06/26/11                                                                                             

SCRIPTURE READINGS:  

Isaiah 55:10-11

Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23

SERMON:   “Scattered Seeds”          Rev. Sandy Daly                                                      

Jesus was at a turning point in his ministry. The temple authorities were no longer welcoming him to speak in their synagogues. They had begun to search for grounds to bring charges against Jesus. They feared his radical ideas and his personal charisma. Jesus’ very presence threatened them. More and more, Jesus carried his ministry out into the open air, speaking to people and crowds wherever they met.

Jesus was also increasing his use of parables - short stories, word pictures,   that teach about abstract truths by using the familiar objects and activities of everyday life. Difficult ideas become more understandable. The particulars of everyday life have changed since Jesus’ day, but the truths remain constant. The word pictures which illustrate them are as poignant as ever.

Jesus was a master story-teller, gathering both great crowds and intimate groupings to listen. We can imagine him seeking objects close at hand, to point to… or to hold up… weaving them into his story. He was direct, compelling… holding his listeners fast to his words.

Jesus’ stories were meant to be listened to, not read and studied. The truth in them had to be sharp and clear. The truth needed to strike the listener like a lightening flash on a pitch dark night. But there was also a veiled aspect to Jesus’ parables. One had to discover the meaning of its truth personally. The words which flash out for one person may be different for another. For those who are lazy in their listening, or blinded by an unwillingness to hear, the deeper truth may remain hidden. This is as true for us today as it was in Jesus’ time.

The parable of the sower is told by Jesus as he sits in a boat, close to shore. The beach is crowded with people. They have followed him for many reasons: some are believers who, touched by him, have found themselves healed; there are others who are curious, perhaps hopeful… or maybe cynical, but curious nevertheless; some are anxiously seeking healing in their lives and have heard stories of this man; and then there are those who find him dangerous and are suspiciously watching his every move. There are many people on the banks of the shoreline. They have come from many different places. The air is electric with excitement and anticipation.

As Jesus speaks, he scans the horizon, pointing to a sower in a nearby field. It is a narrow strip bordered on each side by hard-beaten pathways. The sower is reaching into his sack and broadcasting his seed with an outward fling of his arm. He has a clear purpose in seeding his land, and the hope of a great harvest. As the crowd listens to Jesus, they glance over at the sower. A small flock of birds is following him back and forth along the edge of the path. As stray seeds fall, they are snatched up by the eager and hungry birds. These seeds will bear no fruit.

The closed mind is like this hardened soil of the pathway, where the seeds are laid waste. Some people close their minds to new understandings because change and growth are frightening and challenging. Other minds are closed by pride or prejudice, seeing only what they choose to see. Seeds of truth can find no entry. Some avoid the truth which points to their destructive lifestyle -    unwilling to embrace the possibilities of change. The word of God can find no entry with the hardened heart and mind of these listeners. There are times in each of our lives when our minds are closed like this hardened soil

Then Jesus describes a second kind of soil. It is like the stony soil of the foothills – a thin layer of soil resting on a shelf of limestone. This shallow soil warms easily and seeds germinate quickly. But it dries out in the hot sun and the seedlings wither and die. The shallow soil which cannot sustain growth or withstand the variables of weather is like the person who reacts quickly and enthusiastically, without thinking things through for themselves. They follow the crowd. They are caught up in the shifting currents of the day, but lack commitment and stick-to-it-iveness. Following Christ is more than an emotional response to God’s call – it is grounded in responsibilities and sacrifices, in deep reflection and discipleship.

The third soil described in the parable – thorny soil – looks good and clean when tilled, but little bits of fibrous roots remain in the soil. These perennial grasses and weeds soon choke out the young seedlings. Weeds always grow faster and hardier than other plants! At least they do in my garden! This thorny soil is like the listener too busy to hear – bit by bit, too choked by work… too choked by material goods… too busy to pray… too busy to be still and listen for the word of God in their lives. It may even be that the things that crowd this person’s life are good and valid things… but over-crowding depletes the soil and chokes out growth. We each need the nourishment of the word of God. Too often we neglect this and find ourselves over-stressed and spiritually depleted. .. too busy for worship and prayer, for reading the bible or just being still… too busy with the thorny bushes of worldly affairs choking out spiritual health and Christian life.

Finally, the good soil is deep and clean and soft… like a garden freshly tilled. Seeds easily gain entry, developing deep roots… able to receive nourishment from the sun and the rain – withstanding the variables of the elements. The plants grow healthy and strong. They produce an abundant harvest. This soil is like the open mind – ready to listen, willing to learn at any age… willing to listen for the voice of God   in the many ways we may hear it. This listener hears, and reflects, and understands much… thinking things through, searching for personal meaning, asking “What can I learn from this? How might I grow and change?” and then taking it to heart – taking it into their heart. Accepting the truth God holds out to them, this listener finds God’s Word germinating in their soul.

