Salt and Light

The Angel, The Shepherds, and a Multitude of the Heavenly Host

2011-12-23T23:59:00.000-06:00

Luke 2:8-20

The Shepherds and the Angels

In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,
‘Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace among those whom he favours!’

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.’ So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger.When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

Thirteen verses, Luke 2, 8 - 20, describe the most profound occurrence in world history. The angel proclaimed to the shepherds, "I am bringing you Good News of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day a Savior who is the Messiah..." These simple working-class agricultural laborers were being told of a birth that would change the world more than any other event. Neither the invention of the wheel, Spindle Top, Hiroshima nor 9/11 would affect the lives of all people, then and now, as profoundly as the birth of Jesus Christ.

What a difference Jesus made! The Mosaic law had been complicated by millenniums of debate, commentaries, arguments and interpretations. Jesus simplified these instructions by telling us to use our common sense. In fulfilling the law he told us that the Sabbath was still Holy if we stopped to render aid to someone in need. He told us that breaking Commandments began in the heart, before the actual commitment of the sin. He told us to pay our taxes but to still give to God the things that are God's. Most of all, though, he created the Christian community of Love. He introduced shockingly new concepts: Pray for your enemy! Turn the other cheek! Love your neighbor as yourself!

No wonder the Heavenly Hosts shouted (or sang), "Glory to God in the highest and on Earth peace to men." Ever since the ministry of Christ, men of good will have endeavored to bring about harmony. Jesus brought a bit of Heaven to Earth and, by dwelling among us, took a bit of Earth back to Heaven. Hallelujah!

Don Oatman

My Name is Mary

2011-12-22T23:59:00.000-06:00

Luke 2.1-7

The Birth of Jesus

In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

Myname is Mary. I am fifteen years old. My family arranged mymarriage to this man, Joseph, who seems to be a good man. We havetraveled for several days from Nazareth to come here to Bethleham to be countedin the census as Joseph is from the family of David. Joseph let me ridethe donkey. I am pregnant, the angel told me I would have this childthough I have known no man. Joseph was also visited by an angel and hasaccepted both me and my child. I am afraid. Here we are, strangersto each other and to this place. This child is coming from me to havelife, I know to wrap Him in swaddling clothes as I have seen others do withtheir newborns. What do I do next? What will our life be from hereon? We have to be counted because of the Roman's decree, what willthey decree for us to do next. This is a strange time and weseem to have little control of our lives. But we will do what we know howto do, Joseph is a carpenter and will find work wherever we must live. Iam now a mother, this is what I was born to be, but this child is a giftfrom God. How will I know to raise Him? Here we are in this stablewith the horses and sheep. They all seem to know what to do and are happyto be here with Him. I must be faithful to this calling, just like theyare, and just do what I think best to be a good mother. Joseph is afaithful servant of God, he will help me with this special child, Imust trust him.

Asparents, we all question how to raise our children, they do not come with amanual. Some have tried to write manuals on how to raise children withthe result of some of our latest generations (the "Me","X", "Y" etc.) and have caused profound changes in oursociety. Changes in expectations of children from their parents, andparents from their children. Self image has become a replacement for workethic with a deterioration of morals, values and priorities across manycultures. The world continues to be a more scary place to live andespecially to raise children, more so everyday.

Josephand Mary were simple people, born to a simple way of life yet surrounded bychaotic politics and children of generations of chaotic culturalsurvival. They had lived simple lives and were raised to continue simplelifestyles under whatever politics or rulership they lived. Rome governedmost of the known world at this time. As good citizens, they followed therules, they traveled to be counted as the Emporer Augustus decreed. Inmany ways, they were pawns of history, and certainly did not realize the poweror impact of the lives they would live. But they were simple in theirfaith and when they were asked to play out their roles in God's plan, theyagreed and followed in their simple faith and lifestyle to do their part. When God asked them to parent His Son, they simply agreed and had faith thatGod would lead them. When Augustus decreed they be counted, they traveledafar, in spite of the complications they faced, going to a strange town wherethe crowds preceded them and left them no room, having a child in a stable withonly strangers to help them. They welcomed strange visitors who seemed tocome from another strange place far away, without question, accepting evenstranger gifts.

Howmuch easier life would be if we all lived in simple faith. But as we growin age, we grow in the ways of the world and put more and more importance onthe things of this world. Let us all stop and reflect on how simple thethings that God requires of us, and how much better our lives would be if we focusedon those things. He only asks us to love His Son and our neighbors as welove ourselves. What is complicated about that?

Vicki Richie

Ordinary Sacredness

2011-12-21T23:59:00.000-06:00

Luke 1:26-38

The Birth of Jesus Foretold

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, ‘Greetings, favoured one! The Lord is with you.’ But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob for ever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.’ Mary said to the angel, ‘How can this be, since I am a virgin?’ The angel said to her, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.’ Then Mary said, ‘Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.’ Then the angel departed from her.

Mary was just an ordinary girl in a small town in a remote province of the Roman empire. She could have been from Jefferson! She was not powerful or influential, probably not even in her own village. If you passed her on the street, you wouldn't have looked at her twice, maybe not even once.

Yet, here is Gabriel, who tells Zechariah a little earlier in this chapter, that he stands in the presence of Almighty God, coming to find this ordinary girl, coming to tell her that she is not so ordinary after all.

We should not be surprised. The Bible is full of ordinary people whom God tapped on the shoulder. Abraham, Moses, Rahab, Ruth, David, Amos, Zechariah, and Mary. God still calls on ordinary people to accomplish kingdom work. The Pastor's Book Club in January is going to explore some of these other ordinary folks God called in Diana Butler Bass' book "The People's History of Christianity." I hope you will join us.

Who among us is God calling? Maybe you? You don't need to be the next Billy Graham or deep theologian for God to tap you on the shoulder.

Mystery Revealed

2011-12-20T23:59:00.001-06:00

Romans 16:25-27

25 Now to God^* who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages ²⁶but is now disclosed, and through the prophetic writings is made known to all the Gentiles, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith— ²⁷to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, to whom^* be the glory for ever! Amen.^*

Paul's benediction to the Romans talks about the revelation of the mystery kept secret for the ages. I love mysteries! They are my favorite genre of books. They have strong plots and you know at the end of the story you are going to know who did it and have a resolution. Life isn't always so tidy.

The mystery Paul is talking about is God's plan of salvation, namely Jesus and his coming among humans. Not exactly a who-done-it in the traditional sense but probably the greatest story ever told, one with a strong plot, compelling characters and a powerful conclusion.

As Christmas draws near, the story is about to unfold again with the coming of the baby. I hope you will take the opportunity to reread the tale. If you are looking for a Christmas gift, or someone needs an idea for you, I recommend "The Story," in which God's salvation story, from Genesis to Revelation, is reformatted to read like a novel. You will experienced again the compelling story that God reveals in Jesus.

Sense of Home

2011-12-19T23:59:00.000-06:00

2 Samuel 7:4-11, 16

4 But that same night the word of the Lord came to Nathan: ⁵Go and tell my servant David: Thus says the Lord: Are you the one to build me a house to live in? ⁶I have not lived in a house since the day I brought up the people of Israel from Egypt to this day, but I have been moving about in a tent and a tabernacle. ⁷Wherever I have moved about among all the people of Israel, did I ever speak a word with any of the tribal leaders of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, saying, ‘Why have you not built me a house of cedar?’ ⁸Now therefore thus you shall say to my servant David: Thus says the Lord of hosts: I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep to be prince over my people Israel;⁹and I have been with you wherever you went, and have cut off all your enemies from before you; and I will make for you a great name, like the name of the great ones of the earth. ¹⁰And I will appoint a place for my people Israel and will plant them, so that they may live in their own place, and be disturbed no more; and evildoers shall afflict them no more, as formerly, ¹¹from the time that I appointed judges over my people Israel; and I will give you rest from all your enemies. Moreover, the Lorddeclares to you that the Lord will make you a house. ¹⁶Your house and your kingdom shall be made sure for ever before me; your throne shall be established for ever.

AsI have thought about the words of 2 Samuel 7: 4-11, 16, pondering what to write for this devotional, I keep comingback to the horrific wild fires of this summer, when so many houses burned. For those who have experienced the lost oftheir house to fire, it is easy to relate to these words of the Lord, “I havenot lived in a house since the day I brought up the people…but I have beenmoving about in a tent and a tabernacle.” Just like the Lord in these verses, circumstances such as fire, loss ofa job or a loved one, or any number of things can cause us to move about fromplace to place. When this happens, we misshaving that sense of home. But just asthe Lord told David, “I have been with you wherever you went,” He has been withus wherever life takes us. Even when itmeans starting over. If we only willlet Him, we can be planted once again, safe in the knowledge that He will giveus rest.

Leah Cooper

An Encouraging Word

2011-12-18T23:59:00.000-06:00

After the king was settled in his palace and the Lord hadgiven him rest from all his enemies around him, he said to Nathan the prophet, “Here I am, living in a palace of cedar, while the ark of God remains in atent.” Nathan replied to the king, “Whatever you have in mind, go ahead and doit, for the Lord is with you.” 2 Samuel7: 1-3

As I read this scripture, I thought of a couple of things. Ithought of David’s wish to build a dwelling for the ark. David considered thestateliness of his own habitation and compared with that, the meanness of thehabitation of the ark and thought this unsuitable, that he should dwell in apalace and the ark in a tent. David can take little pleasure in a house ofcedar for himself, unless the ark have one.

Then I thought of Nathan’s encouragement to David to promotehis good purpose. This brought me to thinking of those who encourage me – andmaybe you. Encouragement is not always vocal as Nathan’s was to David. Thereare so many in our church who encourage me by their actions. Take for instance,the ladies of the Prayer Shawl Ministry. They meet monthly and pray over theshawls as they crochet them. Everyone who receives a shawl is encouraged bybeing reminded that they are loved and in someone’s thoughts and prayers. Whata wonderful way to encourage and comfort others. Another group that encouragesme is the choir. They meet faithfully every week to learn and perfect musicthat will please and praise God. Their faithfulness and the message they bringis truly an inspiration and encourages all of us. There are many others – theyouth workers on Wednesday night who meet with their groups, leading them andencouraging them to be prepared for the trails and temptations of life. Thenursery and children’s church workers, everyone who chairs or serves on acommittee also encourage me by their service.

Those who serve in our church encourage andpromote the good purposes of all of us and share David’sdesire to honor God.

Kay Brookshire

Mary's Song

2011-12-17T23:59:00.000-06:00

Luke 1:46b-55

46 And Mary said,
‘My soul magnifies the Lord,
⁴⁷   and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour,
⁴⁸ for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant.
   Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
⁴⁹ for the Mighty One has done great things for me,
   and holy is his name.
⁵⁰ His mercy is for those who fear him
   from generation to generation.
⁵¹ He has shown strength with his arm;
   he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.
⁵² He has brought down the powerful from their thrones,
   and lifted up the lowly;
⁵³ he has filled the hungry with good things,
   and sent the rich away empty.
⁵⁴ He has helped his servant Israel,
   in remembrance of his mercy,
⁵⁵ according to the promise he made to our ancestors,
   to Abraham and to his descendants for ever.’

Mary offers a powerful song in these verses, one that packs a lot into it. This is a revolutionary song, revolution in that it calls for significant reversals, turning around. The first relates to Mary herself. God took a young woman, a teenager, from an insignificant place, not unlike Jefferson, and invited her to become part of a story much larger than herself or her place. God looked with favor on her and all generations will call her blessed.

The second reversal comes to the proud. God has scattered them in the thoughts of their hearts. Pride is often considered the king of sins, the one that can lead to other sins. Notice the verb Mary uses in talking about God's action. God will scatter the proud. The image that comes to my mind is a bowling ball knocking down pins...

The third reversal belongs to the powerful. Again, the words are strong, even violent. God will bring them down from their thrones. Mary was probably thinking about the Romans. There are still powerful who exploit the weak in our world. Witness the Arab Spring this year...

The fourth reversal hits closer to home. God fills the hungry with good things and sends the rich away empty. It is not necessarily Robin Hood, but the sense that the rich have already received their fill. Read Jesus' parable about Lazarus and the rich man in Luke Chapter 16 to get a better sense of what this means. The disconcerting thing is that you and I probably fall in the category of the rich. We are better off than any generation in all of history and than most of the rest of the world. Even though there are many with more in our society, we really are wealthy when we look at the larger picture.

The fifth reversal offers hope. God remembers Israel. Her time of judgment is reversed to mercy. The proud, the powerful, the rich will also know God's mercy in his Son.

Mary's song praises God and serves as a warning. God does not approve of the prideful or powerful who disregard the lowly or the rich who get fat while others starve. God remembers them and bestows special favor on the lowly.

Who Are You?

2011-12-16T23:59:00.000-06:00

John 19-28

19 This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, ‘Who are you?’ ²⁰He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, ‘I am not the Messiah.’^* ²¹And they asked him, ‘What then? Are you Elijah?’ He said, ‘I am not.’ ‘Are you the prophet?’ He answered, ‘No.’ ²²Then they said to him, ‘Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?’ ²³He said,
‘I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness,
“Make straight the way of the Lord” ’,
as the prophet Isaiah said.

24 Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. ²⁵They asked him, ‘Why then are you baptizing if you are neither the Messiah,^* nor Elijah, nor the prophet?’ ²⁶John answered them, ‘I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know, ²⁷the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal.’ ²⁸This took place in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptizing.

It is good to know who you are and what you are supposed to do. John knew that. When the Pharisees came to ask him about his ministry and who he was, he was clear about his mission. He answered the question they didn't ask - was he the Messiah - with a clear "No." He then told them about his mission. He was there to prepare the way. He knew that one was coming who was greater than he, who would change the world, and he was content to cry out, "Make straight the way of the Lord."

In September at the clergy Gathering at Lakeview, our speaker challenged us to write a personal vision statement about our lives in four words or less. In order to do that, you have to know who you are and what you are supposed to do. John could do it; his personal mission statement was summed up in these three words - prepare the way. I came up with one, though I had to use five words.

What would you say, in four words or less (okay, five words or less) is your mission? Do you know who you are and what God has given for you to do? I invite you to spend some time praying and thinking about that. I'd like to hear what God says to you.

God is Faithful

2011-12-15T23:59:00.001-06:00

1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

¹⁶Rejoice always, ¹⁷pray without ceasing, ¹⁸give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. ¹⁹Do not quench the Spirit. ²⁰Do not despise the words of prophets,^* ²¹but test everything; hold fast to what is good; ²²abstain from every form of evil.

23 May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound^* and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. ²⁴The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do this.

The one who calls us is faithful. Even when we are not. I know that I can be less than faithful, that I take things into my own hands, that I think God is moving too slow and needs some help. I think I know a better way, a shorter, easier path.

But God is always faithful. What does that mean? What does that look like? This story shows me a glimpse of God's faithfulness:

A man in his 80s stopped into a medical clinic to get some stitches removed. He asked the nurse if the doctor could see him quickly because he had a very important appointment at 9 AM.

What appointment was that, the nurse wanted to know.

"I need to go to the nursing home to eat breakfast with my wife," he told her.

"Is your wife ill?"

"Yes, she has Alzheimer's."

"Would she mind if you were a bit late?"

"Oh, no," he replied, "she hasn't recognized me for five years."

"And you still go every morning, even though she doesn't know who you are?" the nurse exclaimed.

The man smiled. "She doesn't know me, but I still know who she is."

Even when we forget or walk away from God, God knows who we are and comes to be with us.

The Tender Shoot

2011-12-14T23:59:00.000-06:00

Isaiah 61:8-11

⁸ For I the Lord love justice,
   I hate robbery and wrongdoing;
I will faithfully give them their recompense,
   and I will make an everlasting covenant with them.
⁹ Their descendants shall be known among the nations,
   and their offspring among the peoples;
all who see them shall acknowledge
   that they are a people whom the Lord has blessed.
¹⁰ I will greatly rejoice in the Lord,
   my whole being shall exult in my God;
for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation,
   he has covered me with the robe of righteousness,
as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland,
   and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
¹¹ For as the earth brings forth its shoots,
   and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up,
so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise
   to spring up before all the nations.

Every child has done this science experiment at some point - planted seeds in a dixie cup of earth and waited for them to sprout. The waiting is torture! At some point, you are sure that your seed was a dud, dead, not destined to sprout. And then one day you wake up and there is the shoot, a small green streak against the brown of the dirt. The remains of the seed's husk may even be clinging to the tiny new leaves. It is so small but so powerful. You get excited and run to show it to your mother or your teacher. And, if you are honest with yourself, you still feel that excitement when you plant a seed today.

Isaiah knows that excitement, that hope, that comes from the slender shoots and draws upon the images in these verses. It reminds us that God often works through the small, the fragile, the tender to transform the world. Consider these seemingly small things people did across the ages and wonder at how their actions have grown and blossomed:

1280 B.C. - The first peace treaty was signed between the Hittites and the Egyptians

550 B.C. - King Croesus of Lydia invented money when he issued the first coins

1662 A.D. - the first public transportation began in Paris

1731 A.D. - Benjamin Franklin began the first public library

Sometimes we look for the great and impressive when it is the small and fragile that is really at work. That was how God came in Jesus, in a small, fragile baby laid in a manger.

How is God at work in your life? Where are the tender shoots emerging?

Zechariah and the birth of John

2011-12-13T23:59:00.000-06:00

Luke 1:57-66

The Birth of John the Baptist

57 Now the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son.⁵⁸Her neighbours and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her.

59 On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him Zechariah after his father. ⁶⁰But his mother said, ‘No; he is to be called John.’ ⁶¹They said to her, ‘None of your relatives has this name.’ ⁶²Then they began motioning to his father to find out what name he wanted to give him. ⁶³He asked for a writing-tablet and wrote, ‘His name is John.’ And all of them were amazed. ⁶⁴Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue freed, and he began to speak, praising God. ⁶⁵Fear came over all their neighbours, and all these things were talked about throughout the entire hill country of Judea. ⁶⁶All who heard them pondered them and said, ‘What then will this child become?’ For, indeed, the hand of the Lord was with him.

In this scripture it talks about how a child was born to Elizabeth and to Zachariah. Their neighbors and friends had gathered to fulfill the religious duties of circumcision; when it came to naming the baby the people gathered asked Elizabeth for the name of the baby, expecting her to say Zachariah. Elizabeth said "John," and the people present were surprised at her, as this was not a kinship name and not in the regular tradition. They looked to Zechariah for a name; they took him a tablet because he could not speak. He wrote JOHN. Zechariah received his speech back due to his obiedience to God. Zechariah started praising and thanking God for his son. '

During this Advent season as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus, remember that it is the Savior we are to prepare for and not the materialistic things of this world. We too need to be still & listen for what God has planned for our lives and like Zechariah, will we be ready to be obedient and not too caught up into the traditions of this world? And instead be willing to be led by the Holy Spirit?

