A person that I know was diagnosed with a general category of illness by her primary care physician and recommended to a specialist for a more targeted diagnosis and course of treatment. In order to prepare for meeting with the specialist, the primary care physician removed from her medications that might have impacted the specialist's findings. Unfortunately, the specialist was not able to see her for two months from the initial doctor's visit. In the meantime, her symptoms worsened, as did her pain and the detrimental effects of having to wait for treatment. She wound up in the emergency room of the local hospital where she lives, barely able to walk, in severe pain, unable to eat more than a few bites of any food, seriously dehydrated and in immediate need of medical care.
This is all too typical a story, and it points to a system that is increasingly inefficient, economically driven, detrimental to patients and dangerous for those who are suffering, sometimes unnecessarily so. Ask around. The tales of medical woe are all around us.
An employee in a local company found, under the Affordable Care Act, medical insurance for herself and her children that was both great quality and much more affordable for she and her company than any that they had found previously. When the policy was to be renewed, a year later, the insurance carrier had been sold to another company. Her premiums increased four-fold, the deductible, both personal and family, was increased significantly and her co-pays went through the roof. The company saw an increase, even over what they had previously paid. They were forced to end her employment and to manage without that position.
Who is to blame, here? Is it doctors? Is it medical conglomerates? Is it insurance companies? Is it an entire industry? What, exactly, is broken and how do we fix it?
In the case of the woman mentioned earlier, the one who wound up in the e.r. instead of receiving the kind of prompt and attentive care that would have treated her illness, she needed one test to determine a more detailed diagnosis. The primary care physician failed to order that test, though it is a common one that is ordered by this physician every day, especially for persons who are over 50. He referred instead of ordering that test. The emergency room doctor was shocked that the test had not been performed. In his defense, the primary care physician was pressured to move people along and through the system, refer to specialists if at all possible, and increase the daily log of patients seen in and through the office.
In the case of the woman who lost her job, primarily as a result of her increasing medical insurance costs, it is clear that the company that underwrote her initial policy was a short-term speculative institution that was designed to make its money, sell its policies, and barter itself on the open insurance market. Tremendous amounts of money were made...millions. The business practice harmed people, however. Perhaps the larger carriers, those who swallowed up the smaller underwriters, consider the damage done to persons as collateral to their profit margins. In their defense, their stock holders have been experiencing greater returns on their investments.
It is this, I think, that is broken. Medical care has become an industry instead of a service. The economic bottom line determines the extent and the efficiency of care. Money, profit and return on investment have replaced excellence in care and timely treatment. The patient has become a commodity, a source of revenue, a product.
Do not misunderstand. I know and respect a great many medical physicians. They do their best. They care about their patients. But they are increasingly limited by a system that is primarily concerned with dollars instead of people.
How do we fix the problem? A number of years ago, I was involved in community dialogues around the issue of health care. The medical community wanted those dialogues to focus on medical issues, like fitness and preventative care. The few participants from the community wanted to know what we could do about the mounting commodification of patients and the economic injustice that is inherent in a capitalistic industry. There was no mediation, no cooperation, no compromise. The medical community wanted to talk about advancements in medicine while the public wanted to discuss the increasing depersonalization of the system. No dialogue took place. Each community talked past the other.
In its current state, I am increasingly convinced that there is no easy fix. Money is the pathology of the medical care industry. It is ill. It is not working at anything approaching an optimal level. But what are its alternatives? What are we to do?
I have none of the answers. Do you? If you do, or if you want to pursue this conversation, please post to the Shiloh UCC Facebook page. I want to hear from you.
Monday, March 28, 2016
Monday, March 21, 2016
Happy Birthday to Me!
For the first time that I can remember, Maundy Thursday falls this year on my birthday, March 24. I turn 55. Holy crap! I turn 55 this year!
Every time a person who attends our Sunday evening "Discovery Time," alternative worship, celebrates a birthday, the gathered community sings and the person is asked to say what she or he wants for her or his birthday. While I used the occasion last evening to secure leadership for two upcoming positions in the life of the congregation, I admit that what I actually want is directly related to the date of my birthday this year, March 24, Maundy Thursday.
