Our Lady of Latte

Possibilities Unfolding – For January 9, 2011

2011-01-05T11:15:00.000-10:00

Many of our gospel readings for 2011 will be from Matthew, as we travel through what is known as Year A of the Revised Common Lectionary. (The Lectionary is an agreed-upon teaching and preaching schedule that takes us through all the major Biblical texts during a three-year cycle.)

As we look at the texts from Matthew, it will be important to keep in mind the context in which it is written. I’ve tried to summarize this context (with the help of the New Interpreter’s Study Bible notes).

Most scholars believe that Matthew was based on Mark, written sometime after Rome’s destruction of Jerusalem in 70 CE, probably in the 80’s CE. Matthew is not an eyewitness account of the life of Jesus, but rather a form of ancient biography. With the destruction of the temple in 70 CE, the Jewish people lost the literal and figurative center of their religious life. Many questions arose about God’s faithfulness, will, presence, and forgiveness, and significant debates arose about how to live faithfully. The Jewish followers of Jesus understood that Jesus was the center of their religious live – and the source of forgiveness, God’s presence, instruction in faithful living, and interpretation of the Scriptures. As you can imagine, this created great conflict, and as a result the Jewish followers of Jesus withdrew from the synagogue. Matthew’s gospel assists in defining this separate community’s identity and way of life.

In addition, these followers of Jesus lived in shadow of Roman imperial power, which claimed that Rome and the emperors ruled at the will of the gods, with the emperor being the gods’ presence, will and benefits on earth. Rome ruled through a small, elite group. Matthew’s gospel teaches that this is God’s world, that God’s reign and presence are shown through Jesus, that God’s blessings extend to all people. It teaches that this present sinful world of exploitation is one from which people need to be saved through Jesus – both now and when Jesus returns.

Matthew teaches that Christians are to be a faithful community that is loving, merciful, inclusive, praying, composed of God’s servants living in anticipation of the completion of God’s purposes.

Our text this morning is of the baptism of Jesus, which is viewed through the lens of fulfillment of Jewish prophecy. If you read Isaiah 42:1-9, you will hear echoes of today’s reading. Below is the text:

Matthew 3:13-17 (New International Version, ©2010)

¹³ Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. ¹⁴ But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?”

¹⁵ Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented.
¹⁶ As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. ¹⁷ And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”

What might this text say in regards to Jesus’ role as the model upon which the faithful community is founded? What might it say regarding how we are to follow Jesus? What possibilities are unfolding for Jesus and Jesus' followers?

I look forward to your comments and always appreciate your prayers.

Blessings!

Pastor Anne

Open Paths– For December 5, ‘10

2010-11-30T10:37:00.000-10:00

This year we are doing something out-of-step with the traditional Advent themes. Instead of focusing on Peace, Hope, Love, and Joy, we will focus instead on Radical Hospitality – and how that theme is emphasized throughout the story of Jesus’ birth. (You might remember that Radical Hospitality is one of the three hallmarks of Manoa Valley Church’s vision)

Hospitality in Biblical times was radical from our modern, western perspective. It went way beyond Martha Stewart’s lovely place settings, giving visitors lei at the airport, or entertaining friends with heavy pupus. In the Greek the word for hospitality can be literally translated love of strangers. Hospitality in Biblical times required trust on the part of the stranger and the host. Trust makes sense when we think of our own worries about “stranger danger.” Hospitality also required flexibility – even more than preparation. When I think of inviting folks to my home – I invest lots of time in getting things ready – food, cleaning, etc. In Jesus’ time, a good host dropped everything on the agenda to extend spontaneous hospitality to the stranger.

This week, we will use the image of open paths to continue our advent preparations. Our text comes from Matthew 2:1-11, which is copied below. As you read this very familiar story, keep the idea of hospitality in mind. Who is extending hospitality in this text? What are the risks involved? What are the results? In what ways was this encounter inconvenient? Dangerous?

Matthew 2:1-11 (New International Reader's Version)

¹ Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea. This happened while Herod was king of Judea.

After Jesus' birth, Wise Men from the east came to Jerusalem. ² They asked, "Where is the child who has been born to be king of the Jews? When we were in the east, we saw his star. Now we have come to worship him."

³ When King Herod heard about it, he was very upset. Everyone in Jerusalem was troubled too. ⁴ So Herod called together all the chief priests of the people. He also called the teachers of the law. He asked them where the Christ was going to be born.

⁵ "In Bethlehem in Judea," they replied. "This is what the prophet has written. He said,
⁶ " 'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
      are certainly not the least important among the towns of Judah.
   A ruler will come out of you.
      He will be the shepherd of my people Israel.' " —(Micah 5:2)

⁷ Then Herod called for the Wise Men secretly. He found out from them exactly when the star had appeared. ⁸ He sent them to Bethlehem. He said, "Go! Make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, bring me a report. Then I can go and worship him too."

⁹ After the Wise Men had listened to the king, they went on their way. The star they had seen when they were in the east went ahead of them. It finally stopped over the place where the child was. ¹⁰ When they saw the star, they were filled with joy.

¹¹ The Wise Men went to the house. There they saw the child with his mother Mary. They bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures. They gave him gold, incense and myrrh.

What might this text be saying to you about hospitality? What does it have to do with having open paths? If we are to live out radical hospitality, how might we think and act differently?

I look forward to your comments and always appreciate your prayers.

Blessings!

Pastor Anne

Open Homes– For November 28, ‘10

2010-11-22T15:24:00.000-10:00

The church prepares for Christmas – not with Black Friday – but with the start of Advent on November 28. This year we are doing something out-of-step with the traditional Advent themes. Instead of focusing on Peace, Hope, Love, and Joy, we will focus instead on Radical Hospitality – and how that theme is emphasized throughout the story of Jesus’ birth. (You might remember that Radical Hospitality is one of the three hallmarks of Manoa Valley Church’s vision)

This week, we will use the image of open homes to begin our advent preparations. Our text comes from Luke 1:26-45, which is copied below. As you read this very familiar story, keep the idea of hospitality in mind. Who is extending hospitality in this text? What are the risks involved? What are the results?

Luke 1:26-45 (New International Reader's Version)

²⁶ In the sixth month after Elizabeth had become pregnant, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee. ²⁷ He was sent to a virgin. The girl was engaged to a man named Joseph. He came from the family line of David. The virgin's name was Mary. ²⁸ The angel greeted her and said, "The Lord has given you special favor. He is with you."

²⁹ Mary was very upset because of his words. She wondered what kind of greeting this could be. ³⁰ But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary. God is very pleased with you. ³¹ You will become pregnant and give birth to a son. You must name him Jesus. ³² He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High God. The Lord God will make him a king like his father David of long ago. ³³ He will rule forever over his people, who came from Jacob's family. His kingdom will never end."

³⁴ "How can this happen?" Mary asked the angel. "I am a virgin."

³⁵ The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come to you. The power of the Most High God will cover you. So the holy one that is born will be called the Son of God. ³⁶ Your relative Elizabeth is old. And even she is going to have a child. People thought she could not have children. But she has been pregnant for six months now. ³⁷ Nothing is impossible with God."

³⁸ "I serve the Lord," Mary answered. "May it happen to me just as you said it would." Then the angel left her.

³⁹ At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in Judea's hill country. ⁴⁰ There she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth. ⁴¹ When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby inside her jumped. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. ⁴² In a loud voice she called out, "God has blessed you more than other women. And blessed is the child you will have! ⁴³ But why is God so kind to me? Why has the mother of my Lord come to me? ⁴⁴ As soon as I heard the sound of your voice, the baby inside me jumped for joy. ⁴⁵ You are a woman God has blessed. You have believed that what the Lord has said to you will be done!"

What might this text be saying to you about hospitality? What does it have to do with having an open home? If we are to live out radical hospitality, how might we think and act differently?

I look forward to your comments and always appreciate your prayers.

Blessings!

Pastor Anne

Take Courage! Do not Fear – For November 14, ‘10

2010-11-08T12:33:00.002-10:00

This week’s sermon is based on a text from the book of Haggai. Haggai is a very short book composed of two chapters – and is found between Zephaniah and Zechariah. Haggai the prophet wrote to those persons who had returned from exile in Babylon – an exile that lasted for almost some 50+ years. The returning people quickly got to work rebuilding the Temple – but their efforts were short-lived. In part they were disheartened by the extent of the destruction of their beloved city and temple, and the enormity of the task before them. In part they were anxious to build their own homes and businesses. Their economy was in shambles – and they faced opposition and harassment from their neighbors.

Eighteen years later, Haggai comes on the scene. You will a portion of his words below. But before you read on, consider again the circumstances that the people were in. What feels familiar to you in our time and place? What words and ideas grab your attention?

Haggai 2:3-9 (New Century Version)

'Do any of you remember how great the Temple was before it was destroyed? What does it look like now? Doesn't it seem like nothing to you?⁴ But the Lord says, 'Zerubbabel, be brave. Also, Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, be brave. And all you people who live in the land, be brave,' says the Lord. 'Work, because I am with you,' says the Lord All-Powerful. 'I made a promise to you when you came out of Egypt, and my Spirit is still with you. So don't be afraid.'

"This is what the Lord All-Powerful says: 'In a short time I will once again shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land.⁷ I will shake all the nations, and they will bring their wealth. Then I will fill this Temple with glory,' says the Lord All-Powerful. 'The silver is mine, and the gold is mine,' says the Lord All-Powerful. 'The new Temple will be greater than the one before,' says the Lord All-Powerful. 'And in this place I will give peace,' says the Lord All-Powerful."

What do the prophet’s words say to you about our time and place? What are the similarities and differences? What impact do they have on your views about your money and material possessions? What might Haggai's words say to our church on this Stewardship Sunday?

I look forward to your comments and always appreciate your prayers.

Blessings!

Pastor Anne

Reminders – For October 10, ‘10

2010-10-06T14:43:00.000-10:00

In chapter one, Paul speaks of being reminded of Timothy’s faith. He then encourages Timothy in the ministry. In chapter two, Paul urges Timothy to be a “good soldier” or a winning “athlete” for Jesus Christ. After remembering Timothy’s faith, and his own ministry in spite of the most horrific of circumstances (as a prisoner in Rome during the violent days of Nero), he exhorts Timothy to remember. As you read the text, what is Timothy to remember? What other words or phrases leap off the page? What confuses you? What challenges or confronts you?

2 Timothy 2:8-15 (New Living Translation)

⁸ Always remember that Jesus Christ, a descendant of King David, was raised from the dead. This is the Good News I preach. ⁹ And because I preach this Good News, I am suffering and have been chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained. ¹⁰ So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen.

¹¹ This is a trustworthy saying:

If we die with him,
we will also live with him.
¹² If we endure hardship,
we will reign with him.
If we deny him,
he will deny us.
¹³ If we are unfaithful,
he remains faithful,
for he cannot deny who he is.

¹⁴ Remind everyone about these things, and command them in God’s presence to stop fighting over words. Such arguments are useless, and they can ruin those who hear them.

¹⁵ Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.

What important reminders are given? What do you think Paul means when he says “the word of God is not chained”? How can that be? Do any examples come to mind? What brings you the most comfort, or the most conviction? Paul speaks of “wrangling over words”. What does that bring to mind for you?

I look forward to your comments and always appreciate your prayers.

Blessings!

Pastor Anne

No Shame– For October 3, ‘10

2010-09-29T09:50:00.002-10:00

Our journey in the month of October is focused on the second letter of Paul to his protégé Timothy. Three “pastoral” letters of Paul are in the Christian Scriptures – 1 and 2 Timothy, and Titus. They derive the title pastoral because they focus on church leadership and oversight. Of the three pastoral letters, 2 Timothy is the warmest and most tender. The reader can imagine Paul – now an old man, awaiting his execution in a Roman prison, writing final words of encouragement and exhortation to the young man he has mentored – and who has become like a son to him.

As you read the opening passage from this letter, imagine that you are receiving Paul’s words as written specifically for you. What words or phrases stand out? In what ways are you encouraged? What challenges do you hear? How do you feel?

2 Timothy 1:1-14 (New Living Translation)
1 This letter is from Paul, chosen by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus. I have been sent out to tell others about the life he has promised through faith in Christ Jesus.
2 I am writing to Timothy, my dear son.
May God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord give you grace, mercy, and peace.
3 Timothy, I thank God for you—the God I serve with a clear conscience, just as my ancestors did. Night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. 4 I long to see you again, for I remember your tears as we parted. And I will be filled with joy when we are together again.
5 I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you. 6 This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
8 So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. And don’t be ashamed of me, either, even though I’m in prison for him. With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News. 9 For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus. 10 And now he has made all of this plain to us by the appearing of Christ Jesus, our Savior. He broke the power of death and illuminated the way to life and immortality through the Good News. 11 And God chose me to be a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of this Good News.
12 That is why I am suffering here in prison. But I am not ashamed of it, for I know the one in whom I trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until the day of his return.
13 Hold on to the pattern of wholesome teaching you learned from me—a pattern shaped by the faith and love that you have in Christ Jesus. 14 Through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to you.

What gift from God do you need to “fan into flame?” What do you fear about sharing your faith and using the gifts given to you? What role does shame play in your life? In your living as a follower of Christ in a very secular culture? Paul tells Timothy to “carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to you.” What precious truth has been entrusted to you? This week, how might you guard that truth?

I look forward to your comments and always appreciate your prayers.

Blessings!
Pastor Anne

The Power of Enough – For June 6, ‘10

2010-06-03T12:17:00.001-10:00

We have entered the church season of ordinary time, and will be looking at a variety of texts this summer with an eye for finding God in the ordinary things of life.

Today’s text comes from 1 Kings 17:8-16. 1 and 2 Kings were originally one book in the Hebrew Bible, and the two fit together seamlessly as one book. Considered part of the historical books in the Christian Bible, in the Hebrew Bible they a part of the Former Prophets. 1 and 2 Kings are a prophetic interpretation of almost 400 years of Israel’s history – from the time before the death of King David, to the fall of Jerusalem in 587 BCE.

The prophet Elijah comes on the scene for the first time at the beginning of 1 Kings 17, when he tells King Ahab that God is going to bring about a drought. Elijah then goes into the wilderness and is fed by ravens, at the Lord’s command. Our story begins as Elijah is directed by God to go to Zarephath to be fed by a widow. It is helpful to know that King Ahab’s evil wife Jezebel is from the idolatrous nation of Sidon – the very nation that Elijah goes to for food.

