Pastor’s Page

“… they set out, and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was”

Matthew 2:9

Of all of the “seasons” of the Church year, the season of Epiphany is probably the one that gets the least attention (other than “ordinary time”).

Epiphany is traditionally set on January 6 – the day in which one celebrates the arrival of the wise men in Bethlehem. In the “old days” (you know, when I was growing up) the days and weeks which followed were counted as the “2^nd Sunday after Epiphany” and so forth. At some point along the way, a decision had been made to move from “after Epiphany” to “of Ordinary Time.” And so it was for a time.

Now, however, if you look at official Presbyterian calendars the “after Epiphany” designation has reappeared as an option to mark the church year.

It is too bad that Epiphany has not received better “pub” (publicity) because it is one of the more significant church holidays. While Epiphany is about the revealing of the Christ to the whole world, to me it is also a celebration of “the journey” to get there.

The “journey” for the wise men begins because they were observant of what was happening around them. As they went about their ordinary business, they came across that which caught their attention. And much as the burning bush did with Moses centuries before, so the appearance of this star was an unusual sight for them. But more than just observe, these wise men decided that they wanted to know and to see and set out. For them this “star” was a sign that God was doing something significant in the world.

Their “journey” continues even though they were not sure where they were going or what they would find when they arrived at their destination. One might question just how “wise” they really were. Starting out without a map or a plan or a definite ending point? And then, consider that some scholars suggest that it may have taken up to two years for the wise men to get to Bethlehem. Not only was this a rather unconventional trip, now it may have been an extended unconventional trip. Yet, they keep going – trusting in the sign that God was at work in the world - trusting in the presence of God in their lives and in the world – and trusting that God would lead them where they wanted and needed to be if they continue to follow.

The “journey” was not always an easy one. When we first meet the wise men in Matthew’s Gospel, they have arrived in Jerusalem, not Bethlehem, inquiring as to the child born as King of the Jews. Oops!!! At some point along the way, the wise men had quit following the star and instead decided that “they knew” where this child would be found. Naturally, a king would be found in the capital city, among royalty and at the center of the religious faith tradition. However, as they soon discover, they had made a wrong turn. It is only when they make their way out of the city and start looking that they find the star beckoning to them again. Yes, they had made a mistake and had relied more on themselves than God’s leading. Still, rather than ridicule or humiliate or punish or reject them, God instead provides the star, gets their attention and invites them to start again on their journey.

And the “journey” concludes in a place that they never could have anticipated, with people that they never would have expected, doing what they never would have imagined. There, in a simple, ordinary home they find the “king,” with his mother. Nothing extraordinary here except for the star which had led them to this place. Could they have stopped at the wrong place? They had made that mistake once before. Yet, the star was there, pointing the way, showing them where they needed to go and to be. And so they stop, kneel humbly and offer their gifts. But even more we are told they were “overwhelmed with joy.” What a journey it had been!

I think of these wise men when I ponder what this New Year and the years yet to come will bring.

As has been the case more recently, we can find that our lives individually and congregationally are filled with great uncertainty, anxiety and fear. The world around us continues to shift quickly, and not always in the best of ways. The church continues to struggle to find its way and its voice in the midst of all the chaos. And we, the People of God, find ourselves caught up in all that is happening.

In the midst of times such as these that I believe the “journey of the wise men” speaks to us.

For like the wise men, ours will be a journey – and in a sense, a statement of faith.

This will be a journey that is initiated by God – just as God came to the wise men (and countless others in the Biblical accounts), so we need to believe that God will come to us and will be with us on this journey.

This will be a journey that will ask us to look around and see God at work – while there are things that do make us nervous, if we look around we will also see the signs that God has not given up, that we as Christians and we as the church community do have a place and a role, a mission and ministries which do make a difference, and which do proclaim the good news of great joy for all people.

This will be a journey that will not always be easy – undoubtedly, since we are human beings this journey will encounter a few bumps and wrong turns … while we would like to not have to deal with these elements, we can be sure that if we are willing to listen, to watch and to trust God will continue to guide and provide for us ... we need to work together to help and support one another on this journey … and we need to work together so that we might stay focused on our goal, our mission and not be distracted by that which may cause us to veer off course, and end up in Jerusalem rather than Bethlehem.

This will be a journey that can only be possible if we trust and follow – one of the most challenging aspects of this kind of journey is to trust (and to be willing to cede control to God’s leading) … God’s timing may not always be our timing … yet trusting God means that we believe God will be faithful, if we are willing to go and to be and to do as God provides.

