A few years ago, the United Church of Christ launched a national advertising campaign called, “God Is Still Speaking.”  The idea was to let folks know that the UCC was an open, progressive church.  Their television ads were seen as controversial by some, however, and were pulled from the air by stations and networks across the nation.  You probably can see the ads on the UCC official website, or maybe on YouTube.

Now, there is another ad campaign falling into the lap of the UCC.  It is Barak Obama and his presidential campaign, for Sen. Obama (D-IL) is a member of the denomination.  The timing is beneficial to the church, for the UCC’s membership, like many other mainline churches, declined by forty percent over the last forty-some years.  As of 2006, they were standing at about 1.2 million members.

“Obama’s campaign has given us in the United Church of Christ a wonderful opportunity to tell our story,” remarked the head of the denomination, Rev. Dr. John Thomas.  “While it is exciting for many of us to have a member of our church running for president, what excites many of us the most is seeing a candidate who is promoting progressive values based on his Christian faith.  Obama reminds us that Christianity is not owned by those on the far right politically, but can provide a spiritual foundation and moral vision for those across the political spectrum.”

Apparently, there is some evidence that new people are finding their way to the United Church of Christ because of Obama and his campaign.  The church’s evangelism director maintains that the candidate is inspiring young people to either re-consider the church discover it for the first time.  While the UCC is interested in more than just filling the pews on Sunday mornings, it helps that there are seekers knocking on the door.

I’m glad that Sen. Obama’s presidential bid has this side effect.  It’s refreshing to have a public witness to the reality that the church is not limited to what is shown on television or defined by the loud-mouths on talk radio.  People actually can find churches where they are accepted and embraced despite not measuring down to the standards of Rush Limbaugh or James Dobson.  They actually are able to hear a word from God that isn’t strained through an American flag.

I think if Jesus were more accurately and faithfully followed and portrayed we would have difficulty finding a seat for everyone that would run to churches on Sunday mornings.

I am of an age that I can remember sit-ins as a form of protest.  There were sit-ins at lunch counters protesting racial segregation.  There were sit-ins on college campuses protesting the Vietnam War.  Sit-ins happened in many places for a variety of causes, with some of the sitters singing, “We Shall Not Be Moved;” and when the cops showed up to roust them out or herd them into the paddy wagon, the protesters went limp like a dog who knows bedtime means the kennel.

There is a woman in San Diego who is trying to organize a sit-in these days.  I don’t think she’s a hold-over from the ‘60’s, however.  She wants people to sit on public benches in three-hour shifts so homeless people won’t sit there.  Got to keep them moving, and maybe they’ll shuffle right out of town.

Let’s see.  Maybe she could get everyone to go down to the library and occupy all the chairs there, too, while actually reading a book or a newspaper.  Or perhaps she should encourage people to visit the public restrooms around town and occupy the stalls and stand in front of the urinals.  I know – she could round up volunteers to stand at the intersections of the main roads, so panhandlers have to keep moving.  Better still, why not get some nice folks to occupy the cells at the city jail.  Sorry, vagrants – no room for you there.  Don’t forget those luxurious shelters, either.  Anyone ready to sign up for a few nights on a cot in a crowded room?

The person so concerned about those smelly undesirables is named Esther Viti, and she sent out e-mails demanding that the recipients “OCCUPY THAT BENCH…to prevent that homeless person from sitting on that bench.”

It’s not that Esther Viti doesn’t want people hanging around downtown, apparently, it’s just certain people she doesn’t want to see there.  I don’t know if she simply doesn’t like homeless people, or whether their presence reminds her of the ills of our society and the growing economic disparity that is pulling our nation apart.  I guess we would have to ask her.

So far, no one has signed up for their three-hour sit-ins.  I don’t know this for a fact, but maybe some of them have been parking themselves elsewhere – like at church.

Then again, perhaps not.  Sanctuaries seem to have a lot of open seats, even on Sundays.

