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Jul 21, 2024 10:00 AM
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Sep 1, 2024 10:00 AM
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Many Blessings!
Inspired by Amos 7:7-15
Those who would like to control people and the world around them believe themselves to be “big shots.” They understand themselves to be leadership material. They enjoy “strutting about” and bathe in the glory of being influential.
They like folks about them jumping to attention in their presence. “I am important, and I know it,” the ego says to the self. “I enjoy being in the limelight,” is the message the brain receives. And the ego keeps driving home the vision that “I am powerful, important and influential. And there is an affirmation that “I like it.”
Leadership that is centered on ego and personal gain is where we find the absence of decency, respect for human life and the environment. In fact, it’s not uncommon for those who have manipulated themselves into leadership positions, to believe they have somehow been preordained by God to rule. Others visualize mistakenly that they are akin to Gods themselves. These days, I might suggest individuals like Trump, Putin, Netanyahu, and Kim Jong Un see themselves in this light. (But this is not a political sermon).
In Biblical times we know that numerous leaders ruled ruthlessly with little regard for human life. Their ego was big too. The Pharaoh of Egypt, King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, Herod the Great, King Ahab and the Emperor Nero to name just a few. Moses, Jesus and other prophetic voices would speak out in opposition to these “Big Men.”
We know from historical accounts that powerful leaders did not listen well.
Today we heard about the prophet Amos, another voice for reason in the time of the great Kings of Israel. God has seen enough of lawlessness and idolatry; enough of treachery and wickedness among God’s people. God uses the image of a common builder’s plumb line, showing Amos that behavioral covenants have deviated from what is expected. They are out of alignment with God’s vision and disaster is forecast for King Jeroboam and his kingdom too.
Amos brings this message to the temple priest Amaziah who ignores Amos’ warning. “Go take a hike Amos. You are not needed or wanted here. You think you are such a big shot? Go and peddle your predictions elsewhere. Get lost.” “This is the King’s sanctuary and a temple of the kingdom.”
“Well you have it all wrong,” replies Amos. I’m really a simple “small man.” I earn my living through sheep ranching and pruning trees. I’m not the prophet you think I am. I’m simply here to give you a message I heard from God. God told me the kingdom was out of alignment, God’s moral values are not being upheld. And so, God instructed me to tell you that the King can expect dire consequences if he doesn’t get the people to change their ways.”
Amos never thought of himself as someone important. In fact, he wasn’t a trained prophet. He was a commoner, an ordinary “little man” that God choose to be a messenger. He didn’t go about Israel offering words of wisdom for his own glorification. It was never about personal ego. It would always be about God’s message and living in right relationship.
So, the roles are reversed. Amos becomes BIG while Amaziah and King Jeroboam become quite small. At least in God’s kin-dom they do.
How often do we look upon ourselves as small, insignificant, incapable and unworthy? We are too small, unimportant, and irrelevant. We can’t stand up to the Big Shots, can we?
Perhaps we need to visualize the “size” perspective a little differently. Because I think we subscribe to a misconception.
I used to sing that song by Sharon, Lois and Bram to the girls when they were young. They particularly enjoyed my imagining carrying an ice cream truck on my back as I stooped over and walked around. Imagining was and is so much fun. Imagining with children is a lot more than fun though, it is an excellent motivational exercise. Why not believe you are BIG AND TALL! Why not believe you can really make a difference?
I’ve talked before about how small I sometimes feel when it comes to making a difference. I like to think that in this muddy, complex and cruel world what I do is impactful, in at least some positive way. Do you hope for the same thing?
Friday my youngest granddaughter Athena video called me from Princeton. Her mother was at work, and I think she was a little bored. I asked her if she was hot, and she said yes. “Well why don’t you go outside to your pool,” I asked. “It has bugs in it she replied.” She then took the phone out with her and showed me. “Papa, do you know that earwigs can swim,” she said. Well, I did not know that. I do know that our chats encourage her and hopefully influence her in a good way. She has learned to call either Lenore or I when she needs some reassurance too, like the time she said her mom was being mean to her. She was hoping we could step in in a small way and be Big in her defense.
And of course, taking your granddaughter to the beach and on the way home getting her a “small” ice cream cone is another way to be Big in the world.
My prophecy is that we should forget about being small, an insignificant cog in a gigantic wheel. That’s not how God sees a new kin-dom developing. Leave the ego driven “would-be” power seekers to their own devices. Let them bathe in their own limelight. They will eventually burn themselves out.
Those of us with our feet planted firmly on the earth and our ego left hanging on a hook in the closet are those that really can make a BIG difference.
Those are the grammas who listen to the weeping of their granddaughter’s break up with their first and expected to be “forever” boyfriend, providing some helpful comfort. Those are the mums and dads that pick up the pieces when their child doesn’t make the cut for the school play or the local baseball team. It is the schoolteacher who stays just a little longer helping a student with a math problem or the neighbour who comes over and takes the snow off your sidewalk or cuts your grass when you are unable to. Those are “Big” things done by ordinary everyday little folk like you and me.
