Rural Minnesota Ministry

Readings for February 19, 22, and 26, 2012

2012-02-14T10:24:00.000-06:00

Hello Everyone,

I will be away a couple of weeks to visit my ailing father and help Mom where I can. Readings, without comment, for the next two weeks are:

February 10, 2012, Transfiguration Sunday
2 Kings 2:1-12 – Elijah goes to Heaven
Psalm 50:1-62
Corinthians 4:3-6– Light of the Gospel, Jesus the image of God
Mark 9:2-9 – The Transfiguration on the Mount

February 22, 2012, Ash Wednesday
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 – Turn to God who is gracious and merciful
or Isaiah 58:1-12 – False and True Worship
Psalm 51:1-17
2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10 – Be reconciled with God
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 – From the Sermon on the Mount: Almsgiving, Prayer, and Fasting

February 26, 2012, First Sunday in Lent
Genesis 9:8-17 – God’s covenant with Noah
Psalm 25:1-10
1 Peter 3:18-22 – Christ suffered to bring us to God
Mark 1:9-15 – Baptism and Temptation of Jesus

Have a great couple of weeks reading the Word of God.

Readings for February 12, 2012

2012-02-07T13:22:00.000-06:00

Hello Everyone,

Peace, Hope and Love in Christ to you this day.

The Old Testament and Gospel readings this week focus on the disease of leprosy. As many scripture commentaries point out, leprosy in the Bible is quite different from the leprosy we know today. Any skin condition whether it was acne, rosacea, some persistent rash or actual leprosy was called leprosy. Not knowing about these different skin conditions meant that everyone avoided the person with it for fear of contracting it. Today’s leprosy is called Hansen’s Disease, is caused by a couple of bacteria, and is curable with the proper medications when detected early. Here is the Wikipedia article on leprosy: Click here

Our readings this week are:

2 Kings 5:1-14 – The full story is contained in all of chapter 5. It is a story of faith, or the lack thereof, the finding of faith, the generosity of the prophet, and the greed of the prophet’s servant. What is the name of the man with leprosy? What is his job? Where does he come from? Who tells him about the prophet in Samaria? Where does his king send him (and it is not to the prophet) and what does his send with him? What is the response of the King of Israel? Who is the prophet of Samaria (Israel)? What are the prophet’s instructions to the man with leprosy? What is the man’s response? Who convinces him to follow the instructions? What happened? These questions only take us through verse 14, so please read the rest of the chapter for the full story.

Psalm 30 – In this Psalm of Praise the psalmist gives thanks to God for several things: for not letting his foes rejoice, for healing, and for life when he was near death. In verse 4, who does the psalmist call on to praise God? What are the 2 comparisons in verse 5? Verse 6 points to the psalmist being wealthy and having a attitude of self-sufficiency. In the last half of verse 7, how did the psalmist experience God? What is his plea in verses 8-10? What did God do in response to the psalmist’s plea (verses 11-12)?

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 – This is a continuation of Paul’s argument that he tries to be all things to all people so that he may win a few to Christ which he does for the sake of the Gospel (verses 22-23). Here he uses an analogy of runners in a long distance race. He runs the race with purpose and not aimlessly. He “punishes his body” so that he may proclaim the message and not be disqualified. How many times in the last 20 years or so have we seen an evangelist lead many to Christ only to have some sexual or financial impropriety come to light that disgraces his/her ministry causing some to leave the faith?

Mark 1:40-45 – Who comes to Jesus and what does he ask Jesus to do? What emotion does Jesus experience and what does he do? (If your Bible has a footnote next to the emotion check it out. Ancient texts have two different words here. Most Bibles use the less strong emotion but I think the writer of Mark may have used the stronger emotion for Jesus.) As Jesus sends the man away, what does he tell him to do? What does the man in fact do and what is the result for Jesus?

Have a great week in God’s Word! May you be strengthened and moved to serve God and neighbor.

Readings for February 5, 2011

2012-01-31T17:11:00.002-06:00

Hello Everyone,

Today, the New York Times, in their “Room for Debate” series, had five interesting takes on Mormonism. Of course, many people are concerned about presidential candidate Mitt Romney being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints (LDS or Mormon). Here is the link:

What Is It About Mormons?

I grew up out west and many of my friends were Mormon, including a girl I tried to date in 10th grade. I learned a little bit about Mormonism and was never convinced of their faith claims. Mormons, in many respects, should be admired by most Americans: 80% tithe to their church, most serve a year or two in mission between high school and college, the divorce rate is very low, and family values are held in highest esteem (if only our churches and their people could live up to those standards). Their social ideals, whether you agree with them or not, are not much different then the Catholic Church or many conservative evangelical Protestant churches.

So, should people not vote for Mitt Romney solely because he is a Mormon? No. If you agree with his politics, his being a Mormon should not be an impediment.

A bigger question being raised by many is, “Are Mormons Christian?” If you define “Christian” as simply being a follower of Jesus Christ, as the Mormon Church says it is, then yeah, maybe. However, the theology and basic tenets do not match the historic creeds, Nicene Creed and Apostles’ Creed, espoused by all Christian Churches - Orthodox, Catholic, and the denominations of the Protestant Churches. For instance, we believe that God and Jesus have a relationship of Father-Son AND we believe that Jesus is one with God, that is Jesus is God. Mormons believe the first but not the second. This is but one of many points of difference.

So, are Mormons Christian? In my opinion, no. But that should not preclude anyone from supporting and voting for a politician with whom they agree who also happens to be Mormon.

Enough of my soapbox! On to the texts!

Isaiah 40:21-31 – I often use part of this passage, verses 28-31 along with verses 1-8, in funeral services. After a series of questions in verses 12-20, the prophet begins to offer the answer: God. The main question is asked in verse 27: where is God in all our troubles (many Israelites are exiled in Babylon)? Verses 28-31 are the reply: God has not forgotten his people and he will strengthen them so that they may soar like eagles.

Psalm 147:1-11, 20c – A psalm of praise for God who creates all things. You may as well read the entire psalm because it continues the list of all that God does. My main question: despite all of these great things, in whom does the Lord delight and take pleasure?

1 Corinthians 9:16-23 – Following his discussion on the eating of meat sacrificed to animals Paul defends the rights of apostles to be supported by the church. Beginning in verse 15 Paul argues that he has not made use of that right. His one duty/obligation is to proclaim the gospel and if something he does would subtract from that message then he won’t do it. When proclaiming the Gospel to Jews then he will live up to their standards so as to not appear a hypocrite and thus push them away from the Gospel. The same holds true for other people: those outside the law (Gentiles), the weak, and others. The ultimate goal is to win some people to the Gospel. Is there anything in your life that would cause others to reject Christ?

Mark 1:29-39 – Whose house did they go to spend the night? Who was there and was sick? What does this tell us about Simon (Peter)? After sundown (that is, after the Sabbath) who came to the house? What did Jesus do for them? Before sunrise where did Jesus go and for what reason? Why do you think everyone was searching for Jesus? Where did Jesus want to go and why? What was the message Jesus wanted to proclaim (see 1:15)?

May the good new, the Gospel, fill you up and may you share the Good News with all you meet this week!

Readings for January 29 2012

2012-01-24T16:50:00.002-06:00

Hello Everyone,

BK sends out a weekly email to the members of the GE Choir and it usually contains a pun. The pun this week is “Atheism is a non-prophet organization.” I don’t know about you but I chuckled.

And speaking of “prophets” the Old Testament (also known as the Hebrew Scriptures or the Tanakh; see here for the meaning and derivation of the word) lesson in Deuteronomy is all about the prophets that come after Moses.

Deuteronomy 18:15-20 – This passage actually finishes with verses 21 and 22 which concerns discerning true and false prophets. Who is speaking here (the majority of the book is essentially his last will and testament)? Why is it necessary for the people of Israel to have prophets? What should the people do when they hear the words of a prophet and what will happen if they don’t? What will happen to a prophet who speaks in the name of other gods? What will happen if they speak false words claimed to be God’s?

Psalm 111 – Where will the psalmist give thanks for the Lord? Describe the “Works of the Lord”. What has the Lord done? In verse 4, how is the Lord described? In verse 9, what did the Lord do?

1 Corinthians 8:1-13 – This is the entire chapter. What is the main concern for Paul and the Corinthians in this passage? The primary source of meat in Corinth in those days was from the animals slaughtered at the many temples to the false gods of the Greeks and Romans. Why would this be a problem? What is Paul’s rationale? What is his ultimate decision? How would this apply in our lives today? What should we do?

Mark 1:21-28 – Where does Jesus and the first disciples go? What did they do on the Sabbath? What did Jesus do first and why was the congregation amazed? Who interrupts the proceedings and what does he say? What was the response of Jesus? Again, what was the congregation’s response? What are the demons of our times? How should we respond?

Have a great week studying the Word of God and may that study bless you in all you do.

Readings for January 22, 2012

2012-01-17T17:56:00.002-06:00

Yeah!!!! Jonah’s Back. So here we go.

Jonah 3:1-5, 10 – PLEASE, Please, please read all of Jonah. It is only 4 chapters long. Here is the synopsis and with only one question: Jonah is called to go east to Nineveh but hops a ship to go west. Ship runs into a nasty storm and as a last straw the crew throws Jonah overboard. Jonah is swallowed by a (pay attention here) large FISH, not a whale. Jonah prays to God. Fish vomits Jonah up on a beach. Jonah goes to Nineveh as prophesied “Forty days more and Nineveh will be overthrown.” All of Nineveh repents, from the king to all the people to even the animals and God has mercy. Jonah pouts and pouts (he hates Nineveh). God makes a bush grow and die and then chastises Jonah. What does Jonah do? That is the question for us today.

Psalm 62:5-12 – Verses 5 and 6 are a repeat of verses 1 and 2. Verses 3 and 4 tell us that the psalmist is suffering at the hand of others. Who is the psalmist waiting for and why? Who is the psalmist speaking to in verses 8-10? What does he want them to do? What 2 things belong to God in verses 11-12? What does the last part of verses 12 say to you and how do you resolve it with Paul’s teaching that all are saved by faith alone?

1 Corinthians 7:29-31 – This is the second week of five we will spend in 1 Corinthians. This can be a difficult passage to understand. What is Paul asking believers to do and why? What is Paul’s expectation when he wrote the letter? What about our times? How should we behave?

Mark 1:14-20 – Mark is in a hurry to tell his story so he doesn’t elaborate on the details. Verses 12 and 13 are about Jesus’ temptation with no details. So too verses 14 and 15 about the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. Just a brief mention. Matthew 4 and Luke 4 give more detail to both. Where is Jesus in verse 16? Who were the first two disciples and what was their occupation? What did Jesus say they will do? Who were the next two disciples? Who was their father? What were they doing at the time?

One more thing. Please keep my father in your prayers. He has had a rough 3 weeks and has been in and out of the hospital 3 or 4 times. It seems that when the doctors figure one thing out something else goes wrong. Thank you.

Readings for Sunday, January 15, 2012

2012-01-10T15:57:00.001-06:00

Our readings this week, the Second Sunday after Epiphany, are all about being called (and not the ring-ring type of call, although, who is to say that God couldn’t do it that way). As you read the lessons, think about any feelings of being called in your life. Did you ignore God’s call or did you follow through?

1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20) – To get the background on this story, please read 1 Samuel 1 and 2. There is lots of intrigue in those two chapters. There is competition between the two wives of Elkanah, Hannah, who has no children, and Peninnah, who has several. And the two sons of the priest Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, are wicked and God will not let them follow in their father’s profession. A miracle happens and Hannah give birth to Samuel whom she dedicates to the Lord by giving him to Eli when he is weaned. Which brings us to this reading. What was not happening in Israel? What is the matter with Eli? What does Samuel hear and what does he do? What is Eli’s response? How many time did this happen? What was Eli’s final instruction and what happened to Samuel? What did Samuel become as he grew up?

Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 – I am not sure why the Lectionary Committee left out verses 7-12 because they fit very well with the other verses. I can certainly understand why they left off verses 19-24 because the Psalmist asks the Lord to destroy the wicked. In verses 1-6, what does the Lord know and do? In verses 7-12, where can the Psalmist go to avoid the presence of God? In verses 13-18, what did and will God do for the Psalmist and what is his response?

1 Corinthians 6:12-20 – As I read through this passage I couldn’t quite figure out what it has to do with being called. I suppose that when we are called by God and we follow our entire being, heart, mind, soul, and body, should be dedicated to God. What is the primary concern of Paul in this paragraph? To whom does our body belong? What happens when we are united to the Lord? What should our bodies be for the Lord and why?

John 1:43-51 – We should really read verses 35-42 in conjunction with these verses and my questions will include them. In verses 35-42, where is the location of the action? What does John the Baptizer proclaim about Jesus? Two of John’s disciples follow Jesus, one named and one unnamed. Who is the named disciple? Who is his brother? What did the first brother say to the other? What did Jesus rename the second brother as? Look at the notes in your Bible. What does that new name mean? Who did Jesus encounter on the next day (verse 43)? Who did this person go to get and what was their relationship? What did Jesus say of this new brother? What was the conversation between Jesus and this new brother? What are the names of the four named disciples?

How has God called you? What did or what do you say in response, “Here am I” or “What good comes out of Nazareth?”

May you hear God’s call once again this week!

Readings for Sunday, January 8, 2012

2012-01-03T13:01:00.001-06:00

Peace and Goodwill to all in the New Year,

First, I would like to remind everyone that our one and only Bible Study at each church is changing times. The study at Grey Eagle UMC is moving from Thursday nights to Wednesday afternoons at 1:00 PM. The study at Peace United Church is moving from Wednesday nights to Wednesday afternoons at 3:00 PM. The new times start tomorrow, January 4. For the first four weeks we will be studying “The Verbs of God: How God Moves on Our Behalf” with Margaret Feinberg giving the lessons on DVD. She writes, “The Verbs of God remind us that God is a God of movement and he’s in the business of redeeming, restoring, and renewing us. By looking at just how active God is in scripture, we’re reminded of how active he is in our lives each and every day. In the process, we find our hope in God and resolve to follow God strengthened.” This will be a good follow-up to our Covenant Renewal Service we had this past Sunday. I hope to see you there.

Friday is Epiphany (please refer to my newsletter article") and the lessons, without comment, are:

Isaiah 60:1-6
Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14
Ephesians 3:1-12
Matthew 2:1-12

I sent those readings, one of four sets, in my email last week. This coming Sunday is celebrated as “The Baptism of the Lord” and the lessons are:

Genesis 1:1-5 – What was the earth like when God created it? What swept over the waters? I will answer that question because the one Hebrew word “rauch” can be translated three ways in English: Spirit, breath, or wind. It might be helpful to hold in tension all three understandings in our minds when we hear “the ‘rauch’ of God”. What are God’s first words? What happened as a result? And what did God think of this happening and what did God name it? What three things in these 5 verses would relate to our Gospel reading?

Psalm 29 – What is the primary subject of verses 3-9? Where is this thing and what is it able to do? What are the final two wishes of the psalmist?

Acts 19:1-7 – Who did Paul find in Ephesus when he got there? What did he ask these people? What hadn’t they received when they became believers? What did Paul do so that they would receive this? What did the people do following Paul’s action? How many were there?

Mark 2:4-11 – Where did John the Baptizer appear and what did he do? What did he look like? Who came to see him? What was his proclamation? Who showed up while John the Baptizer was active? What did John do for Jesus? What three things happened as Jesus was coming out of the water?

Some additional questions to ponder – Do you remember your baptism? If not, do you remember your confirmation? How was your life changed? Was it a sudden shift or did the changes come slowly over time? If you do not believe that you were ever baptized please contact me because I can help.

May the Spirit of God affirm God’s love to you through your encounter with God’s Word.

Newsletter article for January 2012

2012-01-03T12:58:00.002-06:00

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

And before you say that I am late on my “Merry Christmas” I must tell you that Christmas happens twice each year. Protestants and Catholics celebrate on December 25 and the Orthodox stream of Christianity celebrates Christmas on January 6, which is Epiphany. So, Merry Christmas one more time!

And that brings me to the subject of Epiphany. It is a Christian holy day (holiday) that actually predates Christmas. With a capital “E” the word refers to this holy day but with a small “e” it mean “the appearance or manifestation, usually of a deity” or “a sudden, intuitive perception of or insight into the reality or essential meaning of something, usually initiated by some simple, homely, or commonplace occurrence or experience.” (These are the 2nd and 3rd definitions given on www.dictionary.com.)

Epiphany, the holy day, is the least celebrated of the holy days (Easter, Pentecost, Christmas, Ash Wednesday and Epiphany). Only when it falls on a Sunday is it taken seriously by some Protestant denominations. (I would venture to say that Catholics and especially Orthodox give it more respect.) The Protestant denominations that follow the church calendar, roughly Advent (4 weeks), Christmas (12 days), Epiphany (5 to 9 weeks), Lent (6 weeks), Easter (7 weeks), and Pentecost (all the rest of the year), usually skip the actual day of Epiphany and jump from the first or second Sunday after Christmas to the Baptism of Jesus Sunday, the first after Epiphany.

On Epiphany, the church celebrates the manifestation of God to humanity in his son, Jesus. In Luke 2, Jesus as a Jewish baby is presented to God and the Jewish faith at the Temple. In Matthew 2, the rest of the world, represented by the Magi from the east, recognizes the new king in their visit to Bethlehem. This story is the primary celebration of Epiphany for all three strains of Christianity. The Orthodox Churches also celebrates the birth of Jesus, his naming (Luke 2:21), his presentation at the temple (Luke 2:22-38), his childhood (Luke 2:41-52) and his Baptism in the River Jordan (Matthew 3:13-17, Mark 1:9-11, Luke 3:21-22). It is at the Baptism that the Spirit of God comes upon Jesus and the voice of God declares him to be the beloved Son.

How has God been made manifest (defined as “readily perceived by the eye or the understanding; evident; obvious; apparent; plain”) in you and in our churches? When did you have that “sudden, intuitive perception of or insight into the reality or essential meaning” of God’s love for you and his offer of salvation through Jesus Christ? When did you awake to the idea or feeling that life truly has meaning when it is lived in Christ? How have you made Christ manifest to others? What have our churches done that people can look at us and declare that Christ lives in us?

May Christ be manifest in all of us in 2012!

Many readings for Sunday, January 1, 2012

2011-12-27T15:48:00.002-06:00

Thank you to all who were at our Christmas Eve services and to those who helped out by reading one of the scriptures.

Special note – Newsletter articles should be in by tomorrow, Wednesday, December 28.

Of course, as we are aware, this coming Sunday is New Year’s Day. One tradition many Americans have on this day is to make a resolution to do something positive in the coming year: lose weight, exercise more, eat less, save more, spend less, etc. Of course, I need to do all these things but I never put them into a resolution because of my high probability of failing. I only make one resolution each year and that is to make no resolutions. Of course, this means that I immediately fail the resolution because I just made a resolution.

Then there is our baptismal covenant, promised for many of us when we were babies by our parents and later reconfirmed at our confirmation or promised directly by many of us when we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Do you remember that covenant? Do you remember the promises you made? Most of us don’t remember the exact words but we do remember the general tenor of it. On January 1, this coming Sunday, you will have a chance to remember and to recommit to that covenant. This “Covenant Renewal Service” first arose out of the Puritan community in England in the 17th Century and was adapted by John Wesley and the Methodist movement in the 18th Century. I believe it is a service that transcends denominations as the service calls us to remember and reminds us of God’s faithfulness to us. Join us this Sunday at 9:00 AM at Grey Eagle UMC or 10:30 AM at Peace United Church to renew your covenant with God.

There are several sets of readings for this Sunday, one for the First Sunday after Christmas, one for New Year’s Day, and one for Epiphany Sunday (the 12 days of Christmas runs from December 25 to January 5 and Epiphany is always on January 6). I will also use some other lessons for the Covenant Renewal Service.

First Sunday after Christmas:
Isaiah 61:10-62:3 – God clothes us in salvation and I will not keep silent.
Psalm 148 – God’s glory is revealed in all the universe. Praise God!
Galatians 4:4-7 – God sent his Son, born of a woman, at the fullness (right?) time so we may be adopted as God’s children.
Luke 2:22-40 – Jesus is named (verse 21), the family goes to the temple for their purification and they meet Simeon and Anna, and they return to Nazareth.

Epiphany Sunday:
Isaiah 60:1-6 – God’s glory is revealed and visitors shall bring gold and frankincense.
Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 – A prayer for God’s guidance and support for the king of Israel.
Ephesians 3:1-12 – Paul is prisoner to the Gospel because the mystery of God’s plan has been revealed in Christ.
Matthew 2:1-12 – This Magi follow a star and find the new born King

New Year’s Day:
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 – There is a time for everything as we sing the song by the Byrds.
Psalm 8 – What are humans compared to the stars, moon, and planets in the heavens, yet God sets humans above angels to care for creation.
Revelation 21:1-6a – A new heaven and a new earth.
Matthew 25:31-46 – The Judgment of the Nations

Covenant Renewal Service:
Joshua 24:14-18 – “As for me and my family, we will follow the Lord.”
Jeremiah 31:31-34 – The Lord will bring a new covenant that is written on the heart.
1 Peter 1:13-25 – A call to holy living as the Word of the Lord endures forever.
John 15:1-17 – Jesus is the true vine; abide in him as he abides in God.

There, a lot of reading for this week. May God Bless You through your reading God Good Word!

Readings for Christmas

2011-12-20T16:50:00.003-06:00

Hello Everyone,

Worship services for Christmas Eve are at 4:00 PM at Grey Eagle UMC and 6:00 PM at Peace United Church. There will be NO WORSHIP on Sunday Christmas Day.

I wish everyone a “Happy Hanukkah”. At sunset tonight Hanukkah begins and the Festival of Lights ends at sunset on Wednesday, December 28. Hanukkah celebrates the successful overthrow of the Greek rulers of Judah in 162 BCE (BC) or 165 BCE by the Maccabees family. After the cleansing of the temple and at it’s rededication (The Hebrew word “Hanukkah” means “dedication". You can read about the cleansing and rededication at 1 Maccabees 4:36-61.) there was a small amount of oil for the Temple Lamp. It was thought that the oil would only last a day, but it miraculously lasted for eight days, hence the eight day Festival of Lights.

Of course, as Christians we are looking forward to the Celebration of the coming of the True Light, the birth of Jesus. The date of December 25 is just an arbitrarily chosen date because no one knows the actual date (it is not in the Bible). Some accuse the Christian community of choosing that date to usurp the Roman festival of Saturnalia, a celebration of the winter solstice (which is on Thursday, December 22 this year). Check this section of the Christmas article on Wikipedia: Christmas History. The first recorded account of a celebration of Christ’s birth is in 356 CE (AD). In the early church, Epiphany (January 6) was a more important celebration.

In my time as a pastor, I have celebrated Christmas worship with a “Service of Lessons and Carols”. The UMC Book of Worship lists nine lessons for this service but I cut that back to seven. The Lectionary has four lessons for Christmas Eve and four lessons for Christmas Day. So, with very little comment, here are the fifteen lessons:

Christmas Eve
Isaiah 62:6-12 – “Salvation Has Come”
Psalm 97 – “The Glory of God’s Reign”
Titus 3:4-7 – “Justified by Grace, Heirs of Eternal Life”
Luke 2: (1-7) 8-20 – “The Birth of Jesus, the Visit of Shepherds”

Christmas Day
Isaiah 52:7-10 – “The Announcement of the Lord’s Salvation”
Psalm 98 – “Praise the Judge of the World”
Hebrew 1:1-4 (5-12) – “God Has Spoken by His Son”
John 1:1-14 – “The Word Made Flesh”

Service of Lessons and Carols
Isaiah 9:2-7 – “The Birth of a King”
Micah 5:2-5a – “The Place of Birth is Named”
Luke 1:26-38 – “The Annunciation”
Luke 2:1-7 – “The Birth of Jesus”
Luke 2:8-16 – “The Shepherds Visit”
Matthew 2:1-11 – “The Magi Visit”
John 1:1-14 – “The Light Has Come into the World”

There you go. A lot to read this week and I pray that you do the reading. You will be blessed indeed.

Readings for December 11 2011

2011-12-06T17:09:00.014-06:00

Hello Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

One announcement for each church before the questions and comments on our texts.

First, Grey Eagle UMC’ers, we will be having our Annual Sunday School Program during the worship service this Sunday. Come to church if you are able and support the Sunday School program.

Second, PUC’ers, this Sunday’s worship service will be the Hanging of the Greens Service (and you won’t have to listen to me preach! Yeah!) Following the service we will be having a potluck dinner and our Annual Church Meeting. Come one, Come All!

As always, to answer my questions, please cheat by using your Bible. Our texts this Sunday are:

Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 – The first two verses are famously quoted by Jesus at the beginning of his ministry in Luke 4:18-19 where he leaves off the part about the day of the Lord’s vengeance. What will the prophet do in verses 1-3 and why is he doing it? What will the people become and what will they do in verses 3-4? Who is speaking in verses 8 and 9? What will be done for the people? What will other nations and peoples say? Who is speaking in verses 10 and 11? What has happened to the prophet and why?

Psalm 126 – As usual, the Psalm is chosen by the Lectionary Committee to accompany the Old Testament reading, in this case Isaiah 61. What happens to the people when the Lord restores their fortunes? What happens to those who weep? What happens to those who bear seeds for sowing?

1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 – This passage come at the end of a section that my Bible labels as “Final Exhortations, Greetings, and Benediction”. You should probably start at verse 12 which is were I would start. Starting at verse 16 and going through verse 22, how many different things should we do and what are they? Why should we do them (verse 18)? What does Paul, the author of the letter, wish God will do for the people? Why does Paul believe that God will do this?

John 1:6-8, 19-28 – The second and third Sunday of Advent are devoted to John the Baptizer (referred to as JB in the rest of these comments). Any ideas as to why this may be so? (This won’t be found in our Bibles.) In the midst of a beautiful opening prologue John the Gospel writer mentions the man sent by God named John (the Baptizer). Who is the light of the world (verses 4 and 5 but not in our reading)? Is JB the light? What is JB in relation to the light? Who, in verses 19-23, is JB not? (I know, this is a awkward construction of the question.) Who does JB say he is? Who is coming after JB? Where did all this take place?

May the One who baptizes with the Spirit, bless you in your encounters with the Bible this week.

Readings for December 4 2011

2011-11-29T15:53:00.002-06:00

Hello Everyone,
Grace and Peace to you from Jesus Christ,

There is an old maxim that says, “If you don’t know where you are going any road will get you there.” A theme of this week is the path/road/highway of the Lord. Where is it going? Who will travel on it? How long is the journey?

Isaiah 40:1-11 – The voice in this reading seems to shift from God, to the prophet, and some other heavenly being. See if you can’t discern where this happens. In verses 1-2 why should Jerusalem be consoled? Who does the word “Jerusalem” represent? What should the people do in preparation for the coming of God? In verses 6-7, what are the people like? In verse 8, what endures forever? In verses 9-11 how does the Lord appear?

Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 – During the 3 year lectionary cycle the Psalm is chosen to compliment the Old Testament reading. In this Psalm we again hear the Old Testament themes of God’s steadfast love, faithfulness, righteousness, and peace. In the missing verses, 3-7, we hear the psalmist asking God for restoration and salvation. What does the psalmist propose to do in verse 8? What is the psalmist confident of and why in verse 9? Notice the oddness of verses 10 and 11. What do you think the psalmist is trying to get at with love and faithfulness meeting, and righteousness and peace kissing? The connection to Isaiah 40 comes in verse 13. What plows or paves the path before God?

2 Peter 3:8-15a – If you want to keep peace and sanity in your house don’t read verses 1-7. In the verses we are supposed to read what does Peter want us to do? How are we to treat those who abuse us? Why would others make us suffer (verse 14)?

Mark 1:1-18 – Notice that verse 1 is not a complete sentence. Some think this may have been a title at one time. Is this the beginning of the Gospel (Good News) about God’s salvation through his Son Jesus or is it the beginning of the Gospel (Good News) about God’s redemption proclaimed by Jesus? Or both? In verse 2, the writer, whom we will call Mark, says that Isaiah wrote what follows in verse 2 and 3 but actually the first part is from the prophet Malachi (3:1). Who does Mark introduce with that quote? Where did he appear and what did he do? Who came out to see him? What was his proclamation and who was he talking about? As we come to Christmas, what is missing from Mark? Is this important?

May your week be blest by the Lord as you read and ponder these scriptures!

December 2011 Newsletter article

2011-11-29T15:43:00.003-06:00

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I just read two articles about church that piqued my interest. One was by Lutheran Church Missouri Synod pastor and leader Dr. Rod Rosenbladt and the other was by the pastor of an non-affiliated (I believe) church in Olathe, KS, Tim Suttle.

The first article can be found at The Gospel for Those Broken by the Church and it is fairly long but worth the read.

The second article is here: How to Shrink Your Church.

Dr. Rosenbladt, in his speech/article “The Gospel for Those Broken by the Church” states that most churches don’t seriously believe that faith in Jesus Christ is all that is needed for salvation. He berates Wesleyan Churches, his own Lutheran heritage, Reformed Churches, and the Catholic Church because they basically turn faith back into works. Once we are saved from “Law” by our “Faith”, he claims, the church then turns that back into “Law”. In essence, someone who comes to know Jesus and his saving grace, and then joins a church, will only hear from the pulpit and the leadership, “If you want to be a good Christian you must believe A, B, C, and D, and you must do W, X, Y, and Z”. People leave the church because they don’t hear the good news (Gospel) because it is not preached and taught. He also states that many (including alcoholics, drug addicts, prisoners, prostitutes, etc.) who leave the church and never go back but who were saved by faith will enter heaven before the rest of us. (See Matthew 21:28-31) God’s salvation of humanity through Jesus Christ is not about living a “right way” but ONLY about faith.

