"We're Number Two!"

That's right. Number two on Wikipedia's list of "famous people named Luke". I blogged on Luke Skywalker already. I sure thought he'd be higher on the list. ("Empty your mind Luke... mooooove yourself up the list.") I'd rather that people filled their minds with the Word of God.

And to be honest I'm not sure if the list is ranked or random. The Word of God I wrote in the Gospel bearing my name talks about first and last, greatest and least. And Wheat Ridge has supported many projects focused on caring for the least.

We're number two!

No More Parts to Replace...

I'm drawn again to a blog I posted about before. Connie Ore gives witness to her faith as she battles a deadly disease. We all die - 1st Century people as well as 21st Century people, no matter how skilled the Doctor. Connie knows it will come soon and shares here journey of faith with us through the ups and downs. Thank you Connie, for the strength to share.

Replaceable Parts

I talked with a woman today in Findlay, OH who had recently had her shoulder replaced... the whole shoulder. These days your doctors are replacing shoulders, hips, knees, hearts, along with various and sundry smaller bits and pieces. Amazing! A very long way from the 1st Century health care I provided!

But one thing is the same now as it was back in the 1st Century - the need for caring for the poor and those who need extra help. Wheat Ridge has a project in Holland, MI called Healthy Body, Peace of Mind Wellness Program doing just that. Are there folks close to you who need some help?

Care for Clergy

I posted about this a while back, but found some important info and I thought is was worth revisiting "care for clergy".

The stats are quite serious: pastors suffer from obesity, hypertension and depression at higher rates than most Americans. It is hard to give help when you have such a need for help yourself. Pastoral work is rewarding and invigorating - and also demanding and challenging; in the 1st Century as well as in the 21st Century.

But there are people who are watching, and providing support. I've been impressed with what I've learned about the Alban Institute when it comes to resources for ministering in the parish. They recently posted an article on Clergy Burnout that does more than list the problems. It also gives resources for help.

Here are some others: Wheat Ridge offer excellent resources for ministry sabbaticals, including grants. And they provide some of the best resources for planning available so the experience of a sabbatical is the most beneficial - for the Pastor and for the congregation.

A number of years back Wheat Ridge supported a project called Grace Place Retreats, an excellent resource for pastors and their spouses to find renewal. (More info about them from their director, John Eckrich, in the responses to the Clergy Burnout article.)

"Luke, I Am Your Father..."

OK, I know that is not the exact quote, but it is a memorable moment in the movie series. Wow! Luke Skywalker - quite a character. I'm searching out other well known "Luke" characters through the ages, real and otherwise, and checking them out.

Luke Skywalker and the Force. Luke and his sister give into the Force all through the movie series. I wrote about many who were led by a force - but a bit more specific. And that force still applies to people alive today.

While not exactly a refugee, Luke spent much of his time away from home. Wheat Ridge has been involved with projects/organizations that help real refugees. Check them out.

The Millennium Falcon sure would have made my missionary trips with Paul a whole lot faster!

Sun, Moon and Stars - and gardens

I spent the last few days on the east coast of Lake Michigan. Full moon at night, rising up over the lake and then the sun dutifully followed next morning in the exact same flight path. Spectacular. And saw a very little bit of a regular (yearly, in July and August) meteorite shower earlier in the month that I have also seen back in the 1st Century. Connected through time. Part of a big picture that works so well together.

And I also saw the work of a master gardener, planning over 50 acres of trees, and grass and flowers and vegetables and ponds and more. God, The Master Gardener, must enjoy looking at his work too. I know I love looking at it. Praise the Lord!

Wheat Ridge has a great project called Giving Gardens. Check it out. A great way to help share health and wellness in a tangible way.

Phil's Friends

I visited this morning with Phil of Phil's Friends. They are one of many Wheat Ridge projects. I've had them in a post before. A great organization helping those going through cancer with Christ centered support. They are based in Roselle, IL but making national connections, and providing a way to get involved in person or through donation throughout the country.

Check them out. Similar to my last post, Phil and his friends are taking Matthew seriously. And it is clear from the conversation this morning that Phil is moved to do his work out of deep gratitude for God's work in his life. It was a great visit. God is still at work in the world through his children today as he was in the 1st Century. God's followers have been praying it, and by God's grace doing it for years: "...your will be done on earth as it is in heaven..."