Heavenly Father , as we prepare our hearts & minds for the celebration of the birth of your son Jesus Christ may we make the time to stand still and listen to what your will is. Thank you Father God for providing us salvation through you son, forgive us of our sins, and protect us from temptation, in Your Holy and Precious Name. AMEN.

Lolly Meeks

To Comfort All

2011-12-12T23:59:00.000-06:00

Isaiah 61:1-4

The spirit of the Lord God is upon me,
   because the Lord has anointed me;
he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed,
   to bind up the broken-hearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives,
   and release to the prisoners;
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor,
   and the day of vengeance of our God;
   to comfort all who mourn;
to provide for those who mourn in Zion—
   to give them a garland instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness instead of mourning,
   the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
   the planting of the Lord, to display his glory.
They shall build up the ancient ruins,
   they shall raise up the former devastations;
they shall repair the ruined cities,
   the devastations of many generations.

Isaiah's words speak to us today in our town:

To comfort all who mourn because of the disasters and the hungry in our community;
The hungry have been need for a long time and we try to bind up those needs;
The fires have destroyed so many lives but God's mercy is in watching over these people as they literally rebuild their lives from the ground up.

I am humbled and rewarded by being able to help so many in their time of distress. They wear the crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning and a garment of praise instead of despair. God bless them as they have been a blessing to me.

Shirley Partridge

The Magnificat

2011-12-11T23:59:00.000-06:00

Luke 1:46-55

46 And Mary said,

‘My soul magnifies the Lord,
⁴⁷   and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour,
⁴⁸ for he has looked with favour on the lowliness of his servant.
   Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
⁴⁹ for the Mighty One has done great things for me,
   and holy is his name.
⁵⁰ His mercy is for those who fear him
   from generation to generation.
⁵¹ He has shown strength with his arm;
   he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.
⁵² He has brought down the powerful from their thrones,
   and lifted up the lowly;
⁵³ he has filled the hungry with good things,
   and sent the rich away empty.
⁵⁴ He has helped his servant Israel,
   in remembrance of his mercy,
⁵⁵ according to the promise he made to our ancestors,
   to Abraham and to his descendants for ever.’

This scripture is known as The Magnificat and is the best known Psalm in the birth narrative in Luke's gospel. This song is spoken by Mary, and begins, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior." She praises God for selecting her to bear His son Jesus. Also, she gives thanks for God's care for the lowly, poor and Powerless.

As we read these words of the Magnificat today in 2011, we also give thanks to God for His love and care for each of us. We rejoice that God sent His son to earth for us when Mary gave birth to Jesus.

Mary Owens

Joy to the World

2011-12-10T23:59:00.000-06:00

Psalm 126

A Harvest of Joy

A Song of Ascents.
¹ When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,
   we were like those who dream.
² Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
   and our tongue with shouts of joy;
then it was said among the nations,
   ‘The Lord has done great things for them.’
³ The Lord has done great things for us,
   and we rejoiced.

⁴ Restore our fortunes, O Lord,
   like the watercourses in the Negeb.
⁵ May those who sow in tears
   reap with shouts of joy.
⁶ Those who go out weeping,
   bearing the seed for sowing,
shall come home with shouts of joy,
   carrying their sheaves.

When I read these words, I think of a hymn. Well, a couple of hymns actually. The last part of verse 6 reminds me of the old hymn that talks about bringing in the sheaves, but that's another devotion. The hymn for this devotion is a staple in this season, and one of my favorite Christmas carols - "Joy to the World."

"Joy to the World" was written in 1719 by Isaac Watts. He was a prolific writer and a number of his beautiful lyrics are in our hymnal today. In fact he has been called the father of English hymnody and he is thought to have written more than 700 hymns! Only Charles Wesley, brother of John, rivals him in the number and impact of his hymns. Some of Isaac's other hymns include "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross," a Lenten favorite, and "O God Our Help in Ages Past."

"Joy to the World" was inspired by another psalm, Psalm 98, and wasn't really talking about Jesus' birth but about his return and the fulfillment of the kingdom of God. That actually makes it a great Advent carol as we anticipate and prepare for the return of the King by reliving the anticipation and preparation for his birth.

Take another look at the lyrics and read them again in that light, not as the celebration of the birth of the Messiah but the triumphant return of the King:

Verse 1

Joy to the world! the Lord is come;
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare him room,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven, and heaven, and nature sing.

Verse 2

Joy to the world! the Saviour reigns;
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.

Verse 3

No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as, the curse is found.

Verse 4

He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders, of His love.

Amen, amen, amen! May your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Staying Awake

2011-12-09T23:59:00.001-06:00

1The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

2 As it is written in the prophet Isaiah,
‘See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,
   who will prepare your way;
³ the voice of one crying out in the wilderness:
   “Prepare the way of the Lord,
   make his paths straight” ’,
⁴John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. ⁵And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.⁶Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. ⁷He proclaimed, ‘The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. ⁸I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.’

The prophecies about the Messiah were hundreds of years old when John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness. The people of Israel had known exile and restoration, conquest and rebellion. They now suffered the Roman occupation, which was oppressive and brutal.

John has come, proclaiming that the time to prepare the way of the Lord has arrived. He is calling them to awaken and be alert for the appearance of the Lord's anointed. And they respond, flocking to hear him preach and receiving baptism from him. He is clear about who he is and who he isn't. He is there to prepare them, but he is not the one.

We too wait for the coming of the Savior to redeem our world. John returns again this year to call us to be prepared for him. It's easy to let the number of years that have elapsed lure us into a sense of complacency, which can be dangerous.

A pastor tells this story from his youth: "I was an 18-year-old college student when the measles canceled my summer study program at the University of Minnesota. So, I sat behind the wheel of my 1961 Volkswagen Beetle and started the long drive to my parents' home in New Jersey.

"After driving all night, I was finally on the hilly, twisting, tunneled old Pennsylvania Turnpike. It was morning, but I was so tired that I fell asleep behind the wheel. I was awakened with a jerk, only to see the front of a huge Mack truck directly ahead of me. I thought I would die. But--it was being towed backward."

I bet that guy stayed awake the rest of the trip home!

What would it take to "wake" us up? To stay awake the whole trip home? Are you sleepwalking through the holidays this year? WAKE UP!

2011-12-08T23:59:00.000-06:00

Isaiah 40:6-11

⁶ A voice says, ‘Cry out!’
   And I said, ‘What shall I cry?’
All people are grass,
   their constancy is like the flower of the field.
⁷ The grass withers, the flower fades,
   when the breath of the Lord blows upon it;
   surely the people are grass.
⁸ The grass withers, the flower fades;
   but the word of our God will stand for ever.
⁹ Get you up to a high mountain,
   O Zion, herald of good tidings;
lift up your voice with strength,
   O Jerusalem, herald of good tidings,
   lift it up, do not fear;
say to the cities of Judah,
   ‘Here is your God!’
¹⁰ See, the Lord God comes with might,
   and his arm rules for him;
his reward is with him,
   and his recompense before him.
¹¹ He will feed his flock like a shepherd;
   he will gather the lambs in his arms,
and carry them in his bosom,
   and gently lead the mother sheep.

Look! Here comes our God! He comes with might and his arm rules for him! I see the image of a superhero, sweeping the bad guys before him. That is the image Isaiah presents in verse 10. Then he surprises us in verse 11. God does not come as the conquering hero but as a shepherd who gathers the lambs in his arms and leads the mother sheep gently.

God surprises me all the time. I think I have everything figured out and God assures me that I don't! Take our Angel Tree. On Sunday, we had our angels out for people to collect and folks are already bringing in gifts for the ones they adopted. I was content. All the families were taken care of. Then one of the caseworkers working with victims of September's wildfires called me and asked if we would adopt a couple of her clients. At first I resisted. I had all our boxes checked off; let someone else take care of these. But then I heard myself asking her to tell me about them. And God surprised me.

She told me about two women, one a widow, who had lost everything in a fire and were just surviving now. I knew as I listened that we needed to help these ladies. They need to know that God is with them, gathering them in his arms, leading us to them. They are part of his flock and he invites us to show them the tender care Isaiah describes.

How has God surprised you this year? Where is God leading you this Christmas?

Acceptance, Faith and Fearlessness

2011-12-07T23:59:00.000-06:00

Matthew 1:18-25

18 Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place inthis way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before theylived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. ¹⁹Her husbandJoseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace,planned to dismiss her quietly. ²⁰But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of theLord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not beafraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from theHoly Spirit. ²¹She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for hewill save his people from their sins.’²²All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by theLord through the prophet:
²³ ‘Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall name him Emmanuel’,
which means, ‘God is with us.’ ²⁴When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lordcommanded him; he took her as his wife, ²⁵but had nomarital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named himJesus.

------

Perhaps this is not simply the beginning of the Christmas story. It may be the prime Christian lesson in acceptance, faith, and fearlessness.

Joseph is told to believe a message from God, a message that turns asocially devastating, morally untenable, situation into a world-savingmiracle. In this opening scene in the story of Jesus, we see thatacceptance, faith and fearlessness are required from each of us. Joseph’sfaith allowed him to provide a home and family for Jesus. Overcoming hisfear of social disgrace made possible a better world for all of us. Joseph accepted God’s message and acted upon it.

What could I accomplish with faith, fearlessness and acceptance? Are these qualities required of me? What do I need to accept in order toallow good to grow. What fear do I have to overcome in order to let thetruth be known? What action do I need to take in order to make a betterworld?

Every day I see and hear things that defy my idea of normalcy andsocial acceptability. Yet, some of these things hold an underlyingmessage of promise and wholeness. Are these messages from God that I amsupposed to accept? What might happen if I had the faith to act uponthese and make the world a bit better? Can I overcome my fear ofrejection, my fear of being wrong, and my fear of failure?

This passage promises a better world when we act as our consciencedirects. When we overcome disbelief, doubt, and fear we are given theopportunity to bring Jesus into our world.

Preston Taylor

In God's Time

2011-12-06T23:59:00.000-06:00

2 Peter 3:8-15a

8 But do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day. ⁹The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance. ¹⁰But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, and the elements will be dissolved with fire, and the earth and everything that is done on it will be disclosed.

11 Since all these things are to be dissolved in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in leading lives of holiness and godliness,¹²waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set ablaze and dissolved, and the elements will melt with fire? ¹³But, in accordance with his promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness is at home.

14 Therefore, beloved, while you are waiting for these things, strive to be found by him at peace, without spot or blemish; ¹⁵and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation.

When I was in the fourth grade, my parents sat my brother and I down and asked us what we would think about adopting a baby. They explained they wanted to adopt a baby girl from North Korea. We of course had lots of questions and they were all answered but the biggest one was when would she come to live with us. We were told it would take some time (a year or so), that we would need to have some home studies and that we would have to talk to someone (a consoler) but we needed to start preparing for our new sister.

There was some bumps and bruises in the process and what should of taken about a year took a while longer. We were finally told she would arrive in February of 1993. So we now had a date and we just had to wait until we go to the airport to pick her up!

The night before we were to leave, we got a call. There was a mistake made and she had arrived! Someone how forgotten to account for the time/day difference from North Korea to Virginia! We raced to the airport and we found her in the “unclaimed” baggage department typing on a type writer!

I think with anything, you can only plan so much! We have to learn to be patient because all things happen in God’s time! Yes we were prepared for Caitlin to come, but even the best laid plans aren’t perfect! What a blessing she has been in our lives and I can’t imagine having it turn out any other way.

A Voice Calling

2011-12-05T23:59:00.000-06:00

Isaiah 40:3-5

A voice of one calling: "In the desert prepare the way for the LORD; make straight
in the wilderness a highway for our God. 4 Every valley shall be raised up, every
mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged
places a plain. 5 And the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all mankind
together will see it. For the mouth of the LORD has spoken."

Isaiah as the Lord’s messenger calls people to remove all obstacles and prepare
the way for the Lord. John was baptizing people in these passages, the ultimate
sign of accepting Jesus.

God prepares our hearts, minds and souls for receiving the love that awaits us
all. And sometimes, we are surprised by the Holy Spirit in transforming ways, a
thunderbolt of sorts.

In July 2007 while I was visiting Sara in Chicago for her birthday, we attended a
Sunday afternoon service at a Fusion Church. It was a small, friendly group of 30
or so led by friends of Sara, a couple from South Africa. Their meetings were held
in a Synagogue. A potluck meal was followed by table discussions about a video
made by the Willow Creek mega church in suburban Chicago. It was an unlikely
setting for me to experience a life altering moment. As an elder and member
for 30 years at my Presbyterian church in Oakland, I was fully committed and
involved there. I really didn’t need this study and fellowship offered by the Fusion
folks.

But a voice in my head kept repeating Trust God, Trust God, Trust God. Well, of
course I did! But trust had always been an issue in my life, damaging relationships
and causing pain. Experts say if a child does not experience trust at an early age,
the concept is forever lost. I missed that learning opportunity due to childhood
trauma. The voice spoke to me again: “If you have never learned to trust, how
can you trust God?”

I shared this question with Sara and we discussed it at length over the next
day. At some point she suggested I might want to be baptized. I immediately
responded I had been baptized as a baby and assumed once was enough. I again
heard the voice: Trust God. I considered the “wilderness” in my own life, the
barren places deep inside despite the many loving relationships by which I had
been blessed. So I agreed to be baptized. Sara suggested several clergy and lay

ministry friends, but I responded, “No. I want YOU to baptize me.”

On the afternoon of July 2, 2007, we waded waist high into the cool Lake
Michigan waters where Sara baptized me. The rush of joy, warmth, and laughter
convinced me the Holy Spirit was indeed a part of this. Sara’s chronological
birthday is now my spiritual birthday. We have a role in ‘birthing’ each other.

The roadblocks exist for us all, but no obstacle prevents God from preparing our
hearts and coming in forgiveness and deliverance.

Ellen Taylor

A Message of Hope

2011-12-04T23:59:00.000-06:00

Isaiah 40:1-2

Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that she has served her term, that her penalty is paid, that she has received from the Lord's hand double for all her sins.

What a wonderful message of hope!

The people of Israel had struggled for hundreds of years in oppression, conquered by stronger powers, ruled by tyrants, taxed, enslaved, and down-trodden, their place of worship, the very heart of their being, destroyed. Yet, the Lord their God heard their cries and their groanings, and offered them hope, a time when all the penalty will be paid, and peace and rest will at last be theirs. That hope is realized in the birth of the Messiah.

As we celebrate this season of anticipation of the birth of the Christ-child, we should be reminded of that hope. The Messiah has come, giving life and substance to the longings of God's people. Our God does not promise an easy way, but He does promise to be with us in every trial and to bring us through if we trust Him. He has made a way for His people to be in fellowship with Him. He has paid the penalty for all our sins, and therein lies our hope.

Picture of Peace

2011-12-03T23:59:00.000-06:00

Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13

To the leader. Of the Korahites. A Psalm.
¹ Lord, you were favourable to your land;
   you restored the fortunes of Jacob.
² You forgave the iniquity of your people;
   you pardoned all their sin.
          Selah
⁸ Let me hear what God the Lord will speak,
   for he will speak peace to his people,
   to his faithful, to those who turn to him in their hearts.^*
⁹ Surely his salvation is at hand for those who fear him,
   that his glory may dwell in our land.

¹⁰ Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet;
   righteousness and peace will kiss each other.
¹¹ Faithfulness will spring up from the ground,
   and righteousness will look down from the sky.
¹² The Lord will give what is good,
   and our land will yield its increase.
¹³ Righteousness will go before him,
   and will make a path for his steps.

What does peace look like? Is it merely the absence of conflict? I doubt the South Koreans would define peace that way. A half century ago overt conflict ended between North and South Korea, but the cease fire that has, for the most part, existed since then is a very poor picture of peace. Surely that is not what the psalmist had in mind when he wrote that God will speak peace to his people.

What does peace look like? Is it passive? Is it a state of mind? The psalmist doesn't think so. His peace speaks of abundance and righteousness. And always the presence of the Lord. His glory will dwell in our land.

This summer as part of my studies, the seminary hosted a series of lectures by different people with a range of interests. One was a retired colonel who had worked with military intelligence. His job had been to go to different governments and ask what they needed to make their countries feel secure, to have peace. The answers he received were not centered on weapons or military training. Over and over again, heads of state told him and his party that their primary threats to peace were food insecurity and lack of education. Their security needs were tractors and fertilizer, books and schools. It sounds a lot like the picture the psalmist paints.

Can you imagine the reaction of the generals back in Washington when they heard his report? They didn't understand the answer because it was not their picture of peace. Sadly, while we tried to provide the tools of war, another country, China, listened and sold the governments tractors.

What does peace look like here today? What is the picture you have of peace in this community? Does it look like the psalm?

Jesus told his disciples as he prepared them for his death, "Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. It is not like the world's peace." Today, paint a picture of what that peace looks like in your life and in your community and share that picture with someone.

Allison Byerley

God Is Faithful

2011-12-02T23:59:00.000-06:00

1 Corinthians 1:3-9

³Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.⁴I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus, ⁵for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind— ⁶just as the testimony of Christ has been strengthened among you— ⁷so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁸He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁹God is faithful; by him you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

How would you describe God to someone who did not know about him? What words would you use? Obviously, it wouldn't be about physical characteristics, since as John writes in his letter, no one has ever seen the Father, except the Son. Most likely you would concentrate on God's character, those qualities of God that we experience in our relationship with him. You might say God is loving, caring, ever-present, listening, powerful, merciful, just...the list goes on.

In these few verses from the beginning of Paul's first letter to the Corinthians, Paul reminds them of some aspects of God's character that are important to him. God strengthens; God provides; and above all, God is faithful. In fact, God strengthens and provides because God is faithful. God doesn't give up on us, even when we would walk away. God's people, the Israelites, walked away numerous times, and at times felt like God had turned his face away, but God never left them and remained faithful.

Paul faced many trials and struggles for the sake of the gospel. Some congregations were more supportive than others, but Paul always knew God was present, even when he was in chains or shipwrecked. God remained faithful.

A pastor tells the story of visiting with a member one spring day. They were talking and he glanced over at a shelf. There in the corner of a shelf he saw a Christmas ornament hanging, almost as if someone had overlooked it months before when the other decorations were packed away. His member caught his glance and smiled. "No, I didn't forget," she told him. "Every year when I clean up the mess after Christmas, I choose one ornament to leave up to remind me that Christmas is not just one day or one season - but a lifetime. That little token is my reminder that Jesus walks with me every day."

That woman also knew God's faithfulness. And our need to be reminded of it. God is faithful. We are not alone. Jesus walks with us every day!

Allison Byerley

Ordinary Sacredness

2011-12-01T23:59:00.001-06:00

Luke 1:26-38

26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, ²⁷to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. ²⁸And he came to her and said, ‘Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.’²⁹But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. ³⁰The angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. ³¹And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. ³²He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. ³³He will reign over the house of Jacob for ever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.’ ³⁴Mary said to the angel, ‘How can this be, since I am a virgin?’ ³⁵The angel said to her, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. ³⁶And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. ³⁷For nothing will be impossible with God.’ ³⁸Then Mary said, ‘Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.’ Then the angel departed from her.

