We have been celebrating this sacred season, and anticipating Jesus’ triumph over the grave. “Death, where is your victory? Death where is your sting?” We are carefully trying to observe social distancing, gathering outside and in smaller groups to remember and honor our Lord in the torment, silence, and darkness before the great vindication.
We have met in smaller groups to prepare ourselves for Easter. On Wednesday some of us met to read The Women of Easter and imagine ourselves in the times surrounding and following Jesus’ last days on earth, and then his resurrection. Also, some watched the Gospel of Mark.
We found ourselves helped in our reflections, preparing our hearts for the most important event in Christian history. On Friday night, several events happened: a Good Friday service which some participated in, a Seder event, remembering, rehearsing, and learning about great and ancient wisdom from our ancestors, the Jews.
We must never forget that Our Lord was a Jew and no doubt celebrated many seders in his life. Others reflected upon Good Friday, considering death, guilt, and the “best laid plans.” We were all edified. Some watched The Passion of the Christ remembering that however brutal and violent the portrayal, it was surely much less than what our Lord actually suffered on our behalf.
On Saturday we gathered to prepare for our Easter celebration and feast. While strictly observing stay-at-home restrictions these past two weeks, we managed to create a real Easter feast: roast turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, gravy, green bean casserole, and homemade challah bread from our provisions on hand.
We are truly blessed. And we even get dessert! May we NEVER forget to give thanks for God’s gracious bounty. We wish you all good health, joy, life abundant, and victory through Christ. He is risen indeed.
We are socially distancing while continuing our Bible studies in Matthew. Jose filled in for Scott while he was gone and is now leading us as we unpack God’s word together. With Jose we get not only sound Biblical teaching, but mini concerts as well.
We just finished Matthew 16, asking ourselves the fateful question, “Lord, what do I still lack?” As we excavate the treasure of God’s word, we unearth realities that confront us with the reality of self. Thus we find ourselves lacking many things such as: humility, courage, faith, trust, reconciliation to name but a few.
We acknowledge that God’s discipline, in the form of uncomfortable truths, is “sorrowful not joyful” for the moment, but oh so necessary for growth.
The kids have had an easier time adjusting to “distance learning” than some of us have had adapting to working from home since that has been their custom all along. TJ is learning about sound waves and finding resonance and vibration especially interesting. Jonathan is studying the Cold War, and has found Lord of the Flies “interesting’…just wait until he finishes it! Tristyn is reading The Man in the Iron Mask, and discovering adventure and new ideas. Connor likes finding areas of polygons in Math and is enjoying reading The Secret Garden. Amelia learned about the Pilgrims and is finding out about icebergs. Thank you Lord for k12!
Life continues rich, full, and abundant despite the quarantine. We are a creative bunch, finding ways to work, serve, struggle and celebrate the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. We pray for our world, our country, our neighbors, our congregation, our homes, our families in the midst of this worldwide catastrophe. We strive to lean on the “everlasting arms” of Jesus our Lord, seeking to live in His words as He calms the storm “Peace, be still.”
Like everyone else, we are practicing social distancing while still trying to maintain “the unity of the Spirit” in our body. We count ourselves as most fortunate since we are stuck together here, helping each other, and serving each other in myriad ways.
The younger members shop, while those at home cook and tend to children. We are able to support those working from home due to efficient planning and help from Jack McCorkel. Those who are out of work are finding opportunities to tackle some of those projects which are further down on our to-do list.
Going through Rich’s things is bittersweet of course. It always brings a rush of memories and not a few tears, but is also a wonderful reminder of his far-reaching thoughtfulness and prodigious library which will be available for generations to come. We are finding more occasions to hang out, pray together and study together. We have become more thoughtful about meal planning, and more forward-thinking about our provisions, being careful but not panicked.
The children seem to be adjusting well to having more adults around, with more occasions to read, do puzzles, play games, or watch Sherlock Holmes together. When we “go out” to lunch, it’s usually next door. But we know we are incomparably blessed to have each other, emphasized even more so when many are truly alone and terrified.
We are striving to be of service to our neighborhood as well as to one another, and are currently pursuing the possibility of getting a Red Cross bloodmobile to come in order to donate much needed blood. We are eagerly anticipating the arrival of three new babies, one at the end of April. There is uncertainty about what the situation will be in the hospitals when the time for delivery comes, but we are trying to remain optimistic about that.
