A gift of Hope
Sinner. You are a sinner and your momma is a sinner. Y’all are a bunch of sinners. That is the sort of inviting message that John the Baptist is preaching. Good News as we prepare for Christmas! Why is Paul in such a bad mood?
There are times when we are surrounded by so much bad news that we begin to believe that the only news is bad news. Now that the flood waters are receding and the cleanup is beginning the news media will only cover the political chaos likely to follow up this disaster. There will be inquiries into political offices of who didn’t do what when. Yet, there will be little notice of the people helping people, the people who travel from Longview, and many other places to help out with a mop or a shovel, or a meal.
We have the opportunity to be a gift of hope as we help and build relationships. What brings more hope to your life than relationships? We can offer ourselves and our relationship with Jesus Christ.
Hope in a King? That is what the psalmist hopes for, that this leader, this time will get it right. How many times have you put your hope in new leadership only after time to be disappointed? Too often we learn that our leaders are imperfect. They are humans who make mistakes just like the rest of us.
John the Baptist notices the community and religious leaders hanging in the crowd and he yells at them. He declares repentance is the only way. We know that when people seek to repair a relationship the first step is repentance.
Repentance means to literally turn around, to turn away from destructive behavior and to turn toward the living God. Through repentance, a simple act of reconciliation our lives are changed through a new relationship.
Obviously the greatest gift you can give this Christmas is yourself and your faith in the Christ Child. There are people who need you to be graceful and loving. There are people who need you simply to sit and spend some time with them. Take the time this Advent to tend to your relationships.
How is your relationship with Jesus? What do you need to do to deepen that relationship?
How is it with your primary family relationships? What do you need to do to care for those?Study Guide
Preparing for the Third Sunday of Advent
Study Guide
Through this season of Advent we are seeking understanding of God’s activity in the world. As the world around us creates a commercial holiday loosely based on Christian ideals, what is our understanding of God’s promise for a Messiah?
Monday: Read Isaiah 35:1-10
Isaiah delivers a message of hope to people who are out of their house and home and looking for God. Has there been a time when you knew as verse four states that God would come to save you? How might this be a message of hope for those who are comfortable and safe already? What might God be calling the comfortable to do?
Tuesday: Read Luke 1:46b-55
This is Mary’s song of Joy, it is a vision of a world transformed by the child she carries. Is this only the optimistic hope of a first time mother? What would be different in our world if this song became true today?
Wednesday: Read James 5:7-10
A call for patience on the third Sunday of Advent. As Christmas comes closer are you anxious with anticipation or has the holiday created so much stress you just want it to be over with. What would be different in your life if you were anxiously anticipating the arrival of Christ? What needs to happen for you to look forward to having a deeper relationship with Jesus?
Thursday: Read Matthew 11:2-11
This passage shows a close relationship between John the Baptist and Jesus. Jesus doesn’t proclaim himself to be the Messiah, he simply shows what is happening in his work. What evidence do you hope to leave from your life? If someone asked about your faith, would you talk about theology or give an example of something Jesus has done for you?
Friday: Pray for love. What does it mean for Christian people today to be a people of love? How have this weeks readings influenced your understanding of God’s activity in the world?
What is your understanding of God’s activity in your life?
What is your understanding of God’s ministry at LUMC?
Sunday December 16th: Choir Christmas Cantata. A worship of music and praise.
Showing posts with label Sermon Notes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sermon Notes. Show all posts
Monday, December 10, 2007
Monday, December 03, 2007
Sermon Notes Decemeber 2, 2007
Study Guide
Preparing for the Second Sunday of Advent
Through this season of Advent we are seeking understanding of God’s activity in the world. As the world around us creates a commercial holiday loosely based on Christian ideals, what is our understanding of God’s promise for a Messiah?
Monday: Read Isaiah 11:1-10 A shoot from the stump of Jesse? Jesse was King David’s father. The prophet is proclaiming that while the line of the king has been reduced to nothing (a stump) there is still a king who shall come from those family roots. When this one comes there will be no fear, no danger for there will be total security with this King.
What are the green shoots of hope in your life?
Tuesday: Read Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19 This is a Psalm of prayer for the King. Clearly the King is praised when the poor are taken care of. What would the Psalmist say about us and our leaders?
How can we be a people of hope for the poor of the world?
Wednesday: Read Romans 15:4-13 Paul proclaims that Jesus is the Messiah for all people. Gentiles (non Jewish people) are welcomed into a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Paul proclaims this as a message of hope for all.
Paul clearly understands that the primary relationship in his life is with Jesus, nothing else matters. What is the state of your relationship with Jesus today? What can you do to make it stronger?
Thursday: Read Matthew 3:1-12 John the Baptist proclaims “Repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand.” Again the Gospel calls us to prepare for the Coming of Christ not with decorations and presents but with humility and repentance.
When will your prayer of repentance become new action in your life?
Friday: Pray for hope. What does it mean for Christian people today to be a people of hope? How have this weeks readings influenced your understanding of God’s activity in the world?
What is your understanding of God’s activity in your life?
What is your understanding of God’s ministry at LUMC?
Sunday December 9th: Worship 10:00 A.M. at LUMC, the Second Sunday of Advent. Diversity Parade immediately following worship at the Civic Circle.
It’s the end of the world as we know it
Sermon Notes from the First Sunday of Advent
As each generation emerges there is an identity to what it means to be alive at this time in history. For my generation that identity was largely shaped by the idea that the world could end in a moment with the power of nuclear weapons. Our popular music declared the end of the world, called for change and prayed that the Russians loved their children too.
Our youth today live with the reality of terrorism and new threats of life ending as we know it such as global warming or a massive epidemic.
In families generational changes are sometimes worked out in dramatic ways and for both parents and child it often seems like the end of the world as we know it.
When the church prepares for Christmas it remembers the scripture that talks about the arrival of Christ. For the First Testament this brings images of Israel being God's Kingdom as proclaimed in Isaiah. For the New Testament this brings images of Jesus returning and the world coming to an end.
At first these images don’t seem to work for getting ready for Christmas. Our end of the world images are not happy ones. Our end of the world images are frightening. We don’t want to think about the end of the world before Christmas. It doesn’t seem very peaceful or hopeful, loving or joyful.
The harsh reality is: if we are going to live in God’s peace something of this world has to end. Usually, people aren't very good with endings. We prefer stability and dealing with what we know. Change is hard. Especially at Christmas, and I don't know about you but I find that amusingly ironic.
In order for us to be at Peace we need to change. It is here in the sermon that I could talk about large world events that we have very little control over OR I could talk about the changes that each of us (including this preacher) must participate in so that the world might be at peace.
Be at Peace with yourself: Do not forget the relationship of body and spirit
Seriously consider the POV of others
Pray
If we are going to be at peace something has to end, something needs to change within ourselves and we need to let go of some control. Go with the flow man, it’ll be alright.
Preparing for the Second Sunday of Advent
Through this season of Advent we are seeking understanding of God’s activity in the world. As the world around us creates a commercial holiday loosely based on Christian ideals, what is our understanding of God’s promise for a Messiah?
Monday: Read Isaiah 11:1-10 A shoot from the stump of Jesse? Jesse was King David’s father. The prophet is proclaiming that while the line of the king has been reduced to nothing (a stump) there is still a king who shall come from those family roots. When this one comes there will be no fear, no danger for there will be total security with this King.
What are the green shoots of hope in your life?
Tuesday: Read Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19 This is a Psalm of prayer for the King. Clearly the King is praised when the poor are taken care of. What would the Psalmist say about us and our leaders?
How can we be a people of hope for the poor of the world?
Wednesday: Read Romans 15:4-13 Paul proclaims that Jesus is the Messiah for all people. Gentiles (non Jewish people) are welcomed into a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Paul proclaims this as a message of hope for all.
Paul clearly understands that the primary relationship in his life is with Jesus, nothing else matters. What is the state of your relationship with Jesus today? What can you do to make it stronger?
Thursday: Read Matthew 3:1-12 John the Baptist proclaims “Repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand.” Again the Gospel calls us to prepare for the Coming of Christ not with decorations and presents but with humility and repentance.
When will your prayer of repentance become new action in your life?
Friday: Pray for hope. What does it mean for Christian people today to be a people of hope? How have this weeks readings influenced your understanding of God’s activity in the world?
What is your understanding of God’s activity in your life?
What is your understanding of God’s ministry at LUMC?
Sunday December 9th: Worship 10:00 A.M. at LUMC, the Second Sunday of Advent. Diversity Parade immediately following worship at the Civic Circle.
It’s the end of the world as we know it
Sermon Notes from the First Sunday of Advent
As each generation emerges there is an identity to what it means to be alive at this time in history. For my generation that identity was largely shaped by the idea that the world could end in a moment with the power of nuclear weapons. Our popular music declared the end of the world, called for change and prayed that the Russians loved their children too.
Our youth today live with the reality of terrorism and new threats of life ending as we know it such as global warming or a massive epidemic.
In families generational changes are sometimes worked out in dramatic ways and for both parents and child it often seems like the end of the world as we know it.
When the church prepares for Christmas it remembers the scripture that talks about the arrival of Christ. For the First Testament this brings images of Israel being God's Kingdom as proclaimed in Isaiah. For the New Testament this brings images of Jesus returning and the world coming to an end.
At first these images don’t seem to work for getting ready for Christmas. Our end of the world images are not happy ones. Our end of the world images are frightening. We don’t want to think about the end of the world before Christmas. It doesn’t seem very peaceful or hopeful, loving or joyful.
The harsh reality is: if we are going to live in God’s peace something of this world has to end. Usually, people aren't very good with endings. We prefer stability and dealing with what we know. Change is hard. Especially at Christmas, and I don't know about you but I find that amusingly ironic.
In order for us to be at Peace we need to change. It is here in the sermon that I could talk about large world events that we have very little control over OR I could talk about the changes that each of us (including this preacher) must participate in so that the world might be at peace.
Be at Peace with yourself: Do not forget the relationship of body and spirit
Seriously consider the POV of others
Pray
If we are going to be at peace something has to end, something needs to change within ourselves and we need to let go of some control. Go with the flow man, it’ll be alright.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Sermon Notes November 25, 2007
Study Guide
Preparing for the First Sunday of Advent
Through this season of Advent we are seeking understanding of God’s activity in the world. As the world around us creates a commercial holiday loosely based on Christian ideals, what is our understanding of God’s promise for a Messiah?
Monday: Read Isaiah 2:1-5. Out of the house of the Lord shall come wisdom and instruction, and all nations will convert their weapons of war into implements for sustaining life.
In a time of war where do you find peace?
Tuesday: Read Psalm 122 (UMH 845). A psalm rejoicing in Jerusalem, a foretaste of the Jerusalem Isaiah prophesies
The Psalmist longs for a place of peace. Where do you find peace? How do you invite others into being at peace?
Wednesday: Read Romans 13:11-14. Salvation draws ever nearer, so live in the fullness of Christ, freed from the power of sinful desires.
Paul calls for the people to “lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.” When have you made a choice to lay aside a work of darkness in order that you might live in the light of Jesus Christ?
Thursday: Read Matthew 24:36-44. The coming of the Son of Man will be a surprise, so stay on the lookout!
There are some well meaning Christians who are sure that Jesus is coming soon. The problem is of course that well meaning Christians have believed this for 2,000 years. While we cannot know the time that Jesus will return the Gospel calls us to live as if it could happen any moment. What would you do today if this was your last day?
Friday: Pray for hope. What does it mean for Christian people today to be a people of hope? How have this weeks readings influenced your understanding of God’s activity in the world?
What is your understanding of God’s activity in your life?
What is your understanding of God’s ministry at LUMC?
Saturday: Hanging of the Greens beginning at 10:00 A.M. at the church.
Sunday December 2nd: Worship 10:00 A.M. at LUMC, the First Sunday of Advent.
Awareness of Worship
Exodus 40
Moses takes great care to set up a place of worship for the people of Israel. Details of the tabernacle are discussed in great detail in the final five chapters of the book. The description of Moses’ work is even duplicated in this final chapter.
The care and the detail of this event implies the importance to have this sacred space. As we are aware of our situation we too have need for sacred space. Like the people of Israel sometimes our lives seem insecure. Like the people of Israel we face threats from those who do us harm. Like the people of Israel we sometimes wonder if God is with us or not.
