Now is the time for worship

 

Psalm 105:1-2. NRSV

O give thanks to the LORD, call on his name, make known his deeds among the peoples.

Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wonderful works

It is Sunday morning, and it is nearly time to go to our YouTube channel for worship.  On my gratitude list today one of the first items was being able to worship with everyone else on this Sunday morning.  I mean, I know that online worship is not the same as in person worship, but being able to just be part of the congregation on Sunday morning is seriously something to be grateful about.

When we have in person worship and I am sitting up front, I really don’t get to worship. I’m busy doing so many other things.  

I am constantly watching what is going on in the congregation.  I am looking to see who is here and running a constant body count.  (I really don’t like counting, but there’s this whole annual required record keeping thing.). I am wondering why This One isn’t sitting with That One as they usually do.  I am noticing that we haven’t seen or heard from Someone Else in a while.  I am noticing that That Guy doesn’t look like he feels well, and that That Lady can’t keep from smiling.  I am listening to the prayer requests and hoping I remember them after worship.  

I am keeping track of what comes next in the order of service.  You can tell when I am not doing that well because I will skip a part or get up to talk when it’s not my turn.   I am praying really hard the the New Presider feels good about what they are doing, because that can be pretty nerve wracking.  I am hoping the Presider reads the same translation of the Bible that I am preaching from.  I am watching to see that the Young Acolyte lights the candles without too much trouble - sometimes they are too short to reach the Christ Candle easily.  I am praying that whoever signed up for Children’s Sermon actually shows up because otherwise I have to come up with something on the fly.  (I don’t do “on the fly” well.). I am kicking myself for not having written the Pastoral Prayer in advance - again.  I am watching the slides and the Tech Guy who is in charge of making sure the next slide shows up on time.  I am anxiously going over my sermon in my head. . .

Finally, it is time for the Lord’s Supper.  I have these very few moments to breathe and pray, while I share the bread and cup with everyone present. 

And then I am on again.  Why didn’t I write out an Invitation to Discipleship?  Or a Benediction?  *sigh*

When we are worshipping online, I don’t do any of those things.  I simply worship.  I praise God.  I sing glory to God’s name.  I enjoy the Lord’s Day.

Lord, sometimes it is really hard to actually worship you.  I give thanks for the opportunities to worship that have been put in my life, through Jesus Christ, my Lord.  Amen..

Good old what’s her name.

 

Matthew 8:14-15. NRSV

14 When Jesus entered Peter’s house, he saw his mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever; 15 he touched her hand, and the fever left her, and she got up and began to serve him.

Every time I read these two verses my first thought is, “Yup.  Gotta make sure the woman is up and ready to cook for company.” Women do that, you know.  We can be half dead in bed, feeling really too miserable to get up for any reason, but let a child or husband act like they are hungry, and we are up and fixing food for them.  Bring a guest into the picture, and nothing will keep us in that bed.

There is so much more I want to know about Peter’s mother-in-law.  I mean, she only gets one full sentence.  Like the vast majority of women who appear in the Bible she doesn’t even merit a name.  The sum total of our knowledge of her is that she is Peter’s mother-in-law, and Jesus heals her rather casually - he touches her and she is well. That’s it. No fanfare. No crowds.  Nada.  Just, he touched her, the fever left, she got up and she served him. 

I want to know more.  I want to know why she lives with Peter and, one assumes, Peter’s wife.  Is it that her husband is dead and her son-in-law has generously taken responsibility for her care and support?  I want to know what the women and (probably) children in that family have been doing to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table since Peter left the family business behind in order to hit the road with Jesus for three years.  

 We can’t know anything more about her than is written here.  We can make some educated guesses about her life and situation, based in what we know about the lives and situations of all women in first century Palestine, but we cannot know anything more specific about her.   Hers is just one story amid all the stories of the women who exist at the edges of the lives of the men whose names live in our histories. 

Holy One, chances are that are stories exist on the edges of history.  We know that doesn’t make us any less important to you.  We know that you will touch us with love and heal our ills, even as Jesus healed Peter’s mother-in-law - without fuss or fanfare - so that we may continue to serve you.  We thank you for that, Lord.  Amen.

Choices

 Galatians 5:13 (NIV)

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. 

My senior project as a Religious Studies Major at Chapman University was on the topic of Free Will.  I said to my advisor one day “everything happens as God wills it to happen.” He stopped, looked at me, and asked whether I believed that God has given us free will.  When I said yes, of course I believed that, he suggested that those two beliefs really don’t work well together and that I should probably research Free Will.

