Read Today's Gospel Lesson

From Pastor Randy's Sermon:  

 

Small beginnings, but huge results, this is often the work of God.  We must not forget that even in a society were things happen on such a massive level, that these things too, had small roots.  There was once only one Walmart, one McDonalds, and one computer.  ...

God takes the small things in life and uses them to affect the whole world.  We must never forget that in our own ministry of discipleship as well.  We can never let size be a deterrent to us.  It does not matter the size of the Sunday School class you teach, for you do not know what the ripple effect will be on just touching one student.  All our Christian actions, no matter how insignificant they may seem, go beyond our own seeing.  We probably will never see the complete and entire results and influence we can have on one another, but we must remember to keep on doing the little right things.  

From Pamela:  I wonder what small, seemingly insignificant words or gestures (or glances) may be the beginning of some massive shift?  We need to be on the alert for the joy, hope, peace, justice and love that will be on the move in the next days.  

     It may happen in the world.    It may happen in the nation, your county or your city.  It may happen in the church.  

     It may happen in your family.  

    It may happen anywhere.  But the hugest impact may be when it happens in your 

                   heart and mind!  

   

 

The Voice in the Wilderness

As the pastor prepares to preach, this is on his mind:  This week we listen to John the Baptist, who proclaimed the good news of Jesus' approach.  He was a prophet.  Do we still hear prophetic voices in the 21st Century?  Where, when and how do we hear them?

Luke 3:7-18
3:7 John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?

3:8 Bear fruits worthy of repentance. Do not begin to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our ancestor'; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham.

3:9 Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire."

3:10 And the crowds asked him, "What then should we do?"

3:11 In reply he said to them, "Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise."

3:12 Even tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, "Teacher, what should we do?"

3:13 He said to them, "Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you."

3:14 Soldiers also asked him, "And we, what should we do?" He said to them, "Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be satisfied with your wages."

3:15 As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah,

3:16 John answered all of them by saying, "I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

3:17 His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire."

3:18 So, with many other exhortations, he proclaimed the good news to the people.

Wait! Prepare!

When we hear the passage: "Prepare the Way of the Lord," what is our response?  Often times we can slip into a mode of waiting for the arrival of Christ instead of preparing for Christ.  If we only wait for Christ then we can become idle, leaving everything to everyone else, thinking God will take care of it in the end.  But if we are heeding the words of Scripture then we are preparing, we are actively participating in attempting to do God's will on earth now today in 2012.  Even though we know that the promise and reign of God, will take care of everything in the end, when we prepare, we become partners in the Gospel, partners in Praising God and Serving Others, partners in our call to show what the Reign of God is to be about.  Pastor Randy

Reflection:  The task of  preparation used to wear me down.  The process of preparation often takes longer than the event (especially when you are preparing a meal which takes hours to assemble and minutes to consume).  Somehow things changed when I began to see "preparation" as part of the joy of cooking.  It helps to assemble the ingredients in some sort of order.  It also helps to have a clear and clean work space. Sharp knives, the right kitchen gadgets and plenty of bowls and cutting boards all make it easier.  And it really helps to have a companion who helps keep my place in the recipe, and taste the food as it is cooking (offering helpful suggestions).  

 I wonder how this can apply to "preparing" for Christ?  What do you think?   

Behind the Scenes

Can you make a list of those movies that are on rerun on TV very often, but no matter how many times you have seen the movie before, or where it is in the movie, you will just quickly settle in and watch it?   For me the list includes: The Field of Dreams, Remember the Titans, the Shawshank Redemption, just to name a few. This also has been true about movies while they are still in the theater.  What made the movie The Titanic one of the greatest box office smashes was that many people not only went to see it a first time, but there are many more who went to see it umpteen times while it was still in the theater.  It is a story that before we watch, we know the ending.  Often what are fascinating are the stories behind the story.  

From Pastor Randy's Dec. 3 sermon

Reflection:  When you tell or read a story repeatedly to little children, it may seem that they lose interest.  That is, until you try to skip a page or fast forward through some details.  Then the little ones will interrupt and say "But you forgot...."  or "What about ..."  Good stories are precious because of the emotional connections they stimulate.  They are also precious because they remind us that what was compelling and true generations ago is still compelling and true today.  

Many people refer to the story of Christ as the "Greatest Story Ever Told".  It tells about more than the birth of a baby.  What are some of the details that speak tenderly to your heart?  If somebody is telling you the story what detail must NOT be omitted?  

