“ Christmas Time, Giving Time, New Time, Life Time ”

Jesus Followers,

Sometimes I feel like the joy of Christmas for too many is getting through the rush to the manger, to see the baby.  Like the shepherds, who’d been invited by the angels, before going with all possible haste to find the baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.  RUSH through the season to get to the end!  …There should be more than this to Christmas, don’t you think?  

A few years ago, at the stewardship conference I serve on the planning team for, one of the speakers presented a radical “new” idea …have the stewardship campaign starting in January, rather than September or October.  The original idea came from someone who recognized that the natural conclusion to the Christmas story is gift-bearing.  People still groaned. 

When it was pointed out that most people experience a “come to Jesus moment” when the Christmas euphoria wears off, and it’s time to pay the credit card bills—someone saw an opportunity for the Church to talk about another relationship to money that can be life-giving, rather than life-sucking.  Many still doubted. 

When it was suggested that most of us are pre-conditioned to naturally consider our money in relation to our “contributions” because of tax season, some thought a stewardship campaign before “tax day” could be timely and helpful, and useful toward more “contributions.”  And still, some saw only unwelcome change. 

When it was demonstrated that the church had good things to say about money, and our relationship to money, and that money empowers mission and ministry …it seemed a whole lot better to who a whole lot more folks to start talking about money in the new year, rather than the old year.  But…. 

I don’t know that this presenter with bold stewardship ideas actually got very far, even though the presentation was compelling.  Old habits are hard to break; but this isn’t about giving money.  Instead, the “end” of Christmas isn’t simply that a baby was born, or even THE baby was born.  Rather, Christmas should remind us all that there’s work to do now.  Christmas joy and the incarnation should invite us to live in bold, new, reimagined ways. 

Jesus has arrived …in us.  WE can now be God’s gift to the world, in the form of Kingdom values and Kingdom living.  …Now that the baby is born (like when most other babies have been born) …the real work begins!  How are you doing, Church? 

If the reason for the season was Jesus—now’s the time to get to work.  Here’s how the prophet Isaiah describes us: 

" The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners; to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to provide for those who mourn in Zion—to give them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit.  They will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, to display his glory.  They shall build up the ancient ruins, they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations. "  

We may be used to doing it another way.  Christmas means …dare I say—“a new way.” 

It is my privilege to remind you that Jesus loves you.  So do I.  God wants the best for us and is inviting us to fulfill our calling.  Jesus is born, now he’s in us. 

Preaching on December 24th, 2023--The 4th Sunday of Advent B

                  

You can hear an audio recording of the second scripture reading and my sermon entitled, " Awaiting the Inevitable of What's Already Happening  " being preached, by CLICKING HERE.

Check out the First Presbyterian Church of Camden, Arkansas' Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064471758901

Preaching on December 17th--The Third Sunday of Advent B

                 

You can hear an audio recording of the second scripture reading and my sermon entitled, " Remember That Jesus Was Born In A Cave  " being preached, by CLICKING HERE.

We are continuing to address the problem of some equipment failure in recording our worship services, at First Presbyterian Church of Camden, Arkansas.  You can still check out our Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064471758901

Preaching on December 10th--The Second Sunday of Advent

                

You can hear an audio recording of the second scripture reading and my sermon entitled, " Penitent Advent You Miserable Sinners  " being preached, by CLICKING HERE.

We are continuing to address the problem of some equipment failure in recording our worship services, at First Presbyterian Church of Camden, Arkansas.  You can still check out our Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064471758901

Preaching on December 3rd--The First Sunday of Advent

               

You can hear an audio recording of the second scripture reading and my sermon entitled, " The Most Un-Christmas Christmas Story  " being preached, by CLICKING HERE.

We are continuing to address the problem of some equipment failure in recording our worship services, at First Presbyterian Church of Camden, Arkansas.  You can still check out our Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064471758901

" Prince of Peace "

Jesus Followers,

My prayer, every year for Advent and Christmas, for as long as I can remember—even back when I was a child—has been for peace on earth and good will among people.  Disappointed isn’t the right word for how I feel about the seeming failure of God’s gift of Jesus to accomplish this …but my life somehow feels like a perpetual advent—waiting. 