This will be a journey that will take us where we need to go and to do that which we need to do – the exciting and unsettling part of this journey is that we do not know exactly where we are going, how long it is going to take, what we may need to do or change, what we may need to keep doing and where it is going to take us – other than that, everything is great! … yet, the important part of this journey is to remember that wherever God takes us, that is where God needs us to be … it may not always be what we expect, or even want, but it is the right place!

This will be a journey that will ultimately change our lives – how could this journey not change us? … everything that we will do and be while on this journey is rooted in our faith relationship with God … the strength, the hope, the peace and the energy that God will provide for us on this journey will be unlike anything else we have every experienced before.

While we may not always be sure about what lies ahead of us, individually or congregationally, we can be sure of the One who does know – the One who makes this journey with us – the One who reassures us that we are loved, forgiven, redeemed and made new.

I look forward to this journey with you, the people of God that make up this Portage Presbyterian Church Community, knowing that God will guide, bless, empower and inspire us together.

Thanks be to God for this new year! Thanks be to God for the Portage Presbyterian Church community! And thanks be to God for this journey upon which we find ourselves!

Pastor’s Page

 For many pastors the Advent season and Christmas time comes way too early and passes way too quickly.

 Every year I tell myself that I am going to be better prepared and have everything better organized than the year before. And, for the most part, I do.

 2011 was no different. I had worked ahead and had plans and ideas layed out for Advent.

 And what a busy and good Advent it was. We began Advent with our traditional “Greening of the Church” worship, which was preceded by the traditional “Saturday of getting ready.” The Presbyterian Women had a great day for their Holiday House. Our Advent study, “Journey,” proved to be informative as well as a good time to fellowship together.

 Sunday morning worship was energizing and engaging as we considered the faith journeys of Mary and Joseph.

 Our Christmas program, “Christmas: You’re On the Air” was an unusual production that inspired and entertained the young people, the adults and the many family members who came to watch a “behind the scenes old-time radio program.” We had over 30 people involved in the program this year.

Thank you to the Heinze family for providing us a space for our “Christmas in the Barn” worship service. Being in a real working barn certainly gave us an appreciation of the simplicity of Christmas that too often escapes us today.

Our Advent worship at Tivoli was one of hymns and Scripture. As one resident noted, “I love to sing the Christmas hymns and hear the Christmas story.”

 The “Longest Night” or “Blue Christmas” worship service had the best attendance ever. During this service we recognized our pain and hurt, while remembering the hope we have in Jesus.

 And then came Christmas Eve and Christmas Day worship services. What inspirational and moving times these were for all who shared and participated in them.

  Of course, we finish off this time of the year with our Free Christmas Day Dinner – our 13^th year.

 Yes, Advent and Christmas here at PPC were very busy. Yet, more important, these were times that offered inspiration, comfort and reflection.

 And, before we know it, it is over and we are moving on. It seems as though it all happened so fast. This year I am finding it a bit more difficult to leave Christmas behind.

For the Christmas story and what God did and what God continues to do does not suddenly stop with the birth of Jesus. Just as parents know, the birth is only the beginning.

So it is for me this year (actually next year). Though the decorations will come down, the lights be put away, the music be shut down and things will return to normal, for me Christmas will continue to linger for awhile.

And you know, maybe that’s not such a bad thing.

May God continue to inspire, bless, comfort and lead you and us together as we move into a new year. 

Pastor’s Page

 I am about to make my acting debut. Well, not really. I did have “the lead” in high school in the “Death and Life of Sneaky Fitch.” But, this is the first time in “a number of years” that I will be performing on stage.

 The Zona Gale Young Person’s Theatre is presenting “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” during the first couple of weeks in December. Patrick Strain, the director of the production decided to invite “real pastors” to play the role of “Rev Hopkins” in the play.

 While my part is not central to the story being told, and granted it does not last more than 2 minutes, I have found to this point that it has been a most fascinating experience – as well as a learning one.

 The energy and activity of the young people in this production is nothing short of amazing. I attended my first rehearsal and found that, while I stumbled through my lines, they had already memorized their parts. As changes were made, they simply incorporated them and went on. While we are inundated with accounts of those who get into trouble, being with these young people once again renews your hope in people.

 The focus and teaching skills of those responsible for the production is also inspiring. They obviously have a vision for how this should be done and are working toward making this vision a reality. Their ability to guide and to encourage others to catch this vision is a wonderful thing to see at work.

