Flung Wide Open

Flung Wide Open

Fourteenth Sunday After Pentecost

August 30, 2015

James 1:17-27

Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23

Have you seen that swiffer advertisement about the “Tobin Stance”? In this commercial the family talks about the harsh winters that keep them inside, and how once spring arrives dad flings the windows open, puts his hands on his hips and takes a deep breath. And yes it is a commercial so it goes on to talk about using the products to  keep a handle on the pollen, dog hair and dust that seems to be more visible during this time. Yet I think there is something almost theological about this stance; flinging open the shades and windows  to get to the fresh air, taking a moment to breathe deeply, and then evaluating the dust that has been stirred up by this action.
Our passages today departs from the imagery of bread that we have explored for the last five weeks and shifts to exploring godly behavior, words and deeds. We see the importance of living a life of action- not maintaining tradition just for tradition's sake, to listen carefully to God’s instruction that has been placed in our hearts, to be a people of change and transformation. In both our passage from James and our passage from Mark we are reminded that we need to guard our hearts from the world so that our words and actions can be honorable to God, that our words and actions share God's generosity and love.
“If any think they are religious, and do not bridle their tongues but deceive their hearts, their religion is worthless.”[1]
The book of James is full of encouragement and help for us as people of faith. It continually reminds us to put into action the things we know God has tasked us with. It seems that today's passage answers the question “How can I put into practice what I know I should do?” In verse 26 that I just read I was struck by the blatant call out to fake religious-ness. Its not just the tv preacher who charges you $50 for a miracle or the mega-church pastor who spends more energy promoting his new book instead of the words of the bible, it is also us in our everydayness. We must watch what we say and not make excuses for our actions, especially when we purposefully aim to hurt or attack someone else. If we can cuss out someone's mama and then turn around and quote scripture to judge someone else's actions our religion is worthless. We must honestly look at our lives and actions in context with the things God has explained in detail.
And yet the author, James, also reminds us that we need to remember that we may slip or feel our actions are worthless but as people of faith we know what is right. We are God's beloved and we have been tasked with grace and strength to encourage one another to put into practice what God has tasked us to do.
A friend sent me this story from a group email and it seems to have originated from a psychological study on cultural acquisition.[2] “A group of psychologists performed an experiment years ago, in which they started with a cage containing five monkeys. Inside the cage, they hung a banana on a string with a set of stairs placed under it. Before long, a monkey went to the stairs and started to climb towards the banana. As soon as he started up the stairs, the psychologists sprayed all of the other monkeys with ice cold water. After a while, another monkey made an attempt to obtain the banana.  As soon as his foot touched the stairs, all of the other monkeys were sprayed with ice cold water. It's wasn't long before all of the other monkeys would physically prevent any monkey from climbing the stairs.
Now, the psychologists shut off the cold water, removed one monkey from the cage and replaced it with a new one. The new monkey saw the banana and started to climb the stairs. To his surprise and horror, all of the other monkeys attacked him.  After another attempt and attack, he discovered that if he tried to climb the stairs, he would be assaulted. Next they removed another of the original five monkeys and replaced it with a new one. The newcomer went to the stairs and was attacked. The previous newcomer took part in the punishment with enthusiasm!
Likewise, they replaced a third original monkey with a new one, then a fourth, then the fifth. Every time the newest monkey tried to climb the stairs, he was attacked. The monkeys had no idea why they were not permitted to climb the stairs or why they were beating any monkey that tried. After replacing all the original monkeys, none of the remaining monkeys had ever been sprayed with cold water. Nevertheless, no monkey ever again approached the stairs to try for the banana. Why not? Because as far as they know that's the way it's always been around here.
Friends we need to let go of doing things just because we’ve always done it!
In our Mark passage we find Jesus responding to the Pharisees by calling them out. He reminds them that the action is not the important thing, it’s the heart behind it. They are upset that the disciples broke the law by not following the proper ritual but in verse 8 Jesus tells them “You abandon the commandment of God and hold to human tradition." These scribes and Pharisees didn't care that these disciples were doing the work of God or that their hearts were in the right place all they cared about was doing the “proper” and “right” things. Like these leaders and lawyers we too value our material things, our human tradition at times rather than Gods law. How many times do we do something at church...at home... at work... because we’ve always done it this way!
Friends this is the problem! Times change, fads disappear, faith is eternal and internal. Its uncomfortable to look at our lives and realize we do things just because, it's uncomfortable to realize we are judging others-friends and stranger alike, it's uncomfortable but God is a God of grace.
“Open my eyes that I may see glimpses of truth thou hast for me, Open my ears that I may hear voices of truth thou sendest clear, Open my mouth and let me bear tidings of mercy everywhere.”[3] When we tell God to open these things, to help us fling wide we ask God to move and work within so we can be people of action. John Wesley, the founder of the United Methodist Church, believed fundamentally that Jesus is God's means of grace. He told us that there are things a person that a person with a heart that had moved far away from the heart of God could use to begin to move back toward God, “means of grace”. Prayer, whether in private or with others; searching the Scriptures; (which implies reading, hearing, and meditating thereon;) and receiving the Lord's Supper, eating bread and drinking wine in remembrance of Him.  These things, ordained by God although ordinary, share the grace of God to our souls.
“You must understand this, my beloved: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger;”[4]
To take the “Tobin Stance” is to be flung wide open, to evaluate the stirred up “dust” that has settled; the bad words, negative attitudes and general evil that contaminate our spirits. This is the first step to being that person God created you to be. By flinging ourselves open we are saying loud and clear that we are ready for a deep cleaning, too much is stirred up for us to ignore.
Over this summer I’ve talked about struggling with day to day busyness and not prioritizing God time. By flinging open my life I must admit that the busyness is a lie, a distraction to tell myself. And I, like each of you, must be conscientious to continually clean and upkeep my spirit on a regular basis. The Pharisees ritual wasn’t bad, it had just become more important than the why of the ritual. And the same applies for us. Why do we come to this place? Why do we give? Or why don't we? Why haven’t we volunteered for a ministry? Why is the place important to my emotional and spiritual growth? And if it isn't why not? Friends, we need to be a people of action!
By opening up ourselves we can create change that can transform the world. By opening ourselves to God we covenant to walk the way God calls us to. Yet if we only listen to the word and do not do what it says we are Christian statues.
So friends take some time this week, plant your feet firmly, fling yourself open, breathe in deeply and look behind you to start addressing the dust you may stir up.

