Feasting on the Word: Covenant Living

This Adult class meets Sunday, 9:30-10:15 AM in Fellowship Hall.  Join us March 4.

Exodus 20:1-7 New Century Version (NCV)

The Ten Commandments

20 Then God spoke all these words:

2 “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt where you were slaves.

3 “You must not have any other gods except me.

4 “You must not make for yourselves an idol that looks like anything in the sky above or on the earth below or in the water below the land. 5 You must not worship or serve any idol, because I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God. If you hate me, I will punish your children, and even your grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 6 But I show kindness to thousands who love me and obey my commands.

7 “You must not use the name of the Lord your God thoughtlessly; the Lord will punish anyone who misuses his name.

New Century Version (NCV)

The Holy Bible, New Century Version®. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

Read the Gospels in 40 Days: Matthew 12-13

Hope for the Flowers

“‘Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? And why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?” (Matthew 6:25-30, NRSV.)

I walked the two blocks home today for lunch and was filled with an unexpected hope as I made my way up the drive. Tulip stems are starting to break through the cold soil in our planter box. I know it will be some time before they are in full bloom, but this hint of resurrection beauty provides me with some renewed energy. This winter has been especially cold and grey, and the recent sunshine feels like an old friend stopping by after a prolonged absence. Its warmth hints at what is to come in the near future and is enough to make flowers (and spirits) push against gravity and strain for something more.

I know there are days, weeks, months, and even seasons when we feel like we are stuck in the cold darkness of despair. Maybe this is why Lent starts in the bleak midwinter and concludes in the early Spring. Every grey day gets us a little closer to Holy Week and the hope for resurrection. May we all take the time to appreciate the sun when it shines and the plants as they grow. Moreover, may we trust God’s love for us is greater than the tulips, lilies, and the grass of the field. It shines on black nights, and it reminds us on grey days that Easter is coming.

In Hope and Confidence,

Pastor Dave

Click here, if "Hymn of Promise" doesn't appear above.

Read the Gospels in 40 Days: Matthew 10-11

Lion and Lamb

Rachel is weeping for her children, 14th century fresco from Marko's Monastery.

It has been a very difficult week for our nation as many of us cannot get the recent shootings at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida out of our minds. I have been around long enough to know there will always be pain and suffering in the world, but my heart continues to break for these students, these families, and these communities. One photograph from the day will always haunt me. It shows a grief stricken mother wailing with the Ash Wednesday cross from a morning service still on her forehead. I keep coming back to the prophet Jeremiah, “A voice is heard in Ramah, lamentation and bitter weeping. Rachel is weeping for her children; she refuses to be comforted for her children, because they are no more” (Jeremiah 31:15, NRSV.)

I am further disheartened by our nation’s inability to talk openly and honestly about these all too frequent events. It feels like many immediately slide into their “talking point” camps and completely dismiss the earnest opinions of any who disagree. We have devolved into a troubling and rigid dichotomy. One is either with us or against us, and there is no room for dialogue in the wide center. You are either a hawk or a dove, a lion or a lamb, a predator or prey. Presbyterians are known as people of the middle way, and I believe if we are intentional and civil, there is still hope for us and the world.

It is said March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. This might be true in many places, but we all know Missouri weather is far too unpredictable to make absolute statements about what to expect. However, there is a parallel here as we get further into our Lenten journey. Consider Jesus’ movement during Holy Week. He enters Jerusalem triumphantly like a lion on Palm Sunday and leaves like a lamb on the cross on Good Friday. Jesus is both lion and lamb as he exhibits both power and sacrifice. “What wondrous love is this!”

We worship a God of justice and grace. Let us continue to contemplate this truth as we continue our journey to the cross and hope for resurrection.

In Hope and Confidence,
Pastor Dave

Read the Gospels in 40 Days: Matthew 7-9

The Lessons of the Lord

Selections from Matthew 5-7

James Tissot, The Beatitudes Sermon,
 Brooklyn Museum, c. 1890

Matthew 5: 1Now when He saw the crowds, He went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to Him, 2and He began to teach them, saying: 3”Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. 10Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

14”You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.”