 Being a part of such a production, one discovers that each person is important and valuable to the whole group.  No matter how big or how small the part, whether one is on stage or behind the scenes each and every person’s participation is necessary and recognized as such.

 This has also been a time of getting outside of my “comfort zone.” While I am often “in front” of people, being a part of a production is quite different. To be honest, I am a bit nervous about this. In such times it is necessary to remind oneself that it is good to stretch and challenge yourself sometimes.

 And soon the show will be over and everyone will move on to something different or new – new opportunities, new productions, new directions and a new year.

 In a sense, for me this production is a microcosm of the whole Advent and Christmas season.

 This is a time of the year when people get energized and excited with music playing, hymns sung, good wishes offered and presents exchanged. Abounding hope is a central theme of Advent and Christmas. The story of a God who does not give up, who continues to love and who believes in us is one that renews our hope and brings peace even in times and occasions when there seems to be no peace.

 Christmas and Advent is also a time when God’s vision for the world, and for us, is once again proclaimed and initiated in the words and the actions of shepherds, angels and ordinary people.

 Ordinary people. Christmas and Advent is a time when we are reminded again that in God’s eyes we are not ordinary – we are God’s people who have been chosen, called and sent out – God’s people brought together in communities of faith to help and encourage each other and to share our gifts and our talents. Each of us is valued and important not because of “who” we are or “what” we can do, but because of “whose” we are.

 “Getting out of one’s comfort zone” is truly what Mary and Joseph and the shepherds and the wise ones did. They risked a great deal in their willingness to step out and follow as God was leading them. Think how different this whole season would be if they had decided to not listen, to not follow, to not go. For us, it begins by first being willing to listen and to trust that God will lead and empower us to be the people and the church community God needs in the world today.

 And, before we know it, we will be into a new year. New opportunities, new ideas, new perspectives abound with each turn of the calendar.

 For those who are wondering, I will on stage for the Dec 9^th show (there may be others).

 Enjoy the show – but, appreciate Advent and Christmas even more!

Pastor’s Page

            This is such an intriguing time of the year. It is a time of change and transition. It is a time when we are on the move – literally and figuratively.

            We are (or soon will be) inundated with a plethora of messages about “what” we should be doing and “how” we should be spending our time and our $$$ and “where” we need to go to find that which will make our lives fulfilling. It makes one feel as though they are standing in line for a smorgasbord – there’s a little something for everyone.

            Even within the church community we find this time of the year goes in many different directions. All Saints Sunday gives way to Thanksgiving which gives way to Advent which gives way to the Christmas program which gives way to the Barn Service which gives way to the Longest Night Service which gives way to Christmas Eve which gives way to Christmas which gives way to the Christmas Dinner which gives way to the New Year which gives way to the Ordination and Installation of Ruling Elders and Deacons which gives way to the Annual Meeting (okay, so that last one may not fit!). But, you get where we are going with this.

            So, in the next few weeks we will find ourselves planning and implementing gatherings of family, friends, offices and businesses. We will have a number of special gatherings and activities here at the church. The “ads” in print and on TV will be overwhelming. Busyness, stress and craziness will abound.

            In the midst of all this, I would strongly suggest there is one more thing that you and I need to add to our list of things to do – stop, take a breath and give thanks to God.

            Give thanks to God for those whom we have known, those with whom we have shared our life and faith journey, especially those who have gone on before us into the presence of God.

            Give thanks to God for our families, our friends, our co-workers, those that we like and who like us (and even those we may not like and who may not look upon us very favorably either).

            Give thanks to God for His redemption made possible in the life, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ. Advent and Christmas are the genesis of this most wonderful and amazing story which God unfolds into our world and our lives.

            Give thanks to God for opportunities to share the good news of great joy with those around us in our conversations and most importantly in the living out of our faith.

            Give thanks to God that the PPC is a community of believers who have a spirit of mission that offers a space for sanctuary, food, fellowship, worship and caring for all people.

            Give thanks to God for new beginnings, new opportunities and new life.

            Give thanks to God that God calls, empowers and inspires people to listen and to lead with energy, intelligence, imagination and love (one of my favorite phrases in the ordination service).

            Give thanks to God - it helps us to keep perspective, to be peace-full and to be able to rejoice at all times. When all around us seems too busy, crazy and restless, give thanks to God!

            Give thanks to God … for God is good!