What is the beginning of the story?   How does it end?  (or does it end?)   

The story has thousands of characters and a panorama of places and situations.  What is YOUR PLACE in the story? 

 

on the pastor's mind

What does the "Advent of our God" mean?  What do we think about when we think of God's return?  (not the approach of an infant, but the approach of God's ultimate reign)
   When you read this week's lessons what is your initial impression -- are they foreboding or encouraging? 

When we seek to live with Christ as the Alpha and the Omega we approach the world under the umbrella of the Gospel, and in doing so our view of life and situations are changed.

          A psychologist at Northwestern University led a study that analyzed how people told their life stories.  He found that the life stories tended to follow one of two patterns: a redemption sequence or a contamination sequence.  In the redemption sequence, the person telling the story is able to find good things that came out of bad circumstances.  For instance, "My girlfriend broke up with me, and I thought it was the end of the world.  But then I met Sally, and she and I have been happily married for twenty years."  Contamination sequences, on the other hand, are stories where no good comes out of them.  "My girlfriend broke up with me, and it was the end of the world."  The study found that those people who had the most redemption sequences in their stories had the more positive impact with their lives.  They had a desire to reach out and help others.  They wanted to invest in creating a better future for the next generation.  But the people who listed the most contamination sequences in their life story were far less successful in creating a positive impact.  They were less likely to concentrate on creating a meaningful legacy for their lives.  

          In other words, needless anxiety about life produces a sort of self-fulfilling prophecy. The more we worry, the less likely we are to see God’s hand at work and to experience God’s blessings.  We begin to see the world as only picking on us.

          From Pastor Randy's Sermon on Nov. 25
 
          How do you see Christ the King shaping your life? 

Alpha, Omega -- Beginning and Ending

During this week we stand between the Last Sunday of the Church Year and the First Sunday of Advent.  Do you feel like you are at the ending or the beginning?  How do you tell the difference?  Is it even important to do so?

These questions may seem to be nothing other than mental, emotional and spiritual gymnastics, but they are questions that often come to mind when we think about time in a linear fashion.  We say things like:  "Aren't you looking forward to ---?"  or "I can't wait til it is time for ---!"  or "I am so glad that is over!"  or "Those were the good old days!"

Yet time in the Kingdom of God is not linear.  In God, the Alpha and Omega, everything that is real always was, always will be and will be to come.

So take a look at your past year.  Now look at today.   Are you at the beginning or ending of something?

And if that thought process seems tedious.... here's something more fun!  Take 10 minutes to learn about the mobius strip!

Now envision your current day someway on a timeline traced on the strip--are you at the beginning or the ending?

On the pastor's mind for proclamation this week

The Hebrews text talks about the traditions of the Jews and their approach to God and worship.  The Gospel tells of Jesus and his words about the temple coming down.  How do we approach God?  How do we approach worship?

Hebrews 10:22 Let us approach with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

Free Fall or Floating

Yesterday we considered the ways we try to assure our own safety rather than trusting God completely for our security.  Pastor Randy told about a swimmer who always kept one foot on the bottom of the pool.  From the surface it looked like the person was freely swimming.  In truth the swimmer was always reaching for the bottom. In this way, the swimmer wasn't totally involved in "swimming".  In fact, the momentum was restricted, because the limb reaching for the bottom wasn't available to kick and move freely through the water.  

God invites us to float (or fall) freely through time and space, especially when we are in the "pool" of loving God and serving others.  

In what ways to you try to assure your own stability or security?  What might happen if you stopped doing that?  Would you free fall or float?  

Who are all these people?

There is a scene in "On Golden Pond" where Norman is looking at the many pictures (of his family and friends) on the walls of the cabin.  His memory has lapsed, and he does not know the identities of the people.  He stares at the images and then with exasperation "Who the ... ARE all these people?"  Since his mind can't recall names, he sees no meaning in the pictures. 

Well, that may be true -- no name, no meaning. 

But there is something beyond a name we can appreciate when we look at pictures of people and remember that each person is both saint and sinner.  Pastor Randy reflected upon this in his sermon this past weekend.  We were considering the meaning of looking at pictures of people who are real for us because we have known them and have experienced their journey of life and faith in some way.   

