Pastor David Maier - Forward in Hope

Change Your Life: THINK (... on These Things)

(As found in the March, 2011 issue of Michigan In Touch)

Imagine with me, if you will, that you are in fact an Olympic caliber athlete. You are in training for 1,600 and 3,200 meter events at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, England. With just a little over two years left for training and tryouts, how many of you would begin the Twinkies diet between now and the Games?

As I write this, The North American International Auto Show is taking place in Detroit, Michigan (1.11). From what I’ve heard (I’ve never been there), it’s a glitzy display case for the newest in automobile design and technology. If you were fortunate enough to be able to buy one of the display vehicles, would you fill the fuel tank with water, or Gatorade, or your favorite beer?

The food we eat or the fuel we use will ultimately determine the performance and well being of our bodies and our vehicles. Everyone would agree with this. From Atkins Bars or wheatgrass shots to octane boosters and synthetic oils, companies which help us determine what to put into our bodies and into our cars are multi-billion dollar industries.

What could be more important than what we put into our bodies and into our cars? Unfortunately, it is an area that we rarely deliberately consider, or if we do, it is with a “whatever” nonchalance. What you “fuel” your bodies or cars with really pales in comparison with what you feed … your minds.

Christian Care Concert - March 6, 2011!

In March, under the theme “Touching Lives, Giving Hope,” Michigan District congregations have the opportunity to celebrate, participate, and proclaim God’s love and care for those served through their local outreach ministries and three Recognized Service Organizations (RSOs): Lutheran Child & Family Service of Michigan, Lutheran Homes of Michigan, and Project Compassion Ministries, Inc.

To kick-off this month long celebration, a benefit Christian Care Concert is being planned for Sunday, March 6 at Faith Lutheran Church, 37635 Dequindre, Troy, Michigan.  This concert features seven Metro-Detroit area choirs: Billy D. Brooks Memorial Lutheran Choir, Concordia University Ann Arbor Arborsong, the former Detroit Urban Lutheran School Choir, Lutheran City Ministries Girls and Boys Choir, Lutheran High School Association Combined Choirs, The Mosaic Singers (presented by the Ford Motor Company Fund), and St. John (Rochester) Choraliers.

Come, Let Us Worship the Lord our Maker

The following is the President's Article in the December/January Michigan in Touch District Magazine.  It written to serve as "An Introduction and Invitation to the Michigan District Theological Conferences on Worship in early 2011."

In the first stanza of a hymn recently penned by Rev. Steven P. Starke of Michigan, we read these words:

O sing of Christ, whose birth made known The kindness of the Lord,

Eternal Word made flesh and bone, So we could be restored. 

Upon our frail humanity God’s finger chose to trace

The fullness of His deity, The icon of His grace.¹  LSB, #362

Having come to know the Word made flesh by God’s grace through faith, we joyously sing, praising our God for His great kindness in giving us a Savior from sin.  We read the Christmas accounts in the Gospels, marveling at the angelic announcement to the shepherds and their response of wonder, joy, and proclamation. (Lk. 2:8-20)  We celebrate God’s leading of the Magi by star which enabled them to see God, worship the Word made flesh, and present Him with gifts. (Matt. 2:1-12)

2010 Maier Family Christmas Letter

December, 2010

Dear Family and Friends,     

Merry Christmas!

As we marvel at the great gift of God in our Savior Jesus Christ, we want you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.  We thank our gracious God for the gift of YOU, the gift of each opportunity to share or be with you (or at least exchange Christmas greetings each year!), and we wish you God’s most awesome and excellent blessings this Christmas season and throughout the New Year.

This past year held lots of changes for our family, not the least of which was our move from Lansing, which had been our home for 20 years, to the Ann Arbor area in southeastern Michigan. (Please note the new address!)  Dave is now 15 minutes from the District Office – and he does not miss the 2 ½ hour commute at all!  Spring was busy with Joel’s graduation, helping move Leah, Joel, and James from apartments/dorm rooms to new apartments/back home, attending call services at the seminaries in St. Louis and Ft. Wayne, and looking for a house.