Pastor’s Page

            I was graciously invited to be a part of the community 9-11 remembrance service. What a blessing it was to share a time of remembering and to have an opportunity to honor, to recognize and to express our gratitude to those that we too often take for granted – firefighters, police and emergency medical personnel.

            Different pastors from across the theological spectrum participated in this event. Music from the high school band and choir, local choral groups and individuals filled the air on this September evening.

            As we worked to pack everything up, two particular comments from people there stuck with me: first, “it was really nice to have the different churches coming together for this event;” and second, “why does it seem the only time we can come together, and set aside our differences, is at the time of a tragedy?”

            Yes, it really was nice to have pastors and churches in the community being and working together. The reality is that this type of “community” is not much a part of our ecclesiastical landscape here in Portage right now. So when we do have time and opportunity to be together, it is that which we celebrate and recognize as important.

            Are we only able to be together as churches when there is tragedy? I’m sure it seems that way sometimes. However, the churches in Portage share and cooperate more than one may realize. The Portage Food Pantry, the Thanksgiving service, the CROP walk, the Unity service in January are some of the ways we do work together. Yet the reality too often feels that we can only come together under tragic circumstances because we do not do this as often as we once did.

            I have thought about these two comments in relationship to stewardship. As we come to our fall stewardship time, we will often approach this in the same way we do when we have to take bad tasting medicine – we’ll hurry, swallow, gasp, make strange faces and get through it so we can move on.

             Yet, Christian stewardship is really a time when we can stop and look at our relationship with God. It is our chance to come together with other brothers and sisters of this church community to honor, to recognize and to offer our gratitude to the God we sometimes taken for granted. It is an opportunity chance for us to admit that we cannot make it on our own. It is an occasion for reflection and for response to the gracious gift God has given to us through the life, death, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

            Our stewardship event in October provides for us a good reason to come together, not just in difficult and challenging times, but also to celebrate that which we have in common as Christian people and as the PPC community. 

            I invite you and encourage you to take advantage of this wonderful and inspirational stewardship time in October. 

Pastor’s Page

            I have had a number of unexpected trips down “memory lane” recently.

            First, there was the Presbytery Day event at Circus World Museum. It was great talking “circus talk,” and catching up with some who were there when I played in the circus band.

            A few weeks ago Kathy and I attended my high school class reunion. It was good to compare notes about activities, people and those things that “all of the others” did way back when.

            Yet, perhaps the most intriguing experience has been with a recent “Facebook” page - “You know you are from Reedsburg if you remember …”

            The flood of names, places, events and activities from long ago has been almost non-stop. Names such Leo Laky, Cecil Hess, Charlie Mack, sledding down hospital hill, Hitchcock Music, the Huntley Hotel, the Popcorn stand downtown, the old Tastee Freeze, bonfires for homecoming behind the pool, neighborhood grocery stores, the old jail, the unusual bubbler at South Park were among the memories that all came rushing back. Suddenly, here I was riding my bike, playing ball, swimming at the pool and walking the school hallways as if I were a young man again. All of these brought a smile to my face as I remembered.

            As I have aged a bit, I find that these times of remembering - looking back, recalling the places, the people, the events who have been important to us – is important. For in this remembering, we are able to understand and appreciate our “roots,” the people, groups, places and experiences that have helped to make us the people we are today.

            Yet, these times of remembering are not mere reminiscing. As we remember, we also find hope in the present and for the future. “If I can get thru that, I can get thru anything” we may think. Or “I believe I still have things to achieve and to do.” Or, as a Christian person, “believing that the God who has led me, will continue to lead, inspire and care for me in the journey yet to come.”

            This “fall season” which is upon us is a time of “catching up” with one another.

            Our Education ministry is starting up again – young people and teachers will be getting reacquainted again on Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings. The Chancel Choir and Handbell Choir are beginning rehearsals. Various committees and groups are coming together again.

            But, this can also be our time to re-form and re-member as a church community. We can appreciate the gifts God has given us as a church community. We can grasp how vital it is for us to extend to others this same grace, mercy, forgiveness, love and presence of God which we ourselves have experienced. We can understand that this faith foundation which we lay in and through our worship, our gatherings, our fellowship, our education times, our mission work and our mission trips will be that upon which we and others will build and grow as Christian people. We can realize that, just like life in general, our faith experience, while personal, is never intended to be private.

            I eagerly anticipate this time of the year in the life of our church community and in my own person journey. For it is time to re-member, re-joice, re-connect, re-form and be re-created.

