Let It Go

Loving God and Neighbor: Let It Go

Luke 10:38-42
7.17.16

How many of you have a sibling?  I am the oldest of two girls and I can tell you that there are some things I was expected to do and my sister was not. Regardless of the expectation we are both very different people which can be seen with how we approach things, our relationships, even our work.  During High School the groups I was involved with focused on social justice and community.  My sister on the other hand was a three-season athlete who would spend her off time hanging out with her friends. There are similarities though-we both grew up going to church and singing in the choir. We both were active in youth group (albeit different ways), we were decent students, and we are both very personable. Yet even within our similarities I am aware that we even did these things differently.

So I understand the differences between Mary and Martha on an intimate level.  To be honest I am Martha most of the time, and not because I am the oldest. I always busy myself doing things rather than being in the moment, although I have been working on shifting that. My sister is very much Mary. She is able to drop everything on a moment’s notice, to live in the moment with those around her. And I must admit I envy that ability to just be, to not let the things that need to happen and the future plans overwhelm her. Yet I do have my Mary moments and that is what the story remind us all of us-we have a choice on how we act and react.

Today we have entered into the second week of our “Loving God and Loving Neighbor” series. Last week we looked at the parable of the Good Samaritan and what we mean by neighbor. Through our time last week we were remind that God calls us to the uncomfortable places, to do the unexpected things for those considered different. I challenged everyone last week with the image of a bandaid and asked you to search out ways to heal those around us in some way, to be agents of change in the world. Today we look at this short passage in Luke and examine what it means to act in love through our welcome of others. 

Let's set the stage: Jesus and his disciples had been travelling for many miles and as they entered this new village they heard that Martha and her family had opened their house for these men to stay in. So they made their way over there knowing that they were welcome guests. Here’s what we don't really know: We don't know how much time they had to prepare for these guests, we don't know who’s house it was exactly since women didn't own property but it was their job to prepare a welcome, we don't know if they had encountered Jesus before or if they only knew about him through reputation. Despite all the uncertain things we don't know, we do know that when Jesus and his disciples arrived Mary was useless- she was more interested in soaking up the conversation than helping her sister prepare.

Now I want to be clear that one sister is not better or worse than the other, and that one is not the example we should follow. I imagine that Mary is a young girl, maybe 14 or 15, and her older sister has acted as mother and parent for too long. I imagine Mary had just begun taking on the responsibility of what it meant to be a woman during this time, like setting a welcome table for unexpected guests. I imagine Martha got frustrated by her baby sister and her free spirit. I imagine Martha had to grow up sooner than she needed to for some reason so the joys of childhood exploration were seen as a silly nuisance. And in their differences we can see that both sisters are needed for this interaction to work and to be important for us. Without Martha being ready for guests Jesus may not have stopped there, but without Mary, Jesus may not have stayed.

 in Jewish tradition sitting shiva for 7 days people come and go food is brought and depending on the community and who died someone may do intimate acts like laundry or clean a dirty spot in the house. yet more often than not those visiting the bereaved just sit with them, maybe words are said maybe a hand as help but usually they sit in silence the silence is not awkward or unsettling there is a genuine connection because of genuine grief and love.

When we learn to slow down and quiet ourselves in the busyness of life, to sit at the feet, we are able to create space for God to dwell, and we become present enough to realize God is there.  When we choose to sit at God's feet we are fed, we are filled, we are prepared to deal with the chaos and clutter of our world. When we sit at the feet of Jesus, when we make this conscious choice we are able to speak the heart language of those around us and truly feel their pain and joy allowing us to authentically grieve or celebrate with our neighbor. And to be able to truly grow from this encounter we must prepare. Through prayer, study of God's word, and gathering in community we are able to be prepared for this intimate encounter of hearing what God wants to do in our lives and in our world.

Beloved-What are the things we are called to let go of, the things we let go so we can be more present in the lives of others and in our relationship with God?  I must tell you that these things are not always clear. sometimes these things are the everyday normal habits that we do. and it is within examining those habits that we are able to challenge ourselves to make space for the things that truly matter. 

What does it mean to set a table?  When you have guests over do you create elaborate centerpieces, do you pull out your best China?  Or are you one of those people who buys expensive ingredients and tries out new recipes that would never be in the normal rotation of the dinner menu? A few months ago we had a dear friend over for brunch and at one moment I looked down at the table and just smiled. There were a number of dishes I had spent time making, and half empty plates. As I looked up I registered the smiles, deep belly laughs, and non stop conversation that was the truly important part of this gathering. See Martha was so worried about doing all of the things, making a perfect space for Jesus and his disciples to sit and gather at, but by focusing on those things Martha miss the most important part about having guests over, spending time with them.

Friends amazing things happen around the table; good and bad news is shared,  revelation of relationships is discovered, new friendships are formed.  So we are challenged by the story to change how we look at our table in our homes and in this place. How do the tables in our lives, the safe spaces we create, provided time for connection, community shared, safe and sacred space?

It is believed that the Mary of the story was the Mary who found Jesus’ tomb empty and through that lens we truly see that the point of sitting at Jesus's feet is to remind us to make time and space for the truly important things in life- the people in it. When we understand this we understand that it is in these moments that God is preparing us and strengthening us for whatever is coming in our lives. Our relationships are deepened, stronger, more intentional so we have a community that will journey with us in the ups and downs of life.

So I ask you again- what are the things you need to let go of?  what are the things that always seem to take precedence over spending time with the important people in your life?  what are the things that could honestly wait, that we have made a priority in our lives?  for each of us it is a different answer, for each of us acknowledging it allows us to learn what has held us back from welcoming and loving the other, the stranger, the neighbor in our midst.

So Jesus says to each of us what he says to Martha… “dear one, you are fussing far too much and getting yourself worked up over nothing. The dishes will still be there, the laundry can wait, only one thing is essential and that is being in true relationship with me and those around you. So sit, join us, and can you pass the bread.”

Do You?

Loving God and Neighbor: Do You?
Luke 10:25-37
7.10.16

During the month of July we will be exploring the gospel passages in our Revised Common Lectionary. In these passages from the book of Luke we will be examining what it means to love God and neighbor in our everyday lives and here at Monmouth Grace UMC. I believe this is such an important thing to explore as we begin our time together- Loving God and Loving Neighbor are the basic tenets of this thing we call faith. Our mission as those who claim the name Christian is to make disciples and transform the world so all the things we do in this place and beyond need to be done with and in love.