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^[1] James 1:26

^[2] Stephenson GR. Cultural acquisition of a specific learned response among rhesus monkeys. In: Starek, D., Schneider, R., and Kuhn, H. J. (eds.), Progress in Primatology. Stuttgart: Fischer; 1967: 279-288.

^[3] UMH 454; Open My Eyes, That I May See

^[4] James 1:19

What Are You Hungry For?

What Are You Hungry For?

Eleventh Sunday of Pentecost

August 9, 2015

Ephesians 4:25-5:2

John 6:35, 41-51

This week I got home from work with a craving for yeast rolls. I scoured online for a quick recipe and lo and behold found a 30 minute recipe! Simple ingredients thrown in a bowl, made simpler with my kitchenaid and a dough hook, turned my kitchen into the most delicious smelling space as bread rose and was baked. As I pulled the tray out of the oven, stared at the perfectly golden tops, I immediately tore one apart and sunk my teeth in the warm dough. Instantly I was transported to childhood bread making making and waiting on the edge of my seat for the bread to be done!

At my moms church in DC the pastor makes bread for communion in a machine behind the pulpit. Most mornings the smell of fresh bread greets you before the ushers do… Oh there is something magical about fresh bread!

Two weeks ago we read about the miracle feeding of the five thousand, last week we literally joined together to feast in the form of communion and today we explore the third week of five where we see lessons relating to food and eating, partaking in holy bread. Friends, What are you hungry for?

There is a worship song by an amazing woman named Kathryn Scott called “Hungry” where she writes “Hungry, I come to You for I know You satisfy. I am empty, but I know Your love does not run dry.” This song was written after a 3 year songwriting drought. She says that the ability to write lyrics came back to her when she realized who she was is enough because of who we belong to. These lyrics and her realization are for us too; WE are enough because of who we belong to, we are children of God, hungry and ready for God to move in our lives. God invites us all to eat, to partake in a holy meal, to be nourished and filled by the holy bread we are offered through Jesus.

"I am the bread of life" this statement by Jesus, is applicable today more than ever, it is a declaration! Jesus literally gave us bread. Bread that he has offered so many times to so many people, yet it is our individual decision to partake in it. It is our decision whether we want this spiritual nourishment or if we want to starve. By choosing to eat this bread we are choosing to rely on God for nourishment and fulfillment. This does not mean that magically the things that tempt and hold us disappear, rather we must now work harder to resist them. To truly hunger for God is the best kind of hunger, it is a hunger that when satisfied will remain so.

This week I went to a funeral and the church had beautiful stained glass windows. They lined both sides of the sanctuary and the sunlight pouring through made every color seem brighter and more radiant. While depicting many different scenes from the life of Jesus the panels showing the last supper stuck out to me. The colors were arresting and helped show detail, yet the table itself seemed to be on an angle. Looking up it seemed as if you were not just a viewer but a part of the meal. Jesus seemed to be inviting the viewer in, opening the table to anyone who approaches it.

This is the invitation we find in our Gospel reading today, “I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.”^[1] This is not about the everyday and ordinary bread. This bread that is given through Jesus causes us to be changed on the inside, it causes us to cast away the things of the world that are slowly choking the life out of us, it is sacrificial and holy.

“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”^[2] What are you hungry for?

To be hungry according to Webster’s Dictionary means that you are “Suffering because of a lack of food; feeling a strong desire or need for something or to do something.”^[3] What are you lacking? What do you have a desire for?

Our New Testament passage tells us to put away our falsehood and change, to imitate God. This should be our desire, our hunger, to constantly strive to be more like the Holy One. Friends, this is not easy. Jesus reminds us in the gospels that he is the bread of life, love made flesh, grace freely given… we are called to partake in this. We are invited  as believers to come together around a table and share this bread, we are called to examine this holy mystery as individuals and community, we are called to satisfy our hunger.

“Each time we come to you we come with many needs. We need sustenance, we need clothing, we need food, we need friendship and companionship and love. We need to feel appreciated. We need to feel as if we are capable in our work and valued in our contribution to those around us. You tell us to share our needs with you. You tell us to ask for the fulfillment of our needs. You ask us to talk to you about the many hungers that we want so desperately to be filled. And yet, when we get what we want, we only feel satisfied for a moment. We often fail to offer thanks. We move on to the next thing we feel we must have. So help us to come to you first and foremost seeking to have you, to have your love, to have a sense of your presence. We need many things, but we so often fail to realize that we need you most. Often, it is only when we lose all else that we feel you closest and have a the strongest sense that you are all we truly need.”.^[4]

Come to this place, ready. Come to this place remembering you are beloved, the children of God. God invites us to the table, waiting for us to say what we are hungry for. Come hungry.