The crowd on the shore heard God speaking through Jesus himself. We hear the word of God in scripture, as it is preached and prayed, in the words and actions of ordinary godly people, in the quiet inner voice of the indwelling spirit. How well do we hear, you and I ? Jesus invites us to listen… for new understandings… to truly hear.

Jesus was speaking both to the gathered crowds and to his disciples. To the crowd he says, “Hear, hear! Listen up!”  To his disciples he is saying, “Don’t despair. Many of the seeds sown will take hold. The harvest will be good.”  Sometimes we are a part of the crowd. We need to listen to the Word. Sometimes we are disciples, working alongside the Sower, passionately wanting the Word to take root.

Jesus’ disciples were often discouraged and frustrated. Religious leaders were turned against Jesus; many who were healed just went away and forgot; many followers were only seeking their own ends. But even though seed fell on the wayside, never bearing fruit, the Sower continues to sow in confidence, not looking for quick results.

It may take a great while for a seed, lying dormant, to germinate in the heart of a person. So we sow, we water, and wait. We stand in the light… and we trust. Take heart! Continue to sow seeds, for the harvest is sure!

Remember the words of God through Isaiah, “…my word that goes out from my mouth;             it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and succeed in the thing for which I sent it.” 

And so, we sow seeds. Amen.

BEWARE MELANCHOLY

 SCRIPTURE READINGS:      

 Psalm 42:1-6

 John 16:31-33

SERMON:      “Beware Melancholy!”   Rev. Sandy Daly                                                     

The sermon title comes from an article written in Christianity and Crisis, by Alan Paton – author of Cry the Beloved Country… a book about the struggle in South Africa. The article asked what lay ahead for S. Africa, what lay ahead? Paton’s response: “Stand firm by what you believe… Don’t waste your breath and corrupt your character by cursing {those in power)… keep your friendships alive and warm… beware of melancholy, and resist it actively if it assails you.”

Beware of melancholy… listless depression. Melancholy strikes when we feel shaken and discouraged, overwhelmed and tired of shoveling against the tide. And the questions come… “How long will this last?”  “Do I have the energy… the will… to endure?” “Will it be worth it?”

“Beware of melancholy and actively resist it”… For some people, melancholy seems to be a part of their make-up. It is as natural for them as cheerfulness is for others. We all know a few “Eeyore’s” – “O Bother”… always a bit down around the mouth. Biographers of Abraham Lincoln wrote: “Melancholy dripped from him as he walked – it was a constant torment that he had to live with”. Perhaps you know someone like this – someone who sees the glass half empty most of the time. As a friend, you wonder what you can say to lighten their spirit – to help them get rid of the gloom and doom that weighs them down.

For others melancholy is the consequence of events rather than personality – events beyond their control. Their concerns, worries become narrow and focused. They lose the ability to gain perspective on life. They stand in their own light, making the shadows grow larger. They may become fretful, irritable, sleepless, depressed…perhaps because of failing health or worry over a loved one, or an unexpected turn of events.

None of these are petty concerns – BUT - when they take over your heart and soul and mind, they can be destructive. Lincoln’s biographers called it “perilous stuff!” Perilous stuff, yes… but there are remedies for melancholy. Let me name a few…

1)         Get out more into the open air – Mother Nature nurtures the soul that loves her! There is reinvigoration – new life or a wider view of life - in the sound of running water in a brook, birch trees in the sunlight, the wind rolling across the fields … watching bees, or birds, or chipmunks. If you can’t GET out – go there with your imagination. Let your inner visions of God’s Creation lift your spirits.

2)    When in the grip of melancholy – do somebody some good! If you think a friend would be lifted up by a letter or a phone call – you might find the good to them will not compare with the good it would do for you! Often when I visit someone, I wonder who has been ministered to – who has received more.  Often I think it is me! We forget ourselves and our worries when we reach out to someone else.

There is a verse in the book of Job that speaks to this.  If there was ever anyone who deserved to be melancholy, it was Job. Toward the end of the book there is a striking sentence: “The Lord turned the captivity of Job when he prayed for his friends.” (42:10) The Lord turned the captivity of Job - when in the grip of melancholy – he was released, as he prayed for his friends. Do good for someone – it will lift your spirits!

3) Don’t yield to the temptation to give up and give in to it! In low moods, in those who try to do good for God’s sake, to change and better the world, the temptation to quit, to give up, to be overwhelmed is immense: “This is too painful, too hard, too frustrating!”It was to people such as these that Paton spoke, “Stick to your course. Stand firm by what you believe… keep your friendships alive and warm… beware of melancholy, and resist it actively if it assails you.”  Resist it ACTIVELY! It can be overcome! Just when you want to give up may be the most rewarding time to stay your course!

