August 2016 - Pastor Dan

 Over the Fourth of July weekend, my wife and I went up to Flagstaff, AZ to visit our daughter and her fiance. They had gotten us tickets to attend a concert with them. The band is the ever awesome "Squirrel Nut Zippers". When I shared this information with people, the questions were, "Who?" "What kind of music do they play?" My response is, "Squirrel Nut Zipper" music. They are a unique group with a unique sound. During the concert, the front man announced that their latest album made the number nine slot on the jazz charts. He then said, "We didn't know we played jazz!" We just play "Squirrel Nut Zipper" music. This group actually has a long history of creating music. At one point, they disbanded to get out of contractual obligations. The musicians and the music was leading them in one direction and the industry was telling them to do something else.

 There's something about gather musicians together to create music. In creating music as a group, or band, within time a style or sound develops and the uniqueness of those gathered to create music are fed by one another. They are encouraged by one another to go where the music and the creative spirit is leading. To have an outside force dictate the direction can be discouraging and cause strife, confusion and even despair. Many musicians find themselves in the dilemma of having to listen to outside authorities dictating a direction which will lead to fame and fortune or to follow the creative pulse which often leads to a tough road to haul. In following the latter, a sense of fullness of identity emerges along the way without compromise.

 There's something about gathering together as people of faith to manifest the Body of Christ. In creating a tangible body and voice for and with Christ, do we follow the Spirit and the gifts the Spirit lends or do we allow for outside authorities and influences to dictate the direction and look of the Body? We certainly can learn, and should learn from outside authorities and influences in regard to the shaping for a contemporary Body and voice, but those outside authorities and influences cannot and will not dictate the direction of the Spirit.

 I pray that the Holy Spirit continues to gather your gifts and blessings inside of you, that you may continue being created into a disciple of our Risen Lord. It's always exciting to see us gather to manifest through Word, deed and ministry the creative Spirit at work in us all. To gather as gifted disciples and see where the Spirit is leading is the most exciting thing about gathering to be the Body of Christ. May you continue to be a part of God's creative and redeeming presence no matter where you are this day and always.

In Christ's love and service,

Pastor Dan