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Love Letters from Rich Foss to Plow Creek from 2002
December 29, 2002 Tired
and sad December 22, 2002 Saying yes to God's outrageous proposals
December 16, 2002 Creation sends out secret pilgrims
December 7, 2002 An amazing church meeting: Rich reflects on church members meeting
November 25, 2002 A day of giving thanks at Plow Creek
November 17, 2002 What makes a good elder?
November 9, 2002 Michelle's "Prayer Window"
October 27, 2002 Two brains
October 19, 2002 Role of elders
October 12, 2002 Bartimaeus and Peace
October 4, 2002 The wonder of being a part of this place
September 28, 2002 Sabatical ends
September 21, 2002 Book draft finished, but new name
September 13, 2002 How big a leader is
September 10, 2002 God provides. Practice the peace of Jesus
August 31, 2002 Adventures
August 23, 2002 Jon Foss to be baptized and off to Colgate
August 10, 2002 Serving your generation
August 3, 2002 A father listening to his son
July 27, 2002 Camping with the Lord
Tired and sad
December 29, 2002
Dear folks, Yesterday and the day before I was tired and sad. My rheumatoid disease had kicked up a notch. My hands, elbows and shoulders were more stiff than usual and I had no energy. I napped a lot.
What do you do when you are tired and sad? Here's what I did. Besides sleep. Yesterday morning I told the Lord all my miseries in my quiet time. I told him I felt like a bedraggled bird.
He reminded me that birds sit on nests of eggs and seemingly do nothing for several weeks and then new life comes; his kind way of letting me know I could be bedraggled, be still with him and he could bring new life. Then last night I told Sarah about being sad. She asked if I wanted to cry on her shoulder. I did. I told her all my miseries. So much to do and so little energy. She held me, listened and prayed for me. Later today I am heading to Reba for a two-day retreat. More time of being still with the Lord, sitting like a bedraggled bird, waiting for new life to hatch in 2003.
Blessings, Rich
top
Saying yes to God's outrageous proposals
December 22, 2002
Dear folks, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God," the angel said to the frightened 15-year-old girl a couple of centuries ago. When we become afraid we become like George W. Bush who wants to attack Iraq to eliminate their weapons of mass destruction and their dictator, Saddam Hussein. Bush is afraid and in the name of achieving peace he will likely kill many Iraqis and Americans. For a group as small and insignificant at Plow Creek to be a global village practicing the peace of Jesus we must be like Mary, a small and insignificant girl who became the mother of the Son of God. Mary chose not to be afraid and simply said yes to the audacious proposition of the angel that the Holy Spirit over shadow her and make her pregnant. To be a global village practicing the peace of Jesus we simple need to say yes to God's outrageous proposals. The angel also said to Mary, "you have found favor with God." Plow Creek has found favor with God. We could have died in the 90's. Not only did we not die but we have become alive in God's favor. Eric Gale, who grew up at Plow Creek, and has lived an hour away for many years, was at worship this morning. He commented on how positive the attitude is at Plow Creek compared to several years ago. We have found favor with God and he is making us into global village practicing the peace of Jesus. What does that mean-to be a global village practicing the peace of Jesus? I don't exactly know but I am looking forward to finding out. When Mary got pregnant she didn't know what it was going to be like to have a son who was the Son of God. But slowly but surely over the next thirty-two years she found out. Over the next decades we at Plow Creek will find out what it means to be highly favored of God and to be made into a global village practicing the peace of Jesus.
Blessings, Rich
top
December 16, 2002
Dear folks,
Until a few years ago I was never a fan of fall. Other’s marveled at the beauty of the fall colors but all I could think of was the coming of winter with its cold, snow and dangers that I’ll slip and fall.
Then Elsie Mast did a Sunday worship children’s time on the fall as a time when the wild plants of God’s creation scatter their seeds in preparation for spring. She brought samples from nature. Seeds that drift through the air long distances to start new life in the spring. Cockleburs, actually seeds that ride on animals and people and fall off at a new place, getting ready to grow in the spring.
I look out my office window and it looks barren, no sign of life in the trees. But I know that seeds have been traveling hither and yon all fall like secret pilgrims getting ready to spring into new life next spring.
Blessings, Rich
top
December 7, 2002
Dear folks,
To make decisions together in a members meeting circle like we do is an act of worship a trust in the Lord and in each other.
When twenty people sit in a circle and make decisions much can go wrong. So when we have as good a meeting as we did last Wednesday night I give thanks to God in heaven who is the author of Plow Creek.
I was grateful that Lynn Reha has the gifts and willingness to lead the meeting. It takes being rooted and grounded in faith and a peace about leading in uncertain situation. Lynn says leading our members meeting is easy after teaching high school English.
Together we decided send Rick to Hebron on a Christian Peacemaker Teams delegation next spring. There is something holy and freeing about being sent by a church.
We decided to take the Natural Church Development survey. It sounds good but none of us quite know how it will help us as a church. Together we decided to risk it. We are in God’s hands.
Then the book proposal about telling our story about Plow Creek in the 90’s. I was so grateful that the Lord had brought me to the place where I could freely submit the proposal to each of you. Since a number of you are dubious about the project, the meeting was a good test to see if I really was at peace in trusting each of you. I didn’t get hooked and I was grateful to the Lord. When the Lord used Neil, who wasn’t here in the 90’s, to suggest the next step I was grateful.
One of my joys in making decisions together is to see whom the Lord decides to use in the flow of the meeting conversation.
And then we decided to send $500 with Neil and Tutuk on their trip to Indonesia. When Tutuk teared up in surprised joy, and Sarah teared up because Tutuk teared up, it was another holy moment.
I give thanks for the presence of God in our meeting.
Blessings, Rich
top
November 25, 2002
Dear folks,
How was I thankful yesterday? Let me count the ways.
Blessings, Rich
top
November 17, 2002
Dear folks,
In December we are going to select another elder. What makes a good elder?
Here’s Paul’s list from I Timothy: "…above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money…manages own family well…not a recent convert, and a good reputation with outsiders." A great list.
