The Pastor’s Page

People isolating themselves from others are twice as likely to die pre-maturely. Ever noticed how when you hear about somebody doing something terrible, one word seems to surface – “loner”? Living alone can make you crazy and you won’t even know it! But married folks won’t go crazy without realizing it, ‘cause their mate will tell them!

I’ve found several ways to stay sane. (I’ll just bet you’re wondering why I don’t begin implementing them, huh?!) Anyway – you can go to a “shrink,” lay on the sofa and talk about your momma, or you can get married (both, by the way, can prove quite expensive!); or you can have friends. God said it isn’t good for us to be alone (Gen. 2:18). We need others.

An LA policeman had returned to the Academy for training. The instructor explained what to do if you’re bitten by a poisonous snake and unable to get immediate medical help. Under extreme circumstances, he clarified, a person might have to cut ones own skin with a knife and suck out the venom by mouth.

That’s when the officer asked, “So what do I do if I get bit on my derriere?” Before the instructor could reply, another classmate answered, “Then you’ll find out whether you have any real friends!”

All that to say, when life attacks from the rear, you need a friend. A good friend will provide at least 5 things for you. The first is good cheer. Occasionally we need to be encouraged – to be told the light at the tunnel’s end isn’t always a train!

The second is a listening ear. Many folks don’t listen, they just reload, giving you another shot of what you’ve done wrong. I continue learning as a husband, sometimes when my wife shares something with me, she’s not always looking for answers, sometimes she just needs assurance. Occasionally she doesn’t need a solution, just some sympathy.

The third is a sensitive tear. Sometimes we need comforting. That’s the ability to stick it out without pointing it out. Kids understand that better than some adults.

When little Paige unexpectedly got home late from school late, her mom asked if something was wrong. Paige explained she’d stopped to help a friend. When mom asked what’d happened, Paige explained her friend had just found out her parent’s were separating, so Paige had stopped by her friend’s house and they just sat and cried together. Now that’s comfort.

Fourthly, sometimes we need a well-timed and well-placed kick in the rear. Someone who’ll just do it. Nuff said.

And lastly, we need truth without fear – someone who’ll tell us exactly what we need to hear. My buddy had been complaining about back problems. I’d noticed he’d ballooned to well over 300 pounds, so I told him, “Ya know, Tom, the problem’s got to be related to your weight gain. Lose that belly and watch what happens.” At first he was insulted and wanted to know where I’d completed my “residency.” A true friend will see through you (or around you, in Tom’s case), but he or she will also see you through. I cared enough to tell my friend what he needed to hear.

A good cheer, a listening ear, a sensitive tear, a kick in the rear, and truth without fear. That’s when friends come in handy, and a good one will know when you need each one.

Someone reading this may need a friend, or maybe it’s someone you know. The best way to find a friend is to be one. Really, you don’t find friends . . . you recognize them. Keep your eyes open. You’ll find a bunch of that at Trinity Tower.

The Christmas Alphabet (Sermon as delivered Christmas Eve 2005)

