pm:  19, 46
Deut 9:23-10:5
Heb 4:1-10
John 3:16-21
Fri
Mar 10
am: 40, 54
pm: 51
Deut 10:12-22
Heb 4:11-16
John 3:22-36
Sat
Mar 11
am: 55
pm: 138, 139
Deut 11:18-28
Heb 5:1-10
John 4:1-26
Sun 2
Mar 12
am: 24, 29
pm: 8, 84
Jere 1:1-10
1 Cor 3:11-23
Mark 3:31-4:9
Mon
Mar 13
am: 56, 57, 58
pm: 64, 65
Jere 1:11-19
Rom 1:1-15
John 4:27-42
Tues
Mar 14
am: 61, 62
pm: 68
Jere 2:1-13
Rom 1:16-25
John 4:43-54
Wed
Mar 15
am: 72
pm: 119:73-96
Jere 3:6-18
Rom 1:28-2:11
John 5:1-18
Thur
Mar 16
am: 70, 71
pm: 74
Jere 4:9-10, 19-28
Rom 2:12-24
John 5:19-29
Fri
Mar 17
am: 69
pm: 73
Jere 5:1-9
Rom 2:25-3:18
John 5:30-47
Sat
Mar 18
am: 75, 76
pm: 23, 27
Jere 5:20-31
Rom 3:19-31
John 7:1-13
Sun 3
Mar 19
am: 93, 96
pm: 34
Jere 6:9-15
1 Cor 6:12-20
Mark 5:1-20
Mon
Mar 20
am: 80
pm: 77, 79
Jere 7:1-15
Rom 4:1-12
John 7:14-36
Tue
Mar 21
am: 78:1-39
pm: 78:40-72
Jere 7:21-34
Rom 4:13-25
John 7:37-52
Wed
Mar 22
am: 119:97-120
pm: 81, 82
Jere 8:18-9:6
Rom 5:1-11
John 8:12-20
Thur
Mar 23
am: 42, 43
pm: 85, 86
Jere 10:11-24
Rom 5:12-21
John 8:21-32
Fri
Mar 24
am: 88
pm: 91, 92
Jere 11:1-8, 14-20
Rom 6:1-11
John 8:33-47
Sat
Mar 25
am: 87, 90
pm: 136
Jere 13:1-11
Rom 6:12-23
John 8:47-59
Sun 4
Mar 26
am: 66, 67
pm: 19, 46
Jere 14:1-9, 17-22
Gal 4:21-5:1
Mark 8:11-21
Mon
Mar 27
am: 89:1-18
pm: 89:19-52
Jere 16:10-21
Rom 7:1-12
John 6:1-15
Tue
Mar 28
am: 97, 99, 100
pm: 94, 95
Jere 17:19-27
Rom 7:13-25
John 6:16-27
Wed
Mar 29
am: 101, 109
pm: 119:121-144
Jere 18:1-11
Rom 8:1-11
John 6:27-40
Thur
Mar 30
am: 69
pm: 73
Jere 22:13-23
Rom 8:12-27
John 6:41-51
Fri
Mar 31
am: 107:1-32
pm: 107:33-43
Jere 23:1-8
Rom 8:28-39
John 6:52-59
Sat
Aor 1
am:  102, 108
pm: 33
Jere 23:9-15
Rom 9:1-18
John 6:60-71
Sun 5
Apr 2
am: 118
pm: 145
Jere 23:16-32
1 Cor 9:19-27
Mark 8:31-9:1
Mon
Apr 3
am: 31
pm: 35
Jere 24:1-10
Rom 9:19-33
John 9:1-17
Tues
Apr 4
am:121,122,123
pm: 124, 125, 126
Jere 25:8-17
Rom 10:1-13
John 9:18-41
Wed
Apr 5
am:119:145-176
pm: 128, 129, 130
Jere 25:30-38
Rom 10:14-21
John 10:1-18
Thur
Apr 6
am: 131, 132, 133
pm: 140, 142
Jere 26:1-16
Rom 11:1-12
John 10:19-42
Fri
Apr 7
am: 22
pm: 141, 143
Jere 29:1, 4-13
Rom 11:13-24
John 11:1-27 or 12:1-10
Sat
Apr 8
am: 137, 144
pm: 42, 43
Jere 31:27-34
Rom 11:25-36
John 11:28-44 or 12:37-50



Daily Readings for Holy Week
Adapted from the Revised Common Lectionary
Date
Psalm
OT
Epistle
Gospel
Sun
Apr 9
am: 118, 1-2,
19-29
pm: 31:9-16
Isa 50:4-9a
Phil 4:5-11
am: Matt 26:14-27:66
pm: Matt 27:11-54
Mon
Apr 10
36:5-11
Isa 42:1-9
Heb 9:11-15
John 12:1-11
Tues
Apr 11
71:1-14
Isa 49:1-7
1 Cor 1:18-31
John 12:20-36
Wed
Apr 12
70
Isa 50:4-9a
Heb 12:1-3
John 13:21-32
Thur
Apr 13
116:1-2, 12-19
Exod 12:1-42
1 Cor 11:23-26
John 13:1-17, 31b-35
Fri
Apr 14
22
Isa 52:13-53:12
Heb 4:14-16, 5:7-9
John 18:1-19:42
Sat
Apr 15
31:1-4, 15-16
Job 14:1-14
1 Pet 4:1-8
Matt 27:57-66


This plan comes from www.crivoice.org.