1 Kings 17:8-16 (New Living Translation)
8 Then the Lord said to Elijah, 9 “Go and live in the village of Zarephath, near the city of Sidon. I have instructed a widow there to feed you.”
10 So he went to Zarephath. As he arrived at the gates of the village, he saw a widow gathering sticks, and he asked her, “Would you please bring me a little water in a cup?” 11 As she was going to get it, he called to her, “Bring me a bite of bread, too.”
12 But she said, “I swear by the Lord your God that I don’t have a single piece of bread in the house. And I have only a handful of flour left in the jar and a little cooking oil in the bottom of the jug. I was just gathering a few sticks to cook this last meal, and then my son and I will die.”
13 But Elijah said to her, “Don’t be afraid! Go ahead and do just what you’ve said, but make a little bread for me first. Then use what’s left to prepare a meal for yourself and your son. 14 For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: There will always be flour and olive oil left in your containers until the time when the Lord sends rain and the crops grow again!”
15 So she did as Elijah said, and she and Elijah and her son continued to eat for many days. 16 There was always enough flour and olive oil left in the containers, just as the Lord had promised through Elijah.

As you reflect on the text above, with whom do you identify? Why? Who shows faith? What do you think you would do in similar circumstances? What strikes you as miraculous in this passage? How does this text address our present culture? Our world-view of abundance? What might we need to hear about the power of enough from this text?

I look forward to your comments and always appreciate your prayers.

Blessings!
Pastor Anne

Wilderness Companions – For Sunday, February 21, 2010

2010-02-16T10:41:00.002-10:00

We enter the season of Lent with Ash Wednesday, followed by this text from Luke on the 1st Sunday in Lent. Lent is mentioned as far back as 130-200 CE as a time of self-examination and penitence demonstrated by self-denial in preparation for Easter. At that time Lent was few days in length, but by 325 – the Council of Nicea – a 40-day Lenten period was accepted in Christendom. The 40-day time frame reflected the time Jesus spent in the wilderness – and reminded people of the 40 years that the Israelites wandered in the wilderness.

At Manoa Valley Church we follow the liturgical calendar – including Lent – in our worship as a way to keep us honest in recalling all of the Biblical story – and not just the parts we like – like Christmas. And quite honestly, I happen to think that this period of 40 days from Ash Wednesday to Easter – not counting Sundays – is not only appropriate – but central to our faith. The wilderness experience of Jesus – including 40 days of fasting, and temptations by a very logical, rational, seductive devil – provides a great starting place for this season.

The temptation of Jesus is told in the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. All three agree on some details – that Jesus is led into the wilderness by the Spirit immediately following his baptism by John. Each mentions that Jesus is tempted by the devil, and that he is famished after a 40-day fast. Each mentions the same three same final temptations – turning stones to bread, jumping off the highest pinnacle of the temple so that angels can catch him, and being given all the kingdoms of the world. Each mentions Jesus’ response by quoting Scripture. What is missing in Luke is any mention of angels ministering to Jesus after the temptations. And we have to wonder why?

Below is the passage. As you read it, try to do so as if for the first time. What do you think and feel? What images jump out at you? In what ways does this passage speak to your current life circumstance? Why?

Luke 4:1-13 (Today's New International Version)
1 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, 2 where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry.
3 The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread."
4 Jesus answered, "It is written: 'People do not live on bread alone.' "
5 The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. 6 And he said to him, "I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. 7 If you worship me, it will all be yours."
8 Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.' "
9 The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. "If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down from here. 10 For it is written: " 'He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully;
11 they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.' "
12 Jesus answered, "It is said: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.' "
13 When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.

As I prepare the sermon, I wonder what God is saying to us at Manoa Valley Church right here and now. Why do you think the writers include the detail that the Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness? What does it mean that Jesus was tempted? Why do you suppose Luke leaves out any mention of the angels ministering to Jesus? What might the wilderness be for each of us? What are the temptations that we face in our versions of the wildernesses? How do we handle such temptations?

I look forward to your comments and always appreciate your prayers.

Blessings!
Pastor Anne

Passionate Worship – For January 31, ‘10

2010-01-26T13:03:00.000-10:00

In the month of January, rather than follow the lectionary, we will look at scriptures related to our vision statement: Radical Hospitality, Outreach, and Missions; Intentional Faith Development; and Passionate Worship.

This final sermon in the series focuses on Passionate Worship and how it impacts what we do as a congregation. We have chosen several Bible texts, including Nehemiah 9:1-6; Psalm 95; Mark 12:30; and Revelation 5:11-14

The Bible is filled with references to worship – from the opening chapters of Genesis, to the closing moments of Revelation. It seems that from the beginning of time, we humans were created for intimacy and relationship with God – as expressed through various aspects of our spiritual lives. The Psalms are replete with the call to worship God (see Psalm 95). Jesus tells his followers in Mark 12:30, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” And in Revelation 5, all of creation worships God.

In the book of Nehemiah we find a continuation of the story of the Jewish captives return from exile, led first by Ezra, and then aided by Nehemiah. Picture returning captives, with a city and temple in ruins, working to rebuild the walls of their beloved Jerusalem. In the midst of the monumental work – and some 400 years before the temple was rebuilt to its glory in the reign of Herod the Great – Nehemiah calls the people to worship. Listen to what is said about worship as we pick up the story:

Nehemiah 9:1-6 (TNIV)
1 On the twenty-fourth day of the same month, the Israelites gathered together, fasting and wearing sackcloth and putting dust on their heads. 2 Those of Israelite descent had separated themselves from all foreigners. They stood in their places and confessed their sins and the sins of their ancestors. 3 They stood where they were and read from the Book of the Law of the LORD their God for a quarter of the day, and spent another quarter in confession and in worshiping the LORD their God. 4 Standing on the stairs of the Levites were Jeshua, Bani, Kadmiel, Shebaniah, Bunni, Sherebiah, Bani and Kenani. They cried out with loud voices to the LORD their God. 5 And the Levites—Jeshua, Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabneiah, Sherebiah, Hodiah, Shebaniah and Pethahiah—said: "Stand up and praise the LORD your God, who is from everlasting to everlasting.”
"Blessed be your glorious name, and may it be exalted above all blessing and praise. 6 You alone are the LORD. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you.

What does this text say about worship? What is worship, for that matter? Would you describe what is happening as Passionate Worship, or more of the ‘same old, same old’? Why? What comes to mind as you hear the phrase Passionate Worship? How might we encourage such worship at Manoa Valley Church?

I look forward to your comments and always appreciate your prayers.

Blessings!
Pastor Anne

Radical Outreach and Missions – For January 17, ‘10

2010-01-12T11:07:00.002-10:00

In the month of January, rather than follow the lectionary, we will look at scriptures related to our vision statement: Radical Hospitality, Outreach, and Missions; Intentional Faith Development; and Passionate Worship.

This Sunday’s sermon will be topical, with its basis in several texts, including Malachi 3:8-10; Luke 21:1-4; John 3:16; and 2 Corinthians 9:1-15. While the 2 Corinthian text will be read in worship, the sermon will build on the well-known verse from John 3:16-17 (New Revised Standard Version) “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but have eternal life. Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”

Radical Hospitality, Outreach, and Missions are based on our response to the generosity of God – that begins in the opening verses of Genesis – and continues in the Hebrew scriptures as God works to bring the world back into intimacy and harmony. And then in the Christian scriptures God goes the last mile in giving us the very best – God’s own self. Jesus’ coming to earth as a human being has to be the most radical act of love ever!

In 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 (Today’s New International Version), Paul encourages the followers of Jesus in Corinth to respond with radical generosity because of what God has done for them: "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 9 As it is written: "They have scattered abroad their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever."
10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
12 This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. 13 Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, people will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. 14 And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. 15 Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!"

As I prepare the sermon, I wonder what God is saying to us at Manoa Valley Church in how we do outreach and missions? What is God saying about generosity? What is it that we are being called to do?

I look forward to your comments and always appreciate your prayers.

Blessings!
Pastor Anne

Radical Hospitality – for January 10, 2010

2010-01-04T12:05:00.002-10:00

In the month of January, rather than follow the lectionary, we will look at scriptures related to our vision statement: Radical Hospitality, Outreach, and Missions; Intentional Faith Development; and Passionate Worship.

This second Sunday in January will focus on Radical Hospitality. Although I am not preaching this week, I am invested in how to develop this theme – and what doors God might be asking us to open in our hearts and in our lives as we attempt to live out the same sort of hospitality that God shows towards us.

The text for this Sunday is Matthew 25:31-46. This text can sometimes be perceived as a punishing, guilt-inducing read for most of us. At the same time, it holds out the invitation to view all with whom we come into contact as Jesus – which perhaps is the very definition of hospitality: welcoming all as though we are welcoming Jesus. The text is below:

Matthew 25:31-46 (New International Reader's Version)
31 "The Son of Man will come in all his glory. All the angels will come with him. Then he will sit on his throne in the glory of heaven. 32 All the nations will be gathered in front of him. He will separate the people into two groups. He will be like a shepherd who separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep to his right and the goats to his left.
34 "Then the King will speak to those on his right. He will say, 'My Father has blessed you. Come and take what is yours. It is the kingdom prepared for you since the world was created. 35 I was hungry. And you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty. And you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger. And you invited me in. 36 I needed clothes. And you gave them to me. I was sick. And you took care of me. I was in prison. And you came to visit me.'
37 "Then the people who have done what is right will answer him. 'Lord,' they will ask, 'when did we see you hungry and feed you? When did we see you thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you as a stranger and invite you in? When did we see you needing clothes and give them to you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
40 "The King will reply, 'What I'm about to tell you is true. Anything you did for one of the least important of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
41 "Then he will say to those on his left, 'You are cursed! Go away from me into the fire that burns forever. It has been prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 I was hungry. But you gave me nothing to eat. I was thirsty. But you gave me nothing to drink. 43 I was a stranger. But you did not invite me in. I needed clothes. But you did not give me any. I was sick and in prison. But you did not take care of me.'
44 "They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty and not help you? When did we see you as a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison and not help you?'
45 "He will reply, 'What I'm about to tell you is true. Anything you didn't do for one of the least important of these, you didn't do for me.'
46 "Then they will go away to be punished forever. But those who have done what is right will receive eternal life."

What words and images are you drawn to in this text? Which words scare you or bother you? If we are to take these words seriously, how might it change what we do as individuals and as a community of faith? How do you read these verses with eyes of grace – for you need to do so to keep from feeling totally condemned? Who are the “least important” that we fail to notice and fail to serve?

Last week someone wondered in an email to me, “what they will end up thinking radical Christian hospitality means........cookies for the congregation after church.....maybe..?” Cookies after church is a start – but what else is God calling us to do? Being radical about anything makes most of us really uncomfortable. And it calls us to move beyond our comfort zone.

I know of one person who made a decision to not join our congregation, even though she really enjoyed it on previous visits, because there were no parking places in the lot when she arrived for Palm Sunday worship. Is it radical, or just practical, to make sure that those of us (and I am the chief of all sinners in this regard) who park in the lot for convenience on Sundays park elsewhere to make room for others?

I look forward to your comments and always appreciate your prayers.

Blessings!
Pastor Anne

Seeing the Light – For January 3, 2010

2009-12-28T14:14:00.002-10:00

In the month of January, rather than follow the lectionary, we will look at scriptures related to our vision statement: Radical Hospitality, Outreach, and Missions; Intentional Faith Development; and Passionate Worship.

The first Sunday in January will set the stage by looking at the big picture of vision through the lens of Epiphany. Epiphany means “to show” or to “make known” or to “reveal.” In the church, it is the day in which we remember the coming of the wise men bringing gifts to the Christ child, and thus revealing Jesus to the world as Savior.

The text for this Sunday is from Isaiah 60:1-6. Biblical scholars believe that the final chapters of Isaiah were written in Jerusalem to those who returned from exile in Babylon. Imagine the discouragement that the returnees experienced, as they saw their beloved Jerusalem in ruins from the ravages of war. In contrast to the reality of ruins, the words of the prophet speak of a time when the Messiah will come. At that time, Jerusalem will be the center from which a new order will arise. The Messiah will usher in deliverance, healing, restoration, and forgiveness for the entire world. Below is the text:

Isaiah 60:1-6 (Today's New International Version)
1 "Arise, shine, for your light has come,
and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.
2 See, darkness covers the earth
and thick darkness is over the peoples,
but the LORD rises upon you
and his glory appears over you.
3 Nations will come to your light,
and kings to the brightness of your dawn.
4 "Lift up your eyes and look about you:
All assemble and come to you;
your sons come from afar,
and your daughters are carried on the hip.
5 Then you will look and be radiant,
your heart will throb and swell with joy;
the wealth on the seas will be brought to you,
to you the riches of the nations will come.
6 Herds of camels will cover your land,
young camels of Midian and Ephah.
And all from Sheba will come,
bearing gold and incense
and proclaiming the praise of the LORD.

What words and images are you drawn to in this text? Why? According to this text, what is necessary for a new vision to occur? What is being revealed or made known in this text? How does it speak to the vision of Manoa Valley Church?

I look forward to your comments and always appreciate your prayers.

Blessings!
Pastor Anne

Treasures of the Heart – For December 27, ‘09

2009-12-22T16:11:00.001-10:00

This Sunday’s text is from Colossians 3:12-17. Colossae was the least significant city to which the Apostle Paul wrote. By the year 50 AD, this former city had declined into a small town, which was destroyed by an earthquake in 63 AD and never rebuilt.

Paul has begun this chapter with a list of attitudes and behaviors those who are followers of Jesus should “take off.” He then goes on to list some of the attitudes and behaviors followers of Jesus should “put on.” What images come to mind as you read these words? What words stand out? Below is the text:

Colossians 3:12-17 (Today's New International Version)
12 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

In a sister text for this Sunday’s reading, we read that Mary, the mother of Jesus, “Treasured all these things in her heart.” (Luke 2:19, 51b). I suspect that the behaviors and attitudes that Paul writes about in Colossians are also treasures of the heart. Which do you value and treasure the most? Which do you need, do you seek for the most? What images and stories of people or situations come to mind as you reflect on these words? What are the treasures of your heart right now? Why? What would you like to add? Perhaps these ought to be the gifts you seek out as a belated Christmas gift to yourself and others.

I look forward to your comments and always appreciate your prayers.

Blessings!
Pastor Anne

What’s in a Name – For December 24, ‘09

2009-12-22T15:59:00.001-10:00

For the Christmas Eve Candle Lighting Service I am not using one text in particular, but rather working off of the names for Jesus that are mentioned in the traditional Christmas readings. From Isaiah 7 we get “Immanuel (which we are told in Matthew 1 means “God with us”). And from Isaiah 9 we get “Wonderful Counselor, Almighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace”. I can’t read or say these words without bursting forth with Handel’s Messiah.

The names have really grabbed me this Advent - and I keep comparing them to some of the names of major and minor characters we hear about in popular culture. I'd bet that many people are more familiar with the names of Santa's reindeer than they are the names of Jesus.