Today we will journey through the story of the Good Samaritan. Now I don't know how familiar you are with this story but for me it is one that I grew up being able to recite. Yet even within the familiarity I am still amazed by what God puts in place when each of us loves and cares for the neighbor in our own context.

We begin today's passage seeing Jesus again being questioned and tested by an expert in Mosaic or Jewish law.  I don't know if this man was looking to embarrass Jesus, if he had been sent to mock Jesus, or if part of him was genuinely interested in the answer. But we can gather from his reaction that he wasn't expecting to be the one providing the answer to his own question. Yet even within this exchange we can see that Jesus is somewhat impressed by this man since his answer aligns with the teachings Jesus is trying to get across.

Not to be outdone this expert asks Jesus to explain who is the neighbor. Within Jewish circles neighbor was interpreted as “one who is near”, those who are physically near or of the same mindset-essentially a fellow Jew. The experts need for clarification shows his desire to know more, he shows that he has struggled with the heart of the Law, to understand it fully in practice not just in word.

I think all of us need to ask ourselves what we mean by neighbor. I can give you the definition from Merriam Webster: a person who lives next to or near another person, a person or thing that is next to or near another” But that isn't what Jesus or God wants us to define it as. Jesus offers a parable, an easy story, told in such a simplistic way that all within earshot can understand.

We are introduced to a plethora of characters- the one who is injured, the priest, the Levite, and the Samaritan. “There was once a man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho. On the way he was attacked by robbers. They took his clothes, beat him up, and went off leaving him half-dead. Luckily, a priest was on his way down the same road, but when he saw him he angled across to the other side. Then a Levite religious man showed up; he also avoided the injured man. A Samaritan traveling the road came on him. When he saw the man’s condition, his heart went out to him. He gave him first aid, disinfecting and bandaging his wounds. Then he lifted him onto his donkey, led him to an inn, and made him comfortable. In the morning he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take good care of him. If it costs any more, put it on my bill—I’ll pay you on my way back.’”

Love is not passive in this story and it shouldn't be in our lives either. First off I don't want to place blame or judgement on the first two men. Many times we want to paint them as self indulgent jerks who literally turn their noses up at the one in need. Yet when we examine the geography we see that their response, or rather lack of, may have stemmed from something else entirely.

Jerusalem is located along the ridge of coastal mountains in Palestine. Jericho is located in the plain of the Jordan River hundreds of feet below sea level. The distance was about 17 miles but the road descends thousands of feet through desert and rocky country. Robbery was an active pastime and many feared going between these two places because of the danger associated with this road.

The priest and the Levite may have been worried that this man was a trap and if they went to his aid they would have been mugged. Or that if he was actually dead they would make themselves ritually unclean by touching him. By ignoring this man they wouldnt be obligated to do anything to help him or the situation. We can see many parallels between their inaction and the inaction of leaders in our time as well but regardless the parable does not, and we are not supposed to focus on these two men, our focus is on the Samaritan.

Unfortunately we live in a world that has taken this term and revered it, it’s he aim of perfection when you live a Christian life. But that is not what Jesus wants us to focus on. What we are supposed to focus on is that despite their differences geographically, politically, and possibly religiously, this Samaritan decided to do the uncomfortable, the stranger, the one in need. Samaritans were particularly hated in the Jesus’ day for a number of reasons. There were probably a number of people in the audience who were apalled that the outcast was the caring  person in this story and that the other two neglected to show mercy….but THAT is the point.

It's easy to offer help to those we know. This story is to remind us of our mission as people of faith. We are called to be a people of action. We are called to use our hands and feet to show those around us whose we are. We are called to enter into the uncomfortable places of the world so that it can be transformed in the name of Jesus. We are called to change the world in tangible ways, through interactions and relationships. So I ask you to ask yourself do you love your neighbor-do you?Would you take the same actions putting your own physical safety at risk? Would you so willingly put money out for someone you don’t know? Would you, could you shoulder the responsibility of caring for someone you didn’t know at all?

In his Letter from a Birmingham Jail, Rev Martin Luther King Jr wrote” But the judgment of God is upon the church as never before. If today's church does not recapture the sacrificial spirit of the early church, it will lose its authenticity, forfeit the loyalty of millions, and be dismissed as an irrelevant social club with no meaning for the twentieth century.”

And this is our reminder today beloved. We are called in this place on Wyckoff Road to act. With everything that has happened in the last few weeks in our nation what is our response as a community to each other and to those around us? This week has been particularly hard for me as a person of color and as a young person. Senseless violence, natural disasters that have ravaged communities, so much hurt and pain. It would be easy to lose hope, it would be easy to live in fear for the lives of so many I hold dear, it would be easy to throw in the towel...but that is not what it means to be a person of faith. During these times beloved, we are called to cling tighter to the Holy One. We are called to respond in some way.

So what can we do to love our neighbor? What can we do to promote healing and wholeness in a world that is in so much pain? Maybe we can’t organize a national protest but we can all do something and for each of us that will look differently. If you are a teacher maybe that means encouraging your administration to host a talk back with local police, or letting your students of color know that your classroom is a safe place. If you are in a managerial position maybe it means encouraging your senior staff to host racial sensitivity workshops, or creating places of intentional conversation. Maybe it looks like collecting supplies to send to communities affected by flooding in West Virginia. Maybe it looks ike writing a letter to our senators and governor, maybe it looks like inviting your physical neighbor over for dinner, maybe it means looking inward and challenging the things and systems you have found comfort in for so long, maybe it means seeking out the joy in your every day. There are so many possibilities and I encourage you to explore them and ACT.

Beloved it is through action that healing can begin and understanding can occur across lines that divide. I know that God weeps for the state of our world, but it is our job, our task, to identify neighbors as all those around us, all those we encounter, despite their physical proximity or similarity, because every person is a child of God, beloved and special.

May we aim to understand and redefine who our neighbors are, and learn to love them completely just as they are because in those moments God's kingdom grows wider and wider in this world.

Continue to Carry the Vision

This message was preached at Christ Church Fair Haven on June 26, 2016.

Continue to Carry the Vision

2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14

Friends I have a confession-change will always come in your life. I know shocker...but change will happen as society grows, as people gain wisdom, as life goes on. It’s rarely gradual and even with preparation it can feel sudden and be unsettling. But here’s the thing, eventually that change becomes normal. Eventually you forget that it was even a change at all.

In our United Methodist tradition we are in a season of transition and change. Here at Christ Church you will be welcoming a new pastor next week and getting to know him and his wife. And this makes todays scripture passage even more relevant.