What would I add? If you are married you should have a growing relationship with your spouse. An elder should be rooted and grounded in God’s love, in touch with him and shaped by him. An elder should be humble, eager to listen to and learn from others, and growing spiritually and emotionally. An elder should be open about her/his weaknesses and strengths, trusting the Lord to use both in building up the church. An elder should deeply love the people of Plow Creek, be generous in building them up, eager to welcome new people, and see Plow Creek as one small part of God’s great kingdom.
At Plow Creek we have a circle of elders and God calls people to the circle who have variety of gifts for listening, administering, envisioning, serving, and encouraging. He fits the gifts of elders together for the love of his body.
No one is good enough to be an elder. God calls us a person to be an elder and then he makes the person into one. In the meantime his people have mercy and help those called to grow into being elders.
I became an elder in April of 1981 and I count it a deep privilege. I have grown so much in the Lord and loved so many people. I look forward to working with the next person whom God calls for the love of this people and this place.
Blessings, Rich
top
November 9, 2002
Dear folks,
Michele’s world is growing smaller. Margaret and I visited her at her apartment at JPUSA on Wednesday. She no longer has the energy to go to the dining room. She keeps moving from stage to stage on her journey of dying.
She says that she finds herself a little anxious, wondering what the next stage will be like. At the same time she has a deep trust in the Lord.
While her world is growing smaller she still has her "prayer window." She has one window that opens onto a construction site and several other apartments. She calls it her "prayer window" and prays for the construction workers and other people she sees through her window.
"Of course," she says, "they don’t know I am praying for them."
"But God does," I said.
Michele’s praying reminds me of a story I read recently. In a rough school there was one Christian teacher. Dozens of his students became Christians, many of them pastors and missionaries. Years later the husband of one of his students decided to track him down to find out what he had done to have such big influence.
The now retired teacher was choked with emotion because he was unaware of having had any influence. The only thing he had done, he said, was many times as his students worked he sat at his desk and prayed for them
Like Michele, the teacher had a "prayer window."
Blessings,
Rich
top
October 27, 2002
Dear folks,
One evening when Jon was in second grade he had a math worksheet to do, a page full of addition and subtraction. He brought me a novel and asked me to reading it to him while he was doing his math homework.
"Jon," I said, ever the wise parent, "you can’t do your math homework while you are listening to a story."
"Yes, I can," he said, "I have two brains."
Now I knew he didn’t have two brains. But his assertion did catch my attention and, at that moment, I became a wiser parent. I listened to my son and said, "Okay, I’ll read to you." I wanted to see if he really could do his math worksheet and listen to the book.
I read and he did his math worksheet. Later I checked his work and he’d only made one error or two out of the whole sheet of problems.
I thought of that story yesterday as I drove from Goshen to Chicago for the IMC fall conference. I listened to an interview with a woman who taught parents about learning styles. God has created each of us with certain ways we learn—visually, aurally of kinesthetically (through the motion of our bodies). Each of learn through all three methods but we tend to be stronger in one or another. She told about a boy who fidgeted a lot. His mother made him sti still and look at her and he didn’t learn well at all. But when she talked to him while he bounced around, not looking at her, he could repeat back to her exactly what she said.
Isn’t it wonderful how God has created us?
Blessings, Rich
top
October 19, 2002
Dear folks,
Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. I Timothy 3:1
Since Lynn is bowing out as an elder I have been thinking about the above verse. I am praying that someone at Plow Creek will set their heart on being an elder at Plow Creek. It’s a noble task.
I have been an elder at Plow Creek for twenty years and I just wrote 100,000 words on being a leader, much of it drawn from my experience of being an elder. If I were to say three, no four things to the next person God calls to be an elder at Plow Creek what would I say?
One, the role of the elders is to continually create, recreate and nurture Plow Creek so that members, guests and little ones thrive in hope, peace and justice.
Two, being an elder is more service than glory.
Three, being an elder is a spiritual journey and adventure.
Four, it is a deep honor to be close to God and his people.
Let us all pray that God will call and stir up another of us to desire a noble task.
Blessings,
Rich
top
October 12, 2002
>
Dear folks,
I have been thinking about blind Bartimaeus, President Bush and me.
You remember Bartimaeus. He sat by the road on the way to Jericho yelling, "Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me." His voice was such a nuisance the crowd tried to quiet him.
Last Sunday afternoon several Creekers and a thousand other people gathered in downtown Chicago to protest President Bush’s yearning to invade Iraq. I don’t know how much good our protest was but Sarah and I wanted to put our bodies out there to be counted against the war.
I want to yell at the top of my lungs, "Jesus, son of David, have mercy on us!"
Bartimaeus didn’t stop until he got Jesus’ attention. Jesus turned to the crowd who was trying to silence Bartimaeus and said, "Bring him to me."
They did. And Jesus said, "What do you want me to do for you?"
What does President Bush want? He wants to see America safe and he seems to think he must sacrifice young Americans and Iraqis to do so.
Bartmaeus wanted to see. Here’s what I want to see, Jesus, Americans helping the rest of the world to thrive in peace and justice.
"Jesus, son of David, have mercy on us!"
Blessings, Rich
top
October 4, 2002
September 28, 2002
Dear folks,
Tomorrow is the last day of my sabbatical. It’s been quite a camping trip with Lord. It even included fevers and chills for a couple of days this week. On Thursday I was so miserable I slept and watched videos most of the day. In the dark at 5:00 a.m. on Friday I realized that getting sick had made me so grumpy that I hadn’t prayed at all the day before. I lay in the dark and worshipped the Lord, drawing close to him again. I belong to him, broken body, wounded spirit, and all.
On Friday morning Jim Fitz called to schedule lunch next week, our first in two months. Hearing his voice on the phone gave me a pang of homesickness. My sabbatical has been an incredible gift and yet I have missed you guys.
I am so grateful to Louise and Lynn for all the eldering they have done for all of us while I have been away. During my sabbatical I haven’t been reading elders reports or announcement sheets. One day, quite by accident, I saw an elders report with a list of the new sharing groups. I give thanks that Louise and Lynn felt free to move Sarah and me to a new sharing group without breaking into my sabbatical. I trust them and they trust me. What a gift from God!