Not Then, Nor NOW, Can We Avoid the Cities

One of the great challenges for the Church today, and perhaps in particular for The Michigan District, is how to carry on vital and vibrant urban ministry.  More than half of the churches that were thriving in the mid 1950’s in Detroit are now closed, with those remaining  very challenged in their ministries and even in worship attendance.  It is possible that there will no longer be any Lutheran Schools in Detroit by the end of this year.

I’ve heard some excuse this as just the normal turn of events for a city.  Others have recognized the horrible economic plight of our entire state and how it has ravaged Detroit.  Still more have said that “Lutheranism” can no longer impact Detroit like it once did because of Detroit's multi-nationalism and multi-culturalism.

What Are You Doing This Summer? SPIRITUAL GROWTH: MY JOB OR GOD'S?

Psychologists say one of the primary causes of conflict in households involves disputes over what's generally called “division of labor.” If the bed goes unmade, if the dishes go unwashed, if the diaper goes unchanged, who is responsible for getting the job done?  We’re all aware that many households have never had a calm, rational discussion about who is best equipped to do what.

I’d like to ask this question:  Whose job is spiritual growth?  (This really deals with what is known as the doctrine of sanctification.)  For many Christians there is confusion about the division of labor as it relates to spiritual growth or sanctification.  "Is it God's job, or is it mine?"

This We Believe

One of the blessings of being a District President (I'm learning) is the privilege of being able to read books and other materials prior to their publication (with the opportunity also of being able to suggest and submit possible 'improvements').  President Hoesman shared one such resource with me in August of 2009 during a transition meeting.  It is entitled This We Believe with a subtitle of Selected Topics of Faith and Practice in The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. (The underlined title/subtitle are dynamic links that will take you directly to the order page at Concordia Publishing House [CPH].)

This We Believe is a outstanding resource that I've already referenced many times.  Whether sharing information and suggestions with pastors questioning how to respond to challenging questions and situations or discussing some of the LC-MS's doctrinal stances with laity, it is a most useful reference tool.

The following are a few excerpts from the Preface of This We Believe explaining its purpose and content:  "What is the position of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod on ...?"  This is

SUNDAY! 6 pm - January 31 Christian Care Concert - Faith Lutheran Church, Troy, MI

"Touching Lives, Giving Hope" A Christian Care Concert will be held Sunday, January 31, 2010 at Faith Lutheran Church (37635 Dequindre) in Troy at 6:00 p.m.

This Christian Care Concert will feature:

• Billy D. Brooks Memorial Lutheran Choir
• Detroit Urban Lutheran School Choir
• Lutheran City Ministries Choir
• Lutheran High School North Concert Choir
• Arbor Song Concordia University Ann Arbor

The Manhattan Declaration

In December of 2009 I began receiving emails and calls seeking information regarding The Manhattan Declaration.  During the last month questions have increased not only from individual pastors but also from circuits asking whether they could sign the Declaration.

The authors of The Manhattan Declaration (Robert George - Professor, McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence, Princeton University; Timothy George - Professor, Beeson Divinity School, Samford University; and Chuck Colson - Founder, the Chuck Colson Center for Christian Worldview (Lansdowne, VA)) have labeled the Declaration ‘A Call of Christian Conscience’.   It seems to be born out of two recognitions:

"What To Look For When Choosing A Church" - by Dr. Bryan Salminen

The following article was written by good friend Dr. Bryan Salminen for the purpose of being published in the Cadillac News.  It was also given to all of the members of the church he shepherds, Emmanuel, Cadillac.  In this article Bryan tackles, what I believe he has correctly identified as, one of the most perplexing issues of the Christian life today:  "Which church should I attend?"  Although the worship service should be engaging, too often, it seems, many look to be "entertained." 

Bryan gives some sound, biblical, easily understandable, thoughts and advice on this subject.  I hope that this post encourages some spirited discussion.  Enjoy reading the post.

How is The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) DIFFERENT?

Over the last number of months I've received numerous requests from from friends (laity) and other laity within The Michigan District, to discuss or explain the similarities and differences between The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).  The questions have arisen mostly, it seems, out of conversations between our LCMS members and their ELCA friends who are questioning the outcomes of their Synod's August, 2009, convention.