I’m going to back up to the catchy children’s song I played just a few minutes ago and repeat the last verse for you. The words are, “I’m not small, I’m so tall, I can carry everyone on my back, when they sing, I’ll sing too. That’s not very hard to do. I’m not small, I’m so tall, I can carry everybody on my back.”
That catchy children’s song popularized by Sharon, Lois and Bram back in the 70’s was likely never meant to be prophetic, let alone be played during a worship service (except perhaps at children’s time). I never sang it to the kids with that in mind. But it is inspirational.
What better image for a ministry like ours. We love one another and treat each other with kindness and respect. We do for our neighbours what they can’t easily do for themselves. We hold each other up and they in turn hold us when our need for compassion is high. We “hold one another on our backs.” We are small but we stand Big and Tall in a community and a world that needs us.
We are simple farmers and ranchers like Amos. We are teachers, plumbers, business folks, health professionals, peacekeepers, first responders, lawyers, worship leaders and clerks. We are regular folks. Most of us are retired. We are small but we stand tall. We follow the Amos’ of our time advocating for God’s new kin-dom. We are good listeners, advocates, and friends.
We’re not small, we are Big and Tall.
Thanks for listening this morning. Amen
Reflection - July 14 (pdf)
DownloadInspired by Mark 6:1-13
The Twelve had set out two by two. The best they could do for transportation was to find a few barely roadworthy used vehicles. The fleet consisted of a couple of old Chev. Malibu’s, a Volkswagen Golf, a tired old Ford F-150, a 1998 Mazda Sedan with a sunroof that won’t close all the way, and a Renault with no back seat and a cracked front window.
Two of the disciples arrive in Peachland on fumes and I get a call that two stranded guys need some gas. I meet them at the Petro Can.
They are both somewhat scruffy looking. They have longish hair and big bushy beards. They are dressed in Blue Jeans with holes in the knees and frayed cuffs. They wear T-shirts that are also visibly worn, and runners that are held together with duct tape. But they are clean and presentable all the same.
I introduce myself as Pastor Ian and say, “Gentleman, good to meet you. I hear you are out of gas.” “Yes sir,” one of them replies. “We have been travelling up through Penticton and we are just about out. ” “I’m Simon and this is John.” (My Spidey senses are tingling).
“Where are you headed,” I ask? “No where in particular,” one of them says. “We are touring British Columbia spreading the gospel here first and then we will work through Alberta. There are 6 teams of us. We are dedicating our time to the Okanagan. Jesus sent us out to spread the good news.” (Oh dear, I’m wondering now).
“And how is that going” I say?
“We would love to talk to you about that if you have a few minutes,” says Simon.
Well, I didn’t fall off the turnip truck only yesterday and I’m no fool, but I am compelled to listen. I wonder what I am getting myself into, but I’m thinking perhaps I can provide some pastoral guidance. (That’s what I do after al)! It is Thursday afternoon, and I am not in a rush today, so I agree to sit and listen for a few minutes. I grab three coffees from A&W, and we sit outside at a table there. It is a lovely hot July afternoon.
John begins, “It seems that things haven’t changed much in a couple thousand years he says. When we knock on doors, a lot of people don’t give us a chance to talk. They just say no thanks before we say anything and shut the door. Others are a little rude, “can’t you read the sign on the door that says no solicitation?” We didn’t think we were soliciting. Some folks won’t even answer the door.”
“Some places have locked front gates, and you have to ask to be let in. What are they afraid of? “We are not selling anything, and we don’t ask for any money. We just want people to know about Jesus and what an incredible world he saw as possible. He believed if we followed his life teachings people could live happier. It is a simple message, be kind, act justly, be generous and treat everyone as if they were your best friend. We just don’t get it Ian. Most people think we have some ulterior motive when we visit. They seem very impatient and disinterested.”
“That must be very disappointing,” I replied.
“Well, it is kind of” Simon said. “But Jesus knew what kind of reception we might get. When he began preaching in his hometown people resented him. They thought he was a show off, a bit of a know it all. They shut their doors on him then and ran him out of town.”
“Jesus told us that we might expect the same, so we are not really surprised. But pastor Ian you are right, it is disappointing. But we will just keep on going and do our best. We believe in Jesus’ message so we will keep trying. If our car breaks down, we will try and hitch a ride or walk if we have to. That is how much we believe.”
“I really admire your courage and commitment,” I said. I don’t know many people who would be prepared to spend their lives travelling around the country talking about Jesus’ love, and trying to tell them their lives could be better if they followed Jesus. That is a hard sell.”
“Ian, you are a church guy, you believe in Jesus, and we assume you preach about that,” said John. Do you have any words of advice for us?”
“Words of Advice?” “Well, I think a lot of folks are very cynical about the healing power of Jesus’ love. And even more, they question if there is a God at all.”
“How can that possibly be true? Simon asked me.”
