Pastoral Reflections – Our Faith-filled witness

(From September, 2019 Trinitarian)

I hardly ever watch the news or read my newspaper anymore. It’s not that I’m not interested in what is going on in the world or even just that there are days when it’s just too overwhelming. Most of the time what appears on the evening news programs or in the newspapers I have already read or seen through various social media channels.

An increasing challenge nowadays is looking critically at the news that finds its way onto our newsfeeds. It seems that no matter your “leanings”, the news that we read or watch approaches their reports with their own slants. It’s difficult to really discern what reality amidst all this information is. I struggle with this – not just with discovering the truth of a story, but with the wide range of viewpoints.

And even more so with the amount of division that arises from these varying perspectives. It’s not just that they are different, but rather often seen as the only truth of a situation and that the opposing viewpoint is just wrong.

I mourn the loss of the ability to really listen and hear one another. I confess the ways in which I too find myself judging those who may see things differently. I wonder at how we have gotten to this time and place.

But even more so, as a person of faith – I pray for discernment – not only for truth but also for ways in which we are called to live and respond to this current reality in our country. Beyond my own personal viewpoints, how might I – how might we – be a Christian witness amidst it all. More than just forming a statement, but in our relationships with one another.

Jesus said “For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.” (Matthew 18:20). While this verse is often used in general gatherings of Christians, particularly worship, it is always important to look at the context. This verse comes right after Jesus presents his version of a “conflict resolution policy” (Matt. 18:15-19) and before Jesus teaching on forgiveness with the parable of the unforgiving servant (Matt. 18:21-35).

Jesus is among us, not just when we gather for church events, but in all of our moments – even in our conflicts and divisions. Christ is not a silent bystander but at the center of our gatherings to point us to the way of love and mercy. Christ calls us into conversations to not just speak but to really listen to one another.

We are called to speak and listen with mouths full of grace and ears opened with compassion. We are invited to hear not in order to respond but to listen with the intent to understand. Sisters and brothers in Christ – we are God’s beloved called to witness to the power of Christ’s presence in all of our moments, particularly in the most difficult of moments.

We are invited to think on our own perspectives, searching for the roots of our responses – thinking about what from our own backgrounds and experiences reflect our responses. We are then invited to do the same with those with whom we are in conflict or disagreement. Often things aren’t as simple as we perceive them.

And then we are to pray – without ceasing – for the discernment of God’s Word amidst this moment. Not just what would Jesus do or say, but how might we experience and express Christ’s love and mercy amidst this situation. How might the presence of Jesus be reflected here?

We live in a difficult time, one fraught with division. I wish there was a simple solution. I pray that all the vitriol would be silenced. Yet, as people of God – we still work/play/learn/live in this world. We are called as Christians to be those witnesses to Christ’s presence in all of our moments.

Peace in Christ, Pastor Jen

Care of Creation challenge

In honor of Earth Day (April 22^nd) and in conjunction with our new Stewards of God’s creation task force – we are inviting you into a CARE OF GOD’S CREATION CHALLENGE. You are asked to keep track of the number of things that you do to help care for the earth, accumulating points over a month (4/21-5/18).  The points are for each activity undertaken.  If you are unsure, just give yourself the point(s) – we always err on the side of grace. Periodically, we may share additional ideas and/or you can add your own ideas to the blank spaces.

Turn in your Tally Sheet on Sunday, May 19^th (or turn into the church office that week).  Whoever gets the most points will win a special gift basket!  This will be announced on June 2^nd.

If you have any questions, contact any of the Stewards of God’s Creation group: Joan Bradley, Lynn Byrnes, Phil DeRoberts, Patti Kapp, Georgina Marek or Pastor Jen.

