Pastor’s Corner – February 1, 2024

Dear Beloved,

It is a little hard for me to believe that the liturgical season of Lent begins in less than two weeks. The space between Epiphany and Lent varies each year because Epiphany is a set date which begins on January 6th while Easter moves in relationship to the moon. This year Ash Wednesday (the beginning of Lent) is February 14th. I hope you will join us for this special worship service when we can experience the blessing of ashes, music, a message, and communion. We would also like to invite you to a Lenten Lunch on Sunday, February 4th. This lunch will be in the narthex right after the 10:30 a.m. worship service. It will be a brief time to connect with each other and chat about the coming Lenten season whether you have been familiar with this season for years or if it is brand new to you. We will talk about some spiritual practices you might enjoy trying during the season of Lent this year, and if we have time, we may also chat a bit about Holy week and the special offerings of Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, and Holy Friday.  It is an informal gathering for all ages. We hope you will come and invite people to join you.  

I was taught that Lent is a time to be more attentive and open to my own humanity - both my limits (which I’m learning to lean into/listen to rather than resist) and my own sin. This morning as I think about what I might focus on in preparation for this coming season, I am giving thanks for Pastor Marc’s paragraphs in this new year which are reflecting on the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). I hope to focus on cultivating the fruit of the Spirit in my life so that I may share them with others as we prepare for the season of Lent. I pray that the Holy Spirit can keep opening me to understand and confess where I need to repent and be transformed by the indwelling of Jesus. I appreciate that I can be on this journey in community - in the community of disciples of Jesus - in the community of all who want to grow as loving creatures. Thank you for being in community. Thank you for being you! You bring very special and unique strengths, experiences, and personality and character traits to this world. Thank you for the ways you share the love of Jesus with others. I thank God for you! We are not alone. We are with each other in God’s grace and ever-faithful compassion. May you know you are a loved child of God.

With gratitude,

Sarah

22 By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things.

Pastor’s Corner – January 25, 2024

The Fruit of the Spirit Part 2

How do we know that Jesus, Immanuel (God-with-us), is really with us? Paul answers that question beautifully in his letter to the disciples in Galatia who must have been wondering the same thing. Paul writes: the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). When we experience any of these gifts in our daily lives, we know that Christ’s Spirit is at work.

The second fruit of the Spirit is joy. Joy has to do with the sense of calm that comes from knowing we are never alone. Jesus put it this way: I have come so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete (John 15:11). Especially in the moments of adversity we should open our hearts to the gift of joy, since those are the moments we especially need Jesus’ calming Spirit. Jesus was honest and hopeful about trouble: In the world you shall face troubles. But take courage; I have conquered the world (John 16:33).

Adversity is not a sign of Divine absence. Adversity is an opportunity to embrace Divine presence, and as a result to know the gift of joy.

Yours in Christ,

Marc

Pastor’s Corner – January 18, 2024

Happy New Year!  How are you midway through the first month of 2024?  Have you ever picked a word of the year or had someone pick a word of the year for you or invited the Spirit to guide you to a word or theme for the year?   If you have a word or would like to pick a word and want to share it, I’d enjoy encouraging you as you journey with your word.  

I have done this for many years.  Most of the time, the words that have come to mind, heart, body, and soul have been words that I think many people would find encouraging, inspiring, and uplifting.  This year, the word that I have been led to feels different.  My word this year is fear.  A year or two ago, a Friedens member told me about a book called What Would You Do If You Weren’t Afraid? by Michal Oshman.  I didn’t have a chance to read much of it, but the question has stuck with me, and I ponder it often.  I feel like this year the word being given to me is fear.  I think of so many times in the Bible when we are told not to fear.  I’m not sure it makes sense to tell people not to be afraid when they are, but I appreciate the good news that God’s eternal love is with us no matter what we are feeling -  we are not alone.  The Faithful Creator is with us, has been with us, and will be with us.  