Ordinary Sacredness

It was an ordinary day and an ordinary young woman was going about her business just as she had the day before and expected to do the next day. When, suddenly, the day turned extraordinary. An angel stood before her and greeted her, calling her "favored one." She was perplexed and confused and it just got worse as he kept talking. "You have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive a son and he will be great, called the Son of the Most High." And despite her questions, she says, "Here I am." And the angel is gone and the day is again just another day. Except that everything has changed.

God breaks through our ordinariness and shakes us up in unexpected ways. Even in his Son, God comes through an ordinary young woman in a quiet village and appears as a tiny baby whose earthly family is not great or important, but, well, ordinary. God still comes unexpectedly into our ordinary days and encounters us in unexpected ways, shaking up our world in extraordinary manner. Consider this story:

A soldier was concluding sentry duty on Christmas morning. It has been his custom in other years to attend worship in his home church on Christmas Day, but here in the outlying areas of London, it was not possible. And so, with some of his buddies, the soldier walked down the road that led into the city just as dawn was breaking. Soon the soldiers came upon an old graystone building over whose main entrance were carved the words, "Queen Anne's Orphanage." They decided to see what kind of celebration was taking place inside. A matron answered their knock and told them that the children were war orphans whose parents had been killed in the Nazi bombings.

The soldiers came in just as the kids were waking up. There was no Christmas tree and no gifts. The soldiers moved around the room, calling out "Merry Christmas" to the children. They gave the kids whatever they had on them: a stick of gum, a Life Saver, a coin, a pencil, a knife, a good luck charm. One soldier noticed a little boy standing alone in a corner. He reminded him of his nephew back home, so he went up to him and asked, "What do you want for Christmas, my friend?" The boy looked up at him and replied, "Will you hold me?" The soldier gathered him close, tears filling his eyes.

The angel tells Mary to name the baby Jesus, but there are other names given to this special child born so long ago. One was "Emmanuel," which means "God with us." In that orphanage, the soldier and the boy both understood that in a new way.

God does not look on us from afar. In Jesus, God reached out and gathered us in his arms, holding us close. We feel his touch in our ordinary days and he makes them sacred.

The Season of Gifts - Mark 13:32-37

2011-11-30T23:59:00.001-06:00

32“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only
the Father. 33 Be on guard! Be alert[a]! You do not know when that time will come. 34 It’s like a
man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with their assigned
task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch.

35“Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will
come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn.
36 If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. 37 What I say to you, I say to
everyone: ‘Watch!’”

The Season of Gifts: Am I Prepared to Receive the Most Important Gift of My Life?

As I prepared to write a devotion about this passage from Jesus’ last sermon or lecture, I came across many interesting observations. Mainly, I now believe Jesus wants us to be busy in “preparation” for His
return, not busy in “calculating” the date of His return. Am I prepared to receive His special gift this season of Advent?

I think about all the time I have spent in planning and preparation for all life’s important events such as: that special trip, that crucial exam, that corporate business plan presentation, that marriage proposal, that big
talk with a child, that wedding toast, that upcoming surgery, financial security…all important things in my life. But what about the most important event of my life: spending eternity with God? The greatest gift
of all.

God has given us many warnings, predictions and sermons in both Old and New Testaments so we might learn how to be ready for – not calculate and recalculate – the day of His return. He promises us that
His reappearance in the clouds will be unmistakable to believers. So how do I prepare myself to accept The Gift?

I must make preparing a priority, not something I will get to one of these days. My eternity with God began at my birth. As some say, this life is not a rehearsal!

Bob Thomas

Love, Mercy and Grace

2011-11-29T23:59:00.000-06:00

Isaiah 64:1-9

64O that you would tear open the heavens and come down,
   so that the mountains would quake at your presence—
² as when fire kindles brushwood
   and the fire causes water to boil—
to make your name known to your adversaries,
   so that the nations might tremble at your presence!
³ When you did awesome deeds that we did not expect,
   you came down, the mountains quaked at your presence.
⁴ From ages past no one has heard,
   no ear has perceived,
no eye has seen any God besides you,
   who works for those who wait for him.
⁵ You meet those who gladly do right,
   those who remember you in your ways.
But you were angry, and we sinned;
   because you hid yourself we transgressed.
⁶ We have all become like one who is unclean,
   and all our righteous deeds are like a filthy cloth.
We all fade like a leaf,
   and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.
⁷ There is no one who calls on your name,
   or attempts to take hold of you;
for you have hidden your face from us,
   and have delivered us into the hand of our iniquity.
⁸ Yet, O Lord, you are our Father;
   we are the clay, and you are our potter;
   we are all the work of your hand.
⁹ Do not be exceedingly angry, O Lord,
   and do not remember iniquity for ever.
   Now consider, we are all your people.

A couple of years ago I preached a sermon series on grace, and I made a discovery that Isaiah knew and tried to tell the Israelites many centuries ago. You can't experience grace without first dealing with sin.

Israel sinned and God's anger is kindled. And then it gets worse. God hid and the people sinned more. No one calls on God's name; no one tries to "take hold" of God. Even the good they try to do is tainted by sin.

Yet Isaiah knows there is also mercy, forgiveness, and grace with God. Isaiah reminds God of that, reminds God that he is the potter and we are the work of his hands. Isaiah pleads that God remember his people, turn his anger aside, return to them.

In the first centuries of Christianity, men and women built communities out in the desert, the first monasteries, where they prayed and studied. Their holiness and wisdom were legendary and people sought them out for help. One day a soldier came to Abba Mios and asked if God would forgive a sinner. After talking with him for some time, the wise old man got to the heart of the matter. "Tell me, if your cloak were torn, would you throw it away?" "Oh, no!" the soldier exclaimed. "I would mend it and wear it again." The old man smiled at him. "If you care that much for a cloak, do you not think God cares that much or more for his creature?"

No matter how far away God seems, no matter how far away we run, we remain God's creatures and he remembers us. We are the works of his hands and he cares for us, shows us mercy, and forgives. The proof is the gift of his Son.

Allison Byerley

Restore Us! - Psalm 80 1-7, 17-19

2011-11-28T23:59:00.002-06:00

Psalm 80

To the leader: on Lilies, a Covenant. Of Asaph. A Psalm.
¹ Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel,
   you who lead Joseph like a flock!
You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth
²   before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh.
Stir up your might,
   and come to save us!

³ Restore us, O God;
let your face shine, that we may be saved.

⁴ O Lord God of hosts,
   how long will you be angry with your people’s prayers?
⁵ You have fed them with the bread of tears,
   and given them tears to drink in full measure.
⁶ You make us the scorn of our neighbours;
   our enemies laugh among themselves.

⁷ Restore us, O God of hosts;
let your face shine, that we may be saved.

¹⁷ But let your hand be upon the one at your right hand,
the one whom you made strong for yourself.
¹⁸ Then we will never turn back from you;
give us life, and we will call on your name.

¹⁹ Restore us, O Lord God of hosts;
let your face shine, that we may be saved.

Restore Us!

Can you hear the pain in the psalmist's voice? How long, O Lord? Give ear to us. Listen to our pain! Restore us!

Something terrible has happened and the psalmist feels abandoned by God. It's not that God has forgotten them; God has turned his back on them. God has fed them bread of tears and made them the scorn of their neighbors. Does the psalmist cry out on his own behalf or for the whole nation of Israel? In a way, it doesn't matter. Both the nation and the individual have sinned; both the nation and the individual are bereft of God.

I can imagine the men of Galilee sitting in the synagogue listening to this psalm being read and nodding their heads at the words. They know the pain expressed here. They are part of the Roman Empire, occupied by Roman legions, taxed by the Roman state, subject to Roman laws and justice. They have been handed over to their enemies. The nation of Israel does not exist and their lives are hard under the occupier. They long for freedom and autonomy. They long for the promised Messiah.

"Restore us!" the psalmist cries. "Restore us," the people in first century Palestine prayed. And God heard their cries.

God sent a Savior, his Son, to be their restoration, to show them his love and care. In Jesus, God's face shines upon us and we are saved.

Advent begins in one of the darkest months of the year and the days continue to grow shorter each day. It can feel like the words of pain of the psalm; it can feel like God's face has turned away from us. But the Light of the world shines in the darkness and we look on his face and behold our Savior.

Each of us knows the pain of the psalm. Each of us has cried out to God to hear us. Each of us wants to be restored to relationship with the one who made us and loves us. Restore us, O God! Let your face shine upon us and we shall be saved!

God's answer is a resounding "Yes!" Our Savior has come; our Savior will come again. In Jesus, God shows that he has heard us. In Jesus, God answers our prayers. In Jesus, God restores us.

As Advent begins, know that God hears you and answers you. You are restored.

Allison Byerley

The Day and Hour Unknown - Mark 13:32-37

2011-11-27T23:59:00.000-06:00

Mark 13:32-37

32 “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only
the Father. 33 Be on guard! Be alert[a]! You do not know when that time will come. 34 It’s like a
man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with their assigned
task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch.

35 “Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will
come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn.
36 If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. 37 What I say to you, I say to
everyone: ‘Watch!’”

It’s hard to be patient and wait for something you know is coming. That’s certainly how I felt
awaiting the arrival of my child. Doctor’s can give you an approximate due date but only God
knows exactly when a baby will be born.

Like all expectant parents, we prepared for this special arrival. We had the nursery ready,
clothes and accessories washed, folded and put away. Diapering supplies arranged neatly on
the changing table. And then we just waited, and waited for what seemed like an eternity. But
oh, the wait was so worth it! Our beautiful, healthy son was born right on his due date. What a
feeling of joy it was to hold him for the first time. All the pain of labor and the frustration of waiting
was forgotten when he was laid in my arms. As “prepared” as we were, I am still blown away
when I think about how much we love our son and at the miracle he is.

It’s easy to be prepared for those things we know for certain will happen. It’s the curve balls of
life that catch us off guard. Don’t you just love it when an unexpected visitor shows up on your
door step and your house is a wreck? Of course you happy to see them but at the same time
embarrassed about the mess. I know I can’t keep my house clean at all times. Who has the
time?

Jesus is telling us, though, to be prepared at all times for His return. We know it will happen but
not when. Even He does not know but states that only God knows when this will happen. We
must live each day as if it will happen tomorrow. “Take heed, keep on the alert” has Jesus tell
us. Are you prepared for Jesus if he returned tomorrow?

Diana Furlow

The Little Apocalypse - Mark 13:24-31

2011-11-26T23:59:00.000-06:00

Mark 13:24-31 (NRSV)

24 "But in those days, after that suffering, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give
its light, 25 and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be
shaken. 26 Then they will see "the Son of Man coming in clouds' with great power and glory.
27 Then he will send out the angels, and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends
of the earth to the ends of heaven. 28 "From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch
becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. 29 So also, when you
see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. 30 Truly I tell you, this
generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. 31 Heaven and earth will
pass away, but my words will not pass away.

These verses are part of what is often called “the little apocalypse”. Jesus has just told
several of his disciples that the Temple will be completely destroyed, and that hard times
are coming for the believers. These hard times are more than a recession, a depression, or
similar human experiences; they are the complete and utter desolation of the Jewish nation.
And nearly forty years after Jesus’ pronouncement, Jerusalem was destroyed and the Jews
were scattered (once again!) from their homeland.

However, after the destruction and scattering of the nation, hope remains. Jesus, of course,
is that hope. Even as it appears everything is falling down around the believers, Christ will
appear and gather all his followers to him. Further, there will be no doubt that Jesus will
be at hand, and that even after the end of time his words will speak truth to his believers.

Notice there are two parallel thought-trains in these verses. The first is near-future time;
Jerusalem and its Temple will be destroyed, and the Jewish people scattered from “God’s
Country”. That is, Israel will be judged, found wanting, and subsequently punished.
These events have already happened as Rome finally got fed up with the Jews and their
seemingly endless scheming and revolts.

The second thought-train is distant-future time; the entire world will be destroyed, its
people judged, found wanting, and punished. However, as Christians we are to have faith
that our Savior has taken our deserved punishment upon himself, and that even though we
will be found wanting, our sentence has been paid. Our judgment is still in the future, but
Christians will know the time is near when they see Christ returning. That is our hope and
God’s promise to us.

Skip Barnes

Back to basics

2011-07-12T08:22:00.001-05:00

I have just returned from three weeks in Alexandria, Virginia, just outside our nation's capital. I spent most of my time engaged in classes and study, working on my doctoral program. I did get into Washington DC a couple of times, and I was fortunate to be in the area over the 4th of July and to feel the power of our history and the hope of our future. I took one of those hop-on-hop-off tours and one of the stops was the National Archives, repository of the documents we hold as foundational. Yet, as someone on Facebook kindly pointed out, most of us are pretty ignorant about the basics of our history and system of government. (Did you take the challenge and try the citizenship test??)

The same thing happens with the Bible. People often quote the Bible with such confidence only to discover that what they said really comes from Benjamin Franklin or Mark Twain. Just about every family has at least one Bible in their house, but, ironically, most Bibles are rarely read. Here is one of those Top Ten Lists about signs you may not be reading your Bible often enough. Hope you don't recognize yourself in any of them!

Top 10 Signs You May Not Be Reading Your Bible Enough:

10. The preacher announces the sermon is from Galatians ... and you check the table of contents.

9. You think Abraham, Isaac and Jacob may have had a few hit songs during the '60s.

8. You open to the gospel of Luke, and a World War II savings bond falls out.

7. Your favorite Old Testament patriarch is Hercules.

6. A small family of woodchucks has taken up residence in Psalms.

5. You become frustrated because Charlton Heston isn't listed in either the concordance or the table of contents.

4. Catching the kids reading the Song of Solomon, you demand: "Who gave you this stuff?"

3. You think the Minor Prophets worked in the quarries.

2. You keep falling for it every time the pastor tells you to turn to First Condominiums.

And the No. 1 sign you may not be reading your Bible enough:

1. The kids keep asking too many questions about your usual bedtime story: "Jonah the shepherd boy and his ark of many colors."

If you would like to get more familiar with your Bible, contact your pastor or give me a call. We have resources to help you!

The View from the Window

2011-07-06T10:14:00.000-05:00

How do you look at life? Is it a struggle to get up in the morning? Is every day a blessing from God? How we look at life matters. I think Pollyanna gets a bad rap. She played something called the "glad game" and tried to find something to be thankful for in every situation. Paul tells us to give thanks and rejoice in all circumstances, and he practiced what he preached because he wrote that from prison! Retired UM minister Jim Moore told this story about how your perspective and attitude make all the difference:

Once upon a time, there were two men, Mr. Wilson and Mr. Thompson, both seriously ill in the same room of a great hospital. Both had to be kept unusually quiet and still - no reading, no radio, certainly no television and no visitors. Their only entertainment was to talk to each other.

Mr. Thompson had to spend all his time flat on his back. Mr. Wilson, on the other hand, as part of his treatment, was allowed to sit up in bed for an hour each day. His bed was next to the window, and every afternoon, when he was propped up for his hour, he would pass the time by describing to Mr. Thompson what he could see outside. And Mr. Thompson began to live for those hours. Mr. Wilson would look out the window and describe ...

- a beautiful park with a lake, where there were ducks and swans and children throwing them bread and sailing model boats;
- softball games and football games and kites flying;
- flowers and trees and stretches of grass and young lovers walking hand-in-hand;
- the skyline of the city off in the distance and the cars and horse-drawn carriages making their way through the park.

One day, there was a parade, and Mr. Wilson described every float, every band and all the participants in the procession. Mr. Thompson listened intently, enjoying every minute. He could visualize everything Mr. Wilson described.

Then one afternoon, Mr. Thompson thought to himself: "Just wait a minute! Why should Wilson have all the fun? Why does he have all the pleasure? Why does he get to be by the window?" In a few days, Mr. Thompson turned sour. He was bitter, angry, resentful. He brooded and seethed. He became obsessed with wanting to be by the window! And each passing hour, he became more and more resentful of Mr. Wilson.

Then one night, quite suddenly, Mr. Wilson died. His body was taken away the next morning. As soon as it seemed decent, Mr. Thompson asked if he could be moved to the bed next to the window. So they moved him, tucked him in, made him quite comfortable and left him alone. The minute they'd gone, Mr. Thompson struggled to prop himself up on one elbow so he could look out the window. Imagine his surprise. It faced a blank brick wall!

Sometimes compassion is most powerful when it surprises. Will you try something during the next few days? In the spirit of Jesus, will you surprise somebody with your love and compassion? Jesus surprised people with his compassion, and so can we.

May God give you eyes to see the rainbow amid the clouds. Amen.

A new coat

2011-06-22T08:07:00.000-05:00

Paul writes about putting on the armor of God in Ephesians, and many of us remember the belt of truth and the helmet of salvation from a Vacation Bible School in our childhood. Few people wear armor these days, so here's an updated analogy:

I have a new coat, it was designed by God and given to me by Jesus Christ.

I find it fits me perfectly unless I allow myself to become puffed up with foolish pride, then it’s too tight. If I walk with my head high, trying to be above those about, then it is too short. But if I walk humbly as I should before God, it fits me just right.

How is the coat made? The shoulders are wide and roomy so that I can help my fellow man carry his burdens.

The collar is made of God’s mercy, yes, the mercy of God’s promises. First, that I may be a child of God and second, that I will one day dwell with God in that home prepared for God’s children.

The cuffs are narrow, so that there’s no room to tuck away grievances and hard feelings toward my neighbors.

The pockets are oversized: One is for the love of God; the other is to hold my love for my neighbors and all humanity.

There are three buttons on my coat which stand for faith, hope and charity. I check on them often so that none becomes loose or lost.

The lining is made of God’s forgiveness, which I need so often that I want it next to me at all times.

The belt is made of God’s love that encircles me every day.

The material is thick enough to protect me when the storms of life come my way, but not too thick that I will not be able to feel the presence of the Holy Spirit who guides me.

There are many threads in my new coat, but not one thread of doubt that God’s promises are true.

I will need my coat all through life. When I travel through the valley of death and when I view the future, I will always wear my new coat.

—Author unknown.

Wear this coat everyday and may God bless you.

Stepping out in faith

2011-06-17T08:05:00.000-05:00

As you read this I am on my three-week summer course for my Doctor of Ministry program. I began this journey in January 2010, enrolling in the DMin program at Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, VA, just the other side of the Potomac from Washington, D.C. My first session was in January and I arrived on a very cold Sunday, not quite sure of what I was doing or where I was going. I was excited to be there, nervous about the courses and a little anxious about finding my way to the seminary.

When was the last time you considered a major change in the course of your life? Maybe it was going to school, or getting married, or having a baby, or changing careers. How did you feel as you thought about it? I ran across this story that speaks to our feelings:

When Jim Collins taught at the Stanford Graduate School of Business, many of his students limited their options by not understanding true risks. One woman came to his office and said, “I’d really like to start my own company, but it just seems so risky, so I’m going to take a job with IBM.”

