Re-Devotional: July 14-20 Renew

July 14^th

Renew

When I was about 12 I had a fascination with names. I wanted to know meanings and origins, popularity  and rank over the last few years. When I got my first bible I thought it was a good idea to try and highlight all the names in the Old Testament...let me tell you the genealogies in genesis cause the entire page to get highlighted. Through my highlighting  I stumbled across the story of Abram and Sarai

Their renaming to Abraham and Sarah was representative of new beginnings and a new covenant. God had a purpose for them for future generations and the names signified this. While we may not change our names when we enter into a new relationship of faith our souls are changed.

May we each experience change that feels like our names have been changed.

Holy one help us to renew our lives so we are new in you. Amen

July 15^th

Renew

Last night I watched the rain come down. It would pour and you couldn't see down the block, and then it would let up and you had to look so close to see the drops. As I watched I saw leaves and garbage cans and other random things float down the street, and I realized how different everything would look in the morning.

In my life I like to believe there are rainstorms that clear out the unwanted people and things and allow for newness. These rainstorms aren't always terrible things but they are situations that allow for revelation  and change. 

May there be rainstorms in your life that lead to newness.

Lord may we welcome change and new things whenever they come our way. Amen

July 16^th

Renew

"Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities have crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day. You shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense."

-Emerson

The best thing about a new day is the fact that you have a clean slate. Sometimes we abuse "tomorrow", pushing everything there with no regard in doing the thing we put there. But tomorrow is here!

Today I challenge you to live to your fullest. You are the smartest, best, most wonderful person right this moment. We are able to begin again every day leaving our fears, doubts and failures behind, ready to start again as a wiser person.

May you embrace today as a day of new beginnings.

Revitalizing God stir in me new things that let me let go of the old. Amen 

July 17^th

Renew

Recently most of the building smells like paint and sawdust on a daily basis. There are so many awesome changes happening this summer at PAUMC and its amazing to see there evolution. To see the removal of a wall, new flooring, the construction of our new elevator, I am in awe of the difference being made!

So many of the changes are necessities, adjusting to the changes of our growing congregation and new needs with programming. This renewal of our physical building is a reminder to me that time to time we all need renewal. This renewal can be physical, emotional and physical.

For me I clean when life feels unbalanced. I will deep scrub the oven, file and organize loose paperwork, vacuum every rug and couch-do the most intense cleaning I can. For me I feel the most renewed and rejuvenated when I do this. It makes me feel ready, able to take on anything.

We need to do things that make our souls and space around us feel nurturing, and encourage us to do the best we can.

Lord may we make shifts to renew ourselves, creating new goals for a better life. Amen

July 18^th

Renew

I love to go vintage clothes shopping. There's something awesome about finding something for a fraction of what it originally cost or finding something perfect to reinvent. When I was at college there were two thrift shops in town that sold vintage clothing. A lot of the stuff was higher end and I loved going in during sales. One day I struck a conversation with the woman behind the counter of my favorite of the shops. I found out she was one of the co-owners. She was older, probably in her 50s, and I asked her why she decided to open this shop. She told me that she had started out working in corporate gigs, and while the money was good she didn't feel fulfilled, rather she was feeling drained.

A friend and her decided they wanted to open a store, they had no small business experience but had a desire to make it work and opened the business with a little faith. They had been open for almost 10years at this point. I asked her how she managed to maintain such high quality merchandise. She said that every week she would go through donations, and they also had a high standard of what could be donated. She told me that their biggest reason for success was that she and her co-owner weren't unwilling to get their hands dirty and be involved in even the smallest process.

I try to think about this little bit of wisdom when I get nervous or scared about new adventures. Renewing moments in life means we begun again.

May we have the courage to begin again.

Lord let me be encouraged and have courage to push forward, trying new things and creating new adventures. Amen.

  

July 19^th

Renew

The office I share at PAUMC is pretty full with paperwork, toys, art supplies and other random things. One of the most common in the random category is toilet paper rolls. We have a decent stockpile that we continually add to. The kids have made various crafts with these rolls and I love seeing the creative things they turn into.

This transformation reminds me how the ordinary can be repurposed to extraordinary. God has shown us time and time again how this happens. It gives me encouragement that I can be used for amazing things. I need to be willing to try new experiences, break the mold and not get stuck in the norm. Extraordinary experiences help us to become renewed in purpose and mission.

Transformative God, help me change the ordinary into extraordinary. Amen 

July 20^th

Renew

 Recently I was talking to someone about college and they shared with me an article on how gender neutral restrooms is becoming norm on many campuses. When I was an undergrad I lived in communities for 2 years where we had this in our bathrooms. It was interesting sharing a bathroom space with 20 men and women. There were issues of not putting toilet seats down, hair being left in the shower and amount time being spent to get ready in the actual bathroom. The whole experience taught me (among other things) that gender doesn't make you cleaner or messier, worse or better.

Since then I keep this experience in my mind. I try to not make generalizations about gender. I have male friends that are cleaner than female friends and female friends who know more about sports than their male counterparts. When I was researching marriage vows a while ago I was disgusted with how many of the vows were gendered in those labeled as "Christian ceremonies". They weren't about being equally yoked but about giving into the authority of the male counterpart since they have been tasked with leading the household (yuck).