I love you. Thanks so much, everybody, for the gift of this sabbatical. On Monday I’ll be back in the saddle working in our global village, practicing the peace of Jesus.
Blessings,
Rich
top
September 21, 2002
Dear folks,
The first draft of the book on leadership is done, all 100,340 words. Thank you, Lord.
On Monday I went to the Goshen Library and did a Google search on Growing Leaders to make sure someone else wasn’t using the name in the same way I want to. I discovered that a Christian has started a leadership training program called Growing Leaders complete with a book and a web site by the same name. I spent a day in a bit of a funk. I thought I had such a great name for the book and training program. The next morning, after I had poured out my misery to the Lord, he suggested I symbolically bury the name as away to let go. After lunch Heidi joined me in a ceremony. She used my reacher to dig a shallow hole and we put half a dozen of my Growing Leaders business cards in the hole. Than we had a brief time of prayer, saying goodbye to a name I was so fond of.
A new name has arisen. Evergreen Leaders. Evergreens are symbol of hope to me and hope, peace and justice are the core values I want to teach leaders to embrace.
Next week I will begin creating a book proposal to persuade an agent to market the book to a publisher.
I will also begin printing copies of the first draft of the book for feedback. If you are interested in critiquing the first draft for me, please let me know.
Blessings,
Rich
top
Dear Folks,December 29, 2002
Dear folks, Yesterday and the day before I was tired and sad. My rheumatoid disease had kicked up a notch. My hands, elbows and shoulders were more stiff than usual and I had no energy. I napped a lot.
What do you do when you are tired and sad? Here's what I did. Besides sleep. Yesterday morning I told the Lord all my miseries in my quiet time. I told him I felt like a bedraggled bird.
He reminded me that birds sit on nests of eggs and seemingly do nothing for several weeks and then new life comes; his kind way of letting me know I could be bedraggled, be still with him and he could bring new life. Then last night I told Sarah about being sad. She asked if I wanted to cry on her shoulder. I did. I told her all my miseries. So much to do and so little energy. She held me, listened and prayed for me. Later today I am heading to Reba for a two-day retreat. More time of being still with the Lord, sitting like a bedraggled bird, waiting for new life to hatch in 2003.
Blessings, Rich
top
Saying yes to God's outrageous proposals
December 22, 2002
Dear folks, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God," the angel said to the frightened 15-year-old girl a couple of centuries ago. When we become afraid we become like George W. Bush who wants to attack Iraq to eliminate their weapons of mass destruction and their dictator, Saddam Hussein. Bush is afraid and in the name of achieving peace he will likely kill many Iraqis and Americans. For a group as small and insignificant at Plow Creek to be a global village practicing the peace of Jesus we must be like Mary, a small and insignificant girl who became the mother of the Son of God. Mary chose not to be afraid and simply said yes to the audacious proposition of the angel that the Holy Spirit over shadow her and make her pregnant. To be a global village practicing the peace of Jesus we simple need to say yes to God's outrageous proposals. The angel also said to Mary, "you have found favor with God." Plow Creek has found favor with God. We could have died in the 90's. Not only did we not die but we have become alive in God's favor. Eric Gale, who grew up at Plow Creek, and has lived an hour away for many years, was at worship this morning. He commented on how positive the attitude is at Plow Creek compared to several years ago. We have found favor with God and he is making us into global village practicing the peace of Jesus. What does that mean-to be a global village practicing the peace of Jesus? I don't exactly know but I am looking forward to finding out. When Mary got pregnant she didn't know what it was going to be like to have a son who was the Son of God. But slowly but surely over the next thirty-two years she found out. Over the next decades we at Plow Creek will find out what it means to be highly favored of God and to be made into a global village practicing the peace of Jesus.
Blessings, Rich
top
December 16, 2002
Dear folks,
Until a few years ago I was never a fan of fall. Other’s marveled at the beauty of the fall colors but all I could think of was the coming of winter with its cold, snow and dangers that I’ll slip and fall.
Then Elsie Mast did a Sunday worship children’s time on the fall as a time when the wild plants of God’s creation scatter their seeds in preparation for spring. She brought samples from nature. Seeds that drift through the air long distances to start new life in the spring. Cockleburs, actually seeds that ride on animals and people and fall off at a new place, getting ready to grow in the spring.
I look out my office window and it looks barren, no sign of life in the trees. But I know that seeds have been traveling hither and yon all fall like secret pilgrims getting ready to spring into new life next spring.
Blessings, Rich
top
December 7, 2002
Dear folks,
To make decisions together in a members meeting circle like we do is an act of worship a trust in the Lord and in each other.
When twenty people sit in a circle and make decisions much can go wrong. So when we have as good a meeting as we did last Wednesday night I give thanks to God in heaven who is the author of Plow Creek.
I was grateful that Lynn Reha has the gifts and willingness to lead the meeting. It takes being rooted and grounded in faith and a peace about leading in uncertain situation. Lynn says leading our members meeting is easy after teaching high school English.
Together we decided send Rick to Hebron on a Christian Peacemaker Teams delegation next spring. There is something holy and freeing about being sent by a church.
We decided to take the Natural Church Development survey. It sounds good but none of us quite know how it will help us as a church. Together we decided to risk it. We are in God’s hands.
Then the book proposal about telling our story about Plow Creek in the 90’s. I was so grateful that the Lord had brought me to the place where I could freely submit the proposal to each of you. Since a number of you are dubious about the project, the meeting was a good test to see if I really was at peace in trusting each of you. I didn’t get hooked and I was grateful to the Lord. When the Lord used Neil, who wasn’t here in the 90’s, to suggest the next step I was grateful.
One of my joys in making decisions together is to see whom the Lord decides to use in the flow of the meeting conversation.
And then we decided to send $500 with Neil and Tutuk on their trip to Indonesia. When Tutuk teared up in surprised joy, and Sarah teared up because Tutuk teared up, it was another holy moment.
I give thanks for the presence of God in our meeting.
Blessings, Rich
top
November 25, 2002
Dear folks,
How was I thankful yesterday? Let me count the ways.
