I love new beginnings. I love New Years and the First Sunday in Advent and the First Day of School (Yes, I capitalized that on purpose!) and Spring Cleaning and even the start of Daylight Savings Time. I love any opportunity to start over, to start fresh, to experience the grace of a new beginning.
I know that all of you are not looking forward to the New Year with the same kind of enthusiasm I am. I know that financial news is grim. I know that many of you will enter 2009 unemployed or underemployed. I know that many of you have endured broken hearts and broken dreams this year and it seems that even a thousand new years will not ease the pain.
I know that some of you carry the guilt of having hurt or failed others. Some of you walk daily under the burden of feeling that you will never be good enough for your partner, your children, your parents, or your associates.
On this New Year's Eve, I hope you will allow yourself the grace of a new beginning. Just for this day, know that you are created in the image of a God who is love, who is goodness, who is kindness, compassion, joy, hope and every good and beautiful thing. Know that you cannot destroy that, void it, ruin or renounce it. Just for this day, believe that with all your heart. Speak from that knowledge, act from that knowledge, and love from that knowledge.
Just for today, let your heart believe this promise from 2 Corinthians 5:17: Now we look inside, and what we see is that anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start, is created new. The old life is gone; a new life burgeons! Look at it!
Look at it! Celebrate it! Believe it!
Happy New Year,
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Unbelievable
Unbelievable.
That's the word I usually reserve for informing basketball referees that what I've seen doesn't match up with what they've called. The volume and length of the word usually grow in proportion to my disbelief.
But I've had a different experience with that word lately. In fact, I think I've whispered it half a dozen times this week alone. Unbelievable that we just decorated the sanctuary for Advent and here it is Christmas Eve. Unbelievable that Thanksgiving is a distant memory. Unbelievable that in less than two months we will enter the Lenten season.
So many things that are hard to wrap my mind around!
But Christmas time, perhaps more than any other, is a time for believing, so I want to share with you a few of the things that I believe...believe with all my heart.
I believe that our community of faith at MCC Austin is growing and maturing as disciples--followers and students--of Christ. I see it in the way we worship, the way we treat each other, the way we are trying to minister to others both inside and outside of the church proper.
I believe that we have an extraordinary group of lay leaders. The talent, the generosity, the ministry of our lay leaders inspires me daily. From our Worship Team to our Sunday School teachers to our Deacons and Communion Team and Board and musicians and on and on we are blessed and blessing others constantly. When I watch you serving each other, I am at the same time humbled and uplifted by the way God works and loves and heals through you.
I believe that the staff, both paid and volunteer, that we have gathered is a remarkable group. I believe that the genuine love and respect we have for each other, the true joy we have in working together, and the shared purpose we claim create an atmosphere in which we are open and available to the Spirit. I believe God enjoys coming to work with us as much as we enjoy coming to work together!
I believe that we as a congregation are being invited by God to do amazing things. I believe that God has been working in us and working on us, and that we're poised to take God's love, joy, peace, and hope far beyond the bounds of 8601 S. First Street.
I believe that we are ready to draw our circle wide and wider still, keeping God as the center of light and love from which we radiate.
Merry, Merry Christmas!
That's the word I usually reserve for informing basketball referees that what I've seen doesn't match up with what they've called. The volume and length of the word usually grow in proportion to my disbelief.
But I've had a different experience with that word lately. In fact, I think I've whispered it half a dozen times this week alone. Unbelievable that we just decorated the sanctuary for Advent and here it is Christmas Eve. Unbelievable that Thanksgiving is a distant memory. Unbelievable that in less than two months we will enter the Lenten season.
So many things that are hard to wrap my mind around!
But Christmas time, perhaps more than any other, is a time for believing, so I want to share with you a few of the things that I believe...believe with all my heart.
I believe that our community of faith at MCC Austin is growing and maturing as disciples--followers and students--of Christ. I see it in the way we worship, the way we treat each other, the way we are trying to minister to others both inside and outside of the church proper.
I believe that we have an extraordinary group of lay leaders. The talent, the generosity, the ministry of our lay leaders inspires me daily. From our Worship Team to our Sunday School teachers to our Deacons and Communion Team and Board and musicians and on and on we are blessed and blessing others constantly. When I watch you serving each other, I am at the same time humbled and uplifted by the way God works and loves and heals through you.
I believe that the staff, both paid and volunteer, that we have gathered is a remarkable group. I believe that the genuine love and respect we have for each other, the true joy we have in working together, and the shared purpose we claim create an atmosphere in which we are open and available to the Spirit. I believe God enjoys coming to work with us as much as we enjoy coming to work together!
I believe that we as a congregation are being invited by God to do amazing things. I believe that God has been working in us and working on us, and that we're poised to take God's love, joy, peace, and hope far beyond the bounds of 8601 S. First Street.
I believe that we are ready to draw our circle wide and wider still, keeping God as the center of light and love from which we radiate.
Merry, Merry Christmas!
Saturday, December 20, 2008
The Fourth Week of Advent
Call this Part II.
Last week I shared some of what I think the young Mary must have been feeling as she contemplated her pregnancy, her future, and her beloved. This week I offer similar thoughts on Joseph, but my path is a little more convoluted. Stay with me...
A couple of summers ago, I heard a sermon that began this way:
I fell in love with God at a church camp in Kerrville, Texas, while two camp counselors strummed "Kumbaya" on their guitars and fireflies danced around the edges of our campfire. I was twelve years old...and God's name was...Shelley.
Once I heard those words, I couldn't track the rest of the sermon very well. I had had the same experience! The first time I fell in love so completely that not only my skin tingled, but my very soul tingled, I suddenly understood the catechism in a whole new way. Patient, kind, unconditional, life-giving, transformational--these were holy words, and suddenly, my everyday words.
Over time, though, I gave in to the constant barrage of societal disapproval about this great love, and I convinced myself that there was nothing sacred or spiritual about it. Further, I rationalized that God demanded my undivided devotion, not devotion shared with the great human loves of my life.
Thank God that I've come full circle on that.