I wish that we could take seriously the sacrifice made for us. I wish that Christ's sacrifice meant more for us in the course of our everyday lives, especially in these ways:
1. Self-Worth: Jesus died for humanity, to defeat the twin powers of sin and death. Each of is is rendered good enough, acceptable, loved and treasured by this sacrifice. We can stop trying to earn the acceptance of self and others, stop proving ourselves good enough, lovable, valuable and important. We are invited to embody the sacrifice made on our behalf, by living full, abundant, giving, generous, virtuous lives. Our self-worth is not determined by some standard of behavior, level of affluence, position, power or fame. It comes with the assurance that we are worthy of the sacrifice that is made on our behalf, in the very fact that it has been made on our behalf.
2. Universal Impact: The Crucifixion of Jesus Christ is made, not just for those who will believe or behave rightly but for everyone. It is therefore universally applied. It happens to every person, in every place, throughout time. Who is more powerful than God? Despite what we hear, no one is able to undo what God has accomplished. No one can reject the basic human worth that is established in Christ. No persons, no matter how flawed, weak, sinful, ugly, angry, hateful, excluded, rejected, victimized or despised is outside of the worth that is established in Christ. Every person is included. Every person is saved. If not, then Christ's sacrifice is conditionally applied. Conditional application of Christ's sacrifice makes no sense.
3. Unity: If every person's basic human worth is established in Christ's sacrifice, then all of humankind is united, innately, under the umbrella of Christ. We are one. There are no intrinsic distinctions or divisions that set one apart from another. All those divisive forces around us have been created by those in positions of power in order to protect them and secure their hegemony. The Church of Jesus Christ has too often been caught up in protecting itself against some imagined threat to its power and position instead of loving persons for whom Christ sacrificed. All who embrace Christ are called, equipped, empowered and sent to embody the unity that Crucifixion represents. It is necessary for us to work for the sake of all of our brothers and sisters, and to ensure that none is victimized, oppressed, excluded or rejected.
4. Human Potential: If humans were to live in the unity created in Christ's sacrifice, then the ideal is possible. Human community comes from mutual respect, honor and love. If every person is innately worthy of Christ's sacrifice, and if every person is undeniably equal to every other, then how could we refuse to demand justice and fairness for every one of us? Humans can create together an ideal community of mutual respect, honor and love. The only reason that we have failed to do so at this point in human history is that we reject #1, #2, and #3 above.
So, for my birthday, that falls this year on Maundy Thursday, March 24, I wish that we could take seriously the sacrifice that is made on our behalf, on the behalf of every person, and that unity would result. From that unity, I wish that we could live out the potential of shaping ideal human community. I am told that the belief is naive and silly. I am told that it is impossible. I am told that people can never function from a position of such unity. Whether or not you believe in Christ Jesus, or practice a spirituality that is in any way related to him, is this not a healthier life-style for each of us? Is this not a more productive legacy for us to establish? I can think of no cogent reason to delay or to declare the attempt ill-fated before we even begin.
That is what I want for my birthday!
Every time a person who attends our Sunday evening "Discovery Time," alternative worship, celebrates a birthday, the gathered community sings and the person is asked to say what she or he wants for her or his birthday. While I used the occasion last evening to secure leadership for two upcoming positions in the life of the congregation, I admit that what I actually want is directly related to the date of my birthday this year, March 24, Maundy Thursday.
I wish that we could take seriously the sacrifice made for us. I wish that Christ's sacrifice meant more for us in the course of our everyday lives, especially in these ways:
1. Self-Worth: Jesus died for humanity, to defeat the twin powers of sin and death. Each of is is rendered good enough, acceptable, loved and treasured by this sacrifice. We can stop trying to earn the acceptance of self and others, stop proving ourselves good enough, lovable, valuable and important. We are invited to embody the sacrifice made on our behalf, by living full, abundant, giving, generous, virtuous lives. Our self-worth is not determined by some standard of behavior, level of affluence, position, power or fame. It comes with the assurance that we are worthy of the sacrifice that is made on our behalf, in the very fact that it has been made on our behalf.