“Guys I think it is a perception problem, and a huge misunderstanding of what we expect of God, and how we see Jesus in the world today.”
“Too many people question their faith because they have been told that God is supposed to solve all of our present-day calamities. They question God because they understand God is to undue all the harm in the world; solve world hunger, intervein in wars and bring peace, solve the climate crises and so on. They don’t see God as being the one constant in helping us through a crisis. They think God is responsible for disaster and they think God judges people, so they don’t believe.”
“I think it is the same with Jesus. People read the Gospel stories and take them at face value. If Jesus healed a blind man, brought someone back from death, and if Jesus is still alive, how come he can’t do that for me people wonder? I think too many folks expect they are just wasting their time if they listen to you. I expect many folks don’t come to our church, or any church for the same reason.”
“So, what do you think we should say to people Ian?” they both said simultaneously.
I replied, “Well Jesus told you that you yourselves are the message, right?”
“Yes,” John said.
“OK, so when someone does answer, introduce yourselves, but I might leave out the part about you being disciples. Folks might misunderstand your intent. After all, you are disciples just because of what you do.”
“I might start by saying, we are just travelling through your neighbourhood and want to say hi. We don’t have anything to sell, we are not doing any kind of a survey and we are not asking for any money. We are not begging for anything. We are not going to ask any questions about your household and make any notes. We are not hired by any political organization or any church. We won’t call again, and we are not leaving any brochures.”
“We just want you to know that you are loved. Whenever you feel tired, lonely or depressed, try to remember that there is a God, a creator, a Holy Presence that offers comfort and reassurance. Even in our darkest moments when all seems to be lost, God, however named, will embrace you and can make you whole again. You just have to invite God in.”
“And the man called Jesus, well he is most definitely alive. He is present in everyone who honours their friends and neighbour, looks after their family, and is kind and generous as much as they can be. Jesus lives hoping more people will follow him to speak up for injustice. He hopes we will continue to grow in our tolerance for everyone and anyone who is different from you and I in some way. He hopes we will show compassion to anyone who needs it. That is how Jesus heals.”
“And guys, I think I would leave it there. I would just smile and be on your way thanking the person for their time and wishing them a pleasant day.”
“But remember one, thing I say, “and its important.” “Remember Jesus advice about shrugging your shoulders and walking away when you are not being listened to?” Well, that is going to still happen often. Don’t take offense, that can’t be helped. Just keep going as best you can and know that your ministry is blessed.”
“And drop in to see me again sometime, or better yet, come and join us for worship. I think you will find our Community of Faith believe in your message and would love to meet you.”
They drove off heading to West Kelowna with a full tank of gas courtesy of our Benevolent Fund. So just a heads up that you might get a visit. Thanks for listening this morning, Amen
Reflection - July 7-24 (pdf)
DownloadInspired by Mark 4:26-34
If you at times feel tiny and insignificant, if you feel at a loss to comprehend your value, then this parable is for you.
Tiny and seemingly insignificant is what a mustard seed is. And yet one individual seed, about the size of a pin head, can grow to 20 feet high and 15 feet wide. One tree can produce 10,000 seeds.
A tiny speck of a thing, 1-2 mm in diameter, planted and if allowed to germinate and grow, demonstrates the incredible, and at times incomprehensible nature of Creation. It is all really quite remarkable.
Jesus used a lot of parables like today’s to make his point. The incredible thing about a parable is that its meaning is timeless. A parable can speak to us today just as well as it did when Jesus first spoke the words. This one certainly does.
The Kingdom of God is like a mustard seed Jesus said to the crowd. It is the smallest of seeds on earth but look what happens when it is allowed to germinate and blossom. Excuse me, folks wondered, I’m a mustard seed? Say again Jesus?
The interpretation he would hope people would make was, “you are all a part of God’s kingdom reality.” “You, ordinary people, farmers, labourers, artisans, builders, street vendors, merchants, you can be part of the glorious revolution. A time will come when equality will prevail. There will be harmony among all peoples. A more peaceful and just society will be birthed. And you, all of you who are unbelievers now, can be part of that. Just look at what a mustard seed can do. You are like that seed, the potential for miracles lies within you. Believe it. Look at the mature mustard tree and believe.”
We approach the eve of Canada Day. Tomorrow we will celebrate the 157th anniversary of our confederation. It is not a special anniversary, but one that is drawing in my attention more than usual. I expect that is because we seem to be living inside a cyclone just now. The world seems to be spinning out of control. Serious military conflicts are abundant, the poor and desperate are no better off, the incredible creation that we are a part of is cracking beneath our feet, and in those places where it matters most, we are vastly short of capable and honest political leaders. As Nibs Stroupe says, “We live in an age when the mystery and surprise of all life, including God’s power, are being squeezed out of our consciousness.”[1]
I think it is because of all the turmoil that surrounds us that I am drawn more closely to reflecting on my roots. I was born in Canada to parents that immigrated after the war. A stable and loving family, always a roof over my head, free education and health care, career opportunities for my choosing. And where in the world can someone at age 59 retire, go back to school and take on an entirely new career like I did? I, and we, all are so grateful to be here.
