Food for the Poor

Dear Friends,

I am sure that most of you have been involved in conversations about what you would do if you ever "won the lottery". I suspect that many of you said at some point in that conversation that you would use some of your winnings to do something for someone in need. Maybe you would make a huge donation to a family, a school, a hospital in need. Maybe you said that you would make a huge contribution to a cause that you support. I am sure that you promised that if you ever won the lottery you would do something charitable as a sign of your gratitude. Maybe the conversation ended with you jokingly saying: "Of course, if I ever hope to win the lottery, I suppose I need to buy a ticket."

When I was in Haiti I discovered that even though I have not bought a ticket in nearly 20 years, I have won the lottery. Through no effort on my part, I have been blessed to be born into a life more comfortable than most in the world can even imagine. I have an overabundance of life's comforts: food, clothing, shelter, transportation, access to health care. I do not need statistics to tell me that I live more comfortably than at least 90% of the people in the world. In the lottery of life's pleasures and comforts, I was given a winning ticket.

I cannot possibly describe the poverty that is in Haiti. We drove through streets in the country that passed along rivers of garbage. People lived in shacks that were made with rusty wasted metal. The stench of the squalor was overpowering.

What I will remember most from my time in Haiti however is not the poverty, but the hope. The schools, orphanages, fishing villages, and homes sponsored and supported by Food for the Poor improve the lives of tens of thousands of people throughout the Central and Latin America: children are taught, the elderly are cared for, the outcast are welcome, the hungry are fed, people are employed, the Gospel is lived. I come back from our pilgrimage to Haiti impressed by the work done by Food for the Poor. Many of you have contributed in the past to this ministry. Many of you have received their mailings and publications. I want to tell you, that Food for the Poor lives up to its press. They walk their talk.

In the weeks to come Christian Baron (who also took part in the pilgrimage) and I will continue to share our reflections on the experience of the pilgrimage. We will also explore ways for you to learn more about Food for the Poor. We hope to find ways for others from the congregation to take part in a pilgrimage in the coming year. We invite your questions. To learn more about the Ministry of Food for the Poor, go to their website: www.foodforthepoor.org.

One morning during our time in Haiti we visited a clinic that is located in one of the poor neighborhoods of Port au Prince. The doctors who volunteer their time at the clinic spoke to us of the many challenges they face in the clinic. Among those challenges is the vast number of people in Haiti who are infected with HIV/AIDS. In the midst of the conversation one of the doctors mentioned that he has himself tested for HIV every six weeks. I was stunned by this. Here is a man, blessed with the opportunities opened to him by his education, and he puts himself at risk to help heal the sick. In many ways, this doctor has won the lottery. In his work at the clinic he has found a way to share his "winnings". What would I do if I ever won the lottery? By God's grace, I have won. I have been abundantly blessed in so many ways. How can I possibly show my gratitude? One way will be to continue to support the ministry of Food for the Poor. Another way, is to invite you to support them as well.

Gracious God, help me to live in a way that honors and respects those who suffer and die today for the Gospel. Help me to live in a way that shows my gratitude for all the blessings of my life. Amen.

 

In God's Peace,

 

Mike

 

 

Gospel and reflection question for November 1

John 11:32-44

When Mary came where Jesus was and saw him, she knelt at his feet and said to him, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died." When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her also weeping, he was greatly disturbed in spirit and deeply moved. He said, "Where have you laid him?" They said to him, "Lord, come and see." Jesus began to weep. So the Jews said, "See how he loved him!" But some of them said, "Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?"Then Jesus, again greatly disturbed, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone was lying against it. Jesus said, "Take away the stone." Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, "Lord, already there is a stench because he has been dead four days." Jesus said to her, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?" So they took away the stone. And Jesus looked upward and said, "Father, I thank you for having heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I have said this for the sake of the crowd standing here, so that they may believe that you sent me." When he had said this, he cried with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" The dead man came out, his hands and feet bound with strips of cloth, and his face wrapped in a cloth. Jesus said to them, "Unbind him, and let him go."


How has Jesus used others to “unbind” you?

Sermon, October 25

October 25

Proper 25
Job 42:1-6, 10-17
Hebrews 7:23-28
Mark 10:46-52
Ask a person on any given morning, “how did you sleep last night”, the response will usually fall somewhere between, “ok” and “not very good”. At least, that’s the impression I get. Most of us, most nights are not getting a great nights sleep. There might be lots of reasons for this: the overall sense of anxiety and tension that is in the air. The fact that TV stations broadcast all night long, internet is available all night long. The world never sleeps, so neither do we. Illness in the home effects the sleep of everyone that is there. There are many factors, physical and emotional that cut into our sleep.
In response, to this epidemic of insomnia, there are many suggestions on how to improve your sleep. Some suggest sleeping medication. Some suggest watching what you eat or drink in the hours before you sleep. Cut down on the spicey food, and caffeine. Some suggest following the same schedule each night, having a regular bed time, and taking time before going to bed to wind down. Turn the tv off well before you go to bed. Go to bed calm and sleep improves.

Another option would be to buy some eye coverings to shut out any and all light. Of all the options, this seems to me to be the most frightening. I am not sure that I could sleep in the midst of such total darkness. Plus, I think I would be afraid that waking up in the morning I just might forget to take the blindfolds off. Imagine the danger of forgetting to take off the blindfold. With my blindfold on, I just might walk into the closet instead of the bathroom. How would I make my morning coffee. How wo0uld I drive to work? How would I find my clothes. Yes indeed. Living life in blindfolds would be disastrous.

Our readings this morning are about learning to see clearly. The book of Job is not a biography. Rather, it is a short story that is meant to teach. The readers of Job are taught how to see “suffering”. Job was written in a time when people were taught that the good were always blessed, and the evil always suffered. Yet, many could “see” that this simply was not true. To believe that the good are always blessed and that the evil are always punished, one has to be blind to the way the world really is. It takes a certain amount of blindness to believe that only evil people suffer or to believe that all riches and comforts are proof of a persons goodness. Job stands for many persons in the world, good, holy God fearing people who suffered tremendously. The story of Job teaches us that in this world there is a randomness to suffering. Too often the innocent do suffer, and the guilty seem to live very comfortably. It is through his suffering that Job comes to see that God is found not surrounded by riches and comforts, but God is found in the midst of suffering.

As I have read the Gospel throughout the week, the phrase that stood out to me most powerfully, was the response Bartimaeus gave when Jesus asked him: “What is it you want me to do for you?” “Teacher”, Bartimaeus said, “I want to see again.” I wonder: Why did he call Jesus “teacher”? Might you not expect him to refer to him as “Healer” or “Miracle worker”? Why teacher? Could it be that the Gospel is trying to teach us that the ability to see is something that is learned. “I want to see again.” At one time, Bartimaeus could see. Now, He wants to see again. Teacher, Teach me to see again. Perhaps Bartimaeus is a symbol of the person who puts on blindfolds and forgets to take them off.
Do you ever wear blindfolds so that you do not have to see the truth of your life. Do you ever wear blindfolds so you don’t have to see how your actions, your words are hurting those around you? Do you ever wear blindfolds so you do not have to look at your self, So you do not have to see how anger, and jealousy and resentment are turning your heart cold. Do you ever wear blindfolds so you do not have to look at the suffering in the world. So you do not have to see the ravages of violence, poverty and disease. Do you ever wear blindfolds so you do not have to see that the comforts we take for granted cause suffering to others? Do you ever wear blindfolds so you do not have to see the injustices which surround us in our city, our nation and in the world.
Sometimes it is as if we have put blindfolds over our eyes and left them there. We are blind. Jesus have mercy on us. Teacher restore our sight. Teacher, help us to see again.