Pastor's Page

Over the last few weeks I have had the opportunity to once again rediscover the joy and the frustration of refinishing furniture.

Pastor’s Page

Changes! What to do with them?

I do know that are times when I like change and other occasions when I am not always very comfortable them. While I like a bit of adventure and “want to try new things,” I am also at times quite content with things “just the way they are.”

I have come to three insights in regards to “change”: one, that change is not always bad or evil and sometimes change is okay, even good; two, that it is not always the “change” that causes me discomfort as it is the result of or the effect on the “thing being changed;” and three, that when change occurs, nothing is the same as it used to be.

At the present time there is much change unfolding for members of our church community as well as for the whole church community. Consider some of the changes with which we are dealing …

Changes – for those young people who are graduating, moving into a new phase of their lives. While all graduates embrace this kind of change (new challenges, new opportunities, freedom), this is also a time of upheaval in their lives as well as the lives of their families.

Changes – for the young people of our most recent Confirmation Class. These young people are moving into a new phase of their faith journey – members of the church community. They have not “graduated.” They have moved on to a new phase of their faith journey as they continue to explore and discover what it means to be a Christian person in today’s world.

Changes – for members and friends of our church community who are relocating because of such issues as shifting employment opportunities, graduations, moving to different schools or varying health situations. Relocating, whether by our choice or not, is never easy.

Changes – in the “ordination standards” for the Presbyterian Church (USA). Enclosed in the newsletter you will find more information about this issue (“Frequently Asked Questions”). This has been a “hot button issue” in the denomination for many years and I doubt that it will cease to be any less heated just because of the most recent vote of the 173 presbyteries. I encourage you to carefully read the information in the newsletter and understand what “is” and what “is not” changing with this vote. There is, without a doubt, uncertainty for all as to what this means and how things will unfold. If you would like to discuss this or any issue, please let me or any of the Session members know.

Changes – with a new “Form of Government” for the Presbyterian Church (USA). The Session and I (along with all other Presbyterians) will be working together to learn and discover what this change means for us locally as well as us denominationally. New terminology and new ways of being “the church,” among other aspects, will undoubtedly challenge and confound us in the months ahead.

Changes – when the time of our summer worship moves to 9:30 a.m. beginning June 5. Like most changes, this is either a good thing or a less-than desirable thing depending on one’s own perspective. This particular change will last until September – and then we’ll change again!

Changes – with the seasons of the year. This particular change is one that reminds us and reassures us that there is a rhythm to our lives, that there is an ongoing connection of one part of our lives leading on to another and to another, and that even in the most difficult of times there is a of sense of order in our lives that provides for us hope and balance.

Through all of the changes God never promises that our journeys of life and faith will always be easy, clear, comfortable and without rough places. What God does promise is that even (and especially) in those times, occasions and situations that are challenging, uncertain,

uncomfortable and a bit rough God will be there with us on the journey to lead, to comfort, to encourage and to empower His people.

Changes! Perhaps this is not as much about what we will do with them as it is what God will do with us – and for us – and through us in the midst of the changes.

May God continue to bless and lead us now and always.

Pastor's Page

            How often I have heard myself and others note that the “days after Easter” seem to be such a down time. We have come through the season of Lent, the grand spectacle of Palm Sunday, the more reflective Maundy Thursday, a truly somber Good Friday and then, finally the celebration and surprise of Easter Sunday.

            But what of this time “after Easter.” In some traditions, these 50 days between Easter and Pentecost are called “Eastertide.” I have included here the thoughts of another Presbyterian pastor on this “Eastertide” time.

            Eastertide, the fifty-day season of the Christian year set apart to celebrate that resurrection of Christ and its implications for our lives. "Fifty days of Easter? What would we do?" Surely I'm not suggesting fifty consecutive Easter egg hunts, or fifty new Easter dresses, or fifty ham dinners in a row. Rather, it's taking time to reflect upon and delight in the truth of Easter and its implications.

            The basic truth of Easter is simple. In the classic litany of the church, it's this: Christ is risen! He is risen, indeed! On Easter Sunday we celebrate this good news, rediscovering for ourselves what the earliest followers of Jesus realized on that first Easter Sunday. Yet the implications of the resurrection are more than we can adequately ponder on Easter Sunday. Every year when I prepare my Easter sermon, I leave dozens of life-changing truths on the cutting room floor. There's no way I can begin to probe the depths of Easter in a mere 20 minutes. So I proclaim the basic truth of the resurrection and explain one or perhaps two implications.