Jeremiah has been invaluable with his skill and willingness to tackle big projects. He will be going back to Portland soon, but we hope not too soon! Our neighbor Leslie is home from college indefinitely, and she has been is pitching wherever she is needed. “Half-pint,” as she is nicknamed, has been a HUGE help. God is good.
Like everyone else, we are in the throes of coronavirus concerns. We are mostly off work, working from home, or transitioning to a different work schedule. We are trying to balance due diligence and carefulness while also demonstrating calm and lack of fear. The ever-unfolding events make it difficult to keep firm footing. Keeping up with the latest info can be a full time endeavor. We want to be good stewards of our time. For those off work we are trying to redeem the time. Long put-off errands are finally being tackled. Procrastination is a little harder to justify. All (some!) overdue reading is being undertaken, and part of the writing endeavors are starting to materialize.
So what else is going on besides Covid-19? Our dear sister Cheryl has come down for some much needed R&R. Through the years she has been a faithful partner and support. In more recent times she has come to help take care of her brother Rich. Since we are virtually “confined to quarters,” she is stuck with us for an indefinite stretch.
While not undertaking an Extreme Home Makeover, we are embarking on various home improvement adventures: cleaning closets, attending to yard work, repairing various nonfunctional items, fixing roofs, cleaning carpets and so on. We have an abundance of unskilled but willing workers who will pitch in when needed, and we even have some skilled workers. We are trying to keep our more vulnerable members more sheltered: the pregnant ladies and those of a “certain age,” currently defined as over 65. Our younger members have made many trips to the store, for us and also for our neighbors. We want to be available to our neighborhood to shed the love of Christ abroad. Our children are still being homeschooled which requires our attention. Meals are being fixed and shared on a daily basis.
So we are busy. But we still have moments to work together on puzzles, pray together, read by the crackling fire, talk, encourage one another, and share the abundant life together as we are in greater proximity on a daily basis than ever before.
We continue to pray for our nation and our world as we find ourselves in the midst of this crisis. We wish to be found faithful. Jesus makes the astounding statement in Matthew 16:18 that even the “gates of Hell shall not prevail” against His Church. May we demonstrate this truth today and all the days ahead.
Before Rich and I married in 1973, my friends asked me, “Why Rich?” My answer was, “There’s no one else like Rich.” And while each individual is truly unique, Rich was even more so. I think all who were blessed to know him would agree.
Rich was born in Syracuse, New York on August 12, 1946. It’s said that his father ran around the streets near the hospital joyfully announcing his birth. Rich has two older sisters who adored him. He had the gift of a rich Christian heritage and enjoyed a rare closeness with his family. Part of the Read family legacy is enduring commitment; his parents were married for over seventy years. Another legacy is laughter, deep, resounding, joyful hilarity, and too many silly pranks to recount here.
Rich grew up bold and confident, bolstered by his family’s strong support and his own natural gifts and talents. One of his greatest talents was making friends. He developed friendships which have endured for decades. Faithful friends are hard to find; Rich had an abundance. There is really no mystery here; he had so many friends because he was a friend to so many.
We met in college when I was a freshman and he a second year senior. He always said that he managed to cram four years of education into five! One thing that I appreciated about him from the get-go was that he remained friends with all the girls he previously dated. I realized that there was something both unique and wonderful about this. I could look forward to being friends in the future, since Rich had three “vows,” – never get married, never be a pastor, and never have children.
Ironically, we were married over 46 years at the time of his death, he was a pastor for even longer, and we have three children, many “adopted” children, one granddaughter, and two more on the way! He was an amazing pastor/mentor, a remarkable husband, and an exemplary father. If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans.
As I said, Rich had myriad gifts. He was a true visionary; he had an enviable grasp of the Scriptures along with the ability to teach others. Though he hated reading, it was truly a labor of love that he was such a committed student. His breadth of knowledge was impressive, and he maintained serious study habits even when in failing health. Another natural asset was his knack for connecting people. Friends have become friends, relationships formed, and connections maintained because of Rich, even though people might be unaware of his influence behind the scenes.
