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.