The Reign of Christ

Lectionary Readings:
Revelation 1: 4b – 8
John 18: 33 – 37

This coming Sunday is designated in the church calendar as “Christ the King” or “The Reign of Christ” Sunday.  It is the final Sunday in the church year.  The church year then begins with the start of Advent.  As we come to the conclusion of our year it gives us time to ponder what it means to allow Christ to reign in our lives.

The passage from Revelation speaks of Christ as the Alpha and the Omega.  These are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet and it indicates that Christ is first and last, and everything in between.  The Gospel lesson is part of Jesus’ trial before Pontius Pilate.  He is asked “So are you a king?”

In the Seasons of the Spirit material I use for worship it says, “The text invites their allegiance – and ours – to a realm whose wisdom and power stand in stark contrast to Rome and its contemporaries.”  If we are to make Christ our King then we are called to live in allegiance to Christ alone, and not to the pressures of this world.    Hear are some questions to ponder:

1. What does it mean to pledge our allegiance to God, not to the world?
2. Where can we hear and see the reign of God given witness to in the world today?
3. In what way do you need to learn to surrender areas of your life to God as you face the end of the year?

Stewardship of Amazing Grace

Lectionary Reeadings:

Ruth 3: 1 – 5; 4: 13 – 17
Psalm 127
Mark 12: 38 – 44
“Amazing Grace”

This coming Sunday is Consecration Sunday, our annual stewardship program.  My theme is going to be “Stewardship of Amazing Grace”.  The Joyful Spirit Dancers, a group of liturgical dancers will be performing during worship.  One of the numbers they will dance to is “Amazing Grace”.

Our life as Christians comes out of God’s grace.  It is because of God’s grace that we are called children of God and are promised the possibility of abundant life through Jesus Christ.  It is because of God’s grace that we are blessed with all we have.  Thus, it is in response to God’s grace that we respond with our stewardship.  All of us are stewards of what God has given us.  In Consecration Sunday we do not ask “How much do we have to give?”; or “How much does the church need?”  Instead we ask how much do we believe God wants us to give?  We ask this question in response to God’s grace.  Knowing how much God has given to us how much do we believe God is calling us to give to God through the church?

In looking at our lectionary readings this Sunday we will be looking at our attitude in giving.  Along with the beautiful passage of Ruth and the story of the widow giving her offering (all she had) I will be focusing on the phrase from Psalm 127 “Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD guards the city, the guard keeps watch in vain.”

How do you believe this phrase speaks to our life as stewards of God?

 

Heritage Sunday – Casting a Lifeline

This coming Sunday is Heritage Sunday.  We will be honoring all members who have been members between 25 and 49 years, and those who have been members more than 50 years.  Included in this will be presenting certificates to those who have just reached the 25 year mark, and those having reached the 50 year mark.  This year we have 3 new 25 year members, and 7 new 50 year members.

Heritage Sunday coincides with Reformation Sunday when we remember the work of the reformers of the church.  This Sunday is not just about looking back.  We look at our history, both the reformation and our own church history.  We honor those who have gone before us in the church, and those who have served faithfully for so many years.  But our purpose of looking back is to look forward.  We recognize all God has done, and all the people God has used in service.  We also look forward to what God will do and the people God will continue to use.

Lectionary Readings
Psalm 34: 1 – 8
Mark 10: 46 – 52
“Casting a Lifeline”

There are two key phrases I anticipate emphasizing this week.  From the Psalm it says, “happy are those who take refuge in God”.  In the Gospel story the people tell the blind man, “Take heart, get up, he is calling you.”  Our history as a church, and our future as a church is one of calling the world to hear God’s voice and to take heart, and take refuge in God.

What are ways the church can be faithful in casting a lifeline to the world of refuge in Jesus Christ?

World Communion and arrival of Vadim

This Thursday Pam Anderson, Rod Bellows  and I will be going to the Detroit area for orientation and to pick our mission partner from the Mission to the USA.   I am including the purpose of this program.  I hope you will take advantage of the presence of Vadim Vakhrushev to deepen your awareness of the work of the church throughout the world, and to increase your own commitment to the work of the church here in the United States.

I pray the coming six weeks will be a blessing both to Vadim and to our congregation.  If you wish to invite Vadim to lunch or dinner, or take him with you to some event or organization contact Pam Anderson.