I was talking not long ago to a woman who was struggling to earn her PhD. and likened it to mountain climbing. When recently climbing with friends she had found herself exhausted after a few hours. They were fairly near the top. She began to ask herself, “What am I trying to prove anyway? I can see quite a bit from here. Maybe this is good enough.” But her friends encouraged her to keep on.

She never would have done it without them. When she reached the summit, she was overwhelmed by the beauty of the panorama, but she was perhaps even more overwhelmed with emotions– gratitude for her companions, a sense of accomplishment, and inspired by “just what was possible”. Just when we feel like giving up may be the most important time to stay the course…

As I have heard the discouragement in people’s voices, “Here we go again. I can’t take another change. We had only just begun to get used to each other.” I have wanted to say, don’t give up! There is so much good here. God has a plan. Stay true to the course… your course. We each must stay true to our course.

           

That brings me to my final point…

4) Do not be alone. Martin Luther, in all his trials and tribulations said, “Seek out some Christian brother (or sister), some wise counselor, and undergird yourself with the fellowship of the church.” Belonging to a community of faith is a powerful belonging.    It is a belonging to one another… it is belonging to God. As we find God’s spirit alive in one another… we find the Spirit alive in our midst.

This is what the disciples discovered as they huddled in the upper room, discouraged and afraid… on that first day of Pentecost. Somehow, the fresh winds of the Spirit entered their midst and their hearts. Soon they were filled with this Spirit. Their hearts were on fire and they broke out of their melancholy… and the church was born!

So, do not be alone. Do not give up. Stay true to your course. Get up and do some good… you will feel better for it! For God is still God, when we think we’ve had all we can take. God is still God, when we have tried everything we know… when we’ve prayed for it to be fixed. God is still God. God’s wisdom and God’s love are beyond our knowing, but not beyond our trusting.

May we find ourselves joining the sentiments of the psalmist,

            “Why are you cast down, O my soul,

                        and why are you disquieted within me?

                                    Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him,

                                                my help and my God! Amen”

6-5-11 DAILY BREAD

06/05/11                                                                  

SCRIPTURE READING :

Exodus 16:4, 5, 13-15

SERMON:  “Daily Bread”     Rev. Sandy Daly

At this point in the story of the exodus, it had been only a few days since their great escape from Egypt and they were beginning to worry and complain…  “What will we drink and what will we eat in this desert?” First God led them to an oasis with 12 good springs and palm trees for shade. “But what will we eat?”, they cried. And God answered them. God meets their needs with great generosity and care… and even the wilderness becomes a place of Life. The bread of heaven – holy manna – sustains them.    Surely God is with them in this place…

Is God with us or not? The people of Israel asked this question as they headed out into the wilderness. At times when we experience crisis or change… when we are facing personal difficulties in our lives – in our health, or relationships, or employment… times full of questions and worries… we too, ask – is God with me in this? Will God provide? This is true of us as a community as well…  we ask, - will God sustain us? Guide us and care for our needs?

 

As it was with the people of Israel, present anxieties can distort our memories and perspective … for how we fear the unknown! Walking into the unknown is scary… so much so that sometimes we are paralyzed - even in unhealthy situations. An abusive spouse is forgiven time and again, and further abuse endured rather than leave home and risk being alone. A dead-end job looks acceptable, compared to the insecurity of leaving it. Even at church we look back on the good old days, forgetting that the past had its trials and tribulations as well. Yes… present anxieties can distort our memories, our perspective.

Immediate needs can also override long-term hopes and vision. The people of Israel, with parched mouths and hungry bellies, didn’t care a whit about freedom and the promised land. It meant nothing if they were going to die in the desert! How quickly they forgot God’s power and faithfulness and all the things God had done for them already! How hard it was for them to believe that even this wilderness could be a place of God’s nurture and care!

How hard it is for us to trust that God will be with us, God will provide, perhaps most especially in the “wilderness places and times of our lives”. And yet, think of the wilderness times we have each come through, by the grace of God.

God gave them “Manna” – which literally means “what is it?” And the manna continued to be provided for them until they reached habitable land where they could provide for themselves. Just enough… throughout their time of need... not so much as to be wasteful… but an abundance nevertheless. What a wise and generous God!

Manna was the bread of heaven - daily bread - provided by God. In the gospel of John, Jesus said, “I am the bread come down from heaven.” Just like daily bread – Jesus is with us every day, every step of the way. Jesus taught his disciples to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread”. Each day God will give us what we need… not to store up or hoard… but enough to share and sustain us. By this we learn to trust God – to have faith .

Just before he was to suffer death and separation from his beloved disciples, bread again becomes a significant symbol of God’s enduring love. Jesus knew that his friends and followers would miss him. He knew they would be discouraged and confused about their future. He knew they would be fearful and anxious. So he offered them a ritual of comfort… a way to remember… a way to keep them joined as a community, and to sustain in them a hunger and hope for the kingdom of God. He took the bread and blessed it, …then he broke it and shared it. “ Do this in remembrance of me…” remembering my love… and knowing God’s forgiveness. Do this believing in God’s abundant grace and God’s will to provide for us.

