Scriptures:
Isaiah 60:1-6
Psalm 72: 1-7, 10-14
Ephesians 3:1-12
Matthew 2:1-12
Theme: Another Road
Hymns: #160 "Hark the Herald Angels Sing-- Jesus the Light of the World,"
#163 "Many are the Lightbeams," #164 "Arise Your Light Is Come"
The scriptures chosen for Sunday are actually those appointed for the day of Epiphany, January 6th, which is the 12th day of Christmas, and the day on which we celebrate the journey of the magi, their adoration of Jesus, and their departure by another road. The date and the length of the celebration of Christmas was designed to bridge the calendar: six days at the end of one year and six days at the beginning of the new year. The story of the magi is told each year as a cautionary tale, reminding us that a new year is for turning to new roads. It is a call to repentance, and an invitation to transformation.
What well-traveled roadways must be abandoned, and where is the alternate route into the new year?
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
For December 28, 2008
Scriptures:
Isaiah 61:10 - 62:3
Psalm 148
Galatians 4:4-7
Luke 2:22-40
The Scriptures appointed for the Pastor's birthday (subtile, eh?) sing of hope for the future. Isaiah promises that the nation which has suffered humiliation will be vindicated. The psalm echoes the praise of all creation. In the letter to the churches of Galatia, Paul interprets the meaning of Christ's coming: that we may all be children of God and heirs of God's covenant with the people Israel. And on the Sunday after Christmas, we read of Simeon and Anna, the old dears of the temple, rejoicing in the presentation of the baby Jesus.
You know, since most of my family have passed on, their presence is more dear, and more real to me then when they were living. And as my birthday approaches, I remember what my dad told me about the day I was born. He said he was in that hospital waiting room for hours, while day turned to night and day again and night again, knowing that something was very wrong. He prayed that he would not lose both his wife and baby. He believed a miracle happened that night, and I was his miracle child. He told me this when I was a depressed teenager, wondering what was the point of living. The fact that I lived was meaning enough for dad. Why would God have rescued me then if my life was meaningless? It was a simple faith, but strong enough to get us both through my teen years and his mid-life.
I offer this story as a companion piece for the Christmas stories, which do not have to be literally accurate to be true. Meaning is ascribed to a birth story in order to give hope for the future. Jesus was born. Like all babies, he was vulnerable, fragile; but he lived! And his life means something. Vindication for those who trust in God. Home for the spiritually homeless. Adoption as heirs for those who were orphaned. Wherever we are on our faith journey, it is sometimes enough to know that there is meaning to this life, and promise for a future.
Isaiah 61:10 - 62:3
Psalm 148
Galatians 4:4-7
Luke 2:22-40
The Scriptures appointed for the Pastor's birthday (subtile, eh?) sing of hope for the future. Isaiah promises that the nation which has suffered humiliation will be vindicated. The psalm echoes the praise of all creation. In the letter to the churches of Galatia, Paul interprets the meaning of Christ's coming: that we may all be children of God and heirs of God's covenant with the people Israel. And on the Sunday after Christmas, we read of Simeon and Anna, the old dears of the temple, rejoicing in the presentation of the baby Jesus.
You know, since most of my family have passed on, their presence is more dear, and more real to me then when they were living. And as my birthday approaches, I remember what my dad told me about the day I was born. He said he was in that hospital waiting room for hours, while day turned to night and day again and night again, knowing that something was very wrong. He prayed that he would not lose both his wife and baby. He believed a miracle happened that night, and I was his miracle child. He told me this when I was a depressed teenager, wondering what was the point of living. The fact that I lived was meaning enough for dad. Why would God have rescued me then if my life was meaningless? It was a simple faith, but strong enough to get us both through my teen years and his mid-life.
I offer this story as a companion piece for the Christmas stories, which do not have to be literally accurate to be true. Meaning is ascribed to a birth story in order to give hope for the future. Jesus was born. Like all babies, he was vulnerable, fragile; but he lived! And his life means something. Vindication for those who trust in God. Home for the spiritually homeless. Adoption as heirs for those who were orphaned. Wherever we are on our faith journey, it is sometimes enough to know that there is meaning to this life, and promise for a future.
Monday, December 8, 2008
For December 14, The Third Sunday in Advent
Scriptures:
Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11
Psalm 126
1 Thess. 5: 16-24
John 1:6-8, 19-28
The children will lead worship this Sunday, and following worship we will share in the traditional after-pageant Turkey potluck. Each committee of the church brings a turkey, and the rest of us bring a side dish or dessert for the buffet. Come and celebrate with us!
Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11
Psalm 126
1 Thess. 5: 16-24
John 1:6-8, 19-28
The children will lead worship this Sunday, and following worship we will share in the traditional after-pageant Turkey potluck. Each committee of the church brings a turkey, and the rest of us bring a side dish or dessert for the buffet. Come and celebrate with us!
Thursday, December 4, 2008
For December 7, the Second Sunday of Advent
Scriptures:
Isaiah 40:1-11
Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13
Theme: Messengers of Hope
Sermon Title: Peace
Hymns: #120 There's a Voice in the Wilderness
#101 Comfort, Comfort, O My People
#345 Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence
#117 Lift Up Your Heads, O Mighty Gates
The news starts automatically when I start my car in the morning, and lately I have been snapping the volume dial to off quickly. More for my daughter than for me: middle school is hard enough, I don't think she needs to take in the gloomy news about the economy too. As for me, I've heard it before. There is nothing new under the sun, as the Preacher said, thousands of years ago.
In the 1980's I watched the agriculture-based economy of my hometown dissolve. Grass began to grow in the cracks of the employee parking lot at the I-H plant. Real estate agency signs seemed to be popping up like tulips in the spring, blooming on every block. One third of the city seemed to be for sale. Out in the counties, the call of the auctioneer echoed off the barn doors.
A voice says "Cry!" and I say, what shall I cry? All flesh is grass, and the faith of the people wilts like hothouse flowers when times are tough (to paraphrase Isaiah). "So what?" God seems to reply to the hesitant prophet. Get up and preach anyway, and say to the people Here Is Your God! God will feed and care for us in the future as God has in the past.
What is it about our past experience that gives us hope for the future? How can we comfort one another with that word of hope?
I remember the heartache of seeing a family's belongings set out on the farmhouse lawn-- the newish sofa from Leath's in Dubuque, and grandma's treadle sewing machine, and the pie-safe granddad made out of salvaged pallet wood, and boxes of assorted candlesticks and knick-knacks.
But, I also remember how the ladies of the church served the auction-day lunch, and how the old men of the community took the farmer out for coffee and commisseration, and I remember how families managed to pull through, with the help of many small kindnesses. That is what gives me hope. Here is your God, who comes to you in the loving kindness of your neighbor, and leads you to pots of coffee, and platters of gooey butter cake, and lays a hand gently but surely on your shoulder, and comforts you.
Isaiah 40:1-11
Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13
Theme: Messengers of Hope
Sermon Title: Peace
Hymns: #120 There's a Voice in the Wilderness
#101 Comfort, Comfort, O My People
#345 Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence
#117 Lift Up Your Heads, O Mighty Gates
The news starts automatically when I start my car in the morning, and lately I have been snapping the volume dial to off quickly. More for my daughter than for me: middle school is hard enough, I don't think she needs to take in the gloomy news about the economy too. As for me, I've heard it before. There is nothing new under the sun, as the Preacher said, thousands of years ago.
In the 1980's I watched the agriculture-based economy of my hometown dissolve. Grass began to grow in the cracks of the employee parking lot at the I-H plant. Real estate agency signs seemed to be popping up like tulips in the spring, blooming on every block. One third of the city seemed to be for sale. Out in the counties, the call of the auctioneer echoed off the barn doors.
A voice says "Cry!" and I say, what shall I cry? All flesh is grass, and the faith of the people wilts like hothouse flowers when times are tough (to paraphrase Isaiah). "So what?" God seems to reply to the hesitant prophet. Get up and preach anyway, and say to the people Here Is Your God! God will feed and care for us in the future as God has in the past.