In our passage from 2 Kings we are privy to a number of transitions. We see Elijah transition from life to life eternal, we see leadership transition from Elijah to Elisha, we even see a shift in the nature of prophetic work-focusing on miracles rather than talk. And in all of these transitions we are reminded of the need for preparation.

Elisha had been learning, and journeying with Elijah for his entire life. He had seen miracles performed, he had learned about the importance of God and Gods work. He had grown, and developed as an individual and as a leader. Yet even with all of this Elijah’s departure feels sudden. Elisha’s words could have been said by any of us, we dont want things to get upturned in our worlds. Those who we love, who impacted our lives, who helped shape and grow who we are and what we believe hold such an important place in our narrative. 

I grew up in a church where many of the members were older than my parents. I was blessed to learn from many of them about service and what it means to live out a life of faith in the world. In the last 2 years a number of them have passed on but I have been reminded of the lessons they  and others have taught me. Ms. Esther taught me to be generous, Ruth taught me to never take myself to seriously, Delroy taught me to work hard and with joy, Ms Una taught me to always be learning and gaining wisdom….and so many more. And I imagine that you too can think of those, living and gone, who have impacted you. 

Yet this is not the important and relevant part of this story. “Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit”. I struggled with this request at first. DId Elisha want to be better? Did he want to be remembered as more prophetic? Why would he ask for double? Does he not know the work that will entail and the burden it may be?

And as I reflected more I relized THAT should be our legacy. That those we leave behind should have be so inspired that they want to do more in memory of us but also in confidence of their ability. That those we leave behind should eagerly want to continue the work. See Elisha had journeyed for so long he knew what was trying to be accomplished. He knew the takeaway- that God would do AMAZING things for Gods people through prophetic leadership. He knew the sacrifice and work that Elijah had put forth and was encouraged and inspired.

At the end of todays scripture passage we see that the transition is complete. ELisha’s great faith allows him to part waters and move forward. I must believe that he was still sad of the passing of his beloved mentor, but also so grateful for the lessons and the security of knowing  that he could continue the work. 

Beloved what is the vision of this place? Not where do you see the building in five years, or how do we maintain what is being done but what is the prophetic work of this place? How are you showing this community who Jesus is, how are you transforming the world, how are you making disciples? How has the effect of those who passed, and pastors who have transitioned from this place affected who you are as a community?

What is your identity? What are you known for? If you asked someone in town about this church what would they say? Would they even know about you? These are the things that shape the vision.

These questions are hard but they are also a challenge. There is a VISION, you just have to remind each other about it. There is an AMAZING community in this place and beyond that you must tap into, because my goodness the potential is astounding. There is an adjustment period. As you enter into new relationship and new covenant with Rev Ferguson next week I encourage you to take it slow. He will not be the same as former pastors, you wont be the same as former congregations. But you need to take time to adjust and learn one anothers habits and tics. And you must feel confident to shake things up, try something new, open your souls and your hearts to Gods ever moving Spirit.

Beloved I encourage you to pray as individuals and as community to our all knowing, ever present God, who is ready to show you where you need to go. Change happens. But regardless of the change, regardless of whatever life throws at you, continue to carry out the vision.

Amen

No Other Gospel: Identification Authorized

This message was preached at Califon UMC on June 19th, 2016 for their No Other Gospel Sermon Series. NO OTHER GOSPEL: Identification Authorized Galatians 3:23-29 During the service of remembrance at annual conference this year I experienced one of the most transformative moments in my ministry. During this service there is a mass choir of laity and clergy that sing an anthem and help to lead the service through song as we honor those clergy and clergy spouses who passed in the last year. This service allows collective mourning, collective remembrance, and solidarity of love among those gathered. As the District Superintendents served the gathered communion after the reading of the names, I had a great view from the stage as I helped lead that moment in song. Looking over at the bleachers where the choir was sitting I saw them begin to sign with the interpreters from a local church, “Come to the table of grace. This is God's table, it's not yours or mine”. What a beautiful witness to our diversity and inclusivity as United Methodists!!! Young and older, black, white and in between, women and men; a beautiful witness to what it means to be children of God- all are welcome to the table! I smile at the memory because this, THIS, is what Paul is talking about in our reading for the day. “Until the time when we were mature enough to respond freely in faith to the living God, we were carefully surrounded and protected by the Mosaic law. The law was like those Greek tutors, with which you are familiar, who escort children to school and protect them from danger or distraction, making sure the children will really get to the place they set out for. But now you have arrived at your destination: By faith in Christ you are in direct relationship with God. Your baptism in Christ was not just washing you up for a fresh start. It also involved dressing you in an adult faith wardrobe—Christ’s life, the fulfillment of God’s original promise” This version from The Message bible helps me to understand this passage more fully. Through Christ we are able to let go of the old law, the old way that initially shaped our connection, and now we embrace more fully an intimate relationship and connection to God. We are a TRANSFORMED people, a people of vision, and wonderful dreams. I think if I had to name this message as part of the “No other Gospel” worship series you are following, it would be “Identification Authorized” because today we are reminded of who and whose we are. Now growing up in NY even at a young age visiting my mother at work meant getting a pass that showed we were “allowed” in the building and on the elevators. In our society today this need for proving our identity has spilled over into discussions of race, gender equality, sexuality, political affiliation, class distinction….we have become a people who want to define those around us, and this is even seen in our churches. Our programs, events, and even liturgy don't always take into account the diversity in our neighborhoods. As the corporate church we don't always make space for those society has made voiceless. But today as people of faith we stand in our houses of worship, our national circle of community, united by grief and questions, holding within us the loss of 50 lives in Orlando last weekend and the remembrance of 9 killed at a bible study in Charleston, South Carolina a year ago. These safe spaces that were desecrated by violence. Yet on the local level we are also holding the celebration and hurts, that affect us and those sitting next to us; we are lifting up those in our lives who need healing and wholeness; we are standing in the gap for the people in our inner circles who have concerns and joys. Yet regardless of what is on our hearts this morning, what is weighing down our souls, we gather in this place to be reminded of the only identity that matters- we are, each and every one of us, beloved children of God. And it is the hope of this gathering that we are encouraged, uplifted, held tighter, and loved. That in this space we are given the strength to live our day to days. And friends, that is the hard part about this gospel we are called to uphold, this is the hard part about embracing and understanding our identity as people of faith- whether we disagree or argue, even cause physical harm, each of us is just as valuable as another and each of us deserves to be affirmed of that in this place. See what I’m not saying is that violent actions are ok, hurtful words are acceptable, this hate and anger that seems to permeate our society is fine- NO. What I’m trying to say is that our revelation and relationship with and through Christ, and in this journey of community fellowship that we attempt in this place, we are one, united in love. With, for, to...This is what Paul reminds us in this letter to the people of Galatia; this faith thing is for ALL peoples regardless of station- Greek nor Jew, slave nor free, male or female. This faith thing calls us to change and to come into relationship with God and one another. This faith thing calls us to get to know God who awaits for us as a caring parent, a loving father. Who awaits to grant us our inheritance in this world. Our mission-to make disciples and transform the world- is ever evolving. See with the changes in our world, social structure, understanding of faith's place in the world, we understand that HOW are mission is carried out in the world must change. Releasing the law of old does not mean we are lawless, rather it means we have opened ourselves to the ebb and flow of life and are willing to adjust and adapt to the changes life brings. Friends what does our mission in this place, as people of faith look like? Where are you living out ministry in Christ's name? Are you emboldened by the spirit's power to show love, grace, and community to those who do not look like you? At Annual Conference this year our guiding passage was from Paul’s letter to the community of Ephesus and Bishop Schol challenged us to “Imagine the possibilities ahead of us!” He called the conference to imagine a church with tremendous vision and diversity which will grow vital congregations to transform the world and asked God to grant grace and wisdom to stir up imagination. Friends, there is such power with imagination! Imagination here at Califon has begun to develop in ministries like the Table of Grace, to be re-imagined with longstanding programs like the Fisherman’s Breakfast. While we may not name them as such they are the fruits of visioning, the proof of attempts to understand the needs of this community, and the success where you are filling in gaps so that God can move in this world. In our passage today Paul talks about our connection through baptism, being brought into the body of Christ. And there are levels to this. Newly baptized Christians are given a new vision, a freedom from the old law. But even those of us today who have baptized many years prior are reminded by this passage of the invisible means of grace we are clothed with- by faith, water, and the spirit. We are reminded that our inheritance is the ability for intimate relationship with God, spirit connection, deep understanding of what we are called to and who we are called to be. Visible distinctions of race, position, and gender are pushed aside in the enlightened eyes of faith, the eyes of those clothed by baptism. We are reminded that it is in THIS community, in this place we gather, we are pushed to be our best selves, we are pushed to imagine together, and we are pushed to carry out a collective vision so God's kingdom comes to this earth. And I think this makes today so more poignant. On a day where we in our American sphere are called to honor and remember the fathers and father figures in our life we are also reminded of the inheritance from God that we are called to live out through faith. Today I stand here a product of the love of Helene and Kenneth; the grandchild James who taught me to cherish life and its simplicity, the grandchild of Julius who continually reminds me that we are supposed to be ever learning; the niece of Jimmy, Michael, Bobby, Alan, Darren and Roy who challenge me, love me and allow me to be “me”. What makes up your inheritance? Who are the people, the things, the memories that have impacted who you are? Take a moment and think about this…. Beloved, in all of these familial connections, in the memories-good or bad, in the labels that divide us, one identity remains and connects us together- child of God. As we leave here today I ask you to think-what identity do you cling to? Do you cling to your race, gender, social position, political affiliation? Or do you cling to who God has claimed you to be? I ask you this week and beyond to challenge yourself and one another to live out our inheritance-that the things that divide us in the world mean nothing in God's eyes. Each of us, no matter what we carry, is a beloved child of God-and this is what we embrace, celebrate, and carry with us. Thank God that our identity has been authorized.