This evening I’m taking you on a quick trip through the Alphabet as it relates to the Christmas story .
A – introduces us to the Advent season – as we begin the countdown to Christmas
It’s a season of anticipation .
Do you recall the angelic announcement of the Advent promise given to Mary -– “a virgin shall conceive and bear a son and His name will be Emmanuel -– for He’ll save His people from their sins .”
This is called the Annunciation .
B -– Jesus was born in Bethlehem . . . at Christmas we celebrate Jesus’ birthday --- what a blessing this brings to all believers .
C -– of course, is for Christ . He is our Christmas celebration .
The candles , cakes , and cookies of the season all point us to the cradle of Christ , and then we remember the Cross where Christ was crucified .
D -– Even in this season of being jolly , we still see difficulties , darknesses, disappointments , disillusionments , disease , debts , and distrust , but Christ delivers us from these and dispels and disburses the doom of even death itself .
For the Son of David , who is Christ , is our Deliverer .
E -– E at Christmas brings to mind examples of faith -– the eager hearts to hear the ecstatic excitement empowered by God .
The everlasting evangel of eternal life is emitted throughout the earth .
F -– Christmas focuses our attention On family and friends , but also on our Heavenly Father , having provided us forgiveness in Christ , made possible on a Friday long ago -– that we might live forevermore .
G -– Christmas is about giving -– not just the glitter of tinsel , but the greatest gift of all , the gift of eternal life by the grace of God .
It’s important we grasp the gist of the Gospel at Christmas .
H -– The purpose of Christmas is to prepare us for our habitation in Heaven .
We’re heirs with Him in our heavenly home. The heavenly host of angels heralded the good news to humankind .
I -– Christmas means Immanuel -– meaning, “God with us .” Each individual is important and is offered the inheritance of God’s infinite love .
J -– Joseph journeyed with his expectant bride into Judea .
There Jesus was joyously born as King of the Jews , and Judge of all .
K -– Jesus shall reign as a King in kindness , and of His Kingdom there shall be no end .
Like the wise men , let us kneel and acknowledge Him as King of our lives .
L -– Christmas is like a light pushing back the darkness .
The light of the little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay has put A luminous glow to life .
That life Jesus lives for us has lifted the gloom of living .
So let your light shine with your love of the Lord .
M -– Christmas implies manger . Born in a mundane manger because there was no room for them in the motel .
Can Jesus find a place to be mangered in your moments , in your minds , in your money , in your manners ?
Let us remember our Lord’s mother , Mary , having kept all these things and pondered them in her heart .
May we as well .
N –- “I’m gettin’ nuttin’ for Christmas” -– a children’s song laments .
It’d be sad if that were true. But since Christmas has drawn near to us, neither life nor death , nothing can separate us from God’s love .
There now remains no need to fear as we gather in His holy Name .
O -– Christmas is a time for opening – not just presents – but opening our hearts to our needs and the needs of others .
Jesus taught us to say , “Our Father , our daily bread , and our debts .”
Yes , Christmas opens the door to ourselves and others .
God’s opened His heart and hands , He’s opened Jesus’ tomb , Heaven’s doors , and our eyes to the joy awaiting us in Heaven .
P – With God , all things are possible His promises are fulfilled .
What prophets prophesied had come to pass.
In Christ’s presence , death is defeated .
By the power of Christ , the prison of guilt is burst open , and we’re purged of our sins .
So now the proclamation of Christmas “Peace on Earth” is present .
Praise be to God !
Our prayers have been answered .
Q -– Christmas isn’t only a time of rushing around , we also need a time for quiet .
With everything going so quickly, we have to be careful we don’t miss out on the quality of life. Take time in your quest for God .
R -– Christmas is a reminder of the coming of the world’s Redeemer , the One having come to remove our guilt , to release us from our sins , and then restore us to a right relationship with God and then redeem us by His shed blood .
It’s also time to recall the reason for the season .
By His glorious resurrection , we’re the recipients of eternal life .
S – Christmas tells us of the shepherds the Star , the Stable -- but also of a Savior bringing the splendor of salvation to our sinful souls through His sacrifice on the Cross for sinners like you and me .
T -– Christmas reminds us of a tree – not just the trimmed one in our living room but another tree on Calvary on which God placed His most priceless treasure .
When we view that tree in trusting faith we see God’s truth revealed and we’re transformed .
U -– The CPA asked the pastor , “How’s church business ?” The pastor replied , “Looking up !” Christmas reminds us to always look up .
“I’ll lift up my eyes ,” says the Psalmist “Lift up your hearts ,” says our liturgy .
“Unto you a Savior is born ,” the scripture says .
Christmas reminds us to look up -– for our Redeemer is drawing nigh .
V -– Christmas confirms our victory. So raise your voices in singing .
God has placed a unique value on each of us .
And because of that , life is an adventure and has validity and vitality .
W -– Christmas brings with it a sense of wonder -– offering us a time to recall the prophetic words : “His name shall be called Wonderful .”
Don’t be overwhelmed by the season, but let’s instead walk in the way, and let the wonder of God’s love wash over us anew and warm our hearts with Christ’s wondrous love .
X -– What can we find with the letter “X” ?
We almost have to manufacture words like exhorting , exhausted , expectation .
In the Greek language , the letter “X” is the first letter in the name of Christ -– often styled in the familiar Chi Rho , as seen on our altar candles .
Thus “X” is often substituted for the full name of Christ in the abbreviation Xmas .
While X is often designated as the unknown quantity in math , “X” is the known quantity and quality of life to those extolling Jesus’ name .
Y -– Now our Christmas alphabet
is nearing its completion .
What began with “A” for anticipation , is now changed to “Y” for yearning .
Young and old alike yearn for Christmas day.
Just yesterday it came, and now it’s gone .
Be sure and yield to Jesus this coming year .
Z -– “Z” is the letter often associated with the zzz’s of sleep -– “and not a creature was stirring .”
We sing the carol , “sleep in heavenly peace .”
“Z” often is associated with “the end .”
Beyond our final days on earth awaits our Zion , our heavenly home , the heavenly Jerusalem .
No wonder the angels sang so zealously .
For their Christmas and ours will never end .
So life for us now has zest , zing , zeal , and pi-zzaz .