If we're not supposed to live our lives in a delicious swirl of God's love and friends' love and partners' love and parents' love and on and on, then why did God mix it all up for us? Why did God choose messy, fleshy incarnation over, or at least along with, divine transcendence? Why has God chosen to be born in us, to be borne by us, and to dwell in us, and why has God commanded us to love one another as God loves us? Certainly it must be so that we would not create so many distinctions, separate our lives into compartments of sacred and secular, try to distill the human from the holy.
For the final time this season, let me share with you some words from Two from Galilee. In this section Marjorie Holmes gives voice to the agony Joseph feels as he wrestles with how to deal with Mary now that he knows she is pregnant. Joseph has been approached by Mary's father, Joachim, who has begged Joseph to deal mercifully with Mary.
Joseph's mother had been right. And Joachim. A man's honor and the honor of his family was involved. But neither Joachim nor any other who spoke of honor could conceive that there was a value even greater than honor--a man's love. However forsaken, bereaved, humiliated, a man's hopelessly abiding love.
He wanted her back, no matter what. Perversely, he wanted her back even more the more people talked. Yet it was so much greater than that, it went so far back and so far beyond. She was his life's purpose, his hope; she was his Messiah. At this time of miracles and magi, don't try too hard to comprehend it all. Instead, allow yourself to feel it...Emmanuel...God with us, in us, loving us, and happy to be loved by us as best we can...as best we can.
Peace and Much Love,
Last week I shared some of what I think the young Mary must have been feeling as she contemplated her pregnancy, her future, and her beloved. This week I offer similar thoughts on Joseph, but my path is a little more convoluted. Stay with me...
A couple of summers ago, I heard a sermon that began this way:
I fell in love with God at a church camp in Kerrville, Texas, while two camp counselors strummed "Kumbaya" on their guitars and fireflies danced around the edges of our campfire. I was twelve years old...and God's name was...Shelley.
Once I heard those words, I couldn't track the rest of the sermon very well. I had had the same experience! The first time I fell in love so completely that not only my skin tingled, but my very soul tingled, I suddenly understood the catechism in a whole new way. Patient, kind, unconditional, life-giving, transformational--these were holy words, and suddenly, my everyday words.
Over time, though, I gave in to the constant barrage of societal disapproval about this great love, and I convinced myself that there was nothing sacred or spiritual about it. Further, I rationalized that God demanded my undivided devotion, not devotion shared with the great human loves of my life.
Thank God that I've come full circle on that.
If we're not supposed to live our lives in a delicious swirl of God's love and friends' love and partners' love and parents' love and on and on, then why did God mix it all up for us? Why did God choose messy, fleshy incarnation over, or at least along with, divine transcendence? Why has God chosen to be born in us, to be borne by us, and to dwell in us, and why has God commanded us to love one another as God loves us? Certainly it must be so that we would not create so many distinctions, separate our lives into compartments of sacred and secular, try to distill the human from the holy.
For the final time this season, let me share with you some words from Two from Galilee. In this section Marjorie Holmes gives voice to the agony Joseph feels as he wrestles with how to deal with Mary now that he knows she is pregnant. Joseph has been approached by Mary's father, Joachim, who has begged Joseph to deal mercifully with Mary.
Joseph's mother had been right. And Joachim. A man's honor and the honor of his family was involved. But neither Joachim nor any other who spoke of honor could conceive that there was a value even greater than honor--a man's love. However forsaken, bereaved, humiliated, a man's hopelessly abiding love.
He wanted her back, no matter what. Perversely, he wanted her back even more the more people talked. Yet it was so much greater than that, it went so far back and so far beyond. She was his life's purpose, his hope; she was his Messiah. At this time of miracles and magi, don't try too hard to comprehend it all. Instead, allow yourself to feel it...Emmanuel...God with us, in us, loving us, and happy to be loved by us as best we can...as best we can.
Peace and Much Love,
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
The Third Week of Advent
I'm always aware of the blessing and privilege of being an MCC pastor, but this Advent I've felt that blessing more keenly than ever. I think that part of this awareness has to do with our chosen theme for worship for this year: Sacred Desire, Spiritual Yearnings. As we've shared over the last two weeks the stories of Elizabeth and Zechariah and of their son, John the Baptist, I've been deeply moved by the depth of their desires and the extent of their yearnings. Now, as we prepare to relive Mary's story this week and Joseph's next week, I've been more aware than ever before of the freedom that I have to give voice to the Nativity story with words that so many pastors feel they must shy away from--words like knowing, covenanting, consummating, blood, flesh, birth and the holy of holies, that we somehow have come to believe we can use only on Good Friday, passion.
Last weekend I shared with you a passage from Marjorie Holmes's beautiful novel, Two from Galilee. Today I want to share another. In this scene, Mary is certain that she is, as the angel announced, pregnant. Now she is faced with the impossible task of telling Joseph, not only the one to whom she is engaged, not only the one who will literally hold her life in his hands, but the one whose love she craves body and soul.
Numb with astonishment, Joseph could only gaze at her for an eternity. Then he spoke one word. One alone, which later seemed to him almost as unbelievable as the thing she had told him.
"Whose?"
"I don't know."
"You don't know?" His hands, dangling at his sides, felt wooden...."Mary, are you mad? Or do you think I am?"
"Perhaps," she said.
"Perhaps I am mad. At first I thought so. How can it be? I asked myself that I am the chosen one? How can it be? There are fairer girls in Israel, and certainly purer ones. Girls whose only wish has been to serve in the Temple, to fast and pray. No, there had to be some mistake, I told myself. Yes, I have been very close to God--especially in childhood; there were times when I felt sure he spoke to me. But it is human love that I have longed for as I grew older." She had been staring into the darkness. Now she lifted her eyes to meet his. "Flesh and blood love, Joseph. Your hands, your arms, your lips, your body close to me even as it is close to me now."
I know, I know. The more practical among you can strike down mine and Marjorie Holmes's romantic notions on several fronts. You can speak of arranged marriages, the history of marriage as a matter of property transfer, domestic servitude, on and on. But listen! Don't allow yourself to buy into the mythology that surrounds this account of virgin birth. (Notice, I didn't say, "Don't buy into this myth of virgin birth." I said, "Don't buy into the mythology that surrounds this account of virgin birth.")
Don't allow yourself to miss the passion that invades this story from every angle, the passion that burns between Joseph and Mary, the passion that Joseph and Mary have for Yahweh and for the promised Messiah, and greatest of all, the passion that burns within Yahweh with such power that God's only release for it was to break into the human story in a way that could not be denied or explained away.