“What would happen if you gave your start-up the full try and failed?” he asked.

“I suppose I would go and get a job,” she said.

“And how hard would that be?” he asked.

“Not very hard,” she admitted.

“So you’re telling me,” said Jim Collins, “that the worst-case scenario is that you’d be right back where you are now; looking at getting a regular job.” The student was not seeing the risk clearly, and her fear was limiting her options. Collins reports in Fast Company (December 2003) that she ended up going out on her own, giving it the full effort, and building a successful start-up.

Now, this story comes from better economic times, if this woman doesn’t think going and out and getting a job would not be very hard! However, we all let fear hold us back. We let fear hold us back in our faith life too. Being a Christian is risky business. Jesus asks us to follow him, and while that may sound simple, it isn’t easy. What opportunities is God offering you today? Where is fear holding you back? What is the worst-case scenario if you risked going forward? Remember, Jesus promised to be with us always, whatever we do, wherever we go.

Gift of the Spirit

2011-06-08T11:06:00.001-05:00

This Sunday, June 12^th, is Pentecost Sunday in the Christian church. It is the Sunday when we remember and celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit, as Jesus promised, and the birth of the Church. The two events are always connected. In the coming of the Holy Spirit, the Church came into being.

Lots of people like to think that they can be a Christian without the Church, and to some extent, they are right. You do not need the Church to believe in the Son of God and his redeeming work. You do not need the Church to confess that Jesus is your Lord and Savior. But over and over again, we have proved that you do need the Church to be a disciple of that Lord and Savior.

The recent devastation in Joplin, Missouri, caused by a horrific tornado, reaffirms the importance of the body of Christ we call the church. Even before the storm had finished wreaking havoc, churches opened their doors to receive the wounded and displaced, members of those churches were searching for the lost and injured, and people around the country and the world were praying for all of them and sending whatever aid they could to help.

The Missouri United Methodist Bishop Richard Schnase reflected on the outcome of the storm and the work of the Church in his blog:

”Remember the song “We Are the Church” from the 1970’s? The first verse reminds us that “the church is not a building, the church is not a steeple, the church is not a resting place, the church is a people.” And then there is the classic hymn that reminds us that “The church’s one foundation is Jesus Christ our Lord.” We love our buildings, and we use them as tools for ministry, and they are signs of vision, commitment, and hospitality. But we also know that ultimately, the church of Jesus Christ is something infinitely greater, more enduring and eternal… The church is not the pile of lumber and bricks left after the destroying winds and rains; the church is the gathering of people standing above the rubble unified by the spirit of Christ to love and serve others. The church is the people counseling one another through unfathomable grief and loss. The church is people risking lives for their neighbors and opening their homes to strangers. The church is people across the state and nation praying and giving and preparing to offer their best and highest in service to help rebuild lives. The church is alive and vigorous and redeeming. It is grace in every gesture and love in every action. The church is the body of Christ doing the things Jesus did in Jesus’ name and in Jesus’ spirit today.”

On Pentecost Sunday, I invite you to remember and celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit by joining with others in a community of faith somewhere and experience again the power of that Spirit.

Looking on the inside

2011-06-01T10:00:00.001-05:00

On May 27^th, I attended the Jefferson High School graduation ceremonies. I pray for all our graduates to receive many blessings in the coming years as they embark on the great adventure God has for the next part of their lives.

As I sat there with all the other families and friends, I remembered that this year is the 30^th anniversary of my own high school graduation. Thirty years! Where did they all go? I have already had some communication from classmates talking about our reunion planned for this summer, and I really don’t want to go. Do I really want all these people from my youth to see the me of thirty years later? Older, grayer, softer, fatter? Then I remembered this story, which I share with you.

While waiting for her first appointment in the reception room of a new dentist, a middle-aged woman noticed the dentist’s certificate, which bore his full name. Suddenly, she remembered that a tall, handsome boy with the same name had been in her high-school class some 30-plus years ago.

Upon seeing him, however, she quickly discarded any such thought. This balding, gray-haired man with a deeply lined face was way too old to have been her classmate. After he had examined her teeth, she asked him if he had attended the local high school.

“Yes,” he replied.

“When did you graduate?” she asked.

He answered, “In 1967. Why?”

“You were in my class!” she exclaimed.

He looked at her closely and then asked, “What did you teach?”

Of course all the people in my class have also gotten older, grayer, softer, fatter, and maybe balder. I am not alone in the aging process! (I know this because I am friends on Facebook with a some of them, and I can tell you from my own observation, if you know what I mean!) They are probably all thinking the same things I am thinking.

God tells us that we look at people’s outsides and make judgments, but God looks at us from the inside and sees us differently: “But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.’” 1 Samuel 16:7

It’s not the outside that matters, but the inside and the relationship. If I don’t go because of my fears of what people will think of me on the outside, I am the one who loses the opportunity to renew friendships and make connections with people I cared about.

What judgments have you made about people that later you had to revise? Ask God to let you see others as God does.

After the Storms

2011-05-28T10:35:00.000-05:00

So many communities have been touched, even devastated, by violent spring storms in the last month. We no sooner process the tragedy in one place before the news reports another. In April, it was Alabama; in May, it was Joplin, Missouri. On the same night that a monster tornado ripped apart Joplin, other communities in Minnesota were also visited by deadly tornadoes. The very next day, Oklahoma knew the pain. Their losses are as real, if not as reported on, as those in Joplin. I know that you are keeping these communities in your prayers, and as time goes on, we will be reaching out to them in various ways. You'll have information about how to give tomorrow in worship, or you can click on the link at the bottom of this blog to learn more.
However, there is more to the stories than tragedy. Out of the darkness shines light. The people of faith, people called Christians, are responding in so many ways. And our faith gives us hope. Here is the story of one Alabama UM church in worship after the storm. How do they proclaim their hope and faith? Around the table at communion:

On Sunday afternoon, May 15, 2011, the congregation and friends of Pine Grove UMC in Sylvania gathered at the site of their destroyed church building for a celebration of Holy Communion led by Bishop Will Willimon. The Pine Grove UMC building was one of several churches in North Alabama destroyed by the April 27 tornadoes.

At 1 p.m., Bishop Willimon joined the congregation, pastor Rev. Don Burgess and song leader Harold Dean Mitchell, Sr., to offer words of hope and to share the sacrament together.

The Communion set used for this holy time was recovered from the debris of the Pine Grove building. Although the cross on the top of the Communion set was bent over as a result of the storm, Rev. Burgess took time to point out to those gathered that it was still the cross.

Bishop Willimon says, "Our visit to Pine Grove capped a great week for Patsy and me, witnessing some inspiring work. I will never forget the singing of 'Amazing Grace' and the Communion at Pine Grove. Amid the ruin of this beautiful, historic church we celebrated the redemptive work of Jesus among us. Even with all the destruction and all the loss, God is with us!"

The worship bulletin for the day noted the history of this small congregation on Sand Mountain. Pine Grove was organized in the 1890s as the Methodist Protestant Church was starting a mission on Sand Mountain. The program also noted that since the April 27, 2011, tornado destroyed its beautiful rock building, the Pine Grove church “is alive and well. Its members have experienced the power of the Holy Spirit through the kindness of others during the aftermath of the storm.”

If you would like to help, visit the UMCOR website - http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umcor/work/emergencies/ongoing/springstorms2011/.

Discovering each other in love

2011-05-20T23:37:00.000-05:00

I read this story tonight in a reading for one of my summer classes. It is special.
Time before time, when the world was young, two brothers shared a field and a mill. Each night they divided evenly the grain they had ground together during the day. Now as it happened, one of the brothers lived alone, the other had a wife and a large family. One day, the single brother thought to himself, "It isn't really fair that we divide the grain evenly. I have only myself to care for, but my brother has children to feed." So each night he secretly took some of his grain to his brother's granary to see that he was never without.
But the married brother said to himself one day, "It isn't really fair that we divide the grain evenly, because I have children to provide for me in my old age, but my brother has no one. What will he do when he is old?" So every night he secretly took some of his grain to his brother's granary. As a result, both of them always found their supply of grain mysteriously replenished each morning.
Then one night the brothers met each other halfway between their two houses, suddenly realized what had been happening, and embraced each other in love. The story is that God witnessed their meeting and proclaimed, "This is a holy place - a place of love - and here it is that my temple shall be built." And so it was. The holy place, where God is made known, is the place where human beings discover each other in love.
May you discover each other in love.

Giving thanks for our mothers

2011-05-11T10:57:00.000-05:00

Mother’s Day was last weekend, and in Jefferson that might mean that it was overshadowed by Pilgrimage activities in town. I pray that the mothers out there had a good day Sunday, that your children and/or grandchildren remembered you and made your day special.

My mother died almost fifteen years ago. She never saw me as a minister, and she never met her only grandchildren. I like to imagine her looking on us from heaven, now joined by my father. I like to think of her still watching out for her family, my own guardian angel in more ways than one. I know that she is still with me in many ways. I hear her voice in my ear, guiding me, chastising me, and I sometimes hear her words coming out of my own mouth, or my sister’s when she is talking to her children. Things we both swore we would NEVER say!

Bill Cosby has a comedic monologue called “First Parent” that every mother (and father) can appreciate. After creating heaven and earth, God created Adam and Eve. And the first thing the First Parent said to the first children was “Don’t.”

“Don’t what?” Adam replied.

“Don’t eat the forbidden fruit.”

“Forbidden fruit? Really? Where is it?”

“It’s over there,” said God, wondering why he hadn’t stopped after making the elephants.

A few minutes later, God saw the kids having an apple break, and God was angry. “Didn’t I tell you not to eat that fruit?” the First Parent asked.

“Uh-huh,” Adam replied.

“Then why did you do it?”

“I dunno,” Adam answered.

God’s punishment, Cosby concludes, was that Adam and Eve should have children of their own.

I wish I could call my mother and apologize for all the times that I acted like that. I wish that I could tell her again, in person, how much she gave me. As many people know, I am adopted. My parents chose to be parents, chose to parent me. I have always known that, and it is one of the most important things that has shaped me.

I know that not all parents are as caring and loving as mine were. And mine were far from perfect! The Methodist Mission Home did not send home an instruction guide for raising children, and they didn’t offer guarantees. But, with God’s help and grace, my parents dedicated themselves to being the best parents they could be.

I also am grateful to my birth mother, who had the courage and wisdom to know that her daughter would be better raised by another family. What a gift of love that is! I thank God that she found a safe place and was able to be a “real” mother to me, even if in just this one act.

If you didn’t get a chance to speak to your mother on Sunday, I hope you will this week. If she is with mine in heaven, say a prayer and feel her presence with you.

Letting God Fill in the Blanks

2011-04-29T07:53:00.000-05:00

As we enter into the process of listening for God's vision for our church, I came across this story that spoke to me about what we are doing and why. I'd like to share it with you.

Some years ago, a young man who wanted to change his life went into a church and sat down in the sanctuary for awhile. He took out a piece of paper and a pencil and began writing down a long list of things that he promised he would do to change his life — a whole page of things — and he signed his name at the bottom and took it up and placed it on the altar, and sat down again in the sanctuary.

As he was sitting there, however, he began to sense the voice of God speaking softly in his own soul. And the more he listened to it, the more he heard God saying to him, “You’ve done it all wrong. I want you to go back up there and get the piece of paper and tear it up. And then I’ll give you another instruction.”

So, the young man got out of his pew and walked up to the altar and did as the Lord told him. And then he went back to sit down in the pew and waited for the Lord to instruct him. It did not happen immediately, but finally the message came through. The Lord said to him, very gently, “Now take a piece of paper and sign your name to it at the bottom and let me fill in all the rest!”

We can offer God a long list of programs and ministries that we believe would be good for us, good for the community, and pleasing to God. However, God asks us to let him fill in the paper for us. We sign the bottom, offering him ourselves, and we let God write the details.

In one of my favorite studies called "Wrestling with Angels," one man reflects, "I believe that God has a purpose for my life and he and I work out the plan to get there together." As we seek God's vision for us, we are confident that there is a vision and that God and we will work together to make the vision reality.

In the Garden

2011-04-20T14:09:00.001-05:00

It is Holy Week, the final week of Jesus’ life. In the days to come, we celebrate the Last Supper with him and his disciples, stand at the foot of the cross and behold our dying Lord, keep vigil, and welcome the risen Christ on Easter Sunday.

In talking about Holy Week with my Tuesday Bible study group, the middle-aged participants agreed that Holy Week wasn’t emphasized in our church when we were growing up. We celebrated Easter, but none of us remembered going to a Maundy Thursday or Good Friday service when we were growing up. However, each of us now finds great meaning in those services and believes that our Easter celebration is so much richer because of them. (This is a big hint to be part of your church’s Holy Week services, and if it doesn’t offer them, to request them and experience them.)

All of Holy Week points to Easter. Christmas may get more attention from the secular world, but Christians anticipate the wonder of Easter and the empty tomb more than any other celebration. It is in Easter that we declare victory over death and behold our risen Savior.

One of the most beloved hymns is “In The Garden.” It is an Easter hymn told in the first person by Mary Magdalene, who according to the gospel of John is the first to behold the risen Christ in the garden where the tomb was. It was written in 1912 by Charles Austin Miles, a prolific hymn writer. He had been asked to write a sympathetic hymn that would give hope. As he sat there one day, he pulled his Bible to him and it opened to his favorite chapter – John 20 – the story of Mary encountering Jesus in the garden. As he sat there reading, he became part of the scene. He could see the garden, the olive trees, a woman walking slowly, weeping. Then she saw Jesus and she knelt before him, crying, “Rabboni!”

Austin said that he awoke with tense muscles and the Bible clutched in his hands. He started writing, the words coming quickly, and the lyrics to the hymn emerged, fully formed, as they are still sung. Later that night he would compose the music.

Now, almost a century later, “In The Garden” remains one of the most popular hymns ever written, along with another Easter hymn – “The Old Rugged Cross.” Austin accomplished his task of creating a tender hymn that offers hope. I see it all the time, whether in a nursing home, at a funeral or on a Sunday morning.

Come to the garden on Easter Sunday and meet the risen Christ with Mary and the others who come looking for Jesus. But he won’t let us stay there. He sends us out to share the good news that Christ is risen and the world has never been the same!

From "Hosanna!" to "Crucify him!"

2011-04-13T12:01:00.000-05:00

Palm Sunday is April 17^th. Growing up, I don’t remember us kids getting palm branches and processing down the aisle, waving them, as the congregation sang “All Glory, Laud and Honor,” which is too bad because it is so much fun that I do it every year with our young ones. I pretend that I’m there to help them, but it’s really because I enjoy doing it!

In the back of my mind is the rest of the story though. How just a few short days later the crowd that waved palm branches, cast their cloaks on the ground, and shouted, “Hosanna, hosanna!” to Jesus as he entered Jerusalem will also be the one gathered before Pontius Pilate shouting, “Crucify him! Crucify him!” How can this be, I wonder. Why are we humans so fickle and quick to turn? Then I ran across a poem by Edward Sanford Martin that captured my question so well. It’s called “My name IS Legion,” a reference to the story of Jesus’ healing of the man possessed by so many demons that they called themselves Legion.

Within my earthly temple, there's a crowd;
There's one of us that's humble, one that's proud;
There's one that's broken-hearted for his sins;
There's one that, unrepentant, sits and grins;
There's one that loves his neighbor as himself,
And one that cares for naught but fame and pelf.
From much corroding care I should be free
If I could once determine which is me.
--Edward Sanford Martin, "My Name IS Legion," in Masterpieces of Religious Verse, ed. James Dalton Morrison (New York: Harper, 1948), 274.

We can be the ones who welcome Jesus with shouts of joy and the same ones that cry out for his death. We are the same ones. We hear the word of God and welcome it into our lives until it becomes inconvenient or hard and then we want to escape it. We are humble and proud, contrite and unrepentant, selfless and selfish. And while we would like the better qualities to be the only ones we show ourselves and the world, we know it is not so.

We cannot pretend that the shadow side is not there. To deny that we are capable of shouting “Crucify him” with the rest of the crowd is to deny that there are parts of ourselves God is still working on and to open ourselves up to their power. Holy Week is a time of confronting that side of us, of acknowledging that we are capable of joining with both crowds. Only then can we offer those parts of ourselves we would change to God and claim the freedom from them that God promises through Jesus.

Walk with Jesus through Holy Week. Wave the palms and shout, “Hosanna!” Sit with him at the table of the Last Supper. Stand at the foot of the cross on Good Friday. Proclaim him risen on Easter Sunday. Don’t fear looking at both sides of our humanity and see how God is at work redeeming us.

Heaven and hell

2011-04-06T13:48:00.001-05:00

There’s a lot of controversy these days about a new book by Rob Bell called Love Wins in which he seems to jettison hundreds of years of belief about hell. I haven’t read the book, but I have seen enough of these storms to realize that there is probably more to it than the articles and blogs I’ve seen say. But it has sparked a lot of discussion about what people believe about hell and heaven. It reminds me of my favorite description of the two.

A man has a dream in which he dies and goes to hell. While in hell the man notices there are many tables, and starving people are sitting all around the great tables. There is hot food to accommodate all tastes on the table. Nevertheless, people are starving. In hell, they’re starving with food torturing them right before their eyes.

While all this food is right before them, each person is starving to death. Each person has a six-foot-long fork in his left hand, and a six-foot-long spoon in the other hand. The people in hell cannot get to the delicious food, because the forks reach beyond their mouths. The forks are too long. Too big.

The next night, the man dreams of going to heaven. When he gets to heaven he sees tables as far as the eyes can see. The tables are full of hot, wonderful food. Now the man is very troubled, for he sees that each believer has a six-foot -long fork in his left hand, and a six-foot-long spoon in the other hand. It’s beginning to look like the same dream all over again.

Yet, there’s a difference. All the people here are full and satisfied. Then, he understood why. In heaven, as they were seated at the table, each person fed the person on either side. The difference between heaven and hell was giving and love!

In the end, the difference between heaven and hell is giving and love. Amen!

How big is your Jesus?

2011-03-30T12:00:00.001-05:00

In January I started a book club, which I called the Pastor’s Book Club, an amazingly original name! We are reading books that offer some new or different perspectives on faith. So far, we have read Kathleen Norris’ Acedia and Me, a challenging read for most of us, Donald Miller’s Blue Like Jazz, which the younger member of our group liked more than the older, and Will Willimon’s Why Jesus?

The Willimon book opened up a new perspective on Jesus for us. We realized that we had “tamed” Jesus, made him nice and safe. And in the process, we made him more like us and less like God. He remains a great teacher and prophet, but he’s not as edgy or offensive. Willimon reminds us that Jesus was neither tame nor safe. He is the Son of God and he was not crucified for being too nice.