HIGHLIGHTED MINISTRY: FATHERHOOD PROGRAM ... St. Paul Lutheran Church, Northville, MI

Periodically, it will be a genuine pleasure and great joy for me to highlight ministry programs that are taking place in various congregations and organizations around the District.  It is my hope and prayer that as you become informed about what these churches and organizations are doing as ‘creative’ or ‘new for them’ ministry that you might gain encouragement, new ideas, creativity, and impetus for similar or other ministry activities within your church or area.

It was recently brought to my attention that St. Paul Lutheran Church in Northville (dynamic link - just click) has begun an “All-Pro Dad” program.  The December monthly meeting which took place on December 17, was a one hour program entitled “Launch Your Kids.”  They were indeed blessed by having as a guest speaker former astronaut Jim Bagian of Northville.

The Last Word

As I stand at the threshold of a year almost spent and a new year almost begun I am aware that pause should be given to remember God's faithfulness over the past year to His people ... to me, to you.

God's faithfulness intrinsically has a prophetic character about it:  His goodness and grace, His mercy and manifold love, His presence and power and peace given to us and demonstrated for us in the past are harbingers, ensigns, hope-filled guarantees if you will, of how God will continue to be and act. (Cf. Deuteronomy 7:9)

Godspeed and Farewell … and Forward to New Beginnings

Yesterday, October 4, 2009, was my farewell service at Our Savior Lutheran Church (and School) in Lansing, MI.  It was truly a celebratory service in which God’s past forgiveness and faithfulness were recognized as hallmarks of His future gracious presence, care and blessing.

Pray for Michigan! N O W !!!

Paul writes in 2 Timothy 2:1-4:  I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone —  2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.  3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior,  4 who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 

There has never been a better time to pray for those in Michigan who are in authority.  You don’t even have to live in Michigan to know that we are going through some very tough economic times.  I was recently in St. Louis and while boarding a plane the individual in front of me asked where I lived.  When I said, “Michigan,” they responded with, “Oh, I’m sorry.”  The person in back of me, hearing that brief “conversation,” commented that they were just returning from seeing their husband in Florida where he had to move from Michigan to find a job.  She was still “holding down the fort” at their home in mid-Michigan in his absence.

There’s a Detroit Free Press story that’s pretty good at explaining how the state’s economy has really depleted the state’s treasury.  It’s worth the read … http://freep.com/article/20090927/NEWS06/909270426/1322/Next-2-years-could-beeven-worse-for-Michigan-budget

9.11 ... A Day of Terror ... and HOPE

It’s hardly seems possible that September 11, 2001 – 9.11 – was just eight years ago.  That was a day that rocked our world and tumbled our lives upside down.  A friend just emailed me and reminded me that on that day I had gone around to all the classrooms at Our Savior to announce what had happened / what was happening, to talk with the teachers and children, and to pray.  That day will never be forgotten.  Reflecting on that day my friend wrote in his email:  “Those incidents created incredible uncertainty that I don't think has gone away, but just been reshaped.”

The events of 9.11, indelibly emblazoned on our minds, certainly created a storm of discouragement and doubt in our country.  Our immediate safety, long-term security, and contentment as citizens in this country were mightily challenged and called into question.  I would agree with my friend.  I don’t think those feelings of 9.11.01 have gone away.  They’ve just been reshaped.

Where can we turn to gain any certainty in life?  Where can we go in any storm or adverse circumstance of life to find true peace, strength to cope, and lasting hope?  Or is that no longer a possibility? 

We must turn to the Word of God.

Trying to Blog - But Posts Are Not "Publishing" ... or Whatever You Should Say

Howdy good folks of blogdom ... and other loyal readers!

I've been trying to post about our vacation along the way and since we arrived at Still Waters (what we call our camp/property) but they don't "publish" or "upload" or whatever you would say.  I think the problem is that I've had pictures attached to the posts and the band width or speed of the internet connection has not been able to handle the photos.  (Seems I've had the same problem with Twitter these days as well.)  I plan on rewriting those posts ... and trying to find a different way to post the pictures.

In the mean time ... I will keep bloging on things that I want to write on.  It is relaxing to me and enjoyable ... and therefore will be a part of my vacation.