            Eastertide provides an opportunity to see "the director's cut" of the Easter sermon, if you will. It's a chance to reflect more broadly and deeply on the multifaceted meaning of the resurrection. What might this involve? Let me suggest a few ideas:

• You could meditate upon what the resurrection says about the character of Jesus Christ as the Righteous One of God (Psalm 16:10; Acts 2:25-28).

• You might ponder the fact that death has been swallowed up in victory (1 Corinthians 15:54-56).

• You could reflect upon the fact that the very power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to Christians today (Ephesians 1:15-23).

• You might think of how the resurrection of Jesus is a precursor to your own resurrection (1 Corinthians 15).

• You could consider how the resurrection gives us "new birth into a living hope (1 Peter 1:3).

            Eastertide allows us to think deeply and to pray extensively about what the resurrection of Jesus means, both to us and to our world. If nothing else, recognizing Eastertide gives us a chance to take the truths of Scripture and to allow them to percolate in our hearts. I don't know about you, but I need this sort of percolation.

            Even if you aren't ready to view Easter as a fifty-day experience, perhaps you can take some time in the next few weeks to think and pray about some aspect of Easter truth that, to this point, you've neglected. If you do, you'll begin to taste the richness of Eastertide.

Pastor’s Page

            Below is the “Annual Report of the Pastor” which was included in our packet of reports.

            A few years ago John Knox Presbytery was working on a “mission statement.” This was intended to be a statement of “who” we believed we were at the present time and “what” we were being called to do in the communities, the states and the world in which we found ourselves.

            The process for getting to the point of actually having a “mission statement” was arduous, but also at times energizing. There were those who wanted the statement to reflect particular issues or viewpoints at the time. Others desired it to be a pleasant, almost poetic document. Still others sought that which was more historic in nature. And then there were a few of us that thought, perhaps, it would be good for this statement to reflect on reality of the world around us and what it was like to be part of this world as a Christian church and as Christian people.

              Many different images, ideas and descriptions were offered as possibilities. And, while some left us scratching our head in wonder, many were very good, echoing the Biblical and historical metaphors with which we may be familiar. But, for me, there was one that stood out, that really described the situation in which I believe the church then, and the church even more so today, finds itself. 

The church is a “mission outpost.” 

Here are some of the ideas with which I associate the church as “mission outpost.” 

      In my mind I picture the “mission outpost” being on the edge of a wilderness-type area that is wild, unpredictable, uncertain and unsettled.  All that the people had known seems to pale in the face of all that is unknown. All to which they had agreed, the laws and principles by which they lived all seem to crumble away in this wilderness place where anything goes. People they had known and with whom they had associated seem so far away, replaced by those who talked funny, who dress strange and who did not do things the way people were accustomed.  

      It would come as no surprise that some of the settlers would want to go back to the place where things were more settled. Some would rather sit tight in the outpost, afraid to venture out for fear of what might happen. Others would seek to charge ahead and see what happens. And still others might see this, not as something of which to be afraid, but as more of an adventure. 

      I can imagine the “building” in which people gather for support, for protection and for companionship. It would be a place filled with both fear and hope as the people contemplated what had been left behind, where they were, and where they would be going. There were no GPS’s, no reliable maps, no internet nor AAA. They were literally going where no one had ever been before. They would have to rely on their skill, their ability to see what was around them, each other and their faith in God as never before in their lives. 

      In order to for the outpost to exist and thrive, those in the outpost would each have to offer a part of what they have. They would all be in it together – united they stand, divided they fall. If people did not offer to share what they had, there would be a good chance that the “outpost” would falter and be unable to do that for which it was established. 

      It was not easy to be an “outpost” – to be in this “in-between place” between that which has been and that which was yet to be. An outpost is really a place and a people in between two different world views and world realities. 

      I also appreciate the role of the outpost. For the “outpost” is established to help people find their way as they head out into the wilderness, not just be a space and place where one stops and goes no further. Its’ purpose is to supply what is needed so that people will be able to keep on moving. And its’ purpose is that of “mission” – supporting, empowering and enabling the work and ministry of Christ to happen in the outpost and around the outpost. 

This, for me, describes the church today. It has been said that the church today finds itself in a setting more like the church of the First Century than that of the church of the Twentieth Century. And, as such, needs to approach ministry more like those in the first century than the twentieth century.