2. Universal Impact: The Crucifixion of Jesus Christ is made, not just for those who will believe or behave rightly but for everyone. It is therefore universally applied. It happens to every person, in every place, throughout time. Who is more powerful than God? Despite what we hear, no one is able to undo what God has accomplished. No one can reject the basic human worth that is established in Christ. No persons, no matter how flawed, weak, sinful, ugly, angry, hateful, excluded, rejected, victimized or despised is outside of the worth that is established in Christ. Every person is included. Every person is saved. If not, then Christ's sacrifice is conditionally applied. Conditional application of Christ's sacrifice makes no sense.
3. Unity: If every person's basic human worth is established in Christ's sacrifice, then all of humankind is united, innately, under the umbrella of Christ. We are one. There are no intrinsic distinctions or divisions that set one apart from another. All those divisive forces around us have been created by those in positions of power in order to protect them and secure their hegemony. The Church of Jesus Christ has too often been caught up in protecting itself against some imagined threat to its power and position instead of loving persons for whom Christ sacrificed. All who embrace Christ are called, equipped, empowered and sent to embody the unity that Crucifixion represents. It is necessary for us to work for the sake of all of our brothers and sisters, and to ensure that none is victimized, oppressed, excluded or rejected.
4. Human Potential: If humans were to live in the unity created in Christ's sacrifice, then the ideal is possible. Human community comes from mutual respect, honor and love. If every person is innately worthy of Christ's sacrifice, and if every person is undeniably equal to every other, then how could we refuse to demand justice and fairness for every one of us? Humans can create together an ideal community of mutual respect, honor and love. The only reason that we have failed to do so at this point in human history is that we reject #1, #2, and #3 above.
So, for my birthday, that falls this year on Maundy Thursday, March 24, I wish that we could take seriously the sacrifice that is made on our behalf, on the behalf of every person, and that unity would result. From that unity, I wish that we could live out the potential of shaping ideal human community. I am told that the belief is naive and silly. I am told that it is impossible. I am told that people can never function from a position of such unity. Whether or not you believe in Christ Jesus, or practice a spirituality that is in any way related to him, is this not a healthier life-style for each of us? Is this not a more productive legacy for us to establish? I can think of no cogent reason to delay or to declare the attempt ill-fated before we even begin.
That is what I want for my birthday!
Tuesday, March 15, 2016
From the Planting to Harvest
Sooooo, Shiloh's annual Black History celebration is in the books. Here are some outcomes:
Shiloh has distinguished itself as a place where hospitality and flexibility trump (forgive the use of the term) orthodoxy and traditional practises. If for no other reason than this, our Sunday celebration was a tremendous undertaking. It genuinely was a tremendous worship experience, featuring as many community participants as it did our own friends and members. We sang and heard great gospel music, participated in liturgical dance, heard a powerful message, stood in a circle and held hands as a community as we sang "Let there Be Peace on Earth." The meal that followed the service was fabulous. Thanks to all who provided food, staffed the kitchen and dining room, and just helped out in so many ways.
Shiloh distinguished itself as a place that is unafraid of broaching difficult issues.The Sunday presentation, made by Rachel Collopy, of the University of Dayton, was a keen insight into white privilege. The presentation asked, "Were our ancestors hard working and deserving of our respect?" The answer is "Absolutely!" Then, "Did they benefit from a system of advantage and privilege?" The answer is, "Absolutley!" I learned much from Doctor Collopy's presentation and deeply appreciate her style and class.
In Monday night's Dialogue on Race Relations, Shiloh continued to face some difficult issues. What can we do, as persons in community and as persons of a church, to improve race relations? The small group began with four areas of interest, each of which had surfaced at our August Dialogue on Race Relations. In each area, the group brainstormed concrete approaches that may function as faithful response to the challenge. These are difficult social, personal and inter-personal issues that Shiloh is willing to address.
Shiloh distinguished itself as a place of action. Shiloh does more than talk about issues. We attempt to deal with them, to address them and to resolve them. As an outcome of our Monday Dialogue, Shiloh will be forming an implementation Task Group, whose task is practical and meaningful ministries, missions and programs that apply directly to issues of inclusion, hospitality, justice and peace. The outcome of the work of this group will be direct action, whether in the congregation, through it, or participation with existing groups, like LEAD, that engage in direct community action.