One of my ministries is to be a member of the Camping Board of Stewards for the PNWAC. This ministry is one of administration for the four sacred spaces that are home to our camping and retreat ministries. I have used this text in Exodus 40 as a description for the administration of our outdoor ministry. These places at Twinlow, Lazy F, Indianola and Ocean Park are sacred spaces where people come to find God. Being in ministry with these places for me is to be careful as Moses is to create the right setting for others to know that God is here.
Saturday will be our opportunity at LUMC to “hang the greens.” One of my favorite childhood church memories is the decorating of the Christmas tree at Rochester UMC. It was a fun time and I enjoyed the anticipation of what others would think of our careful decorating.
Moses is taking great care to create space for people who are constantly on the move, and under the threat of harm so that they may spend time with God in peace. There, they will find a sacred secret space where the ark of the covenant is kept. There they will find a place to make their offerings. There they will find a basin for washing.
There are people in your life who need a sacred space. There are people like you who yearn for a place to worship and to know that God is near. LUMC is a sanctuary for the Gay and Lesbian community. LUMC is a sanctuary for progressive thinkers who are looking for a Christian witness that confronts the problems of war and global warming. LUMC is a sanctuary for the poor who are looking for help and support.
What are the means by which you can share your awareness of God’s grace? How will you create a sacred space to invite others to know that they are a loved child of God?
Preparing for the First Sunday of Advent
Through this season of Advent we are seeking understanding of God’s activity in the world. As the world around us creates a commercial holiday loosely based on Christian ideals, what is our understanding of God’s promise for a Messiah?
Monday: Read Isaiah 2:1-5. Out of the house of the Lord shall come wisdom and instruction, and all nations will convert their weapons of war into implements for sustaining life.
In a time of war where do you find peace?
Tuesday: Read Psalm 122 (UMH 845). A psalm rejoicing in Jerusalem, a foretaste of the Jerusalem Isaiah prophesies
The Psalmist longs for a place of peace. Where do you find peace? How do you invite others into being at peace?
Wednesday: Read Romans 13:11-14. Salvation draws ever nearer, so live in the fullness of Christ, freed from the power of sinful desires.
Paul calls for the people to “lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.” When have you made a choice to lay aside a work of darkness in order that you might live in the light of Jesus Christ?
Thursday: Read Matthew 24:36-44. The coming of the Son of Man will be a surprise, so stay on the lookout!
There are some well meaning Christians who are sure that Jesus is coming soon. The problem is of course that well meaning Christians have believed this for 2,000 years. While we cannot know the time that Jesus will return the Gospel calls us to live as if it could happen any moment. What would you do today if this was your last day?
Friday: Pray for hope. What does it mean for Christian people today to be a people of hope? How have this weeks readings influenced your understanding of God’s activity in the world?
What is your understanding of God’s activity in your life?
What is your understanding of God’s ministry at LUMC?
Saturday: Hanging of the Greens beginning at 10:00 A.M. at the church.
Sunday December 2nd: Worship 10:00 A.M. at LUMC, the First Sunday of Advent.
Awareness of Worship
Exodus 40
Moses takes great care to set up a place of worship for the people of Israel. Details of the tabernacle are discussed in great detail in the final five chapters of the book. The description of Moses’ work is even duplicated in this final chapter.
The care and the detail of this event implies the importance to have this sacred space. As we are aware of our situation we too have need for sacred space. Like the people of Israel sometimes our lives seem insecure. Like the people of Israel we face threats from those who do us harm. Like the people of Israel we sometimes wonder if God is with us or not.
One of my ministries is to be a member of the Camping Board of Stewards for the PNWAC. This ministry is one of administration for the four sacred spaces that are home to our camping and retreat ministries. I have used this text in Exodus 40 as a description for the administration of our outdoor ministry. These places at Twinlow, Lazy F, Indianola and Ocean Park are sacred spaces where people come to find God. Being in ministry with these places for me is to be careful as Moses is to create the right setting for others to know that God is here.
Saturday will be our opportunity at LUMC to “hang the greens.” One of my favorite childhood church memories is the decorating of the Christmas tree at Rochester UMC. It was a fun time and I enjoyed the anticipation of what others would think of our careful decorating.
Moses is taking great care to create space for people who are constantly on the move, and under the threat of harm so that they may spend time with God in peace. There, they will find a sacred secret space where the ark of the covenant is kept. There they will find a place to make their offerings. There they will find a basin for washing.
There are people in your life who need a sacred space. There are people like you who yearn for a place to worship and to know that God is near. LUMC is a sanctuary for the Gay and Lesbian community. LUMC is a sanctuary for progressive thinkers who are looking for a Christian witness that confronts the problems of war and global warming. LUMC is a sanctuary for the poor who are looking for help and support.
What are the means by which you can share your awareness of God’s grace? How will you create a sacred space to invite others to know that they are a loved child of God?
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Sermon Notes November 11, 2007
Awareness of Freedom
In my humble opinion one of the maturing places in American society has been shown in our determination to support the volunteer troops of an overwhelmingly unpopular war. This seems to me to be a recognition of a separation of speaking against bad policy verses those who volunteer with the ideal of helping others.
We know that the vast majority of people who volunteer for the armed services do so with the intent of making the world a better, safer place. Yes they go with the reality of the possibility of conflict and war. When our policy makers are doing their job well the volunteers of the armed services are able to defend and protect others.
Moses’ song is a song of freedom and it tells the story of the Hebrew people and their relationship with God. God is the one who has freed the people from their oppressors. One could be overwhelmed by the war imagery the song praises God for destroying Pharaoh’s army after all.
Oppressed people are not going to be overwhelmed by the war imagery, they are going to be anxious for freedom. The story of the Hebrew people is a living story today for all people who live under oppression.
There are people in the world today who need help defending themselves, consider the people of Darfur.
Sudan was a colony of the United Kingdom in the 18th century. It was administered as two separate colonial areas until the UK released control.
From 1983 to 2005 Sudan was in a civil war between the (predominately Christian) South and the (Predominately Muslim )North. The peace agreement calls for a referendum in 2011 to either create two separate states or to finally unite as one.
2003 rebels in Darfur begin acting out against a government supported militia. This conflict came out of a fight for resources between local African farmers and Arab nomadic groups.
This conflict has been described as a conflict between African and Arab peoples.
Depending upon sources between 200,000 and 500,000 people have been killed. Over 2 million have been displaced and are living in refugee camps. Hundreds of thousands more are dependent upon resources from aid groups and the UN.
In June of this year President Bush condemned the Sudanese government and has named the conflict as “genocide.”
When we consider the relevance of the Exodus story we must be confronted with the real situation of our world.
God desires for people to be free to worship, to love, and to be the people of God.
Monday Exodus 7 The first encounters with Pharaoh
Moses and Aaron begin their confrontation with Pharaoh. God warns that Pharaohs heart will be hardened. It is easy to consider Pharaoh’s hardened heart, yet where have our hearts been hardened to helping the oppressed?
Tuesday Exodus 8:1-32 Frogs, Gnats and Flies
The first plagues are amusing encounters of annoyance to the Pharaoh. Sometimes we confuse those matters that are annoyances with major problems. In light of what is to come these first plagues are not much of a problem. When do your problems become magnified to be bigger than they really are?
Wednesday Exodus 9:1-12 Livestock and Boils
The plagues become more serious for Pharaoh. This is a blow to Pharaoh’s vanity and wealth. The boils are not causing death but they are ugly. The cattle are valuable for Pharaoh’s way of life but life can continue without them. Have there been times when you have confused vanity and convenience for that which is necessary for life?
Thursday Exodus 9:13 – 10: 10 Hail and Locusts
Not only is the present survival of Pharaoh’s land at stake, now with the hail and locusts the future sustainability of the people is at stake. The crops are not a convenience. Pharaoh must change or he will lose everything. Why doesn’t Pharaoh change his ways now? Why does it take us so long to be willing to change?
Friday Exodus 10:21 – 11:10` Darkness and Death
A sad and scary moment yet also the most holy time of the Hebrew year, the celebration of the Passover. Have you had an experience where you were afraid of what was happening around you and you felt very close to God?
Saturday Exodus 14:1-31 Crossing the Sea
The community is bonded together through overcoming fear and the experience of this great miracle. What creates community for you? How does a community help form your identity?
LINKS
http://www.ushmm.org/conscience/alert/darfur/contents/01-overview/
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_depth/africa/2004/sudan/default.stm
http://www.savedarfur.org/newsroom/policypapers/september_briefing_paper_the_genocide_in_darfur/
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/05/20070529.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darfur_conflict
In my humble opinion one of the maturing places in American society has been shown in our determination to support the volunteer troops of an overwhelmingly unpopular war. This seems to me to be a recognition of a separation of speaking against bad policy verses those who volunteer with the ideal of helping others.
We know that the vast majority of people who volunteer for the armed services do so with the intent of making the world a better, safer place. Yes they go with the reality of the possibility of conflict and war. When our policy makers are doing their job well the volunteers of the armed services are able to defend and protect others.
Moses’ song is a song of freedom and it tells the story of the Hebrew people and their relationship with God. God is the one who has freed the people from their oppressors. One could be overwhelmed by the war imagery the song praises God for destroying Pharaoh’s army after all.
Oppressed people are not going to be overwhelmed by the war imagery, they are going to be anxious for freedom. The story of the Hebrew people is a living story today for all people who live under oppression.
There are people in the world today who need help defending themselves, consider the people of Darfur.
Sudan was a colony of the United Kingdom in the 18th century. It was administered as two separate colonial areas until the UK released control.
From 1983 to 2005 Sudan was in a civil war between the (predominately Christian) South and the (Predominately Muslim )North. The peace agreement calls for a referendum in 2011 to either create two separate states or to finally unite as one.
2003 rebels in Darfur begin acting out against a government supported militia. This conflict came out of a fight for resources between local African farmers and Arab nomadic groups.
This conflict has been described as a conflict between African and Arab peoples.
Depending upon sources between 200,000 and 500,000 people have been killed. Over 2 million have been displaced and are living in refugee camps. Hundreds of thousands more are dependent upon resources from aid groups and the UN.
In June of this year President Bush condemned the Sudanese government and has named the conflict as “genocide.”
When we consider the relevance of the Exodus story we must be confronted with the real situation of our world.
God desires for people to be free to worship, to love, and to be the people of God.
Monday Exodus 7 The first encounters with Pharaoh
Moses and Aaron begin their confrontation with Pharaoh. God warns that Pharaohs heart will be hardened. It is easy to consider Pharaoh’s hardened heart, yet where have our hearts been hardened to helping the oppressed?
Tuesday Exodus 8:1-32 Frogs, Gnats and Flies
The first plagues are amusing encounters of annoyance to the Pharaoh. Sometimes we confuse those matters that are annoyances with major problems. In light of what is to come these first plagues are not much of a problem. When do your problems become magnified to be bigger than they really are?
Wednesday Exodus 9:1-12 Livestock and Boils
The plagues become more serious for Pharaoh. This is a blow to Pharaoh’s vanity and wealth. The boils are not causing death but they are ugly. The cattle are valuable for Pharaoh’s way of life but life can continue without them. Have there been times when you have confused vanity and convenience for that which is necessary for life?
Thursday Exodus 9:13 – 10: 10 Hail and Locusts
Not only is the present survival of Pharaoh’s land at stake, now with the hail and locusts the future sustainability of the people is at stake. The crops are not a convenience. Pharaoh must change or he will lose everything. Why doesn’t Pharaoh change his ways now? Why does it take us so long to be willing to change?
Friday Exodus 10:21 – 11:10` Darkness and Death
A sad and scary moment yet also the most holy time of the Hebrew year, the celebration of the Passover. Have you had an experience where you were afraid of what was happening around you and you felt very close to God?
Saturday Exodus 14:1-31 Crossing the Sea
The community is bonded together through overcoming fear and the experience of this great miracle. What creates community for you? How does a community help form your identity?
LINKS
http://www.ushmm.org/conscience/alert/darfur/contents/01-overview/
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_depth/africa/2004/sudan/default.stm
http://www.savedarfur.org/newsroom/policypapers/september_briefing_paper_the_genocide_in_darfur/
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/05/20070529.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darfur_conflict
Sunday, November 04, 2007
Awareness of Oppression
What do we know about oppression? Really I don’t know much. I am a walking, breathing example of white privilege. I was born to middle class parents who came from middle class parents that lived through the depression. I have never lived in doubt about my immediate housing or where my next meal would come from. I don’t know much about poverty. The closest I have come was to be a “poor college student.”
