My hope is that our group will grow stronger as the year goes on! To
ensure this for future years after I am gone, I am proposing to start
a Young Adults task force. This would be a group that would meet
approx. every other month over lunch to plan ahead for the upcoming
month’s activities!
My hope is that we would consider doing a service project every other
month and at least one social activity a month!
Anyone is invited. However, I believe that having at least 5 people
on the planning group would be needed. If you are interested, please
email me or call me. Our first meeting would be in early November
after 11:15 service for lunch. I’ll let you know an exact time soon!
Peace,
Ryan
Office voicemail: 788-2242
Exciting stuff! Book Group begins tonight! What to bring and what to expect:
Bring a Bible if you can and a copy of the book. If you don’t have either at your disposal, I have some copies of the first few chapters I have made, and a few extra Bibles.
A Few things I hope that will be constants for us:
There will be a devotion every week: I hope that we can take turns doing that–this will be the first thing we do, after eating of course! Devotions can be anything that speaks to you or to the group–it could be the lectionary readings for next week, or something from a “chicken soup” book or anything in between–or even a show and tell sort of thing!
There will be Lutheran time: Know that this is a group of Lutherans, and the church’s point of view will still be available and used–in comparing and contrasting the subject matter of the books we do!
There will be discussion time: This is our group, not Ryan’s group. Our well-being as a group depends on us bringing up things we agree with and things we don’t!
There will be respect for others’ opinions:
Bring your theology with you and what YOU believe! There is no right or wrong answer to any question.
Be willing to share: Even if it seems like a simple answer or topic–share it!
There will be prayer: You can count on having prayer time everytime we meet. What an opportunity to lift up those we care about and ourselves in prayer as a Christian community!
It will be fun and non-formal: This is time to share in community with one another–all are welcome!
Hope to see you all tonight–6:30pm at Panera in Crabtree Valley Mall! Look for the green shirt.
Peace,
Vicar Ryan
Remember that we have book group starting next Monday, October 8th! Scroll down the blog and get the details! Any questions email me at ryan.lyles@gslchurch.org!
This should be a great opportunity to get together! Come as you are and bring a friend if you wish!
Peace,
Vicar Ryan
I tell ya, these past few weeks have been a pain for preachers. This travel narrative from Luke is full of challenging parables–some that really go against what we think Jesus would say. Luke 16:1-13 is the parable of the “unjust manager” and it really brings up issues–I’m sure you have had issues with it as well!
Is Jesus really praising the manager for being dishonest? Jesus does say, “make friends for yourselves by means of dishonest wealth so that when it is gone, they may welcome you into the eternal homes.”
Some argue that when the man acts shrewdly in asking for less money from the people, he is only paying off the debt to his master and leaving out his portion of the profit. This could be an option, but I rather think that this parable is one that is a summons and challenge to discipleship.
Being a disciple of of Christ includes the right attitude toward wealth and the use of one’s resources to service to others–this is a theme that happens later in the chapter with the story of the rich man and Lazarus. We, as human beings and disciples of Christ–both saints and sinners–are both children of this world and children of the light. We are often concerned with saving our own hide and having to be shrewd to survive in this world, however, we are called to remember and act as children of the light–believers who are in relationship with God. We are to remember that our relationship is sound when there is daily repentance followed by selfless service to others. It was Martin Luther who said that our Lord and Master Jesus Christ “willed the entire (human) life of believers to be one of repentance”.
Further, verses 9-13 bring home a specific way that we as children of light exercise our way of living–being generous to others and giving with our resources. I think it is amazing, regardless of the manager’s intentions, that God worked through his actions and made something positive come from it. I think that is the way it often is with us as well.
Tough issue, tough parable. May we today live as children of the light in all that we do–and even when we act more as children of this world, know that God can take our actions, and make good come from them as well.
Peace,
Vicar Ryan
This week I will be reflecting on the upcoming Gospel for Sunday, September 23:
Read Luke 16:1-13
I will begin this tomorrow! I hope everyone had a great weekend!
Peace,
Vicar Ryan
I’m really excited about the book group that is starting up for young adults. Here’s the plan (if this doesn’t end up working after a couple of weeks, we’ll look at other places and times):
Monday, October 8th
6:30pm
Panera Bread in Crabtree Valley Mall
We will meet each Monday for discussion, fun and food!
If you are even curious about the group and even if you have no desire to read the books we go through, COME ANYWAY! Should be a blast!
Here’s the book you need to get before the group–i have a copy I’m willing to share, as well.
