Bridgeport UCC

Lies, Sex and Sam

2009-01-23T13:45:00.000-08:00

The joy of our new president's inauguration this week contrast terribly with the totally mucky situation that has come to light here in Portland. Along with many, I am profoundly disturbed and disappointed with the web of lies that our mayor, Sam Adams, has spun... and been caught in. Honestly, while I am just sick that he lied and got others to lie, I have been at a loss to proffer a definitive condemnation. I do my best not to judge others, since all of us, myself included, live in glass houses.

I have a lot of disappointment and anger about this situation, but I don’t have absolute answers.

I am very disappointed that our mayor, Sam Adams had an affair with a young legislative intern. But while I sure wish he’d shown better judgment, it seems to me that as long as the fellow was of legal age, Sam’s sex life is his business.

That said, I am deeply troubled by Sam's lies and efforts to cover-up the affair, and even with what he had to say at his press conference on Tuesday afternoon. I absolutely support an external investigation to determine if he broke any laws – but at this point, if the current investigation doesn’t turn up anything -- or it is clear that he cannot be effective as mayor, I’m reluctant to call for his resignation. It remains to be seen whether he can regain my trust, let alone the community’s respect that he's lost with this scandal. Only time -- and the investigation -- and what he does from this point forward will tell.

Every Sunday I talk about how the heart of the Gospel is forgiveness. Every week I say that as fallible as we are, we are no mistake. We all make mistakes, and we must be responsible and accountable, but we are still loved by God who gives us countless second chances to make things right and to act ethically, humbly, and compassionately. I hope & pray that Sam does so.

Qustions of Faith - Seek Ye First

2007-11-25T18:56:00.000-08:00

Matthew 6:33 - Seek first the Kingdom of God...and all these things shall be added unto you...

What does this mean to you? How does it affect each of us? What are the "things" that will be added to us?

Questions of Faith - Spiritual growth and maturity

2007-11-25T18:54:00.000-08:00

How can I tell is there has been spiritual growth in my heart or if it is just that worldly circumstances have changed and I am less fearful?

Questions of Faith - Why Christ?

2007-11-25T18:52:00.000-08:00

As long as we have God actively living in our hearts and lives, why is it important to be a Christian rather than a Jew, Muslim, Buddhist, or any other belief?

Questions of Faith - Chirst's return

2007-11-25T18:51:00.000-08:00

When Jesus comes back, what do you think is going to happen?

Questions of Faith - Salvation

2007-11-25T18:50:00.002-08:00

Did Jesus say anything about hell and the need to be saved?

Questions of Faith - The War

2007-11-25T18:50:00.001-08:00

What more do you think Bridgeport can to to amplify the UCC Churches stand against the war in Iraq?

Questions of Faith - Prayer

2007-11-25T18:48:00.002-08:00

How does prayer work - especially when you are asking God for something?

Questions of Faith - Crucifixion

2007-11-25T18:46:00.000-08:00

If we believe God is Love, then how can we believe that God sent God's own son to die for us? Wouldn't that mean God is an oppressor?

Questions of Faith - The Trinity

2007-11-25T18:44:00.000-08:00

I find the concept of "trinity" to be mind boggling. What is your definition of the Trinity?

Questions of Faith - Jesus Birth

2007-11-25T18:38:00.000-08:00

What are your thoughts about the immaculate conception?

Faith: An Action Verb or a Passive Noun?

2006-09-22T15:18:00.000-07:00

Over these last few weeks I’ve been preaching from the Letter of James. The author of this epistle is concerned about the people of his community and what it means for them to live as people of The Message, as followers of Christ. Mostly he is concerned that they don’t seem to realize that their faith is an action verb, not a passive noun. They seem to want to just listen and nod, smiling benignly at the sound of God’s Word; James urges them to put God’s Word into action.

And last week I went to hear another James: Jim Wallis, founder of Sojourners (sojo.net). He declared that pastors these days aren’t asking too much of their congregations, in fact, he says that we’re asking too little. So what do you think?

The Book of Daniel (TV)

2006-01-10T21:05:00.000-08:00

Diane & I watched “The Book of Daniel” on Friday night. We both thought it was pretty over the top, what with trying to cram just about every social concern they could think of into the script. It wasn’t great TV, but does it deserve the castigation leveled at it by the folks from the religious right?

Leave some comments, start a conversation! We'll keep checking back.

Then Jesus said, "Let the bloggers come unto me..."

2005-09-22T11:01:00.000-07:00

Well hey there! Welcome to the official weblog of Bridgeport United Church of Christ, a joyful community working for justice, nurturing peace, exploring and celebrating our progressive Christian faith.

Being a progressive political person and a Christian is a challenge in a society that likes to define people, ideas and organizations in the most simplistic and polemic terms possible. At Bridgeport, we work hard to study and follow the ways of Jesus as best we can. It’s not very easy, but it’s what we try to do.

This blog spot is a place for us to discuss theology, debate issues, reflect on sermons, and generally vent about the world.
All voices are welcome, just keep it kind and clean. I'll be offering my reflections from time to time and I look forward to reading yours.

So who are you and what are you up to? And how is God working in your life?

in the Big Love-- The Rev

Welcome to Bridgeport UCC's chat blog

2005-07-18T09:28:00.000-07:00

Bridgeport UCC is a Portland, Oregon community of progressive political people exploring and celebrating the Christian faith. We'll use this space to discuss actions, causes, sermons, softball, coffee, gardens. Bring your opinions on!