Yet, I know poverty exists. I know that there are people in Cowlitz County who are living in generational poverty. Denial of economic change and its effects on the community have led to a high dropout rate in our schools, and an above average drug problem in our communities. Our jails are full of people who have a poor education and committed crimes because of drug or alcohol abuse. How will these people get a new start? Who will help them?
There is a class structure in America. While we might pride ourselves on the idea that anyone can make it, anyone can have “the American Dream” reality is that we have placed barriers to keep particular class boundaries. Those boundaries are distinguished by dress, language, and recreation. We make judgments about class and status by where we shop, go to school and the neighborhood we live in. We live with an idea that America is a place of equality yet we do not provide equal health care, education or employment opportunities.
There is poverty in America and the first thing Middle Class America must do is to recognize the situation for what it is. The poor are with us. They are the faces we ignore on the sidewalk, they are the people we pretend not to see at the freeway intersection. They are also the people we sit with in church, stand in line next to at the grocery store, and they may even live next door or just down the street.
They need help. They need a society that provides basic needs. Yes, they need you to donate food for the shelter. Yes, they need help with getting health care. Yes, they need help paying the bills. You know what they also need? A relationship.
What did Jesus do with the poor? Did Jesus magic some riches so the poor would suddenly have tons of gold? Did Jesus cure everyone who was sick? Did Jesus send the oppressive Roman Legions back to Rome? No. Jesus simply gave the poor a relationship with God. Jesus proclaimed the kingdom of God, a kingdom where everyone had a relationship with God, not only the wealthy.
The poor of our community have basic needs that must be met. Not the least of which is the need to have a relationship with another human being. Someone who doesn’t need anything from them, who isn’t going to judge them, someone who can offer the unconditional love of Christ.
Monday Exodus 1:1-14
In the beginning of the Exodus story everything changes. The relationships are different and there is fear. The memory of the special relationship between the Pharaoh and the Hebrew people through Joseph has been forgotten.
Do you remember a time when you felt like others had forgotten you?
Who is someone you know who may feel forgotten?
Tuesday Exodus 1:15-22
Pharaoh attempts to control the perceived threat. This horrible scene is put before us and is a reminder of the potential for the cruelty of leaders who are threatened. What would normally be abhorrent becomes acceptable because of the fear.
How does fear affect your feelings about the poor?
Do larger fences make you safer?
Wednesday Exodus 2:1-10
A favorite story of Sunday School where the baby Moses is saved by the mercy of a princess and the quick thinking of his sister. Sometimes God works through unexpected circumstances and people in order to bring change.
When did God do something unexpected to bring you help?
Thursday Exodus 2:11-25
Moses flees after acting out of the many emotions of being a person of privilege despite his native people’s enslavement. He arrives in a place where he becomes a humble shepherd and begins a new life with a new family.
http://www.tdn.com/articles/2007/10/30/top_story/news01.txt
Generational poverty is an issue in Cowlitz County. Denial of economic change and its effects on the community have led to a high dropout rate in our schools, and an above average drug problem in our communities. Our jails are full of people who have a poor education and committed crimes because of drug or alcohol abuse. How will these people get a new start? Who will help them?
Friday Exodus 3:1-15
God says, “I have heard the cry of my people” and Moses is called to act. Moses is sure that God must be mistaken and has a list of several excellent excuses of why God has made a mistake.
God Called Moses back to a relationship with his people.
What relationships can you foster to help those living in oppression?
Yet, I know poverty exists. I know that there are people in Cowlitz County who are living in generational poverty. Denial of economic change and its effects on the community have led to a high dropout rate in our schools, and an above average drug problem in our communities. Our jails are full of people who have a poor education and committed crimes because of drug or alcohol abuse. How will these people get a new start? Who will help them?
There is a class structure in America. While we might pride ourselves on the idea that anyone can make it, anyone can have “the American Dream” reality is that we have placed barriers to keep particular class boundaries. Those boundaries are distinguished by dress, language, and recreation. We make judgments about class and status by where we shop, go to school and the neighborhood we live in. We live with an idea that America is a place of equality yet we do not provide equal health care, education or employment opportunities.
There is poverty in America and the first thing Middle Class America must do is to recognize the situation for what it is. The poor are with us. They are the faces we ignore on the sidewalk, they are the people we pretend not to see at the freeway intersection. They are also the people we sit with in church, stand in line next to at the grocery store, and they may even live next door or just down the street.
They need help. They need a society that provides basic needs. Yes, they need you to donate food for the shelter. Yes, they need help with getting health care. Yes, they need help paying the bills. You know what they also need? A relationship.
What did Jesus do with the poor? Did Jesus magic some riches so the poor would suddenly have tons of gold? Did Jesus cure everyone who was sick? Did Jesus send the oppressive Roman Legions back to Rome? No. Jesus simply gave the poor a relationship with God. Jesus proclaimed the kingdom of God, a kingdom where everyone had a relationship with God, not only the wealthy.
The poor of our community have basic needs that must be met. Not the least of which is the need to have a relationship with another human being. Someone who doesn’t need anything from them, who isn’t going to judge them, someone who can offer the unconditional love of Christ.
Monday Exodus 1:1-14
In the beginning of the Exodus story everything changes. The relationships are different and there is fear. The memory of the special relationship between the Pharaoh and the Hebrew people through Joseph has been forgotten.
Do you remember a time when you felt like others had forgotten you?
Who is someone you know who may feel forgotten?
Tuesday Exodus 1:15-22
Pharaoh attempts to control the perceived threat. This horrible scene is put before us and is a reminder of the potential for the cruelty of leaders who are threatened. What would normally be abhorrent becomes acceptable because of the fear.
How does fear affect your feelings about the poor?
Do larger fences make you safer?
Wednesday Exodus 2:1-10
A favorite story of Sunday School where the baby Moses is saved by the mercy of a princess and the quick thinking of his sister. Sometimes God works through unexpected circumstances and people in order to bring change.
When did God do something unexpected to bring you help?
Thursday Exodus 2:11-25
Moses flees after acting out of the many emotions of being a person of privilege despite his native people’s enslavement. He arrives in a place where he becomes a humble shepherd and begins a new life with a new family.
http://www.tdn.com/articles/2007/10/30/top_story/news01.txt
Generational poverty is an issue in Cowlitz County. Denial of economic change and its effects on the community have led to a high dropout rate in our schools, and an above average drug problem in our communities. Our jails are full of people who have a poor education and committed crimes because of drug or alcohol abuse. How will these people get a new start? Who will help them?
Friday Exodus 3:1-15
God says, “I have heard the cry of my people” and Moses is called to act. Moses is sure that God must be mistaken and has a list of several excellent excuses of why God has made a mistake.
God Called Moses back to a relationship with his people.
What relationships can you foster to help those living in oppression?
Sunday, October 07, 2007
October 7, 2007 Sermon Notes
Jacob struggles with the angel, by RembrandtRead Genesis 32:22 - 33:11
Truth be told, sometimes I can be a heel. I know, it’s shocking for you to hear because most of the time I’m a pretty nice guy. I like to think of myself as a people person who gets along with all sorts of folks. But you know sometimes I get grumpy and sometimes I am a bit of a heel. This past week was an annual gather of our conference clergy. Primarily at this last gathering we worshiped together and spent time in fellowship (usually around a meal.) Unfortunately, I found myself at times, in a negative frame of mind. I made judgments about the most petty silly things. I am so ashamed of this as I think back upon it. Why am I so often critical of others like me who are simply doing what they can for the greater good?
Luckily for me, I am not the only one. There are others in this world who can be a heel. Some of you can even be a heel sometimes and today’s story is about one of the greatest heels of them all. Jacob is a scoundrel and his name in Hebrew is literally, “ the heel.” Yet, Jacob is also the one who is the one who inherits the covenant handed down from Abraham. Jacob’s children will be the ancestors of the tribes of Israel. How did this happen?
What does it say about the people of Israel that they recount these scandalous stories of Jacob? The heel who stole his brother’s inheritance and blessing, the scoundrel who lost a battle of wits with his father in law for the woman of his dreams, the coward who sent his women and children to face potential death without him.
Luckily for me, I am not the only one. There are others in this world who can be a heel. Some of you can even be a heel sometimes and today’s story is about one of the greatest heels of them all. Jacob is a scoundrel and his name in Hebrew is literally, “ the heel.” Yet, Jacob is also the one who is the one who inherits the covenant handed down from Abraham. Jacob’s children will be the ancestors of the tribes of Israel. How did this happen?
What does it say about the people of Israel that they recount these scandalous stories of Jacob? The heel who stole his brother’s inheritance and blessing, the scoundrel who lost a battle of wits with his father in law for the woman of his dreams, the coward who sent his women and children to face potential death without him.
Finally, this coward, this rouge, this scoundrel seeks forgiveness and reconciliation. Here we have this account of Jacob wrestling with God and seeking a blessing. Not one that he steals, one that is freely given. In Rembrandt's painting of this scene it almost appears as if Jacob is dancing with the angle instead of wrestling. God's messenger is clearly dominate yet graceful. Jacob seems weary and full of grief as if all his past struggles have come down upon him at this moment. It is a scene of mercy and grace not one of a violent struggle.
Then another extraordinary thing happens, Esau, the rightful heir to his father’s fortune and blessing grants another blessing to Jacob, one that is not deserved or earned, yet freely given. Esau forgives Jacob.
Israel, is a nation formed by an act of free grace.
Longview United Methodist Church is a church that has been blessed by many examples of free grace. Freely you have invited one another into your homes, your lives, and your spiritual journeys. You have received grace in worship, you have received grace in prayer, you have received grace in study, and you have received grace in fellowship. These are acts of blessing, free of judgment, free from prejudice, free to love.
You know sometimes we can be heels. Sometimes we are too judgmental. Sometimes we fail to forgive. Sometimes we too easily share our dissatisfaction with the way things are. What if we turned from the heel and toward grace? What if we gave thanks to God for those people with whom we have a difficult relationship? What if we gave thanks to God for the stuff we have instead of prayers for stuff we do not have?
May I suggest a meal. It isn’t very much, a little bread, a little cup of juice but it is a free meal. It is the only free lunch. Given simply so that you might know that you are loved.
May you be a blessing for others as God has freely blessed you.
Israel, is a nation formed by an act of free grace.
Longview United Methodist Church is a church that has been blessed by many examples of free grace. Freely you have invited one another into your homes, your lives, and your spiritual journeys. You have received grace in worship, you have received grace in prayer, you have received grace in study, and you have received grace in fellowship. These are acts of blessing, free of judgment, free from prejudice, free to love.
You know sometimes we can be heels. Sometimes we are too judgmental. Sometimes we fail to forgive. Sometimes we too easily share our dissatisfaction with the way things are. What if we turned from the heel and toward grace? What if we gave thanks to God for those people with whom we have a difficult relationship? What if we gave thanks to God for the stuff we have instead of prayers for stuff we do not have?
May I suggest a meal. It isn’t very much, a little bread, a little cup of juice but it is a free meal. It is the only free lunch. Given simply so that you might know that you are loved.
May you be a blessing for others as God has freely blessed you.
Monday, October 01, 2007
Sunday September 30th Sermon Notes
Promises, Promises
Do you make promises very easily? Sometimes in our efforts to make others happy we make promises that we can’t follow through with. We often complain about promises our leaders make that they can’t follow through with. Politicians get hammered from both sides, they get hammered when they fail to make a promise to fix things, then they get hammered for not fixing things when they “promised” that they would.
Parents know the dilemma of making promises. Our children ever so hopeful that we might concede to their demands will sometimes take a “maybe” as a signed contract, a done deal, “You Promised!”
Sometimes I have made promises that could not be kept. I am guilty of saying that I would call, and then forget to call. I am sure some of you are aware of other promises I have failed to keep. I humbly ask for your grace. If I have failed to fulfill a promise I pray you may find a way to gracefully remind me of that promise so that I might not continue to stumble and sin.
In Genesis we are introduced to the significance of covenant relationships. God makes covenants with Noah and Abraham. Each of these covenants change our understanding of God, ourselves and our relationship with God.