After he his healed, the Gospel tells us that Bartimaeus follows Jesus on the way. “On the way” where? “The way” for Mark is the way of the cross. On the way to resurrection through suffering. On the way to life through death. The Gospel is teaching us that the way to find God is not to flee from suffering but to pass through it. In the Eucharistic Prayer that we will offer in a few minutes, we will pray: Open our eyes to see you hand at work in the world about us. Open our eyes, take off our blindfolds. Teach us to see again. Teach us to see you in the suffering of the world. Teach us to see you in those who are today crucified on the crosses of poverty, disease, injustice and war.
After he is healed, after the teacher restores his sight, Bartimaeus springs into action. The Gospel invites us to do the same. When we take our blindfolds off, we act. Might I suggest to you all that each one of us, reads one article this week about suffering and poverty. One article about homelessness, one article about the suffering caused by global climate change. One article that will help us take off our blindfold and see again. And after reading one article, may we act. May each of do something, one thing to care for the poor. May we write one letter to congress, may we bring one can of food for a pantry, may we give one hour in service of the community, may we say one prayer for those who suffer.

May we take off our blindfolds and see. May we spring to our feet and act. May we follow Jesus on the way. Maybe when we see, maybe when we act, maybe when we truly follow Jesus on the way, we will finally come to the end of a day, lay down, and get a good nights sleep.

Gospel for September 27 with reflections

Mark 9:38-50
John said to Jesus, "Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us." But Jesus said, "Do not stop him; for no one who does a deed of power in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. Whoever is not against us is for us. For truly I tell you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you bear the name of Christ will by no means lose the reward.
"If any of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were hung around your neck and you were thrown into the sea. If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life maimed than to have two hands and to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire. And if your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life lame than to have two feet and to be thrown into hell., And if your eye causes you to stumble, tear it out; it is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and to be thrown into hell, where their worm never dies, and the fire is never quenched.
"For everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is good; but if salt has lost its saltiness, how can you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another."


From today's Gospel reading:"If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off....If your foot causes you to sin, cut it off.... And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out.

"Reflection:Jesus tells us to cut off a hand or foot or pluck out an eye if they cause us to sin. We get the point -- don't we? Sin is serious, not just for us, but for the community. One person might sin; but the whole community suffers -- especially "the little ones" -- those whose faith is vulnerable. He's calling us to make whatever changes we must to live his life, He knows making serious change can be as painful as cutting off a limb.

So he is here to encourage and enable us. So we ask ourselves: What necessary changes must I make now to follow Jesus more closely?What's holding me back?Do I believe he will be there to help me, once I determine to do something? The Rev. John Boll OP, The Preachers Exchange

Sunday Gospel and Forum Question for September 6, 2009

Mark 7:24-37

Jesus set out and went away to the region of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know he was there. Yet he could not escape notice, but a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit immediately heard about him, and she came and bowed down at his feet. Now the woman was a Gentile, of Syrophoenician origin. She begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter. He said to her, "Let the children be fed first, for it is not fair to take the children's food and throw it to the dogs." But she answered him, "Sir, even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs." Then he said to her, "For saying that, you may go-- the demon has left your daughter." So she went home, found the child lying on the bed, and the demon gone. Then he returned from the region of Tyre, and went by way of Sidon towards the Sea of Galilee, in the region of the Decapolis. They brought to him a deaf man who had an impediment in his speech; and they begged him to lay his hand on him. He took him aside in private, away from the crowd, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spat and touched his tongue. Then looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, "Ephphatha," that is, "Be opened." And immediately his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly. Then Jesus ordered them to tell no one; but the more he ordered them, the more zealously they proclaimed it. They were astounded beyond measure, saying, "He has done everything well; he even makes the deaf to hear and the mute to speak."


Has there been a time in your life when Jesus miraclously “opened” your ears, your eyes, or your heart?

Sermon for August 30, 2009

Sermon August 30, 2009Prop 17BSong of Solomon 2:8-13James 1:17-27Mark 7:1-23

One of the delightful gifts of sons growing into young adult hood is getting to know the young women in their lives. As some of you know, our middle son’s girl friend lived with Linda and I this past spring. What was most delightful is that while Erin was living with us, Ben was still in Mount Pleasant finishing his degree. It was a gift to get to know Erin as a person, and not just as someone who came along with Ben.

After she graduated this past spring, Erin was offered a teaching position at Marysville High School just south of Port Huron. The weekend after she was offered the position, Erin came to our house, bubbling with excitement about her new job and community. Her only complaint was that when she was scouting out apartments a landlord asked her what she would be teaching. “High school English and History” she said enthusiastically. “Oh, I am sorry, that is too bad“, he responded. Erin was beside herself, almost offended by his comment. “What did he mean by that? Why was he sorry? What is “too bad” about teaching high schoolers English and History?

Well, I have to confess I did not say what I was thinking. I did not tell her that as I remember high school my high school classes in English and History I knew what he meant by too bad, and so sorry.

Do you remember high school English and History? Do you remember diagramming sentences, and practicing all the rules of grammar? Do you remember memorizing dates and names and places that seemed to be of absolutely no use then, now, or forever? Do you remember papers covered with red ink?

Because I so sadly remember those teachers who made English and History such sorrowful experiences, I more gladly remember the magnificent teachers. I remember Mrs. Willard and Mrs. Brooks who brought history and literature to life for me in high school. I remember college professors: Don Spitzka who spent weeks on the poem Dover Beach, and Tom McInerny who spent almost a whole semester talking about the 1912 presidential election. It was these great teachers whose passion for teaching, for students, and for their subjects helped me to fall in love in with history and literature.
Our readings this weekend present us with two styles of teachers. In the Gospel, there are the Pharisees. The Pharisees knew that the rules were important. The Pharisees feared that without the rules to govern the Jewish religion, the people would get so sloppy in their faith that they risked losing their faith. The Pharisees, at their best, loved their God, Yahweh, and wanted to be sure that faith in Yahweh would remain strong. But, at their worst the Pharisees fell so much in love with the laws and the rules, that they failed to recognize Yahweh in the flesh. They loved their law so much, that they did not love Jesus. They loved the law so much, they used the law to put God to death.

Jesus knew and kept the rules and the laws. Jesus did not come to abolish the law, but to fulfill it. Jesus came to teach that faith was not about following rules, not about loving laws, but about loving God. Faith for Jesus was about loving that which God loves: God’s creation, God’s children.

The Song of Solomon, which is our reading from the Hebrew Scripture today is a poem about love. Most believe that it was not originally written about God, but rather was a love song written by lovers to their beloved. It’s place in scripture reminds us that God‘s love is revealed in human love. The song is a reminder that to love another person is to experience God. To love another person is to see the face of God. The Song of Solomon is not about laws and rules, but about human love in all of its passion. In this song about human love we learn of the passionate love which is at the heart of the relationship between God and God’s people.

The Epistle of James was written in the years just after the life of Jesus. In this Epistle, James invites his readers to consider how love is to be lived out. The perfect law of love is enacted not in what we hear, not in what we think, but in how we act. The perfect law of love is not about how well we keep ritual laws of washing pots, cups kettles, or even our hands, but about how pure we keep our hearts. The perfect law of love is fulfilled in keeping ourselves unstained by the violence, the greed, the seductions, the hatred of our world. The perfect law of love is fulfilled by living gratefully and generously. The perfect law of love is fulfilled when we are mindful of the words we speak. The perfect law of love is fulfilled when we care for widows and orphans.