We are soon entering a wilderness time… and a time of separation – full of unknowns… but also full of God’s grace and possibilities… for each of us as individuals and as a congregation. There will be times when we wonder, “Will God provide? Is God here with us?” We may look back wistfully, and look ahead with anxiety.

           

I pray that you and I may remember God’s faithfulness, grateful for our daily bread in whatever form our needs are met. I pray that we see it as a miracle, a gift, like manna from heaven. May we trust that God will provide… without knowing how or when… without having everything solved or figured out. And may we simply trust that God is with us… and knows our needs. As we break bread together at this table, may we remember and be fed.          Amen.

5/29/11 REMEMBERING FORWARD

05/29/11                                                                     

SCRIPTURE READINGS:             

Psalm 98,  John 14 (Selections)

     

SERMON: “Remembering Forward”     Rev. Sandy Daly

There were three things that stood out for me when I read these verses in John…three things which I feel called to speak about this morning.

·         a way has been and continues to be prepared for us

·         the Spirit of truth abides in us and among us

·         our hearts may know peace – a peace which has nothing to do with circumstance – a peace that we call “the peace of Christ.”

Jesus said, “In my Father’s house there are many rooms…I go to prepare a place for you…” A way is prepared for us…

Jesus is called the pioneer and perfector of our faith. He goes before us. He shows us the way. Jesus gave his very life for what he knew to be true. He gave his life for us.   How many other faithful people over the centuries have followed Jesus, and have acted with courage and compassion to help prepare the way for us?

It is traditional on Memorial Day to remember all those people who fought in wars – often giving their lives – so that freedom and human dignity might be preserved. It is hard for many of us to imagine… the cost of choosing to fight in a war… the cost which to many -  thousands upon thousands – has been the loss of life and all its promise, the grief of families… the loss of a son or daughter,  a husband, a wife, a parent. It is important that we remember these men and women  who made the supreme sacrifice. We should not take for granted the freedoms we enjoy – freedoms that were won at great cost. Let us pause for a moment and give thanks to God for them.           (pause…)

It is good also to remember those who faced the atrocities of war close up… and survived. Those who suffered physically and emotionally, mentally and spiritually because of the things they saw,  or because of the things they did. Whether they have now died or whether they live on with their memories, may we think of them today and thank God for them. May we thank God for all who have suffered because of the conviction of their beliefs. They have helped to prepare the way for us.

Memorial Day is also a time when we are led to reflect on the lives of the people we love, who have gone before us… people who have touched our lives, who are now gone. Jesus said, “My Father’s house has many rooms… I go to prepare a place for you…”  We may imagine these people, safe with God.

How do you picture heaven? Is it a great big PALACE -  a mansion with many rooms, fluffy clouds floating around your feet, and beautiful white-winged angels serenely milling about? I once saw a movie which envisioned it this way.  Are there huge gates with St. Peter checking for names in a great book? In David Heller’s book, “Dear God” (letters from children) 10 yr old Wendy asked about heaven:  Dear God, Do women in heaven dress up and wear make-up or are they just “down to earth” people?  Then there’s Angela, who wrote: Dear God, What is it like at your house? Do you have an address? My Mom says when you’re with God  you’re in 7^th heaven. Is that where I should write you?   Love, Angela

The ancient Greeks pictured heaven as successive spheres, where your soul continued its journey toward God. Many believe heaven is right here on earth, and we experience it during our lifetime in bits and pieces, moments of grace... that heaven is a matter of your heart, more than a place.

Still we wonder… if others have gone before us will we meet them again somehow, somewhere in heaven? As the words of the song put it, “Will I know your name… will I know you in heaven?” Certainly it brings us comfort to imagine that we will… and to believe that Jesus has gone before us to prepare the way for us.

So, by many acts of courage and grace, a way has been, and continues to be, prepared for us… by Jesus, by so many saints

The second thing I want to affirm is that the Spirit of God abides IN us and AMONG us. Jesus promised us the presence of the Holy Spirit. The Greek word is “paracletos” which means “someone called in to do what is needed or to empower others to so” … or “someone called in as an expert, for encouragement and advice” – “Paracletos” has been translated as Counselor, Advocate, Comforter, Helper, Guide… Jesus called this “the Spirit of Truth” – HIS spirit - for he is the light, the truth, and the life.

Quakers believe this light of God (this spirit of truth) is within each of us – a spark of divine wisdom and grace. I guess I’m part Quaker! I believe the light of God is within us. In Hebrew this Spirit of Life is called “ruah” – the very breath that gives us life. Surely the Spirit of God abides in each of us – as both life and light.