There is a moment in this season, every year, in which I often feel that “all the world is hushed.”  There’s an experience I have of timeless holiness where the world itself appears to me to stop being a whirling dervish and I feel a moment of sweet relief—a familiar hushed-ness, as if I can hear the whole world take a collective breath in a pause that lasts …never long enough. 

Unlike some other years, this year, there’s war again in the Middle East, in Israel,

with Palestine.  I took this photograph 14 years ago while visiting Bethlehem—so it’s never lost on me these days that Bethlehem is physically located in Palestinian territory, is perpetually being fought over, while separated from Israel by a huge wall.  The place where Jesus—the Prince of Peace—was born, now is seemingly forever at the heart of a conflict between human beings, where the Church of the Nativity stands in the shadow of another part of this wall, with a similar turret not far away.  It’s shocking. 

While the world screams for peace, we’re often still building walls by which to accomplish that peace rather than building the relationships that could lead to peace.  Maybe we come by this naturally.  One of the popular seasonal additions to the Food Network on television is called, “Holiday Wars.”  …Holiday WARS.  Let that sink in a little bit! 

For years, we’ve been used to the idea of armed conflict among shoppers for Black Friday deals.  More recently, stores have used our inability to avoid conflict with relatives at Thanksgiving dinner, to provide an “escape” by staying open on Thanksgiving Day—as if somehow, that’s a needed service (now there are even incentives NOT to behave?!?).  “My kid has to have that toy,” or, “my family needs that even bigger TV”, so I’m justified if I come to blows for it, right?  AND, it’s even acceptable to abandon every Thanksgiving decorum in order to ensure we get it! 

…So I come to treat every Advent as a time in which to begin again toward peace.  To try and slow down, to breathe deep, to step into the subtle messages from stories of long ago.  I try to remember what love incarnate is supposed to look like …and feel like.  Both to be loved and to love. 

It’s too easy of an “out” to simply blame it on “the world’s gone mad.”  The world being mad is maybe the primary reason that God sends Jesus to us.  It was into a mad, mad world that God put Jesus.  A savior, a king, born to an unwed peasant girl in a stable; someone without power, who would transform the world, who could help the world be a little less mad, transfiguring the lives of people, one at a time and entrusting others to see and believe in a different kingdom, a different order, in which LOVE reigns.  …So, I light my candles.  I wait in expectant hope of this Advent and Christmas being the one of true peace. 

It is my privilege to remind you that Jesus loves you.  So do I.  God wants the best for us and is inviting us to fulfill our calling.  Out of chaos, into hope and love and light and joy! 

“ The Part about NOT Following Jesus ”

 Jesus Followers, 

While “stewardship” is usually the word we use to describe “giving to the church,” I hope you’ve both seen written and heard proclaimed that it’s primarily or even more rightly about how we are called to live, how we are invited to use the gifts God has placed within our reach, and about seeing the Kingdom of God and how we might “fit” as a part of it.  Yes.  Our money is a part of how we respond to God and a part of how we might “fit” into the work of the Kingdom—but it’s certainly not the only part.  Let’s face it.  If looking good “with our money” were how this worked, we would simply have people write checks toward their place in heaven.  Can you hear all the personal appeals… 

“…there could be streets lined with gold, if you join heaven’s pre-payment plan.” 

You don’t need me to tell you that this isn’t how it works; you know already that our congregation’s mission and vision operates differently:  WE love because God first loved us!   

You know already, probably, that stewardship and following Jesus go hand in hand.  They’re about living fully and faith-filled lives following Jesus—who is the epitome of how God loves.  It’s about incorporating and using all the gifts we’ve been given to “make life on earth as it is in heaven” (to borrow from what Jesus teaches us to pray and do).   

But this month in worship, we’re facing some of Jesus’ most challenging stories.  You’ve heard about following Jesus.  …I wonder if you’d be willing to think about it differently.   

In his book, The Jesus Way: A Contemporary Approach to the Teachings of Jesus, Eugene Peterson asks:  

What if Jesus' messiahship was about creating a messianic community filled with the Spirit who would join him in turning the world right side up ...getting heaven into us rather than getting us into heaven? 

…What if Jesus weren’t just the one we followed, but the one who “gets heaven into us?”   

Maybe start with an image like communion—where we literally take Christ in—as a catalyst for transforming us.  …Like God, who at the time of creation, took chaos as a building block, transforming it as creation.   