Like the experience with gender neutral bathrooms, and finding neutral gender vows I am reminded how time over time we are called to question these pre established systems of control. It is our job to continually question, challenge and argue against the systems being used to subject those socially seen as inferior. I hope that I can provide a place of welcome to all, regardless of gender, race and sexual orientation. I hope that I continue to stand for equality for all. I hope I can live out Jesus's command to love one another.

May we each continually challenge systems of oppression that control our interactions and reactions.

Holy one may I take actions to live out your kindom in this world through my actions and reactions. Amen

Re-Devotional: July 7-13 Refocus

July 7^th

Refocus

Yesterday I went to my home church for the 8am service. As always I was struck by the beauty of the sanctuary as the sun begins to fill the sky, the height of the ceilings, and the welcoming presence of those in attendance. Yet I was also not completely there mentally... As we waited for the service to start I started mentally running the grocery list that I needed to shop for after the service, I was thinking about the thank you card's I had to finish when I got home, and I started to plan how my day off would go as I tried to balance everything that "needs" to be done.

I sung the hymns, read the prayers, passed the peace, listened to the scriptures but I wasn't really worshiping, I was just at a worship service.

"Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30

Then the pastor reread these verses. She said that rest does not mean being lazy, but it means we are partnering with Jesus. The journey we take will continue to have its ups and downs but it will be easier to bear when we yoke ourselves to Christ, connecting to what feeds our soul. 

So today, on my day off, I'm going to do what feeds my soul, what causes me to come to Christ. I may read a book, or bake something crazy, or just spend some time talking to God. The laundry will be there, the cat hair will remain, the dishes may stay clean in the dishwasher...I on the other hand will be going back to my roots, reassessing my priorities, and making time for the One who walks beside me.

May we all make time amidst our hectic lives to refocus where we put our energies too.

Lord, let us not lose sight of you in the busyness of the day-to-day. May we earnestly seek you and make time to commune with you. Amen 

July 8^th

Refocus

When I was in first grade we had to take vision and hearing tests during our gym period. While the hearing test went fine we found out that I had problems reading things close up and needed glasses. Luckily I only needed glasses to read and not for everyday use. When we went to the eye doctor he did some tests and talked to my parents and I. Then he told us he was prescribing me bifocals because it would be easier to train my eyes to look through the different lenses and I would be more likely to use the glasses. It would be easier to just give me regular glasses instead of a specialty lenses but it would be better to have the bifocals for present and future use.

And this is kinda like our faith journey. It's easy to talk to those sitting next to us in the pew and harder to be talk to stranger. Easier to attend worship weekly and harder to get involved with a small group or ministry. Yet to talk to that stranger, join that small group, pushing outside of what is comfortable our faith becomes an integral part of daily living; creating better relationships with others, God and self.

What are the things you need to refocus?

Holy one shift our vision so we can see you more clearly in this world. Amen

July 9^th

Refocus

Recently I stumbled across some old videos from my college choir days. Although not so long ago it was amazing to see how much I’ve changed and reminisce on amazing memories of tours, concerts and unlikely friendships. I was reminded how much I miss choir and the fellowship that came with it. I was also reminded how much I miss singing. There was a point in my life that when I wasn’t in class or working I was at rehearsal.

As I thought more about this gap I was feeling I realized that what I missed most was the fellowship. I missed staying up late with choir friends in dorm rooms, random midnight diner adventures, planning study dates at the library. This community was so important to my development and growth as an individual and leader. So today I’m making a few calls, sending a few facebook messages and shooting out some emails to those who made and make up the community that surrounds me. I plan on being more intentional with these friendships because they are some of the best treasures I have.

Lord, may I treasure those around me and the adventures we have. May I try to be present and live in the moment. Amen   

July 10^th

Refocus

Yesterday was crazy, or at least felt as much. Between deliveries, visits and day-to-day I walked up and down the stairs at least 8 times. This elevator construction has been a test on my leg muscles, stamina and general breathing. It was a bit frustrating that I had to keep leaving my desk for other things not in my plans. But about the fifth time coming up I realized I wasn't slowing down as much, my breathing was a little easier and the flights seemed to appear faster.

As a christian there are times I've gotten frustrated during worship, in prayer and in fellowship. These frustrations have happened when I didn't feel like God was listening, when blessings seemed to pass me, and when I didn't feel God's presence. Yet in each instance I realized it wasn't because there was a DON'T from God but a DON'T from me. I needed to refocus how I looked at the situation to see God's hand in it.

May we not be discouraged but hold fast to the fact that God is always there.

Ever-present God help me to shift my view to see you in every aspect and situation. Amen.

July 11^th

Refocus

A friend of mine posted on twitter "Jesus' invitation is "follow me." No time for details, or getting life together. Just go. Life on the edge." It got me thinking about what a life on the edge should, or does, look like. As I thought about it I realized for many of us that's how we can describe living in NYC.