The next post will be on death ... NOT because I have a morbid preoccupation with it.  During the Michigan District Convention I returned home to Our Savior Lutheran Church, Lansing, to do the funeral for a friend, elder of the congregation, and a tireless worker in the kingdom.  As I was being driven home and finishing the meditation for the funeral, I began thinking about how much I hate death.  It is an enemy ... the great separator of family and friends here on earth, the separator of one's body and soul (spirit) as well.

TWITTERING IN CHURCH?? ... Well ... What Are You Twittering About?

OK, let's talk.  First, "What is Twittering?"  Twittering is microblogging.  That probably wasn't helpful, was it?  "What's microblogging?"  That's trying to communicate in 140 characters or less on your phone, messaging service, or online.

So what about twittering in Church?  Isn't that like doing a crossword puzzle in church? ... or drawing pictures in church? ... or day dreaming?

Maybe.  Maybe not.  For some people it might actually assist them in concentrating on the service or message.  It might be a better way for some folks to share what they're learning while they still remember it.

GM to cut 21,000 jobs, scrap Pontiac brand ... OUCH! ... but ...

The major headline of the Detroit Free Press online (Freep.com) announced:  GM to cut 21,000 jobs, scrap Pontiac brand.

How quickly life as we knew it and the future's horizon is changing for so many.  I am not even sure yet how this will affect the members of our congregation, but I know that it will, and some of your relatives and friends as well.  I know that it is already effecting thousands in this state.  Many of those effected are God's children ... and are wondering, "What is happening?"  "What next?"  "What do we do?" "Everything now seems, NO ... IS ... so uncertain!"

April 2, 2009 Letter to OSL Congregation RE. The 6.2009 Michigan District Convention

The following is a letter that I was encouraged to write to the congregation by the Bd. of Directors and Spiritual Life Team of Our Savior Lutheran Church and School.  In it I share the possibility of serving the Lord in a different capacity other than as Senior Pastor at Our Savior, depending on what happens at the Michigan District Convention, June 28 - July 1.

If you have questions after reading the letter, I would look forward to addressing them at the Congregational Meeting after the late service this Sunday in the Sanctuary, or at another mutually agreealbe time.  In the mean time, as ALWAYS, your prayers are greatly appreciated!

I'd Like to Try Again ... Blogging that is ...

Easter ... the celebration of the greatest victory, the greatest "comeback" (as Sport Illustrated stated in 2002), in History.  Jesus died; the blood and water that flowed from his side from the piercing of the Roman soldier's spear proved it.  The fear of the religious leaders who asked Pilate to place a guard of Roman soldiers at Jesus tomb documents it.  The forgiving and transformational power of Jesus in peoples lives throughout history ... including NOW ... continually provides contemporary evidence. 

I was so enthralled again by the Easter Gospel reading from Mark 16.  The angels tell the women who have come early to open the tomb of Jesus to "go and tell his disciples and Peter" ... that He is risen, just as he said.

"... and Peter."  You've got to love that.  Peter was one of the disciples and the angels knew it.  But, obviously, God wanted to make sure that he got the message.  "Peter, I am alive.  I was dead; I died for your sins, your threefold denial of Me, in fact.  But I am alive forevermore; I live to forgive, restore, and change your life. "  God wanted Peter to know.

BLESSED! ... but Not with Technological Savy

If you've come to my BLOG over the last number of months you will have made two discoveries: 

* I have not regularly kept up on my BLOG ...

* This current BLOG, if you've read carefully, is from some time ago.  What gives? 

Let me deal with the second discovery first ... and I will attempt to keep this short.  I have not been endowed with great technological savy.  Many at the church would question that statement and rather say,  "He has none!" or "Actually, he is technologically cursed."  What they mean is, if something could go wrong ... my cell phone not work or exhibit behaviors that no one else has ever witnessed; my computer or its accompanying programs like email or internet access, etc.,  having often been unruly at best ... also behaviors that are un-understandable by "the experts," accept for the above explanation. 

Well, in an attempt to update my former blog on the Our Savior Server, some how I, and even those coaching me, made "inaccessible" (for the time being) my BLOG.  Interestingly, I have recieved emails and calls about it ... because apparently a number of people have used it ... especially the Health Updates ... to give others enouragement.  That is gratifying!  Making it inaccessible (for the time being) is not.