What if we’re not just “following Jesus,” but supposed to be transformed into Jesus-ness …being made into little pieces of heaven-ness ourselves?  So that we are turning the world into the image that’s resident in each of us—the creator, or just as Jesus teaches us to pray, “on earth as it is in heaven.”   

It might mean then, that not just following Jesus, but that we are invited (or CALLED) to use God’s gifts “on earth as it is in heaven.”  And “stewardship” is how we manage what we’ve been given.   

…Then, it would help if we began to talk about heaven as something we’ve already been given; rather than simply believing, it’s only yet to come.   

It is my privilege to remind you that Jesus loves you.  So do I.  God wants the best for us and is inviting us to fulfill our calling.  Out of chaos, into hope and love and light and joy!   

Preaching on October 1st (World Communion Sunday)

          

You can hear an audio recording of the second scripture reading and my sermon entitled, "Fan The Flame Of Faith " being preached, by CLICKING HERE.

The online experience version for worship, did not record today.  You can always check out our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064471758901

“ Called to be a Blessing ”

 Fellow Believers,

October marks a change of many seasons.  College football moves to more serious matchups.  We’ll soon be noticing the change in leaves.  The temperatures begin sliding into more comfortable measures.  The daylight begins growing more noticeably shorter.  And creation seems to heave a last, exhaustive sigh, with harvest being on the horizon.  There’s not a new church season, but if there were one, it might be stewardship. 

It's true …this month our congregation will honor time-honored traditions.  You’ll soon be hearing from the Budget and Finance Committee, about the annual stewardship dinner, and the publishing of the challenge budget, and invitations with pledge cards.  But stewardship isn’t about money, or meeting the budget, or about fundraising.  “Stewardship,” as my friend Robert Hay says, “is the church’s theological antidote to the chief idols of our age; consumerism, materialism, and acquisition.” 

We’re used to hearing about flu shots and vaccines this time of year, but not “theological antidotes”!  We’re used to feeling as if there’s little we can do to fight back against a virus, or a pandemic, or an epidemic of the stomach bug.  So, what can a “theological antidote” do? 

We may not be able to do much to fight inflation or the price of gas, but Jesus offers us lots of ways to think about sustaining another way of living aside from consumerism, materialism, and acquiring—the old rule that says, “the one who dies with the most …wins.”  Stewardship is about the joyous discipline of thanking God with the way we live our lives and spend and share our money.  God invites us into a different rhythm of life, a graciousness that can redefine our worldly heartache and lead us toward the fulfillment of God’s desires. 

If you feel caught on the constant merry-go-round of life’s necessities …God offers us a different way.  It doesn’t require moving to another place or starting our lives over …it means tuning them toward the rhythm of creation, calling us out of chaos and darkness, and living in the light of Christ’s love.  God invites us to invest our whole selves—as God has invested God’s self—in different patterns of living.  Part of this is found in the ways we live, and the ways we spend and share our money and other resources. 

The long-established pattern for this is in the rhythm of creation and sabbath rest.  God rested.  Creation rests.  We rest.  Creation is renewed; we are renewed; God is all renewing.  God calls creation OUT of the chaos—and I believe God does this for us, calling us out of a chaotic life to take up a meaning-filled life, like Christ Jesus.  A life defined by giving and receiving and giving.  A life defined by helping others and receiving help; of supporting and being supported.  An abundant life, with enough and for all. 

We are not alone, but we belong to the one who gives creation life and breath.  And even when life seems oppressive and overwhelming, with things to fear and be fearful of, with worry and stress to run us over—we are invited, no …CALLED OUT by God to live in new ways.  We live out that call as stewards, managing a menagerie of gifts to point ourselves and our lives toward the one who gives us life and breath.  …The joyous discipline of thanking God with the way we live our lives. 

It is my privilege to remind you that Jesus loves you.  So do I.  God wants the best for us and is inviting us to fulfill our calling.  Out of chaos, into hope and love and light and joy.  

“ True Identities ? ”

 Fellow Believers,

I don’t know if this has happened to any of you, yet.  For a number of years now, there’s a scam in which people are sent texts or emails purported to be from their pastor, asking the recipient to purchase gift cards or wire money—allegedly so the pastor can help another person in need.  In other words, you get a text you’ll think is from me, asking you to buy gift cards or send money for me to offer aid to someone else. 