- I got to wake up next to Sarah and lie in bed praying.
- The medicine I take for my rheumatoid arthritis made it much easier to get out of bed than last year on this date.
- In my morning worship I acknowledged to the Lord from my depths, “There is nothing stronger than your love.”
- Jim Fitz called. What an honor to be trusted with the struggles of a brother.
- I got to make pancakes for the Moore family, the newest Plow Creek people, and memorize Jeff and Annie’s precious, preschool daughters’ names: Miriam the oldest, Helen the middlest, and Margaret the youngest.
- At worship Richard filled a blackboard with thanks called out by the people of Plow Creek.
- In the adult teaching time we had discussions in groups of three, giving Dani time to share her heart with me. There is nothing stronger than God’s love and Dani and I had a moment to pray.
- At lunch time I sat with Tim, Jim Harnish, et.al. and Tim told the tale of how, with a little help from Eric, he tagged his deer on Saturday.
- After lunch Jim Foxvog, Tim, Andy and I reviewed Plow Creek’s web site and had a great time thinking of ways to improve the site.
- Steve and I had a chance to catch up with each other a bit going to and from went watch Helena and Charissa in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever at the Prairie Arts Center. I laughed at the sheer joy of seeing Charissa, Helena and the others use their talents to portray the good news in a unique play.
- At 6:10 I panicked when Sarah asked if Plow Creek was supposed to provide drinks after the community Thanksgiving service. I called Dani who agreed rescueme from my inattention to detail, go early and put on hot water. Later she told me that when she arrived Lynn Reha had it all under control. From panic to praise thanks to kind sisters.
- Jeff Moore joined our music group and played the piano for the hymns during the Thanksgiving service. I gave thanks for the gift of a pianist.
- After the Thanksgiving service Charissa caem up to me, still smeared with make up, and asked me if I liked the Play. “I loved it,” I said and she jumped into my arms and we celebrated the joy of drama.
- I gave thanks when I noticed that Sandy Begly joined Sarah in the common kitchen to help with clean up.
Blessings, Rich
top
November 17, 2002
Dear folks,
In December we are going to select another elder. What makes a good elder?
Here’s Paul’s list from I Timothy: "…above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money…manages own family well…not a recent convert, and a good reputation with outsiders." A great list.
What would I add? If you are married you should have a growing relationship with your spouse. An elder should be rooted and grounded in God’s love, in touch with him and shaped by him. An elder should be humble, eager to listen to and learn from others, and growing spiritually and emotionally. An elder should be open about her/his weaknesses and strengths, trusting the Lord to use both in building up the church. An elder should deeply love the people of Plow Creek, be generous in building them up, eager to welcome new people, and see Plow Creek as one small part of God’s great kingdom.
At Plow Creek we have a circle of elders and God calls people to the circle who have variety of gifts for listening, administering, envisioning, serving, and encouraging. He fits the gifts of elders together for the love of his body.
No one is good enough to be an elder. God calls us a person to be an elder and then he makes the person into one. In the meantime his people have mercy and help those called to grow into being elders.
I became an elder in April of 1981 and I count it a deep privilege. I have grown so much in the Lord and loved so many people. I look forward to working with the next person whom God calls for the love of this people and this place.
Blessings, Rich
top
November 9, 2002
Dear folks,
Michele’s world is growing smaller. Margaret and I visited her at her apartment at JPUSA on Wednesday. She no longer has the energy to go to the dining room. She keeps moving from stage to stage on her journey of dying.
She says that she finds herself a little anxious, wondering what the next stage will be like. At the same time she has a deep trust in the Lord.
While her world is growing smaller she still has her "prayer window." She has one window that opens onto a construction site and several other apartments. She calls it her "prayer window" and prays for the construction workers and other people she sees through her window.
"Of course," she says, "they don’t know I am praying for them."
"But God does," I said.
Michele’s praying reminds me of a story I read recently. In a rough school there was one Christian teacher. Dozens of his students became Christians, many of them pastors and missionaries. Years later the husband of one of his students decided to track him down to find out what he had done to have such big influence.
The now retired teacher was choked with emotion because he was unaware of having had any influence. The only thing he had done, he said, was many times as his students worked he sat at his desk and prayed for them
Like Michele, the teacher had a "prayer window."
Blessings,
Rich
top
October 27, 2002
Dear folks,
One evening when Jon was in second grade he had a math worksheet to do, a page full of addition and subtraction. He brought me a novel and asked me to reading it to him while he was doing his math homework.
"Jon," I said, ever the wise parent, "you can’t do your math homework while you are listening to a story."
"Yes, I can," he said, "I have two brains."
Now I knew he didn’t have two brains. But his assertion did catch my attention and, at that moment, I became a wiser parent. I listened to my son and said, "Okay, I’ll read to you." I wanted to see if he really could do his math worksheet and listen to the book.
I read and he did his math worksheet. Later I checked his work and he’d only made one error or two out of the whole sheet of problems.
I thought of that story yesterday as I drove from Goshen to Chicago for the IMC fall conference. I listened to an interview with a woman who taught parents about learning styles. God has created each of us with certain ways we learn—visually, aurally of kinesthetically (through the motion of our bodies). Each of learn through all three methods but we tend to be stronger in one or another. She told about a boy who fidgeted a lot. His mother made him sti still and look at her and he didn’t learn well at all. But when she talked to him while he bounced around, not looking at her, he could repeat back to her exactly what she said.
Isn’t it wonderful how God has created us?
Blessings, Rich
top
October 19, 2002
Dear folks,
Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. I Timothy 3:1
Since Lynn is bowing out as an elder I have been thinking about the above verse. I am praying that someone at Plow Creek will set their heart on being an elder at Plow Creek. It’s a noble task.
I have been an elder at Plow Creek for twenty years and I just wrote 100,000 words on being a leader, much of it drawn from my experience of being an elder. If I were to say three, no four things to the next person God calls to be an elder at Plow Creek what would I say?
One, the role of the elders is to continually create, recreate and nurture Plow Creek so that members, guests and little ones thrive in hope, peace and justice.
