Thursday, February 28, 2013

Lenten Reflection - February 28, 2013

Again he said, 'What shall we say the kingdom of God is like?'
Mark 4:30-32


When our YAC class started rattling off words, thoughts, and ideas about the kingdom of God, the following were the first to be blurted out: "Mystery, Flowers, Butterflies, Gold Streets, Bright Light, Pearly Gates, Beauty not able to be grasped by our earthly minds, Angels, Happiness, Welcoming, Family, Friends, Vast, Bigger than you can imagine ..." As the thoughts were bouncing around our classroom, we eventually came to two words we thought best described the kingdom of God – INFINITE and INDIVIDUAL.

We found that as we each tried to think of places we have been that make us think of heaven everyone had their own location. One student talked about the feeling when you are the only person on the beach with the ocean stretching out before you – the beauty and peace are overwhelming. Another student felt the same sense of greatness in a shaded forest setting, and still another saw the kingdom of God looking at farm land. Everyone agreed that in the kingdom of God we would find what means heaven to each of us individually. All agreed that the sense of infinity you feel staring at the endless ocean, forest, or planted fields provides a small glimpse of what we can imagine.

Cheryl Dorr and the YAC class (Grade 12)

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Lenten Reflection - February 27, 2013

But whoever would be great among you must be your servant.
Matthew 20:17-28


This quote from the scripture may seem strange to some who read this page.

Just before Jesus uttered these words, James and John, through their mother, had asked to be seated on either hand of Jesus in the heavenly kingdom. They, along with the others, often just didn't seem to get it. They had seen Jesus exhibit humility, meekness, and disregard for worldly ambition in his ministry and yet, few saw the need to emulate the Master. Rather, as in this case, they sought to use his prestige to further their own earthly desires. With the above-quoted words, Jesus rebuked his disciples. By the time of the crucifixion, their understanding of their place in His kingdom had changed. Most even accepted death in his service.

Paul, in a letter to the Corinthians said, "I go through all of the things I go through for your sakes." I am sure that Paul was highly thought of by those to whom he ministered. But, he got it. He saw himself not as a revered teacher (which he truly was) but as a slave bound to Christ. He realized the importance of stressing his real servanthood in order for his actions to be seen as Christ-like.

Do we get it? Many of us, I perceive, do. When we strive to serve Christ we are, in fact, being servants for Christ. Upon reflection, the quoted words aren't strange at all.

Charlie Wolf

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Lenten Reflection - February 26, 2013

Those who love their life, lose it. And those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life.
John 12:25


WOW!!!!! This is such a powerful scripture, and it could be taken the wrong way so easily. This is the section of John that Jesus is predicting his death. He is with his disciples at a feast where some Greeks were attending and asked Philip if they could see Jesus. Jesus replies with predicting his death and explaining how a grain of wheat needs to be planted so it can produce many seeds. Look at how many lives have been produced because of the death of Jesus.

Can you imagine how anyone would have felt then, wanting to see Jesus, and then hearing that same person predicting his death? I have always wondered how I would have reacted had I lived then. I would like to think I would have been a follower of Jesus, but I really think I would have been way too scared to follow that crowd. I don't like to admit it, but I probably would have been one of the in-crowd followers too scared to step out on faith and go against the grain.

We as Christians and human beings with free will, too many times want to know the reason why something has happened, especially when it is something that we perceive as a bad thing. Our nature is to want a reason or someone to blame; however, we need to have patience because God always turns our "bad" situations into a good thing for us, and it is a growing experience and we can always learn something when we look back.

One of my favorite poems is Footprints in the Sand, and when I look back at my life I can see the many times there were only one set of footprints in the sand of my life. So, I have learned to love this life of mine with fervor for I am excited to see what is in God's plan for me and the day that I will be with Jesus, God and all of my loved ones that are there waiting for me to join the big banquet table.

Jeanie (Zseltvay) LesCallett

Monday, February 25, 2013

Lenten Reflection - February 25, 2013

... unless a man has been born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
John 3:1-17


... no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above. John 3:3. Oxford NRSV

Some of the older Bible translations say, "... unless a man has been born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." That term "born again" has been used to challenge and discourage worshippers when asked, "Are you born again?" They imply that people are not religious if they haven't been "born" recently into the spirit. Are they not good enough for God to love them?