So what is in those names for you? How does each describe an aspect of Jesus that you have experienced, or would like to experience? Why do you suppose these names are used? Which do you like the best? Which is your favorite of all? Which does the world need most right now, today? And why? If you want to know my favorite – come to worship at 7 pm on December 24, or listen to the sermon via our website.

I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Blessings!

Anne

A Praying Community - For Sunday September 27, 2009

2009-09-21T11:16:00.001-10:00

This week’s text is found in James 5:13-20. This letter is not addressed to a particular congregation, but rather as a general letter written to numerous Jewish-Christian congregations outside of Palestine. It is written in the name of Jesus’ brother to give it greater authority – and most likely was written by one of James’ disciples.

“Although James opens like a letter, it is an exhortation to ethical conduct. Christians find themselves in an alien world, full of immorality and evil; they are called to a faith that is not merely theoretical or abstract, but acted upon, in every aspect of their lives. In a situation where trials and tribulations abound, and where the poor suffer at the hands of the rich, the author exhorts them to joy, endurance, wisdom, confident prayer and faithful response to the liberating word of God, as they await the second coming of the Lord.” (http://montreal.anglican.org/comments/archive/bpr26m.shtml)

Some people love the letter of James for its practical guidelines about living the Christian life, whereas others find the book short on grace. Martin Luther called James “a gospel of straw” because of the absence of grace.

Read the text below, and listen for words that are used repeatedly. Listen also to your own response as you read. What practical advice jumps out at you? How does it compare with your experiences?

James 5:13-20 (Today’s New International Version)

13 Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make them well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. 16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

17 Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. 18 Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.

19 My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring them back, 20 remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the way of error will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.

What does this text say to you? What questions do you have about it? What don’t you understand? How would you live it out in your own life and congregation? What might this text be saying to the church today?

I look forward to your comments and always appreciate your prayers.

Blessings!Pastor Anne

Out of Circulation until September 25

2009-08-23T16:10:00.003-10:00

Aloha! I will be out of circulation recovering from hip replacement surgery on Monday, August 24. Your prayers are much appreciated!

In my absence, Pastor Scott Hirano is serving as acting Senior Minister. He will be preaching on August 30. Rev. Diane Weible, Associate Conference Minister of Stewardship and for the Oahu Association of the Hawaii Conference UCC will be preaching on Septemeber 6. Melanie Ching, a long-time member and popular preacher at Manoa Valley Church will be preaching on September 13 . And on September 20, Rev. Susy Gaffney, a new member of Manoa Valley Church, a current hospital chaplain in Honolulu, and a certified UCC Christian Educator will be preaching.

See you in (late) September!

Blessings.

Anne

Be Careful! For Sunday August 16, 2009

2009-08-10T15:36:00.002-10:00

This week’s text is found in Ephesians 5:15-20. Ephesians is a letter written by Paul while he was in prison in Rome to the Christians at Ephesus. Outside of Rome, Ephesus was the most important city Paul visited – and he spent about 2 years there in all. It was a political, commercial, and cultural center in what is now Turkey. Ephesus was fully immersed in Greco-Roman culture, and contained the temple to Artimis (Diana), one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

Outside of Rome, Ephesus was the most important city Paul visited. It was a political, commercial, and cultural center in what is now Turkey. Ephesus was fully immersed in Greco-Roman culture, and contained the temple to Artimis (Diana), one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. In later years other key church leaders and most notably John appear to have felt Ephesus was the place where they should focus their efforts. The church at Ephesus is mentioned in Revelation as one of the 7 churches and therefore an important city to early Christianity.

Paul visited Ephesus twice, and no doubt had a great love for and concern for the followers of Jesus living there. The first three chapters are more theological in nature, with soaring prayers and praises. The final three chapters contain more practical matters regarding how to live into the reality of being a part of the body of Christ.

Paul begins this section (5:1-2) with the following directive, “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God”. He then goes on to list a number of behaviors/attitudes that followers of Jesus are to avoid, and states the desired behavior/attitude. The words. “do not…but” are plentiful in this entire chapter.

Ephesians 5:15-20 (Today's New International Version)
15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

What do you think Paul is trying to communicate in this text? How might these directions help you to live as an imitator of God? What words or phrases jump out at you? What seems to be especially relevant for our life and time? And what might these words be saying to you and to the church?

I look forward to your comments and always appreciate your prayers.

Blessings!
Pastor Anne

This is the Life – For Sunday, August 2, 2009

2009-07-27T16:17:00.000-10:00

This week’s text is found in Ephesians 4:1-16. Ephesians is a letter written by Paul while he was in prison in Rome to the Christians at Ephesus. Outside of Rome, Ephesus was the most important city Paul visited. It was a political, commercial, and cultural center in what is now Turkey. Ephesus was fully immersed in Greco-Roman culture, and contained the temple to Artimis (Diana), one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

Paul visited Ephesus twice, and no doubt had a great love for and concern for the followers of Jesus living there. The first three chapters are more theological in nature, with soaring prayers and praises. The final three chapters contain more practical matters regarding how to live into the reality of being a part of the body of Christ.

Paul is getting down to the practical realities of life in the body of Christ. Note that Paul begins this text with an explanation of his position – and then he begs something of the letter’s readers. What is he begging for? What effect does his position have on the feeling communicated?

Ephesians 4:1-16 (Contemporary English Version)
1As a prisoner of the Lord, I beg you to live in a way that is worthy of the people God has chosen to be his own. 2Always be humble and gentle. Patiently put up with each other and love each other. 3Try your best to let God's Spirit keep your hearts united. Do this by living at peace. 4All of you are part of the same body. There is only one Spirit of God, just as you were given one hope when you were chosen to be God's people. 5We have only one Lord, one faith, and one baptism. 6There is one God who is the Father of all people. Not only is God above all others, but he works by using all of us, and he lives in all of us.
7Christ has generously divided out his gifts to us. 8As the Scriptures say, "When he went up to the highest place, he led away many prisoners and gave gifts to people."
9When it says, "he went up," it means that Christ had been deep in the earth. 10This also means that the one who went deep into the earth is the same one who went into the highest heaven, so that he would fill the whole universe.
11Christ chose some of us to be apostles, prophets, missionaries, pastors, and teachers, 12so that his people would learn to serve and his body would grow strong. 13This will continue until we are united by our faith and by our understanding of the Son of God. Then we will be mature, just as Christ is, and we will be completely like him. 14We must stop acting like children. We must not let deceitful people trick us by their false teachings, which are like winds that toss us around from place to place. 15Love should always make us tell the truth. Then we will grow in every way and be more like Christ, the head 16of the body. Christ holds it together and makes all of its parts work perfectly, as it grows and becomes strong because of love.

What do you think Paul is trying to communicate in this text? What words or phrases jump out at you? What is confusing or seems out of place? Why? What would you feel like receiving a letter like this? What might your response be?

I look forward to your comments and always appreciate your prayers.

Blessings!
Pastor Anne

Grounded in Love – For Sunday, July 26, 2009

2009-07-20T15:23:00.000-10:00

This week’s text is found in Ephesians 3:14-21. Ephesians is a letter written by Paul while he was in prison in Rome to the Christians at Ephesus. Outside of Rome, Ephesus was the most important city Paul visited. It was a political, commercial, and cultural center in what is now Turkey. Ephesus was fully immersed in Greco-Roman culture, and contained the temple to Artimis (Diana), one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

Paul visited Ephesus twice, and no doubt had a great love for and concern for the followers of Jesus living there. The first three chapters are more theological in nature, with soaring prayers and praises. The final three chapters contain more practical matters regarding how to live into the reality of being a part of the body of Christ.

Read this text slowly out loud several times to give yourself a chance to hear the words as well as read them. What feelings and thoughts come as you read? Are there images that come to mind? Notice that it begins with a conjunction, “for this reason.” What reason does Paul give in verses 1 – 13 that lead into this text?

Ephesians 3:14-21 (Today's New International Version)
14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord's people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

What do you think Paul is trying to communicate in this text? What one word or phrase jumps out at you? Why? What do you want to know more about? What do you find difficult to believe? How do Paul’s words reflect your experience, or your expectations and hopes?

I look forward to your comments and always appreciate your prayers.

Blessings!
Pastor Anne

Summer Vacation! - for June 21 and 28

2009-06-10T11:21:00.003-10:00

No, that isn't the title of the next sermon, but rather is where I will be for the next two Sundays. I came across the prayer below about a year ago. I will make it my prayer - and perhaps you will make it your prayer as well.

O God, we entrust ourselves to you as we begin our journey. Keep us safe, and give us the grace to be generous to one another and to be courteous and kind to everyone we meet along the way. Help us to recognize when we are getting on each others nerves, to know when reconciliation is necessary, and to watch out for each other's needs as we travel. Be with us, Lord, guide us and protect us on our way, so that we might reach our destination in safety
and happily return home. Amen. (Author Unknown)

Blessings!

Pastor Anne

Flourishing! – for June 14, 2009

2009-06-08T13:03:00.001-10:00

This week’s text is from the good news (Gospel) of Mark. Mark writes primarily for a non-Jewish group audience, and is most likely the first of the Gospel’s written. Mark is a Gospel of action and speed – with the word “immediately” found some 27 times. The Mark 4 contains four parables of the kingdom of God, followed by the miracle of Jesus calming a storm while crossing the Sea of Galilee on the way to Gentile territory. Of the four parables in this chapter, three deal with seeds.

The parable of the growing seed, the first parable in this week’s reading is found only in Mark. The parable of the mustard seed is also found in Matthew 13 and Luke 13. As you read, what jumps out at you? What images grab your attention?

Mark 4:26-34 (Today's New International Version)
The Parable of the Growing Seed
26 He also said, "This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. 27 Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. 28 All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. 29 As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come."
The Parable of the Mustard Seed
30 Again he said, "What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? 31 It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth. 32 Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade."
33 With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand. 34 He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything.

As you read, what part do you particularly identify with? Think about how you would write this parable using the elements of nature in your own setting. What are the surprises in the text? What might Jesus be saying about the power of the kingdom of God? What is the message for the church today?

Blessings!
Pastor Anne

Lifting Love – For Sunday, May 24, 2009

2009-05-19T13:40:00.001-10:00

This week’s text is found in Ephesians 1:15-23. Ephesians is a letter written by Paul while he was in prison in Rome to the Christians at Ephesus. Outside of Rome, Ephesus was the most important city Paul visited. It was a political, commercial, and cultural center in what is now Turkey. Ephesus was fully immersed in Greco-Roman culture, and contained the temple to Artimis (Diana), one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

Paul visited Ephesus twice, and no doubt had great love and concern for the followers of Jesus living there. The first three chapters are more theological in nature, with soaring prayers and praises. The final three chapters contain more practical matters regarding how to live into the reality of being a part of the body of Christ.

Read the text at least twice. What sort of writing is this? Is it a prayer, instructions, encouragement, and praise? What words jump out at you? What images do those words invoke? While the words in this text contain lofty ideas and soaring images, there is also a message that is practical and can speak to churches everywhere.

Ephesians 1:15-23 (Today’s New International Version)
15 For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all his people, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that can be invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

What is the main point that Paul is making? How does what you read affect the congregation with which you are most familiar? What might your local congregation need to hear in this message? What do you need to hear? How might this change you?

I look forward to your comments and always appreciate your prayers.

Blessings!
Pastor Anne

Loving One Another – For Sunday, May 10, 2009

2009-05-11T14:36:00.000-10:00

This week’s text is found in John 15:9-17. John’s Gospel (Good News) tells the story of Jesus life and death. In John’s Gospel, Jesus tells fewer parables, has longer speeches, and performs seven miracles. Perhaps most distinctive, John includes the seven “I am” statements of Jesus found only in this gospel. Jesus final “I am” statement in John is found at the beginning of this chapter, when Jesus declares, “I am the true vine.”

John’s Gospel devotes four chapters (13 – 17) to a lengthy monologue by Jesus in which he gives his farewell address to the disciples. Jesus is impressing upon his disciples the need for them to love one another, and to abide (dwell or remain) connected to him.
Read the text at least twice. First, imagine that someone you love is giving you a farewell talk. How do you feel as you hear Jesus’ words? Second, imagine that you are giving this farewell talk to those you love. How do you feel saying them? Does it remind you of times you have wanted to convey a message of great importance to those you love?

John 15:9-17 (The Message)
9-10 "I've loved you the way my Father has loved me. Make yourselves at home in my love. If you keep my commands, you'll remain intimately at home in my love. That's what I've done—kept my Father's commands and made myself at home in his love.
11-15 "I've told you these things for a purpose: that my joy might be your joy, and your joy wholly mature. This is my command: Love one another the way I loved you. This is the very best way to love. Put your life on the line for your friends. You are my friends when you do the things I command you. I'm no longer calling you servants because servants don't understand what their master is thinking and planning. No, I've named you friends because I've let you in on everything I've heard from the Father.
16 "You didn't choose me, remember; I chose you, and put you in the world to bear fruit, fruit that won't spoil. As fruit bearers, whatever you ask the Father in relation to me, he gives you.
17 "But remember the root command: Love one another.

As you read, see if any words or phrases jump out at you. What is (are) the main point(s) Jesus is trying to make? What would you want to say if you had the chance to say farewell to those you love? Would you say something similar to what Jesus says? What do you and what does the church need to hear from Jesus? What do we need to do with Jesus words?

Blessings!
Pastor Anne

Enfolded by Love – For Sunday, May 3, 2009

2009-04-29T11:32:00.001-10:00

This week’s text is found in John 10:11-18. John’s Gospel (Good News) tells the story of Jesus life and death. In John’s Gospel, Jesus tells fewer parables, has longer speeches, and performs seven miracles. Perhaps most distinctive, John includes the seven “I am” statements of Jesus found only in this gospel.

One of the I Am statements is included in this week’s reading. Jesus refers to himself, saying, “I am the good shepherd.” Those who heard this remarkable statement were quite familiar with Psalm 23 – one of the best loved chapters in all the Bible. Psalm 23 is known as the ‘Shepherd Psalm’, and begins, “the Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.”
As you read the text, think about what you know about sheep, what Jesus says about the good shepherd, and how the sheep respond to the good shepherd.

John 10:11-18 (Today's New International Version)
11 "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. 13 The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.
14 "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. 17 The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father."

As you read, reflect on what the text reveals about Jesus as the good shepherd. What are the characteristics of the good shepherd? What does that tell us about Jesus? How do you respond to this image? What is your experience of Jesus as the good shepherd? What do you need from the good shepherd this week?

Blessings!
Pastor Anne

Now What? – for Easter, April 12, 2009

2009-04-07T13:58:00.000-10:00

The text this week is Mark 16:1-8. Mark writes primarily for a non-Jewish group audience, and is most likely the first of the Gospel’s written. Mark’s is a Gospel of action and speed and is the shortest of the four Gospels.

