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CELEBRATION OF MINISTRY! October is the time to express appreciation for ministry in the 'called out' community of faith. We recognize that the variety of abilities, talents, services and works in the church are generated and inspired by the same Lord. 1 Corinthians 12:4-5
SPIRITUAL GIFTS, abilities given by the Holy Spirit, are listed in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10, Ephesians 4:11-12, 1 Peter 4:7-11, and Romans 12:4-8. Some spiritual gifts are wisdom, understanding, knowledge, faith, prayer of healing, miracles, preaching, discernment of spirits, tongues (languages & interpretations), mission work, speaking truth to power, evangelism, pastor-teacher (pastoral care), hospitality, administration, encouragement, helping others, generosity, leadership, acts of mercy...
What is your spiritual gift? How has the Holy Spirit empowered you for ministry? The church exists when the Holy Spirit is active in a congregation, where both the fruit of the Spirit controls our attitudes and the gifts of the Spirit empower our work. Your contribution to our spiritual life in the church is appreciated. Thank you for being you.
Reflecting on the Scriptures
On the Edge of Death: longing for the Lord
2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18. The author of these words sits alone, abandoned, imprisoned, facing imminent death, but speaks with confidence of what awaits him. He assues his reader that the reward is not for him alone but for all who long for the Lord's appearing.
Joel 2:23-32. Joy, abundance, promises of restoration from the Lord lead to exuberant praise and worship. Then, more promises are made to God's people! "...I will pour out my spirit on all flesh..." and those longing for the Lord will call on God's name. Those who fall through the cracks--God calls!
Psalm 65. Praise God for forgiveness! Blessed are those who draw near to God, who long for the Lord. God's response--deliverance! With longing, acknowledge the creative power of God and be awed by God's bounty!
Luke 18:9-14. The opposite of 'longing for the Lord' would be those who trust in themselves, think themselves righteous an look down on others with contempt! If you are in that group, this parable is told especially for you!
Monday, October 25, 2010
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Longing for the Lord
Reflections on Psalm 42
There are times in our lives when we long for the Lord—like a thirsty deer longs for water. Often during those times tears flow; our heart aches. We recall happier times; we wish for them. We miss friends and family that are far away from us—we know it is impossible to bring back times past, so we long for the Lord. We yearn for that which is permanent. We think of our loved ones who have died—and we long for that which is eternal. We long for the Lord.
We’re coming up on that time of year when we are most vulnerable to these longings. The holidays bring out those memories of Thanksgiving gatherings and Christmases past. We tap into these feelings of grief and sometimes we even spiral down into depression; and for some reason, depression often leads to guilt. I am amazed that in the last two weeks just how many of my facebook friends post that they are ‘weepy’ or ‘down.’ One mentioned the radical treatment she is undergoing for her most recent bout of severe chronic depression. One of our friends in TN calls his on-going depression the Black Dog. He has been very open about his depression through the years. So his fb entry is a request for prayers because the Black Dog is back.
In the middle-ages some Christian mystics called this phase of life the ‘dark night of the soul.’ Longing for the Lord doesn’t necessarily mean depression, but longing for the Lord is an element in our spiritual make up that we often don’t understand. Too many times our legitimate spiritual longing morphs into grief and grief slides into depression and depression catapults us into guilt—unfounded guilt, but feelings of guilt, none-the-less. I sincerely believe that Psalm 42 and 43 were written when the psalmist was depressed! Because the psalmist speaks of these spiritual longings—doubts—he takes inventory of his life. This happens when we find our self in a hopeless situation. That would describe the psalmist’s situation—and it could easily describe the situation that many find themselves in today.
In our feelings of hopelessness we reflect on the years past (like the psalmist did)and try to find meaning in all that has happened. In this process of remembering the psalmist stops and asks himself:
You see the determination of the author of these words. The psalmist exercises what the 21st century psychologist calls self-talk—speaking truth to himself regardless of his feelings! That’s not denying the feelings—but this self-talk goes beyond the feelings and the emotions. It speaks truth to the depths of our being, to our core. And speaking truth to our self doesn’t make depression magically go away because today we know that depression can be the result of an imbalance of chemicals in the brain [It is a physical problem!] so proper medication is very important.
Depression becomes a physical problem to be addressed and our yearning that this broken world and our broken body be restored is a legitimate spiritual longing then any feeling of guilt related to our depression is unfounded guilt. Self-talk is important to our spiritual well-being. So what message are you telling yourself?
Borrow the words of the psalmist. Why are you downcast, O my soul?