What is it about our past experience that gives us hope for the future? How can we comfort one another with that word of hope?
I remember the heartache of seeing a family's belongings set out on the farmhouse lawn-- the newish sofa from Leath's in Dubuque, and grandma's treadle sewing machine, and the pie-safe granddad made out of salvaged pallet wood, and boxes of assorted candlesticks and knick-knacks.
But, I also remember how the ladies of the church served the auction-day lunch, and how the old men of the community took the farmer out for coffee and commisseration, and I remember how families managed to pull through, with the help of many small kindnesses. That is what gives me hope. Here is your God, who comes to you in the loving kindness of your neighbor, and leads you to pots of coffee, and platters of gooey butter cake, and lays a hand gently but surely on your shoulder, and comforts you.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
For November 30
The First Sunday of Advent
Scriptures:
Scriptures:
Isaiah 64:1-9 "O that you would tear open the heavens and come down...."
Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 "Restore us, O God, let your face shine, that we may be saved.
1 Corinthians 1:3-9 "You are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing..."
1 Corinthians 1:3-9 "You are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing..."
Mark 13:24-37 "Beware, keep alert..."
Theme: "Where Are You, God?
Sermon title: "Longing for a Glimpse of God"
"Where is God?" is a question many people pose after great tragedy. "Where is God?" is the question that Priscilla posed to her "Faith Club" in the book by that title. Suzanne responded that she saw God in all those people who rushed to help those who were fleeing from the buildings, those who brought food and blankets into Manhattan. "Where is God in the financial crisis?" is the question on the cover of the Sojourners magazine I received a few days ago. Does anyone ask the whereabouts of God in times of safety, stability, and bounty? I can't think of an instance. I suppose that is evidence of our sad state of sin-- we are such self-absorbed creatures.
Perhaps the up side of the economic scare is that it puts us in company with so many others who, throughout the ages, have lived in fear and sought the elusive face of God. We are well-prepared for the first Sunday in Advent.
Generally, we want to rush into the giddiness of Christmas. When pastors gather to let our hair down and commiserate over common complaints, one we can all agree on is that inevitably, we will be criticized for our choice of hymns during Advent. Christmas carols have been playing at Target and SuperOne since just after Halloween, why can't we sing carols in church? Because it isn't Christmas yet, we explain, patiently or testily, it is Advent. Advent is a season of anticipation and preparation. So we sing the somber tones of "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel."
In good times, we don't look for God. We rarely give God a second thought. But in hard times, we ask "where is God?" That is just the way we are. So if these are indeed hard times for you, then you are in precisely the right mood for Advent. Let's come and seek God's face, together.
Theme: "Where Are You, God?
Sermon title: "Longing for a Glimpse of God"
"Where is God?" is a question many people pose after great tragedy. "Where is God?" is the question that Priscilla posed to her "Faith Club" in the book by that title. Suzanne responded that she saw God in all those people who rushed to help those who were fleeing from the buildings, those who brought food and blankets into Manhattan. "Where is God in the financial crisis?" is the question on the cover of the Sojourners magazine I received a few days ago. Does anyone ask the whereabouts of God in times of safety, stability, and bounty? I can't think of an instance. I suppose that is evidence of our sad state of sin-- we are such self-absorbed creatures.
Perhaps the up side of the economic scare is that it puts us in company with so many others who, throughout the ages, have lived in fear and sought the elusive face of God. We are well-prepared for the first Sunday in Advent.
Generally, we want to rush into the giddiness of Christmas. When pastors gather to let our hair down and commiserate over common complaints, one we can all agree on is that inevitably, we will be criticized for our choice of hymns during Advent. Christmas carols have been playing at Target and SuperOne since just after Halloween, why can't we sing carols in church? Because it isn't Christmas yet, we explain, patiently or testily, it is Advent. Advent is a season of anticipation and preparation. So we sing the somber tones of "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel."
In good times, we don't look for God. We rarely give God a second thought. But in hard times, we ask "where is God?" That is just the way we are. So if these are indeed hard times for you, then you are in precisely the right mood for Advent. Let's come and seek God's face, together.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
For Sunday, November 16
Scriptures:
Judges 4:1-7
Psalm 123
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
Matthew 25:14-30
Theme: Extravagant Opportunity
Sermon Title: Seasons of Faith
Hymns: #25 Our God, Our Help in Ages Past
#432 'Tis Winter Now, the Fallen Snow
#436 God of Grace and God of Glory
I don't remember ever hearing my name read aloud in church. I was teaching Sunday School, as a sophomore in high school, when I first read about Deborah, the prophetess, one of the great leaders of Israel, who teamed up with Barak, a military captain, to lead troops into battle against... whoever it was the Israelites were battling in that particular chapter.
The book of Judges follows this rhythm: The people of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the Lord; so the Lord punished them by letting their enemies oppress them; then the people of Israel called out to the Lord, and the Lord sent them (insert name of hero) to defeat their enemies. And there would be peace until the next time the people of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, and the cycle would repeat itself.
Deborah and Barak and a woman named Jael are the heroes of the fourth chapter.
Psalm 123 is a plea for mercy.
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 is the text the Reverend Cleophas chose for his sermon in the Triple Rock Baptist Church scene of the movie The Blues Brothers. "Don't be lost when the time comes... for the Lord cometh like a thief in the night."
Matthew 25:14-30 is the parable of the talents. Contrary to popular opinion of those whose messiah is Adam Smith, this is not an admonition to go forth and earn as much money as you can by any means you can. No! It's not!
Think of the talents entrusted to the servants as the wealth of scripture and tradition, the wealth of the holy wisdom entrusted to us by God, given to our keeping, as a legacy, a trust for future generations. Faithful servants will do what they can not only to preserve the trust, but also to increase it. In my mind, those who attempt to protect scriptue and tradition from modern interpretation are like the one who burries the talent in the ground. It does not profit, it does no one any good. Adding our own interpretation to the inheritance entrusted to us-- this is the intrest accrued for the sake of future generations.
This Sunday we will acknowlege the changing of the seasons: from Fall to Winter, and from Ordinary Time to Advent. This time of year generally tugs at my heart, reminding me of the passage of years. I am haunted by memories of those with whom I spent childhood Thanksgivings, who are now part of that great cloud of witnesses that surrounds us and cheers us on-- my sister, my parents, my grandmother, aunts & uncles. And when I say haunted, I don't mean in a spooky Halloweeny way, nor a scary, late-night B-movie way-- I just feel a presence, or maybe a lack-of-presence, and it is comforting, but bittersweet.
James Fowler took the disciplines of Human Development and Theology and synthesized them into Stages of Faith. His book of that title describes how our faith changes as we grow. I believe that in addition to stages of faith, we experience seasons of faith, similar to the seasons of the church year. We experience periods of insight and great growth, green seasons of our faith that might be descibed as a Pentecost season. We experience seasons of anxiety, hope, and anticipation, which is precisely the mood of Advent. We experience birth as Christmas; Epiphnies when the lights shine in the darkness; we experience grief as deep and dark as Good Friday, and resurrection as brilliant as Easter.
The church year can help us to understand that these seasons of faith are cyclical, that nothing lasts forever, all things must pass, and give way to what comes next. This wisdom is comfort for those who mourn, and humility for those who rejoice. "It's not always going to be this way," is good news, or cautionary. It depends on how you feel about the "now."
What season are you in? How do you feel about coming to church when the season of the year does not correspond to the season of your faith-- for example, if you are grieving while the church rejoices, or rejoicing when the liturgy of the church mourns?
It is my hope that we can participate in each other's seasons, and encourage one another in the hope of the Easter to come.