As we talked about the book and the picture of Jesus there, I was reminded of a story:

A man was going through customs on the way back from Haiti. The person ahead of him had bought lots of costly jewelry but was waved through by the customs officer with a mere glance. The man had only an inexpensive carved head of Jesus. But it was big, about knee-high, so he had wrapped it in several layers of towels in a burlap bag. As the officer dug deeper into the towels, expecting expensive hidden items, suddenly he looked up and asked, “How big is your Jesus, anyway?”

It’s hard not to bring Jesus to limit to what our human brains can handle, what our egos want to hear. Jesus is bigger than that; he is bigger and wilder than we want to admit. And that makes us uncomfortable. So we try to bring Jesus down to our size.

God’s grace and love as embodied by Jesus are greater than we can ever understand. That’s good news! Our Jesus is bigger than we admit or know. The writer of Psalm 103 tried to capture God’s greatness: “For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far he removes our transgressions from us” (Psalm 103:11-12). We cannot tame or limit Jesus and we don’t have to be afraid of the greatness of God. Even when Jesus’ words step on our toes or point out the log in our eye. His love for us is so great that it overcomes all. As the apostle Paul writes in his letter to the Romans, Jesus didn’t wait for us to get our lives straight. He died for us while we were yet sinners, and that proves God’s love toward us.

How big is YOUR Jesus?

How to help the people of Japan

2011-03-28T12:10:00.000-05:00

Like so many of you, I have watched the reports from Japan with an aching heart and a cry to God for the people there. I believe that God is present with the Japanese people, that they are his children whom he loves and that he grieves with them. God also calls us to be present with them through prayer and in more tangible ways.

If you are a member of a local congregation, contact your pastor and find out how you can be part of your church’s or denomination’s ministries to Japan in this crisis. If you aren’t a member of a church or you can’t find information for your denomination, there are other ways to help. One of the most innovative ways developed in the last couple of years is the ability to text to a number and a donation, usually $10, will be made in your name and charged to your cell phone bill.

The United Methodist Church has an agency charged with responding to disaster events around the globe. The United Methodist Committee on Relief is one of the best secrets of the denomination! In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, my sister sent me an email from a friend with family in Mississippi. She wrote that she had gone home to help her family and as she drove into the devastation, UMCOR was present, distributing food, water, and other necessities, arriving before other organizations like the Red Cross. I know that UMCOR is on the ground now in Japan, at work among the victims of this horrific calamity.

In addition to monetary donations, UMCOR has also developed a number of kits that local churches assemble and deliver to a depot (the closest one to us is in Baldwin, LA). We at First United Methodist Church will be working this month to collect items for two kits in short supply and we would welcome any contributions from the community. The biggest need is for layette kits and school kits. Layette kits contain basic supplies for parents to care for their children, including cloth diapers, pins, etc. School kits contain basic school supplies, such as pencils, paper, and crayons. You can imagine how disconnected and lost children must feel at this time, many who may have lost home, parents or both. Returning to school and a regular routine helps them cope with the situation, and the supplies will enable them to get back to class.

For a full list of what each kit contains, you can visit the First UMC website (www.fumcjefferson.com); we will post a link to the kits. We will also have a link to make a direct donation to UMCOR for its ongoing relief efforts. One hundred percent of your donation will go to the Japanese quake/tsunami victims.

I know you are praying for all the victims of this disaster. Please keep those who are responding to the emergency – rescue workers, nuclear experts, and non-profit agencies – in your prayers as well. They are the hands and feet of Christ in that situation and will do on our behalf what we cannot.

Paradoxical Commandments

2011-03-16T10:00:00.001-05:00

Several months ago, the new editor of the Jefferson Jimplecute invited local pastors to contribute columns to the paper. This was a big change from previous editorial policy, and I jumped on the chance to participate. I am amazed at how many people read it every week. I'll be standing in line at Brookshire's and the person behind me will lean over and say softly, "I love reading your column." I am so glad that they are being read and that people remember them!

Not everyone subscribes to the Jimp, and not everyone who subscribes to this blog is in Jefferson. So I have decided to post this week's offering on the blog every Wednesday. As more pastors contribute to the paper, it may not be a weekly offering, but until that time, it will be. Enjoy this week's thoughts about paradoxical commandments.

As part of my Lenten discipline, I try not just to give up something but also to take on something. This year, I am reading through some of the Bible that I have neglected in recent years. Not reading to prepare a sermon or teach a class, but reading to deepen my relationship with God.

Have you ever tried this kind of fast, taking something on? There are lots of ways to do it. I ran across an interesting idea with the “Paradoxical Commandments.” Have you heard of them? They were written by Kent Keith in 1968 as part of a pamphlet for students. They have made it around the globe, including hanging on Mother Theresa’s wall in Calcutta. For instance, one of the paradoxical commandments says, “People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered; love them anyway.” You can check out the complete original list at www.paradoxicalcommandments.com.

Over the years, people have embellished those first paradoxical commandments. Here are some worthy additions:

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives; be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies; succeed anyway.

If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you; be honest and frank anyway.

What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight; build anyway.

If you find eternity and happiness, they may be jealous; so be happy anyway.

The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow; do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough; give the world the best you’ve got anyway.

You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God; it was never between you and them anyway.

Perhaps in this season of Lent, you could try one of these as your offering to God. Do good anyway. Be kind anyway. Give the world the best you can anyway. In the end, it is not about “them,” it is about you and God.

Advent Devotions for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, December 13, 14, 15

2010-12-15T11:10:00.000-06:00

I apologize for not getting these up sooner!

Monday, December 13 - Isaiah 35:1-7

Growing up in a parsonage family in Central Texas, we looked forward each summer to our family’s two-week long vacations. We would pack up the travel trailer and head out for parts unknown; treasures, that are now in our memories.

Dad always believed that the parsonage should have the prettiest yard in the neighborhood, and we did! While in Brownwood, my Dad decided to make rock gardens in our front and back yards. So, on our vacation to New Mexico the next summer, we would be driving along, and Dad or Mom would spy a cactus or desert plant on the roadside that we had not seen. We’d stop, Dad would break out the shovel, and that prize would go into a bucket, and into the travel trailer. Every night, we’d unpack all of the thorny stuff, and then settle in for the overnight “camping” experience.

One day, Dad spied a nondescript, grey bush with small, roundish grey leaves. It was nothing special, but it wasn’t filled with thorns or stickers, so I liked it. It got planted in the rock garden when we returned home, as did the other specimens. Months later, following a soaking rain, we awoke to see the plain, grey bush literally covered with gorgeous purple flowers. It was a Purple Sage bush, very drought tolerant; but ready to burst forth with its royal purple glory several times a year, following refreshing rainfalls.

In Isaiah 35:1-7, we see vivid language about how the desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and bloom. Like the (Purple Sage) it will burst into bloom. Don’t our Souls rejoice greatly and shout for joy when we see the glory of the LORD. We are like mirrors, actually reflecting HIS glory.

Be strong, do not fear, your God WILL come. At this Advent, He comes again into our hearts, as our Divine Savior. Receive Him, rejoice at His coming, let your Souls burst forth, blooming; reflecting His love to a thirsty and parched world.

Carroll Greenwaldt, North District Lay Leader

Tuesday, December 14 - Isaiah 35:8-10

The Way Home

And an highway shall be there.*

Stretching before me, bright and fair.

The way of holiness* laid so straight

Coming home, leads right to God’s gate.

Trod by the redeemed, saved by grace,

Protected from evil, those “lions”* we face.

Complete his mercy for all he made

Forgiveness for all who loved and obeyed.

He prepared a way for me to go

He will walk with me, my steps are slow.

Not content with just pointing the way

He’s always beside me, there he’ll stay.

So all the way home we’ll walk together

With songs of joy and warm sunny weather.

When we get home, I know I will stay,

And sorrow and sighing shall flee away. *

Jane Cheatham

Wednesday, December 15 - Psalm 145:5-10

I recently read Eugene Peterson’s Eat This Book, his reflections and thoughts about how to read the Bible and how to let the Bible read us. He starts with a story about giving his dog a bone, a story that resonated with me. Think about the last time you gave a dog a bone. If yours is like mine, this was a joyous moment that caused much excitement. Annie, my dog, dances around on her hind legs, waving her front paws in anticipation. When I stretch out my hand to give her the bone, she almost takes a finger or two with it. She may run around, parading the bone, before she finds a comfortable place to lay down and begin the serious business of chewing and gnawing it. And it’s not a silent event. As she goes about her chewing, she makes these happy sounds. Not whimpers or growls but happy noises. Chewing a bone is not a silent occupation.

Peterson reflects that this is how we should approach reading the Bible, and he thinks that this is how the writers of the Bible want us to read, particularly the psalmists. The psalmist who wrote this psalm declares, “On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.” The Hebrew word that we translate as “meditate” has a different meaning, according to Peterson. It is better translated, he maintains, as chewing or gnawing. In other words, the psalmist is going to chew on the wondrous works of God.

We understand what that means. We use the phrase often when we are talking about wrestling with a problem or musing on something. “Let me chew on that a while,” we say. Most of us associate that with cows chewing their cud, but I like the idea of the dog with a bone. Cows chewing their cud are placid, static creatures. They sit under trees in the field, quietly working their jaws. Dogs with bones are not quiet and static. They move their heads or their paws to position the bone in the best place to get at its goodness; their teeth on the bone make grinding sounds and they yip with pleasure and growl warnings to any person or animal who comes too close. A dog chewing a bone is not neat or tidy but focused and enthusiastic.

Now, take that image and consider the psalmist gnawing on the glorious splendor of God’s majesty. What would that look like? I see someone standing before the rising sun with arms thrown back and head raised, singing at the top of her lungs “Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow.”

Today, go and gnaw and chew on the wondrous works of God!

Advent Devotion for Friday, December 10 - Romans 15:7-13

2010-12-10T09:12:00.002-06:00

A Reflection of Christ

Looking into the mirror is challenging. Beyond looking at the wrinkles, age spots and other physical imperfections, I look at my eyes and immediately turn inward to my soul. In those moments I am faced with my true imperfections and yet in those moments I am overcome by God’s unconditional love for me as his grace and mercy allow me to continue to live and press toward sanctification. It is in those moments that I challenge myself to ask “do I extend that same mercy; that same love to others, accepting them as Christ has done for me”.

Perhaps one of the most painful, destructive issues of the church is that we are not accepting of all God’s children. Christ fully human, fully divine, became a servant and served, the least, the last, and the lost demonstrating to us what he requires. Who am I, who are you that we are not mindful that the love of Christ transcends age, gender, race, education, and social status. God invites all to trust in him to do what we in and of ourselves are not capable of doing except through him in the power of the Holy Spirit and that is to bring forth peace, healing, and reconciliation, toward one another. Ultimately and more importantly, the hope is that through us others may come into a relationship with Christ and receive the ultimate gift of eternal life with Him. Is the hope of Christ reflected in you?

Michelle Hall, Chaplain, Wiley College

Advent Devotion for Thursday, December 9- Romans 15:4-6

2010-12-09T09:56:00.000-06:00

⁴ For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. ⁵ Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, ⁶ that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. (NKJV)

I had just started elementary school when my family got its first microwave. The microwave provided a lot of convenience to my working mother in terms of preparing meals. My mother no longer had to listen to the hungry complaints of her family over supper not being ready. Something happened to the quality of the meal. Yes, supper was ready in less than thirty minutes, but the quality was not as good. Some parts of the meal would be scalding hot while other parts of the same entrée would still be frozen solid. The food tended to dry out faster in the microwave and flavors did not have time to blend. We, as a family, came to prefer the meals that took a while to prepare. All the ingredients taste good on their own, but taste a lot better when they have the time to meld together in a slow cooking pot.

In this metaphor, the well cooked meal is the scripture that was prepared by the loving hand of God. Our wait for this meal is the time it takes to learn and fully comprehend scripture. We as individuals come away with our understandings and interpretations of the scripture. With patience we can be like the beef stew. We all have our own individual flavors, but as we come together, we can merge our voice and our minds to glorify Christ Jesus.

Prayer: Father, thank you for blessing you give in the form of your words. Help us to come together, as brothers and sisters, to glorify your spirit with one mind and one voice. Amen.

Matt Rutz

Advent Devotion for Wednesday, December 8 - Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19

2010-12-08T09:56:00.000-06:00

There are some memories that stick with us from childhood. Lessons learned, moments of pure joy or sorrow, meeting a new friend who sticks with you for life, well, you get the idea. For me, being the bookworm that I am, a lot of my memories involve books in some form or fashion, one of which was The Illustrated Children's Bible that I could get lost for hours in.

I know when a lot of people hear the words Illustrated Children's Bible they think of sweet little tomes with Precious Moments-like illustrations. This book was different. For one thing, to my smaller self, it was gigantic. (Just like, when you're a kid, twenty-six seems ancient.) For another, the illustrations were not what you'd normally see in a children's book. After all, if you think about it, The Bible, especially the Old Testament, isn't really G-Rated, is it? I used to sequester myself for hours to pore over the pictures before reading each story and then playing it out like a film in my mind. Some of my favorites involved David and Solomon, their stories playing out like a high drama with their humanity being both a tragic flaw and a saving grace. To my active child's imagination, David and Solomon were vastly entertaining.

Here's the Cliff's Notes version of their story as I understood it as a child: David was God's choice to lead the people of Israel, and, as such, God helped him overcome all odds to become king. After awhile, he started to forget his purpose, and did some pretty corrupt things, including arranging for the death of one of his army captains so he could marry the man's wife, Bathsheba. Bathsheba and David had a son, Solomon, who succeeded his father to the throne at a very young age. When he came to the throne, he prayed to God asking not for wealth or long life, but for the wisdom to rule his people justly. Because he asked for something selfless, God rewarded him with the wisdom he asked for, as well as long life and wealth. Of course, to my young self-serving mind, that meant I should always try to ask for things in a way that could be of maximum benefit to everybody.

This got me thinking: when was the last time I asked God for something for a purely selfless reason? All of us are put on our paths for a reason. I know I was brought to Jefferson to teach, that some of these kids would really benefit from having even just one consistent adult in their lives who genuinely cares. What I don't know is the exact moment I stopped praying for these kids and prayed for myself, instead. How many of us have fallen into the same funk? How many of us are so focused on our own internal struggles that we've forgotten what we were brought here to accomplish? How many of us would be happier if we stopped obsessing over ourselves and focused that energy into doing something positive for someone else?

So, here is my prayer: Dear Lord, thanks for everything. I just have one more favor to ask. Please help me to know and do what is right. Love and Amen.

Rory Roberts

Advent Devotion for Tuesday, December 7 - Isaiah 11:6-10

2010-12-07T11:54:00.000-06:00

In Isaiah’s time, the people of Israel were stressed. I can’t imagine what they must have been going through, but it’s not too hard for me to believe that they probably worried themselves sick. Will there ever be a new descendant of King David; a king who would rule perfectly? A king that would rule over Israel with peace, justice, mercy, and righteousness? Is there any hope?

I am a second career pastor, and I don’t think I will ever forget my first semester at Perkins School of Theology Southern Methodist University. I dreaded my first series of final exams. It had been 18 years since my last college exam, and you would have thought that I was facing a firing squad! I can remember that morning like it was yesterday. I was so nervous that I got sick to my stomach! After I calmed down a bit, my roommates gave me some of the best advice that I have ever been given.

First, Dylan assured me that God was calling me to this life, and he really inspired me to face this exam knowing that God had called me and had equipped me to face this or any other challenge!

Second, Doug assured me that God had blessed me with the gift of being able to squirrel out on anything! He was always calling me “Tommy Squirrel,” because I could put half of the work that he would put into a paper or exam, and would end up with almost as good a grade! Hence the nickname!

Finally, Wade let me know that God was in control. In a very serious tone, he assured me that every fall they offered those same set of classes! Ha ha ha! I couldn't help but laugh at his advice, and it did wonders for my nerves!

My roommates words of wisdom gave me hope! Not only did I made it through that first semester, but I continued on till graduation five years later. All along the way I encountered stress, and each time it came along I prayed, and leaned on those wonderful words they gave me our first semester we were together.

Isaiah’s words give hope! They brought his people hope, and they give us hope today as well! As we are preparing to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we have hope that one day there will be a new heaven and a new earth. Peace, justice, mercy, and righteousness will rule! All wrongs will be made right, and it will indeed be glorious! O come of come Emanuel!

In Christian love,

Tommy Earl Burton, District Youth Coordinator

Advent Devotion for Monday, December 6 - Isaiah 11:1-5

2010-12-06T12:40:00.002-06:00

Have you ever heard of a Jesse Tree? Its name comes from Isaiah 11:1: “A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots.” Jesse was the father of David, the shepherd boy who became the king of Israel. Isaiah prophesied that Israel was going to fall to its enemies and suffer destruction, but it wasn’t permanent or forever. There would be a remnant, a shoot from the stump of Jesse. With the birth of Jesus, a new understanding developed around this verse. Jesus was the shoot, the branch that grew from his roots. Hence, this passage’s place in our Advent readings.

The Jesse Tree became a way to remember the roots from which Jesus came, the story of God in the scriptures that Jesus knew and studied. The ornaments on the Jesse Tree, traditionally handmade, are symbols from the stories of the Old Testament from the beginning of Genesis to the prophets. Creation is often represented with a dove for the Spirit of God that moved over the waters. Adam and Eve are portrayed with an apple, Noah with an ark or rainbow. Other ornaments tell the story of Joseph’s coat of many colors, Moses and the tablet with the Ten Commandments, and David’s first job as a shepherd.

Many families make Jesse Trees as Advent calendars, hanging a new ornament on it every day in preparation for Jesus’ birth. If you’d like to start that tradition with your family, there are great resources online for building a Jesse Tree.

The Jesse Tree reminds us that God’s salvation story didn’t begin with Jesus’ birth. God has been active in creation since God spoke and said, “Let there be light.” We are part of a long story that extends back to the very beginning of everything. We are connected through this wonderful shoot from the stump of Jesse. The stories of the Bible, Old and New Testaments, remind us of how we are connected. Paul writes in Romans that we Gentiles have been grafted onto the tree. These stories are our stories. Christmas is a great time to remember them and retell them, passing them down to a new generation.

Allison Byerley

Advent Devotion for Sunday, December 5 - Matthew 2:1-12

2010-12-05T16:02:00.000-06:00

In the movie “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade,” Indiana Jones and his Nazi enemy are searching for the Holy Grail, the cup Christ used at the Last Supper. This cup has special properties — anyone who drinks from it will become immortal; it will also heal those near death. The Grail has been guarded for centuries by the Knights Templar. The current guardian gives them a challenge. Before them is a display of cups and chalices. Each has the opportunity to choose a vessel that is the Holy Grail. Choose the right one and receive its blessings; choose the wrong one and suffer death.

The Nazi chooses first. He scans the array and selects one of the most opulent ones there. It is gold and covered in precious jewels. Ah, the Knight says, a cup fit for a king. The Nazi raises it to his lips and drinks deeply. Within moments it is clear that this was the wrong cup. Now it is Indiana’s turn to choose. He wants the cup to heal his father who has been gravely wounded and must choose wisely.