People, believe the good news: The Christmas story is not a simple purity tale; it is the greatest love story ever told, and that's the Gospel truth.
Love and Peace,
Last weekend I shared with you a passage from Marjorie Holmes's beautiful novel, Two from Galilee. Today I want to share another. In this scene, Mary is certain that she is, as the angel announced, pregnant. Now she is faced with the impossible task of telling Joseph, not only the one to whom she is engaged, not only the one who will literally hold her life in his hands, but the one whose love she craves body and soul.
Numb with astonishment, Joseph could only gaze at her for an eternity. Then he spoke one word. One alone, which later seemed to him almost as unbelievable as the thing she had told him.
"Whose?"
"I don't know."
"You don't know?" His hands, dangling at his sides, felt wooden...."Mary, are you mad? Or do you think I am?"
"Perhaps," she said.
"Perhaps I am mad. At first I thought so. How can it be? I asked myself that I am the chosen one? How can it be? There are fairer girls in Israel, and certainly purer ones. Girls whose only wish has been to serve in the Temple, to fast and pray. No, there had to be some mistake, I told myself. Yes, I have been very close to God--especially in childhood; there were times when I felt sure he spoke to me. But it is human love that I have longed for as I grew older." She had been staring into the darkness. Now she lifted her eyes to meet his. "Flesh and blood love, Joseph. Your hands, your arms, your lips, your body close to me even as it is close to me now."
I know, I know. The more practical among you can strike down mine and Marjorie Holmes's romantic notions on several fronts. You can speak of arranged marriages, the history of marriage as a matter of property transfer, domestic servitude, on and on. But listen! Don't allow yourself to buy into the mythology that surrounds this account of virgin birth. (Notice, I didn't say, "Don't buy into this myth of virgin birth." I said, "Don't buy into the mythology that surrounds this account of virgin birth.")
Don't allow yourself to miss the passion that invades this story from every angle, the passion that burns between Joseph and Mary, the passion that Joseph and Mary have for Yahweh and for the promised Messiah, and greatest of all, the passion that burns within Yahweh with such power that God's only release for it was to break into the human story in a way that could not be denied or explained away.
People, believe the good news: The Christmas story is not a simple purity tale; it is the greatest love story ever told, and that's the Gospel truth.
Love and Peace,
Thursday, December 4, 2008
The Second Week of Advent - Dedication Sunday
This weekend when we gather for worship, we will bring with us our pledges of time, talent, and treasure for the coming year. We've been talking for several weeks now about the wondrous things we believe God is calling our congregation to do in 2009, and now it's time for us to move from discussion to action.
You've heard my thoughts about being veterans of Christ's service. You've seen the goals that our leadership has set for increasing our financial support of MCC Churches worldwide, increasing our gifts through MCC Cares to nonprofit organizations that are truly struggling with the volatile economy, and funding not only all of our MCC Austin ministries, but also funding our next building team so that they can obtain appraisals and plans and start us toward the reality of a permanent sanctuary. Additionally, you've been offered suggestions for ways that you can grow in your individual commitments to God through the ministry of MCC Austin.
So now I want to offer some final thoughts to you as you prepare to bring your pledges to church this weekend. First, may your commitment to giving be based on your answer to this question: Realizing that everything I have is a gift from God, how much does God ask me to give back as a spiritual response of faith?
Second, trust that if circumstances change for you and you are unable to fulfill your pledge, God and this church will accept whatever you are able to give and be richly blessed by it.
Third, though it is indeed a strange and troubling time in this nation's and the world's economy, it is not the time to become fearful or selfish, but rather time to reorient ourselves toward the things that are truly important. My friend, Rev. Greg McDonell, has offered these words to the congregation of the church he serves:
I would suggest that we see this "crisis" as a time for deep reflection. . . As Christians, let us spend some time reflecting on a few theological questions.1. Are we free enough to move from a mindset of scarcity to one of abundance?2. Are we willing to move from a place of isolation to one of relationship/community?3. Can we be transformed into a people that stops trusting in our attachments and begins to trust in God's providence?
Friends, I have so much hope and excitement about how our family of faith is going to continue to advance God's dominion and share the light and love of Christ in the coming year! But enough of my talking; listen to the promise that God makes to us through the words of the prophet Malachi:
Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in my house, and thus put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts; see if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you an overflowing blessing.
People of MCC Austin, let's bring the whole tithe into the storehouse and see what God does next!
Always in Hope,
You've heard my thoughts about being veterans of Christ's service. You've seen the goals that our leadership has set for increasing our financial support of MCC Churches worldwide, increasing our gifts through MCC Cares to nonprofit organizations that are truly struggling with the volatile economy, and funding not only all of our MCC Austin ministries, but also funding our next building team so that they can obtain appraisals and plans and start us toward the reality of a permanent sanctuary. Additionally, you've been offered suggestions for ways that you can grow in your individual commitments to God through the ministry of MCC Austin.
So now I want to offer some final thoughts to you as you prepare to bring your pledges to church this weekend. First, may your commitment to giving be based on your answer to this question: Realizing that everything I have is a gift from God, how much does God ask me to give back as a spiritual response of faith?
Second, trust that if circumstances change for you and you are unable to fulfill your pledge, God and this church will accept whatever you are able to give and be richly blessed by it.
Third, though it is indeed a strange and troubling time in this nation's and the world's economy, it is not the time to become fearful or selfish, but rather time to reorient ourselves toward the things that are truly important. My friend, Rev. Greg McDonell, has offered these words to the congregation of the church he serves:
I would suggest that we see this "crisis" as a time for deep reflection. . . As Christians, let us spend some time reflecting on a few theological questions.1. Are we free enough to move from a mindset of scarcity to one of abundance?2. Are we willing to move from a place of isolation to one of relationship/community?3. Can we be transformed into a people that stops trusting in our attachments and begins to trust in God's providence?
Friends, I have so much hope and excitement about how our family of faith is going to continue to advance God's dominion and share the light and love of Christ in the coming year! But enough of my talking; listen to the promise that God makes to us through the words of the prophet Malachi:
Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in my house, and thus put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts; see if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you an overflowing blessing.
