Life in the Grove

Chapter 2 of David Kinnamon’s book “unChristian” lays out the survey results of young people ages 16 to 29 who are outside the Christian faith, showing how they perceive Christians.

One person outside the Christian faith said, “Most people I meet assume that Christian means very conservative, entrenched in their thinking, antigay, antichoice, angry, violent, illogical, empire builders; they want to convert everyone, and they generally cannot live peacefully with anyone who doesn’t believe what they believe.”

The three most common perceptions of the surveyed outsiders are: 91% believe Christians are antihomosexual, 87% think they are judgmental, and 85% say Christians are hypocritical.

By and large, these perceptions are shared by young churchgoers: 80% say Christians are antihomosexual, 52% believe Christians are judgmental, and 47% think Christians are hypocritical.

A thirty-five-year-old believer said, “Christians have become political, judgmental, intolerant, weak, religious, angry, and without balance. Christianity has become a nice Sunday drive. Where is the living God, the Holy Spirit, an amazing Jesus, the love, the compassion, the holiness?”

Kinnamon concludes this chapter with reasons why perceptions matter and especially why what those outside the Christian faith think about Christians matters. It should also be noted that what young Christians think about other Christians matters a great deal in relation to the future of our church.

Should we (as Christians) care what people think? How can the Good News be shared if the messenger is so disliked?

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We are living in crazy times these days.  All you have to do is turn on the TV or read the paper to get more bad news about what’s happening in our country.  Many families are struggling in various ways, and the future can look even more scary than the present.  As the world seems to be imploding all around us, what can we do?  Where can we find peace?
 
It’s more than a little ironic that the answer can be found written on the very money that we are all worried about.  Each bill and coin actually has the words “In God We Trust” written on it.  It seems cliche, but that tiny phrase has the power to change the way we live and respond to difficult times.   That little word trust has the power to change everything.  If we have any hope as a nation, as families, as individuals, we need to re-examine what trust looks like and where we are placing our trust.  As we continue to look at the life of David this coming Sunday, we will find that at one of the greatest moments of joy in his life, he knew where to place his trust.  And if trust is necessary in good times, surely it’s all the more needed now.  Read 2 Samuel 6-7 this week, and join us on Sunday for a fresh look at trust. 
 
Tom Beasley
Student Ministries Pastor

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As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right. 1 Samuel 12:23

Samuel, the Judge and prophet of Israel, first said those words. Herb Pedigo, Pastor at Cedar Grove, has lived those words. It’s a perfect description of the ministry Herb has offered to the Lord these past 30 years. As he retires at the end of 2008, I can’t think of a better way to honor him than by living out the legacy he has built by faithfully praying for us and for teaching us all how to live in a way that pleases the Lord.

Herb’s legacy begins with prayer. Consistently, tirelessly he has prayed over the names in our church directory, the names of those he loves and disciples and serves alongside. No one has been more faithful in prayer than Herb.

Herb has taught us how to live. He consistently taught Christ-like living in his home. I have watched with joy and respect as the Pedigos cared for their own children while opening their home to countless others. Their home has been a safe haven for many, and a place to see God’s love, grace and compassion lived out.

Herb began his Pastoral career at CGCC as the Youth Pastor. He changed a fledgling high school group at a small church into a dynamic, active program. You can ask Dan Siemens, Tony Sorensen, Dan and Kelly Curtis, Clifford Adams, or Deanna (Adams) Hill about Herb’s youth program, as they were all a part of it! The elders saw the quality of his ministry and asked him to be part of the staff.

It didn’t take long for drama to get stage time in Herb’s ministry. Beginning with performances of plays such as The Robe, the King’s Players carried on a ministry spanning three decades. Each play taught us something about how to live in faith and obedience, in tears and in laughter, and with abandon in the roles God has called us to live. The ministry has been valuable to those who participated, those of our congregation who watched, and the community who came through our doors and felt welcomed and challenged.

Herb has taught us from the pulpit. He has taught us in his office in private conversations. Our lives have been enriched. I will always be grateful for Herb’s ministry and friendship.

There are many holes that Herb will leave behind, and we know that God will supply people to fill them in new and creative ways. But one problem remains unsolved: where will we find another continuous source of bad jokes?

Herb and Cheryl, we will miss you. As you head off to this new adventure in your Christ-following journey, we will pray for you, knowing that your legacy will continue wherever you go.

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The classic movie It’s a Wonderful Life has been described as “a deliberate effort to illuminate a few universal and fundamental truths that are too often forgotten: that each human life has value; that its value is measured by moral and spiritual, rather than material, standards; that true wealth, spiritual wealth, comes from an orientation toward others; and that no material condition can prevent a man from attaining this wealth.” (Daniel J. Sullivan, The Catholic University of America)

The current financial situation in this country has been a constant reminder to us of the fleeting security brought about by the illusion of prosperity. It is during these times of financial instability that the story of It’s a Wonderful Life becomes particularly important! The story reminds us of what is truly meaningful in life—and where our true wealth comes from.

So, it seems timely that our church drama group, The King’s Players, will be presenting It’s a Wonderful Life next month at Cedar Grove. The play, an adaptation of the classic film, takes place in the fictional town of Bedford Falls shortly after World War II. Earnest do-gooder George Bailey comes to a crisis point in his life, and help is sent in the form of a guardian angel, Clarence Odbody, who shows George what his small-town life would be like without his existence. This frightening, noirish view of the world (at Christmastime) brings George back from self-destruction, and he recognizes his seemingly humdrum life is truly rich. George’s renewed faith and confidence demonstrate to him that he has been given a “wonderful life.”

Be sure to invite your friends and family to come see any one of the four performances on December 12–14.

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CEDAR GROVE 2009 MISSIONS TRIPS
INFORMATION LUNCH MEETING
Sunday, Dec. 7,  12:15–1:45 pm Room 101

Cedar Grove will have two opportunities to work with our missionaries overseas this coming year.  The first is May 1-17, 2009.   Tim Fuller will be leading a team of Cedar Grove volunteers to Fontaine L’Eveque (Bishop Fountain) outside of Brussels, Belgium. This project is a continuation of a 2005 Cedar Grove team trip that Tim Fuller was a part of, working with Kim Garrity of Greater Europe Missions on a church building renovation project. The congregation named the project “Olivier” (olive branch) which strives to bring an airy, light space to this particularly dark area of Belgium (both physically and spiritually). This year, our Cedar Grove team hopes to work on the latest phase of this project by tearing down a wall leading into a glass atrium area which will relieve an already cramped sanctuary. 

Tim shares: “This will be my 6th trip working with Greater Europe Mission. If you don’t mind getting a little dirty and would like the opportunity to stay with families, discover their culture, share meals and worship with them, I hope you will join me. I can’t tell you how much being a part of Euro team has enriched my life. I’ll see you there.”

The second opportunity we will be highlighting at the Information meeting, is a Cedar Grove missions trip this coming summer to Little Flock Orphanage in India.  The team will be led by Carolyn Pura, a board member of Little Flock Orphanage, who has been there many times herself and keeps in close contact with the orphanage.  There is much work to be done at the orphanage site. From all reports, a couple of weeks of interacting with the children and staff and you’ll be ready to go back again!  Carolyn will share all the details and pictures to help you consider how you could be a part of this—praying, giving or going! 

Mark your calendars for Sunday December 7th 12:15–1:45 pm in Room 101.  Come and find out more about both upcoming trips. There will be lots of information, pictures and video, as well as an opportunity for you to ask all your questions as you consider becoming involved.  Lunch will be served.

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