By the time I had finished that project I realized that he was right.  It is impossible to see God as a puppeteer and believe I have freedom of choice at the same time.   Eve and Adam made a choice in the Garden.  God did not force their disobedience to happen.  I believe God’s will would have been for them to remain happily in Eden for ever, but they chose not to do God’s will.  Rather they let the snake manipulate them into doing exactly what they had been told not to do.  

When a person asks me “Why did God plan for my child to die in a drunk driving accident?” I tell them God did not plan that.  But the person driving drunk had exercised their free will by getting behind the wheel, which interfered with God’s plan for their child.  God knows everything, yes, except - God does not know what choices we will make, and whether we will follow the path God has chosen for us or take a detour.  Throughout Scripture we are reminded that we have a choice to choose God or not, to do God’s will or not.

We are called to be free.  We are given the choice to use that freedom as we please - right or wrong, for good or evil, to help others or to indulge ourselves.  No matter what our choice, God loves us, but our choice to freely serve others makes God happy.

Loving God, we give you thanks for the freedom to choose.  May we always choose to please you by using our lives to serve all of your children.  Amen 

Standing together

Galatians 6:2 (NRSV)

Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 

I saw this in my email this morning and didn’t even look at the other readings for today.  Yesterday’s walkout by NBA players, and then WNBA players, and then baseball and soccer and tennis players, in support of social justice protests against racism and police brutality was surprising and encouraging.  

I remember when many professional athletes complained bitterly when told they should be held accountable for their very public misbehavior because they were role models to the young.  They positively did not want to take responsibility for anyone else’s actions.    That attitude really angered me because they were role models to the youth, and young (mostly) men could easily get the idea from the things they saw on the news that it was perfectly ok to take advantage of women and abuse their families and use drugs and alcohol without consequence . . . if they were famous enough.

And today basketball players are walking out of the playoffs in support of the social justice movement!  In this way they are fulfilling the law of Christ by loving others through standing against oppression, even though it may jeopardize their work and their future, as it did for Colin Kaepernick.   When the famous and influential stand for justice, then justice may indeed roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever flowing stream. (Amos 5:24). 

Even when a situation does not have anything to do with us, or affect us in any way we are aware of, it is our responsibility as Christians to lift up those who are brought low - feeding the hungry just because they are hungry.  Visiting the prisoner even though they may be guilty.  Comforting the comfortless, bringing hope to the hopeless.  Speaking out for those who have no voice.  Even though their issues are not our issues, if any suffer all suffer.  

Lord, give us courage and strength sufficient to shoulder the burdens of those who cannot carry them alone.  Show us where we are needed so that we may do your work in the world and fulfill your law.  Amen.

Rise up

 

Isaiah 28:18b-19a. NIV

When the overwhelming scourge sweeps by,

    you will be beaten down by it.

19 As often as it comes it will carry you away;

    morning after morning, by day and by night,

    it will sweep through.”

Lectio Divina is a method of reading Scripture in order to allow feelings and emotional responses to arise.  It has nothing really to do with study or understanding the intended meaning and historical/cultural context of any particular passage. It is more like “What words hit you in the heart when you read this passage?”    As I was reading through the lectionary selections for this morning, these few words from Isaiah made me stop and take a breath. 

The overwhelming scourge could be any number of things happening in the world right now.  Depression.  Fear of contracting Covid.  Loneliness.  Fear of economic insecurity.  Worries for our family’s health and well being.  News of the divided nature of our nation, the hatred and anger between political parties, racism and all the other isms that separate us.  When it comes to mind - morning, evening, daytime or night - it carries us away.   When that happens usually I go straight to the Serenity Prayer and repeat it as needed.  (Turning off the news and Facebook also helps.)  But sometimes I find this meditation is even more helpful.  

May I be happy.

May I be peaceful.

May I be free.

May my friends be happy.

May my friends be peaceful.

May my friends be free.

May my enemies be happy.

May my enemies be peaceful.

May my enemies be free.

May all beings be happy.

May all beings be peaceful.

May all beings be free.

As I read I breathe slowly and rhythmically and often find that these words of loving compassion make the overwhelming scourge becomes less overwhelming with each verse.  It loses its power over me, at least for a while.  I can rise up and go on.

Compassionate God, sometimes it’s just hard.  Sometimes everything just seems overwhelming.  May your blessings of happiness, peace and freedom fall upon us and all of creation, easing our burdens.  Amen.