Jesus’ resurrection, which is central to Christianity, is recorded in all four Gospels. Mark’s version shows three different endings in most Bibles, with the material added later marked with brackets or parenthesis. Bible translators have many ancient copies (or codexes) of the text. Typically, a translator will use the oldest codex available. The oldest codex of Mark’s Gospel ends at verse 8. There are two other endings marked as “The shorter ending of Mark” which is an extension of verse 8, and “The longer ending of Mark” which adds verses 9 – 20.

This Sunday the sermon will focus on verses 1 – 8. As you read it, be aware of your emotions, and your expectations. From the vantage point of 2009, you know the way the story ends – or do you?

Mark 16:1-20 (Today's New International Version)
1 When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus' body. 2 Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb 3 and they asked each other, "Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?"
4 But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. 5 As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.
6 "Don't be alarmed," he said. "You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. 7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter, 'He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.' "
8 Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.

As you read, what surprised you? Why might Mark have ended this Gospel this way? How would you read yourself into the text? What might this have to do with believing without seeing? The sermon title is “Now What?” What comes next for us?

Blessings!
Pastor Anne

Compassion Trip Journal

2009-03-10T16:19:00.001-10:00

February 11, 2009
Well, flying on Philippine Airline (PAL) is a whole lot nicer than a US domestic flight. In an 11-hour fight, we were served two complete meals (rice, salad, roll, meat, some sort of sweet) and a snack (small sandwich and another sweet), plus all beer, wine, was included in the airfare. And there was more legroom than on a US domestic flight. Crazy, huh?

As we were flying into Manila, I saw large areas of water divided into what I assume are commercial fish farms. There was also what looked like arrows in the water – all pointing in the same direction. I assume that they were buoys and lines – but looked more like markers directing us to the airport!

We rushed through customs at Manila and just made our flight to Davao. It was nice to not be in charge and to let the worries to our leaders. I am glad I wasn’t herding all 29 cats (I mean pastors) through that process.

The room in the Marco Polo Davao is incredible – huge, really. Only one problem – I had no idea how to get the lights on, and needed to put in a repair request. The food in the restaurant delicious, with a fruit station where you can get your fill of freshly cut fruits.

One last thought, at the Honolulu Airport, Rod helped me with my luggage, and when we got to the group of pastors, he said, “You guys take care of her.” Sweet!

February 12, 2009
We arrived safely in Davao last night with all 33 of us and our luggage - quite a feat. We were greeted with rain, thunder and lightening, and in the middle of the night an earthquake! So today we got to hear the still small voice of God through children. We visited a Child Survival Program - for children aged 3 and under to address basic survival needs. A 9-year-old girl led the worship – with spirit and poise! One child provided the beat with a full-on drum set. One of the boys who sang just lost his mother yesterday. In the last year, he’s lost a brother and now a mother, and is alone. In spite of the losses, he came today! I am inspired to not let our children be spectators.

We also had a dance presentation by the mothers of the Child Survival Program. Then one Mom gave her testimony. She said that her daughter was 6 months old when enrolled in the program. She would turn blue when she cried. After Compassion provided resources for an echocardiogram, she was diagnosed with a hole in her heart. They did a follow-up echo 6 months later, and the doctor turned to her and said, “It’s a miracle! The hole is gone.” She said that that miracle was followed by another, her husband beginning to attend church, and becoming a Christian.

We made home visits and I can't even begin to describe the conditions in which people live. In the visit I was on, we asked the Mom what she would like us to pray for. Pray that my children survive was her request. Not plumbing, not a job, not a decent place to live. Pretty humbling. More on that later.

Food-wise, I have been well fed. The food here is great as well. Too much, especially when I think of the needs of the poor. Buffet for dinner, breakfast, lunch - lots of meats, many rice and noodle dishes, and great fruit for which Davao is known. I am avoiding all the things that can be affected by dirty water. We are only drinking bottled water.

For those who wonder, the coffee is good and strong, so I am happy.

I got lots of Nana-fixes with the children we saw.

I plan to take a dip in the pool to chill-out and reflect on the day so far.

February 13, 2009 AM
It is Friday the 13th here - and we spent a busy morning and afternoon with students who are in a program through compassion that provides a 4-year college education. We went to the home of one of the students. It was quite a contrast to the one we were in yesterday. Much larger, electricity, a TV. There is a father who has a regular job repairing home appliances. Don't think luxury, as there are no windows, when they get bad storms, they need to sweep the water from the house, and they sleep on hard wood tables. They had a number of refrigerators that he repaired but the client couldn't yet pay, so they are "holding" them for the client. Some loan program!

The family yesterday had basically no income except selling some corn they were given on the side of the road. The father works in Manila and is not able to earn enough to adequately care for the family. There was no electricity, no inside plumbing. There was a faucet outside that was the sole source of water for the entire house that probably was home to at least 2 dozen people. The smell of sewage was fierce. The only light we had was a small oil-lamp. Can you imagine trying to do homework in a place like that? The smallest child slept in a hammock hanging from a beam in the ceiling (which I needed to stoop over to get under). The only bathroom was at least two blocks away, I cannot imagine what it must be like in the middle of rains if someone has an intestinal problem, or what happens if a child needs to use the toilet at night. (Sermon material from this visit at end of journal)

After lunch at one more buffet (so much for hunger!) we spent some time shopping.

We stopped at a fruit stand and ate "durian" fruit. It is supposed to (and does) stink like hell, and taste (and doesn't) like heaven. Imagine onion/banana with a little garlic thrown in. If this had been the fruit in the Garden, Adam and Eve would not have sinned! Other fruits are in abundance and are great. I am eating my fill - to make up for all the salad I am not eating.

Before returning to the Marco Polo Hotel, I went with three other pastors and a guide to a shopping center right across the street. Found 1 tee shirt for myself, and 10 coin purses to give to staff and friends back home. I hope to have another chance to shop for something for the grandkids. We are supposed to have time in Manila.

When we arrived in the Philippines, we noticed warnings, "drug dealers will be killed." Another one was "Bird-Free Philippines" with a footbath for your shoes. Again, comforting. And then upon boarding the plane for Davao, "Kidnapping Hazard." It was strange to hear the Muslim call to prayer at 3 PM while we were shopping. There are two police with machine guns that screen people coming into the entrance to the hotel, and then you need to get through a bag search and a pat down. It is actually comforting to know the security precautions. I have not felt threatened at all.

It is strange to be the only female with all the male pastors. Lots of help with carrying my baggage! They've had a hard time finding female senior ministers to invite from Hawaii. I am thankful for the doors for ministry that have opened for me.

It was strange to sleep last night in a room that would hold 3 - 4 of the "homes" that I was in yesterday. The contrasts are so huge, and yet the people, and especially the children are just like all children. It has been fun to make eye contact and get them to smile at me.

I am off for a swim in the pool, and have a massage scheduled in the hotel for an hour at less than $30. That should be a treat. Tonight we have dinner with the students we were with today.

There are many more things to write and those stories will have to wait for another time.

February 14, 2009 PM
A few words about the Leadership Development Program. Last evening, we were treated to a program led by students in the Leadership Development Program. Each was gifted in certain ways. Two young college students were absolutely hysterical as they M.C.’d the evening. Two young ladies sang – with voices that would do well on American Idol. One of them made me look huge – and yet out of that little body came the most amazing rich, complex voice. The highlights, though, of the evening (and no, it was not the 1-hour full body massage before dinner, nor the 1-hour facial massage before bed), were listening to Rafonzel’s testimony.

She is in college, and is vibrant, and alive. She told her story. One part of it was that she was one of those poorest of the poor children that we saw this morning. She said that as a child she would beg her mother to buy one apple for the children to taste – and Mom never had enough money to do so. The difference that her Compassion sponsors have made is incredible. For $32 a month, she was provided with support from about age 4 – 18. And now, for $300 a month, she is close to completing her college degree. She is already a great leader – and will continue to grow as a leader. All because of the generosity of sponsors and God’s grace.

The other highlight was the students praying for us! It broke my heart, and led me to tears to be ministered to by “the least of these” from a place of strength and power and passion. I came away knowing that it is we who are poor spiritually!

Today we spent the morning at a center for children who are compassion sponsored. They started with worship - and once again the children showed incredible gifts. A young boy - about 9 sang a very moving song - from the bottom of his heart. If only we could sing with such talent and passion. One of the things that is rather shocking is that the three churches I've been in so far have better AV equipment than we do at MVC. The leaders are really well versed in power point.

After the worship, we spent time hanging out with the children and staff. They were making Valentine's Day gifts for their parents. Did you know that there is colored glue? I learned something new there. It was so fun to talk with the kids and some of the parents. I cannot begin to tell you all the interactions that occurred, but here are a few. I was talking with a group of girls, aged 8 - 9, and asked them if they'd like to sing a song. So there we all were in the heat of Philippines singing Joy to the World. Another was talking with the Moms who had arrived at 6 AM to prepare lunch. They had a huge wok of chicken frying, were making a traditional fried patty of the same root that tapioca comes from - then wrapping them in banana leafs to keep fresh. They piled on so much rice that it seemed it would feed about 5 of me. And of course bananas.

I was offered one of the root-things, but declined as I thought I’d get to sample one for lunch. Unfortunately, we visitors were served a catered meal and didn’t eat what the locals’ ate. I am sure this was for our health, but I was sorry that I didn’t honor the ladies by eating one of their treats.

And then after lunch there was a relay race - 17 children vs. 17 pastors doing over/under. The kids won - and we did not "give" it to them. I suspect the victory could be accounted for by the large pastors - much more body to go over or under than the kids.

We then had home visits. I was with a group of 5 pastors to visit the home of Mercy and her mother and brother and sister. Mercy is 18, and in her first year of college. She is studying secondary education with the hope of being a missionary. What is most amazing about that story is that her home seemed like a mission neighborhood. We wound our way through a maze of shanties, walking over sewage and around mud holes. There seemed to be about a thousand people around, all sticking their heads out of doors to see us. In one corner a couple men were roasting three pigs over fires. You have to imagine this in the midst of wooden structures to sense what a hazard it seemed. There were babies and children in all manner of cleanliness. One little boy who was particularly noticeable was running around with a shirt and no pants (I guess this makes toilet training easier). Some places were really depressed; others seemed to be making the most of a bad situation.

We arrived at the home we were visiting. It was one room, about 10 X 10 with a small 10 X 4 extra space for changing clothes. It was clean, had electricity and a small hot plate for cooking. The Mom works as a janitor to make enough to keep from starving. They eat rice and fish if they can get it. Mom had one small plant growing at the front door, and two orchids in a small area. These were a real source of pride for her and set her off from the rest of the neighborhood. Her desire for her children is that they make it out of poverty. The most touching thing was when Mercy showed us the very first card she received from her sponsor some 10 years ago. She just broke down and sobbed in showing it. From my perspective a card is such a small gesture – and it is wild that something so small can mean so much. Incentive to make sure I write Justine regularly.

We are back at the hotel for the evening. Tomorrow morning we pack and check out and then go to church. After that we will fly to Manila. On Monday I will get to meet Justine the child Rod and I are sponsoring. It should be quite an experience. I am anxious and wonder how it will go. We will go to a mall - of all things, and I will get to spend a few hours with her and some of her family. I know what I would do at a Mall with Lilian, and while it would not be appropriate for me to buy the same items for Justine as I would for Lily - I do know that I would buy Lily a treat - maybe ice cream or some cookies. Pray that our meeting will be a blessing for Justine and that I will get to know her enough to continue to communicate by mail.

Now to suffer one more time - a one-hour foot massage for 500 pesos - about 10 dollars.

February 15, 2009
We rose early to check out of the hotel and make it to church. It was a long service – 3 hours from start to finish. Thankfully they had AC – something we don’t have at our home church. And once again, the AV was great. This was the 56th anniversary of the Independent Baptist Church, and so we saw a video of the history, which was really neat.

This church in a poor poor country had a missionary speak – a woman who has been working in Indonesia for most of her life, supported by the home congregation. One of my companions wisely said, “She missed some really good opportunities to end her talk.” There was a presentation by the children, lots of music, and finally a sermon that went for about 40 minutes. The benediction song was “The Last Words of Moses” sung by the congregation. I hadn’t heard that song since my senior year in HS – when the choir sang it for baccalaureate. That was for me the most moving part of the service.

We then had a feast – once again – a church meal with the feature food a whole roasted pig. Then off to the airport for a flight to Manila. I was able to buy a tee shirt for Ross and a sundress for Lily, and some Mangostein candy. Loved the fruit – found out that I hate the candy.

I was amazed at the size of Manila as we drove from the airport to the Richmonde Hotel. Manila is huge! So many roads, so many cars, and by night, it seems to be full of North American stores and Fast Food places. Saw McDonalds, etc. There was no security at the Hotel and I assume it is because Manila is safe compared to Davao. The hotel was great – but not as luxurious as the Marco Polo. Still had trouble figuring out how to turn on my lights. In this hotel room you had to put your key card into a slot in the wall to turn on the power, and then from the nightstand, there was a box full of switches to the room lights.

Time for bed – I am exhausted and also a bit anxious to meet Justine tomorrow.

February 16, 2009
After a quick dinner, I crawled into bed – quite exhausted, and also a bit anxious about tomorrow and meeting Justine. At 2 AM, I awoke – because most of the room lights were on. I sat up in bed, “the lights are on,” I said. I was a bit alarmed, but checked out the room – the door was still locked, and no one was in it but me – so I figured it was just an anomaly of the electricity.

I told some of the guys about the light incident – and as I was speaking thought – just like me to go back to sleep – when maybe it was a wake-up call to pray. Oh, well!

God has a sense of humor! So instead of going to a mall with our sponsored children, the plans were changed to go to an amusement park. I do just about anything I can to avoid amusement parks - I don't like most of the rides, I don't like the crowds, I don't like the noise, I don't like waiting in line! But it would be a great thing for Justine and all the children to experience, so I was going to grin and bear it and enjoy her enjoying it.

Our morning was spent at a Wesleyan Church – where there is a Child Sponsorship Program. One small, neat detail was the carpeting for the children to sit on – Little Mermaid – Lilian Grace would like that. I found myself taking lots of pics of plants growing – signs of hope in a place that was not really hopeful at times. We then did a home visit – to the very top of what was called Mushroom Hill, named for how the dwellings have mushroomed on the steep sides of a mountain. It was about a 15-minute walk, through winding alleyways. Along our route were many vendors, small shops selling food, etc. Reminded me of corner stores in Harrisburg, only these would not have met the sanitation standards of the US (at least pre-peanut butter crisis US).