There actually now are websites where people can confess their sins and have someone pray for them.  Sites such as mysecret.tv and ivescrewedup.com were created by Christians that are among a growing segment of evangelicals now embracing more traditional or even ancient faith traditions. 

“We do believe there is value in confessing our sins to each,” states an Oklahoma pastor whose megachurch sponsors mysecret.tv.  In less than two years, 7,500 confessions have been entered on the site, with ministers and others praying over them as they are posted.  “This process may be a more modern way of people discovering the value of that tradition.”

Other usually non-evangelical expressions of faith are gaining acceptance among the faithful.  Observance of Lent, and the idea of fasting, or “giving up” something for the season is increasing.  Weekly communion is becoming more common.  Following the Liturgical Calendar is practiced in churches that never did so before.  Even monastic-style communities are being formed among evangelicals.

Informed observers see the trend toward such practices as an indication that people are growing weary of the “contemporary, shopping-center feel of the megachurches embraced by baby boomers, with their casually dressed ministers and rock-band praise music.”  Folks are looking for a deeper level of spirituality and a more meaningful sense of God’s presence in their lives.  Church history professor Chris Armstrong of Bethel Seminary in St. Paul, MN notes that some are turning from “churches that look too much like the rest of the world – a little too much like malls or rock concerts.”

Not all evangelical Christians are on the bandwagon, however.  The Dumbowskis of Oregon are so alarmed at this “mystical spirituality” that they established a web site, publishing house, and e-newsletter to combat the trend.  They feel it is a denial of the gospel message and is not Christianity as presented in the Bible.

I’m not sure how they can deny that weekly communion is non-scriptural, though.  The reformers who launched the movement that became the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) reached the conclusion from their study of the New Testament that the early disciples of Jesus practiced “the breaking of bread” when they gathered “on the first day of the week.”

Deanna Doan, a founding member of an evangelical worship group that practices weekly communion said of the practice, “In a church like ours, it serves the role of being that anchor that continually ties us back to the larger Christian church and to Christian history.”

We in the Disciples tradition have been saying that for almost 200 years.

As I write this, the Ecumenical Advocacy Days conference is winding down in Washington, DC.  This is an annual event drawing hundreds of Christians to the nation’s capital to learn about and express their views on issues before Congress and the American people.  I attended the conference in its prior iteration, when it was known as IMPACT.

During those days I lived in upstate New York, and, along with a few others from among the churches there, I got to know our member of Congress, Stan Lundine.  On numerous occasions we went to speak to Congressman Lundine when he was back from Washington.  I’ll never forget Lundine’s comment one day as we made our points about poverty and federal budget concerns.  Almost wistfully he remarked, “The poor have no voice.”  Translation:  they have no influence or clout with those making the decisions, so they’ll lose out again.

After a while, I became acquainted with the scheduler at Lundine’s local office, and one time as I was preparing for a trip to Washington for IMPACT, I called ahead to his Capitol Hill office to schedule an appointment.  When I identified myself to the person I spoke with she said, “Oh yes, you’re from the church in (that town).”

That particular year, the Iran-Contra issue was on the front burner and there was a huge national debate.  It seemed those in power tried to demonize objectors and vice versa.  It was a very contentious subject and time.  I knew where Congressman Lundine stood on the issue, and I felt it important to let him know people like myself were backing him up.  I also wanted to talk with him about the Gramm-Rudman budget proposal, about which we differed.

I attended the plenary sessions and workshops at the IMPACT briefing.  There were a few others there from the 34^th congressional district I didn’t know beforehand, but we hooked up and planned for the meeting with Lundine.  The morning of the appointment, Mary told me that during the night before I was talking in my sleep about the issues.  I guess I was primed.  Maybe I had an incubating case of Potomac Fever.

At the appointment with Congressman Lundine I complimented his position on Iran-Contra, which obviously pleased him, but when I challenged him on Gramm-Rudman, he made a face and took a breath, but maintained his cool.  We had a cordial discussion, but I didn’t change his mind.