This of course does not mean to imply that Canadians don’t have significant challenges because we do. Which brings me back to that little nondescript, seemingly very ordinary mustard seed. The promise of great things exists in each and every seed, and likewise, in each and every one of us gathered here today. You have already proved that.
Your individual seeds sprouted, in many cases quite a while ago! And you blossomed into kind, generous and giving people. Some of you farmed and fed others. Some of you were peacekeepers, health care workers, artisans, businesspeople, labourers and shopkeepers or professionals. Others may have worked at home as domestic engineers and care givers. All of you grew to maturity in different ways, but you all had one thing in common. You have all been people who served God and followed Jesus in some way. You have all been part of the kin-dom’s coming. You have all been God’s mustard seeds.
Those seeds were sown in fertile soil, and you have put forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in your shade. Those branches have also supported the needy, held up the fallen and sheltered the lost and abandoned.
So, let us not despair when we look around us focusing only on what is negative. Let’s gaze instead out from this sanctuary and celebrate all that we have contributed to, all that we have accomplished as a spirit led people, and all that we will continue to do in our ministry. We are grateful for being in such a place as this, and we do make a difference, every single one of us. And more than that, we are thankful to be a part of this incredible COF where miracles do happen. You have blossomed from tiny faith seedlings to mature, strong and committed disciples.
It is good to be here. Happy Canada Day and thanks for listening this morning,
Amen
[1] P. 143
Reflection - Jun 30-24 (pdf)
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Based on Mark 5:21-43
Sickness is the Great Interrupter of life. It enters without knocking, obstructing all plans, mocking the idea of certainty, and diminishing hope for the future. It intrudes like a burglar in our home, touching every part of life. Anyone who receives a lifechanging diagnosis such as cancer, MS, dementia, or Parkinson’s, lives on a roller-coaster of emotions that begins from that moment on and stays with you throughout your journey. I should know – David was diagnosed with Parkinsons in 2014. We were on that roller-coaster for 6 years. I still attend the Parkinson’s Caregivers meetings and I support them in their journeys which are filed with fear, loss, and hope.
In sickness, as in any battle, there are many uncertainties and losses. The pain, the changes in abilities, and the worries around the illness usually amplify the sense of loss experienced. These are not only felt by the person with the disease but by their partner – the caregiver. Among the most common feelings of loss are:
1. Loss of control. Suddenly the body and mind, rather than obeying you, has its own agenda and behaves any way it pleases. It’s like driving a car on an icy highway. Suddenly your car hits an ice slick, and you are out of control. All you can do is hang on and hope for the best. It is a sickening, helpless feeling.
2. Loss of identity. Sick people become defined by their illness. Isn’t it interesting that the woman in the story is not called by name. Simply, “A woman was there who had been subject to bleeding.” The same is true today. We speak of certain people as: “He has cancer,” “She suffers from manic depression” or “he has Parkinson’s”. Sick people lose their identity in their sickness and often become the illness. The same happens to us – the partner. We are no longer the husband, the wife, the daughter, the son – we become the “caregiver”.
3. Loss of certainty. With a chronic illness everything becomes dependent on the condition. Vacations are reliant upon the body, or the mind set. Even getting up in the morning is stipulated by the sickness. What was once predictable is now conditional. Your daily routine, if you are lucky enough to have one, can turn on a dime because of that physical and emotional roller-coaster.
4. Loss of place in society. When sick, losses go beyond the body. Sickness often puts a strain on your relationships, your jobs, your hobbies, your families. You feel like a burden to others. You no longer fit in a healthy world. You often don’t want others to know about your diagnosis which complicates things. People are confused because they know something is different, but they are uncertain what to do or say.
Parkinson’s is not just a “shaking” disease, it has many other motor and non- motor symptoms. You may start with 1 or 2 symptoms, but more will show up as the disease progresses. No two Parkinson’s people are the same. That is why I encouraged David to tell people about his Parkinson’s symptoms. His were mainly non-motor. David was still David, but everything was done more slowly and anxiously.
5. Loss of resources. The scripture reading tells us that the woman “had spent all she had”. She was financially bankrupt, emotionally spent, and physically weak. She reminds us that vast fortunes of time, energy, and money can be squandered in an effort to bring healing.
When someone is diagnosed with a chronic illness, we spend a lot of our time, energy, and money to ensure our loved ones can remain as independent as possible, for as long as possible. That they are safe and comfortable. We learn to adapt. Our home changes as the disease progresses. Furniture and carpets are relocated and replaced by grab polls, walkers, railings, and lifts. We may even have to move.
6. Loss of hope. Perhaps the most chilling aspect of this lady’s life was that she had tried everything “yet instead of getting better she grew worse”. She was beyond human help and hope. She was at her wit’s end. As a last resort, she comes to Jesus hoping against hope that He could heal her. She, in one moment, displays both faith and fear – she touches Jesus’ cloths.