Maybe this is a question you’d like to explore this year.  As a dreamer, I love to encourage people in their hopes and dreams.  If you find yourself being overcome by fear, I pray that you will know you are not alone.  I pray that God’s presence can offer you comfort, hope, and the peace of Jesus that surpasses all human understanding.  I pray that we experience and live into the shalom God offers for all in order to follow Jesus’ call to be part of God’s work in the world.  May you know you are always loved by the Creator of grace and mercy.

With gratitude for you,

     Sarah 

I will sing of your steadfast love, O Lord, forever; with my mouth I will proclaim your faithfulness to all generations.

I declare that your steadfast love is established forever; your faithfulness is as firm as the heavens. Psalm 89:1-2

Pastor’s Corner – January 11, 2024

The Fruit of the Spirit Part 1

How do we know that Jesus, Immanuel (God-with-us), is really with us? Paul answers that question beautifully in his letter to the disciples in Galatia who must have been wondering the same thing. Paul writes: the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). When we experience any of these gifts in our daily lives, we know that Christ’s Spirit is at work.

The first fruit of the Spirit is love. It is first in place and priority. Love of God, neighbor, and self are the most important Divine commands (Matthew 22:36-40). Loving others as Jesus loves, is the one command of our Leader (John 13:34-35). Choosing the most loving thought, word, or action in any particular situation never fails to bring us closest to what Jesus would have us do and be. Disciples live by the standard of love. This is a very demanding standard, and it is a standard that brings purpose and meaning to life.

Here is the good news of this first fruit of the Spirit, as well as the other eight, love is a gift not an achievement. Paul wants us to avoid self-righteousness. Paul wants us to know that love is a sign that the living Spirit of Christ is present. We can only be loving as we first receive God’s unconditional love. This love fills us to overflowing so that we can spill love into all the lives we touch.

If you experience and share love, this is evidence of Christ’s living Spirit in your life. Let love grow!

Yours in Christ,

Marc

Pastor’s Corner – January 4, 2024

Christmastide Greetings, Beloved! 

How are you in this Christmas season?  What emerges for you as we begin a new year?  In my reflections on 2023, gratitude for you and the opportunities to serve with you bubbled up in my being.  Thanks be to God for all the ways you continue to share Jesus’ unstoppable love.  Thanks be to the Creator for the grace and restoration we are offered.  Thanks be to God that we can worship and serve together and grow and learn together.  

 During the children’s messages throughout Advent, I invited the children to be watching for and giving thanks for God’s gifts of hope, love, joy, and peace.  May we carry these gifts of Jesus into the new year.  May you feel God’s faithfulness in the transitions of moving into 2024 and may you always know you are treasured by the Maker of the heavens and the earth!  I give thanks for you and look forward to celebrating Epiphany as we join together physically or virtually this Sunday morning!

 With hope and thanksgiving,

    Sarah

 “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises.”  Psalm 98:4

Pastor’s Corner – December 28, 2023

Matthew and Luke tell the birth stories of Jesus. In Mark’s gospel Jesus is introduced as an adult who comes to John for baptism in the Jordan. The gospel writer John begins his narrative by going back to the very beginning, the moment of creation.

John mimics Genesis chapter one with his opening line: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. All things came into being through the Word.

John identifies Christ, as the Word, the logos in Biblical Greek. Christ is the Divine wisdom and agent of creation, who was pre-existent with God from the beginning. This identity takes on a purposeful affirmation in the 14th verse of John’s opening chapter: And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. Furthermore, the result of this purpose is summarized as the prologue to John’s gospel comes to a close: From Christ’s fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.

The music, festivities, feasts, decorations, presents, and parties of Christmas are fun. They come with anticipation and then they are gone for another year. John reminds us of something more enduring—the wise and creative presence of Christ who fills our lives with grace, the unconditional love of God.

Soon enough we will pack into storage the signs and symbols of Christmas, but the grace of Christ never goes out of season. Christ shines a light into the new year; a light of Divine love that warms us with forgiving love and leads us with a joyful Spirit of compassion.