For we don’t just see them as an image, instead we know our photograph is populated by real people.  Their faces bear witness to their histories and their hopes. They are not necessarily pretty by the false standards of glossy advertising, but in their own way they are beautiful, authentic, and alive.  But also with these people in our pictures... we also know their brokenness.  Almost everyone can pull one of those family portraits out and regal us with stories of pain, distress, frustration, and often even humor.  We can examine these pictures and we can start thinking about their story, in the end we know we all are a cast of characters.  But on this day we recall that though we are fallen people, because of the resurrection of Christ, we have been made saints through faith.    

Pastor Randy 

Pick any picture of a gathering of your friends and family.  Or take one page of the CRLC Church pictorial directory.  Do you see the saints and the sinners?   

All Saints Weekend

How can we maximize the gift of worship today?  I know it is tempting to stop our engagement with the liturgy, the hymns and the readings when we exit the sanctuary.  However, what might change if our time in the hallway, the gathering space was seen as a continuation of a celebration of "All Saints"? Can you sense the atmosphere vibrating with words of wisdom regarding how we are to "be" the community of faith?

Then, go beyond that to the parking place, the roadways, your neighborhood, your home.   

There is something awesome about envisioning, with gratitude, praise and thanksgiving, "All the Saints" who are companioning us along the path of our every day life.  That vision expands our hearts and activates an understanding that there is more going on than what readily meets the eye.  The Saints who rest from the labor of life are cheering us on in our life, which for now, may be burdensome.  

As Pastor Randy said, we are seduced by what the world would present as the desired path.  We are surrounded by invitations to invest in this or that newest, more perfect program or item or person.  

Saints know that perfection is accomplished only in God--the Alpha and the Omega.  

If we listen with the ears of faith to the voices proclaiming eternal life we get a glimpse of what really matters.  

Pick one of the saints you have known...any saint.  What would that person have to tell you about what is on your mind right now.  How would that person help you see more clearly what REALLY matters?  

Good news?

In last week's gospel lesson we receive profound good news:   God's mercy and love are so unconditional that there is absolutely nothing we can do to increase or secure God's assurance of eternal life.   Jesus accomplished it all for us.  

But we also received challenging news -- especially when we remember that most of us are wealthy.  Not many of us go to sleep hungry or wonder where we can sleep safely.  Here's the challenge, as Pastor Randy said -- Personal wealth is NOT a sign of God's favor.  

If we look to God to affirm our life, Jesus will expose all the nooks and crannies of our assumptions.  It gets back to the reasons why you worship God or confess or pray.  It can't spring a hope to complete some list of spiritual tasks that will mark us as "faithful".  We also will be exposed in any assumption that we are entitled to our wealth and to its ultimate security.  

Ask yourself the question:  What is your preference:   fat bank account and a thin relationship with Christ and other

or 

simple, humble means and lavish, abundant love for and from Christ -- for and from others.  

Most of us can speak quickly about our preference -- and yet I can think of few who would be cheerful if told "go:  sell everything you have and give it to the poor, and follow Christ".  

Something to think about.  Something to pray about.  Something to be truthful about.  Something to remember -- 

Christ meets us in the poverty and hunger of our lives, lavishing us with the abundance of God's love and mercy. 

The man approaches Jesus on the basis of two false religious assumptions that were common in those days. First, you could keep the commandments to earn yourself eternal life. And second, personal wealth is a sign of God's favor. The reality, as Jesus saw very clearly, was that the man was not looking for suggestions on how he might change his life, but rather was looking for the assurance that he is okay, just the way he is. He is simply asking Jesus to affirm his life. He is totally unprepared for Jesus to challenge his basic assumptions. Yet that is precisely what Jesus does.

When Human Bonds are Broken

The frustration, anger, struggle and questioning is not limited to a marriage, and divorce does not have the corner of the market when it comes to a fracture of relationship.  It is more about brokenness.  We are all broken.  We are a broken people.  The challenge becomes what do we do with the realities of these situations, how do we respond?  Are we going to react with Law of Moses or with Gospel Jesus Christ?  What do we think God wants our response to be? ....

Most of us have seen fine crystal.  For many it is beautiful to look at.  However, if you drop it, it shatters into a thousand pieces, making it impossible to put back together again.  Sometimes we know that human beings are like leaded crystal.  We are lovely until we make a mistake.  Then life seems to shatter us into a thousand pieces and it seems we can never be put back together just right.  And for some relationships it will be like trying to put the glass back together again in order to restore the connection, it just doesn’t seem realistic.  However, that does not mean we have to keep throwing shards of glass at one another.  Instead we work to at least see each other as children of God, and live in that community.