Let us pray, life giving God we come to you with so many needs. Help us to remember that we need you first and foremost. Feed us with the food, the spiritual bread that nurtures love within us and challenges us to continue your work in this world. Feed us so we may share this food with others. Quench our thirst, satisfy our hunger, shape us to carry out your love. In Your Son’s name, the provider of holy bread we pray, Amen

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^[1] John 6:48-51

^[2] Ephesians 5:1-2

^[3] http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hungry

^[4] http://nathanwattwood.blogspot.com/2012/08/pastoral-prayer-based-on-john-6-i-am.html

Learning the Steps

Learning the Steps
Seventh Sunday of Pentecost
July 12, 2015
2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19
Ephesians 1:3-14

When I was in elementary school we had an annual dance festival a few weeks before the end of the school year. For weeks prior we would practice the steps the teachers made up and on the day of the festival inevitably students would forget steps or go the opposite direction despite the practice. Still the biggest part of this festival wasn’t the intense choreographed dancing but the joy that radiated from the students performing and the families watching! Years later I cannot remember any of the steps, but I do remember the fun we had practicing to Will Smiths “Getting’ Jiggy With It” and singing Cher’s “Believe” with friends on the school bus.
Now I must admit I’m not much of a dancer although if the Wobble, Electric Slide, Cupid Shuffle or Cotton Eye Joe come on you better watch out! You won’t see me on “So You Think You Can Dance” or “Dancing with the Stars” but anytime there’s a get together you can guarantee that I will jump on the dance floor; I’m pretty sure I spent 95% of my wedding reception dancing. There is such joy from letting loose, a freedom- foolish as I may look. It’s a feeling that is magical, and honest, and beautiful.
And I guess this is why I relate to this story of David found in 2 Samuel. While Michal (Mee-Cal) looked at him with disdain, many looked at their king and SAW his joy of bringing the ark of God to Gods people. His actions brought a wind of change to uplift a nation in need of spiritual renewal.
100 Years earlier the nation of Israel went to war with the Philistines. They brought the ark into battle with them but God did not help his people win that day. The Philistines destroyed Israel’s army and took the ark as a trophy. When they got home they decided to show off the ark in one of their temples. God was not pleased by this and showed it. Plague followed destruction and these events happened every place the ark was taken to.
So the Philistines decided to return the ark to the people, to a city named Beth Shemesh. The people of this city rejoiced at having the ark returned and offered up many sacrifices. Then they decided to look inside the ark and immediately the hand of God struck down 70 men. No one was to glance inside and these people had forgotten this. The city was racked with fear and grief that they had the ark moved to a neighboring town.
Fast forward 100 years and we find David decreeing that the ark come to Jerusalem. He wanted it there as a symbol and testament to the peoples faith in God. Verses 1-5 show us that David gathered 30,000 men to move the ark. They placed it on a cart to move it the ten miles to Jerusalem and led it celebrating with numerous instruments.
Our reading for today then skips to verse 12. Yet in verses 6-12a we find a man who dies after accidentally touching the ark when the cart it was on lost balance, a fearful and angry David who leaves the ark in the home of a believer for a month because he doesn’t want to take it any farther after this death, and a God patiently waiting. We meet David ready to move the ark, but this time the right way. See even though David gathered advisors and questioned how to move the ark they all seemed to forget to look back at scripture to read the instructions God had given from the beginning. “On the gold altar they are to spread a blue cloth, cover it with a covering of fine leather and insert its carrying-poles. They are to take all the utensils they use when serving in the sanctuary and put them in a blue cloth, cover them with fine leather and place them on a carrying-frame.”
Not only did David read the manual this time but he realized the issue from his first attempt- he listened to advisors and teachers but not to God. They were so concerned with earthly things like comfort on the journey. I cannot believe they didn’t remember these instructions, rather I think they thought they weren’t necessary. It was 10 miles, and they were supposed to carry this heavy golden box on poles?!?! What harm could it be to place it on a cart and let an oxen do the work for them? Well they found out that God was not joking and didn’t take the ignoring of instruction lightly.
So this second time they did it right. David was so glad to be making God glad that he danced ahead of the ark, not in his royal robes but in a simple cloth robe-a robe that basically meant he was naked in polite company. And this wasn’t some simple two-step! No, David is believed to dance the hora. He kicked out both legs, whirled in a circle and looked utterly foolish. He became caught up in celebrating Gods presence. He danced through the streets with abandon. He praised God with his whole self, let his body say what words could not. He took off his king identity and became David... When is the last time we did the same? Have we lost touch with the grandness of what we are called to do in this place? Have we forgotten about the work we are tasked to do in this world?
Our passage from Ephesians seems a little out of place until we look at in more closely. Like many other books of the New Testament Ephesians is a letter from Paul to the community in Ephesus. Unlike some of the other letters this one was general because it was circulated to 7 churches. And like today each church had their own set of issues and problems. Paul wrote to the heart, the root of the issues, and reminded them that they were blessed and beloved. In these few verses Shavon read today I am reminded of the importance of dancing every once in a while. This letter reminds us of the blessings God has bestowed on us. Before we were born into this world we belonged to God. God loves us so much that he sent his son so we could be forgiven. God plans on making a united world, a family where Jesus is head. God has destined each of us to carry out this plan-it will happen. We are free, free of penalties and punishments, free of shame and fear, abundantly free through Christ.
Friends all of these things show us, remind us, encourage us that our God is awesome, powerful and standing with arms to embrace us, all of us! While our passages are from two different time periods there is a thread that runs through, a thread that calls us to act out of humility, servanthood and love with all those we encounter, a thread that binds us all together. And so like God we are called to open our arms and welcome in those around us, to open our doors and be hospitable, to let go of the societal expectations that weigh us down.
David was not always so free in his worship as he was in these verses. There are many times where he wears his kingly crown and regal robes to make decisions, there are many times he is called to be a leader and ruler. But in his heart of hearts he will always be a shepherd boy. A simple man who wrote psalms of longing and love to God, the God he knew intimately. A man who’s faith and trust led him to do miraculous things. A man who let God speak and guide him through the day to day. And just like David no matter our degrees, our jobs, the authority we may be bestowed with, we are Gods beloved who God knows, has known and will care for throughout eternity. We are a family, believers bound together by the love of an all knowing parent.
David learned the steps of faith as a shepherd boy, continuing through life, learning about leadership and relationship. And the David we see leading the ark is one who has internalized these steps. David calls each of us and challenges us to spiritual renewal. To throw off the old ways and stuffy traditions, to embrace God wholeheartedly, to worship unashamed because we are Gods and the ways of man are not the ways of God. We must know God in our hearts!
The steps haven’t come easy for many of us and for each of them we have learned them differently. We have struggled and forgotten a few here and there but God continues to offer lessons so that we can move in rhythm together and with God from now until the end of days. This dance of faith, dance of life is so much more than physical expressions. It is our call and challenge to create a world of harmony and unity and joy. When we lean in and trust the Almighty we can see our potential in Gods promises. We unlock the beauty and complexity of living in a world where God reigns and Gods will is evident when we trust in the teacher.
We dance beloved! We let our anxieties, fears, frustrations, hesitations and preconceived notions go and allow God to move in us and through us so this world becomes a better place where justice and love reign. Let us learn the steps together and make a beautiful offering to our heavenly parent!