We got caught a couple of times in really heavy downpours, where we tried to take shelter under whatever we could. At one point, we were on a narrow path above a freeway (which in and of itself was a bit difficult to comprehend – poverty and a freeway. Dirty, sewage-filled water was running in torrents along the streets – and there was not way to avoid it. And along came a little boy – buck-naked and playing in the puddles. I suppose it is one way to get clean, but I would have freaked if he were my child in that dirty water! I was quite concerned that someone would slip and fall – and that someone could easily be me with my track record. And I kept praying for one guy along who has a really bad back. Fortunately, no one fell. If you had a medical emergency in a place like that, it would be just about impossible to evacuate you to a hospital. Ambulances could not get there.

Two things stood out for me in that home visit. First, they had relatives on vacation from the country that were staying with them – in about two rooms of space! Not exactly one of the vacation destinations I’d have chosen – to stay on Mushroom Hill. Second, a little, shy niece with Mickey Mouse slippers kept peeking around the corner. Some things are the same no matter where you go!

February 17, 2009
After yesterday morning, I felt like I’d already lived through two days, and yet we still had lunch and visits with our sponsored children. I don’t know if I felt such fatigue because the emotions of the trip were catching up with me, or what, but what I most wanted to do was go back to the hotel and get out of my wet and dirty shoes and take a good long shower.

Well, it was a hot day and we were running late and the leaders decided that we folk from HI couldn't take the heat, so we went to an indoor aquarium instead. God is good!

I recognized Justine right away at the JollyBee (a McDonald’s type franchise in the Philippines). She was just as cute as her pictures, and with the same sort of caution/age/care about her eyes. Her mom was with her – and looked more guarded. I wonder what was going through her mind?

Perhaps Justine was just very afraid of what this meeting would be like. I was also! It took a while to begin to communicate. I gave her a photo album with some pics of my family, and space for her to add photos to – especially of this visit. Her Mom presented me with an incredible treasure – a baby picture of Justine and her Kindergarten graduation picture. Wow! Justine gave me a really nice drawing she made of her home and family.

I will have lots more to say in the days to come about the experiences I've had, and more about Justine. But let me tell you a couple ways she is like Lily. She has huge lovely eyes and dark hair. She likes Barbie. She likes Dora the Explorer. She likes Little Mermaid. And like me - her favorite fruit is an apple. She volunteered this information. Apples are very expensive here so she has probably only eaten one or two in her entire life. And she is a bit hesitant with things that might be scary. This part really reminded me of Lily. At the aquarium, there was a crocodile pen. I was ready to run up and look at the critters – nothing stopping me. Justine, however, was (perhaps more appropriately) hesitant and fearful. It was like Lily this Christmas at the Bass Pro Shop Outdoor world and the grisly bear.

And then there was the escalator we had to go down. I take them for granted – and am sure this was the first time she ever saw one.

We passed up an opportunity to use the “fish spa”. It was a large tank with fish that eat dead skin off your feet as you pay for the opportunity to dangle them in the water and let the fish feast. I thought it looked like fun, and would have done it if I’d not been with Justine.

I bought Justine a couple of treats – hotdogs for she and her Mom, ice cream cones (she likes Strawberry like Lily), and cokes. The biggest treat was perhaps a bag full of toothbrushes and toothpaste.

At the end of the time I presented her with her gifts – some art supplies, a couple of learning flash card sets, school supplies, and a windup flashlight. It was hard to say goodbye – although not as hard as saying goodbye to the grandkids. I think it was a bit easier because I was shot by then.

I had an early night, enjoyed a warm long shower, and checked out in the AM.

We are off for a final visit with the Compassion Philippine's office - then a quick lunch and ride to the airport for the flight home. Today will be a bit like the movie Ground Hog day - as I get to live through Tuesday twice.

February 17 – Final Thoughts
One of the things we did on our final night was to talk about next steps and commitments. One of the pastors had the idea that if each of our congregations were to give $56 per month, we could fund for a year one of the Child Survival Programs that we visited in Davao which is currently without funding. And then Dan asked if we might be able to come up with 30 people to give $10 a month to support a student through college in the Leadership Development Program. Finally, he asked if we would be willing to host a Compassion Sunday at our churches.

Field Hockey player that I was, I decided to go for the hat trick! God, please provide the opportunities and people to make this happen!

Part of a Sermon from February 22 about Davao
We were divided into 7 groups of 4 to make home visits on our first day in Davao, Philippines. One group was informed they’d need to be rather short and willing to walk a distance with a flashlight to get to the home. I volunteered for that group – meeting the height requirement. However, my pastor-companions, being protectors of the only female pastor on the trip, took my place.
After winding our way through several crowded streets, we stopped in front of a house where five adults were sitting on the ground, looking at us as if we were from outer space. One older woman, with the cloudy eyes of one suffering from advanced cataracts, was washing clothes by hand in a small bucket. Another lady was removing ears of corn from a feedbag, and husking them. I have to tell you that this corn looked dry and tough – much like the corn that cows were fed back home in PA – nothing that a human would consume.
I noticed a lack of teeth in most of the people, and a mixture of smells – from that of sewage (which was running down the gutter along the street) to smoke from a small fire, to the smell of our teams’ insect repellant and sunscreen, to the smells of people in need of a bath. (We found out later that in this part of town, the only way to get a shower was to wait for the rain). Our guide stepped across the sewer and led us through a very narrow passageway, into the bowels of a building. In the midst of the smells, we stepped over holes in the earthen path, and even I had to duck as we went under the beams of the building now over our heads.
We made our way into what seemed to be the dark, dank crawl space under the building. There was no door, no windows, and the only light was from a small oil lamp. At first it was hard to see much more than one woman, holding an infant. As my eyes adjusted to the dark, I saw that this was an area about 8 x 8 dug out of the foundation of the building, the only furniture was a long bench, and a small niche that held one pot. On one side, a small area, about 4 x 6 and 2 feet high was a sleeping area for three other children, who gradually came into the view of my adjusting eyes. Above us, looking through a hole in the ceiling, were at least 4 other people, curious about the visitors.
After introductions, we learned that Melanie had entered the Compassion Child Survival Program because Nicole, her 18 month-old daughter, was suffering from malnutrition. Randy, the father of this family of 6 children is working in Manila, but not managing to send home enough money to provide for this family. Compassion provided some basic medical needs for Nicole, including food when she came to the center. They also provided corn (which we had seen outside) for the family to sell.
There was no running water, no electricity, no place to keep or prepare food, and the family slept on the floor. Mom slept on a bench, and from a hammock strung between two beams that was brushing my head, Nicole slept. We thought it strange that a baby would be placed up in the air like that, until we learned that this kept her safe from rats. Talk about seeing the light of a different reality! It was a moment of Epiphany.

Who’s Glory? – March 15, 2009

2009-03-09T11:22:00.002-10:00

The text this week is Psalm 19. This Psalm of praise is attributed to King David, and builds upon two themes. God is praised both in nature and in revelation through religion, specifically through the law.

We are in the period of Lent, and this text harkens back to the beginning of time – to the glory of God through creation, as well as recognition that even within the glory of the Garden, we humans had a hard time being contented with what we had, and wanted more. Might that be the reason for Law – to provide some guard rails on our journey? As you read the text below, what comes to mind? And who is to get the glory?

Psalm 19 (Today's New International Version)
1 The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

2 Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they display knowledge.

3 They have no speech, they use no words;
no sound is heard from them.

4 Yet their voice goes out into all the earth,
their words to the ends of the world.
In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun,

5 which is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,
like a champion rejoicing to run his course.

6 It rises at one end of the heavens
and makes its circuit to the other;
nothing is deprived of its warmth.

7 The law of the LORD is perfect,
refreshing the soul.
The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.

8 The precepts of the LORD are right,
giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the LORD are radiant,
giving light to the eyes.

9 The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever.
The ordinances of the LORD are sure,
and all of them are righteous.

10 They are more precious than gold,
than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the honeycomb.

11 By them your servant is warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.

12 But who can discern their own errors?
Forgive my hidden faults.

13 Keep your servant also from willful sins;
may they not rule over me.
Then I will be blameless,
innocent of great transgression.

14 May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.

As you read, reflect on what the text reveals about the faith journey. What does this text say to you right now on your journey? What else do you want to hear? What might it be saying to the church this third week of Lent?

Blessings!
Pastor Anne

Following Jesus - for March 8, 2009

2009-03-06T07:03:00.002-10:00

This week's sermon will be given by Scott Hirano. It is on the very difficult text from Mark 8. Jesus has fed 4,000, healed a blind man, and been challenged by the religious leaders. Peter has declared that Jesus is the Messiah, which is quite remarkable since this happens before the transfiguration. And then Jesus drops this bombshell - that he will die, and that to follow him means not only miracles, but humility, submission, and service. He is a very different kind of messiah than what the people had in mind.

Read the text below three times, and note what grabs you on each reading.

Mark 8:31 - 38
31 He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again. 32 He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.
33 But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. "Get behind me, Satan!" he said. "You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns."
The Way of the Cross 34 Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 35 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. 36 What good is it for you to gain the whole world, yet forfeit your soul? 37 Or what can you give in exchange for your soul? 38 If any of you are ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of you when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels."

What might it mean to be ashamed of Jesus? How do you experience that? What does it mean to deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Jesus? How do you do that?

Blessings as you ponder this word.

Anne

The Now! – for March 1, 2009

2009-02-23T13:59:00.001-10:00

This week’s text is from the good news (Gospel) of Mark. Mark writes primarily for a non-Jewish group audience, and is most likely the first of the Gospel’s written. Mark’s is a Gospel of action and speed – with the word “immediately” found some 27 times. The story of Jesus’ baptism and temptation is also found in Matthew 3-4, and Luke 3-4. John also tells with story of Jesus’ baptism (1:29-34) but excludes the wilderness temptation.

The story of the baptism and 40-day temptation in the wilderness serves as the opening scene of Lent, as we begin our 40-day journey toward Good Friday.

Mark 1:9-15 (Today's New International Version)
9 At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased."
12 At once the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness, 13 and he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted [a] by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.
14 After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. 15 "The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!"
(Footnote: Mark 1:13 The Greek for tempted can also mean tested.)

As you read, reflect on what the text reveals about the faith journey. At what point(s) does your own journey parallel the journey of Jesus? Where are you on that journey this week? What does this text say to you right now on your journey? What else do you want/need to hear? What might it be saying to the church this first week of Lent?

Blessings!
Pastor Anne

Greetings from the Philippines

2009-02-22T17:03:00.003-10:00

I am back from the Philippines, and have much to share about the trip. But for a brief taste, check out the link below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tw7uNhcDJTc&feature=channel_page

The sermon this morning, Seeing the Light, was built on one day of the trip. You can listen to it on the Manoavalleychurch.org website under sermons.

Anne

The Steelers

2009-02-06T07:53:00.004-10:00

I am still basking in the glow of the Steelers' victory in the Super Bowl. Many people have said, "I know you are praying for them to win." I must confess that I didn't pray for that - except perhaps for my groans and utterances during the game.

I leave for the Philippines on February 10 and return on February 17. I will be traveling with 28 other clergy from Hawaii traveling with Compassion International to learn more on-site about their programs, visit some of the child development centers and schools, and experience the affects of poverty on the lives of the most vulnerable.

I have been really really really lax in keeping at this Blog! Many apologies. I will try to do better.

Anne

Faithful Work – October 19, 2008

2008-10-13T10:57:00.002-10:00

This week’s text is from the letter written by the apostle Paul to the church at Thessalonica. It is one of Paul’s earliest letters, written to a church he founded during a brief visit to the city (probably 3 -4 weeks in duration). According to Acts 17:1-9, some of the Jews and a large number of God-fearing Greeks, and not a few prominent women became believers in Jesus during these few weeks. It is to this group that Paul writes this letter.

As you read the opening of this letter, what is the mood? How does Paul feel about this group of people? Why might he feel that way? What challenges or difficulties might the future hold? How would you feel if you received a letter like this?

1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 (Today's New International Version)
1 Paul, Silas and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace and peace to you.
2 We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. 3 We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

4 For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5 because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. 6 You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. 7 And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. 8 The Lord's message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it, 9 for they themselves report what happened when we visited you. They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10 and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.

As you read, reflect on the “work” of the Thessalonians that Paul praises? Three familiar words appear in verse 3 – faith, love, hope. See 1 Thess. 5:8 and 1 Corinthians 13:13). Are these beliefs or actions? What do they have to do with work? What stands out to you? What evidence is there of praise, of promise, of problems? What does this text say to you? What might it be saying to the church on this week in October, 2008?

Blessings!
Pastor Anne

Humbling Work - October 5, 2008

2008-10-01T09:42:00.003-10:00

In this text, Paul continues to encourage the followers of Christ in Philippi to be united, with an emphasis on humility. He then seems to break out in a hymn of praise to Jesus, and makes one of the most significant statements about who Jesus is in all of the Bible.

Below is the text.

Philippians 2:1-13 (Today's New International Version)
Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
In your relationships with one another, have the same attitude of mind Christ Jesus had:

Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God

something to be used to his own advantage;
rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant,

being made in human likeness.

And being found in appearance as a human being,

he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

and gave him the name that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,

in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.

Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation
with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

As you read, reflect on how our commitment to Christ influences how we treat each other, what example we should follow, and what the big picture might be.
As we prepare for Sunday, think about what this text says. What words or thought surprise you? How does the text touch your current life situation? What might this text be saying to the church?

Blessings!
Pastor Anne

Uniting Work, September 28, 2008

2008-09-24T15:45:00.000-10:00

This week’s text is from the letter (epistle) that the apostle Paul wrote to the Christians in Philippi. Most likely, he wrote this letter from a prison cell sometime between 52 – 62 CE. Philippi was a prominent city on the Via Egnatia which was the major road linking Rome with the east. Citizens of Philippi would have been granted Roman citizenship, which helps to frame some of Paul’s reflections on the Christian’s citizenship in heaven.

In this text, Paul is reassuring his friends that in spite of his circumstances, he is able to serve Christ and rejoice in God. At the same time, he seems to encourage them to live for Christ, and to live in unity.

Below is the text:

Philippians 1:21-30 (Today's New International Version)
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.

Whatever happens, as citizens of heaven live in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together with one accord for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.

As we prepare for Sunday, think about what this text says. What words or thought surprise you? What words jump out at you? What does it say about unity? About life? About allegiance? About suffering?

How does the text touch your current life situation? What might this text be saying to the church?

Blessings!
Pastor Anne

Worshipping Work, August 24, 2008

2008-08-20T09:21:00.001-10:00

This week’s text is from the letter (epistle) that the apostle Paul wrote to the Christians in Rome. While many of Paul’s letters were written to churches that he had either founded or visited, he did not found this church. This letter was written around 57 C.E. in anticipation of a visit on his anticipated mission to Spain. He did get to Rome – as a prisoner in chains.

Romans is the longest of Paul’s letters, and it articulates salvation through faith in the most commanding and thorough way. The first 11 chapters build the case for salvation through faith, and then chapters 12 – 16 articulate how people transformed by Christ are to live. The first two verses of this section seem to be a hinge between the first 11 chapters of Romans, and the chapters that follow. Below is the text.