Judges 4:1-7
Psalm 123
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
Matthew 25:14-30
Theme: Extravagant Opportunity
Sermon Title: Seasons of Faith
Hymns: #25 Our God, Our Help in Ages Past
#432 'Tis Winter Now, the Fallen Snow
#436 God of Grace and God of Glory
I don't remember ever hearing my name read aloud in church. I was teaching Sunday School, as a sophomore in high school, when I first read about Deborah, the prophetess, one of the great leaders of Israel, who teamed up with Barak, a military captain, to lead troops into battle against... whoever it was the Israelites were battling in that particular chapter.
The book of Judges follows this rhythm: The people of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the Lord; so the Lord punished them by letting their enemies oppress them; then the people of Israel called out to the Lord, and the Lord sent them (insert name of hero) to defeat their enemies. And there would be peace until the next time the people of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, and the cycle would repeat itself.
Deborah and Barak and a woman named Jael are the heroes of the fourth chapter.
Psalm 123 is a plea for mercy.
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 is the text the Reverend Cleophas chose for his sermon in the Triple Rock Baptist Church scene of the movie The Blues Brothers. "Don't be lost when the time comes... for the Lord cometh like a thief in the night."
Matthew 25:14-30 is the parable of the talents. Contrary to popular opinion of those whose messiah is Adam Smith, this is not an admonition to go forth and earn as much money as you can by any means you can. No! It's not!
Think of the talents entrusted to the servants as the wealth of scripture and tradition, the wealth of the holy wisdom entrusted to us by God, given to our keeping, as a legacy, a trust for future generations. Faithful servants will do what they can not only to preserve the trust, but also to increase it. In my mind, those who attempt to protect scriptue and tradition from modern interpretation are like the one who burries the talent in the ground. It does not profit, it does no one any good. Adding our own interpretation to the inheritance entrusted to us-- this is the intrest accrued for the sake of future generations.
This Sunday we will acknowlege the changing of the seasons: from Fall to Winter, and from Ordinary Time to Advent. This time of year generally tugs at my heart, reminding me of the passage of years. I am haunted by memories of those with whom I spent childhood Thanksgivings, who are now part of that great cloud of witnesses that surrounds us and cheers us on-- my sister, my parents, my grandmother, aunts & uncles. And when I say haunted, I don't mean in a spooky Halloweeny way, nor a scary, late-night B-movie way-- I just feel a presence, or maybe a lack-of-presence, and it is comforting, but bittersweet.
James Fowler took the disciplines of Human Development and Theology and synthesized them into Stages of Faith. His book of that title describes how our faith changes as we grow. I believe that in addition to stages of faith, we experience seasons of faith, similar to the seasons of the church year. We experience periods of insight and great growth, green seasons of our faith that might be descibed as a Pentecost season. We experience seasons of anxiety, hope, and anticipation, which is precisely the mood of Advent. We experience birth as Christmas; Epiphnies when the lights shine in the darkness; we experience grief as deep and dark as Good Friday, and resurrection as brilliant as Easter.
The church year can help us to understand that these seasons of faith are cyclical, that nothing lasts forever, all things must pass, and give way to what comes next. This wisdom is comfort for those who mourn, and humility for those who rejoice. "It's not always going to be this way," is good news, or cautionary. It depends on how you feel about the "now."
What season are you in? How do you feel about coming to church when the season of the year does not correspond to the season of your faith-- for example, if you are grieving while the church rejoices, or rejoicing when the liturgy of the church mourns?
It is my hope that we can participate in each other's seasons, and encourage one another in the hope of the Easter to come.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
For November 9, 2008
Scriptures:
Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25
Psalm 78:1-7
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Matthew 25:1-13
Theme: Tending God's Light
Hymns: 55 Rejoice, You Pure in Heart
376 God, We Thank You for OurPeople
369 Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burning
Sermon Title: From Generation to Generation
A summary of the scriptures: The reading from Joshua is about a crossroads for the Hebrew people: Chose this day whom you will serve; as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." The psalm is a celebration of the faith of generations: Tell your children what you learned from your parents, so that they set their hopes on God. The epistle lesson is a comforting message from Paul to the church in Thessalonica, regarding those who have died. The gospel lesson is the parable of the bridesmaids with thier lamps-- some brought extra oil and some didn't and those who were prepared met the bridegroom and those who had to go shopping for more lamp oil were left out in the cold. So keep your lamp trimmed and burning.
Tending the light, passing the torch, these are the images for the day. Light is a metaphor for wisdom, and a sign of God's presence, and a symbol of the Holy Spirit. God spoke to Moses from a burning bush, and guided the Hebrew people as a pillar of fire. The Holy Spirit appeared on pentecost day as tongues of fire. The motto of my alma mater, Elmhurst college, is taken from a psalm: In lumine tuo, videbimus lumen. In your light, we shall see light.
Have you been thinking of those people in your life who have shared the love of God with you? On Thanksgiving Sunday, November 23, we will be collecting an offering of thank you notes, to be mailed to those people. These are some the "saints" who have tended the light of God's love to keep it for future generations.
How are you engaged in tending the light, and sharing God's love with the next generation?
Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25
Psalm 78:1-7
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Matthew 25:1-13
Theme: Tending God's Light
Hymns: 55 Rejoice, You Pure in Heart
376 God, We Thank You for OurPeople
369 Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burning
Sermon Title: From Generation to Generation
A summary of the scriptures: The reading from Joshua is about a crossroads for the Hebrew people: Chose this day whom you will serve; as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." The psalm is a celebration of the faith of generations: Tell your children what you learned from your parents, so that they set their hopes on God. The epistle lesson is a comforting message from Paul to the church in Thessalonica, regarding those who have died. The gospel lesson is the parable of the bridesmaids with thier lamps-- some brought extra oil and some didn't and those who were prepared met the bridegroom and those who had to go shopping for more lamp oil were left out in the cold. So keep your lamp trimmed and burning.
Tending the light, passing the torch, these are the images for the day. Light is a metaphor for wisdom, and a sign of God's presence, and a symbol of the Holy Spirit. God spoke to Moses from a burning bush, and guided the Hebrew people as a pillar of fire. The Holy Spirit appeared on pentecost day as tongues of fire. The motto of my alma mater, Elmhurst college, is taken from a psalm: In lumine tuo, videbimus lumen. In your light, we shall see light.
Have you been thinking of those people in your life who have shared the love of God with you? On Thanksgiving Sunday, November 23, we will be collecting an offering of thank you notes, to be mailed to those people. These are some the "saints" who have tended the light of God's love to keep it for future generations.
How are you engaged in tending the light, and sharing God's love with the next generation?
Thursday, October 30, 2008
For November 2, 2008
Scriptures:
Joshua 3:7-17
Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37
1 Thessalonians 2:9-13
Matthew 23:1-12
Theme: Partners in Service
Hymns:
#299 For All the Saints
#539 Won't You Let Me Be Your Servant
#783 As the Grains of Wheat
#377 Forward Through the Ages
The Gospel lesson should take all of us religious leaders down a peg. Because we all have to confess, that from time to time, we do enjoy the "perks" of the clergy-- being called "reverend," having that half a hog delivered to the parsonage freezer every autumn (remember, I once served a church in Iowa), and realizing that people check their language carefully when they realize they are talking to a pastor.
We all know the same cautionary tales of sinister ministers and priests, those who abused that authority granted to them as a matter of office, who victimized the people whom they were meant to serve and instruct. The damage they have done to their victims, and their churches, is immeasurable. The psychological scars of abuse are lifelong, and visited upon generations. These are the heaviest of burdens.
Jesus' lesson is a caution to the church: the word of God is not meant to be a burden. The work of the church (and of church leaders) is not to bind up burdens, heavy to bear. Remember that in another place Jesus said, "Come to me, all who are weary and carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." The church should be a place where God's weary people can be unburdened.