Shiloh distinguished itself as a place of building relationships. The Friday night event featured Terrence Grimes, an educator and musician, who taught the gathered crowd about Negro Spirituals and Gospel music. The participants varied in race, age and background. New relationships were formed and new interests pursued. The same tone continued throughout the weekend. Sunday's worship and program brought various communities together. The Monday Dialogue included a mix of races, ages and backgrounds. As with the Sunday events, the mix of Shiloh to community was about 50%.
Shiloh built relationships. We faced tough issues. We planned to see from our discussions direct action which may affect our communities, improving the race relations of the Dayton area. Shiloh's impact may be important for the Dayton community. It may not. The potential of Shiloh's celebration of Black American contributions to the family of God may die on the vine, never coming to fruition. It depends on you and your support, your prayers, your involvement and your actions. You can impact the outcome by planning now to join Shiloh's Task Group on Race Relations at its meeting on Monday, April 18, at 7:00 p.m. Let's do something important and meaningful for our community! Come and contribute!
Shiloh has distinguished itself as a place where hospitality and flexibility trump (forgive the use of the term) orthodoxy and traditional practises. If for no other reason than this, our Sunday celebration was a tremendous undertaking. It genuinely was a tremendous worship experience, featuring as many community participants as it did our own friends and members. We sang and heard great gospel music, participated in liturgical dance, heard a powerful message, stood in a circle and held hands as a community as we sang "Let there Be Peace on Earth." The meal that followed the service was fabulous. Thanks to all who provided food, staffed the kitchen and dining room, and just helped out in so many ways.
Shiloh distinguished itself as a place that is unafraid of broaching difficult issues.The Sunday presentation, made by Rachel Collopy, of the University of Dayton, was a keen insight into white privilege. The presentation asked, "Were our ancestors hard working and deserving of our respect?" The answer is "Absolutely!" Then, "Did they benefit from a system of advantage and privilege?" The answer is, "Absolutley!" I learned much from Doctor Collopy's presentation and deeply appreciate her style and class.
In Monday night's Dialogue on Race Relations, Shiloh continued to face some difficult issues. What can we do, as persons in community and as persons of a church, to improve race relations? The small group began with four areas of interest, each of which had surfaced at our August Dialogue on Race Relations. In each area, the group brainstormed concrete approaches that may function as faithful response to the challenge. These are difficult social, personal and inter-personal issues that Shiloh is willing to address.
Shiloh distinguished itself as a place of action. Shiloh does more than talk about issues. We attempt to deal with them, to address them and to resolve them. As an outcome of our Monday Dialogue, Shiloh will be forming an implementation Task Group, whose task is practical and meaningful ministries, missions and programs that apply directly to issues of inclusion, hospitality, justice and peace. The outcome of the work of this group will be direct action, whether in the congregation, through it, or participation with existing groups, like LEAD, that engage in direct community action.
Shiloh distinguished itself as a place of building relationships. The Friday night event featured Terrence Grimes, an educator and musician, who taught the gathered crowd about Negro Spirituals and Gospel music. The participants varied in race, age and background. New relationships were formed and new interests pursued. The same tone continued throughout the weekend. Sunday's worship and program brought various communities together. The Monday Dialogue included a mix of races, ages and backgrounds. As with the Sunday events, the mix of Shiloh to community was about 50%.
Shiloh built relationships. We faced tough issues. We planned to see from our discussions direct action which may affect our communities, improving the race relations of the Dayton area. Shiloh's impact may be important for the Dayton community. It may not. The potential of Shiloh's celebration of Black American contributions to the family of God may die on the vine, never coming to fruition. It depends on you and your support, your prayers, your involvement and your actions. You can impact the outcome by planning now to join Shiloh's Task Group on Race Relations at its meeting on Monday, April 18, at 7:00 p.m. Let's do something important and meaningful for our community! Come and contribute!
Wednesday, March 09, 2016
Black History Celebration
This extended weekend, March 11-14, is Shiloh's annual celebration of Black American history. The events are many and varied, and we hope that members, friends, strangers and guests join us for the celebration.
