Last week I went to the Episcopal Church for a VIC meeting... Ventures in Community is an umbrella association, a "clearinghouse" of sorts that is comprised of most of the organizations that promote the welfare of our local community. So representatives from congregations, social service outlets, advocates for the aged, housing, employment opportunities, schools, food banks, and many others gather monthly in various settings to share the experience of caring. I don't regularly attend because of a scheduling conflict, but this time I made the time. It was just across the street, I think it's good to remind them once in a while that the Lutherans are alive and wellish...and I knew that the free lunch would be tasty!

I also knew that I would meet the new Superintendant of our school system...one of the largest and wealthiest in the nation...schools were on the agenda this day. It's no secret that for seven years I have been an advocate (with modest success) of our local public schools in a program (such as it is) that I dubbed Oasis. But I learned firsthand, from the "top", about the structure administrators use to gather data and formulate program...it is an "asset" based strategy that incorporates direct surveys of students and parents as its foundation. Every young person should have assets...personal gifts and graces, supportive teachers, stable families, outside interests and a place in places like a church. The results of the surveys indicate that the more assets a student has in their corner, the less likely they are to engage in dangerous and dubious behavior like bullying, substance abuse, crime, suicidal despair, etc. It has given me a new "talking point" to articulate a vision about what Nativity might be if we were to go deeper into concern for youth in our arena...we sit within a mile of over a thousand middle schoolers in two locations!

I also was enamored when the Rector shared that the terminology and methodology had been constructed by...Lutherans. It was promulgated years ago by Search Institute, a Lutheran funded endeavor, and it's at the heart of the approach of FCPS. I consider myself now to have "standing" in future conversations!

So ask yourself, when it comes to your family, community, nation, this planet.. .how can I be an asset? In your situation, whatever and wherever you are, how can I best keep the Fifth Commandment? In Luther's words, "We are to fear and love God, so that we neither endanger or harm the lives of our neighbors, but instead help and support them in all of life's needs." Another way is to pray the prayer I attribute to a sainted colleague of mine..."Lord, make me useful this day."

That brings us to This Day in History. On February 13th, 1635, Boston Latin School opened its doors as the first taxpayer supported (public) school in our nation. Like me, you can piggyback on nearly 400 years of history, or you can create your own passion as God's answer to your question...or your prayer.

Keep asking questions...and praying!

Pastor Brent,