Dear friends, today we give thanks for teachers. We give thanks for those who taught us how to diagram sentences, those who taught us the rules of grammar, those who helped us memorize all those dates, and all those persons who were important in history. Today we give thanks for those teachers whose passion helped bring English, and History and Math, and Chemistry, and Physics, and Business and Music, and every other subject to life. Friends, today we give thanks for those who taught us the rules, and commandments and traditions of our faith. We give thanks for those whose passion helped bring our faith to life, those whose passion for God taught us how to love God, others and our self.

We pray that we might live what we have learned. May we love our self and others as beloved daughters and sons of God. May we be grateful. May we be generous. May we unstained by the world. May we care for widows and orphans. May we love as God loves, not in only in hearing and in keeping laws. May our love be lived in action.

Sermon, August 23, 2009

The Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost
August 23, 2009
I Kings 8:22-43
Psalm 84
Ephesians 6:10-20
John 6:51-58


Gracious God help me to preach in a way that is good news to the poor , the weak, the widows and the orphans and all those who are most vulnerable. Help me to preach in a way that honors and respects those who will suffer and die today for your Gospel . Help me to preach in a way that seeks not my glory but yours. Not the growth of this church, but the spread of your kingdom.
Whenever I meet with parents and godparents to talk about baptism, I begin by asking them to remember at least 10 stories from scripture which involve water. Usually they are able to come up almost ten: the story of creation where God divides the land from the sea, the crossing of the red sea, Moses being rescued from the water, noah’s ark, the Baptism of Jesus, Jesus calming and walking on the sea, Jesus turning water into wine. They remember some of the miracles of healing that take place in water, the sermons Jesus preached from a boat on the water. Indeed, water is present in scripture stories from the beginning of the bible to the end, from Genesis to Revelation.
Almost as prevalent as stories about water, are biblical strories about food, about eating and drinking: (How many stories about food can you think of…can we come up with 10.) In the Hebrew Scriptures, Abraham and Sara provide food to guests who are messengers of God. The Hebrew people eat the Passover meal. As they flee, they complain about the food they are forced to eat in the wilderness, God provides them with manna, and quail, food from heaven. The Hebrew Scriptures are filled stories of food sacrificed to Yahweh, as well as rules of purity associated with food. In the Gospels, Jesus eats countless meals with the disciples, Pharisees, tax collectors, prostitutes and sinners. Jesus appears on the lakeshore after the resurrection and eats breakfast with his friends, he breaks bread at his last supper before his crucifixion and in Emmaus on the evening of the resurrection. Jesus multiplies bread and feeds thousands. Throughout the books of scripture, one of the images of the fullness of God’s realm is that of a banquet with an abundance of fine food and choice wine.
Food, sharing meals is central in the history of the Jewish people and in the life and ministry of Jesus. As a faithful Jew, Jesus would have appreciated the deep symbolism of food. We often take the abundance of food for granted. But, in most of the world , throughout most of history one’s next meal is seldom taken for granted. For most people throughout history, there is great uncertainty about how long food supplies will last, how long before food will run out. Because of this, in the Scripture, to share food with someone symbolized deep friendship, and intimacy. In the scripture, God and Jesus eats with people to symbolize the deep intimate love that God has for people.
For the past 5 weeks, our Gospel reading has been taken from the 6th Chapter of John. Beginning with an account of the miracle in which Jesus multiplies bread and feeds thousands of people, John’s Gospel has offered an ever deepening reflection about Jesus, as the bread of life. I believe this is the only chapter in the Scripture that is read over the course five consecutive Sundays. I would like to suggest that the reason we have been invited to spend so much time with the Chapter of John is central to our faith. This chapter speaks to the very core about who Jesus is, and who we are as his disciples. In this chapter Jesus deepens the symbolism of food and intimacy to its most profound and richest level. In this chapter, Jesus proclaims that not only does God prepare the banquet and eat with his people, but God in fact becomes food for that people. God not only shares a meal, God becomes the meal which people devour. This idea was so offensive, so scandalous, that the early Christians were mocked as those who ate their God. Indeed, it is almost offensive even to us today…..this bread we eat is the flesh of Jesus, the wine we drink is the blood of Jesus. In this bread and wine, God becomes our food, God becomes part of us. We are nourished on the very body and blood of God.
John’s 6th chapter is proclaiming that in eating and drinking, the bread and wine, the flesh and blood of Jesus, Jesus comes to abide in us. And, as Jesus body abides in us, God who abides in Jesus, also abides in us. The Gospel is proclaiming that by eating this bread and wine we are transformed. We become that which we eat and drink. As we eat and drink the flesh and blood of Jesus, we become the flesh and blood of Jesus in our world today. As we eat and drink the body and blood of Jesus, we are transformed. We no longer see only with human eyes, but we begin to see with the eyes of Jesus. we begin to see with the eyes of God. We no longer work with human hands, but with the hands of Jesus. We begin to work the hands of God. We no longer love with human hearts, but with the heart of Jesus. We begin to love with the heart of God.
In the days of Jesus, such talk was offensive. At the beginning of the John’s 6th chapter, the huge crowd was ready to make Jesus king. In today’s Gospel, the end of that chapter, all but a few have deserted him. The idea of God becoming their food was too much for them to bear.
Is this difficult teaching too much for you? Is the thought of Jesus truly present in this bread and wine too scandalous to you? Are you willing to willing to become the one eat? Are you willing to be the eyes and the hands and the heart of God? Are you willing to let God live and act in your flesh? Today, as our planet is in such danger, are you willing to enflesh God’s love for creation? Today when thousands of people lack food and water are you willing to enflesh God’s justice in our world? Today, as our nation debates health care reform are you willing to enflesh God’s healing presence? To enflesh God's healing presence does not mean that we side with one reform plan or another. What matters is that we side with God. Are we will to side with a God who always makes a divine option for the poor? Are we willing to side not those who benefit from the way things are, but with those whom God sides with--- the poor, the broken, the lame, the sick, and those in need of healing. Are you willing to let God use your flesh to be the voice of those are left out of the debate---the least, the lost, and the lowly.
The words of Jesus are challenging, and offensive. John’s 6th chapter ends with Jesus asking his closest friends, is this too much? “do you also wish to go away?” The question is meant for us as well. Do we wish to go away? May we have the courage to respond, with Simon Peter: "Lord to whom shall we go? You have the words to eternal life."

Gospel Reflection

The Gospel for Sunday August 23 is John 6:26-59

Share your reflections on the following questions:
How does Jesus abide in you? How do you abide in Jesus?
How does Jesus abide in our congregation?
How do we abide in Jesus?
Are there words of Jesus that you find offensive?

Reflections on the Readings for August 2

To comment on the blog just click on the title of the blog....this will open it up for comments.

Some questions to consider for next weeks readings:

Have you ever had the experience of someone "speaking the truth in love" to you?
Have you ever, "spoken the truth in love" to someone else?

What do you believe people hunger and thirst for? What do you hunger and thirst for in your life? How has Jesus satisfied your hunger?