People of MCC Austin, let's bring the whole tithe into the storehouse and see what God does next!
Always in Hope,
The First Week of Advent
I thought I was prepared for what I would see when I walked into the sanctuary this morning. I've been here for five or six Advent seasons now; I know how amazing our sacred space looks adorned in royal blues and gold and silver and greenery and garland.
I thought I was prepared after weeks of working with the worship planning team and listening to their ideas come together.
But I wasn't prepared.
The beauty of it all, the meaning of it all, took my breath away.
Come see for yourself and give yourself the gift of worshiping with us as we begin a new year in the Christian liturgical calendar. Our over-arching theme for the coming year is "Sacred Desire~ Spiritual Yearnings." As we begin the journey through the year with Advent, we will be incorporating traditional themes of Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace. Additionally, we have woven in and among those traditional themes some new images and ideas about circles--thus the sermon titles you will see for the four weeks in Advent and for Christmas Eve:
"Where Does a Circle Begin?"
"Widening the Circle"
"The Circle Within"
"Outside the Circle"
"Full Circle"
To help you fully enter this blessed time of Advent and help you prepare your heart and mind for the coming of the Holy Child, we will be sending you daily devotionals for each week of Advent beginning this Saturday.
I'll close this with a quote that I discovered when preparing last week's sermon about worship. It is taken from the Didascalia Apostolorum and quoted in John E. Burkhart's book, Worship.
"Now when thou teachest, command and warn the people to be constant in assembling in the Church, and not to withdraw themselves, but always to assemble, lest any person diminish the Church by not assembling, and cause the body of Christ to be short of a member."
Please do come and worship with us this Advent. We will be less than we should be without you.
Always in Hope,
I thought I was prepared after weeks of working with the worship planning team and listening to their ideas come together.
But I wasn't prepared.
The beauty of it all, the meaning of it all, took my breath away.
Come see for yourself and give yourself the gift of worshiping with us as we begin a new year in the Christian liturgical calendar. Our over-arching theme for the coming year is "Sacred Desire~ Spiritual Yearnings." As we begin the journey through the year with Advent, we will be incorporating traditional themes of Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace. Additionally, we have woven in and among those traditional themes some new images and ideas about circles--thus the sermon titles you will see for the four weeks in Advent and for Christmas Eve:
"Where Does a Circle Begin?"
"Widening the Circle"
"The Circle Within"
"Outside the Circle"
"Full Circle"
To help you fully enter this blessed time of Advent and help you prepare your heart and mind for the coming of the Holy Child, we will be sending you daily devotionals for each week of Advent beginning this Saturday.
I'll close this with a quote that I discovered when preparing last week's sermon about worship. It is taken from the Didascalia Apostolorum and quoted in John E. Burkhart's book, Worship.
"Now when thou teachest, command and warn the people to be constant in assembling in the Church, and not to withdraw themselves, but always to assemble, lest any person diminish the Church by not assembling, and cause the body of Christ to be short of a member."
Please do come and worship with us this Advent. We will be less than we should be without you.
Always in Hope,
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Thanksgiving 2008
My arms and shoulders are a little tired this week from trying to hold back the mighty assault of Christmas commercials and Christmas carols. Yes, that confession is bound to surprise some of you who know that one of the playlists on my iPod is called "Christmas," and it's not uncommon for those Christmas songs to show up in the recently played list. I love all things Christmas, always have.
Please understand, this is not going to be a diatribe against commercialism or an exhortation to hold the line on Christmas cards, Christmas carols, Christmas trees, and Christmas parties against the more trendy and supposedly politically correct "Holiday" this and that or "Winter" this and that. I'm not one of those people who is worried that we're not doing enough to protect God from consumerism. I trust that after eternity plus 2,000 years, God can take care of God's self. I trust that after 2,000 years, Christ is quite capable of keeping himself in Christmas. I'm not even criticizing the merchants who depend on exceptional sales in December to have a profitable year.
No, no, no. I'm not on a rampage. My concern is much simpler.
I'm not afraid about losing Christmas. I'm afraid about losing Thanksgiving.
Not once have I heard "Over the River and Through the Woods" playing in the background of a television commercial. Not once have I heard a radio station asking for people to create Thanksgiving baskets for hungry families. But I have heard dire warnings about what will happen to families that don't have presents under their Holiday Trees!
Look over this week's scripture reading. Doesn't it read like a love letter? An extravagant invitation to feast upon the gifts of God?
I invite each one of you to come worship with us this weekend and offer thanksgiving to our loving, generous God. Then the next week you'll find the sanctuary transformed by Advent colors and cloths and lush greenery. But don't let that fool you.
Though our attention will have turned toward Christmas, we will still be celebrating Thanksgiving--for the greatest gift ever given.
Thanks Be to God!
Please understand, this is not going to be a diatribe against commercialism or an exhortation to hold the line on Christmas cards, Christmas carols, Christmas trees, and Christmas parties against the more trendy and supposedly politically correct "Holiday" this and that or "Winter" this and that. I'm not one of those people who is worried that we're not doing enough to protect God from consumerism. I trust that after eternity plus 2,000 years, God can take care of God's self. I trust that after 2,000 years, Christ is quite capable of keeping himself in Christmas. I'm not even criticizing the merchants who depend on exceptional sales in December to have a profitable year.
No, no, no. I'm not on a rampage. My concern is much simpler.
I'm not afraid about losing Christmas. I'm afraid about losing Thanksgiving.
Not once have I heard "Over the River and Through the Woods" playing in the background of a television commercial. Not once have I heard a radio station asking for people to create Thanksgiving baskets for hungry families. But I have heard dire warnings about what will happen to families that don't have presents under their Holiday Trees!
Look over this week's scripture reading. Doesn't it read like a love letter? An extravagant invitation to feast upon the gifts of God?
I invite each one of you to come worship with us this weekend and offer thanksgiving to our loving, generous God. Then the next week you'll find the sanctuary transformed by Advent colors and cloths and lush greenery. But don't let that fool you.
Though our attention will have turned toward Christmas, we will still be celebrating Thanksgiving--for the greatest gift ever given.
Thanks Be to God!