· In each case the one who receives the promise has taken an action to obey God. Noah built a boat, Abraham went on a long journey.
· Each of these promises are a blessing for people. God promises not to flood the earth again, and that Abraham’s descendents will be as numerous as the stars.
· Each of these promises have a sign, a rainbow for Noah and circumcision for Abraham.
These early covenants create a foundation for the people of God. They begin to create some order in the world for God’s people. That’s what fulfilled promises do, they create order out of chaos. We depend upon promises each day, we don’t always express them verbally but we live by all sorts of promises. When I drive on the street I promise to follow the basic rules of the road. When I go to a restaurant and I order some food I am making a promise to pay for that food. In marriage I promise to love, honor and keep in sickness and in health. When the vows of our covenant relationships are broken, chaos happens.
We know that our life partner covenants are complex. I am still learning how to keep the vows I made to Kendra 11 ½ years ago. I haven’t been very good at taking care of her in sickness. I am getting better. I have learned to make the right comfort foods, to create a comfortable space and sometimes I have even learned when just to stay away.
Keeping those promises of our most intimate relationships is complex and we all need help. Each of us struggle between meeting our own needs and the needs of those we love. Each of us have moments when we succeed brilliantly and when we fail miserably.
As complex as those relationships are, our relationship with God is no different. Living in our covenant with God is a complex matter.
We are asked to obey some basic rules.
We have received blessing from our relationship with God.
We have signs of that blessing.
The Good News is that Jesus Christ gave us a new covenant. We are directed according to the Gospel of John to simply, “love one another.” Through the grace we are promised eternal life with God. Our sign of this covenant is the communion meal, the sharing of the bread and the cup to remember the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
May we continue to live in the grace of the one who is able to keep the best promise of all.
Do you make promises very easily? Sometimes in our efforts to make others happy we make promises that we can’t follow through with. We often complain about promises our leaders make that they can’t follow through with. Politicians get hammered from both sides, they get hammered when they fail to make a promise to fix things, then they get hammered for not fixing things when they “promised” that they would.
Parents know the dilemma of making promises. Our children ever so hopeful that we might concede to their demands will sometimes take a “maybe” as a signed contract, a done deal, “You Promised!”
Sometimes I have made promises that could not be kept. I am guilty of saying that I would call, and then forget to call. I am sure some of you are aware of other promises I have failed to keep. I humbly ask for your grace. If I have failed to fulfill a promise I pray you may find a way to gracefully remind me of that promise so that I might not continue to stumble and sin.
In Genesis we are introduced to the significance of covenant relationships. God makes covenants with Noah and Abraham. Each of these covenants change our understanding of God, ourselves and our relationship with God.
· In each case the one who receives the promise has taken an action to obey God. Noah built a boat, Abraham went on a long journey.
· Each of these promises are a blessing for people. God promises not to flood the earth again, and that Abraham’s descendents will be as numerous as the stars.
· Each of these promises have a sign, a rainbow for Noah and circumcision for Abraham.
These early covenants create a foundation for the people of God. They begin to create some order in the world for God’s people. That’s what fulfilled promises do, they create order out of chaos. We depend upon promises each day, we don’t always express them verbally but we live by all sorts of promises. When I drive on the street I promise to follow the basic rules of the road. When I go to a restaurant and I order some food I am making a promise to pay for that food. In marriage I promise to love, honor and keep in sickness and in health. When the vows of our covenant relationships are broken, chaos happens.
We know that our life partner covenants are complex. I am still learning how to keep the vows I made to Kendra 11 ½ years ago. I haven’t been very good at taking care of her in sickness. I am getting better. I have learned to make the right comfort foods, to create a comfortable space and sometimes I have even learned when just to stay away.
Keeping those promises of our most intimate relationships is complex and we all need help. Each of us struggle between meeting our own needs and the needs of those we love. Each of us have moments when we succeed brilliantly and when we fail miserably.
As complex as those relationships are, our relationship with God is no different. Living in our covenant with God is a complex matter.
We are asked to obey some basic rules.
We have received blessing from our relationship with God.
We have signs of that blessing.
The Good News is that Jesus Christ gave us a new covenant. We are directed according to the Gospel of John to simply, “love one another.” Through the grace we are promised eternal life with God. Our sign of this covenant is the communion meal, the sharing of the bread and the cup to remember the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
May we continue to live in the grace of the one who is able to keep the best promise of all.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Sermon Notes June 17, 2007
I Kings 19:1-15a
Luke 8:26-39
Where or when do you notice God in your life? Is it as you are watching “Dancing with the stars”, “Survivor” or the Mariners baseball game on TV? Is it as you are in a rush to get to the next thing and all the lights seem to be red? Is it as you discover that all your laundry has turned pink because of a red sock in the Dryer?
Probably not. Elijah is in trouble. He knows this much. What he doesn’t know is what to do about it. Elijah has just had a great victory and he is in trouble, for while the battle is won he is now all alone. Elijah considers the powers of Wind, Earth and Fire and he does not find God there. You know that in many parts of the ancient world Wind, Earth and Fire are considered the basic elements of the earth. They are powerful and sometimes they are even worshiped. Yet Elijah does not find God there.
Elijah finds God in the Silence.
Where do you find God and why do you spend so much time with that which takes you away from God?
In the Gospel we encounter a crazy man. This dude is out of his mind. He runs around the countryside without clothes and is uncontainable. He has little regard for his well being. Yet it is this crazy man that is immediately able to identify who Jesus is. We then have this fantastic account of how Jesus heals this man of his demons and sends the demons to the pigs who then jump off a cliff. It’s a pretty cool story but we must pause here for a minute.
What is JESUS doing in a country where there are people raising PIGS? We all know that pigs are unclean for Jewish people. They don’t eat port, and they don’t raise pigs for pets. What is Jesus doing here? This is scandalous. Jesus shouldn’t be there.
Then what does he do? When the man he has healed ask to become a disciple and to follow him Jesus says something extraordinary. He says, “Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you.”
When you encounter the living God do you tell anyone about it or do you remain silent afraid others will think you are a bit strange?
Luke 8:26-39
Where or when do you notice God in your life? Is it as you are watching “Dancing with the stars”, “Survivor” or the Mariners baseball game on TV? Is it as you are in a rush to get to the next thing and all the lights seem to be red? Is it as you discover that all your laundry has turned pink because of a red sock in the Dryer?
Probably not. Elijah is in trouble. He knows this much. What he doesn’t know is what to do about it. Elijah has just had a great victory and he is in trouble, for while the battle is won he is now all alone. Elijah considers the powers of Wind, Earth and Fire and he does not find God there. You know that in many parts of the ancient world Wind, Earth and Fire are considered the basic elements of the earth. They are powerful and sometimes they are even worshiped. Yet Elijah does not find God there.
Elijah finds God in the Silence.
Where do you find God and why do you spend so much time with that which takes you away from God?
In the Gospel we encounter a crazy man. This dude is out of his mind. He runs around the countryside without clothes and is uncontainable. He has little regard for his well being. Yet it is this crazy man that is immediately able to identify who Jesus is. We then have this fantastic account of how Jesus heals this man of his demons and sends the demons to the pigs who then jump off a cliff. It’s a pretty cool story but we must pause here for a minute.
What is JESUS doing in a country where there are people raising PIGS? We all know that pigs are unclean for Jewish people. They don’t eat port, and they don’t raise pigs for pets. What is Jesus doing here? This is scandalous. Jesus shouldn’t be there.
Then what does he do? When the man he has healed ask to become a disciple and to follow him Jesus says something extraordinary. He says, “Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you.”
When you encounter the living God do you tell anyone about it or do you remain silent afraid others will think you are a bit strange?
Monday, June 04, 2007
Sermon Notes June 3, 2007
Peace with Justice Sunday
Proverbs: All this stuff is God’s
Romans: 5:3-4 And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,
Today is Peace with Justice Sunday. We can generally accept that it is true that without Justice there is no Peace. I want to add that without Economic Justice there can be no Peace.
Extreme Poverty according to the World Bank is an income of $1 a day (1 billion people), Moderate Poverty is defined as $2 a day with 2.7 billion people living at that level. Nearly HALF of the world population lives on an income of $2 a day or less.
In many developed countries the official definition of poverty used for statistical purposes is based on relative income. As such many critics argue that poverty statistics measure inequality rather than material deprivation or hardship. For instance, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, 46% of those in "poverty" in the U.S. own their own home (with the average poor person's home having three bedrooms, with one and a half baths, and a garage
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poverty
In the United States poverty was set at $19,350 for a family of four for 2007.
Minimum wage in WA State is $7.93 (highest in the U.S.) Recently President Bush signed a law raising minimum wage gradually to $7.25 in 2009, currently the Federal minimum wage is $5.15.
Imagine the possible situation for person living on minimum wage. Minimum wage Job “full time” 32 hours / week, minus taxes brings that to approximately $995 per month. Obviously in our society that is not enough income for basic needs.
Rent $500
Utilities $200
Food $200
Gas $120
Car Insurance $100
Credit Card $75 ($4,000 debt, minimum payments, 116 months to pay off)
Total $ 1,195 (a negative balance of $200 for our poor worker)
The averabe Americans’ average credit card debt is $8400 per household.
Americans pay, on average, an 18.9% interest rate on credit cards.
More than 40% of American families spend more than they earn. (Federal Reserve).
http://creditcounselingbiz.com/credit_counseling_statistics.htm
The average worker earned $41,861, while the average CEO made $10.9 million, or 262 times that of the average worker. (2005)
From 1992 to 2005, the average CEO saw his or her pay rise by 186.2%, while the median worker saw wages rise by 7.2%.
http://www.pbs.org/now/shows/311/executive-pay.html
Economic Justice is necessary for world peace.
When we achieve better economic equity in our country there will be more help available for those living in the poorest nations of the world. We must close the gap between the richest and the poorest of our nation, peace is dependent upon a stable middle class.
Economic equity is closely tied to our ability to recognize that all of this stuff belongs to God. Our hope must not come from how much stuff we are able to have, but in our relationships with each other and with our God.
Proverbs: All this stuff is God’s
Romans: 5:3-4 And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,
Today is Peace with Justice Sunday. We can generally accept that it is true that without Justice there is no Peace. I want to add that without Economic Justice there can be no Peace.
Extreme Poverty according to the World Bank is an income of $1 a day (1 billion people), Moderate Poverty is defined as $2 a day with 2.7 billion people living at that level. Nearly HALF of the world population lives on an income of $2 a day or less.
In many developed countries the official definition of poverty used for statistical purposes is based on relative income. As such many critics argue that poverty statistics measure inequality rather than material deprivation or hardship. For instance, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, 46% of those in "poverty" in the U.S. own their own home (with the average poor person's home having three bedrooms, with one and a half baths, and a garage
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poverty
In the United States poverty was set at $19,350 for a family of four for 2007.
Minimum wage in WA State is $7.93 (highest in the U.S.) Recently President Bush signed a law raising minimum wage gradually to $7.25 in 2009, currently the Federal minimum wage is $5.15.
Imagine the possible situation for person living on minimum wage. Minimum wage Job “full time” 32 hours / week, minus taxes brings that to approximately $995 per month. Obviously in our society that is not enough income for basic needs.
Rent $500
Utilities $200
Food $200
Gas $120
Car Insurance $100
Credit Card $75 ($4,000 debt, minimum payments, 116 months to pay off)
Total $ 1,195 (a negative balance of $200 for our poor worker)
The averabe Americans’ average credit card debt is $8400 per household.
Americans pay, on average, an 18.9% interest rate on credit cards.
More than 40% of American families spend more than they earn. (Federal Reserve).
http://creditcounselingbiz.com/credit_counseling_statistics.htm
The average worker earned $41,861, while the average CEO made $10.9 million, or 262 times that of the average worker. (2005)
From 1992 to 2005, the average CEO saw his or her pay rise by 186.2%, while the median worker saw wages rise by 7.2%.
http://www.pbs.org/now/shows/311/executive-pay.html
Economic Justice is necessary for world peace.
When we achieve better economic equity in our country there will be more help available for those living in the poorest nations of the world. We must close the gap between the richest and the poorest of our nation, peace is dependent upon a stable middle class.
Economic equity is closely tied to our ability to recognize that all of this stuff belongs to God. Our hope must not come from how much stuff we are able to have, but in our relationships with each other and with our God.