Here in John, Jesus makes it clear that God does not care whether or not we are "born again." All he asks, as he explains to Nicodemus, is that we believe in him. He very patiently says this is a bit of a mystery. "The wind blows where it chooses and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit."

And Jesus reassures him and us that "whoever believes in the (Son of Man) may have eternal life." And he gives us those remarkable words, "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life." He further reassures us by saying, "Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him."

Val Hymes

Sunday, February 24, 2013

Lenten Reflection - February 24, 2013 The Second Sunday of Lent

If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves, and take up their cross and follow me.
Mark 8:34


In first thought, Jesus seems to be asking a lot of his followers, his disciples. What does it mean to deny yourself? What does it mean to take up your cross? What does it truly mean to follow Jesus?

To deny yourself, you must say no to yourself. I'm not talking about completely denying your needs and wants, but rather, being ok with making God's will the priority.

Think of all the times you've said the "Lord's Prayer." We say, "Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." We must become thoughtful in our words and actions towards others. We must remember God's will is to love all and forgive all. God's will is to love and forgive unconditionally. This is a hard thing to do, but we are all capable because God made us in his image, he gave us the choice and potential.

So, take up your cross, and do God's will. The cross is a symbol of pain, suffering, shame, and death. As Christians, we also must see it as a symbol of Jesus's sacrifice for us. He died for our sins. We sinned, we sin, and we'll sin some more. But he forgave, he forgives, and he'll always forgive us. And so we shall sacrifice ourselves to the inevitable hurt and pain others will cause us and remember to forgive and love. That is truly the only way to spread Jesus's teachings and follow him.

Seasons of the Spirit Class (Grade 6)
Andrea Ellmore

Saturday, February 23, 2013

Lenten Reflection - February 23, 2013

Then Jesus asked them, 'Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?'
Mark 2:23-3:6


The Sabbath was a day set aside to rest and worship – a day when we are restored physically and spiritually and can focus on God. This day was intended to promote love of God and others.

In this reading, Jesus and his disciples are walking through the grainfield on Sunday. As they walked, they picked some of the grain. They were hungry and not selfishly indulging themselves. The Jewish law said that crops should not be harvested on the Sabbath. This law prevented the farmers from becoming too greedy and the laborers from being overworked. This law was never intended to mean that we cannot help ourselves or each other on the Sabbath. The Pharisees felt Jesus and his disciples had broken the law by harvesting the grain. The Sabbath law had become more important to the Pharisees than the purpose of the law.

Our society creates lots of rules. The rules are usually created with good intentions to protect ourselves and/or protect others. However, too often these rules are observed even when they are not appropriate for a situation. Before you insist on a rule, think about it. Make sure you understand the purpose of the rule. Make sure it is appropriate to the situation and is not more harmful than good. Is this God's rule or is this the rule of the Pharisees? Remember the example of the Pharisees that clearly had lost track of the purpose of God's law.

Kelly Richard

Friday, February 22, 2013

Lenten Reflection - February 22, 2013

Lord, thou only art our King: help me, who am alone and have no helper but thee.
Esther 14:1-6, 12-14 (from the Apochrypha)


No matter how far the rest of the world may seem, if we truly have faith, we are never alone. "Come to me those who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest." We are so blessed as faithful Christians to know, as Queen Esther did, that all we must do in deep times of trouble and pain is to ask our Lord to be with us and he is. I feel deep sympathy for all of those who are sick, those dealing with economic disasters, those dealing with marriage issues, etc. who are so deeply alone and are unaware of the fact they need only ask for the Lord to be with them, and he will be. All may not be fixed, however the strength of the Holy Spirit will refresh them and prepare them for the challenges ahead. Honestly I can attest, as we all can, that it is hard to remember or even believe this when you are staring face to face with trouble, but that is where the community of Christians can step in, by encouraging each other to trust in our Lord and let them see the peace of the Lord through our generous words of encouragement. Remember we must all be in this walk together.