It's A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

This message was preached at Kingwood UMC and Frenchtown UMC during a communion Sunday.

Third Sunday After Pentecost
It’s a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood
June 5, 2016
I Kings 17:8-24

When I was little I watched a lot of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, and there’s a possibility that many of you in this place today watched this show too. There were very few shows my parents deemed educationally appropriate and lucky for my sister and I this made the short list. I can trace my earliest understandings of welcome and community to this show. I still remember the song that started every show,
“It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood.
A beautiful day for a neighbor
Could you be mine?
Would you be mine?”
The song continued on for a bit as he settled in but what a wonderful way to begin! What if thats how we invited people to this place- It’s a beautiful day! Come join me.

Every few months on social media a photo circulates from a 1969 episode of Mister Rogers sitting in a pool with police office Clemmons. For those of you who haven't seen this picture Fred Rogers is a white man, and Francois Clemmons is a black man. At the time this episode aired race relations in our country were strained to say the least, but Fred Rogers did something amazing in the moment captured in picture and in that episode-he showed hospitality and love to someone he was supposed to hate, he shared an intimate and “normal” moment with someone who was clearly different from him. Through this small moment Fred Rogers said more to an impressionable generation about race relations than any politician ever could, in this moment healing began, mentalities began to shift, a new vision for welcome began for many.

“Go now to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and live there; for I have commanded a widow there to feed you.”
In verse 9 of today's scripture reading we clearly see the instructions God gave to Elijah. God did not mince words, God did not leave room for interpretation, God spoke-Elijah listened. Now I must tell you for such a seemingly request there’s a lot behind it. In verse 1 of this chapter Elijah just suddenly appears to King Ahab to proclaim a drought was coming to the lands. There is no backstory, no examples of training or ancestry. In the interactions that follow we can determine that Elijah was a prophet, faithful to God...his name itself means “My God is Yahweh.” So regardless of backstory, or history, this man believed and trusted in God with every fiber of his being. We know that he was a Tishbite, from an area near Galilee. We know that he was residing in Gilead. We know that God called him to go the east of the Jordan where he was fed by ravens, and now to Zarephath to be cared for by a widow.

And here is when knowing the geography is helpful… Elijah was a stranger in a strange land who was told to go to a place filled with his geographical enemies. So all of a sudden the request of “Go now to Zarephath and live there, and I’ve commanded a widow to feed you” becomes “Go live among enemies as the guest of a vulnerable person in society.” The widow was an outcast position, she would not be able to protect the prophet, she had no connections, rather we see that she is so poor that all she has isn’t enough for her and her son.

Beloved here’s where it gets me.... God KNEW the vulnerability of this woman, yet did not command Elijah to help her, to find solution, to prophesy amazing things...God just wanted Elijah to be with her. See there is something amazing and intimate about journeying with someone. In our churches we sometimes forget this and when we do we end  up creating a place that feels more like a secret club rather than a welcome table to those who come in our doors or check us out on social media. Elijah’s ministry pushed him to live among the people, it pushed him to learn about the other, it pushed him to care deeply about the child of the enemy.
Friends are the things we do in this place and beyond it, the ministry that we claim, is it to others, for others or with others? There’s a distinction between these three. Ministry “to” others are the things that are pretty, the programs and resources  that we are passionate about, that we do well, but never leave our walls. Like creating a program geared towards young people, without connection with local schools or groups aimed at families, and then wondering why more people don't know about it and attend. Ministry “for” others are the things we do, that extend beyond our walls, that actually don't take into account the needs of those we are trying to serve. Like hosting a food drive to donate to a local food bank where they are inundated with cans and actually need money or have specific needs, rather than more random cans.