First century Christians seemed to know that worship also encourages us, worshipping with the rest of the church encourages us, lifts our spirits, and strengthens our faith. Scripture says,
There are times in our lives when we long for the Lord—like a thirsty deer longs for water. Often during those times tears flow; our heart aches. We recall happier times; we wish for them. We miss friends and family that are far away from us—we know it is impossible to bring back times past, so we long for the Lord. We yearn for that which is permanent. We think of our loved ones who have died—and we long for that which is eternal. We long for the Lord. We’re coming up on that time of year when we are most vulnerable to these longings. The holidays bring out those memories of Thanksgiving gatherings and Christmases past. We tap into these feelings of grief and sometimes we even spiral down into depression; and for some reason, depression often leads to guilt. I am amazed that in the last two weeks just how many of my facebook friends post that they are ‘weepy’ or ‘down.’ One mentioned the radical treatment she is undergoing for her most recent bout of severe chronic depression. One of our friends in TN calls his on-going depression the Black Dog. He has been very open about his depression through the years. So his fb entry is a request for prayers because the Black Dog is back.
In the middle-ages some Christian mystics called this phase of life the ‘dark night of the soul.’ Longing for the Lord doesn’t necessarily mean depression, but longing for the Lord is an element in our spiritual make up that we often don’t understand. Too many times our legitimate spiritual longing morphs into grief and grief slides into depression and depression catapults us into guilt—unfounded guilt, but feelings of guilt, none-the-less. I sincerely believe that Psalm 42 and 43 were written when the psalmist was depressed! Because the psalmist speaks of these spiritual longings—doubts—he takes inventory of his life. This happens when we find our self in a hopeless situation. That would describe the psalmist’s situation—and it could easily describe the situation that many find themselves in today.
In our feelings of hopelessness we reflect on the years past (like the psalmist did)and try to find meaning in all that has happened. In this process of remembering the psalmist stops and asks himself:
Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. Ps 42:5-6
You see the determination of the author of these words. The psalmist exercises what the 21st century psychologist calls self-talk—speaking truth to himself regardless of his feelings! That’s not denying the feelings—but this self-talk goes beyond the feelings and the emotions. It speaks truth to the depths of our being, to our core. And speaking truth to our self doesn’t make depression magically go away because today we know that depression can be the result of an imbalance of chemicals in the brain [It is a physical problem!] so proper medication is very important.
Depression becomes a physical problem to be addressed and our yearning that this broken world and our broken body be restored is a legitimate spiritual longing then any feeling of guilt related to our depression is unfounded guilt. Self-talk is important to our spiritual well-being. So what message are you telling yourself?
Borrow the words of the psalmist. Why are you downcast, O my soul?
First century Christians seemed to know that worship also encourages us, worshipping with the rest of the church encourages us, lifts our spirits, and strengthens our faith. Scripture says,
Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Eph 5:19-20
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Pastor's Notes for October 17, 2010
YOUTH SUNDAY, October 31, falls on Halloween this year! We invite you to come to worship on that day dressed like one of your favorite Bible persons. Or you may come as an object, like a burning bush; or as an animal, like Balaam’s donkey! Just let me know so we can work it into our sermon/service.
IF WE WERE ALL HERE for worship on the first Sunday of each month, can you imagine how encouraging that would be! I am convinced from analysis of our role that we would be at least 75 instead of 55 to 60 worshippers.
On First Sunday we could get our new newsletter, bring our tithes, and receive communion. Worship restores our spirit and strengthens our faith. We all need the encouragement. Before the first Sunday of November, please don't forget we will have Fourth Sunday on the 24th and Fifth Sunday on the 31st.
And, as is tradition, Fifth Sunday = Youth Sunday. That will be a very special service. Plan now to be there.
Reflecting on the Scriptures
In the Face of Injustice: God persists!
Jeremiah 31:27-34. In spite of the circumstances, trust that God is a God of justice—one who holds us accountable, but also one who renews and restores, empowers and inspires, forgives and forgets!
Psalm119:97-104. Meditate on what God desires of us—wisdom, knowledge, understanding, our avoidance of evil… May we come to savor and enjoy God’s words that teach us and lead us in paths of righteousness.
2 Timothy 3:14—4:5. God’s self-revelation comes to us in the “sacred writings,” scripture inspired by God, useful for teaching and correction, training us in righteousness, equipping us for every good work! Timothy knew these words meant the Hebrew texts that we now call the Old Testament. Christian writings had not yet been put together.