(From Pastor Randy's Sermon) 

Reflection:  Think of a relationship with a family member, friend, coworker or church member with whom you have experienced brokenness.  Recall as many details as you can about the cause of the rift. 

Oddly enough, rifts can be perpetuated long beyond the time when the break first appeared.  It is not unusual for people to tolerate the pain of a broken relationship rather than do what it takes to reconcile.  The longer the rift exists the harder the heart becomes.  As time passes, many relationships that were once quite intimate lapse into a phase that is distant or detached, if not completely estranged.  

Salty

I am not much into sweets.  I can do without pastries and yes even chocolate -- never have them.  Never miss them. 

Oh my... but then there is salt!  I don't oversalt.... (at least not habitually).  I taste food before I salt it.  But in almost all cases, a few grains of wonderful sea salt will "pop" the taste of fresh vegetables or an omelet in ways that your every day table salt can't accomplish. 

We are told that we should welcome whatever serves to "salt" us.  We are to pay attention to phases of life or attitude that threaten to deplete our "saltiness".  Without it we are bland and without the spunk that makes life lively!  If we lose our "salt" we also lose our capacity to add flavor to the lives of others.  Just as salt enhances qualities in food (as well as preserving food against spoilage) we can be the salt added to relationships that are mediocre or deteriorating. 

Not too much... we aren't to overpower the distinct characteristics of others in our midst.  We are to offer the "pop" they might not otherwise experience. 



Blessing of Salt and Fire
And so, in this season,
may we give ourselves
to the fire
that shows us
what is elemental
and sacramental,
that reveals what remains
after all that does not have
substance or savor
falls away.
May we turn
our eyes
our ears
our hands
to the beauty
for which we were formed
and bear with grace
the patterns
that blossom upon us
who live salted
and singed.

by Jan Richardson

All images and text © Jan Richardson.

Echoes that invigorate faith/discipleship

One of the reasons Sunday Worship has such value is that words are spoken, chords are struck, and lyrics are sung that can echo throughout the week.

If you can comprehend the rationale behind advertisers' use of "jingles" you can see how discipleship is stimulated each Sunday.  A jingle is a simple to remember set of words (often set to a catchy rhythm) that are attached to a product or service.  Years ago, a jingle had much the same function as a "pop up" on today's computer screen -- a few words or tones could make the entire jingle come to mind. 

Some of you over fifty might be able to complete the following:

"You can trust your car to the man who wears the star:  the big bright _______ star!"

"_________, a little dab'll do ya!"

"You'll wonder where the yellow went when you brush your teeth with _________"

or, what does "Plop, plop fizz fizz oh what a relief it is" refer to?

For me, this week, the last stanza from the Sending Song has echoed in myriad ways.  It has come to me during a couple of meetings.  It has lilted through my early morning prayers.

"I fear in the dark and the doubt of my journey, but courage will come with the sound of your steps by my side.  And with all of the family you saved by your love, we'll sing to your dawn at the end of our journey."

What prayers or phrases or encounters have echoed for you this week? 

External and internal motivations

As someone has said, "Intelligence without ambition is a bird without wings." Striving to be number one can be healthy as long as we are able to keep it into perspective.  Winning isn't everything.  Being the best isn't everything, neither is it the only thing.  The disciples apparently quickly realized that they were misdirected in their notions.  But notice that Jesus didn't scold the disciples for wanting to be great. What he tried to do was help them put it into perspective.  He tells them to redirect it.  He points to discipleship.  He points to the Christian life of servanthood and the role it plays in our own priorities.  (From Pastor Randy's Sermon) 

From Pamela:  Years ago I knew a young person who, to my exasperation, would not respond to either reward or punishment.  It was during those years when discipline seemed my responsibility -- if he "succeeded" I wanted to affirm him, and if he was irresponsible I felt that some sort of consequence needed to be applied.  One day (again, to my consternation) he said calmly:  "Nothing you can give or take away will make any difference.  I am internally motivated."  

Wow!  I learned quickly that internal motivation is powerful. Whatever (or whomever) you have at the core of your heart exerts huge influence over your choices.  Think about the way young love often eclipses all other relationships.  Or how prejudice excludes any possibility of connection with a stranger.  