Two, being an elder is more service than glory.
Three, being an elder is a spiritual journey and adventure.
Four, it is a deep honor to be close to God and his people.
Let us all pray that God will call and stir up another of us to desire a noble task.
Blessings,
Rich
top
October 12, 2002
>
Dear folks,
I have been thinking about blind Bartimaeus, President Bush and me.
You remember Bartimaeus. He sat by the road on the way to Jericho yelling, "Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me." His voice was such a nuisance the crowd tried to quiet him.
Last Sunday afternoon several Creekers and a thousand other people gathered in downtown Chicago to protest President Bush’s yearning to invade Iraq. I don’t know how much good our protest was but Sarah and I wanted to put our bodies out there to be counted against the war.
I want to yell at the top of my lungs, "Jesus, son of David, have mercy on us!"
Bartimaeus didn’t stop until he got Jesus’ attention. Jesus turned to the crowd who was trying to silence Bartimaeus and said, "Bring him to me."
They did. And Jesus said, "What do you want me to do for you?"
What does President Bush want? He wants to see America safe and he seems to think he must sacrifice young Americans and Iraqis to do so.
Bartmaeus wanted to see. Here’s what I want to see, Jesus, Americans helping the rest of the world to thrive in peace and justice.
"Jesus, son of David, have mercy on us!"
Blessings, Rich
top
October 4, 2002
Dear folks,
I’m back.
Late last Sunday afternoon, the last day of my sabbatical, I took a ride on my wheelchair. I wandered towards the Prairie House with the vague notion of asking Steve to come out to play. Instead I saw Joanne Janzen, a guest, on her way to the retreat cabin. We visited a few minutes, two people catching each other up on their grown children.
It was a beautiful, warm, sunny late afternoon as I wandered and soaked in the beauty of this place, emotionally ready to be back.
At the basketball court I visited with David Janzen while he shot baskets. He recounted the exciting finals of Reba’s summer three-on-three tournament with a small Reba team triumphing over a big Chicago team in a dramatic finish. I caught him up on Jon’s adventures in basketball at Colgate.
Gabrian Graham trotted towards the court, fell on the gravel, and began to cry. No one from his family was around. I asked Gabrian if he would like me to take him home. He nodded yes so I asked David to lift Gabrian onto my lap and then I gave him a ride to his home at the Prairie House.
As I wandered toward home and supper with Sarah I let myself feel deep inside the wonder of being a part of this place and you, my people.
Blessings, Rich
Ps. I’ve enjoyed writing these letters to you so much that, unless you tell me to stop, I’m going to keep writing you.
I’m back.
Late last Sunday afternoon, the last day of my sabbatical, I took a ride on my wheelchair. I wandered towards the Prairie House with the vague notion of asking Steve to come out to play. Instead I saw Joanne Janzen, a guest, on her way to the retreat cabin. We visited a few minutes, two people catching each other up on their grown children.
It was a beautiful, warm, sunny late afternoon as I wandered and soaked in the beauty of this place, emotionally ready to be back.
At the basketball court I visited with David Janzen while he shot baskets. He recounted the exciting finals of Reba’s summer three-on-three tournament with a small Reba team triumphing over a big Chicago team in a dramatic finish. I caught him up on Jon’s adventures in basketball at Colgate.
Gabrian Graham trotted towards the court, fell on the gravel, and began to cry. No one from his family was around. I asked Gabrian if he would like me to take him home. He nodded yes so I asked David to lift Gabrian onto my lap and then I gave him a ride to his home at the Prairie House.
As I wandered toward home and supper with Sarah I let myself feel deep inside the wonder of being a part of this place and you, my people.
Blessings, Rich
Ps. I’ve enjoyed writing these letters to you so much that, unless you tell me to stop, I’m going to keep writing you.
September 28, 2002
Dear folks,
Tomorrow is the last day of my sabbatical. It’s been quite a camping trip with Lord. It even included fevers and chills for a couple of days this week. On Thursday I was so miserable I slept and watched videos most of the day. In the dark at 5:00 a.m. on Friday I realized that getting sick had made me so grumpy that I hadn’t prayed at all the day before. I lay in the dark and worshipped the Lord, drawing close to him again. I belong to him, broken body, wounded spirit, and all.
On Friday morning Jim Fitz called to schedule lunch next week, our first in two months. Hearing his voice on the phone gave me a pang of homesickness. My sabbatical has been an incredible gift and yet I have missed you guys.
I am so grateful to Louise and Lynn for all the eldering they have done for all of us while I have been away. During my sabbatical I haven’t been reading elders reports or announcement sheets. One day, quite by accident, I saw an elders report with a list of the new sharing groups. I give thanks that Louise and Lynn felt free to move Sarah and me to a new sharing group without breaking into my sabbatical. I trust them and they trust me. What a gift from God!
I love you. Thanks so much, everybody, for the gift of this sabbatical. On Monday I’ll be back in the saddle working in our global village, practicing the peace of Jesus.
Blessings,
Rich
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September 21, 2002
Dear folks,
The first draft of the book on leadership is done, all 100,340 words. Thank you, Lord.
On Monday I went to the Goshen Library and did a Google search on Growing Leaders to make sure someone else wasn’t using the name in the same way I want to. I discovered that a Christian has started a leadership training program called Growing Leaders complete with a book and a web site by the same name. I spent a day in a bit of a funk. I thought I had such a great name for the book and training program. The next morning, after I had poured out my misery to the Lord, he suggested I symbolically bury the name as away to let go. After lunch Heidi joined me in a ceremony. She used my reacher to dig a shallow hole and we put half a dozen of my Growing Leaders business cards in the hole. Than we had a brief time of prayer, saying goodbye to a name I was so fond of.
A new name has arisen. Evergreen Leaders. Evergreens are symbol of hope to me and hope, peace and justice are the core values I want to teach leaders to embrace.
Next week I will begin creating a book proposal to persuade an agent to market the book to a publisher.
I will also begin printing copies of the first draft of the book for feedback. If you are interested in critiquing the first draft for me, please let me know.