You should know that I will never ask you to send money or make purchases by text or email, or over the phone—for any reason that isn’t related to our church community—or in a way that you wouldn’t already know about or be able to confirm.  If there’s ever any doubt, ignore the instructions until you can talk to me, call the Church Office or check with session members.  All fundraising in the church, including the pastor asking for any support, should always have prior approval of the Session. 

This doesn’t mean that I’m not going to ask for money or support from you.  The work of Jesus Christ, through the church, means the ability to connect, resource, and support friends, neighbors, AND strangers.  Money is a part of that, too.  But “relationships” are how we navigate this.  I won’t be “cold-calling” you or texting.  You should read about it in the newsletter, hear announcements or see something in the bulletin, too!  While this might not always be true, there should be other signs you would know it’s legitimate. 

If you ever have any questions about legitimacy or doubts—call me directly, or call the church office, or talk to session members.  And don’t feel pressured to do anything with money until you have confirmation.  In almost every case of these scams, the text or email arrives from a different number or email address than the ones I ordinarily use.  Also remember, this isn’t your fault—someone is taking advantage of your desire and willingness to help others.  We’re NOT going to let the scammers win. 

I wish I could say that this was going to get better.  Today, the tools available to those with nefarious goals are truly amazing.  Spoofed texts, emails, and social media posts—those are easier to spot.  Now, there’s technology for someone to register voice patterns, and you’re just as likely to receive a phone call, with my voice, asking you to send money.  In fact, this has already happened with my children; both of their grandparents have received calls from impersonators who had just enough information to be believable.  It’s scary.  But in each case, the grandparent was quickly able to determine that something wasn’t quite right. 

You don’t have to be afraid.  Like Jesus teaches us, part of the solution to these first-world challenges is in our relationships.  The ways we know and care for one another directly.  If I’m asking you for help, it will always be something I can tell you about.  I won’t ever say, “I can’t tell you, just send me the money.”  We build community by being authentic, transparent, and we communicate clearly. 

So …don’t just give up and stop helping.  Learn to be careful and strategic in how you help.  Never be afraid to ask questions and get details.  Ask someone else.  Verify.  If something sounds or feels off—don’t do anything until you can verify it.  I will always be OK with you asking, double checking, just making sure.  …And if you hear something that doesn’t sound right from another member, encourage them to check it out, too! 

Jesus loves you.  So do I.  We want the best for all of us.  We want and need help, we want to give help, we want to build the Kingdom of God.  When we do that, there will be no more scams.  

“ Along for the Adventures ”

This summer we come to one of my favorite parts of the lectionary cycle.  From now, until nearly Advent, we follow the adventures of the patriarchs and the Israelites in the books of Genesis and Exodus.  The cycle begins in familiar territory to most of us—Abram is called by God and asked to “go to a land that God would show him.” 

For many of us, one of the tell-tale signs of “summer” is the classic summer vacation.  As I’m writing this, my family and I have traveled across Arkansas and Oklahoma to the great plains of Kansas.  We’re seeing the “golden waves of grain” on our drives, and basking in the summer sunshine where the sun’s light won’t fade until nearly 10 pm!  Some of you have been traveling for graduations and birthday celebrations and visits with children and grandchildren, too.  And there will be trips to the beach and the mountains and the far west coast! 

And for the dog days of summer (as some people call them), on Sundays we’ll be following the stories of ancient travelers who moved about creation following the voices of God and of God’s messengers, who encounter strange happenings and whose journeys are marked by signs of God’s presence that reminds them and us of God’s abiding promises. 

Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, their wives and families; and eventually, a whole nation formed by famine and fleeing and enslavement and escape and wilderness and wandering.  And there’s amazing stuff to see and hear about!  In church …and in our travels! 

One of the most amazing things to me has been to re-learn what I think about our ancient ancestors.  Today, we travel by planes, trains, ships, and automobiles—both great and small distances.  We cover great chucks of territory in pretty short order; and it’s pretty easy to think that in the ancient world, people didn’t travel …or they at least didn’t travel very far.  …But that thinking is pretty off the mark! 

Maybe not with our speed, but ancient peoples were travelers, too.  The Magi?  That was a great distance, navigated by the stars.  And ancient people, long before the Romans, created trade routes that extended far into Asia and Europe, far from the world of the Israelites and the Egyptians.  In North America, scientists have archeological evidence demonstrating not only that ancient people traveled long distances, but somehow circumnavigated the globe—even tens of thousands of years before biblical times! 