38”You have heard that it was said, “Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.” But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well.”

43You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”

Matthew 6: 5”And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 6But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

Dear Lord,

Thank you for the lessons You taught. We too often rush through life without pausing to remember the path sat before us. Guide us daily and lead us on our earthly journey. Amen

From St. Mark Presbyterian's Lenten Devotion on Saturday, March 21, 1998 

Read the Gospels in 40 Days: Matthew 5-6

Lenten Challenge: Water

How are you doing with the Lenten challenge?  Are you giving up coffee and putting the money in a jar for clean water?
https://www.mmmwater.org/

Read the Gospels in 40 Days: Matthew 3-4

Worship Prayers Feb. 18

CENTERING PRAYER:  God of ancient covenants, your steadfast love and faithfulness are still new every morning.  I thank you that I can begin this day in the confidence of your abiding love and unending mercy.  Help me to treat others—family, friends, coworkers, classmates, and even strangers—with love and mercy in our encounters today.  When I disappoint or am discordant, help me to show love to others.  Open my eyes to the places, people, and circumstances in which your kingdom has come near.  I pray in the name of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, my Savior.  Amen.

  

CALL TO WORSHIP

From water to wilderness:

        God’s covenant continues; God’s kingdom comes near.

On stone and in hearts:

        God’s covenant continues; God’s kingdom comes near.

From the ancestor of nations to the Son lifted up:

        God’s covenant continues; God’s kingdom comes near.

We follow Jesus on the Lenten path,

        for where he is, we would be also.

Come! Let us worship our God together.

   PRAYER OF CONFESSION

God of mercy, we begin this Lenten season in confession.  We do not live according to your ways, but according to our own.  We condone violence, participate in systems of injustice, and use power to our own advantage at the expense of others.  Forgive us, we pray, when we are tempted to follow paths other than those you set before us.

Teach us your commandments; help us to turn from evil in its many guises, and turn us toward your kingdom drawing near.  In covenantal love, remember us, we pray, and be for us, once more and always, an ark of safety and new life.  In Christ’s name we continue to pray.  (Silent Confession)

   PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name.  Thy kingdom come.  Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread.  And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever.  Amen.

[Prayer requests may be given to one of the pastors before the service.]

   AFFIRMATION OF FAITH - Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ his only son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.  I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.  Amen.

  

SCRIPTURE READING                                                              Mark 1:9-15

  

Daily Prayer Feb. 24

SATURDAY

God is love, and those who abide in love, abide in God, and God abides in them.

Genesis 41:1-13; 1 Corinthians 4:1-7; Mark 2:23-3:6

Eternal God, we praise you for your mighty love given in Christ's sacrifice on the cross, and the new life we have received by his resurrection. We thank you for the presence of Christ in our weakness and suffering, the ministry of Word and Sacrament, all who work to help and heal, sacrifices made for our benefit, opportunities for our generous giving. God of grace let our concern for others reflect Christ's self-giving love, not only in our prayers, but also in our practice. We pray for those subjected to tyranny and oppression, wounded and injured people, those who face death, those who may be our enemies. Eternal God, your love is stronger than death, and your passion more fierce than the grave. We rejoice in the lives of those whom you have drawn into your eternal embrace. Keep us in joyful communion with them until we join the saints of every people and nation, gathered before your throne in ceaseless praise. (Add your prayers.) Amen.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

(Opening sentences, prayers, and blessings are from the Book of Common Worship. Readings are from the daily lectionary in Daily Prayer. Both are published by Westminster/John Knox Press.)