How much more powerful this is if we believe it… and look for it… if we anticipate it and are in awe of it! When an astronomer looks at the sky, he or she sees more there because of knowing what to look for. When a gardener looks at a hedgerow, he or she sees more because of their affection for botany. When a musician listens to a symphony, he or she hears and anticipates more because of their understanding of music. If we believe the spirit of God dwells within us, and we listen and watch with expectation, surely we will be more aware of it.

Jesus also said the Spirit would be among us. Imagine the disciples in the upper room - after the death of Jesus. They were discouraged, disheartened… no doubt experiencing all the emotions of grief – denial, anger, despair… and somehow the Spirit of God came powerfully among them, just as Jesus promised. It glowed from within them, but it was also among them… as they spoke to one another, as they experienced life together.

The Spirit of truth is among us as we share our life together - in our personal relationships, in our community, in the church.   Sharing life is a significant and essential act of knowing the Spirit among us. It is how we experience healing and forgiveness, hope and new life. Not that sharing is always easy! Sharing in its simplest sense is giving of what we have.

On Memorial Day, that may be giving someone a comforting hug… or companionship in a quiet moment by a graveside… or telling a story from times gone by about people no longer with us. These are powerful acts of healing and grace through which the Spirit of God is felt and known… the Spirit is alive and among us.

I have shared before that my Dad died when I was not quite 10. After many years of silence about our grief – stiff upper lip and all, there came a day when my two brothers and I met at Dad’s graveside. Standing together there in silence was powerful. We had no words, just each other’s presence and the Spirit in our midst. Later we found a place to sit and look through a book which our mother had put together – a book of photos and stories about Dad. What a powerfully healing time for us – in our own hearts and for our family. How important it is to share!

Truly the Spirit of truth abides with us, both within us and among us.

And finally, Jesus said this is so that our hearts may know peace - a peace which has nothing to do with our circumstances - the peace which we call “the peace of Christ.” This peace exists, and we each have tasted it, if only for moments here and there. “Shalom” is a word for peace which means “may you have the fullness of all that you need, all that is good and Godly.” It’s a greeting and a benediction, a beginning and an end. The peace of Christ is this full, deep peace… a peace which does not require the absence of conflict, trouble, war, or difficulty… it is a deep peace not built of avoidance… it is the peace of endurance and gratitude…  of acceptance and faith… faith in the power and goodness of God, beyond our imagining

May you believe these things:

·         that a way is prepared for each of us, in our living and our dying - a way is prepared by God, and by the saints of God who go before us

·         that the Holy Spirit dwells in us and among us, bringing light and grace into our lives, touching us and changing us, healing us and bringing new life

·         And that, in all, our hearts may know peace - “the deep peace of Christ.”                                               Amen.

5/22/11 IMPRINTED FOR LIFE

05/22/11                                                                                 

SCRIPTURES: 

Isaiah 43:1-7, Jeremiah 31:31-34

SERMON:      “Imprinted For Life”   Rev. Pam Lucas

            A little child broke a vase that was a cherished heirloom.  Because she was aware of its value, the child cried out and crumples to the floor when she broke it.  Her mother came running.  The child, through her fears and her tears was surprised to find – not anger – but relief on her mother’s face.  “I thought you were hurt,” her mother said, gathering that child in her arms.  Looking back on that even, the child grown into adulthood said, “That day, I discovered that I was the family treasure.”

            In the very beginning it was God’s intention that all of us discover that we are a family treasure.  But in the course of human history, God’s heart has broken time and time again as human beings have trashed each other spiritually, emotionally and physically.  Still, again and again, God has reminded creation that we are still loved and cherished.

            We hear that promise today in Isaiah, “BUT – now, thus says the Lord – the one who created you, the one who formed you.  I have called you by name.  You are mine.  I am the Lord Your God.  Because you are precious in my sight and honored, and I love you, do not fear, for I am with you, everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.”

            It is that promise we heard from Jeremiah.  “The new covenant that I will make is this.  I will put my law within them and write it on their hearts.  I will be their God and they will be my people.”

            It is that promise we heard from Matthew’s gospel, “And when Jesus was baptized, he went up immediately from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him; and lo, a voice from heaven, saying, “this is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

            And we – we who are made sons and daughters of God in baptism.  We who are made brothers and sisters of Jesus in baptism.  This is the same promise given every time the sacrament of baptism is celebrated.  It is what we heard God whisper today –“ DYLAN – TRAVIS – you are my beloved sons – precious in my sight.”

            This is the promise that is imprinted upon the human heart at baptism.

            But baptism is but one step in our life-long relationship with God.  A relationship to be nurtured, to be cherished, to become comfortable with, to be challenged by.  It is but one step in learning to know and love the God who wants to guide our steps and guard our lives so that we might know forever, without any doubt that we are God’s person, God’s treasure.