Blessings,
Rich
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SSeptember 13, 2002 (e-mailed on
September 16)
Goshen, IN
Dear folks,
As you know I've been writing the first draft of The Book of Growing
Leaders while on this sabbatical. I am on the section on encouraging.
I've yet to share with you from the book. Here's an excerpt of what I
wrote today:
You can tell how big a leader is by how they encourage little people.
Sarah, my wife, is slender but a big leader. Recently while we were on
vacation she bought a post card to send to a young man at work. She
provides nursing services at homes of people with developmental
disabilities, an activity that is heavily regulated by the state. One of
the regulations states that only a registered nurse can give
suppositories. The young man is severely disabled with cerebral palsy, so
much so that he can make sounds but not words, has enough control to wave
one arm, and to get around needs to someone to push the wheelchair. Three
times a week Sarah or her partner goes to his home to give him a
suppository. He greets her with a big smile every time she comes to his
home. Sarah loves talking to him before and after the small indignity. He
responds with eye, contact, smiles and waves of his arm. She treats him
with respect and he responds with the joy of someone who finds her
encouraging. When she walked into his house upon returning from our
vacation he was so excited that his greeting almost sounded like words.
Sarah could simply do her medical procedure and leave but she spends a
little extra time with this young man and not only is he encouraged but so
is she. When we treat a little person with respect from the heart they
respond and so does our heart. Sarah is the director of nursing, a busy
leader, and yet she is big enough to spend time with someone most other
people overlook because, after all, he can't even talk. And she finds
those few minutes with this young man a very encouraging part of her job.
Blessings,
Rich
Ps. I am enjoying a week with Hannah and Heidi in Goshen and will be home
on Friday, September 20.
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September 10, 2002
Dear folks,
When our shared funds cash flow became so tight in August that it looked like we’d only have enough money to pay part of the September 5 allowances I prayed that enough funds would come in to pay for full allowances. I felt like we’d faithfully made changes to decrease expenses and increase income to address our long-term needs but we’d need a miracle in the short term.
Oh, me of little faith. When we got home last Sunday, Sarah found a full, September 5 allowance check in our mailbox. Sarah and I asked Louise what had happened. Two gifts for $5000 had come in. I wanted to laugh uproariously at the generosity of our God. When our car broke down I began praying that God would not only provide for the September 5 allowance check but that he would proved money for the $1321 car bill by October when it will be due. God provided ahead of time.
Are we worthy of such love at Plow Creek Fellowship? No, but he sent his son to love us wildly and every so often gives us glimpse of his still wild love.
Tomorrow is September 11. As I remember the victim families that were torn apart by the horrible attack on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and the plane that crashed in Pennsylvania, I groan in prayer. I still find it hard to comprehend the perpetrators but I groan in prayer for their families who were rent too.
How much this world needs us to practice the peace of Jesus.
Blessings, Rich
Ps. I’ve crossed the 85,000-word mark on the first draft of The Book of Growing Leaders. I’m hoping to finish the 100,000 words and begin work on a book proposal (the tool to sell the book to an agent and a publisher) by the time my sabbatical ends on September 29.
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August 23, 2002
Dear folks,
On Sunday Jon will be baptized in the pool at Camp Mennohaven. A few weeks ago he and I were at Taco Bell and I asked him what he’d been thinking about lately. He said Tim had him reading Matthew 6 in preparation for his baptism.
"Now," he said, "I know where what I think comes from." He went on to say that he knew that he had picked up ideas from Sarah and me and Plow Creek but as he read Matthew he could see where his beliefs came from.
Thank you, Sunday school teachers and brothers and sisters. Jon has never been much of a reader but he reads people. He has read Matthew 6 in your lives. I am deeply grateful to Tim for meeting with Jon and preparing him for baptism. I am also deeply grateful for all of you who have been preparing him from birth by your words and deeds.
Next Tuesday we will leave to take Jon to Colgate. Off and on this summer I’ve been mourning the end of our child rearing years. Having Hannah, Heidi and Jon in our home has been an incredible gift to this broken-bodied man who wondered if he’d even be able to marry, let alone have children. I’ve loved every stage of their growing up and delighted in the miracle of being there father.
For months Sarah and I have planned on getting Jon settled at Colgate and then spending ten days together in the east, beginning the empty nest stage of life. Mennoniting our way for is too hard on my body. Sarah and I have been saving but nine nights even in a cheap motel adds up. And PCF finances have been getting tighter. As I prayed I sensed the Lord saying he would provide. This week Hannah and Heidi sent us $100 for lodging and Taco Bell. I had tears in my eyes as I read their loving card.
When people hear of our plans they tell us about all the wonderful things to see and do in the east. Sarah and I plan on staying in one spot, lovers taking a journey of the heart with each other and the Lord.
Blessings,
Rich
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August 10, 2002
Dear folks,
While I am camping with the Lord you are hosting the SMC camp meeting
this weekend. Such servants. I admire each of you in opening your
hearts to so many people and pitching in to help out.
I am in nothern Minnesota with my parents. Last night they played the
video of my Grandma's funeral from seven years ago. Here are excerpts
from what the pastor said:
Alice was a servant. Alice served her generation. There is no other
way to seve God than to serve people. Alice didn't have any big dreams,
just a big heart. No lofty ambitions, just lofty values.
This weekend each of you are serving your generation.
One day in 1956 Grandma read a newspaper story abouta local woman dying,
leaving two young girls. She turned to Grandpa and said, "Oh, Emil,
wouldn't I just love to take care of those girls."
Two weeks later Grandpa had a stroke and died the next day. A week
later the father of the two young girls came and asked Grandma to care
for his girls which she did for several years. When Grandma told me
about reading the newspaper story she said, "The Lord put those girls on
my heart. He knew I was going to need something to do."
I told that story at her funeral.
I am so glad to be part of you, a big-hearted people serving your
generation,
Love and blessings,
Rich
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August 3, 2002
Dear folks,
On Thursday morning I took my car to Greiff’s to get it checked out before we go to Minnesota. Then I camped with the Lord in the FS station, having a cup of coffee and my quiet time.