He too scans the array of vessels and reaches for one. His choice is one that most people would have ignored. It is rough and common, not made of precious gold or silver, just an everyday cup you might have in your pantry. Ah, says the Knight, the cup of a carpenter; you have chosen well. And he has. When he helps his father drink, the wounds are healed and his father is made whole.

Matthew tells us about three wise men who come from the East searching for the newborn king of the Jews. They have seen his star and have come to pay homage to him and present him with gifts. However, they do not look for a humble baby, the son of an ordinary carpenter. Instead, they look for a prince and begin their search at the palace, Herod’s palace, in Jerusalem. It is a natural enough assumption for men who were not Jews and did not know the Scriptures that told about the Messiah. But it was not the place to look for Jesus.

Where are you looking for Jesus? Are you looking in shopping malls in search of the perfect gift? Are you looking in the loudest, shiniest venues, crowded with people?

Jesus is found in the humblest of places. In homeless shelters. In prisons. In nursing homes. In places that are not shiny or popular, among people who are not famous or rich, who would be more likely to drink from a carpenter’s cup than a golden chalice. Look for Jesus in these places and you will come close to the kingdom of God.

Allison Byerley

Advent Devotion for Friday, December 3, and Saturday, December 4

2010-12-04T11:18:00.000-06:00

Sorry that I missed posting yesterday. Here are both yesterday's and today's devotions.

Friday, December 3 - Romans 1:1-7

As Christmas draws closer we can’t help but occasionally think about the gifts we will be giving and receiving. There are only a handful of gifts that stand out in my memory of Christmas past, and the most memorable gift was probably the most unexpected and, honestly, a little disappointing. One Christmas when my father was stationed in England, my parents took us to spend the week of Christmas in Germany. On Christmas morning we each had only one present under the tree to open, and mine was a pink and purple Miss Piggy watch. It was pretty and nice, but it was also simple and small. I was thankful for the watch, but I sure was hoping for something more. Over the course of that year, my mom taught me to tell time using that Miss Piggy watch. I wore the watch every day and my mom took special time to use my watch as a tool to help me learn and order my day. I think of that Miss Piggy watch every time I look at a clock or help one of my young boys tell time.

In this season of Advent, we are looking for the coming of the Messiah, our Lord and Savior, who came in a very small and simple gift. How incredible is our God who took us by surprise with the perfect gift who came in an unexpected way and may have been a little disappointing. We find more than just newborn babe wrapped in swaddling cloths on Christmas morning. We find God’s amazing grace, and the Lord of our lives.

Prayer
God of Grace, We praise you for your amazing love that is revealed to us in the perfectly simple gift of your Son. Help us to remember how you work in our lives in unexpected ways. Lord, help us to look for you in all the good and simple moments. Amen

Amy Hodge, Wesley Campus Minister, Kilgore College

Saturday, December 4 - Psalm 97

When Pastor Allison asked me to write an Advent devotional for the church, I thought, “I can do this.” I expected to get a scripture passage with something about Wonderful Counselor, Peace of Peace or Light of the World. So I was surprised to find my scripture was Psalms 97. I never really thought about Psalms as traditional preparation for the coming of Christ. Isaiah yes, Psalms no.

At first, I really didn’t see Psalms 97 as an Advent scripture. So I read it again…and again. Picked up another translation. Slowly, I began to see Psalms 97 in a new way. I’d like to share a few verses from The Message as translated in contemporary language by Eugene Peterson. From verse 8, “The heavens announce that he’ll set everything right, and everyone will see it happen – glorious.” I began to picture the angels telling the shepherds of the Good News of a Savior sent for the whole world. And with that message, shepherds and kings came to worship Jesus. Even today, more than 2000 years later, they help lead us to Christ.

How often do we scurry around in our search for the perfect present, that special food, the right clothes as we prepare for our Christmas? We become frantic, afraid we won’t get it all done. As I pondered Psalms 97 looking for the story of Christmas, I began to realize that when we get into that agitated mode, we are probably feeling a lot like Joseph on that first Christmas Eve. He must have thought, “Will I ever find a place for Mary to rest her head? What if she has this baby on the donkey? ” But God was looking over Mary and Joseph – and baby Jesus. He calmed Joseph’s worries and fears. And he can calm ours, too.

“Light-seeds are planted in the souls of God’s people. Joy-seeds are planted in good heat-soil. So, God’s people, shout praise to God. Give thanks to our Holy God!” (vs 11-12)

Leah Cooper

Advent Devotion for Thursday, December 2 - Romans 13:11-14

2010-12-02T09:52:00.000-06:00

Midnight

It’s midnight and I can’t sleep.

The problem is not sugar plums dancing in my head.

It’s the cookies I haven’t made for tomorrow’s cookie exchange.

And the menus for Christmas Eve dinner and Christmas Day lunch.

What platters and bowls? Which serving utensils and glasses?

How many sticks of butter? Corn syrup, light or dark?

Is there enough time to order photo calendars for the relatives?

And so I look out the window, as if the answers are written in the night sky.

Houses have gone to sleep and it is quiet.

There is only a strand of colorful lights on a lonely tree in the distance, forgotten by a neighbor.

I stand alone with my feelings, overwhelmed by so much to do.

Then familiar words begin to creep into my restless mind.

While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

One phrase pricks my soul. The time came. The time came.

Whether or not I am prepared, Christmas comes, just as it came for Mary.

At that moment, the light of the Christmas star illumines my mind.

Is my heart prepared to encounter the coming of Christ?

For what if I make the fudge but miss the shepherds?

What if I polish the silver but miss the angel chorus?

And so, I slip quietly back to bed.

Snuggled beneath the covers, thoughts of cookies fade away.

In this midnight hour, the Christmas star has led me once again to God’s promise.

Christ is coming.

Missy Buchanan, Author, Talking with God in Old Age: Meditations and Psalms, Columnist, Aging Well, United Methodist Reporter

Advent Devotion for Wednesday, December 1 - Psalm 122:6-9

2010-12-01T09:40:00.000-06:00

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, says the psalmist. The prayer is an intercessory prayer, prayer on the behalf of others. This time of year brings so many warm and fuzzy feelings to mind; for me, at least. I think of my loved ones and spending time with them, wonderful church services and music. The down side is that these wonderful feelings are contained to my own little world and I find that I don’t look outward to those who may not feel warm and fuzzy this time of the year. Do you ever feel like that?

It’s hard to look beyond what we know sometimes and remember that God’s children are ALL OVER THE WORLD. They are cold, hungry, without the bare necessities; or if we look to today’s Israel, in danger – their very lives are risk. I wonder if they remember what Christmas means and feel warm and fuzzy about the holidays…..Would you if you were in their shoes?

We were given the Holy Spirit to teach us and help us connect with God; the way He intended for us to. The Holy Spirit can intercede for us if we can’t find the words to pray to God but we have to have the desire to do so; a desire that reaches past our own comfortable haven to others. We need to pray for others.

In today’s world we are overwhelmed with demands on our attention; many, many of those demands appeal to our selfish desires. Desires created by advertising directed at our insecurity. Too often we are quick to pray for our own needs and desires, and omit interceding for others. If we pray on a regular schedule, and make sincere effort to let God guide us toward goals that are unselfish and strive toward peace, then we can be part of the team that will bring peace. That would be a blessing for all.

Prayer:

Dear God. Thank you for the Holy Spirit. We long for the guidance it can offer. Help us to remember to look beyond our own home and to turn our prayers to those who are in desperate need of peace right now. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Diana Furlow

2010 Advent Devotions, Tuesday, November 30

2010-11-30T11:08:00.000-06:00

We have produced an Advent Devotion Book. Each day I will post that day's devotions on this blog for you to read. If you'd like a hard copy with all the devotions in them, please let us know and we'll get one to you!

Psalm 122:1-5

I was glad when they said unto me, “Let us go into the house of the Lord.”

- Psalm 122:1

Until I was almost 18 years old, I attended church every Sunday (unless I was very sick, or the weather was really bad). After finishing high school, I moved to a large city, attended business school, and got a job. This was good; however, I made the mistake of not immediately finding a church home.

We’ve all heard someone say, “I don’t have to go to church to worship the Lord.” Well, maybe it works for them, but not for me. The more services I missed, the easier it was not to go, and not feel guilty. The only time I attended church was when I was home visiting my family. This continued for years, and I sank lower into worldly ways, turning my back on God. Then one day it happened—I found myself so miserable, both physically and mentally, that I had to do something. I thank God I had parents who had given me the Christian background I needed. I cried out to God for help—and help me He did. He was there all the time, waiting for me to call on Him.

I began searching for a church. I tried one near my home, but this wasn’t where God wanted me to be. The only thing that kept me attending that church for a while was the stained glass window of Christ knocking at the door. He was knocking at my heart’s door and I was striving to answer, but was getting no help. Then my neighbor invited me to attend church with her. When I finally did, I experienced the most amazing feeling I have ever had; so much love—all in one place—ready to be shared—with me!! In that church, my faith grew and I learned to work for God. Indeed I was glad when they said unto me, “Let us go into the house of the Lord.” Just look what I had been missing! Thank you, Father. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Genny Alfia

What Touches Your Soul?

2010-08-07T11:41:00.000-05:00

A clergy colleague of mine sent out a question recently that got me thinking. Her church is going deeper in their spiritual life and she was asking what books would we recommend to help them go deeper. I sent her the titles of a few that have been important in my ministry and my own walk with God. She got me thinking though about what touches our souls.

What touches your soul? Is there a favorite Scripture passage that you turn to in order to connect or reconnect with God? Is there a writer who you read faithfully because he or she speaks your spiritual language? Is there a prayer that you've found that you have folded in your wallet or displayed on your refrigerator?

My mother loved Helen Steiner Rice. I have to admit that she's not my cup of tea.

My friend Beverly resonates with writer Barbara Brown Taylor. She stood in a long line at last year's Festival of Homiletics to have her copy of "An Altar in the World" signed. She also reads Robert Benson and gave me a copy of the book he wrote about baseball.

Here are some of the things that touch my soul. My Scripture passage is Isaiah 43. It gives me hope even in the darkest nights. While I was in seminary another pastor introduced me to the Upper Room Disciplines. Each week centers on the Revised Common Lectionary passages for that week and the writers include clergy, lay, and academics. This year even featured a week by Max Lucado. And my morning isn't finished until I make use of one of the many spiritual readers edited by UM Bishop Rueben Job.

What about you? What touches your soul? Who can connect you with God? I invite you to respond to this blog or send me an email and let me know. I'll share your responses with others, unless you'd rather me not, and we can all learn and grow from each other.

By the way, here are the books I recommended to my clergy colleague:
"The Practice of the Presence of God" Brother Lawrence
"What's So Amazing About Grace?" Philip Yancey
"Change the World" Mike Slaughter
"Three Simple Rules" Rueben Job

What's Happening - May 19, 2010

2010-05-19T14:25:00.000-05:00

Something exciting begins this Sunday at First UMC during worship! We are starting Children's Church for kids between the ages of 4 and 8. This idea started with a conversation between Joyce Rutz and Danielle Woods. Danielle attended a church that had a Children's Church during worship and she told Joyce about it. This inspired Joyce to want to try it here. So, it begins this Sunday. Children will begin in worship in the sanctuary. They will be with us through the opening prayer, first hymn, and children's sermon. Then they will go with Joyce to the Education Building and have a lesson.

We have struggled with providing something for our kids on Sunday morning. Attendance in Sunday school is sporadic, with often one child and sometimes none. It's frustrating for the adults who have volunteered to teach. With the beginning of Children's Church, we are going to give our elementary Sunday school a break, at least through the summer. We will revisit and talk about this as fall approaches. However, we want adults to feel free to come to Sunday school and bring their kids. We are exploring activities for the children during the Sunday school hour. If you have ideas, please let me know.

We are not alone in our struggle. I recently read an article by Rev. James Harnish about this very subject. Rev. Harnish is the pastor of a large United Methodist Church in Florida, and his church has the same problem we do. I recommend the article to you. You can find the full article at http://www.umportal.org/article.asp?id=6688.

He points out some of the reasons for our struggles. First is a changing culture: "T[he] traditional vision of Christian education is being challenged by the way in which children’s and youth sports teams have taken ownership of Sunday. If a boy or girl becomes a member of a sports team, the odds are very good that they will be expected to participate in practice or traveling to games on Sundays." We may wish parents would refuse and make sharing worship a higher priority than sports, but we are fighting a losing battle there.

Second, he writes, is the challenge of changing families. Sundays are precious family time, and that family time is holy time. With employers expecting more from employees, including longer hours, Sundays are often the only family time. Families guard that time jealously and are often willing only to share one hour on Sundays.

Third are changing children. What would hold our attention when we were in elementary school isn't adequate for the children of the 21st century. I remember film strips with an accompanying record that had beeps in it to tell the teacher when to advance the film one frame. Can you imagine a generation raised on computer-generated graphics finding that interesting?! The stories of our faith are as relevant today as they were 20 or 50 or 500 or 2000 years ago, but we have to be creative and up-to-date in how we tell it so that our children will hear and take it in. As Harnish says, this doesn't mean throwing the baby out with the bathwater, but in being more creative and interactive in communicating the gospel.

There is a great Facebook page called Kids and Christ. If you are on Facebook, check it out.

I want to thank Joyce for her vision and action in stepping up to this challenge. The most important thing is faith formation in the next generation. It doesn't matter when that happens, on Sunday morning or Wednesday night, just that we are intentional in passing on what we first received. I know that it's working. Listen to the kids during the children's sermon and talk to their parents. They are hearing the word of God!

Backpack Buddies

2010-04-15T15:02:00.004-05:00

Thanks to all who gave during Lent, either food items or offering through our "Count Your Blessings" activities. We collected over $450 and gathered enough food to feed 20 kids. This week we started the project and have 20 bags ready to deliver to the schools and send home with kids on Friday. Check out the pictures of Regena, Imogene and Paula working to pack the bags.

Each bag contains oatmeal, cereal, juice, fruit, milk, cereal bars, snack crackers, and protein/meat. We are going to assemble these bags ourselves for the remainder of the school year. We meet with a representative from the East Texas Food Bank next week to talk about being part of their program next year. Through them we can get the food for a child for a weekend for $4 per week, a real bargain!

Through the rest of the year, though, we are going to need help. We literally used almost everything people donated for this first week! Each bag held 16 items and it takes a lot of resources to provide that. So, we need your help. You can make a real difference in simple ways. Here is what I am going to do. Each week as I grocery shop, I am going to add to my basket enough of one item to supply our backpack buddies for one week. For instance, if I wanted to give the oatmeal, I would buy enough flavored instant oatmeal for 20 bags (that's 2 boxes).

Will you, or your class or small group, do the same? Will you commit to one item for 20 kids for the rest of the school year? That's 8 weeks. If you can, please let Regena Nelson or the church office know what you can supply. If you want to know what we need, give us a call or send me an email and I'll tell you what we can use.

Thank you for your generosity and your commitment. We may never meet any of the children who receive our gift, but I thank you on their behalf.

What's Happening - February 21, 2010

2010-02-21T08:06:00.002-06:00

Today is the first Sunday in Lent. We had a great turnout on Wednesday for our Ash Wednesday service. We introduced some things you'll notice today in the sanctuary and throughout Lent.

First, you're going to see a cross in the sanctuary with a lot of little pieces of black paper on it. On Wednesday, we confessed our sins and wrote them on those squares of paper, then we nailed them on the cross. If you weren't able to be there or if you want to confess another sin, the paper, nails and hammers are there for you to nail your sins to the cross. It will remain up through Lent as a reminder to us of our sin, our need to confess, and the cost to Jesus of being the Messiah.

Second, we are bringing back a discipline from the past. It is a discipline of gratitude. Each day in Lent you have the opportunity to give thanks to God for some blessing in life. The blessings are unexpected in many ways. For example, yesterday said, "Hungry people could be fed on the food we throw away. Give 5 cents for each slice of bread you have today." We have ziploc bags for you to deposit your thanksgiving offerings. At the end of Lent, we will bring those gifts to the front of the church and offer them as seed money for our new ministry, which brings me to the third point.

Third, we know that there are hungry people in Marion County. One of our members feels this deeply, especially the children who go hungry. During the week, schools offer each child two hot meals, but over the weekends there are children in our county who don't have anything to eat. We are working on a backpack buddy project to address this need. Every Friday, each child goes home with a backpack with his or her assignments. Working with the school and the counselors, we will send home a package of food with children who may have none. This program has been done in other areas, including Longview with great success. Our Lent thanksgiving offering will provide seed money for this effort and each Sunday we will bring some food item that can be used for the backpack buddy packs. I know that this Sunday you won't have had time to get anything, so drop something by this week or bring two items next Sunday. Here's the schedule for food offerings:

First Sunday in Lent - Canned meat products - tuna, chicken, vienna sausages
Second Sunday in Lent - Breakfast items - instant oatmeal, individual cereal packages
Third Sunday in Lent - Fruit cups
Fourth Sunday in Lent - Snacks - peanut butter and crackers, goldfish, graham crackers
Fifth Sunday in Lent - Cereal and granola bars
Sixth Sunday in Lent - shelf-stable milk and juice boxes

Please keep this in your prayers!

If you are looking for a Bible study, we have a couple of opportunities for you. First, beginning on Monday night, I'll lead a short-term Disciple study on the gospel of John. This will require daily readings. Classes will be an hour to an hour and a half on Mondays at 6 PM. Second, on Tuesday, come to Glory Dayz at noon for a lunch study. We'll decide this week format and what we want to study. This will be a time when you can come when you are available. I hope you'll join us for one or both.

What's Happening - February 6, 2010

2010-02-06T20:51:00.002-06:00

Well, it's already February! I hope you got your newsletter last week. It's already out of date...Here are some things that we either missed or that have come up since the newsletter was mailed.

Last week we packed 78 health kits to send to UMCOR for their efforts in Haiti. Leah Cooper took them to Daingerfield where Rev. Jeff Stull and others from his church took them to Channelview. There's a team from that church going to work at the UMCOR depot and they'll take the kits with them. Thanks to all who donated items or money to make this possible! And to all who came and helped assemble the kits, especially the kids and youth.

The youth parked cars for Mardi Gras. I heard from another Methodist pastor in the district who parked there and he was thrilled that he could help support our youth. Thanks to everyone who helped park the cars.

The United Methodist Women will be meeting on February 21 at 2:30 PM at the church. The program this month is on the prayer shawl ministry. All women of the church are invited to come and learn more about this ministry.

Be sure that you put February 28 on your calendar. The Lon Morris College Master Singers will be in worship with us. And following worship, the youth are cooking lunch to raise funds for their summer mission trips.