Ministry “with” others are the programs and events that take into account the needs of the people, that have input from those we’re serving. Like not serving apples at the community lunch program because the majority of the clients have dentures or no teeth and apples are hard to eat. Like serving two full meals at Vacation Bible School because many in your community rely on free school lunch during the year to guarantee their children get fed. Finding sustainable solutions that ebb and flow with the ever changing needs of the people.

The beauty of being “with” those we consider other means we can imagine, dream together, create a vision to move forward, to enact great change, to tackle basic needs and systemic problems, to actually have intimate relationship, to be a neighbor.

In verses 13-16 we see that God provides, God made a way for this widow to provide for Elijah and for her family. Yet I can imagine that in this interaction Elijah was changed. He saw that there was only one pallet for them to sleep on, and it clearly wasnt comfortable, he saw that the few plates in the cupboard were chipped and mismatched, he saw clothes, newspapers, and goodness knows what else plugging holes in the wall. He saw this woman not as a single mother, not as a widow, an outcast, a nobody...he saw her heart. Elijah saw a beloved child of God who was doing the best she knew how to provide for her family, he saw a woman who was struggling and had almost given up hope, he saw her. And in verses 20-23 we see not just a prophet but a man invested in the lives of the enemy, the other, those he lived among. In his actions he planted seeds of healing and peace. In his actions he planted possibility.

Its a beautiful day beloved- there is untapped potential and possibility in this world. We have the amazing task to go from this place week after week, extending the welcome we experience at God’s table to those we know and those we don’t. I pray that we aim to experience and express the beauty that God has made in this world. I pray that we find the courage to trust God, and to listen closely to the words being spoken to us. I pray that we aim to go to the uncomfortable places so that the kingdom, the family, the neighborhood of God is continually extended.

In the words of Mister Rogers’:
“Let's make the most of this beautiful day
Since we're together, might as well say
Would you be my, could you be my,
Won't you be my neighbor?”

Your Mission If You Choose to Accept It

This message was done at Christ UMC-Piscataway, which happens to be my home church.

Second Sunday After Pentecost

Your Mission If You Choose to Accept It

May 29, 2016

Galatians 1:1-12

When I was growing up Sunday afternoons were filled with watching James Bond movies and Star Trek episodes as a family. I learned two things from these days; one-Sean Connery is the best bond, two-the mission, whatever it was, would be accomplished in unexpected ways.

Now Paul, in my opinion, is the master of trying the unexpected. This man went from being one of the biggest persecutors of Christianity to becoming one of its biggest supporters. I mean, his letters to newly formed and growing communities of faith comprise the majority of the New Testament, no letter is the same. Paul recognizes and honors the differing practices and understandings of each community.

As we begin to read the first chapter of Galatians, I must admit I feel bad for the people. I don't know if he used up all his poetic words in his correspondence with the people of Corinth, or if earlier interactions with the people of Galatia proved them to be super hard headed, but we find a very emphatic, frustrated and no-nonsense Paul in these 12 verses.

Verse 1 seems odd, like who starts a letter in the third person, but as we continue to read it makes more sense. The next four verses are part of a typical greeting of the time...and then we hit verse six. “I am astonished”, the message translation says “I can't believe your fickleness.” “how easily, so quickly you desert the one, turn traitor to the one who called you to live a new life…” Well that escalated so quickly!

I can feel how Paul is holding back and  trying to say in the nicest way “ Are you serious?  You guys, I mean you guys...I TOLD you what to do!” Yet in Paul’s frustration I am reminded of how often I make concessions to the work God has called me to. Nothing bad, but at times I let the stuff of my day to day life take precedence over deepening of my faith...and isn't this the same for many of us?

As members of the church universal we are called to make disciples of Jesus Christ. As members of Christ UMC of Piscataway we are called to find strategic and engaging ways to accomplish this mission. If you had to name who we are what would come to mind? Our diversity is clearly seen through our fellowship together but is it truly reflected in our programs, our events, our worship?

In our district we’ve had to rethink the needs during clergy gatherings. With a growing number of clergy with young children we have had to take into account the need for childcare providers during these events, something that has never had to be taken into account. We've done so many events now that it is almost second nature that when an event is scheduled we ask for tables, chairs, and a childcare provider. At annual conference they hire childcare providers so that clergy with young children feel empowered to find their professional-personal balance.

When the new conference center was conceived the big question asked was why? What was the purpose of the new building? What would it be called would it make a difference? In the short time this new building has been open it has began a ripple effect if Greater New Jersey. It was named the Mission and Resource Center to reflect the vision and goals of the conference as identified by staff and leaders. It was made to be open in layout and accessibility for everyone in the conference. If you ever have an opportunity to go there for an event I highly suggest you do so. The space was designed to be communal and I think they did a great job on it!

Beloved, have we taken this same care to understand who WE are at CUMC? What is our vision and our mission as a communal body? What do the names of our various committees and ministries mean? If something is named just to be cute or “inspirational” have we missed an important and awesome opportunity to minister to those in this place and beyond?

The people of Galatia had heard Paul’s message of Christianity and they had tried to embrace it. But the world overwhelmed them, they found it easier to go with the flow then go against it. A problem we have today. And because of it they lost the vision and mission of being a follower of Christ. They turned to what they knew, not what was right, not what they knew they were called to do as a community.

Friends, part of naming our  vision is identifying where we fall short, discovering how we can embrace the vision more fully, and preparing for change to happen. In his book “Selling swimsuits in the Arctic” Adam Hamilton makes an amazing point the “...core of the mission in the church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ.The rest of what we do is strategy and tactics for accomplishing this mission.”

Beloved this responsibility does not fall on leaders solely, the mission falls on each of us who claim this place.

• Why did you come to CUMC?
• What made you fall in love with this place?
• How do we get ourselves back to our initial feelings about this place?

We should leave this place proud of the work we do as a community. We should leave this place every time inspired by the Holy Spirit that meets us here Sunday after Sunday, knowing that we are called to transform the world with our actions and interactions.

So if we are people of the resurrection, inspired by the winds of pentecost, a missional people, called to make disciples in this world we must do three things.