Sermon of July 26

July 26, 2009Proper 12 BThe Eighth Sunday after Pentecost2 Samuel 11:1-15Ephesians 3:14-21John 6:1-21
Years ago, when we were using the a different cycle of readings, the reading from the Hebrew scripture each week was chosen to match a theme that was found in the Gospel. This reflected the belief that the Hebrew scripture reached their fullness in the life of Jesus, and the Gospel. The new reading cycle, the Revised Common Lectionary that we have used for the past few years, the reading from the Hebrew Scripture is no longer chosen to reflect a theme of the Gospel. On most Sundays now, the readings from Hebrew Scripture and New Testament are completely independent of each other. More often than not, there is no connection between the readings.
In this weeks readings, not only is there no connection between the readings from 2nd Samuel and John, but in fact, the readings are almost opposite. The theme in Samuel and the theme of John go in completely different directions.
2nd Samuel recounts the descent of King David into the abysss of evil. David had it all. He was the chosen one of God. By God’s grace David defeated Goliath, driven out the Philistines, united the 12 tribes of Israel, and built the city of Jerusalem. David was loved by God, and loved by the people of Israel. David had wealth, power, and prestige; all that he could possibly want and he still wants more. All that he has was not enough. So, in his desire for more, David begins his descent into sin. David’s descent into sin reaches its evil low when he plots to have Uriah, his faithful general killed. David’s plot succeeds. Uriah dies in battles. David is a murderer. Betrayal, adultery and murder—all because with all that David had, he was never satisfied. With all he had, he wanted more.
John’s Gospel recounts a wondrous miracle. Jesus sees the crowd and knows that they will need to be fed. Phillip anxiously declares that there is not enough money to feed the crowd. It is then that the miracle begins to unfold. An unnamed boy is brought to Jesus with simple gifts of bread and fish. The boy who does not even possess a name, offers what he has, and the miracle occurs. The boy offers what he has, and thousands are satisfied.
The evil of David ends with murder. It begins with his desire for Bathsheba. His gazing upon her, his inquiring, his sending for her all precede his fall into murder and betrayal.
The miracle of multiplication of the loaves ends with a crowd of over 5000 fed and enough food left over to fill 12 baskets. 12 baskets full----enough to satisfy each of the twelve tribes of Israel. It begins with the unnamed child offering what he has to Jesus. It ends with enough food for all.
The stories of scripture reveal a truth: the choice for evil often begins with the desire for more. Sin begins when those who have more than enough, still crave more. Sin begins when those who have more than enough, think that the world is theirs for the taking. We could make the case that all of sin is rooted in a desire for more. More power, more pleasure, more things, more money, more toys, more more more. Even when we have enough, we want more.
Grace begins, goodness begins, miracles begin to occur when those who have enough offer what they have to God. When the child offered the little he had, a miracle occurred. When we offer what we have, miracles can still occur.
Where do we find ourselves in the stories? We who live among the most indulged people on earth. Even in financially difficult times, we have more than enough, more than most in the world would ever imagine having, and yet we crave more. Of course we do not go as far as David, we do not give in to murder. Yet, our indulgent life style, our desire for more does put the poor of the world at risk. The global climate change spawned by our high standard of living causes suffering pain and death for those who are poor. Sadly, truthfully, I am more like David than I would like to admit.
Perhaps we find ourselves in the place of Phillip, the practical one. Phillip knows that cost of food. He sees how many mouths there are to feed: Even 6 months wages cannot begin to feed the crowd. When we look at the needs of the world, might we be more like Phillip than we might like to admit. Surely we do not have enough wages to care for the needy in the world. We cannot possibly feed all the hungry, we cannot possibly give clean water to those who thirst. We cannot possibly give everyone adequate health care. The Philllip in us looks at our resources and the needs of the world and we simply give up. We cannot possibly provide the God given rights of food, water and health care. Sadly, truthfully, I am more like Phillip than I would like to admit.
Or, perhaps we can find ourselves in the place of the young boy. Can we take what have and bring it to Jesus?
Each week at the Offertory we bring our gifts to the altar. Each Sunday we step into the sandals of the young boy and offer our loaves and fishes to Jesus. After we bring these gifts, thanks is offered and miracles occur. Our gifts of bread and wine become the body and blood of Jesus. Our gifts of food and are multiplied and the hungry are fed. Our financial offerings spread the Good News of God’s love.
Most likely, we find within ourselves traces of David, Phillip, and the unnamed child.
We confess that we are too much like David and though we have more than enough, we still want more. Lord have Mercy.
We confess that we are too much like Phillip, we see the poor and try to avoid our responsibility to care for them. Christ have Mercy.
We pray that we may become more like the unnamed child. May we offer our gifts to Jesus, trusting that our gifts in his hands will bring miraculous results. May our gifts in his hands be enough to satisfy those who hunger. May our gifts in his hands be more than enough to heal the world.

sermon reflection for July 26

Offer your thoughts and reflections on the Gopsel for July 26.

John 6:1-21

The young boy offered 5 loaves and 2 fish. From these meager gifts, Jesus fed over 5000 people. What gifts can you offer for Jesus to give thanks for and multiply?

The hunger of the crowd was satisfied. What do you hunger for? How has God satisfied that hunger?

July 19 sermon

Proper 11The Seventh Sunday after Pentecost
July 19, 2009
2Samuel 7:1-14
Ephesians 2:11-22
Mark 630-34, 53-56

A friend of mine is a Roman Catholic priest who at one time served in my home parish back in Portland Michigan. His experience of Portland as a priest was very different than my experience growing in Portland. Even though he served in Portland long after I moved away from there, we still have memories of some of the same people, and chuckle at some of the personality quirks that are very present in Portland.

This past week he was talking about Portland and a series of meetings he was having years ago with some of the local clergy. They were talking about drinking and alcoholism, and underage drinking---all big problems in small towns. As part of their discussion, my friend suggested that the clergy and churches work together to bring in a speaker to address the community regarding alcohol and alcoholism. In the midst of the discussion, a number of the other clergy from town stated that “it would be fine to invite a speaker to come, but members of their congregation would not benefit…….after all, they said quite seriously, “its only members of the Catholic Church and the Congregational Church that have problems with drinking. We other churches don’t. Our people don‘t drink.”

Now years ago, I might have commented that : #1: I didn’t know there were non Catholics in Portland. And 2: Everybody in Portland drinks.

Now I know of course that both those comments are wrong. There are many other denominations in my little town of Portland. I was just a bit too smug to notice. And, even I had to admit, there are lots of people in Portland who did not drink then and now.

The story underlines how easy it is to make assumptions about others and ourselves. Only certain types of people drink, only certain types gamble, certain types divorce. Only certain types of people lose their jobs, or their homes. Only certain types of people like baseball or hockey or Nascar. Only certain types of people care about the environment or the right to life, only certain types of people support this political party, or this cause. While many of these assumptions are silly, and ignorant, most generally, the assumptions we live with are relatively harmless. Some assumptions however are the root of deep divisions, prejudice, and bigotry. Some assumptions about how others live and how they are different lead to hatred, violence and war.

The divisions, suspicion and hatred between Jew and Gentile at the time of Jesus was profound. The wall of hostility between Jew and Gentile was real. Much of the anger which Jesus provoked in the religious authorities of his day grew out of his ministry with Gentiles. He touched them, he healed them, he taught them, he ate with them, he used them as examples of Godly living. One could make the case that it was the radical hospitality which Jesus showed to those outside the Jewish nation which led to his death.

The divisions between Jew and Gentile continued in the time after Jesus death and resurrection. In the earliest decades of the Church, there were bitter disputes regarding the place of Gentiles in the Christian community. Should gentiles be accepted? Did they need to be circumcised in order to be baptized? What about Jewish dietary rules, did Gentiles have to follow them? The discussions were intense. In the midst of the discussion, Paul would called Peter a hypocrite. In the letter to the Galatians, Paul wrote that he wished that those who insist on circumcision would mutilate themselves with a slip of their knife. Ouch.

It is in the midst of these controversies that the letter to the Ephesians is written. Paul states that the dividing wall of hostility between Jew and Gentile, circumcised and uncircumcised has been torn down by the cross . Peace and reconciliation have been established by the death of Jesus. Jew and Gentile are now members of the one humanity, the one household of God. The wall of hostility and hatred has been replaced by a new and holy temple. One new humanity, one new body has been born out of the blood of Jesus on the cross.