"Leave it there, leave it there, take your burden to the Lord and leave it there," goes the old gospel hymn (which is not in our hymnal, sorry). "Every burden will be rolled away," is a Swahili folk song, one which I taught to children at peace camp a few years ago. These are the lyrics rolling through my brain this week (along with a couple of Bob Marley songs, and Stephen Foster's "Hard Times." These last few are from a Johnny Cash "Unearthed" cd I've been listening to. A prize will be awarded to anyone who can tell me who sings "Redemption Song" with Johnny. It's Joe Strummer (late of The Clash). I just want to know if anyone is reading this blog. Say "Joe Strummer" to me at church on Sunday and you will win a beautiful new Butterfinger bar.)
In what ways are we, as a congregation, prepared to engage in a ministry of "unburdening." In what ways do we need to repent from "binding up burdens" and not carrying our own weight?
Joshua 3:7-17
Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37
1 Thessalonians 2:9-13
Matthew 23:1-12
Theme: Partners in Service
Hymns:
#299 For All the Saints
#539 Won't You Let Me Be Your Servant
#783 As the Grains of Wheat
#377 Forward Through the Ages
The Gospel lesson should take all of us religious leaders down a peg. Because we all have to confess, that from time to time, we do enjoy the "perks" of the clergy-- being called "reverend," having that half a hog delivered to the parsonage freezer every autumn (remember, I once served a church in Iowa), and realizing that people check their language carefully when they realize they are talking to a pastor.
We all know the same cautionary tales of sinister ministers and priests, those who abused that authority granted to them as a matter of office, who victimized the people whom they were meant to serve and instruct. The damage they have done to their victims, and their churches, is immeasurable. The psychological scars of abuse are lifelong, and visited upon generations. These are the heaviest of burdens.
Jesus' lesson is a caution to the church: the word of God is not meant to be a burden. The work of the church (and of church leaders) is not to bind up burdens, heavy to bear. Remember that in another place Jesus said, "Come to me, all who are weary and carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." The church should be a place where God's weary people can be unburdened.
"Leave it there, leave it there, take your burden to the Lord and leave it there," goes the old gospel hymn (which is not in our hymnal, sorry). "Every burden will be rolled away," is a Swahili folk song, one which I taught to children at peace camp a few years ago. These are the lyrics rolling through my brain this week (along with a couple of Bob Marley songs, and Stephen Foster's "Hard Times." These last few are from a Johnny Cash "Unearthed" cd I've been listening to. A prize will be awarded to anyone who can tell me who sings "Redemption Song" with Johnny. It's Joe Strummer (late of The Clash). I just want to know if anyone is reading this blog. Say "Joe Strummer" to me at church on Sunday and you will win a beautiful new Butterfinger bar.)
In what ways are we, as a congregation, prepared to engage in a ministry of "unburdening." In what ways do we need to repent from "binding up burdens" and not carrying our own weight?
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
For Sunday, September 28
Hebrew Bible: | Exodus 17:1-7 |
Psalm: | Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16 |
Epistle: | Philippians 2:1-13 |
New Testament: | Matthew 21:23-32 |
Sermon: God at Work (for God is at work in you... Phil 2:13)
Hymns:
#27 From All That Dwell Below the Skies
#488 Take My Life, God, Let It Be
#565 God Whose Giving Knows No Ending (v. 1 and 4 only)
This is our Stewardship Sunday, the day we offer our "estimate of giving" forms along with our offering for the day. It is an expression of faith, to submit ourselves to the discipline of regular giving. It is perhaps even more meaningful when it is more difficult.
Generosity is counter-cultural. The messages of the marketplace are "more for me." Advertising is designed to make us feel anxious about what we lack. Jesus advises: do not worry about your life, what to eat, what to wear. God knows what you need, and God provides.
Giving obviously blesses those who receive; but generous giving also blesses the giver with an inexplicable peace. Opening our hands to the poor relaxes our grip on the possessions that possess us. To be able to let go, and then realize, that we are still OK, that we actually have more than enough to live, that is a priceless insight.
God is at work in us. We are not complete, perfect disciples, but we are able to do more than we can ask or imagine when we acknowledge that God is at work within us and through us. Blessing us and blessing others through our generosity.
Monday, September 15, 2008
For Sunday, September 21st
New Testament: Matthew 20:1-16
(The parable of the laborers in the vineyard.)
Sunday Bulletin Focus: Tension in the Wilderness
Our Focus: God is Generous
Hymns:
#22, Sing Praise to God (tune: LOBE DEN HERREN)
#18, Guide Me, O My Great Redeemer (tune: CWM RHONDDA)
#370, What Gift Can We Bring (tune: ANNIVERSARY SONG)
(The parable of the laborers in the vineyard.)
Sunday Bulletin Focus: Tension in the Wilderness
Our Focus: God is Generous
Hymns:
#22, Sing Praise to God (tune: LOBE DEN HERREN)
#18, Guide Me, O My Great Redeemer (tune: CWM RHONDDA)
#370, What Gift Can We Bring (tune: ANNIVERSARY SONG)
Monday, September 8, 2008
For Sunday, September 14
Hebrew Bible: Exodus 14:19-31
(The parting of the Red Sea.)
(The parting of the Red Sea.)
Psalm: Psalm 114 or Exodus 15:1b-11, 20-21
(Both are hymns of celebration, commemorating the parting of the sea.)
Epistle: Romans 14:1-12
(Caution against judging the faith-practice of others. "We belong to Christ.")
(Both are hymns of celebration, commemorating the parting of the sea.)
Epistle: Romans 14:1-12
(Caution against judging the faith-practice of others. "We belong to Christ.")
New Testament: Matthew 18:21-35
(How many times should I forgive? Parable of the unforgiving servant.)
Sunday Bulletin Theme: Road to Freedom
Stewardship emphasis: Gifts of time & talent.
We are following the Exodus journey in our Old Testament readings. We began a few weeks ago with the story of baby Moses being rescued from the River Nile; now the hero leads his people through the Red Sea waters from slavery to freedom.
The New Testament readings remind us that we are not the boss of each other; we are all slaves (or servants, if you prefer) accountable to another master. The epistle lesson begins: "Welcome those who are weak in the faith; but not for the purpose of quarreling." Anyone who has verbally sparred with someone whose faith journey takes an alternate route (to put it kindly) will know how fruitless and hurtful it can be. Who is to say whose faith is weak and whose is strong? Best to keep our eyes on our own exam book, and do our own spiritual work.
The group working on our church's annual stewardship campaign selected the hymn, "Here I am Lord," to accompany an appeal for gifts of time and talent.
(How many times should I forgive? Parable of the unforgiving servant.)
Sunday Bulletin Theme: Road to Freedom
Stewardship emphasis: Gifts of time & talent.
We are following the Exodus journey in our Old Testament readings. We began a few weeks ago with the story of baby Moses being rescued from the River Nile; now the hero leads his people through the Red Sea waters from slavery to freedom.
The New Testament readings remind us that we are not the boss of each other; we are all slaves (or servants, if you prefer) accountable to another master. The epistle lesson begins: "Welcome those who are weak in the faith; but not for the purpose of quarreling." Anyone who has verbally sparred with someone whose faith journey takes an alternate route (to put it kindly) will know how fruitless and hurtful it can be. Who is to say whose faith is weak and whose is strong? Best to keep our eyes on our own exam book, and do our own spiritual work.
The group working on our church's annual stewardship campaign selected the hymn, "Here I am Lord," to accompany an appeal for gifts of time and talent.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
For Sunday September 7
Hebrew Bible: Exodus 12:1-14
(Moses institutes a holiday-- the observance of Passover.)
Psalm: Psalm 149
(Sing and dance, praise the Lord who delights in the humble.)
Epistle: Romans 13:8-14
(The one who loves fulfills the law.)
New Testament: Matthew 18:15-20
(Tell it to the church.)
Sunday Bulletin Theme: Remember, Restore, Renew
Our Focus: "Welcome" Sunday
I remember how, when I was a little girl, I expressed sympathy for Reverend Mellish, our pastor, because, it seemed to me, he always had to be so serious. Somehow I equated a religious nature with a dour expression. I have observed over the years that many of us form that theory, and never experience anything that disproves it.