Pastor Suttle, in his article “How to Shrink Your Church” states that the emphasis on church growth in the past 30 years is wrong. The church growth industry, exemplified by churches such as Saddleback, Willow Creek, and Church of the Resurrection (a UMC example), is all about doing the right things to attract 20 and 30 somethings. You have to have a great youth program, the right amenities (Starbucks anyone?), excessive parking, stadium seating, and a perfect production of the “worship”. Pastor Suttle said that the church he leads went through all of that and grew from 2 families to over 200 families in three years. Then they rethought their mission and instead of focusing on growth they emphasized faithfulness. Church, he states, is not about doing all the right things. It is about being faithful to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. With that change, his church began to lose a few people. New people still come but they are not about “attracting people” but about helping people to be faithful. He sees a new vitality within his church.

You should be able to see the similarities in these articles. They got me to thinking about how I preach the Gospel. Is my central message about God salvation through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, or is it about “living right”? Are our denominational emphases on growth actually growing “faithless” churches? What is it about “Faith” and “Faithfulness” that is so hard for us to grasp? Are we afraid that God won’t honor his promise of salvation unless we do something about it? What about you and our churches? What do you think?

Two Interesting Articles

2011-11-23T15:31:00.003-06:00

Here are two articles that you may find of interest. Both concern faith and faithfullness.

Dr. Rod Rosenbladt, "The Gospel for Those Broken by the Church"

Pastor Tim Suttle, "How to Shrink Your Church"

Enjoy

Readings for Thanksgiving and November 27 2011

2011-11-22T13:58:00.004-06:00

Hello Everyone,

First, a reminder of our Thanksgiving Eve Worship services on Wednesday, November 23. The service at Peace United Church starts a 6:30 PM and Grey Eagle UMC begins at 8:00 PM. Take this hour of worship as a respite from the hectic preparation for Thanksgiving. Let us stop, take a breather, and give thanks to Our Lord and Savior for all that God has given.

There are two sets of readings for this week – one for Thanksgiving and one for the first Sunday of Advent.

Thanksgiving
Deuteronomy 8:7-18 – What will the new land that Israel will occupy be like (verses 7-9)? Who should the Israelites not forget (verse 11)? Who should they not exalt (verse 14)? What has God done for them (verses 14-16)? What should the Israelites not say (verse 17)? Why?

Psalm 65 – What has God done that deserves our praises of thanksgiving? This would be a good text to read just before your Thanksgiving dinner?

2 Corinthians 9:6-15 – On Paul’s third trip around the NE Mediterranean he collected donations that he would take back to Jerusalem for the struggling Christians there whom he calls “the saints”. This passage opens with a farming metaphor (verse 6). How should each person give and how much should they give (verse 7)? Why should we share (verse 8)? What will happen when we are generous (verse 11)? What is the “indescribable gift (verse 15, see verse 14). Do you think it is a joy to give to the church or to those in need? Are you a reluctant, grouchy giver or a cheerful, joyous giver?

Luke 17:11-19 – Where is Jesus going (verse 11)? Who approaches him yet keeps their distance (verse 12)? What did they want but was not explicitly stated (verse 13)? What did Jesus do for them (this may be hard because the answer is so simple)? How many go back to see Jesus? What was his ethnicity? What do you think is the difference between being healed and being made well?

Advent Sunday 1
Isaiah 64:1-9 – You may as well read the final three verses of this chapter. Who is the prophet speaking to? What has God done in the past (verses 2-5a)? Where is God now (verses 5b and 7)? Who does the prophet seem to be blaming for the sins and iniquities of the people and why (verses 5b-7)? What is our relationship to God in verse 8 (three things)? Who is the prophet blaming for the destruction of the holy cities and their homes (verses 10-12)?

Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 – This reading, and you may as well also read the skipped verses, is similar to the Isaiah reading above. In the metaphor of verses 8-16 the Israelites are the vine, Israel (the country) is the vineyard, and the borders are like the walls of the vineyard.

1 Corinthians 1:3-9 – Verses 1 and 2 are the “from” and “to” of this letter of Paul’s to the church in Corinth. Verse 3 is the salutation or the “hello”. Why does Paul give thanks to God (verses 4-7)? There are problems in this church and Paul gives thanks for some of the strengths they have that have become problems. Verses 5 points to their excessive love of rhetoric and logic. Verse 7 points to their excessive reliance on “spiritual gifts”. What will God do for them and what will they be (verse 8)? Who calls us into fellowship with Jesus Christ (verse 9).

Mark 13:24-37 – The Gospel according to Mark is the oldest of the four gospels despite its placement between Matthew and Luke. Check out chapter 1, verse 1. If this is the beginning of the gospel, which means good news, when is the end? Now look at Mark 16:8. There should be some sort of indication for a note at the bottom of the page. The oldest available manuscripts end with verse 8 but because this is such a strange way to end the story later editors have added additional endings, one short and one long. There is even more in an edition that is given as a note in my Bible following verse 14. So, if verse 8 is the ending and it doesn’t feel like a decent ending, when is the ending of the Gospel? Now to our verses at hand. Chapter 13 is sometimes call “Mark’s mini apocalypse”. When will the Son of Man come (verses 24-26)? Whom will he gather together (verse 27)? What does the fig tree teach us (verses 28-29)? What will pass away and what will not (verse 31)? When will all this happen and who will know (verse 32)? What are we to do in the mean time (verses 33, 35, 37)?

May God bless you this Thanksgiving Day and all the days in between!

Readings for November 23 2011

2011-11-15T15:30:00.004-06:00

Hello Everyone,

I just posted last week's readings below. Sorry for the delay.

This coming Sunday is the last Sunday of the Church year and is called “Christ the King Sunday” or “The Reign of Christ Sunday”. We are concluding Year A and our reading of Matthew. However, what we are reading is not the conclusion of Matthew which is, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” That is our fourfold commission: go, make, baptize, and teach. My question at the end of the year is, “Do we?”

Next week we begin the next year, Year B, and we will be reading The Gospel According to Mark. For the final Sunday of Year A we are reading:

Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 – You would be best served in understanding this passage by reading the entire chapter 34. The Lord, through Ezekiel, lambasts the leaders of Israel (the shepherds and I assume that religious and political leaders are included) for not doing what they were supposed to do to care for the welfare of the sheep (verses 1-10). They got fat and rich at the expenses of the people (the sheep). Who then will become the true Shepherd? What will the this shepherd do (verses 11-16)? I count seven things that the new shepherd will do, some of which are repeated several times. In verses 17-19, the Lord shifts his focus to the sheep who also bear responsibility for the welfare of other sheep. Who then will the Lord judge between? Who then will be the new shepherd that the Lord will install? Note: this new shepherd has been dead for several hundred years before Ezekiel was written.

Psalm 100 – In verses 1, 2, and 4, what are we supposed to do? In verse 3, who are we (two answers)? In verse 5, what is the Lord and how is the Lord characterized?

Ephesians 1:15-23 – Who wrote this letter? What does he want the Ephesians to know (three answers)? Where did God put his power and when? What is Jesus the head of?

Matthew 25:31-46 – This story of Jesus comes after three parables that started at 24:45. Everyone recognizes that those are parables. So, what is this passage? Is it a parable, a prophesy, or a future reality? I tend to read it as a parable but I recently saw a reference to this passage as a prophesy and a pastor friend of mine has called it a description of how the final judgment will happen. What defines the difference between the sheep and the goats? What is “the kingdom that was prepared for you at the foundation of the world”? Our first response is “heaven”, but could it be something else especially if we are reading this as a parable? What is the kingdom like in the parable of the 10 Maidens? In the parable of the Talents? What is the “eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels? Is is anything like “the darkness where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth? One last question: if this passage is read as being literal, what gets someone into the kingdom, faith or works?

Much to chew on this week! May God bless you in your reading and wrestling with these passages.

Readings for November 13 2011

2011-11-15T15:24:00.006-06:00

Hello Everyone – Grace and Peace to You,

I am a week late on posting this to my blog. I apologize and here it is:

First, we will have Thanksgiving Eve Services on Wednesday, November 23. Worship will be at 6:30 PM at Peace United and 8:00 at Grey Eagle UMC.

We are nearing the end of the Church Year. Our final two readings in Matthew and our lesson this week in Thessalonians concern the return of Christ and our proper relationship to it in the mean time.

Judges 4:1-7 – This is only the beginning of the story which takes up all of chapter 4. Chapter 5 is a longer song of the same story. Who is the “Judge” in this story? Does it surprise you that it is a woman? From which two tribes are the army gathered? Who is the commander of the Israelites? What does he need from the judge? What is the name of the general of the Canaanites? What is the outcome of the battle (verses 12-16)? Where does the general go and who ends up killing him (verses 17-22)

Psalm 100 – A psalm of praise. How should we worship the Lord? What has God done for us?

Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18 – What is coming? Who will be caught by surprise? What will that day be like? What will save the people?

Psalm 90:1-8 (9-11), 12 – What do the people seem to be going through at that time? What is God’s time like? What is the length of life for humanity? What does the psalmist want God to teach them?

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 – How will the day of the Lord come? When people become complacent what will happen? What should believers, children of the light, do? What two pieces of armor should believers put on? What is our destiny? What should we do?

Matthew 25:14-30 – This is the third of four parable that started at the end of chapter 24. To whom does the man entrust his fortune while he is gone? How much is each given? One talent is equal to about 6,000 denarii and one denarii is a day’s wage. At $10 an hour and a 10 hour day of work, one talent is worth $600,000. When the man returns, what happens to the first two servants and why? What happened to the third and why? What is the third servant’s excuse? Note – this man did nothing that was not expected in Jesus’ day. He was only obligated to the save keeping of what was entrusted to him and to return it whole, which is what he did? Why the punishment? What is this parable about? Diligent and fruitful use of what is entrusted? Or, perhaps, we get the master we expect?

Have a great week in the Lord, serving the Lord by serving neighbors.

Readings for November 6 2011

2011-11-01T13:00:00.003-05:00

Grace and Peace in Jesus Christ,

First, this Sunday we celebrate Communion and this is a good time to invite family, friends, and enemies to join you at church. Specifically, at Peace United Church this Sunday is “Each 1 Bring 1” Sunday. If everyone brought 1 other person to church we would have well over 100 people at worship. This applies to both churches.

Today starts Peace United’s “Mission 1” drive. “Mission 1” runs from today, 11-1-11, until Friday next week, 11-11-11. (As I am writing this it is 11:11 AM.) The denomination wide goal for the United Church of Christ is to raise more than 1 million items of food for food shelves, raise more than $111,111 for Neighbors in Need and more than $111,111 for East Africa Famine Relief, and to send more than 11,111 letters to members of Congress asking for legislation to reform foreign policy to help the poor and hungry worldwide. Food items can be brought to church this Sunday and our mission collection will go for the cause. Letters to our congress members should be sent in these 11 days. Please let me know how many you sent.

At Grey Eagle UMC, we are collecting food items for the Food Shelf on each of the three Sundays leading up to Thanksgiving. There are many in Todd County who could go without food this Thanksgiving if it were not for the three food shelves in the county. Let us help those in need celebrate God’s bounty.

Our readings this week are:
Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 – Joshua is coming to the end of his life. With God’s direction Joshua has lead the people to occupy Canaan. The verses that are skipped are a retelling of the history of Israel. Who does Joshua call and where do they gather? What does Joshua ask the people to do? Who does he set up as a model for the people?

Psalm 78:1-7 – What is the purpose of this long Psalm (see verses 3 and 4)? What has God commanded (verse 5)? Who is supposed to tell the story of Israel and to whom (verse 6)? Why (verse 7)?

Wisdom of Solomon 6:12-20 – Where do we find this book? Check the Table of Contents. Not there? No, it is not there in most Protestants’ Bibles, not unless you have one that includes the Apocrypha, in which it is usually printed between the Old Testament and the New Testament. In the Catholic Bible Wisdom of Solomon along with another book, Ecclesiasticus, occurs in the Writings section (Psalm, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon) following Song of Solomon and before Isaiah. You may can access an online version here: text. This is basically a description of Wisdom. Wisdom, here and in Proverbs, is described as a woman. In verses 17-19 wisdom starts as a desire for instruction which is a love for the woman, Wisdom, which leads to the keeping of the law, which leads to immortality which brings you near to God. Desire for wisdom leads to a (the?) kingdom.

or Amos 5:18-24 – Who is speaking in this passage, God or Amos? What is the main concern in verses 18-20? What is the concern in 21-24? Why do you think God despises the festivals, assemblies, sacrifices (literal animal sacrifices), and offerings? What does God truly want?

Psalm 70 – Who is speaking in this psalm? What is happening and what does he want to happen (verse 2-3)? Who should rejoice and what should they say (verse 4)?

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 – This is the first of two readings in Thessalonians on the Coming of Christ which concludes next week with 5:1-11. This particular letter is the oldest writing in the New Testament written perhaps in the 40’s. (The oldest Gospel, Mark, was written in the late 60’s.) There was a very real expectation among Christians those day that Christ would return at any moment. That is what we have in these passages. What are the people of Thessalonica worried about? How is Christian grieving for the dead different than other’s grieving? When Christ returns, who rise first? Who will follow?

Matthew 25:1-13 – This year we skip all of chapter 24 in which Jesus warns the disciples about the coming trouble and why they should be watchful. At the end of 24 there is a “parable” of the faithful and unfaithful slaves. As you read that be careful about associating the master in the story with God or Jesus. That leads directly into the parable we are reading this week. Who are the central characters in the story? Who are they waiting for? What happens when he is late? Be careful about applying strict metaphorical interpretations to this (or any) parable. A common interpretation is that the bridegroom is Jesus, the wise maidens are faithful Christians, and the foolish maidens are everyone else. Would Jesus not really know someone? In light of “knock and the door shall be opened” would the door really be kept shut? What about the attitude of the “wise” maidens to the “unwise”? Would a faithful Christian who loves others really be so callous to others? Good Questions to consider, which is what parables are about.

Have a great week serving God and others!

Readings for October 30, 2011

2011-10-25T16:03:00.002-05:00

Hello Everyone, Grace and Peace to you,

This coming Sunday both churches will be celebrating “All Saints Sunday” and we will remember those members who have died in the past year. They are:

GEUMC: Beulah Young, Patsye Jo Denne, Robert Lawrence Meagher, Melvin Paul Jones, and Paul Engel
PUC: Lois Sandberg

Our readings this week are:

Joshua 3:7-17 – Where are the Israelites? Who is their leader now? What does God tell him which he repeats to the Israelites? What are the priests carrying and what are they instructed to do? What happens to the Jordan River? What then do the people do? What is this scene reminiscent of? Note: between this week’s reading and next week’s we will skip all of the death and destruction that the Israelites bring upon the people, like the people of Jericho, who are already living in Canaan.

Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37 (and 38?) – Why is the Psalmist giving thanks (vs. 1)? Who should repeat this thanksgiving (vs. 2)? Where have they come from (vs. 3)? What was the problem of some of the redeemed (vs. 4-5)? What did they do (vs. 6)? What did God do (vs. 6-7)? What does God do for all the people (vs. 33-36)? What do the people do (vs. 36-37)

Micah 3:5-12 – What have the prophets done against the Lord (vs. 5)? What will the Lord do with them (vs. 6-7)? Why (vs. 8)? What have the rulers done against the Lord (vs. 9-10)? Much as the United States has a three part government, President, Legislature, and Judicial, the ancient Israelites have a three part system listed in verse 11. What are they? What have they done and what do they trust? However, what will God do with them (vs. 12)?

Psalm 43 – What is happening to the Psalmist? Who does he trust? What will lead the Psalmist and where will it take him?

1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 – What did Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy do at Thessalonica to lighten the burden of the believers? How was their conduct? What did they do with each believer? What happened when they told the Thessalonians the Gospel? Whose word was it?

Matthew 23:1-12 – In a broad lambast how does Jesus characterize the Scribes and Pharisees at the temple (there are several)? What three things are the followers of Jesus not to be called and why? What will the greatest do? What will happen to the exalted and the humbled?

I pray that these questions lead you into a deeper reading of God’s word.

Scripture Readings for October 23, 2011

2011-10-19T11:40:00.008-05:00

Grace and Peace to All,

First, I am not sure what ads you are seeing to the right of this blog. The one I saw today was about and for presidential candidate Ron Paul. Any and all ads that are there are placed by Google and I have no control as to what appears there. Therefore, you should know that I do not endorse any ad that Google places especially any political ad. However, if you are interested, please feel free to click through to the ad's site.

Now, on to the topic. This week we finish the story of Moses and will begin to read about Joshua and the Israelites’ conquest of Canaan next week. We also continue with the Pharisees and Sadducees confronting Jesus on the Monday before his arrest, trial, and crucifixion.

Deuteronomy 34:1-12 – The Israelites have finished their 40 year journey and are on the east side of the Jordan. Much of Deuteronomy is written as Moses’ final farewell. Due to an incident 40 years earlier, Moses is not allowed to enter Canaan with the people. In Chapter 34 where is Moses and where does he go? What did he see (much like the bear that went over the mountain)? When he died, where was Moses buried? How old was he at his death? Who is the greatest prophet in Judaism and why (vs. 10-12)?

Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17 – Not all Psalms are written by David. Who is the attributed author of Psalm 90? To whom is he speaking? What do he ask for in verses 13-17?

Leviticus 19:1-2, 15-18 – What does God what his people to be in verse 2 and why? What does God command us to do in verses 15-16 (3 things)? Who should we not hate? What shouldn’t we do to any of our people? What should we do? Specifically, who are the neighbors this passage is talking about?

Psalm 1 – Who are the happy people and what are they like? Who are the wicked people and to what are they compared? What will happen to the way of the righteous and the way of the wicked?

1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 – What happened in Philippi that brought Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy to Thessalonica? Why does Paul spread the message of the Gospel? What did Paul not do while he was in Thessalonica?

Matthew 22:34-46 – In 21:23, Jesus’ authority is questioned. Jesus then gives three parables we read over the last few weeks: the two sons, the wicked tenants, and the wedding banquet. This past Sunday we read about the traps, in the form of questions, that the authorities tried to spring on Jesus. The first was over the paying of taxes. We skip the question about the resurrection with the bride of seven brothers none of whom impregnated her. This week we have the final question and a question by Jesus. What is the greatest commandment and what is the other that is like it? What does Jesus ask the Pharisees?

Have a great week reading the Good Book.

Readings for Sunday, October 9 and 16, 2011

2011-10-04T14:08:00.005-05:00

Grace and Peace from Christ,

Since I will be on vacation from this Friday, October 7, through Wednesday, October 12, I am giving you the Biblical texts for two Sundays.

For Sunday, October 9:

Exodus 32:1-14 – What do the people of Israel do when Moses is delayed on Mt. Sinai? What does Aaron build (2 things) and what does he declare? What does the Lord tell Moses? How does Moses respond? Based on what Moses said, why do you think God changed his mind?

Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23 – What do verses 1-5 declare? Verse 6? Verses 19-23 recounts the sin of Israel at Mt. Horeb (another name of Mt. Sinai).

Isaiah 25:1-9 – The image of a feast is related to the wedding banquet in Matthew. What has God done in for the poor and needy in verses 4 and 5? What will God make upon the mountain (vs. 6)? What will God destroy while on the mountain (vs. 7-8)? What will be said on that day about God (vs. 9)?

Psalm 23 – Some think that two small psalms were brought together in Psalm 23: the psalm of the shepherd (vs. 1-4) and the psalm of the banquet (vs. 5-6). Which part of this psalm relates to Isaiah and Matthew this week?

Philippians 4:1-9 – Whenever you see the word “therefore” look to the preceding verses for what was said that led up to it. In this case read 3:17-21. What does Paul want the people to do? Who are Euodia and Syntyche and what did they do with Paul? What are the people to do in verses 4-9 (I counted at least 5 things but you could count more)?

Matthew 22:1-14 – Who is Jesus speaking to (see 21:23)? What does the man, the king, prepare for his son? Who does he invite? What are the excuses for not coming? What happens to the second group of messengers? What is the king’s response? Who then gets invited? At the party, why is one man chastised? What becomes of him? What is the message of the parable for you? Can you think of a second way of understanding this parable? A third?

For Sunday, October 16:

Exodus 33:12-23 – What does Moses ask God to do for the people of Israel? What is God’s response? What does Moses ask God to do for himself? What will God show Moses?

Psalm 99 – Who is the Lord? What has the Lord done for his people? What should the people do?

Isaiah 45:1-7 – Who is God speaking to through the prophet Isaiah (vs. 1)? Why (vs. 4)? How do you understand verse 5-6?

Psalm 96:1-13 – This is the entire psalm. What are we to do in verses 1-3? Why (vs. 4-6)? What are we to ascribe to the Lord (vs. 7-8)? Beside people, what are the other things that should rejoice (vs. 11-12)? Why (vs. 13)

1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 – What does Paul and his companions always do? How did the gospel come to the people of Thessalonica? What did the people become (vs. 6)? What do other people say about the Thessalonians? Why?

Matthew 22:15-22 – In the past three readings we had three parables given by Jesus in response to the question of authority. Next comes three questions designed to trap Jesus although we read only the first this week and the third next week. What is the first question? What do the Pharisees and Herodians say to and about Jesus leading up to the question? Why is this question a trap? What is Jesus’ response and question to them? The second question is found in verses 23-33 and is posed by the Sadducees.

Have a great two weeks reading the Word of God.

Readings for October 2 2011

2011-09-26T13:27:00.002-05:00

Grace and Peace to All,

First, the funeral for Paul Engel, who was a member of the Grey Eagle UMC, will be at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, September 28. Visitation will be on Tuesday, September 27, from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Grey Eagle UMC and also one hour before the service on Wednesday. Please keep Pam and all their family in your prayers.

This coming Sunday is World Communion Sunday. Please invite a family member, friend, or enemy who is not involved with our church or any church to come with you. Churches that grow have members that invite others to share in their loving community of believers.

Our readings this week are:

Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20 – The people and Moses have reached the base of Mt. Sinai and Moses has gone up. Chapters 20-31 are all the laws that God gave Moses at that time. The end of 31 implies that ALL those laws were written on the two tablet stones. As for our readings this week you should probably read all the verses from 1 to 20. These are the Ten Commandments. 1 to 4 concern our love and worship of God and 5 to 10 concerns our love and respect of others. Pay special attention to #10. If you violate 10, that could easily lead you to violate 9, 8, 7, and 6. #5 comes with a blessing.

Psalm 19 – What is the theme of verses 1-6? What is the theme of verses 7-12? Does verse 13 seem out of place? Where have you heard verse 14?

Isaiah 5:1-7 – This “song” is more like a “parable”. Who is speaking? Who or what is the vineyard? Who is the planter of that vineyard? What did the vineyard produce? What will become of the vineyard? What was the ending explanation?

Psalm 80:7-15 – This psalm reflects the song of Isaiah 5. Who is speaking here?

Philippians 3:4b-14 – What has Paul given up to be an apostle? What is he striving for? In verse 8, the word translated as “rubbish” in my Bible is more like that word that describes farm animal waste. Where does Paul’s righteousness come from in verse 9? The answer is, in Greek, pisti Christi, or, in English, faith Christ. Most translations insert “in” in between for “faith in Christ.” But you could also put “of” there for “faith of Christ”. Does this make a difference for you? What is the goal that Paul strains for?

Matthew 21:33-46 – Another parable of the vineyard. Two Sunday’s ago we had the vineyard owner who hired many to work and some grumbled about the equal pay. This past Sunday was the parable of the father who asks his two sons to work in the vineyard. Without trying to assign parts to the various characters, who builds the vineyard and what is included? What does he do with the vineyard once it is completed? What happens to the servants? To the son? What is Jesus’ question and what is the answer by the priests? How might you imagine this parable applying to today’s life and Christianity?

Have a great week reading the Word of God!

Readings for Sunday, September 25, 2011

2011-09-20T16:24:00.001-05:00

Grace and Peace through Jesus Christ,

We continue with our readings in Exodus, Philippians, and Matthew.

Exodus 17:1-7 – Where have the people of Israel traveled to? What is their complaint to Moses? Who does Moses turn to? What is the solution or resolution to the complaint? What does “Massah” and “Meribah” mean in verse 7 (you may have to check your footnotes or commentary at the bottom of the page)?

Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16 – If your Bible has a title to this psalm, what is it? Who is speaking in the first 4 verses? What is the purpose of this long psalm? What 4 things does God do for the people of Israel in verses 12-16?

Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32 – What does God complain about to Ezekiel in verses 1-2? How does God see the current situation? In other words, who sinned and brought the current calamity? What does the community complain about God in verses 25 and 29? What will happen to the righteous when they turn away? Who brings about their death? (If you answered “God” then look again.) What does God want in verse 32?

Psalm 25:1-9 – What two things does the psalmist want from God? What are some of the traits that the psalmist ascribes to God?

Philippians 2:1-13 – How can the people of Philippi complete Paul’s joy? What 5 things does Paul ascribe to Jesus in verse 1? How should we live as described in verses 2, 3, and 4? What do you think verse 5 means? Verses 6-11 are believed to be an ancient Christian hymn that Paul used in this letter. It is often described with a Greek word kenosis which means “emptying” which is found in verse 7. Notice the top-down-bottom-up-top pattern to the hymn: God-emptied-human/death-exalting-Lord. Does this pattern describe the Gospel of Matthew or Luke? Who works in us in verse 13? What does that allow us to do?

Matthew 21:23-32 – Jesus has entered Jerusalem, cleansed the Temple, and cursed the fig tree. It is now the Monday before his arrest and crucifixion. Where did Jesus go? What did the chief priests and elders want to know? What is Jesus’ challenge to them? Why does Jesus ask about John the Baptist? What is their response? Have your children ever acted like the two sons in the parable? Who will get to the kingdom ahead of the priests and elders? Why? What is Jesus saying to you through this parable?

May the Lord strengthen you for work in His Kingdom through these texts this week.

Readings for Sunday, September 18, 2011

2011-09-20T16:20:00.012-05:00

This week we begin a four week reading from Philippians and continue with Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem in Matthew and the Israelite’s journey to the Promised Land in Exodus.

Exodus 16:2-15 – Verse 1 will give you the context of where the Israelites are and how long they have been moving. You may also want to read the entire chapter for the full story. Why did the Israelites complain? Who did they complain to (or against)? What was God’s response to Moses? What were the Israelites instructed to do five days a week? And on the sixth day? What about the seventh day? What was special about the seventh day?

Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45 – This Psalm is a hymn of praise to God recounting the history from Abraham to Moses. How would you categorize verses 1-6? And verses 37-45?

Jonah 3:10-4:11 – Jonah is a very short book and you should read all of it. Chapter 3:1-9 are essential in setting up our reading. What did Jonah do when he got to Nineveh? What was his message? What did the Ninevites do? What was God’s response to the Ninevites? What was Jonah’s response to God and why? What do you surmise the central message of Jonah to be (don’t worry about the fish, Nineveh, or even Jonah)?

Psalm 145:1-8 – My Bible titles this psalm as “The Greatness and the Goodness of God”. Is that an appropriate title? Does verse 8 sound familiar?

Philippians 1:21-30 – The Philippians are the people of the city of Philippi. Check the maps in the back of your Bible and you will find a map of Paul’s journeys. Locate Philippi. You may want to read Acts 16 also. Is Paul ready to die (I don’t think this is about suicide, but about his possible execution) or is there still a purpose to his living? Which is better? How should the Philippians live? What are the struggles that Paul had and is now having and the Philippians are having?

Matthew 20:1-16 – We have hopped right over Jesus’s teaching on divorce (we’ll get it when we get back to Mark next year) and his encounter with children and the rich young man and some oft quoted verses. Check out verses 23-26 (Joke: How do you get a camel through the eye of a needle? With a really good blender.) and verse 30. Our verses are a parable concerning the story of the rich young ruler. Compare 20:16 to 19:30 to get the connection. To what can the kingdom of heaven be compared? How many times does the landowner go to hire workers? How long did the first hired work? How about the last hired? What did they get paid? What was the complaint and the response? (We seem to have a lot of complaining in Exodus, Jonah, and here in Matthew.)

May the Lord bless you as you read His Good Word.

Readings for September 11, 2011

2011-09-06T17:41:00.018-05:00

This Sunday marks the 10th anniversary of the airliner attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Nearly 3,000 innocent people died that Tuesday because 19 men hated the Western World and believed that their God wanted or sanctioned this attack. Here is a link to the Wikipedia article: September 11 Attacks. Many who died were police and firefighters who were trying to rescue as many as possible.

Since then the United States of America has entered 2 wars: Afghanistan and Iraq. In Iraq, over 4,400 US troops have died and nearly 32,000 have been wounded. In 2010 the US military made an estimate of all deaths as a result of the war of “109,032 deaths broken down into "Civilian" (66,081 deaths), "Host Nation" (15,196 deaths),"Enemy" (23,984 deaths), and "Friendly" (3,771 deaths).” (Casualties of the Iraq War)

In Afghanistan, about 1,700 US troops have died and nearly 10,00 have been wounded. 1,000 Coalition forces have died. 1,800 contractors have died. 9,400 Afghan Security Forces have died. 38,000 Taliban and insurgent troops have been killed or captured. Anywhere between 10,560 Afghan civilian have died (BBC News Report). The total for Afghanistan through 2009 is about 24,500 not counting the Taliban (How many died and how many were captured? If half were killed the total would be 43,500 dead.)

Except for the US and Coalition deaths, all of these numbers are somewhat nebulous. Just do a Google search on Iraq or Afghanistan war casualties and you will get the idea. The numbers I have listed above comes to about 133,500 to 152,500. One site puts the death toll for both wars nearly 950,000. Keep these numbers in mind as your read this week’s scriptures.

Exodus 14:19-31 – The Israelites are at the Red (or Reed) Sea with the Egyptian cavalry in hot pursuit. How did the angel of God protect the Israelites? How were the waters parted? Why were the Israelites able to cross but the Egyptians were not? Again, like last week, we confront a texts that portrays God as a God of vengeance and death. How can we struggle with these passages with the revelation of God in Jesus Christ?

Psalm 114 – Can you answer the questions in verses 5 and 6?

Genesis 50:15-21 – This text was chosen to accompany the Matthew text. Who does Joseph forgive? Why? What reason does Joseph give for his forgiveness?

Psalm 103:(1-7), 8-13 – What is the Old Testament formula for who God is in verse 8? How does God deal with humanity? How far does God take our sins away? How great is God’s love for us?

Romans 14:1-12 – This is the last week of our readings in Romans. How are we to welcome the weak in faith? Who are the “weak in faith” that Paul writes about? What seems to be the quarrel that Paul is addressing in this passage? What issues divide the church today? How are we to treat each other when we have differing convictions? Could those who are strong in faith (they believe that they can eat meat sacrificed to idols and they can work on Sabbath) be compared to those who believe that gays and lesbians can be called to ministry in the church and be able to marry? Could those who are “weak in faith” (they believe that they must still follow the Law by not eating idol meat and not working on Sabbath) be compared to those who still believe that gays and lesbians cannot be called to parish ministry in the church or marry? Does Paul say one side or the other must change their minds? What does Paul say about how we should treat each other?

Matthew 18:21-35 – What is Peter’s question and how does Jesus answer? In the parable, how much does the man owe the king? (if figured at $10 per hour, 40 hours per week, 52 weeks per year and a talent equals 15 years of labor then 1 talent equals $312,000. Total amount owed is $3,120,000,000) Could the man ever hope to repay the debt? What does the king do for him? How much does the second man owe the first? (A denarii is one day’s wage for a laborer. Total owed is about $8,000.) Note the extreme difference. What does the first man do for the second? What is the reaction of the king? What is Jesus’ conclusion? Do you think he is serious or is Jesus just using hyperbole? If Jesus is serious then we are all in trouble if there is anyone we haven’t forgiven. Is this injunction to forgive applicable only to individuals or can it be applied to nations? How many lives, US-Coalition-Civilians, could have not been taken if the US as a nation and a people responded to 9-11 with forgiveness instead of vengeance?

Forgive me, Lord, for my unforgiving heart. Forgive us, Lord, for the vengeance that wells up within us. Let your Spirit work in all of us to soften our hearts and lead us in the way of forgiveness for others. Amen.

Peace in Christ,
Pastor Gary Taylor

Readings for September 11 2001

2011-08-30T17:41:00.002-05:00

Hello Everyone,

The story of the salvation of Israel continues with a meal; Paul begins to wrap up his letter to the Romans; and Jesus teaches us about internal relationships.

Exodus 12:1-14 – Prior to this passage Moses went to Egypt and confronted the Pharaoh. There has be 9 plagues in Egypt but the Pharaoh’s heart has been hardened. What is the purpose of the lambs? What is the purpose of their blood? What is coming that night? How do you reconcile our God as revealed in Jesus and the God who takes the life of the eldest male humans and animals indiscriminately? This is a troubling passage for those of us who believe in a non-violent God, but we have to wrestle with it.

Psalm 149 – A psalm of praise. How is Israel to praise God? Do we Protestants praise God like this? Why or why not?

Ezekiel 33:7-11 – What is God’s instructions to the prophet? What are the consequences of not following God’s instructions? Why does God warn the wicked? In this short passage, does God cause the death of the wicked? What does God really desire from his peoples (including us)?

Psalm 119:33-40 – The fifth stanza of this acrostic poem. Each line of the stanza, in Hebrew, starts with the fifth letter of the Hebrew alphabet. What does the psalmist want in this stanza? How will his life be changed? Will yours?

Romans 13:8-14 – How are we to best follow the commandments of God? Who does Paul sound like in verses 8-10? What does Paul anticipate and why does he seem so excited about it? What should we do as a result?

Matthew 18:15-20 – What is the purpose of this teaching of Jesus’? What are the people to do when the “sinner” doesn’t confess and return to the fold? What does it mean to treat them as Gentiles and tax collectors? Outside of this passage, how did Jesus treat sinners, tax collectors and Gentiles? What does it mean to “bind and loose”?

Have a great week reading God’s word and living God’s life.

Readings for August 28 2011

2011-08-23T16:01:00.014-05:00

I apologize for not having posted in a month. I won't post the missing entries but resolve to post each week.

This week we continue reading Romans, though we are nearing the end, Exodus and the salvation of Israel, and the Gospel of Matthew. I am trying a new way of bring attention to the texts so I will not be telling what you can read for yourselves but asking questions that, God willing, stimulates your thinking about these texts.

Exodus 3:1-15 – Where was Moses and what was he doing when he saw the bush? What was happening to the bush and what was not happening? Who spoke to Moses? What was Moses instructed to do? What was his response? When Moses asked for a name, what name was given? Note, the name given is the verb “be” and translated “I Am Who I Am”, or “I Am What I Am”, or “I Will Be What I Will Be.” Ancient Hebrew had no vowels and the consonances used transliterate to YHWH (“Yah-way'”). Many Jews believe that this sacred name of God should never be spoken lest you take it in vain. Thus, most Bibles use “LORD” in all caps to indicate this name.

Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26 – Skim through the entire Psalm. What is this Psalm about? What is verses 23-26 about? Does it relate to the Exodus text above?

Jeremiah 15:15-21 – How many speakers are in this passage and who are they? What does the first speaker complain about? Who is the second speaker? What is offered?

Psalm 26:1-8 – What does it mean to “Walk in Integrity”? How does the psalmist live this out? How do you and I live it out?

Romans 12:9-21 – What does it mean to live as a follower of Christ? How do we “heap coals” on our enemy’s head? What are we supposed to do when someone hurts us? Note once again that in verse 19 the words “of God” are not in the Greek writing of Paul. What does it mean to “leave room for the wrath of God” verses “leave room for the wrath”? If the wrath is not God’s whose is it?

Matthew 16:21-28 – I believe that these verses are part of the Gospel verses we read this past week. Peter said that Jesus was the Messiah. What does Jesus believe this means? What must Jesus do to be the Messiah? What is Peter’s response? What does Peter want Jesus to be? How is that a “stumbling block” or “scandal”?

May the Lord bless you in your reading that you may grow in love and faith.

Readings for July 24 and July 31 2011

2011-07-19T15:40:00.004-05:00

Hello Everyone,
Peace and Blessings from our Lord and Savior,

This week I will give you two weeks worth of readings texts as I will be on vacation most of next week. We continue our readings in Genesis, Romans and Matthew. The alternate Old Testament reading is supposed to support the Gospel lessons and are used by the Lutheran Churches. There are a variety of Psalms that go along with the particular OT reading. July 24 has 7 readings and July 31 has 6.

July 24, 2011:
Genesis 29:15-28 – Jacob arrives at his ancestral hometown and meets his cousin Rachel, daughter of Laban who is Rebekah’s brother. They meet at a well where Rachel brings Laban’s sheep for watering. Jacob steals a kiss from her and she runs and tell her father (about the kiss or about the arrival of a relative?). Laban receives Jacob into his household and Jacob works for him a month. In our reading, Laban wants to know what wage Jacob expects. Jacob says he will work for seven years if he can marry Rachel, who was the younger of two daughters, Leah being the elder. Laban agrees. Seven years fly by and now Jacob wants to marry. After the wedding feast Jacob retires to his home and in the dark Laban brings Leah to him. In the morning, Jacob is furious for being deceived (remember how Jacob deceived his father Isaac and brother Esau). Laban say he must marry off the older daughter first and if Jacob agrees to work another seven years he can also marry Rachel. A week after the first wedding there is another and Jacob begins to work another seven years with two wives (and, it will turn out, the two wives handmaidens. The story continues with the rivalry between Leah and Rachel (whom Jacob loved more). All told, between Leah (6 boys, 1 girl), her handmaiden Zilpah (2 sons), Rachel (2 sons, the last one comes later in the Jacob story), and Rachel’s handmaid, Bilhah (2 sons) Jacob had 12 sons and 1 daughter, Dinah. (So, is polygamy Biblical and therefore appropriate for our times? Hmmmm...... Also, what about 1st cousins marrying? And what about sisters marrying the same guy? And what about giving another woman to your husband? My head is starting to spin and swirl! Don’t you love the Old Testament stories?)

Psalm 105:1-11, 45b – The Psalmist praises the Lord for the everlasting covenant he had with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

OR Psalm 128 – This is a little proverb and a little blessing. Proverb: Happy is the one who fears the Lord . . . Your wife will be fruitful and your children will be numerous. Blessing: May you be prosperous your entire life and may you live long enough to know your grandchildren.

1 Kings 3:5-12 – Solomon has ascended to the throne and in chapter 2 he consolidates his power by having his older brother and several other powerful men who supported his brother put to death. Chapter 3 opens with him marrying a Pharaoh's daughter, building his home, and building a wall around Jerusalem. He then goes to Gibeon to offer a sacrifice to the Lord. In a dream the Lord asks Solomon what he wants. “Wisdom,” Solomon says. The Lord is pleased and grants the request. The Lord also blesses him with more wealth and power. Notice that Solomon doesn’t ask for wealth or power because he already has them.

Psalm 119:129-136 – Refer to the comments for July 10 on the structure of Psalm 119. This is the 17th stanza and all the lines start with the 17th letter of the Hebrew alphabet. The psalmist asks the Lord for guidance in life and salvation from oppression and praises God for God’s good words.

Romans 8:26-39 – Paul continues his discussion on Life in the Spirit. The Spirit helps us, leads us, and prays our prayers for us. Therefore, if God loves us so much by the giving of his Son how will anything prevent us from experiencing that love? God justifies us and Jesus intercedes for us in the face of condemnation. This passage is generally understood as being for those who “love God” (vs. 28) but what is to prevent the entire passage as being about all of humanity (“all of us” in verse 32 could be interpreted to include all.)

Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 – The parables of chapter 13 continue. In these verses we get the parables of mustard seed, yeast hidden treasure, pearl of great value, and a fishing net. This last one is a bit apocalyptic with its furnace of fire. Over three weeks we have read all the parables in chapter 13, but there are some crucial passage that were left out that helps us to understand parables. Reread verses 10-17 and 34-35. The consequence of not understanding parables may be reflected in the last verses of chapter 13 when the people of Nazareth reject him, verses 54-58. The Kingdom (and the kingdom parables) is a source of scandal which Matthew uses three times in this chapter. Verse 21 in the parable of the sower’s explanation: "when trouble or persecution arises on account of the word, that person immediately falls away (“is scandalized”)”. Verse 41 in the explanation of the parable of the weeds: "The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his kingdom all causes of sin (“scandal”) and all evildoers..." Finally, in the scene when Jesus is rejected, verse 57: "they took offense at (“were scandalized by”) him."

July 31, 2011:
Genesis 32:22-31 – Jacob, at the end of his 14 years and slowly loosing favor with Laban (his uncle and father-in-law), decides to take his family, servants, and flocks and high-tail it home. (There is a lot of cheating on Laban and Jacob’s parts and a little bit of intrigue. Read chapters 30 and 31 for all the juicy details.) Now Jacob has to face his twin brother Esau. He sends presents to Esau to appease him but also decides to be prudent and splits the flocks and servants into two in case Esau attacks one the other will survive. In our reading, he then sends the group with him ahead of him and he settles in for the night alone. There is a wrestling match between Jacob and another man (vs. 24) or God (vs. 30). They wrestle to a draw, but Jacob’s hip is disjointed. Jacob wants to know the opponent’s name which is not given. The opponent then changes Jacob’s name to Israel saying, “you have striven with God and humans and have prevailed.” What does Jacob get out of this encounter? A new name, a bad hip, peace of mind, and, soon, reconciliation with Esau.

Psalm 17:1-7, 15 – The psalmist seeks the protection of the Lord from his enemies and the wicked. Verse 14 is a bit troubling. Is the psalmist asking God to give the wick more riches and food? In light of other Psalms where God is asked to kill the wicked, this is indeed strange.

Isaiah 55:1-5 – God, through the prophet Isaiah call everyone to eat and drink at God’s feast without cost. God’s covenant with the people will draw all nations to them.

Psalm 145:8-9, 14-21 – “The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.” 14-21 speaks of many ways that the Lord fulfills this statement.

Romans 9:1-5 – Paul’s letter to the Romans is to house churches scattered throughout Rome and consists of both Jewish Christians and Gentile Christians. In our passage Paul proclaims that the Messiah was sent to God’s chosen people, the Israelites, according to God’s covenants and promises. He wishes that all Jew would have accepted the gracious gift God gave them. We need to be careful not to blame or stigmatize the Jewish faith because of this or other passages. Remember, Paul was Jewish and many of the people he was writing to were Jewish. (Oh, yeah, Jesus was Jewish also.)

Matthew 14:13-21 – After 3 weeks of parables we now have 2 weeks of miracles. This is the first of two feeding stories in Matthew. The second is in the next chapter. In verses 1-12 we are told of the death of John the Baptizer. Compare the simple meal of bread and fish that gives life in our story to the feast that leads to death at the hands of King Herod. Also notice that Jesus commands the disciples to feed the crowd. The missionaries that Peace United Church supports, Muriel and Terry Henderson, run a program in Mexico called “Give Them Ye to Eat” from verse 16b.

Whew! This was a long post.

May the Lord bless you these two weeks through the reading of God’s Good Word.

Readings for July 17 2011

2011-07-12T15:41:00.003-05:00

Thanks to all who made Sunday’s Island Service a success. I really enjoyed the day. The “Submarine Band” was also a hit. Thank you everyone.

Our readings this week:

Genesis 28:10-19a – Last week Jacob cheated Esau out of his birthright. Between last week’s reading and this week’s, Jacob cons his father, Isaac, into blessing him and not Esau. Esau is furious and plans to kill Jacob once Isaac dies. Isaac sends Jacob to Rachel’s hometown to marry one of his cousins (next week’s lesson). This week, Jacob is on his way and one night he has a dream of a ladder (or stairway, cue Led Zeppelin music from the 70’s) that reaches from earth to heaven and upon which angels climb. God tells Jacob that his descendants will inherit the land, be numerous, and will bless the world. This is a restatement of the promise that God made to Jacob’s grandfather, Abraham. Jacob then wakes up, builds a pillar, places the rock he was using as a pillow on top, pours oil over it and names it “Beth El” (Bethel) or “House of God”. Verses 20-22 are Jacob’s promise to tithe to this house.

Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24 – David acknowledges that God knows him in totality. Where can he hide? Nowhere.

Wisdom of Solomon 12:13, 16-19 – You will find this book in the Apocrypha or in a Catholic Bible. WoS is similar to Proverbs in that it is a book of wisdom (hence the name). This passage proclaims that God’s mercy is for everyone. Check it out here: Bible Study Tools

Isaiah 44:6-8 – God declares that there are no other gods.

Psalm 86:11-17 – The entire psalm is both a plea for God’s help and an affirmation that God is good. Verse 15 sums up God’s character: “But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.”

Romans 8:26-39 – Paul continues his discussion about life in the Spirit and what God’s saving grace is about. I read much of this passage during funeral services. The Spirit lifts up our deepest prayers. We have been called by God to be part of his family. Since God is clearly for us (humanity) who can be against us? The answer is “Nothing”. In absolute terms that may mean that not even sin and death (Paul names death but sin is included in “nothing in all creation”) will separate God’s love from humanity. Rob Bell may be right. “Love Wins”.

Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 – The first part is the parable of the weeds among the wheat and the second part is the explanation. Before you read the explanation stop to reflect on what else the parable may be about. The explanation turns the parable into a metaphor about the end time and is a reasonable explanation. However, it need not be the only one. Perhaps the parable is about us and how we are so quick to categorize people into the good and bad, the righteous and the evil, the wheat and the weeds.

May the Word of God bless you and your life this week.

Readings for July 10, 2011

2011-07-05T13:41:00.012-05:00

I hope you had a wonderful 4th of July with family and friends.

One special announcement before I begin discussing the texts. This Sunday is the Annual Island Worship on Hammersten Island in Big Birch Lake. Worship for Peace United Church will be at 9:00 AM. Worship for Grey Eagle UMC will be on the island beginning at 11:00 AM. There will be communion for all and following the service there will be a potluck lunch. Pontoon boat rides to the island are available at John and Janet Roe’s home located about 1 mile south of the church on County Rd 47.

This week we continue our readings in Genesis, Romans, and Matthew. The alternate Old Testament Reading comes from Isaiah.

Genesis 25:19-34 – Abraham has died and we continue, not with Isaac his son, but with his grandsons. For some odd reason, Isaac plays a minor role in the story of Israel. Last week we read about how Abraham arranged for Rebekah to marry Isaac. Twenty years after their marriage Rebekah remains childless. Isaac prays to God and Rebekah conceives twin boys. The first to be born is quite reddish in appearance and covered with hair. They name him Esau which sounds a lot like the Hebrew word for hairy. His descendants will be the nation of Edom which means “red”. The second to be born is holding Esau’s heel on the way out of the womb and is named Jacob which either means “takes the heel” or “supplants”. Esau is a hunter and loves the outdoors. Isaac loved him best. Jacob is “bookish” and spends a lot of time in the tents. Rebekah loves him best. When they grow up, Jacob will begin to supplant his elder brother, first by conning him out of the elder’s birthright and later by conning Isaac out of the elder’s blessing. Jacob will be the son through which God raises up a nation, Israel. Isn’t it amazing how God works through flawed people? (Jacob, Moses, Gideon, Sampson, Saul, David, etc.)

Psalm 119:105-112 – Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible with 176 verses. (Psalm 117 is the shortest) It is an alphabet acrostic with 22 stanzas of 8 verses each, one for each Hebrew letter, and each line in the stanzas start with the same letter. This is the 14th stanza and uses the 14th letter of the Hebrew alphabet “Nun” or “N” and begins with “Your (Thy) Word is a lamp to (unto) my feet and a light to (unto) my path”. The point of these verses is that following God’s law is the psalmist way of life despite many difficulties.

Isaiah 55:10-13 – God sends the rain to water the earth so that there shall be bountiful crops. Likewise, God’s Word goes out to fulfill God’s purposes and it does not return empty. Verse 12 should sound familiar to all who have been in church the last couple of weeks as it is the sending song at the end of the service.

Psalm 65:1-13 – A psalm of God’s creation and God’s bounty which includes forgiveness for iniquities.

Romans 8:1-11 – Paul answers his question from last week’s reading, “Who will rescue me from this body of death?” The answer is God through the “law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus.” No longer are we enslaved to sin and death which God has condemned. Notice in verse 5 and 6 that those who set their mind on human things (desires?) live in sin and death. Those who set their minds on things of the Spirit have life and peace. This means, in verse 11, that we are given true life in the here and now by the Spirit.

Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 – This is about the parable of the sower who sows his seed with abandon. Read and think about the first part of the reading before you read the second part. This farmer is not a very good farmer! He does not remove the rocks, the weeds, or break up the ground so the seed could take root. He throws seeds on the path (wasteful!), in the rocks (again!), in the weeds (more waste!) and a few in the fertile ground. Any good farmer would chastise this man for his prodigal ways. From this parable we can discern an attribute of God: God throws his love everywhere with abandon. The second part still has meaning because God’s love will be rejected by some in various ways. Reflect on what a seed can do in the crack of a boulder. God’s love is like that.

May God bless you in your readings this week.

Readings for July 3 2011

2011-06-30T14:01:00.005-05:00

Hello Everyone,

I looks like I haven't posted for the last two weeks. Sorry about that. Part of that time was vacation that I took. Well, I am now back from vacation. I did a lot of different things: golfed in the Hands of Hope Tournament; 3 days in Minneapolis with my daughter Jenn; went to hear Rabbi Harold Kushner at Beth El Synagogue while there; went to see my personal physician while there; officiated a wedding ceremony at GEUMC; went to church in Clarissa; sang for my supper at the Community Fellowship Dinner in Long Prairie; did my laundry; and spent 3 days in Fargo with my son Zach and daughter Megan and her husband Jeremiah and their 3 rambunctious dogs. Several hours after my return home Cheryl returned from her 9 day bus tour to New England (Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, Portsmouth, Kennebunkport, and Boston). I think we are both glad to be done with vacation.

This week we have a lot of Old Testament scriptures to choose from. Through the Pentecost season (until November 13) the lectionary provides us either a continuous reading of the OT stories with Psalms chosen for them or OT readings that relate to the Gospel lesson with the appropriate Psalm. Each week I will list them all and that should give us plenty to read.

Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67 – Because Easter was so late this year we have missed the early Pentecost stories of Abraham and Sarah: his call, his journeys to Egypt and other lands, the promise of a son that would eventually lead to a great nation, the union of Hagar to Abraham at Sarah’s behest, the birth of Ismael to Hagar, the birth of Isaac to Sarah, the enmity between Sarah and Hagar, Hagar’s banishment, the near sacrifice of Isaac, and the death of Sarah. This brings us to our story today. Abraham sends a trusted servant to his ancestral lands, Ur, to find Isaac a wife. When the servant arrives he prays to God to show him the woman and that woman is Rebekah. The first two sections are the servant’s retelling of what happened in verses 1-27. Verses 50-57 is the negotiation for the hand of Rebekah, which is settled by agreeing to ask her what she wants to do. 58-67 is her response, the goodbyes, and the return to Canaan and Abraham’s home with Isaac’s reaction (love).

Psalm 45:10-17 – The Psalmist calls on a maiden to leave her lands and family and marry the king. OR The Song of Solomon 2:8-13 – The Song of Solomon is the love poetry of a man and a woman. The book alternates who is speaking and in this section it is the woman, the beloved. She admires his good looks and tells us what he says to her. The Song of Solomon is a wonderful, sensuous celebration of emotional, spiritual, and, yes, physical love. It comes between the bleakness of Ecclesiastes and the power of Isaiah.

Zechariah 9:9-12 – This passage is often read on Palm Sunday. As I read the Gospel lesson I am not so sure why this reading was chosen.

Psalm 145:8-14 – You might as well read the entire Psalm because it is a wonderful praise of God who is: King, great, mighty, glorious, wondrous, abundantly good, gracious, merciful, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love, compassionate, faithful, just, kind, near, fulfilling, hearing, watching, and holy. Many of these words are used multiple times. Every Psalm that praises God seems to include one thing that irks us and that happens in the last half of verse 20: God destroys the wicked. How does this fit in with the rest of the Psalm?

Romans 7:15-25a – The Lectionary also gives us a continuing reading in several epistles during the Pentecost season. Again, because of the lateness of Easter, we have missed the first 4 readings in Romans. Last week you probably heard the passage from Romans 6 that ends with “For the wages of sin is death but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (6:23)” This reminded me of 3:23, “since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” We often hear the first part of 6:23 and all of 3:23 without hear the remainder of the sentence: “the free gift of God is eternal life” and “they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (3:24). Paul, in our reading, knows that he (and we) are sinners and he knows that he (and we) have received the free gift, but he struggles with it in his own life, as we also struggle. He knows what is right but does wrong. He wants to stop what is wrong but can’t. Isn’t this so true for all of us. We are all wretched in this respect. So who will rescues us from this predicament? Is it not the God of Psalm 145 working through Jesus Christ? Only God can save us.

Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 – In verses 2-6 John the Baptizer, who is in prison, sends a couple of his disciples to ask Jesus if he is truly the one whom John had announced. He sends them back with the message of what they have heard and seen: blind see, lame walk, deaf hear, lepers cleansed, dead raised, and the good new proclaimed to the poor. In verses 7-15 Jesus praises John. In the first section of our reading Jesus wonders what is wrong with the people who disregard John’s message and Jesus’ message. The skipped verses are Jesus’ woes to a couple of Jewish cities who reject his message and compares them to two Gentile cities who would have received it. The second part is a short prayer to God his Father. A familiar and famous verse comes at the end, “For my yoke is easy [to wear], and my burden is light.” What message will we respond to: the severe message of gloom and doom, the message of grace and gospel of Jesus, or neither?

Readings for Trinity Sunday, June 12, 2011

2011-06-15T13:35:00.008-05:00

Hello Everyone, Grace and Peace to all,

Every year the Sunday after Pentecost is dedicated to the theological concept of the Triune nature of God, simply called the Trinity. All Christians affirm God’s nature as being one. There is only one God. Yet God is present to us in three important ways: creator, redeemer, and sustainer. Love (for God is Love, 1 John 4:16b) that creates all, love that redeems all, and love that sustains all. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each year on this Sunday we have a different texts that reflect and inform on this nature.

Genesis 1:1-2:4a – “In the beginning God . . .” The story of creation over 6 time periods, days, which culminates in God declaring all to be good and then resting on the seventh. It is a good exercise to compare the methodical creation of this story with the messy, artistic creation of Genesis 2:4b-25. Compare, especially, the order of creation. What comes first, second, etc. Which creation story is the right one? Both. Why?

Psalm 8 – David, the psalmist, reflects on God’s creation and how small he feels within that creation. But he also realizes that God has given humanity dominion over creation. This psalm might give us something to think about when it comes to our stewardship of that creation.

2 Corinthians 13:11-13 – As Paul finishes his letter he invokes the triune God. Notice what he associates with each: Jesus is grace, God is love, and the Holy Spirit is communion. Paul wants us to be filled with grace, love, and communion – the essence of God. One other line is worthy of notice. “Greet one another with a holy kiss.” This was not men and women kissing, but men kissing men and women kissing women. And it was not lip on lip. It was more of a cheek to cheek kind of kiss. Americans today, especially in church, are more comfortable with the “Holy Handshake”.

Matthew 28:16-20 – When Jesus ascends into heaven from a mountain in Galilee he commissions the disciples to spread the good news “making disciples of all nations (not individuals?)”, baptizing, and teaching. The fourfold commission is “Go, Make Disciples, Baptize, and Teach.” The key words for Trinity Sunday is that we are to baptize in the “name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” How can we, as followers of Jesus, go and make disciples? How do we teach others? How do we baptize? Who is allowed to baptize? Most denominations think only priests, pastors, bishops, etc. are allowed to do baptisms, but I am not sure that that is supported by scripture.

May the grace of Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you.

Readings for June 12 2011 - Pentecost Sunday

2011-06-09T15:22:00.005-05:00

Grace and Peace to All,

This Sunday is Pentecost Sunday and it is the traditional birthday of the church. Church, and how church is done, has changed over the millennium, sometimes for good and sometimes not. Sometimes it seems that the pray of Jesus in John 17 that we be one together is just another utopian pipe dream. We argue about doctrinal differences, social policy, and who is right and who is wrong. We have even killed each other over those differences. Christianity currently has three main branches: Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Protestant. Within Protestantism there are literally hundreds of denominations worldwide. One of the biggest problems for the 2000 year old church is the loss of worshipers, especially the teenagers and young adults. How are we to do church and be church that will be meaningful to this group? Can we do church without being church? Can we be church without doing church? The earliest church, the first few decades after Pentecost, was a gathering of people (mostly lower class workers, servants, and slaves) in homes around a meal to remember Jesus Christ in the bread and wine, to learn to live in God’s family with love, and to then reach out to others with the hope, love, grace and forgiveness of the Gospel. Can this be the model for “church” for our young people?

Since the color for Pentecost Sunday is red, I invite you to wear something red to church this Sunday. Guys, it can be as simple as wearing a red tie. Ladies, red hats in church would be fun if you have them. Pass the word on to others who don’t get this email.

Our readings this week are all about God’s Spirit.

Numbers 11:24-30 – There is trouble brewing in “desert” city (apologies to “Music Man”). The Israelites are still wandering in the desert and they are grumbling again. Earlier, when they complained about the lack of food to eat, God gave them manna. Now they are complaining to Moses about manna. Can you hear it? “Manna for breakfast, manna for lunch and manna for dinner. Manna pancakes, manna fried, manna biscuits, manna bread, manna chips, and manna soup; when will we get some meat?” Moses can’t bear the complaints and he complains to God. God tells Moses to find 70 elders. God then gives the elders a portion of the spirit that he gave Moses and they prophesy for one time. This is supposed to relieve the burden that Moses carries although we don’t know how it relieves that burden. God also promises to give the people meat to eat, so much that they will find it coming out of their noses and choking on it. (The quails that are given actually bring death to many of the people) This is the bulk of chapter 11. Our passage is only about the 70 elders and 2 others that receive God’s spirit.

Psalm 104:24-34, 35b – The entire Psalm is about praising God who has created all things. God’s spirit brings life and all is renewed. The entire Psalm is about the goodness of God and God’s creation except the little bit of verse 35 that the lectionary skipped. After praising God for 34 verses the psalmist has to take a swipe at sinners and the wicked.

1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 – According to Paul, the Spirit is manifest in all Christians in different ways. Each gift that is given is given by the same Spirit. Paul also lists the gifts that are given by the Spirit. In verses 12-13 Paul compares the variety of gifts given to the one body of Christ, the Church, to the variety of organs and appendages of one human body, all working for the good of the body.

Acts 2:1-21 – The giving of the Spirit of God to the Disciples on Pentecost. Pentecost was a Jewish festival and many people had travelled to Jerusalem. The Disciples are gathered in the upper room. They a sound like the rushing of the wind. They saw tongues as of fire resting on each of them. They then began to speak in other languages. (This is not “speaking in tongues”.) The crowds gathered and heard the disciples in their native languages. Are they drunk? Peter begins to speak and tells the crowds that this was prophesied in the Scriptures (Old Testament). We read the last part of Peter’s sermon several weeks ago and we heard the results: 3000 we added to the believers. Since it is assumed that many of those new believers were from all the places listed in the text, when they returned home they became the foundation of church when the apostles got there.

John 7:37-39 – This is our last reading in John for a while, until December 11. Next week we will return to Matthew. In this short passage Jesus calls on the people to come to the living waters which John associates with the Spirit.

The Spirit is a wind, a tongue of fire, and living waters. The Spirit gives gifts. How does the Spirit blow in you? Is it burning in and on you? Can you drink in the Spirit? What gift do you use for the glory of God’s kingdom/family?

