Sermon for January 18th, 2009
Jan. 18th, 2009 02:44 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
violachic**No peeking if you are going to be there to hear it!!!!**
Scripture
I need to make a confession. Come out of the closet, to borrow a phrase. I mean, if I am going to have a full, open, successful relationship with you all, there is something you need to know about me.
I am a huge Star Trek fan.
I mean, I don't wear Spock ears, speak Klingon, or go to conventions. Okay, so I have seen almost every single episode of every Star Trek series ever made and all ten existing movies; have books on my shelves with titles like The Physics of Star Trek, The Ethics of Star Trek, and The Religions of Star Trek; and threw a party on my last birthday with a Star Trek theme. Oh, and we can't forget the sweatshirt made for me by a housemate that is crafted to look like a uniform jumper, the two sets of Star Trek pez dispensers I received for Christmas (one to use, and one to keep in the box), my Borg action figure, and of course, this lovely communications badge.
Right.
I am a huge Star Trek fan.
I mean, really- what's not to love? The kitschy special effects, predictable dialogue, fantastic looking aliens, shiny gadgets, and a utopian world where humans have learned to live in peace with each other. But, of course, it is so much more than that. Created in 1964 by a young freelance TV writer named Gene Roddenberry, it first went on the air in 1966- at a time when the war in Vietnam was escalating, civil rights were coming to a head, the Cold War was at its peak, second-wave feminism was on the rise, and the counterculture movement was in full swing. A lifelong Humanist- a philosophy that ascribes to no deity, but affirms the dignity of all persons, and upholds reason, ethics, and justice- Roddenberry had created a pilot that he pitched as “'Wagon Train' To The Stars”, and included a multicultural cast, with a woman as First Officer. The network rejected that pilot, saying it was “too cerebral”, and Roddenberry went back and created what we know now as the show with Captain Kirk, the ever-logical half-alien Mr. Spock, and a supporting cast that included a Black woman, an Asian man, and a Russian, all in positions of authority- although the network nixed the female First Officer as a bit too edgy for the times. Even though it was canceled after only three seasons, it went on to thrive in syndication; spawned five spin-off series and ten- soon to be eleven (trust me, I know these things)- films; and is one of the most universal pieces of pop culture ever created. I mean, even if you have never seen more than a few minutes of any Star Trek, I can almost guarantee you know who Captain Kirk is, and almost all of us instantly recognize the phrase “Beam me up, Scotty!” In fact, about a month ago, a friend of mine who is working with the Peace Corps in Kazakhstan began a blog entry with “Well, I can now check "Watch Star Trek in Russian with an Azerbaijani school bus driver" off my list of life goals.”
Over the last four decades and change, Star Trek has become famous for using clever, and sometimes very blatant, metaphors for our current lives. One of the most famous episodes from the Captain Kirk era is about members of two races, one who was black on the right and white on the left sides of his face, and the other with the exact opposite coloring; of course, one was considered inferior to the other, illustrating how ridiculous it is to judge someone by the color of their skin. In another famous episode, Captain Kirk and Lieutenant Uhura shared the very first on-screen interracial kiss- so controversial at the time, that some television stations in the South refused to air the episode. In the subsequent years and spin-offs, there really was no tough or controversial subject that the show did not cover. You name it: racism, sexism, gender, sexuality, mortality, military occupation, genocide- and, of course, the age-old question of what it means to be truly human. I could go on- indeed, it is true that I can come up with an episode or a scene from one incarnation of Star Trek or another that applies to just about any situation you can throw at me- but I will spare you.
But really, no matter how fun and silly and telling all these things are, they are just the icing on the cake. To me, the most wondrous thing- the cake itself- about the entire Star Trek franchise is possibility.
Possibility! That there are other intelligent beings out there, that humans can develop the ability to travel at exponents of the speed of light to meet, and work with and live with these other beings, that we ourselves may eventually completely wipe out racism, sexism, heterosexism, violence, poverty, and disease, that every person on this planet might prosper, and live under personal sovereignty - what a dream! Who can resist that?
Right about the same time the original Star Trek series was running, there was somebody else in America who was looking at possibility.
“I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal."
I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at a table of brotherhood.
I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a desert state, sweltering with the heat of injustice and oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.
I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.
I have a dream today.
I have a dream that one day the state of Alabama, whose governor's lips are presently dripping with the words of interposition and nullification, will be transformed into a situation where little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls and walk together as sisters and brothers.
I have a dream today.”
