Pastor B's musings

When Will the Yammering Stop?

2008-06-03T11:55:00.000-07:00

Why are clergy so obnoxiously vocal in the midst of this political campaign? Seems to me that pulpits should be used for proclaiming the love of God for absolutely everything rather than bashing people for political reasons or racial prejudices. Anyway, about the time you think it is going to get better some big mouth makes another degrading comment.

In any case, what does the church do politically? It doesn't. Jesus didn't. Paul didn't. What the church needs to do right now is to proclaim hope, proclaim love, and proclaim justice for all people in this frightening world we live in. Between the economy, the war,and gas prices, the church needs to be the bearer of good news in the midst of bad news.

So, there y'are.

Lynn Bailey

2008-04-29T11:51:00.000-07:00

Better Late than Never

Having grown up in the late 40's with only radios and mechanical typewriters, it is hard to get my brain around keeping up with my blogs. So, sorry about that! It isn't that I am not thinking, it is simply a matter of remembering that I live in the Silicon Valley in 2008!

So, what's going on in this world of ours? Seems like it out to be just about perfect with all of our technology and scientific wonders. With mass communication it seems that all humanity ought to communicate better and get along.

Well, we know that isn't happening. Seems like humanity has made a golden calf of all the innovations of the world and forgotten that there is a God who created us in his image and loves every person without exception. Wouldn't it be great if Christians, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, and all people of faith could get together. I would be willing to be that if that happened, there would be a lot more common denominators that uncrossable boundaries. Just a thought!

Father B

It Is About Time

2008-02-28T12:42:00.000-08:00

Well, nothing like being several months behind in creating a new blog. Yes, I am still alive, yes, it has been busy around here, no, I don't have any other excuses!

I am rather consumed with the idea of change these days in order to keep up with the demands of the Gospel. We just can't do business as usual if the church is going to survive. This takes a lot of creativity and a willing to take risks. This means doing something that is radically different.

For example: We are on the verge of opening, of all things, a coffeehouse here at Immanuel Lutheran Church. It will be a place where folks can bring their computers, have latte, mocha, espresso or regular coffee. Since we are located across from San Jose City College this will certainly be a new way of ministry. Who would have thought it? A coffeehouse in a church? Yet, someone had the idea, someone else supported the idea, someone else financially is making it happen and someone else is going to run it. Make sense? Of course! Why not. No, we aren't going to go around thumping big red Bibles in the coffeehouse, but will simply make it a "refugio" and a place of welcome. If you are in our area beginning on March 10th drop in and have a cup!

Blessings and salutations,
Lynn Bailey