1) PREPARE: We need to prepare and understand the mission we are called to.

In the 007 movies Bond dons a tailored suit and is given an array of gadgets by Q. In Star Trek the crew makes sure their ship, the Enterprise, is working and they are all ready. Though their mission was specified through Starfleet the crew prepared to encounter whatever came their way. For this community preparation means we work as individuals and as a community to open our hearts, minds, and eyes for God to work and move in and through us.

2) EXECUTE: What needs to be done to get to the goal? How do we execute the mission?

In James Bond, Star Trek and our reality we have experienced that unorthodox methods seem to work best. We cannot do things that worked before, solely because they worked before! Here at CUMC we need to intentionally make space for new faces to get involved in all things, we need to truly be willing to try...and possibly fail a few times.  We need to be ready to let go of things we usually do, that are part of our tradition. We must take risks, and we have! In programs like our Princeton Seminary Interns, Shepherds Shelves, Musicfest-we have taken leaps of faith to do more and I pray we continue to leap further and with less uncertainty.

3) UNDERTAKE: What do we do to accomplish the mission and how do we  make sure to end in celebration?
-Bond: inappropriate, end with a woman

-Enterprise: ship went into warp speed at the end “to the next adventure”

-what do we do/can we do to signify the time to move to the next/accomplishing goal.

-Mission is never done for us!!

Prepare, execute, undertake- when we do these things we get to fulfill our mission, we get to make disciples and transform the world. Beloved, I ask you as people of the resurrection, as people inspired by the winds of the Holy Spirit, as children of God-will you choose to accept this mission, to come to the cross ready for God to move in and through you, to be transformational agents of God in this world? Will you pledge to let God use you in whatever way you are called? Will you accept this mission given by God?

We have been prepared, let us offer all.

The God We Can Know: I am the True Vine

This message was done as part of Califon UMC's "The God We Can Know" worship series.

Fifth Sunday in Lent

The God We Can Know Worship Series

I am the True Vine 

March 13, 2016

John 15:1-8

Let us join our hearts together; Life giving God, we thank you for the opportunity to gather together one more time, to lift up your name in word and song. God I thank you for this opportunity to join with this community who have covenanted to learn more about you in this season. Holy One, let the words be yours not mine. May they be pleasing to you, may they help to transform your world for majestic things! Be with us.  Amen

It’s amazing that today we are one week away from the beginning of Holy Week. That after the sacrifices we have made and the struggles we have had as individuals and as community during this season we can see the finish line. Every year it seems that despite my hopes and attempts this Lenten season seems to fly by. Yet every year I am also amazed at unexpected revelations from God, deeper understandings I have of myself on this faith journey, and the power and awesomeness of this man named Jesus.

So when Pastor Kyle told me you were doing a worship series on the “God We Can Know”  and focusing on the “I am” statements of Jesus, I got excited! It seems that every time I participate in a study of these statements I am blown away by the new things God shows and does among God's people. And God is something different to each of us. Some of us know God to be a healer, or a protector, or a provider. Some know God through the love of a parent, or a teacher, or a friend. Yet in each of these varied experiences and understandings the God we serve is the same, the God we serve is many faceted because we are not cookie cutter people. 

The God I know is one of great love, great grace, great power, great hope, abundant welcome. The God I know loves me and calls me beloved. The God I know is forgiving, and understanding. A God of comfort, a God of peace. And my understanding of God, and how I got to that place is why today's Gospel passage resonates so fully within me.

I am a community organizer at heart who believes in radical hospitality. My heart beats for people, the ups and downs of the community I am a part of impacts my spirit, I aim to find creative ways for unity and conversation to occur over everyday and hard topics. I believe we need to aim to be a healthy church- on the local level, the little c. and as an institution, the big C. Good health is evident through our worship, our expressions of faith in the world are seen through outreach, our growth is not solely evident through numbers but through the ability to create new programs and try out new creative worship. And this same hope for good health, to truly be a beloved community,  is what we find in our passage from John. 

John demonstrates throughout his gospel that Jesus was unlike any man who has ever lived. John spends a majority of his book examining the last 24 hours before Jesus’ death. This narrative we see at the beginning of the 15th chapter is part of  4 chapters in John  known as the Farewell Discourse; calculated words from Jesus to prepare, calm, instruct and strengthen the disciples for life after his death. As modern day readers we have the privilege of knowing how the story plays out from a triumphant entrance into Jerusalem, a betrayal from one of the twelve in Gethsemane, darkness at Golgotha, and resurrection in the garden. The disciples did not. 

Jesus knew that when he left his friends would feel alone, and scared, and even want to give up on this amazing ministry they had done together. So in these verses Jesus reminds them of the amazing connection they have.

I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you’re joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated, you can’t produce a thing. MSG v5

I love this version from the Message translation because it reminds us that our connection is intimate. It is about knowing in our heart of hearts who God is. 

“I am the true vine”

The vine isn't a new metaphor for people of faith. In the Old Testament, God’s vine was Israel. Even though God tended the vine, trimmed it, and cut off the branches that bore nothing, the vine bore no fruit.  God grieved for this vine, the people Israel,  and finally left it unprotected after everything that was done bore no fruit. Their privilege was forfeited. As people of faith our blessing and relationship with God is no longer connected to the old vine, one of covenantal relationship with Israel. Abundance comes through our connection with the new vine,  understanding who Jesus was and is.

A vine is a unique thing in a garden. Vines have a tendency to get unruly and to go all over, and if you aren't careful they can impede the growth of another plant. Yet you can prune the branches to your hearts content. Sometimes the branches coming from the vine are healthy and sometimes they are dead. The dead ones must go because they add unnecessary weight and prevent new branches from forming. The healthy branches must be pruned as well. While they may produce fruit, it may not be the best fruit. When you take the time to prune, shape, and guide the direction of its growth you can be amazed at the increase of the harvest.

If Jesus is the vine and we are the branches, God is the vine grower. God is the one doing the pruning. God knows our potential as people of faith and tries to coax our best our of us. Sometimes pruning is removing a bad habit or other distraction. But sometimes pruning is more painful because our branch has become tightly intertwined. Painful pruning means that we face truths we normally try to avoid. These moments of pain make us truly evaluate things and people in our lives. These moments make the fruit, the revelations, the new attitudes that emerge , greater than they were before. We become empowered by the strength of the vine, and the care of our pruning to give more. When we are pruned regularly we begin to look more like Jesus in our day to day. When we are pruned regularly we produce better fruit. 

