Pastor’s Corner – May 18, 2023
Sightings 1
According to Matthew (28:1-10) and John (20:11-18) the first sighting of the Risen Jesus is by Mary of Magdala and another Mary (though John does not mention the other Mary). It was early in the morning of the first day of the week that these two Mary’s, these two faithful disciples, went to visit the tomb of and pay their respects for their beloved Leader. It is fair to say, that the last thing they expected was to see alive the one they witnessed dead and buried. Surprise, shock and even fear are descriptive of their emotions at the sighting. In each telling, they bow in worship before the Risen One who greets them and gives them a job to do. They are to tell the others.
Pastor’s Corner – May 11, 2023
Dear Beloved,
Worshipping God with you together in the same physical or virtual space on Sunday mornings is something that I greatly look forward to each Sunday. Pastor Marc’s messages always challenge and inspire me. Hearing the lay reader share the scripture passage brings it to life differently than when I read it by myself. The shared responsive reading bring me hope.
Pastor’s Corner – May 4, 2023
Sightings 1
According to Matthew (28:1-10) and John (20:11-18) the first sighting of the Risen Jesus is by Mary of Magdala and another Mary (though John does not mention the other Mary). It was early in the morning of the first day of the week that these two Mary’s, these two faithful disciples, went to visit the tomb of and pay their respects for their beloved Leader. It is fair to say, that the last thing they expected was to see alive the one they witnessed dead and buried. Surprise, shock and even fear are descriptive of their emotions at the sighting. In each telling, they bow in worship before the Risen One who greets them and gives them a job to do. They are to tell the others.
Pastor’s Corner - April 27, 2023
Dear Beloved,
Do you have formation childhood or teen memories that acted as crystalizers of foundational themes or frameworks in your life? As a child of the 80s and 90s, banners were a big thing in the congregations who raised me. Each time there was a baptism, I watched my mom carefully cut out a red flower with a green stem from felt. Then she’d write the name of the person being baptized on the flower in bright yellow puff paint. As a child, I remember how important it was to be patient to let it dry before transporting it or the whole process began again. When completely dry it was hung on a banner that had part of a passage from Isaiah, “I have called you by name. You are mine.” When I was old enough, it became my job to take the flower down after the baptism and give it to the person or family of the person who had been baptized. As one who has always loved babies, this was a very special job if the person being baptized was a baby.
Pastor’s Corner – April 20, 2023
Sightings 1
According to Matthew (28:1-10) and John (20:11-18) the first sighting of the Risen Jesus is by Mary of Magdala and another Mary (though John does not mention the other Mary). It was early in the morning of the first day of the week that these two Mary’s, these two faithful disciples, went to visit the tomb of and pay their respects for their beloved Leader. It is fair to say, that the last thing they expected was to see alive the one they witnessed dead and buried. Surprise, shock and even fear are descriptive of their emotions at the sighting. In each telling, they bow in worship before the Risen One who greets them and gives them a job to do. They are to tell the others.
Pastor’s Corner – April 13, 2023
Dear Beloved,
This morning, I was thanking God for you and thanking God for the offerings of letters which we participate in at least once a year. I can remember glancing around one year and seeing a five-year-old writing a letter to advocate for healthy food for all and food security next to an eighty-year-old. The moment was beautiful and glorious and turned me to total praises to God!!! The memory of it still does. Thank you for those memories. Thank you for your commitment to equity, justice, and shalom in the ways of Jesus our Leader!
Pastor’s Corner – April 6, 2023
Questions Jesus Asks on the Way to the Cross
He came a third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? Enough! The hour has come; the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Mark 14:41
In his hour of need those closest to Jesus failed him. One betrayed, another denied, and the rest ran away. They couldn’t even stay awake to pray with Jesus. This part of the story makes us sad, not only because of the way Jesus’ disciples let him down but also because it reminds us of the way we let Jesus down. …
Pastor’s Corner – March 30, 2023
Dear Beloved,
How are you as we move towards Holy Week? I hope you can join us virtually or in person for Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, and Holy Friday worship services. Some of us may never have been part of any Holy Week worship experiences or traditions. Some of us may have negative or hurtful memories. Some of us may have mixed memories. No matter who you, what questions you have, or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome. We are always welcome to come to worship and any other Friedens gatherings with whatever we are feeling or aren’t feeling, with whatever we are or aren’t remembering, with all our questions, with all our doubts, with all of our being. You are loved and affirmed for the unique being God created you to be.
Pastor’s Corner – March 22, 2023
Questions Jesus Asks on the Way to the Cross
But Jesus said, “Let her alone; why do you trouble her? She has performed a good service for me. Mark 14:6
Maybe it was jealousy. Maybe it was a genuine concern about the use of resources. Maybe it was anger about a woman serving Jesus. It is not clear what caused the outrage over the anointing of Jesus with an extravagant gift of a fragrant and soothing ointment. But Jesus didn’t mind. In fact, Jesus was grateful for this offering of love that brought some peace and care just before his arrest and execution, prompting Jesus to ask: Why do you trouble her? She has performed a good service for me.