There are helpful approaches to “lobbying” members of Congress.  Mainly, start with an area of agreement or support, and then raise concerns in an organized, concise way.  Never make it personal.  Just stick to the issues and why they are important to you.  Also, make it clear who is being represented, i.e., what constituency is spoken for in the visit, and why the issue is important to them.  Tell the member of Congress as specifically as possible what you think they should do and why they should do it.

Of course, in this case, given our numerous prior interactions, Lundine knew who stood with me and why we were concerned.  An on-going relationship with the legislator is useful, and we were fortunate that Congressman Lundine was receptive to us. 

Good guy, Stan Lundine.

I really have nothing against Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), and expect him to put forth an honest effort and run an honorable administration if he is elected president in November.  He took the low road, though, in his recent response to criticisms of John Hagee’s endorsement of his candidacy.  I mentioned this endorsement and my feelings about it a few posts back.

Sen. McCain said he rejected Hagee’s views “IF they were anti-Catholic or offensive to Catholics.”  I made the emphasis on the “IF.”  This remark says to me either McCain doesn’t know Hagee’s views, or he isn’t sure whether Catholics find them offensive.  The Senator must not know who is endorsing him and what that person said, which is well-documented.

Actually, I recognize this as the “non-apology apology.”  McCain, and anyone who uses this technique, really is never at fault.  The problem always lies with someone else who may happen to take offense at words or actions, for which really, the offender is not responsible, in his view.

“I’m sorry if YOU are upset because of what I said or did.  I am not sorry for what I said or did.  You are the one who is upset or hurt, not me, and I didn’t do it, because you’re the one who decides to go negative about it.”  Happens all the time.

Additionally, McCain was quoted as saying, “It’s harder and harder trying to do the Lord’s work in the city of Satan,” meaning Washington, D.C.

That’s a new one – Washington is the city of Satan.  Nice try, Senator, but you and countless others have spent decades there contributing to the conditions that you now are blaming on Satan.  Hear that?  Blaming problems, immoral behavior, greed, etc. on Satan.  Again, it’s a denial of responsibility.

“I’m just trying to do ‘the Lord’s work,’ but Satan stops me, so I am exempt from blame for the problems that exist.” 

No doubt a thorough examination of statements by the other candidates would reveal the same tendency to side-step responsibility for errors in judgment, and the avoidance of personal responsibility for offensive actions and words.

Besides, I love Washington.

Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau made numerous films together, and were beloved by many as a team, as well as individually.  A story is told how one time on a movie set Matthau fell and broke his leg.  An ambulance was summoned, and as Matthau lay on the floor waiting, Jack Lemmon leaned down over his pal and asked, "How are you doing?"  Despite his discomfort, Walter Matthau kind of shrugged and replied, "I make a living."

Another story, definitely fictional, along the same lines, this time featuring the duo Pat and Mike:  The boys were working construction.  Pat fell off the scaffolding and was knocked out.  A doctor examined him and said, "He's dead."  Pat regained consciousness a second or two later and said, "Hey, I ain't dead."  His buddy Mike, ever-helpful, said, "Lay down, Pat.  The doctor knows best."

This Sunday's Lectionary takes us to John 11, and the story of Lazarus.  He and his sisters Martha and Mary were close friends of Jesus and are mentioned elsewhere in the Gospels.  In this account, Lazarus was desperately ill and word was sent to Jesus, asking him to come.  Jesus delayed his arrival, and Lazarus died before he showed up on the scene.

Martha and Mary separately told Jesus, "If you had been here my brother would not have died." The sisters (and Lazarus) obviously were people who held faith in Jesus, but it appears their faith only went so far.  It also appears they were of a mind to set some terms on their faith ("Jesus, come when I call you."  "Jesus, you didn't do what I wanted, so things turned out wrong.").