The Whole Truth (and nothing but the truth)

 

Exodus 35:35 New International Version (NIV)

35 He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as engravers, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen, and weavers—all of them skilled workers and designers.

This was today’s reading for one of the daily devotions I receive via email.  The writer spoke eloquently on the meaning of this verse, which they said was that all humans have been given all these gifts, that we are all artists!   What a lovely thought!

Then, I read the whole chapter.  This particular verse is about two specific men among the Hebrews who are gifted in these ways, and who have the ability to teach others. 

I had two immediate reactions.  First was Dang! I really liked the idea that we all have artistic gifts inside us.  It was a bit disappointing to see that the writer had taken the verse out of context and made it mean whatever they wanted it to mean.

The second reaction was a deep sigh.  It is so easy to take a verse completely out of context and make it mean whatever you want it to mean.  Not just the Bible.  Letters, excerpts from sermons, political speeches . . . you name it, someone can make any statement sound like the complete opposite of what is actually meant.  The only way to be certain the words are being interpreted as they are meant is to place them in the context in which they were said.  Which is why I read the whole chapter.  And why when I am told that Preacher so and so said this terrible thing I read (or watch) the entire sermon.  And when I hear a politician or other public figure being quoted on the news and it just doesn’t sound right, I look for the entire speech or conversation the quote came from.

People are quick to take statements out of context.  After worship one Sunday I was approached by a member who seemed upset.  She asked if she could look at my manuscript, so I handed it to her.  She skimmed through it and said, “OMG!  You DID say ‘I don’t care if you have a spiritual experience’!  I’m leaving and I’m never coming back!”.  And truthfully, I did say those words.  The rest of that  thought was, “. . . but, I do care that you have a worshipful experience.  If worship uplifts you, that is wonderful.  But your purpose in being here is to worship God.”

We are coming up on national elections in just a couple of months or so.  Between now and then we can count on being bombarded with political advertising from both parties mis-quoting or mis-interpreting the words of the other party, and news outlets providing sound bytes intended to stir the pot.  I can ignore all of that, or I can do some checking to see what was really being said in the context in which the words were spoken. I can look past the headline, the tweet, or the meme for the rest of the story.  

God of Truth, it is so easy to make someone else’s words mean whatever I want them to mean.  May I remember always to look for the whole truth instead of relying on a few words to tell the story.  Amen

Presents!

 

Romans 12:4-6a

For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another.  We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us:

We use this passage just about every year when we install new officers at the church, members of the Board, Elders, Deacons and Team Leaders.  I list the different gifts and responsibilities connected with each of those positions, name the people who have been elected to them, and bless them and the congregation celebrates them.   These are the people who are willing to stand in front of others and do the public and visible work of the congregation.  Most have to attend business meetings and help in the day to day decision making.

Those are only a few of our members, though.  Many folks have gifts that go un-used because they are not aware that every gift is valuable.   Every year we mail out a pledge card for our stewardship campaign.  On the back are questions about gifts people may contribute other than money.  Perhaps we are asking the question in the wrong way, because what I keep getting back are answers from the people who already do stuff listing the stuff they are already doing.  This is not what I am looking for, at all.  I know what these folks do. I want to know what gifts other people have. I want to know about your hobbies, things you enjoy doing, things you have always wanted to do but didn’t have a place to do it.  

We have music pretty well covered, but just think . . . if we had a group of several persons who enjoy knitting or crocheting, they could meet regularly and talk about things important to them while they knit.  They might decide to make prayer shawls or afghans for people in convalescent hospitals, or prayer crosses to give our homebound folks.  But we can’t start a knitting/crocheting group if no one says they enjoy doing that.

If we had people who love reading, a book club is always fun.  Some may be looking for a place to share their love of poetry.  Maybe a group could get together to draw or paint or even color.  Some people love to read aloud to children and might like to start a story hour like libraries have.

And yes, most of these things are pretty inward looking.  These are primarily ways in which people who don’t know each other well can connect. They might invite other friends to join them, expanding our reach.  They might raise money for needs in our local community.  

There are so many possibilities for connecting with each other and with the community outside of our doors.  But first we have to know what gifts are out there.   We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us - and all of those gifts are of great value.

