FRIDAY: CONFRONTING THE POWERS part 2

Let's just set the record straight. When we last left the ongoing story of the HFUMC/HUMC Youth Capers:
1. HFUMC had paid a visit to HUMC and stolen our "Y Guy"
2. HFUMC TRASHED our youth room
3. Left a pair of stinky sandels in the place of our Y Guy
4. Harrased our secretary as she chased them down the hall trying to save our poor helpless "Y Guy".

What transpired on Good Friday was nothing less of the true meaning of this solemn occasion- it was a politically charged non violent confrontation of standing up to the powers.

We had heard rumors... of mistreatment to our yguy (turned out to not be true- he was healthy and in good spirits).

I had been told by this youth group's charismatic and misguided youth leader that they had brainwashed "Y" and he was currently converted to Islam.

It was at that point that I knew our group had to act fast before we lost "Y" forever. So we did it, we made it into the youth area without a sole seeing us and we found "Y".

But then we had to do something to "bring to light" the violence that there group had done to our youth room and so we did the opposite- WE DID AN ACT OF PRESERVATION- we shrink wrapped their youth area. It was a nonviolent protest to say- WE ARE STEWARDS OF GOD'S CREATION... WE ARE STEWARDS OF THE CHURCH BUILDINGS WE USE AND EVERYTHING IN IT. We were not being malicious in any way, but trying to be prophetic in it's true sense.

We want the cycle of violence to end. In the words of John Lennon, "All we are saying (HFUMC), is give peace a chance".

for more on this check out Emily's blog

IT HAPPENED ON A "GOOD FRIDAY"...

Get this video and more at MySpace.com

"Who Killed Jesus?"- a bbc documentary that lasts about an hour.

FRIDAY: CONFRONTING THE POWERS part 1

HIS CRUCIFIXION
The cross was an instrument of political
terrorism. In this view of the cross crucifixion
is understood as an act used by imperial Rome to
terrorize the populace against any kind of revolt or
resistance against the empire. Jesus was a victim of
the power, violence, and terrorism of the state.
From this perspective the violence of the cross is
not viewed so much as a symbol of redemption as it
is a symbol of violent political power that continues
to claim victims. Redemption comes through those
who resist the violence and terrorism of the state
and seek to liberate its victims, as did Jesus. (by Leo Hartsborn)


HIS DEATH ON THE CROSS
The cross reveals the ultimate nonviolent
example of Jesus. This view of the cross is
centered in the nonviolent response of Jesus as an
example to follow. The crucifixion is the culmination
of Jesus’ nonviolent teachings and lifestyle.
Jesus endured the cross rather than avoid it
through violent resistance. Jesus serves as an example
to follow that can transform how we deal with
violence. (by Leo Harsborn)





check out via crucis for more reflections...

THURSDAY: IT ALL HAPPENED SO FAST...

Get this video and more at MySpace.com
I decided to take a different direction today with my holy week meditations.
This video meditation takes about 10 minutes to watch. Read the story of Maundy Thur here.

shalom,
Phransus

HOW EVANGELICAL ARE U?

Take the quiz and find out.

I scored a 75, which makes me: "somewhat evangelical"!!

hat tip to Jamie Smith

WEDNESDAY: THE LET DOWN

Sold out? Am I selling out?
I'm not the one selling out
He's not as strong as I thought

Liberating? Not enough...
Healing the sick? They are still oppressed...
Eats with taxcollectors? They are as evil as the Romans...

Following the voice
He called and I wandered
Across the desert into mysterious unknown

I thought I was heading toward freedom
I thought he was the One...
The One that would bring order to our people's madness
The sadness I feel, Oh God why isn't he Your One?

It seemed so right
But now we are here
Tensions are high
As if they expect us to rise up
But he is not ready
It's clear that Rome has won today
Just like yesterday
and the day before...

But I can't sit back any longer
Rome will not steal from me any longer
I will not worship ceasar, my Lord
I will not let them rape our sisters any longer
I will not allow them to take what is ours any longer

And if this false prophet is not for us
Then obviously he is not for You...
I love him, but he is too dangerous to everyone...
I know what I have to do... Lord please deliver us from this madness
I pray for your shalom soon

STATION 7: JESUS FALLS A SECOND TIME

God Locked Me Up in Deep Darkness

"I'm the man who has seen trouble, trouble coming from the lash of GOD's anger. He took me by the hand and walked me into pitch-black darkness. He sets up blockades with quarried limestone. He's got me cornered. He ground my face into the gravel. He pounded me into the mud."
(from Lamentations)

Today the poor of Latin America and the Amerindians of Guatemala, are rising up, seeking to shake from their necks the yoke of oppression they have suffered since the time of the conquistadors. Many Christians are coming to realize that their faith in Christ obliges them to make a commitment to liberation, and so they organize, moved by their faith, which has committed them, in love, to their brothers and sisters. They struggle with determination to change the prevailing system of death, in the hope that one day there will be land, work, bread, housing, health, and education for all--that all may have life in abundance, as Jesus wished (John 10: 10).