Rambling Thoughts: Holy Imagination

As I read my daily dose of facebook posts, various articles and other random things a phrase stuck with me, "Holy Imagination". And as I reflected on this phrase I wondered what can it mean to have Holy Imagination in every setting, not just ministerial. One thing that came to me is that we need to have big dreams, create inclusive moments, and live life with openness and willingness to try new things.

In ministry and life this means that days will not be perfect, that things will go off center, there may be frustration BUT there is joy in the experience, excitement in the creation, and knowledge gained. To have Holy Imagination means that we want the best things to happen but we are ready for God to move!

It wasn't until I was in high school that I learned about being led or moved by the spirit. Yes I had heard about this phenomenon but I had never seen or experienced it. In experiencing it as spectator I began to covet and couldn't understand why God didn't move that way for me! Recently (10+ years after this frustration) I realized that I have found God to reveal self to everyone in different ways. I realized that God had moved in my life in amazing and incredible ways FOR ME.

As I've gotten older I have also seen how scary this prayer can be; "God move in my life, have your way". Honestly even though Ive prayed that prayer and thought those words I am rarely (if ever) ready for what it actually means. For God to have Gods way? For God to move? What do I do if I dont like what Gods doing? What if Im scared? But to pray this is to have Holy Imagination- that God will do whats supposed to be done, that God will move and shift and change things whether I want it that way or not. It reveals my desire for control, it reveals my desire for order, yet God is not in a box and its silly to try to put God in one.

"Till all the jails are empty, and all the bellies filled; till no one hurts or steals or lies and no more blood is spilled. God has work for us to do" Mark Miller

The God Who is Here

The God Who is Here

Day of Pentecost

May 24, 2015

Romans 8:22-27

Acts 2:1-21

When I was a junior in college I went to Spokane, Washington for the summer to work as a minister of Shalom through the United Methodist Communities of Shalom. One of the people who stuck with me is Joe. He was an older gentleman and as the summer went on I found out he used to be a rancher, his wife had died a few years earlier, his children didn’t live nearby and he liked a strong cup of coffee. Though our program was geared towards feeding the homeless in the area Joe was not homeless, just lonely. His need for community caused him to come through our doors 5 days a week for a cup of coffee, a filling breakfast and some good conversation. Joe related to many of our guys; fellow ranch workers, farmers, construction guys. Around the table they were equal, just guys with similar experiences, sharing stories they had all experiences first hand in some way. Around that table it didn’t matter that they might be homeless, or jobless, that they just got out of jail or this was the first meal in a long time. These guys were able to gather and joke, share stories and tips in a safe space, a welcome space. They were a united body.

As I reflect back on this time I realize how perfectly Joe embodies the church and its purpose in this world. Friends, we are called to be a place of community for all, an open table for anyone to join, a place where Gods welcome is extended through us. That regardless of where you come from in life you find welcome, you hear a common tongue here, you see God in the actions and words of those around you. When the church doesn't fulfill this seemingly basic purpose we reject God's mission in this world. When the church does not open its doors and its arms we have missed the opportunity to welcome stranger and allow God to move. When the church shuts its doors and its heart it is no longer the church. Some of us in this place have sat in these pews for years, and for some this may be the first time here but in this place, this house of God, we should each see God in the people next to us.

On this Pentecost Sunday we once again see the awesome and transformative power of God through the Holy Spirit. Pentecost was a celebration of the end of the harvest for the Jewish people. Everyone was gathered in Jerusalem to celebrate but this year a new thing happened as we see in our passage from Acts.  Those who gathered came from all over and had different native languages. A mighty wind arose and tongues of fire fell on the Galilean disciples. As this fire touched them they were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different languages although they only spoke Aramaic. With this power they spoke of Jesus, the things they experienced, the God they had come to see as father. Many were able to hear this firsthand witness in native tongue; the disciples testimony became a transformative witness. Today we hear so many stories of God and who God is from believers, from people right in this place, because God reveals God's-self in different ways for each of us, ways that are memorable.

God comes in big ways to get our attention amidst the chaos of this world. Most of the work you do in seminary is geared towards turning down the voices of the world to hear what God is saying and calling you to do. Let’s be real, many of us know what God has ordained in our lives, we have felt tugs on our heartstrings showing us what we should do and where we should go BUT our humanness trips us up. Our humanness causes us to doubt and question when we should be praising God for God’s promises to us. Our humanness can hinder or halt God working in us and through us but God is patient.  Our humanness allows us to let fear reign in our hearts. Yet God is patient.

Friends God finishes what has been started. God remains, regardless of whether people hear our witness as truth or think we’re drunk on new wine.  God doesn't give up on us so he comes like fire, water, wind, a dove, a shout, a whisper, a child in a stable, in an empty tomb. God comes to make a memorable statement, a moment that sticks with us, a moment we experience so in this our witness is a sharing of what we know to be true. God comes in a memorable way so we are excited to share it with others!