In Christ our unity, our common humanity, our one fellowship has already been established. It is accomplished. Yet, we know because of sin that walls still stand. Divisions still exist. Divisions related to age, and gender, and race, nationality, sexual orientation and religion. . In our world sins of racism, and bigotry still threaten us always.

At the heart of our life as disciples of Jesus is the call to overcome these hostilities; to be ministers of reconciliation. As disciples of Jesus we are called to live as one new humanity. This was at the heart of discipleship in the time of Jesus. In our Gospel today, we see the return of the apostles to Jesus. He invites them to come away to a time of rest. Do you notice thought that there is an odd gap in the reading, 19 verses are missing. Jesus is teaching the crowd. Then the Gospel skips to the disciples landing at Gennesaret and mooring the boat. Do you wonder about whats missing? I did. And here is whats missing.

In the verses not read in the Gospel, Jesus sends the apostles across the lake. He sends them to the other side. He sends them to Gentile territory. In Marks Gospel, Jesus is always sending the apostles over to the other side of the lake. . He is always sending them to Gentile territory. And, just about every time they cross the lake they face a storm. In the verses missing from todays account, the apostles face an adverse wind that prevented them from making any progress. In other accounts, there are storms. What Mark is telling us is that in the ministry of Jesus and his first followers, Jesus was trying to bring together Jew and Gentile. And, even then, even in the time of Jesus it was a difficult, and stormy endeavor. In one of the crossing stories, in the midst of a storm Jesus is asleep in the boat, the disciples cry out: don’t you care that we are perishing.

I believe that the work of reconciliation is the hardest work for disciples to be engaged. The work of tearing down walls, the work of helping one new humanity to be born, the work of ending hostility between peoples continues to our day. It is a work that is filled with storms and treacherous seas. At times we would rather not go. We would rather not try to cross the sea. But Jesus sends us.

Some would say that the Episcopal Church is in the midst of some pretty stormy seas these days. The discussions about sexuality, and blessing of unions continue to swirl around the Episcopal Church and other churches in this country and around the world. Sexuality is our today’s version of the issue the early church faced regarding Jew and Gentile. The walls of division and hostility are still strong. But, in Jesus these walls have been broken down. In Jesus, peace and reconciliation gives birth to one new humanity. With Jesus as the cornerstone, the walls are torn down and a new and holy temple will be built. and holy temple. That is our prayer. That is our hope. That is our work.

In the Gospel, after crossing the treacherous sea of Gallilee, Jesus and the disciples moored the boat and began to heal the sick. General Convention has passed, the seas were stormy, some wondered if the Church would completely capsize. But, convention passed and we, so far, have stayed afloat. We have reached shore, safely. Will there be other storms, of course. There always are. We pray in confidence, that after every storm Jesus brings us safely to shore. As we come to shore, we pray that we might continue his work and bring his healing to our world.

Passionate Spirituality: Julianne Day

Where have you seen expressons of passionate spiriutality n your life, and in the life of the parish?

Julianne Day:



I actually think about passionate spirituality every time I drive past St. Andrew's now. "Come Passionate Spirit Come. Compassionate Spirit Come." In the last few weeks, it's struck me that passionate spirituality often shows in our everyday interactions with one another b/c these are ways we express our faith just as much as how we respond in worship. Several people in the congregation have suggested where I should look for a job or people for me to meet with, and I think this urge to help is evidence of passionate spirituality.

I was also impressed a few Sundays ago by Sergei Guider's actions while helping to serve breakfast to homeless/jobless/foodless people at St. Mark's: he spent most of his morning sitting and talking with them (instead of preparing food in the kitchen) and then lined up WITH them to receive his breakfast. Instead of simply serving them, he tried to become one of them. I was so impressed.


Has your personal prayer life been effected by our NCD involvement?
I'd say the only thing I've done differently was signing up to pray for the Easter Vigil this year. Since I don't usually spend much time in structured prayer, I had second thoughts after I signed up -- what if I couldn't pray for a whole hour? But it wasn't as hard as I'd feared. Something about walking into that quiet chapel space, where two of my fellow parishioners were already kneeling in prayer filled me with peace and allowed me to focus. The tag team aspect of the vigil reminded me that we "relieve" each other in the work of the parish; not one of us is expected to meet the needs of the world (or even of ourselves) alone.That's all that comes to mind at the moment. What are everybody else's experiences?~Julianne

Passionate Spirituality: Barb Visota

Where do you see expressions of passionate spirituality in your life or in the life of the congregation?

From Barb Visota

I have been thinking about passionate spirituality and asking friends what it means to them. What I have realized is that it is completely personal and different for everyone.
I keep remembering what Clark said at one of our early meetings about quiet devotion. That makes me think about the story of Martha and Mary. One expressed her passion by working hard to meet the practical needs of others as a way to serve. The other chose to be passionate about listening for the voice of God. One expression of passion is every bit as valid as the other.
What I have to remember is not to get perturbed with anyone because the way they choose to express their spirituality is not the way I would choose.
For me, being passionately spiritual is a choice. I don't wait for passion to strike like inspiration, I choose to be passionate. And once I've made that choice God keeps it going. There is a thought that runs through my day, a feeling that there's always someone walking next to me and that keeps me making the choice every day to continue to be passionate.
Last week I was at a memorial service for a friend. The priest was talking about the ways we practice Christian values in our lives and he said that "we follow as we know". Maya Angelou says "we do what we know and when we know better, we do better".
Just by contemplating the meaning of passionate spirituality I am beginning to "know better" which is bringing me and keeping me closer to God.
I was surprised that people in the focus groups were surprised that we scored lower on passionate spirituality. They saw very plain evidence of it all through our congregation. Maybe it was always there, we just weren't expressing it openly. And maybe just contemplating that will help more people "know better" and follow as they know.
I'm praying that God will release our potential and our faith.

Passionate Spirituality: Will Campbell

Where have you seen an expression of passionate spirituality in your life or in the life of St. Andrews?

From Will Campbell:


I love to sing, making a joyful noise as it were. I sing in the car, in the shower, along with the radio; and sometimes I make up my own songs. I’ll sing Broadway Show tunes, pop, ballads, country, you name it.

If memory serves me well (and let’s just face the truth, sometimes it doesn’t) I’ve been with St. Andrew’s choir since the fall of 1995. In that entire time, I’ve never sung a solo. I had been asked to do so, but decided it wasn’t for me. Now there have been one, maybe two times, I’ve had to sing my tenor part alone, but everyone else was singing their part also. So that really doesn’t count.

I was asked to sing the Exultet for Easter Vigil this year. At first, when I got the e-mail, after reading it, I ignored it. Then, after a day or so, I looked at the words and listened to a recording of a real life Cantor. It was frightening to think I might actually do this. You see, it’s sung a cappella, or singing without instrumental accompaniment. And, it’s about seven minutes long. There was no way I was going to do that. Then, the call came. “Did you get the e-mail?” “Are you going to do it?” After having a week to think about it, I blurted out “YES!”

When I reflect on why I said yes, I grasp that the Holy Spirit was weaving in and around my life. Our church family was in the midst of learning about Natural Church Development (NDC). I am a contributor to the Health Team. Through a survey based on the experience of thousands of churches worldwide, we discerned that while we have a strong parish and passionate parish family, we could increase our spiritual passion. The many meetings, reflections, readings and sharing within the Health Team led me to say yes to singing the Exultant. I would say that the Holy Spirit moved me.

Was the singing of the Exultet perfect that night? Was I on pitch throughout? No. But that doesn’t really matter. I did practice singing it through the weeks leading up to the Easter Vigil, and I did my best. That is all that God asks of me, of any of us. I left it in God’s hands to work out the details.