Generous God, you have given us so many different gifts and talents and interests.  May we share these with each other, so that your blessing may reach more and more people through our gifts.  Amen

Beautiful feet

 

Isaiah 52:7 (NIV)

How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” 

I was raised in a very strict religious household.  We attended church services of some kind at least 3 times a week, not counting required weekly classes on Christian doctrine beginning in first grade.  I learned about sins, beliefs, and practices.  I memorized prayers and responses and lots of rules.  Before my confirmation at age 12 I learned the things that children learn and everything was fine.  I even wanted to devote my life to a religious vocation.  Once I got to junior high, however, the things I learned in those classes changed.  I questioned the teachings about things I was supposed to believe just because I was told to believe them.  I started having a hard time reconciling the God who insisted on perfection in order for me to enter heaven, punishing even the tiniest offenses, and the Jesus who warmly welcomed sinners to his table.  But I wasn’t allowed to ask about these things, or talk about my doubts.  At age 18 I left the church, angry and bitter over the things I had been taught to believe, but totally convinced that all of those things were true.  I believed that it didn’t matter what I did, because God was going to punish me no matter what I did, so I did as I pleased.

20 years later I started attending 12 Step meetings.  The people there taught me about a Higher Power who loved and cared for me and for all persons.  My sponsor Maggie was very gentle in her teaching, believing it is better to plant seeds than to hit someone over the head with the shovel.  Within a few years my understanding of God and my relationship with God had changed so much that I sought and found a church where my new understandings were embraced - Treasure Coast Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).  Pastor Betsy also believed in planting seeds and nurturing faith, encouraging me to do things I had never done nor thought of doing - like teaching Vacation Bible School.  Within a couple of years I set off on a journey toward the ordained ministry - a vocation quite different from the one I had considered as a child, but a vocation to serve God nonetheless.

I celebrate the beautiful faith of the people who brought me the good news  of God’s love and peace, of forgiveness and grace - especially Maggie and Betsy.  They climbed the mountain of my pain and hurt to bring me God’s peace and proclaim salvation.  God put them in my life to proclaim God’s reign of mercy and justice for all of God’s children - and through their help, I believe. 

Gracious and loving God, thank you for all of the people who taught me to know your grace and your love.  May I carry the Good News as beautifully as they did, so that some might come to know of your love through me.   Amen.

New Beginnings

 

Psalm 143:8 (NIV)

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. 

Putting my life in God’s hands.  That is what I offer to God each morning before I even get out of bed - or kick the cats off the bed so I can get up.  Every morning I say, “God, take my will and my life,  guide me in my decisions, and show me how to live”.   I often have to supplement that prayer with the Serenity Prayer at some point during the day.  Sometimes my day gets so weird that I have to close my eyes, say my morning prayer again, and then open my eyes to restart the day, to re-experience morning.  I have had some pretty terrible days turn out to be pretty good days by the simple means of starting over every time another problem came up. 

The beauty of morning is that every single one is new and unique, different from every other morning.   Every morning brings me the news of God’s unfailing love in a slightly different way.  Every morning gives me a new opportunity to turn my life over to God, to offer my trust and love to God, and work to serve God’s people.  Every day gives me a new chance to be the best person I can possibly be.   Every morning is like the first morning.  Each day is a new beginning. 

God, it is morning again, and again I offer my life to you, to do with whatever you will.  May my work be pleasing to you, bring hope to all people, and further the formation of the Beloved Community.  Amen. 

The Harvest

 

Galatians 6:9 (NIV)

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 

I have been seeing a lot of posts on Facebook lately that say something like “Your pastor is tired.   Be understanding.  Give them a break.  Make them take time off.” The whole idea of vacation while sheltering in place is kind of strange.  I mean, I usually do “Stay-cations” anyway, but I do wander around while I’m not working.  I shop and visit people and go out for meals and get massages and stuff.  I can’t do that right now.  Staying in the house for vacation when I’m already staying in the house for work just doesn’t seem very vacation-y.

Although - that one Sabbath day each week does help.  The couple of days I took off in the beginning of July also helped me to feel rested and ready to return to my (home) office.   

I have watched so many clergy friends get to the point where they just can’t do any more. They’ve had one too many technical crisis trying to get online worship to work consistently.  They’ve had too many members insisting it is time to re-open, even when the rates of hospitalizations in their area are climbing, and they themselves are in a high risk group.  They’ve had even more demands on their time than they usually do, because now that everyone is “always available” people are scheduling meetings and prayer groups and webinars and town hall meetings and other important discussions on Zoom or one of the other meeting platforms - and it simply isn’t possible to attend everything that is put on their calendars.  They have found themselves standing by helplessly, unable to visit the sick, or be with grieving families the way they are accustomed to being, or even perform funeral services the way they always have.  