Monday, May 21, 2007
Sermon Notes May 20, 2007
Does the Bible condemn homosexuality?
Clearly the Bible is concerned with sexual morality. As the most intimate act of humanity, our sexual values speak about our value of humanity and our relationship with God. So what does the Bible say about homosexuality?
There are five primary references of homosexuality in the Bible. The account in Genesis of the destruction of Sodom is the origin of the term “sodomy.” It is clear God’s condemnation is about the violence the crowd wished to inflict on God’s messenger’s who were guest in Lot’s house and not on homosexuality. Some people point to Leviticus and its commands that a man should not lie with a man and yet Leviticus also condemns wearing clothing with mixed fabrics. Christians understand that Christ gave us a new covenant and that we are no longer bound by the Levitical Law code.
The most difficult passages come from the New Testament in Romans, I Corinthians and I Timothy. In I Corinthians 6:9 and in the letter to Timothy Paul uses a word, “arsenokoites”, that is not found in other Greek writings of the same period. The word is often translated as sodomites, it can also mean literally “male bed.” Some scholars have compared the Biblical reference of this word to other Greek writings and found that the term could refer to male prostitution or some economic exploitation of sex. Most scholars will agree we simply don’t know for sure what it means and that its translation as “sodomy” or “sexual perverts” is a modern presumption.
The other New Testament word sometimes understood to refer to homosexuality is “malakos.” This word is translated in I Cor. 6:9 as “male prostitutes” but in the Gospel of Luke it is translated as “soft.” Luther’s reformation Bible translated these terms as “effeminate” (malakos) and “violators of boys” (arsenokoitai).
In Romans 1:26-27 Paul condemns people for “unnatural” intercourse. Paul presumes that all people are created in the same way. Paul and others assume that it is unnatural for two people of the same gender to fall in love. Many people no longer believe that this is so. In 1973 the American Psychiatric Association removed homosexuality from its list of disorders. Researchers today are studying brain activity and genetics to further understand our natural sexual desires.
We believe that it is natural for some people to fall in love with others of the same gender. Therefore, the question of sexual morality moves from a focus of gender to one of honoring our relationship with each other.
So today we celebrate the decision of Longview United Methodist Church to join the Reconciling Ministry Network. A network of United Methodist Churches working for the full inclusion of all people in the life of the church.
The choice of the word reconciliation is important. As a reconciling congregation we are working to reconcile the church with the GLBT community who has too long been set aside by the church.
Reconciliation is a Holy exercise and it is one we often neglect. As a church of reconciliation we are called to reach out to those who have been set aside by others. We are called to consider those relationships in our life that have become broken and to seek healing.
As we live into the fifth year of being a reconciling congregation I believe God is calling us to consider all who need to reconcile their relationship with God. We will not be able to be all things to all people. We will work to truly be a diverse community. Primarily we will continue to seek out those who have been broken and are in need of healing.
Clearly the Bible is concerned with sexual morality. As the most intimate act of humanity, our sexual values speak about our value of humanity and our relationship with God. So what does the Bible say about homosexuality?
There are five primary references of homosexuality in the Bible. The account in Genesis of the destruction of Sodom is the origin of the term “sodomy.” It is clear God’s condemnation is about the violence the crowd wished to inflict on God’s messenger’s who were guest in Lot’s house and not on homosexuality. Some people point to Leviticus and its commands that a man should not lie with a man and yet Leviticus also condemns wearing clothing with mixed fabrics. Christians understand that Christ gave us a new covenant and that we are no longer bound by the Levitical Law code.
The most difficult passages come from the New Testament in Romans, I Corinthians and I Timothy. In I Corinthians 6:9 and in the letter to Timothy Paul uses a word, “arsenokoites”, that is not found in other Greek writings of the same period. The word is often translated as sodomites, it can also mean literally “male bed.” Some scholars have compared the Biblical reference of this word to other Greek writings and found that the term could refer to male prostitution or some economic exploitation of sex. Most scholars will agree we simply don’t know for sure what it means and that its translation as “sodomy” or “sexual perverts” is a modern presumption.
The other New Testament word sometimes understood to refer to homosexuality is “malakos.” This word is translated in I Cor. 6:9 as “male prostitutes” but in the Gospel of Luke it is translated as “soft.” Luther’s reformation Bible translated these terms as “effeminate” (malakos) and “violators of boys” (arsenokoitai).
In Romans 1:26-27 Paul condemns people for “unnatural” intercourse. Paul presumes that all people are created in the same way. Paul and others assume that it is unnatural for two people of the same gender to fall in love. Many people no longer believe that this is so. In 1973 the American Psychiatric Association removed homosexuality from its list of disorders. Researchers today are studying brain activity and genetics to further understand our natural sexual desires.
We believe that it is natural for some people to fall in love with others of the same gender. Therefore, the question of sexual morality moves from a focus of gender to one of honoring our relationship with each other.
So today we celebrate the decision of Longview United Methodist Church to join the Reconciling Ministry Network. A network of United Methodist Churches working for the full inclusion of all people in the life of the church.
The choice of the word reconciliation is important. As a reconciling congregation we are working to reconcile the church with the GLBT community who has too long been set aside by the church.
Reconciliation is a Holy exercise and it is one we often neglect. As a church of reconciliation we are called to reach out to those who have been set aside by others. We are called to consider those relationships in our life that have become broken and to seek healing.
As we live into the fifth year of being a reconciling congregation I believe God is calling us to consider all who need to reconcile their relationship with God. We will not be able to be all things to all people. We will work to truly be a diverse community. Primarily we will continue to seek out those who have been broken and are in need of healing.
Monday, May 07, 2007
May 6, 2007 Sermon Notes
A New Heaven and a New Earth
Revelation is full of fantastic images. Four horsemen, Angels blowing trumpets, monsters being defeated, and finally the image of the perfect city coming down from heaven and replacing the imperfect fouled up world.
For some of us a new heaven and a new earth seems more like a fantasy than a reality. A fantasy is a sort of idea that is so far fetched that it cannot intersect with the real world, whether that fantasy has hobbits and wizards or unicorns and fairies. The imagery of a new Jerusalem coming out of clouds is a rather fantastic idea and it has little meaning for us.
For some, a new heaven and a new earth seems like a dream, some sort of possibility yet it is in the midst of a fog. We can almost imagine the possibility of God taking such drastic action that this world in which we live might be made new and perfect. Pollution would be gone, war would be gone, poverty would be gone. But it all becomes hazy, how does this happen, is it heaven, is it now, what on earth is this dream?
Yet for other’s this vision of a new heaven and a new earth is a real possibility. It is a vision of how God makes things new. God makes all things new through the commandment of Jesus Christ, Love one Another. Jesus’ command is a vision of a new heaven and a new earth. Love one another.
We will struggle with this command. We will struggle with the reality of truly loving the people we are with each day. That is sometimes a difficult task. But we have had success with this before and we are able to succeed again.
We will struggle with the reality of truly loving people we do not know and will never meet. For in order for us to create a New Heaven and New Earth, we must live so that the other 6 billion people on this planet know that they are loved. For Americans this is a huge responsibility. We must challenge the images of our culture that say we do not have enough. We must consider the possibility that we have the potential to bring about a new creation, we have the potential to enact the vision as we live into the reality of loving one another.
Devotions for the Fifth week of Easter
After Each Day’s reading consider how God is calling you to love this week? Take some notes, pray, act lovingly.
Monday Read Romans 12:9-21
Tuesday Read Colossians 3:12-17
Wednesday Read Galatians 5:1-15
Thursday 1 John 2:7-17
Friday 1 John 3:1-8
Saturday 1 John 4:7-21
Reminders:
Registration for Church retreat is May 20th.
Mission Trip for Ocean Park Camp is June 9th.
Revelation is full of fantastic images. Four horsemen, Angels blowing trumpets, monsters being defeated, and finally the image of the perfect city coming down from heaven and replacing the imperfect fouled up world.
For some of us a new heaven and a new earth seems more like a fantasy than a reality. A fantasy is a sort of idea that is so far fetched that it cannot intersect with the real world, whether that fantasy has hobbits and wizards or unicorns and fairies. The imagery of a new Jerusalem coming out of clouds is a rather fantastic idea and it has little meaning for us.
For some, a new heaven and a new earth seems like a dream, some sort of possibility yet it is in the midst of a fog. We can almost imagine the possibility of God taking such drastic action that this world in which we live might be made new and perfect. Pollution would be gone, war would be gone, poverty would be gone. But it all becomes hazy, how does this happen, is it heaven, is it now, what on earth is this dream?
Yet for other’s this vision of a new heaven and a new earth is a real possibility. It is a vision of how God makes things new. God makes all things new through the commandment of Jesus Christ, Love one Another. Jesus’ command is a vision of a new heaven and a new earth. Love one another.
We will struggle with this command. We will struggle with the reality of truly loving the people we are with each day. That is sometimes a difficult task. But we have had success with this before and we are able to succeed again.
We will struggle with the reality of truly loving people we do not know and will never meet. For in order for us to create a New Heaven and New Earth, we must live so that the other 6 billion people on this planet know that they are loved. For Americans this is a huge responsibility. We must challenge the images of our culture that say we do not have enough. We must consider the possibility that we have the potential to bring about a new creation, we have the potential to enact the vision as we live into the reality of loving one another.
Devotions for the Fifth week of Easter
After Each Day’s reading consider how God is calling you to love this week? Take some notes, pray, act lovingly.
Monday Read Romans 12:9-21
Tuesday Read Colossians 3:12-17
Wednesday Read Galatians 5:1-15
Thursday 1 John 2:7-17
Friday 1 John 3:1-8
Saturday 1 John 4:7-21
Reminders:
Registration for Church retreat is May 20th.
Mission Trip for Ocean Park Camp is June 9th.
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Sermon Notes April 22, 2007
Open the Eyes of My Heart Lord
As I came into work on Monday I began hearing news of a shooting at a college in Virginia. Soon it became apparent that this shooting was yet another terrible tragedy of gun violence. 33 students died. One of whom was the killer of the other 32, a young man whose serious mental health problems led to this tragedy.
Humans live with conflict, each and every day. Each day where our self will doesn’t match the will of another we face conflict, from whose turn is it to wash the dishes, what color to paint the church or how we are going to understand scripture. Our self will leads us into conflict all the time.
Saul was on his way to pursue more people of this group who were claiming Jesus as the Messiah, when he was blinded with a vision from God. Thank God for that vision. For in that Vision Paul’s eyes were opened to the horror of the violence he was perpetrating. Saul’s vision led him to the house of Ananias. Some sympathy here please for Ananias. He is being asked to do a very hard thing. He is asked to take in this murderer, to forgive him, to restore his sight, and to introduce him to the disciples of Jesus.
Each of these two are being asked to give up their desires, their will and to seek God’s vision for what can be. In being blind Paul is dependent upon the mercy of others. In being merciful Ananias is setting aside his fears, and his grief so that God can act.
It is easy for us to condemn the violence of others today. It is easy to look at how others might be responsible for violence today. We are good at finding fault with others. That is not the prayer we say today, it is not the song we sing today. Today we ask that God open the eyes of our hearts.
Too often we have decided that it was our will be done, our kingdom come. Are you willing today to give up some of your will, so that God’s desires can come forward? Never mind what your judgments are, but to consider how your neighbor looks in the eyes of Jesus? May God’s grace open the eyes of our hearts.
Devotions for the Third week of Easter
This week I will share my devotions with ______________.
Monday Jeremiah 23:1-8
Pray for those who are lost
Tuesday Ezekiel 11:14-21
Pray for those with hardened hearts.
Wednesday Jeremiah 31:10-18
Thank God, there is hope for the future.
Thursday John 10:1-18
Pray for understanding, to follow the good shepherd.
Friday 1st Peter 5:1-11
Pray casting all your anxieties to God.
Saturday Acts 20:17-38
Pray for Pastor Bruce and other leaders of the church.
As I came into work on Monday I began hearing news of a shooting at a college in Virginia. Soon it became apparent that this shooting was yet another terrible tragedy of gun violence. 33 students died. One of whom was the killer of the other 32, a young man whose serious mental health problems led to this tragedy.
Humans live with conflict, each and every day. Each day where our self will doesn’t match the will of another we face conflict, from whose turn is it to wash the dishes, what color to paint the church or how we are going to understand scripture. Our self will leads us into conflict all the time.