Romans 12:1-8 (Today's New International Version)
1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is true worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. 4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

As we prepare for Sunday, think about the first word. What does it imply? How might it relate to what comes before it? What other word(s) jump out at you? What words are confusing? What strikes you or surprises you? Have you experienced transformation in your own life? How did it come about?

How does the text touch your current life situation? What might this text be saying to the church?

Blessings!
Pastor Anne

Leaving on a Jet Plane - For August 10 and 17, 2008

2008-07-28T09:34:00.004-10:00

I'm leaving on a jet plane after worship on August 3, and will be back in the office on August 18. During my vacation, we have two exciting Sunday morning services planned. On August 10, three of our members will be sharing about where they've seen God in their lives.

On August 17, Rev. Federico Ranches, one of the keynote speakers at the Pacific Islanders Asian American Ministries convocation will be our guest speaker, and will address the topic "Blessed and Forgiven."

I look forward to more interactions with this blog when I return.

A hui hou!
Pastor Anne

Table of Plenty, August 3, 2008

2008-07-28T09:33:00.000-10:00

This week’s text is from the good news (gospel) of Matthew, and comes immediately after Herod makes a very foolish promise, and to save face in the eyes of the guests at his birthday dinner and celebration, he has John the baptizer beheaded. Before you read this week’s text, you may want to read about this event in the first 13 verses of Matthew 14. See http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2014:1-13;&version=72;

Below is the text. Read the first two verses, keeping in mind the context. Jesus has been preaching, healing, and has given a number of parables about the kingdom of heaven, and then he gets the very disturbing news about his cousin John. What do you imagine you would feel in these circumstances? What do you imagine Jesus might be feeling? What would you want to do? What does Jesus do?

Now read the rest of the text, and reflect on the questions below.

Matthew 14:13-21 13 Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. 14 When he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them and cured their sick. 15 When it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, "This is a deserted place, and the hour is now late; send the crowds away so that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves." 16 Jesus said to them, "They need not go away; you give them something to eat." 17 They replied, "We have nothing here but five loaves and two fish." 18 And he said, "Bring them here to me." 19 Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. 20 And all ate and were filled; and they took up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve baskets full. 21 And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.

As we prepare for Sunday, think about the main characters? What roles do they play? What are the emotions and what are the actions of each character? With whom do you most identify? Why? Think of a time in your life that this text calls to mind. What happened? What did you do? How does the text connect with the events with Herod and John?

What strikes you or surprises you? How does it touch your current life situation? What might this text be saying to the church?

Blessings!
Pastor Anne

A Little Dab’ll Do Ya, July 27, 2008

2008-07-21T12:49:00.001-10:00

This week’s text is from the good news (gospel) of Matthew, and contains five very brief parables about the kingdom of heaven. Fully a third of all of Jesus’ teachings in the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke are parables – word-pictures that define the unknown through the known.

Below is the text. Try to imagine hearing these words for the very first time. What images from life in the Galilean countryside might Jesus draw on as he speaks? What is the main theme? Who are the main characters? Which do you identify with most? What pictures from your everyday life experience come to mind as you read the parable?

Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 31 He put before them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; 32 it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches."

33 He told them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened."

44 "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

45 "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; 46 on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.

47 "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and caught fish of every kind; 48 when it was full, they drew it ashore, sat down, and put the good into baskets but threw out the bad. 49 So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous 50 and throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

51 "Have you understood all this?" They answered, "Yes."

52 And he said to them, "Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old."

As we prepare for Sunday, what strikes you or surprises you? How does it touch your current life situation? What does the text encourage you to do? What image stands out for you? Why? What title would you pick for this sermon? Why? What does the text say to inform our understanding of the sermon title, “A Little Dab Will Do You?” What might this text be saying to the church?

Blessings!
Pastor Anne

Weeds and Wheat Together, July 20, 2008

2008-07-14T14:55:00.001-10:00

This week’s text is from the good news (gospel) of Matthew, and is the second of 6 parables that Jesus tells in this chapter about the kingdom of heaven. Fully a third of all of Jesus’ teachings in the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke are parables – word-pictures that define the unknown through the known. This parable (Matthew 13:24-30) is found only in Matthew. The explanation given by Jesus to a small group of disciples later in the text (Matthew 13:36-43) is viewed by some scholars as an addition by the church a generation removed from Jesus.

Below is the text. Read the first section, then try to imagine sitting in the crowd near a lake, with Jesus telling this parable. What is it like to hear for the first time? What images from life in the Galilean country-side might Jesus draw on as he tells it? Who are the main characters? Which do you identify with most? What words would you use to describe the man who sowed the good seed? What words would you use to describe the owner’s servants? Who is responsible for making judgments? What pictures from your everyday life experience come to mind as you read the parable?

Matthew 13:24-30 24 He put before them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to someone who sowed good seed in his field; 25 but while everybody was asleep, an enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and then went away. 26 So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared as well. 27 And the slaves of the householder came and said to him, 'Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where, then, did these weeds come from?' 28 He answered, 'An enemy has done this.' The slaves said to him, 'Then do you want us to go and gather them?' 29 But he replied, 'No; for in gathering the weeds you would uproot the wheat along with them. 30 Let both of them grow together until the harvest; and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Collect the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.'"

Now read the second section, and imagine being in on the explanation of the parable by Jesus.

Matthew 13:36-43 36 Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples approached him, saying, "Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field." 37 He answered, "The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man; 38 the field is the world, and the good seed are the children of the kingdom; the weeds are the children of the evil one, 39 and the enemy who sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. 40 Just as the weeds are collected and burned up with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. 41 The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all evildoers, 42 and they will throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Let anyone with ears listen!

What are your thoughts as you read the second part of the text?

As we prepare for Sunday, what strikes you or surprises you? How does it touch your current life situation? What does the text encourage you to do? What image stands out for you? Why? What does the text say to inform our understanding of the sermon title, “Weeds and Wheat Together?” What might this text be saying to the church?

Blessings!
Pastor Anne

Abundant Possibilities, July 13, 2008

2008-07-08T18:38:00.002-10:00

This week’s text is from the good news (gospel) of Matthew, and is the first of 6 parables that Jesus tells in this chapter. It is also the first parable that is recorded in Matthew. A parable is a word-picture that defines the unknown through the known. They have been compared to “imaginary gardens with real toads in them.”

Fully a third of all of Jesus’ teachings in the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke are parables. This parable found in Matthew 13:1-9, (18-23) is also told in Mark 4:1-9, (13-20); and in Luke 8:5-8, (11-15). It is explained in the latter part of the reading by Jesus to a small group of his followers.

Below is the text. Read the first section, then try to imagine sitting in the crowd near a lake, with Jesus telling this parable. What is it like to hear for the first time? What images from like in the Galilean country-side might Jesus draw on as he tells it? Who is the parable about? Who is the sower? What do you make of the sower’s actions? What is the seed? What about the soil? Why is the importance of verse 9? What part do you identify with the most?

Now read the second section, and imagine being in on the explanation of the parable by Jesus. Note the name that Jesus gives this parable. What significance might that have?

Matthew 13:1-9 NRS 9That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. 2 Such great crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat there, while the whole crowd stood on the beach. 3 And he told them many things in parables, saying: "Listen! A sower went out to sow. 4 And as he sowed, some seeds fell on the path, and the birds came and ate them up. 5 Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and they sprang up quickly, since they had no depth of soil. 6 But when the sun rose, they were scorched; and since they had no root, they withered away. 7 Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. 8 Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. 9 Let anyone with ears listen!"

Matthew 13:18-23 18 "Hear then the parable of the sower. 19 When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what is sown in the heart; this is what was sown on the path. 20 As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; 21 yet such a person has no root, but endures only for a while, and when trouble or persecution arises on account of the word, that person immediately falls away. 22 As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the lure of wealth choke the word, and it yields nothing. 23 But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty."

As we prepare for this Sunday's sermon, what strikes you or surprises you? How does it touch your current life situation? What does the text encourage you to do? What image stands out for you? Why? What does the title, Abundant Possibilities mean after reading the text?

Blessings!
Pastor Anne

Taste and see that the Lord is good, July 6, 2008

2008-06-30T14:12:00.001-10:00

The text is from book of Psalms, which is a collection of poetic statements that come from the inner life of the community of early Israel. Psalms range from the very public offering of praise or petitions, to the deeply personal expressions of pain, fear, delight, hope, and joy. At the heart of the Psalms lies the deep conviction that “God is one to whom all can speak” (New Interpreters’ Study Bible). The Psalms show us that we can speak with complete confidence to God about anything.

Psalm 34 is grounded in an event in the life of David, found in 1 Samuel 21:10-15, in which David faked being crazy to escape from danger at the hands of a foreign king. See http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Samuel%2021:10-15;&version=72; In the original Hebrew, it is an acrostic poem, with each verse starting with a letter in alphabetic order. Verse 8 includes the words “taste and see that the Lord is good.” They remind me of the old Alka-Seltzer commercial, “try it, you’ll like it.”

Below is the text. Before you read it, think about a time you were in a difficult and potentially dangerous situation, and came through in safety? What was the situation? How did you feel when it was over? Now read the Psalm with that situation and those feelings in mind.

Psalm 34:1-22

I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul makes its boast in the LORD; let the humble hear and be glad.
O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.
I sought the LORD, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears.
Look to him, and be radiant; so your faces shall never be ashamed.
This poor soul cried, and was heard by the LORD, and was saved from every trouble. The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.
O taste and see that the LORD is good; happy are those who take refuge in him.
O fear the LORD, you his holy ones, for those who fear him have no want.
The young lions suffer want and hunger, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.
Come, O children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
Which of you desires life, and covets many days to enjoy good?
Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit.
Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.
The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their cry.
The face of the LORD is against evildoers, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.
When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears, and rescues them from all their troubles.
The LORD is near to the brokenhearted, and saves the crushed in spirit.
Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD rescues them from them all.
He keeps all their bones; not one of them will be broken.
Evil brings death to the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be condemned.
The LORD redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.

As we prepare for this Sunday's sermon, what strikes you or surprises you? How does it touch your current life situation? What does the text encourage you to do? What image stands out for you? Why? What does it mean to you to, “taste and see that the Lord is good?”

Blessings!
Pastor Anne

Everyday Gifts, June 29, 2008

2008-06-27T10:53:00.001-10:00

The text is from the Gospel (Good News) of Matthew, which tells the story of Jesus' birth, life, ministry, death, resurrection, and commission to his followers. The author's audience is Jewish persons living in the first century, CE, and one significant agenda of the author is to show how Jesus is the fulfillment of prophecy.

Matthew 10 is known as the discipleship discourse – one of several discourses or teachings by Jesus. Jesus calls the Twelve (disciples or apostles), gives them instructions and authority for their mission, and warnings about the costs of following him. Finally, in these verses Jesus talks about the interplay between receiving/welcoming his followers, and receiving/welcoming him. Jesus, after giving “marching orders” to the Twelve, now tells them how to get along with each other.

Below is the text. As you read it, what words jump out at you? What words or themes are repeated? What do these verses say about how to treat other followers of Jesus? Are these instructions related to other things Jesus says?

Matthew 10:40-42
"Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. Whoever welcomes a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet's reward; and whoever welcomes a righteous person in the name of a righteous person will receive the reward of the righteous; and whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple -- truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward."

As we prepare for this Sunday's sermon, what strikes you or surprises you? What questions do you have about this text? What might Jesus be saying to the church today? What does it say to you? To others?

Blessings!
Pastor Anne

Everyday People, June 15, 2008

2008-06-09T13:37:00.001-10:00

The lectionary text for this Sunday comes from the Gospel (Good News) of Matthew, which tells the story of Jesus' birth, life, ministry, death, resurrection, and commission to his followers. The author's audience is Jewish persons living in the first century, CE, and one significant agenda of the author is to show how Jesus is the fulfillment of prophecy.

In the chapters preceding this text, Jesus has given the Sermon on the Mount in which he outlines how a disciple should live. (See link below for further information on the Sermon on the Mount). The Bible tells us, “the crowds were astounded at his teaching, 29 for he taught them as one having authority, and not as their scribes.” These same crowds followed him, and Jesus heals many people, calms a storm, and calls a tax collector to “follow me”, among other activities. He has taught the disciples, demonstrated ministry in God’s power, and now prays, calls, gifts, and sends 12 disciples on a local mission. http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/index.php?action=getCommentaryText&cid=1&source=1&seq=i.47.5.1)

Matthew 9:35 - 10:8
Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and curing every disease and every sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest."

Then Jesus summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to cure every disease and every sickness.

These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon, also known as Peter, and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Cananaean, and Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed him.

These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: "Go nowhere among the Gentiles, and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, proclaim the good news, 'The kingdom of heaven has come near.' Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. You received without payment; give without payment.

As we prepare for this Sunday's sermon, what strikes you or surprises you? What is Jesus’ motivation in this text? What motivates the twelve disciples? What are the “marching orders” given to the twelve? How does this relate to our task as followers of Jesus? What is the model of discipleship? Finally, how does this text connect to the Sermon on the Mount? To the Lord’s Prayer?

Blessings!
Pastor Anne

Are You a Noah? June 1, 2008

2008-05-28T13:57:00.001-10:00

The lectionary text for this Sunday comes from the book of Genesis, the first book of the Hebrew scripture. Genesis begins with the creation of the world, a perfect world into which humans are created to care for the world. The perfection of the garden is corrupted as the result of a very bad choice. The remainder of Genesis, and indeed the rest of the Bible, is the story of God’s love for the world revealed through God’s efforts to redeem and restore creation. The story of Noah reveals how quickly humankind has fallen from graced existence in the garden, and how God’s grace is extended to the world through Noah and his family.

The Noah story begins in Genesis 6, and extends through Genesis 9. It is too long to read on a Sunday morning, but I invite you to read it at your leisure. You can use this link to find it on-line. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%206;&version=76;

The lectionary reading is a portion of this text, and is found below. Try to read this portion of the story as though for the first time. As you read it, what images, thoughts, and feelings come to mind?

Genesis 6.9-22,7.24,8.14-19
Here is the story of Noah. Noah was a godly man. He was without blame among the people of his time. He walked with God. Noah had three sons. Their names were Shem, Ham and Japheth.

The earth was very sinful in God's eyes. It was full of mean and harmful acts. God saw how sinful the earth had become. All of the people on earth were leading very sinful lives. So God said to Noah, "I am going to put an end to all people. They have filled the earth with their harmful acts. You can be sure that I am going to destroy both them and the earth. "So make yourself an ark out of cypress wood. Make rooms in it. Cover it with tar inside and out. Here is how I want you to build it. The ark has to be 450 feet long. It has to be 75 feet wide and 45 feet high. Make a roof for it. Leave the sides of the ark open a foot and a half from the top. Put a door in one side of the ark. Make lower, middle and upper decks.

