This week, I got to attend church during a Sunday service for the first time in ages. The pastor is just now getting comfortable being there. We only had necessary people: the music staff (2 people), the pastor, and the liturgist (me).

SoCal has bad air quality so I could have easily phoned it in, literally. Last week was our first time as a church doing this. I got more out of it, so I went in the name of doing what I can to make the church service better.
There were hiccups. I am six and a half feet so when I lit the peace candle, the congregation only saw my crotch instead of my whole body.
My computer was set up so I was on Zoom and could see people. This was also done so I could do the liturgy from my computer microphone. I had to keep my sound off because there was an echo with the pastor’s computer. We also had a speaker via Zoom for our message, and I couldn’t hear him with the sound off on my computer because the pastor’s computer wasn’t loud enough with me socially distancing from her. I went into the office so I could hear the message with sound on my computer.

Up on the Council agenda this week is a discussion of how many hours my pastor is working. I have seen many pastors have their limits thrown out the window in the name of just adjusting to this insanity that the pandemic is causing. Normally my Pastor has planned vacation but with vacations not happening, pastors are working during time they had budgeted for themselves. I can only imagine that Pastors feel obligated that they need to be with the congregation when they do have the rare days off on Sundays because live-streaming is so easy.

It can be hard to be introspective about privilege. Today I take a look at what makes us privileged.

Galatians 5:22-23
22 But the Spirit produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 humility, and self-control. There is no law against such things as these.

Is too much of something bad? It is if it becomes a vice or has consequences. For a lot of people where they spend their time is a consequence as in work life balance. Video games are huge.

Dear Lord.
We understand that life is about limits. We understand that we are not perfect beings. We pray for moderation in our lives. Whether it is working too hard, over consuming a hobby, or many other avenues. Too much of a good thing is not always a great thing. If we need more moderation as a virtue, please help bring it to us.
Life is a balance and we hope that you help us grow in finding ours. Thank you for all the blessings that you have given us and will continue to bless us with. Amen

https://youtu.be/QLQJ_qD-NJE

Death is fascinating. It is something that we experience and even have in common with the dinosaurs. Yet, when we experience it, we act as if it is the first time we have ever encountered it. We all have reasons to fear death. Do you think that one of the many legends of Jesus is to help us embrace death a little better?

Ask yourself: What does every religion have in common? What does Jesus represent. Today I share about the people who were Christ-like in my life before I found Jesus myself. I explain how it is important to me keep an open mind because you can be Christ-like while following other religions. 

https://youtu.be/pB6JKTbfsm4
In light of Kamala Harris, I was reminded a very important question that is not thought off as much: is God gendered? This is a common question that is asked around the United Church of Christ and many social justice churches. This is a recurring topic in the classroom as well. I also pondered if people are as close-minded as we perceive.
Further questions: Did you notice that I (a heterosexual male) was wearing purple? Purple is normally a gendered color; associated with females. If you did, did you care? If not, does this answer our question about close-mindedness?

John 4:24
24 God is Spirit, and only by the power of his Spirit can people worship him as he really is.”

Colossians 3:12-14
Good News Translation
12 You are the people of God; he loved you and chose you for his own. So then, you must clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Be tolerant with one another and forgive one another whenever any of you has a complaint against someone else. You must forgive one another just as the Lord has forgiven you. 14 And to all these qualities add love, which binds all things together in perfect unity.

https://youtu.be/ENo6XIxFIdA

https://youtu.be/zhJyNl3RMm8

We live in a world surrounded by negativity. Last night, I realized something special. I am surrounded by people who are making a conscious effort to improve their well being. Everyone has demons. If you don’t then you haven’t lived. Even Jesus battled some. We live to get past those hurdles and right now, in every facet of my life, I see people making an effort to get the better of them. This pattern has been truly remarkable. I can think of at least a dozen people off the top of my head who are doing this.
My siblings and I have PTSD. Right now, in some miracle we are all working on it independently so it doesn’t hold us back. My girlfriend recently made a big investment in her health. A local business owner who I am close with, is making a conscious effort to get his health right. Church friends and family are trying to improve themselves. My friends are making efforts for their well being. Seeing the volume of people that are putting the work in to be better versions of themselves is amazing.
The best part is that none of these people are doing this in a selfish manner. If anything, they are doing it so they can be better to others. We must take care of ourselves before we can take care of others; otherwise we are no good to others. These people are great influences on my life. I am better for having them in my life. The world is better for having them.