THE GOSPEL OF INCLUSION
by, Bishop Carlton Pearson
AZUZA Press 2006
it is around $24 at Barnes and Noble. Amazon has it cheaper, of course. If money is an issue–let me know and we’ll work with you!
WARNING:
This is a CONTROVERSIAL BOOK. Pearson was a Bishop and Elder in the Pentecostal/Evangelical Church for many years. In Fact, he was one of the most respected leaders in that conservative movement. He was pastor of a 5,000 member megachurch!
One day, he began thinking about the concept of Hell and having a Loving God. Carlton brought this idea of “no hell” and universal salvation through Jesus Christ to his church–and of course this sparked “scandal” and controversy–the church ended up kicking him out and many people left.
Carlton joined the UCC (United Church of Christ–not to be confused with the Church of Christ) and became a bishop.
This book is super controversial among many–while at the same time being refreshing and eye-opening. Pearson does not make statements without the use of scripture and his ideas do not just come from his head. This book should engage us in deep and relevant conversation–How do Lutheran’s view this? What things are positive and negative and what things made you made or refreshed?
Join us on October 8th and let the discussion begin!
Peace,
Vicar Ryan
Now that some time is spent with the text, it is imperative to play a “game” with the text. The “game” is called “who is the actor in this passage?”. Who is the one in the passages without whom the story would not exist. Who is the one of which the story is dependant? Is it God or is it us? Is it a little of both? Who is the one empowering the characters in the story. Who are the ones who are empowered?
After doing this, my practice is to think of my week, month or even year. Find relevant and pref. recent stories that relate to this. If not stories, think of questions that you would ask the congregation if you preached.
Wrestle with the text, let it transform your thoughts–or at least read it over again. I hope this has been helpful and I hope that it is something we can all do weekly to prepare for Sunday. I look forward to hearing about your opinions of the text, if you are willing to share them with me on Sunday!
Peace,
Ryan
Key Word study and reflection
Pick out key words or phrases in the texts that grab your attention. These do not have to be words that you feel good about. They can be words that bother you or really challenge you (for example, the word “repent” in the Gospel lesson). When you have your key words, look them up in a dictionary, concordance (see where they are in other places in scripture), thesaurus, etc. Reflect on these words and what parts they play in the the texts. Are there words that repeat from one text to another? Are there words here that really stick out like a sore thumb?
This is the second step. Read the texts again today and think about those words. Use those words in prayers during the day as well–find a way to incorperate them into your day today.
Step 3 tomorrow!
Peace,
Vicar Ryan
First I want to thank all who came on Friday! It was a blast and it was all because of you! I look forward to doing something similar again soon (read the post below about a new group starting up!).
And now–the devotion…
Reading the texts for the upcoming Sunday is an awesome way to get ready for worship. An even better way is to approach it as if you were preaching the sermon! I am preaching this week, and I will take you through the steps in which I will approach the assigned texts for this week. I won’t give too much of my own insight, in hopes that you will develop your own opinion and relationship with the texts. On Sunday, I think it would be interesting to see in what ways your opinions and my opinions are the same and different!
So on to step one for me during sermon week: Read the texts. Seems elementary and it is! Not all of us can go back to the Greek and Hebrew, but one does not really have to in order to have the texts speak in a special way to him/her! A great way to explore a text without using the ancient languages is to read three different versions of the text. The only rule I use for this are to make sure one of the texts is the NRSV (New Revised Standard Version)–since this is the text we use on Sunday. Other good translations are the NIV, NASB, old RSV, King James Version (for fun), Good News Bible, CEV and many more. What is different in the texts? What is the same in the texts? Why do these similarities and differences matter?
Then, reading something like “The Message” or the “Living Bible” can give other insights. I avoid these as Bible study Bibles because they are so slanted towards the translators point of view rather than the integrity of the text. However, hearing their opinion can be helpful–or at least offer some food for thought.
That’s it! That’s all you would need to do for today–read the texts often and before bed. Sleep on them, meditate on them, think about them in relation to your week. Use them as a devotion for the day.
So, here they are:
Exodus 32:7-14, Psalm 51:1-10, 1 Timothy 1:12-17, and Luke 15:1-10
Have fun reading and letting God’s Word speak to you!
-Vicar Ryan
Step 2 tomorrow…
18-30 Bible Study! I am starting a young adults book/Bible study and I need your input to figure out a good time for this! Monday is a good day for me (evenings)—and it fits in well with the busy schedule I have of meetings and so forth. I would like to start it on the 1st of October around 6:30pm at a restaurant—possibly centralized between < ?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />
Here would be the format of the group: Start with a devotion (led by me to start out, then rotating with those who would be willing to lead one). Then we would all have a book that we would have been reading during the week prior. This book would need to be religious in nature or have religious overtones. These books do not have to agree 100 percent with Lutheran doctrine. In fact, it would almost be more helpful if they didn’t. We would discuss what intrigued us, what challenged us, what we agreed with and what we didn’t agree with—basic book group stuff. I think it would be awesome to meet somewhere away from the church (someone’s house, or a restaurant like Panera, Starbucks).