Jesus taught that the love of others unleashes our capacity to do the "best" or be the "best" in whatever role we have.  Of course it is our responsibility to care for whatever skill or position we have -- but not primarily for what it will "get" us.  As Pastor Randy said, we don't accumulate Brownie points by doing things Jesus teaches.  And we are not punished when we don't comply.  Rather, through Christ, the love of God is imprinted upon our heart -- and we become empowered from within to serve others in ways we had never imagined.   

Love for God and for others is the root of Christian Discipleship.  As we listen to Christ, words of direction are spoken that activate our gifts and abilities in miraculous ways.  

Preparing for this weekend

Here are the readings for this weekend.   From Pastor Randy: Who is the greatest?  That is what the disciples are arguing about.... How do we strive to be great, have ambition but seek to be in discipleship?

From Pamela:    I am wondering how our self image affects our discipleship.  Do you perceive yourself as a leader or a follower?  How does the gospel meets leaders and followers?

Why do we come to church?  People have been coming to this congregation since 1973; people have been coming to this particular sanctuary for over 20 years.  Why did they and why do they come?  People probably come to this church for a lot of the same reasons they come to any church at any place.  Maybe we come out of guilt; maybe we come because our parents, our spouses, are dragging us here.  Maybe we come because we are afraid; maybe we come because we are hoping that we can get on God’s good side again.  Maybe we come because we want to be entertained; maybe we come because we like the music; maybe we come because it helps our reputation; maybe we come because something in our life is about to break and we are out of options.  

From Pastor Randy's Sermon 

From Pamela: I think it can be sensitive to ask the question "why" do we come to church.  I have asked that question of many and they do pretty well at responding until I press them and say:  Ok, now step away from "we" and focus upon yourself.  How do you complete the statement:   I come to church because..... 

This isn't an inquisition.  But it may be a challenge.   Why do YOU come to church?  Who shows up in the YOU that crosses the threshold from the parking lot into the gathering space and finally shows up in the pew.  Next time you come to church see if you can answer that question honestly:  Why am I here?  How am I right now?  

The reason those questions are important is because worship is a "come as you are" party.   Christ welcomes you how you are, God cares for you lavishly how you ARE -- not how you think you should be or wish you could be. 

Prepare your mind for this Sunday

Read the Gospel lesson for this week.  

Ponder these questions:  Who do we say Christ is in what we do?  How do we set our minds on human things and not God things?  (Even when we come to worship). 

From Pastor Randy's Sermon:  

Very often we look to see God in our lives when we need something done, need to be mended in certain ways and we turn to Christ, like many who turned to Jesus in his life, to hopefully find words and actions of healing.  This is an important dimension for us as Christians, to know that Christ is always there for us, always present for us.  However, keeping only this view of God, lends us to live our lives in relationship to God only when we need something.  The call of our discipleship, however, is to see God alive in our hearts, and to give witness to the grace of God to those we encounter. 

From Pamela:  

One of the terms used in spiritual direction is "consolation".  The term refers to the experience of God's presence.  It is the moment when we notice that something is going on that compels us to look at what is happening with an understanding that more is happening than what first meets the eye.  This moment may be surprising -- it may even be miraculous.  Suddenly the ordinary life seems extraordinary.  We pause in awe or in a tenderness of the heart's awakening to love, comfort, peace or clarity.  

These moments are given.  We can't choreograph them or create them ourselves.  However, what we can do, and sadly often do, is fixate upon what we deem important.  We make decisions and choices that divert our attention from the promise that Christ is always with us.  God's Holy Spirit meanders through our days inviting us to look at everything with compassion and gratitude.  With that attitude, then, we set aside our tendency to judge situations and people.  Judgement and critique can limit our capacity to be open to all that is happening.  

Consolation softens our hearts.  Consolation opens our minds.  Our eyes see and our ears hear the miraculous inbreaking of God in Christ saying:  Peace, I am here!

Where can YOU look to see Christ today?  Where or with whom are you approaching a point where YOU are seeing the limit of what YOU think is possible?  How might you pray to be open to seeing or experiencing "more"?

Prepare for this week's proclamation

Read the Gospel for this weekend.  

Jesus was trying to suppress those who were coming to him just for the miraculous.  Where do we look to see Christ in our lives?  Just for miracles and signs?

What, another transition?

Jesus is still giving us the same challenges today. Christ will always be an up-setter of the status quo because Christ is always calling us to new ground.  Christ is always doing a new thing in our lives because he is continually helping us see new realities. (From Pastor Randy's September 2 Sermon) 

From Pamela:  Wow, isn't that the truth.  The more closely we follow Jesus, and the more fervently we pray for God's guidance, the more possibilities we see.  It really is an adventure into unknown territory.  