Pastor’s Corner – March 16, 2023
Dear Beloved,
How is it with your being? I often feel like that is a very complex question because there are so many facets and aspects of each of us, but I want to share one experience my being has had lately. I have told several people that my heart in constantly feeling like it is going to bubble over with gratitude. I am so grateful for much and one of the blessings for which I give thanks is the way the Spirit is at work within Friedens United Church of Christ as a community of people seeking to follow Jesus and his way of grace, love, and welcome.
Pastor’s Corner – March 9, 2023
Questions Jesus Asks on the Way to the Cross
Then Jesus asked him, “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down.” Mark 13:2
There is something about an awareness of our mortality that helps us clarify what really matters. Jesus had that kind of clarity as he approached his death on a Roman cross. Coming out of the Temple, Jesus’ disciples could not help but be impressed with the sheer size and elaborate beauty of the Temple in Jerusalem.
Pastor’s Corner – March 2, 2023
Dear Beloved,
Have you had any songs in your spirit this week? I have had many lately – maybe inspired by the fun opportunity that Kristin and the music ministry team are sharing with us. I’ve never been part of any bracket experiences before, but I am looking forward to this one. Hope you can participate and enjoy! (Read about Hymn Mania in "Staying Connected" section for more details)
Pastor’s Corner – February 23, 2023
Questions Jesus Asks on the Way to the Cross
Jesus said to them, “Is not this the reason you are wrong, that you know neither the scriptures nor the power of God? Mark 12:24
Jesus offered these words in response to a ridiculous question whose sole purpose was an attempt to trap Jesus and make him look foolish. Jesus saw through the ruse and got to the heart of the source of all that is ridiculous and harmful in our world—a failure to think, speak, and act from the wisdom of our ancient, sacred texts and the truth of God’s powerful presence. Jesus understood that scripture and the Divine presence are essential to wise and faithful living.
Pastor’s Corner – February 16, 2023
Dear Beloved,
When you hear or see the word Lent, how do you feel? Does it leave you with mixed feelings, positive memories, negative energy, questions, confusion, excitement, curiosity?
I am grateful that I grew up with parents who offered me opportunities to experience the special liturgical seasons of Advent and Lent in very meaningful ways that invited reflection and confession without leaving me full of a guilt or shame that caused me to doubt God’s unconditional love and grace.
Pastor’s Corner – February 9, 2023
Questions Jesus Asks on the Way to the Cross
Jesus was teaching and saying, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations’? But you have made it a den of robbers.” Mark 11:17
Only days before his crucifixion, Jesus is teaching in the Temple in Jerusalem. Jesus’ righteous indignation shows as he responds to the monetization of God’s house.
Pastor’s Corner – February 2, 2023
Dear Beloved,
I often say there are only a few things that I'm always sure will be the same. I am sure that God always loves us and that God is always with us. Recently, I realized that there is something else that I know for sure. Prayer is a powerful gift that is always with us.
Pastor’s Corner – January 26, 2023
In Exile: Serve the Lord No Matter What
Almost six hundred years before the time of Jesus, his people, the Israelites, were in crisis. Their capital, Jerusalem, and the surrounding region, Judea, were destroyed and occupied by the invading force of Babylon. Many had been injured, killed, made homeless, and the rest forced into exile from their homeland. Could the people of God survive?
Pastor’s Corner – January 19, 2023
Dear Beloved,
Who and what are you thanking God for today? One of the many blessings for which I’m giving thanks today is the for storytellers (and the stories they tell). Thank you God for all the people courageous and vulnerable enough to tell their stories.
Pastor’s Corner – January 12, 2023
In Exile: Do Not Fear
Almost six hundred years before the time of Jesus, his people, the Israelites, were in crisis. Their capital, Jerusalem, and the surrounding region, Judea, were destroyed and occupied by the invading force of Babylon. Many had been injured, killed, made homeless, and the rest forced into exile from their homeland. Could the people of God survive?
Pastor’s Corner – January 5, 2023
Dear Beloved,
Are you a resolutions person? A dreamer? A goal setter? A hoper? I know folx who are totally opposed to New Year’s resolutions. I appreciate New Year’s for a variety of reasons. It is a holiday that always invites me to take a little extra time for meditation, contemplation, confession, and the ancient practice of examen. In some ways, all days are holidays (holy days) for me as I understand our Holy God to be with us every day. Yet there are specific days named by particular countries, calendars, traditions, groups, cultures, communities…. that offer space for more intentionality for something. (As I write this, I have a deep desire to pause and research a holiday that I’m not familiar with in order to learn a little more, but that will need to wait until another day as deadlines are coming