There's a lot of uncertainty, we don't know how long we will be here or sometimes where our next lease will take us but we seem to take it all in stride. Its what shapes as New Yorkers-transplants or home-grown. There is a sense of trust you have, with yourself and the universe, that it will all work out in the end.

As people of faith that's the promise we have-that it will all work out. New places means new adventures and opportunities for growth. Life on the edge challenges us to be flexible, patient, ready.

I challenge you to do something out of your norm in the next week!

Lord-may I live on the edge for you. Amen

 

July 12^th

Refocus

It's amazing what self care does for mental health. I have always been a person who gives my all to everything I did and do. But giving my all meant I got emotionally invested in things and situations that weren't really important, I needed to learn to separate myself for my own health.

My mom is such an inspiration for me. While she's always been amazing, in the last five years I have been awed by how she balanced looking out for self while taking care of others. One of the things my mom committed to was doing yoga at least 4 days a week. Her commitment to take time for herself, to reset and meditate have caused her to take things at work, church and home in stride. She seems more relaxed and makes meaningful experiences out of everything. Her example challenges me to live fully.

I have been blessed these past few months to try new things, to be surrounded by people who are genuine, to have coworkers who encourage personal development and time for self, and to feel loved. I couldn't say that this adventure would be happening a year ago but I'm so glad I let go of unhealthy situations to allow for a change.

May we all be encouraged to shift how we take care of self-body, mind and soul.

Loving God help each of us are make self a priority, doing something that feeds the soul. Amen

July 13^th

Refocus

Bring a man a fish and he will be fed for a day. Teach a man to fish and he will be fed for a lifetime.

-anon.

As I've been meditating this week on this topic of "Refocus" I've been thinking about what it means long term. I've realized by refocusing my efforts, priorities, and relationships I am also creating a different kind of legacy for those who I mentor, cousins, and others. This legacy is one of intentional living.

Last week a member of my home church died. He was 77 and had been suffering with an illness for 2 months prior. I had worked with this man on church cleanup days and had heard about his exploits in the army and working for the local school system, he always had a story. Now I was not raised in my home church, I've only been involved for the last 2-3 years. My fiance and his family were raised there though and this man was a grandfather of sorts to my fiance and his siblings. They have shared numerous stories of advice he has given, funny moments at church and lots of memories.

As we went to the viewing it was amazing to see the amount of people crammed into this tiny room, but what was more amazing was the amount of laughter. Everyone had a funny story or memory to share and someone would always agree with what was being said. Yes people were hurting but we all knew that he had lived his life to the fullest, giving his all and teaching what he could to anyone who would listen.

It's hard to know if your life has a legacy while you are still here. But I'm trying to live a life as the above quote says; teaching not doing. I'm learning to let go of my need to be in control. I am learning to trust that the only way someone will learn is if they do it themselves. I am changing, continually refocusing to be a better me.

May you live your life fully and with intention, creating meaningful moments for all.

Holy One help us to let go of a need for control and live a life of legacy. Amen

What Does Your Garden Grow?-Sermon 7/13/14

What Does Your Garden Grow?

Fifth Sunday after Pentecost

July 13, 2014

Psalm 119:105-112

Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23

It’s hard to have a garden in New York City. Space, conditions, and time are some of the factors that impact the effectiveness of growing things. In the last 7 years or so there has been a national boom in urban gardening. Rooftops, window boxes, even fenced up areas around trees on the curb have been transformed to grow flowers, fruits and vegetables. New gardening methods have gained popularity, Pinterest is full of small garden ideas, and community gardens are becoming norm in many neighborhoods.

When I was growing up we had a 12-foot raised bed garden at church. The United Methodist Women had been inspired to create and maintain a garden, and teach others how to keep it going. The trustees found the funds and provided the labor. A local hardware store provided the beams and liner for a reduced cost. The Botanical Gardens provided free mulch, soil and seeds. After a few months of planning the side yard had this beautiful raised bed ready to be planted. A few of the United Methodist Women began to plan what would be planted with the seeds we had and then tried to figure how they could make it sustainable. Thus the Saturday Gardening Program was born.

Every Saturday a group of kids from the church and neighborhood gathered in the basement to watch videos about gardening, look through books, make notes in self-decorated notebooks, plant, weed and prune whatever had grown. During these Saturdays we learned about planting in different types of temperatures, the effectiveness of greenhouses, good and bad bugs, and different gardening terms. We were empowered to ask questions, get messy and be assertive. For a group of kids in Brooklyn this was a big deal, and a big adventure.

After a few months of all of this we finally got our first harvest. There is nothing more magical than watching a group of kids eating a green bean fresh off the stem. We were allowed to take some of it home and the rest was sold during coffee hour the next day. There was never a goal for profit, just to share the bounty with all those around. The program lasted about 2 years and the garden itself still produced for another 5 years or so. I don’t know the state of it now but I do still hold the memories and values taught in my heart.

One of the lessons that has always stuck with me was the different types of gardens that use different soils. There have been pamphlets and books written, workshops given and shows created around these various tips. Some plants grow best outside, some can grow wild, some need to be perfectly spaced and some can flourish in artificial conditions. The key is knowing what you’re going to plant because that affects how you prepare the soil.