Christmas blessings,

Marc

Pastor’s Corner – December 21, 2023

Dear Beloved,

As we began the season of Advent, I reflected on the gift of hope and offered a breath prayer related to God’s gift of hope. Now we have lit the candles reminding us of God’s gift of love and joy and will soon light the candle honoring God’s gift of peace. 

 If you or people you know enjoy breath prayers, below are some offerings related to love, joy, and peace. You might enjoy choosing or writing your own. If you do, I’d be excited to hear them if you would like to share them with me. You can create breath prayers out of any phrases that might help you connect to the Creator of breath, to the Spirit in our neighbors, or to the Spirit within you - the possibilities are endless. Silent breath prayers are an option, too. On the first day of Advent, I was excited to find out that two of my guides for this Advent season - Shannon W. Dycus and Cole Arthur Riley- would be offering breath prayers throughout their Advent devotionals. These women have opened me up to exploring breath prayer even further. 

 If there are spiritual practices that you’d like to explore further, please feel free to let us know. I thank God for you and the opportunity to journey together this Advent and Christmastide and as we look forward to serving God together in 2024.  

 Sarah

Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”  When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. John 20:21-22

 Love -

          Inhale - I love you God.

          Exhale -I want to serve you. or 

          Inhale - Thank you for loving us.

          Exhale - We rest in your love

 Joy - 

          Inhale - The joy of the Lord is my Rock.

          Exhale - God is our Rock and Redeemer. or

          Inhale - Your mercies are new every morning.

          Exhale - You turn ashes to beauty, sorrow to joy.

 Peace - 

          Inhale - The peace of Jesus 

          Exhale - Surpasses all understanding, or

          Inhale - My peace is in you, Lord (my Leader/our Shepherd).

          Exhale - My hope is in you, Lord (my Life-giver/our Savior).

Pastor’s Corner – December 14, 2023

Matthew tells of the birth of Jesus with an eye toward ancient Hebrew history—with the Exodus story in mind particularly.  For example:

The nativity is told from the perspective of Joseph, Mary’s betrothed. Joseph receives Divine direction from dreams and visions (note Matthew 1:20-21, 2:13-15, and 2:19-21). This is reminiscent of another Joseph, the son of Jacob, who more than 1500 years before Jesus was also directed by Divine dreams and visions to rescue God’s people.

Matthew also makes a connection with another central character in the Exodus—Moses. As in Moses’ birth story, a self-centered king attempts unsuccessfully to murder the infant Jesus. As a result, and again like Moses, a flight into and out of Egypt is required for Jesus, Joseph, and Mary.

These connections with Hebrew history let us know from the very beginning of Matthew’s gospel that Jesus is representative of the most important figures and stories of his heritage. These connections shine a light on Jesus’ identity and purpose. Like Joseph before him, Jesus will be filled with God’s Spirit to understand the mystery of the Divine will. Like Moses before him, Jesus will be a teacher of God’s wisdom and a liberator of the oppressed.

Choosing to follow Jesus as we move through Advent and Christmas is a choice for a Divine Spirit and wisdom with the power to bring liberation from that which separates us from God and one another. In the way of Jesus, we have the hope for love, joy, and peace.

Advent blessings,

Marc

Pastor’s Corner – December 7, 2023

Dear Beloved,

Greetings to you in this Advent season! How is it with your spirit? In this season, emotions can sometimes feel stronger - whether those emotions be feelings that we consider helpful or not so helpful. I pray that you can be gentle with yourself and those around you. If you need extra support during this season, please give yourself permission to reach out and ask. We are better together - God made us that way! 

This past Sunday we lit the Advent candle of hope. When you hear or see the word hope, what comes to your mind?