Luke 18:1-8. God’s self-revelation in biblical history calls for justice, mercy, and faithfulness. Can we, in spite of the circumstances, trust that God is a God of justice? Can we see God in the cries of those seeking justice? Or are we like the unjust judge who ignores those cries? People of faith will hear the cries that break God’s heart and persist in their efforts for justice. Will Jesus find faith when he returns?
IF WE WERE ALL HERE for worship on the first Sunday of each month, can you imagine how encouraging that would be! I am convinced from analysis of our role that we would be at least 75 instead of 55 to 60 worshippers.
On First Sunday we could get our new newsletter, bring our tithes, and receive communion. Worship restores our spirit and strengthens our faith. We all need the encouragement. Before the first Sunday of November, please don't forget we will have Fourth Sunday on the 24th and Fifth Sunday on the 31st.
And, as is tradition, Fifth Sunday = Youth Sunday. That will be a very special service. Plan now to be there.
Reflecting on the Scriptures
In the Face of Injustice: God persists!
Jeremiah 31:27-34. In spite of the circumstances, trust that God is a God of justice—one who holds us accountable, but also one who renews and restores, empowers and inspires, forgives and forgets!
Psalm119:97-104. Meditate on what God desires of us—wisdom, knowledge, understanding, our avoidance of evil… May we come to savor and enjoy God’s words that teach us and lead us in paths of righteousness.
2 Timothy 3:14—4:5. God’s self-revelation comes to us in the “sacred writings,” scripture inspired by God, useful for teaching and correction, training us in righteousness, equipping us for every good work! Timothy knew these words meant the Hebrew texts that we now call the Old Testament. Christian writings had not yet been put together.
Luke 18:1-8. God’s self-revelation in biblical history calls for justice, mercy, and faithfulness. Can we, in spite of the circumstances, trust that God is a God of justice? Can we see God in the cries of those seeking justice? Or are we like the unjust judge who ignores those cries? People of faith will hear the cries that break God’s heart and persist in their efforts for justice. Will Jesus find faith when he returns?
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Pastor's Notes for 10/10/10
Thomas and I spent the weekend in Jefferson City attending the 158th Regional Assembly of the Mid-America Region. We saw Jacob Walsh who had come down from Missouri University to work with the youth program at Rickman Center which ran parallel with the Assembly.
The following Pastor's Notes were written for today's bulletin insert before I left.
HAVE YOU SEEN our new sign out front? Our thanks to MaryAnn Davis for creating it. She and her daughter, Haley, have become regular attenders and we welcome them whole-heartedly. If you’ve not met them yet
go by and introduce yourself. They usually sit on the south side about 4 or 5 rows from the back. We will make a formal introduction next week when I am back.
REV. TOM PICKARD filled the pulpit today while Thomas and I attend the Disciples Mid-America Regional Assembly in Jefferson City. He is no stranger to us since he preached in August when Thomas and I were in Arizona for part of my vacation.
STILL NEEDING SOMEONE
1) to give a Children’s Moment in November [sign up in rear of sanctuary]
2) to write a weekly FCC newspaper article; begin in mid-November [see Kathy Dains]
3) to volunteer one Sunday a month for the nursery [see Connie Leonard]
PASTORAL RELATIONS met last Sunday. After praying together we rejoiced for the positive mood in the church.
A PRAYER shared by Forrest Troyer at the Fish Fry:
Almighty and all-loving Father, we fishermen thank Thee for blessings of Thy great outdoors, especially the privilege to pursue our sport as free men and women in a free nation.
And we especially thank Thee, for Thy son Christ, who so loved fishermen He chose four or more among his twelve apostles.
And in years to come, dear Lord, as each fisherman comes to Thee, please remember these are a special breed. Their spirits would not be content to walk alabaster streets.
Grant them instead…clean waters with a quiet chop…with enough honey holes to last an eternity…and a fishing buddy to share it with.
In Christ’s name, Amen.
Quoted from Uncle Homer in “Scott on the Line” article
by Ray Scott, President of Bass Anglers Sportman Society.
The following Pastor's Notes were written for today's bulletin insert before I left.
HAVE YOU SEEN our new sign out front? Our thanks to MaryAnn Davis for creating it. She and her daughter, Haley, have become regular attenders and we welcome them whole-heartedly. If you’ve not met them yet
go by and introduce yourself. They usually sit on the south side about 4 or 5 rows from the back. We will make a formal introduction next week when I am back.
REV. TOM PICKARD filled the pulpit today while Thomas and I attend the Disciples Mid-America Regional Assembly in Jefferson City. He is no stranger to us since he preached in August when Thomas and I were in Arizona for part of my vacation.