In our Matthew passage Jesus shares with the disciples the Parable of the Sower. Jesus’ use of parables is a reminder that sometimes we need to tell a story to explain the facts. The use of parables was never to answer questions, for the disciples or for us. Rather they are to provoke us to question and create different thinking.

 In this parable we are told about a sower, a gardener, who was planting some seed. Now as we see there was every intention to plant those seeds well. He had probably prepped the soil, prepared his rows for planting, and waited for a nice day during the right season to begin. Yet we see that as he was sowing some of these seeds fell elsewhere. They fell on the path, on rocky soil and among thorns. None of these seeds could take root and flourish. They died because they weren’t planted correctly. The seeds are the Word of God that take root in our souls and help us blossom. For these seeds they wouldn't thrive without taking root. As we read this passage we can gather that the sower didn’t intentionally plant these seed in hard to grow places rather they fell out as he went.

As Jesus told the disciples each different condition is representative of those around us. Those who don’t understand the word, those who have no root in their faith, and those who let the world hold more value than God. We can all be those people, our faith may waver and our understanding may be limited BUT we are also challenged to continually take action to make a foundation in God and the word. By striving for better understanding and deeper faith we push our roots deeper into the ground, gaining strength. There are certain things that are needed to take root: tilled soil, water, sunshine and room to breathe. These things are needed for plants but for us too.

Without Tilled Soil it becomes difficult for the seed to take root. A seed is not strong enough to push its roots into hard soil or rock.  If the soil has been turned and cared for the seed can easily make a home there. I used to hate tilling the soil, it’s messy. You sit there combing through each bit, removing rocks and twigs, breaking up hard compacted pieces and making sure that there are no weeds. While sitting there you almost feel like there is no point. To till the soil takes work, and lots of it. But by tilling the soil you are committing to the garden, you are preparing the ground the best you can in preparation of the seed and bounty to follow. In our lives how are we shifting our lives to be able to receive God and the Word? What does our soil look like?

Water is needed by all of us. As Christians we are told that Jesus is the living water, ever pouring into us so we never go thirsty. For plants water can make all the difference. Water helps activate processes in the seed to encourage growth; good watering can save a dying plant. But there is a balance to be found. The soil cannot be too wet, since over saturation can drown the seed. In the same way the word can easily be watered down if we don't take time to reflect on a service or message and soak in the understanding. By planning out your personal watering-going to service, joining a small group, doing personal or group bible study you are allowing yourself to be watered regularly to keep hydrated.

We need to be fed. For plants Sunshine, and the process of photosynthesis converts light energy into chemical energy. This process allows for a slow release of energy to feed the plant and allow it to reach its full potential. In the parable we see a seed scorched by the sun. This plant had no protection and was quickly ruined. Any good gardener will tell you to look at where the light falls to determine where you grow your garden. Direct sunlight all the time will quickly make good plants die. The best areas are where sunshine and shade are present. This change in light allows the plant to perform its process to allow for energy to slowly be released. As Christians we need to take time to meditate and reflect on the word for self. This may mean journaling, following a daily devotional that has a study portion, meditating, doing further research on a topic raised or following a challenged poised by the pastor. We need to be actively engaged in the process, reflecting on what was shared so we can share the message with others.

In the parable we see that the seed in the thorns began to grow but couldn’t flourish because there was no Room to Breathe. This is the story for many of us. It doesn't always mean that we make idols of other things but rather we allow other things to take precedence before God and our relationship with. In our young adult gatherings we have talked many times about cellphones and how many of us have work phones or work emails on personal phones. We have talked about how we try to balance the fast paced nature of many of our professions and unplugging from them for self-preservation. We have come to an unofficial understanding that when we go to brunch or somewhere for an event there are no phones out, although emergencies and deadlines are exceptions. It may only be an hour or two that phones are left in pockets or bags but it allows for us to focus on the immediate, creating friendships and memories.

Every time we have a new understanding, deepen our faith or trust in the promises of God our garden grows. This garden while built of our personal seeds is also a reflection of us to others. When those who are unsure or fearful see this they are encouraged to plant seeds for themselves. So I ask you what is in your garden? What traits, habits and understandings are you sharing with others?

In my garden I’m trying to grow kindness, cultivate hospitality, encourage patience, graft love for self and other, and prune honesty. It is a daily adventure to nurture this garden and it becomes easier when others grow similar things. I want to be able to share tips on how to have patience, how to be kind, how to love self. I want these conversations to be able to produce beautiful blooms in my life and the lives of others. I want my garden to not just bloom but explode with faith and understanding of God. It will take time but the harvest is going to be amazing.

It starts with a seed-are you ready to plant and help it grow?

Re-Devotionals: July 1-6, Refresh

I started a July daily email devotional for our young adult ministry at PAUMC. 

I will be posting them by theme on a weekly basis.

July 1st

Refresh

The beauty of a new month is that we get to start at 1 again. Even though its just a date on the calendar sometimes seeing it is enough to jump start promises to myself and shift my energies to new things. For me this July is a refresh for self. After almost 3 years at a job where my spirit was drained and I was not myself I am so excited to not have to continue there and to start a new chapter at PAUMC. This is a big change for me but one that I needed; one that is reaffirming purpose and desires that have long been dormant.