And I’ve watched them decide to retire earlier than they had planned, or just plain quit.  

Let us not become weary in doing good . . . 

This doesn’t only happen to clergy, of course,  It can happen to anyone.  It is easy to become weary right now.  It takes effort and determination to avoid that bone deep weariness. It takes Sabbath days and vacations. But mostly it takes a willingness to say “no” when one comes to the point when they simply cannot do any more.  It takes self awareness, knowledge of just where that point is, so as not to step too far beyond it.  

And if we do not give up, we will find ourselves on the other side, having reaped a harvest of success at things we didn’t know we could do.

God of the harvest, help us to understand where our breaking points are.  Help us to try to see what others are going through, so we can help them keep from breaking.  Let us remind one  another to rest before we grow too weary, and to say no when we cannot do any more.  Help us not to give up before the harvest is ready.  Amen

Tuesday morning

 

Romans 15:13. NRSV 

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Tuesday morning is quickly becoming my favorite time of the week.  I take Monday off and do as little as I possibly can that requires use of my brain.  Because,you see, by Sunday evening I am pretty much done.  I am weary.  I have worries.  I have a list of tasks that feels like a rival to Santa’s list.  I feel like I will never be able to write one more word.  When I waken on Monday morning I am just as weary as when I went to bed Sunday evening.  So on Monday I don’t open my church email or Facebook, Messenger, or any other social media sites.  I don’t even walk into my home office.  I do some housework, read light fiction, play mindless games on my iPad, and cuddle with the cats.  I might or might not take a nap.  Sometimes I color.  This week I ordered a pizza so I didn’t even have to cook dinner (or wash dishes!).  

Mind you, it takes effort to turn my mind away from work stuff.  I will find myself thinking about a meeting or a task I have to do, and have to tell myself, “Nope, nope, nope.  Tomorrow is soon enough for that.”   But because I concentrate on not-work, come Tuesday morning I awake ready to face the week.

Tuesday morning my mind is refreshed.  My task list looks manageable.  My emails get my full attention.  I look forward to writing and studying and sending cards to people. I even look forward to online meetings and discussions.  Even Facebook, with all its fussing and fighting, looks better on Tuesdays.  The entire world looks like a better place.  Tuesday morning I am hopeful.

Because I am rested, on Tuesday morning I am able to remember that I do not shoulder these burdens alone. Tuesday morning it is easier to feel God’s love, and the power of the Holy Spirit, and the saving grace we receive through Christ Jesus.  On Tuesday morning I feel God’s peace and joy, which makes it easy for me to offer God’s joy and peace as a blessing on the cards I mail that day.

Thank you, God, for my Sabbath time, for the hope and peace that return to my heart during that time, and for the people around me who graciously give me that chance to rest.  And thank you for Tuesday mornings, when I awake with hope and joy and peace in my heart.  Amen

All means . . .?

 

Isaiah 56:7 (NRSV) 

Thus says the Lord: These I will bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer; their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples. 

A house of prayer for all peoples.  

There is no Jew or Greek, male or female, slave or free.

All are welcome and all means ALL.  

Each of these statements says the same thing. In God’s house there is no differentiation between persons regardless of all the things that differentiate us outside of the sanctuary.  Time and again in scripture God says, “All of you are my beloved children. All of you are welcome in my family.  I sent my beloved son for all of you.”  

And the people responded with, “Yes, God. Absolutely, all are welcome.  But  . . . Women can’t enter the Temple. 

Men who have been castrated cannot enter the Temple.  

Believers who are not circumcised cannot enter the Temple.  

Known sinners cannot enter.  

Women cannot preach. 

Black people have to sit in the balcony. 

Communion is only available to members of this congregation. 

Lesbian and Gay people can show up,  but they cannot participate in leadership.  

All are welcome, but we are not equipped for wheelchairs, or deafness, or blindness or people with mental health issues who might disrupt worship.  

All are welcome, but worship is in English only (or Spanish only or Korean only or some other language only). . .” 

And God said, “What part of ALL are you people having trouble with?” 

Loving God, we just don’t do “all” very well.  We want to, honestly, but we aren’t very good at it.  May we go forward to find ways in our hearts and our buildings to make certain all of your beloved children are welcome in your house.  Amen.

Hanging in there

 

2 Timothy 1:7 NIV

For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline.

When I first started attending 12 Step meetings they had a tradition of giving out key tags to celebrate recovery time at every meeting.  If you were brand new, your tag was white.  Then, if you managed to keep from using drugs or alcohol for 30 days, 60 days, 90 days, 6 months, or 1 year you got another one, each in a different bright color.  