It seems that the more we step out into the unknown, the more dependent we become upon Christ to calm our fears, and empower our discipleship.  Then, as we become comfortable with the way thing are, Jesus approaches and we begin to notice the "more" that might happen.  We are most dependent upon Christ, I think, when we are challenging ourselves and one another to stretch beyond what is totally familiar.  If the "new" plan falls flat, perhaps it wasn't God's will -- but God uses our failures to gather us closer together in the hope for new life, new vision, and strengthened relationships in Christ.  If the "new" plan is a homerun, we can celebrate with praise and thanksgiving, knowing that before too long God will call us again to yet another "new thing."  

Remember that prayer we prayed for months during our transition process?  

"Oh God, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown.  Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go, but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us; through Jesus Christ our Lord."  Amen.  

Perhaps the truth is that we are always in transition -- it's just that we only notice it from time to time! 

From Pastor Randy's Sermon: 

We all get into our routines. There's nothing wrong with that.  It simplifies life somewhat and it makes us feel more comfortable.  The trouble arises when we begin to attach not only meaning, but also great significance to that habit or ritual, when we begin to tell others that it must be done this way only.

From Pamela:   It seems to me that it might be helpful to look at routines and ask the question:  What is the purpose of this routine?  What does it offer me?  If somebody else is present and I share the routine with them, what happens if they never want to do it again? If I can't implement the routine, do I suffer?  Am I open to looking at what can happen when the routine can't be followed?  How much is invested in the routine? 

  

Pastoral Ponderings prior to proclamation

The religious authorities are upset at Jesus for letting his disciples eat with defiled hands.  Jesus says they are missing the point about what truly defiles.  How do we set up rituals &  practices that can end up being a roadblock to what is Gospel?   What seems sacred but is in reality nothing more than our preference?


Here's the Gospel for this week.  

Hopefully all of us experience times when we feel close to God, times when see God at work in our midst, times when our spirituality seems strongly linked with God’s intention for our lives--times when praising God and serving others feels so right. 

However if we have lived very long at all; if we have stepped outside our doorstep more than once, we know that our existence isn’t always like that.  

Sometimes we come to God and we expect the miracles.  We want the loaves of bread and the piece of fish, and sometimes it just isn’t there.  Sometimes not only is it not there, but there have been experiences in which we feel that we have the bread and fish, but it is taken away from us, and we want to ask God – why? 

You may know what is to walk in darkness. 

Sometimes faith is walking in darkness and simply refusing to quit.  Sometimes faith is just hanging on.  The character of faith that allows us to be transformed by suffering and darkness is not doubt free.          (From Pastor Randy's sermon on August 26)

For your reflection:  (from Pamela)

When we feel close to God, it is called "consolation".  When we feel isolated from God, unable to see or feel God's presence it is called "desolation." 

Desolation is characterized by a deep hunger for God's peace.  We want to be filled and completely saturated with God's love.  Desolation can happen even when our bodies have been filled to the max with food and drink.  In fact, filling our lives and bodies with "stuff" often is the way we try to stave off spiritual hunger. 

Can you recall a time when you were literally hungry or thirsty and unable to satisfy it?  Can you recall a time when you were spiritually hungry? 

Reflect on those times.  What was going on?  How was your hunger or thirst (in both the physical and the spiritual sense) relieved? 

In the gospel lesson for this Sunday, the disciples appear to be tiring of their ministry tasks.  Jesus provides counsel regarding the means by which ministry's vigor can be maintained.  What do you do when you begin to have "ministry fatigue"?

Time Wasted? Spent? or Invested?

Notice also what was in the second lesson, from Ephesians:   “Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil.  So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”

The apostle says to make the most of our time and to “understand what the will of the Lord is.”  Doesn’t this really sum up a lot of our daily dilemmas – making the most of our time, and trying to know what God’s will is for our lives? 

The apostle is saying that these times, these days are crowded with temptations and traps that will misuse and misdirect our precious time.  What is our definition of wasting time versus God’s definition? 