As we begin this new month I encourage you to think about places in your life that need to be refreshed. It may be something as serious as a job change or a geographic move, or maybe something as personal as finding a yoga studio that makes you feel welcomed on the first visit.

May this new month bring new adventures and new beginnings.

Holy one we look to you for a refresh. Cleanse the things that are hurtful and harmful and lead us to ways of newness where we show your love in this world. Amen.

July 2^nd

Refresh

I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. 

Ephesians 1:16

There was a time I would laugh at the above verse, why would anyone pray for me? There was a point in college where I got so bitter with God about one situation after the next that I rejected not only God but the faith of others.  I guess that my mother sensed this because it was about this time she started to end our phone calls with “I love you, God bless you.” These simple words stuck with me. Years later I am grateful for her love and her honesty because in my darkest moments I would hear her voice saying those words. Its hard to hear God, feel God and know the wonderfulness of the Holy One when life sucks.

I am grateful that I was (and am) reminded that I am loved and I am special and someone is thankful for me. I am thankful for all of you, your candor and encouragement, your loving spirits and your silliness. It is a joy to be in fellowship with you and I do remember you in my prayers.

Loving God help me to remember that I am a beloved child and that I am special. Help me to hold on to you in the darkest days. Surround me with your love and care. Amen

July 3^rd

Refresh

God, Redeemer of Israel, The Holy of Israel, says to the despised one, kicked around by the nations, slave labor to the ruling class: “Kings will see, get to their feet—the princes, too— and then fall on their faces in homage Because of God, who has faithfully kept his word, The Holy of Israel, who has chosen you.”

Isaiah 49:7 (The Message)

Sometimes it is so hard to see the plan God has. We have all these plans, wishes and dreams for our lives, our careers, our relationships. Yet I’ve come to realize faithfulness makes all the difference. In the prior verses in the Isaiah passage the prophet is telling us about how wholehearted trust in God led to God doing amazing things for not only the prophet but for future generations. God is a God of promise- we see it in our bible with Abram & Sarai, Noah, Jonah, Joshua, Esther, Paul.

But its hard for us to feel these promises, to see these wonderful things planned for us. Trust is hard. For me it helps to remember the many facets of God; Jehovah Jireh- my provider, Jehovah Rapha -the Lord who heals, Immanuel-God with us, Elohim-the all powerful one. God has many names to meet me in my need, my humanness.

I encourage you to look at some of these names of God and to remember God is there in everything you do and are doing. I encourage you to pray to the name of God that speaks to you right now in whatever situation you are going through.

Mighty God, we come to you in our need searching for guidance and direction. Lead me in your ways, for your glory. Amen.

July 4^th

Refresh

An extended friend of mine (you know friend of a friend) does amazing liturgical elements and worship design. She’s so amazing that she designs, leads, and teaches worship workshops around the country and has helped lead worship at the last two general conferences (the quadrennial gathering of the global UMC). I got to meet her in 2008 and was blown away by the way she gave her all in worship (praising and leading). My interaction with her definitely influenced how I lead. All of this to say I am sharing part of the communion liturgy she wrote for this upcoming communion Sunday following July 4^th.

Holy are you and blessed is your son, Jesus. To those who were imprisoned by status, law, illness, poverty, gender, age, disease, he said, “your belief has set you free. You are a child of God.” He invited disciples, friends and strangers alike to his tables. He proclaimed God’s grace to all with whom he broke bread. He proclaimed God’s love to all with whom he shared the cup. And he told us to remember: freedom has come, and freedom is coming.

-Dr. Marcia McFee

Let us remember today, this independence day, to celebrate not only the nationalism felt by this day but the freedom we are offered by Jesus at the welcome table. May you have filling fellowship with friends and strangers gathered around the (picnic) table.

Liberating God help us to loose what binds us so we can embrace the freedom that is ours through Christ. In the name of the holy one. AMEN

July 5^th

Refresh

When I started looking for inspiration for this week’s theme, “Refresh”, I stumbled on a number of websites and brands promoting personal health, vacation spots, and products for purchase. One of the sites was for a water filter and their slogan read, “Pour out something good”. How appropriate is this statement for us and people on this earth! We need to pour out from ourselves into others; sharing the light and love of God through thought, word and deed. But with this pouring we also need to be filled with something.

There was a picture a friend had hanging in their room of a hand pouring water from a pitcher into another pitcher, and that pitcher overflowed into a bowl. I like to think that God is that hand pouring into us through our fellowship, time in worship and personal time with God. I like to think we are that second pitcher, so filled that we overflow into others! Unfortunately we don’t always take the time to fill our pitcher, and we run this risk of being empty.

On this Saturday I ask you to think about the things that cause your pitcher to fill. Is it time with a friend? time alone? going for a run or to a fitness class? painting a picture? writing a poem? Well DO IT! Nothings stopping you but yourself so go for it!

Lord, help me do the things that help me get closer to you and allow me to share your greatness with others. Let me be a vessel. Amen

July 6^th

Refresh

Communion Sunday has always had a special place in my heart. There's something so beautiful about everyone being invited to the table. Over the last few years I've seen more churches embrace the welcoming nature of communion-from providing wine & grape juice, to  having rice crackers or another gluten free alternative available. But I've also learned how personal communion is. 

I love being able to welcome people to this meal; whether they are first time visitors, long time members, new Christians, or unsure religiously. The welcome is for all and allows for a new start every time.

 

"Welcome, welcome to this place. You're invited to come and know Gods grace. All are welcome, the love of God to share. Yes, all of us are welcome here, all are welcome in this place." -Mark Miller

I hope you find a place today to join in a communion table of sorts, to give fear and worry to God and embrace the radical hospitality of the Holy One. May you be refreshed in mind, body & soul.

 

Lord we thank you for new beginnings, opportunities and reminders of your love and care. Help me to embrace your hospitable welcome. Amen 

Fill Me- A Pentecost Sermon

June 8, 2014

Acts 2:1-21

John 7:37-39                                                                                     

When I was in elementary school we took a class trip to Ellis Island. After a school bus ride into Manhattan and a trip on the ferry we stood in front of this massive building that towered over us and sparkled in the sun. We entered into the great hall and it took my breath away.

See we had spent the past few weeks learning about immigration and this building. We had a contest for memorizing the poem on the Statue of Liberty. We read narratives and wrote our own imaginary ones about the immigrant’s journey. We had written reports about our personal ancestry and had even interviewed our parents about our family. But nothing had prepared me for how walking into that place would make me feel.

It was an afternoon so the whole island was fairly vacant, and as we walked into the mostly empty Great Hall I was in awe. The pictures didn’t make this room seem this big, the people looked so cramped in the photos, and everything sparkled in front of me but looked dull in the photos. Yet as I continued to walk through the various rooms with my class I began to feel pride, pride in these people who had risked so much for a new life, a dream. I started thinking of my great grandfather who may have walked through some of these same rooms and how grateful I was for him.

As I’ve reflected on this trip as I have gotten older I realized how much that experience has shaped me, molded my need to understand each person’s history, formed my theology.

Now my understanding of my family’s history has been given to me through food. I grew up in a family of bakers. My mother is the cookie queen and my grandmother made every birthday cake for me and my sister from birth to high school. It wasn’t until college that I learned that most people don’t cream butter by hand for chocolate chip cookies. But in learning techniques and skills for baking I also got to talk to my mother and learn about her childhood, her parents, her family and my history. These unplanned moments were the best moments and they are something I will treasure my entire life.

Yet my story is not different from any of you here, we all come to this place with our personal history and our emotional baggage for a similar reason, faith. Diversity is something the Methodist church has embraced throughout it history and its something our church here at Park Ave encompasses and its something we even see in the early church’s beginnings. Diversity is key to our makeup and the makeup of the church.

In our Acts passage we are told a story, a story of the disciples being touched by the Holy Spirit. And while that is an important part of the narrative I want to talk more about what happened after they had been touched. Each disciple began to speak in another language. The miracle is that NONE of them spoke anything besides Aramaic yet here they were not just talking but prophesying to others.

I believe that each disciple was sharing their personal testimony with those around them. We do not know what is said! As long as this passage is there is no specific wording until Peter addresses the crowd. I believe Simon-Peter talked about being taken from being a fishermen on his fathers boat to a fisher of men, I believe James talked about leaving his fathers house to go out on his own, Matthew talked about how he cheated others as tax collector and how he has now been forgiven. Each disciple shared their journey, their uncertainty, their fear, and the people heard “in our own languages we hear them speaking about Gods deeds of power.” What are the deeds that God has put in our life??

What things can we share that make up our faith? I would share about Ms. Carolyn who encouraged the children growing up to sing loud & proud, even if it was off-key, about Ms. Sophine who always had a word of encouragement, Mr. Bill who was always willing to get messy with the kids; people who have encouraged my love for God and my desire to me in ministry.

So I ask each of you, what are our testimonies?  How do we understand the gifts we have been given by God? How do we share the Holy Spirit working in our lives with others???

In our John passage Jesus talks about rivers of living water. I believe that we are each touched by the Holy Spirit just like the disciples and moved to share our stories and our belief; to be rivers of living water. We have been poured into by our friends, our families, our friends, our mentors, and we are called to fill others around us.

Why I am a Christian is not why you are, what I believe is not identical to your belief. And that’s ok! When we embark on this faith journey we are continually learning from ourselves and others and we are called to fill others with the knowledge we have.

God promises to use us all. God promises that we all have a purpose as followers of the Most High. “Your young men shall see visions and your old men shall dream dreams”[1]. Let us be a people set on fire with the spirit of God to pour into others.