Will I sing another solo? Funny thing about that, I already have. Again, I was nervous. Would I be able to remember the words, the notes, the timing? While discussing these fears with a close friend, she said to me, “Just hand it over to God,” which is what I did. I let go of the fear of making a mistake. And God led me through it. It’s said that God moves in mysterious ways. Actually, God moves through those who love him. He continually puts friends in my path who challenge me, who love me, who support me.

Learning about Passionate Spirituality, what it means, how it can positively affect me, has been the catalyst I needed to push the envelope of my comfort zone. Thanks be to God!

Pentecost Sermon
Acts 2:1-21
Romans 8:22-27
John 15:26-16:15

Some months ago, as we were beginning our Natural Church development process here at St. Andrews, I was trying to gain some understanding about the meaning of Passionate Spirituality. As part of the effort, I began to pray for the coming of the Holy Spirit. My prayer was quite simple….I would just repeat the words, “Come Passionate Spirit Come” again and again….Come Passionate Spirit Come, Come Passionate Spirit Come. Come passionate Spirit. As I prayed this simple prayer, I noticed, that these same sounds, with just a bit of a change in rythm also produced a different prayer: Compassionate Spirit Come. Compassionate Spirit Come. Compassionate Spirit Come.

This morning, as we celebrate the feast of Pentecost, would you please join me in this prayer. Come Passionate Spirit Come. Compassionate Spirit Come. Come Passionate Spirit Come. Compassionate Spirit Come………….


16 times a minute. 960 times an hour. 23040 times a day. Over 8 million times a year. In a lifetime of 80 years, over 670 million times. We breathe. Each time we breathe, we capture oxygen from the air. As we breathe, we bring energy to our cells. As we breathe out, carbon dioxide, waste gas is removed from our cells. We breathe to bring life’s good energy into our bodies. We breathe to remove poison, bad air from our bodies. When we breathe we are alive. When we stop breathing we die.

The spirit of God is described as the wind, the breath of God. In the beginning, God breathed her breath into the void, and creation was born. God breathed his spirit into Adam and Eve and they came to life. God breathed over the waters of the Sea, and the people of Israel were freed. God breathed through the prophets and the Israel heard God’s word. God breathed over Mary and Jesus was conceived. God breathed over Jesus at his baptism, and Jesus began his ministry of healing the sick, feeding the hungry, freeing the captives, and raising the dead. At his death Jesus breathed his last, and handed over his breath to God. God breathed into the tomb and raised Jesus from the death on Easter. Easter night Jeus breathed his gift of Peace over the Apostles. On Pentecost, God breathed the spirit of God, the Spirit of Jesus over the followers of Jesus and sent them out to then ends of the earth.

Every time you breathe, the spirit of God comes into your body. That’s how close God is to you. Every breath you take, Gods energy fills you. 16 times a minute, 23 thousand times a day. Hundreds of million times in your life, the breath of God, the Spirit of God fills you. Every breath you take is filled with the energy of God. Every breath you take is filled with the power of God.

When we breathe, our cells are cleansed of poisonous carbon dioxide. To breaths is to be cleansed. God’s Spirit is a cleansing Spirit. What are the poisons that you need to exhale. God’s spirit sanctifies. She fills us with good air, as she removes the bad. What bad air needs to be removed: The poison of jealousy, lust, hatred, division, greed, despair, fear. As you ask for God’s life giving spirit to come. What poisons do you wish the spirit to cleanse.

What power from God do you need this day. Is it the power of courage. Is it the power of forgiveness. Is it the power of hope. Is it the power of truth. Is it the power laughter. Is it the power of wisdom. Is it the power of humor.

Pleae pray with me. Come Passionate Spirit Come. Compassionate Spirit Come. Come Passionate Spirit Come. Compassionate Spirit Come. Come Passionate Spirit Come, Compassionate Spirit Come.

In the letter to the Romans, Paul says that creation is in agony. Creation is groaning.

Floods, fires, droughts, famine, disease, earthquakes, and storms, violence and war, poverty and racism, and hatred, terrorism, countries spending billions and trillions on the latest weapons of mass destruction while thousands die each day for lack of clean water. Creation is groaning in agony. Reports this week state that climate change will kill 300,000 people annually. This number will rise in the years and decades to come. Creation is in groaning in agony, as it waits for redemption. The Spirit of God has been poured upon us to bring creation to new birth. God has given us the Spirit of Jesus, the power of Jesus to bring redemption to the world. God wants to recreate the world through us, God wants to recreate the world through you. We are the midwives of the new creation. The word compassion means, to feel with. I know absolutely no hebrew, but I am tolkd that in hebrew, the word for compassion comes from the words "to feel in the womb". To feel compassion is to feel another's pain, in our womb, in our gut. God feels the pain of the world in his womb. And, it is from the womb of God that a new world is born. God's compassionate spirit is bringing a new world to birth through you. Do you have the courage to bring that world to life. Do you have the courage toto dream God’s dream, to see God's vision of justice and peace? Do you have the courage to hope for what you cannot yet see. Do you have the courage to be God’s instrument in redeeming the world? Do you have the courage let the Spirit work through you?


Please pray with me. Come Passionate Spirit Come. Compassionate Spirit Come. . Come Passionate Spirit Come. Compassionate Spirit Come. Come Passionate Spirit Come.

Most pictures of Pentecost show the tongues of fire on the disciples. Many show the Holy Spirit as a dove also hovering in the room. The dove is one of the images most of us has of the Holy Spirit. One of the images recently discovered for the Holy Spirit is that of a wild goose. Some claim that the image of the Spirit as a goose goes back to the earliest centuries of the Church. Whether or not it is centuries old or not it is still an image that has power. Wild Geese are not sweet and serene but raucous and loud. They do not fly away from the face of danger, but can be quite aggressive. They are annoying and uncontrollable. They make a mess. Wild Geese in flight are majestic.

How easily we try to tame and domesticate the power of God. We imagine God’s spirit to be gentle and soothing, someone that we can easily control. A spirit that is as passive as a gentle murmuringcooh. But the spirit of God is not always or only passive, or controllable, or quiet or gentle.

The Spirit of God can also loud, raucous and annoying. She bites at our heals to get us to move. There are times when she makes a mess of our well ordered lives and plans. As much as we would like to do so, we cannot control the Spirit of God. She blows where she wills. She howls when she wishes. There are times when she acts exactly as we wish she would not. The Spirit of God is not tame but wild.


In the midst of our worship each Sunday, we ask the Spirit to be with us. We ask her to cleanse us and gather us together. We ask her to come upon our gifts to make them body of blood of Jesus. We ask her to come upon us to renew, sanctify and unite us. We ask her to send us out into the world. As we pray for the spirit this morning, let us imagine not the gentle dove, but the wild goose. Picture that wild spirit coming upon us . Ask that spirit to make us wild and raucous. Ask that spirit to make us annoying and uncontrollable. Ask that wild spirit to blow through us. Ask that spirit to fill us with the passionate power of God.

This morning, we celebrate the Baptism of Charlie and Christopher. We aks that the Spirit be with them and us. We ask that the Spirit give us energy, we ask that she sends us into the world that the world might be recreated through us. There is no Baptismal hymn this morning, instead, I ask you to pray that the Holy Spirit will come upon the waters of this font. Ask that spirit to be unleashed through all who are baptized in the spirit. Ask that spirit to be renewed in us. Ask that spirit to be with us today and forever.


Pray, like thunder: Come Passionate Spirit. Compassionate Spirit Come. Come Passionate Spirit Come. Compassionate Spirit Come. Come Passionate Spirit.

NCD update

Thank you to all who have taken part in our NCD Focus Groups.

Gordon Finnie has offered this reflection on the NCD process:

What is Natural Church Development (NCD) ?