Perhaps what we give priorities to, are actually in reality, time wasters.  We are tempted to believe that time must always be profitable or productive, we want time to work for us, and so sometimes we work all of the time.  Perhaps there are occasions that we think we are doing something that is a waste of our time, but that actually lends itself to more of what God’s intention for us is all about.  When we don’t stop our lives and simply pray, maybe we are wasting time.                                                 Pastor Randy

From Pamela

Our attitude about the way we use our time influences how we spend our time.  If we see every moment as precious to us, given to us by God, we may be more likely to “invest” our time in ways that reflect what Christ taught us. 

Therefore, we may see that worrying is a waste of time.  Striving for excessive material goods is a waste of time. 

Praying is an investment.  Caring for others is an investment.  Spending time in gentle, compassionate presence with others before God or in hours of praise and thanksgiving for all the God has done – those are great use of our time as well.  Going to a quiet place for rest and renewal with God – that’s an imperative! 

What are some of the ways you waste your time?  What have been some of your greatest “investments” of time?  How did the world try to divert, distract or misdirect you?  How has the church and the community of faith encouraged you to return to Wisdom? 

We are to be careful how we make our progress, how we set out on our walk in life; in a sense how we are developing ourselves.  To walk is to embark on a path, a journey that leads to somewhere.  As Christians, as families of faith, as communities of faith, we strive to walk in the ways of the Lord.  As we seek to travel in the ways of God, we develop a direction for our lives, so that the times we do falter or become sidetracked, our direction can pull us back toward God.  (From Pr. Randy's Sermon) 

(From Pamela)   I don't know about you, but there are times when I wander from the clear and stable path.  It seems that it happens when I look sideways -- at what other folks are doing -- or when I begin to compare what I have (or don't have) with what "they" (who are they, anyway?) say is the mark of excellence, prosperity or meaning.  

Then I begin to want what I don't have.  I begin to discount what I do have.  And I begin to fret about what may or may not happen.  All of those activities are unwise. They result in a waste of time, a frittering away of the blessings that have been lavished upon me and that continue to come my way.  

All it really takes is to settle down, to gaze at what is right in front of my nose and then see what God is giving.  How does God's Wisdom and Direction (as taught by Jesus) meet me in my own life?  

Suddenly balance returns.  The confusion and turmoil of looking elsewhere is trumped by Jesus' words:  Follow me.  

Here are the readings for this weekend.

We continue to hear about Jesus, the Bread of Life.  Some of the questions to consider:    how are we living?  How are we unwise in our living choices, and in using our time?  Do we wisely receive the bread of life?  How does receiving the Bread of Life support our quest to discern God's will?  

Some observations from Worship Matters Discussion following Sunday's Worship

 I wanted to add a comment about something that I heard in the sermon.   PR said that we see Jesus, this nourishing Bread of Life in the people sitting next to us.   That so loudly resonated with me..........over the past few weeks I have completely supported by Jesus working through the people at CRLC.   The meals, calls, cards, the smiles from everyone at church when I see them.   It shines through......    So many times I think people stop coming to church when they are having problems because they are concerned they will be transparent......if they only knew what support waits there.    Just wanted to share this thought.    Linda Eckenbrecht 

On another note:  We talked about the words spoken by Elijah:  "I am no better than my ancestors"   When you think about your ancestry as a family or as a congregation, it seems easy to set ourselves apart from them or, in some cases above them.  Yet, as Elijah experienced his life, even as a chosen prophet, his lament was: Ah, I am no better than my ancestors.  What does that say to us?  

We talked about the beauty of the openness of our congregation with regard to the many ways people worship.  Some make the sign of the cross, some bow, some fold their hands as they pray, others pray with hands open.  Some receive the common cup, some intinct, some take the small communion cups.  The point is, we welcome a variety of "pieties" to worship!  

Finally, we noticed that Bishop Eaton was in our midst -- she was there to be fed -- to worship.  She was not there in her official capacity (which is why many of us didn't event notice she was there.)  She stayed for the "Worship Matters" discussion.  She expressed her gratitude for the way she experienced nourishment as she worshipped with us.   Her gratitude led us to ask the question:  How do rostered leaders "receive" the spiritual nourishment they need?   Pastors and rostered leaders will seek and find places where they can "worship" without leading -- but congregation members are called and have promised to pray for pastors, associates in ministry, deaconesses and bishops as well.  Those prayers are powerful and they are appreciated!  

We need to eat!