The disciples were ministers of truth, growing the kingdom of God through their witness. Like the disciples we are called to be ministers of this truth; sharing wisdom, welcome and love to those who enter this space but also to those we interact with every day. To be ministers means that like Joe we connect to others by our commonality in Jesus despite the things that could divide us. It doesn’t mean we quote scripture or exegete passages. It means that we share our stories, our witnesses.    The Pentecost promise is that God WILL find a way to speak, that God is still speaking. We must continually find a way to speak to the world and its multitude of voices with the help of the Holy Spirit.

Church what does this mean for us? It means we tell our story through our action and word. It means that we have hope in hopeless situations. It means that despite our weakness, fear and failures we trust, we reach, and we hold tightly on the promises of God. We dream dreams and see visions. We pray for Gods will to be done. And through all this we have uncomfortable moments, where God pushes us past the boundaries and limitations we have set for ourselves. We pray that God fills our hearts so we can welcome all,that we can see Gods vision for this world, and our hands carry out the work of God. Love needs to reign because God dwells in us and through us.

Our prayer on this Pentecost Sunday needs to be “Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me. Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me.” We need to remember that God is speaking, moving, and shifting today. We need to remember that as Gods people we have been impacted by those tongues of fire. The Holy Spirit dwells in us and we must share it with those around us.

The Easter season is over today, yet it means everything we have learned and grew into during this time as individuals and community we must now live in our daily lives as the Easter people. The Holy Spirit came in a radical way to bring comfort, encouragement and passion, to remind us to be living witnesses because God doesn't sit on a throne lording over us, God is here. The Holy Spirit came, and will come again but God is here.

Lord, Hear Our Cry- A Sermon for National Day of Prayer

National Day of Prayer Service

1 Kings 8:28

Lord, Hear Our Cry

In the summer of 2010 Brandon Stanton decided to photograph 10,000 New Yorkers and plot their photos on a map as a catalogue of sorts. This aspiring photographer blogged these photos and they began to gain attention. Several months into this goal Brandon began to collect quotes and short stories from the people he photographed and used them as captions. Almost 5 years later, Brandon Stanton has over ten million followers on social media, has a #1 New York Times bestselling book and has a worldwide audience. His blog, Humans of New York, shows an intimate glance into the daily lives of normal New Yorkers. While his pictures are beautiful it is usually the story and the intimacy of it that grabs the reader.

Through this platform Brandon has raised awareness of certain issues, shared stories that are relevant to others, and created an online community through social media that inspires numerous people all over the world. He has given those in the crowd a face and told their story. He has helped facilitate conversations about relevant issues and challenged us to look at strangers differently.

As we gather today on this 64^th Annual National Day of Prayer this is what we are also doing, telling a story of sorts. The theme for this year is “Lord, hear our cry”, and with everything going on in the world this cannot be more relevant. During this day we are charged to cry out to God in prayer, to emphasize the need to put our trust in God, and to see the Lord’s healing and renewing power made manifest in this world.

Though this day is rooted in Christian heritage it is more than one denomination or religion. It is meant to be a time when people of different religions and many faiths dedicate time to pray for our nation and its well being. Since 1952 dozens of United States presidents have supported this date and called upon Americans of all religions to pray for this nation we call home. And that is why we celebrate this day, because this nation is part of who we each are, individually and communally. It is our right and job to care for this land, and one of those ways is through prayer.

In our scripture reading King Solomon is dedicating the temple he had built. Though gathered with the whole assembly of Israel this prayer we read seems intimate, as if hes speaking only to God. Eugene Peterson interprets the prayer this way; “Even so, I’m bold to ask: Pay attention to these my prayers, both intercessory and personal, O God, my God. Listen to my prayers, energetic and devout, that I’m setting before you right now. Keep your eyes open to this Temple night and day, this place of which you said, “My Name will be honored there,” and listen to the prayers that I pray at this place. Listen from your home in heaven and when you hear, forgive.”

This place is sacred because God resides here. We are able to gather here to offer up the worries and joys in our lives. But friends, God is beyond this place and it is our job as people of faith to continue Gods work in this world. We are called to cry out to God with our words, in our prayers, from the deepest part of our hearts. So during this day we do just that.

We pray to God for our nation, our leaders, and our communities. We pray for individual names; those we know those we love. We pray for ourselves; our insecurities and fears. We pray because it is necessary. Time in this place is sacred because God is listening and waiting for us to speak from the depths of our souls.

So what are our cries today? What are the stories we need to tell, to God and others? How can we create spaces so Gods healing and renewing hand can work? How do we live out our belief in our day to day interactions?

Friends there are many answers but the first step is to pray. We pray because it is expected of us, even though we may not do it as often as we should. We pray because it allows us to prepare our hearts, souls and minds for God to have Gods way. We pray because it shifts our relationships with God and others. We pray because sometimes that is all we can do.

At this time we will take a moment of silence. In your bulletins you will find a scrap of paper. I encourage you to write a prayer, a name, or even just hold it in your hand as you pray silently to our all hearing God. And as you are so moved, you are invited to place that paper on our altar. You are invited, you are welcome. “Regard your servant’s prayer and his plea, O Lord my God, heeding the cry and the prayer that your servant prays to you today;” Lord, hear our cry.

Won't You Join In?

Preaching and Worship Course
April 21st, 2015
Psalm 30:1-5

Let us pray: Open our ears, O Lord, to hear your word and know your voice. Speak to our hearts and strengthen our wills that we may serve you now and always. Amen.

