Full or Filled

I am often touched by the willingness of people who return to their place of upbringing...those who carry back to others what was given them for their journey.

This week, Jesus does just that. He has returned to Nazareth, the place of his upbringing, He's preaching to his friends and loved ones. He went home to spend time together. They know that he has been out spreading good news across the land, performing miracles and such. All they want upon his return apparently, is some of what he has shared with others.

I suppose it is not an unrealistic expectation. But what happened to the relationship of mutuality? When Jesus declares ancient prophecy has been fulfilled in their hearing the Nazarenes get a little sideways because they are expecting signs and wonders and all they get, at least in their opinion, is a sermon full of words.

It begs the question, are the townspeople full of the love that they helped produce? Or have they allowed their disappointment and unmet expectations to fill them with misguided rage?

Perhaps it is, that they don't realize that their lives are full, and Jesus returned to remind them of that. They have everything they need to go about the work in their community taking care of those in need...to be light in the darkness.

How often it is in our own context that we drive up to the red light and witness a street vendor or a panhandler and think why are you out here? Certainly you have everything you need, if not in your possession at least available to you through Public Services. We allow ourselves to be filled with disgust and hardness of heart.

For us who have been raised in the Christian tradition, we would do well to remember that the Good News of our faith comes back into our lives on a daily basis. Many times a day, actually.

If we remember our roots, we can be full of hospitality and grace. We can be full of love and mercy. And in our fullness, we are equipped upon arriving at the red light...to share our gifts to help fill someone else's life.

For information on how you can help fill other's lives in Nashville, TN click here.

If you are looking for ways to fill others regionally or nationally click here

Weddings and Families

This Sunday we take a break from the synoptic gospels and we spend one week in the book of John. The Wedding Feast at Cana is only recorded in the book of John and the story has always mystified me a bit. There have been a few remaining questions, none of which seem to have clear answers in scripture.

Like, who was it that was getting married? And why was Jesus so undecided about performing a miracle? His mother seemed to know who he was, as the Christ child and it's almost as if she were acting by divine inspiration.

I have often wondered why Jesus and his mother were guests at this particular wedding. Scripture doesn't seem to say if the couple getting married are important people, or just common town folk. The other part it doesn't tell us is whether or not the couple’s family was present at the wedding. Imagine how sad it is when no one in  your family comes to your special celebration - a day that lives forever in your memories.

This reminds me of an advocacy effort worthy of noting. Ever since marriage equality, LGBTQ+  people have been planning weddings and honeymoons and finding ways to enjoy the same rights and privileges as the rest of the country.  You may be surprised to learn that not all parents are ecstatic about their gay children getting married.

Actually, there are many couples who go through their special day without any family representation.

My friend and colleague Sara Cunningham started a nonprofit called Free Mom Hugs. I'm part of the group who gives out free hugs to queer youth when I can... and as a minister, I will also be part of the group who marries LGBTQ+ people. I hope to stand beside Sara someday as mutual support for a young couple choosing to spend life together.

Do you attend an affirming church? Or, maybe your church is a historical landmark? Maybe you could start a ministry in your town so LGBTQ+ have an affirming place to get married. How delightful it would be to have the honor of marrying some young couples. Just imagine? The Fellowship Hall could be filled with jars of wine, just waiting for the party! Your church kitchen could host the festivities and provide a warm and welcoming environment to a couple starting a new life together.

In a recent Facebook post, Sara said she would be a stand-in mom  for any couple whose birth mother refused to come to the wedding if their child was marrying someone of the same sex. Yes, believe it or not, it really happens. Jesus and Mary showed great hospitality during the wedding feast. I wonder if they were attending on behalf of a non-affirming family... Now that’s radical hospitality!  How will you be a stand-in community for LGBTQ+ couples in your town?

Grace and peace,

Vicar Dawn

All Mine, Get Your Own

A few weeks ago we heard about Samuel’s dedication. This week it’s Jesus’ turn. Sam was baptized because his folks brought him to the altar. Jesus went down to the river all on his own. I mean sure, there were witnesses, just like for Sam, but, Jesus declared his own belonging.

Baptism is a forever thing. Once dedicated to God, we are never removed from sacredness or subscription. Actually, we are sacred before subscription, but baptism is our way of making it public.

Our sacredness is not based on anything we do (or don’t do) and no one can strip another person of their belonging. You may be saddened to learn that for LGBTQ+ folks the story is sometimes very different. For some, faith-life has come under attack because of coming out as gay, lesbian, transgender or queer. Now, only God gives and takes away holy things. And the door  to The Club of God’s holy place only swings one way...IN.