...Many have already given their lives for this cause. Many have suffered torture or exile. All have struggled and are still struggling in the faith that life is stronger than death and in the hope that blood shed as Christ's blood may bring resurrection to a crucified people.

...At this moment in history,the people of Central America are experiencing the agony of Jesus in Gethsemane and on the cross. Jesus seemed to be a failure. Today his people cry out with him from the cross, "My God, my God, why have you deserted me?" But the cries of an oppressed people reach God's ears and heart (Exodus 2: )

- excerpt from "The Ecumenical Program On Central America and the Carribean"

this is part of the via crucis grid blog series check it out here

TUESDAY: THE TRAP

You come to me with questions
but you aren't looking for truth

You come to me with your smug smirks...
your "I know better attitude"

You come to me hoping that you'll say the right thing and I'll say the wrong thing... a trap... like a rat... heading into a hopeless labratory

But I know you and I know your rhetoric
I play these games better than you
because I don't play by the same set of rules

What you'd really like is for me to go away
and for all my followers to be silent
so you can hang on to the false control Rome has given you...

I will not pledge allegiance to the United States of the Roman Empire
While my brothers and sisters are dying... are hungry... are cold
While you sit and watch and keep your mouths closed

I pledge allegiance to God the Father Almighty maker of heaven and earth...
Who has called me to stand alongside the voiceless
And invite them to a Kingdom Feast


But you want to play games of logic and rhetoric
And even if I don't play... I've already been marked...
There's a cross with my name waiting to be processed

So go ahead, ask me another question...
But don't expect to like the answer.

MONDAY: THE TEMPLE

What is this PLACE?
Is it a place of prayer, the keeper of the Torah?
Or is it a bank... the house of profit... the home to consumption?

These tables must be overturned... this system must be destroyed...
All hell is going to break loose... IT'S TIME, I CAN'T LET THIS CONTINUE...

My brothers and sisters sit along the street hungry and lonely
While "they" are getting fat from this NEW TEMPLE OF THE EMPTY SHRINE

God wants to come back to the temple but there's no room for both God and your idols!!

NOBODY GETS HURT... BUT EVERYONE GETS THE MESSAGE!!!

Tables turned
Upsidedown Kingdom proclaimed
A crazy man has come into your presence
He's under Rome's radar
The elite are pissed
But the joke's on all of us...

Marketplace religion
Marketplace politics
Capitalism before it was Superpower...
Tables turned

Upsidedown Kingdom proclaimed
Radical... open... communal... shared...
This is the place where God seeks space
Look upon the outcast and you'll see Gods face
Entering the temple of the empty shrine
God has come back... and is taking up residence...

But now Rome has taken notice... along with the elites...
Breathing just got a little heavier. I need to pray and be alone for a while.

THEY STORMED THE CITY ON A SUNDAY

Festival madness...
Charged with excitement...

"Stand down! Stand down!" could be heard all around the city's walls as Rome's elite army of one kept the peace.

They came in through the south side entrance led by The One... he was riding a donkey... it just made the crowd even more ecstatic!!

The road was filled with palm brances- no red carpets here. People were paving a different kind of street... this was the "red carpet" of the poor, the downtrodden... the outcast and excluded... this red carpet was paved with palm branches and worn out clothing.

He looked upon the crowd in its festive merriment and looked upon the trail of palms they had paved for him. It looked like a red carpet...

blood stained palm leaves
crucifixion was coming
time was running out
Rome's breathing just got heavier
Sweat beads rolling
What comes next Father?
Ceasar knows I'm here...
I can't believe that I actually came to this place...

to die? please, let it be worth something....

I HAVE NO LIFE

I'm really sorry for not posting much lately. It has been one crazy couple of weeks and it's not letting up much. This week I'm in in the classroom for my Atonement Theory class. Besides lots of reading for that class I'm also doing a directed study on Patristics. Needless to say- I HAVE NO LIFE RIGHT NOW!!!

Let's see.... just to update you here are some things that I've been doing:

Random road trips to AL. and Chuck E. Cheese, while driving through tornadoes with my youth group....

watching Jonas play soccer.....

got an eye exam.... got glasses.....

working on a pretty cool video slide show for our Maundy Thur. service at church....

preparing for a contemplative retreat with my youth, gavin, and his youth group this weekend...

Well, that's about it. I hope all my blogging friends are doing well. Hopefully I'll get back into my routine soon, but for now- these classes are taking over.

MOVE OVER BONO...