Jesus demonstrated that the power of God is stronger and more effective than we might imagine or decide.   Lazarus already was dead four days, a significant aspect of the story because people in that time and place thought the soul "hovered" around the body of the deceased for three days.  On the fourth day, the person really was dead.  Jesus ordered the stone in front of the tomb rolled away, then called out in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out." When the previously-dead man staggered out of the tomb, Jesus further ordered, "Unbind him and set him free."

To me, we learn in this story that God exceeds our expectations and even our faith to bring new life into situations where it appears that death has taken hold.  It tells me that no matter how much we try to limit God and God's impact on our lives, God is free and unbound.

It tells me also that God chooses the same for us.

In a classic scene from Seinfeld, several of the characters are hanging around, as usual, in Jerry’s apartment.  At one point, George asks Jerry’s neighbor Newman, “Just what is it you do for a living, anyway?”  Newman responds, “I’m a United States Postal Worker.”  George replies, “Aren’t those the guys that go crazy and bring a gun to work and shoot up the place?”  Newman narrows his eyes and says, “Sometimes.” 

Amid much canned laughter, Jerry asks, “Why is that?”  Then, Newman goes on a mini-tirade:  “Because the mail never stops,” and he goes through a recitation of all the various regular items people receive in the mail in mass volume that have to be processed and delivered, losing control along the way, and concluding with, “and then it’s Publisher’s Clearing House day…”  He barely can stand the thought.

It turns out the U.S. Postal Service is staring down a $1 billion deficit, unless something can be done to reverse the trends.  Meanwhile, as many as 18 states are considering legislation to accommodate consumers who desire a “Do Not Mail” list along the lines of the wildly popular “Do Not Call” program that eliminates most solicitations over the telephone.

People are getting fed up with all the junk mail, including the never-ending stream of catalogues, credit card offers, and other advertisements that litter mailboxes every single day.

One of the difficulties is that with email, online bill paying, and competition from private delivery services, post office revenues from first class mail and parcel delivery have taken a dramatic plunge.  Over the previous three-year period, the number of items mailed first class has nose-dived by two million pieces.  Junk mail has increased by three billion pieces. Income from last year’s holiday season was less than the year before, a first in post office history. 

The Postmaster General is tearing his hair out trying to think of ways to overcome the projected deficit and establish additional revenue streams.  One idea is to have retail outlets inside post offices, renting space.  Think Starbucks or your local bank having a counter at the post office.  Rules regarding the use of federal property would have to be bent to the point of breaking in order to allow this.

Is it worth all the junk mail, with the destruction of trees for paper production, the use of environmental-unfriendly inks, stickers, plastic bags and other accoutrements related to many of the unwanted items delivered to our homes, in order to keep the post office in business?  How would prices of consumer goods be affected if the costs from printing and mailing were significantly reduced for retailers?  How much more breathing space and time would folks have if there weren’t so much junk mail piling up around us?

You know, when I think about it, this whole issue is kind of a metaphor for Lent, and the spiritual discipline of clearing the decks in our lives, eliminating the junk that suffocates our hearts and minds, in order to make more room for a meaningful relationship with God in our lives.

Whether or not Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) rejects the endorsement of Texas megachurch pastor John Hagee is up to him.  I personally believe Sen. McCain when he states that Hagee’s views do not all represent his own. 

It’s a good thing.  In one news account, Hagee is quoted as referring to the Roman Catholic Church as “the great whore,” and that it was the Catholic Church that shaped Hitler’s anti-Semitism.  Of course, Hagee is mystified why anyone imagines him to be anti-Catholic.  Why, some of his best friends are Catholics.

In another news account, Hagee is reported to have blamed Hurricane Katrina on “God’s retribution for homosexual sin,” and linked the Roman Catholic Church with the Nazis when they tried to exterminate Jews.  Democrats, naturally enough, are being as helpful as possible in dredging up the hate spewed by Hagee against women, and in reminding the world of his “flip remarks about slavery.”

Classy guy.