Sound familiar? This is undoubtedly the most famous excerpt of the most famous speech given by Martin Luther King, Jr, in Washington D.C., in August of 1963- less than a year before Gene Roddenberry pitched Star Trek to the network. It is so famous that it is almost clichéd; but when we slow down, reread it, and really think about the words and the times in which they were spoken, we, too, can feel the passion, the determination, and the optimism behind them.
Martin Luther King, Jr., whose birthday we observe nationwide tomorrow, was, among so many other things, a master at looking at possibility. As an activist and community organizer, he knew what needed to happen, and he knew others needed motivation on how to make it happen. As a pastor and theologian, he also knew what God's call to us is, and never shirked it, even though it landed him in prison multiple times, and eventually ended with his assasination in 1968.
Nichelle Nichols, who portrayed Lieutenant-and-then-Commander Uhura- the unflappable and inimitable Communications Officer aboard the Starship Enterprise- in the original Star Trek series, as well as six motion pictures, often tells the following story:
“In 1967,” she reports, “after the first season of Star Trek was over, I told Gene Roddenberry that I was going to leave the show, and go back to the theater. He didn't want me to leave, and asked me to spend some time thinking it over. That weekend, I attended an NAACP event. At the event, a man came up to me and said that a fan would like to meet me. I turned around, and there was Martin Luther King Jr. He told me that Star Trek was one of the few television shows he and his wife let their young children watch, that it was the only integrated show on television that portrayed men and women in equal jobs, and with equal authority. I told him that I was planning on leaving the show, and he said 'You can't do that! You are in the first non-stereotypical role for a Black woman ever on television! You are an inspiration to black children and young women all over the country!”
She stayed. And ten years later, she was working for NASA, helping to recruit minority and women astronauts, including Sally Ride, the first female astronaut, and Guy Bluford, the first African-American astronaut. In addition, Mae Jemison counts Nichols' role in Star Trek as a huge influence in her decision to become the first African-American female in space. So many people who may not have achieved their dreams, if it had not been for those with the ability to look for possibility, and to work for the realization of that possibility! Such seemingly small moments, and yet so crucial to the world!
So what is our role as Christians, when it comes to this possibility? What is it that God asks us to do, guides us to do? In today's Gospel, Jesus speaks two utterly important words: Follow me! Follow me, become my disciples! If you are sitting here today listening to this, it means you have responded. Indeed, this congregation responded in a very real and concrete way when we, without hesitation and knowing it was what Christ would ask of us, made the decision to welcome the men of the Eppworth homeless shelter into our building. We responded when we grieved over the desperation of it all, and the fact that even the best situation was only a stop-gap measure, and we continue to respond as many of us have heeded the call to be continually involved in finding a solution. I know the stories of how so many of you- whether because I know you personally, or through anecdotal evidence- have so often responded to Christ's call as disciples, in so many ways. Indeed, this congregation is blessed.
We have all learned, from the very beginning of our Christian education, that with God, all things are possible. As Lutherans, we learn that we are saved by grace alone. So, then, what is our responsibility? What is it exactly we are being called to do? Well, I think that we could make a list a mile long about what we are called specifically to do, and still have ideas left over. To me, though- and not just because I am desperate to make this connect with Star Trek, but rather one of the main reasons why the entire concept of Star Trek resounds for me so completely- it boils down to what kind of world we live in, what kind of world we want to live in, and what kind of world we strive for. Every time we, as Jesus' disciples, adhere to his teachings, we open up the world to possibilities- the possibilities of those without a home having a place to sleep, food to eat, and maybe even job training, medical care, and the basic person-to-person interactions that remind us all that we are human; the possibilities of every worker earning a living wage; the possibilities of forgiveness of each other, both on personal and much larger scales; the possibilities of the love and acceptance God shows us being the way we always treat our neighbors; the possibility of ending racism, sexism, heterosexism, violence, poverty, and disease, forever. And yes, even some day, the possibilities of exploring the galaxy beyond our own planet, our own solar system, and acting responsibly whether we encounter other beings or not.