There you have it ! All in a single sermon .
Christmas from A to Z .

Veteran’s Day -- 2005

Next Friday, we’ll celebrate a national holiday first declared by
President Woodrow Wilson in 1919, one year after WWI ended.
Originally called Armistice Day, it soon evolved into more than just an anniversary. It became a tribute to those having served in our Armed Forces since the Revolutionary War, offering their lives on battlefields
near and far, to preserve the hard fought freedoms won since Lexington and Valley Forge. Appropriately, in 1954, its name was changed to Veterans Day.
Our U.S. fighting forces over time have witnessed countless changes. In WWI, national awareness turned to Doughboys, “This is the Army, Mr. Jones,” pup tents and open cockpits. Airpower emerged in ground support, bombing and reconnaissance. By the time the war ended, the geo-political landscape of Europe and the Mid-East had forever changed. The German, Austro-Hungarian and Russian empires no longer existed; Saudi Arabia and the Soviet Union did; and the US had come to be recognized as a world power.
The "War to End All Wars" introduced new phrases into our lexicon.
The Western Front often was blanketed with the dense fog of mustard gas --- the first weapon of mass destruction. Gas attacks were so prevalent, the British, French and German armies even developed gas masks for the horses used to pull supplies and artillery and serving as cavalry mounts. The flame thrower and aircraft carrier made their debut;
as did reconnaissance planes and observation balloons. Fighter aircraft became killing devices as engineers successfully synchronized the firing of machine guns through rotating propeller blades. Rudimentary bombers
made their first appearance. A Winston Churchill idea, the tank, came into being. Army Sgt. Alvin York captured nearly an entire company of German soldiers. British soldier T.E. Lawrence became Lawrence of Arabia, waging guerilla warfare against the Turks in Arabia.
The "Red Baron," Manfred Von Richtofen, a German aviator,
shot down 80 of our Allied planes. The US had its own "ace"
in Eddie Rickenbacker.
The carnage also provided the source of some of the most
moving literature ever penned. Eric Remarque penned "All Quiet on the Western Front," condemning nationalism forever. Ernest Hemingway's service with our Italian allies supplied the plot for "A Farewell to Arms."
John McCrae's "In Flanders Fields," remains to this day, one of the most memorable war poems ever written, and gave birth to the poppy flower
as a symbol for one’s ultimate sacrifice for your country. And when it was “over, over there,” home came our warriors to a nation on its knees in gratitude. More than 53,000 had died in battle.