This past year, I have found myself answering questions with the word “hope” more than ever before. When people ask me why I do the things that I do, I say “because of hope,” or “I’m part of a people of hope.” I give thanks to God and all the people in my life who have taught me about hope - ancestors of our faith, the stories of our faith, colleagues and co-workers, the children in the different parts of my life, the wonder of creation, people I’ve met at work or while traveling or out and about the community…..I rejoice in God’s gifts of hope to us. When I think of hope, I feel a connection with Elizabeth and Hannah and Anna - all awaiting a child. When I think of hope, people living with big challenges come into my being. When I think of hope, I see Jesus’ patience with the disciples and with us. When I think of hope, I hear encouragement from scripture. In this season, may we take time to reflect on God’s gifts of hope and what they mean as we seek to share Jesus’ love in our daily lives and how we seek to live as his followers. I thank God for you and the opportunities we have to journey together.  

As I close, I want to leave you with a breath prayer that lifts me up- My hope is you Lord; my hope is in you Lord. I’m grateful for the praise bands over the years who planted those words in my heart (Psalm 25:21; Psalm 39:7) Maybe this breath prayer  will be of help to you sometime, too.

May you find encouragement in God’s love this Advent season.    

 -Sarah

By awesome deeds you answer us with deliverance,

    O God of our salvation;

you are the hope of all the ends of the earth

    and of the farthest seas.  Psalm 65:5

Pastor’s Corner – November 29, 2023

Luke’s telling of the nativity of Jesus is punctuated with singing. Mary magnifies God in song for being pregnant with Jesus, the Son of the Most High (Luke 1:46-55). Zechariah blesses God for the unexpected gift of a son named John, who would make ready a people prepared for the Lord (Luke 1:67-79). The angels sing the good news of the birth of a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord (Luke 2:14). The nativity in Luke concludes with the song of Simeon, who recognizes in Jesus the one who will be a light of revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to the people Israel (Luke 2:28-32).

With Luke’s inspiration, music is central to our Advent worship at Friedens. Preludes, postludes, hymns, responses, and anthems are all selected to connect us to Immanuel, God-with-us. In ways more mysterious and moving than written or spoken words music opens our hearts, heals our wounds, deepens our faith, and inspires in us the compassion of Christ.

As we meet in worship let us listen carefully to the music of the season. Let us offer our own joyful noise in praise and thanksgiving. Let us invite and welcome others to discover in the beauty of song the gifts of Christ—hope, love, joy, and peace.

Advent blessings,

Marc

Pastor’s Corner – November 16, 2023

Words of Encouragement from Paul (V)

About fifteen years after the death and resurrection of Jesus, Paul writes a letter to the first house church he founded in Macedonia (northern Greece), in the city of Philippi. Paul is writing from prison, uncertain about his survival. And yet, this letter is marked by gratitude and a spirit of joy and rejoicing in Christ.

Like Paul, we know what it’s like to face adversity and uncertainty.  May Paul’s words of encouragement bring hope and renewal of joy and faith to you.

Toward the conclusion of the letter Paul writes: Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you (Philippians 4:8-9).

Paul’s characteristics of discipleship set the bar high. It reminds me of something I learned from my dad—anything worthwhile is worth working for. It takes intentional effort to be true, honorable, just, pure, and commendable. It takes a reshaping of our priorities so that God is in the center of our lives. It is hard work but there is a reward for the effort—the God of peace will be with you.

Others are watching how we handle adversity. Others are watching to see if faith really helps in adversity. Others are looking for a positive example so they will know what to do when their life gets difficult. Living the characteristics Paul articulated and Jesus exemplified will see us through life’s challenges and will bless others who are paying attention. And that will bring peace even in times of challenge.

Try this advice from Paul and see if you discover the gift of encouragement.

Yours in Christ,

Marc

Pastor’s Corner – November 9, 2023

Dear Beloved,

By the time this reaches your inbox, All Saints Day will have passed, but as I write this I am pondering and praying about how I might honor All Saints Day this year.  Usually it is time for me to spend reflecting upon and giving thanks for the many named and unnamed/known and unknown saints who have impacted my life. 

This year I have been thinking about all the healthcare workers and behind-the-scenes-professionals who served so many extra hours in very stressful settings during shelter-in-place and all those who continue to serve.  I have been thinking about all the founders of organizations working for equity and wellness near and far and for all those serving as peacemakers, rescue and relief workers,  and caretakers in places of conflict and destruction. 