Saul was on his way to pursue more people of this group who were claiming Jesus as the Messiah, when he was blinded with a vision from God. Thank God for that vision. For in that Vision Paul’s eyes were opened to the horror of the violence he was perpetrating. Saul’s vision led him to the house of Ananias. Some sympathy here please for Ananias. He is being asked to do a very hard thing. He is asked to take in this murderer, to forgive him, to restore his sight, and to introduce him to the disciples of Jesus.
Each of these two are being asked to give up their desires, their will and to seek God’s vision for what can be. In being blind Paul is dependent upon the mercy of others. In being merciful Ananias is setting aside his fears, and his grief so that God can act.
It is easy for us to condemn the violence of others today. It is easy to look at how others might be responsible for violence today. We are good at finding fault with others. That is not the prayer we say today, it is not the song we sing today. Today we ask that God open the eyes of our hearts.
Too often we have decided that it was our will be done, our kingdom come. Are you willing today to give up some of your will, so that God’s desires can come forward? Never mind what your judgments are, but to consider how your neighbor looks in the eyes of Jesus? May God’s grace open the eyes of our hearts.
Devotions for the Third week of Easter
This week I will share my devotions with ______________.
Monday Jeremiah 23:1-8
Pray for those who are lost
Tuesday Ezekiel 11:14-21
Pray for those with hardened hearts.
Wednesday Jeremiah 31:10-18
Thank God, there is hope for the future.
Thursday John 10:1-18
Pray for understanding, to follow the good shepherd.
Friday 1st Peter 5:1-11
Pray casting all your anxieties to God.
Saturday Acts 20:17-38
Pray for Pastor Bruce and other leaders of the church.
Monday, April 16, 2007
2nd Sunday of Easter 2007
On the Way
Our mission statement proclaims that “we support each individual in their spiritual journey as they become a Disciple of Jesus Christ.”
Part of this statement is to acknowledge that we each have our own spiritual path. My spiritual life is not the same as yours. We also believe that the goal of the Christian spiritual journey is to grow deeper in our discipleship. That is, to grow in our life as a follower of the servant Messiah.
The path to Christ is not a singular moment in life, it is our whole life. If you were to create a timeline of your life, where would you say that you knew God was with you? Consider the formative events in your life, childhood events in your family, your discoveries in young adulthood, your adult life events. It is usually true in the tragic and in the joyful that those were the moments when we knew God was with us.
Our spiritual lives need attention. As we participate in prayer, worship, reading the bible we become more aware of the spiritual connections. The deepening of those connections leads to spiritual and emotional health. We can learn to not be afraid, we can learn to love the simple beauty of life, we can learn the joy of knowing that we are God’s children.
I have become particularly frustrated with American spirituality. The classic example for my life is September 16th 2001. That was the first Sunday after 9-11. Churches were full on that day, a little less full on September 23, and pretty much back to normal by September 30th. Seemingly saying, “we’ll turn to God when we need something.”
When we are “On the Way” we recognize that our spiritual life is not something we only want to pull out for emergencies, we realize that our relationship with Jesus Christ helps us to live fuller lives right now. It is my relationship with Jesus that encourages me to forgive my neighbors when we can’t agree. It is my relationship with Jesus that reminds me to serve others. It is my relationship with Jesus that helps me to become as healthy and happy a person as I can be.
Devotions for the 2nd week of Easter.
This week I will spend time with ______________________
to read scripture and pray with this week.
Monday Read Ezekiel 36:22-30
God promises to act on Israel’s behalf. Pray for God’s activity in the world today.
Tuesday Read Genesis 17:1-8
God makes a generous promise to Abraham. Pray for understanding God’s generosity in your life.
Wednesday Read Genesis 39:19-23
Joseph seems to be in a horrible situation, yet God makes use of it. Pray for God’s ability to show you how to make the most of your life right now.
Thursday Read Philippians 4:1-9
Rejoice is a holy word for Paul. Pray with Joy this day.
Friday Read Colossians 2:6-15
Paul encourages people to keep rooted in faith. Pray for those who struggle staying rooted in faith.
Saturday Read Acts 4:23-37
Facing a world of opposition the first believers act with radical faith. Pray for a faith of radical action.
Sunday LUMC worship 10:00 A.M.
Our mission statement proclaims that “we support each individual in their spiritual journey as they become a Disciple of Jesus Christ.”
Part of this statement is to acknowledge that we each have our own spiritual path. My spiritual life is not the same as yours. We also believe that the goal of the Christian spiritual journey is to grow deeper in our discipleship. That is, to grow in our life as a follower of the servant Messiah.
The path to Christ is not a singular moment in life, it is our whole life. If you were to create a timeline of your life, where would you say that you knew God was with you? Consider the formative events in your life, childhood events in your family, your discoveries in young adulthood, your adult life events. It is usually true in the tragic and in the joyful that those were the moments when we knew God was with us.
Our spiritual lives need attention. As we participate in prayer, worship, reading the bible we become more aware of the spiritual connections. The deepening of those connections leads to spiritual and emotional health. We can learn to not be afraid, we can learn to love the simple beauty of life, we can learn the joy of knowing that we are God’s children.
I have become particularly frustrated with American spirituality. The classic example for my life is September 16th 2001. That was the first Sunday after 9-11. Churches were full on that day, a little less full on September 23, and pretty much back to normal by September 30th. Seemingly saying, “we’ll turn to God when we need something.”
When we are “On the Way” we recognize that our spiritual life is not something we only want to pull out for emergencies, we realize that our relationship with Jesus Christ helps us to live fuller lives right now. It is my relationship with Jesus that encourages me to forgive my neighbors when we can’t agree. It is my relationship with Jesus that reminds me to serve others. It is my relationship with Jesus that helps me to become as healthy and happy a person as I can be.
Devotions for the 2nd week of Easter.
This week I will spend time with ______________________
to read scripture and pray with this week.
Monday Read Ezekiel 36:22-30
God promises to act on Israel’s behalf. Pray for God’s activity in the world today.
Tuesday Read Genesis 17:1-8
God makes a generous promise to Abraham. Pray for understanding God’s generosity in your life.
Wednesday Read Genesis 39:19-23
Joseph seems to be in a horrible situation, yet God makes use of it. Pray for God’s ability to show you how to make the most of your life right now.
Thursday Read Philippians 4:1-9
Rejoice is a holy word for Paul. Pray with Joy this day.
Friday Read Colossians 2:6-15
Paul encourages people to keep rooted in faith. Pray for those who struggle staying rooted in faith.
Saturday Read Acts 4:23-37
Facing a world of opposition the first believers act with radical faith. Pray for a faith of radical action.
Sunday LUMC worship 10:00 A.M.
Monday, April 09, 2007
Easter 2007
Don’t be afraid
Imagine the anxiety in the disciples in this past week. They began having to deal with a crowd seemingly celebrating the arrival of their teacher, yet there were others who were not so happy watching these events take place. They witnessed Jesus seemingly going crazy in the Temple, overturning the tables, and ranting about abuses of the people. Then there was his arrest and unusually quick execution.
The Disciples have every reason to be afraid for their life and anxious about the future. It is no wonder that they are hiding waiting for their opportunity to get on with their lives. It would be perfectly reasonable for them to dismiss the word of the women as they came making a claim that the tomb was empty.
Then something amazing happens, they experience the risen Christ. The women run reporting that the tomb is empty, Peter sees the tomb and is amazed, soon the two walking to Emmaus will encounter the Christ in breaking bread for an evening meal, Jesus will meet with the disciples and show them his wounds, their encounters with Jesus will lift their fear and anxiety.
Soon these who were hiding will be preaching in the streets and the synagogues that Jesus is the Messiah. They will face the opposition from the religious authorities, they will face ridicule from the majority of people, some will even face death and they are not afraid. Their encounter with the risen Christ has taken away fear.
You cannot serve the Kingdom of God out of fear. You might be able to support a church, follow some rules, or “live a good life” while you are afraid of judgment. But, you cannot serve the Kingdom of God. You cannot serve your neighbor if you are worried about yourself. You cannot visit the sick if you are afraid of becoming ill. You cannot feed the hungry if you are afraid of having your possessions taken. You cannot listen to the grieving if you are anxious about what you are supposed to say.
So today, live with purpose. Admire the biological miracles that surround us. See the beauty in each person. Consider the wonder of the cosmos. Live in the fullness of the kingdom of God. And quit worrying about yourself so much.
I will meet with _____________________________ to read Scripture and pray with this week.
Monday April 9, Easter day 2
Read Romans 6:1-11
Pray that you may celebrate life and sin no more.
Tuesday April 10, Easter day 3
Read Ephesians 2:1-10
Pray for people you love.
Wednesday April 11, Easter day 4
Read Galatians 2:11-21
Pray for those who are foreign to you.
Thursday April 12, Easter day 5
Read John 17:1-5
Hear Jesus’ prayer as a prayer for you, give thanks.
Friday April 13, Easter day 6
Read Romans 6:15-23
Pray for those you might be able to serve.
Saturday April 14, Easter day 7
Read Romans 8:18-30
Pray with hope.
Sunday April 15, Easter day 8
Worship at LUMC 10:00 A.M. “CAMP SUNDAY” come casual.
Theme: “On the Way”
Luke 24:13-36
Imagine the anxiety in the disciples in this past week. They began having to deal with a crowd seemingly celebrating the arrival of their teacher, yet there were others who were not so happy watching these events take place. They witnessed Jesus seemingly going crazy in the Temple, overturning the tables, and ranting about abuses of the people. Then there was his arrest and unusually quick execution.
The Disciples have every reason to be afraid for their life and anxious about the future. It is no wonder that they are hiding waiting for their opportunity to get on with their lives. It would be perfectly reasonable for them to dismiss the word of the women as they came making a claim that the tomb was empty.
Then something amazing happens, they experience the risen Christ. The women run reporting that the tomb is empty, Peter sees the tomb and is amazed, soon the two walking to Emmaus will encounter the Christ in breaking bread for an evening meal, Jesus will meet with the disciples and show them his wounds, their encounters with Jesus will lift their fear and anxiety.
Soon these who were hiding will be preaching in the streets and the synagogues that Jesus is the Messiah. They will face the opposition from the religious authorities, they will face ridicule from the majority of people, some will even face death and they are not afraid. Their encounter with the risen Christ has taken away fear.
You cannot serve the Kingdom of God out of fear. You might be able to support a church, follow some rules, or “live a good life” while you are afraid of judgment. But, you cannot serve the Kingdom of God. You cannot serve your neighbor if you are worried about yourself. You cannot visit the sick if you are afraid of becoming ill. You cannot feed the hungry if you are afraid of having your possessions taken. You cannot listen to the grieving if you are anxious about what you are supposed to say.
So today, live with purpose. Admire the biological miracles that surround us. See the beauty in each person. Consider the wonder of the cosmos. Live in the fullness of the kingdom of God. And quit worrying about yourself so much.
I will meet with _____________________________ to read Scripture and pray with this week.
Monday April 9, Easter day 2
Read Romans 6:1-11
Pray that you may celebrate life and sin no more.
Tuesday April 10, Easter day 3
Read Ephesians 2:1-10
Pray for people you love.
Wednesday April 11, Easter day 4
Read Galatians 2:11-21
Pray for those who are foreign to you.
Thursday April 12, Easter day 5
Read John 17:1-5
Hear Jesus’ prayer as a prayer for you, give thanks.
Friday April 13, Easter day 6
Read Romans 6:15-23
Pray for those you might be able to serve.
Saturday April 14, Easter day 7
Read Romans 8:18-30
Pray with hope.
Sunday April 15, Easter day 8
Worship at LUMC 10:00 A.M. “CAMP SUNDAY” come casual.
Theme: “On the Way”
Luke 24:13-36
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Sermon Notes March 18, 2007
A New Creation
People like new things. This may be most evident in advertising. How many times do you see the word “new” on packaging of familiar products? You might expect, “new & improved” or “new ingredients” even “new flavor” how about “new technology” but we also get “new size” and “new package design.”
In a society so obsessed with the new, how is that reflected in our relationships with other people? Do we find some people to be as disposable as a worn out television? If someone’s life is a bit of a mess do we toss them away like a disposable towelette? What regard to we have for those who are older? Do we really believe “older is wiser?”