            In the United Church of Christ, the Sacrament of Baptism is available to infants and children where parents and the congregation make promises to raise the child in the faith and in the church.  In the United Church of Christ the Sacrament is available to persons who confess their faith and participation for themselves.  It’s called “Believer’s Baptism.

            In baptism, whether as an infant like Dylan, who is brought to baptism by believing parents – or someone like Travis, who comes to baptism by his own profession of faith – we come as a person set into the midst of a congregation saying, “Here I am.  Enfold me with your love.  Help me become what God intends me to be.

            Because there is no moment in time when we can point to ourselves and say, “NOW I am what God intends me to be.”  God meets us at any given moment where we are – but God never wants to leave us where God found us.  There is always the “something more” that God calls us toward.

            Whenever we gather to celebrate a baptism we are reminded of what a whole-hearted commitment these promises ask of us.  We can choose to take those promises lightly for those times when it suits us, or is convenient – and end up being imprinted by all the things of the world – or we can take these promises seriously and recommit ourselves to them each time we hear them – and become more and more imprinted with the image of Jesus.

            We live in an incredibly complex age.  We live in a world too filled with things that are not of God.  There are those who may wander into our churches.  They may have moved here and are looking for a new church home.  They may have been invited here by someone already here.  They may be someone who is seeking to make sense of the world or their lives.  They may be de-churched after being wounded by the church in the past – or un-churched.

            How do we fold these persons into our congregations and equip them to become all God intends them to be?

            That means offering the same extravagant welcome that God offers – a welcome that learns names – and remembers them.  A welcome that acknowledges contributions – that notices when they’re absent and lets them know they’ve been missed.  That offers rides and shares a pew – and invites them into greater and greater participation in the life of the church.  A church that must be willing to change as new people enter the community and being new gifts and interests.

            We must ask whether we are providing the very best Christian Education to all ages – so that all ages learn the story of God’s people and come to understand how all ages can share the love of Jesus with others in a variety of ways.  Do we really care enough about Jesus to live our best selves – whether inside the church or not?

People out in the world have big ears and big eyes.  What kind of Jesus do they meet through our words and actions?  Will they be attracted to find out more about what makes us perk?

            When children are part of the worshipping community – and yes – they do wiggle and get fussy and say and do unexpected things – BUT children also respond to feelings of awe and wonder which are part of worship.  Children understand that prayer is important when they see their parents and other adults praying – they understand that learning is important when they see adults learning as well.  Children begin to understand that the sanctuary is a good safe place to be.  They learn that the church is a place where they belong. 

            Children begin to learn that something is expected of them in this place – and that they too can respond in song and prayer and offering.

            A child in the worshipping community begins to find the page number of the hymns and learns to follow along.  A child learns the Doxology, the Gloria Patri, the Lord’s Prayer.  Children can pass the offering plate as it goes by, add an offering to its contents and learn that worship involves giving.  Children learn when to stand and sit.  They begin to discover words they can read in the call to worship and follow along as its read.  They may even begin to ask for prayer concerns to be shared.

            As we welcome people into education and mission and work and worship – we proclaim together  - “THIS I BELIEVE.  I BELIEVE THAT JESUS CHRFIST IS LORD AND SAVIOR OF MY LIFE.”

            In closing, one more thing.  The prophet Isaiah said that a little child shall lead us.  Remember that Jesus took a child and set him in the midst of adults and said that unless those grown-ups turned and became as a child they would never enter the kingdom of God.  Children may very well give us a glimpse of the tomorrow God wants for us.

            There had been no time to brief the class of youngsters attending Bible School about the little boy who had come in late.  There had also been no time for the teacher to find out how the little boy had lost his left arm and how he was coping with it.  Understandably she was nervous, afraid that one of the other children would comment on it – and embarrass him – or worse – tease him or call him a name.

            BUT – taking a deep breath, she proceeded with the lesson.  No problems there.  No problems with the art project.  No problems during snack time.  He seemed to have fit in well.

            Relaxed and relieved, the teacher led her class into the center for their closing circle.

            “Let’s make our churches now,” she said, leading them in the familiar activity

“Here’s the church, here’s the steeple, open the doors and see all the people” when the awful truth struck her – seconds too late.  The very thing she a feared had happen – done not by a child – but by herself!

            As she stood there speechless, the little girl standing next to the boy reached over, placed her left hand against his right hand, and said, “Let’s make a church together.”

            Whenever two or three are gather, whenever men and women, young people and old people, girls and boys are gathered together – there is church.

            Let’s make a church together.

5/15/11 THE BEST IN LIFE IS FREE

05-15-11                                                                                                         

SCRIPTURE: 

Colossians 3:15-17

SERMON: “The Best in Life is Free”           Rev. Sandy Daly

Today the music is really the message. There is a spirit to jazz music that is irrepressible.    It is emotional… sometimes soulful, sometimes jubilant and free, yet somehow there is always a hopeful-ness… a forward movement in anticipation of what is coming next. There is also improvisation, spontaneity and surprise… and isn’t that true of our lives!