Human beings travel.  And God travels with us.  Sometimes God is the reason we travel—as in, “go to the land that I will show you.”  Sometimes, we try and run away from problems, or to escape from conditions we don’t like.  Sometimes we’re seeking to start over, or looking for second chances, or just to relax and recuperate with a nice view.  Sometimes we “have to get there;” while other times, we’re just along for the ride, or out for a Sunday drive. 

Wherever this summer may take you—literally or figuratively—keep your eyes peeled.  God is with us, wherever we’re roaming, or even if we’re just couch-sitting.  See what it is that God would “show you.”  Listen for the voice of the one who would seek to guide us to and fro, and who promises to be with us always.  Mark down the places where you find God is near—even if that seems far, or far-fetched.  And remember to tell us all, at some point, where you were and what you did this summer …when God was with you. 

The journey isn’t always about the end; the adventure is always what happens along the way.  Enjoy your time, take advantage of the breezes, bask in all God’s realm.  Just bring home some stories!  

“ The Pentecost Moment(s) Among Us ”

 

Pentecost.  The name bears in part the reference to the 50 days after Easter.  At one time, a Hebrew celebration marking God’s gift of the Torah; but the roots of the celebrating also go back to a harvest festival and a time when Israel lived in temporary housing.  It was a “pilgrim festival,” meaning it was a time when Jews traveled especially to visit Jerusalem, which partly explains why so many different people with a host of different languages suddenly appear in the story in which some fellows from Galilee speak to them in languages in which the speakers were unfamiliar.  …A day when the world was changed forever in the appearance of the Holy Spirit among believers. 

We remember this day mostly because of what happened to the disciples in Jerusalem—when the Spirit appears to have set heads aflame and ears a-burning.  We remember the strangers who heard in their own native languages the testimony of the Galileans, even though the Galileans knew not their languages or where they were from.  We remember words about Jesus and words about repentance and the promise of salvation …if we also call on the name of the Lord. 

…as if Pentecost were a thing of the past. 

“The Pentecost moment,” however, isn’t about the past; or at least, it shouldn’t be.  What happened to the disciples in Jerusalem witnessing to Jews from Jerusalem and from places across the globe—is but “A Pentecost moment.”  Pentecost …as Luke’s story in the Book of Acts describes …isn’t limited to the disciples! 

“All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit …as the Spirit gave them ability.” 

We’re simply so used to these words being descriptive of what happened to the disciples, that we fail to see that “all means ALL, Y’all!”  The disciples—AND “the devout Jews from every nation under heaven.”  The disciples who had been waiting in Jerusalem …AND the faithful who had come to Jerusalem to celebrate the festival.  And while we can certainly point to the events and what happens to the disciples …it would be short-sighted to think that Pentecost were only about them.  Truly. 

Pentecost …is about us, too.  Pentecost is about believers …wherever we find ourselves.  Pentecost …is about the gift of the Holy Spirit—TO US! 

If you’re like me, it’s a “tingle” on the back of your head and neck.  It’s NOT just about speaking in tongues, or different languages.  In fact for me, it’s never been about that.  But I have a feeling when I know that God is near; and usually it comes with an awareness of some kind of ability—of some form or fashion—to make a difference. 

Pentecost is about making a difference.  It’s about the gifts of God and the Holy Spirit filling ALL God’s people; and it’s about ALL God’s people doing something to make a difference.  In the story of Acts 2, it’s the Holy Spirit and the gift of languages and the disciples telling their stories. 

…And for us?  …Are we not also filled with the Holy Spirit—or if not, is not the Holy Spirit (the Advocate Jesus calls it) with us?  …And what stories are WE telling? 

Start with those moments where YOU feel the Holy Spirit.  Those are Pentecost moments!  What is God doing?  What is God giving?  What is God saying—to you; but also, those around you?  What’s the difference YOU get to be about? 

Pentecost moments are all around us.  You’re having them; I’m having them; WE’RE having them.  It’s not just a matter of figuring out what happened to the disciples, but we’re supposed to be trying to discern what’s happening with us.  Resurrection wasn’t the end—it was a new beginning.  Pentecost wasn’t a one-time moment—it’s a way of living …with the Holy Spirit …as a part of our lives …and telling the stories of us. 

What stories are you telling?
What stories are you telling?