At the beginning I was having a hard time even imagining how one might go without using for even as long as 30 days.  A year was beyond my comprehension.  I got nervous thinking I had to keep from using for years and years.  Then someone told me I only needed to do it for one day. And if one day was too hard, then I only had to keep from using for one hour, or one minute.  And then another.  And then another.  They told me that my Higher Power would help me by giving me the courage I needed and the power and the self discipline, because he loved me.  All I had to do was ask.

It’s true, you know.  I can do pretty much anything for one minute or an hour or a day.  If I am wise enough to remember to ask God for help, then I can do whatever it is for as long as I need to.  

This one day at a time thing is on my mind because after five months of sheltering in place I am beginning to get a little bit of cabin fever.  I am trying to figure out where I can go and what I can do that won’t include exposure to other humans.  So grocery shopping is out.  I know I am ok in the car by myself, so maybe the drive through at McDonalds would be safe.  I don’t know.  

Self discipline keeps me moving and motivated.  Writing these journal posts requires discipline.  So does making my bed, and cleaning the kitchen, and getting dressed every day.  Doing any of these things is an expression of love - love for others in these writings, self love in the performing of daily tasks, and the knowledge of God’s love underlying all. I am so grateful for God’s gifts of power and love and self discipline that get me through each and every day - one day at a time, one hour at a time, one minute at a time.

Gracious God, your love is what keeps me going.  Knowing that you are with me in every circumstance makes any difficulty I might face easier to bear.  May I always remember that your help is always available to me.  All I need to do is ask.  Amen.

Unimaginable

Luke 1:37 NRSV

[The angel said to Mary] “For nothing will be impossible with God.” 

Matthew 19:26 NRSV

Jesus looked at them and said, “For humans it is impossible, but for God all things are possible.”

I’m not entirely sure why I woke up with these words on my mind.  Even after I read all the available selections for today’s meditation, these words kept shouting in my head making sure I paid attention to them.   It is a lot like when you have an ear worm - some piece of music that keeps playing in your head no matter how hard you try to replace it.

There are so many things that seemed at one time to be impossible, not even counting the advances in technology.  In my mother’s lifetime, just 76 years, technology progressed from a horse drawn wagon bringing ice for her family’s icebox to the Space Shuttle.  I’m quite sure that many of the things we take for granted today would have seemed totally impossible to my grandparents.   

In March we fully expected that we would be able to come back to the sanctuary for Easter, or maybe just a short while after Easter.  Five months later we still aren’t there, but we are doing things that we would have considered impossible not all that long ago.  With the help of that impossible-seeming technology, we are reaching far beyond Selma with the Good News.  We thought that having meaningful worship with no building was well nigh impossible, but nothing will be impossible with God.

After a few weeks we realized that there are quite a few who normally attend in person worship but don’t have access to the technology.  That led us to realize that, although the homebound receive visits and communion, we have gone all this time thinking it was impossible to include them in Sunday worship.  After prayerful consideration, we started sending all of those folks print copies of the pastoral prayer, scripture, message and a script for the Lord’s Supper.  We had thought it was impossible to include the homebound in worship, but for God all things are possible.

In my own life there are so many things I thought would never be possible - college, for one.  Once I had received and claimed my call to the ordained ministry I began to understand that if God wanted me to do this, then a way would be made where there was no way that I could see.  It would take hard work to achieve the goal, but I knew it was achievable because for God all things are possible.

We do not know what the future holds, but what we do know is that if it is God’s desire that we continue to be His Church, a way will be made, even though it might seem that there is no way.  Because nothing will be impossible with God.

Loving God, who makes all good things possible, we thank you for the gift of faith.  We know that even the seemingly impossible can happen, for although it may be impossible for humans, for you all things are possible.  Amen.

With bright shining faces

 Psalm 67:1-2. NRSV

1 May God be gracious to us and bless us

    and make his face to shine upon us,

Selah

2 that your way may be known upon earth,

    your saving power among all nations.

We all know verse 1 pretty well.  These words are often used as a benediction at the end of worship services.  They are used on plaques and calendars and other decorations in our churches and our homes.  I use some variation on these words almost every day, when I write cards to church members and friends and people I just happen to think about.   