The day after tomorrow- the day after our nation will pay tribute to Martin Luther King Jr- a historic event will take place, one that the Gene Roddenberrys, the Nichelle Nichols', the Martin Luther King Jrs of the world have striven for, for so long, something so many people dreamed of someday being possible: the inauguration of the first African-American president this country has ever seen. To whatever extent one agrees or disagrees with Barack Obama's policies, the very fact that we find ourselves in a time when it is possible for women and people of color to run for and be elected to the highest offices in the country is a great achievement. Fairly soon after the election this past November, a gorgeously-illustrated children's book was published that chronicles an African-American mother explaining to her young son about Barack Obama's background and life, and why this election was so monumental. The book opens with the simple phrase, “One day, hope came for a visit.” At the end, the little boy asks “Can I run for president one day?” and the mother is happy to reply to him, and honestly, “yes!” Inspired himself by those purveyors of possibility- he is, reportedly, also a big Star Trek fan- he is now in a position to inspire young people all over to dream big, to look for the possibilities. “They dreamed so I could dream!” he might very well say. “And now I dream so others can dream.”
Now, Gene Roddenberry is not the Messiah- I know there are some people who have trouble with that bit, so I thought I'd clarify; in fact, he wasn't even Christian. I know it isn't a perfect metaphor, but is his message really so different? I have heard the call. And when I replace this [remove comm badge] with this [don cross], like Samuel, I know that the call comes from God, and to the best of my abilities, I answer it. I, too, want to help open the world to possibilities! I want to stand up for my values, fight for what is right, to help end racism, sexism, heterosexism, violence, poverty, and disease. And with God, and because of God, I can- we can.
Because a sermon from me isn't really complete without my issuing a challenge- I think it is the sublimated teacher in me- I challenge you to this: I challenge you all to listen closely to and think carefully about anything you think might be a call. I challenge you to hear what God is calling you to do, to be. I challenge you, to the best of your ability, to answer that call. It may be as simple as helping collect canned goods for Care for Real, or speaking up when a friend tells a racist or sexist joke, or even just smiling at someone who grumps at you on the CTA instead of snapping at them. It may be as complicated and difficult as figuring out how to forgive someone who has hurt you deeply. In some instances, you may be called to significant sacrifices of one kind or another. In addition, I invite you to tell me about them; to discuss these calls with each other, over coffee hour, on the internet, during Bible study, at breakfast; to make an appointment with Pastor Monte or another trusted clergy- who perhaps can play Eli to our Samuel- to help discern what your call may be, and what you might do about it; to support each other in answering these calls, because we will all need it; I invite you to pray about it. And I invite you to join me at the theater on May 8th, for the opening night of the upcoming Star Trek film- although that's mostly just for fun, I have read some spoilers that suggest that this film has the possibility- if you will pardon the use of that word- to be especially poignant when it comes to the question of what kind of world we want to live in. I am personally looking forward to it a great deal. And yes, I will wear my Star Trek jumper and my communications badge, although I hardly think I will be the most outlandish person in the theater.
So what now? What happens when this sermon is over, when worship is done for today, when we go out into the world? What happens as we remember Dr. King, and crowd around the television set to watch President-elect Obama's swearing-in? Well, I think that we have little choice but to keep steering the starship, hope that the Alien Of The Week is friendly, and keep an ear cocked for God's call to us as disciples of Christ- see, this is where having a Lieutenant Uhura on board comes in really handy. And as faithful disciples of Christ, what is our course heading? To quote Captain Kirk quoting another beautiful piece of literature full of the wonderment of possibility, “Second star to the right, and straight on 'till morning.”
Amen!
Scripture
I need to make a confession. Come out of the closet, to borrow a phrase. I mean, if I am going to have a full, open, successful relationship with you all, there is something you need to know about me.
I am a huge Star Trek fan.
I mean, I don't wear Spock ears, speak Klingon, or go to conventions. Okay, so I have seen almost every single episode of every Star Trek series ever made and all ten existing movies; have books on my shelves with titles like The Physics of Star Trek, The Ethics of Star Trek, and The Religions of Star Trek; and threw a party on my last birthday with a Star Trek theme. Oh, and we can't forget the sweatshirt made for me by a housemate that is crafted to look like a uniform jumper, the two sets of Star Trek pez dispensers I received for Christmas (one to use, and one to keep in the box), my Borg action figure, and of course, this lovely communications badge.
Right.
I am a huge Star Trek fan.