But here in the scriptures we are commanded to celebrate! We are encouraged to sing and dance! We are ordered to cease from work at regular intervals, to rest and recreate.
Anyone who thinks "churchiness" is serious business should come to a council meeting, and note how much laughter we share around the table. Yes, there is serious work done there too, but we never take ourselves so seriously that we can't laugh at ourselves.
I wonder how many people avoid church because they think it must be morbid. We could do a great service to God and to our neighbors by sharing our joy in worship.
This is Welcome Sunday, which is a good time to call up friends and invite them to church. Choir practice begins at 8:45 a.m., Worship is at 10:00 (as always) and Church School for children begins after worship with an Open House for parents. Adult Forum will start next week.
See you in church.
(Moses institutes a holiday-- the observance of Passover.)
Psalm: Psalm 149
(Sing and dance, praise the Lord who delights in the humble.)
Epistle: Romans 13:8-14
(The one who loves fulfills the law.)
New Testament: Matthew 18:15-20
(Tell it to the church.)
Sunday Bulletin Theme: Remember, Restore, Renew
Our Focus: "Welcome" Sunday
I remember how, when I was a little girl, I expressed sympathy for Reverend Mellish, our pastor, because, it seemed to me, he always had to be so serious. Somehow I equated a religious nature with a dour expression. I have observed over the years that many of us form that theory, and never experience anything that disproves it.
But here in the scriptures we are commanded to celebrate! We are encouraged to sing and dance! We are ordered to cease from work at regular intervals, to rest and recreate.
Anyone who thinks "churchiness" is serious business should come to a council meeting, and note how much laughter we share around the table. Yes, there is serious work done there too, but we never take ourselves so seriously that we can't laugh at ourselves.
I wonder how many people avoid church because they think it must be morbid. We could do a great service to God and to our neighbors by sharing our joy in worship.
This is Welcome Sunday, which is a good time to call up friends and invite them to church. Choir practice begins at 8:45 a.m., Worship is at 10:00 (as always) and Church School for children begins after worship with an Open House for parents. Adult Forum will start next week.
See you in church.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
For Sunday, August 10
Hebrew Bible: | Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28 |
Psalm: | Psalm 105, 1-6, 16-22,45b |
Epistle: | Romans 10:5-15 |
New Testament: | Matthew 14:22-33 |
The gospel lesson is the story of Jesus walking over the sea of Galilee to join the disciples on the storm-tossed boat. The reading from Genesis is the story of Joseph (of the Technicolor Dream Coat) being betrayed by his jealous brothers. The Psalm celebrates the way God turned bad into good, by providing, through Joseph's exile in Egypt, a way to save his father and brothers and all their families from the famine in the land of Canaan. How have you experienced God's power to transform tragedy into victory?
Our hymns for Sunday are #12 I Sing the Mighty Power of God, #488 Be Still My Soul, #76 Sent Forth by God's Blessing. A Bell Choir quartet will play an anthem.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Word Study on the Lord's Prayer
What’s the word? Debts? Trespasses? Sins?
Earliest manuscripts of the gospels were written in Greek. The Greek word όφείλω is most commonly translated “debts.” According to Walter Bauer’s Greek-English Lexicon the same word was used in contemporary documents to describe financial indebtedness. So the most accurate translation of the Lord’s prayer as it is recorded in the gospel of Matthew (6:12) would read:
And forgive us our debts, as we indeed forgave our debtors.
The use of the word “trespasses” comes from the 14th verse of the same chapter, which reads:
For if you forgive people their trespasses, your heavenly father will also forgive you.
The Greek word for “sins” is used in the gospel according to Luke (11:4), which literally reads:
And forgive us our sins, for indeed we ourselves forgive everyone indebted to us.
In both the Matthew and the Luke, what we translate into English as “indeed” is actually “and,” or “and how.” The word is added for emphasis, the way “ja” is used in German (in a way that does not translate into English literally). In contemporary colloquial American English, we might more accurately translate it in this way:
And forgive us our debts, as we sooooo forgave our debtors. (
Or, we really truly forgave our debtors. (Midwestern)
Or, we sure enough forgave our debtors. (Southern)
Or, forgive us our debts, because you bet we forgave our debtors. (Minnesotan)
I believe that the words we chose to use, whether debts, trespasses, or sins, are not as important as living the spirit of the prayer. What tends to be glossed over is that our petition for forgiveness is connected to Jesus’ assumption that we would not dare ask God for something that we had not already given to others.
...our petition for forgiveness is connected to Jesus’ assumption that we would not dare ask God for something that we had not already given to others.
I hear a mildly chiding tone, perhaps a bit of sarcasm, in Jesus’ response. When someone asked him, “Teach us to pray,” perhaps Jesus heard an unspoken question, “teach us how to get what we want out of God.” Forgiveness of debt was no doubt high on everyone’s list. The economy of Roman occupation benefited the Roman settlers and the collaborating local rulers, but left most of the nation’s families landless, homeless and in debt.
I believe Jesus was teaching about the economics of the kingdom, which does not come down from on high, but which bubbles up from the ground. Things will change, Jesus seems to say, when we begin to live the way we pray.
If you want forgiveness, forgive.
If you want bread, share what you have today.
If you want justice, extend justice to someone who seeks it from you.
That is the word on the words.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
The Lord's Prayer in Heart and Mind
Once upon a time in a parish far away, I used to visit “Ruth” (not her real name) at the nursing home. Ruth was a long-time resident of the “memory care” wing of this particular nursing home; but she didn’t remember that, so it did not bother her one bit. Each time I visited Ruth was for her the first time, so I always had a second chance to make a first impression.
Ruth was always delighted to meet me. First, she would express her surprise, and then approval, that her new pastor was a woman. “You’re my pastor? You’re my pastor? Well, I think that’s wonderful.” She would then welcome me to town, ask if I had any family, and coo appropriately over wallet-sized photos of my small children. She was always so welcoming, so genuinely warm and hospitable, our visits never failed to lift my spirits.
At the conclusion of every visit, I would offer to say a prayer, and she would accept, and we would join hands and say the Lord’s Prayer together. Ruth couldn’t remember if she had any living relations. She didn’t remember that the Pioneer Home was her home, but she remembered every word of that prayer.
Our friend Lilja Behr, who served as chaplain at our local Good Samaritan nursing homes, tells me that this is not uncommon. Even people who have lost the ability to form original speech may still be able to recite prayers and sing hymns they learned in childhood.
Which is why my mind and heart are divided on the question of which Lord’s Prayer to print in the worship bulletin and teach to the children of our church. On the brain’s side, the translation that we commonly use is archaic. It was contemporary in the early seventeenth century (and traditionalists complained about having their Pater Noster taken from them), but we do not talk that way any more. Speakest we no more thusly. Thou, art, thy, thine, these words receive the squiggly red or green underline in Microsoft Word.
But in my heart resides the memory of Ruth, and so many others-- preliterate, illiterate, or post-literate-- speaking the words they learned, by heart.
As we continue our conversation on the Lord’s Prayer, I encourage you to consider another point of view. If you find you are living in your head, listen to someone who is speaking from the heart. If it is your heart, listen to someone who is speaking from the intellect. Let each one honor the other. In this way, we can each benefit from another’s understanding, and we can all move toward becoming one heart and mind.
Ruth was always delighted to meet me. First, she would express her surprise, and then approval, that her new pastor was a woman. “You’re my pastor? You’re my pastor? Well, I think that’s wonderful.” She would then welcome me to town, ask if I had any family, and coo appropriately over wallet-sized photos of my small children. She was always so welcoming, so genuinely warm and hospitable, our visits never failed to lift my spirits.
At the conclusion of every visit, I would offer to say a prayer, and she would accept, and we would join hands and say the Lord’s Prayer together. Ruth couldn’t remember if she had any living relations. She didn’t remember that the Pioneer Home was her home, but she remembered every word of that prayer.