The purpose of Mission to the USA is:

• Educated U.S. Christians about the mission partner’s country and region of the world and the challenges facing Christians there;
• Provide a fresh perspective on the Gospel of Jesus Christ;
• Help U.S. Christians acquire a deepened understanding of the global nature of Christ’s church;
• Challenge U.S. Christians to greater faithfulness in the U.S. context

This coming Sunday, October 4 is World Communion Sunday.  On this day we celebrate the fact that Christians throughout the world are celebrating the Sacrament of Communion.  It is a way of remembering that we are all one in Jesus Christ, no matter where we live.  How wonderful that we celebrate this day on the first Sunday Vadim will be with us.

I hope you make a strong effot to be in worship to celebrate World Communion Sunday and to meet Vadim.

Courageous Faith

Lectionary Readings:

Esther 7:1-6, 9-10, 9:20-22
Psalm 124
James 5: 13 – 20
“Courageous Faith”

In this week’s passage we have an example of courageous faith.  Esther acts with courage to speak out in defense of her people.  She does this at risk to her own life.  The Psalmist reminds the people that if it were not for God they would have been destroyed.  James tells us that if we are suffering we should pray.

All in all this tells us that our faith should give us courage.  With faith we can stand up for what is right and just.  With faith we can realize that it is God who brings us through the difficult times.  With our faith we are reminded that in difficult times we should pray.

I believe this courageous faith call us as individuals and our church as a family of God to step out with courage to work for justice in our world.  Our faith calls us to be faithful as witnesses of God’s love in all of life.

I would love to hear your stories of how your faith has seen you through difficult times, and how our faith might call us as a church to be a strong witness of God’s love.

Gentle Wisdom

Lectionary Readings for September 20:
Proverbs 31: 10 – 31
Psalm 1
James 3: 13 – 4:3, 7 – 8a
Mark 9: 30 – 37

I am looking forward to being back in the pulpit bringing a message from God’s Word.  Thank you to everyone who kept me in prayer, visited me and sent me cards.  Thank you to all of you who kept the work of the church going – this truly is the ministry of all believers.  A huge thanks to Dorice Koetje, our secretary, who  keeps the office running efficiently.  It is truly a blessing from God when I am away from the office to have an efficient and caring person in the office.

The passages above (click on the word Lectionary Readings to go to the passages online) speak of a wisdom born of service and humility.  The Proverbs passage speaks of one who does good for others.  Psalm 1 speaks of living  out of a delight in God’s law.  Mark speaks of receiving little children into our midst and thus receiving Christ.  Little children, while important in a family, were of little importance in society.  One of my favorite phrases out of these passages comes in James where it says, “Show by your good life that your works are done with gentleness born of wisdom.”  From the phrase, “gentleness born of wisdom” comes my sermon title, “Gentle Wisdom”.

1. In what ways can we practice gentle wisdom in our lives?
2. How do we as a church receive those in our society who are marginalized and seemingly unimportant, as children were in New Testament times?
3. How does the description of a “capable wife” speak to us of a life of service and good for others?

1/2 way to back to work

Last week I titled by entry “1 week into rehab”.  I was thinking “2 weeks into rehab” for this week but my mindset is more into the fact that I am half way through my  weeks of being off work.  A week ago I would have thought 4 going back to work would be rough in just another 3 weeks.  Now I am looking forward to the next two weeks passing and being able to get back to work.  I had my staples removed yesterday.  The surgical site is looking good.  Exercises are going well.  The main thing at this time is fatigue.  I tire easily, which is normal after surgery  But I am feeling good and looking forward to progressing even further the next two weeks so I can get back to work. 

I am beginning to think about which book of the Bible to study on Wednesday and Thursday Bible Studies.  I’m leaning towards Isaiah or Ezekiel.  I am thinking about a weekly prayer group.  I’m also looking forward to our involvement in Kids Hope USA (mentoring prgoram) and hosting Vadim from Russia for six weeks in October/November.

But I’m also along with exercising getting some relaxation reading a couple new mystery authors.

All comes in its right time  and now I’m 1/2 way back to work.