Activity	Week of 4/21-27		Week  of 4/28-5/4	Week of 5/5-5/11	Week of 5/12-5/18	Totals
+5 pts Use reusable bag
+5 pts  Use of reusable straw or forgo use of straw
1 pt. for each item recycled
2 pts. For each time put recycle bin out for pick up
1 pt for each time use a reusable water bottle
1 pt for each item put in clothing shed
5 pts for each Bible story read about creation (see below for suggestions)
10 pts Go on a nature walk (additional +25 pts for picking up trash along your way)
5 pts. For each time that you carpool, use mass transit or walk instead of drive
Post an article, meme, etc. regarding care of creation (1 pt each)
1 pt use a reusable container rather than plastic
10 pts for participating in Clean up day at church
2pts each using cloth napkins instead of paper
25 pts: Create something out of plarn (plastic bags cut into strips) or other disposable items
GRAND TOTAL for each week and month

Suggested Bible Verses: Genesis 1-2; Isaiah 24:4-5; Psalm 104:25-30; Colossians 1:16-17; Jeremiah 2:7; Revelation 22:1-2; John 12:13

        If you find other ones that you’d like to use, just write them in the space for when you read them

NAME_______________________________         Contact info:_________________________________________        

Symbols of faith

As we enter into the events of this Good Friday, there are many significant symbols that draw our attention.  They enlist all of our senses as we watch Jesus move from table to garden, from trial to crucifixion.

At worship on this Good Friday, we will have many of these symbols from which to pick for you to carry with you in the days leading up to Easter.  Here are the reflections for each of them if you would like to begin this in the morning.

Symbols of Faith: 

As you mark this time from Good Friday through Holy Saturday, keep this symbol nearby, holding it in your hand, reflecting on its role in this week.  May it serve as a reminder of Christ’s journey to the cross, a journey that bore the love of God in all its fullness.

Prayer prompts: As you reflect on this symbol, offer prayers that arise in your heart from the images, thoughts and concerns that come to mind.  Sometimes our prayers do not take a set form, but are a myriad of images and thoughts.  Let them just rest within your heart, offering them up to God as the One who loves us fully.

Donkey

It was this beast of burden that bore Mary to Bethlehem and that brought the King of peace into Jerusalem.  The shadow of the cross falls across its back, a reminder that the victory of love was realized in death and fulfilled in the resurrection

Jesus says to us: “come to me, all who are carrying heavy burdens and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:29)

Bread

A simple food item – basic to our existence.  A symbol of the Passover where the Hebrews people did not wait for the bread to rise in order to be prepared for their escape.  A simple meal of bread and wine that became a taste of God’s grace that is offered to all.

Jesus answered, ‘It is written, “One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”  (Matthew 4:4)

I am the bread of life Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. (John 6:35)

Praying Hands

Prayer is the way that we not just talk with God, but how we are invited to listen to God as well.  Throughout the Gospels, we can read about numerous times that Jesus left the crowds and his disciples behind to go off by himself to pray.  Before his arrest, Jesus went to the Garden of Gethsemane to offer up a prayer, seeking God’s will in what lay ahead of him.  When we pray, are we seeking God’s will or our own?

Jesus threw himself on the ground and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not what I want but what you want.’ (Matthew 26:39) 

Thorns

Thorns grow as protection for the plant they inhabit.  They guard against predators and those who might harm the plant.  Yet, the thorns that encircled Jesus’ brow were meant to harm and not protect him.  They were to mock him as a king that was being hung on a cross, but their mockery found fulfillment in this king who would protect and save us from death itself.

Surely he has borne our infirmities and carried our diseases; yet we accounted him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the punishment that made us whole, and by his bruises we are healed. (Isaiah 53:4-5)

Nails

Nails are most often used to build and create.  Yet, the nails that were used that day were intended to destroy and tear down.  Those who cried out “crucify him” sought an ending to this man’s life, but Jesus revealed that these nails might bring his death, but that would still build up the kingdom of God.  For through Christ’s death would come life.

But he said to them, ‘Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.’ (John 20:25)

Cross

This was one of the worst deaths and punishments that the Romans could inflict on their enemies.  It was a slow, painful death where it became harder and harder to breathe.  Yet, this mode of execution is no longer a symbol of death, but of God’s everlasting love.  We see not humiliation but hope; not failure but forgiveness.