NCD is an ongoing program that involves the people of St. Andrews to identify the strengths and weaknesses as a church and creates opportunities for individuals and groups to participate in the development of making St. Andrews Episcopal in Grand Rapids Michigan a better church experience.

Why is St. Andrews using the NCD program ?

Everybody in the church desires it to be an interesting and good place for all.
NCD offers pathways for God to make connections on a deeper level.
Offering a broad range of spiritual activities leeds to a balanced approach to God.
The process helps individuals to see God at work in themselves and others.
The creator supports energy for improvement.
Each individual has a unique spiritual awareness that is recognized in the process.
Church needs to be a powerful source for personal spiritual exploration.
God’s values and goals are identified and better expressed in our daily lives.
If a church can help enrich families and individuals with good programs, it enables them to give greater love to others and the world.

Gordon Finnie

Natural Church Development

Linda Hoxsey writes this about NCD:

What is NCD? A process of opening our hearts to God for change and growth for ourselves and St. Andrew's.

Why St. Andrew's? As our lives change our church changes. NCD will help us grow and develop in our relationship with God, our church, and our community.

Sermon of February 22

Last EpiphanyFebruary 21/22 20092 Kings 2:1-12Psalm 50:1-62 Corinthians 4:3-6Mark 9:2-9


I am not real big on titling my sermons. Unless the date of a sermon counts as a title. It would not exactly be awe-inspiring to write on the sign on 3 Mile Rd. the sermon title: February 22.

This week though, I have a title for my sermon that’s more than just a date. The title I have comes from a broadcast of a Speaking of Faith, a radio show found online and NPR. In an archived show, The Spirituality of Addiction and Recovery, the host and guest were speaking about a book about spiritual awakening. The author of the book is Jack Kornfeld, and the title: “After the Ecstasy, the Laundry”. “After the Ecstasy, the Laundry”, now that’s a title! The book reflects on the fact that after a moment of ecstasy, there is still laundry to be done. After a moment of insight, after a moment of great awareness, you still have the day to day responsibilities of life that need to be met. When someone has had a breakthrough experience, when someone has experienced a time of great ecstasy, the challenge before them is learning how to integrate that experience into their life. After the ecstasy, the laundry. What a great title for my sermon!!!! The only problem is that I came up with the sermon title yesterday, in the middle of the snow storm, and I really didn’t feel like changing the sign in front of church.

Every year, the Sunday before Ash Wednesday recounts the Gospel story of Transfiguration of Jesus. The transfiguration Gospel is the culmination of our season of Epiphany. Epiphany began with the story of the star with led the wise men from the east to Jesus. The light of Epiphany has continued to shine over the past weeks as the truth of who Jesus was continued to be revealed. Over the past weeks Jesus has been manifested as the beloved son of God, and a man of great prayer. Jesus has been revealed to be one who has power to heal, and cast out demons. Jesus has been manifested as one with the power to forgive sin.In the chapter just before the story of the Transfiguration, Jesus was revealed to be the Messiah, God’s chosen, anointed one; the one that Israel has been awaiting for centuries. Jesus declared however that he would not be a messiah who rules with power from a throne in a palace. Jesus declared that he would be a messiah who would suffer and die. Jesus is a messiah who will rule from a cross.Six days later, on a mountain in prayer. Jesus is transfigured. The face of Jesus shines, his clothes become dazzling white. The starlight which led the wise men to Jesus has now come to radiate from the face, the clothes, the person of Jesus. The manifestations which began at epiphany are now complete. This human face of Jesus now shines with the very presence, the very light, the very face of God. Truly, this a moment of ecstasy for Jesus, Peter, James and John.But, after the ecstasy, the laundry.

After the ecstasy Jesus leads them down the mountain. After the ecstasy Jesus continues his journey to Jerusalem. After the ecstasy, Jesus continues his journey to suffering and death on the cross.

The season of Lent, which begins Wednesday is a 40 day journey to Easter. It is a journey which will end in our celebration of the most important events in the history of the world; the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus. It is a journey which recalls that the journey through death to resurrection is a journey which Jesus has taken. This is a journey which were are taking as well. Lent begins with a recognition of our mortality, a recognition that one day we will die. Lent begins with the acknowledgement that we are made of the dust of the earth, and that to the dust of the earth we will return. Jesus, shared our humanity completely. Jesus experienced suffering and death that comes to all humans. We rejoice however in the hope that we have been invited by Jesus to journey with him through death, to resurrection. This is the ecstasy, this is the breakthrough, this is good news we celebrate. We who are dust, are promised eternity. We who are human, are invited to share life in its divine fullness. This is the ecstasy of our faith.

Meanwhile, there is the laundry than needs to be done. Lent is the season to do our laundry. Lent is the season where we acknowledge the truth that our world, and our lives are filled with a lot of dirt, a lot of filth. Lent is the season where we acknowledge the truth that we have sinned. As we draw close to the beginning of lent, we ask ourselves: what areas of our life need a good soaking wash? What relationships, what habits need to be cleaned up? What areas of our world and community need cleaning? As we come to the beginning of lent, we consider what we are going to do to be part of this cleansing. How will we, as individuals and as the people of God begin to turn from those sins which soil God’s magnificent creation? How will we turn from those sins which have soiled our life? How will you turn from those things which prevent our faces from shining with the dazzling radiance of God’s love? How will we pray for the forgiveness and the cleansing of the world?After the Ecstasy, the Laundry. After the shining light of Epiphany, the cleansing season of lent. Ah, but dear friends, we enter this season of cleansing filled with the radiant hope, that the bright light of Easter awaits. Yes, after the ecstasy there is laundry. But, after the laundry is finished, when are lives and our world are fully cleansed, there is ecstasy that lasts for eternity.

Natural Church Development

The Vestry has decided to be part of a process named Natural Church Development. In an effort to better acquaint the congregation with NCD, members of the NCD Health Team are answering the following 2 questions: What is Natural Church Development and Why is St. Andrews committing itself to this process? Over the next few weeks the Health Team members' answers will appear in the newsnotes. You can also be part of an online discussion of NCD on our parish blog found on our website. Please pray that through the Natural Church Development process God might release the potential God has placed within St. Andrews.


From Diana Sherman:

NCD
Natural Church Development is a process for improving the quality of the church by focusing on the individuality of that church and by striving to reach the fullest potential of the gifts God has given us.

Rationale for St. Andrew's involvement.
"Our mission as St. Andrew's parish is to reflect God's love as revealed to us by the life, teaching, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ to all God's creation."
What better way to do this than to use the gifts God has given us to help our church grow spiritually and to passionately embrace the world around us.


From Jennifer Johnston:

What is NCD?
Natural Church Development is a process that helps congregations assess and improve the health of their church by leveraging their strengths to improve their weaknesses. As its name implies, the process of development is 'natural' - not something processed or artificial - and requires patience and nourishment from the people.
NCD is not something that begins and ends (think of it as healthy lifestyle choices rather than a crash diet)
NCD is not a set of rules or a specific model for churches to follow
NCD is not a membership drive
NCD is not committee run - it involves the entire church family - young and old alike


Rationale for St. Andrew's involvement
St. Andrew's is engaging in this process to ensure the future of the church. Just as parents plan and make decisions that affect the health and well-being of their children, the Church is interested in assessing and improving the health of the church for today's members and future generations.

From Barb Visota:

What is Natural Church Development?

NCD is a way of understanding church health and growth that views the church as a living organism. NCD is a means to improve the quality of our church's overall health by encouraging each individual to grow into the potential God has already put in each of us.