As I was sitting there communing with the Lord I became aware of a seven-year-old boy and his father in the store. The boy had a voice that carried throughout the store as he and his Dad purchased donuts and chocolate milk for breakfast. They came and sat at the snack bar table next to mine.
I notice parents and small children these days as we prepare to send our youngest to college.
As the boy talked I could see he was looking to his Dad for approval of his ideas and when his Dad offered a different opinion he’d modify his. "Babies can be sick most," the boy said. The Dad said, approvingly, "You weren’t sick at all last year." The boy said he hadn’t been sick for three years. His father reminded him he had been sick in kindergarten
"I wish God made it so no one died," said the boy, "no one got sick and weapons weren’t real."
A father listening to his son, admiring and shaping his son’s thinking.
How like God.
Blessings,
Rich
top
Saturday, July 27, 2002
Goshen, IN
Dear folks,
As you know I've been writing the first draft of The Book of Growing
Leaders while on this sabbatical. I am on the section on encouraging.
I've yet to share with you from the book. Here's an excerpt of what I
wrote today:
You can tell how big a leader is by how they encourage little people.
Sarah, my wife, is slender but a big leader. Recently while we were on
vacation she bought a post card to send to a young man at work. She
provides nursing services at homes of people with developmental
disabilities, an activity that is heavily regulated by the state. One of
the regulations states that only a registered nurse can give
suppositories. The young man is severely disabled with cerebral palsy, so
much so that he can make sounds but not words, has enough control to wave
one arm, and to get around needs to someone to push the wheelchair. Three
times a week Sarah or her partner goes to his home to give him a
suppository. He greets her with a big smile every time she comes to his
home. Sarah loves talking to him before and after the small indignity. He
responds with eye, contact, smiles and waves of his arm. She treats him
with respect and he responds with the joy of someone who finds her
encouraging. When she walked into his house upon returning from our
vacation he was so excited that his greeting almost sounded like words.
Sarah could simply do her medical procedure and leave but she spends a
little extra time with this young man and not only is he encouraged but so
is she. When we treat a little person with respect from the heart they
respond and so does our heart. Sarah is the director of nursing, a busy
leader, and yet she is big enough to spend time with someone most other
people overlook because, after all, he can't even talk. And she finds
those few minutes with this young man a very encouraging part of her job.
Blessings,
Rich
Ps. I am enjoying a week with Hannah and Heidi in Goshen and will be home
on Friday, September 20.
top
September 10, 2002
Dear folks,
When our shared funds cash flow became so tight in August that it looked like we’d only have enough money to pay part of the September 5 allowances I prayed that enough funds would come in to pay for full allowances. I felt like we’d faithfully made changes to decrease expenses and increase income to address our long-term needs but we’d need a miracle in the short term.
Oh, me of little faith. When we got home last Sunday, Sarah found a full, September 5 allowance check in our mailbox. Sarah and I asked Louise what had happened. Two gifts for $5000 had come in. I wanted to laugh uproariously at the generosity of our God. When our car broke down I began praying that God would not only provide for the September 5 allowance check but that he would proved money for the $1321 car bill by October when it will be due. God provided ahead of time.
Are we worthy of such love at Plow Creek Fellowship? No, but he sent his son to love us wildly and every so often gives us glimpse of his still wild love.
Tomorrow is September 11. As I remember the victim families that were torn apart by the horrible attack on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and the plane that crashed in Pennsylvania, I groan in prayer. I still find it hard to comprehend the perpetrators but I groan in prayer for their families who were rent too.
How much this world needs us to practice the peace of Jesus.
Blessings, Rich
Ps. I’ve crossed the 85,000-word mark on the first draft of The Book of Growing Leaders. I’m hoping to finish the 100,000 words and begin work on a book proposal (the tool to sell the book to an agent and a publisher) by the time my sabbatical ends on September 29.
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August
31, 2002 (e-mailed 9/5/02, my first access to e-mail)
Binghamton, NY
Dear folks,
Tomorrow Erin will be baptized. I am sorry to be so far away and missing it.
Last Sunday during the foot washing following Jon’s baptism I looked around the circle and thought: The Lord truly is making is a global village practicing the peace of Jesus. Won from China was with us, living in the village while waiting to get back his money from the sheriff’s department.
Leonide and Elizabeth were there from Haiti. Tutuk from Indonesia. And us Anglos.
What a privilege to be a witness to what God is doing as we embrace his mission to be a global village practicing the peace of Jesus.
Now Erin is a part of that mission. After she is baptized we will be sending her on a Christian Peacemaker Team. Being a global village practicing the peace of Jesus is a great adventure.
Speaking of adventures, our transmission started going out on the old 1987 wagon in eastern Ohio. We limped into Binghamton, NY where it is being repaired. As the transmission was dying I kept praying, please, Lord, just let us get Jon to Colgate on time. Thankfully we have AAA trip interruption services which covered a rental van so that we got Jon to Colgate the next morning on time. Thank you, Lord. The car won’t be fixed until Tuesday after Labor Day and we have to have the rental van back by tonight or Saturday night. So then the only wheels Sarah and I will have will be my PaceSaver. It’s a good thing we were planning on making a journey of the heart.
Last Sunday after Jon’s baptism and lunch, we had communion and foot washing. Jon sat between Tim Gale and Sarah so Tim washed Jon’s feet and Jon washed Sarah’s feet. Such a divine moment. Jon, an adult, a believer, and an equal of Sarah’s, washing her feet, a precious moment brought to us by the Lord.
After the communion Jon and I went home and happened to come into the house at the same time. Jon let out a yell: "I’m a baptized man! Yeah!" "Yeah!" I whooped.
Blessings, Rich
Binghamton, NY
Dear folks,
Tomorrow Erin will be baptized. I am sorry to be so far away and missing it.
Last Sunday during the foot washing following Jon’s baptism I looked around the circle and thought: The Lord truly is making is a global village practicing the peace of Jesus. Won from China was with us, living in the village while waiting to get back his money from the sheriff’s department.
Leonide and Elizabeth were there from Haiti. Tutuk from Indonesia. And us Anglos.