Our friend Lilja Behr, who served as chaplain at our local Good Samaritan nursing homes, tells me that this is not uncommon. Even people who have lost the ability to form original speech may still be able to recite prayers and sing hymns they learned in childhood.
Which is why my mind and heart are divided on the question of which Lord’s Prayer to print in the worship bulletin and teach to the children of our church. On the brain’s side, the translation that we commonly use is archaic. It was contemporary in the early seventeenth century (and traditionalists complained about having their Pater Noster taken from them), but we do not talk that way any more. Speakest we no more thusly. Thou, art, thy, thine, these words receive the squiggly red or green underline in Microsoft Word.
But in my heart resides the memory of Ruth, and so many others-- preliterate, illiterate, or post-literate-- speaking the words they learned, by heart.
As we continue our conversation on the Lord’s Prayer, I encourage you to consider another point of view. If you find you are living in your head, listen to someone who is speaking from the heart. If it is your heart, listen to someone who is speaking from the intellect. Let each one honor the other. In this way, we can each benefit from another’s understanding, and we can all move toward becoming one heart and mind.
If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others.
-- Philippians 2:1-4
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Let Us Pray
When the worship group met for the first time in April, those who gathered on that evening discussed ways to involve the whole congregation in worship more fully. One suggestion was to use a different translation of the Lord’s Prayer, perhaps to slow down the recital of it and make us think about the words we speak. I mentioned that there were three different versions offered in our United Church of Christ Book of Worship (they are also printed in our New Century Hymnal on p. 9), and offered to have the “forgive us our sins” version printed in the bulletin, for a change. A member of the worship group agreed to introduce it on the first Sunday that we prayed the new version(April 27).
Well, the change certainly got people thinking, and talking, but not quite in the way I or anyone in the worship group had expected. I think we were all surprised at the passion of some responses to the modern version. The next time the worship group met, we agreed to change back to the familiar version, for the time being, but to continue the conversation about worship, and about the Lord’s Prayer in particular.
So, here is the first in a series of studies on the Lord’s Prayer. This is intended not to put an end to conversation, but to infuse it with respectful dialog. I hope to receive some comments on this post! Let's keep the conversation open.What we have come to call “The Lord’s Prayer” appears in two of the four gospels. Here is how the prayer appears in the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) of the Bible, in Matthew and in Luke.
Matt 6:9-13
9 ‘Pray then in this way:
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
10 Your kingdom come.
Your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And do not bring us to the time of trial,
but rescue us from the evil one.Luke 11:1-4
1He was praying in a certain place, and after he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.’ 2He said to them, ‘When you pray, say:
Father, hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come.
3 Give us each day our daily bread.
4 And forgive us our sins,
for we ourselves forgive everyone indebted to us.
And do not bring us to the time of trial.’
Note the differences, as well as the similarities, between each of these biblical versions and the version we usually recite in worship. Consider the commentary of Eduard Schweitzer, who noted:
It is astounding how little legalism the early Christians showed in transmitting the words of Jesus. Even so central a text as this is reshaped with relative freedom, adapted to local usage, and elaborated. The community had no sacred texts in the sense of ones that had to be repeated without the slightest change. The Lord’s Prayer is therefore not the letter of the law; it is an aid to prayer, a guide to be followed without being bound to this or that precise wording.
--The Good News According to Matthew, p. 147
You might also notice that something familiar is missing from both biblical versions of the prayer featured above. If you consult the footnotes of your NRSV, you will read, “Other ancient authorities add, in some form, For the kingdom and the power and the glory are yours forever. Amen.” The translators who worked on New Revised Standard Version of the bible had access to ancient manuscripts which were not available to previous generations. The earliest manuscripts of the New Testament do not include these words of praise; but the recitation of this doxology at the end of the prayer seems to have become the practice of the church by the turn of the first into the second century, when the Didache (DID-a-key) was compiled. The Didache reads like a Scout handbook on how to organize a church, and it includes instructions on how to pray.
The Lord’s Prayer in the Didache:
Likewise, don't pray as the hypocrites, but as commanded in the Gospel in this manner:
Our Father in heaven,
Sacred is Your Name.
Your kingdom comes.
Your will is accomplished,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us each day our daily bread,
and forgive us our debt
in the manner that we forgive our debtors.
And do not allow us to fall to temptation,
but deliver us from evil,
for Yours is the power and the glory forever.
Amen!
Pray in this manner three times per day.Didache 8:2-3, tr. c. 1998 Ivan Lewis
Monday, May 19, 2008
For May 25, 2008
Scriptures:
Sunday Bulletin Service Theme: Seeking God's Way
Our theme will emphasize God's care for us throughout life's journey. We have a baptism, we will honor our high school and college graduates, and we will dedicate our memorial garden. So naturally, one of hymns will be "I was there to hear your borning cry."
Other hymn selections for the day are #423 "Great Is Your Faithfulness," #323 "Little Children Welcome" (for the baptism), and #438 "When Peace Like a River."
The scriptures speak of God's mercy and tender care. "Can a woman forget her nursing child?" Isaiah asks. Even if your mother forgets you, God will not forget you. "I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother," reads the psalm. "Do not worry about your life," Jesus says in the gospel. God takes care of the birds. Don't you think you are worth at least as much as the birds to God?
Some people may hear the old hymn "God's eye in on the sparrow" when they read that gospel message. I hear Bobby McFarren singing, "Don't worry. Be happy (Don't worry be happy now...doo, doo doo doo, doo doo doo doo doo doo doo...)." Is anyone on deck for "special music?"
At the end of the service, we will process out to the memorial garden (on the south lawn) to consecrate and dedicate it as a place set apart to receive cremated remains and memorials to those who go before us into glory. "I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice." Thanks be to God.
Hebrew Bible: | Isaiah 49:8-16a |
Psalm: | Psalm 131 |
Epistle: | 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 |
New Testament: | Matthew 6:24-34 |
Our theme will emphasize God's care for us throughout life's journey. We have a baptism, we will honor our high school and college graduates, and we will dedicate our memorial garden. So naturally, one of hymns will be "I was there to hear your borning cry."
I was there to hear your borning cry
I'll be there when you are old.
I rejoiced the day you were baptized,
to see your life unfold.
#351 New Century Hymnal
Other hymn selections for the day are #423 "Great Is Your Faithfulness," #323 "Little Children Welcome" (for the baptism), and #438 "When Peace Like a River."
When peace, like a river, upholds me each day,
when sorrows like sea billows roll,
whatever my lot, you have taught me to say,
"It is well, it is well with my soul."
The scriptures speak of God's mercy and tender care. "Can a woman forget her nursing child?" Isaiah asks. Even if your mother forgets you, God will not forget you. "I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother," reads the psalm. "Do not worry about your life," Jesus says in the gospel. God takes care of the birds. Don't you think you are worth at least as much as the birds to God?
Some people may hear the old hymn "God's eye in on the sparrow" when they read that gospel message. I hear Bobby McFarren singing, "Don't worry. Be happy (Don't worry be happy now...doo, doo doo doo, doo doo doo doo doo doo doo...)." Is anyone on deck for "special music?"
At the end of the service, we will process out to the memorial garden (on the south lawn) to consecrate and dedicate it as a place set apart to receive cremated remains and memorials to those who go before us into glory. "I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice." Thanks be to God.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Monday, May 12, 2008
May 18: "Creation Continues"
Hebrew Bible: | Genesis 1:1-2:4a |
Psalm: | Psalm 8 |
Epistle: | 2 Corinthians 13:11-13 |
New Testament: | Matthew 28:16-20 |
Like the Psalm, the first chapter of Genesis is an expression of awe and a hymn of praise to God the Creator. The six stanzas of creation are about
1) light and darkness, 4) sun and moon,
2) sky and sea, 5) birds and fish,
3) earth and plants, 6) animals and people.
And people are made in the image of God, male and female-- take note-- at the same time.
"Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness...."