"I am going to bring a flood on the earth. It will destroy all life under the sky. It will destroy every living creature that breathes. Everything on earth will die. But I will make my covenant with you. You will enter the ark. Your sons and your wife and your sons' wives will enter it with you.

"Bring two of every living thing into the ark. Bring male and female of them into it. They will be kept alive with you. Two of every kind of bird will come to you. Two of every kind of animal will come to you. And two of every kind of creature that moves along the ground will come to you. All of them will be kept alive with you.

"Take every kind of food that you will need. Store it away. It will be food for you and for them."
Noah did everything exactly as God commanded him.

The waters flooded the earth for 150 days.

By the 27th day of the second month the earth was completely dry. Then God said to Noah, "Come out of the ark. Bring your wife and your sons and their wives with you.

"Bring out every kind of living thing that is with you. Bring the birds, the animals, and all of the creatures that move along the ground. Then they can multiply on the earth. They can have little ones and increase their numbers."

So Noah came out of the ark. His sons and his wife and his sons' wives were with him. All of the animals came out of the ark. The creatures that move along the ground also came out. So did all of the birds. Everything that moves on the earth came out of the ark. One kind after another came out.

As we prepare for this Sunday's sermon, what strikes you or surprises you? What are the characteristics of Noah? Of God? How do you see these characteristics lived out in the story? Where do you see grace? What do you think keep Noah going? What does it say to you? To others?

Blessings!
Pastor Anne

Got Spirit? ~ For May 11, 2008

2008-04-22T11:26:00.000-10:00

The lectionary text for this Sunday is the story of the day of Pentecost. Pentecost was an agricultural festival of the Jewish people that came 50 days after Passover. The events of the day are told in the book of Acts, which is the story of the followers of Jesus in the days and weeks and years following his resurrection. Pentecost dramatically affected the disciples – and jump-started the church.

In Acts 1, Jesus ascends to heaven, and the disciples devote themselves to prayer and select a person to replace Judas in the circle of 12. Then, something incredible happened on the day of Pentecost.

As you read it, what images, thoughts, and feelings come to mind? What led up to this event? What are the responses of the various persons involved? What would your response be? With whom do you identify?

Acts 2:1-21
When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.

Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. Amazed and astonished, they asked, "Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs-- in our own languages we hear them speaking about God's deeds of power." All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, "What does this mean?"

But others sneered and said, "They are filled with new wine."

But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them, "Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say. Indeed, these are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only nine o'clock in the morning. No, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel:

'In the last days it will be, God declares,
that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh,
and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
and your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.
Even upon my slaves, both men and women,
in those days I will pour out my Spirit;
and they shall prophesy.
And I will show portents in the heaven above and signs on the earth below,
blood, and fire, and smoky mist.
The sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood,
before the coming of the Lord's great and glorious day.
Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.'

As we prepare for this Sunday's sermon, what strikes you or surprises you? What don’t you understand? What comforts or challenges you? What does it mean to you, and to today’s church, that Pentecost occurred? The sermon title is a question. How does this text inform the answer? What is your answer?

Your thoughts and questions are always welcome, as are your prayers.

Blessings!
Pastor Anne

All You Need Is Love? – for Sunday, April 27, 2008

2008-04-22T11:08:00.002-10:00

The lectionary text for this Sunday is part of a long section of the Good News of John, which encompasses Jesus’ final conversation with his disciples around the table in the Upper Room on the night of his Last Supper. Jesus’ last instructions before his betrayal make up almost ¼ of the book of John.

Jesus has given his followers words of comfort in the midst of the imminent loss of their beloved leader, words of direction about how to follow Jesus and know God. Now he promises that they won’t be left without help; and begins to instruct them on how to live as his followers.

As you read it, what images, thoughts, and feelings come to mind? What do you think Jesus means by connecting love and keeping his commands? What commands might he mean? How does the advocate – the Spirit of truth – help Jesus’ followers? Jesus uses the word “in” to describe how Jesus, and God, and the believer are related. What are your thoughts on these relationships? How do they contrast to being “orphans?”

John 14:15-21
"If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you. "I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you. In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me; because I live, you also will live. On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me; and those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them."

As we prepare for this Sunday's sermon, what strikes you or surprises you? What words or phrases are repeated? What are the most important points? What don’t you understand? What comforts or challenges you? The title for this week's sermon is "All you need is love?" How does this text inform the title?

Your thoughts and questions are always welcome, as are your prayers.

Blessings!
Pastor Anne

Hopefully Devoted - April 13, 2008

2008-04-07T13:22:00.000-10:00

The lectionary text for this Sunday comes from the book of Acts, written by Luke. Acts takes up where Luke’s gospel left off, and tells the story of the years following Jesus’ resurrection. It is full of the adventures of the early church. Today’s text comes right after Peter’s amazing sermon on the day of Pentecost (which we will return to in a few weeks). In 5 short verses, Luke describes how the believers in Jesus lived in community.

As you read it, what images, thoughts, and feelings come to mind? What are the essential characteristics of these believers and this community?

Acts 2:42-47
They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need.

Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day-by-day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.

As we prepare for this Sunday's sermon, what strikes you or surprises you? What would you list as the characteristics of the community described in the text? Compare and contrast the Acts 2:42-47 community with a your own Christian community/congregation. What is most attractive about the Acts community? Least attractive? How might our own community compare? How would our witness differ if we lived like the early church?

Blessings!
Pastor Anne

On the Road Again, for April 6, 2008

2008-04-03T12:06:00.002-10:00

The lectionary text for this Sunday comes from the Gospel (Good News) of Luke, which tells the story of Jesus life and death. This text takes up the action on Easter Day, as two of Jesus followers (quite possibly a husband and wife) are traveling from Jerusalem to the village of Emmaus. As you read it, what images, thoughts, and feelings come to mind?

Luke 24:13-35
Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him.

And he said to them, "What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?"

They stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, "Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?"

He asked them, "What things?"

They replied, "The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see him."

Then he said to them, "Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?" Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures.

As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. But they urged him strongly, saying, "Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over."

So he went in to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight.

They said to each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?" That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together.

They were saying, "The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!" Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread.

As we prepare for this Sunday's sermon, what strikes you or surprises you? Think about some of the road trips you’ve taken. What aspects of this story remind you of something you’ve experienced on a road trip? What is happening on the road of your life right now? What might you rush back to tell your companions about? What does this text imply about strangers, stories, and hospitality? Our congregation will celebrate communion this Sunday. How might this text be especially relevant?

Blessings!
Pastor Anne

Thomas, Doubting. March 30, 2008

2008-03-20T13:44:00.001-10:00

The lectionary text for this Sunday comes from the Gospel (Good News) of John, which tells the story of Jesus life and death. In John’s Gospel, Jesus tells fewer parables, has longer speeches, and performs seven miracles. Perhaps most distinctive, John includes the seven “I am” statements of Jesus found only in this gospel. This text takes up the action in the first day and week following the resurrection. As you read it, what images, thoughts, and feelings come to mind?

John 20:19-31
When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.

Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained." But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord."

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." A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe."

Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!"

Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe."

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.

As we prepare for this Sunday's sermon, what strikes you or surprises you? Who do you identify with? Why? What makes this text relevant for us today? Notice that this sermon is titled, “Thomas, doubting,” and not “Doubting Thomas.” What are your reactions and responses to these titles? Which do you like best?

Blessings!
Pastor Anne

Alleluia! March 23, 2008

2008-03-16T09:05:00.003-10:00

The lectionary text for this Easter Sunday comes from the Gospel (Good News) of John, which tells the story of Jesus life and death. In John’s Gospel, Jesus tells fewer parables, has longer speeches, and performs seven miracles. Perhaps most distinctive, John includes the seven “I am” statements of Jesus found only in this gospel.

Notice as you read the place, the time of day, the characters, their actions, emotions, and words. Try to read this familiar text as though you were there, or hearing this story for the first time.

John 20:1-18
Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him."

Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went toward the tomb. The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, and the cloth that had been on Jesus' head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples returned to their homes.

But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet.

They said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping?"

She said to them, "They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him." When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus.

Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?"

Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away."

Jesus said to her, "Mary!"

She turned and said to him in Hebrew, "Rabbouni!" (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, "Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, 'I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'"

Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord"; and she told them that he had said these things to her.

As we prepare for this Sunday's sermon, what strikes you or surprises you? Who do you identify with? Why? What does this text say to you, right here and now, some 2,000 years after the fact? What questions does it raise? What message is most important for you today?

And as always, your thoughts and prayers are much appreciated!
Pastor Anne

Called to the Cross – for Sunday, March 16, 2008

2008-03-11T09:48:00.001-10:00

The lectionary text for Sunday, March 16 is below. This is the tenth and final sermon in a series on what we, as followers of Jesus, are called to be and to do.

The text is from the Gospel (Good News) of Matthew, which tells the story of Jesus' birth, life, ministry, death, resurrection, and commission to his followers. The author's audience is Jewish persons living in the first century, CE, and one significant agenda of the author is to show how Jesus is the fulfillment of prophecy.

This is the story of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem – what we call “Palm Sunday.” Palm Sunday is the first day of Holy Week. The focus of worship is celebratory, as we remember the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. But we must never skip from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday, without experiencing the events that come between. The shadow of the cross falls upon all the days of Holy Week – Palm Sunday to Easter. As you read the text that follows, read it with the cross calling, looming ahead.

Matthew 21:1-11
When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, "Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, just say this, 'The Lord needs them.' And he will send them immediately.”

This took place to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet, saying, "Tell the daughter of Zion, Look, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey."

The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; they brought the donkey and the colt, and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting, "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!"

When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, "Who is this?"

The crowds were saying, "This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee."

As we prepare for this Sunday's sermon, "Called to the Cross," what is this text saying about Jesus? What might it being saying to the original audience. What might the text be saying to us as individuals and as a congregation? What questions does it raise? Who is “called to the cross” in this passage? What are the possible implications of this? How would a person and a congregation be changed if they lived out the truths from this text? How do we respond to the call to the cross?

And as always, your thoughts and prayers are much appreciated!

Pastor Anne

Called in the Depths - for Sunday, March 9, 2008

2008-03-02T19:22:00.001-10:00

The lectionary text for Sunday, March 9 is below. This is the ninth in a series of sermons on what we, as followers of Jesus, are called to be and to do.

The text is from the Gospel (Good News) of John, which tells the story of Jesus life and death. In John’s Gospel, Jesus tells fewer parables, has longer speeches, and performs seven miracles. Perhaps most distinctive, John includes the seven “I am” statements of Jesus found only in this gospel.

This is a long narrative or story occurs shortly before Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem – what we call “Palm Sunday.” Although it is long, it contains the shortest verse in the Bible, “Jesus wept.” Since it is so full of emotion and action and dialogue, try to read it as a drama, imagining various parts and voices and actions. As you read, think about the depths that the participants experienced.

John 11:1-45 NRS
Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. Mary was the one who anointed the Lord with perfume and wiped his feet with her hair; her brother Lazarus was ill. So the sisters sent a message to Jesus, "Lord, he whom you love is ill."

But when Jesus heard it, he said, "This illness does not lead to death; rather it is for God's glory, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it." Accordingly, though Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus, after having heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was. Then after this he said to the disciples, "Let us go to Judea again."

The disciples said to him, "Rabbi, the Jews were just now trying to stone you, and are you going there again?"

Jesus answered, "Are there not twelve hours of daylight? Those who walk during the day do not stumble, because they see the light of this world. But those who walk at night stumble, because the light is not in them."

After saying this, he told them, "Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I am going there to awaken him."

The disciples said to him, "Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will be all right." Jesus, however, had been speaking about his death, but they thought that he was referring merely to sleep.

Then Jesus told them plainly, "Lazarus is dead. For your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him."
Thomas, who was called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, "Let us also go, that we may die with him."

When Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, some two miles1 away, and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them about their brother. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, while Mary stayed at home.

Martha said to Jesus, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of him."

Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again."

Martha said to him, "I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day."

Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"

She said to him, "Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world."

When she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary, and told her privately, "The Teacher is here and is calling for you." And when she heard it, she got up quickly and went to him. Now Jesus had not yet come to the village, but was still at the place where Martha had met him. The Jews who were with her in the house, consoling her, saw Mary get up quickly and go out. They followed her because they thought that she was going to the tomb to weep there.

When Mary came where Jesus was and saw him, she knelt at his feet and said to him, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died."

When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her also weeping, he was greatly disturbed in spirit and deeply moved. He said, "Where have you laid him?"

They said to him, "Lord, come and see."

Jesus wept.

So the Jews said, "See how he loved him!"

But some of them said, "Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?"

Then Jesus, again greatly disturbed, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone was lying against it. Jesus said, "Take away the stone."

Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, "Lord, already there is a stench because he has been dead four days."

Jesus said to her, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?"

So they took away the stone. And Jesus looked upward and said, "Father, I thank you for having heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I have said this for the sake of the crowd standing here, so that they may believe that you sent me."

When he had said this, he cried with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" The dead man came out, 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."

Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what Jesus did, believed in him.

As we prepare for this Sunday's sermon, "Called in the Depths," what is this text saying about Jesus? What might it being saying to the original audience. What might the text be saying to us as individuals and as a congregation? What questions does it raise? Who is “in the depths” in this passage? What are the possible implications of this? How would a person and a congregation be changed if they lived out the truths from this text? How do we respond being called by Jesus in the depths of life?

And as always, your thoughts and prayers are much appreciated!

Pastor Anne

Called to See - for Sunday, March 2, 2008

2008-02-25T14:58:00.003-10:00

The lectionary text for Sunday, March 2 is below. This is the eighth in a series of sermons on what we, as followers of Jesus, are called to be and to do.
The text is from the Gospel (Good News) of John, which tells the story of Jesus life and death. In John’s Gospel, Jesus tells fewer parables, has longer speeches, and performs seven miracles. Perhaps most distinctive, John includes the seven “I am” statements of Jesus found only in this gospel.

This is a long narrative or story that occurs while Jesus is in Jerusalem, teaching crowds at a Festival. It helps to read such stories as drama, imagining various parts and voices and actions. Note how John has even included some “asides” to the audience. As you read along, think about sight – both as a visual ability as well as the ability to “get” something.

John 9:1-41
As he walked along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?"

Jesus answered, "Neither this man nor his parents sinned; he was born blind so that God's works might be revealed in him. We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world."

When he had said this, he spat on the ground and made mud with the saliva and spread the mud on the man's eyes, saying to him, "Go, wash in the pool of Siloam" (which means Sent). Then he went and washed and came back able to see.

The neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar began to ask, "Is this not the man who used to sit and beg?" Some were saying, "It is he."

Others were saying, "No, but it is someone like him."