Who are some of the saints who have been or continue to be deep in your hearts, minds, and souls? How can we express our gratitude this day and in days to come? 

I thank God for you and for the ways you live as saints of God who share the love, hope, joy, and compassion of Jesus in your daily lives.  May you know you are appreciated for who you are and loved by the Maker of the heavens and the earth.  

“I thank my God every time I remember you.  In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy.”  Philippians 1:3

Pastor’s Corner – November 2, 2023

Words of Encouragement from Paul (IV)

About fifteen years after the death and resurrection of Jesus, Paul writes a letter to the first house church he founded in Macedonia (northern Greece), in the city of Philippi. Paul is writing from prison, uncertain about his survival. And yet, this letter is marked by gratitude and a spirit of joy and rejoicing in Christ.

Like Paul, we know what it’s like to face adversity and uncertainty.  May Paul’s words of encouragement bring hope and renewal of joy and faith to you.

In the third chapter we find this encouragement: this one thing I do, forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:13-14).

Especially when things are uncertain, it really helps to keep things simple by focusing on what matters most. For Paul that was to press on toward the goal of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. When we keep our focus on Jesus, we are choosing the high road. It can be tempting in adversity to get stuck in blaming or reacting to evil with evil. The low road is the easy path, but it leads to mutual destruction. The high road holds the promise of reconciliation and restoration. As Jesus said, the high road is narrow and difficult but leads to life (Matthew 7:14).

Try this advice from Paul and see if you discover the gift of encouragement.

Yours in Christ,

Marc

Pastor’s Corner – October 19, 2023

Words of Encouragement from Paul (III)

About fifteen years after the death and resurrection of Jesus, Paul writes a letter to the first house church he founded in Macedonia (northern Greece), in the city of Philippi. Paul is writing from prison, uncertain about his survival. And yet, this letter is marked by gratitude and a spirit of joy and rejoicing in Christ.

Like Paul, we know what it’s like to face adversity and uncertainty.  May Paul’s words of encouragement bring hope and renewal of joy and faith to you.

In the second chapter of Philippians, we find this wisdom: It is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure (Philippians 2:13).

No matter how difficult life gets remember that God is still at work in your life. Since God is the source of good, don’t blame God for the adversity you are facing. God is still with you, working to bring good even in a bad situation. Open your heart to God’s good presence and choose the path of the greatest good.

Try this advice from Paul and see if you discover the gift of encouragement.

Yours in Christ,

Marc

Pastor’s Corner – October 26, 2023

Dear Beloved,

I appreciate that at the beginning of worship Pastor Marc has often been sharing words from Jesus according to the book of Matthew that remind us of Jesus’ presence with us – “…Take heart.  It is I…”  Matthew 14:27

There are so many amazing things about the word heart and about Jesus’ use of these words….  I won’t try to go into them in this note to you right now, but they are definitely worth exploring!!!  In the meantime, I would invite you to use these words as a prayer – maybe a breath prayer where you breathe in and out as you say these words – maybe as a movement prayer as you exercise – maybe as a bedtime blessing as you settle down for rest and renewal – maybe as a morning blessing as you begin the day – maybe in a time of challenge or stress – maybe in a time of transition or discernment or celebration.  Or maybe you are picking some other words these days. 

Either way, I hope you can find reassurance and peace in knowing that God is with us in the storms – God is with us in the silence – God is with us in the waiting – You are a loved and loving child of God. 

            With gratitude and hope,

                   Sarah

Pastor’s Corner – October 12, 2023

Autumn greetings! 

How are you in this time of shifting seasons?  When the air becomes cooler and the colors begin to change, I thank God for one of the foundational experiences of my early years in the loving body of Jesus we call the church. In third grade we moved to Indianapolis when my dad started serving a congregation in downtown Indy. Every autumn this congregation participated in a 6-mile CROP Walk. This walk is sponsored by Church World Services and focuses on ending hunger. I enjoyed this event and time praying, walking, rolling, and strolling with people of all ages from faith communities across the city (and in different locations all over the country). 