That is how I envision our church community here in Portage, but with a more personal historical setting. And that is that the Portage Presbyterian Church today finds itself in a setting more like the First Presbyterian Church of the Town of Fort Winnebago (the church 160 years ago) than it does the First Presbyterian Church of Portage (50 or 60 years ago).

The world around us, the society in which we live, the rules by which we live, the community in which we were established, the people with whom we work and live can all seem a bit strange, unsettled, unpredictable and uncertain. Even though the “church building” has not moved in the past 118 years, much around “the church” has shifted and moved.

The reality is that, for me, being a “mission outpost” is both unsettling and exciting. Yes, so much is changing, changing faster than I ever would have thought possible growing up. Yes, it is a challenge, sometimes a daunting challenge, to be the church in today’s world. Yes, we sometimes struggle to “make ends meet” and keep going.

But, then there are the “no’s” – No, even though things are changing, the call which God extends to us, the theological foundation upon which the church has been built and the promises that God makes to His people remain solid and secure. No, even though we find that being a Christian Church (and Christian people) in a society and in a world that is increasingly becoming non-Christian is challenging, there are still ways to reach out and share the good news – it may not be the same way we have always done this, but opportunities still abound. No, even though we struggle to keep going, we still believe that God calls us, that God will provide and that God is not finished with us yet.

Like those in the “outpost,” we find ourselves in a place and circumstances where no one has ever been before. And, as such, we will have to rely on our skill, our ability to see what is around us, each other and our faith in God as never before in our lives.

Am I a bit anxious? You bet. Nothing we ever learned in seminary prepared us for the church and the world in which we find ourselves. Despite what some might say, there are no “experts” nor are there those who can tell us “for certain” what we need to do. Pastors and congregations alike are faithfully trying to figure out just what it means to be the church and how to do the work and ministry of Christ in settings and times that are so different than those with which we are familiar or comfortable.

Yet, I am also excited. For historically whenever the Church has been most challenged, it is then that God has provided a vision and an energy unlike any other time. I trust that even though things are challenging now, if we listen, trust, discern, follow and keep doing the work and ministry of Jesus Christ – God will show us the way.

That’s why I like to think of the church as a “mission outpost” - being on the edge, facing anxieties and fears, having to work together and trusting in God.

I am grateful for the opportunities to share ministry with you, the members and friends of this wonderful and faithful church community. I look forward, with great hope and with some anxiety, to where God will lead us in 2011 and beyond. And I am anticipating that God will continue to bless this church community, and through us, to bless the community and world around us.

Pastor’s Page

            I share with you this powerful writing by John Harvey, from the book “Hay and Stardust.” 

           Here we are Lord; we are not many

                        nor are we very wise or powerful, 

                                    nor rich by the standards of the world; 

            but we do come joyful and triumphant on this special day because of what You have done.

            On this day we remember Your promises that You will never leave us nor forsake us, that You would show Your love for us in a very special way, that You would always let us know that You love us, despite all our fears.

            On this day we joyfully remember You creeping in very quietly and very vulnerably among us in Jesus Christ, born of Mary.

            Born to be with us, 

                        born to love us, 

                                    born to save us, 

                                                born to free us.

            Please forgive us for forgetting all this so often; for thinking of You in human terms – for imagining You to be a fearsome, far-off sort of God, angry and vengeful; 

                        or thinking of You as a petulant parent, rewarding us with sweets when we are good and smacking us when we are bad. 

            Forgive us for blaming You when things go wrong and ignoring You when we think we are in control; for being so busy and caught up in our own concerns that we do not even take time to stop and listen to Yours.

            Help us to come to Your birthplace and to Your birthday.

            Help us to let You enter our lives.

            Speak Your word of power in our hearts and change us, once again.

Pastor’s Page

            With “Stewardship Sunday” fast approaching, I found this recent email quite intriguing (which means “look out & don’t be surprised if we try this”). I share it with you as it made me stop and really think about the meaning of stewardship and giving. I hope it gives you an opportunity to reflect and ponder as we come to our time of stewardship this month.

            As a pastor I have called for the ushers to come forward for the offering hundreds of times. I have always tried to add something like “the offering is the high point of the worship service …” But, you can look into people’s eyes and see that my intended message was not getting across. I’ve had lots of high moments in worship across my life. But nothing exciting ever happened when I called for the offering. 

            That changed a few weeks ago.