Read the Gospels in 40 Days: Matthew 1-2

Struggle

Hear now, a reading from the Gospel according to Luke 22: 39-46:

39 Jesus came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples followed him. 40 When he reached the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not come into the time of trial.” 41 Then he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, knelt down, and prayed, 42 “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet, not my will but yours be done.” 43 Then an angel from heaven appeared to him and gave him strength. 44 In his anguish he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat became like drops of blood falling down on the ground. 45 When he got up from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping because of grief, 46 and he said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not come into the time of trial.”

This scripture gives a very moving account of the struggle Jesus felt while at the Mount of Olives. He is deeply distressed and anguished over what God has asked him to do. He is to endure a horrible crucifixion and a separation from his Father as he dies. His struggle so profound that his “sweat became like drops of blood” and an angel was sent to provide him strength. Exhibiting fierce dread and reluctance for the road set before him, Jesus’ demonstrates his humanness. Ultimately Jesus reaffirms his commitment to God by praying “not my will, but yours be done.”

This scripture is significant to me because of the depth of struggle described here. While other Biblical characters sometimes question or grappled with God’s call, this account of “struggle” is unparalleled. As a person that seeks God’s direction and works to become a more trusting follower, this passage brings comforting insight. Knowing that here, Jesus struggled immensely to follow God’s call reminds me that walking this life, as God would have me do, is not always easy. In fact, it can be a mighty struggle. Even Jesus’ innate desire was for his human self, not God’s will. The central clash between ‘the willing spirit and the weak flesh” is a continual battle.

As my children have gotten older, I am moved into a new chapter of my life. I am troubled with finding a new direction, and what purpose that course will hold for me. While my faith tells me to turn my life over to HIS WILL, I have not been able to submit. I struggle to completely trust God with my life. My human arrogance and independence insist that I should maintain control. Can I really trust that he knows best? What if I don’t like his call? Perhaps it would require leaving what is comfortable and known or bring trials and difficulties into my life. When it comes right down to it, could I really follow through and implement his wishes? I feel guilty about the level of trust I have in God. When I look around, others seem to have figured it out. Why can’t I let go- completely? I should be more secure in my faith, but it is a hard leap to take, and one I struggle with tremendously.

Please pray with me: O God, help us to live in your love. Help us accept your will for our lives and give us the proper response to your revelations. Not our will, but yours be done.

Written by D. Brown for Maundy Thursday 2017

Read the Gospels in 40 Days: Luke 22-24

Refined Taste

“Love loves unto purity. Love has ever in view the absolute loveliness of that which it beholds.

Therefore, all that is not beautiful in the beloved, all that comes between and is not of love's kind, must be destroyed. And our God is a consuming fire.” ― George MacDonald

I have never had particularly refined tastes when it comes to wine. I spent years in California learning about grapes, corks, bottles, and breathing, but I remain a neophyte. I know the difference between an average selection and a bad glass, but I do not have the palate to taste the nuance between something good and something great. I grew an appreciation for those who spend their lives working in the soil of the various vineyards. They labor every day making sure each vintage is as good as it should.

I am reminded of Jesus’ words to his disciples, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine-grower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:1-5.)

Lent is a period of penitence and preparation. God loves us so much where we are at, and God loves us so much that God does not want us to remain there. We are always called to grow, but we cannot ripen if we are not connected to vine. May we use this time to continue to stay in the Word and abide with God in prayer. Each of you is a unique vintage, and the Lord will continue to refine us as long as long as we remain in the vine-grower’s loving hands. May we all grow with grace!

In Hope and Confidence,

Pastor Dave

Read the Gospels in 40 Days: Luke 20-21

Photo by Rohit Tandon on Unsplash

Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue

On January 17, Pastor Dave conducted a Third Wednesday Discussion which focused on the "Hymn of Promise" by Natalie Sleeth.  The last stanza reads:

In our end is our beginning; in our time, infinity;
In our doubt there is believing; in our life, eternity,
In our death, a resurrection; at the last, a victory,
Unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.

To watch the video of the discussion click here, if it doesn't appear.

Don't forget to come tonight!  Potluck 5:30 Program 6:15


Read the Gospels in 40 Days: Luke 17-19