I will extol thee, O Lord; for thou hast lifted me up, and hast not made my foes to rejoice over me. O Lord my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me. O Lord, thou hast brought up my soul from the grave: thou hast kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit. Sing unto the Lord, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness. For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. (Psalm 30:1-5, KJV)

When I was in high school I was part of the Christian Fellowship. I was the only non-Baptist or Pentecostal, I brought in a New International Version of the bible instead of the “proper” King James Version. I didn’t know many of the praise songs that were sung. I felt like an outcast and like my faith wasn’t as strong. My ideas were turned down and I feared my United Methodist upbringing was “too liberal”. Yet in my junior year of high school we got a new faculty advisor and I began to realize that some of the members of the fellowship only quoted certain books, many of them never touched the Old Testament and despite their front many of them were just as uncertain as I. I left this group that year, still maintaining friendships but believing I needed a break. 
I entered college and decided that if student led Christian fellowships were anything like my high school fellowship I was good without it. Yet God had other plans. During the second week of classes I was walking by the student run café and an older student I had met during orientation invited me in. I hesitantly entered and found it was a meeting for the Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, a non-denominational group on campus. I was ready to bolt but was introduced to people who have become lifelong friends. During this event the focus was on fellowship, creating relationships and connecting individuals with small groups. 
I was able to see the potential of Christian community. Fast forward and I ended up leading worship at our group meetings my four years of college, joined the executive board, sang in the Christian A Capella, cemented my faith and discovered my call to ministry. At that first meeting I also made friends with the person who introduced me to my husband four years after that meeting.
“…weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning”
As I look back on this time I see where God was moving, I see the places where I had uncertainty and doubt yet God showed hope, I see the places that God continued to provide answers despite my constant questioning without listening. Today I still have moments of doubt but I am encouraged and I am reminded to give God the glory and praise despite my hesitation. I am inspired that joy is coming in every situation.
In our reading from the book of Psalms we meet a psalmist who is living in relationship with God, who is surprised by God’s grace, who has circumstances and attitudes transformed, who cannot comprehend the things God does but trusts anyway. In Eugene Peterson’s Message translation we find a contemporary version of this text; “I give you all the credit, God—you got me out of that mess, you didn’t let my foes gloat. God, my God, I yelled for help and you put me together. God, you pulled me out of the grave, gave me another chance at life when I was down-and-out. All you saints! Sing your hearts out to God! Thank him to his face! He gets angry once in a while, but across a lifetime there is only love. The nights of crying your eyes out give way to days of laughter.”
This should be our testimony to ourselves and others, as we live out each imperfect day on this earth-it gets better. I was told a story of a man who would smile and wave at strangers. When asked why he did this he replied that if I can give someone hope to keep going, encouragement to be deal with any situation why wouldn’t I?
“…weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning”
As we near the end of this semester our worlds seem off kilter, we feel stressed and discouraged, we can’t see the light at the end but God is still working, still moving, still guiding each and every step. Wherever we are in our educational journey it can be hard to understand why God has put us in this place. Friends it’s not until we look back that we clearly see God upholding, encouraging and loving us through those around us. It’s not until we look back that we recognize the blessings and grace that have abounded. 
So even though it seems near impossible it’s time to praise God, offering our thanks for all being done. You cried all night, your life may be in the pits, you’re sorry for something you’ve done; but dawn has broken, and joy comes in the morning. If you can’t feel the dawn, take heart. It’s coming. If joy still feels a long way off, you’re not alone. Some days this joy may be loud and boisterous, some days it may be quiet but beloved let us continue to lift up the name of God, despite our situation and despite our selves. Won’t you join in?

The Community’s Proclamation

The Community’s Proclamation
Second Sunday of Easter
April 12, 2015
Acts 4:32-35
1 John 1:1-2:2

Let us pray: Holy God we come before you a changed people. A people who are clinging to you and each other. A people who want to learn more about following Jesus. Be with us at this time as we listen for your voice O Lord, our strength, and our redeemer. Amen

 What would you change if you were in charge of the world? Would you institute world peace? Free healthcare? Create sustainable food  sources? Free hugs? Affordable housing? Erase student debt? The possibilities are varied and endless but all have the hope that with change we will make the world better in some way.

Friends as we gather together the week after Easter Sunday we are called to be the change, to be people that live out the resurrection promise, serving a risen Savior. We are called to be in community with Christ and one another. We are called to share Gods love and bring light into the darkness of the world. We are called to be hope despite hopelessness. If you've read the headlines of the newspaper or turned on the television you’ve see a world in pain, a world searching for hope, a world hungry for love. As the Church, capital C, we are called to be the balm, the safe haven, the fountain of love for the world.

“The whole congregation of believers was united as one—one heart, one mind! They didn’t even claim ownership of their own possessions. No one said, “That’s mine; you can’t have it.” They shared everything. The apostles gave powerful witness to the resurrection of the Master Jesus, and grace was on all of them. And so it turned out that not a person among them was needy. Those who owned fields or houses sold them and brought the price of the sale to the apostles and made an offering of it. The apostles then distributed it according to each person’s need.”

In the Message version of our passage from the book of Acts we are shown an early christian community, a community willing to give up all their earthly possessions and die to self that they might live out the example given by Jesus.This community was instructed by the disciples, they heard first hand accounts of the miracles performed. They had eyewitness stories shared with them. The community brought all their possessions together and shared these things where it was needed because they believed in the message of hope and love being told as we also see in 1John.
Earlier in Acts we are told that over 3000 people became followers because of the disciples witness. These first followers felt something; a connection, a pull to change their lives and refocus their energies from the norm. And with this pull came fellowship which is so important still today. One of my favorite moments in church life is when everyone is interacting with one another and catching up, like at coffee hour. This time to be in the presence of one another and God is powerful.

Yet unlike the disciples we don't have firsthand accounts; we have our actions, we have our words, we have faith, we have this community to serve as living example to others. Like the disciples we are supposed to testify to Christs resurrection, share our stories, so we can create and maintain community in this place and beyond these walls. I grew up going to Watchnight Service on New Years Eve. During this service we would have a time of testimony where anyone could come up and share what God had done for them, revelations they had received during the year, or stories about ways they felt God in the every day. It was a beautiful witness of faith that I grew up to cherish. It helped me to see the humanity of leaders I looked up to. I was able to see the possibility in my own life by sharing with others. There is something powerful about hearing someone share their journey in community. There is something important about sharing the ups and downs with others who can understand and support the journey you are on. Without the ups and downs of Holy Week we can miss the true celebration of Easter Sunday; the acknowledgement of Gods sacrifice, the amazingness of conquering death.