WWII gave birth to the USO, “Don’t Sit Under The Apple Tree,”
war bonds and Rosie the Riveter. To own the air was to own victory,
and aircraft like the Flying Fortress, the Mustang and the Gooney Bird
brought airpower to maturity.
Again, the victors returned to a thankful homeland. It’d been a war fought for the right, and the right side won. But more than 290,000 paid for that conquest with their lives.
The Korean Conflict began in June 1950, when North Korean troops in Soviet tanks crossed the 38th parallel hoping to seize control of South Korea. They expected no opposition. But the United Nations voted
to intervene, and the U.S. Far East Air Forces in Japan moved to action over South Korea. During the Korean Conflict, the home front hummed “The Tennessee Waltz,” heard a lot about Camp Stoneman, they liked IKE, and got into family togetherness. Theater war replaced world war and limited objectives replaced total defeat of the enemy – probably the major trend affecting the nature of conflict today. Air- interdiction became a primary tactic. Aggressive Communism was contained behind the 38th Parallel, much to the world’s acclaim, but the US lost nearly 34,000 in battle. When hostilities finally ended, U.S. public sentiment wasn’t the same as it was after World War II. Since war hadn’t been declared, few knew what had taken place. The Korean War veterans returned home, as quietly as they’d left. Many felt no one had missed them. The Korean War Veterans Memorial was proudly dedicated in 1995. At the ceremony, then President Clinton, recalling the sacrifices of our Korean veterans remarked: "They set a standard of courage that may be equaled, but never surpassed in the history of American combat."
And then came Vietnam. At home, the US faced racial strife, sang of an eve of destruction, and marched on Washington. Some even dodged the draft, protesting a war they didn’t want – some say -- the first we didn’t win. In airpower, the helicopter came of age, and bombing the North resulted in psychological and diplomatic advantages.
Certainly we had our heroes; yet when “Johnny” came marching, flying and sailing home from SE Asia, he found no hero’s welcome. In most cases, the Vietnam veteran was shunned --- even though he’d lost nearly 47,000 comrades in battle, with another 2,400 unaccounted for.
Grenada, Panama, Somalia, the Persian Gulf, Yugoslavia, the Balkans, Operation Iraqi Freedom --- why do we continually send our most precious resources --- our young --- into battle? And perhaps an even better question --- why do they repeatedly volunteer to go?
It has something to do with the fact we have something wonderful here in the US of A --- and some “out there,” would try and take it from us. And in today’s Armed Forces --- now as before --- we have a breed insisting, “that just ain’t gonna happen!”


I’d like to suggest, at some time on Friday, you momentarily pause --- and remember the 30 million Americans having won the peace, and the more than 1 million having died attempting to ensure this great nation “shall not perish from the earth.”
It’s crucial you and I remember to honor those having served ---
so the rest of the world will never forget. That’s why on Friday, we’ll pay tribute to those men and women serving in America’s Armed Forces worldwide. They daily perform their mission --- whether standing watch on foreign soil; or involved in humanitarian efforts bringing food, shelter and medical relief to people in distress; or participating in peacekeeping actions in strife-filled countries. They're vigilant and prepared.
Many of you reading this blog , are among those having helped make the USA, the land of the free, and the home of the brave. And on behalf of a grateful nation, I’d like to salute you for your noble commitment to the causes of peace and freedom, and to say, “Thank you.”
Now, in closing, John McCrae’s, "In Flanders Fields."

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders Fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

Paul R. Milliken, Pastor
Chaplain, Lt Col, USAF
(Presently serving in Kuwait and Iraq)

"Liz"

They came to the center aisle and stopped smartly in front of the memorial display where stood the time-honored symbols of the military in death: the crossed flags: US and Air Force, a beret perched on an inverted
M-16 rifle bearing their fallen comrade’s dog tags, as if to mark the grave
of a deceased soldier on the battlefield, and boots placed together as if standing at attention.
Each airman attending the memorial service, beginning with the senior ranking officer, advanced to the memorial with 21 year-old A1C Elizabeth Jacobson’s picture on display -- some knelt quietly in prayer, others simply stood at attention, each then rendered a crisp salute, did an about face, and left the area.
Liz had been a member of the 386th AEW Security Forces Squadron at Ali Al Salem AB, Kuwait, where she’d served for the last 3 months of her
2-year career. She’d been providing convoy security on 28 Sept near Camp Bucca, Iraq, when the vehicle in which she was riding was hit by an improvised explosive device (IED), immediately killing her.
Each military member in attendance had come to remember and reflect upon the life of one of their own, a life now gone, a life that had to be said farewell to. They’d all come to render their respect by one final salute of honor to this one having died in a foreign land, in a hostile environment – the first female Airman and first Security Forces member to have been killed in action since 9-11-01.
The ceremony’s conclusion was a gut-wrenching, somber and touching military ritual. The eulogies, the Chaplain’s words of comfort and hope, and the musical tributes had ceased. It was time for the last Roll Call, to account by name each airman assigned to the squadron. The First Sergeant moved to the front and announced, “Roll Call.”
Coming to attention, all hear the First Sergeant call out several names. Those present each responding, “Here, First Sergeant.” Then A1C Liz Jacobson’s name was called. Silence. The “Shirt” calls the name again.
No response. And a third time, only louder, as if additional volume will somehow reach into the grave. The stillness continues. Then from the ranks, another airman responds, “First Sergeant, A1C Jacobson is no longer with us!”
Then followed the haunting strains of “Taps.” No muscles move, no limb twitches. All eyes are straight ahead, standing at attention, saluting, bearing reflection, devotion, loss and respect. Then comes the 21-Gun Salute. It remains a touching moment, even for those having been exposed to more deaths in war than they care to recall. The salute by its very nature says, “You, my friend, died for something important: comrades, family, home, freedom, faith, and nation. I honor your efforts by saluting you this one last time.”
Their final tributes paid, they returned to their duty stations, soberly aware of life’s brevity and preciousness. And the mission continues.