Like her, the caregiver often fells alone, exhausted, at wits end which can drain any hope and becomes depressed – even suicidal – but who would take care of your loved one if you did.
Like their caregivers, people diagnosed with a chronic disease like Parkinson’s don’t have much hope – after all there is no cure! Yet they are often the ones who turn to their faith and take their fears, anxieties, and despair to God.
I truly believe that David was able to accept his many ups and downs, his fears, and his hopes because of his strong faith. Looking back - I never truly appreciated how strong and what a warrior David was until I saw how he handled his Parkinson’s for six years before his body simply gave up. His spirit never faltered, neither did his sense of humour, but the machine simply could not do it anymore. He never complained and always tried to find something to be thankful for every day.
It is easy to pursue Jesus and never touch Him, not trusting Him. Seeking Him but not being found by Him. Coming close to Him but never actually touching Him. Coming near to Jesus doesn’t bring healing or solves our problems. We must touch Him for ourselves. How do we do that? It is one thing for that woman long ago, but how can we touch Him today?
Well, maybe we need to:
1. Give God a chance. Talk to him! Let him know what your struggles are, whatever they may be. Tell Him about them — just as if He did not know a thing. It may be in prayer or simply writing in a journal like I did. Hold nothing back. Dare to be honest. It does help!
2. Believe that God will hear you. He heard the poor woman who only touched the hem of His garment, so you need to believe that He will hear you and care what happens to you.
3. Be willing to wait patiently. He doesn’t answer every prayer on Sunday afternoon. You may have to wait until Friday. But wait you must! God is never in a hurry. The person who waits on God loses no time.
4. When He speaks to you, do what He tells you. He may not tell you audibly. You may not hear His voice, but generally through your own conscience or through trusted counsel of friends He will indicate a course of action.
When He lets you know what you must do, do it. The day I called the ambulance for David, I believed he was going to a nursing home where I knew he didn’t want to be in. I wasn’t ready to let him go! When our family doctor called the next day, saying he was with David and wanted to know what we were going to do – my answer was “put him comfortable and let him go”. Where did that come from? I don’t know – but I listened to my heart.
The message today, is that one woman, at the end of her rope, had the courage to step out of normal procedures to find healing hope. She touched and connected with Jesus, and He stopped for her. He stopped for David and me. He will stop for you too. God didn’t bring you this far to leave you – so, don’t miss that miracle.
In closing I want to share a caregiver’s prayer.
Lord, as this new day dawns, I rise with wonderings of how my day will be. Will it be good, or will it be filled with struggles that seek to drain my strength? I call on you to take control of my day and give me discernment to handle whatever comes my way. Give me peace in knowing that I cannot fix everything. Provide your words of comfort to me when I am running low on strength. Open my eyes to see all that is good when I can only see the pain and grief. Close my mouth when I need to just listen and give me words of encouragement to share when it is needed. Provide me relief when I grow tired.
Help me see your plan through all the fog of life. Remind me that caring for my loved one is a privilege. It is an honour, not a burden. I pray for the restoration of my soul. I pray for strength to make it through this day. You said not to worry about tomorrow, so I won’t. Lord, you are the healer, the Great Physician. Heal my heart when it's broken and heal the pain when my loved one hurts.
Always help me remember when I feel alone, I’m not. You are always there, going before me to prepare the way. I pray all these requests in the name of Jesus, Amen
Thank you for listening.
Jun 23-24 Reflection (pdf)
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Inspired by 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1
Three words, Connecting, Collaborating and Cultivating, framed the theme of this year’s Pacific Mountain Region’s Annual Meeting, which was held in Vancouver. I attended the various presentations, worship services and keynote addresses remotely, and I have to say I was inspired.
From the tone of the meeting and the spirit’s presence in music, prayer reflection, and from the number of new ministers ordained or commissioned (14 in total), one would not gather that we are a church in decline. Despite COF’s dwindling in membership, continued closures, amalgamations, and shortage of leaders, there are still many vibrant ministries like ours doing Christ’s work, while continuing to feed and nourish one another emotionally and spiritually.
While we unfortunately don’t see it in Peachland, youth and young adult ministries are robust in many areas. Our church continues to foster youth participation and leadership. Our Regional AGM was blessed again this year by a vibrant youth caucus. Over the last few years there have been various new “church plants,” initiatives like wild church, weird church, The Abbey Church in Victoria, Feast and Fallow in Vancouver and Sanctuary on 6th in New Westminster.[1] All of these point to a church who is on the move and recreating. More information on any of these projects can be found online.
The United Church is connecting, collaborating and cultivating new ways of “being church,” despite what we seem to be seeing around us. It is indeed not all gloomy.
Which made this verse from our Epistle reading this morning stand out to me. “So, we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day.”
