A Holy Interruption

Just a few moments ago, Clemente, a young man who has grown up in our church stopped by. He came by the church today - as he often does - to play his many instruments in the sanctuary, especially the music of Bach. He stood at the door of my office just beaming, his smile literally radiating a Spirit joy.

He said he came early to pray in the chapel for about 30-40 minutes. When he played his music in the sanctuary he said is was this powerful experience where eveything I had worked on just came together and God was just present. He said, "I love playing but it doesn't often feel like that! But when it does, it feels good, man, it feels real good!"

He also shared with me that he spent a marvelous Father's Day with his dad. They had a chance to talk about what was important and real in their lives. He said, "I sure do love my dad." He was able to hear back from his dad, "I sure have a fine son." There's nothing like a father's blessing, is there?

Clemente arrived in the midst of me "trying to get some things done." I realize now that his interruption was God sent, a holy one. As he was leaving I told Clemente, "You know, I think I needed that today, my friend." And he simply said, after a little pause, "Well...enjoy!"

Thanks Clemente, for the interruption, the holy one!

Creating a Community of Friendship

FCC began its second year hosting Kidventure, a summer camping program that provides care for children in the Houston area when school is out. Our first year was a year of intense preparation, laying out how the relationship will function, considering needs of both Kidventure, the church and FC Preschool, working out schedules. Our goal was to create an open and honest relationship that would bring a new group using our facility into a sense of friendship and family with us. Our hope was to build a sense of loving community with a partner in ministry.

Yesterday, Mike McDonell, president of Kidventure, stopped by as he did last year to make sure things are going well and that KV was being a good partner. Some of our staff (Jenni and Laura) and I we chatting in the office wing when Mike showed up. We had a light conversation, playfully ribbing Mike about KV's poor behavior and lack of respect.

As the laughing died down and we sat in the space of joy, Mike said, "In all seriousness. We run different KV camps in lots of locations. We feel like tenants in some places, but in a few we feel like family. Here, you all make us feel like family. We really appreciate that."

It's nice to get that feedback, and nice also to know that we accomplished our goal! Glad to have KV with us again, and look forward to more years ahead!

Gov Rick Perry's Prayer Event

As some of you have perhaps picked up, controversy surrounds Gov. Rick Perry's planned prayer gathering at Reliant Arena being hosted by the American Family Association. Here is a word from the CEO of Interfaith Ministries, which may give you some idea of the impact it is having in some circles. I thought it was well-stated and so share it with you.


A THOUGHT TO PONDER
I've been asked my opinion about Governor Perry's upcoming Prayer Event scheduled for Houston in August. If things were ever straight-forward I would be cheering. Prayer plays a powerful role for many of us. For me, prayer is a refuge where I seek God's wisdom and counsel - and to keep myself in balance. So prayer provides both a private retreat and a public display of shared belief.

There's no doubt that we are in need of prayerful wisdom. With all sorts of natural disasters and private failings of the high and mighty, it would be nice to have more people seeking to walk in Godly ways.

But I find it unsettling when prayer is used as a political ploy. There's no doubt that many will find this day uplifting and spiritually moving. But the flip-side of all of this is that prayer will be used to make some people feel welcomed while pushing out many others.

Perhaps if more of our elected leaders let their faiths guide their behaviors we'd have fewer scandals. But, when one's faith is used as a private club, then all the rest of us, believers and non-believers alike, are left out. It's never helpful to use religion as a wedge issue - just look all over the world.

Mr. Governor, I applaud your deep religious convictions. Let them guide you. Just please don't use them as a way build your base of Holy warriors.


Talk to you in two weeks.

Elliot Gershenson
President and CEO
Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston