Fine Prints: January, 2006

The Common Denominator January 7

A Gift Declined January 14 

LeeAnn, Linda, Marty, Gregg, Jeff and Lisa 
January 21  

Putting Women in Their Place--1 January 28

The Common Denominator

In last week’s Fine Print, Rabbi Rick Sherwin talked about "Christmas trees" versus "holiday trees." Although a Jew, and one for whom Christmas has no direct significance, he argued for continued use of the "Christmas tree" moniker—because, indeed, that’s what it is. He then went on to talk about diversity and tolerance in general.

I liked what Rabbi Rick said—as far as he went. However, I think a caveat or two may be appropriate, whether we’re talking about diversity within society in general, within our denomination or within our congregation.

In each of these contexts we can actually enjoy a fairly wide range of difference. And we can tolerate some differences we may not actually enjoy. Having said that, however, there has to be some common denominator in any group—or we’re not a group.

If we were to ask different Markham Woods Church members what our congregational common denominator should be, we’d probably receive as many answers as we have members. For me, a prime prerequisite is loyalty. Let me explain.

I once had a man approach me about joining the congregation where I was pastoring. "I want to be totally honest and up-front," he said. "I’ve been an Adventist for decades. In fact, for many years I was head elder at my previous congregation. I believe the Adventist Church is the nearest to the biblical model that I’ve encountered. And I love the church. But I don’t buy into all 27 [it’s now 28!] of the church’s fundamental beliefs."

He then proceeded to tell me which beliefs he questioned. "I won’t lie and say I believe something I don’t believe," he said. "On the other hand, I won’t go on a campaign to get anyone to join me in not believing. My approach worked well where I was before, and I believe it can work here. But I want you to know exactly where I’m coming from."

I thanked him, explaining my belief that loyalty—an attitude that wants to belong and desires the best for the group—is a major consideration. It’s far more important, in my book, than conformity. In fact, I explained, I’ve known totally orthodox people who’ve wreaked havoc because, while their beliefs were mainstream, the wellbeing of the body wasn’t a real concern for them.

I’m happy to report that the man in question joined that congregation, he spoke his mind discreetly, and there was never the slightest problem.

So, what’s my point?

Once each year we have a service in which we celebrate diversity of all types. We’re doing it again today. We acknowledge that variety is the spice of life, that it takes all kinds to make the world go ’round. We remind everyone at Markham Woods that one of the reasons they like this congregation so much is because it’s for all people—even mavericks.

Well, almost all people.

There is a prerequisite. There is a common denominator that we all must have or this highly satisfying spiritual experiment we’re conducting here will quickly fall apart. We have to be concerned about how our words and actions—be they orthodox or maverick—will impact the body as a whole.

Jim Coffin, Senior Pastor

A Gift Declined

A physician friend of mine from Iowa recently emailed me a potential sermon illustration. But I’m going to use it now!

Steve Bascom and his brother Dick were participating in RAGBRAI, which stands for Register’s Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa. The ride has been sponsored for more than 30 years by the Des Moines Register, Iowa’s largest newspaper.

RAGBRAI began with a few hundred riders and now has 12,000 to 15,000 each year. The event lasts for one week, with people riding 60 to 80 miles each day on a zigzag course across the state–which Steve says isn’t as flat as you might think!

During the ride, cyclists pass through a small town every 10 to 15 miles. Besides finding food and drink, they also must find places for elimination. That many people needing restroom facilities can soon overwhelm most small towns. So to meet the need, event planners set up rows of 10 to 15 Port-a-Pots. Proper etiquette dictates that riders form one long line, with the first person in line going to whatever unit becomes available. But waits can extend for up to 20 minutes.

On the fourth day of the ride, Steve and Dick were in line when a man asked, "Are you the last ones in line?" He then told them that if they would go half a block up the street to the mayor’s office–the one with the U.S. flag in front–they could use a regular restroom. All they had to do was tell the elderly couple in front of the building (who turned out to be the mayor’s parents) that they were "the last ones in line."

Granted that this was the fourth day of riding and camping, the brothers warmed to the idea of a regular bathroom. And everything worked out just as their informant had promised. In fact, the mayor arrived at his office while they were there. He explained that he had wanted to do something nice for the RAGBRAI participants, but he knew that he’d soon be overrun if he just opened his door to everyone. So he came up with the idea of telling the "last person in line" that he/she could use his facilities. The person then had to return and tell the next "last person in line" about the scheme.

In harmony with the mayor’s instructions, Steve and Dick returned to the waiting line of riders. When they asked a young woman if she was the "last person in line," she confirmed that she was. So they told her their story and described the better facilities for which she qualified.

To the Bascom brothers, it seemed an easy decision. She was already at the end of the line. If she checked out another option for a minute or two, how much was she really risking? But she had a different point of view.

She looked at Steve and Dick for a moment as if pondering. Then she resolutely replied, "No thanks," and turned her attention once again toward the line of people waiting to use the far-from attractive Port-a-Pots.

"She heard the good news and chose not to accept it," Dick mused as they walked away.

I think the illustration needs no further amplification.

Jim Coffin, Senior Pastor

LeeAnn, Linda, Marty, Gregg, Jeff and Lisa

The year 2005 was a rough one for LeeAnn, Linda, Marty, Gregg, Jeff and Lisa. I know. I read about it in the newspaper.