We can probably be forgiven for thinking that verse 1 sort of stands alone because it is followed by that pesky little word “Selah.”  There is very little agreement on what Selah means.  It might mean pause to consider these words, or indicate an instrumental interlude, or even serve as a place for to giving praise, like the way we see people  pumping hands in the air while praying.  Whatever it actually means, it serves to divide the verses from each other.  Possibly for that reason, some translations leave it out altogether.

I read this psalm in one of those translations this morning, the New International Version.  Before this I never really put these two verses together.  I saw that pause as a full stop after verse 1 -  a period, not a comma.  Today, though, I saw the comma.  I realized that these verses make up one sentence, not two.  

May God’s face shine upon us so that God’s ways may be known upon the earth.  Maybe that means we are to reflect the brightness of God’s grace out into the world, in much the same way that Moses’ face shone so brightly after he had been speaking with God he had to cover it for a while so he didn’t blind the Hebrew people.  Maybe that means we are to share the blessings we receive from God with whomever we encounter. Maybe we are supposed to share the Good News, telling people about the blessings we receive, so that it isn’t just us receiving God’s blessings of joy and peace and healing and love and mercy and compassion, but everyone.

I think there is no maybe about it. I think we are supposed to share our knowledge of all of those blessings, not just with people like us or people we like, but with all people. I think we are supposed to consider our every word and action to make sure what we are reflecting out into the world comes from God.  I think we are to do our best to ensure that every word and action we send out into the world reflects God’s grace, and will be a blessing to all persons.   Even our posts on Facebook and Twitter and Instagram and  . . 

Loving God, may you be gracious to us and bless us and let your face shine upon us, so that we may reflect your blessings out into the world.  Amen.

We’re going to drown!

Matthew 8:23-26. NIV

23 Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. 24 Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. 25 The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”

26 He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.

If you are on Facebook or read any newspaper or watch cable news, you will know that this verse or some variation of it is used by church folk who think it is perfectly safe for churches to meet in person, with few if any safety precautions in place.  Their preachers tell them that their faith will keep them safe from the coronavirus if they come to church, and if they do not show up it is because they do not believe.

*sigh*. When I was in seminary one of my classmates came to campus one day very upset.  His pastor had been fired the day before.  The reason?  She had been diagnosed with lupus, and the board of the church determined that she lacked faith, because if she was truly faithful God would have kept her from getting such a serious disease.

NOT! 

Faith has very little to do with disease - catching one or even dying of one.  Faith can have a lot to do with the healing process, mind you. Prayer and a positive outlook are proven to help people recover from things surgeries and cancer treatments and a multitude of other ills.  But faith does not keep you from catching a contagious disease or developing an autoimmune disease or cancer or any of those things.  Faith is not a barrier that keeps bad things from happening.  

Faith is about how you live with whatever life throws at you, good or bad.  Faith is knowing that no matter what happens, even if I die, everything will be ok because God is with me.  Just as the disciples were going to be ok because Jesus was with them.

I have faith that God gave me the good sense to take care of myself and others.  I believe that God gave scientists and doctors the gifts and talents to find ways to combat illness like the coronavirus.  And because I believe that, I will follow their guidelines - even when they change - as that will give me the best chance to stay well so that I may take care of others.

God, giver of gifts, thank you for the various and sundry gifts and talents you have given your children so that we might care for one another. Thank you for the good sense to follow direction from those you have tasked with keeping us well.  Amen.

I can do anything

 1 Corinthians 10:23 (NIV)

I have the right to do anything,” you say — but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything” — but not everything is constructive.

We hear this sentiment a lot.  “Just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should.”   Who knew this wisdom was Biblical?   Well, I’m sure lots of people did, but I didn’t.  Sometimes the things I think are Biblical are actually from Poor Richard’s Almanac and vice versa.  

I believe it is common for people to believe that the things they do only affect them, not others.  For example, I was one of those people who fought long and hard against the motorcycle helmet law.  I didn’t mind wearing one, mind you. I just didn’t want to be told I had to wear one.  We figured “It’s our heads.  If we are injured it doesn’t hurt anyone else.”  Everyone knew that it was the insurance companies who were pushing for it just so they could make higher profits.  I eventually realized that the more the insurance company had to pay out, the higher everyone’s premiums would be.   I certainly had the right to endanger myself, but that small act of defiance on my part could put everyone else at risk.  

This is the entirety of the mask or no mask argument.  Some people say that no one has the right to tell them they must wear masks - which is absolutely true - while others insist that wearing a mask is for the protection of everyone you come in contact with - which is also true.  The question each of us must answer is whether or not our action is beneficial to others.