Over the years, I am grateful to have had opportunities to participate with many different people and congregations in a variety of walks. So now the fall leads me to think of many walks and needs – many efforts, organizations, and people with whom to partner – the Alzheimer Walk, the Buddy Walk for Down Syndrome, the Suicide Prevention Walk, the Every Child Matters Walk on Orange Shirt Day, the National Alliance on Mental Illness Walk, the Infant Loss Walk, the Overdose Lifeline Walk. 

For me, walking or journeying is also an important metaphor for life. We do not all walk or stroll physically, but we all have a purpose and a mission. We all travel this life of love and learning. God is with us on this journey with all its twists and turns and ups and downs, and God joins us in community. As I think about the metaphorical stepping out in faith, I desire to seek God’s wisdom and guidance on what God’s next best step for me is in the daily movements of seeking to follow Jesus’ ways of love and compassion. 

I am grateful for all the ways God’s Spirit is at work in the world. I thank God for you and the ways you are living on the path of discipleship as we seek to share the love of Jesus with those around us. You are in my prayers as we journey together with God, and I appreciate your prayers. May you feel God’s loving embrace and encouragement in the colorful artistry of the Maker of the heavens and the earth this autumn. 

Make me to know your ways, O Lord;
    teach me your paths.
 Lead me in your truth and teach me,
    for you are the God of my salvation;
    for you I wait all day long.

Psalm 25:4-5

Pastor’s Corner – October 5, 2023

Words of Encouragement from Paul (II)

About fifteen years after the death and resurrection of Jesus, Paul writes a letter to the first house church he founded in Macedonia (northern Greece), in the city of Philippi. Paul is writing from prison, uncertain about his survival. And yet, this letter is marked by gratitude and a spirit of joy and rejoicing in Christ.

Like Paul, we know what it’s like to face adversity and uncertainty.  May Paul’s words of encouragement bring hope and renewal of joy and faith to you.

Toward the end of the opening chapter we find this word of encouragement: Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether I come and see you or am absent and hear about you, I will know that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel (Philippians 1:27).

Find encouragement in a challenging season by renewing your practice of worship and service. When we find ourselves in a tough spot it is easy to be self-oriented. We can feel sorry for ourselves and if we do, we need to acknowledge that but not stay in that feeling. One of the most tried and true tactics for feeling better is to connect with others and lend a hand. Connect with God in worship. Connect with a confidant or a counselor to work through your feelings, and connect with someone in your circle of influence who can use some help. As Paul says, strive side by side with others to live Jesus’ way of love.

Try this advice from Paul and see if you discover the gift of encouragement.

Yours in Christ,

Marc

Pastor’s Corner – October 1, 2023

Dear Beloved,

   Who or what helps you to be still?  The other evening when outside preparing for supper with our family, God’s creation invited me to be still.  I have been appreciating many books and leaders over the last few years who have been teaching me to listen to God’s creation.  One particular evening, I heard lots of sounds from above me – I was not sure if they were birds or squirrels or both, but they said look up.  Take time and look up - which led me in a prayer of thanksgiving for these feathered and/or furry friends were reminding me of Psalm 121:1-2, “I lift up my eyes to the hills- where does my help come from?  My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of the heaven and earth.” 

     These verses have a special spot in my being, and I thank a wise ancestor and a young boy in Haiti for embedding them in my life.  When I first began serving with Friedens UCC, a woman named Nancy Richert spent a lot of time serving in the ministries that I was most involved with, as did and do so many people.  One day I asked her what her favorite Bible passage was, and Psalm 121:1-2 was what she shared with me.

      I’ll save the special story and experience in Haiti to share with you another time.  For now, I close with this prayer.