STILL NEEDING SOMEONE
1) to give a Children’s Moment in November [sign up in rear of sanctuary]
2) to write a weekly FCC newspaper article; begin in mid-November [see Kathy Dains]
3) to volunteer one Sunday a month for the nursery [see Connie Leonard]
PASTORAL RELATIONS met last Sunday. After praying together we rejoiced for the positive mood in the church.
A PRAYER shared by Forrest Troyer at the Fish Fry:
Almighty and all-loving Father, we fishermen thank Thee for blessings of Thy great outdoors, especially the privilege to pursue our sport as free men and women in a free nation.
And we especially thank Thee, for Thy son Christ, who so loved fishermen He chose four or more among his twelve apostles.
And in years to come, dear Lord, as each fisherman comes to Thee, please remember these are a special breed. Their spirits would not be content to walk alabaster streets.
Grant them instead…clean waters with a quiet chop…with enough honey holes to last an eternity…and a fishing buddy to share it with.
In Christ’s name, Amen.
Quoted from Uncle Homer in “Scott on the Line” article
by Ray Scott, President of Bass Anglers Sportman Society.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Pastor's Notes fo October 3, 2010
I RECENTLY READ an article where a minister described the congregation where he served as a “part-time” church. I knew he served full-time so I was a little puzzled. He went on to clarify that a “part” of his church attended “part” of the time! Never all at the same time! I smiled, but with a tinge of pain, because I knew that also described us.
WHAT WOULD HAPPEN if we all made the first Sunday of each month priority? We could be encouraged by the worship, pick up our newsletter (that we don't mail out any more), and bring our tithes and offerings. If we could all worship together at least once a month we might surprise ourselves.
OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE everywhere! 1) Children’s Moment in November--sign up at the rear of the sanctuary; 2) writing the newspaper article for FCC, beginning in mid-November--speak directly to Kathy Dains; 3) a volunteer for the nursery, available in case of need--speak directly to Connie Leonard; 4) someone who will change the sign out front from time to time, create a message in limited space. (I'm happy to report that this fourth task has been claimed!)
WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY is celebrated around the world, across denominational lines the first Sunday in October. Today we joined that celebration to recognize our brothers and sisters within the body of Christ in our community and in the nations around the world.
Reflecting on the Scriptures
At the World’s Longest Table: rekindle the fire
Lamentations 1:1-6. The time is 586 B.C. Jerusalem lies in ruin and God’s people are taken into Babylonian captivity. A survivor overlooks the rubble and pins these words of grief.
Lamentations 3:19-26. The lament continued until the survivor remembered! “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases…” Hope is rekindled!
Luke 17:5-10. “Increase our faith!” Who hasn’t made this request to the Lord? And his simple response: Faithful service rekindles our faith.
2 Timothy 1:1-14. Celebrate the generations of faith you inherit. Rekindle the gift that God has given you—a spirit of power, love, and self-control. You are called for a purpose.
WHAT WOULD HAPPEN if we all made the first Sunday of each month priority? We could be encouraged by the worship, pick up our newsletter (that we don't mail out any more), and bring our tithes and offerings. If we could all worship together at least once a month we might surprise ourselves.
OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE everywhere! 1) Children’s Moment in November--sign up at the rear of the sanctuary; 2) writing the newspaper article for FCC, beginning in mid-November--speak directly to Kathy Dains; 3) a volunteer for the nursery, available in case of need--speak directly to Connie Leonard; 4) someone who will change the sign out front from time to time, create a message in limited space. (I'm happy to report that this fourth task has been claimed!)
WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY is celebrated around the world, across denominational lines the first Sunday in October. Today we joined that celebration to recognize our brothers and sisters within the body of Christ in our community and in the nations around the world. Reflecting on the Scriptures
At the World’s Longest Table: rekindle the fire
Lamentations 1:1-6. The time is 586 B.C. Jerusalem lies in ruin and God’s people are taken into Babylonian captivity. A survivor overlooks the rubble and pins these words of grief.
Lamentations 3:19-26. The lament continued until the survivor remembered! “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases…” Hope is rekindled!
Luke 17:5-10. “Increase our faith!” Who hasn’t made this request to the Lord? And his simple response: Faithful service rekindles our faith.
2 Timothy 1:1-14. Celebrate the generations of faith you inherit. Rekindle the gift that God has given you—a spirit of power, love, and self-control. You are called for a purpose.
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