What lessons can we take from this great parable of the man with two sons? We rejoice with the son when we are told of the father’s overly gracious welcome home. Yet, we also find sympathy with the older son who is mad as hell that his stupid little brother has been welcomed home after causing so much strife for the family. The older brother doesn’t want to party, the older brother just wants things back they way they were.
Most of you have had an experience of grace that changed your life. At some point you were asked if you wanted to be a Christian. It might have been asked of you at a Baptism, or you might have responded to an call to accept Christ.
How would you like the older son to respond? What if the older son celebrated with everyone else? What if the elder son filled the younger one in on all the news since the time he left? What if the elder son began showing the younger some of what he knows about being happy and successful on the family farm?
We must continue to change because we all know people who are the younger brother. We know people who are lost in the muck and see no way out. We know people who need a measure of God’s grace. Can we respond like the father instead of the older brother. Can we continue to nurture others in faith? Can we be the brother or sister of faith that we wish the older brother had been?
People like new things. This may be most evident in advertising. How many times do you see the word “new” on packaging of familiar products? You might expect, “new & improved” or “new ingredients” even “new flavor” how about “new technology” but we also get “new size” and “new package design.”
In a society so obsessed with the new, how is that reflected in our relationships with other people? Do we find some people to be as disposable as a worn out television? If someone’s life is a bit of a mess do we toss them away like a disposable towelette? What regard to we have for those who are older? Do we really believe “older is wiser?”
What lessons can we take from this great parable of the man with two sons? We rejoice with the son when we are told of the father’s overly gracious welcome home. Yet, we also find sympathy with the older son who is mad as hell that his stupid little brother has been welcomed home after causing so much strife for the family. The older brother doesn’t want to party, the older brother just wants things back they way they were.
Most of you have had an experience of grace that changed your life. At some point you were asked if you wanted to be a Christian. It might have been asked of you at a Baptism, or you might have responded to an call to accept Christ.
How would you like the older son to respond? What if the older son celebrated with everyone else? What if the elder son filled the younger one in on all the news since the time he left? What if the elder son began showing the younger some of what he knows about being happy and successful on the family farm?
We must continue to change because we all know people who are the younger brother. We know people who are lost in the muck and see no way out. We know people who need a measure of God’s grace. Can we respond like the father instead of the older brother. Can we continue to nurture others in faith? Can we be the brother or sister of faith that we wish the older brother had been?
Monday, March 12, 2007
Sermon Notes March 11, 2007
Monday Isaiah 55:1-9
Isaiah suggests that our relationship with God is the richest treasure we can have and that God is eager to be in relationship with us. What might you need to change in order to accept God’s abundant pardon?
Pray for those who have trouble loving themselves.
Tuesday Psalm 63:1-8
The Psalmist describes dependence upon God. Do you have a moment in your spiritual journey where praise for God was especially meaningful?
Pray for people planning meaningful worship services.
Wednesday I Corinthians 10:1-13
Paul suggests that there are events brought into our life that we might be tested. One response to these moments is to be stronger in faith. What times in your life strengthened your faith in God?
Pray for those enduring difficult times.
Thursday Luke 13:1-9
Jesus refers to a couple of tragedies that befell the people and then calls upon everyone to repent or to perish. How might you be able to live abundantly in repentance?
Pray for the survivors of tragedy.
Friday
Penance is practice of doing an action in order to better understand God’s forgiveness. Prayerfully consider and act of penance as a means of Grace. What can you do for another as an act of free love this weekend?
Pray for those who need someone to say, “I love you.”
Repent or Die.
When tragedy strikes people are often led to ask, “If God exists how can this have happened?” It is a nice way of ignoring human responsibility in human events. Does God start wars? Does God make buildings unable to stand fierce storms?
In the Gospel of Luke we have this account of people coming to Jesus concerned about an apparent act of Pilate against some Galileans. Jesus responds by reminding them of another tragedy that would have been well known to the people. He then says, unless you repent, you will perish as they did. The obvious implication is that without repentance there is nothing but death.
Some of you may understand repentance to be some act of deep sorrow and regret. I believe that repentance must be more than wallowing in regret. It seems to me that wallowing in regret is close to the death that Jesus wishes for us to avoid.
Perhaps, repentance should also be understood as a moment of great joy! What if to be repentant was to fully live? To live as if each moment held meaning and opportunity.
Isaiah’s word may have seemed scandalous to the original hearers. Here are people in dire straights following the defeat of Israel at the hand of the Babylonians and Isaiah is telling the people to buy wine and milk. He’s telling them to delight in rich food, how dare he! Of course Isaiah isn’t talking only of these things, he is talking of a rich relationship with God.
Isaiah seems to be suggesting to the people that while we may not always have all that we want, we have what we need and that is enough. So take delight in what we have. Delight in your relationship with God, Delight in the simple pleasures of life, Delight in all the gifts that God has given you.
Isaiah suggests that our relationship with God is the richest treasure we can have and that God is eager to be in relationship with us. What might you need to change in order to accept God’s abundant pardon?
Pray for those who have trouble loving themselves.
Tuesday Psalm 63:1-8
The Psalmist describes dependence upon God. Do you have a moment in your spiritual journey where praise for God was especially meaningful?
Pray for people planning meaningful worship services.
Wednesday I Corinthians 10:1-13
Paul suggests that there are events brought into our life that we might be tested. One response to these moments is to be stronger in faith. What times in your life strengthened your faith in God?
Pray for those enduring difficult times.
Thursday Luke 13:1-9
Jesus refers to a couple of tragedies that befell the people and then calls upon everyone to repent or to perish. How might you be able to live abundantly in repentance?
Pray for the survivors of tragedy.
Friday
Penance is practice of doing an action in order to better understand God’s forgiveness. Prayerfully consider and act of penance as a means of Grace. What can you do for another as an act of free love this weekend?
Pray for those who need someone to say, “I love you.”
Repent or Die.
When tragedy strikes people are often led to ask, “If God exists how can this have happened?” It is a nice way of ignoring human responsibility in human events. Does God start wars? Does God make buildings unable to stand fierce storms?
In the Gospel of Luke we have this account of people coming to Jesus concerned about an apparent act of Pilate against some Galileans. Jesus responds by reminding them of another tragedy that would have been well known to the people. He then says, unless you repent, you will perish as they did. The obvious implication is that without repentance there is nothing but death.
Some of you may understand repentance to be some act of deep sorrow and regret. I believe that repentance must be more than wallowing in regret. It seems to me that wallowing in regret is close to the death that Jesus wishes for us to avoid.
Perhaps, repentance should also be understood as a moment of great joy! What if to be repentant was to fully live? To live as if each moment held meaning and opportunity.
Isaiah’s word may have seemed scandalous to the original hearers. Here are people in dire straights following the defeat of Israel at the hand of the Babylonians and Isaiah is telling the people to buy wine and milk. He’s telling them to delight in rich food, how dare he! Of course Isaiah isn’t talking only of these things, he is talking of a rich relationship with God.
Isaiah seems to be suggesting to the people that while we may not always have all that we want, we have what we need and that is enough. So take delight in what we have. Delight in your relationship with God, Delight in the simple pleasures of life, Delight in all the gifts that God has given you.
Monday, March 05, 2007
Sermon March 4, 2007
Citizens of Heaven
Citizens of Heaven, today I call upon you to claim who you belong to. Today I call upon you to cast aside the labels that others put upon you to cast aside those who falsely lay a claim to you, to renounce any claim of your identity except that, you are a Child of God. You belong to God, you live in God’s kingdom, your loyalty remains with God as we live together in God’s grace.
For too long people have claimed citizenship to that which is inferior to God’s kingdom. Our very Bible records the difficulties people have had in claiming that they belong to God. The ancestor of our faith Abraham (and the faith of Jewish and Muslim people) understood he belonged to God. The covenant that God established with him continues to be a blessing for those who will live understanding the promise that God makes, “I am yours and you are mine.”
Yet frail people began to want more than a promise of relationship, they wanted land, they wanted security. God continues to remind us that our security comes in relationship not political power, yet we do not listen. God warned the people when the clamored for a King. (I Sam. 8) God warns them, kings like power, kings raise armies, kings are not all that they are built up to be. Yet the people get what they want. They get kings, and wars, death, and destruction.
Citizens of Heaven unless we too put our security in relationships instead of political power we will live with war, death and destruction. Citizens of heaven, you are all created equal in God’s eyes. The rich among you are no greater than the poor. In God’s eyes we are not American or Iraqi, Russian or Chinese, Shiite or Sunni, Baptist or Methodist, Democrat or Republican, Conservative or Progressive, Cougar or Husky, Gay or Straight. These divisions we create only lead to destruction.
Paul knew this when he was writing to the small church of Philipi two thousand years ago. Those who do not live knowing God’s grace through Christ perish, “Their end is destruction; their god is the belly and their glory is in their shame; their minds are set on earthly things.”
We have all been guilty of setting our mind on earthly things, we create great joy in it. As a youth one of my favorite moments in sports was the 1980 winter Olympics, I can still hear the chants, USA, USA, USA, and the great line from Al Michaels, “Do you believe in Miracles?” I have aligned myself with false citizenship to many idols. When I was a child I was a fan of the University of Washington, and my sin is ever before me. (When I attended Washington State University I turned from that evil.) As an American Youth I cheered, yes I cheered when General Norman Schwarzkoph showed video of missiles striking their targets with fantastic accuracy in the first Gulf War.
Citizens of Heaven we must be careful with our allegiances.
When I was a youth students who wanted to run for the Associated Student Body council would create political campaigns. Posters would be painted, gossip would be spread and of course speeches would be made. Inevitably the winning speech would be the one that was most convincing around the ambiguous idea of, “School Pride.” “We need more School Pride” the candidates would declare. We would cheer and then we would vote. Then we would ask ourselves, “what the heck is school pride anyway?” Our sports teams were not spectacular, it was always fun when teams and individuals did well, is that school pride? When I remember those school days, I don’t remember the teams as much as I remember my relationship with those who I went to school with.
Citizens of Heaven as humans we have a need to belong to groups. Some of our groups are small, some of our groups are large, but we have a need for identity within groups. This in itself is normal and healthy. Groups are places where we learn to live in relationship. I submit to you today that the purpose of our very existence is to be in relationship, relationship with one another, relationship with the created world, relationship with God. These relationships form our existence and without them we perish.
I implore you to seek relationships that build up the kingdom of God and to cast aside the labels that lead to destruction. You do not need to call yourself, American, or Washingtonian, you do not need to be Republican or Democrat your identity is not dependent upon false labels. Your identity is simply that you are a child of God. God love you. Your ability to live in that love, to share that love with others, that will form your identity that others will remember. They will not so much care about what teams you played sports with, or what city or state or nation you were from, they will remember the way in which you were able to express God’s love.
As a citizen of heaven I know you are working to share God’s grace. It is our patriotic duty to love the Lord our God and to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. You are a sign of God’s grace when you assist a neighbor in need, when you volunteer your time for others, when you give your money to the poor, when you stand up for justice, when you pound on the doors of legislators, when you pray for healing, when you hold hands with someone you love, you are a sign of God’s grace.
Citizens of Heaven, today I call upon you to claim who you belong to. Today I call upon you to cast aside the labels that others put upon you to cast aside those who falsely lay a claim to you, to renounce any claim of your identity except that, you are a Child of God. You belong to God, you live in God’s kingdom, your loyalty remains with God as we live together in God’s grace.
For too long people have claimed citizenship to that which is inferior to God’s kingdom. Our very Bible records the difficulties people have had in claiming that they belong to God. The ancestor of our faith Abraham (and the faith of Jewish and Muslim people) understood he belonged to God. The covenant that God established with him continues to be a blessing for those who will live understanding the promise that God makes, “I am yours and you are mine.”
Yet frail people began to want more than a promise of relationship, they wanted land, they wanted security. God continues to remind us that our security comes in relationship not political power, yet we do not listen. God warned the people when the clamored for a King. (I Sam. 8) God warns them, kings like power, kings raise armies, kings are not all that they are built up to be. Yet the people get what they want. They get kings, and wars, death, and destruction.
Citizens of Heaven unless we too put our security in relationships instead of political power we will live with war, death and destruction. Citizens of heaven, you are all created equal in God’s eyes. The rich among you are no greater than the poor. In God’s eyes we are not American or Iraqi, Russian or Chinese, Shiite or Sunni, Baptist or Methodist, Democrat or Republican, Conservative or Progressive, Cougar or Husky, Gay or Straight. These divisions we create only lead to destruction.