Readings for Sunday June 5

2011-05-30T13:15:00.003-05:00

Grace and Peace of our Lord and Savior to all,

First, an announcement: This Sunday gospel singer and guitar/banjo/mandolin/ukulele player Mike Turner will bring his skills and testimony to our worship at Grey Eagle. This special event is for ALL our worshiper in BOTH churches. Peace United Church people, please take advantage of this special worship service. Service begins at 9 AM and will include communion. Regular worship service with communion will still happen at 10:30 AM at Peace United – South.

This week we celebrate Ascension Day and the 7th Sunday of Easter. According to Luke in Acts 1:3 Jesus appeared to the disciples and others for 40 days following his resurrection. He then gathered his disciple and ascended to heaven. Ascension Day is always on a Thursday in the sixth week after Easter which is June 2nd this year. The first set of scriptures is for Ascension Day while the second is for the 7th Sunday of Easter (though it also includes the ascension text).

Ascension Day:
Acts 1:1-11 – The writer of Acts, assumed to be Luke but not directly named, addresses this account to his friend Theophilus. He then recounts the final words of Jesus and describes how Jesus left them.

Psalm 47 – The Psalmist celebrates God’s rule over all peoples and nations.

Ephesians 1:15-23 – Paul gives thanks for the faithfulness of the church in Ephesus. He prays that they will receive wisdom and power, the power that God gave Jesus in the resurrection and in the heavenly places.

Luke 24:44-53 – When appearing to the disciples Jesus opens their minds (helps them to understand and truly know?) to the scripture and how he fulfilled them. Verses 50-53 are a shorter version of Jesus’ ascension.

Seventh Sunday of Easter:
Acts 1:6-14 – Same as above with the added dimension of the disciples returning to Jerusalem to pray.

Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 – The Psalmist praise God for all that God is and all that God does. God drives away the wicked and brings rains to the earth. God is father of the orphans, protector of widows, and gives homes to the homeless.

1 Peter 4:12-14, 5:6-11 – This is our final reading in 1 Peter and, in the first section, Peter returns to the theme of suffering because of our hope and faith in Christ because Christ suffered for us. In the second section Peter gives a list of things all Christians should be doing: be humble, cast anxiety on Christ, be disciplined, keep alert, and resist the devil.

John 17:1-11 – The lectionary divides John 17 into three chunks for the 7th Sunday of Easter in each of the cycle’s years. Chapter 17 is Jesus’ Prayer for his disciples, those who come after them, and for the world. This Sunday we get the first part, Jesus’ prayer for the disciples.

There is a lot to read this week and I pray that your spirits will be strengthened and lifted as you study God’s Word.

Readings for May 29 2011

2011-05-24T16:12:00.004-05:00

Good Afternoon Everyone,

Grace and Peace to all.

If you are reading these comments weekly and would prefer to receive them via email please send me you name and email address to Pastor Gary at "lpgeparish @ embarqmail.com" (without the spaces).

Now, on to the scriptures.

This is the Sixth Sunday of Easter and we continue our readings in Acts, 1 Peter, and John.

Acts 17:22-31 – The Apostle Paul is on his second missionary and itinerant journey through Asia Minor (now Turkey), Macedonia, and Greece. (I would be willing to bet that you have a map of Paul’s journeys at the back of your Bible. Check it out!) After a rough three weeks in Thessalonica Paul was sent to Athens by the new believers. Athens was the nominal capital of Greece and was very cosmopolitan. It had temples and shrines to all the Greek gods and many gods of foreigners. He spent his days arguing in the synagogues and the common marketplaces about Jesus. Some Greeks thought he was crazy but many wanted to hear more because philosophical debate was common in Athens and many liked to learn new things. So they invited Paul to speak at the Areopagus (hill of Ares, the god of war, and next to the Acropolis). Paul’s short speech is our text today. His argument is that he knows who the “unknown god” is and everyone has been searching for God. Yet, God is near and God sent the one who will judge all.

Psalm 66:8-20 – A psalm of praise for God who brings us through all our troubles and whose love has been steadfast.

1 Peter 3:13-22 – Peter encourages his church to continue doing the good things that defines the church even if they suffer from doing those things. His logic seems flawed to us: “It is better to suffer from doing good then from doing evil.” Don’t we wish that those who do good should be rewarded while those who do evil should be punished and suffer? If you are going to suffer you might, through the love of God, try to relieve someone else’s suffering, right? The “Why?” is answered “because Christ suffered for sins once and for all”. A stranger section is verses 19-20 which declares that Jesus preached the good news to those who died in the Flood. If you know how to explain this please let me know.

John 14:15-21 (22-31) – This is the second section of seven in Jesus’ Last Discourse which goes from Chapter 14-16 and is followed by Jesus’ prayer in Chapter 17. The lectionary cuts off the reading at verse 21 but we might just as well read the entire section. Three ideas are present here: 1) Jesus is leaving and returning for good reason, to do God’s will; 2) Followers of Jesus will obey his commandments which is really only one at 13:34, “Love one another”; and 3) God will send the Holy Spirit, also know as the Advocate, to lead us in truth, remind us of Jesus’ teaching, and teach us new things.

May these comments lead you into all righteousness (help you to grow in love) and prompt you to read the Good News.

Readings for May 22 2011

2011-05-17T17:28:00.002-05:00

Hello Everyone,

Our readings for this week includes the stoning of Stephen, the declaration that we are God’s people, and Jesus as the Way and the Truth and the Life.

Acts 7:55-60 – At the beginning of chapter 6, Stephen was one of seven men chosen by the apostle to serve the Hellenistic (Greek speaking) widows. The power of the Holy Spirit was strong with Stephen and he began to preach and perform wonders and signs. This lead to his arrest by the council. The trial was short and full of lies. When given a chance to answer his accusers, Stephen witnessed to God’s working with the Jewish patriarchs and founders culminating in his denunciation of what the council did to Jesus and will do to him. Stephen’s defense is 7:1-53. Why the Lectionary Committee left off verse 54 is curious. It tells of the reaction of the priests, elders, and councilmen to Stephen’s words: anger. Stephen then says he saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God. Now the leaders are furious. They haul Stephen to the outskirts of town and stone him all the while young Saul (soon to be Paul) approved. As he dies, Stephen asks God to forgive the mob.

Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 – The psalmist asks God to deliver him from his tormentors as he seeks refuge in the rock that is God.

1 Peter 2:2-10 – Last week we read 1 Peter 2:19-25 and this week we skip back. The central point of this passage is that we have been chosen as God’s people and God’s church is built upon the “stone rejected by the builders”. This is a reference to Psalm 118:22 and is one of the favorite OT passage of the NT writers. Jesus is the stone that is rejected by the “community builders”; a scapegoat for all their troubles. The community of God is built on the victim. With the death and resurrection of Jesus the old way of building community around the death of a victim loses its power. The new community founded on the cornerstone of Jesus is built and held together with love, grace and service (verses 11-17).

John 14:1-14 – I often use verses 1-4 in my funeral Gospel along with verses 18-19 and 25-27 which we will read next week. Jesus is in the upper room with the disciples, has washed their feet, predicted his betrayal, and Peter’s denial. In chapters 14-16 Jesus tries to teach them about what will happen and in Chapter 17 he prays for them (and us). In this opening, Jesus tries to comfort the disciples about his coming death (“going away”). He tells them that he prepares a place for them and they know the way to that place. When Thomas asks about that way, Jesus says that he is the way and the truth and the life but doesn’t really explain what he means. In my thinking the most important point comes when Philip asks Jesus to show them God (“the Father”). Basically Jesus says that he and the Father are one and the same. Know Jesus? You know God. See Jesus? You’ve seen God. Jesus = God. Jesus is the full revelation of God to humanity and why I believe that God is without violence, vengeance, retribution, killing, or death. If you don’t see it in Jesus it is not a attribute of God. Jesus = God and “God is Love” (1 John 4:16).

Have you lived your life following the Way, Truth and Life or have you stopped up your ears and picked up a stone to throw (figuratively)?. Have you stumbled over that rejected stone or used it to build up God’s community and our churches?

Readings for May 15 2011

2011-05-10T17:08:00.001-05:00

Peace and Love from Jesus Christ Our Savior,
To all my Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

This week we are back to the Gospel of John through June 12 and we continue our readings in Acts and 1 Peter.

Acts 2:42-47 – This short passage tell us a little bit about the life of the new church and its believers following Pentecost Sunday. Verse 41 says that, as a result of Peter’s preaching on Pentecost, 3000 were baptized and joined with the apostles and disciples. Verse 42, which I read this past Sunday, says that the people devoted themselves to 1) the teachings of the apostles; 2) fellowship; 3) breaking of bread (communion); and 4) prayer. Fellowship consisted of being together (daily?) and the communal ownership of everything which was distributed to any who had the need. They worshiped together in the Temple and celebrated the Lord’s supper at their homes. The people were joyous and generous and had the goodwill of the people of Jerusalem. And each day there were new believers. How do our churches and lives measure up to this standard?

Psalm 23 – This beloved psalm is read several times a year. As you read it ask yourself, “What is new for me this time?” Perhaps read a different version, like “The Message”, and hear it anew.

1 Peter 2:19-25 – The Revised Common Lectionary Committee chose to omit verse 18 from this reading. Read without 18, the passage is an encouragement to all who are suffering at the hands of the authorities because of their faith. “For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in his steps.” However, if you read the first sentence of the paragraph, verse 18, then the entire tenor of the text changes. This entire reading is directed to slaves, encouraging them to endure any harsh treatment they receive from their owners. There is a reference to sheep that have gone astray and returned to the shepherd and the flock in verse 25 which connects it to the John reading.

John 10:1-10 – The fourth Sunday after Easter is occasionally call “Good Shepherd Sunday” and the readings for each lectionary cycle, (we are currently in year A) come from John 10. In this reading we don’t actually have Jesus saying “I am the Good Shepherd” (year B) but he does call himself the gate to the sheepfold. He also implies that he is the shepherd whose voice the sheep follow. All others are thieves and bandits. Please notices that 10:1-19 is a continuation of the dialog between Jesus and the Pharisees that started at the end of chapter 9 and the story of the man born blind since birth (see my notes for April 3). What is it about Jesus as Shepherd and us as sheep seems to be so endearing? Are we supposed to be mindless followers, as sheep seem to be? Or devoted to only one Shepherd as sheep seem to be?

Readings for Sunday, May 8, 2011

2011-05-03T14:05:00.001-05:00

Our Gospel reading switches to Luke this week but we will be back in John the following 5 Sundays. We also continue reading in Acts and 1 Peter.

Acts 2:14a, 36-41 (42) – This story records the reaction of the crowd who listened to Peter on Pentecost. “What should we do?” they asked. “Repent, be baptized, and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” said Peter. That day 3000 were baptized. The lectionary leaves off verse 42 but it is part of the crowd’s reaction to the preaching and the gift of the Holy Spirit. “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” (This is 4 things: study, fellowship, communion (or dinner), and prayers.)

Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19 – This reading, without verses 3 and 4, was part of the lectionary on Maundy Thursday. The psalmist who is encompassed by death is saved by God. Verses 12-19 is about giving back to God in gratitude.

1 Peter 1:17-23 (24-25) – This is an interesting if confusing passage. If we believe that God judges us by what we do then (the world’s way) we need to live in fear. However, Peter says, we have been saved from the world’s ways by the blood of Christ. Since we have been made clean (purified) we now obey the truth and have genuine love. We have been born anew by the word of God. That word is the gospel.

Luke 24:13-35 – This is the familiar story of two disciples, one named Cleopas and the other unnamed, walking to Emmaus on Resurrection Sunday and being joined by a stranger who interprets the events of the preceding days to them. When they reach their destination the two invite the stranger into stay with them. At the dinner table, the stranger took bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to the two disciples. In this action (compare to verse 22:19) the stranger was recognized as Jesus. Most commentators assume that both disciples were men but this is not clearly supported by the text. Jesus was invited to stay with them and shared a meal with them in their house. I think that the unnamed disciple was the wife of Cleopas and I believe that the text supports this.

Christ Is Risen! Christ is Risen, Indeed!

The Death of a Man Loved by God

2011-05-03T13:09:00.003-05:00

Yes, you read the title correctly. This is about a violent man who was violently killed but who was also loved by God. Read on.

There is a great story told about a rabbi who was asked if God enjoyed all that God had done in history. The Rabbi said, “No” and then told a story of how the angels in Heaven where rejoicing and singing and dancing the day the Red Sea drowned the Egyptians who pursued the fleeing Hebrew slaves. When the Almighty came along and found them, they were dismissed from God’s service. “Why?” they asked the Lord, who replied, “How can you sing and dance when some of my children are drowning?” – from Mike Piazza, “Osama bin Laden is Dead” at http://www.h4pj.org/activist/050211.php.

Exodus 20:13 – “You shall not kill (some English version have “murder”).”

Proverbs 24:17-18 – “Do not rejoice when your enemies fall, and do not let your heart be glad when they stumble, or else the Lord will see it and be displeased, and turn his anger from them.”

Matthew 5:43-45a, 48 – “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.” But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven . . . . Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

How should we react to the news on Sunday night that Navy Seals stormed the compound of Osama bin Laden in Pakistan and killed him and 3 others? For many Americans the reaction was celebration. For many the reaction was a sense of relief and release. For some, it was a time of sadness, disquiet, and unease. I have found myself in this last category. I believe that God loves every human being, including Osama bin Laden, is saddened by all deaths by violence, and calls all people to give up violent ways. It is the violence that saddens me.

I deplore the violence this world resorts to time after time. I deplored the violence on 9/11/2001. I deplore the violence of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. I deplore all the IED’s, suicide bombers, drone missile attacks. I truly believe that the use of violence only fuels more violence. As someone said in reaction to the news of bin Laden’s death, “Kill bin Laden on May 1 and face 10 bin Laden’s on May 2.” The use of violence to control violence only continues the deathly spiral that will end in the apocalyptic death of humanity. We must find a new way of stopping our violence. That new way is Jesus, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Jesus died on Good Friday to set us free from our slavery to sin and death. Jesus was raised on Easter Sunday as a sign of God’s forgiveness of our violence and to call us to live a new, peaceful lives by believing in, following, and imitating Jesus Christ. It is this Jesus who taught us to love God and love our neighbors including our enemies. Jesus’ life, teaching, death, and resurrection reveals to us that God is a God of love who abhors violence. God is even willing to suffer our violence by dying on the cross to show us that all violence is our violence.

Proverbs tells us to not rejoice at the failings of our enemies and Jesus tells us to pray for them. So, let us pray:

Dear God, we confess our violent tendencies and actions and we ask for your forgiveness. May your Holy Spirit lead us into lives of righteousness and peace. May your Holy Spirit guide the leaders of all nations and militant groups to the knowledge and realization that violence in never the answer so that the world’s stores of weapons may be turned into plowshares. We also lift up to your care all the families who have lost someone to violence and ask that your Holy Spirit comfort them in their loss. Give us the strength and will to follow Jesus in loving our neighbors and enemies wherever they may be. We ask this in the name of your son, Jesus the Christ, our crucified and risen Savior. Amen.

Readings for May 1 2011

2011-04-26T16:45:00.002-05:00

Christ is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!

Hello Everyone,

The next 6 Sundays are in the Church Season of Easter. With the exception of May 8th, our Gospel readings will be in the Gospel of John. In John we will cover “The Good Shepherd”, “I Am the Way, Truth, and Life”, “The Holy Spirit”, and “Jesus’ Prayer for his Disciples”. This week it is Jesus’ Resurrection Appearances to the disciples in the house where they were staying. Each week we will also be reading from the Acts of the Disciples leading up to Pentecost Sunday. This may be a good time for a preaching series on Acts as United Methodist Bishop Sally Dyck asked us to do.

This week our lessons are:

Acts 2: 14a, 22-32 – This is part of Peter’s first sermon which he gave to the crowd in Jerusalem on Pentecost. After a long quote from Joel, Peter attests that death could not hold Jesus and he quotes other Old Testament passages in support. This reading is really too short. It should be the entire sermon which is verses 14-36.

Psalm 16 – Verses 8-11 are quoted by Peter in his sermon in Acts 2, above.

1 Peter 1:3-9 – Peter talks about a “new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus and we are being protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation to be revealed in the last time.” A difficult and dense statement. The resurrection brings us a new way of living (a new birth) and this new living is hope filled. In this new life we are protected by the God’s power “through faith”. Whose faith is unclear. Ours? God’s? Both? The answer is probably both but I lean towards God’s faith. Our faith wavers but God’s faith is trustworthy, true, and steadfast. This faith protects us for a salvation. However, this statement in verse 5 seems to say that the salvation will come at the last time. This seems curious. Peter then goes on to talk about our sufferings to be a test of our faith and the “outcome of our faith is the salvation of our souls.” So, whose faith protects us?

John 20:19-31 – Jesus appears to the disciples two times 7 days apart. The first is on Easter Sunday evening and there are 10 disciples present in the room where they are staying/hiding/cowering. In this meeting Jesus gives the disciples the Holy Spirit by blowing on them. One week later, Jesus reappears and this time there are 11 disciples. Thomas, who was not at the first appearance, must have not gotten the email notice about the first meeting. We often call Thomas “Doubting” but what he really wanted was what the other 10 experienced a week earlier. What would be a better nickname for Thomas? “Missouri”? (The Show Me State)

Have a great week celebrating the risen Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. May the word of God blow into your life with the power of God’s Faith.

Readings for Easter Sunday, April 24 2011

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I just noticed that I hadn't posted the last two weeks. You will find them below.

Passover started last night and runs for seven or eight day (depending on the particular Jewish tradition). Jesus was in Jerusalem for Passover which started either on Thursday night (Matthew, Mark and Luke) or Friday night (John 18:28, 19:14).

There are many readings for Thursday through Sunday, so I will list them with little to no comments.

Holy (Maundy) Thursday:
Exodus 12:1-4, (5-10), 11-14 – God’s instructions to Moses instituting Passover.
Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 – Verse 13 makes a reference to the Cup of Salvation. Is this the Holy Chalice that Indiana Jones goes after in the third movie?
1 Corinthians 11:23-26 – Paul’s recounting of the Lord’s Supper.
John 13:1-17, 31b-35 – No supper here, but a foot washing instead.

Good Friday:
Isaiah 52:13-53:12 – The fourth Suffering Servant Song of Isaiah.
Psalm 22 – “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” Read the whole psalm to get the full impact.
Hebrews 10:16-25 – Christ’s sacrifice of himself is all that is needed, therefore we should love and do good deeds.
OR Hebrews 4:14-16, 5:7-9 – Christ is the perfect High Priest and is the source of eternal salvation for all who believe.
John 18:1-19:42 – The Passion of Jesus.

Holy Saturday:
Job 14:1-14 – A difficult reading: a tree when cut down will send up shoot from the stump and roots, but if a human dies will they live again? Job thinks not in verse 12.
OR Lamentations 3:1-9, 19-24 – In the first part God has abandoned Jeremiah and in the second part Jeremiah has hope because God’s steadfast love never ends.
Psalm 31:1-4, 15-16 - The Lord is a rock and fortress and the psalmist asks for deliverance.
1 Peter 4:1-8 – Since Christ has suffered for us we should put away human desires and desire only God which leads to loving each other.
Matthew 27:57-66 – The burial of Jesus on Friday evening and the posting of the guards on Saturday morning.
OR John 19:38-42 – The burial of Jesus.

Easter Sunday:
Acts 10:34-43 – Peter’s proclamation of the Gospel to Cornelius.
OR Jeremiah 31:1-6 – God will restore all the families of Israel and they shall be God’s people.
Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 – God’s steadfast love endures forever and God will save us. “This is the day the Lord has made!”
Colossians 3:1-4 – Set your minds on the things that come from God for we have been raised with Christ.
OR Acts 10:34-43 – Peter’s proclamation of the Gospel to Cornelius.
John 20:1-18 – Mary Magdalene finds the tomb rock moved. She gets Peter and the other disciple to enter the tomb and discover it empty. They went home and Mary meets Jesus.
OR Matthew 28:1-10 – Two Mary’s go to the tomb where they are met by an angel who give them a message for the disciples. They then meet the risen Jesus.

Have a great week reading God’s Word.

Readings for April 17 2011

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Wednesday night we come to the end of our midweek Lenten Worship services. These services have been a time to meditate and pray on the scriptures that were read. The last set of scriptures are Psalm 22:1-8, 14-18, 29-31 (or just read it all), Isaiah 52:13-53:12, and Matthew 27:45-66. For those who haven’t come to the Wednesday services and who haven’t read these scripture each week, but want to go back and read them all here is the list:

Psalms 64, 54, 82, and 22
Isaiah 42:1-9; 49:1-7, 50:4-11, and 52:13-53:12
Matthew 26:31 – 27:66

You may notice a lot of similarity between the Psalms and Isaiah with Matthew’s Passion Story.

This Sunday is Palm/Passion Sunday. Years ago the Sunday before Easter was only celebrated as Palm Sunday, Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. That was a time when most Christians went to Good Friday services and heard the Passion story. Since many people no longer go to Good Friday Services the only chance to hear the Passion is on Palm Sunday. We celebrate the triumphant entry on Palm Sunday and the triumphant resurrection on Easter, but we really need to go through the valley of the shadow of death in between. What is the point of Easter if we don’t know what Jesus went through earlier? For Apostle Paul, who knew the living Christ, the Crucifixion was what was important to proclaim. “For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom, but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block (scandal) to Jews and foolishness to Greeks.” (1 Corinthians 1:22-23)

Here are the scripture for Palm/Passion Sunday with minimal comment:

Palm Sunday
Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 – Verse 22 is the most quoted OT verse in the NT and verse 26 is quoted as Jesus enters Jerusalem.

Matthew 21:1-11 – Humorous moment: verse 7 has Jesus sitting on both the colt and the donkey at the same time, perhaps a misunderstanding or a too literal reading of Zechariah 9:9.

Passion Sunday
Isaiah 50:4-9a – The third of four “Servant Songs” which probably ends with verse 11. Verse 6 is relevant to the Passion.

Psalm 31:9-16 – VERY relevant to the Passion as the Psalmist is in distress from his torment.

Philippians 2:5-11 – An ancient Christian song that Paul used? Notice the down and up movement in the verses. Christ gives up Godhood to become human and die on the cross. Then he is raised and exalted so we may all confess that Jesus is Lord.

Amen.

Matthew 26:14-27:66 (the long Passion story) OR Matthew 27:11-54 (the short version). If we hear and know this story, did we really need the brutality and blood of Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ”? All the disciples either betrayed, abandoned or denied Jesus. When have we done the same? Were the disciples any less guilty then the priests, scribes, Pharisees, and Romans? Are we?

A lot to read this week and a lot to think about. I pray you will be blessed in your reading.

Readings for April 10 2011

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As you may or may not have heard, the congregation of Peace United Church voted to sell the North Church Building. Now we have to wait to see if the buyers can sell their current home. Please keep all the people of PUC in your prayers.

Midweek Lenten Services will be at the South Church this week. All worship services and other activities will be at the South Church through the end of September. Scripture for Wednesday night is Psalm 82, Isaiah 50:4-11, and Matthew 27:27-44.

This week’s readings are all about flesh and bones. What is life and what is death?

Ezekiel 37:1-14 – Ezekiel is taken out to a valley that is filled with dry bones. The question put to him is, “Can these bones live?” Ezekiel is commanded to prophesy and the bones came together, sinew formed, and flesh returned but there was still death. Commanded again to prophesy the breath of God (see Genesis 2:7) gave the bodies life. The breath and Word of God gives life to the scattered and dead nation of Israel. Is this analogy applicable to churches that seem to have run their course? Is new life possible after death?

Psalm 130 – I use this Psalm in all the funeral services I lead. The psalmist cries out to the Lord from deep emotional pain and waits to hear an answer. He recognizes that answers may not be coming but his hope is in the Lord because he knows that God’s love is steadfast (never ending).

Romans 8:6-11 – I often use selected verses from Romans 8 at funerals also but skip verses 6-10. Only verse 11 is used in the funeral text. Basically, Paul says that sin brings death to our lives (he uses the word “flesh”) but through Christ the Holy Spirit, which is pure righteousness, gives us life. If God is able to raise Jesus from death then God is able to give life to us.

John 11:1-44 – The long story of Jesus and the death of his friend Lazarus. Lazarus gets very sick and his sisters, Mary and Martha, send a messenger to get Jesus to come visit (and heal?). Jesus delays the trip and Lazarus dies. When Jesus and the disciples do get to Bethany Lazarus has been in the tomb for 4 days and Martha challenges Jesus about his delay. Then Martha goes to tell Mary that Jesus was there and Mary rushes out and SHE challenges Jesus about the delay using the same words as Martha, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” He goes to the tomb and commands that the stone be rolled away and Martha worries about the stink. Jesus says a prayer and then commands Lazarus to come out of the tomb which he does still wrapped in the funeral cloths. In verses 45-57, the Pharisees and the Priest begin planning on killing Jesus because of Lazarus’ resurrection. One of the most interesting verses is 49b-50. Caiaphas, the high priest, tells the others, “You now nothing at all! You do not understand that it is better for you to have one man die for the people then to have the whole nation destroyed.” The death of an innocent victim brings peace and security to the community.

May the Spirit of God bring Life to you this week as you read the Word of God.

Readings for Sunday, April 3, 2011

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Our readings for Sunday seem to be totally unrelated: the choosing of a king, the good shepherd, darkness and light, and a man born blind.

1 Samuel 16:1-13 – King Saul, the first king of Israel, has gone off the reservation (lost his marbles, gone round the bend, or whatever euphemism you want for “going insane”) and God needs a replacement although it will be several years before the replacement actually becomes a king. God sends the prophet Samuel to Bethlehem and to the family of Jesse to anoint the future king. God rejects the first seven sons even though Samuel thinks one of them might be the one (they are tall, handsome, and athletic). The eighth son is out tending Jesse’s sheep and must be summoned. This is the one God wants and Samuel anoints him. His name? David. (He is described as “ruddy”.)

Psalm 23 – Since this is a Psalm of David and David was a shepherd for his father, Jesse, this Psalm is related to the first reading. The only question that crosses my mind when I read the King James Version at funerals is, “Why would I NOT want the good shepherd?”

Ephesians 5:8-14 – With Jesus we now live in the light and we should refrain from doing anything that would be categorized as darkness. Darkness is associated with evil and when evil deeds are brought into the light where we can see it, know it, and discuss it, it cannot survive for long. That is why open meeting laws in Minnesota are often called “Sunshine Laws”; nothing truly bad can happen if everyone can witness the planning and discussion.

John 9:1-41 – This is the entire chapter 9. Are the sins of the parents and grandparent suffered by their children? Does God punish sin into the third and fourth generations? Is someone with a handicap suffering because of their parent’s sin or their own? That is the basic question for all of chapter 9. Jesus’ answers are “No, no, and neither.” We sin because we are caught up in the structures of the world which declare that those not like us are lesser people. Systems and people within those systems who define themselves as opposed to those “others” At the end Jesus tells the Pharisees “If you were blind [or if you were someone whom society rejects and looks down on] you would not have sin [you are not caught up in the systems that need scapegoats]. But now that you say, ‘We see,’ your sin remains [if you deny that you are a part of the system, and we all are in one way or another, then you won’t admit you need forgiveness].” How often do we who are Caucasian deny that we had or have anything to do with racism, especially in the past? We claim that we don’t need to ask forgiveness for racism. Does not our sin remain? NOTE: There are people who suffer because of the actions (sin?) of their parents. People with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) suffer because their mothers drank, sometimes heavily, during pregnancy.

How does God choose you? How do you live in the light? How blind can we be to our sin?

May God speak to you through the Word this week!

Readings for Sunday, March 27, 2011

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This Wednesday we continue to read through Matthew’s account of the passion of Christ with the focus on Jesus before Caiaphas the high priest of the Temple. We also continue reading the Servant Songs in Isaiah and similar Psalms. The Scripture
Lessons for Wednesday night are:

Psalm 54
Isaiah 49:1-
Matthew 26:57-75

This Sunday the Old Testament and Psalm readings relate to the gospel which is about the Living Water. In the Epistle reading, Paul continues to discuss faith as it relates to salvation and righteousness.

Exodus 17:1-7 – The Israelites have followed Moses out into the desert as they are set free from the Egyptian slavery. They are headed to Mt. Sinai but every time they camp somewhere they have something to complain about: bitter (salty) water in chapter 15; nothing to eat in chapter 16; and now nothing to drink. When they complain to Moses, he complains about them to God who promptly solves the problem. Moses then names the place Massah (test) and Meribah (quarrel) because the people argued and tested God. Yet the people, and Moses himself, fail to learn to trust God for all their needs. Do we trust God to provide for our needs (not wants)? Are we willing to endure a little uncertainty as we trust God?

Psalm 95 – The psalmist calls the people to worship and praise God who has created all things. He reminds us not to be stubborn like the Israelites at Massah and Meribah.

Romans 5:1-11 – Paul continues his teaching about faith from our reading last week. Since we are justified, made right, by our faith in Christ and not by anything we do, we now have peace with God. And not only that, God’s love is poured out into our hearts. Why? Because Christ died for us and his death brings us justification. There are two points to consider. First, in verse 1 Paul says that we are now at peace with God. Were we at war? The assumption is that, yes, WE are at war with God but God is NOT at war with us. Would a God who is at war with us send his Son to die for us? What then does that peace mean for us? Second, at the end of verse 9 we read “we will be saved through him (Jesus) from the wrath of God.” The actual Greek here does not have “of God”. Does it make any sense that one part of God, Jesus, will save us from another part of God? I checked about a dozen versions of the Bible and only two do not make the assumption that the wrath Paul is talking about is from God. We have been so indoctrinated to believe that God is a wrathful deity. However, I believe that the wrath Jesus saves us from is our own wrath, the wrath that has kept us at war with God.