Blessing and peace,
Pastor Paul

One week into rehabilitation

Well, I am just over one week into my rehab from right knee replacement.  Before I update you on my status I want to comment on the love and support I have received from my family and church family.  A huge thanks to my wife, Nancy, and to Melissa and Joe for all they have done to help me out at home.

As pastor, numerous times I have had members comment on how meaningful it is at the number of cards and calls they receive from church members.  I am now experiencing that myself.  I have received many cards from my friends at the church, several visits and some wonderful chicken noodle soup from the deacons.    These have all been very comforting knowing so many people are praying for me and care about me.  Out of all of these I would like to mention two items that summerize the support and love.  One day in the hospital I received a visit from a couple in the church.  During this visit they gave me a small rock with a ceramic frog attached – reminding me of F.R.O.G. ( Fully Rely On God).  One night when I was experiencing quite a bit of pain in my leg I held that rock in the palm of my hand and did slow breathing and remembered that God would get me through this.

In one of the cards I received a family ended their note: “Return to Harris Street soon.”   As I rely on God, do all my exercises and regain my strength I definately look forward to returning to the corner of Harris & Simon Street to worship and work with my friends at First Presbyterian.

Thanks for all your love!

My recovery is going very well.  I was discharged from the hospital just two days after my surgery.  I am receiving visits from Mercy Home Health and Mercy Home Rehab.  The Physical Therapist has worked well with me in teaching me new exercises and keeping me on the path of recovery.  I have been able to get out for two short outing for coffee and seen a couple friends while stopped in at the Shay.  EAch day I do one particular exercise on the knee every other hour, and do a set of exercises three times a day.  Every day is showing improvement.

I am hoping to attend church this Sunday to enjoy the celebration of Kate Murphy’s 100th birthday.

Keep praying, and I’ll see you soon.

Blessings and Peace,

Pastor Paul

Practicing what I preach!

What a wonderful comfort, in fact an exciting reminder it is for me, to look back on my own words.  I cannot count the number of times through the years of ministry that I have gone to the hospital to have prayer with members of the church who were going to have surgery, or who were sick.   In those prayers I give thanks for the presence of God in all circumstances.  I thank God for doctors and nurses.  Now I am ready for my first experience as an inpatient at a hospital as I have my right knee replaced tomorrow.  I think of those words of my past prayers and am thrilled at the truth of them.

As I was meditating on the passage of the visitation of Mary to Elizabeth, and how the baby within Elizabeth lept for joy at the presence of the Lord: I was drawn to the idea of “thrilling at the knowledge” that the Lord is with me and will be with me as I go up the elevator to the 3rd floor, not as a pastor but as a patient; that as they put in the IV, as the anesthesiologist and nurse and Doctor visit with me; as they take me to surgery, and as I wake up – IN ALL THOSE TIMES God will be with me.

I’ve thanked God for that many times in the lives of others – no I can practice what I preach.  Thanks be to God.

Being Carried

God is truly awesome. In a time when I am really cherishing my devotional time God is really speaking to me. This week on Thursday I am having my knee replaced. In addition to that there are a couple other areas of stress I am dealing with. I sat down for my devotions today, once again utilizing Sacred Space on the internet. The Gospel reading for the day spoke of a kernel of wheat needing to be buried in the ground before it can come to life, and likewise one must hate one’s life on this earth to gain it eternally. In my prayers I surrendered all the stresses of life to God that God might be glorified through my life. I then went to the section of prayer following the Scripture and this is what it said: “Sometimes I wonder what I might say if I were to meet you in person Lord. I think I might say “Thank You Lord” for always being there for me. I know with certainty there were times when you carried me, Lord, when it was through your strength I got through the dark times in my life.” What a wonderfully reassuring statement that the Lord carries us when it only through God’s strength that we make it through the dark times of life. God is good! Please go to Pastor Paul’s Blog to share your comments or questions.

On another thought, this is the first time I have ever been away from the church for four straight weeks. I anticipate it being a time of both physical renewal as I rehab my knee, and spiritual renewal as I spend time in silence. I also pray that this will be a wonderful time for the church. Enjoy the time of worship and fellowship as you have the variety of different preachers on the next four Sundays. It is great knowing the church is a strong and loving community. I am thankful for our deacons whom I know will keep on top of any needs that arise during my absence. May God bless all of you in the coming month. I will look forward to being back in the pulpit, and back in your midst at the end of my time of rehab.