Me, I can’t go out anyway.  I am over 65, have asthma and COPD so I have to avoid contact with humans, whether or not they are wearing masks. I have started to wear one when I answer the door because not everyone who knocks stands back from the door, and not everyone who comes to my door wears a mask, and I am afraid. 

I have the right to do as I please, but if I am to act with love toward others, I need to try to protect them from harm by considering the well being of others before I act.  So I wore a helmet when I rode, I use a seatbelt in the car, and I keep a mask by the door - because I love you.

Loving God, we know everything we do affects someone else, although we don’t always remember that. Help us to always make the choices that will show love for others.  Amen.

Dreams

Genesis 37:19.  NRSV

They said to one another, “Here comes this dreamer.”

“They” were the brothers of Joseph, talking about Joseph who had dreams that upset them.  He had told everyone that he dreamed he would be more successful and more powerful than they.  He was already their father’s favorite, so this just added fuel to the fire of jealousy. They wanted to kill him, but instead sold him to a caravan going by, thus setting in motion the process that would lead to Joseph becoming more powerful and successful than they could ever dream of being.

Dreams can be troubling things, both for the dreamer and for those who hear the dream. Sometimes we decide to keep our dreams to ourselves so as to not rock the boat.  Sometimes we don’t.  Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. dreamed of a beloved community where all persons were equally valued, where racism had been erased.  His dream got him killed, but sharing it with the world has also led to some changes.  We haven’t seen racism erased, but his dream is still a goal many wish to see achieved.

Right now many are dreaming of the day things can go back to the way they were before the pandemic.  We dream that day will be soon, but realistically - according to the current best science - that won’t be for at least a year, maybe more.  Some form of in-person worship will begin sooner, but the way it used to be?  Not for quite a while.  Most of us are aware that things will never be exactly the same.  We have made some changes in the way we do things that will stay with us into the foreseeable future - like online worship.  

Some of us are dreaming that this has given us the opportunity to move the church out of the building, metaphorically.  We have learned to make sacred space in our homes, a place where we can sit in our designated space (like a regular pew) and participate in much the same way we did before - responding to prayers, singing hymns, listening to the sermon, sharing the bread and cup.  That’s probably the hardest part, I think.  That and the no hugging part.  

What if, instead of dreaming about returning to the Before Times, we were to dream about what church could look like next year, or the year after.  What would be the same, and what would be different?  Would worship be more formal or more casual?  How would we better interact with our community?  What is your dream?

God of creation, you have given us the capacity to dream - big dreams and small ones.  May our dreams come straight from your Holy Spirit, that they can lead us to do your will in the world.  Amen.

“They” were the brothers of Joseph, talking about Joseph who had dreams that upset them.  He had told everyone that he dreamed he would be more successful and more powerful than they.  He was already their father’s favorite, so this just added fuel to the fire of jealousy. They wanted to kill him, but instead sold him to a caravan going by, thus setting in motion the process that would lead to Joseph becoming more powerful and successful than they could ever dream of being.

Dreams can be troubling things, both for the dreamer and for those who hear the dream. Sometimes we decide to keep our dreams to ourselves so as to not rock the boat.  Sometimes we don’t.  Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. dreamed of a beloved community where all persons were equally valued, where racism had been erased.  His dream got him killed, but sharing it with the world has also led to some changes.  We haven’t seen racism erased, but his dream is still a goal many wish to see achieved.

Right now many are dreaming of the day things can go back to the way they were before the pandemic.  We dream that day will be soon, but realistically - according to the current best science - that won’t be for at least a year, maybe more.  Some form of in-person worship will begin sooner, but the way it used to be?  Not for quite a while.  Most of us are aware that things will never be exactly the same.  We have made some changes in the way we do things that will stay with us into the foreseeable future - like online worship.  

Some of us are dreaming that this has given us the opportunity to move the church out of the building, metaphorically.  We have learned to make sacred space in our homes, a place where we can sit in our designated space (like a regular pew) and participate in much the same way we did before - responding to prayers, singing hymns, listening to the sermon, sharing the bread and cup.  That’s probably the hardest part, I think.  That and the no hugging part.  

What if, instead of dreaming about returning to the Before Times, we were to dream about what church could look like next year, or the year after.  What would be the same, and what would be different?  Would worship be more formal or more casual?  How would we better interact with our community?  What is your dream?

God of creation, you have given us the capacity to dream - big dreams and small ones.  May our dreams come straight from your Holy Spirit, that they can lead us to do your will in the world.  Amen.