Paul has a message for the fledgling church in his time. There is a lot going on including internal bickering and even complaints about Paul’s leadership. Grumbling, divisiveness, and questioning are bubbling up in this unsetting time, and it is very challenging. The future is uncertain.
So, friends Paul says, despite all the challenges we face, despite the turmoil before us, regardless of criticisms and questing, remember something. Remember that whatever is going on “out there,” all the noise that takes us away from our purpose, is not God’s agenda. The ministry we have been given in Christ is threatened if we succumb to negativity. All that stuff that might dissuade us from our purpose is external. It is wasted energy if we focus on it.
What is external to us is changing too, and it will continue to change. It will affect us but we need to remember whose we are and what we are about. If we remember that, we will continue to be blessed by God’s ever-present love. It will renew us every day and give us strength to carry on our ministry here together.
Paul is asking his “New Church Plant,” to stay connected, stay together and remain focussed. He is asking them to collaborate, to talk and not allow themselves to become divided. He is asking them to keep cultivating the love that was Jesus. He wants them to spread the good news of God’s enduring love for them, and for everyone, despite distractions.
“Keep your eye on the ball,” is how we might phrase this today. Stay focussed, stay present, stay engaged.
We might be tempted to give up and give in. Our hearts continue to ache in this world of despair, our hopes seem so totally unrealistic, our dreams beyond the realm of possibility. It is so easy to become distracted, to turn inward and isolated, to let fear control us.
Of course, if we do that, the fire of hope for peace and justice dies out in us. And if it dies out in us, there is not much opportunity to cultivate it elsewhere. There will be no seeds to plant, no good news to share in a world that really needs it.
Now we have been here before haven’t we. Well not specifically all of us gathered here this morning, but our parents, grand-parents, great-grandparents and on and on through history. And their insistence on a better way, their hope for the future, their belief in a God of love, tolerance and forgiveness, has laid the foundation for the church and its ministry today.
Just think of the connections necessary to begin the dream of this COF in 1911. What sort of collaboration would it have taken to gather the artisans that put up this sanctuary by hand, stone by stone and board by board? And look what they cultivated, a ministry today of gifted, kind, generous and loving individuals that still believe we can make a difference.
Is that a nonsensical dream? As we all grow a little older, a little less mobile, a little more arthritic, somewhat less able to hear our favourite hymn or see clearly what is on the screen, will we stop believing? Will our hope vanish and with it a reincarnated Jesus?
I don’t believe it will, not if we practice the Three C’s, Connect, Collaborate, Cultivate.
Your ministry planning team has begun that work. As a board initiative, you might recall that a few of us have been tasked with identifying who we really are today at PUC, what we value, how we do ministry and who we want to be in the future.
We have had three meetings so far to look specifically at how we connect with one another and in our community. We have looked at our strengths and our successes. We have also identified some of our challenges and gaps in our ministry. And it is time to bring that work to you.
Our ministry here is not defined by a few, but lives in each and everyone who takes a seat here every Sunday or joins us on-line. So, we need to collaborate and ensure that what we discern reflects the wisdom of all of you. That collaboration will start next Sunday, so please do plan to be here if you can.
Oh yes, and it goes without saying that, with your input we do plan to embark on cultivating our ministry. Actually, some of it will be some simple weeding and hoeing. But we might want to get out the rototiller and sow some new planting. That could be very exciting. What do you think we might like to plant?
And so, we do not loose heart, Peachland United Church is a vibrant, healthy, caring and compassionate ministry. Justifiably, we travel onward with hopeful hearts.
Thanks for listening this morning. Amen
[1] New Communities – Pacific Mountain Region, accessed June 7, 2024
Reflection - June 9-24 (pdf)
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Inspired by Psalm 1 and John 17:6-19
In June of 2013, Lenore and I went on an Alaskan Cruise. It left from Vancouver on a lovely sunny day. It was a specular trip. The scenery is absolutely amazing.
Throughout the years of living in the Lower Mainland I had driven over the Lions Gate Bridge many times. But I had never seen it from the deck of a ship as I passed under it. The inside passage is breathtakingly beautiful. The “calving” of the glaciers on route absolutely stunning.
Our stops along the way, Ketchican, Juneau, and Skagway, all uniquely charming. Albeit “touristy,” they were fun to visit. I had a ride on the White Pass railway, a link to the past history of the Klondike Gold Rush. And of course, Lenore did some shopping.
Naturally, there was plenty of time to sit and lounge on the ship. A lovely breakfast looking out on the ocean or an elegant dinner in a splendid dining room with the sun setting in the distance. We had coffee and delightful desserts in the lounge. It was all very luxurious, and we were quite spoiled, as those of you who have been on a cruise before will know. It was a great retreat and a welcome refresh.
