I know that it is really popular to rip on the Church (I myself have been guilty) but I have been really touched recently by some little things at Church.  There is a woman in our congregation who is brought to church every Sunday by her son.  I think she lives in a nursing home.  Because of health issues it is hard for her to communicate clearly.  Her wheelchair is placed in the aisle.  To go to communion you have to go by her.  I have been overwhelmed with the love and respect that is shown her each Sunday as almost every communicant stops to bless and greet her.  They don’t have to do that.  They bless her because they see Jesus in her.  I love the body of Christ….even with all of its faults.

Hospitality is the key to outreach with the Christian message.  There are so many reports of those, especially young adults, who will not connect with the Church because of negative perceptions and experiences.  This kind of damage is hard to undo but it can be reframed when we listen.  Listen to the story.  Listen to the pain.  Listen to the hurt.  Acknowledge the pain that is heard and do not cast judgement.  As we listen we let the story unfold.  Hospitality is to give without asking anything in return.  We give and we love with the love of Christ.  May each of us strive for graciousness and hospitality.

When I was first asked by the leaders at Camp Okoboji to lead a retreat for high school students teaching contemplative prayer and contemplative life I must admit that I was quite skeptical.  The retreats with middle aged and young adults had been very meaningful but I just wasn’t sure it would work with high school youth.  Sure, I had read the book Contemplative Youth Ministry, AND, I wanted to believe that Yaconelli was right, but, I was skeptical.

What an experience!  The young people invested in the process and came genuinely enthused about the topic.  The continaully expressed deep appreciation for the times of silence.  Now, I will admit that we used some unique approaches which may have helped.  A contemplative bike trip (with three miles of mindful silence) brought wonderful discussion.  When we stopped in the middle of the bike trip for an experience in small group lectio divina (at picnic tables on a beautiful day), I was thrilled with the enthusiastic participation.

 Camp Okoboji provided a wonderful staff to partner with and God brought together an incredible group of high school students.  I have been blessed by this experience.

I have had an incredible experience this past year while serving as a chaplain at a major medical center and working with two different groups of people in a program called Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE).  I could probably write a book on this experience.  The experience has helped me to deepen the understanding of meeting people along the way.  Knowing their history and their story helps me to know who they are right now and to become aware of the gifts they bring into my life.  My two CPE groups were vastly different in age and background, yet, each person blessed me in powerful ways.  We all came with different backgrounds, and yet, all found ways to bless the other.  I have learned to see the person in front of me as a human being, a child of God, a gift.

I said good-bye to one today.  The journey had been particularly powerful but now distance will make it different again.  Somehow I think the journey will continue, even though in different form.  That is the way life is.  When you find someone along the way who “gets it”; the journey continues.

Meeting people is a form of transition.  The person changes my life and I change theirs and God is in the midst of it all.  Powerful!  Mysterious!  Gift!  Thanks be to God.

The Luther Adventure Camp is for those 16 and older who like a bit more activity.  Camping in a former Prussian army camp, biking throughout Germany, learning more about the culture, exploring historic Wittenberg describes just a small part of what this adventure will be about.  Learn about Luther.  Learn about leadership.  Walk in spiritual pilgrimage.  Build bridges with brothers and sisters in the faith in a different country.

Adventures in Luther and Leadership Brochure

I went to Taize the first time expecting to learn more about how to do Taize style music in our worship settings. Everything I knew about Taize was the music and the prayer form. I wanted to experience it and learn it better so that I could lead it.

Was I in for a surprise! The music is only one part of the Taize experience.

I found a community that is centered in Jesus Christ and the call to reconciliation. I found a community that lives in the joy of praying and serving. I learned that praying leads to serving.

I found a lifestyle aligned with simplicity. The food, lodging and facilities are simple. You have all that you need and nothing more. It is simple. It is quiet. It is energizing to spend quiet time in prayer.

I found a way to connect with Christian brothers and sisters from around the world who pilgrimage to this place of prayer and reconciliation. The Scripture study as a large group and the small discussion groups allowed for intense growth as the Body of Christ. It is a joy to be with the adults (up the hill) and to also be with the thousands of youth and young adults who gather at Taize for prayer in the Chapel of Reconciliation.

I found a place of quiet renewal with an opportunity to be strengthened for mission and ministry as I rested in the Lord.

If you are interested in joining us in journeying to Taize in May, 2007 please contact Steve Arnold at steve@pivotpointministries.org.

Pilgrimage Brochure 2007

Join Steve Arnold in a Journey of Discernment and Prayer. While tracing the footsteps of Luther, participants will be led in study and scripture around the theme of discernment. Participants will also join other Christians from around the world for prayer, Scripture study and reflection.

Beginning in the Eiseleben region, the participants will join in a “Process of Inner Discernment”. Just as the boy Luther came to know himself in this region, participants will be guided in an inward journey that will lead to a Spirit-discerned awareness of self. The time here will be an exploration of identity. “Who is God calling me to be?”, will be the question for this portion of the journey.

Moving to Erfurt, participants will walk the streets where Luther made his vows to be a monk, became ordained as a priest, celebrated his first mass and experienced great spiritual and personal struggle. Participants will be guided in a “Process of Discernment of Call.” “How is God calling me to serve?”, will be the question for this portion of the journey.

The final portion of the pilgrimage will take place at the monastic community in Taize. Thousands from around the world come to join in the prayer and study at Taize. Participants will be in a “Process to Discern Reconciliation and Peace,” while living in the simplicity of the community, experiencing silence, and, engaging in Scripture study.

Dates for 2008 will be set soon!

Contact Steve Arnold by e-mail: steve@pivotpointministries.org.

Luther Adventure Camp-Wittenberg [June 25, 2007-July 5, 2007] is for those 15 and older who want the Luther experience, the Germany experience and the outdoor ministry experience. Camp out in tents [motel style rooms, at an additional cost, are available for those not wanting to tent] in Wittenberg with a beautiful view of the Castle Church. Engage in cultural programming in Wittenberg. Take a bicyle trip through the German countryside, enjoy a boat tour of the Elbe River from Wittenberg to Torgau and participate in side trips to Eisenach, Erfurt and Eiseleben. Climax the experience with two days in Berlin.

Each day will invovle Scripture study, the concept of leadership expressed in the Holy Bible, Luther history and cultural experience, along with an activity to use up stored energy. Registrations closed at 30. Openings are available. Those under the age of 18 must travel with an adult.

A journey of prayer and discernment will offer daily study in the Word, times of corporate and private prayer, guided spiritual direction and opportunities for reflection and discernment around issues identified by each participant. Participants may be discerning a career change, plans for retirement, direction for life after being widowed or simply seeking the direction in which God is calling.

Participants will live as pilgrims in intentional traveling community. Daily study and prayers will include the Psalms of ascent prayed by pilgrims throughout the centuries and devotional times will be shaped around the Daily Office of the Church.
This experience is reserved for those who are 21 years of age and older.

Pilgrimage Brochure 2007