--Genesis 1:26
Over the ages there has been much conjecture over just who God is talking to in verse 26. Is God using the "royal we," and talking to Godself? Is God talking to the heavenly court? Is God talking to God's wife, Sophia, the Holy Spirit, and/or Jesus?
The Sunday after Pentecost is traditionally Trinity Sunday, and we are meant to contemplate the God in three persona. If women are made in the image of God, shouldn't one of those persona be female? The word for "spirit" in the Hebrew language of the Old Testament is a feminine noun, and Wisdom is also personified in the feminine.
How have the creation stories shaped your self-understanding as a man or woman? What difference does it make to imagine God as masculine or feminine?
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Many Gifts, One Spirit
Pentecost is a celebration of the “birthday of the church,” because it is the day when the Holy Spirit came upon the apostles, and gave them the ability to tell of God’s deeds of power in voices that everyone could understand. The church in the book of the Acts of the Apostles is sent forth by Jesus, and empowered by the Holy Spirit to go into all the world (in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth, Acts 1:8) to be witnesses. What does a witness do? A witness tells the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, about Jesus, and about the God we come to know through Jesus.
Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. (1 Corinthians 12:4-7)
Pentecost day was a day of power and a day of unity, a day when many people were added to the number of those who followed the way of Jesus. The apostle Paul, writing to the church in
The United Church of Christ is a diverse body, and so is our own particular congregation. We bring to church our varieties of experience and expectations of what it means to be the church. How can we use our varieties of gifts for the common good, so that we can be witnesses to the power of God in Brainerd, and
Monday, May 5, 2008
The Day of Pentecost
For Sunday May 11
Sunday Bulletin Service theme: "Life-giving Spirit"
Acts 21: 1-21 When the day of Pentecost had come....
Psalm 104:24-34, 35b How manifold are your works... O bless the Lord, my soul.
1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 Many gifts, one spirit.
John 20:19-23 Receive the Holy Spirit....
When the day of Pentecost had come, the city of Jerusalem was crowded with pilgrims who had come to observe the festival of Shavout, which falls seven weeks after the Passover, and commemorates the presentation of the Torah to Moses on Sinai. The disciples were praying together in an upper room (perhaps the same room in which they had shared the Passover with Jesus), when they received the "power from on high" which Jesus had promised them.
The gospel of John includes a different version of the apostles receiving the Holy Spirit, directly from the mouth of Jesus, on the day of resurrection. There is no fifty day wait, as in Luke's version (the Acts of the Apostles is volume 2 of Luke's story, see the first chapter of each book). This suggests to me that Luke is making a deliberate connection between the gift of the Torah (what we know as Genesis, Exodus, Deuteronomy, Numbers and Leviticus, the first five books of the Old Testament or Hebrew Scriptures), and the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Shavout observance includes an offering of the first fruits of the harvest at the Temple, as a testimony that the land which produced the crops has been received from God.
Sunday Bulletin Service theme: "Life-giving Spirit"
Acts 21: 1-21 When the day of Pentecost had come....
Psalm 104:24-34, 35b How manifold are your works... O bless the Lord, my soul.
1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 Many gifts, one spirit.
John 20:19-23 Receive the Holy Spirit....
When the day of Pentecost had come, the city of Jerusalem was crowded with pilgrims who had come to observe the festival of Shavout, which falls seven weeks after the Passover, and commemorates the presentation of the Torah to Moses on Sinai. The disciples were praying together in an upper room (perhaps the same room in which they had shared the Passover with Jesus), when they received the "power from on high" which Jesus had promised them.
The gospel of John includes a different version of the apostles receiving the Holy Spirit, directly from the mouth of Jesus, on the day of resurrection. There is no fifty day wait, as in Luke's version (the Acts of the Apostles is volume 2 of Luke's story, see the first chapter of each book). This suggests to me that Luke is making a deliberate connection between the gift of the Torah (what we know as Genesis, Exodus, Deuteronomy, Numbers and Leviticus, the first five books of the Old Testament or Hebrew Scriptures), and the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Holy Spirit, law divine, reign within this soul of mine.
Be my law, and I shall be firmly bound, forever free.
--Hymn #63, New Century Hymnal
Shavout observance includes an offering of the first fruits of the harvest at the Temple, as a testimony that the land which produced the crops has been received from God.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Community of Prayer
New Testament: | Acts 1:6-14 |
Psalm: | Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 |
Epistle: | 1 Peter 4:12-14, 5:6-11 |
New Testament: | John 17:1-11 |
Ubi charitas, et amor, deus ibi est.
(Where there is charity and love, God is there.)
The Sermon is still taking shape, as of this moment I'm still not sure what the title is.
The Hymns going into the bulletin are
#55 Rejoice, You Pure in Heart (I love that refrain)
#510 Grant us Wisdom to Perceive You (v. 1 and 4, before the prayers)
#332 As We Gather at Your Table (v. 1 and 2 before Communion, v. 3 after)
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
I have made your name known
John 17:1-11
"I have made your name known...." CK lifted up this verse in her commentary on Monday's blog. It reminded me of a gracious sermon I heard from Rev. Jose Malayang, former Executive Minister for Local Church Ministries, in which he sang to us about sharing God's word in accents that all people can understand.
As a denomination, we are (as Jeremiah Wright pointed out to the National Press Club) predominantly white, European, but also multi-cultural, multi-racial, and multi-lingual congregation. We have over the course of our history learned to share the gospel in ways that all people can understand. For example, the language of worship has been evolving. At one time we read scripture from the Geneva Bible or the Authorized (King James) Version; when better, more understandable translations became available we read from the Revised Standard Version and now the New Revised Standard Version. We no longer pray in the patriarchal accents of our grandparents, personifying God as "Him" with a capital H, and all people as "mankind."
Joe Malayang, in that sermon I heard about five years ago, spoke of the need to understand the language and the culture of the people we seek to reach. If we are to share the love of God, which is our congregation's mission, we have to learn to speak the love of God in accents that all may understand.
Now, the people in the pews may understand our current language of worship just fine. But what about outreach? Would someone who has never sung from a hymnal, or read aloud from a worship bulletin, stay long enough to hear the good news? Would they come again, to receive the love we have to share?
"I have made your name known...." CK lifted up this verse in her commentary on Monday's blog. It reminded me of a gracious sermon I heard from Rev. Jose Malayang, former Executive Minister for Local Church Ministries, in which he sang to us about sharing God's word in accents that all people can understand.
"O let me hear you speaking in accents clear and still... "
-- New Century Hymnal #493 "O Jesus, I have promised"
As a denomination, we are (as Jeremiah Wright pointed out to the National Press Club) predominantly white, European, but also multi-cultural, multi-racial, and multi-lingual congregation. We have over the course of our history learned to share the gospel in ways that all people can understand. For example, the language of worship has been evolving. At one time we read scripture from the Geneva Bible or the Authorized (King James) Version; when better, more understandable translations became available we read from the Revised Standard Version and now the New Revised Standard Version. We no longer pray in the patriarchal accents of our grandparents, personifying God as "Him" with a capital H, and all people as "mankind."
Joe Malayang, in that sermon I heard about five years ago, spoke of the need to understand the language and the culture of the people we seek to reach. If we are to share the love of God, which is our congregation's mission, we have to learn to speak the love of God in accents that all may understand.
Now, the people in the pews may understand our current language of worship just fine. But what about outreach? Would someone who has never sung from a hymnal, or read aloud from a worship bulletin, stay long enough to hear the good news? Would they come again, to receive the love we have to share?
That they may be one
"He drew a circle..."
He drew a circle that shut me out--
Heretic, rebel, a thing to flout.
But Love and I had the wit to win:
We drew a circle that took him in!
"Outwitted" by Edwin Markham (complete poem).
Source: The Best Loved Poems of the American People. Doubleday, 1936. p.67.