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
God's Closet
If you grew up going to Sunday School like I did, you probably heard the story of the three servants and their talents many times. You probably listened to admonishments not to squander your God given talents. Some of you might have even heard teachers caution you against using your talents in any pursuit that wasn't "holy" or "Godly." Do you remember the criticism Amy Grant endured when she turned from contemporary Christian to popular music?
I don't want to debate those lessons this week, but I do want to broaden the discussion a little. Two things have captured my attention as I've studied this week's Gospel lesson from Matthew. First, I've been struck by the realization of how much money a talent actually is. You see, ever since I was a child I've accepted the interpretation that this parable is about our faithful use of our skills and abilities. No one ever stressed the literal interpretation of this parable and the fact that a talent was equivalent to about 15 years of wages! One of the servants in this parable received an amount of money equal to a full 15 years' wages, another the equivalent of 30 years' wages, and the third an amount equivalent to 75 years' wages. This parable is much more than a child's bedtime story about using the talents God has given us. The stakes in this story are exceptionally high, and I think we should delve into that a bit.
Second, I'm troubled by the end of the scripture. Along with being told that this parable was about skills and abilities, I was taught that the wealthy "master" in the story represented God. This troubles me on two levels. First, it troubles me because the third servant characterizes the master as cruel, and harsh-someone to be feared. Second, it troubles me because the master's response to the third servant is terrifying. "You wicked and lazy slave!" he explodes. Later the master says to the others, "For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. As for this worthless slave, throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." Mercy! Where's the grace in that?
I invite you to study this passage during the week and ask God to illuminate the text and the meaning as you study. You might even find it helpful to compare Matthew's version of the parable to Luke's version in Luke 19:11-27. As you pray your way through the passage, I encourage you to share your thoughts and questions with me. It's always a blessing to hear from you!
May God Bless and Keep You,
I don't want to debate those lessons this week, but I do want to broaden the discussion a little. Two things have captured my attention as I've studied this week's Gospel lesson from Matthew. First, I've been struck by the realization of how much money a talent actually is. You see, ever since I was a child I've accepted the interpretation that this parable is about our faithful use of our skills and abilities. No one ever stressed the literal interpretation of this parable and the fact that a talent was equivalent to about 15 years of wages! One of the servants in this parable received an amount of money equal to a full 15 years' wages, another the equivalent of 30 years' wages, and the third an amount equivalent to 75 years' wages. This parable is much more than a child's bedtime story about using the talents God has given us. The stakes in this story are exceptionally high, and I think we should delve into that a bit.
Second, I'm troubled by the end of the scripture. Along with being told that this parable was about skills and abilities, I was taught that the wealthy "master" in the story represented God. This troubles me on two levels. First, it troubles me because the third servant characterizes the master as cruel, and harsh-someone to be feared. Second, it troubles me because the master's response to the third servant is terrifying. "You wicked and lazy slave!" he explodes. Later the master says to the others, "For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. As for this worthless slave, throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." Mercy! Where's the grace in that?
I invite you to study this passage during the week and ask God to illuminate the text and the meaning as you study. You might even find it helpful to compare Matthew's version of the parable to Luke's version in Luke 19:11-27. As you pray your way through the passage, I encourage you to share your thoughts and questions with me. It's always a blessing to hear from you!
May God Bless and Keep You,
Monday, November 10, 2008
Veterans of Foreign Wars
I hope you're planning to worship with us this weekend. Along with singing, sharing the Word, and celebrating communion together, we will also honor our military veterans by, among other things, having veterans process in the U.S. flag and the flags of the different branches of the military.
We know that our LGBT brothers and sisters who have served in the military have most often done so with even greater risk and greater personal sacrifice than our straight brothers and sisters. Many of them have "served in silence," and many of them have received silence or censure instead of thanks after their service. We hope all of you who have served or still actively serve in our military will come to church this weekend and allow us to recognize you for your commitment. Invite your friends, too, especially if they are LGBT veterans who have never been publically honored before.
In preparation for worship, I invite all of you to read Joshua 24:1-18 and spend time reflecting on the intentionality, commitment, risk, and rewards of your own service. Truly, in your life, whom or what do you serve? Do you serve God? In what ways? What is your motivation? Does your service to God serve others? Does it have an effect on you? If you'll spend some time answering these questions, you'll be ready when I ask them again in worship, and you'll be able to follow me as I share with you my belief that all of us, civilian and military alike, are "Veterans of Foreign Wars."
Peace...
We know that our LGBT brothers and sisters who have served in the military have most often done so with even greater risk and greater personal sacrifice than our straight brothers and sisters. Many of them have "served in silence," and many of them have received silence or censure instead of thanks after their service. We hope all of you who have served or still actively serve in our military will come to church this weekend and allow us to recognize you for your commitment. Invite your friends, too, especially if they are LGBT veterans who have never been publically honored before.
In preparation for worship, I invite all of you to read Joshua 24:1-18 and spend time reflecting on the intentionality, commitment, risk, and rewards of your own service. Truly, in your life, whom or what do you serve? Do you serve God? In what ways? What is your motivation? Does your service to God serve others? Does it have an effect on you? If you'll spend some time answering these questions, you'll be ready when I ask them again in worship, and you'll be able to follow me as I share with you my belief that all of us, civilian and military alike, are "Veterans of Foreign Wars."
Peace...
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Guest Blogger:Assistant Pastor Rev. Dr. Bill Young
This week a number of our members are enjoying a wonderful Caribbean cruise, among them Senior Pastor Rev. Karen Thompson, MCCA Board Vice-moderator Denice Bain, and Focus8 team leader Adama Brown. All are supposed to be a enjoying a well-earned week of rest and relaxation soaking up the sun in the Caribbean, sipping Mai Tais by the pool, and dropping a few bucks in the on-board casino.But some of our members are frankly dubious that these committed, multitasking leaders can actually go a week without obsessing about church business.
Some folks have wagered over $2000 that the intrepid three can't restrain themselves from discussing the business of MCC Austin at least once during the course of their week on the high seas. In this case, it's literally true that "Loose lips sink S.H.I.P.S.'' (Significant Hushmoney Infusion Possible from Silence).The money goes into the church coffers, so stakes are high.
