As much as we at Divinity are fully aware of the importance of being part of the technological world with using computers and relatively up-scale copier machines, not to mention sophisticated sound boards and Wi-Fi capabilities and a newer security system before moving onto worship and concert live-streaming, as well as the needed social media presence; with all that being said, we are also fully aware of needing to avoid it becoming our complete reality. For starters, we recognize that with all the advancements in modern technology, there will be some glitches with projectors and heating, for starters, and we find ways to manage in still worshiping God. But, we also boldly proclaim that becoming so infatuated with a variety of forms of screens and quicker access to…not-so-Gospel-news, the human mind and heart and soul can experience a variety of forms of deterioration.
Last weekend, Saturday Night Live turned 50 years young. And although I haven’t watched a full episode for quite some time, there were plenty of instances during my growing-up years to partake “Weekend Update” with Norm Macdonald at the helm or “Celebrity Jeopardy” with Will Ferrel leading the way and numerous skits with Chris Farley. Some of that content may not exactly be appropriate for church communications, let’s say, but it does remind the church that most children of God appreciate a good laugh or two to de-stress, help keep things in perspective, to not take one’s self too seriously, among other things, but also remembering that part of God’s character can very much include enjoyment and laughter.
A few days ago, over 100 million people watched the grand finale for professional football. Granted, not all viewers tuned in for the actual game, but for the halftime show and commercials among other random points of interest. Of course, the following day, seemingly every website came up with their own rankings of which 30 to 120 second tv spots were the best, and I’m sure every one of the 100+ million people would have their own opinions as to which one(s) stuck with them the most (art tends to work that way, after all, including the artistic attempt to pull at consumers into purchasing whatever). This one got me.
I lucked out that my first congregation I served with after seminary had a parsonage. I didn’t have to worry about enduring a housing search amidst attempting to navigate the terrain of my first big kid job. I also didn’t have to worry about escrow and mortgage payments and dwelling insurance and all the fine print “joys of home ownership.” Of course, when Sarah and I moved to northeast Ohio, that meant we didn’t know the first thing about escrow, mortgage payments, dwelling insurance and all the fine print “joys of home ownership.”
Last week (January 18-25) was the designated Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. It probably didn’t receive quite as much attention (not that it usually does in the grand scheme of things), since we seem to be a bit more infatuated with the rampant disunity ensuing in so many parts of our human operation. Nevertheless, our Northeastern Ohio Synod (ELCA) staff insisted on making a concentrated effort on recognizing the near-miraculous unity that lives in Christ’s church on earth.