The events begin on Friday, from 6:30-8:00 p.m. with a spirituals/hymn sing, where Terrence Grimes will lead the gathered crowd in stories and songs. More than just a group gathered for the singing of old hymns, Mr. Grimes will provide education about the stories that accompany the old spirituals. He will also highlight musical trends that have helped shape the musical history of America,
On Saturday, March 12, from 12:30-2:30 p.m., fourteen displays that highlight events and people from black history will be available to the public. These displays include soldiers, political figures, athletes, toys, memorabilia, dolls, fashion and heroes, past and present, who have helped to shape on ongoing dialogue on equality and civil rights.
Sunday, March 13, is a highlight of our celebration. At Shiloh's 10:25 a.m. service of worship, Rev. Robert Jones will provide a message entitled, "Thinking and Acting Beyond the Box." The service will include spirituals, liturgical dance, a special choir piece, and a very special ending, with people in a circle around the perimeter of the sanctuary, singing "Let there be Peace on Earth." The service will be followed by a special meal, held in Shiloh's Omega Hall. Bring a dish to share with ten people. Meat, table service and drinks are provided. After the meal, participants will remain in Omega Hall to join in a slide presentation and conversation around privilege, led by Rachel Callopy, from the University of Dayton. This is a high level presentation and discussion, and you will not want to miss it.
On Monday, March 14, Shiloh will host a number of local school systems, whose students will view the displays, share a meal, and make musical or artistic presentations on black history. The program itself will take place at roughly 12:15 p.m. in the sanctuary. The public is invited to attend.
I am proud of Shiloh for hosting this grand series of events. It is recognition that black history is American history. It is everyone's story. It is our story. In some congregations, caucasians might plan to stay away from a black history celebration that takes place in March, or one that is so extensive, or one that extends worship by about an hour. But Shiloh registers its embrace of diversity by involving itself fully in each of these events. Our celebration of black history is certainly an indication that Christ is at the core of this congregation's practice.
Unless there is truth to the rumors of members and friends who are boycotting the events. In that case, everything I just typed is untrue. I am sorry.
The events begin on Friday, from 6:30-8:00 p.m. with a spirituals/hymn sing, where Terrence Grimes will lead the gathered crowd in stories and songs. More than just a group gathered for the singing of old hymns, Mr. Grimes will provide education about the stories that accompany the old spirituals. He will also highlight musical trends that have helped shape the musical history of America,
On Saturday, March 12, from 12:30-2:30 p.m., fourteen displays that highlight events and people from black history will be available to the public. These displays include soldiers, political figures, athletes, toys, memorabilia, dolls, fashion and heroes, past and present, who have helped to shape on ongoing dialogue on equality and civil rights.
Sunday, March 13, is a highlight of our celebration. At Shiloh's 10:25 a.m. service of worship, Rev. Robert Jones will provide a message entitled, "Thinking and Acting Beyond the Box." The service will include spirituals, liturgical dance, a special choir piece, and a very special ending, with people in a circle around the perimeter of the sanctuary, singing "Let there be Peace on Earth." The service will be followed by a special meal, held in Shiloh's Omega Hall. Bring a dish to share with ten people. Meat, table service and drinks are provided. After the meal, participants will remain in Omega Hall to join in a slide presentation and conversation around privilege, led by Rachel Callopy, from the University of Dayton. This is a high level presentation and discussion, and you will not want to miss it.
On Monday, March 14, Shiloh will host a number of local school systems, whose students will view the displays, share a meal, and make musical or artistic presentations on black history. The program itself will take place at roughly 12:15 p.m. in the sanctuary. The public is invited to attend.
I am proud of Shiloh for hosting this grand series of events. It is recognition that black history is American history. It is everyone's story. It is our story. In some congregations, caucasians might plan to stay away from a black history celebration that takes place in March, or one that is so extensive, or one that extends worship by about an hour. But Shiloh registers its embrace of diversity by involving itself fully in each of these events. Our celebration of black history is certainly an indication that Christ is at the core of this congregation's practice.
Unless there is truth to the rumors of members and friends who are boycotting the events. In that case, everything I just typed is untrue. I am sorry.
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