This week I had the pleasure of visiting  some of our homebound members. Getting to sit and fellowship with these older members and getting to share in communion with each of them made me heart swell. I was grateful to be able to extend our community beyond these walls and share fellowship and love with each of them. I was reminded how important these intentional interactions are. To be in community is to do more than wave good morning to someone, or show up every sunday. It is an active witness to God's love and power.

In many churches we have now entered an Easter season, a period of 50 days before pentecost where we explore what it means to be Easter people, people who proclaim the goodness of God and share the story of Jesus. So friends what is our community witness one week after Easter Sunday? For some of us this may be one easter season of many, for some this may be the first easter ever. But for all of us this should be a time of change, a radical point where communal life is redefined, a season where we are challenged to create the kingdom of God on this earth.

Now  friends, I am not saying we need to sell all our possessions, or move into compounds together. I’m saying that we need to rethink the purpose  and drive of the things we do. Shift the goals and work towards our dreams. Be a radical community, a transformative people, an imperfect group who aim every day to make the world better.

We have not seen the risen Christ, But we see him in the lives of those transformed by grace. We have not seen Jesus face-to-face, But we have seen him in the faces of everyone whose love encourages us. We have not touched the wounds from the cross, But we have been called to bring healing to the scarred of the world.We have heard the story and we believe.

This is our proclamation. We have been CALLED, each of us by name to transform the world because we are transformed people, Easter people!

So friends if we as a community of faith ask ourselves what we should do to change the world what would that change be? I think it would be to promote unity with one another,to model Christ. This means finding ways to feed the hungry, provide for the needy, heal the sick. To create real solutions to real problems. To address the true nature of an issue instead of glossing over it. To understand hurt, pain, fear, struggle, joy and happiness of those sitting next to us. To be a people of empathy, joining together in community with one heart and soul. 

“In Christ there is no darkness at all. The night and the day are both alike. The lamb is the light of the city of God. Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus.” The resurrection promise shines in each of us preparing us to offer hope to a hopeless world. The resurrection promise shows us the possibility and potential of this world and our part in it.

This is our proclamation in this world: Behold how good, and pleasant it is for all  of us to dwell in unity! Amen.

Hit Refresh

Recently I have been using this space to post sermons I've preached but I realize this space can be so much more and honestly I need it to be. The last two weeks have been super stressful emotionally and the last seven months or so have really been spiritually lacking. This isn't to say that I don't know God anymore or I've cut off ties. Rather I've realized that my priorities when it comes to God need to be shifted.

As a 20 something newlywed, who works in a church and is beginning the formal journey of ordination I am at a place where many roads have become intersected and its crowded! In July I shifted to ministry full time, my income got cut, I was figuring out the classes I need to wind up this masters degree, we were planning the details of our wedding and my drive became "do it now" centered. Yet six months after our wedding though are in a different season, I still have these blinders on that tell me to "do it now".

In class last night a classmate told me in conversation "remember self care is not selfish". My God.

How am I supposed to be my best self as a leader, a minister, a co-worker a wife, a partner, a daughter, a friend if I don't take time for me? Anyone who knows me knows I am a giver, I would rather help someone then get my own house in order. Yet by doing that I am doing a disservice to myself and disrespecting the call that has been placed on my life.

I won't promise that I will read my bible more thoroughly, that I will journal daily or that I will take up some sort of exercise like yoga. I won't compromise my word to make a point. But I will say that I need to make space for a quite moment with God daily. I will say that I have poured out and not taken time to be poured into. I will say that I don't take intentional time to recharge.

This is my humanness, this is my imperfection. Yet I am still beloved. So friends, its time to hit refresh.

-CJL

Change is Coming

Change is Coming

First Sunday of Lent

February 22, 2015

Joel 2:1-2, 12-14

Mark 1:9-15

Let us pray; Righteous God, we come to you bringing our failure, our hesitations and our doubts. We bring the pain we have caused others. We bring the injustice in society of which we are a part. May the transforming power of your grace work in us. Look with mercy on our hearts, create a new and right spirit in us that we may declare your praise. Be with us now as we listen for your voice. In your sons name, Amen

The United Methodist Church defines lent as this, “Lent is a season of forty days, not counting Sundays, which begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday. Lent comes from the Anglo Saxon word lencten, which means "spring." The forty days represents the time Jesus spent in the wilderness, enduring the temptation of Satan and preparing to begin his ministry.”

This season of Lent is one of transformation, renewal and growth. It is our responsibility during this season to change our lives and our hearts to ones more pleasing to God and fully attuned to Gods way. This change is not instant, rather it is a gradual process where we discover more about self and our personal relationship with God.

Amid the hectic-ness of our day to day it is so easy to let the world around us change us rather than God. Its so easy to let the world influence the way we understand God and Gods plan for our lives. Lent is about pushing the world aside, taking time to reconnect with God.

There is beauty in this season, a time where we look at the divinity AND humanity of Jesus. A time where we realize our own wilderness experiences. A time where we recognize God working in us and through us. A time where God waits for us with open arms, ready to welcome us when we falter and fail.

“Time’s up! God’s kingdom is here. Change your life and believe the Message.” This charge from Jesus, as written by Eugene Peterson in the Message bible, seems so drastic. Time's up? Gods kingdom is here? How can this be? I'm not ready! I'm not sure I know what to do!

But friends during this season I am especially reminded that our charge is to live each day in honor and praise of the Holy One. Time is up because each day may be our last. Time is up because we cannot keep putting off making ourselves the best we can. Our lives should continually aim to bring and carry out Gods kindom in this world. Gods kingdom is here because Gods people are here. We must change our lives daily to uphold and grow it.