I am excited about this group possibly taking off! All we would need is a core group to commit to meeting and reading. However, everyone is invited—even if you didn’t read for the week. This is a great opportunity for fellowship and talking about how are weeks are going!
Let me know if you would be able to attend. Not everyone will be able to make Monday work—but if there is interest, there can be another group started on another day of the week.
IN Christ,
Vicar Ryan
Read Luke 14:25-33
I have been really struggling with the Gospel passage for this week (Sept. 9). I have especially been struggling with Jesus’ last saying–“so therefore, none can become my disciple if you do not give up all your possessions”.
Wow–I’m glad I’m not preaching this Sunday. I have been thinking about this often during this week. I have been asking questions like, what is a possession anyway? Is Jesus talking only about material things? After doing a word study in Greek of the word transliterated as “oup-arc-ou-sin” (which is the word translated in the NRSV as ‘possession’), I found this definition: “what belongs to someone, someone’s property, possessions, means”.
So the writer of Luke really says that Jesus is calling for us to give up our material things in order to follow him. How would that look for people like us who live in Raleigh–one of the more materialistic places in the South?
As I thought more and more about this, I found one commentator who gave a new view of this tough passage. He said that he saw this passage not so much as a warning, but rather as “an invitation”. Christ is inviting us to follow him.
Possessions, and material goods are not bad in of themselves. However, Christ is saying that being a disciple is not something that is dependant on what we own physically here on earth. Following Christ means that we do not have to have ANYTHING of earthly value in our possession. Rather, we are invited in just as we are as Children of God to follow Christ. We are invited in whether we own a BMW or have no car, have a big house or no house at all, have many friends, or none to really call our own. Christ calls ALL of us, because he loves all of us unconditionally–regardless of what we own.
This is truly a message that is worth telling to everyone we know and to those we don’t know as well!
Enjoy your Wednesday!
Vicar Ryan
I hope everyone had a great Labor Day! I just got back late this morning from a fun time in Clemson!
I couldn’t help but keep thinking about Friday. Friday was when the monthly Coffeehouse happens here at the church. This coffeehouse, as many of you know, is for developmentally delayed men and women to come and share food and fellowship. This time there was a band and dancing. I had such a good time hanging out with them and helping to set up and pick up–I know I will do it again!
However, the band, the dancing, the food, the room—those were not what I was thinking about most. Rather, it was the fact that there were people there truly enjoying one another’s company–and they were doing it by disregarding race, ethnicity, creed, body type, or anything else. They were loving one another unconditionally it seemed. Blacks, whites, and latinos were dancing together. Christians and non were sharing meals together. There were REAL conversations taking place, sincere humor and jokes being told, and hugs being shared. And I thought to myself, as I’m sure many of you who have helped have, “This is what Jesus calls us to do–to love each other as he loved us”.
What a witness this event was. Not only was it a witness for us to hold this event at our church, but what a witness it was for us to see what it looks like to not worry about race or creed and to love one another.
Some people would label these men and women as “stupid” or “slow”–but I rather say that they have faith as children. This is what Jesus tells us to do as well. What an amazing experience.
I pray that we, too, may have to courage to have faith as children, and love others in the same way!
Have a great Tuesday!
In Christ, Vicar Ryan
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever”
Hebrews 13:8
What a message for us as we go through this week and every week! Though we all change and as we: get new jobs or lose a job, finish up school or start it, start and end relationships, get married, get divorced, have babies born and loved ones pass away, grow in faith, fall into doubt, cut our hair or let it grow out, lose or gain weight, win or lose, be right or be wrong–we can hold on to that one thing in our lives that will not and will never change–the LOVE of Jesus Christ. If we fail or suceed, change or stay the same, we can take heart that our Savior’s love and care for us is always there, even when the world may fail us.
What awesome news to keep us going on a long Wednesday and everyday!
May the unchanging Peace and Love of Christ be with you this day!
Vicar Ryan
“Remember your leaders, those who spoke the word of God to you; consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.”