It’s frightening, though, to think that someone can spend so much time reading and talking about God and the Bible and be so mean-spirited and filled with animosity toward those different from himself.

What scares me even more is that there are people who actually take Hagee seriously – attending his church, watching him on TV, and sending him money – believing that he speaks truth from God’s word.

Sen. McCain may be trying to raise his profile among evangelicals, but it looks to me like he’s taking quite a risk by allowing himself to be aligned in any way, shape or form with such a person as John Hagee.

The amount of time, energy and brainpower spent on useless, irrelevant, vain, and destructive pursuits is impossible to quantify, but without question is staggering.  Think of the trouble to which many people go to "try to beat the system" through financial manuevering or criminal activity.  How many of us wish we had back even a portion of the time spent "surfing the Internet."   Some folks go out of their way to think of and spread negative comments and impressions about others.  This last one, especially, is common in churches.

The local newspaper today has an article about a man who has devoted his life to discrediting, smearing, and spreading vindictive rumors about both Clintons, but is especially gearing up his efforts to prevent Hillary Clinton from becoming president.  This person is quoted in the paper as loudly declaring in a restaurant that Sen. Clinton (D-NY) "was sleeping with both of her law partners, Web Hubbell and Vince Foster.  And she's a lesbian, too."  He proclaimed that daughter Chelsea was fathered by someone other than the former president.

The person making these claims, according to the article, is a "perpetually indignant, single, 43 year-old," and "pretty much devotes his life to hating the Clintons and spreading wild, unsubstantiated allegations about them."  He lives off an inheritance, holds no job, and spends as much as ten hours a day engaged in this "hobby."  He hounds media personnel with emails and telephone calls, and even paid for recorded phone messages to flood potential primary voters in South Carolina with damaging accusations about Sen. Clinton.

If Sen. Clinton loses or is eliminated from the race, this guy plans to "take a vacation."  From what?

It's sad to see so much emptiness in the lives of people that they fill themselves -- and try to fill others -- with useless, pointless, distracting, or hurtful nonsense.  It's especially sad because they so often have no clue as to what they are doing or why.  Loneliness and isolation generally are the results, which likely is part of what they are trying to overcome.

Lent calls us to empty ourselves -- to take out the trash from our lives, so to speak -- and as we engage in spiritual focus and discipline, God will fill us in new, beneficial, positive and blessed ways.

Lent can be a time to shake things up in our lives, as it is a period of reflection and penitence.  Hopefully, when Lent concludes with the glorious celebration of Easter, our lives, our faith, our outlook, and our sensitivities are different from what they were on Ash Wednesday.  Lent is a time of transformation.

In her book Unbinding the Gospel:  Real Life Evangelism, Martha Grace Reese offers a suggestion to stimulate that transformation (and it can be done anytime, not just during Lent).  At the end of Chapter Five, she writes, “Let’s try to scramble your patterns!  Change something in your way of interacting with God.”  It is entirely possible to get into a rut in our spiritual lives.  Perhaps the more familiar and well-worn our spiritual practices become, the less impact they have on our hearts and minds. 

Reese offers some alternatives.  If our prayers usually are focused on the needs of others, then, she suggests, we should pray for insight into how we’re selling ourselves short in our relationship with God.  She encourages us to uncover and acknowledge “an old hurt buried in you,” and lay it before God for healing.  Reese nudges us to take up a spiritual discipline we have not practiced before, such as keeping a spiritual journal.

Perhaps we should spend time in meditation, as a new approach to prayer.  She offers the “Jesus Prayer,” and the use of prayer beads as means by which to explore new aspects of spirituality:  be relaxed in your breathing, work a bead in your fingers, and pray, “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me.”  Repeat the process for each bead on a necklace or other string of beads (even Mardi Gras beads will work!).

Reese says to switch up the music we listen to, or the Bible translation we read – in short, anything that might give us a fresh perspective and new energy for our spiritual lives.

Lent is a great opportunity to take her advice!