And, speaking of food, the Pancake Supper is Monday night! If you haven't already gotten tickets, just pay at the door. Adults are $6 and children $4. Where else can you get a great meal for a family of four for $20?? If you can help with the cooking and preparation, come to the church any time after lunch and fry some bacon and mix some batter. For some reason, pancake meals at churches seem to be a male-bonding time, so, guys, come up and have some great fellowship with other men in the church!

Hope to see you in church tomorrow for Boy Scout Sunday. Remember that our communion offering is for Haiti earthquake relief. 100% of your donation will go to UMCOR's relief efforts.

Reflections

2010-01-22T09:06:00.002-06:00

Two weeks ago I began a new adventure - the start of a Doctor of Ministry degree in Ministry Development at Virginia Theological Seminary, the largest Episcopal seminary in the US. This is the last day of classes on campus. I return to begin work in the community. You will be part of my classroom in the coming year.

It's been a great two weeks. My brain feels like the stuffing is coming out my ears! I have learned a lot and have much to reflect on. Don't be surprised if I start talking to you about something I bring back. I am processing everything and what it means to us. Because what we talked about is about us. One of the reasons this program attracted me was its emphasis on learning from my ministry setting, in other words us.

These two weeks have raised questions that I want to engage in with you. I think the questions will help us grow in our faith and our witness to the community. There will be lots of opportunities to do just that. And, just as a reminder, our first 2010 Administrative Council meeting is next Tuesday at 7 PM. All meetings are open to anyone interested in attending. I hope you'll come and be part of it. You are welcome.

I'll be glad to be back with you this Sunday. I don't know how much you talked about what has happened in Haiti since the earthquake, but we are responding as a denomination to that disaster and we'll be talking about how we can support those efforts.

Specifically, we are going to be assembling health kits in the next couple of weeks for UMCOR. There will be a list of items in the bulletin on Sunday or you can visit the UMCOR website at http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umcor/getconnected/supplies/health-kit/. We'll be collecting items and assembling kits the next couple of Wednesdays. Bring any items to the church. If you can join us for assembling kits, we want you there.

Thank you for your prayers for me over the last two weeks. And thank you for your generosity for the people of Haiti.

What's Happening - January 2, 2010

2010-01-02T14:15:00.003-06:00

Happy New Year! I hope you all had a great holiday, a merry Christmas and a happy and safe New Year. If part of your new year's resolutions included getting closer to God, I hope you'll join us Sunday in worship. We have a different service planned. In many congregations, the first Sunday of the year is an opportunity to renew our covenant relationship with God. We will be doing that with a service focusing on readings adapted from John Wesley's "The Character of a Methodist." We will also be praying the Covenant Prayer and sharing communion, the covenant meal, together.

I have included a link to the full text of "The Character of a Methodist." It's very interesting and still relevant in our world over 200 years after John Wesley wrote it.

http://www.gbod.org/extendedcabinet/CharacterMeth.pdf

The Eve of Christmas Eve

2009-12-23T09:18:00.002-06:00

I hope that you are not stressing too much about all the things that still need to get done before Christmas. Remember, folks are not coming to see your house or your perfect decorations; they are coming to see YOU! Relax, and enjoy the holidays.

As many of you know, I love baseball. Last year I took up a challenge to field a fantasy baseball team composed of players with names relating to Christmas. Some of these have long since joined the heavenly team, and some are definitely a stretch, but I decided to tell the story of Christmas through the team. I hope you enjoy and maybe even smile!

We begin with the Holy Family. The human head of the family is Joseph, so the manager of our team is JOE Torre. We complete the family with Jesus MARIA Alou in left field and JESUS Sanchez, pitcher. Joseph was a humble man, a carpenter by trade. We remember this with pitcher Chris CARPENTER.

They journeyed to Bethlehem by order of Caesar Augustus, so our team includes CESAR Jimenez, pitcher, and GUS Triandos, who can catch and play first. They went to Bethlehem because they were descendents of David. Our team includes Andre DAVID, outfield, and Ted DAVIDSON, pitcher, who recalls the relationship.

While in Bethlehem, Mary gave birth in a stable because there was no room in the inn. The newborn is represented on our team by BABE Ruth.

In fields nearby there were shepherds feeding their flocks. Our shepherds are Ron SHEPHERD in the outfield and Keith SHEPHERD, pitcher, and the flock is represented by Mike LAMB. Suddenly, there were angels in the sky, announcing the good news of Jesus' birth and telling the shepherds they would find him in a manger. Our angels are ANGEL Berroa at short stop and Norm ANGELINI, pitcher, and the good news is proclaimed by NOEL Abad, outfield. These angels herald the great events of the night, so the team includes HAROLD Baines.

From the east came three kings, following the star to find the newborn king of the Jews. Our team includes Hugh EAST, pticher, Bill STARR, catcher, and three pitchers, Eric KING, Clyde KING, and Ray KING. The kings brought gifts for the baby - gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Our best effort is Purnal GOLDIE, outfield, Jeff FRANCOUER, outfield, and Eddie MURRAY, first base.

Our team has some theological depth as well. Jesus is called "God with us" or Emmanual, so our team includes EMMANUEL Burriss at second. And because Jesus is God incarnate, we finish with Edwin ENCARNACION.

Here is the complete roster:

MANAGER - Joe Torre

OUTFIELD

Jesus Maria Alou, Ron Shepherd, and Jeff Francouer

INFIELD

Bill Starr, catcher

Eddie Murray, 1B

Emmanuel Burriss, 2B

Edwin Encarnacion, 3B

Angel Berroa, SS

PITCHERS

Eric King, Clyde King, Ray King, Keith Shepherd, Babe Ruth, Jesus Sanchez, Chris Carpenter, Hugh East, Norm Angelinin, Cesar Jimenez, Ted Davidson

BENCH

Gus Triandos, Mike Lamb, Noel Abad, Harold Baines, Purnal Goldie, Andre David

2009-12-21T10:13:00.002-06:00

Contrary to common belief, the Christmas song, “The Twelve Days of Christmas” is not actually the 12 days before Christmas. In the Western Church, the 12 days are the days from Christmas until the beginning of Epiphany, the time when the three Wise Magi arrived to present gifts to the young Jesus. It is, in fact, traditional in some cultures to give gifts for each of the 12 days of Christmas (from December 25 to January 6).

The popular song dates back as far as the 16th century, during the period 1558-1829, when Catholics were prohibited from any practice of their faith by law, whether private or public. It was written in England to teach catechism secretly to the young.

God Himself is the “true love.” The “me,” who receives the presents, refers to every baptized person who is a part of the Christian Faith.

Let’s look at the gifts one by one The partridge in a pear tree is Jesus Christ, the Son of God. We recall Christ’s sadness over the fate of Jerusalem: “Jerusalem! Jerusalem! How often would I have sheltered you under my wings, as a hen does her chicks, but you would not have it so . . .” (Luke 13:34).

The two turtle doves represent the Old and New Testaments.

The three French hens are the three theological virtues of faith, hope and love. (1 Corinthians 13:13).

The four calling birds are the four gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

The five gold rings represent the first Five Books of the Old Testament, which gives the history of humanity’s sinful failure and God’s response of grace in the creation of a people to be a light to the world. Some say the five gold rings represent the five wise brides awaiting the bridegroom.

Six geese a-laying symbolizes the six days of creation.

Seven swans a-swimming signify the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: prophecy, ministry, teaching, exhortation, giving, leading and compassion. (Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:8-11).

Eight maids a-milking are the eight Beatitudes.

Nine ladies dancing represent the nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace patience, goodness/kindness, faithulness, gentleness and self-control.

Ten Lords a-leaping symbolize the Ten Commandments.

Eleven pipers piping mean the 11 Apostles, excluding Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus.

And finally, 12 drummers drumming signify the 12 points of doctrine in the Apostle’s Creed.

Have a merry Christmas!

Thoughs for the Fourth Sunday in Advent

2009-12-20T07:45:00.002-06:00

There's an old saying that it never rains but it pours. It's been pouring recently at First UMC! For the longest time, folks have been pretty healthy, managing to stay out of the hospital and be active. And then the last two weeks have caught us up! The good news is that Pat Daniel and Norman Callison are out of the hospital and home recuperating. We hope to see them back soon, maybe even for Christmas. Jerry McLeary was admitted to Christus St. Michael's last week. Please keep him, Iva, and Teresa in your prayers.

And then we suffered a huge loss on Thursday. Myra Albert passed away suddenly. We will celebrate her life today, Sunday, at 3 PM. What are Sundays going to be without Myra anchoring her side of the church? She was so faithful and a true disciple. We are going to miss her so much! I hope you can be with us this afternoon. And please keep her family in your prayers through this week as we celebrate Christ's birth and the coming of the true light into our darkness.

Tonight the Young Adult Supper Club is meeting at the Furlows on FM 729 for a Christmas celebration. Bring an appetizer, dip or finger food to share, and a white elephant gift for a great round of "dirty" Santa. We define young adults pretty broadly around here. If you are under 50, you are welcome. Come to think of it, if you are over 60, you're welcome! Child care is available at the church. Let me know if you need it.

Thursday is Christmas Eve and we will be welcoming the Christ child through worship at 6 PM. It will be our traditional service of carols, candles, and communion. Come and invite a friend!

Thoughs for the Third Sunday in Advent

2009-12-12T23:08:00.002-06:00

Well, Candlelight in Jefferson is over for 2009. Saturday's wet weather put a damper on things. Traffic was light at the church for chicken spaghetti. Overall, it was a quiet weekend for us. Overall, we had a pretty good Candlelight though. Thanks to everyone who made chicken spaghetti, a dessert, or helped cook, serve and clean up. We can't do it without you! And a special thanks to Sue Swanson who came through in a pinch tonight.

On Thursday, I got a preview of the choir's cantata "Rise Up." You are all in for a treat! They will perform it next Sunday, the 20th, at First UMC. Tomorrow they'll be at Smithland UMC. It's great to see the two churches coming together. Thanks, choir, for sharing your gifts and talents with us.

I hope the ladies of the church are planning to come to the parsonage on Monday night for our Ladies' Night Out Christmas celebration. We will have an ornament exchange, so bring a wrapped ornament if you want to participate. Bring a dip, finger food, or other party fare to share. I'll be making seven layer dip. There'll be soda, coffee, tea and wassail too. See you at 6 PM at the parsonage!

Thursday night Super Seniors will meet for their Christmas celebration at the church. RSVP to Nancy Williams by Monday if you want to come. Meat will be provided. Bring a side dish or dessert to share.

As we get closer to Christmas Day, I'd like to share something someone sent me. I hope that you have a great week!

THE BELL

I KNOW WHO I AM

I am God's child (John 1:12)

I am Christ's friend (John 15:15)

I am united with the Lord (1 Cor. 6:17)

I am bought with a price (1 Cor 6:19-20)

I am a saint (set apart for God). (Eph. 1:1)

I am a personal witness of Christ. (Acts 1:8)

I am the salt & light of the earth (Matt 5:13-14)

I am a member of the body of Christ (1 Cor 12:27)

I am free forever from condemnation ( Rom. 8:1-2)

I am a citizen of Heaven. I am significant (Phil 3:20)

I am free from any charge against me (Rom. 8:31-34)

I am a minister of reconciliation for God (2 Cor 5:17-21)

I have access to God through the Holy Spirit (Eph. 2:18)

I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realms (Eph. 2:6)

I cannot be separated from the love of God (Rom 8:35-39)

I am established, anointed, sealed by God (2 Cor 1:21-22)

I am assured all things work together for good (Rom. 8:28)

I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit ( John 15:16)

I may approach God with freedom and confidence (Eph. 3:12)

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil. 4:13)

I am the branch of the true vine, a channel of His life (John 15: 1-5)

I am God's temple (1 Cor. 3: 16). I am complete in Christ (Col. 2: 10)

I am hidden with Christ in God (Col. 3:3).. I have been justified (Romans 5:1)

I am God's co-worker (1 Cor. 3:9; 2 Cor 6:1 ). I am God's workmanship (Eph. 2:10)

I am confident that the good works God has begun in me will be perfected. (Phil. 1: 5)

I have been redeemed and forgiven ( Col 1:14). I have been adopted as God's child (Eph 1:5)

I belong to God

Do you know

Who you are?

2009-10-17T20:09:00.002-05:00

It has been a wet week! What a blessing to see the sun on Friday!!

We had a great day today with our Family Fun Day. Most of the kids were "ours" - kids who come on Wednesday night or grandchildren of the congregation. However, there were some new faces and it was great to see them. Thanks to Skip and Milton who went and got the bounce house in Marshall, to Paula for overseeing the food, to Imogene for the cake walk, and to Kathy, Angi and all the youth who coordinated the games. The kids had a great time.

Pumpkin business was slow all week because of the weather. However, the last two days have seen a lot of people come to get their pumpkins. We laid all the pumpkins on pallets this year, and we have probably emptied a dozen in the last two days. Thanks so much to all who have given their time to man the patch. We have two more weeks to go. If you haven't been able to get there yet, there are still openings...

Looking ahead:

October 21 begins our look at being a United Methodist. Join me at 6:30!
October 22 sees the return of Super Seniors.
October 24 is the United Methodist Women's annual district meeting and fall festival in New London from 9:30 AM to noon. Lunch will be served for $5. If you are interested in going, please talk to Leah Cooper.
October 25 continues our after-church Bible study at Don Juan's.
October 31 is the Halloween carnival sponsored by the Jefferson Ministerial Alliance. We will have more games and inflatables and Trunk-or-Treating. If you would like to be a part of Trunk-or-Treating, please let me know by Wednesday, October 28. Because so many churches are invited, we are asking pastors to let us know who will be participating.
November 1 is our Charge Conference followed by a District Conference. It will be at our church and all are welcome to attend.

What's Happening - September 26, 2009

2009-09-26T19:36:00.005-05:00

Today Amy Phillips and I went to Shepherd's Pasture to help with Angel Food Ministries distribution. Angel Food is a lot like Habitat for Humanities. It's about a hand up, not a hand-out. It also began in Georgia. It started with a pastor who wanted to address hunger in his community. It's grown into a nationwide food distribution ministry. For $30, a family or individual can order food that is enough to feed a family of four for a week. Every month the menu changes. This month, there was chicken, rib eye steaks, pork chops, ground beef and turkey burger included. There were also potatoes, frozen green beans, shelf-stable milk, fresh eggs, and a lemon cake. You can also order special boxes of fresh vegetables, meats, and individual prepared meals. The value of the basic box is approximately $75 and food stamps are accepted.

The food is delivered to Longview and a volunteer drives there Saturday morning and brings the food loaded on a trailer to Shepherd's Pasture. People come there to pick up their orders. Amy and I were there when the trailer arrived. The client's order is confirmed and then Amy and I went into action, putting one of each item in a box and then bringing it to the client. People from all over the area order and come to pick up their food.

Are you interested in Angel Food? To learn more about the ministry, visit their website www.angelfoodministries.com. You can also order online, if you'd like to try it out. Angel Food is open to anyone. We have people in our congregation who have tried it out. The menu for October features fajitas, chicken tenders, and pasta. If you'd like to help out, let me know and next time, you can be part of the crew. If you have a truck, can pull a trailer, and can drive to Longview to pick up the food, let me know. Romey Kilgore, from Shepherd's Pasture, needs help there too.

What's Happening - September 12, 2009

2009-09-12T22:55:00.002-05:00

It's so good to listen to the rain! We need it and it is such a sweet sound. I hope that the wet weather hasn't put too much of a damper on your weekend.

Well, the calendar may say that Fall doesn't begin until later this month, but it has arrived in terms of activities around the church! Take a look at what's going on next week:

On Monday, we are planning the Pumpkin Patch for October. It was such a hit last year and we are looking forward to it growing this year. We will have pumpkins all month. If you can help us plan, come to the church Monday at 6:30 PM.
Tuesday is Care & Share. The folks who have been leading this for the last few years need some help. Can you make a dish or come up and help serve and clean up? Let me know.
Wednesday King's Kids and youth meet. We had a great turnout last week! Some of the youth brought friends. Friends are always welcome! Youth will be starting at 6:30 to allow the kids to arrive from their after-school activities. There will be free time from 6:00 to 6:30.
Thursday is Ladies Night Out. The Torrans' Glory Dayz is ready for business, so we are meeting there at 6:30. Come join us!

What's Happening - August 30, 2009

2009-08-30T07:49:00.004-05:00

This week's blog features some links I think you'll find interesting.

First, there is a new movie about John Wesley coming this fall. Check it out at http://founderypictures.com/pages/pages/the-movie.php.

Next, I've seen this clip before, and you may have too, but it's worth a second and third viewing: http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=641583150436&ref=nf

Finally, check out this song. I have a book called "Dogspell" that poses the question What if you believe that God loves you as much as your dog?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H17edn_RZoY

King's Kids begins Wednesday, September 9. Next week we have a Nominating Committee meeting on Tuesday and a Youth Council meeting on Thursday.

Check out your newsletter for some great opportunities to reach out and make a difference in lives in Jefferson.

What's Happening - August 23, 2009

2009-08-23T07:45:00.005-05:00

News from our church family. On Friday, August 21, we welcomed Julie Woods into the world. She is the daughter of Mike and Danielle Woods and the little sister of big brother Lane. Congratulations to all of them! Julie was born on Mike's birthday. Happy birthday to both of you.

On a sadder note, Eloise Gamble passed away on Saturday, August 22. Her daughter and son will be here today to finalize arrangements. As we understand them now, visitation will be on Friday from 6 to 8 PM and the services for her will be on Saturday at 1 PM at the church. Eloise injured herself last Sunday when she fell as she was getting in the car to come to Sunday school. By her own estimation, she was our oldest member, in years and length of membership, who was still active in the church. She will be missed. Please keep the family in your prayers.

This week is a busy one! School begins on Monday, and we have several who will be going to school for the first time. Caden begins kindergarten and Lane begins preschool. Keep those boys, their teachers and their parents in your prayers. Mike Woods tells me that Lane will have the same teacher he had in kindergarten!

On Tuesday, there is an Administrative Council meeting. All are invited to attend and here about what is going on at First UMC.

The Finance Committee went on the road last week. We attended a meeting at St. Luke's UMC in Kilgore. They have been doing a pumpkin patch for over a decade and we went to learn more about how to make our successful. We got lots of ideas! Our patch will run the entire month of October this year and we want to have something every weekend. I hope that you will get involved in some way. We'll be talking more about this soon.

Ideas and thoughts

2009-08-03T10:49:00.002-05:00

Every other month, the United Methodst church publishes a magazine called "Interpreter." I like reading through this publication to see what other churches are doing. I get to celebrate how God is acting, and I get ideas for ministries that might fit us.

This month I was struck by a story about a church in Greensboro, N.C. A member and his wife had looked around their community and realized how many people were hurting. It gave them an idea. They started a Saturday morning pancake breakfast for folks. The meal is free, though I imagine people can leave donations if they want. Every Saturday they feed 200-300 people! And they spend about $75 doing it. Church members contribute some of that but others give too; it's always been a love offering. Other churches have noticed the great work they are doing and they have begun to bring groups like their youth there on Saturdays to help and get hands-on ministry experience. In May they started their fifth year of Saturday morning breakfasts...