Rumor has it that the Board, concerned at the potential loss of this windfall, has outfitted other MCCA members on the cruise with a tranquilizer gun and a roll of duct tape, with orders to deploy them at the first glimpse of a budget projection or a strategic planning document.So I ask that you be in prayer this week that all of our cruisers have a wonderful, safe and restful time in the Caribbean, that things go smoothly here at MCC Austin in their absence, and that Karen, Denice and Adama manage to keep their mouths shut. It's only a week!
Many preachers preface their sermons with this verse from Psalm 19: "May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Oh Lord.'' But before she left, I suggested to Karen that she consider a slight modification as the guiding prayer for this voyage: "May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart ... stay there.''
Blessings,
Bill Young
Assistant Pastor
Some folks have wagered over $2000 that the intrepid three can't restrain themselves from discussing the business of MCC Austin at least once during the course of their week on the high seas. In this case, it's literally true that "Loose lips sink S.H.I.P.S.'' (Significant Hushmoney Infusion Possible from Silence).The money goes into the church coffers, so stakes are high.
Rumor has it that the Board, concerned at the potential loss of this windfall, has outfitted other MCCA members on the cruise with a tranquilizer gun and a roll of duct tape, with orders to deploy them at the first glimpse of a budget projection or a strategic planning document.So I ask that you be in prayer this week that all of our cruisers have a wonderful, safe and restful time in the Caribbean, that things go smoothly here at MCC Austin in their absence, and that Karen, Denice and Adama manage to keep their mouths shut. It's only a week!
Many preachers preface their sermons with this verse from Psalm 19: "May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Oh Lord.'' But before she left, I suggested to Karen that she consider a slight modification as the guiding prayer for this voyage: "May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart ... stay there.''
Blessings,
Bill Young
Assistant Pastor
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Twenty Questions
My sermon title for this week is "20 Questions," and not surprisingly, I've been thinking about questions a lot. This sermon title was inspired by our Gospel reading from Matthew 22:34-46 in which a group of Pharisees asks questions of Jesus to "test" him. You know, there's just no way that can turn out well!
Now I don't mean to imply that it's not a good idea to ask questions of Jesus. I believe bringing all of ourselves-our joy, fear, anger, confusion, doubts, devotion, and questions- to God is our most faithful response to God's love and grace. But there's something to be said for how and why we pose our questions to God. In the 22nd chapter of Matthew, both the Sadducees and the Pharisees take turns trying to trick Jesus into offering false witness, for they've already decided he's dangerous, and they're plotting to kill him. That's their sole purpose, to offer him a test which they want him to fail.
If that's the motivation behind the questions we pose to God, then I would say that our questions are not any more faithful than those of the Sadducees and the Pharisees. But I don't think it is. When we ask our questions of God, I believe it's most often in the attempt to know and be known by God more deeply than before. Questions, often, are simply our way of staying in conversation with God. In fact, I don't think we'd even bother with our questions if we weren't certain that ultimately, God will never fail us.
I hope between now and our worship this weekend, you will spend time talking with God and asking your questions. Then bring the ones you have left to church with you. You and your questions are always welcome here.
Blessings...
Now I don't mean to imply that it's not a good idea to ask questions of Jesus. I believe bringing all of ourselves-our joy, fear, anger, confusion, doubts, devotion, and questions- to God is our most faithful response to God's love and grace. But there's something to be said for how and why we pose our questions to God. In the 22nd chapter of Matthew, both the Sadducees and the Pharisees take turns trying to trick Jesus into offering false witness, for they've already decided he's dangerous, and they're plotting to kill him. That's their sole purpose, to offer him a test which they want him to fail.
If that's the motivation behind the questions we pose to God, then I would say that our questions are not any more faithful than those of the Sadducees and the Pharisees. But I don't think it is. When we ask our questions of God, I believe it's most often in the attempt to know and be known by God more deeply than before. Questions, often, are simply our way of staying in conversation with God. In fact, I don't think we'd even bother with our questions if we weren't certain that ultimately, God will never fail us.
I hope between now and our worship this weekend, you will spend time talking with God and asking your questions. Then bring the ones you have left to church with you. You and your questions are always welcome here.
Blessings...
Thursday, October 16, 2008
A Church Without Walls
I am so looking forward to our worship services this weekend and a chance to explore together our vision of becoming A Church Without Walls.
Before we focus on our vision, though, I thought it might be helpful to share a little bit about what we mean when we talk about our vision and to share a little of the history of our vision discerning process.
MCC Austin's understanding of vision was largely informed by Thomas G. Bandy's book Moving Off the Map. Bandy says that a vision is "a song in the heart. It is a metaphor or symbol, a rhythm or tune, a picture or experience, the mere presentation of which elicits spontaneous joy and excitement. Vision speaks to the heart, not the mind."
That's pretty lofty!
Bandy then goes on to explain key criteria of a meaningful vision. First, visions aren't created by humans, he cautions, but by God. Humans are faced with the task of discerning God's vision for them.
Second, Bandy points out that vision statements are threatening statements. "Core values and bedrock beliefs help define who you are, but authentic vision will change who you are," Bandy says.
Third, Bandy warns that vision can never be fully expressed in words. In order to fully present our vision, he says, we must "transcend mere words to express the raw enthusiasm or emotional power that leads us to take real risks."
Can you imagine the anxiety those words cause me as I prepare a sermon on our vision? (This is where I would insert a smile but it might not appear very dignified.)
The truth is, I don't mind taking the risk necessary to get at the heart of our vision at all--as long as you're with me and we're all aware that the vision belongs to God, who blesses us with it.
See You in Worship...
Before we focus on our vision, though, I thought it might be helpful to share a little bit about what we mean when we talk about our vision and to share a little of the history of our vision discerning process.
MCC Austin's understanding of vision was largely informed by Thomas G. Bandy's book Moving Off the Map. Bandy says that a vision is "a song in the heart. It is a metaphor or symbol, a rhythm or tune, a picture or experience, the mere presentation of which elicits spontaneous joy and excitement. Vision speaks to the heart, not the mind."
That's pretty lofty!
Bandy then goes on to explain key criteria of a meaningful vision. First, visions aren't created by humans, he cautions, but by God. Humans are faced with the task of discerning God's vision for them.
