Soapbox Preachers.

“Getting on your soapbox” is not exactly a term of endearment. Most of us at some time or another have been accosted by the sound of a bull-horned voice erupting from atop on a wooden box proclaiming a pending apocalypse. The message is usually religious or political in nature.  

Once upon a time, however, we relied upon these impromptu platforms. Without public address systems, phone lines, and the internet, we relied on the impact of a skilled orator and a wooden box on a busy downtown intersection. Churches civilized things a bit by designating a special person (clergy) and even a special place (a pulpit). Like the conductor of an orchestra, we read from the shared script (the Bible) and the conductor assures us we interpreted the score (text) as the composer (author) intended.  

Times have changed, however, and our relationships with authority figures have changed. Authority figures held power based on information and special training in interpreting the information. Lawyers interpreted law, doctors interpreted maladies, bankers interpreted numbers, and clergy interpreted sacred texts. But, no longer. We purchase legal forms online. We seek second opinions and alternative medicine. We manage our own retirement accounts. We interpret the Bible on our own and even ask friends to marry and bury us. 

We still need “trained professionals,” mind you.  I certainly want an “expert” to perform my heart surgery, should I ever need it. But, we need something different from these “trained professionals.” We need these trained professionals to convene “communities of interpretation.”  Put another way, we need more soapboxes.

Churches now have a unique opportunity to become “communities of interpretation,” where the Bible and the world can be interpreted as a community, not simply by the “professionals.” In this type of church, soapboxes are brought inside and multiple voices can be heard as an expression of Christian faithfulness. In this setting, creedal confessions of faith can still be useful and honored. Though Christian identity is not defined by what we assent to verbally, but how we live together. How we live together becomes the objective and the measure of our faith.

It is in this spirit that we offer Soapbox Sundays. Earlier this year, we beta-tested the idea by inviting almost a dozen people to choose and share about a “Beatitude” from the Sermon on the Mount. The response was overwhelmingly positive.
Each Sunday this August will be a Soapbox Sunday. You (yes, you) are encouraged to share for 8-12 minutes on a topic and Bible passage of your choice. Share a story from your life, make an argument for something you are passionate about, offer a response to a passage which inspires you or irritates you, or tell us about your long wonderful or harrowing history with the God and church.

A disclaimer: by the end of the month, you will be offended by something someone says or the way they say it. Count on it and welcome it. During these trying times, I can think of few more meaningful things for us to do than to celebrate one another by encountering our uniqueness as individuals in the caring context of our Sunday morning time together. At First Baptist Church, “getting on your soapbox” will be a term of endearment reserved for those willing to get up and get real.

If you are interested in giving a Soapbox Sermon, email Sean (sean@fbcnewton.org).

​It may be the middle of summer, but we are not having lazy days here at First Baptist Church in Newton.
 
As you may know, our Compassion in Action Ministry organized a trip to the Common Cathedral on the Boston Common on Sunday, July 24. Common Cathedral is an outdoor church for people experiencing homelessness, and their friends. Wendy, Eunice, Vimla, and Phil served lunch to homeless individuals who attended, and participated in worship with them.
 
It was a wonderful chance to hear the stories and enjoy the company of individuals often ignored in our society.
 
Special thanks are in order for Wendy Sheehan who organized the event with the Common Cathedral. She, Eunice Wilson, and Louis Arthur also spent time Saturday packing lunches that were given out on Sunday. The three of them prepared 100 turkey sandwiches, 80 egg salad sandwiches, 100 individual size packets of fig newtons, 100 pieces of string cheese, 1 gallon of grape juice for communion, 200 paper cups, 200 napkins, a big can of powdered lemonade mix, and a birthday cake.
 
It was truly an example of compassion in action.

After the visit, we received this note from our contact with the Common Cathedral, Amanda:

"It was wonderful having you with us on Sunday.  Thank you so much! 