Hence, the resurrection (good biblical word and appropriate usage) of my old BLOG - Pastor David Maier - Fighting Forward.  This BLOG will be the one that I will be using now and in the future!  Apparently, the way it is is set up and where it is located, will be easier to maintain, and I don't think it will be too much more difficult to use.  Also, there are folks working to discover how to retrieve my last BLOG so that it can somehow be attached to this one ... or at least parts of it can be reproduced on this BLOG in some way.

As far as the first discovery, I sincerely hope and pray that that changes ... and that I will become more consistent.  The reasons that it should be more consistent ... so much is going on at Our Savior and in my life ... are the same reasons that, at least up until this time, have prevented me from becoming more regular:  there is so much going on at Our Savior with the building of our new campus, covering for staff members who are sick (as they did for me when I was sick), MINISTRY, and then the numerous personal and family issues that all of you also wrestle with.  It's also one of those head game things ... once I begin, I want to be consistent ... and I want to do it well.

Primarily, this is a BLOG entry to get rid of the confusion that has existed because my former BLOD disappeared ... and because of the old entries, at least up to this point, that existed on this BLOG.  I believe that my next two entries on this BLOG will deal with a brief overview of this Sunday's (December 16) sermon and then I will also give a health update.

Blessings ... to you all, especially in this Holiday Season!! ... and thanks for reading.

Pastor David Maier       

A Comment on Hollywood and the Oscars

Ever since I had one of the widows of our congregation mid-December of  last year (2005) ask to speak to me and then “confess” that she had gone to see Brokeback Mountain thinking it was going to be “a nice Western” (WOW, was she shocked) … I wondered what new depths Hollywood would stoup to in the Oscars.

Although I didn’t watch the entire extravaganza I was as pleasantly surprised by what didn’t happen at the Oscars, or who didn’t win “as predicted” … as I was deeply disturbed, in that world-watching spectacle, by what wasn’t said and who wasn’t acknowledged. 

I would comment further, but I was so impressed with an article – a commentary – by Ben Stein (actor, writer and political commentator), that was emailed to me, that I elected to just pass on his article entitled “Missed Tributes” instead.

I hope you enjoy reading it below.  I’m not completely sure, yet, as to how Stein’s thoughts will impact what I do and what I see, and what I will support, but I know it has already … and will in the future.  I’ll look forward to your comments on the article as well.

Glad to be back!

It was the end of August on a trip to western New York to take care of some family business on my now deceased Uncle and Grandma's farm ... that my laptop computer ... that increasingly essential tool in life ... was stolen.   "Stolen" ... if you consdier not locking the back of the truck and having someone during the night open it, take the computer, and not return it.   Sooo much personal information was on that computer that  a great deal of time has been spent changing bank account numbers, credit card numbers, etc.  Ugggggh!!

But much has transpired in the last 2 months as well.  A most generous individual family was willing to purchase a new laptop which came mid-October.  Putting programs back on, setting up email accounts and internet access again, has also taken a fare amount of time.  But now that that's done ... and now that we are back on line and blogging ... I will look forward to sharing things personal but also especially ministry info and comments as the BOLDLY PROCLAIM ministry renewal and relocation effort picks up "a head of steam."

It will be my desire to communicate with you on a much regular basis in this blog ... not only what is happening with BOLDLY PROCLAIM in terms of relocation and building ... but to work to keep the emphasis where it needs to be ... on RENEWAL, on a reawakening of grace understanding, of valuing christain education through stories from families and children that have been effected, from details of how the Spirit continues to move and work in peoples lives, through demonstrated transformation.

Please let me know that you are ready for this blog to return ... that you will be reading ... that hopefully you also will catch the Spirit.

Thanks for your patience.

Prayers for Daughter Leah

Many of you are aware that my daughter Leah is studying abroad in Spain.  She went there with about 28 other students and professors in early January and will be returning in mid May.  While there she is staying with a family where the University is located in Denia, Spain.

If you watched the news lately, you know that there was a terrorist bombing in Denia over the weekend in a tourist hotel.  She is unharmed ... as are all her fellow students and professors.  But it was not a little disconcerting ... and certainly a wake up call to keep her in prayer.

My request of you?