Second, Bandy points out that vision statements are threatening statements. "Core values and bedrock beliefs help define who you are, but authentic vision will change who you are," Bandy says.
Third, Bandy warns that vision can never be fully expressed in words. In order to fully present our vision, he says, we must "transcend mere words to express the raw enthusiasm or emotional power that leads us to take real risks."
Can you imagine the anxiety those words cause me as I prepare a sermon on our vision? (This is where I would insert a smile but it might not appear very dignified.)
The truth is, I don't mind taking the risk necessary to get at the heart of our vision at all--as long as you're with me and we're all aware that the vision belongs to God, who blesses us with it.
See You in Worship...
Thursday, October 9, 2008
When God Gets Away
Our scripture passage for worship together this weekend comes from Exodus 32:1-6. Most of you will recognize this story after reading only a couple of verses. You will probably remember several sermons you've heard on the passage, too. In fact, some of you might be tempted to stay home this weekend rather than hear another sermon about all the idols we sinful humans turn toward when we turn away from God.
Don't do it. I promise you, this will not be a sermon about placing money, liesure, people, or success above God in your life.
This time through the story of the golden calf, I intend for us to take a more lenient look at the people Israel. What were they really asking for when they confronted Aaron?
Many translations of this story begin with the people saying something like this to Aaron: "Come, make gods for us, who shall go before us..." Immediately, our monotheistic monitors go off! What? Gods? Plural? Have these people so quickly forgotten that they are the children of one God? The God who freed them from captivity in Egypt and asked nothing more of them than to paint the doorposts and lentils with a lamb's blood?
It would seem that they have...
But wait. Look at the verses as they are written under the "Worship for Sunday, October 12" section. These verses are taken from the Jewish Study Bible, the Jewish Publication Society Tanakh translation. Notice that the people say, "Make us a god who shall go before us..." The annotation for this verse admits that many commentators choose the plural here, but it then goes on to state that it is more likely that what the people actually wanted was not other gods, but "something that would serve as a new means of securing God's Presence." This makes sense if you remember that the whole reason for the people's panic is that Moses, the one who has represented God's presence to them, has left them and been gone for forty days. It's possible that the people didn't want many gods or even any god, but that they wanted reassurance of the presence of the God of Israel.
Think about it. They were homeless, wandering in the desert, and uncertain of tomorrow. They had been abandoned by their spiritual leader, and they were afraid that God had left them as well.
Ever been there? Ever been desperate to know that God has not gone away? That you are not alone? Ever felt the need for reassurance that God is with you? Ever been afraid, lost, anxious, lonely?
My answers? Yes, yes, yes, yes, and yes.
If you've ever answered yes to any of these questions, come worship with us this weekend. I don't promise you easy answers, magic words, or even revelations. But I do promise you this: Whenever two or more of us gather in God's name, God is with us.
O Come, Emmanuel!
Don't do it. I promise you, this will not be a sermon about placing money, liesure, people, or success above God in your life.
This time through the story of the golden calf, I intend for us to take a more lenient look at the people Israel. What were they really asking for when they confronted Aaron?
Many translations of this story begin with the people saying something like this to Aaron: "Come, make gods for us, who shall go before us..." Immediately, our monotheistic monitors go off! What? Gods? Plural? Have these people so quickly forgotten that they are the children of one God? The God who freed them from captivity in Egypt and asked nothing more of them than to paint the doorposts and lentils with a lamb's blood?
It would seem that they have...
But wait. Look at the verses as they are written under the "Worship for Sunday, October 12" section. These verses are taken from the Jewish Study Bible, the Jewish Publication Society Tanakh translation. Notice that the people say, "Make us a god who shall go before us..." The annotation for this verse admits that many commentators choose the plural here, but it then goes on to state that it is more likely that what the people actually wanted was not other gods, but "something that would serve as a new means of securing God's Presence." This makes sense if you remember that the whole reason for the people's panic is that Moses, the one who has represented God's presence to them, has left them and been gone for forty days. It's possible that the people didn't want many gods or even any god, but that they wanted reassurance of the presence of the God of Israel.
Think about it. They were homeless, wandering in the desert, and uncertain of tomorrow. They had been abandoned by their spiritual leader, and they were afraid that God had left them as well.
Ever been there? Ever been desperate to know that God has not gone away? That you are not alone? Ever felt the need for reassurance that God is with you? Ever been afraid, lost, anxious, lonely?
My answers? Yes, yes, yes, yes, and yes.
If you've ever answered yes to any of these questions, come worship with us this weekend. I don't promise you easy answers, magic words, or even revelations. But I do promise you this: Whenever two or more of us gather in God's name, God is with us.
O Come, Emmanuel!
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Happy Anniversary!
Happy Anniversary, MCC and MCC Austin! As we move toward the 40th anniversary of MCC Churches and the 33rd anniversary of MCC Austin, I want to personally invite you to spend your weekend with your faith family here at Freedom Oaks.
On Friday night, we'll gather at 7:00 to listen to MCC Austin's 6:24 Band and then watch Call Me Troy, the biographical film about Rev. Troy Perry, founder of Metropolitan Community Churches. If you saw the movie at last year's Austin Gay and Lesbian International Film Festival, you know that Troy Perry's life story is incredibly moving and affirming, and you'll probably want to see it again. If you didn't see it last year, I hope you will give yourself the gift of watching it with us on Friday night. I believe you'll leave the sanctuary feeling like God has whispered a love letter right to you through the mouth of Rev. Perry.
On Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m., Rev. David Bieniek will preside over our annual Blessing of the Animals service. We plan to hold the service outside under the oaks, and we will again be giving St. Francis medallions to every beloved pet. If you have pets that you cannot bring to the church, bring a picture or other memento and we will be happy to bless them in absentia.
On Saturday @ 6:24 and at 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. on Sunday morning, we will gather together and raise a joyful noise, a shout you could say, to God in our worship. Our scripture for the weekend is Joshua 6, and I will be sharing how I see the stories of Israel's bringing down the walls of Jericho, Troy Perry's founding of MCC Churches, and MCC Austin's history intertwining. If you have the time and interest, I encourage you to read the first 6 chapters of the book of Joshua so that you can have a fuller understanding of the events that led up to the fall of Jericho.
Please spend the weekend with us and lend your voice to our celebratory shouts!