I would love to do more with your congregation and maybe even do an art show there in the late fall or early winter.  Please feel free to reach out anytime and I would be happy to come talk more with your congregation about homeless ministry.  

Thank you again!"

​By now you probably know a few people playing Pokémon Go, the mobile game taking the world by storm. It now has over 65 million users, more than Twitter. Our church is a PokéStop in the game. But before getting to that, just what is Pokémon Go?
 
Pokémon is a game in which you play as a trainer. Your job is to find Pokémon (adorable little creatures) in the world and capture them using a Pokéball. Then you go through a series of training exercises to increase the abilities of the Pokémon you have found. When ready, you use your stronger Pokémon to battle other trainers for control of important locations in the world.
 
Pokémon games have existed for decades on video games consoles. But Pokémon Go is the first time the little creatures and game mechanics have left the digital space and been integrated into the real world. Using the camera on a smartphone, players walk around outdoors and hunt for Pokémon. When one is found, it appears on the phone’s screen, as if really out there in the world. Once captured with a Pokéball, it will not level up an get increased abilities until the player has walked a certain distance playing the game. It is a fun way to encourage going outside, getting exercise, and meeting new people also playing the game.
 
PokéStops are important because they are where players refill their in-game items. Pokéballs can run out. Then players either have to wait a certain amount of time before the game automatically gives them more, or they can pay money for a refill. Since people would likely be walking on to the church property while playing the game to use the location as a PokéStop and refill all their items for free, we decided to welcome them in some way.
 
A couple days last week our Communications Coordinator Benjamin Chicka sat at a picnic table on the lawn with a bunch of ice cold bottles of water and cans of Coke. A sign with the church’s logo and name was put next to the table, along with “PokéStop, Free Drinks” to welcome people to our space. About a dozen people, many playing the game, stopped on those hot sunny days and took a cold drink. Many more stopped just to say hello, or chuckle and the sign and take a picture. It was a simple way to show some generosity to people who were passing by our space.
 
If you want to know when this happens again, like the church’s page on Facebook. We will post there when free drinks are being given out again. When that happens, please stop by and grab something, even if you aren’t playing the game.

By now many of you will have seen pictures on Facebook of the Matsiko World Orphan Choir performance in the chapel on Friday, July 8.  The chapel was completely full that night with some of our non-vacationing folks attending. But most attendees were members of the Newton community. It is great that so many came and supported the event.
​
The performance by the children was simply marvelous.  They are free with their singing, dancing, and especially hugs. The picture of them saying goodbye to Lois Arthur on Saturday morning is a particular highlight.

The success of their three day stay at First Baptist Church would not have been as successful and effective if you had not all gotten behind the process.  Thank you for bringing sleeping gear, helping set up, buying and cooking food, helping hang child art, etc.  This certainly was a church effort!

Much sleeping gear is still in the Evert's Room downstairs.  Be sure you pick it up on Sunday.

In gratefulness to all of you.  
Eunice Wilson, 
for the Compassion in Action Ministry

Until next year's performance:

The Matsiko World Orphan Choir is performing on Friday evening, July 8, from 7:30 - 9 PM here at First Baptist Church in Newton. The event is free and supports a good cause, so don't miss it! The choir consists of children from Liberia, Peru, and India. Their mission is to share a message of hope for the world's 600 million orphaned and at-risk children by performing energetic and dynamic cultural dances in full vibrant costumes and songs that are primarily original. They have performed all over the United States in schools, churches, professional sporting events, multicultural events, and more. You can see them perform and learn a little more about the group in this video:

There is no charge for this event. However there will be a basket for donations, plus a chance to purchase homemade goods (hats, bags, dolls, jewelry) from the children's countries. CD's and T-shirts will also be sold.
​
Our church will be offering hospitality to the 22 member choir and their 7 chaperones. They can stay with us at the church in sleeping bags and air mattresses we provided. Or, if able, you can  host 2-3 members and a chaperone at your home. We will provide dinner before the show, bedtime snacks, and breakfast on Saturday morning.  A few people have already offered food for the night. Please contact the church office at (617) 244 - 2997 or info@fbcnewton.org if you can can help with any of the following:

• Food – dinner, bedtime snacks, breakfast
• Sleeping bags/air mattresses brought to church
• Hosting overnight at your home
• Sleeping overnight at the church Friday night to help chaperone

We look forward to seeing everyone at 848 Beacon Street in Newton Centre on Friday July 8 at 7:30 PM so we can show this wonderful group our full support!