Ill health has been part of the Rich story for many years, especially in 2010 when he was afflicted with transverse myelitis, an “idiopathic” illness which rendered his previously strong legs weak and painful, and consigned him to a wheelchair for the remainder of his days. The pain only increased through the years, as did many other health problems, especially in the last couple of years. Through this trial, this local body of believers learned how to become caregivers. Rich had to learn to become a care receiver, transitions which were not easily made at times. During his frequent hospital stays, Rich was never left alone. This little “company of the committed” stepped up and tag teamed for many hours, days, weeks, and months. Friends and partners came to help, demonstrating true friendship. “Greater love hath no man…”
Even with his body failing in countless ways, wracked with constant pain and sleeplessness, Rich still managed to teach a young disciple to prepare him for baptism, teach about the nature and purpose of the Church, conduct ad hoc parenting sessions, and love and mentor pastors and friends. He still called the congregation on to greater faithfulness, and tried to maintain a sense of humor, albeit not always successfully. He still managed to remember special occasions and find ways to buy special gifts for others. He was extravagant in his generosity and in his larger than life persona. Few folks who knew Rich had not been treated to a special meal with him. If he could no longer go out, he made certain that others could share meals on his dime. Table fellowship was at the heart of Jesus’ ministry; Rich took this example to heart.
His teachings, exhortations, sayings, and life examples continue to instruct us in this congregation. He was fond of encouraging us with these words from one of his favorite hymns: “Strength for today, and bright hope for tomorrow, blessings all mine with 10,000 beside.” (Great Is Thy Faithfulness) This has gotten us through many a difficult struggle.
Fittingly, we were able to donate Rich’s corneas. It is nearly miraculous that there was anything salvageable from his bruised and battered body. During his lifetime, Rich had brought spiritual insight and vision to many of us who once were blind. He was able to give actual sight to someone through his death.
It would take too many more pages to capture the essence of this extraordinary man. He had wanted to come home from the hospital, but was unable to due to essential medications. When he died on January 30, 2020, one of our young men stated, “Rich got to leave the hospital.” Indeed he did. Hallelujah!
We received two cries for help this past week: one from our bishop friend in Liberia, and one from missionaries in Burma.
In Liberia they are experiencing a food shortage-money simply goes to supply basic needs. The ebola outbreak, civil wars, conflicts, skirmishes and perhaps corruption deny services to many. We send our small contribution in the hopes of alleviating suffering and helping our brothers and sisters as we are mandated to do.
While struggling with drought in California, it’s hard to imagine floods across the globe in Southeast Asia. As our lawns wither, we find such a deluge a bit inconceivable, yet the stark reality comes home when one views the photos of mass destruction from flooding.
Christians, alongside other relief organizations, work feverishly to rescue trapped victims and bring food, water, sanitation, and other necessities to the ravaged land.
So what’s the point here? Only that weekly we take an offering for the poor during our Bible study gathering. Such small amounts accumulate and we have been able to help out a bit through the years to many requests for help. We have purchased presents for needy families at Christmas, helped many folks in difficult circumstances and contributed to the “needs of the saints.”
We were able to help support a Washington D.C. church’s jobs ministry for many years, sending a small monthly offering. For this insignificant act, we were treated as heroes when we went there to visit our brothers and sisters.
This week we were pleasantly surprised to find that a thousand dollars had accumulated in our offering, and we were able to send help to those in urgent need. Consistent acts, even seemingly paltry efforts can make a difference.
Faithfulness is measured moment by moment. We hardly consider this sufficient effort; however, we believe Jesus when he says that being faithful in a little will help make us to be faithful in a lot. God multiplies our loaves and fishes in amazing ways. Hallelujah!
My Family History class recently compiled a small anthology of our writings. We were giddy with excitement upon seeing the final product entitled “Our Memories.” I was slightly cross-eyed from editing this slim volume, but it was well worth it; the stories are priceless.
A young girl’s passage to America and adulthood, an idyllic Mexican vacation gone wrong, mopping the front porch to help mom, remembering a favorite cat. Now these stories are immortalized, the poems and photos will be enjoyed for many years to come.
In Letters to An American Lady, C.S. Lewis reveals much of his character in his one-sided correspondence with said lady. I do not suppose that he expected these letters to ever be published, yet they were. Remembering that Lewis hated writing, yet he faithfully responded to all who wrote him, one passage becomes all the more poignant. Dated 15 July 1960 it reads: “Dear Mary, I’ve just got your letter of the 12th. Joy{his wife} died on the 13th. I can’t describe the apparent unreality of my life since then. She received absolution and died at peace with God. I will try to write again when I have more command of myself. I’m like a sleep-walker at the moment. God bless. Yours Jack.”