Steven E. Dorsey

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Lenten Reflection - February 21, 2013

This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign.
Luke 11:29-32


I imagine that every person who has ever read this immediately thinks that this was written about their generation. After all, has there ever been a time when God and man have not been separated? On the heels of yet another unthinkable act of insane cruelty, I had to admit that my generation was pretty evil also. This was the year in which the Christmas tree was decorated with the words to an ecumenical prayer service in the background, not to those lovely carols with images of peace on earth and good will toward men. So, we looked for a sign, a sign that we deserved God’s grace and mercy, a sign that everything was going to be OK, a sign to comfort us and let us know that God had not turned His back on us and left us to our own devices.

Jesus said that no sign will be given to his generation except the sign of Jonah. Jonah, who tried to run away from God rather than follow His command, heard the word of the Lord a second time and went to Ninevah to proclaim their fate. His words were heard and the people believed God. Per the king’s decree all were directed to fast and wear sackcloth. All shall turn from their evil ways and from the violence that is in their hands. And God spared them. Again.

Earl Buffaloe

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Lenten Reflection - February 20, 2013

The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
Psalm 51:17


How often do we come to God broken because of new understandings of how we should be living among our neighbors? During this penitential season of Lent, it is good for us to reflect on how we may have offended God and our neighbors by what we have done or left undone, in thought, word, or deed.

Of course, God already knows what we have done or not done. This psalm reminds us that he wants us to come to him broken and contrite, with the understanding that we need him and are ready to turn to him. God wants us to ask for a clean, pure heart and for him to grant us a willing spirit to sustain us in this life. Then he wants us to praise him and tell our neighbors about him. With God's help, our neighbors may see God in our words and actions.

This psalm seems similar to the Holy Eucharist (Rite One)service: "Ye who do truly and earnestly repent you of your sins, and are in love and charity with your neighbors, and intend to lead a new life, following the commandments of God, and walking from henceforth in his holy ways: Draw near with faith, and make your humble confession to Almighty God, devoutly kneeling."

How great is our God! Instead of punishment, he gives us chances over and over to lead new lives! All we have to do is turn to him, love him, and love our neighbors as ourselves.

Marjie Mack

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Lenten Reflection - February 19, 2013

But not so with you; rather the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.
Luke 22:26-27


This passage comes from a time period when the disciples had been arguing over who was the greatest. As usual, Jesus steps in and sets them straight with the correct perspective. Other translations use "king" or "leader" for greatest and "servant" for youngest in this passage. When we discussed this and the surrounding verses in our Atrium II class, the young people were eager to say that they think it is great to serve; it's a good thing to help other people. They recalled ways theyhave served the Lord by helping people:
  • praying for people
  • raising money for the sick
  • helping out at home or in the classroom
  • looking out for each other
  • taking care of someone who is sick or in trouble
  • talking to all people...especially making friends with new or lonelypeople
  • making people feel better when they are sad
  • making cards for people
We also had a discussion on being thankful for the people that serve us in so many ways . It is important to remember that we should also be willing to do the same kinds of things for others. One final note, the children felt very good that Jesus would think that they –and what they can do- are as important as grown-ups. Hopefully our busy adult lives still leave time to stop and serve, as a youthful servant's heart so willingly does.

Atrium II (Grades 1-3)
Laura Miller and Jennifer Sparrow Wolf

Monday, February 18, 2013

Lenten Reflection - February 18, 2013

So, when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first, be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift.
Matthew 5:23-24


For me this scripture reminds me that harboring anger and hate only hurts the person holding it. How will God's love touch a heart block with that? Like a shield protects our body from harm, bearing a grudge can harden the heart. This will prevent the joy and happiness of God's warmth from touching our hearts. So we must forgive and our hearts will be warmed with God's light. Forgiveness and acceptance frees the body and soul to welcome and feel God's love and in turn share it with others.

Linda Dinges

Sunday, February 17, 2013

Lenten Reflection - February 17, 2013 The First Sunday of Lent

'Thou art my beloved son, with whom I am well pleased.' The spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness... forty days tempted by Satan... he was with the wild beasts: and the angels ministered to him.
Mark 1:9-13


Baptism is a time of turning our focus from things of this world to Godly things. The waters of Baptism clear our eyes and our hearts, allowing us to see God's work in and expectations for our daily lives. What better place to go to experience the meaning of that change than in the wilderness. A wilderness that can be a stark and scary place, but which can also be a magical place where we see more clearly and the differentiation of dark from light seems to be easier.