John 4:5-42 – This is the story of the Samaritan woman at the well who encounters Jesus and has her life changed by the Living Water. There are many similarities, or should I say opposites, in this story to the Nicodemus story in chapter 3 that we read last week.: a woman vs. a man; at noon vs. at night; out in the open vs. under cover; a Samaritan vs. a Jew; a sinner vs. a righteous Pharisee; sudden spiritual healing vs. none (or a slow conversion – see John 7:45-52 and John 19:38-42). Where have you encountered Jesus? How did you respond? Did you keep it to yourself or did you proclaim it to all who would listen? Have you drank from the well of the Living Water?

I pray that the readings this week will quench your thirst for God.

Readings for Sunday, March 20, 2011

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Please keep the people of Japan in your prayers as they struggle to recover from the devastating 9.0 earthquake and tsunami last Friday. Pray also for the workers and engineers who are struggling to control their nuclear reactors in Japan. For the people of PUC, donations to relief work in Japan can be made through the UCC church’s One Great Hour of Sharing by indicating how much you want to donate and writing “Pacific earthquake/tsunami” on the check. For the people of PUC and GEUMC, donations can be made to UMCOR by writing “Pacific Emergency #302131”.

Tomorrow we start our Wednesday Lenten services. I am focusing on Matthew’s Passion in chapters 26 and 27 and on the Servant Songs of Isaiah along with appropriate Psalms. Tomorrow the theme is “Betrayed” and we are reading Psalm 64, Isaiah 42:1-9, and Matthew 26:31-56. The service will be a modified Taizé Service with three periods of silent prayer or contemplation. Please join us at 6:00 pm at Peace United Church North or 7:30 pm at Grey Eagle UMC.

This Sunday we begin four weeks of readings from the Gospel of John and we continue with readings from Romans. Our scripture readings are:

Genesis 12:1-4a – The story of God’s plan for the redemption of humanity begins and it starts with one man, Abram (later to be known as Abraham). God called an old man, 75 years old, to pick up and leave his ancestral home and travel to a new place where his descendants will be great. Other than the Bible nothing is known of this man Abram. This is to be expected. He was just one old man with a wife, servants and workers. As he passed through various lands that God led him to, who would take notice and remark about him. Just an ordinary guy whom God calls. How does God call you? Do you think your age matters to God?

Psalm 121 – The Psalmist wonders who will help him when he needs and his answer is “God” who never slumbers or turns away.

Romans 4:1-5, 13-17 – The entirety of chapter 4 is Paul’s midrash (commentary or explanation of Biblical Texts common with Jewish rabbis, teachers, and scholars which Paul was one) on the Abraham story. Basically, Paul says it is all about faith. Abraham was accounted (treated, deemed, acknowledged) as righteous because he believed and followed. Therefore, all who believe and have faith will be accounted as righteous. This is the primary doctrine of the Protestants since Luther and Calvin: we are saved only by our faith in Jesus Christ. Those who don’t believe, well . . . . However, last week we read “ . . . so one man’s (Jesus) act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all.” How do we reconcile these two issues: only those who have faith are saved verses all people are justified and given life?

John 3:1-17 – Nicodemus is an interesting character in the Gospel of John. He appears three times and this is the first. He comes in secret to Jesus with many questions but hardly gets a chance. After Nick acknowledges that Jesus cannot perform the signs without the presence of God Jesus says that only those who are born from above can see God. When Nick questions this, Jesus teaches what it means to be born again. The big question for interpreters in chapter three is where does Jesus’ speech end? Some maintain that it ends at verse 15 and 16-21 is John’s commentary. Others hold that the speech goes to the end of verse 21. The famous John 3:16 is also seen as supporting the “faith alone” doctrine, but verse 17 might be its counter: Jesus comes to save the entire world.

I pray that these midrashim (plural of midrash – I learn something new everyday) on the reading will guide you to the texts and bless you in your walk with Christ.

Readings for Sunday, March 13, 2011

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First, an announcement: Don’t forget to set your clocks ahead 1 hour on Saturday Night when you go to bed. Failure to do so will result in your arriving at church at the end of the service. Thank you for your consideration.

Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. On Ash Wednesday, it is traditional to remember how we have been sinful, selfish, and arrogant in our lives and to ask God’s forgiveness. The imposition of ashes is not a mark of pride that shows others how pious we have been, but a humbling moment as we acknowledge our sinfulness and seek reconciliation with God. The scripture verses, without comment are:

Joel 2:1-2, 12-17
Psalm 51: 1-17 (why 18 and 19 are left out is a mystery)
2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 (I will read 6:1-18)

Lent is a season of preparation and reflection as we prepare for the biggest celebration of the Christian year: Easter. It is the remembering of the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the desert. Lent goes from Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday (the day before Easter). If you count the days of Lent you will end up with 46 not 40. During Lent we don’t count Sundays since every Sunday is a mini-Easter, a celebration of the resurrection. Every year on the first Sunday in Lent we read the Gospel stories of the temptation of Christ. This Sunday is no different. Our readings follow.

Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-7 – The verses in chapter two are from the second account of the creation. Here, the man is placed in the Garden at Eden and told not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. God says that on that day the man will surely die. The verses that are skipped tell the story of God creating all living creatures to be a companion to the man. Since none are found to be the man’s helper, God creates woman. The verses in chapter 3 tell the story of Woman and Man giving in to the temptation offered by the serpent and eating from that tree. The reading, however, doesn’t complete the story and you should read the rest of the chapter. Oh, by the way, Man and Woman do not die at the time they eat the fruit. The first death recorded is the murder of Abel by Cain in chapter 4. I see a connection. Do you?

Psalm 32 – The psalmist rejoices in the forgiveness and steadfast love of the Lord for those who confess their sins.

Romans 5:12-19 – Four of the next five Sundays will have readings from Romans, though not in order. Again, why the Lectionary committee left off the final two verses of the chapter escapes me. I may read them in worship. Here Paul compares Adam (and Eve) to Christ. His argument is summed up in verse 18, “Therefore, just as one man’s trespass led to condemnation for all, so one man’s act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all.” This is another of many verses that seem to indicate salvation for all.

Matthew 4:1-11 – After Jesus’ baptism, the Spirit leads him out into the desert. Matthew seems to indicate that after 40 days of fasting the devil began the temptations. Mark and Luke indicate that the temptations occurred throughout the entire 40 days. The three temptations that Matthew and Luke report concern the temptation of body satiation, religious power, and political power. The devil quotes Scripture, thus showing us that scripture can easily be misused. Jesus also quotes scripture to resist and deny the temptation. The main feature of the temptations is Jesus’ denying or not believing the nature of his existence: “If you are the Son of God . . .” the devil repeats with each temptation. We are all tempted in small and great ways each day. How do we resist those temptations? Knowing the Bible is one step in the right direction.

May these reading guide you in your daily walk with God.

Readings for March 6 2011

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This coming Sunday is the last Sunday of Epiphany and is the Sunday we celebrate the Transfiguration of Jesus. Lent begins on the following Wednesday when we have our Ash Wednesday Services.

Our lessons focus our attention on the Transfiguration.

Exodus 24:12-18 – When the Israelites leave Egypt they head to Mt. Sinai (Chapter 19) and Moses goes up the mountain to receive the Law of the Lord beginning with the 10 Commandments (chapters 20-23). At the beginning of Chapter 24 Moses comes down the mountain to tell the people all that God had told him (there are no tablets yet). In our passage this week, God tells Moses to come back up and he will be given the tablets with all the commandments and Law. When Moses got there the “Glory of the Lord” descended on the mountain in the form of a fog but to the people below it appeared like a “devouring fire.” Moses enters the cloud and is there for 40 days while God gives him more instructions (chapters 25-31). Moses’ long delay on the mountain is what prompts the Israelites to worship the golden calf (chapter 32).

Psalm 99 – The Psalmist extols the might and holiness of God who is just, equitable, and forgives. This is the God who spoke to Moses, Aaron, and Samuel in the pillars of clouds.

2 Peter 1:16-21 – Peter states in this passage that the message he brought to his churches was not one of myths or fiction, but a message of the glory of Christ that he and others personally witnessed while they were on the mountain with Jesus. Therefore, their witness (prophetic message) is confirmed by God. He calls his churches to pay attention to this light shining in the darkness.

Matthew 17:1-9 – Six days after Peter declares Jesus to be the Messiah, the Son of the Living God, Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a mountain. Matthew flatly says the Jesus changed (was transfigured) before them. Moses and Elijah appear with Jesus prompting Peter, always brash, to declare that they would build three booths or tents for them. Suddenly they are enveloped by a cloud and the voice of God declares Jesus to be his Son, his beloved. The last three words of God comprise what I call the 11th Commandment of God and the only commandment of God given in the New Testament: “Listen to him”. With that, the disciples literally fall to the ground where they are roused by Jesus who is alone. As they descend the mountain Jesus tells the three disciples to tell no one.

May the written word of the Lord change your life to serve him.

Readings for February 27, 2011

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We didn’t get the snow as early as we thought but we finally got the snow. If you are sick and tired of snow like me, just wait until March which is, on average, the snowiest month.

This week we finish (almost) our readings in 1 Corinthians and the Sermon on the Mount (there is one more reading on Ash Wednesday). The themes this week are God’s salvation, God’s judgment, God’s provision.

Isaiah 49:8-16a – The Lord proclaims to the people of Israel that he has saved his people and cared for them and called them to return to the land he gave them. Note the celebratory nature of verse 13 and the feminine nature of God in verse 15. Often we think and speak of God as Father but in this verse God is the perfect mother who never forgets or cares for her children. This fits with the theme in our Matthew reading.

Psalm 131 – Another reading which pictures the feminine side of God as the psalmist speaks of his quiet dependence on God’s provision.

1 Corinthians 4:1-5 – Paul has defended the ministries of all who have worked with the church in Corinth: himself, Apollos and Peter. In verse 1 Paul says that they should simply be thought of as servants of Christ and stewards of God. As such, they should all be judged in their trustworthiness (v. 2). However, he is not worried (v. 3) because the only true judge is God (v. 4). The kicker verse then comes: “Don’t judge because God will shine light into the darkness and reveal the motives of our hearts.” OK, so far so good. But then comes the last phrase of verse 5. Here are several different versions of it:

NRSV – Then each one will receive commendation from God.
NET – Then each will receive recognition from God.
NIV – At that time each will receive their praise from God.
NLT – Then God will give to each one whatever praise is due.
NASB – Then each man’s praise will come to him from God.
KJV – and then shall every man have praise of God.

How do you take this one phrase? The NET, NIV, NASB and KJV are all very conservative translations (in many experts’ opinions) and they seem to say that all people will be judged by God and then God will give them praise/commendation/recognition. Is this, dare I say, universal praise? Does this lead to, dare I say again, universal salvation? Hmmmmm........

Matthew 6:24-34 – First, to get into the mood of the passage, listen to Bobby McFerrin sing “Don’t Worry, Be Happy”.

We skipped the portion of the Sermon on the Mount dealing with almsgiving, prayer, fasting, treasures, and the eye. The section on prayer includes the Lord’s Prayer. We will read these for Ash Wednesday. Verse 24 seems to be a “one-off” on serving two masters: God and wealth. It seems to be out of place with this week’s reading and would better be paired with the section on treasures, verses 19-21. The bulk of the reading is about worrying. While it is medically proven (I think) that excessive worrying leads to all kinds of physical and mental health problems that is not what Jesus is talking about. For Jesus, it is all about trusting in the providence of God. Jesus acknowledges that there are plenty of things to worry about (v. 34) but our hearts never the less need to be given to God in utmost trust. One more thing, reread verse 33. Is this a “works” verse? In other words, if we do the “striving” God will do the “giving”. Or is our “striving” better thought of as giving our hearts and trust over to the power of God’s Spirit working in and through us?

I pray that these words will inspire you to read God’s Word and grow in God’s Spirit!

Readings for February 20, 2011

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A mid-February thaw that feels really nice. Perhaps this will reduce any chance of flooding in the area and along the Red River.

Our readings for this week:

Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18 – This selection begins with God telling Moses to tell all the people, “You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.” As we will see in our Gospel lesson, Jesus uses and reinterprets this line in his teaching. What does it mean for you and I to be holy? Can we ever be as holy as God? This is followed with a series of instructions about living in relationship to all neighbors: don’t harvest all fruits and grains so the poor may have something, don’t steal, don’t deal falsely, don’t lie, don’t swear falsely, don’t defraud, don’t cheat the laborers, don’t revile the deaf, don’t cause the blind to stumble, don’t be unjust, don’t be partial, don’t slander, don’t profit by your neighbor’s blood, don’t hate your kin, and don’t take vengeance or bear a grudge to any of your people. (I left out a second injunction against stealing.) At the end of all these “don’t’s” we get our only “do” and it is the 2nd greatest commandment (according to Jesus), “Love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.” If you live by this last instruction you will never have to worry about violating all the others.

Psalm 119:33-40 – A second week with this long acrostic poem (see last week’s comments). In this section all the lines begin with the fifth letter of the Hebrew Alefbet (the first two letters: Alef and Beit) which is Hei. These verses call on God to teach the person speaking the Psalm to teach him or her the commandments, ordinances, and ways of the Lord.

1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23 – I read 10-15 in church this past week, accidentally in Grey Eagle and on purpose in Long Prairie. The foundation of Jesus Christ has been poured in Corinth and now the people need to honor the church that they have become. They should take care not to bring that church (temple in Paul’s word) down. They should not pursue human wisdom but seek to allow God’s wisdom to grow in them by becoming fools for Christ. Finally, it is not about which leader they follow (Paul, Appollos, Peter, or Gary); it is all about Christ to whom they belong.

Matthew 5:38-48 – We are still reading portions of the Sermon on the Mount and this week we have two more reinterpretations of the law. In Jesus’ words, “You have heard it said . . . but I say to you . . .” The first one is one of the most famous, but not in the formula but in what living out that interpretation looks like: turning the other cheek, giving the shirt with the coat, and walking a second mile. The law Jesus quotes, “an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth”, is all about stopping the escalation of violence. Jesus’ reinterpretation, “do not resist the evildoer”, is all about ending violence. The second one is similar: instead of loving neighbors (Leviticus above) and hating enemies Jesus says to love our enemies. In the past 10 years we have heard a lot about “evildoers” and “enemies” but have we lived up to Jesus’ standards for loving and not resisting? Some would say that Jesus was talking about personal relationships and not national actions. Why shouldn’t Jesus’ standards be applied to our nation?

I pray that the words of Jesus and all the writers of the Bible will lift you up in love.

Readings for February 13, 2011

2011-02-09T15:53:00.001-06:00

This week we continue our readings in Matthew (The Sermon on the Mount) and in 1 Corinthians.

Deuteronomy 30:15-20 – Deuteronomy is the fifth book in the Pentateuch and is written as Moses’ final speech before all of Israel. It is analogous to a President’s farewell speech as the office is past on the the successor. The body of Moses’ address is about remembrance of all that God has done for Israel and a reminder of the blessings that Israel will receive if they remain faithful or the curses they receive if they are faithless. The six verses we read this week are the end of that address and Moses sums everything up in terms of life and death: if you follow God you have life and prosperity; if not then you get death and adversity. He admonishes Israel to choose life. Do we choose life by following the one who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life? Or do we choose death? Following this reading Moses chooses Joshua to succeed him and commands the Levite priests to read the law out loud every 7 years (chapter 31); recited a song for Israel and God tells him of his coming death (32); gives his final blessing to Israel (33); and then heads to the mountains to die (34).

Psalm 119:1-8 – Psalm 119 is the longest Psalm and I believe the longest chapter in the Bible. It is an acrostic Psalm in which every letter of the Hebrew alphabet, 22, is used. It is made up of 22 stanzas each having 8 verses. In each stanza every verse starts with the same letter and each stanza progresses through the Hebrew letters. The entire Psalm, all 176 verses, is in praise of God’s Law and reflect the call of Moses to be faithful.

1 Corinthians 3:1-9 – Paul begins to dig down into the divisions that rock the church and there are many. He begins by saying that he came to them with words of grace that were easy to understand, baby food as opposed to adult food. He can’t yet give them complex answers because they are still not ready as shown by their division over who they follow: Paul or Apollos (or Peter? See chapter 1:12.) Paul says that what he has done and what Apollos has done is insignificant to what God has done. Here he moves from the baby food – adult food metaphor to a garden metaphor: Paul planted, Apollos watered, but God gave growth. “For we are God’s servants, working together; you are God’s field, God’s building.” How has God given growth to your church? Or maybe we have forgotten to water the plants?

Matthew 5:21-37 – “You have heard it said . . . But I say to you . . .” The last half of Matthew 5 contains 6 of those statements. This week we read 4 of them and next week the last two. The 4 topics this week are Anger, Adultery, Divorce, and Oaths. Don’t get too bogged down in the specifics because I think Jesus is trying to get at the underlying attitudes that lead to relationship breaking actions: unresolved anger can lead to murder; lusting can lead to adultery; easy divorce (as in the days of Jesus) trivializes covenantal relationships, and swearing (giving oaths not saying bad words) often and easily can lead others to distrust. A word about divorce: I don’t think that Jesus is advocating that a woman stay in a violent relationship. God wants all our relationship to be loving, caring and respectful and when one (usually the man) is violent (physically, emotionally, sexually) to the other or their children then the marriage doesn’t exist except on a legal piece of paper. If you are in a violent relationship GET OUT NOW. There is no excuse for any kind of violence and God wants you safe.

May these words inspire you to read your Bible every day and grow in God’s love.

Readings for February 6, 2011

2011-02-01T13:16:00.004-06:00

The purpose of this weekly entry is to encourage you to read your Bible each day. If you would like to receive these comments in your email inbox please send me a note at lpgeparish@embarqmail.com. If you know of a friend or family member who has an email address and they would be interested in receiving this note, please send me a note at the same address and give me their name and email address. I am be happy to include them.

What does it mean to be a “light shining in the darkness”? Is it the words you speak everyday? Is it all about going to church? Is it about the things you do? This week's lessons probe these questions.

Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12) [13-14] – The lectionary assigns the first 9 verses and makes the next 3 optional. I have added the last two just to finish the chapter, because they deal with the same subject: right worship. The Lord wants to know why the people worship and seek the Lord yet their lives don’t reflect these things. The first 12 verses are concerned with fasting. The people fast (as a form of worship) but don’t receive any notice from the Lord. The Lord says it’s because they fast for all the wrong reasons: self-interest that leads to oppression of workers, quarrelling, and fighting. The people believe that fasting is all about sitting in sackcloth and ashes and not eating. The Lords says that the purpose is much more than not eating. It is about justice, freedom, feeding the hungry, giving room to the homeless, and covering the naked. When we do these things “then your light shall break forth like the dawn” (vs. 8) and our “light shall rise in the darkness and our gloom be like the noonday.” Verses 13 and 14 cover the same issues but related to Sabbath observance.

Psalm 112:1-9 (10) – “Happy (Blessed) are those who fear the Lord, who greatly delight in his commandments.” (vs. 1) The rest of the Psalms then goes on to describe the actions of that person: gracious, merciful, righteous, generous, lender (without interest is implied), just, firm hearts, secure in the Lord, distribute freely, and they give to the poor. This person “rises in the darkness as a light for the upright.” (vs. 4)

1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16) – This passage says nothing about light. The impart of this passage goes back to a line in this past week’s reading: “For God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom.” (vs. 1:25). Paul came to Corinth not to be wiser then the Greek philosophers but with trembling and the Spirit so that the new believers would trust in God’s power and wisdom, not humanity’s. Humans who don’t believe and accept God and Jesus Christ will never understand God’s wisdom, but those who believe have received the Spirit which brings God’s wisdom. Verse 16 is interesting. Paul quotes Isaiah 40:13 to ask “Who knows God’s mind?” He then answers, “We do because we have the mind of Christ.” What does it mean to have the mind of Christ?

Matthew 5:13-20 – More from the Sermon on the Mount. Verse 13 is a troubling statement about being the salt of the earth and losing its saltiness. Wrestle with this verse. 14-16 is about being a light to the world. That light needs to be set up high so all will see it, “so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” Reminds me of the Sunday School song verse, “Hide it under a bushel, No! I’m gonna let it shine.” In verses 17-20 Jesus says that he came to fulfill all of the Law and Prophets and the Law will persist in its entirety until the end. Those who break the law will be least in the Kingdom and those who keep it will be greatest. Notice that Jesus, in this passage at least, does not say the Law breakers will be cast into eternal Hell and Damnation. They too will be in the Kingdom, but with a lesser status. From this point on in the Sermon on the Mount Jesus goes on to reinterpret the Law; many times making it even tougher. (You have heard “don’t commit adultery” but I say don’t look at another person with lust.)

I pray that these words will inspire you to explore each reading so that your light may shine in a world of darkness.

Readings for January 30 2011

2011-01-26T11:50:00.002-06:00

This week we continue our readings in Corinthians and we get the first of five readings from the Sermon on the Mount.

Micah 6:1-8 – This passage reads like a court case. Micah calls the mountains, hills and foundations of the earth to hear the Lord’s indictment against Israel. The Lord then speaks his case asking Israel if he has done anything to drive them away. The Lord reminds Israel of the freedom he gave them from Egypt. Micah, or Israel, then asks about what must be done to make things right. Sacrifice 1,000 rams? Offer 10,000 rivers of oil? Sacrifice their first born sons? Micah reminds the people of the three simple things that the Lord wants: justice, kindness, and humble partnership with God.

Psalm 15 – The psalmist asks, “Who are God’s family/guests who abide/dwell in God’s home?” Micah has three positive attributes while the Psalmist has eleven things, both positive and negative: walk blamelessly, do right, speak truth, no slander, no evil to friends, no reproach to neighbors, despise wicked, honor those who fear the Lord, stand by their oaths, no lending at interest, and take no bribes.

1 Corinthians 1:18-31 – Paul is writing this letter to a church in Greece. The Greeks valued philosophy, reason, logic, and debate. The Christians were proclaiming that someone who was convicted as a common criminal and executed in the most horrifying manner the Romans could devise as their Lord, Savior, and Son of God. In the minds of the Greeks, this was foolishness. Paul argues that God work through foolishness and weakness (and service). For those who believe, this is salvation. For those who don’t believe it is a scandal and absurd. Let me quote verse 23 from the Amplified Bible (they put in all possible meanings for different Greek words), “We preach Christ (the Messiah) crucified, [preaching which] to the Jews is a scandal and an offensive stumbling block [that springs a snare or trap], and to the Gentiles it is absurd and utterly un-philosophical nonsense.” God chooses the weak, the foolish, the low and despised to work his salvation.

Matthew 5:1-12 – This passage begins the Sermon on the Mount which will conclude at the end of chapter 7. The next four Sundays will cover all of chapter 5, and the fifth Sunday will be one section of chapter 6. Please, Please read all three chapters before you concentrate on any one passage. That will give you the full flavor of the Sermon which is about living to a higher Righteousness. These first 12 verses are commonly called the “Beatitudes”. According to one commentary, verses 3-6 and 8 are about dispositions which God will favor: humility, mournfulness, meekness, passion for justice, and purity of heart. Verses 7, 9-11 refer to actions that are favored by God: giving mercy, making peace, and seeking justice. These echo the Old Testament passages such as Micah 6 and Psalm 15 and in many other places. Jesus knew his stuff!

Blessed be those who love God’s Word and allows that Word to dwell in them.

Readings for January 23, 2011

2011-01-18T15:08:00.002-06:00

Our readings this week make one connection, Isaiah and Matthew. The epistle reading is the 2nd in a series of 7. Matthew quotes Isaiah, hence the reading in Isaiah. I'm not sure how the Psalm connects with Isaiah, which is a usual connection.

Now, on to the lessons:

Isaiah 9:1-4 - This lesson is part of a slightly larger passage that is read at Christmas. The Christmas reading is 9:2-7. You may particularly remember verse 6, "For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." For the larger passage, Isaiah envisions when everyone will have an epiphany of what God is doing and will do for them. This will bring joy and exaltation. This will also bring freedom from oppressors.

Psalm 27:1, 4-9 - I suggest that you read the entire Psalm, 14 verses. I am not sure why the Lectionary Committee decided to leave out verses 2, 3, 10-14. The reason for the Psalm lies in those passages. Evildoers, enemies, armies, and adversaries has come against the Psalmist (verses 2, 3, 10-12) and he is seeking refuge with God (verse 5). The Psalmist is assured of God's protection and he shouts for joy (verse 6). He looks forward to a time when the goodness of the Lord will rule the land (verse 13).

1 Corinthians 1:10-18 - When it comes time to report to the denomination all of the statistics of our churches, many pastors would love to quote Paul in 1:14, "I thank God that I baptized none of you . . ." and then report 0 baptisms. Now, in all seriousness, Paul is beginning his examination of the divisions in the church he founded in Corinth. He pleads with them to be united in the same mind and purpose. The first, maybe the biggest, division is the person that is claimed as the authority of the church: Paul, Peter (Cephas), or Apollos. Paul even throws in Christ into this list, which is a bit odd. We should all follow Christ, right? Perhaps some in the Corinthian Church claimed that Christ was just the leader of their small group and no other. Paul says that the only thing that counts is the gospel and the cross which is the true power of God.

Matthew 4:12-23 - We are back to Matthew and we have skipped the story of Jesus' temptation. We will read that at the beginning of Lent. After his temptation, Jesus returns to Judea around the Jordan River. When he hears that John the Baptizer is dead (a later story in Matthew), he headed to Nazareth in Galilee and then moves to Capernaum. Matthew quotes Isaiah 9:1-2 in conjunction with Capernaum. Jesus starts his message with the same words as John the Baptizer, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near." With that message many assume that Jesus will be another John but we will soon find out differently. We then get the very familiar story of Jesus calling Simon, Andrew, James and John to become "fishers of people". I like the old King James Version where fishermen are called to become "fishers of men". I think that Matthew intended that word play in the Greek.

Have a great week reading God's good Word.
Peace in Christ

Why?

2011-01-10T13:33:00.002-06:00

Following the shooting deaths of 6 people in Tucson, AZ, USA, on Saturday, including a 9 year-old girl and a US Federal judge, and the wounding of 13 others including Congresswoman Giffords, many people may be asking themselves the age old question "Why?" It is the question of Job and the Psalmists. Even here in central Minnesota, we sometimes encounter the violence of this world. A 16 year-old who dies in a car crash involving alcohol. A 19 year-old boy who, while driving, drops his cell phone, reaches down to pick it up and swerves into an oncoming garbage truck. A 45 year-old man who has broken up with his girlfriend and then kills her and commits suicide. Two men from the Twin Cities, high and looking for a friend's house with more drugs, breaking into another house and murdering a mother and her two teenage children. And always we ask "Why?"

There is never an easy answer to the question and it may seem a bit flippant to say the reason is that the world is enslaved to "sin and death". We, humanity, are so desirous (covetous) of other's that we resort to anything that will get what we want. Sometimes what we want is not an actual thing, but may be something like recognition, revenge, or the defense of what we believe. Therefore, to get what we covet (#10 in the Ten Commandments), we lie (#9), steal (#8), have affairs (#7), and, finally, we murder (#6). What generally holds community together is mutual respect and the following of the laws of that define how we should act with each other. When there is disunity and discord within the the community the foundations of that community seems to be crumbling.

When community begins to fight within itself about how the community is to be governed (like the Democrats and Republicans today?) there is usually a scapegoat who is singled out as the originator of the problem and that scapegoat is either expelled or sacrificed. Blame is placed on the victim for the violence within the community and when the problem is dealt with (expelled or killed) peace returns to the community. Perhaps (and this is a big perhaps) that is what the young man who did the killing in Tucson unconsciously felt: he thought that his world was coming undone, someone had to be blamed and then that someone had to be expelled from the community.

Unfortunately, in our modern world, the killing of a scapegoat does not bring peace to the community anymore. Yet, because we are enslaved to sin and death, we continue again and again to seek peace by violent means, both personally and nationally. However, violence only brings more violence and violence in the name of "Good" is no better then the violence of the evil and wicked.

What is the answer? Jesus Christ. In his life Jesus taught us how to love all people and how to love God. The Lamb of God (who takes away the sin of the world, John 1:29), the Son of God, God-With-Us, in his arrest, trial, scourging, and crucifixion shows us the nature of our scapegoating process: the innocent victim must die to bring peace (John 11:50). And even as Jesus hung on the cross he forgave his killers, his disciples, and us because we don't know what we do (Luke 23:34). But for those who have eyes to see and ears to hear, we now do know what we do and that process has lost its power. To those who believe in Jesus Christ he has given us something new to desire: God's love, acceptance, and forgiveness. With the power of the Holy Spirit we no longer desire what others have but we desire to do God will as a member of God's family. Why should we desire only God's way? Because God is love (1 John 4:7-12).

If, in his death and resurrection, Jesus has defeated sin and death why is there still violence in the world? Because sin, death, powers, and principalities haven't gotten the message yet. The power of sin and death to bring peace is waning and violence must be used more and more to try to hold onto its power. The outlook for the future seems bleak as violence seems to increase every year. Either the world and all of humanity will destroy itself in an extreme paroxysm or it will come to know the truth about God's love and seek the forgiving grace of God so that God's kingdom will truly come.

For more on humanity's violence and God's love see Paul Nuechterlein page on his core convictions: Nonviolence and the Christian Faith. It is long but well worth the read.

May God's will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Readings for January 16 2011

2011-01-10T13:30:00.000-06:00

Please continue to pray for all the victims of violence around the world today as our nation mourns the death of the six in Tucson, AZ.

Our lessons this week are:

Isaiah 49:1-7 - The is the second of four of the Servant Songs found in Isaiah. Last week we read the first one. This one is both personal, "The Lord called me before I was born," and corporate, "You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will be glorified." As I asked in Sunday's sermon, "Is the servant an unknown person or the nation of Israel?" My answer is "Yes", it is both. The servant is hidden amongst other people/nations and in whom no one takes notice. The servant is to be a light to the people of Israel and Judah and to their respective nations. But that is not enough for God who calls the servant to be a light to all people and nations so that all may be saved.