It’s hard to capture the full impact of such a letter written at such a time. Lewis had once described the happy life as “that a man would have almost no mail and never dread the postman’s knock.” In spite of his letter-writing antipathy, C.S. Lewis believed that taking time to encourage other Christians was an act of humility (using one’s talents in such a seemingly insignificant way), and as much a work of the Holy Spirit as producing a book.
Small glimpses into Lewis’ life are illuminated in his letters, things such as his fear of heights, love of cats and dogs, doing his daily chores, and his shared dread of poverty. The posthumous revelation that Lewis had given away 2/3 of his income is all the more impressive when his fear has been disclosed in his letters. So much more could be said on this topic, but suffice it to say that I am convicted by this example of faithfulness by one of my favorite authors, indeed, one of my favorite people.
As I was exhorted last night by a brother to take time and discipline to edify and encourage the brothers and sisters through writing, do I have any acceptable reason not to do so? After all, C.S. Lewis responded faithfully two days after his wife’s death. No excuses!
Photo credit: sw_PenOnManuscript_ncp9648.jpg on Morguefile.com
We just finished our Celebration of the Children and it was brilliant! Thirty some years ago our pastors conceived the idea of a church calendar where sacred events would be celebrated as a church family. We would celebrate the faithful, that “cloud of witnesses” such as the ones listed in Hebrews 11. We would set aside time to “turn and become like children.” The Celebration of Life Together would be time set aside to do just that.
But this week we celebrated God’s gift to us in our children. We usually start with a basic theme for the week, and this year we chose “time travel.” After a wonderful visit to the Dreamworks concert at the Hollywood Bowl, we had our spectacular opening day. Our seven kids became time travelers for the day. After climbing into their time machines they traveled to 6 destinations in history where they were needed to solve problems.
Each followed a different route to various times in history. They visited Ancient Greece where they trained for the Olympics in archery and javelin throwing and learned how to use their brains and the pulley system. There was a visit to Medieval Times where the children rescued the princess from a dragon lady with the help of a trusty steed and knights. They stopped in to help some cave people interpret their cave drawings and throw some rocks. Pyramid building and hieroglyphics were on the agenda for Ancient Egypt, and their help was required in China’s Ming Dynasty to repair the Great Wall and repel marauders. We all ended up in the Chat N Chew, a 50’s diner where we enjoyed shakes, floats, and burgers and danced at the sock hop.
We swam and played games together at the pool. The rest of the week we took day trips to the zoo, railroad museum, miniature golf, and flew some kites together. At night we gathered to play games, watch movies, and enjoy a crazy mixed-up dinner at the Time Travel Inn. We gave thanks at each gathering, and as the week closed we once again realized the great gifts God has given us in our children. Jesus himself blessed the children and exhorted us to become like them. Once again God teaches us through a Child. We look forward to the rest of our celebrations this year, especially anticipating our Celebration of the Faithful in August.
“I will wait. I wait. I will wait.” So sing Mumford and Sons. Their words are literally music to our ears. Everyone longs for happily ever after, to be waited for, to be special, considered, loved.
All too often we regard this as romantic love, but God has a far bigger vision than this. He came to bring together those who are far off a and those who are near, to allow everyone a love lasting and true, offering family to “whosoever will” and save a place at the table for us.
This is the call of the church, to be as Jesus: “Those whom the Lord gave Him, He loved until the end.”
Old faces light with joy, wrinkled visages are wreathed with smiles, gnarled hands tentatively reach out. Gifts are proferred- Graham crackers, withered apples, spotted bananas, and the kids receive them. The fog of pain, loneliness, and confusion is penetrated, if only fleetingly.
Mother Teresa has said that loneliness is the greatest poverty, and we believe she is right. Weekly visits to the convalescent home are our attempt to break down those gates of Hell. One of many advantages of homeschooling is the flexibility to schedule regular visits to lonely folks, to remind the kids to be thankful, and to focus their attention on others besides themselves.
Long-term faithfulness and consistency really do matter; we celebrate more than five years of the privilege and honor of bringing the touch of Jesus into lives in desperate need. And we are richly blessed in turn.