            I was invited back to a church that I had served a number of years ago. They were dedicating a new renovation for the youth program which had been planned while I was there. It was such a great thrill to see this dream come true. But the thing that stuck in my mind was the call to the offering in the worship service.

            When their pastor said it was time for the offering, people started clapping and saying “Great!” “Hooray!” and “Wonderful!”

            I nearly fainted!

            I was sitting by a young couple, and just to be sure I wasn’t hallucinating, I leaned over and said “do I hear clapping for the offering?” “Yes,” said the young couple, “we do it all the time.” Huh?

            I’d never seen anything like it – and yet, I liked it. The cheering was the right spirit. It felt strange to my traditional self, but the idea was right. The offering? Hooray! Here’s our chance to participate in God’s work! Privilege! Joy! More Joy! That’s always the message I wanted to get across and now, here was a congregation that was actually giving voice to that.

            Tell me the truth – what would happen in your church if you clapped and cheered when the pastor called for the offering?

            Think about it. The truth is, every Christian should say “hooray” when a pastor says “it’s time for the offering.” At the very least, we should smile.

            But, now that I have experienced cheering for the offering, a smile seems much too meager a response for the great opportunity we have to participate in bringing God’s grace and good news to the world. 

            We clearly have not communicated the “joy of giving.” When you think about it, we all ought to say “HOORAY!” when it’s time for the offering, I don’t know why we didn’t think of it sooner.

            Dealing with the unexpected.            

On the day that Hurricane Katrina came ashore nothing happened of any consequence. In fact, the day after the hurricane the sun was shining brightly and people were returning to the streets to clean up. They thought the worst was over.

            Later that day someone noticed a small stream of water trickling down their street. Then the small stream gave way to a larger current and eventually to waves of water that washed people and property away. 

            In talking with the people, it was not the hurricane that caused the most damage – it was the flood which came later. No one expected “the flood.”

            How often, in our lives, do we discover that that which results in so much uneasiness is not that which we expect, anticipate or for which we can prepare – rather it is that which we never thought would happen or that which is beyond our imagination?

            Sometimes surprises are great! Birthdays, parties, random road trips and even the unexpected discussions we get into during children’s time on Sunday mornings or topics we have covered on mission trips are all wonderful things.

            However, there also are times that surprises and the unexpected are not so welcome. When we encounter these times we like to “know” and “be assured” that things will settle out, that all will make sense and that peace will be experienced.

            Dealing with the unexpected. In the midst of all the uncertainty, uneasiness and instability of life it is good for us to hear again the promises of God. These are not promises that life will always be fair, just, peaceful and good – but, promises that even when things are unfair, unjust, chaotic and not so good, God is still with us. 

            And if God is for us, if God is with us, who or what can possibly stand against us? This is the attitude and faith that continues to be demonstrated in New Orleans over five years later.

            Yes, there are many lessons to be learned from Katrina. But none, perhaps more important for us than this one – God is still here, with us.

Pastor's Page

            It just hit me – for the first time in 10 years I will not be heading off on a “mission trip.” Usually I am the one on the road, but this year I am the one staying home. 

            Sarah and Kathy will be going with their Girl Scout troop to Washington, D.C. Nick will be going to the National Scout Jamboree in Virginia. But, for the first time in a decade I will be staying home. 

            From the first time we started out on the road to Chattanooga to our trip last year to New Orleans (and the various trips to Rosebud Reservation, SD - Rand, WV – Wind River, WY – Marvel, AR – Green Bay – Duluth – New Orleans) these “mission experiences” have always been about reaching out to serve others in the name of Jesus Christ. We often talked about these as being the times we were “the hands and feet of Jesus.”

            And yet, as often as we helped and served others, we always found ourselves being fed, encouraged and blessed as well, often in ways and with people that we never would have expected.  

             No, there will not be a mission trip this year – but that does not mean that “mission” will not happen. Our new “summer day camp experience” is an example of “mission” happening right here in our own community.

            But there are so many other ways in which we the church and we the children of God reach out to care for others and to spread the good news. These are ways that often are taken for granted or not seen as being anything special. Still, these are ways and means in which people will know and experience the grace, the peace and the love of God for them and with them – through us.

            No, we will not be taking a mission trip this summer. However, this does not mean that mission is not happening. For we will be “the hands and feet of Jesus,” reaching out to care for, encourage and help those around us. And undoubtedly we will find ourselves being blessed in ways and through people we would never expect.

            Thanks be to the God who moves in mysterious ways – and who continues to work in and through us.