The Edge launches solo activist career

Move over One Campaign... here comes The Deuce!

DUBLIN - Anti-poverty activists were stunned today when U2's lead guitarist, The Edge, announced that he will be flying solo in activist efforts from this point forward.

"Today, I am happy to announce the launch of Campaign Deuce, or The Deuce for short," said The Edge at a noontime press conference. "The Deuce will call for the United States to give an additional 2% of their budget to eradicating poverty and its root causes. I mean, nothing against the Bono and 'Brangelina,' but a mere 1% reeks of 1990s incrementalism."

The reference to "1% for poverty" is a not-so-subtle shot at the One Campaign, founded by bandmate Bono and several nonprofits, the goal of which is to increase the United States foreign aid budget by 1%. One of the prominent symbols of the One Campaign and the Global Call to Action Against Poverty is a white rubber bracelet worn by concerned anti-poverty activists.

However, one white band just doesn't cut it for The Edge. "Activists need two white bands to make a real statement. At The Deuce's website, you'll find a permanent two-for-one special. In your face, One Campaign!"

Asked to comment on The Edge's announcement, Bono tried to take the high ground, but couldn't resist a few jabs. "The Edge has to do what's best for The Edge," said Bono. "I just hope Yoko Ono didn't have anything to do with this."

Speculation continues that Will Farrell and Ben Stiller have plans to launch an even bigger anti-poverty campaign in the fall. "We've been beta testing some brands with a couple focus groups," said Stiller. "I won't tell you what it's going to be called, but don't be surprised if you hear about 'Campaign Ocho' sometime soon."

Farrell added a wink, then seven more.

- from sojo.net

APRIL FOOLS!!!

SITTING WITH THE SCRIPTURES: Lent Week 5

John 12:20-36 (The Message)

There were some Greeks in town who had come up to worship at the Feast. They approached Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee: "Sir, we want to see Jesus. Can you help us?"

Philip went and told Andrew. Andrew and Philip together told Jesus. Jesus answered, "Time's up. The time has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.

"Listen carefully: Unless a grain of wheat is buried in the ground, dead to the world, it is never any more than a grain of wheat. But if it is buried, it sprouts and reproduces itself many times over. In the same way, anyone who holds on to life just as it is destroys that life. But if you let it go, reckless in your love, you'll have it forever, real and eternal.

"If any of you wants to serve me, then follow me. Then you'll be where I am, ready to serve at a moment's notice. The Father will honor and reward anyone who serves me.

"Right now I am storm-tossed. And what am I going to say? "Father, get me out of this'? No, this is why I came in the first place. I'll say, "Father, put your glory on display.'"

A voice came out of the sky: "I have glorified it, and I'll glorify it again."

The listening crowd said, "Thunder!"

Others said, "An angel spoke to him!"

Jesus said, "The voice didn't come for me but for you. At this moment the world is in crisis. Now Satan, the ruler of this world, will be thrown out. And I, as I am lifted up from the earth, will attract everyone to me and gather them around me." He put it this way to show how he was going to be put to death.

Voices from the crowd answered, "We heard from God's Law that the Messiah lasts forever. How can it be necessary, as you put it, that the Son of Man "be lifted up'? Who is this "Son of Man'?"

Jesus said, "For a brief time still, the light is among you. Walk by the light you have so darkness doesn't destroy you. If you walk in darkness, you don't know where you're going. 36As you have the light, believe in the light. Then the light will be within you, and shining through your lives. You'll be children of light."

Jesus said all this, and then went into hiding.

"Y" Us?

(Notice the image to the left is not a real picture of the "Y GUY" who is our symbol of hospitality at HUMC.)

Yesterday morning I returned to the church after having been to a funeral. Something just did not seem right as I walked through the door. I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but there was definitely something different.

Carolyn, one of our church office assistants came to me almost hysterical. "They took him!! They took him!!!", is all she could say over and over. I turned around and looked to the spot where "Y Guy" is always standing and sure enough- HE WAS GONE!!! And there laying in his place where a pair of old sandles.

I was appalled!! I mean sure, last week some of my youth and myself happened to be in Hendersonville hanging out and having a picnic. While out we began a conversation about how our Y-Guy is such a special part of our lives and how we have also noticed that YG has not seemed like himself lately. Someone suggested that maybe we should pick up YG's twin over at Hendersonville First UMC and let them spend some time together. It seemed like a great idea and just the right prescription for a depressed YGuy. And so we did it. And sure enough our YGuy was thrilled and seemed more like his old self.

You must know that our YGuy is ALWAYS at the front entrance of HUMC with a smile on his face waiting to greet whomever comes through the door. He shows no favortism to anyone but is always ready to extend the love of Christ to all. He is the silent servant who is always willing to hold signs, give directions or be the backdrop of some wild picture with friends. But now when people come to HUMC they are greeted by an old pair of sandles that some renegade disolutioned youth leader and his band of misguided (possibly brainwashed) youth have left behind.