As our hymn says, everything we do should glorify God! “Let every instrument be tuned for praise! Let all rejoice who have a voice to raise! And may God give us faith to sing always Alleluia!”[2]

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[1] Acts 2:17b, New Revised Standard Version

[2] “When in Our Music God is Glorified” United Methodist Hymnal #68

The Voice of The Shepherd-A Mother's Day Sermon

May 11, 2014

Acts 2:42-47

John 10:1-10

Over the last few years  numerous friends have had children. This life shift has been so interesting in their lives and in our friendships. Many of them found out the gender as soon as they could and picked a name for the baby very soon after. Some of them had lists of names based on family members, favorite books or TV shows, biblical names, or just ones that they as people liked. While some held more stock in the naming process than others they all put thought into it and it began to shape the identity of this little person.

When I was in 1^st grade one of our projects was to write about the origin of our names. We were supposed to interview our parents about why they choose our names and then do basic research on the meaning of them. While some of my friends were named after great-grandparents or other family members I had hopes that I too was named after something amazing! Maybe it was after Catherine the Great or a favorite childhood teacher or some long-lost relative.  I learned that my mother just liked my name, and I was given the same middle name as my grandmother in her honor. Boring! When my sister had the same project a few years later it was even worse because she was given her first name because it had the same number of letters as mine did, my mother didn’t want us fighting over that, and her middle name was from our other grandmother. We both also knew that if we had been boys we would be named Nicholas in memory of our great-grandparents. Yet as time went on I realized how grateful I was for the names I was given, names mixed with new and family history.

In our bibles we see the importance of names. What you are called has a purpose, an intended meaning and a responsibility. Abram becomes Abraham, Sarai becomes Sarah, John the Baptist is named through his father by God, Jesus means Messiah. In the book of Matthew we are even given a genealogy of Jesus’ lineage  in the first 17 verses. We see names from the Old Testament, important names of people of faith. Yet even with this history and societal expectation of the Messiah we see a man unlike any other, doing things never seen before, with a purpose and a calling. The hymns during Christmas and Easter utilize the many names we have given Jesus, names filled with hopes and fears and expectation; Emmanuel, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Prince of Peace, the Great Shepherd.

These names are reminders of the many facets that make up Jesus and make up each one of us. As people of faith we come to this place with our stuff, our dreams, ideals, and assumptions yet once here we are united as one. Each of us adds something to this space.

In our New Testament lesson Paul shows us the community of Christ, those who have heard the teachings and seen the signs performed by Jesus and his disciples, those who have believed. Yet nowhere in this passage is the name of Jesus mentioned. His guiding example is what we see and what we are called to act upon. Paul shows us that the actions of the faithful caused their numbers to grow and many to believe. In some way we are also challenged-how have we brought others to know Jesus? What have we done as individuals and in community to live lives of hospitality and example?

Our gospel lesson is another parable from Jesus. Shepherds and sheep are examples we have seen since the Old Testament. There is an intimacy in shepherding and a level of care that is seemingly uncommon in our day to day. Many shepherds name their sheep based on their behaviors. When an outsider looks at the sheep it can be hard to tell them apart because the understanding of each sheep isn't as deep as the shepherd. It makes very little sense how one person can lead a large group of sheep from spot to spot with little wandering off. Yet when we examine this we see the control of the shepherd is in his voice. The shepherds voice is stern and soothing. Only the shepherd can calm a sheep who is hurt or trapped, only the shepherd can quickly get the sheep in and out of their corral.

Friends, we are called to be shepherds working with the great shepherd. This doesn't mean we are called to be authoritative or bossy, rather we are called to be caring members who nurture and calm those around us, a mothering of sorts. We are shepherds because we help to bring others to God and the kin-dom in this world. As the living examples of God, representatives of the holy community what names are we calling others?

When I held my godson for the first time he was a little over a month old. His eyes were so alert and he kept turning his head, trying to capture everything around him. All it took was his name in a quiet voice and suddenly the most beautiful eyes stared at me. He knew his name and he knew that he could trust that calming voice saying it. I wish that I so readily turned to the voice of God.

As wanderers in this world the voice of god is calling each of us by name. This voice calls us out of dangerous places, the voice calls us to the greenest of pastures. When the voice of God calls us will we answer? What will we say? I hope we can say something like:

“Here am I, Catherine, Child of God ready to do your will in this world.”

But even as we answer the voice of God,  as I declare my own name, as we claim our identities, how are we helping others claim there’s?? How are we helping them to embrace the paths God has set before them?

We must call each other by our names, not our status, not our job, not our addictions, not our baggage, but by name.  Jesus knows each of us is special, sacred beings for Gods glory. When we answer the voice of God we become shepherds and like Jesus we then see each of our fellow beings as sacred and special

On this mothers day I want to challenge each of you to embrace the spirit of the shepherd and be a mothering presence in the lives of all around you. Ask the names and use them. Each name, each person, has history, has gifts that need to be shared. Our individual purposes and our individual gifts are needed to bring new life to the world. Will you help Jesus to feed His sheep?

Do you see what I see?

Friends-Below is the last sermon I preached 3/30/14.I'm trying to be better on posting! Until then enjoy the below based on 1 Samuel 16:1-13 and John 9:1-41.

-Cat

Every Christmas season since I was little there is always a service where the children's choir gets up and sing, "Do you hear what I hear?”.  With gusto, and possibly not enough enthusiasm, these little ones would share the story of Jesus' birth through the perspective of various onlookers, to all assembled. The seemingly innocent questions posed within the song cause us as listeners to think. "Do you know what I know? Do you hear what I hear? Do you see what I see?"