I mean, really- what's not to love? The kitschy special effects, predictable dialogue, fantastic looking aliens, shiny gadgets, and a utopian world where humans have learned to live in peace with each other. But, of course, it is so much more than that. Created in 1964 by a young freelance TV writer named Gene Roddenberry, it first went on the air in 1966- at a time when the war in Vietnam was escalating, civil rights were coming to a head, the Cold War was at its peak, second-wave feminism was on the rise, and the counterculture movement was in full swing. A lifelong Humanist- a philosophy that ascribes to no deity, but affirms the dignity of all persons, and upholds reason, ethics, and justice- Roddenberry had created a pilot that he pitched as “'Wagon Train' To The Stars”, and included a multicultural cast, with a woman as First Officer. The network rejected that pilot, saying it was “too cerebral”, and Roddenberry went back and created what we know now as the show with Captain Kirk, the ever-logical half-alien Mr. Spock, and a supporting cast that included a Black woman, an Asian man, and a Russian, all in positions of authority- although the network nixed the female First Officer as a bit too edgy for the times. Even though it was canceled after only three seasons, it went on to thrive in syndication; spawned five spin-off series and ten- soon to be eleven (trust me, I know these things)- films; and is one of the most universal pieces of pop culture ever created. I mean, even if you have never seen more than a few minutes of any Star Trek, I can almost guarantee you know who Captain Kirk is, and almost all of us instantly recognize the phrase “Beam me up, Scotty!” In fact, about a month ago, a friend of mine who is working with the Peace Corps in Kazakhstan began a blog entry with “Well, I can now check "Watch Star Trek in Russian with an Azerbaijani school bus driver" off my list of life goals.”
Over the last four decades and change, Star Trek has become famous for using clever, and sometimes very blatant, metaphors for our current lives. One of the most famous episodes from the Captain Kirk era is about members of two races, one who was black on the right and white on the left sides of his face, and the other with the exact opposite coloring; of course, one was considered inferior to the other, illustrating how ridiculous it is to judge someone by the color of their skin. In another famous episode, Captain Kirk and Lieutenant Uhura shared the very first on-screen interracial kiss- so controversial at the time, that some television stations in the South refused to air the episode. In the subsequent years and spin-offs, there really was no tough or controversial subject that the show did not cover. You name it: racism, sexism, gender, sexuality, mortality, military occupation, genocide- and, of course, the age-old question of what it means to be truly human. I could go on- indeed, it is true that I can come up with an episode or a scene from one incarnation of Star Trek or another that applies to just about any situation you can throw at me- but I will spare you.
But really, no matter how fun and silly and telling all these things are, they are just the icing on the cake. To me, the most wondrous thing- the cake itself- about the entire Star Trek franchise is possibility.
Possibility! That there are other intelligent beings out there, that humans can develop the ability to travel at exponents of the speed of light to meet, and work with and live with these other beings, that we ourselves may eventually completely wipe out racism, sexism, heterosexism, violence, poverty, and disease, that every person on this planet might prosper, and live under personal sovereignty - what a dream! Who can resist that?
Right about the same time the original Star Trek series was running, there was somebody else in America who was looking at possibility.
“I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal."
I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at a table of brotherhood.
I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a desert state, sweltering with the heat of injustice and oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.
I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.
I have a dream today.
I have a dream that one day the state of Alabama, whose governor's lips are presently dripping with the words of interposition and nullification, will be transformed into a situation where little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls and walk together as sisters and brothers.
I have a dream today.”
Sound familiar? This is undoubtedly the most famous excerpt of the most famous speech given by Martin Luther King, Jr, in Washington D.C., in August of 1963- less than a year before Gene Roddenberry pitched Star Trek to the network. It is so famous that it is almost clichéd; but when we slow down, reread it, and really think about the words and the times in which they were spoken, we, too, can feel the passion, the determination, and the optimism behind them.
Martin Luther King, Jr., whose birthday we observe nationwide tomorrow, was, among so many other things, a master at looking at possibility. As an activist and community organizer, he knew what needed to happen, and he knew others needed motivation on how to make it happen. As a pastor and theologian, he also knew what God's call to us is, and never shirked it, even though it landed him in prison multiple times, and eventually ended with his assasination in 1968.
Nichelle Nichols, who portrayed Lieutenant-and-then-Commander Uhura- the unflappable and inimitable Communications Officer aboard the Starship Enterprise- in the original Star Trek series, as well as six motion pictures, often tells the following story:
“In 1967,” she reports, “after the first season of Star Trek was over, I told Gene Roddenberry that I was going to leave the show, and go back to the theater. He didn't want me to leave, and asked me to spend some time thinking it over. That weekend, I attended an NAACP event. At the event, a man came up to me and said that a fan would like to meet me. I turned around, and there was Martin Luther King Jr. He told me that Star Trek was one of the few television shows he and his wife let their young children watch, that it was the only integrated show on television that portrayed men and women in equal jobs, and with equal authority. I told him that I was planning on leaving the show, and he said 'You can't do that! You are in the first non-stereotypical role for a Black woman ever on television! You are an inspiration to black children and young women all over the country!”