Psalm 40:1-11 - This Psalm is 17 verses long. In this portion, the Psalmist proclaims that the Lord has rescued him and he has told everyone about that salvation. He is a light to his congregation, community, and nation. In the unread verses, the Psalmist continues to ask for God's deliverance from the enemies that surround him.

1 Corinthians 1:1-9 - These are the opening greetings from Paul to the church he founded in Corinth. In verses 4-9, Paul gives thanks to God for their faith and knowledge and gifts they have received from God through Jesus Christ. Once these niceties are out of the way Paul digs into the the many troubles that this church is having: divisions, arguments, favoritisms, not sharing the Communion, and arguments over spiritual gifts.

John 1:29-42 - John the Baptist witnesses about the person of Jesus whom he declares to be "The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world." This sentence alone would fill an entire sermon. What is "the sin of the world"? Why is it singular? Why the imagery of a lamb? What is the lamb's significance? How does the Lamb take away the sin? Much of these latter questions concern the Passover rites and the Day of Atonement rites in the Temple. Following John's testimony two of his disciples follow Jesus. One of these two is Andrew and he invites his brother, Simon, to follow with them. Jesus declares that Simon will be called "Cephas" which means "Peter". The Hebrew word "kepha" and the Greek word "petra" both mean "rock".

Have a wonder week digging into the Word of God.

Readings for January 9 2011

2011-01-04T13:56:00.001-06:00

Hello Everyone and Happy New Year,

Thank you everyone who participated in this past Sunday's Covenant Renewal Service. I enjoyed the service and I had several positive comments. I hope it becomes a meaningful worship service that we use every year.

This coming Sunday is the first Sunday after Epiphany and is the Sunday we celebrate the Baptism of Jesus. All of our scripture lessons relate to this baptism.

Isaiah 42:1-9 - Verses 1-4 of this passage is considered the first of four "Servant Songs" (see also 49:1-7, 50:4-11, and 52:13-53:12). In the Servant Songs the Lord declares or chooses his servant who suffers without complaint for the Lord. Christians see these songs as pointing to the suffering of Jesus during his arrest, trial, and crucifixion, especially the fourth song. The remaining verses are a declaration of the Lord that he has chosen the Israelites, his people, to be a light for all nations so that they may know the Lord.

Psalm 29 - The Psalmist calls on all creation to recognize the Lord in the storms. The Psalm uses words like thunder, power, breaking, flashes of fire, shaking of the wilderness, oaks whirling, and forests stripped bare.

Acts 10:34-43 - Here Peter preaches the Good News to Cornelius, his family, and his servants. Key phrases in this passage that are worthy of study include "God shows no partiality", "preaching peace by Jesus Christ", "God anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit and power", "We are witnesses", "He commanded us to preach", and "All the prophets testify about him." In the verses that follow, the Holy Spirit comes upon Cornelius and family and Peter says that they should also be baptized with water.

Matthew 3:13-17 - These five short verses pack a lot of information: Jesus comes to John to be baptized; John doesn't want to do it but Jesus insists because it would fulfill "all righteousness"; as Jesus is coming up from the water the heavens opened, the Spirit of God descends like a dove, and the voice of God declares Jesus as his son. Jesus is the premier servant who will suffer and be a light (Isaiah 42), the voice of the Lord comes from the heavens (Psalm 29) and the Spirit anoints Jesus with power to serve (Acts 10). This anointing will lead to the cross.

Readings for January 2 2011

2010-12-28T13:45:00.001-06:00

It's hard to believe that we are at the end of 2010 and about to begin another year. As you begin the new year I ask you to make at least one new resolution: to renew your baptismal covenant for the coming year. At our baptisms we, or our parents for us, made a public acceptance of God's grace, salvation, steadfast love, and unending forgiveness. We also promised to serve God and the church through our prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness. The beginning of a new year is a great time to renew that acceptance and promise. Therefore, please join us at our Sunday morning worship this week for our 1st Annual Covenant Renewal Service.

Our readings for this coming Sunday, the 2nd after Christmas, includes a couple of passages from the Apocrypha.

Jeremiah 31:7-14 - The Lord promises the return of all the lost and scattered Israelites. Those returning will not only include the healthy and able bodied people but even the sick, blind and lame. When they return, they will be amazed at the bounty that the Lord will give the people.

OR Sirach 24:1-12 - Sirach is a book of wisdom much like Proverbs. In this passage, Wisdom, which is female, tells her story. She came from the mouth of God from before time and covered the entire earth. Wisdom wandered the earth and God told her to settle on the people of Judah. Is this the "female" side of God and is this the Spirit of God?

Psalm 147:12-20 - The Psalmist calls on Jerusalem to praise God for he strengthens gates, blesses children, grants peace, gives wheat, gives snow, scatters frost, hurls hail, then melts them and the waters flow. Sounds like winter and spring in Minnesota.

OR Wisdom of Solomon 10: 15-21 - Another book of wisdom and our passage recounts how Wisdom (always female in the Old Testament and the Apocrypha) led Israel out of Egypt.

Ephesians 1:3-14 - Paul recounts how the Ephesians, and us also, have received the blessing of salvation in and through Jesus Christ. Through Jesus Christ we have been chosen, made holy and blameless, adopted as God's children, redeemed through his blood, forgiveness of our trespasses, been told the mystery of his will, obtained an inheritance, so that we might live for the praise of his glory. We have also heard the word of truth, believed in him, and been marked with the seal of the Holy Spirit. All I can say is "WOW!"

John 1:(1-9) 10-18 - "In the beginning . . ." God and Word. Emmanuel and salvation. Holy Spirit and presence. We saw and heard the Word and we rejected it and killed it. Yet it lives on. For those who begin to see and understand and believe there is redemption. Jesus, full of grace and truth.

I pray that you are blessed by these readings this week.

Readings for December 24 and December 26 2010

2010-12-20T15:10:00.001-06:00

Hello Everyone,

This week, with Christmas Eve and the Sunday after Christmas, we have eight readings.

Christmas Eve:

Isaiah 62:6-12 - The 5 verses before these seem to be a love song by God for his people and nation of Israel that look forward to a day when they will be united (in marriage). These verses turn to a more protective theme. God will protect his people with the restored fortress of his kingdom (Jerusalem?) and no enemy will attack them or take from them.

Psalm 97 - The psalmist sings the praises of God who is King and reigns over all the earth. All of the heavens and earth proclaim his holy name. He call us to "Give thanks to his holy name."

Titus 3:4-7 - Here is an interesting thought. We know that works, the things we do, will not save us. What if faith doesn't necessarily save us either? What if our salvation is totally God's work of grace through Jesus' life, death, and resurrection and the power of the Spirit which has been poured out on us? "So that, having been justified by [God's] grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life." Think about it.

Luke 2:(1-7) 8-20 - This is the Lukan story of the birth of Jesus which Luke set in political, historical setting (verses 1-2). A census is called and Joseph and Mary make the long (3-4 days walking and/or riding a mule, donkey, or horse) journey to Bethlehem. The only thing Luke tells us about Bethlehem was that there was no room in the inn so they had to stay in a barn. Verse 8 begins the story of the shepherds and the visitation of the angel and the heavenly hosts. The shepherds (a group of men that were looked down upon by society) visited Mary, Joseph, and the baby and told Mary everything that happened. I think verse 19 is one of the most intriguing in this passage, "Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart." I think it was more than the shepherds' words that she pondered. She must have also pondered the words of the angel that visited her, Elizabeth's words, Zechariah's, Simeon's, and Anna's (read all of chapter 1 and 2). What did this all mean and what will happen?

Sunday:

Isaiah 63:7-9 - Isaiah recognizes that it is God who has saved Israel and that God has become their savior "It was . . . his presence that saved them; in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried then all the days of old."

Psalm 148 - The psalmist call on everyone to praise the Lord. This is very similar to Psalm 97 above.

Hebrews 2:10-18 - According to the author of Hebrews, Jesus was made perfect by his sufferings which make him a brother to us all. Because Jesus was flesh and blood like you and I he shares in our sufferings. In Jesus' death he was able to defeat death and set us free from the bonds of death. His death, his self-sacrifice to our god of death (or in modern terms, our machinery of death) allows him to help all people. What are we to do? Nothing, for it is all God's work that we might be set free from death.

Matthew 2:13-23 - We skip right over the visit of the Magi which we will read on January 2 but is rightly read on January 6, Epiphany. It is because of the visit of the Magi that we have this week's text. Herod gets mad when the Magi don't return to tell them where the future king is and he orders the killing of all boys 2 and under in Bethlehem. Joseph seems to be prone to having dreams with angels or the Lord appearing. This happens 3 times in this passage: get out of Bethlehem and go to Egypt; Herod is dead so go home (Bethlehem); and Herod's son is worse so go to Galilee (Nazareth). For an interesting exercise compare the sequence of events and where Mary, Joseph and Jesus are in Matthew 1:18-2:23 (Bethlehem, Egypt, back to Bethlehem and on to Nazareth) and Luke 2:1-40 (Nazareth, Bethlehem, the temple in Jerusalem, back to Nazareth).

I pray that everyone will have a joyous celebration of Jesus' birth. Reflect on the fact that we celebrate Christmas because of Easter.

Readings for December 19 2010

2010-12-16T13:46:00.002-06:00

Our Gospel reading refers to our Old Testament reading this week but there was a translation problem that has led to many debates about that key word.

Isaiah 7:10-16 - During the reign of King Ahaz in the southern kingdom of Judah, the nations of Israel (the northern kingdom, referred to as Ephraim) and Syria (referred to as Aram) are threatening an invasion and King Ahaz is worried. God sends Isaiah and his son to the king to reassure him that within 3 years these threats will go away. All of this happens in verses 1-9. In our reading, God tell Ahaz to ask for a sign from Isaiah but Ahaz refuses saying he won't put God to the test. Isaiah gave a sign anyway: a young woman will give birth to a son whose name will be Immanuel and before he is 3 the threats from Israel and Syria will be dealt with by their destruction. In the verse not read, verse 17, the nation that will deal with Israel and Syria is an even worse foe: Assyria. Note: when the Hebrew scriptures were translated into Greek about 100 years before Jesus, the Greek translators had a problem. The Hebrew word translated as "young woman" in most modern English translations can sometimes also mean a "young virgin". The translators chose the Greek word meaning "virgin". This translation is called the Septuagint and is the scripture that all the New Testament writers knew.

Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 - The Psalmist asks God to restore the nation to it former glory and also asks God how long he will be angry with them. The skipped verses recount what God has formerly done for Israel. The last verses promises that the people will never again turn away from God if God were to restore them.

Romans 1:1-7 - These verses are the greeting or salutation to the church in Rome. Paul says he has been chosen for the gospel of God, which was promised by the prophets about Jesus Christ who has given us grace and apostleship to help believers in their faith. (I tried to use a short run-on sentence to imitate Paul's long run-on sentence.)

Matthew 1:18-25 - Here we are at the fourth Sunday in Advent and we finally get a "Christmassy" verse. Following a long genealogy that works from Abraham to David to Josiah (king of Israel at the time Babylon destroyed Jerusalem and carried many people into Exile) to Joseph the husband of Mary the mother of Jesus, Matthew begins to tell the story of Jesus' birth from the perspective of Joseph. Joseph & Mary are engaged but not living together. Mary gets pregnant and Joseph wants to sent her away. An angel appears in Joseph's dream and tells him the child Mary is carrying is of the Holy Spirit and Joseph needs to do the right thing: stick with her and name the boy Jesus. When Joseph awoke he took Mary as his wife but remained celebrate until after Jesus' birth. Matthew includes a quote from Isaiah 7:14 in the Septuagint about the son born to a virgin and who is to be called Immanuel. Notice that in Matthew's version there is no story of Elizabeth, Zechariah, and their son John. There is no mention of mangers or shepherds and there is no mention of Nazareth or Bethlehem or of a journey between. Bethlehem is mentioned at the beginning of the story of the magi (2:1) which may have happened when Jesus was 2 years old (2:16) and Nazareth doesn't come up until they return from Egypt (2:23). The Matthew story of the birth of Jesus is about a man, Joseph, doing the right thing in the midst of a corrupt political scene in Judea.

Have a great week reading the Good News / Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Readings for December 12 2010

2010-12-16T13:44:00.001-06:00

As we steadily approach Christmas Day are you caught up in the frenzy of the "Holiday Season"? Do you feel the need to buy, buy, buy and rush, rush, rush? Will Christmas Day feel more like relief then celebration? Take a few moments to reflect on the meaning of Advent: a period of waiting that includes anticipation. Are you a patient waiter (not a restaurant server) or a nervous waiter? Now take a few moments to reflect on the promise of God to all creation: redemption and restoration. Which bring us to our first lesson.

Isaiah 35 - The prophet sees the future coming of the Lord. All the earth will be sing out in joy. No one needs to fear; the blind will see; the deaf will hear; the lame will walk; the speechless will speak; and a highway will be built that leads to God so that all the redeemed will return. In the last part of verse 4 says "Here is your God. He will come with vengeance and with terrible recompense. He will come and save you." Our first inclination is to think that this is about dealing with the evil and wicked. But notice that it doesn't say that here. You can find that sentiment in last week's Isaiah reading (11:4). The vengeance and terrible recompense is about saving us.

Psalm 146:5-10 - This psalm is about trusting in God's providence and rejoicing in his salvation. This section is similar to Isaiah: God executes justice for the oppressed, feeds the hungry, sets prisoners free, gives sight to the blind, lifts up those who are bowed down, watches over strangers, and upholds the orphan and the widow

OR Luke 2:46-57 - This passage is known as "The Magnificat" which is the Latin word for "magnifies". Mary visits cousin Elizabeth who is pregnant with John the Baptist. When Mary approaches Elizabeth, John leaps in her womb. At the end of her explanation, Elizabeth says, "Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord." Mary then responds with this song of praise. The Magnificat is a beautiful poem that emphasizes the main points of Luke's gospel: God's concern with the lowly, hungry, oppressed, and disadvantaged. Do we see a theme developing in our readings this week?

James 4:7-10 - James calls his congregation to have patience while they wait for the Lord who is compassionate and merciful. This passage is more for Advent waiting then with the themes of the other readings.

Matthew 11:2-11 - (Please read the entire passage through verse 19) John the Baptist is in jail. He has been hearing about cousin Jesus' work and teachings. He is bothered about what he hears. Can this be the Messiah because Jesus is certainly not acting like a messiah/savior? Where is the outrage about the Romans? Where is his army? How will he set up God's glorious kingdom centered on Mt. Zion (Jerusalem)? John sends his disciples to question Jesus. Jesus basically responds by saying that he is fulfilling the words of Isaiah and the Psalmist: "the blind see, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed among the poor." All of these things happened in chapters 8 and 9. Jesus then proclaims that John is the greatest prophet but no more important then the least person. Take a look at verse 12. This is a very difficult passage to understand and many have wondered what it is all about.

Have a great week serving the Lord in all that you do.

December Newsletter Articles

2010-12-01T13:39:00.002-06:00

For the month of December, I actually wrote two short articles. The first is about Advent and the second is about church membership. God bless your readings.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

What does Advent mean to you? Shopping? Decorating? Gift wrapping? Planning a family dinner? Watching “It’s a Wonderful Life” or “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas”?

Advent actually means waiting and anticipation. For some of us the waiting and anticipation is for a loved one to return from Iraq or Afghanistan. In a narrow sense, especially in the Church, Advent is about waiting for Christmas; an anticipation of the celebration of Christ’s birth. We can’t wait or anticipate the coming of the Messiah, the Christ, because that has already happened as witnessed to in Matthew 1 & 2 and Luke 1 & 2.

In a larger sense, Advent is about waiting for and anticipating the future return of Christ. Some call this the Second Coming. In my way of counting I would call it the Third Coming. Jesus’ birth to Mary was #1. Jesus’ appearance to the disciples in the 40 days of his resurrection would be #2. The future coming would therefore be #3: the Third Coming.

All of this activity of God through Jesus Christ his Son is for one reason: the reconciliation of the world and all humanity to God; the salvation of the world. In Jesus’ death on the cross we have been redeemed and made God’s children. In Jesus’ resurrection we have been shown God’s all powerful love and life. All of this is the free gift (a Christmas gift) of God to all the world and there is nothing we can do or say to change it or earn it.

Merry Christmas!

Pastor Gary

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ

I also want to write a little bit about church membership, which I promised last month. This gift of salvation and eternal life is unearned and requires nothing from us except acceptance of that gift. This means that being a member of a church does nothing to gain us salvation.

So, what does church membership mean? It means we wish to belong to an association of believers that we support and which supports us in our walk with God. It means that with the other members of the church we work and worship together to bring the Good News to the local community and to love our neighbors as we serve them. It means that we gather together with others that agree with the style of worship that most agrees with us. Membership is also an indication of the growth or decline of our particular church and the denomination to which we belong. (There are a few churches, usually not associated with a denomination, that don’t have “members” but only worshippers.)

Because we belong to a denomination, our churches pay (or tithe) a certain amount of money to support the work of the larger church in all of its various activities. For the UCC the amount is $10 per member. For the UMC the amount varies but is usually around $10 to $15. Having members on the rolls who could attend but choose not to or who live too far away to attend with any regularity cost the churches. Not much, mind you, but they cost the church none the less. 25 inactive members costs the churches $250.

If you have a son, daughter, brother, sister, mother, or father who lives in the area and is a member of our churches, or you have neighbors who are members, and they don’t attend please invite them to church. I would love it if they would be active members. If they are involved in another church or they choose not to come, ask them to withdraw as members. (Don’t worry. I and the church will be there for them in all their needs: baptisms, marriages, funerals.) Having inactive members costs the church. (By the way, I define active members as regular attendees, those who are home bound, in assisted living, in a nursing home, college students, and active military service.)

Peace in Christ,

Pastor Gary

Lectionary Readings for November 21, 28, and December 4

2010-12-01T13:29:00.004-06:00

Wow, it looks like I haven't posted my lectionary thoughts recently. This Post will contain all three with December 5 first, then November 28 and 21. Happy Reading!

December 5:

This week we continue with our Advent readings as we get closer to Christmas. This week and next week the Gospel text will focus on John the Baptizer.

Isaiah 11:1-10 - The prophet foresees a time when a descendent of King David (a shoot from the root of Jesse, David's father) will rule with peace and justice. This descendent will have the spirit of the Lord within him along with wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, and the fear of the Lord. During this time, says the prophet, even the animals will not kill each other and will live peaceably together. Who is this descendent? With his death and resurrection Christians have proclaimed Jesus to be the one.

Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19 - Verse 20 says, "The prayers of David son of Jesse are ended." In this Psalm, David prays for a King who is righteous and just, who defends the defenseless, and who has a long live. During that reign, David prays for righteousness and peace for all. Verses 18-19 praises God for all the wonderful things God has done.

Romans 15:4-13 - In the first three verses of this chapter Paul says that those who are stronger (in their faith?) should support and encourage those who are weak and that our purpose is to build up our neighbors. The tenor of the text is that we need to welcome ALL ("each other"?) because the promises of God to Abraham are extended also to the "Gentiles".

Matthew 3:1-12 - This is the story of John the Baptizer who preached powerfully out in the wilderness and that everyone in Judea came to hear him and to be baptized by him in the Jordan. His basic message is "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near." This was also Jesus' message but they interpreted it differently. John thought in terms of violence and Jesus thought in terms of reconciliation and welcome. Is it easier to hear John's words as applied to someone else rather then Jesus'?

The Kingdom is near. Does it make a difference?

November 28:

Here are the readings for this coming Sunday. If you come to church this Sunday you may not hear these scripture as both churches will be having their annual "Hanging of the Greens" service.

Isaiah 2:1-5 - The prophet proclaims that there will be a day when God will rule the world and all nations and peoples will look to the Lord for justice, arbitration, and instruction. God's rule will mean that weapons will be turned into instruments of food production (or medicine or homes for the homeless). "Let us walk in the light of the Lord!"

Psalm 122 - This psalm is called a "Song of Assents" (this group includes Psalms 120-134) and "were likely sung by pilgrims on their way up to the temple on Mount Zion for feast celebration." It is used with our Isaiah reading because Isaiah says that God's rule will happen on his mountain and people will come up the mountain.

Romans 13:11-14 - Paul appeals to his readers in Rome to be ready for the coming of Jesus: "Salvation is nearer to us now then when we became believers." He urges them to put aside the desires of sin and put on the armor of light: Jesus Christ.

Matthew 24:36-44 - This Sunday we begin a new liturgical year. The liturgical year consists of 6 seasons: Advent (the 4 Sundays before Christmas), Christmas (12 days starting on Christmas day), Epiphany (varying lengths), Lent (40 days plus Sundays before Easter), Easter (49 days starting on Easter Sunday), and Pentecost (starts 50 days after Easter and ends 5 Sundays before Christmas). It also means we start reading in another Gospel. This is year A and the focus is on Matthew (B = Mark, C = Luke, with John scattered throughout all three years). Also, Advent is a time of preparing for the return of Jesus and we read passages where Jesus talks about his return. In this passage, Jesus reflect that no one knows when Jesus will return, not the angels and not even himself. This puts a lot of theologians into a conundrum because if Jesus is fully God and knows all that God know how can he not know this? Anyway, Jesus warns the disciples to always be ready because the hour will be unexpected.

May you be blessed by the readings this week and may you be so involved in the reading you lose yourself in God's Word.

November 21:

This coming Sunday we are combining "The Reign of Christ/Christ the King" Sunday with our Thanksgiving service I will mention and comment on nine different readings.

Reign of Christ/Christ the King Sunday

Jeremiah 23:1-6 - The prophet starts off by warning the current (evil) kings, called Shepherds, that their failure has driven the people, the Sheep, away from God. God will attend to them first and then gather the scattered people and give them good Shepherds. Contrary to the practices of the kings of other nations, the kings of Israel were called to lead their people like a shepherd leads the sheep, not to abuse their authority and make themselves rich on the backs of the people. The prophet then speaks of a day when a true descendant of David will reign wisely with justice and righteousness.

Luke 1:68-79 - This is a traditional Advent/Christmas reading when the priest Zechariah, when he gets his voice back after John the Baptist is born, proclaims God's goodness in raising up a Savior for the people of Israel/Judah. This reading has traditionally been called the "Benedictus", the first word in Latin.

Psalm 46 - This psalm proclaims that God is the source of refuge and strength and who ends all wars.

Colossians 1:11-20 - This section, which begins in the middle of a paragraph in my Bible, begins with a blessing of strength, joy, and thanksgiving. Verses 15-20 are, in theological terms, a "Christology". That is, it is a statement of who Jesus is; literally "Christ Knowledge". Notice all the things that Jesus is: image of God, firstborn of all creation, creator, before all things, universal glue, head of the body/church, firstborn from the dead, holds the fullness of God, reconciling all things to God, and giving peace through the blood of his cross.

Luke 23:33-43 - This passage is a Good Friday text and tells the story of the crucifixion of Jesus. Killed with 2 criminals, Jesus is mocked by the crowds to save himself if he is truly the Messiah and mocked by the soldiers to save himself if he is a king. There is also a plaque over his head with the words "The King of the Jews". How is this a picture of a "King"? Is Jesus here more of an "anti-King"? And if Jesus is a King, how would this King rule? The entire passion of Jesus tosses the concept of King of Israel on its head. It is a subversion of the rule of humanity and proclaims the true rule of God: the one who suffers our violence and says "Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing."

Thanksgiving

Deuteronomy 26:1-11 - Moses gives instructions about how to thank the Lord for the blessings of the land. It is about giving the first fruits and remembering everything that God has done: called Abraham, rescued them from Egypt, and given them a bountiful land.

Psalm 100 - This is a very short Psalm of Praise. When we give thanks do we make a joyful noise? Do we worship with gladness? Do we come into his presence with singing? "For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever and his faithfulness to all generations."

Philippians 4:4-9 - (Another "Christology" can be found in Philippians 2:6-11.) This passage starts with "Rejoice in the Lord always" and then proceeds to tell us how to live day to day with that joy. If we live always in that joy then we will have God's peace within.

John 6:25-35 - This is part of a long chapter 6 that begins with the feeding of 5,000 on the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee. After the feeding, the disciples get into a boat to cross to the western side at night and get caught in a rough waters. Jesus walks out to the boat on the water and then calms the waves. The next day the crowd hurries around the lake to find Jesus. This begins a passage known as "the Bread of Life". The crowds seem to be not very thankful and Jesus perceives that what they truly need is God's presence within. That comes from eating of the Bread of Life or, in other words, believing in the one whom God has sent (verse 29). Are we truly thankful for ALL that God has given: His Presence, His Son, His forgiveness, His acceptance, His Spirit, and His Kingdom.

Here is the question I asked in church this week: What are all the quirky, odd-ball things you are thankful for.

Be thankful and know that God is loving, forgiving, giving and calling.

Readings for November 14, 2010

2010-11-09T11:50:00.001-06:00

First, don't forget that we are collecting non-perishable food for the food shelf before Thanksgiving. Bring at least one item, or more if you can, the next two Sundays.

Here are the readings for this Sunday.

Isaiah 65:17-25 - This reading is similar to Revelation 21 and 22 in its declaration of God's new Creation. In fact, John may have borrowed some of the images seen in this passage. The new will replace the old and the old will not be remembered. Everyone will live extremely long lives and no one will die prematurely. Life will be productive and lived in joy. This is the promise!

Isaiah 12 - This short chapter is used as the Psalm of the Day. It is a song of thanksgiving and praise for God's salvation and glory.

[Alternates: Malachi 4:1-2a, God's coming judgment of the arrogant and evildoers, and Psalm 98, a song of joy at the victory of God.]

2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 - We conclude our reading in 2 Thessalonians and as usual the lectionary leaves off quite a bit. I will probably read the entire chapter in services this week which means we will have read the entire letter. The only other letter we have read in its entirety is Philemon. As Paul concludes the letter, he asks for prayers that his ministry will continue and then warns the congregation against idleness. It seems that some thought that the end was near and they didn't need to work any more. Paul uses language here that is similar to some of the other letters: imitation. Basically, imitate Paul (because Paul imitates Jesus).

Luke 21:5-19 - The verses from 5 to the end of the chapter are sometimes called Luke's "Little Apocalypse". In our passage Jesus warns the disciples that they will suffer, be persecuted, arrested and tried. and some put to death. He says that they do not have to prepare a defense because he will give them the words to say at that time. Words that cannot be refuted. He also promises that they will not perish (even if put to death because God is a God of Life; see last week's lesson.)

How are we being useful for the Lord? Are we too idle? Are we willing to suffer for Jesus? Do we trust the Holy Spirit to give us the words we need to share God's Kingdom with others?

May you be blessed by the readings this week!

November Newsletter Article

2010-11-02T13:38:00.002-05:00

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

I wrote the following on Monday, October 25 and had forgotten that I had written about stewardship the month earlier. Oh, well, churches should talk often about stewardship.

As we approach the end of the year our church will be dealing with items we struggle with each year: money and membership.

The money is all about how our churches run: utilities, pastoral compensation, apportionment (UMC) and Our Churches’ Wider Mission (UCC), missionary support, office support, and building maintenance. So often we want to focus on holding costs down or cutting back in certain areas. We must always be faithful stewards of all that we are entrusted with. Sometimes, however, faithful stewardship might mean having to spend more money. This is especially true of buildings; if we don’t spend to keep them up to standards they rapidly deteriorate. Two items in our budget that will be going up and with which we have no choice is my compensation package: health insurance is going up 5% and my salary, which is the minimum required in the Minnesota Annual Conference, will go up 4.6%. Keeping everything else the same the total salary package increase will be 4.1%. One good piece of news for expenses is that apportionments and therefore OCWM will be going down a few hundred dollars for both churches.

However, there is another way of looking at a budget and every organization that uses a budget needs to also look at it in this way: revenue. For every profit making entity, revenues MUST exceed expenses if they wish to remain in business for long. This is true for a business of one person to a multinational corporation. For non-profits and governments revenue needs to equal expenditures. While churches are technically non-profits and revenues (tithes and offerings) should equal or exceed expenses, too often we only see expenses. What about our giving? By that, I mean all of us giving to the church. If all of us gave a tithe our churches would be awash in cash. Now, that doesn’t mean we would triple my salary and launch lavish building projects. We, the church, still need to be faithful stewards of what you and I give. But it does mean we could give and spend in Kingdom Building ways: education, missions, food shelves, evangelism, home building, etc. You and I have everything our churches need to work for God’s Kingdom. We have the money. We have the talent. We have the time. We have the gifts. We have the vision. How do I know all this? Because I believe that God gives lavishly for God’s Kingdom growth and we who are moved and led by God’s Spirit are God’s Kingdom.

As we look forward to Advent, Christmas, and the New Year, please pray about how you can increase your contribution to your church and God’s Kingdom in 2011.

Next month I’ll write about membership.

Readings for November 7 2010

2010-11-02T13:33:00.002-05:00

Don't forget to vote today if you haven't already. I am posting this on election day and when I came to the site I saw an ad for Michelle Bachmann. I did not put that ad up, it was Google. I do not support Ms. Bachmann (she's a bit over the top for me) nor do I live in her congressional district.

Also, don't forget to set your clocks back one hour on Saturday night. If you forget you will arrive at church 1 hour early on Sunday.

Our readings this week:

Haggai 1:15b-2:9 - Depending on the version of the Bible you are reading, the first phrase "In (of) the second year of King Darius" could be the end of the previous paragraph (". . . on the twenty-fourth day of the month, in the sixth month of the second year of King Darius.") or the beginning of chapter 2 ("In the second year of King Darius, in the seventh month, on the twenty-first day of the month . . ."). Whatever the translation, the important point is that the Word of the Lord comes to Haggai in chapter two one month after the action in chapter one. Haggai prophesied in Jerusalem following the return of the Israelites from captivity in Babylon. In chapter one the Lord wants to know why they haven't started rebuilding the temple. In chapter 2:1-9, God wants to know why the people are delaying the project. Haggai brings the Lord's words of encouragement.

Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 - The entire chapter is in Praise of God's Greatness and Goodness. A key verse that some feel is the central tenant of the Old Testament is a verse that is skipped, verse 8: "The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding is steadfast love." The rest of the chapter is commentary on that verse.

OR Psalm 98 - Similar to Psalm 145. Key verse is 3: "He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel."

[Alternates: Job 19:23-27a (Job realizes that God will ultimately redeem him, only Job doesn't know when) and Psalm 17:1-9 (the psalmist calls on God to vindicate him from his persecutors)]

2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17 - The second letter to the Thessalonians is concerned with the coming of Christ. Something must have happened or someone in authority for the church must have said something to trigger some anxiety about the "Day of the Lord". Paul reassures them that, yes, Jesus is coming, but no, not at this moment. He also asks them to "stand firm and hold fast" to the teaching they have already learned. The skipped verses, which should have been included in the reading, are about the coming conflagration (extreme violence) when the world can no longer maintain peace without God.

Luke 20:27-40 - Jesus has arrived in Jerusalem (Luke 19:28-40) and driven out the merchants at the Temple (Luke 45-48). Because of that action, chapter 20 is about the Pharisees, Scribes, and Sadducees challenging his authority. In this lesson, the Sadducees take their shot. The Sadducees give scriptural authority only to the first five books and do not believe in a resurrection (the Pharisees do) and use the Levirate Laws (Deuteronomy 25:5-6) to debunk it. They also believe that if there were a resurrection then God would have told Moses (God's friend) about it. The Levirate Law says that if a married man dies without having a son, his brother is obliged to marry the widow and the first son she bears would be the son of the dead man, thus preserving the dead man's legacy. When the Sadducees' question is posed, Jesus uses Moses' experience with the burning bush (Exodus 3:6) to define God as a "God not of the dead, but of the living; for to [God] all of them are alive."

So, how do you see God? How does that definition affect your thoughts and actions? Is God a God defined by violence or by love? Is God a God of death or of life? To begin to ask these questions and form some answers to them is to do "theology".

Have a great week of theologizing!

Scripture Readings for October 31 2010

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This Sunday is "Reformation Sunday" in which Protestant denominations remember the founders of the Protestant Church, all of whom were active in the early to mid 1500's: Martin Luther (Lutheran), John Calvin and Ulrich Zwingli (Reformed), George Blaurock and Conrad Grebel (Anabaptist), and Thomas Cranmer (Church of England). In a similar fashion, John and Charles Wesley could be considered in the group as they sought the reformation of the Church of England in the mid 1700's.

Also, since Monday, November 1 is "All Saints Day" we will be celebrating "All Saints Sunday". We will remember people connected to our churches who have passed away this year: Robert Alcorn, Blanche Beulow, Ethel Hoskey, Adeline Johnston, and Ray Sorenson. I would also like to remember a few other people whom I have held funeral services for: Edward Hines, Frederick Rachey, and Don Pitt.

Our Reading this Week:

Habakkuk 1:1-4, 2:1-4 - The prophet Habakkuk wants to know why evil and wickedness seem to prevail over good and righteousness. Chapter 1 is his series of questions to that point (we get the main gist of it in verses 2-4). In verse 2:1, Habakkuk says he will wait for the Lord's reply and God's reply is the balance of the chapter. The basic answer is, "if redemption is not here now, wait for it for it will soon come." That is an answer we never like to hear.

Psalm 119:137-144 - Two week ago we had another section out of this Psalm, which is the longest chapter in the Bible. Here, the psalmist knows that God's goodness and judgments are right even in the midst of his suffering.

[Alternates: Isaiah 1:10-18 - God decries sacrifices and meaningless festivals and wants humanity to practice justice with the promise of redemption (verses 16-18); and Psalm 32:1-7 - The psalmist opens his heart with confession and receives forgiveness and redemption.]

2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12 - In these verses Paul greets the church, gives thanks and brags to others of their faithfulness, and prays for them that they might bring glory to God.

Luke 19:1-10 - (singing) "Zacchaeus was a wee little man, a wee little man was he. . ." We jump a number of stories in Luke to get to the story of Zacchaeus. Following the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, we skip the story of Jesus blessing the little children (singing: "Jesus love the little children, all the children of the world. . . ."), the story of the rich young ruler who couldn't give up his wealth, Jesus' third prediction of his death and resurrection, and Jesus healing the blind beggar near Jericho. When Jesus blesses the children he says, "Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it." All of the stories, with the possible exception of the prediction, are examples of receiving or not receiving the kingdom including our reading today and the parable of the ten pounds which follows. Luke 18:15 - 19:27 should be read as a whole. Jesus call all people to the kingdom and Zacchaeus is one, sinner that everyone proclaims him to be, who enters into the kingdom. What about you?

May God bless you and may you grow into God's Word and Kingdom.

Readings for October 24 2010

2010-10-20T15:47:00.002-05:00

My Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

First, thank you to all who helped lead worship this week while I was on vacation.

Second, everything with Megan and Jeremiah's wedding went very well. Everyone had a very good time and we were all exhausted when it was over. Megan and Jeremiah are at home in Fargo where Jeremiah had to go to work on Monday and Megan had to be in class.

Third, this week's readings:

Joel 2:23-32 - After the destruction of all plants including fruit trees, grazing pastures, wheat, rye, barley, and grape vines by swarms of locusts, the Lord promises restoration of the land and the pouring out of God's Spirit on all peoples. This passage is quoted by Peter on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2.

Psalm 65 - Praise to God who delivers his people from desolation and restores the land.

[Alternate OT: Sirach 35:12-17 or Jeremiah 14:7-10, 19-22 and Psalm 84:1-7. Sirach is an Apocryphal or Deuterocanonical book that is accepted by the Catholic and Orthodox Churches.]

2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 - This finishes our readings in 1 and 2 Timothy. In this passage, Paul seems to be saying that his ministry, and maybe even his life is coming to an end. He will receive the crown of righteousness which the Lord has for him. He acknowledges that the Lord has empowered him to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles.

Luke 18:9-14 - A second parable about prayer following last week's persistent widow. Be careful how you read this parable for as soon as you say or think that you are better then the Pharisee you become the Pharisee who looked down on the tax collector. We should all recognize the Pharisee in ourselves and, like the tax collector, admit our sinfulness and ask for God's mercy.

May the Lord Bless you in your reading of the Good Word.

Readings for October 17 2010

2010-10-11T14:51:00.002-05:00

Hello Everyone,

Here are the readings for this coming Sunday.

Jeremiah 31:27-34 - Generally, when we get to this passage we gravitate to the second half, which seems to be the most promising. Each oracle begins "The days are surely coming, says the Lord, . . . " The first says that everyone will be responsible for thier own sins and unless there is some sort of change each will die in their own sins. The second is the famous promise of God to write His laws upon everyone's heart and that no one will have any excuse for not knowing God.

Psalm 119:97-104 - This is the longest Psalm with 176 verses. In this short section the Psalmist praises God for the law and he meditates on it and practices it every day.

[Alternates: Genesis 32:22-31 - Jacob is returning home with his 2 wives, 2 concubines, and 12 sons to make amends with his brother, Esau, whom he cheated many years earlier. In this story, he send them ahead and then spends the night wrestling a man or an angel or God and he prevails though ending up with a disjointed hip. Psalm 121 - Assurance that God protects us.]

2 Timothy 3:14-4:5 - Paul's admonition for Timothy to remember all he learned from the Scripture since a child and to continually proclaim the truth of the gospel no matter what!

Luke 18:1-8 - Luke tell us that the parable of the Widow and the Unjust Judge is all about persistent prayer. The judge's resistance is worn down by the widow's incessant pestering. Does that mean that we can wear God down with incessant prayers for something we want? Read closely, because I don't think that the widow wants some thing, but wants justice from her opponent. Widows were without power in those days. They had less then girls, who had their fathers to protect them, and wives, who had their husbands. This widow seems to not have any sons to provide for her either. If an unjust judge, who neither honors God or other men, gives justice to this widow, how much more will God provide for his children?

May you be blessed by your readings this week.

Readings for October 10 2010: An Encounter with Healing

2010-10-07T13:26:00.003-05:00

These are the readings for this coming Sunday.

Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7 - After Jerusalem is destroyed by Babylon and the elite of the community have been taken to Babylon, Jeremiah, who was left behind, sends them a letter. Chapter 29 records a long letter and a short letter. The essence of the long letter exhorts the exiles to not listen to the false prophets that have arisen among them. The short letter is to two of those prophets. In our verses today, Jeremiah encourages the exiles to settle down into homes, marry off their children to others in the Jewish community, wait patiently for the time of release, and work for the wellbeing of Babylon. In other words, there will be no shortening of their time of exile and they might as well make the best of it.

Psalm 66:1-12 - Praise God who gives salvation (vs. 6) and life (vs. 9). Remember, even though we are tested, God will bring us to the other side (vs. 10-12).

[Alternate Readings: 2 Kings 5:1-3, 7-15c - Elisha heals the Syrian general, Naaman, of his leprosy (we had this passage on Sunday, July 4) and Psalm 111 - Similar to Psalm 66 above without the testing.]

2 Timothy 2:8-15 - There are three letters attributed to Paul (which I always assume) to individual people, 2 letters to Timothy and one letter to Titus. In this passage, Paul states that his Gospel (Good News) is the risen Christ. This seems to counter his statements in his letters to churches that his Gospel is the crucified Christ. He suffers in prison for his claims but endures so that he can keep proclaiming the Gospel. Verses 11-13 have some powerful understanding of faith, the main one being that God is faithful always. He then asks Timothy to tell his church that message of faith and to warn them against arguing over picky details.

Luke 17:11-19 - This is the classic story of the 10 lepers. They all ask for healing ("Have mercy on us!") and Jesus gives it to them. Jesus sends them to the temple to see the priests so that they can be certified as being healed and they leave. (These lines were written a couple of days ago. As I now look at the text, the 10 ask for healing and Jesus sends them away to the priests to seek healing from them. Jesus has done nothing to heal them, yet, while on their way to the priests, they are healed.) A short while later one, a Samaritan, returns to say "Thanks." It is implied in the text that the other 9 are Jewish. Some questions to consider for Sunday: Where does healing come from? Who heals? Where does one thank the one who heals? Where do you encounter the healing, forgiving, loving, and accepting God?

May you be blessed by your encounter with God in your reading of his Good Word.

Readings for October 3 2010

2010-09-29T22:04:00.003-05:00

Because of my everything going on I will keep this fairly brief today.

Lamentations 1:1-6 - This and the corresponding "psalm" from Lamentations is the only time we read these in church. All of Lamentations is the mournful cry of witnesses who saw the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonian Army.

Lamentation 3:19-26 - Even in the midst of destruction the writer says, "But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope; the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end."

[OR Psalm 137 - This Psalmist is not David or Solomon because it opens with "By the rivers of Babylon . . . we remember Zion (another name for Jerusalem)". This is a very difficult Psalm written by someone in deep mourning who wonders what is there to be happy about. He closes, "Happy shall they be who take your little ones and dash them against the rock!" Definitely not a Psalm to read to your children or grandchildren.]

[Alternate Readings: Habakkuk 1:1-4, 2:1-4 - Prophet: "Why is there so much evil and where is the justice?" God: "Soon the appointed time will come." And Psalm 37:1-9 - Don't worry about the wicked; trust in God."]

2 Timothy 1:1-14 - There is a lot to think about in these verses. Paul greets Timothy and remembers his faith which was handed down from his grandmother, Lois, and his mother, Eunice. He tells Timothy not to be ashamed of the Gospel. You may recognize another Gospel Hymn in verse 12.

Luke 17:5-10 - Verses 5 and 6 are pretty straight forward - having the faith the size of a mustard seed you can command mulberry tree to move and replant itself. The mulberry tree stands about 20 feet and has a very extensive root system making this a nearly impossible task. Verses 7-10 seem like they come out of left field and make me what to say "Wuh?" The skipped verses, 1-4, are more important and may inform the reading of 5-10. These verses also follow on the heals of "The Rich Man and Lazarus"

Since this coming Sunday is World Communion Sunday I will be using Exodus 16:2-4, 9-15 and John 6:22-35 as my focus for the Bread of Life.

Have a Great Week in the Service of God's Kingdom!

October Newsletter Article

2010-09-24T12:32:00.001-05:00

Hello Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

Today, as I write this, is the first day of Fall and we are getting a lot of rain. I have even heard that Amboy, MN has received 10½ inches of rain in the last 24 hours. Over the past two weeks I have observed the start of harvesting. Fall is also a time when we watch the seasons change from the heat and humidity of summer to the sub-zero temperatures and the feet of snow of winter. We watch the leaves of the trees turn color and drop. Hunting season is here and we pray for the safety of all the hunters. We also adjust to our children being in school, some of whom have left for college. Personally, I am looking forward to my daughter wedding in October and my father’s 80^th birthday in November.

Fall is also a time when I begin to think and talk about church matters. Advent and Christmas are soon upon us. Church Conferences (GEUMC) and Annual Meetings (PUC) are around the corner and we need to nominate people for different committees, set salary and produce a budget for 2011.

Which brings me to another Fall subject: stewardship. “Oh no! He’s going to talk about money!” you may be saying to yourself right now. Yes, I will be saying something about money, but stewardship is about so much more: our homes, our environment, our food, our faith, and our money. I want to touch upon faith and money.

Have you been a good steward of the faith God has given you? Do you reinforce and grow that faith so that you can share it with others. You should be reading the Bible a little each day with no other intention but to let it soak in. You should also be praying. For some people, a good 10-15 minute session of prayer is refreshing twice a day. For others, a whole bunch of 30 second prayers throughout the day is good. You should also be involved in some sort of organized study of the Bible. This might be a daily individual study such as you might find in a devotional or this may mean attending a weekly Bible Study. You should also be attending worship services regularly. If you haven’t been for a while come join us this week. If you come once a month, double it to twice a month.

Another aspect of Faith Stewardship is giving. John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, taught that faithful Christians should 1) earn all they could through hard, honest word; 2) save all they can by living frugally and only spending on what was necessary: food, clothing, shelter, and transportation (which meant horses in his day); and 3) give all you can, meaning just about everything you saved. When he first started his traveling ministry he was living on a stipend of about 35 pounds a year. He calculated his expenses at about 12 pounds and he gave away the other 23 pounds to those in need or to fund his health clinics, schools, and chapels. When his stipend went up to 50 pounds, his giving went up to 38 pounds. He hoped all his followers would do the same. He was sorely disappointed. We were good at #1 and #2 but deficient on #3.

What about you? How was your giving in 2010? I know that the miserable economy has affected many, but that does not negate the need to give. If you are not now tithing, that is giving 10% of your income to your church, why don’t you try it in 2011? If you are not tithing and tithing seems too big a step, why not try stepping up your giving? For instance, if you make $50,000 a year and only give $1,000 in 2010 (2%), why not try 3% ($1,500) or 4% ($2,000). You are not tithing, but you are stepping up. Our churches can only do the ministry that your offering pays for. Just imagine what we could do to make disciples and transform the world if everyone tithed. Just imagine.

Imagining the Growth of God’s Kingdom - Pastor Gary

Readings for September 26

2010-09-20T11:40:00.002-05:00

Sorry for the bold font on the previous post. Somehow, I just couldn't get rid of it.

This week we continue jumping around Jeremiah, reading through 1 and 2 Timothy, and deal with another Lukan parable.

Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15 - Prophesy and Hope in a real estate transaction. The armies of Babylon have surrounded Jerusalem and it will soon be sacked. Jeremiah is in jail. The word of the Lord comes to Jeremiah saying that one of his cousins will come to him asking him to purchase a field. When this happens, Jeremiah buys the field for 20 shekels of silver, and signs all of the contracts of deed with many witnesses. (Real estate transactions haven't changed much, have they?) He then has his aide, Baruch, put the contracts in an earthenware jar and bury it in a safe place. The reason for all of this: there will be a time when Israel will be restored and land will once again be bought and sold.

Psalm 91:1-6, 14-16 - This Psalm is the source for much of the song "On Eagle's Wings". The psalm is all about God's protection of those who fear and trust God. There is quite a bit of hyperbole (exaggeration) in the verses: you will never get sick from virulent diseases (pestilence), you will never get shot by arrows, you will never be whipped (scourged), you will not stub your toes, and you will be able to walk on lions and snakes if you remain faithful to God. Also, in the skipped verses, even if thousands of people are falling around you, you will not be harmed. When we praise God, we all have a natural tendency to exaggerate and the psalmist does the same.

[Alternate readings: Amos 6:1a, 4-7 (warnings to the rich and idle who ignore the ruin around them) and Psalm 146 (praise for God whose concern is with the oppressed, hungry, in prison, blind, crippled, strangers, orphans, and widows). Both fit nicely with the Gospel.]

1 Timothy 6:6-19 - We have jumped over 4 chapters, 2:8-6:5. Mostly these deal with qualification for church leaders (bishops, deacons, and ministers) and how believers are to act toward one another. In our reading today, Paul is encouraging Timothy to remain faithful, be content with what God has provided, and be wary of falling into the temptation of riches. There are also some advice for those who are rich: "They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share, thus storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life that is really life." This raises a good question: What is "real" life?

Luke 16:19-31 - The title to this passage in my Bible reads "The Rich Man and Lazarus." While Luke does not specifically identify this story as a parable, it is. The last time Luke actually wrote the word "parable" was in 15:3 which opens the Parable of the Lost Sheep. There is then a series of stories which are all parables: the lost sheep, the lost coin, the prodigal son, the dishonest manager, and, after a brief interval of stewardship instructions (16:8b-18), the rich man and Lazarus. First, don't confuse this Lazarus with Jesus' friend in John 11. Secondly, Lazarus means "one who God helps". Third, Lazarus is the only character in all of Jesus' stories and parables who has a name. Finally, this parable is a type of "Pearly Gates" stories and is not intended to instruct us on the nature of hell. Too many people in my opinion, including some pastors, point to this parable when the discussion of hell comes up. As you read this parable ask your self some questions: What is Lazarus' relationship to the rich man? What is the rich man's responsibilities to Lazarus? What is the rich man's attitude to Lazarus before and after death and does it change? How does this passage relate to 16:10-13? There is so much more to say about this parable but I'll cut it off here.

What is your relationship to money? Reread the Amos, Timothy, and Luke passages.

May God bless you with understanding as you grow in faith.

Readings for September 19

2010-09-20T11:27:00.008-05:00

It looks like I forgot to put up my comments for the September 19th readings. I'll do that now and the next post, also today will be for the September 26th texts.

In my sermons I often refer to scapegoating and the violence that permeates culture and society. There is a nice summary of the scapegoating process and how it is the founding violence for religion and society at Religion Dispatches. Eric Reitan refers to Rene Girard as he is discussing the, now cancelled, Koran burning that was to happen in Gainesville, Florida, this past weekend. This is the beginning of a theory by Girard often called the "Memetic Process" (memetic or memesis means imitation) that guides my understanding of humanity and God's redemption of humanity. Please check it out.

Our readings for September 19:

Jeremiah 8:18-9:1 - The prophet mourns for his people who are suffering and hurting. He asks, "Where is the Lord? Why is there no healing?" and wants to cry for his people. Verse 8:22 is the basis for an old favorite spiritual. The prophet asks, "Is there no balm in Gilead?" The spiritual responds in the affirmative, "There is a balm in Gilead to make the wounded whole, to heal the sin-sick soul." (From Wikipedia: In the Bible "Gilead" means hill of testimony or mound of witness, a mountainous region east of the Jordan River, situated in the Kingdom of Jordan.)

[After looking up "Gilead" I remembered that we sung "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing" with the words in verse 2, "Here I raise mine Ebenezer . . . " The word "Ebenezer" is a transliterated Hebrew word meaning "helping stone". See 1 Samuel 7:12-14.]

Psalm 79:1-9 - The psalmist speaks for a hurting and devastated Israel. The land has be invaded, the temple despoiled, and the people slaughtered and left to rot. The psalmist, speaking from deep pain, wants to know why God is so angry and when will God avenge the people. Please remember that this Psalm, like most Psalms, are written from a human perspective and often from pain and grief. The psalmist, as did everyone in his time, understood that God was the source of all things good and bad. I believe that Jesus addresses that issue in Luke 13:1-5.

[Alternate readings: Amos 8:4-7, a condemnation of exploitation, and Psalm 113, a praise to God who helps the poor, the needy, and barren women.]

1 Timothy 2:1-7 - Paul ask for, "urge" is his word, prayers of all types: supplications, intercessions, and thanksgivings, especially for national rulers. Paul attests that there is one God and a mediator between God and humanity who is Jesus Christ. Paul is a witness to the Gentiles of that truth.

Luke 16:1-13 - Chapter 15 has three parables: the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son (Prodigal). Our reading this week is another parable about a dishonest manager (steward). Since it follows immediately after the Prodigal Son, is it related to the other three? A number of years ago I read a commentary that thought the sheep and coin parables belong together and the Prodigal Son and Dishonest Manager belong together. I have never been able to locate that commentary since. Anyway, a rich man's steward is caught squandering the man's wealth (the prodigal squanders his father's wealth). When confronted the steward asks himself some questions and makes a decision (the prodigal son does the same). The steward then goes to the rich man's debtors, cuts their debts, and takes immediate payment. For this, the rich man praises him. Jesus then continues with comments about faithfulness and warns against serving wealth. Do we squander God's riches (the earth, our families, our communities, our churches)? Or do we use them shrewdly to increase God's Kingdom? Are we serving God or wealth?

May you be blessed in your reading of God's good word and may the Word of God (Jesus) fill you up.

2010-09-07T14:01:00.002-05:00

Hello Everyone,

This Sunday is Back to Church Sunday. Please invite someone you know from our churches who have not been attending church to join you in worship this Sunday. We want to invite all who have drifted away to come back to church and Jesus.

Our scripture this week

Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28 - The prophesies in the Old Testament are difficult to hear and more difficult to understand. When we hear of God's fierce anger and judgment against his people who have been faithless, which we read in these verses, we wonder how we can reconcile that image with the image of God who desires "restoration, reconciliation, and redemption" and was lived out in the life and teaching of Jesus. One tool to help us may be the knowledge that the worldview of the people and writers of that time was that all things that happened, whether good (peace, rain, good crops) or bad (war, drought, failed crops), came from God. Therefore, if you are not faithful to God so you could reap God's blessings then you must suffer the consequences that will also come from God. With that worldview, a prophet could challenge the people who are faithless by using the images of destruction. This may or may not help you, but we all need to wrestle with scripture like these.

Psalm 14 - Where are the good, wise people who seek after the Lord? There is none for they are all bent on doing evil. Only the righteous and the poor are with the Lord. When will Israel be restored and rejoice? This psalm fits well with the Jeremiah passage.

[Alternate readings: Exodus 32:7-14 (The people of Israel have made and worshiped a golden calf and God wants to destroy them. Moses argues that God made a promise to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob about descendents. God then changes God's mind.) and Psalm 51:1-10 (A confession of sin and a plea that God will change the psalmist's heart.).

1 Timothy 1:12-17 - We begin a 7 week reading of 1st and 2nd Timothy this week. Paul, in this passage, gives thanks to God for God's mercy that was shown to him. God chose Paul to be a witness to God's love and mercy even though he was "a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a man of violence". Paul, before his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus, persecuted Christians in the name of God. His violence was a sacred violence to rid the Jewish faith of those pesky Christians. Now he knows that "the grace of our Lord (God) overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus". He knows that Christ "came into the world to save sinners" and not to destroy (see John 3:17). How often in the past, and maybe even today, do Christians seek to destroy using the name of God? Shouldn't we have "the utmost patience" that Jesus has?

Luke 15:1-10 - Here we have the parables of the Lost Sheep and the Lost Coin. These are two parables in a quartet of parables, the other two being the Prodigal Son and the Dishonest Manager. We had the Prodigal Son back during Lent and we will read about the Dishonest Manager next week. All of these follow last week's lesson on the cost of discipleship. What is the cost of discipleship? Could the cost be in seeking out the lost while not worrying about those who are in the community. Remember, the shepherd leaves the 99 sheep to seek the 1 and the woman cleans house to find the 1 coin while not worrying about the other 9. Another cost may be in the celebration of the found. From the Prodigal Son, the cost could be extravagant forgiveness and an lavish party. Is the image of a God who seeks lost sinners and throws a party the same image of our Jeremiah passage? Which is right? Can both be right? I don't think so, but that is up to you.

May you be challenged and blessed by our readings this week! Praise be to God!

Readings for September 5 2010

2010-08-31T13:45:00.002-05:00

Hello Everyone,

First, an announcement for the Grey Eagle Church. Don't forget that we will be visited by one of the missionaries that we support. Ardell Graner, missionary along with her husband Gordon in Bolivia, will be with us tomorrow to share their story with us. We will have a potluck supper at 5:30 PM and Ardell will make her presentation following. I am excited and I hope everyone will be there.

Now for our readings:

Jeremiah 18:1-11 - Jeremiah is sent to watch a potter work with clay. This image is a parable about God and how God can mold nations for good or evil and then God can change his mind depending on the response of the people. This passage points to a God who is not immovable but who is willing to change with changing circumstances but always toward God's goal of his Kingdom. How often are we not willing to change with changing circumstances? We resist new things, new ways of worship, new people in our midst, etc. Our resistance to God's molding only delays but never eliminates the change.

Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 - The first 6 verses are an acknowledgment that God knows everything about us. In the skipped verses, 7-12, the psalmist proclaims that he cannot hide from God. Verses 13-18 go back to the first statements and extends God's knowledge of the psalmist to his very conception. These 18 verses, along with the final two, 23-24, are a wonderful praise of God's knowledge (and complete love?) of us. As with many uplifting Psalms, this Psalm turns to the dark side in verses 19-22. I find it ironic that 21-22 the psalmist talks about hating those who hate God and then, in verse 24, asks God to see if there is any wicked way in his heart.

[Alternate readings: Deuteronomy 30:15-20 (Follow God and you will be blest. Turn from God and you will perish.) and Psalm 1 (same themes)]

Philemon (Fi-lee'-mun) - There is only one chapter in this very short letter with 25 verses. The lectionary asks us to read verses 1-21 but we might just as well read the salutation also. Paul addresses this letter to a man named Philemon and the central concern was about Philemon's slave Onesimus (O-nees'-i-mus). Onesimus ran away from Philemon (a death penalty in the Roman Empire) to find and care for Paul who is a prisoner in Rome. Paul send him back and asks Philemon to forgive Onesimus and treat him as a brother and not as a slave. Paul says that he will repay Philemon what ever extra expenses Onesimus cost him. The last half of verse 19 is humorous: "I say nothing about your owing me even your own self." A new translation of the Bible called "Common English Bible" puts it this way, "Of course, I won't mention that you owe me your life."

Luke 14:25-33 - This is a very difficult text for Christians in Europe and North America who live comfortable lives. The basic message: Don't plan on being a disciple of Christ if you cannot give up everything you have (ALL your possessions), if you don't "hate" your entire family, and if you don't carry your cross and follow Jesus. Weigh the cost before you begin the journey! It will be too easy for me to downplay the words "all" and "hate" when I preach and very difficult to preach the severity of the words. What do they mean to you? Who knows? I may even have to preach on Philemon!

May these words inspire you to read the Bible and struggle with the message.

Peace in Christ,
Pastor Gary Taylor

September Newsletter Article

2010-08-26T13:56:00.002-05:00

In my effort to post more often, here is my newsletter article for the September edition of the Long Prairie-Grey Eagle Parish Messenger.

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

Earlier today (Wednesday, August 25) I received an email from the office of the Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ. This email is a 2 times a week newsletter that discusses current events, celebrations, opportunities, etc. of Minnesota UCC churches. Usually the main article is by Conference Minister Rev. Dr. Karen Sellers Smith. However, the last few issues have been discussing the call process UCC churches go through when they need a new minister. The first question and the first paragraph of the answer caught my attention today.

Q: You said that Search Committees shouldn't look for the "Perfect Pastor" but for the perfect fit - what does that mean?
A: Congregations are often looking for someone who can do it all and has no flaws... but none of us is good at everything and all of us have flaws! A good minster usually excels at three to five things, and that's really about how much a productive pastor can accomplish at one time. For example, a congregation might want someone who preaches, plans good worship, leads in the wider church, is a crack administrator, and is great with young people, and is growing the church... whoops! That's six - and we can pretty realistically predict that at least one of the six would consistently become a low priority - and pastoral care isn't even on the list! (COMMAntary, August 25, 2010)

“None of us is good at everything and all of us have flaws!” That line really hit home because lately I have been thinking about one of my weaknesses in ministry.

First, let me start off by saying that I know that I have those three to five strong areas in ministry that I really love doing: preaching, leading worship, teaching, administrating (keeping records, filing reports, etc.), and leading funerals and weddings (ministering to families at times of mourning and celebration).

The flaw I see in my ministry is typically called “visitation”. In my ten years of ministry, I have never successfully devised a plan to improve my visitations. Don’t get me wrong – I love to visit and I really feel good after spending time with someone. I just find it hard to do the visits.

There is an order to the types of visits that I do, from the most likely to the least likely: people in hospitals (when I know of them), nursing home, assisted living, home-bound, and everyone else. If you are someone who feels I haven’t visited enough, I apologize. The best remedy is to do one of two things: 1) pick up the phone and call me or 2) tell someone who sees me regularly at church or at meetings that you would like me to visit. Maxine R. called me fairly often and Elda K. told her brother. Both ways work for me and either way, I will come for a visit. Your help in this matter will help me keep on track in an area of my ministry that I know is weak.

Peace in Christ,

Pastor Gary

Wow, I really need to post more!

2010-08-24T15:56:00.002-05:00

I notice that I haven't posted since early December, 2009. I am very delinquent in my duties. I now resolve to post at least weekly. To do that, I will post here some lectionary notes that I send out weekly to the people of the churches I serve. I will also post my monthly newsletter column that I write for "The Messenger"

The intent of the lectionary notes is not to give in depth commentary or interpretation, but to stimulate you to read the passages.