When I am pruned regularly by God I am a better friend, a better coworker, a better daughter, a better sister, a better wife. When I let God show me the things that have to go the result is more beautiful than I can imagine. 

The fruit, my best self, comes when I stay close to God, through Jesus, when I abide in Christ. Beloved we do not have to work to produce the fruit. When we aim to welcome society's outcast like Jesus did we are producing fruit. When we make space for new groups that enter our community, showing radical hospitality, we are producing fruit. When we sit with a friend who is experiencing loss, providing a gift of presence, we are producing fruit. 

Our fruit can cause a chain reaction in the world. When we aim to know the true vine, aim to know God, we learn to love, be gentle, be cheerful, be patient, and help others. THESE are the fruits we produce and give to others. As we remain connected to Jesus through the study of God's word, the gathering in communal body, praying for guidance, we do a lot of good things and inspire others to as well.

Beloved today is the first day of the rest of your life. Today we take the knowledge and the promises of the past 4 weeks. Today we claim to know God as the great “I AM”, as the Bread of Life, as the Light of the World, as the Good Shepherd, and as the True Vine. And be claiming this we make a conscious choice to invite Jesus into our lives daily through the rest of this season and beyond. We make a conscious choice to find strength in the promises of God, that God will do what has been said throughout time.  We make a conscious choice to claim that we each have potential, greater potential than we even realize. We make a conscious choice to be people of relationship, connected to the true vine and connected to one another, to create a bountiful harvest in this world.

It's more than a handshake

As I sat in a meeting at church the other evening we began discussing the roles of volunteers for an upcoming event. I suggested to the group that we should try and do immediate followup after they expressed interest, to say "thank you" for wanting to be involved. And as I left that meeting I began to think about how we tend to abuse the volunteers in our churches.

Lets be real church volunteers are the main reason many churches survive and thrive. The time and dedication they give,Volunteer burnout is a real thing. Type those two words into google and you will find articles, blog posts, and even "open letters" to leaders. Many people will always say "yes" and others truly have a heart to volunteer but as leaders we sometimes fail to put systems in place to make volunteering efficient, to be clear of our expectations, and to honor the fact that the Church (as institution) should not be an individuals entire life.

A friend of mine once said "as the church we are called to be stewards of peoples finances and their time." When we as the beloved community forgot to practice radical hospitality we run the risk of pushing people far, far away, we run the risk of creating resentment in dedicated people, we run the risk of forgetting to nurture the gifts and graces of the individual to fulfill an end goal.

"“Radical hospitality” requires intentional invitation and welcome. It goes beyond greeters at the door and handshakes during worship to welcome every person as an honored guest. Certainly, being a “friendly” church is good. But being in ministry in a confused and hurting world calls for “radical hospitality,” which breathes our core value: people are important to God and to this church."¹ 

We create a disservice when our welcoming efforts are solely focused on visitors. To be truly hospitable is to get to know the people you are welcoming. When my best friend comes to visit I know she gets cold easily so I make sure to leave her extra blankets, I anticipate a need because I know her. When I  was growing up we had three different individuals at church who used the large print bulletin and hymnal. All of the ushers were trained to have those ready for these individuals, as well as pay attention during the service to anyone else struggling to read the print in the bulletin or hymnal so they could try and swap it out for the large print version. Their training allowed for them to meet the need of an individual and to be on the lookout for ways to be inclusive to those who walked in Sunday morning.

Granted no system is perfect and sometime people slip through the cracks, yet the culture of the community shifted to provide moments of welcome in other aspects, to pay attention. If you come to my home church during our biannual Cantatas you will see a row of singers sitting in front of those on the risers. They want to be a part of this awesome ministry but can't stand for extended periods. By finding ways to accommodate we say to them "we want you here" and we say to those who see them minister "truly anyone is welcome".

So what does radical hospitality look like for volunteers in the church? It means that we get to know these individuals personally. It means that we attempt to use people for their gifts and graces, not because they are a warm body who said yes.

I think we need to be able to answer the following as we look to utilizing volunteers:

1. Are you prepared: Have those in charge been trained and empowered to be transformational leaders not transactional leaders?
2. Are you clear: Are the tasks and expectations for their completion clearly stated to the volunteers?
3. Are you strategic: Has space been created so varying needs can be met? (i.e. childcare for parents, low impact tasks for those with mobility issues, dietary restrictions considered for those with health and medical issues)
4. Are you intentional: Is their a followup structure in place for post volunteering? (i.e. thank you notes, certificate, appreciation dinner)

There are other questions, I dont deny it, but using these as a general framework allows us to actively engage people in church life and church work. It allows us to be places of radical hospitality. It allows are interactions to be more that a handshake during the passing of the peace.

1 http://www.umcom.org/learn/is-it-time-to-move-from-friendly-to-radical-hospitality^↩

...and to dust we will return.

"Made by God from mud, dust of the earth, we remember that to mud and dust and God we will eventually return."

A pastor friend posted this earlier today, and while Ash Wednesday is a concept and theological ideology I comprehend, today these words hit me differently. Amid finishing statements for my upcoming DCom meeting, agreeing to serve as a confirmation mentor at my home church, and the ups and downs of life this idea of being made by and from struck a chord in my spirit.

Its easy to forget my worth as an individual; not my worth as a daughter, sister, wife, friend, leader...just me. How wonderful to have this day where we are reminded that we were created from dust and mud because God believed the world needed each of us and that we will return to that original state once our time here is done.

It's a charge of sorts for this first day of Lent-how am I being the best mud/dust/God breathed individual in this world? And that's the hope for these 40days, that we discover (or rediscover) what we have been created for and called to.

Potential and Possibility

Potential and Possibility
January 31st, 2016
Jeremiah 1:4-10

Have you ever watched a baby learn to walk? There is unsteadiness of feet and body, uncertainty in their eyes, surprise as they fall time and time again, confidence growing as they become more and more sure in their ability to do this new thing, and suddenly you can't remember a time when they weren't walking. 

 Now, have you ever watched the adults watching a baby learn to walk? “Come on, come on” “You can do it” “Uhoh you’re ok” “one more, one more”. It is a comical sight to behold!
Yet while we giggle at this scenario it's amazing how time and time again we do this same dance with God. You see it doesn't matter how old we are, how grown we may feel, how grounded we may be in scripture or theology, we all have our “learning to walk” moments as we journey in this life, moments where we take unsteady steps towards a steady God.

 When Pastor Francie asked me if I’d be interested in preaching I said sure, we picked the date, I looked at the scripture for the day, and I began to try and figure out the word God had for us. 