"But there’s also this, it’s not too late— God’s personal Message!—“Come back to me and really mean it! Come fasting and weeping, sorry for your sins!” Change your life, not just your clothes. Come back to God, your God. And here’s why: God is kind and merciful. He takes a deep breath, puts up with a lot, This most patient God, extravagant in love, always ready to cancel catastrophe. Who knows? Maybe he’ll do it now, maybe he’ll turn around and show pity. Maybe, when all’s said and done, there’ll be blessings full and robust for your God!"

Eugene Peterson again eloquently rewrites the passage from Joel. In it we are reminded we can come back when we falter, when we doubt and we struggle to be faithful people. God knows we are far from perfect but calls us to come back wholeheartedly when we are ready. God calls us to come back, owning that we were wrong, that we failed not for him but for us. We must embrace our imperfection, our struggles, our fears because if we don’t we cant move past any of it. We are called to change to the depths of our souls.

On Wednesday morning as I waited for my bus I realized that many of the homeless people I passed had ashen crosses on their heads. I knew it was Ash Wednesday, I mean I was headed here to help with our three services. Yet I was humbled by these people; people who are walked past daily, people who are considered the outcasts, people who are thought of as unworthy by their fellow humans… yet God. God loves them, God sees their value. And this is the truth of this season. God does not care about our clothing, the cars we drive, the jobs we have, or the things we buy. God doesn’t care about whether we gave up chocolate for lent or we took stuff on. God cares about our hearts and when these actions don’t change our hearts they are pointless. God calls us back to his loving arms, despite our past, our baggage, our stuff. THAT’S the purpose of our sacrifices, that they help us return to God.

Beloved this season reminds us to believe in the good news, change is coming! Jesus draws closer to Jerusalem and closer to the cross every day of this season and while we honor this it’s not a new story to us. Rather this story should remind us of a faithful and loving God who waits for us and cares for us. This season I promise you we will be a changed people. Open your hearts, open your minds, open your souls-change is coming.

The Answer is Yes

The Answer is Yes

Third Sunday after Epiphany

January 25, 2015

Jonah 3:1-5, 10

Mark 1:14-20

Over the last few weeks I have had amazing conversations with members of this congregation and friends about the importance of community and what community means to us as individuals and a group. In these conversations two things have become apparent;

1) Connection and welcome are important to our sense of belonging.

2) We have all been called in some way to follow Jesus and that call has caused us to seek community that supports and underlies our belief and deepens our understanding.

In my own life I am continually amazed at the moments and people that have added to and helped to shape my faith, my community. I have fond memories of my home church, funny anecdotes about services and events, and stories that keep me grounded. Yet it’s more than that, because each of these things have encouraged spiritual growth and challenged me to live out my faith more fully. More importantly each of these things has helped me to hear the voice of God in my life, calling me to follow and help transform the world.

"Come follow me! The kingdom of God is right in front of you. I will teach you something new. It’s your time to get ready to share this beautiful truth with everyone and show them this kingdom."

As I listen to our scripture readings from today I imagine how God might be calling each of us. The way he calls us is different but the message is the same-follow, wholeheartedly, regardless.

In the story of Jonah we see him at the end of his journey. In the earlier chapters of the book we find God calling Jonah to go to Nineveh and tell the people to repent because God was going to destroy their city due to the people’s wickedness. But Jonah doesn't want to save these people- they are different than he is, it’s not his responsibility. So instead of following God Jonah decided to run away by boat to Tarshish- the other direction from where he is supposed to go. On the boat a terrible storm begins and everyone begins to pray to their gods for safety. It’s discovered that the fault lies with Jonah. He is tossed off the side of the boat and instantly the storm ends and God sends a fish that swallows Jonah. While in the fish Jonah has time to think and pray. His prayer to God was one of trust and acceptance. Jonah realized that even though what he was being asked to do was uncomfortable and difficult, even though he didn't want do it, even though he felt ill equipped he was called to do it by God.

When we get calls in our life like Jonah or initial reaction may be to run. But to create big change we must face hard truths and go to the hard places. At times we're going to have to fast and pray and ask the Lord to forgive our sins and help us to change like the people of Nineveh. Yet through it all God is there, God is moving, God is working to create hearts and minds focused on his will. The people of Nineveh were Gods beloved, just like us. Their willingness to repent and turn from their evil ways and violence swayed God to change his mind. An entire city, a great city repented! Was not God using them to show not only his power but his love? God’s vision spread from Jonah to all the people of Nineveh, all one Hundred and twenty thousand persons. Gods call to Jonah extended beyond what he could see, beyond himself.

The gospel message contains stories of repentance and call. Our passage from Mark actually has two parts to it. In verse 14 we see a Jesus who just spent 40 days in the wilderness tempted by Satan after being baptized. John the Baptist had just been arrested by Herod. Yet despite all of this Jesus decided to proclaim the good news of God in territory controlled by Herod. Jesus saw the need for this message in this place and went forth. In verses 16-20 we meet Simon, Andrew, James and John-the first disciples. Their call is more drastic than it seems. These pairs of brothers literally dropped everything and left their families because of a radical man talking about the kingdom of God. I can imagine both their friends and family thought they were crazy or stupid to blindly follow a man who had no credentials, talking a weird message he claimed was “good news”.

But friends aren’t that the call each of us has responded to in some way, the call that has brought us to the space, to this community??  Despite what others may see as illogical, despite making a commitment we don’t necessarily understand fully we have said YES, devoting self wholly to a man who lived 2000 years ago. This call to be a disciple of Jesus, a follower of God can seem scary and overwhelming, at times it seems impossible yet the answer is still yes. This yes doesn’t always come easy, it isn’t an instant answer, it can make us question our own sanity at times but it is YES. We share this good news as we invite each other to personal relationship with God. Jesus comes, proclaiming good news. Jesus comes, inviting us to follow. We have heard Gods call, we have work to do.