I think these questions asked during Christmas in song are even more important to ask during the season of lent; questions asked to the disciples and to us today. During this year in the liturgical calendar we have looked at many defining moments in the ministry of Jesus.

On the first Sunday we talked about Jesus being tempted in the wilderness and were reminded that evil is present but faith prevails. Last week we talked about the Samaritan woman at the well and living water; Pastor Cathy talked about chance encounters and how we should be attentive to the many opportunities to encounter others during our daily lives. In our gospel this week we see another of these chance encounters Jesus makes. This time we meet a man blind from birth who is granted sight to show the Pharisees their blindness.

One of the largest differences between each story is the audience being addressed within. The first encounter is Jesus and the devil-where the devil tried to tempt him after 40 days of fasting in the wilderness, the second the woman and Jesus-where the woman goes off joyfully after their exchange at the well proclaiming the news of Jesus to her village, this week the encounter includes the blind man, Jesus, disciples and the Pharisees-where the healing of a socially labeled sinner causes the leaders to question themselves and make a scene of this man’s healing. Each story is pivotal in the narrative of Jesus's ministry and in our Christian faith; evil is present, we must be ready for chance encounters, we need to see. And just like Jesus for us these moment happen with self, in relationship to others and in the larger community.

Now sight is one of our most important senses. I remember being 8 and going through a dark touch tunnel maze. In the maze you couldn't see anything so you relied on your other senses to make it out. The trick was if you kept your hand on the wall as you crawled through you would reach the exit. Yet a few friends who kept on hitting dead ends went from helplessness to absolute fear at being blind within the maze. When I was older I went to that same maze as a counselor and saw that the staff had night vision cameras in the tunnel and watched every child as they went through, when a child completely lost it they were able to open a hatch along the maze and pull the frightened child out, being a light in the darkness and helping to ease the fear. While I’m not afraid of the dark anymore I still get a bit nervous when I can’t see where I am, and I think that’s part of human nature. Yet I also believe that there is a saving grace in every dark moment. In this week’s scripture readings there are three types of blindness we are introduced to; physical, spiritual and resistant, spiritual and willing.

Our John passage tells of a man blind at birth who Jesus saw on the side of the road begging. This man was a social outcast, born without sight, living every day in darkness, never expecting to be healed and being able to see. Yet once sight was granted he was excited and grateful. Neighbors, strangers and the Pharisees all questioned this man and he gave the same answer; "he put mud on my eyes, I washed them and now I see. Yes I was blind from birth. No I don't know who he is but he must be someone powerful, someone to be followed". In his blindness this man lived his life as best as he could and in his sight he did the same. The blindness was a hindrance but not a defining factor of this man. In the passage Margaret read the man tells the Pharisees “you do not know where he comes from, yet he opened my eyes.” This man of no faith was instantly changed, unable to explain but able to understand the power of Jesus. Who is this Jesus and how has this been shown to us? What things are in our lives blocking our way to the kin-dom of God? This is the question for us from the man- “Do you know what I know?”

In this same passage we see the resistance of the Pharisees, religious leaders of the time, to the power and majesty of Jesus. They could not believe that this sinner had been healed, obviously it was a sham. These leaders went as far as questioning neighbors and this man’s parents to make sure he really was blind! We see in verse 34 that they went as far as driving this man out of the synagogue and the town because of their lack of understanding. The man shared his testimony over and over again yet the Pharisees did not listen. It was as if he was shouting “Do you hear what I hear?” and the Pharisees had plugs in their ears! But how often are we just like the Pharisees, hearing the sound of words of wisdom but not listening to the words being said? How often do we try not to reflect on a poignant message from church or from conversation with others because we don’t want the truth? What are we hearing????

In our Old Testament reading we are introduced to Samuel, another religious leader. Unlike the Pharisees in the Gospel he listened to Gods direction, although it took him some time to see Gods vision. God sent Samuel to Jesse saying that the next king of Israel was among his sons. Samuel looked at each son of Jesse; some were tall, others were strong, and yet others had a commanding presence, all processing kingly qualities. Each time Samuel asked if this was the one, the Lord’s anointed, and each time he was told no. It wasn’t until David was seen that God declared that this was the king of Israel, “…for the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” David was a shepherd, the youngest, a gentle soul but it was his heart that God saw and knew made him the best choice. Do we see the path God has in store? I think there is such importance with not only the anointing but how Samuel reacted to Gods directive. He did not get upset or frustrated with God, rather he kept pursuing until the right answer was found. He saw God vision for Israel and acted towards it. What is God calling for this community to do in this world? Do we see what God sees?

Friends as we continue on this Lenten journey together maybe all the questions and confusion and uncertainty boil down to the song from the children. “I’m gonna live so God can use me anywhere, anytime.” I pray that we take the rest of this season to deepen our understanding of God, to hear the words of wisdom, to see the grace of Jesus in all our interactions and every moment of every day. May we be granted new eyes to see all the wonders in front of us. Praise be to God.