She stayed. And ten years later, she was working for NASA, helping to recruit minority and women astronauts, including Sally Ride, the first female astronaut, and Guy Bluford, the first African-American astronaut. In addition, Mae Jemison counts Nichols' role in Star Trek as a huge influence in her decision to become the first African-American female in space. So many people who may not have achieved their dreams, if it had not been for those with the ability to look for possibility, and to work for the realization of that possibility! Such seemingly small moments, and yet so crucial to the world!
So what is our role as Christians, when it comes to this possibility? What is it that God asks us to do, guides us to do? In today's Gospel, Jesus speaks two utterly important words: Follow me! Follow me, become my disciples! If you are sitting here today listening to this, it means you have responded. Indeed, this congregation responded in a very real and concrete way when we, without hesitation and knowing it was what Christ would ask of us, made the decision to welcome the men of the Eppworth homeless shelter into our building. We responded when we grieved over the desperation of it all, and the fact that even the best situation was only a stop-gap measure, and we continue to respond as many of us have heeded the call to be continually involved in finding a solution. I know the stories of how so many of you- whether because I know you personally, or through anecdotal evidence- have so often responded to Christ's call as disciples, in so many ways. Indeed, this congregation is blessed.
We have all learned, from the very beginning of our Christian education, that with God, all things are possible. As Lutherans, we learn that we are saved by grace alone. So, then, what is our responsibility? What is it exactly we are being called to do? Well, I think that we could make a list a mile long about what we are called specifically to do, and still have ideas left over. To me, though- and not just because I am desperate to make this connect with Star Trek, but rather one of the main reasons why the entire concept of Star Trek resounds for me so completely- it boils down to what kind of world we live in, what kind of world we want to live in, and what kind of world we strive for. Every time we, as Jesus' disciples, adhere to his teachings, we open up the world to possibilities- the possibilities of those without a home having a place to sleep, food to eat, and maybe even job training, medical care, and the basic person-to-person interactions that remind us all that we are human; the possibilities of every worker earning a living wage; the possibilities of forgiveness of each other, both on personal and much larger scales; the possibilities of the love and acceptance God shows us being the way we always treat our neighbors; the possibility of ending racism, sexism, heterosexism, violence, poverty, and disease, forever. And yes, even some day, the possibilities of exploring the galaxy beyond our own planet, our own solar system, and acting responsibly whether we encounter other beings or not.
The day after tomorrow- the day after our nation will pay tribute to Martin Luther King Jr- a historic event will take place, one that the Gene Roddenberrys, the Nichelle Nichols', the Martin Luther King Jrs of the world have striven for, for so long, something so many people dreamed of someday being possible: the inauguration of the first African-American president this country has ever seen. To whatever extent one agrees or disagrees with Barack Obama's policies, the very fact that we find ourselves in a time when it is possible for women and people of color to run for and be elected to the highest offices in the country is a great achievement. Fairly soon after the election this past November, a gorgeously-illustrated children's book was published that chronicles an African-American mother explaining to her young son about Barack Obama's background and life, and why this election was so monumental. The book opens with the simple phrase, “One day, hope came for a visit.” At the end, the little boy asks “Can I run for president one day?” and the mother is happy to reply to him, and honestly, “yes!” Inspired himself by those purveyors of possibility- he is, reportedly, also a big Star Trek fan- he is now in a position to inspire young people all over to dream big, to look for the possibilities. “They dreamed so I could dream!” he might very well say. “And now I dream so others can dream.”
Now, Gene Roddenberry is not the Messiah- I know there are some people who have trouble with that bit, so I thought I'd clarify; in fact, he wasn't even Christian. I know it isn't a perfect metaphor, but is his message really so different? I have heard the call. And when I replace this [remove comm badge] with this [don cross], like Samuel, I know that the call comes from God, and to the best of my abilities, I answer it. I, too, want to help open the world to possibilities! I want to stand up for my values, fight for what is right, to help end racism, sexism, heterosexism, violence, poverty, and disease. And with God, and because of God, I can- we can.