Phillip Astley ran off to join the cavalry. Literally. At the age of 17, he joined the 15th Regiment of (Light) Dragoons, a unit of the British army. Noticing that riders who could perform tricks received more attention, he picked up performing and invented what we know as the “circular ring.” He called it ‘The Ride’.  

Spectators easily gathered around The Ride and the centrifugal force created as the horse traveled around helped riders balance and perform “feats of horsemanship.” It was not long before Phillip spiced up the act by hiring musicians, acrobats, clowns, and animal trainers.  

Phillip Astley had (unknowingly) created what is known as the ‘modern circus’. It would be decades before circuses became mobile and required covering from inclement weather. Eventually, tents replaced open-air coverings. Eclectic mixes of performers created circus magic under what became known as “The Big Top.”  

Phillip Astley is not known for his “feats of horsemanship.” He is known for having the insight and ability to gather an unlikely group of performers under one Big Tent.

It is not hard to see church as a circus: academics, artists, clowns, and even magicians. An unlikely group of partners which typically gathers under their own little tents. Unfortunately, the Church is better known for highlighting its historical differences than for celebrating a shared Gospel of hope and courage. Big Tent Christianity* creates space for believers and seekers, for the faithful and the faithless, and for the saints and the sinners. Big Tent Christianity nurtures hope and courage by creating room for doubt and uncertainty. Big Tent Christianity welcomes strangers. Big Tent Christianity wonders what the questions are (especially if Jesus is the answer).  

"Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, children of all ages..."

A disclaimer is necessary, however.  When Christianity tries to be "The Greatest Show on Earth," bad stuff happens. Big Tent Christianity will never be “the Greatest Show on Earth,” but more like circus camp. Circus camp is fun to watch... when kids do it. When adults get involved it can get ugly to watch. Circus camp is for participating, not spectating. Put on a clown suit, some tights, and learn a trick or two. It can (and should) be fun. Corporations use circus training to build teams.

Play is serious business. Ask any kindergarten teacher. Ask Dr. Stuart Brown, founder of the National Institute of Play:

I don’t think it is too much to say that play can save your life. It certainly has salvaged mine. Life without play is a grinding, mechanical existence organized around doing the things necessary for survival. Play is the stick that stirs the drink. It is the basis of all art, games, books, sports, movies, fashion, fun, and wonder—in short, the basis of what we think of as civilization. Play is the vital essence of life. It is what makes life lively.” ― Stuart Brown, Play: How It Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul

Come one and come all. Let's gather under the Big Tent. Come join the circus.

Click here for part 1, wide eyed Christianity.
Stay tuned for part 3.

*The term "Big Tent Christianity" was coined by my friend Phillip Clayton. "Big Tent Christianity" gatherings have even been held. While I believe my use here is consistent with Phillip's intent (as I understand it), I have not attempted to represent his "Big Tent" project with precision. To learn more about Phillip and his work, click here.

The 11:15 AM science and religion class led by Dick Ransom and Phil Rounseville here at First Baptist Church in Newton is nearing its end.
 
Recently the group has been studying issues in bio ethics as described in the Appendix of The Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief by Francis S. Collins, who served as head of the Human Genome Project. Topics covered include medical genetics (does a woman with a strong family history of breast cancer really need a prophylactic double mastectomy?), pharmacogenetics (genetic history can improve the effectiveness and safety of prescription drugs), the potential misuse of genetic information by insurance companies and employers, research using stem cells and cloning, and genetic enhancement (should everyone be programmed to be tall, dark and handsome?).
 