Our scripture passage today calls us to two things: to let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts… to be grateful; and to teach and admonish one another through music – psalms, hymns and songs of the spirit. And we are to do all of this giving thanks to God.

Let peace rule in our hearts… and be grateful. Peace and gratitude.  These two are closely connected. Just think of a time when you felt the deep peace which we describe as the peace of Christ… peace in our hearts. I think you’ll find it was also a time when you were filled with gratitude: a “glass half-full” moment… or maybe even a “up overflowing” moment.

I have often heard that attitude is half the battle in life… or maybe more than half… perhaps it IS the battle. When we can have a positive, grateful attitude… it’s amazing what we can accomplish, endure or overcome.

Jazz music has its roots in the music and faith of African American slaves… people with much to endure or overcome. They poured out their hearts in spiritual songs… sometimes soulfully sad, sometimes joyful… always with a yearning for freedom… if not in their circumstance, then in their spirits. And when we are free in our spirits… at peace in our hearts … we know that the best things in life are free.

                       

This has been true when I have visited places of disaster or poverty, assuming the folks I was there to help would be desperate and down-hearted. Instead there was a clear and evident sense of gratitude for the simplest things… for life, for family, for water, for shelter… even if temporary. In the midst of the turmoil of their lives, there was this glimmer of peace in their hearts… a faithfulness and hopefulness… gratitude. I have heard it in the recent stories from the Midwest… no – not all or everyone. This attitude, this peace, is a choice… it is available to all of us. Seeing the glass half-empty or half-full is our choice. Gratitude for the simple things… the best things in life is free.

But let’s return to our scripture passage, and the second charge: to teach and admonish one another through music – psalms, hymns and songs of the spirit. Most often we think of music as something to enjoy – and that it is! But music has the power to shape us, to move us emotionally… and yes, to teach and guide us. To teach and admonish… in this sense, the word for admonish Does not mean to scold or warn, but rather to guide. So psalms (which were ancient sung prayers) Hymns and spiritual songs Are meant to teach and guide us.

Think of what we learn through music… Jesus loves me this I know, for the bible tells me so. This hymn we teach our children… that Jesus loves us and the Bible is a place to learn his story;   Just as I am without one plea…O Lamb of God I come, I come  How we need to hear that we are accepted and acceptable – just as we are… no matter our age. Amazing grace how sweet the sound Grace – this gift that opens the door to forgiveness, reconciliation and new possibilities or Here I am Lord, Is it I Lord? Is it I? – Each of us has a calling and the chance – or many chances – to say I will go Lord if you lead me.These are all hymns that have shaped my life. It might be interesting to think about hymns that have shaped your life.

But it’s not only the melody and words of sacred music that have this power… Oh, there have been times when I have sung Nobody knows the troubles I seen… Nobody knows but Jesus… Or Love, love me do, you know I love you, oh please… love me do! Or God bless America, land that I love… Or when we hear the national anthem and sing out “home of the brave and land of the free!” We are shaped and guided by these songs. I’m not a rapper, but even this music is both an expression of and shaping the lives of  many in this generation. But I digress.

Paul is telling us that there is power in music… and in this case, most especially music of faith - psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. These have the power to teach and to guide. Music of faith comes in many forms Perhaps what makes it “faithful” is how it leads us to this place of peace and gratitude… not a peace that causes us to curl up, but rather one that frees us for moving forward… perhaps even dancing! And not a sense of gratitude that leads to complacency, but rather that leads us to share in the abundance of good things that we have been given.

                                   

And as we may learn from the many songwriters and musicians - from the spirituals of slaves to the love songs on the radio -the best of these good things that we have to share… are free!

Thanks be to God! Amen

5/8/11 BLESSING, BIRTHING AND BAND-AIDS

05/08/11

SCRIPTURES: 

Isaiah 43:18-19        

2 Corinthians 5:17-20

SERMON:  “Blessing, Birthing and Band-aids”       Rev. Sandy Daly                           

I invite you to take a moment and think about your mother – the specific, particular, unique women who gave birth to you. Picture her face, hear her voice, feel her touch. I know that this is not always easy. Many of us are blessed by mothers with whom we have comfortable relationships,        but there are as many whose relationships are complicated, if not painful. This is true for all sorts of reasons – misunderstandings, criticism, differences in lifestyles or values, separation because of estrangement, adoption or death. Remembering Mother is not always easy, we may experience anger or pain or sorrow, but I invite us to remember today this very real and human woman through whom we received the gift of life -- and for that, simply for that, to give thanks.

I also invite us to look deeper and celebrate the tender and nurturing qualities of mothering where ever and whenever we have experienced them – in sisters or friends, in aunts, in mothers or grandmothers, or teachers, or brownie leaders, even pastors – and yes, also in some of the men in our lives… even in the tender and nurturing qualities of nature, Mother earth.