Paul R. Milliken, Ch, Lt Col, USAF
Senior Protestant Chaplain
386th Air Expeditionary Wing
Ali Al Salem AB, Kuwait

Greetings from sunny (VERY sunny) SW Asia. During daylight hours, I haven’t experienced the thermometer dropping below 105. And please don’t give me that “But it’s a dry heat” stuff!
I preached 3 times this weekend – at a Protestant contemporary,
a Liturgical and a Gospel Service. We had a total of about 135 attendees.
We receive no offerings in deployed locations. Don’t even think about trying that at TTUMC!! (Ha!)
I mentioned our Division of Chaplains had been promoting the Phone Card Project for the past 20 months. They accept donations for, or the pre-paid phone cards themselves, and then ask our Chaplain to distribute them to military personnel. Through August 2005, United Methodists have provided nearly 7 million minutes. Thanks for your participation.
We have 3 Chaplains on our staff: an Episcopal priest, a Roman Catholic Priest and me. We also have 2 enlisted Chaplain Assistants handling most of the administrative duties.
Last evening, we completed our transitional move into our new Chapel. The old sanctuary held a maximum of 170, this one is nearly 2.5 times bigger. It’s really quite modern when it comes to audio and video capabilities. We use no bulletins here, everything is projected on a large screen with Power Point. Anybody listening out there?! What would think about taking the money we at TTUMC invest yearly in bulletins, along with the costs related to printing, copying and folding, and instead invest it in a top quality video projector and a large retractable screen or 2 for the sanctuary? Let me know what you’re thinking.
Since I arrived on station, I’ve spent a lot of time at the Medical Clinic. No, I haven’t been sick – I’ve had to get inoculations for Small Pox, Anthrax and this week, it’s the Flu Vaccine. Do you really think I need to be any more HOLY (get it? – never mind!).
We’re 7 hours ahead of you, so last night I started watching the Steelers – Patriots game at about 11:15 p.m. It was after 3 before I got to bed. And they still lost!
My ministry here is unique in many respects. Everybody has pretty much removed their denominational buttons and regularly come together as the Body of Christ. Tours of duty run anywhere from 60 days to a year. Most are 4 months. We have newcomers flying in here every week, as well as folks going home. The Wing Commander, Col Hale, (a fine Christian gentleman, by the way!) greets the new folks at what we call a “Right Start Briefing,” and encourages them to pick up the “rope” (left by others) and continue tugging. I get to address these same groups and tell them about the ministries and services the Chapel offers.
Just yesterday morning, after the Liturgical Service, a young Airman approached me and asked if we had anything for Wickens (witches covens). I told him we had some informational materials available, but no organized groups as yet. You need to understand, the Military Chaplaincy is designed to ensure every member of the military has the opportunity to freely worship as they so chose. Just because I don’t agree with their faith tenets or approach to the faith, doesn’t mean we can turn them away. We have a Mormon group, and 2 Bible studies staring this week: 1 is a study group for young husbands/fathers, and the 2nd, a Promise Keepers Study.
I’d better leave some stuff for my next Blog. Hope you enjoyed this one. Look for another sometime next week.
Wishing you His grace and peace across the miles,

Blessings,

+Pastor Paul