 As ideas began to swirl in my mind one clear statement made its way to the front... We have been destined to do great things, wonderful things, despite our size, our race, our age, our gender, our immense amount or mustard seed size faith. God has equipped each and every one of us to do something amazing in this world, to help create the kingdom of God here for ourselves and each other. What is your potential? What are your possibilities?

Friends as I have prepared and prayed those are the two questions that I have asked myself and now I ask you; What is your potential? What are your possibilities?

It seems to me we have certain expectations of these words. Immediately my mind thinks of perfection and perfect moments yet that is not who any of us are, that is not what any of us bring to the table. I hate to break it to you but we are all imperfect, including me. We all make mistakes, and poor decisions. We all have moments of doubt and fear and uncertainty. We say hurtful things and are too stubborn to make things right.

But the beautifulness of this faith thing is that this is just what God wants. And God waits with open arms encouraging us to keep going.

According to Merriam Webster dictionary the word potential is defined as “existing in possibility”. The word possible is defined in three ways;

• being within the limits of ability, capacity, or realization 
• being something that may or may not occur or may not be true or actual 
• having an indicated potential

So again I ask you to think what is your potential? what are your possibilities? What are the things that exist right now in your life that you are capable of doing yet fear holds you back from?
Can I read the scripture to you one more time from The Message version? 
 This is what God said: “Before I shaped you in the womb, I knew all about you. Before you saw the light of day, I had holy plans for you: A prophet to the nations—that’s what I had in mind for you.” But I said, “Hold it, Master God! Look at me. I don’t know anything. I’m only a boy!” God told me, “Don’t say, ‘I’m only a boy.’ I’ll tell you where to go and you’ll go there. I’ll tell you what to say and you’ll say it. Don’t be afraid of a soul. I’ll be right there, looking after you.”

Our passage from Jeremiah that we’ve now heard twice tells us that God has given us the answer to these questions I have put before us. God knows what we are capable of, what we can create and make, what we can be! 

The story of Jeremiah tells of a man called to be a prophet, something he was unprepared for, and frankly didn't want. Yet God spoke to him, to tell him that not only was this his purpose but that God had ordained it and would be standing by for each and every step of the way. His story resonates so fully with me because I have asked the same questions as I’ve tried to figure out my call to ministry. Why would God call me to do this thing I feel so unprepared for? Yet as I look back on my life, as short as it may be, I see the moments where God was moving. The interactions that have strengthened me, the relationships that have built me up, the ways I have been pushed and pulled in preparation for this call on my life. 

And I bet that when you look back at your life you see that God has prepared you for your call whether you sit in this place fully understanding what it is or not. Now I must admit when I heard my call it was not like the conversation God and Jeremiah had, although I do have friends who clearly heard God in this way. And one of the biggest struggles for me was understanding that even though THAT wasn’t how God called me to my purpose did not mean I wasn't called. And when I struggled the most, someone-stranger and friend, spoke words of encouragement and affirmation in my life. 

 Beloved do you hear me? The God of infinite possibilities, and potential has ordained for each of  us, you and me, a purpose in this world. 

 Elohim (God), Adonai (Lord, Master), Yahweh (Lord, Jehovah), Emmanuel (God is with us), El Shaddai (Lord God Almighty), Jehovah-Rapha (the Lord that heals), Jehovah Jireh (the Lord will provide), Jehovah Sabaoth (the Lord of Hosts), God the Father, God the Mother, God-Almighty has met each of us in different ways with the name we needed to hear to encourage us, challenge us, and support us at the highest and lowest moments of our lives and God will continue to do so. Our potential is wrapped up in the possibilities we untap by deepening our relationship with the Holy One, by knowing God by name. How have you made space in your life for God to move and work and speak to you and through you?

Today’s Hymn of Preparation is a fond reminder of childhood for me. It is the first song I remember reading as a musical score, it’s one of the first hymns I ever memorized, and as I grow older and deeper into my faith I appreciate the simplicity of the chorus; “Here I am Lord, Is it I Lord? I have heard you calling in the night. I will go Lord if you lead me, I will hold Your people in my heart.” This is more than a song, it's a prayer! To be in the depths of God's love, to strive to know God more fully, means we embrace that God will put us where we need to be and surround us with those who will encourage our spiritual growth and shape us to be love those around us-the friend, the neighbor, one seen as unloveable, outcast, stranger, other. The struggle for each of us is not whether we can do it but to figure out how to embrace what we are afraid of. To embrace the potential and possibility that God has laid forth for each of us, even when the outcome is scary or unknown.

 Beloved, to say yes to potential and possibility, my goodness, anything could happen.

As we leave this place today with many answers, and even more questions, I hope that we each make time and space for God to speak and guide. There is no age limit on who can expand the kingdom of God! And that is our charge if we claim to be a Christ follower. Consider as you leave here today why you are here at Christ United Methodist of Piscataway. Consider what God is calling you to do in this place to help share the love we have come to know in this amazing God. This looks differently for each of us. For you it may be joining the Cantata or Gospel Choir or Bells, for you it may mean volunteering in some way for MusicFest in June, for you it may mean speaking to Beth Hart about becoming a Stephen Minister or to Mary Staynings about teaching Sunday School, for you it may mean signing up for the next Trustee work day, for you it may mean just showing up in this space week after week. There is an opportunity for each of us to get involved, connected and begin to live out our full potential as people of faith who commune in this place.

John Wesley, one of the founders of our Methodist tradition, wrote a covenant prayer that he is believed to have prayed daily, and I have found myself turning to it recently. This covenant between the pray-er and God while simple in words is powerful, just like the hymn of preparation. It speaks of a promise to let go of self and recommit to God. It is a reminder to trust in the promise God made to Jeremiah, that God will be there looking after me through it all. It is a promise that God awaits for me with open arms like a loving parent as I stumble and fall along the way saying “Come on, You can do it, One More.”. It is a sign that while I am in this space, this church, this fellowship I must do all the good I can in all the ways I can to all the people I can. It is a reminder that my potential is powerful and my possibilities are endless when I truly open myself to hear God’s voice.

Will you join your hearts in prayer with mine? 
I am no longer my own but yours. Put me to what you will, rank me with whom you will. Put me to doing, put me to suffering. Let me be employed for you or laid aside for you, exalted for you or brought low for you. Let me be full, let me be empty. Let me have all things, let me have nothing. I freely and wholeheartedly yield all things to your pleasure and disposal. And now, glorious and blessed God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, you are mine and I am yours. So be it. And the covenant which I have made on earth, let it be ratified in heaven. Amen.