Here are the lectionary notes for Sunday, August 29, 2010.

Jeremiah 2:4-13 - Think of this passage as a courtroom scene. The Lord is the plaintive accusing Judah and Jerusalem of breaking their contract (covenant). Verses 4-11 is the Lord's direct accusations and questions. Verses 12-13 is an appeal to the heavens (the judge or the jury?) to listen to the Lord's case against his people.

Psalm 81:1, 10-16 - Verse 1 is the Psalmist's praise of God and verses 10-16 is God's plea for Israel to listen to and follow him. Verses 14-16 include an incentive for Israel to follow.

[Alternate readings: Sirach 10: 12-18 and Psalm 112. Sirach will be found in Catholic and Orthodox Bibles but not in Protestant and Jewish scriptures. Verse 18 in Sirach is interesting: "Pride was not created for human beings, or violent anger for those born of women."]

Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16 - You might just as well read the entire chapter. There is no central theme of this chapter just a series of admonitions of things all Christians should do: love, hospitality, remember prisoners, honor marriage, don't love money, remember your church leaders and imitate their faith, watch out for strange teachings, [a short comparison between temple sacrifice and Christ's sacrifice], look for the coming city of God, praise and confess God, do good, share what you have, obey leaders, and pray for us. Good things for all Christians to remember.

Luke 14:1, 7-14 - Verse 1 sets the who, what, when and where of the following section: Jesus and the leader of the Pharisees, a dinner, on the Sabbath, and at the leader's house. The skipped verses are very similar to last week's reading from Luke 13:10-17 which is a healing on the Sabbath. You would think that the subject of verses 7-11 is about how to make yourself look good at a dinner party, but note that Luke calls it a parable. Is this a parable on "the first will be last and the last will be first"? Verses 12-14 are about true hospitality. It is easy to have a banquet for friends, but what about inviting the homeless and hungry to dinner?

May these readings enliven your interactions with our Lord. Praise be to God!

Personal Vestments or Not

2009-12-07T21:22:00.002-06:00

Small Town and Rural (STAR) Churches are often very informal. The congregants often come to church in what some may describe as everyday clothes. Some may come in their "Sunday Best". I think that this wide range is wonderful. I would rather have people in church with whatever clothes they feel comfortable in then either no people in church or people in church with no clothes (laugh).

What about clergy in STAR churches? How well should they be dressed? I think this is a personal decision of each clergy person based on the traditions of their denomination and the expectations of their parishioners. Some denominations such as Lutherans and Catholics (which is not technically a denomination) generally wear robes, albs, and stoles every week. Other denominations such as Baptist and Assemblies of God do not generally wear those things. My problem: I'm United Methodist and we do and we don't.

Here is what I have settled upon: for most Sunday I wear slacks, a (hopefully) pressed shirt with a tie (or occasionally a quality pullover closed neck shirt), dark socks, black shoes, and a blazer (I have a couple). Occasionally I will wear a suit. I know that clergy women have a tougher choice of clothes because congregations can be more judgmental about a woman's choice than a man's.

On special Sunday's I wear an alb with a stole and cincture appropriate to the church season. Those Sundays are Communion, Baptisms, Christmas, and Easter. I also wear them for funerals and weddings.

My choices reflect both my congregations and my respect and commitment to Christ's Bride, the church. On the non-special Sundays, I try to look good in my work for God but not too distant from the people in the pew. We remember that Jesus' and Paul's ministry were to the common people and their dress was no different then theirs. On the special Sundays, the office of the minister is important and my choice reflects the importance of those services.

There is a little controversy over the use of stoles by non-ordained clergy in the United Methodist Church. While it is not dealt with in the "Book of Disciple of the United Methodist Church" (the document that governs the church) tradition as been that only ordained clergy (Elders) are to wear stoles. (Deacons have a different type of stole to wear, one that crosses the chest and is closed at the side.) According to many Elders, non-ordained clergy, such as Local-Licensed Pastors and Associate Members, should never wear a stole. I understand the tradition, and I follow it at Ordination Services at Annual Conference, but I also know that we are appointed to serve our parishes with all the authority of an Elder including presiding over Communion and Baptism. Therefore, I feel that it is appropriate to wear one. This is a decision that each Local-Licensed Pastor and Associate Member must make for themselves.

There is a alternative for Local-Licensed Pastors and Associate Members to the stole: a scapular. If you are interested in what a scapular is or in buying it, I recommend Gail Bird Vestments where I bought the one I own, a red one I use for Ordination Service at Annual Conference.

Catching Up on Posting

2009-11-05T15:07:00.002-06:00

Today, other then this post you are now reading, I have posted two articles: "My Thoughts on Church Membership" and "November Newsletter Article". You will find these articles below. They cover two subjects that can be particularly touchy near the end of the year: stewardship and membership. Please feel free to leave your comments, especially on the issue of membership. Do we just carry everyone including those who have moved away or never participate? What about C&E Christians (only attend on Christmas and Easter)? Are there any alternatives to what I have suggested?

Thank you for reading!

Peace in Christ,
Pastor Gary

My Thoughts on Church Membership

2009-11-05T15:03:00.002-06:00

Who should be members of a church? Is it everyone who attends once or twice a year and gives a nominal amount for offering? What about those who live in other cities and cannot physically attend more than once or twice a year? What about children of members who joined during confirmation and have now finished college and found work in another city?

Author and speaker Doug Anderson thought all members should be attend worship ½ the time they are available to worship. For example, a nurse who works every other Sunday is available to be in worship 26 times a year. Half of that is 13 times in worship or once each month. Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas, expects all members to be in worship 100% of the time, and if not there, then somewhere else.
To me half of the available time seems light while every week seems excessive. Perhaps 75% of the available worship time would be appropriate.

So, what do I think about church membership?

First, membership in a church should reflect approximately those who worship regularly, those who are home-bound or in a nursing home, those in college, and those who are on active-duty in the military.

Secondly, those members who are children of members, who have attended and graduated college, and who have found employment in another town or city outside a drivable distance should be strongly encouraged to find a church near their homes and to transfer their memberships or withdraw. Otherwise, they should be removed from the rolls.

Third, in a similar vein, those members who live and work in another city far enough away to prevent regular attendance in worship should also be strongly encouraged to transfer to a local church or withdraw from membership. Otherwise, they should be removed.

Fourth, those members who live locally and don’t attend worship or do not attend worship with any kind of regularity (say, less than 50% of their available time) should be called by members of the church council or membership committee and encouraged to return to worship. If they are attending another church, their membership should be transferred. After several attempts, they should be asked to withdraw. Otherwise, they should be removed.

Finally, once someone has been removed from the membership rolls, a letter stating that they have been removed should NOT be sent. These letters, in my opinion, create a lot of hard feelings and may be the final road block to their returning to worship. We will always be open to serving them in whatever need they may have: weddings, baptisms, funerals, or visits when in the hospital. We will always encourage them to return to worship and if they should return we will reinstate them to the rolls.

One more thing: what about giving to the church and membership? This is always a tricky question but consider this scenario. Two people who never come to worship, they do not participate in faith forming groups, they do not help in any ministry or mission areas of the church and both want to remain members of the church. One gives $100 annually and the other gives $10,000 annually. Should they be treated differently? James 2:1-13 implores us to treat each person equally. Therefore, either they both should be members (even though they do not participate) or they both should be quietly removed from membership. The church can still gratefully accept their gifts and will be there in their needs (see the final point above).

To some these views may seem harsh, but I truly think that the membership rolls should reflect the active participants of the church (see point #1).

Pastor Gary

November Newsletter Article

2009-11-05T14:29:00.002-06:00

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

The topic I would really like to tackle this month is stewardship. It is a topic that no one likes to hear coming from the pastor. In fact, there are tales which may or may not be true of churches that ran off their pastor because he or she talked about stewardship once each year. It seems that one time a year is one time too many for some people. Why is that?

Jesus understood humanity’s relationship to money and things. The number one topic Jesus spoke on or told parables about is money or our relation to it. To name a few off the top of my head: “No one can serve two masters; . . . You cannot serve God and wealth.” (Matthew 6:24); To the rich young ruler, “Sell all you have, give the money to the poor and follow me.” (Mark 10:21); “How hard it will be for those who have wealth to enter the Kingdom of God.” (Mark 10:23); and “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more that all of them; for all of them have contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on.”(Luke 21:3-4)

I bring this up because our churches need your financial support here at the end of 2009 and your commitment as we begin 2010. The good news is that both churches are current on our debt and we have been good stewards of what you have given. In fact, in both churches we have spent a little less then what you have given this year.
The bad news is that both churches have one challenge ahead of them. For Grey Eagle, the challenge is the mortgage on the building which is about $60,000. For Peace United, the challenge is the UMC Apportionments and the UCC Our Church’s Wider Mission which totals about $10,700 and is due by the end of the year.

Hopefully, you are asking yourself, “What can I do to help?” One answer that might be achievable for everyone is to increase your giving each week for the rest of 2009. If each adult who comes to church would give $10 or more each week above their current giving it would go a long way to helping out. (If you make some estimates and do the math you will see that the additional giving won’t be a huge amount, but as my dad use to say, “It’s better than a spit in the eye.”)

The other thing you should consider and pray about is tithing. Are you giving 10% to the church? What is your percentage giving? (Divide what you give to the church in a year by your gross income. Anything less than .10 is not a tithe.) If what you give in 2009 is 4% (.04), can you move that up to 5% in 2010, 6% in 2011, etc., until you get to a tithe? In December’s newsletter, I write about tithing and what that has meant in my life. Until then, be a cheerful and generous giver (2 Corinthians 9:7).

Peace in Christ,
Pastor Gary

Health Care in America

2009-09-29T11:52:00.002-05:00

I have been a bit of a slacker when it comes to posting new blogs. The one real question I have been facing is, "How do small churches identify and develop new leaders within the church?" I will come back to that question later this week.

This is my article for the October edition of "The Messenger", the newsletter of Peace United Church and Grey Eagle UMC.

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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

The big debate that has raged throughout the summer and now into the fall is the issue of health care for all people. According to the US Census Bureau, almost 46 million people under the age of 65, or 18% of the US population under the age of 65, were without health insurance in 2007. The economic downturn we experienced in 2008 may have added another 7 million to that number. That translates to 1 in 5 people under the age of 65.

Those of us who do have health insurance are finding it to be much more expensive. Small employers cannot afford to cover their employees. Large employers are finding their costs are rising significantly prompting many to cancel any coverage they may have. Only young, single adults without any preexisting health problems can find affordable coverage. Anyone else looking to buy an individual policy is nearly priced out of the market.

We also need a change of terminology. “Health insurance” is not a true insurance such as a home-owner’s policy, or car insurance, or life insurance. These types of insurance cover only catastrophic events but not the usual maintenance. Hit a deer and your auto policy will cover it with a 10 or 20% deductible. Need new tires or an oil change and you will pay for it out of your own pocket.

With health insurance, we want everything to be covered except for the co-pays and deductibles. If it were a true insurance, then only the catastrophic events, such as cancer, stroke, or heart attacks, would be covered while we would be responsible for maintenance and checkups. If you need a drug to keep your cholesterol low, you would be responsible. As with a car or a home, the better you maintain it the longer it will last. If a catastrophe happens the insurance kicks in. So, instead of calling it insurance, we should simply call it something like “Health-care System” or “Health-care Coverage”.

Whom should the United States Healthcare System cover? Simply: everyone. Why? Because that is what Jesus did. I won’t regurgitate everything he said, but conservative Christian pollster George Barna wrote an article this week calling on Christians to be active in healing the sick. He examined the stories of Jesus’ healings and concluded that we should follow Jesus’ example. You can find the complete article here. Here is a summary paragraph:

"In short, Jesus Christ showed us that anyone who follows Him is expected to address the most pressing needs of others. You can describe Jesus’ health care strategy in four words: whoever, whatever, whenever, wherever. Whoever needed to be healed received His healing touch. Whatever affliction they suffered from, He addressed it. Whenever the opportunity to heal arose, He seized it. Wherever they happened to be, He took care of it."

George Barna did not endorse any governmental plan for universal health-care (there are many models around the world; read TR Reid’s latest book The Healing of America: A Global Quest for Better, Cheaper, and Fairer Health Care). I take this conclusion from his article: if we are unable or unwilling to help those without health-care coverage ourselves as Jesus calls us to do, then we need to find and fund a way for someone else to do it. That just may turn out to be the federal government. Let’s get this done, America. It is the right thing to do.

Peace in Christ, Pastor Gary

The Divide in America

2009-09-05T09:50:00.004-05:00

(9/5/09) I haven't posted since I put up the September newsletter. I had a couple of responses from those who read it in "The Messenger", the newsletter of Peace United Church and Grey Eagle UMC. A couple of people agreed with it and a couple were perplexed.

The latest controversy that seems to be sweeping the country is not the health care initiative, the cap and trade bill, or the economic situation. No, the big controversy this weekend seems to be President Obama's scheduled speech to school children. This seems to be upsetting people in both the big cities and in the rural areas. I have heard of people in Todd County who oppose the speech being shown in schools. Several districts in the area have decided not to show it. Those who oppose the telecast, conservatives, forget that their iconic ideologue, Ronald Reagan, also did a speech to encourage students. (President George HW Bush did one, also.) [9/6/09 update: A friend states that the controversy first erupted over the wording of the study guide that was released last week. But even after the White House revised the lesson plan many still object to the speech. My take: if the lesson plan/study guide is objectionable, then instruct your children not to use it but still listen to what the President has to say. Since they still don't want their children to hear it then the lesson plan issue was a straw dog.]

My big question is simple. "Why?" Why is this such a big controversy? I have a feeling, but no real hard evidence, that those who have been adamantly against Obama, oppose him in the little things, even a speech to encourage children to stay in school and get their education. Does this mean that those who oppose Obama, oppose education? No, I don't think so. I think it might be just a knee jerk reaction.

Some other questions have also crossed my mind the last few days about this controversy. Why do people not want to hear ideas and opinions that they may not agree with? Why are we so closed to other people's views? Are we so entrenched in our ways that we are afraid to hear what others have to say? This reminds me of something that happened in 2002.

Early in 2002, several months after the attacks of September 11, 2001, my local school district scheduled at Roman Catholic nun to come and speak at the school about Islam. From all the information I heard, she was an expert on Islam and had spent some years in Muslim countries. Her expected outcome for the day she was to give her presentation was to inform our students about the Islam that the majority of Muslims around the world follow.

What followed when the school informed the parents of the program was a campaign to get the school to cancel the program even though parents could opt their students out of the program. Those who opposed the presentation said that Christians, especially the young children, should not be exposed to anything so vile and evil (I am paraphrasing here). The (spineless, expedient, and politically driven) school board caved in almost immediately and canceled the program. What I think happened was that they were afraid that their hatred for Muslims in general might have been found baseless. Why are people so afraid of competing idea, even if those "ideas" are simply information?

Is this what America has come to? Are we so divided that we can't listen to each other? When will cooler and calmer people prevail? We can have our differences, and we will, but we can also treat those with other opinions with respect and courtesy as we listen. Listening with respect can open us to the presence of Christ in another and can open us to our own spiritual growth through the power of the Holy Spirit. Come on, America, calm down, take a deep breath, and listen!

Let us pray: Oh God, most merciful and loving creator, open us to the power of your Spirit in our lives and let us with ears hear the voice of your Son in the words of others. Guide us in the way we treat others and show us how to listen intently before we speak. In the name of your Son, Jesus the Christ, who was always open to others. Amen.

September Newsletter Article

2009-08-26T17:28:00.002-05:00

Each month I write a article for my parish's newsletter and, beginning with this post, I will publish those articles here.

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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

As I think back over the last couple of weeks I am struck by the blessings and curses of 21st Century technology. For example, think back to that terrible tragedy of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Yes, news organizations rushed to get the news out and, if you are a certain age, we fondly remember the words and emotions of broadcaster Walter Cronkite. Many Americans got the chance to see the memorial train that took his body to Washington DC and everyone has probably seen the wonderful and moving picture of John Jr. as he saluted his father at the funeral service. While all the news organizations worked hard to bring the nation the stories, we weren’t inundated constantly with it. And anyone who had an opinion about the President’s death could only voice it with family and friends, at the water-cooler, or with a letter to the editor (which may or may not get published).

Now flash forward to this morning’s news that his brother, Senator Edward Kennedy, died overnight as a result of his brain cancer. While it is not the only news on TV, Radio, and the internet, there does seem to be too much of it. Every “talking head” has to spout their opinion on Sen. Kennedy’s influence on the Senate and the nation and what may happen now that he is dead. Conservatives, while not exactly gloating, are looking forward to the next several months because the Democrats will only have 59 votes in the Senate and not the filibuster-proof 60. And, while I haven’t listened to any, I’d be willing to bet that the conservative radio talk shows (think Rush L.) are just brimming with callers rejoicing at his death. The same is probably happening at conservative blogs (blogs = web logs or diaries that anyone can read and reply to). Modern technology in communication has given us an explosion in ways in which all people can voice their opinions and opposition, and many of them do.

That brings me to last week’s vote by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America to allow church to call as their pastor a gay or lesbian clergy who is in a “life-long, committed, same-sex” relationship. This article is not about whether I support or reject the decision made. What upsets me the most is the ugliness of the arguments on both sides. Do an internet search on “gay clergy ELCA” or any similar phrase. Go to the articles that the search found and read them. More importantly, read the comments below the articles. It is saddening to think that people are writing some of these things. Some of it is hateful. Much of it is disrespectful. Everyone quotes the Bible. And no one tries to have a minimal understanding of the other side.

In James 1:19-20, the writer says, “You must understand this: . . . let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger; for your anger does not produce God’s righteousness.” In verse 26 the writer says, “If any think they are religious, and do not bridle their tongues but deceive their hearts, their religion is worthless.” Our quickness, as a society, community, or church, to go to the extremes in voicing and defending our views ultimately will be our downfall. Jesus, who stands in the middle and opens his Table to all, calls to all to love God with all our hearts, minds, souls, and strengths and to love our neighbor as we love ourselves (or as God has loved us).

Peace in Christ

Vote of the ELCA (one last link)

2009-08-25T21:27:00.002-05:00

Here's one last link. Pastor Justin White writes about all people coming to the Table of the Lord in "Open Hearts? Open Doors? Open Minds? Open Table?"

Vote of the ELCA (cont.)

2009-08-24T21:09:00.002-05:00

I am still looking for centrist reactions to the vote on Friday, August 21, of the ELCA to allow churches that so desire to call clergy who are gay or lesbian in "life-long, committed, same-sex relationships". There is a great sermon by Pastor Nadia Bolz-Weber who serves a church called "House for All Sinners" in Denver. (What a GREAT name for a church!) Their ministry in the Denver area is to the GLBTQ community (Gay, Lesbian, Bi-sexual, Transgender, and Queer). Her sermon, despite the fact that she openly supports the decision, was decidedly centrist with her main theme being that Jesus stands neither at the green mike (those for) or the red mike (those against) but instead stands at the center. The Bread of Life (John 6 - the Gospel text for the last five weeks) is for all people.

Here is the link: Sarcastic Lutheran

Maybe we can stand between, in the midst, and with all people as did Jesus.

Peace and Blessings

Vote of the ELCA

2009-08-22T08:45:00.006-05:00

As you have more than likely heard and as have been widely reported (NYTimes, LATimes, StarTrib) the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) voted yesterday at their General Assembly to allow congregations that so choose to call gay and lesbian pastors who may be in "lifelong, monogamous, same-gender relationships." As reported, there were many heartfelt arguments and biblical quotations on both sides of the issue.

The ELCA took a five step process to the final vote starting with voting on a 50 page Social Statement on Human Sexuality. All the news reports after the adoption of the statement focused on the 2 pages that dealt with homosexuality and ignored the 48 pages that dealt with human sex trafficking, sex abuse, sex trade, pornography, and many other sex issues of our times.

Prior to the final vote, which happened around 6 PM on Friday, August 21, Presiding Bishop Hanson asked for calm when the vote was tallied and then lead the assembly in a prayer. It was surprising to me just how calm the assembly was when the vote was announced (I watched the proceedings on the ELCA's webcast). I also appreciated the words of reconciliation given by Bishop Hanson immediately following the vote.

Since the purpose of this blog is to talk about ministry in the rural setting, the question to be asked is, "How does this affect STAR (see this blog's banner) churches?" My general feeling is that most rural churches and their members, both denominational and non-denominational, are conservative in life and theology. Some rural ELCA churches may contemplate leaving the denomination. Rural churches who are not ELCA may wonder what is happening and how a denomination can leave the historic and (some would say) scriptural stance of Christianity. (Please note, as stated above, both sides of the issue quoted scripture to bolster their understanding of God's call to faithful living.)

This is a tough issue with many passionate advocates on both sides, but there are no easy answers. The vote of the ELCA leaves room for churches to live out their understanding of scripture and tradition. Those churches that believe that gays and lesbians are called by God to serve as clergy are now free to call them. Those churches that take the opposing view are free to not call gay and lesbian pastors. I believe that most STAR churches will not be calling gay and lesbian pastors.

Finally, the conservative blogs are probably all over this vote and deriding the ELCA. I am also fairly certain that the liberal blogs are praising the action. I will do some searching but I wonder if there are some middle of the road blogs who are discussing the vote. Too many people see issues only in black and white. Can we ever come up with understandings that remain faithful to God and Jesus Christ without alienating or shutting out people from the family of God?

Update: Blogs and columns with a balanced view.
1. David Gibson at Politics Daily
2. Clerical Whispers
3. Patrick Condon at Associated Press
4. Gregory Jackson at Ichabod, the Glory Has Departed

A good argument from the left: Faithful Progressive (esp. comment #7, the longest)

If I see a good argument from the right without vitriol I'll post it.

I found one: The Three-Legged Stool

What Kind of Church?

2009-08-13T22:51:00.000-05:00

Dave Nichols in his blog here discusses Len Sweet's description of three kinds of churches: undertaking, care-taking, and risk-taking. Which one is your church (or my churches for that matter)?

Undertaking churches are simply waiting for the last person standing (and walking) to turn out the lights and close the doors. They may not be interested in anything such as turn around strategies and evangelism and growth. Many Small Town and Rural (STAR) churches are undertaking churches. They need dedicated, faithful pastors to care for them until the end. These may not be the exciting churches many pastor want to lead but they still need pastors who are compassionate and willing to listen.

Care-taking churches are those that only care for those who are "in". The only way in is through marriage and birth. While they are cordial to outsiders, members can be cool to anyone new and the new person will get the message quickly. Evangelism is not on their radar either and their membership may remain stable over the years. Eventually they will become undertaking churches. Pastors who serve these churches, also described as "family churches" need to understand the dynamics of the leadership which is usually a matriarch or patriarch who may or may not be on the Church Council. They desire a pastor who will not rock the boat too much and will reward the pastor who works with them understands their style of church. Many STAR churches are care-taking church.

Risk-taking churches are willing to try anything and everything to bring the gospel to everyone. They need a pastor who is willing and able to tap into the energy of the church and bring them direction. These churches are able to accept failure and try again. When a ministry succeeds they are willing to start other ministries to be there when the first begins to decline. These churches often don't worry too much about the funding of a ministry because they trust God and the membership to fund what God desires. I am sorry to say that my impression is that there are not too many STAR risk-taking churchs. Why is this?

So, what church is your church? Is it possible for an undertaking or care-taking church to become a risk-taking church? I think it is because all things are possible for God. Unfortunately, it is a difficult and scary task, but it can be done.

Peace in Christ and God Bless,
Pastor Gary

Licensed Pastors in Ministry

2009-08-13T08:50:00.000-05:00

So, what impact does being a Local Licensed Pastor (see blog on August 11) have on rural ministry?

First, my impression is that the majority (vast majority?) of LLP's are appointed to Small Town and Rural (STAR) churches throughout the denomination. Here in Minnesota approximately 10% of the appointed clergy are LLP's. Half of those are full-time and half are part-time. Of these 35 pastors only a couple of them are serving in metropolitan or suburban areas. All of the rest are serving STAR churches. This is not a bad thing but I do wonder why the District Superintendents and Bishop have it skewed in this direction.

Secondly, the LLP track for ministry is designed for those entering ministry in their later years and who do not want to take 3 years out of their lives to attend seminary (see 8/11 blog). (Of course, there are many LLP who have gone to seminary and choose to serve the denomination as an LLP or have not yet met some requirement to become a commissioned provisional elder and are serving as an LLP until they are commissioned.) Those entering ministry in their later years are often coming from other careers or have retired from a career. I was a music teacher and a bookkeep/accountant prior to becoming a pastor. This, I believe, brings a positive attribute to ministry: life experience! Think about it - we who come to ministry in our later years have often raised a family, gone through the joys and heartaches of relationships with spouse, children, in-laws, and neighbors. We have worked with our hands and minds; been subject to good and lousy bosses; made mistakes at home and work and lived through the consequences; and had successes in those same places and felt the personal satisfaction. This doesn't necessarily make us better clergy then young people who go from high-school to college to seminary to an appointment. It is just that a longer life experience brings us different perspectives.

Third, our older age at entering ministry means we come with more health issues. Churches and parishes where we are appointed will experience more absences as we see our doctors more often, get more medical tests, and are out more often with injuries and illnesses that younger clergy don't get. That, of course, means that our conference health insurance plan will have higher costs to bear which drives the cost of insurance up for all churches. This impacts STAR churches at a disproportionate rate as they struggle to balance their budgets and pay their pastors. Pay packages for full-time pastors typically include: salary, health insurance, retirement, continuing education, professional expenses, mileage, and the use of a parsonage or a housing allowance. These costs are often 60 to 80% of a small church's budget.

Finally, many STAR churches cannot afford a full time pastor and cannot or will not share a pastor with 1 or 2 other churches. There are many reasons for this situation which can be discussed at a later date. Fortunately, in the United Methodist Church these churches can be served by a part-time LLP. Because the pastor is licensed by the bishop to fully serve the church, the church does not lose having the sacraments of baptism and communion being offered to them. Part-time LLP's have many reasons for not wanting to serve the church full-time therefore the paring of these STAR churches and part-time LLP's is a wonderful solution and keeps the UMC presence in rural communities alive.

Of course, the majority of STAR churches, at least here in Minnesota, are served faithfully and successfully by full-time ordained clergy, both young and old. United Methodist rural ministry is rich and varied and can be a personally satifying ministry to all who choose to serve.

Peace and Blessing,
Gary

What Is an Associate Member?

2009-08-11T21:25:00.000-05:00

As I was reading the "About Me" side bar, I was wondered if anyone was wondering just what was an Associate Member of an Annual Conference? In the United Methodist Church, and the Annual Conferences (which are the regional bodies of the UMC) there are two ways of becoming an appointed clergy. The traditional route is for someone to declare their interest in becoming a clergy, attend college and seminary, take a few psychological and emotional surveys, jump through a few Board of Ordained Ministry (BoOM) hoops, receive a commission to serve, receive an appointment to a church or churches, jump through a few more hoops, survive a fairly intense interview by the BoOM, and then, after 2 to 4 years of being a Provisional Clergy, be ordained and become an Elder.

The other way is the route I took or at least the route I should have taken. A person who becomes clergy through this process is called a Local Licensed Pastor (LLP). It is designed to encourage persons over the age of 35 who doesn't want to go through seminary to become clergy and serve in a local church or churches. It is also possible to follow these steps without leaving a job or moving a family. After declaring an intention to be a clergyperson, someone attends a 2 week Licensing School (I went to Dubuque), take the psychological and emotional surveys, and receive an appointment to a local church under the supervision of the District Superintendent. The bishop "licences" the person to serve only the local church to which they have been appointed. Following the appointment, the person then has to begin attending "Course of Study" (COS) at one of the UMC seminaries. The full COS is 20 classes in 10 modules designed to give the student a quick yet intense seminary study. Each module is typically two weeks long, although seminaries have started modifying the ways COS is offered. A LLP who is serving full time must complete the 10 modules in 8 years. A part-time LLP must complete them in 12 years. In the UMC, a LLP is not guaranteed an appointment, but they also are not itinerate.

There are a few variations to these routes to ministry. For instance, someone who has gone through seminary but doesn't want to go through all the requirments for ordination can be a LLP and not attend COS.

Now, to answer the question posed at the top - an Associate Member of the Annual Conference is what I call a "glorified LLP". After I completed COS in 2007 I applied to the BoOM to become an Associate Member. I redid the psychological and emotional surveys, had a physical done by my physician, wrote a sermon, recorded the preaching of that sermon, wrote a biography (which was not short) about my physical and spiritual life, and answered the questions for ordained ministry listed in the Book of Discipline of the UMC (22 double spaced pages), and survived the BoOM interview. (BTW, these are many of the hoops that Provisional Members must jump through to be ordained.) I was then received as an Associate Member of the Minnesota Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church by Bishop Sally Dyck in 2008. The only difference between an AM and a LLP is that I am now guaranteed an appointment but I also agree to be itinerate.

Hopefully, this answers any questions.
God Bless and May the Peace of Christ be with you.

Google AdSense

2009-08-11T00:42:00.000-05:00

I have just signed up for Google's AdSense program to maybe generate some income. Click on an ad or not as you so desire. Right now the ads may seem random but as I generate more content they will become more relevant. If you see an ad that seems inappropriate or offensive let me know. I will try to do something but Google may not be the easiest to work with.

Peace in Christ!

Just a Beginning

2009-08-10T23:43:00.000-05:00

Hello Anyone Who Stumbles Upon This Blog,

This is my first foray into blogging. I am an appointed clergy serving in the Minnesota Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. I serve two church in central Minnesota: Peace United Church in Long Prairie and Grey Eagle United Methodist in Grey Eagle. More on these two church later.

My intention for this blog is to discuss my understanding of rural ministry. Some blogs may be reactions to issues that impact, positively or negatively, the church outside of metropolitan areas. I don't think that the blogs will be daily but I hope weekly.

God Bless and the Peace of Jesus Christ be with you.