Previously they discussed four options presented by Collins for resolving the apparent conflict between the theory of evolution and belief in God:

1. Atheism and Agnosticism (When Science Trumps Faith)
2. Creationism (When Faith Trumps Science)
3. Intelligent Design (When Science Needs Divine Help)
4. BioLogos (Science and Faith in Harmony)

And in the Fall of 2015 they worked through A Fine-Tuned Universe: The Quest for God in Science and Theology by Alister E. McGrath, a professor at Oxford who has earned doctorates in both biophysics and Christian theology.
 
Once summer ends the group will transition into next year’s class studying Shared Stories, Rival Tellings: Early Encounters of Jews, Christians, and Muslims by Robert C. Gregg in the Fall. That book explores Jewish, Christian and Muslim versions of the following biblical stories:

•  Cain and Abel
• Sarah and Hagar (unsurprisingly, the Muslim version is sooo much different than the Jewish version!)
• Joseph’s temptation by his Egyptian master’s wife
• Jonah the Angry Prophet
• Mary, Mariam, Maryam

Gregg looks at each story as it is portrayed in the Hebrew Bible, and then shows how it was expanded upon, refined and reinterpreted by rabbis (in the Talmud), Jesus, Paul, the Church Fathers, Mohammed (in the Qur'an), and subsequent Muslim leaders.
 
If you are interested in the relationship between science and religion, it is not too late to join us Sundays at 10 AM for worship and at 11:15 AM for small groups. The science and religion class may be ending, but you will get to meet others who share your interest, as well as learn a little about the upcoming Fall class. 

Join us as we welcome Rabbi Or Rose of Hebrew College to share his reflections on the challenges and possibilities of Jewish-Christian dialogue and joint action in contemporary life. Through the use of several biblical and rabbinic stories and teachings, Rabbi Rose will articulate his vision for constructive engagement that honors our similarities and differences in the pursuit of a more just and compassionate society.
 
Bio: Rabbi Or Rose is the founding director of the Miller Center for Interreligious Learning & leadership at Hebrew College. A prolific writer and editor, he is the creator of the weekly Jewish scriptural commentary, 70 Faces of Torah, and the new monthly series, Can We Talk: A Jewish-Muslim Conversation, both of which appear on the Huffington Post. Rabbi Rose is also co-editor of Jewish Mysticism & the Spiritual Life: Classical Texts, Contemporary Reflections (Jewish Lights, 2013), and My Neighbor’s Faith: Stories of Interreligious Encounter, Growth, and Transformation (Orbis, 2012). A founding faculty member of the Rabbinical School of Hebrew College, he speaks and teaches in academic, religious, and civic contexts throughout the country. Rabbi Rose is a resident of West Newton, where he lives with his wife, Dr. Judith Rosenbaum, and their two children.

Each and every morning, I want to wake up “wide eyed” - ready for wonder and ready to love. 
Not fluffy love. Not sentimental love, but...

…love like a freight train rolling over me
…love like a hard rain pounding on the windshield I can hardly see*

Wide eyed people are astonished easily. They are awake and aware. They have not lost their sense of wonder. They are curious and willing to ask questions without fear; questions that could easily be dismissed as childish, naive, or obvious. 

I want to wake up each morning “wide eyed” and I need “wide eyed” people to do life with so I can learn to love those dearest to me, love my neighbor, and maybe even love my “enemy” with "love like a freight train.”

A “wide eyed” Christianity would help me and my “wide eyed” compatriots with learning to "love like a freight train." Wide eyed Christianity is awake and aware of all that is going on in the name of God - the good, the bad and the ugly. 

Wide-Eyed Christianity.

Stay tuned for part two, Big Tent Christianity.

• “Wake Up Wide Eyed”, song by Rob Mathes (robmathesmusic.com).