What a privilege to be a witness to what God is doing as we embrace his mission to be a global village practicing the peace of Jesus.
Now Erin is a part of that mission. After she is baptized we will be sending her on a Christian Peacemaker Team. Being a global village practicing the peace of Jesus is a great adventure.
Speaking of adventures, our transmission started going out on the old 1987 wagon in eastern Ohio. We limped into Binghamton, NY where it is being repaired. As the transmission was dying I kept praying, please, Lord, just let us get Jon to Colgate on time. Thankfully we have AAA trip interruption services which covered a rental van so that we got Jon to Colgate the next morning on time. Thank you, Lord. The car won’t be fixed until Tuesday after Labor Day and we have to have the rental van back by tonight or Saturday night. So then the only wheels Sarah and I will have will be my PaceSaver. It’s a good thing we were planning on making a journey of the heart.
Last Sunday after Jon’s baptism and lunch, we had communion and foot washing. Jon sat between Tim Gale and Sarah so Tim washed Jon’s feet and Jon washed Sarah’s feet. Such a divine moment. Jon, an adult, a believer, and an equal of Sarah’s, washing her feet, a precious moment brought to us by the Lord.
After the communion Jon and I went home and happened to come into the house at the same time. Jon let out a yell: "I’m a baptized man! Yeah!" "Yeah!" I whooped.
Blessings, Rich
top
August 23, 2002
Dear folks,
On Sunday Jon will be baptized in the pool at Camp Mennohaven. A few weeks ago he and I were at Taco Bell and I asked him what he’d been thinking about lately. He said Tim had him reading Matthew 6 in preparation for his baptism.
"Now," he said, "I know where what I think comes from." He went on to say that he knew that he had picked up ideas from Sarah and me and Plow Creek but as he read Matthew he could see where his beliefs came from.
Thank you, Sunday school teachers and brothers and sisters. Jon has never been much of a reader but he reads people. He has read Matthew 6 in your lives. I am deeply grateful to Tim for meeting with Jon and preparing him for baptism. I am also deeply grateful for all of you who have been preparing him from birth by your words and deeds.
Next Tuesday we will leave to take Jon to Colgate. Off and on this summer I’ve been mourning the end of our child rearing years. Having Hannah, Heidi and Jon in our home has been an incredible gift to this broken-bodied man who wondered if he’d even be able to marry, let alone have children. I’ve loved every stage of their growing up and delighted in the miracle of being there father.
For months Sarah and I have planned on getting Jon settled at Colgate and then spending ten days together in the east, beginning the empty nest stage of life. Mennoniting our way for is too hard on my body. Sarah and I have been saving but nine nights even in a cheap motel adds up. And PCF finances have been getting tighter. As I prayed I sensed the Lord saying he would provide. This week Hannah and Heidi sent us $100 for lodging and Taco Bell. I had tears in my eyes as I read their loving card.
When people hear of our plans they tell us about all the wonderful things to see and do in the east. Sarah and I plan on staying in one spot, lovers taking a journey of the heart with each other and the Lord.
Blessings,
Rich
top
August 10, 2002
Dear folks,
While I am camping with the Lord you are hosting the SMC camp meeting
this weekend. Such servants. I admire each of you in opening your
hearts to so many people and pitching in to help out.
I am in nothern Minnesota with my parents. Last night they played the
video of my Grandma's funeral from seven years ago. Here are excerpts
from what the pastor said:
Alice was a servant. Alice served her generation. There is no other
way to seve God than to serve people. Alice didn't have any big dreams,
just a big heart. No lofty ambitions, just lofty values.
This weekend each of you are serving your generation.
One day in 1956 Grandma read a newspaper story abouta local woman dying,
leaving two young girls. She turned to Grandpa and said, "Oh, Emil,
wouldn't I just love to take care of those girls."
Two weeks later Grandpa had a stroke and died the next day. A week
later the father of the two young girls came and asked Grandma to care
for his girls which she did for several years. When Grandma told me
about reading the newspaper story she said, "The Lord put those girls on
my heart. He knew I was going to need something to do."
I told that story at her funeral.
I am so glad to be part of you, a big-hearted people serving your
generation,
Love and blessings,
Rich
top
August 3, 2002
Dear folks,
On Thursday morning I took my car to Greiff’s to get it checked out before we go to Minnesota. Then I camped with the Lord in the FS station, having a cup of coffee and my quiet time.
As I was sitting there communing with the Lord I became aware of a seven-year-old boy and his father in the store. The boy had a voice that carried throughout the store as he and his Dad purchased donuts and chocolate milk for breakfast. They came and sat at the snack bar table next to mine.
I notice parents and small children these days as we prepare to send our youngest to college.
As the boy talked I could see he was looking to his Dad for approval of his ideas and when his Dad offered a different opinion he’d modify his. "Babies can be sick most," the boy said. The Dad said, approvingly, "You weren’t sick at all last year." The boy said he hadn’t been sick for three years. His father reminded him he had been sick in kindergarten
"I wish God made it so no one died," said the boy, "no one got sick and weapons weren’t real."
A father listening to his son, admiring and shaping his son’s thinking.
How like God.
Blessings,
Rich
top
Saturday, July 27, 2002
I woke up this morning with the hint of a headache. That’s usually a sign that something emotional is going on in me that I need to pay attention to.
In my quiet time I realized that I wasn’t ready to start the second two months of my sabbatical in two days. When I began the first two months in April I was a tired boy and was looking forward to a break.
In the last two months I have had more energy for eldering. I love talking to each of you, thinking about the situations you face, praying for you,and thinking of ways to help you thrive. Suddenly I realized that I was feeling cut off. I wasn’t ready for the second two months of my sabbatical to begin. I wanted to keep working with you. No wonder I woke with a headache. I turned to the Lord and sensed him saying, “Richard, I want you to go camping with me. I have things to teach you that I can’t teach you when your mind and heart is full of caring for my people at Plow Creek.”So I am going camping with the Lord.
He and I did agree that I could write you a “love” letter each Saturday. So check the website to see how I’m doing on this camping trip with the Lord.
Blessings,
Rich
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