It’s important for us to take those kinds of time-outs and withdraw from the chaos that life imparts. We might do that by participating in a wonderful cruise or simply sitting having a tea or coffee outside. Occasionally, we might be fortunate enough to witness something spectacular like we did two nights ago, when many of us took time out to gaze at the sky alive from the effects of the solar storms. You might have a chance to visit with sons, daughters, grand-children or great-grandchildren. Although with the youngsters it can be exhausting in the physical sense, this is a great boost to our emotional health. Something we are so grateful for and celebrate this Christian Family Sunday.
Perhaps it is more important than ever these days to take a breath, stop, give thanks and rest our weariness, and maybe more importantly, our worry-ness.
The phrase “Stop the world I want to get off,” seems so apropos. I’m inclined to pray, “God I need a time out.” I’m not sure I can cope. I need some reassurance. Take me on a nice cruise so I can escape from this reality for a time. Sit me on a remote beach somewhere, so I can gaze upon your creation and feel at peace.”
Pause….
“The human desire for respite from the world and its incessant pressures is as ancient as the Bible.”[1]
For the people of the First Century, there was a desire to be free from tyranny and oppression.
One can imagine a different kind of Gaza causing the early believers to retreat into hiding. There they would remember Jesus in prayer, in reflection and in meals of bread and wine. There they would enjoy one another’s fellowship. There they would feel some security and peace. That was effectively their cruise ship experience, a respite from the outside world that would want to crush them. This was an escape from “The Evil One” we heard mentioned in today’s Gospel reading.
And so, Jesus prays, “Holy Father, guard them as they pursue this life, that you conferred as a gift through me, so they can be one heart and mind, as we are one heart and mind.”
Protect them God as they strive to live out the gospel. Be with them as they walk through doubt and tragedy. Comfort them in their grief. Hold them through their chaos. Gide with your reassuring grace that encourages them to continue along in their faith journey.
“Make them holy,” Jesus says, “—consecrated—with the truth; your word is consecrating truth.” Ground them in your nature, give them strength to endure, bless them with the kin-dom’s promise.
And throughout history we have persisted. We have survived through tribal wars, civil wars, regional insurgencies, insurrections, world wars, hostile takeovers and any number of other conflicts. We have made it through the worst of personal human suffering, badly bruised and sometimes broken.
I believe that is because God provides a harbour for our aching souls, a refuge out of harms way. One way we can find it is through reflection and meditation.
Join me on a short trip.
Visualize yourself sitting on one of those lovely comfy deck chairs on board a cruise ship. If you’re comfortable close your eyes and feel the weight of your body on the fabric. It envelops you as you relax your muscles and let the tension drain from your neck, shoulders, torso, arms and legs. Take a deep breath in and then out. Do that for a second time, breath in and a breath out. Just let the tension flow away.
You are warm in the sun, but there is a nice breeze blowing across your face, cool enough to be refreshing, but not cold. Can you feel it? Can you smell the salty air.
As you grow more comfortable you feel buoyant, almost as if you were floating. You empty your mind of commitments and concerns. You let them float away on the wind. If they come back smell the salt air again and feel the pleasant breeze across your face once more. Breathe slowly in and out.
You have visions of lofty white clouds moving gently across the sky. They seem to dance as they shift and change shape. Look down and see the aqua blue of the ocean. The breeze moves the sea in small waves that crest with a frothy white. Feel your breath, slowly in and out. Slowly in and slowly out.
You are in a place where God calls us. It has been this way for eons. It is a special place where we leave this often-overbearing world and its chaos behind. This little piece of paradise is our oasis in the arms of a creator who offers respite from any raging storm. This is peace. Peace away from harm. Peace away from worry. Peace, tranquility, reassurance.
As you breathe slowly in and out again feel again the pew or chair beneath you and come back to this place.
There are multiple ways to find that special place where we feel refreshed, renewed, and nourished. It might be on that cruise ship in the comfort of a deck lounger. It might be through contemplation or prayer. It might be reading a good book, gardening, walking, fishing of just looking out on the landscape. It might be talking with a friend. It could be a family visit. For the early Christians it was meeting in groups, sharing stories and meals. It was talking about hopes and dreams.
For all of us it has always been and will always be a place where Holy love beacons us forward. That was always Jesus’ message. We find that often in scripture as we do today.
I spelled out your character in detail
To the men and women you gave me.
They were yours in the first place;
Then you gave them to me,
And they have now done what you said.
They know now, beyond the shadow of a doubt,
That everything you gave me is firsthand from you,
For the message you gave me, I gave them;
And they took it, and were convinced
That I came from you.
They believed that you sent me.
I pray for them.
Holy Father, guard them as they pursue this life
That you conferred as a gift through me,
So they can be one heart and mind
As we are one heart and mind.
We will always be God’s own. And in God’s presence there is always sanctuary, comfort, light and love.
Thanks for listening this morning, Amen
[1]Thomas H. Troeger, from Feasting on the Word, Year B, Volume 2, Lent Through Eastertide, David L. Bartlett and Barbara Brown Taylor, Editors, Westminster John Knox Press, Louisville, Kentucky, 2008, p. 545
Reflection - May 12-24 (pdf)
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Inspired by Acts 1:1-11
This story in Acts is an interesting one indeed. The apostles had been following a resurrected Jesus for 40 days. Now this Jesus is preparing them for his final departure.