            God of the squirrels and birds, of soil and branches, thank you for offering us your wisdom is so many diverse ways.  Thank you for ancestors and neighbors near and far.  Thank you for the blessings of community and collective hope and healing.  Please fill us with your Spirit that we may be attentive you – listening with wide-open hearts, mind, spirits, and bodies.  Please help us have the same mind as Jesus that we may follow in his ways of compassion and wholeness for all.  May all know they are precious and beloved by you with gifts to be united together for the growing of your beloved community for all.  Amen

Pastor’s Corner – September 24, 2023

Words of Encouragement from Paul (I)

About fifteen years after the death and resurrection of Jesus, Paul writes a letter to the first house church he founded in Macedonia (northern Greece), in the city of Philippi. Paul is writing from prison, uncertain about his survival. And yet, this letter is marked by gratitude and a spirit of joy and rejoicing in Christ.

Like Paul, we know what it’s like to face adversity and uncertainty.  May Paul’s words of encouragement bring hope and renewal of joy and faith to you.

Paul begins his letter with this prayer: I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now (Philippians 1:3-5).

In these few words we find some faithful advice and encouragement for times of challenge.

·        Prayer is the most important daily action we take. Connecting with our Creator, Provider, Sustainer, and Savior steadies us, renews us, and gets our priorities straight. Tell God openly and honestly what is on your heart. There is power for change and healing in speaking the truth about ourselves to God. God understands, accepts, and gives us the wisdom and strength to see us through our situation. This process of speaking and listening to and receiving help from God, will almost always lead to thanksgiving. Lamentation and gratitude go together.

·        Even in adversity keep on sharing the gospel—the good news about the grace of God in Christ. In fact, when we are feeling vulnerable, we are in the right place to speak and live good news into the lives of others who are feeling vulnerable. Empathy is a powerful tool of discipleship.

Try this advice from Paul and see if you discover the gift of encouragement.

Yours in Christ,

Marc

Pastor’s Corner – September 17, 2023

Is there a symbol that is offering you encouragement these days? My favorite symbols are often water and trees. Rainbows and dirt are others that often offer me support and encouragement in the living of these days. 

As I long to hold on to summer, I think about the water that some children have access to enjoy over the summer when it is hot – pools, sprinklers, garden hoses, bathtubs, buckets of cool water, puddles…. As I think of opportunities for refreshment near rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, and oceans, I thank our Creator for clean water to drink and wash in. I give thanks for the rain that allows plants and food to grow. I give thanks for the water that connects us, enlivens us, renews us…… I also give thanks for all the encouraging stories that involved water in the Hebrew and Greek Scriptures. I was curious, so I looked up the number of times water is in the Bible. 708 times!!!! Do any water stories or memories from the Bible or your growing up years come to mind for you?

Maybe memories of swimming lessons or swim teams, maybe creation stories involving water, maybe rituals with water. Perhaps stories of God’s protection of a baby floating in a basket in a river or God’s liberation of people through water as the Israelites who were being oppressed walked through dry ground as the seas were parted or Jesus emerging from the waters of his baptism or Jesus calming the storm….Perhaps verses that compare Jesus to living water or the ways that water reminds us God’s refreshing love and grace…..

As I think about stories of the faith of Jesus that involve water, I also think about our call and responsibility to live in loving relationship with all God’s people, creatures, and creation. There are so many concerns about clean water and access to water…..I won’t try to go into those now, but I invite you to learn, pray, and consider how we can do our part in caring for and partnering in the waters of life which connect all of us.  I would also like to invite you to an all-ages water event on Saturday afternoon, October 14th at Holliday Park. We will learn about some of Indy’s watersheds, spend time in meditation and reflection, join in some clean up, and enjoy time for snacks and connecting. If you have questions, please let me know. The event is free. Donations can be made to Earth Charter if you would like. All are welcome. Hope you can come and bring others along.

With gratitude, hope, and love,

Sarah

10 Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.” 11 The woman said to him, “Sir,[c] you have no bucket, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water? 12 Are you greater than our ancestor Jacob, who gave us the well and with his sons and his flocks drank from it?” 13 Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, 14 but those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty. The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life.”   John 4:10-14