Paul knew this when he was writing to the small church of Philipi two thousand years ago. Those who do not live knowing God’s grace through Christ perish, “Their end is destruction; their god is the belly and their glory is in their shame; their minds are set on earthly things.”
We have all been guilty of setting our mind on earthly things, we create great joy in it. As a youth one of my favorite moments in sports was the 1980 winter Olympics, I can still hear the chants, USA, USA, USA, and the great line from Al Michaels, “Do you believe in Miracles?” I have aligned myself with false citizenship to many idols. When I was a child I was a fan of the University of Washington, and my sin is ever before me. (When I attended Washington State University I turned from that evil.) As an American Youth I cheered, yes I cheered when General Norman Schwarzkoph showed video of missiles striking their targets with fantastic accuracy in the first Gulf War.
Citizens of Heaven we must be careful with our allegiances.
When I was a youth students who wanted to run for the Associated Student Body council would create political campaigns. Posters would be painted, gossip would be spread and of course speeches would be made. Inevitably the winning speech would be the one that was most convincing around the ambiguous idea of, “School Pride.” “We need more School Pride” the candidates would declare. We would cheer and then we would vote. Then we would ask ourselves, “what the heck is school pride anyway?” Our sports teams were not spectacular, it was always fun when teams and individuals did well, is that school pride? When I remember those school days, I don’t remember the teams as much as I remember my relationship with those who I went to school with.
Citizens of Heaven as humans we have a need to belong to groups. Some of our groups are small, some of our groups are large, but we have a need for identity within groups. This in itself is normal and healthy. Groups are places where we learn to live in relationship. I submit to you today that the purpose of our very existence is to be in relationship, relationship with one another, relationship with the created world, relationship with God. These relationships form our existence and without them we perish.
I implore you to seek relationships that build up the kingdom of God and to cast aside the labels that lead to destruction. You do not need to call yourself, American, or Washingtonian, you do not need to be Republican or Democrat your identity is not dependent upon false labels. Your identity is simply that you are a child of God. God love you. Your ability to live in that love, to share that love with others, that will form your identity that others will remember. They will not so much care about what teams you played sports with, or what city or state or nation you were from, they will remember the way in which you were able to express God’s love.
As a citizen of heaven I know you are working to share God’s grace. It is our patriotic duty to love the Lord our God and to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. You are a sign of God’s grace when you assist a neighbor in need, when you volunteer your time for others, when you give your money to the poor, when you stand up for justice, when you pound on the doors of legislators, when you pray for healing, when you hold hands with someone you love, you are a sign of God’s grace.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Sermon Notes February 25, 2007
Your Mission . . .
In the United Methodist Church we have a tradition that all members are ministers of the church. Wesley taught that all Christian people are called by God to ministry. Ministry is not only the role of ordained clergy but it is the work that each of us do as disciples of Jesus Christ.
Some ministries are set apart by the church for service, word, sacrament and order such as ordination as Elder, some ministries are set apart for service to a community such as ordination as a Deacon. These professional ministries are not the only place ministry is performed in the life of the church.
It can be one of the most intimidating steps toward ordained ministry, talking about your “call.” Instantly images of Moses, comes to mind with a burning bush. Rarely is a candidate for the ordained ministry blessed with such clear call. If only God sent us a tape with clear instructions and a self destruct mechanism, now that would be cool.
So how does one discern a call?
Listening: Each of us must be attentive to the movement of the Holy Spirit. What is God placing on our hearts? What do we have an urge to attend to? Are you spending time in prayer to listen for the movement of the Holy Spirit?
Experience: What do you have a passion to do? What life experiences give you a unique skill you can share with the community?
Confirmation: Have others recognized God’s movement in your life?
Each of us are called to be Volunteers In Mission. It is up to each of us to discern God’s call for where, when and how.
Devotions for the First week of Lent
Monday Read Deuteronomy 26:1-11
God commands that the first fruits are to be given to the temple (the place where God dwells.)
What first fruits can you bring to God today?
Pray for your stewardship and sharing of gifts.
Tuesday Read Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16
The people of Israel by now know that the Temple will not always be there. They begin to search for other places that God dwells with them.
In what way does God dwell with you?
Pray for those who have no home.
Wednesday Read Romans 10:8b-13
Paul proclaims that we need to believe with our hearts.
Your Mission . . . (UMVIM awareness Sunday)
When does the belief of your heart make a difference in your life?
Pray for those living with questions.
Thursday Read Luke 4:1-13
This passage is often called “the temptation of Christ.”
How does knowing that Jesus faced temptation inform your faith?
Pray for your struggle with the temptations in your life.
Friday and Saturday
What action is God calling you to take? What is your mission?
In the United Methodist Church we have a tradition that all members are ministers of the church. Wesley taught that all Christian people are called by God to ministry. Ministry is not only the role of ordained clergy but it is the work that each of us do as disciples of Jesus Christ.
Some ministries are set apart by the church for service, word, sacrament and order such as ordination as Elder, some ministries are set apart for service to a community such as ordination as a Deacon. These professional ministries are not the only place ministry is performed in the life of the church.
It can be one of the most intimidating steps toward ordained ministry, talking about your “call.” Instantly images of Moses, comes to mind with a burning bush. Rarely is a candidate for the ordained ministry blessed with such clear call. If only God sent us a tape with clear instructions and a self destruct mechanism, now that would be cool.
So how does one discern a call?
Listening: Each of us must be attentive to the movement of the Holy Spirit. What is God placing on our hearts? What do we have an urge to attend to? Are you spending time in prayer to listen for the movement of the Holy Spirit?
Experience: What do you have a passion to do? What life experiences give you a unique skill you can share with the community?
Confirmation: Have others recognized God’s movement in your life?
Each of us are called to be Volunteers In Mission. It is up to each of us to discern God’s call for where, when and how.
Devotions for the First week of Lent
Monday Read Deuteronomy 26:1-11
God commands that the first fruits are to be given to the temple (the place where God dwells.)
What first fruits can you bring to God today?
Pray for your stewardship and sharing of gifts.
Tuesday Read Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16
The people of Israel by now know that the Temple will not always be there. They begin to search for other places that God dwells with them.
In what way does God dwell with you?
Pray for those who have no home.
Wednesday Read Romans 10:8b-13
Paul proclaims that we need to believe with our hearts.
Your Mission . . . (UMVIM awareness Sunday)
When does the belief of your heart make a difference in your life?
Pray for those living with questions.
Thursday Read Luke 4:1-13
This passage is often called “the temptation of Christ.”
How does knowing that Jesus faced temptation inform your faith?
Pray for your struggle with the temptations in your life.
Friday and Saturday
What action is God calling you to take? What is your mission?
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Sermon Notes February 18, 2007
Methodists are a bunch of hippies and holy rollers. Methodists are President George Bush Jr. and Senator Hillary Clinton. Methodists are a diverse bunch of folks.
Wesley was a unique individual who was described as a reasonable enthusiast. He used his reason and his spiritual enthusiasm to guide his life. He was deeply interested in the best scholarship of his time. Not only was he a great Bible scholar, he was also deeply interested in the sciences. He not only wrote sermons but he also published pamphlets on home remedies. Wesley was also passionate about his faith, encouraging his brother in sharing new hymns for Methodist worship. He was also known to rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
This holding together of Spirit and Reason caused many fractures of the Methodist movement after his death. Many of these splits occurred within the church when enthusiasts would feel stifled by the moderate majority.
The splits have not always been about reason or enthusiasm. The first split in American Methodism was about racism. In 1787 the African Methodist Church was formed after an African American man was removed from a Methodist Church by the trustees. The EUB was a 20th century merger of two Wesleyan German churches.
What is common in our history is a series of splits and re-unifications. We may face more. There are some limited number of churches both conservative and liberal who have left the United Methodist denomination because of differences regarding homosexuality and the church.
Methodists may always struggle to hold the tension of reason and enthusiasm but that is exactly what we must do. There is room in individual spiritual journeys and in the life of the church for carefully reasoned theology and for enthusiastic trust in the Holy Spirit. Ultimately what must hold us together is a deep understanding of God’s Grace for all.
Like families we will have our conflicts, the question is how will we live in God’s grace while we disagree with one another?
Wesley was a unique individual who was described as a reasonable enthusiast. He used his reason and his spiritual enthusiasm to guide his life. He was deeply interested in the best scholarship of his time. Not only was he a great Bible scholar, he was also deeply interested in the sciences. He not only wrote sermons but he also published pamphlets on home remedies. Wesley was also passionate about his faith, encouraging his brother in sharing new hymns for Methodist worship. He was also known to rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
This holding together of Spirit and Reason caused many fractures of the Methodist movement after his death. Many of these splits occurred within the church when enthusiasts would feel stifled by the moderate majority.
The splits have not always been about reason or enthusiasm. The first split in American Methodism was about racism. In 1787 the African Methodist Church was formed after an African American man was removed from a Methodist Church by the trustees. The EUB was a 20th century merger of two Wesleyan German churches.
What is common in our history is a series of splits and re-unifications. We may face more. There are some limited number of churches both conservative and liberal who have left the United Methodist denomination because of differences regarding homosexuality and the church.
Methodists may always struggle to hold the tension of reason and enthusiasm but that is exactly what we must do. There is room in individual spiritual journeys and in the life of the church for carefully reasoned theology and for enthusiastic trust in the Holy Spirit. Ultimately what must hold us together is a deep understanding of God’s Grace for all.
Like families we will have our conflicts, the question is how will we live in God’s grace while we disagree with one another?
Monday, February 12, 2007
Sermon Notes February 11, 2007
People of Grace
Wesley was a fantastic failure.
His sermons at Oxford were unpopular.
He was run out of Georgia.
Local priest hated him, villages ran him out of town.
His marriage fell apart.
He failed to get a Bishop to ordain preachers for America.
His movement split into multiple fractions upon his death.
Wesley’s life was dependent upon grace.
Wesley held a passion for the knowledge that we are “saved by grace through faith.” His only desire in life was that others would know that same truth. It was something so valuable it was worth many failed efforts in the midst of many other successful ones.
While he gathered thousands for a sermon, the vast majority would later ignore or ridicule him, but those few, those precious few who would later gather for class meetings to continue to learn about God’s love,they were a great treasure. Wesley was able to see the lives changed when a man quit drinking, when a young woman gained courage, when small communities began caring for one another.
He was not overly focused on that which did not work. He was focused on that feeling, that knowledge of God’s love which transformed his life. Wesley came home from Georgia a completely defeated man. The woman of his affections accepted the offer of engagement from another man. He was to be arrested by the local governor for having failed to serve communion to said woman. His dream of holiness for the Native Americans and for the colonists was a complete failure. So it is no wonder what a life changing event it was for him to know that God loved him. He described that day as May 24, 1738 when at a prayer meeting he felt his heart strangely warmed. From that point on in his life his sole ambition was to help others to know as he did that he was a loved child of God.
Wesley was a fantastic failure.
His sermons at Oxford were unpopular.
He was run out of Georgia.
Local priest hated him, villages ran him out of town.
His marriage fell apart.
He failed to get a Bishop to ordain preachers for America.
His movement split into multiple fractions upon his death.
Wesley’s life was dependent upon grace.
Wesley held a passion for the knowledge that we are “saved by grace through faith.” His only desire in life was that others would know that same truth. It was something so valuable it was worth many failed efforts in the midst of many other successful ones.
While he gathered thousands for a sermon, the vast majority would later ignore or ridicule him, but those few, those precious few who would later gather for class meetings to continue to learn about God’s love,they were a great treasure. Wesley was able to see the lives changed when a man quit drinking, when a young woman gained courage, when small communities began caring for one another.
He was not overly focused on that which did not work. He was focused on that feeling, that knowledge of God’s love which transformed his life. Wesley came home from Georgia a completely defeated man. The woman of his affections accepted the offer of engagement from another man. He was to be arrested by the local governor for having failed to serve communion to said woman. His dream of holiness for the Native Americans and for the colonists was a complete failure. So it is no wonder what a life changing event it was for him to know that God loved him. He described that day as May 24, 1738 when at a prayer meeting he felt his heart strangely warmed. From that point on in his life his sole ambition was to help others to know as he did that he was a loved child of God.
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