In 1 Corinthians 1:7 Paul tells us, "Now you have every spiritual gift you need as you eagerly wait for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ." Each of us has gifts, even though it may not always be clear to us just what those gifts are. NCD is a process that can help us discover and develop our gifts so that we can live up to our God-given potential.

As we each grow and develop in our relationship with God, our church, as a whole will naturally grow and develop too.

Why is St. Andrew's committed to NCD ?

According to our mission statement: "Our mission as St. Andrew's parish is to reflect God's love as revealed to us by the life, teachings, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ to all God's creation."

We are committed to NCD because it is a tool we can use to identify and remove any stumbling blocks that keep us from living out our mission.

We maintain our church building; keep it in good repair and make changes as we go along so that the building can better serve our purposes. NCD is a maintenance program for us as church members. It is a way for us to keep ourselves in good repair so that we can better serve God's purpose. It is a way for us, as members of the living church, to move closer to the Living God, a way to satisfy the longing in our hearts to experience more of what God has in store for us and for our church.

Natural Church Development

The Vestry has decided to be part of a process named Natural Church Development. In an effort to better acquaint the congregation with NCD, members of the NCD Health Team are answering the following 2 questions: What is Natural Church Development and Why is St. Andrews committing itself to this process?

Over the next few weeks the Health Team members' answers will appear in the newsnotes. You can also be part of an online discussion of NCD on our parish blog found on our website.

Please pray that through the Natural Church Development process God might release the potential God has placed within St. Andrews.

Will Campbell has submitted the following answer to the questions. What is Natural Church Development?

NCD is a process by which a church can discover its weak points, determine how the limitations keep the church from growing God’s kingdom, and develop and institute a plan to help each member of the church use their God given talents in the most productive way.

Why has St. Andrews committed itself to NCD?

Every church has its weakest point that holds it back from achieving its objective of spreading God’s kingdom. Determining what the weakest point is is only half the battle; we must put the right talents to use so that more people are drawn to God. Extensive research has shown that there are 8 characteristics of healthy, growing churches. Through prayer and hard work, the NCD program will help us discover our weaknesses and point us in the right direction which allows us to be the instruments of God’s word to more of God’s children.

The members of the health team are: Will Campbell, Donna Johnston, Jennifer Johnston, Julianne Day, Barb Visota, Don Davies, Clark Grant, Gordon Finnie, Linda Hoxsey, Diana Sherman, Mike Fedewa

Sermon of February 15, 2009

February 15, 2009Sixth Epiphany1 Kings 5:1-14Psalm 301 Corinthians9:24-27Mark 1:40-45


In his memoir entitled, Squint, Jose Ramirez recounts his life with the disease, leprosy, or as he prefers, Hansen’s disease. Ramirez, who was diagnosed with Hansen’s disease in 1968, at the age of 20, chose the title “Squint” for two reasons. The first is that he recalls, that after he was diagnosed with the disease, he was immediately transported to the last leprosarium in the United States, in Carvel Louisiana. Since, ambulances were for persons who were “living”, Ramirez, considered to be among the living dead, was transported to Carvel in a hearse. He recalls stopping at gas stations, en route, and watching people as they would squint their eyes to peer into the hearse. He also said, that squint was an architectural feature that was used back in the Middle Ages to signify an opening in the back of a church. And it was specifically set up for persons who were considered to have leprosy. Whenever anybody was deemed to have leprosy, they were given the last rights, banished from the community and then forced to come back on Sundays for service. But they could only participate through looking at - through this architectural feature called squint.

Ramirez spoke of the loving support he received in those days from his mother. He remembered the first weekend he was allowed to go home to be with his family. To try to help alleviate any fear that his family members might have had of catching the disease from him, Ramirez recalls that he was marking his silverware, his glasses, and his plates so no one else would use them. When his mother saw him doing this, she burst into tears, and smashed the plates and glasses that he had marked. He was part of her family she said, and she would not allow him to separate himself in any way from others in his family. Her love for him, her embrace of him as part of her family allowed him to overcome the fear and isolation so often associated with the disease.

The disease of leprosy is certainly central in our readings this weekend. In our reading from Kings, we hear the much loved story of Naaman, the Syrian who was healed by the God of Israel through the waters of the Jordan. There is so much human drama in this story that makes this story so marvelous. There is the fact that The Lord was at work beyond the borders of the people of Israel and heals a pagan. There is the young nameless girl who who first speaks of the power of the prophet of The Lord in Israel. There is the anger of the King of Israel, the intervention of Elisha, stubbornness and pride of Naaman, which nearly prevents him from being cured. And there is of course, the cleansing and cure itself. God works through creation, through the waters of the Jordan to bring healing. Even today, it is important to honor the healing powers of creation. Barely noticeable in the story is the fact that Elisha does not come out to see Naaman. No, instead he sends his messenger with the instructions. Why? Perhaps it is because Elisha is afraid. He does not want to risk that he himself might be afflicted with the disease. Perhaps it is because Elisha does not want to be made unclean. Elisha heals Naaman from a distance. Naaman is cleansed of his leprosy, but the isolation of those afflicted with leprosy remains.

Contrast this with the Gospel. The Leper comes and begs Jesus to make him clean. Lepers were isolated not only because of their disease. They were isolated also, because it was believed that the leprosy was a result of their own sin. They were spurned because it was believed that spiritual impurity was the root of their physical impurity. In response to the man‘s cry, Jesus does not send a messenger. He does not keep his distance. Instead, Jesus reaches out and touches the leper. The compassionate touch of Jesus overcomes fear and embraces the man afflicted with leprosy. The compassion of Jesus cured the man physically and spiritually. Jesus reached out and touched the man with leprosy, and overcame the physical and spiritual isolation that afflicted him.

We may not be able to heal the sick by the touch of our hands. As faithful followers of Jesus, we do however have the power to heal persons of their isolation. In our society there are many who are considered by some to be impure, unfit physically or spiritually. In our society there are many persons that we are afraid of. We may be afraid of some with certain addictions, certain physical or mental illnesses. We may be afraid of those who are guilty of certain crimes or sins. We may be afraid of those who have been in prison. We may be afraid of those who act differently than we, who believe differently than we, who look differently than we do. We may be afraid of those who are in any way broken, any way less than whole. In our day people who have lost jobs, often feel cut off from former colleagues. Those who experience divorce feel isolated and alone. Isolation makes difficult times worse. At the root of this isolation is often fear. Our fears too often build walls of division. Our fears too often isolate others. The leper said to Jesus, if you choose, you can make me clean. If we choose, we can over come our fears and bring healing to others.

Indeed dear friends, is it not true that each one of us knows some of the isolation felt by the man with leprosy in the Gospel? We know what it is like to be cut off and separated from others. Each of us know what its like to be broken. Each one of us knows those areas of our life that are less than whole, less than pure. Each one of has those areas of our life that cry out for pity. Each one of us knows what its like to cry out to Jesus, to beg Jesus: “If you want, you can make me clean“. Jesus offers us all the embrace of God’s compassionate love. Jesus offers us all the embrace of God’s healing touch.

We gather, celebrate and give thanks that all are washed in God’s compassionate, and merciful love. We gather, celebrate and give thanks that Jesus has tore down the walls of the squints and invited all God’s children to come together. We celebrate and give thanks that Jesus has smashed the plates and the glasses of our isolations, and invited us all to eat of the one loaf and drink from the one cup. All of us are invited to share in the meal of his body and blood. Our celebration and thanksgiving are complete as the compassionate spirit of Jesus sends us into the world. We go into the world to embrace the suffering, to welcome the lonely, to tear down all walls that separate , to smash all that divides. We go into to the world proclaiming that by God’s loving touch all can be made clean. We go into to world proclaiming that by God’s loving embrace, all are made one.