Hosanna and Hallelujah!
On Friday night, we'll gather at 7:00 to listen to MCC Austin's 6:24 Band and then watch Call Me Troy, the biographical film about Rev. Troy Perry, founder of Metropolitan Community Churches. If you saw the movie at last year's Austin Gay and Lesbian International Film Festival, you know that Troy Perry's life story is incredibly moving and affirming, and you'll probably want to see it again. If you didn't see it last year, I hope you will give yourself the gift of watching it with us on Friday night. I believe you'll leave the sanctuary feeling like God has whispered a love letter right to you through the mouth of Rev. Perry.
On Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m., Rev. David Bieniek will preside over our annual Blessing of the Animals service. We plan to hold the service outside under the oaks, and we will again be giving St. Francis medallions to every beloved pet. If you have pets that you cannot bring to the church, bring a picture or other memento and we will be happy to bless them in absentia.
On Saturday @ 6:24 and at 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. on Sunday morning, we will gather together and raise a joyful noise, a shout you could say, to God in our worship. Our scripture for the weekend is Joshua 6, and I will be sharing how I see the stories of Israel's bringing down the walls of Jericho, Troy Perry's founding of MCC Churches, and MCC Austin's history intertwining. If you have the time and interest, I encourage you to read the first 6 chapters of the book of Joshua so that you can have a fuller understanding of the events that led up to the fall of Jericho.
Please spend the weekend with us and lend your voice to our celebratory shouts!
Hosanna and Hallelujah!
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Our Lives Together
A few months ago, Dr. Paul Dodd called and asked if I'd be interested in participating in a service to remember the 10th anniversary of the hate killing of Matthew Shepard. I was glad to have the opportunity to take part in what I thought to be an important event.
At our initial planning meeting, someone mentioned that it was also the 10th anniversary of the hate killing of James Byrd, Jr. All of us present quickly agreed that the event should be expanded to include Mr. Byrd's death as well.
What has evolved is an event that I think is significant for all of Austin, an event called Hope Not Hate. I am proud that MCC Austin, through our diversity ministry (AADM), is a co-sponsor of this event along with University Baptist Church, Equality Texas, Soulforce, and Church of the Savior. Our participation signals once again that we are committed to being a radically inclusive community--a church without walls! We are committed to reaching beyond all types of "isms" that separate people from one another--especially beyond racism and heterosexism.
Please invite your friends to Hope Not Hate on Sunday, Oct. 12, at 5:00 at University Baptist Church, 2130 Guadalupe. The keynote speaker for the gathering will be Rev. Dr. Stephen Sprinkle, Associate Professor of Practical Theology at TCU's Brite Divinity School. Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo and a representative from the Travis County Sheriff's Department will also offer their remarks. Childcare will be provided and the evening will be ASL interpreted.
It is important that we not let our lasting images of these two men, James Byrd, Jr. and Matthew Shepard, be images of them as the victims of hate. Rather, we are called by their memories to do all we can to ensure that hate will never be the final word. We are called to join our hope for a more just, fair, and compassionate world with our actions in a way that brings about true and lasting change.
Always in Hope...
At our initial planning meeting, someone mentioned that it was also the 10th anniversary of the hate killing of James Byrd, Jr. All of us present quickly agreed that the event should be expanded to include Mr. Byrd's death as well.
What has evolved is an event that I think is significant for all of Austin, an event called Hope Not Hate. I am proud that MCC Austin, through our diversity ministry (AADM), is a co-sponsor of this event along with University Baptist Church, Equality Texas, Soulforce, and Church of the Savior. Our participation signals once again that we are committed to being a radically inclusive community--a church without walls! We are committed to reaching beyond all types of "isms" that separate people from one another--especially beyond racism and heterosexism.
Please invite your friends to Hope Not Hate on Sunday, Oct. 12, at 5:00 at University Baptist Church, 2130 Guadalupe. The keynote speaker for the gathering will be Rev. Dr. Stephen Sprinkle, Associate Professor of Practical Theology at TCU's Brite Divinity School. Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo and a representative from the Travis County Sheriff's Department will also offer their remarks. Childcare will be provided and the evening will be ASL interpreted.
It is important that we not let our lasting images of these two men, James Byrd, Jr. and Matthew Shepard, be images of them as the victims of hate. Rather, we are called by their memories to do all we can to ensure that hate will never be the final word. We are called to join our hope for a more just, fair, and compassionate world with our actions in a way that brings about true and lasting change.
Always in Hope...
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
International Day of Peace
Two years ago, MCC Austin dedicated our own "Peace Pole" near the entrance to our sanctuary. The Peace Pole is a hand crafted pole that has the words "May peace prevail on earth" in eight different languages. Our Peace Pole is one of over 200,000 in a total of 180 countries around the world.
It seems that day by day our world moves further away from peace. Wars of words and weapons wreak havoc upon the people and the planet. Sometimes it's hard to remember, much less embrace, the promise of Christ in John's Gospel that "in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."
One of our members sent the staff a card this week that helped me regain some perspective. It reads:
peace.
it does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work.
it means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart. unknown
This is the lens that I needed to help me regain my perspective on Christ's promise of peace. Our God has not promised the absence of chaos, pain, tribulation, grief, or any of the things that swirl around us and disrupt the peace. Our God has promised to stand with us in the chaos, and ultimately, to bring order to it again.
I invite you to come and worship with us this weekend and allow the love of God and Christian community to help you regain your perspective on peace if, like me, you sometimes lose it.
May Peace Find You...
It seems that day by day our world moves further away from peace. Wars of words and weapons wreak havoc upon the people and the planet. Sometimes it's hard to remember, much less embrace, the promise of Christ in John's Gospel that "in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."
One of our members sent the staff a card this week that helped me regain some perspective. It reads:
peace.
it does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work.
it means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart. unknown
This is the lens that I needed to help me regain my perspective on Christ's promise of peace. Our God has not promised the absence of chaos, pain, tribulation, grief, or any of the things that swirl around us and disrupt the peace. Our God has promised to stand with us in the chaos, and ultimately, to bring order to it again.
I invite you to come and worship with us this weekend and allow the love of God and Christian community to help you regain your perspective on peace if, like me, you sometimes lose it.
May Peace Find You...
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