He kept saying, "I am the man."

But they kept asking him, "Then how were your eyes opened?"

He answered, "The man called Jesus made mud, spread it on my eyes, and said to me, 'Go to Siloam and wash.' Then I went and washed and received my sight."

They said to him, "Where is he?"

He said, "I do not know."

They brought to the Pharisees the man who had formerly been blind. Now it was a sabbath day when Jesus made the mud and opened his eyes. Then the Pharisees also began to ask him how he had received his sight. He said to them, "He put mud on my eyes. Then I washed, and now I see."

Some of the Pharisees said, "This man is not from God, for he does not observe the sabbath."

But others said, "How can a man who is a sinner perform such signs?" And they were divided. So they said again to the blind man, "What do you say about him? It was your eyes he opened."

He said, "He is a prophet."

The Jews did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight until they called the parents of the man who had received his sight and asked them, "Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see?"

His parents answered, "We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; but we do not know how it is that now he sees, nor do we know who opened his eyes. Ask him; he is of age. He will speak for himself." His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jews; for the Jews had already agreed that anyone who confessed Jesus to be the Messiah would be put out of the synagogue. Therefore his parents said, "He is of age; ask him."

So for the second time they called the man who had been blind, and they said to him, "Give glory to God! We know that this man is a sinner."

He answered, "I do not know whether he is a sinner. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see."

They said to him, "What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?"

He answered them, "I have told you already, and you would not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become his disciples?"

Then they reviled him, saying, "You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. We know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where he comes from."

The man answered, "Here is an astonishing thing! You do not know where he comes from, and yet he opened my eyes. We know that God does not listen to sinners, but he does listen to one who worships him and obeys his will. Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a person born blind. If this man were not from God, he could do nothing."

They answered him, "You were born entirely in sins, and are you trying to teach us?" And they drove him out.

Jesus heard that they had driven him out, and when he found him, he said, "Do you believe in the Son of Man?"

He answered, "And who is he, sir? Tell me, so that I may believe in him."

Jesus said to him, "You have seen him, and the one speaking with you is he."

He said, "Lord, I believe." And he worshiped him.

Jesus said, "I came into this world for judgment so that those who do not see may see, and those who do see may become blind."

Some of the Pharisees near him heard this and said to him, "Surely we are not blind, are we?"

Jesus said to them, "If you were blind, you would not have sin. But now that you say, 'We see,' your sin remains.

As we prepare for this Sunday's sermon, "Called to See," what is this text saying about Jesus? What might it being saying to the original audience. What might the text be saying to us as individuals and as a congregation? What questions does it raise? Who is able to see in this passage? Who is blind? What are the possible implications of this? How would a person and a congregation be changed if they lived out the truths from this text? How do we respond to the call to see?

And as always, your thoughts and prayers are much appreciated!

Pastor Anne

Called to Witness – for Sunday, February 24, 2008

2008-02-18T18:15:00.002-10:00

The lectionary text for Sunday, February 24, is below. This is the seventh in a series of sermons on what we, as followers of Jesus, are called to be and to do.

The text is from the Gospel (Good News) of John, which tells the story of Jesus life and death. In John’s Gospel, Jesus tells fewer parables, has longer speeches, and performs seven miracles. Perhaps most distinctive, John includes the seven “I am” statements of Jesus found only in this gospel.

This is a long narrative or story that occurs at a well outside a Samaritan city. The Jewish people avoided the Samaritans, holding them in distain for their lack of religious purity. It helps to read such stories as drama, imagining various parts and voices and actions. Note how John has even included some “asides” to the audience. Perhaps you can imagine Peter, Paul, and Mary singing "Jesus Met the Woman at the Well" as the story unfolds. Here it is:

John 4:5-42
So he came to a Samaritan city called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob's well was there, and Jesus, tired out by his journey, was sitting by the well. It was about noon. A Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, "Give me a drink." (His disciples had gone to the city to buy food.)

The Samaritan woman said to him, "How is it that you, a Jew, ask a drink of me, a woman of Samaria?" (Jews do not share things in common with Samaritans.)

Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, 'Give me a drink,' you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water."

The woman said to him, "Sir, you have no bucket, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water? Are you greater than our ancestor Jacob, who gave us the well, and with his sons and his flocks drank from it?"

Jesus said to her, "Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty. The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life."

The woman said to him, "Sir, give me this water, so that I may never be thirsty or have to keep coming here to draw water."

Jesus said to her, "Go, call your husband, and come back."

The woman answered him, "I have no husband."

Jesus said to her, "You are right in saying, 'I have no husband'; for you have had five husbands, and the one you have now is not your husband. What you have said is true!"

The woman said to him, "Sir, I see that you are a prophet. Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you say that the place where people must worship is in Jerusalem."

Jesus said to her, "Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such as these to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth."

The woman said to him, "I know that Messiah is coming" (who is called Christ). "When he comes, he will proclaim all things to us."

Jesus said to her, "I am he, the one who is speaking to you."

Just then his disciples came. They were astonished that he was speaking with a woman, but no one said, "What do you want?" or, "Why are you speaking with her?"

Then the woman left her water jar and went back to the city. She said to the people, “Come and see a man who told me everything I have ever done! He cannot be the Messiah, can he?" They left the city and were on their way to him.

Meanwhile the disciples were urging him, "Rabbi, eat something." But he said to them, "I have food to eat that you do not know about."

So the disciples said to one another, "Surely no one has brought him something to eat?"

Jesus said to them, "My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to complete his work. Do you not say, 'Four months more, then comes the harvest'? But I tell you, look around you, and see how the fields are ripe for harvesting. The reaper is already receiving wages and is gathering fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together. For here the saying holds true, 'One sows and another reaps.' I sent you to reap that for which you did not labor. Others have labored, and you have entered into their labor."

Many Samaritans from that city believed in him because of the woman's testimony, "He told me everything I have ever done." So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them; and he stayed there two days. And many more believed because of his word.

They said to the woman, "It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is truly the Savior of the world."

As we prepare for this Sunday's sermon, "Called to Witness," what is this text saying about Jesus? What might it being saying to the original audience. What might the text be saying to us as individuals and as a congregation? What questions does it raise? Who is the witness in this text? How does this person witness? What does it mean to you to witness? What seems most relevant to us at this time and in this place? How would a person and a congregation be changed if they lived out the truths from this text? How do we live as witnesses of Jesus?
And as always, your thoughts and prayers are much appreciated!
Pastor Anne

Called to Believe - For Sunday, February 17, 2008

2008-02-11T11:07:00.000-10:00

Called to Believe – for Sunday, February 17, 2008

The lectionary text for Sunday, February 17, is below. This is the seventh in a series of sermons on what we, as followers of Jesus, are called to be and to do.
The text is from the Gospel (Good News) of John, which tells the story of Jesus life and death. In John’s Gospel, Jesus tells fewer parables, has longer speeches, and performs seven miracles. Perhaps most distinctive, John includes the seven “I am” statements of Jesus found only in this gospel.

Jesus has been baptized by John, called his first disciples, and performed his first miracle of changing water into wine at a wedding celebration. Jesus then ventures to the city of Jerusalem, where he cleanses the Temple by driving out those who are misusing it for their own financial gain. Immediately following that scene, he has a night visitor, and makes one of the most memorized statements in the Bible:

John 3:1-17 NRS
Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. He came to Jesus by night and said to him, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do apart from the presence of God."

Jesus answered him, "Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above."

Nicodemus said to him, "How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother's womb and be born?"

Jesus answered, "Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be astonished that I said to you, 'You must be born from above.' The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit."

Nicodemus said to him, "How can these things be?"

Jesus answered him, "Are you a teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand these things? "Very truly, I tell you, we speak of what we know and testify to what we have seen; yet you do not receive our testimony. If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. "Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him."

As we prepare for this Sunday's sermon, "Called to Believe," what is this text saying about Jesus? What might it being saying to the original audience. What might the text be saying to us as individuals and as a congregation? What questions does it raise? What seems most relevant to us at this time and in this place? How would a person and a congregation be changed if they lived out the truths from this text? How do we live out belief in Jesus?

And as always, your thoughts and prayers are much appreciated!
Pastor Anne

Called to Wilderness - for Sunday, February 10, 2008

2008-02-05T09:08:00.000-10:00

The lectionary text for Sunday, February 10, is below. This is the sixth in a series of sermons on what we, as followers of Jesus, are called to be and to do.

The text is from the Gospel (Good News) of Matthew, which tells the story of Jesus' birth, life, ministry, death, resurrection, and commission to his followers. The author's audience is Jewish persons living in the first century, CE, and one significant agenda of the author is to show how Jesus is the fulfillment of prophecy.

This familiar text is about the temptation of Jesus. In the previous chapter, Jesus has been baptized by John in the Jordan river, the Spirit of God descends upon Jesus, and a voice from heaven says, “This is my beloved Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Immediately following that defining moment comes our text this week:

Matthew 4:1-11 NRS
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was famished. The tempter came and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread." But he answered, "It is written, 'One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" Then the devil took him to the holy city and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down; for it is written, 'He will command his angels concerning you,' and 'On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.'" Jesus said to him, "Again it is written, 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'" Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor; and he said to him, "All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me." Jesus said to him, "Away with you, Satan! for it is written, 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.'" Then the devil left him, and suddenly angels came and waited on him.

As we prepare for this Sunday's sermon, "Called to Wilderness," what is this text saying about Jesus? What might it being saying to the original audience. What might the text be saying to us as individuals and as a congregation? What questions does it raise? What seems most relevant to us at this time and in this place? How would a person and a congregation be changed if they lived out the truths from this text?

And as always, your thoughts and prayers are much appreciated!

Pastor Anne

Called to Listen - for Sunday, February 3, 2008

2008-01-30T09:47:00.000-10:00

The lectionary text for Sunday, February 3, is below. This is the fifth in a series of sermons on what we, as followers of Jesus, are called to be and to do.

The text is from the Gospel (Good News) of Matthew, which tells the story of Jesus' birth, life, ministry, death, resurrection, and commission to his followers. The author's audience is Jewish persons living in the first century, CE, and one significant agenda of the author is to show how Jesus is the fulfillment of prophecy.

This familiar text is about the transfiguration. In the previous chapter, the Pharisees and Sadducees try to test Jesus, and then Peter makes the remarkable declaration that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the living God. Jesus begins to predict his death in Jerusalem, Peter reacts to that prediction, and Jesus tells his followers that they must take up their cross and follow him. Then comes this remarkable text:

Matthew 17:1-9 NRS
1 Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. 2 And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. 3 Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. 4 Then Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." 5 While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, "This is my Son, the Beloved;1 with him I am well pleased; listen to him!" 6 When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. 7 But Jesus came and touched them, saying, "Get up and do not be afraid." 8 And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone. 9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, "Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead."

As we prepare for this Sunday's sermon, "Called to Listen," what is this text saying to the original audience. What might the text be saying to us as individuals and as a congregation? What questions does it raise? What seems most relevant to us at this time and in this place? How would a person and a congregation be changed if they lived out the truths from this text?
And as always, your thoughts and prayers are much appreciated!

Pastor Anne

Called into Relationship - For Sunday, January 20, 2008 - Rev. Denise Mason

2008-01-12T20:13:00.000-10:00

The lectionary texts for Sunday, January 20, are below. This is the third in a series of sermons on what we, as followers of Jesus, are called to be and to do. The first text is from the book of Psalms, and is attributed to David, King of Israel. It is a profound statement of the responsiveness of the Lord in the midst of our struggles, and our responsiveness in return

The second text is from the first letter of Paul to the church at Corinth, a church that was in the throes of division and conflict. In the opening paragraphs of the letter, Paul sets the agenda by reminding the believers that they are a holy people, for whom he gives thanks at all times.

First, the words of Psalm 40 that are written by David, the King of Israel:
Psalm 40:1-17 NRS 1 I waited patiently for the LORD; he inclined to me and heard my cry. 2 He drew me up from the desolate pit,1 out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. 3 He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the LORD. 4 Happy are those who make the LORD their trust, who do not turn to the proud, to those who go astray after false gods. 5 You have multiplied, O LORD my God, your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us; none can compare with you. Were I to proclaim and tell of them, they would be more than can be counted. 6 Sacrifice and offering you do not desire, but you have given me an open ear.1 Burnt offering and sin offering you have not required. 7 Then I said, "Here I am; in the scroll of the book it is written of me.1 8 I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart." 9 I have told the glad news of deliverance in the great congregation; see, I have not restrained my lips, as you know, O LORD. 10 I have not hidden your saving help within my heart, I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation; I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness from the great congregation. 11 Do not, O LORD, withhold your mercy from me; let your steadfast love and your faithfulness keep me safe forever. 12 For evils have encompassed me without number; my iniquities have overtaken me, until I cannot see; they are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart fails me. 13 Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me; O LORD, make haste to help me. 14 Let all those be put to shame and confusion who seek to snatch away my life; let those be turned back and brought to dishonor who desire my hurt. 15 Let those be appalled because of their shame who say to me, "Aha, Aha!" 16 But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation say continually, "Great is the LORD!" 17 As for me, I am poor and needy, but the Lord takes thought for me. You are my help and my deliverer; do not delay, O my God.

And now the words of Paul:
1 Corinthians 1:1-9 NRS 1 Corinthians 1:1 Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes, 2 To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, together with all those who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord1 and ours: 3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 4 I give thanks to my1 God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus, 5 for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind -- 6 just as the testimony of1 Christ has been strengthened among you -- 7 so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ. 8 He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is faithful; by him you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

As we prepare for this Sunday's sermon, "Called into Relationship," what are these texts saying to the original audience. What might they be saying to us as individuals and as a congregation? What questions do they raise? What seems most relevant to us at this time and in this place? How would a person and a congregation be changed if they lived out the truths from this text?

And as always, your thoughts and prayers are much appreciated!

Pastor Anne

Called to Serve

2008-01-07T12:44:00.000-10:00

The lectionary text for Sunday, January 13, below. This is the second in a series of sermons on what we, as followers of Jesus, are called to be and to do.

As I prepare to preach this Sunday's sermon, "Called to Serve," what is this text saying to us as a congregation? What questions does it raise? What seems most relevant to us at this time and in this place? How would a person and a congregation be changed if they lived out the truths from this text?

Your thoughts and prayers are much appreciated!

Isaiah 42:1-9 NRS Isaiah 42:1 Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations. 2 He will not cry or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street; 3 a bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice. 4 He will not grow faint or be crushed until he has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands wait for his teaching. 5 Thus says God, the LORD, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and what comes from it, who gives breath to the people upon it and spirit to those who walk in it: 6 I am the LORD, I have called you in righteousness, I have taken you by the hand and kept you; I have given you as a covenant to the people, a light to the nations, 7 to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness. 8 I am the LORD, that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to idols. 9 See, the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare; before they spring forth, I tell you of them.