"To survive on our journey, to have the strength to go through the barren places of life, those places where we are alone - feeling alone because of separation from loved ones, because of damages to relationships, because of divorce, because of illness, or because of death - we need to eat the food that God has prepared for us.  It is not the food that fills our stomach, but a food of real purity, with no other infestations; we know it is the bread of life that comes from Jesus."  Pastor Randy O'Donnell   

At our "Worship Matters" discussion following second service today, one topic of conversation was the use of the word "need".  Pastor Randy had it in the original manuscript for his sermon, yet he chose to use another word that was more inviting -- and less imperative.  Many people in the room said they didn't really like to be told what they "need" to do.  It smacks of an external directive which is way too close to the word "should" which connotes judgement and blame (hence the cliche:  don't "should" upon yourself).

For some reason that discussion is really staying with me this evening.  Here is where my head is going:

I think of when my father-in-law, John, was recovering from open heart surgery.  He had no appetite for food.  I recall nurses, attendants and most of all his wife saying:  John, you need to eat! I remember the celebration around the room when he picked up a spoonful of ice cream and looked around at those present and said: yummmm.  His eating indicted the hope for a return to life (which did happen, for he lived many vigorous years following that surgery).  Up until the moment when he accepted the food willingly, he was force fed with tubes.  He was surviving but he was not thriving.

Stay with me.

We DO NEED to feed upon the living bread of God in Christ.  If we do not feed in this way, we will not be equipped for the journey of discipleship.

We may be able to survive with all sorts of other things or means of satisfaction that "feed" some hunger.  Our emotions may be satisfied by quality human relationships.  Our minds may be satisfied with completing sudoku or watching the Discovery Channel.  Our bodies may be satisfied (for a while) by a wonderful meal or an exhilarating physical experience.  But survival doesn't guarantee spirits that THRIVE.

Only the spiritual nourishment of being in and with Christ will feed the regions of heart, mind, body and soul that are required (and therefore exhausted) as we step out in Discipleship.  As we live in Christ, we thrive, so that others may also have abundant life.

I don't know about you, but I NEED to receive the Bread of Life!

A preview of what Pastor is considering this week

This week's readings (See page with the readings) prompt a discussion about spiritual nourishment that comes our way, even when we are at our wits' end.  How does the Bread of Life approach us when we ourselves are unable to reach out for it ourselves.  Elijah wished he was dead -- yet God invited and encouraged him to eat!  

Sleepless nights? What's unfinished?

Take a moment to read this coming week's lesson from Ephesians.

It is pretty basic:  Be kind to one another.  Be truthful.  When you get angry with one another, stay connected, leaning toward some resolution of the conflict, so that the "sun does not go down on your anger."

I have noticed that a main cause of lost sleep is a broken relationship.  It seems that peaceful nights are denied when the unfinished business of reconciliation lingers in the airspace.  Anger percolates in the mind.  Judgement or self-righteousness poisons the heart.  A body that is tossing and turning is in some sort of restless discomfort.  Then when you pray for comfort, God will offer it -- and will draw your attention to the possibility of a new relationship.  If you ignore the possibility, chances are you will continue to toss and turn.

God won't empower us to stay angry with somebody for very long.   When we pray about an issue or a relationship God's love begins to stimulate thoughts and feelings that reveal the unfinished business -- the places where we can step towards the other and find the courage (or humility) to forgive or ask for forgiveness.

So, how are you sleeping these days?

Marinades

Have you ever tasted a typical pork chop or skewer of shrimp that tastes, quite frankly, totally unique?  Mouthwatering and unusual?  It happens quite often around my home.  You see, we tend to be fascinated with marinades.

Not the kind you purchase in a bottle that is loaded with high fructose syrup and powdered spices.  No, I am talking about the marinades that you prepare with olive oil, great wine, herbs from the herb garden, pressed garlic, sea salt, and perhaps freshly squeezed lemon juice.

And it's not about a quick toss in the sauce and then hurried to the grill.

No, it is immersed in the marinade, bathed in it for several hours.  Then you remove the meat from the marinade and let the excess sauce fall away before placing it on the grill so that as the meat cooks its natural flavors expand freely.  The marinade doesn't overpower the meat, but it does enhance everything that characterizes the meat.  You want a balance between meat and marinade.

Ok.  This isn't a cooking class.  It is about discovering discipleship!

Well, yesterday Pastor Pindell used the phrase:  Marinate your life in daily scripture reading and prayer.

I like that image.  It makes sense to me.

Discipleship bursts with fresh energy and often unique expression when it emerges with a balance between the flesh of my existence and the spiritual soaking provided in prayer.

Take time each day to marinate your life in the Living Word!