ELCA Lutherans are a faith family who believe ALL God’s children have EQUAL value, worth and beauty. If it’s good enough for Jesus, it’s good enough for us. Maybe he was Lutheran, lol. Lord knows he razzled up more than one fight on God’s behalf (a wink and nod to the Protestant Reformation).

Here’s the thing, when we Christians choose to baptize our children, we acknowledge we have publicly given them back to God. The entire community of believers rallies around and publicly confesses to be an active part of their upbringing. It’s a done deal. God squeals in delight!

Imagine for a second how your life would be impacted by someone you don’t even know demanding that God no longer loves you and you can no longer worship together...and then imagine that person is part of your family.   Sit with that a moment…

It’s the middle of January and already some have been told they are now out in the cold. No one has that power or authority. YOUR BELOVEDNESS IS FROM GOD (not from another person). Our baptism into the mystery of Love is ours. No one can take it from us and we cannot take it from anyone else. Just like your thumbprint is your entrance to humanity, your baptism is your heartprint into the Mystery.

Learn more here about ELCA Lutheran views on human sexuality

Learn more here about becoming an Ally and friend to LGBTQ people

Mystery Revealed

For years I have had a love-hate relationship with the apostle Paul. You know, I hate to love him and love to hate him. Over the centuries his words have fallen on the ears of outraged people who live at the margins of society. That is to say non-white people and gay people. I’m coming out hard in the beginning here because as a minister of the Word, it is my duty to be open, honest and discerning.

The meditation response Paul kicks off in my mind and spirit has helped to form my preaching and teaching over the decades. The theme in this week’s reading from Ephesians 3:1-12, for me is one of waking vs. sleeping, neatly (or unknowingly) placed in divine time.

I too have become a servant according to the gift of God’s grace. I’m hoping it’s what affords me the opportunity to engage some hard truths as you read on.  My adrenaline spikes at the sound of Paul calling us “you Gentiles.” It ushers me to close the book and tell Paul where to get off. But reading a bit farther, I can extend Paul some grace when he levels the playing field and tells me he’s the very least of all the saints. (You got that right, buddy.)

We’ve all become fellow heirs, members of the same body and sharers in the promise. Since my primary advocacy-activist work in ministry is in reconciliation with LGBTQiA families, allow me the grace to expand your repository of information about this text.

Generations have passed since Paul’s writing but the words live on in our churches and communities. We have learned to embrace the challenge of being gay and Christian at the same time. It is not a popular opinion and only by a slim margin are we finding safe spaces to worship. The mystery of Christ is still largely hidden in the politics and denominational dogma of Christianity. (And we wonder why so many people flee religion? C’mon, let’s get honest about the damage we cause with our pick-and-choose privileged attitudes.)

Everyone, everywhere is included in the body of Christ. He gave his life in grace, love and mercy for all of us. We weren’t there, none of us can refute this. We can only base our understanding on his words. The mystery of his life and teachings was wrapped up pretty neatly: love God and love each other.  On the way out He even asked for forgiveness for his  own accusers.

It’s a tough go being gay and Christian, at least if you have a penchant to live your life publicly, honestly, and transparently. I’m glad to say mainline denominations are finally pushing back (some more than others). The mystery of God’s love has always poured through the doors of the church. And throughout the ages, times have been dark. For us, no more so than today. At times, a violent and abusive government Administration, the slaughter of friends and loved ones by mentally and emotionally unstable attackers, children overrun with technology so much that they are challenged to understand nature and simple pleasures.

Paul, O Paul, what say you?

We are all Gentiles at this point. And the good news is, we are all chosen and beloved, still. The mystery of God in Jesus has not been hidden so deeply that we cannot find it. But, it has been hidden so deeply that it has become a buried treasure. And that’s the point. Once we find it, we are to bury it...deep in our hearts. Non-white, LGBTQ+, poor, immigrant and any other label the Power tries to apply, know this: the kingdom of God is among us.

Perhaps in former generations the mystery was not made known. But the church is catching on, the Mystery of Equal Access has been revealed. The Eternal Purpose continues to shine brightly through us, believers and non. It’s the way it’s always been. The church is not shrinking, only the attendance in the pews is shrinking. The church is the people. We are outside the four walls wielding our power of the Promise given us. Thanks Paul, for your service. You’re a jackass sometimes, but it is by grace that I love you still.

Click here to read the ELCA Lutheran Social Statement on human sexuality

Click here to learn about affirming (ELCA) Lutheran churches