 For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. (I Corinthians 1:18)

Dice

Games of chance divided Jesus’ clothing amongst those who nailed his body to the cross.  Winners and losers determined by the throw of the dice.  It was not by chance that Jesus was crucified.   He told his disciples numerous times what lay ahead of him in Jerusalem.  God had a plan to reveal the fullness of his love for all of humanity.

“For God so loved the world that he sent his only Son so that all who believe him may not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) 

Cloth

Jesus was swaddled as an infant, protected against the elements into which he was born.  The cloth that wrapped around him at death had the fragrances of anointing oil that marked him as our Savior.  Yet, these would be left behind on the third day.  They would be the only sign left that Jesus had been there and that he has indeed risen!

  

The dead man (Lazarus) came out of the tomb, his hands and feet bound with strips of cloth, and his face wrapped in a cloth.  Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.” (John 11:44)

Stone

As the writer of Ecclesiastes (3:5) says – stones can be gathered or thrown.  We can build with stones.  They can be used to build walls that divide or homes that protect.  A stone was rolled in front of the tomb as a final sign of death.  Yet, this stone would be rolled back; death could not be contained by a simple stone.

  

Jesus said to them, ‘Have you never read in the scriptures: The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone;^* this was the Lord’s doing, and it is amazing in our eyes”? (Matthew 21:42)

Lent - Week Six/Holy Week (Restore)

Week six – restore

We enter into Holy Week.  From the shouts of “hallelujah” as Jesus entered into Jerusalem to cries to “crucify him,  it is a time of highs and lows.  Yet, as Christians, we know how the next week will begin – with an empty tomb!  With Jesus risen from the dead!

In many ways, we are “Easter people”.  Our faith is shaped by the resurrection.  Through Christ, we find that those things that were broken or dead are transformed by Christ’s love and grace.

There is an art form in Japan called “kintsugi” (www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kintsugi )   When a bowl is broken, and rather than gluing it back together, the cracks are filled with gold, highlighting them.  Beauty shines forth from that which was once broken.  It is more than restored, it is transformed.

Through our own times of brokenness, we too can be transformed.  Just as something that was once broken will never be the same – neither are we.  While we cannot undo the damage that we have endured, we can find ways to bring forth the beauty of God’s love and grace that shines through us.

Think of the families who have donated the organs of their loved one after death; in the midst of their grief, they offer the gift of life to another.  Think of those who are recovering alcoholics or drug addicts who use their experiences to help others with their own struggles.  What are other examples that you can think of?

While our Lenten journey draws to a close for another year, our faith journey continues.  We continue to seek the wholeness, the shalom that God offers us in the midst of our broken lives and world.  We look to the One who refreshes and renews us daily with the love and grace of Christ.  

Pieces for reflection: each week, different passages, poems, songs, etc. will be suggested to use for your own reflections on the week’s theme.  Use whichever ones are most helpful for you.  As you do so, use the following questions to guide you in your reflections:

1)   What about this speaks to my own life?

2)   What might God be saying to me through this?

3)   How will I approach my life in a new way?

Suggested resources:

1)   Read Joel 3:17-21

2)   Read Matthew 21:1-17

3)   “For Joy”,

blessing written by

Jan Richardson

You can prepare

But still

It will come to you

By surprise

Crossing through your doorway

Calling your name in greeting.

Turning like a child

Who quickens suddenly

Within you

It will astonish you

How wide your heart

Will open

In welcome

For the joy

that finds you

so ready

and still so

unprepared.Weekly reflections written and developed by Pastor Jennifer E.  Boyd

Additional Resources used:

The Millennial Narrative by Jaco Hamman (weekly themes gleaned from this book)

“Circle of Grace: a book of blessings for the seasons” by Jan Richardson

 “We will Remember” CD, songs and music by Christopher Williams

All Biblical citations are from the New Revised Standard version (unless otherwise noted)

Lent - Week Five (Accountable)

Week five – Accountable

What have you taken for granted today?  We don’t even pay much attention to all the many things that make up our lives.  Until we are unable to catch our breath, we don’t sit and count how many breaths we take or how many beats our hearts make. 