So to the youth of Hendersonville UMC, we of Hermitage UMC want to say,

We love you.... you are our brothers and sisters. And we are sorry that you have been misguided by a charismatic yet renegade youth leader. He has filled you with a fabricated story about how we "kidnapped" your YGuy and held him ransom. The truth is that we had the most sincere of intentions and never meant to cause a conflict between anyone. We only wanted to try and make our YGuy feel better. Now you have taken him and we are afraid that if he is not returned he will become increasingly sick and increasingly dangerous. You have the power to stand up to your youth pastor and say, "we will not be a part of the tyranny any longer."

We are on your side and will help any way that we can. In fact if you give us our YGuy back, we'll not only be able to get him the treatment that he needs, but we'll be willing to help you get your youth leader the treatment that he needs so that he will not be inclined to make up crazy tales of youth groups breaking in to your youth room and taking things for ransom- HOW CRAZY IS THAT?

Please let us know how we can help, and let's restore order out of this madness and bring those REALLY responsible to justice. We're on your side.

Jonathon and the HUMC Youth

JOHN 3: 14-21: "This is how much God loves the world!!"

In the same way that Moses lifted the serpent in the desert so people could have something to see and then believe, it is necessary for the Son of Man to be lifted up-- and everyone who looks up to him, trusting and expectant, will gain a real life, eternal life.

"This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn't go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person's failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to him.

"This is the crisis we're in: God-light streamed into the world, but men and women everywhere ran for the darkness. They went for the darkness because they were not really interested in pleasing God. Everyone who makes a practice of doing evil, addicted to denial and illusion, hates God-light and won't come near it, fearing a painful exposure. But anyone working and living in truth and reality welcomes God-light so the work can be seen for the God-work it is."

MAY THE LORD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU.

SHALOM,
j.

LIFE IS NEVER BORING WHEN YOU HAVE FRIENDS

Please give a hearty warm welcome to the newest blogger in the "methodist-blog-o-sphere"!! Her name is Emily and she happens to be a delightful and witty person who attends one of the coolest youth groups in the UNIVERSE....

Emily I'm glad you are blogging!!! Live long and prosper.

A WEEK WITH ... JAROSLAV PELIKAN day 4

Jaroslav Pelikan on contemporary cultural expressions of creeds:

Out of a number of countries--Ghana, Madagascar, China--has come the effort to express in their own language the faith that they have together, to do it with their own cultural setting and vocabulary. Out of that have come reunions and their own fresh way of stating the faith. That's a very hopeful sign. My favorite is the Masai Creed.

Here in Africa, suddenly these new Christian believers--reading the gospels and receiving their faith and having to fight the hyenas around them--suddenly they read that Jesus was buried in a rock tomb, rather than underground as we bury, to keep the wild animals away. In none of these other creeds had anyone ever said anything about his being buried in a rock tomb. Suddenly "and the hyenas did not touch his body." That Jesus was "always on safari."


MY THOUGHTS:
Things got a little hairy in my life this week as I took on the role as leader of an extremist metho-terror organization and got caught up in a small war. So my "week with" series will be pushed into next week now.

STICKS AND STONES.... BLAH BLAH BLAH

So much for Gavin and gang not agreeing to negotiate with metho-terrorists. They are fighting back and fighting dirty.
All I have to say to you "Just War Boyee" is "WATCH YOUR BACK"!!

SIR MADAME DRAKES CREEK DUCK POOPENSHIRE is on the prowl. And if you are wondering if you should be scared or not.... Let's just say that the producers of "24" were considering killing off Jack Bauer and asking her to take his place. She's CRAZY!!!

The People's Front of the Cumberland District Youth: "We Put the Fist In PaciFist"!!

BOOYAH!!

Times Up Gavo!!

SORRY, TIMES UP!!!

Say Hello to "Y"att Duke.

THE "Y" GUY RANSOM CAPERS

Listen carefully, we represent People's Front of The Columbia District Youth. At the moment we have your Y Guy and he is safe and unharmed and if your youth group wants to see him again you will follow our instructions.

We want a picture of the youth pastor with a shaved head delivered to the Bongo Java Cafe East by tomorrow morning at 8am.

Failure to meet our demands will result in brainwashing the Y Guy into believing he is actually the long lost brother to Bo and Luke Duke, Y-att Duke.

We know you do not want that to happen so do not let us down.

The PFCDY (hermitage umc youth)

UPDATE (3-23-06; 12:05am):

We have a response to our demands and it looks like they want to play hardball. VIVA LA REVOLUTION, GRINGOS!!