Pinch-Hitting Preacher

I was given a very unique opportunity this week. I serve as one of the Assistant Pastors at Calvary Church in Peterborough. Our Senior Pastor, Rev. Frank Patrick, was ill this week and under doctor's orders not to do anything, including preach. Other members of the pastoral staff were either ill or away and the task of preaching fell to me. I was quite thrilled to be able to preach to a large crowd in both Sunday morning services. As I was preparing I couldn't help being reminded of legendary baseball player

Lou Gehrig.

The New York Yankee First Base Hall of Famer is well-known for holding the record of most consecutive games played for decades until the great Cal Ripken Jr. broke it in the ’95 season. Lou Gehrig’s streak began in 1925 when he replaced the regular Yankee first baseman, Wally Pipp. Wally Pipp asked for a day off because of a headache, and never played for the New York Yankees again. Lou Gehrig’s consecutive game streak had begun.

This morning I had the privilege of “pinch-hitting” for Pastor Frank while he recuperated from illness at home. I can assure you though, unlike Wally Pipp, Pastor Frank will be back in his familiar position real soon!

5 Year Old Theologian

We are all "Theologians". Oh sure, it sounds like heady stuff, but really theology is "the study of God". We all have our thoughts on the subject. However, some think a little deeper than others. I remember doing a paper during my studies for my theology degree that I found interesting, but never thought I would be discussing with my 5 year old! My paper was on "The Tension Between the Imminence and Transcendence of God". It explored how the One, True, Almighty God of the Universe by Whom all things were made and are held together, the Creator who is so utterly "other" than His creation, how GOD can have a personal, intimate relationship with people who humble themselves and accept His grace to experience His very presence in their lives.

This went on for some 2500 words, or 10 pages. However, my little girl summed it up in this question. "How does God hold the world in His hands and live in my heart at the same time?". Amazing to think about isn't it? How does he do it... well, He just does. He's God, and you either believe it or you don't. The real question for us to consider is this - WHY? Why does he do it? Why does He even care about us? I'm not going to answer that. One reason is that I'm not sure if I can. But the main reason is that I want us all to think about it. He does do it, He does care, He simply... flat out... unconditionally LOVES us. More than that - He wants us to love Him back. Do you?

Wow - a whole year has gone by?!!!

It is now the second month of the "new year" and this is my first post of 2007! Crazy stuff - thanks Fish for not giving up on me. Thank you to all who belong to the Fish "school" of persuasion by inundation with electronic begging. This post is in response to the latest post on David Fisher's Pilgrim Scribblings. Now, I told David that I would write again if 5 people left a comment on my blog. Outside of David's repeated comments using pseudonyms, my last count was up to 4 comments. However - David's creativity has won me over.

The problem with a long wait is that it is usually accompanied with heightened expectations. On the other hand, maybe I've lulled the 2 or 3 readers who might return to this blog into such a comatose state that any jumble of letters appearing on the screen would be a welcome sight!

Whatever the case, I'm back... hopefully for more than just a one-time only appearance. I know Fish will make certain of that!