On December 22 I took my car in for a wheel alignment. Because I had a tight schedule, it took a really long time. You know how it goes: Repair time is inversely proportional to the amount of time allotted. It never fails.

So I read the newspaper. News. Opinions. Finance. Sports. Style. And still the car wasn’t ready. Eventually I was down to the obituaries—the section labeled "Memoriam." And that’s when I learned about LeeAnn, Linda, Marty, Gregg, Jeff and Lisa.

Below the picture of a smiling middle-aged couple were the words: "In loving memory of Russell Ludeman 1922 — 2005" and "Cherie Ludeman 1923 — 2005, followed by: "We love you and miss you! LeeAnn, Linda, Marty, Gregg, Jeff and Lisa."

But that wasn’t all.

There was also the picture of a handsome, long-haired, bearded, Vikingesque (is that a word?) blond male. Below were the words: "In loving memory of Russell W. Ludeman, Jr. September 23, 1947 — December 22, 1980. Twenty-five years. So much has changed. Yet this remains the same. You are loved and missed. LeeAnn, Linda, Marty, Gregg, Jeff and Lisa."

I don’t know LeeAnn, Linda, Marty, Gregg, Jeff and Lisa. Nor do I know Russell and Cherie. Or Russell, Jr. But I think I get the picture.

Twenty-five years ago a family was robbed of a son and brother, a man who had once made his parents and siblings—and maybe even some siblings-in-law, a spouse or even a child or two—proud. Was it accident? Illness? I don’t know. But I have no trouble visualizing the void it left.

The void is still there 25 years later. But now there are two additional voids—Russell and Cherie, Dad and Mom. Did an accident claim both? Disease? Old age? Did one go first and the other just lose the will to live? I don’t know. But I do know that LeeAnn, Linda, Marty, Gregg, Jeff and Lisa feel the loss. Deeply.

Do LeeAnn, Linda, Marty, Gregg, Jeff and Lisa believe that some day they’ll be reunited with Russell and Cherie and Russell, Jr.? Do they believe that Jesus will come from heaven and call their loved ones from the grave?

I don’t know. But I hope they do. Because, while it wouldn’t fill the void, it would make it easier to bear. What was it the Apostle Paul said? That he didn’t want us to sorrow as those who have no hope?

Our denomination’s name carries an inbuilt reminder of our belief that Jesus will return, that the dead will be resurrected, and that we’ll witness the grandest reunion ever. I’d like for LeeAnn, Linda, Marty, Gregg, Jeff and Lisa to know about that reunion.

Since I don’t know who they are, let alone where they live, I’m inviting you to join me in telling everyone we meet about the wonderful things that await us. Who knows, maybe one of us will have the pleasure of sharing that good news with LeeAnn, Linda, Marty, Gregg, Jeff and Lisa.

I think they’d be glad to hear it.

Jim Coffin, Senior Pastor

Putting Women in Their Place--1

At times I’ve thought it would be nice if my wife would use the reverential terms "my lord and master" when she addresses me. I mean, doesn’t the Bible tell her to "submit" to me as her husband? It seems pretty clear.

Or is it?

In the Apostle Paul’s most-popularized passage on wifely submission (Ephesians 5:21-6:9), the section begins with: "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ." It’s a general, universal statement to all Christians. Not sex-based. Not age-based. Not status-based.

It’s an across-the-board command: Because of what Christ has done for you, every act toward a fellow human should be carried out as if you’re doing it to Jesus—"whatever you did for one of the least of these . . . , you did for me" (Matthew 25:36).

It’s not as if Christ hasn’t set an example.

"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, . . ." (Philippians 2:5-7).

At the Last Supper we see Jesus—the Creator and Sustainer of the universe—washing the feet of His disciples. "Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet," He said, "you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you" (John 13:14, 15).

In Paul’s submission discourse, he moves from the universal to three specific relationships in which submission by one party to another was already clearly established by society. Then he systematically sets about to turn the wisdom of the day on its head.

He begins with the status quo: "Wives submit to your husbands" (Ephesians 5:22). So far, so good. Of course a wife should submit to her husband. But then Paul adds, "as to the Lord."

At this point, Paul’s average male reader may start to feel a twinge of discomfort. And the average female reader may start to catch a glimpse of hope. Remember, the Lord of the universe left heaven to be our servant. So for a wife to submit to someone so solicitous of her well-being would be easy. But it sets an unbelievably high standard for a husband.

The twinge of discomfort no doubt escalates to full-scale alarm when Paul says, "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. . ." (Ephesians 5:25). What? I have to be willing to lay down my life for my wife?

Years before, when the Pharisees invited Christ to weigh in on a raging debate about the scope of Moses’ provision for divorce, Christ replied that only unfaithfulness was adequate justification for dissolving marriage. When the disciples heard His hard-line stance, they replied, "If this is the situation between a husband and wife, it is better not to marry" (Matthew 19:10).

And had some of you realized where I was heading when you began reading, you might wish you hadn’t begun. But you have. So tune in next week to see just how far off the traditional track I may try to lead you.

Jim Coffin, Senior Pastor