Jesus had spoken about the coming of a new Kingdom and so it is logical that his followers would ask, as Brenda read for us, “Master, are you going to restore the kingdom to Israel now? Is this the time?” Jesus responds with, “You don’t get to know the time. Timing is the Father’s business.”
Many Christians take this to mean that God will decide when Jesus will return. When he does return, a number of possibilities are envisioned. There are judgement predictions, as well as saving and healing predictions.
This “Second Coming” of Christ in fact polarizes Christians all over the world. Some believe that only by acting in specific ways and following strict religious doctrine, that their souls will be saved. Others don’t see God as being judgmental, and so have a more liberal outlook to their faith.
The Parousia, the second coming, has been and continues to be a divisive topic in churches and faith expressions. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
Suddenly two men appeared—in white robes! They said, “You Galileans! —why do you just stand here looking up at an empty sky? This very Jesus who was taken up from among you to heaven will come as certainly—and mysteriously—as he left.”
Why in fact do we glance heavenward expecting a miracle? What are we waiting for? If we are waiting for God to bring justice and healing to the earth in Jesus’ return, what is the delay? I know I would be blacklisted from any number of denominations for speaking so boldly, but what is God waiting for? If ever there was a time for God to bring humanity to its senses, it would be now. So come Holy One, come Creator, send Jesus back to teach us more, and remind us of whose we are and how we are to behave.
I was reading an article the other day titled, Ascension? Not in Celtic Theology.
You might recall that last year part of my sabbatical was experiencing that tradition. Celtic theology is a belief that God is seen as intrinsic within all of creation, both animate and inanimate. The Celts have an affinity for all the goodness we see before us every day. The earth, sky, stars, water, rocks plants, animals and all of humanity are sacred and are precious gifts from God.
This particular article by Ivan Gregan says this, “The concept of an ascending Jesus, of him being far away, above and beyond, was ridiculous to the Celts. He simply withdrew and trusts us to continue the work, just as any parent would do when they believe their child has been instructed enough to carry on the work. Yet, as every watchful parent does, he abides in the shadows keeping watch on his own.”[1]
This theology makes Jesus eminently near and ever available for consultation to every person and is the reason he is often referred to in Celtic Poetry as “a friend at my side.”[2]
The vision of a mother or father, a grandparent, a trusted friend or a good confidant, “a friend at my side” is an image I am comforted by.
Jesus being with me when our daughters were in hospital awaiting surgery. Jesus with me, somehow calming me and encouraging a positive presence, when I was treated for a heart attack. Jesus with me the first day I attended the Centre for Christian Studies and panicked. Jesus with me in this ministry when I have doubted if I could fulfill your needs. Jesus with me and the family of the mother who slipped away from this life, as we were gathered by her bedside. Jesus with me as a father when I have been needed to listen, hold or hug and to dry away tears.
Jesus, God’s emissary walks with us every day. Yes, he has withdrawn, but he is on the sidelines. He is always there coaching and inspiring, giving feedback and advice.
A very good friend of mine passed away suddenly last week. It was a real shock and so tragic as he was my age and extremely fit. I was very fond of him. Richard was my former boss when I worked for Health Canada. And he was one of those bosses you would do anything for.
A couple of nights ago I had a dream about my old job and Richard was in it. Not surprising. Of course, the dream made little sense, but as often is the case when a person awakes, there are some interesting memories of the past and they are often very touching if not inspiring.
Do you recall the special someone’s in your life that have passed? Do they come to you in dreams or visions at times? They may bring tears, but they also bring comfort and amazing happy memories, people who leave us here on earth are never really gone and they can inspire us yet.
Jesus acts in the same way. Coming to us in worship, through Hymn or prayer. Providing assurance when needed. Reminding us of hope when there seems to be none around. He holds our hands when we weep, drying our tears with the sleeve of his robe. He gives us that little nudge to move on when our feet feel like lead.
The very Jesus who Luke says disappeared in a cloud is hear in this place with us now. He is also with our friends online, sitting next to them as they join us in worship. He will be there during our hospitality after worship and with you on the way home today. He will be next to you during your gardening this afternoon or along side you during your walk or Sunday afternoon drive.
Luke suggests Jesus will return as mysteriously as when he left. I don’t believe he ever did leave. The mystery for me is why more people can’t see that.
Let Jesus be a constant companion in your journey through life. Believe that his presence is not somewhere way off in another age. Believe that the love he shared with everyone is yours and that the hope he had for peace and justice remains alive. Believe that Jesus is a friend at your side.
Thanks for listening this morning, Amen
[1]Ivan Gregan, Gathering, Resources for Worship Planners, Pentecost 2, 2021, Year B, p. 84
[2] Ibid., p. 84
Reflection - May 5-24 (pdf)
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