Let’s celebrate and give thanks for all who “mother” in the broadest sense of the word –   all who nurture, protect, guide and care for others – those who are vulnerable or dependent; those who are connected by bonds of love --- this special kind of love which we call “mothering”.  May we celebrate and give thanks!

Some form of Mother’s Day has been around for a long time. The oldest celebrations of Mother’s Day were actually worship of Mother Earth, held in the springtime to assure fertility – in harvest and in humans. It was a celebration of the flowering and greening of fields and trees - something we certainly see happening! And the birthing of animals, and the blush of human romance.

But the first Mother’s Day to be celebrated in the United States was organized by Julia Ward Howe, author of the “Battle Hymn of the Republic”. This amazing Victorian woman was a peace activist, poet, scholar, reformer, and mother of six. Her Mother’s Day was dedicated to world peace. Personally, she led a difficult life. Her wealthy husband was often estranged from her, and resentful of her independence and aspirations –

her ability and need to think and act and be creative on her own. In response to the horrors of the Franco-Prussian War,    Mrs. Howe founded the Women’s Peace Conference, but her organization was ignored. In 1870 it was hard for a woman to be taken seriously. After continuing efforts, Mother’s Peace Day was finally recognized in 1872 and was celebrated as such each June 2, for three decades until the turn of the century.

Mother’s Peace Day – dedicated to reconciliation and the hope of a safer, more peaceful world for all children.

Another woman, around that same time, named Anna Reeve Jarvis, was actually the inspiration for the celebration we observe on the second Sunday each May. Anna Jarvis was the mother of 11 children, an active Sunday school teacher and an organizer of local causes - another radical in her day. She initiated a post-Civil War   “Mother’s Friendship Day” that brought Union and Confederate soldiers together for reconciliation… another peace-maker. When Mrs. Jarvis died in May 1905, her daughter began a crusade to honor all mothers, in gratitude for her own. After nearly ten years, and thousands of letters to government officials,      her efforts paid off.

In May 1914 both Houses of Congress voted unanimously to approve the national observance of Mother’s Day. I wonder if anything before or since     has resulted in such agreement in Washington! But then who would dare vote against Mother’s Day and then face their own mother!         Still, it shows what one person can do if she is focused and persistent!

Persistence – or perseverance - is one of the gifts that women bring to their families and to our common life together – a persistence built on faith and endurance, a perseverance built on hope, creativity and love.

I came across a piece titled “The Images of Mother” (from the perspective of her child)

4 YEARS OF AGE – My Mommy can do anything!

8 YEARS OF AGE – My Mom knows a lot! A whole lot!

12 YEARS OF AGE – My Mother doesn’t really know everything

16 YEARS OF AGE – Mother? She’s so old-fashioned.

18 YEARS OF AGE – That old woman? What does she know!

25 YEARS OF AGE – Well, she might know a little bit about it.

35 YEARS OF AGE – Before we decide, let’s get Mom’s opinion.

45 YEARS OF AGE – Wonder what Mom would think about that?

65 YEARS OF AGE – I Wish I could talk it over with Mom.

There is so much truth in this! It brings up images from my own motherhood: holding my newborn son in my arms marveling at the beautiful translucence of his eyelids and delicate lashes as he slept.; my daughter, who was like an appendage to my body for the first 3 years of her life! Mud-pies and dress-ups; learning to skateboard as a den mother; playing goalie on the frozen pond to my son’s slap shots; sewing prom dresses for 6^th grade, 8^th grade, 10^th grade and senior yr! Listening to heavy metal music in the car, trying to tune it out; listening to broken hearts from first loves – totally tuned in; setting up college dorm rooms, and first apartments; giving advice – mostly ignored; meeting future spouses and planning weddings; again giving advice – sometimes being heard; holding my first grandchild in my arms,           marveling at the beautiful translucence of her eyelids and delicate lashes as she slept

There is a song that I used to sing to my children – I think it came from a Kodak camera commercial!

Where are you going my little one, little one?

Where are you going my baby, my own?

Turn around and you’re 2, turn around and you’re 4,

Turn around and you’re a young boy, going out of the door…

Where are you going my little one, little one?

Where are you going my baby, my own?

Turn around and you’re young, turn around and you’re grown’

Turn around and you’re a mother with babes of your own.

Motherhood – like all relationships – is ever changing… always full of blessings…blessings to give and blessings to receive; always full of birthings… new beginnings – sometimes painful, but necessary to give life and to grow; and always full of band-aids… times of healing, comforting,      forgiving, reconciling, mending what is broken.

This is the love God offers us – blessings, birthings and band-aids. It’s a wonderful image of a mothering God. This is the love we can offer one another… whether we are mothers, or fathers, or sisters or brothers. We are all one family. Blessings… birthing…and band-aids. Amen