A number of years ago, I broke my pinkie finger.  It is not a finger that you think has much importance in the overall ability of your hand – that is until you cannot use it.  The strength of your grip is because of the muscle that is on the side of your hand by your pinkie (go ahead and try to grasp something with it and without its use).

I wonder sometimes if I take my faith and relationship with God for granted. Growing up in the church, as a pastor’s kid and now as a pastor, church and faith has always been a part of my everyday life.  I know the Bible, church history and even bits of Hebrew and Greek – but just as Paul writes to the Corinthians, I can “understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.” (I Corin. 13:2).  We need the foundation of our faith that is found in the love of God revealed in Christ Jesus.

The prophet Joel talks about the “day of the Lord” – more than the judgment of being right or wrong, it is a day of accountability and even reckoning.  If we are still turned away from God and have not repented/turned around – will we or do we even see God?

Frederick Buechner writes this about judgement, “The New Testament proclaims that at some unforeseeable time in the future, God will ring down the final curtain on history and there will come a Day on which all our days and all the judgments upon us and all the judgments upon each other will themselves be judged.  The judge will be Christ.  In other words, the one who judges us most finally will be the one who loves us most fully.”

Have you ever had the experience of walking with another person and you think that they are right behind you until you turn and look and they’re either not there or far behind.  In a sense, we take them for granted.

It is not that God will go missing or falls behind, but rather that we get so caught up in our own daily lives that we forget to see God in our midst, to remember God’s presence in our lives.    We take God and faith for granted – until we need God.  But, really, is there ever a time when we don’t need God?!

I’m not always very good at keeping myself accountable.  I need reminders or nudges to get my attention at times.  A community of faith helps each other as we seek to live into our faith.  We need each other’s support and encouragement.  We come to know God’s love and grace through these relationships.  We can help each other be accountable and deliberate in our faith journey and trust in God.

What are ways that you use to keep yourself accountable?  How might you use them in your relationship with God?

Pieces for reflection: each week, different passages, poems, songs, etc. will be suggested to use for your own reflections on the week’s theme.  Use whichever ones are most helpful for you.  As you do so, use the following questions to guide you in your reflections:

1)   What about this speaks to my own life?

2)   What might God be saying to me through this?

3)   How will I approach my life in a new way?

Suggested resources:

1)   Read Joel 2:28-3:16

2)   Read Matthew 25:31-46

3)   Song: “Deeper Well” by Christopher Williams (link: https://open.spotify.com/track/2FXFzM6X3AQmPykY8vi3Rn)

Lyrics:

What do I do when I do what I want to?

What do I want when I want what I want?

Help me see that the way that I’m living

Don’t just hurt me, I’m hurting you too

Where do I turn when my heart gets lonely?

And am I afraid no one’s coming for me?

Ain’t got no friends cause I sold them for silver

I keep blaming everybody but me, everybody but me

Refrain: Rain your mercy; I am thirsty

            Rain your mercy; I need to drink from a deeper well

In those days when you’re fixing that’s broken

And when you gather your people to you

Oh will I stand with my sisters and brothers

Or go it alone, the way that I do, the way that I do (refrain)

Flowing from the highest mountain to the valley floor below

May your judgement and your mercy lead me where I need to go

Like this valley flow into me let every dry place in me grow

May my life Lord be a blessing, fill me up, to overflow (refrain)

Written by Christopher Williams & Justin McRoberts © 2018 Big ReD VaN music

Weekly reflections written and developed by Pastor Jennifer E.  Boyd

Additional Resources used:

“Beyond Words: daily readings in the ABCs of faith” by Frederick Buechner

The Millennial Narrative by Jaco Hamman (weekly themes gleaned from this book)

 “We will Remember” CD, songs and music by Christopher Williams

All Biblical citations are from the New Revised Standard version (unless otherwise noted)