During his time in the wilderness, Jesus had the opportunity to contemplate and pray about his new life and mission. He had an opportunity to experience the types of challenges that he would face as he pursued his mission in a world not only inhabited by good, but also by evil. A world filled with temptations as well as grace.

Temptations are only bad for us if we give in to them. If we can learn to see them clearly for what they are, and call upon God to give us the strength to resist them, they can strengthen our resolve to pursue our mission of building God's Kingdom here on earth.

Where is your wilderness, that place where you are most often tempted and where you most often feel alone? Can you clearly see the temptations for what they are and resist them? With Jesus' help you can.

The Ven. Kerry J. Smith

Saturday, February 16, 2013

Lenten Reflection - February 16, 2013

The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. And he found Philip and said to him, 'Follow me.'
John 1:43


"Follow me": two words, eight letters, but a simple phrase that carries a big request with no other directives.

Jesus says to Philip, "Follow me" and Philip does. Jesus doesn’t say to Philip go home gather your possessions and tell your family you are going away. He just says to follow him. As much as I would like to think that I would just up and follow if called, I am human enough to know that I would start off by saying I need to let my family know that I am leaving. I would want to bring a clean set of clothes, my toothbrush and a comb. I would also have many questions because that is how I am. There should be no questions when Jesus calls us. My faith should be strong enough to lead me in his shadow.

Lord, help me to find the strength to be the person you created. Let me walk in the light of your love sharing it as I go. May I follow you and bring others along with me. Amen

Sharon McGlaughlin

Friday, February 15, 2013

Lenten Reflection - February 15, 2013

Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.
Mark 1:1-4


In this passage, Jesus tells the Pharisees that if they continue in their sinful ways they will not be forgiven. Did I just say an unforgivable sin? Yep I did! I understand this passage to be that Jesus explains how a house divided against itself will fall. Jesus even uses the metaphor of how you must put God's love before your family.

No one is exempt from the judgment of sins for entrance into heaven, except Christ himself. Yet those who live through God's love will never be left out of heaven.

Lauren Crawford

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Lenten Reflection - February 14, 2013

Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world.
John 1:29-34


A wild man from the desert speaks these words when he sees Jesus approaching him. Jesus, a man who up to this point, as far as we are aware, spent thirty odd years living in a small peasant village learning how to use the tools of the trade of his earthly father. Jesus has yet to begin his ministry, the ministry that will lead him to the Cross. At this point in the story, Jesus has yet to understand fully the mission he will carry out, by choice. But John, he knows; his prophetic words recall the prophecy from Isaiah 53:6-7, "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have all turned to our own way, and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all…like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent."

When we think of Christ as the sacrificial lamb we often forget that the strength of his sacrifice is his obedience to his Father’s will, and his dedication, as the second person of the Godhead, to saving humanity. The strength of Christ's sacrifice is that he used his free will to save us. Adam's free will brought us into sin and death. Christ's free will brings us into grace and life.

Dawn Campbell+

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Lenten Reflection - February 13, 2013 Ash Wednesday

Beware of practicing your piety before others.
Matthew 6:1-21


Lent is a time for reflection. Today, as we begin the season,Matthew encourages us to examine our faith and our motives.

This passage is from the Sermon on the Mount, in which Christ delineates standards for us to live by. Of course because we are human, none of us will ever meet this ideal, no matter how hard we try. But we are assured that, if we truly believe in Him, aspects of the kingdom, something of each of the Beatitudes, will be present within us—spiritual poverty, humility, a spiritual thirst, mercy, peace. Equally important will be evidence of the surpassing righteousness of Christ. As our faith grows we will begin to practice righteousness, and anger, impure thoughts, insincerity, retaliation and other human failings will progressively disappear from our lives. When we are filled with the Holy Spirit and with his Word, including the teachings of the Sermon on the Mount, we will practice righteousness.

However, this is where the danger lies. Once we begin to fulfill the righteousness of God, and live a life full of good deeds, it is very easy to begin to lose our focus and to perform our acts of righteousness before men, in order to be seen by them. Matthew cautions us that if we seek praise and adulation from our peers for being pious, then this is the only reward we will receive, missing out on God's much more important reward.

Tricia Hurlbutt