Because a sermon from me isn't really complete without my issuing a challenge- I think it is the sublimated teacher in me- I challenge you to this: I challenge you all to listen closely to and think carefully about anything you think might be a call. I challenge you to hear what God is calling you to do, to be. I challenge you, to the best of your ability, to answer that call. It may be as simple as helping collect canned goods for Care for Real, or speaking up when a friend tells a racist or sexist joke, or even just smiling at someone who grumps at you on the CTA instead of snapping at them. It may be as complicated and difficult as figuring out how to forgive someone who has hurt you deeply. In some instances, you may be called to significant sacrifices of one kind or another. In addition, I invite you to tell me about them; to discuss these calls with each other, over coffee hour, on the internet, during Bible study, at breakfast; to make an appointment with Pastor Monte or another trusted clergy- who perhaps can play Eli to our Samuel- to help discern what your call may be, and what you might do about it; to support each other in answering these calls, because we will all need it; I invite you to pray about it. And I invite you to join me at the theater on May 8th, for the opening night of the upcoming Star Trek film- although that's mostly just for fun, I have read some spoilers that suggest that this film has the possibility- if you will pardon the use of that word- to be especially poignant when it comes to the question of what kind of world we want to live in. I am personally looking forward to it a great deal. And yes, I will wear my Star Trek jumper and my communications badge, although I hardly think I will be the most outlandish person in the theater.
So what now? What happens when this sermon is over, when worship is done for today, when we go out into the world? What happens as we remember Dr. King, and crowd around the television set to watch President-elect Obama's swearing-in? Well, I think that we have little choice but to keep steering the starship, hope that the Alien Of The Week is friendly, and keep an ear cocked for God's call to us as disciples of Christ- see, this is where having a Lieutenant Uhura on board comes in really handy. And as faithful disciples of Christ, what is our course heading? To quote Captain Kirk quoting another beautiful piece of literature full of the wonderment of possibility, “Second star to the right, and straight on 'till morning.”
Amen!
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2009-01-18 09:31 am (UTC)Does Kirk really say "Second star to the left"? because the quote from Peter Pan (http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Peter_Pan_(1953_film)) is "right". It's too late, but you probably could've worked IDIC in there. Although Nimoy hated the badge for it (because it was created solely as a marketing ploy) I think both Spock and Dr. King approved of the concept of "Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations".
no subject
Date: 2009-01-18 02:32 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-01-18 12:05 pm (UTC)Sadly I won't be there to hear it but I look forward to hearing how it goes!
no subject
Date: 2009-01-18 12:05 pm (UTC)I would, of course, offer credit where it is due, but feel it is a message worth sharing much further than one congregation of people, if you would allow.
no subject
Date: 2009-01-18 02:34 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-01-18 03:11 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-01-19 02:05 pm (UTC)Congratulations on a successful ministry yesterday (Sunday), too. :)
no subject
Date: 2009-01-18 12:57 pm (UTC)that is/was wonderful. i hope it goes over well. and i hope that you send that to the king family- i know they enjoy getting copies of sermons like that.
good luck- i want reports back tomorrow!
no subject
Date: 2009-01-18 03:09 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-01-18 03:33 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-01-18 09:03 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-01-18 06:31 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-01-18 09:05 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-01-18 10:18 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-01-18 08:39 pm (UTC)A long time ago at a convention, someone referred to fen as parishioners. That idea has stuck with me, and I've come to see the body of science fiction as revealed scripture- that which sticks in our minds when we open ourselves up and imagine *anything*... (in a disciplined way.-and some scripture is more disciplined than other scripture. And lots of this scripture contradicts other parts of itself, just like the older stuff.)
no subject
Date: 2009-01-18 09:09 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-01-18 09:38 pm (UTC)So, yes, Trek is the world of possibilities.
Strive forth.
no subject
Date: 2009-01-18 09:53 pm (UTC)I need to get that book. There are so many amazing quotes.
no subject
Date: 2009-01-18 10:01 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-01-18 11:30 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-01-19 12:35 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-01-19 04:58 am (UTC)Although I have long since left the Church of Trek for the Church of Whedon, your post spoke to me - in a way that left goosebumps. Thus you have been friended by a random stranger on the basis of it, via
no subject
Date: 2009-01-19 08:17 am (UTC)I think the Church of Whedon is also pretty awesome, but in different ways. Angeli and I geeked out about that stuff yesterday, in fact :-)
no subject
Date: 2009-01-19 05:49 am (UTC)I hope it is well received!
no subject
Date: 2009-01-19 08:19 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-01-19 02:30 pm (UTC)