“It is right for me to think this way about all of you, because you hold me in your heart, for all of you share in God’s grace with me…For God is my witness, how I long for all of you with the compassion of Christ Jesus…” 

–Phillippians 1:7-8

Dear Friends, 

How is your summer going? The camps, the trips, the retreats, the ball games, the tournaments, or even the so-called “vacations.” Are you finding a change of pace? Any rest for the weary? Or is it the same race, just a different location? 

And how about that destination? Where does your journey lead you? 

A generation or two ago, our folks might have gone away for a bit and then leisurely sent a postcard to friends and loved ones back home that said “Having a wonderful time. Wish you were here!” 
Now we get on Facebook or Instagram and the message to all on our feed is “Having a wonderful time. Our lives are beautiful. Sorry (not sorry!) you were not here with us. Keep up with us if you can.”  
Even as I write that observation, I can hear the evolution of a crusty old man welling up within. God, have mercy! But here’s one more: 

Somewhere along the way, it seems that we all took Ferris Bueller’s words to heart:

I’m not sure if we had the same name for it back in 1986, but all of the sudden, our FOMO–-the “fear of missing out” was given a new hero. “God save Ferris,” we said. And some of us have been desperately trying to figure out how to get into some version of our friend’s father’s Ferrari ever since.  

I loved introducing that movie to my teenagers, but once reviewed through the lens of other adult responsibilities, I could not help recognize it as a parable. Entertaining as it is to watch on the screen and from a safe distance, it’s worth noticing that while everyone loves Ferris, the only people who don’t want to strangle him by the end of the day are the ones who do not know any better—or who have simply accepted his well orchestrated deception at face value. While Ferris is cashing in on the prowess of his cleverness and charm, any opposition to his charade is portrayed as a bumbling fool.   

But for those who are familiar with the film, what do you suppose Ferris did on the next day? Did he stay up all night, coming up with a new plan for the next morning? If so, how exhausting that must have been. And how did the rest of his community respond? Did his sister still speak to him? Was there retribution?  Any unforeseen consequences? Were they still buying his routine–ready to be fooled again?  

I wonder if Ferris was ever held accountable.  

These are boring questions, I know. It’s no wonder that they never made a sequel. Nobody would have paid to watch Ferris’ Day On. 

As for the work of the church, you deserve to know that I, your grateful Senior Pastor, am constantly thinking about how to assess, discern, and reimagine a plan for growth and discipleship here at Ashland Place UMC. This may sound a little neurotic in the middle of June (I prefer “passionate”), but I appreciate you hearing me out nonetheless! 

Yes, of course I celebrate and rejoice over all the happy memories that are made during our various summer activities (my family and I are heading to Tanzania later in July), but the truth is, I still miss you when you are away.  I like to think this is pretty healthy. Loving, even. Maybe even normal. Or perhaps it could be.  

Albeit, when I read of the Apostle Paul’s longing for his beloved community at Philippi, it resonates with me.  As Paul said, “I thank my God every time I remember you” (Ph. 1:3). They might have been separated from one another, but there were still deep connections that deserved to be nurtured as a sign of covenant.  

Likewise, even though many of us are traveling in this season, rest assured that the mission of Jesus is still very much ON.  Also consider that the call of Jesus to “follow me” does not come with an “off” switch, no matter where we are. 

In another neat description of the different seasons/experiences of faith, Richard Beck describes four types that are new to me. I am interested in how he thinks about “communion” and “complaint” as categories of assessment for our spiritual lives. Briefly, they are

• Religious critics who are long on complaint and low on communion.
• Disengaged believers who are low on complaint and low on communion
• Summer faith experience, healthy minded who are high on communion and low on complaint.
• Winter faith experience, who are high on communion and high on complaint. 

Naturally, I wonder what you think about this. Which one do you think best describes you? Your family? Our church? 

Any complaints? Any communion? Where? What? When? Why? How? 

No matter if it has been weeks, months, or years, I look forward to reconnecting with you sooner than later. 

Until then, wishing you and yours a happy summer faith experience! 

Darren