Hebrews: 13:7
As we continue along in selected parts of Hebrews 13, I am especially struck by this verse. I was reminded of the reason I am here as a vicar in the first place–those who have passed on the faith to me. My parents, sister, friends, pastors and church workers and parishoners. These are people that are leaders in my life–people who have shared the Gospel of Jesus Christ with me and shared of God’s unbelievable love for me. They have shared with me that God’s undeniable, unchangable, unbeleiveable and extraordinary LOVE is for all of creation as well–not just for me or for them!
I’m sure we all have had people in our lives similar to the ones I have had–ones that have shared the Faith with us. And we are to imitate their faith–imitate their faith. So what does imitating their faith mean–and was it really the people we remember who influenced us or is it something even bigger than themselves?
Notice, that the verse says imitating their “FAITH” and not them as individuals. This verse is not saying for us to go out and be like our pastor from back home and start balding, or to play golf because he does. It does not say to go out and read the Bible for three hours a day just because our dear Aunt Sue did. This statement does not mean that we must be like the individual, but rather we are to imitate the one who gave the gift of faith to that person–in other words, God in Christ Jesus. For, as it says in Ephesians, “faith is a gift from God,” not something we come up with on our own. Therefore, we are to imitate or live as people of faith–faith that is given to us by Almighty God and shown to us in perfect example through Christ Jesus.
We are to remember the outcomes of these people’s lives–the fruit that the Faith of Christ in them has bore and fruit that we have been able to see and be influenced by. So this is exciting news for us as well! Whether we know it or not, the faith that God has given us is busy working to bear witness to Christ to people we meet. It is working through our words and our deeds. We are passing on the faith to others when we share the Good News to others, as those people before us did for us. We are imitating their Faith, and by doing this, sharing that Faith with others. What Good News this is!
Tomorrow I will continue with another section of Hebrews 13.
Pass on the Faith!
Vicar Ryan
“Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it. Remember those who are in prison, as though you were in prison with them; those who are being tortured, as though you yourselves were being tortured”
Hebrews 13:1-3
What an interesting couple of verses. This is from our second reading for this upcoming Sunday (Sept. 2). We have been going through Hebrews for the last few weeks, and this is one of my favorite passages from Scripture. In fact, I think this is what spreading the Gospel truly looks like.
First, you must have Love for the Good News to be spread. Where does this love come from? It has to come from somewhere.
Well we love because God first loved us. Because God loves us all (EVERYONE), we can share that message with those of us who may not know it–with those being tortured, with those in prison. And we aren’t just to spread the Gospel to those in agony, but rather as if we, too, are in agony. Wow! What a hard thing to do! How would we go about doing that?
I couldn’t help but think about how appropriate it is to have this message being read during the week while WIHN is here (Wake Interfaith Hospitality Network). This week, our congregation is doing exactly what the writer of Hebrews asks us to do: let mutual love continue. We are housing angels for a week. We are giving food and shelter to a group of people who very likely feel like they ARE in prison and ARE being tortured. And what are we doing? We are eating with them, we are talking WITH them not to them or at them, we are staying with them, we are offering them what we have, and they are offering us their stories and their witnesses in a way we may never have heard. That is mutual love in the name of Christ. That is giving love to those in prison, those being tortured, that is showing hospitatity to absolute strangers, that is entertaining angels.
WIHN is not the only way that we can help, but it is one of the awesome ways that we can share our gifts and the love of Christ. I encourage all of you to take one night this week to eat at 6:30pm with the families. Come and share stories, come and share a meal, come and entertain angels and see God’s love in a new way.
Tomorrow, I will continue with another section of this lesson from Hebrews 13.
Grace and Peace,
Vicar Ryan
What: A cookout, fellowship and brainstorming
Who: Members of YALL, those interested in learning what it is (that includes me), and new friends outside GSLC as well
When: September 7th at 6:30pm
Where: Vicar Ryan’s house
5205 Coffeetree Dr.
Raleigh, NC 27613 Located 3 streets behind Leesville High School…off O’Neil Rd. In the Pinecrest Park Subdivision.
What to bring: A meat to grill and whatever you would like to drink. Sides are provided! All are welcome–only restriction is that people must be out of high school. Should be a great time! Help get the word out!
Peace, Vicar Ryan
This is Vicar Ryan and this is a blog set up on the GSLC account to be YOUR blog! This is an opportunity to discuss upcoming events, share devotions, or just share opinions and suggestions for YALL. Remember there is also a message board on yahoogroups that is headed up by Heidi that is also used for discussion!
I was approached by PD and told that we had this blog site that no one was using–so I told him to let our age group have it as ours! I encourage you all to use it often and enjoy it!
In Christ,
Vicar Ryan (VR, Ryan, whatever you want to call me)
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