And this church is smaller than us! Their average worship attendance is 78.

Sometimes the needs that confront us are so big that we feel overwhelmed. But Jesus changed the world one person at a time, and never traveled much more than a hundred miles from where he was born. We may not be able to solve all the problems around us, but we do make a difference.

Coming soon we will be celebrating our ministries through a mission and ministry fair. Look for more information about that here, on our website, Facebook page, and newsletter. Come and take a look at how we touch lives and make a difference.

And if you want to look through "Interpreter" and celebrate what God is doing, and maybe get inspired, I've got a copy in my office.

What's Happening - July 29, 2009

2009-07-30T09:49:00.002-05:00

My apologies for missing last week! It just got away from me...

Vacation Bible School finished last night. We had about 30 kids and at least that many adults and youth helping out. Thanks so much to everyone who volunteered! And especially to Diana Furlow who directed and organized us. There are pictures on our Facebook page and in the August newsletter, which is going out this week. And the kids are singing in church on Sunday. They'll do three songs. Don't worry - I don't plan to teach a very long sermon!!

Summer is winding down. I can tell because activities are picking up. Our August calendar is quickly filling up. Here are some of the activities we'll be doing next month:

On Sunday, Jill Krone is here from 2 to 5 PM to train Disciple Bible Study leaders. We have a couple of people interested from our church and there are others coming from around the district.
Next Saturday, we host a Good Sense financial seminar. This is a six-hour, biblically based course led by Ed Engleking from the Texas Methodist Foundation in Austin. At the end of the course, you will have a personal spending plan, the knowledge to implement it and the heart to commit to it. We are really encouraging our youth and young adults to attend and start life out on sound financial footing. However, this course is for anyone at any stage of life. Come and grow in your stewardship of the blessings God has given you. Cost is minimal and covers materials and lunch: $10 for a single person and $15 for couples.
Next Sunday we continue our after-church studies at Don Juan's. We're getting a good core of regulars, but there's always room at the table.
Also next Sunday, August 9, the Young Adult Supper Club meets at the parsonage. All the family is invited to this event, so bring the kids. Weather permitting, we'll play lawn games, so if you have something (horseshoes, badminton, croquet, etc.) that you really love to play, bring it along.
Sunday, August 16, is the blessing of the backpacks. Bring your backpacks, laptop cases, diaper bags, briefcases, satchels, or whatever you carry things in and receive a blessing for the coming year.
Friday, August 28, is the first home game for the Bulldogs, and we continue our hospitality ministry to the team by feeding the players and coaches in the Fellowship Hall.
Saturday, August 29, join us as we go to Shepherd's Pasture to help distribute food in the Angel Food Ministry.

That's just a sampling of what's going on. Watch for more activities and opportunities to serve God!

What's Happening - July 16, 2009

2009-07-16T12:05:00.003-05:00

Greetings! It's good to be back home in Jefferson, Texas! I've been on vacation the last two weeks, spending one week in California and time with family in Katy, celebrating my oldest niece's nuptials.

Things have been happening here while I was gone. First, thanks to the Revs. Knight and Hall for filling in for me in the pulpit while I was gone. And thanks to you for making them welcome. I have received lots of good words about them.

The Trustees met the Sunday I left and have started making plans for finishing the interior of the youth building. Look for them to share ideas with the congregation soon. We'll be looking for you input, so I invite you share your thoughts with them. We are also actively seeking bids to paint the exterior of the sanctuary. It's remarkable how quickly the paint has started to deteriorate. If we wait much longer, we're going to have bigger problems than just painting. Please be in prayer for this endeavor.

The kitchen renovation continues. Be sure to come by and check out the latest. New cabinets and pantries are being built and installed. Next week the new countertops arrive and are installed. I've included a picture of the new pantry and microwave nook that's in place right by the refrigerator.

Vacation Bible School is scheduled for Monday, July 27, through Wednesday, July 29, from 5 PM to 8:30 PM. We have been meeting to plan and prepare. We still need volunteers to help those days, so if you can, please let me or Diana Furlow know. The theme this year is Camp E.D.G.E. and we will be talking about three Bible stories - the Israelites' crossing of the Jordan River into the Promised Land, the Wise Men following the star to Bethlehem, and the Last Supper in the Upper Room. Invite your friends and relatives to be part of the fun!

What's Happening - June 27, 2009

2009-06-27T17:39:00.004-05:00

Sorry for the late post this week. I wanted to get the pictures from Thursday's Ladies' Night Out first. We had a great time at the Austin Street Bistro. Man, she makes great bread! Karen Jones has the right idea by asking for extra bread with her salad. That oatmeal molasses with butter and honey, maybe, is to die for! And I love the crostini. Her focaccio is molto belli, as Mario Batali would say. We had 13 ladies join us.

Work started this week on the kitchen renovation. Actually, it began last week with changes to the kitchen closet in the Fellowship Hall. New built-in shelves were added to increase storage. Already we've been able to move almost all the cookers in there. Work in the kitchen itself began this week. They are adding more outlets right now, and we'll all be glad to have a light switch for the kitchen by the door into the parking lot! New countertops have been ordered and there will be ceramic tile on the floor. Can't wait to see the finished product! Thanks to the kitchen committee and the trustees for their hard work.

I got a call today from the Episcopal Church. Someone was calling looking for food. It seemed to be a pretty desperate situation. I was out at the time and called back as soon as I got the message. When I talked to the contact there, she was quite upset. She had followed up and found some help for the family after she left me the message. In talking to the family again, she became convinced that there was more to the story than it first appeared, that there were drugs or other substance involved. Unfortunately, in these hard times, that is too often true. People addicted to drugs will use everything and anything to feed that addiction, even the money they need to eat or the food itself. It's hard not to be judgmental in these situations. We can only err on the side of grace. God will never condemn anyone for showing too much mercy, but he did call people to account who ignored the needs of others. We will always try to be good stewards of what God gives us, and sometimes that means saying no. However, we will not abandon anyone, and if there are children involved, we will always work to protect and provide for them. Please keep all the churches and pastors in your prayers through this summer as we strive to serve God in all we do.

I will be on vacation for the next two weeks. I leave Sunday after church for a week in California. I will be back in Jefferson for a few days the first week of July and then head to Katy for my oldest step-niece's wedding on July 11th. If you need pastoral assistance, call the office and Paula will contact another area pastor. Rev. McClanahan in Linden is available.

Have a good 4th of July!

What's Happening - June 17, 2009

2009-06-17T10:17:00.002-05:00

Summer arrives on Sunday! Well, it arrived in East Texas a while ago. The days are blazing hot, the humidity is so high that all you have to do is open the door to break a sweat! You know it's summer in Texas. And I love it!

Summer activities have begun all around us. Jennifer Smith is giving swimming lessons at her pool, the Miss Jefferson contest was held last week (and congratulations to all the young ladies and girls!), and our youth went to UM ARMY in Center. For those who don't know, UM ARMY stands for United Methodist Action Reach-out Mission by Youth. It began in our conference and is spreading throughout the country. Youth gather in a town for a week and work to make life a little better for some of its citizens. Some are disabled, others are elderly, others are poor, and some are all of the above. I've never met a youth who went to UM ARMY and didn't come back transformed. We sent four youth this year and Angi Underwood as a leader. Madeleine Patrick and James Underwood went for the first time. I hope that you will ask them about their week. I know it was an amazing time for them. Look for pictures soon and definitely in the newsletter for July.

The community garden continues to produce vegetables. Thanks to the Phys who went and did some mowing last week. I can tell that the deer are snacking on some of the plants. They particularly like the beans and the okra. That hasn't stopped us from harvesting beans though. The okra is still too small to be producing. The tomatoes are green but growing as are the peppers. We did collect some jalapenos this week. There is some work that needs to be done there - the peppers need weeding. If you can spare a minute and go work in the garden a little we would appreciate it!

The dates for VBS have been set. We'll be at Camp E.D.G.E Monday, July 27, through Wednesday, July 29. We know that the kids will have lots of fun (they always do) and so will the adults who are helping. If you can help, please let either Allison or Diana Furlow know. They are co-directing this year. We need helpers for lots of things, including decorating, cooking, helping with activities, shepherding the children, and cleaning up. Even if you can't be there those three days, there are ways you can help. Please begin by praying for the event, the leaders, the workers, and the children who will be coming.

Ladies' Night Out is next Thursday night at 6:30 PM at Austin Street Bistro. We are expected and I know that we will have a great night of fellowship. Some of our recent guests in worship have been invited and hope to attend. It will be a great time to get to know them.

And don't forget about the Father's Day brunch at 9:30 AM on Sunday in the Fellowship Hall. The United Methodist Women are planning a special day for the men in our congregation!

2009-06-08T16:07:00.004-05:00

Matt and Joyce Rutz welcomed Emma Rose into the family on Thursday, June 4, 2009. She weighed in at 10 pounds 2 ounces and mother and daughter are doing great. Dad Matt was there for the birth and got to cut the cord. He did have to miss the state track meet, but he has a great excuse. Big brother Caden was eager for everyone to be at home together. Joyce and Emma went home on Friday. We are so excited to meet Emma and look forward to getting to know her!

What's Happening - June 3, 2009

2009-06-03T14:18:00.003-05:00

It's been a couple of weeks since my last blog. I've been out of town at conferences. First, I was in Atlanta at the Festival of Homiletics, where I got to hear some of the best preachers alive preach. I have just received the sessions on CD and I'll be happy to lend them to you so that you can hear some great preaching too! Then, last week, I was in The Woodlands attending Annual Conference. We had some great worship there too, some of the best since I've been attending Conference. And this was the 10th year I've been there as a pastor. I have been under appointment 10 years now, and it is 5 years since I was ordained an elder in full connection. That service is always a highlight of Conference.

It is good to be home and back in the saddle of ministry here. Next week we send our youth out as missionaries from this congregation. They will be part of a UM ARMY team working in Center, Texas. This is the same town they worked in last year and they were eager to return and continue their ministry there. They will be working with clients doing home repairs, building wheel chair ramps, and growing relationships with new friends, both other youth and their clients. Those interactions are often the most important things the youth take away from UM ARMY. We will commission them on Sunday and I invite you to be in prayer for them throughout next week.

Speaking of mission, I hope that you have checked out the community garden recently. I stopped by today to harvest whatever was ripe. I took squash and green peppers to Juanita Dean, a member of Mims Chapel UMC. They have a food pantry at Mims Chapel that is open the first Thursday of every month. This month, some folks will receive fresh vegetables from the garden. It's all about feeding hungry people!

Last Sunday we were so blessed to welcome Don and Ann Clampitt into membership at First UMC. They own Der Baskit Kase here in Jefferson. Stop by and say hello and welcome them. Also, Amy Phillips, who joined in May, has moved into the house across the street from the church and next to Frances Montgomery. We are so glad that she is our neighbor and part of the family! She will be teaching at Jefferson Junior High in the fall.

I will have an extra blog entry this week as we anticipate a very exciting event in the life of our church - Joyce Rutz is going in the hospital tomorrow to deliver Emma Rose! You know as well as I that babies take their own time being born, but we expect to have a new little one to spoil sometime tomorrow. I'll visit and get a picture and share it with you. Keep Joyce, Matt, big brother Caden, and Emma in your prayers.

What's Happening - May 14, 2009

2009-05-14T11:48:00.004-05:00

We have fruit (okay, vegetables) in the garden! WOO HOO! We've harvested yellow squash and green beans. We gave squash to Robbie Gray to take to Compassion of Jefferson, which is our town's food pantry. They are open on Mondays and Fridays. There isn't enough yet to host a farmer's market at the church. There are also green beans, but not enough to take to Compassion yet. The harvest will be just a handful. We need to pick them though so that the plans will continue to put out blossoms and beans. So, if you are in the neighborhood, stop and pick some beans! Leah planted okra seeds this week and we'll watch for them. So far the deer have found other things to eat. We are going to need some help with mowing as the summer progresses. Let me know if you can help.

We had a great churchwide dinner last night, followed by the Admin Council meeting. There's a lot going on in this church! We may be small, but that doesn't stop us! Summer is upon us and we'll be getting ready for Vacation Bible School. The Nurturing Ministries Team is looking for help with this. Talk to Diana Furlow about what is needed and how you can help.

The youth building roof is finished. Praise God! It looks great too, changing the whole look of the building. Skip Torrans says there are a few materials left over. Talk to him about what is available and see if you have a need. We'll be planning for Phase 2 - the interior - soon. Watch for more information on it.

This Sunday is UMW Sunday. Dr. Ross, Jefferson ISD Superintendent, will be our speaker. I invite you to join us.

I'll be in Atlanta, GA, next week, attending the Festival of Homiletics, a preaching conference. I hope to be able to post a blog about what is happening there. I am excited to hear folks like Archbishop Desmond Tutu talk. While I am away, Rev. Mark McLanahan in Linden will be available. Call the church office to contact him.

What's Happening - May 6, 2009

2009-05-07T07:45:00.002-05:00

Wednesday night was the last regular King's Kids and youth for this school year. The time has flown! Next week we'll have an all-church dinner followed by an Administrative Council meeting. The Ministry Leadership Team wanted to schedule a meeting that allowed as many as possible and interested to attend.

Back to King's Kids. It's hard to tell you how much the kids look forward to coming. And not all of the children are from our congregation. We couldn't do this without the help of dedicated volunteers. Leah Cooper works with the pre-school and younger elementary, almost all of them boys right now. Joyce Rutz shepherded the older elementary group until right after Easter when the impending birth of little Emma Rose curtailed her activities. Thanks to all those who have filled in for her until last night: Diana Furlow, Danielle Woods, and Paula Phy. This spring Angi Underwood and Kathy Patrick began working with our youth. Angi spends her time with the mid-high youth - sixth grade through eighth - and Kathy with the senior high youth. Then there's Paula and Danielle who help get supper together and then clean up after. Others have come through the spring to help - Shirley Partridge, Genny Alfia, other members of the Seekers Sunday school class, Tracey Powell. If I forgot someone, let me say how much you are appreciated, even if I have had a senior moment!

Even though the regular activities have ceased until the fall, there are plans for the summer for the youth in particular. UM ARMY, Big House, and camp are regular activities. We also are planning a fun trip to San Antonio and New Braunfels, swim parties, movie trips, and other activities. And for the younger kids, there'll be Vacation Bible School.

And King's Kids and youth will return for regular Wednesday nights in the fall. If you want to be part of the this essential ministry or support it in some way, talk to me or Diana Furlow.

Some news about our church family. We welcomed a new member on Sunday. Her name is Amy Phillips and she transferred from another Methodist church in Texarkana. She is planning to move to Jefferson and is buying a house and has a job offer already. We are so happy to have her!

Our sympathy is extended to the McNeely family on the passing of Larry McNeely. Please keep Betty, Matthew, Tina, Trevor, and Mason in your prayers.

Charlotte Teske had emergency surgery on Monday. She is recovering in Good Shepherd in Longview. She's discovered an allergy to flowers while there, so please don't bring flowers if you visit. A card and your prayers are much appreciated! Please keep her and Bruce in your prayers.

What's Happening - April 29, 2009

2009-04-30T07:58:00.006-05:00

The end of April is already here! It's hard to believe, isn't it? I'm sure for kids in school, the days seem so long to the end of school, and for the parents it's rushing at them so fast.

Monday night Finance met before the stewardship seminar. You continue to be generous and giving. Even in this recession, we are current on our obligations and able to do ministry. Thank you. Copies of the complete financial report are available in the church office for anyone who wants one. And in the newsletter you'll be receiving a copy of our 2009 ministries booklet, celebrating the ministries at First UMC and reviewing the resources it takes to do them. Please keep all these ministries in your prayers. God is at work in and through us.

Ed Engleking led a small group in a lively discussion of stewardship as a spiritual exercise. We learned that our congregation looks like a lot other United Methodist congregations. About 70% of our ministries are funded by the people in our congregation who are 55 or older. We could not be the church we are without their faithfulness and generosity. Thank you for your support. Ed will be back to lead the next session of the seminar on March 11th at 6 PM. You are invited to come, even if you did not attend the first session. A light supper will be served.

On Sunday, four of us met at Don Juan's for study and fellowship. We talked about the parable of the vineyard workers and what is "fair." We won't meet on Sunday, May 10th, because it's Mother's Day. I hope you will join us on Sunday, May 24th, after church.

Sunday afternoon our Ladies Afternoon Out met at Carol Harrell's for a tea party. It was great fun with a variety of teas for all tastes, scones and cream, and cucumber sandwiches. I have included the recipe for the cucumber sandwiches, which were a great hit. Also some pictures from the day. Our next Ladies Night Out returns to its regular day and time - the third Thursday of the month in the evening. Deborah Evangelista will host "DVDs and Dessert" at her house. Look for more information closer to the time of the event.

Cucumber Sandwiches

1 large cucumber, peeled and sliced very thinly

Salt

3/4 cup soft butter

2 teaspoons minced fresh garlic

20 slices bread

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon olive oil

Pepper to taste

Lightly salt the cucumber slices and place them in a colander to drain for 1 to 2 hours. Then combine the butter and garlic and apply to 1 side of each slice of bread. In a small bowl, stir together the lemon juice, olive oil, and pepper. Add the cucumber slices, coating them well. Arrange the cucumber on 10 of the bread slices, top with the other 10 slices, remove the crusts, and quarter. Serve immediately. Makes 40 tea sandwiches.

What's Happening - April 22, 2009

2009-04-22T21:31:00.005-05:00

Happy Earth Day! The youth celebrated by going to the community garden and doing some planting and other work. Take a look at the pictures and see how well it's going. There are blooms on bean plants and blooms ready to open on squash and tomato plants. We need to get some okra...

Super Seniors meet tomorrow night. Check our Facebook page for pictures from that event. Great food from Don Juan's and better company!

Sunday, after worship, meet at Don Juan's for lunch and our third after-church-Sunday-school class. We are trying something different this time. Bring your Bible and your appetite! We'll be there about 12:15 or so. Order me a glass of unsweet tea.

Then on Sunday afternoon, ladies are invited to the Haywood House, home of Carol Harrell, for afternoon tea. Wear your best hat (or your most outlandish hat!) and join us for scones, cucumber sandwiches, and tea, of course! I'm bringing some of my teapot collection and lots of great teas for any taste - black tea, green tea, herbal tea. We will have a prize for the best hat. We gather at 4 PM. Bring a friend!

Next week, Ed Engleking, consultant with the United Methodist Foundation, will be in Jefferson to begin a stewardship seminar. All who are interested are welcome to attend. We begin with a light supper at 6 PM. If you are interested, let me know. I've participated in this seminar before and I know that it will be very valuable.

The newsletter comes out next week. If you haven't returned your survey about how you like to receive it, please let us know. You can email us.