“That they may be one….” Some of our brothers and sisters in the faith are easier to get along with than others. I enjoy our ecumenical Lenten series, and the bonhomie of my colleagues in the Episcopal, Methodist and Lutheran (ELCA) churches. Other relationships are more strained.
Yesterday, I (and all members of the Lakes Area Ministerial Association) received a genial invitation from a brother-in-Christ whom I have not yet met, the pastor of a
Because the invitation was so genuine and personal, I did not relegate it to the “trash” file.
Instead, I did some research, watched portions of the video-based series (available on U-tube), and I saw for myself that “The Truth Project” lies. It is a beautifully produced, expertly edited package of Orwellian double-speak. From the beginning, it draws a circle that shuts out science, philosophy, anthropology, psychology, cosmology and mainstream theology (and anything else that challenges Focus on the Family). It defines truth as whatever the presenter (and Focus on the Family ministries) define as truth through their very dark, myopic lenses. Like Humpty Dumpty in Through the Looking Glass, when the presenter, Dr. Del Tackett uses the word truth, he means what he chooses it to mean.
“When I use a word,”
Humpty Dumpty said
in a rather scornful tone,
“it means what I choose it to mean—
neither more nor less.”
Doctor Tackett earned his Doctor of Management degree from
And Jesus prayed, “that thy may all be one.”
I struggle with that scripture.
When other members of Jesus’ flock draw a circle that shuts me out, and not only me but my whole church family, my tradition, the churches of my ancestors and the colleges they founded so that pastors could be trained up through academic rigor—then how can love and I draw a circle that takes in even the one who shuts us out.
Lord Jesus, you’ve got to help me with this one.Monday, April 28, 2008
For Sunday, May 4
New Testament: Acts 1:6-14 The ascension of Jesus.
Psalm: Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 God as the “rider in the sky,” protector of widows & orphans.
Epistle: 1 Peter 4:12-14, 5:6-11 A little more suffering, then God will restore you.
New Testament: John 17:1-11 Jesus’ farewell speech: that they may be one.
“That they may all be one” from this week’s gospel lesson, is on the logo of our United Church of Christ. It was an optimistic choice: this was to be the first of many unions of previously divided protestant churches. Subsequent decades witnessed the union of Methodist (United Methodist), Presbyterian (PC(USA)), and Lutheran (ELCA) denominations, and cooperative Christian advocacy through the World Council of Churches and the National Council of Churches. Our efforts to make peace with our brothers and sisters in Christ are a response to this prayer.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Focusing the Epistle Lesson
“Fearless love” is the sermon title that is going into the printed worship bulletin, as well as an adjustment in the selection of verses for the Epistle lesson. Sometimes, it is a wonder why the Consultation on Common Texts selects certain verses and omits others. After looking at the lesson in context, I will be reading 1 Peter 3: 8-18a. It’s about love, about remaining in the spirit of love, about persevering in love especially when we are tempted to stray from that spirit of love.
And it’s about blessing. Conventional wisdom is that prosperity is a sign of blessing, and suffering a sign of cursedness. Remember Job’s comforters? Job was a righteous man, and yet all his friends could think to say to Job in his suffering is, “Job, you must have really messed up. You better get right with God.”
For the first three and a half centuries, Christianity was an underground religion, despised by the “good people” of the
The apostle’s response: Even if you suffer, you are blessed.
That response is contrary to conventional wisdom. Suffering is not evidence of God’s anger. The absence of suffering is not evidence of God's pleasure.
Do not fear their fear, the apostle wrote. I just previewed the film For the Bible Tells Me So, which (like The Laramie Project) reminded me of what terrible things frightened people can do.
“When people are afraid, they have to find scapegoats, and then they want to get rid of those people who are the bad guys,” said Mel White, in the film.
Rabbi Brian Zachary Mayer added, “The cheapest way of getting a feeling that we’re a group, a family, a... a... something is to make an other.” It has happened throughout history, with whites in the south during the Civil rights movement, in
It’s easy to respond to hate with hate, to respond to fear with fear. It takes faith and love and discipline to respond to hate with love. The film ends with a triumphant example of non-violent resistance. You have got to see this.
Fear not, I am with you, oh, be not dismayed,
For I am your God, and will still give you aid,
I’ll strengthen you, help you, and cause you to stand
Upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
For Sunday, April 27
Scriptures:
Acts 17:22-31 -- Paul in Athens: "I see how very religious you are...."
Psalm 66:8-20 -- God has kept us among the living.
1 Peter 3:13-22 -- Do the right thing, even if you suffer for it, keep your conscience clear.
John 14:15-21 -- Jesus: "If you love me, you will keep my commandments." A continuation of his farewell sermon.
Sunday Bulletin Service theme: "Spirited Love"
Working Title: "Imagine Love"
Several weeks ago I planned out a whole series of sermons with titles that began with the word "imagine." I had the John Lennon song stuck in my head, I couldn't help myself. Now the Walrus sings again, as I read the gospel lesson of the day. Check it out: "you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you." I am you and you are me and we are he and we are all together.
A first title does not necessarily make it to the printed bulletin. Glancing at the chapter and verse numbers (and the bulletin theme), I was sure that the gospel lesson for this week would include: "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you." But that doesn't come until the 15th chapter.
No, now I'm more inclined to focus in on Paul in Athens, who toured the city and couldn't help but notice so many public displays of religious devotion. They even had a monument to "an unknown God," presumably, to protect themselves in case they left anygod out.
I'm reminded of the time one of our foreign exchange students asked us, "Why all the flags?" I couldn't think how to answer. So I asked her about her own country. Flags are displayed from government buildings, and on certain holidays, but not in front of stores and restaurants and car dealerships and gas stations and up and down streets all year long.
I'm also reminded of an old saw I once heard: "The guiltiest bride has the whitest veil"
Jesus was not impressed with public displays of religious devotion. Beware of practicing your piety before others to impress them. Better to pray in the closet.
And as I read the epistle from Peter, I am reminded of the training in non-violent resistance which the Rev. Dr King preached and the civil rights demonstrators practiced, suffering beatings and prison and being ready to die rather than fight violence with violence.
There is a lot of rich scriptural food on the menu for Sunday.
Acts 17:22-31 -- Paul in Athens: "I see how very religious you are...."
Psalm 66:8-20 -- God has kept us among the living.
1 Peter 3:13-22 -- Do the right thing, even if you suffer for it, keep your conscience clear.
John 14:15-21 -- Jesus: "If you love me, you will keep my commandments." A continuation of his farewell sermon.
Sunday Bulletin Service theme: "Spirited Love"
Working Title: "Imagine Love"
Several weeks ago I planned out a whole series of sermons with titles that began with the word "imagine." I had the John Lennon song stuck in my head, I couldn't help myself. Now the Walrus sings again, as I read the gospel lesson of the day. Check it out: "you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you." I am you and you are me and we are he and we are all together.
A first title does not necessarily make it to the printed bulletin. Glancing at the chapter and verse numbers (and the bulletin theme), I was sure that the gospel lesson for this week would include: "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you." But that doesn't come until the 15th chapter.
No, now I'm more inclined to focus in on Paul in Athens, who toured the city and couldn't help but notice so many public displays of religious devotion. They even had a monument to "an unknown God," presumably, to protect themselves in case they left anygod out.
I'm reminded of the time one of our foreign exchange students asked us, "Why all the flags?" I couldn't think how to answer. So I asked her about her own country. Flags are displayed from government buildings, and on certain holidays, but not in front of stores and restaurants and car dealerships and gas stations and up and down streets all year long.
I'm also reminded of an old saw I once heard: "The guiltiest bride has the whitest veil"
Jesus was not impressed with public displays of religious devotion. Beware of practicing your piety before others to impress them. Better to pray in the closet.
And as I read the epistle from Peter, I am reminded of the training in non-violent resistance which the Rev. Dr King preached and the civil rights demonstrators practiced, suffering beatings and prison and being ready to die rather than fight violence with violence.
There is a lot of rich scriptural food on the menu for Sunday.
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