Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed. John 20:8
This Easter morning is not an ending point, but a beginning point. And more so, it is most truly a point of continuation, the continuing story of God’s great love for the world and all of God’s people, and the story of God’s people seeking to live into that life-affirming, love-affirming promise with every breath they breathe and every action they take.
Tell the story, a friend of mine says, and get out of the way. Here it seems to be. People show up, and are surprised and transformed by the news of the empty tomb. They encounter the risen Christ, and are empowered to love the world on his behalf.
Place yourself in the middle of the story. Perhaps you are Peter. Perhaps Thomas. Perhaps even Mary – at the center of it all, whose transformation following her encounter with the risen Christ is the stuff of which true faithfulness is made. Place yourself in the middle of the story. And then place yourself in the middle of all of the rest of us doing the same thing. Call it a resurrection community, an Easter community, an alternative community of love. You are a member of it. We all are.
If we pay attention to the action of the story, we will be left with a kind of breathless mandate. To live life as if this good news matters. To live life as if we matter to its telling. It does. We do. Christ is risen, we say with the ancient church and every seeker and follower since. Christ is risen indeed. Thanks be to God.
John Wilkinson, Pastor
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Saturday, April 11
Pilate asked him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” Pilate asked him, “What is truth?” John 18:37–38a
Pilate questioned Jesus after his arrest. He knew the right questions to ask, but was puzzled with the answers. The accused criminal, pretender to the throne, didn’t claim kingship; instead, Jesus claimed to bear witness to “the truth.”
We live in an age where “truth” claims seem relative. We are aware that personal and cultural experiences shape understanding. Pilate’s question, “What is truth?” has the ring of modernity to it.
Truth—fact, reality, certainty, accuracy, veracity, fidelity—the truth to which Jesus witnessed was the being and demeanor of God. Jesus showed us God’s steadfast loving kindness and God’s desire to redeem the world so that we might love God and one another.
“In life and in death, we belong to God…” these words begin an Affirmation of Faith. We belong to God, we belong to the truth, and we belong with those who listen to Jesus’ voice and study his life and seek his witness.
Gracious God, I belong to you. Help me seek your truth through the life of your Son. Strengthen me in the life of discipleship so that I might love you and all your people ever more deeply. Amen.
Martha Langford, Associate Pastor for Congregational Care
Pilate questioned Jesus after his arrest. He knew the right questions to ask, but was puzzled with the answers. The accused criminal, pretender to the throne, didn’t claim kingship; instead, Jesus claimed to bear witness to “the truth.”
We live in an age where “truth” claims seem relative. We are aware that personal and cultural experiences shape understanding. Pilate’s question, “What is truth?” has the ring of modernity to it.
Truth—fact, reality, certainty, accuracy, veracity, fidelity—the truth to which Jesus witnessed was the being and demeanor of God. Jesus showed us God’s steadfast loving kindness and God’s desire to redeem the world so that we might love God and one another.
“In life and in death, we belong to God…” these words begin an Affirmation of Faith. We belong to God, we belong to the truth, and we belong with those who listen to Jesus’ voice and study his life and seek his witness.
Gracious God, I belong to you. Help me seek your truth through the life of your Son. Strengthen me in the life of discipleship so that I might love you and all your people ever more deeply. Amen.
Martha Langford, Associate Pastor for Congregational Care
Friday, April 10, 2009
Good Friday, April 10
“They will look on the one whom they have pierced.” John 19:38
Crucifixion is about the most inhumane way to execute a person, if execution is humane at all. There are several ancient, as well as modern traditions, in the Christian Church which focus dramatically on the wounds of Jesus and attempt to re-enact them, as if somehow by repetition we can make the original crucifixion more powerful, more effective. These folk are groping for the power and the mystery of the pierced Jesus.
Of course we do recognize the brokenness of Jesus in the breaking of the bread at every Lord’s Supper. We say, “This is my body, broken for you, do this in remembrance of me.” We eat the broken bread to symbolize that the broken and pierced body of Christ is transformative for us. In some of the resurrection narratives the disciples are bidden to touch the wounds of Jesus and be transformed
There is great theological and artistic interest in the wounds of Jesus, from St. Paul to Michelangelo’s Pieta. But a core Christian affirmation is that the wounds were enough. Neither Jesus nor we have to be re-wounded in order to satisfy some sort of cosmic, political or personal transaction. One crucifixion is enough. No more bloodshed is needed. In Christ’s death the war is over. Christ’s wounds are sufficient to overcome all hurt, pain and evil. The strange paradox is that we can look at the wounds of Jesus and our political, personal and cosmic wounds can be healed.
This is why we remember his wounds again, today.
Holy God, we present our wounded selves before you this day: wounded by disease, social circumstances, environmental conditions, love relationships and doubts about the future. We look for healing and wholeness. Keep us, O God, from further wounding ourselves, others and the natural environment. May we somehow understand that you were "wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities, and by your stripes we are healed." Amen
Rod Frohman, Associate Pastor for Church and Society
Crucifixion is about the most inhumane way to execute a person, if execution is humane at all. There are several ancient, as well as modern traditions, in the Christian Church which focus dramatically on the wounds of Jesus and attempt to re-enact them, as if somehow by repetition we can make the original crucifixion more powerful, more effective. These folk are groping for the power and the mystery of the pierced Jesus.
Of course we do recognize the brokenness of Jesus in the breaking of the bread at every Lord’s Supper. We say, “This is my body, broken for you, do this in remembrance of me.” We eat the broken bread to symbolize that the broken and pierced body of Christ is transformative for us. In some of the resurrection narratives the disciples are bidden to touch the wounds of Jesus and be transformed
There is great theological and artistic interest in the wounds of Jesus, from St. Paul to Michelangelo’s Pieta. But a core Christian affirmation is that the wounds were enough. Neither Jesus nor we have to be re-wounded in order to satisfy some sort of cosmic, political or personal transaction. One crucifixion is enough. No more bloodshed is needed. In Christ’s death the war is over. Christ’s wounds are sufficient to overcome all hurt, pain and evil. The strange paradox is that we can look at the wounds of Jesus and our political, personal and cosmic wounds can be healed.
This is why we remember his wounds again, today.
Holy God, we present our wounded selves before you this day: wounded by disease, social circumstances, environmental conditions, love relationships and doubts about the future. We look for healing and wholeness. Keep us, O God, from further wounding ourselves, others and the natural environment. May we somehow understand that you were "wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities, and by your stripes we are healed." Amen
Rod Frohman, Associate Pastor for Church and Society
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Maundy Thursday, April 9
Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, got up from the table, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him. John 13:3-5
I picked this day to “blog” because of the power and meaning of this day to all of us who believe in Jesus Christ. We come to the day, Maundy Thursday, when Jesus gathers with his disciples for the final time. John says that Jesus knew his fate, knew his betrayer, and yet his love for them kept him calm and in control. And then he did an astonishing thing—“he got up from the table, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet…..”
How could Jesus perform this act which at the time was considered so degrading? M. Scott Peck felt it was one of the most signicant events of Jesus’ life. “Until that moment the whole point of things had been for someone to get on top, and once he had gotten on top to stay on top or else attempt to get farther up. But here this man already on top—who was rabbi, teacher, master—suddenly got down on the bottom and began to wash the feet of his followers. In that one act, Jesus symbolically overturned the whole social order. Hardly comprehending what was happening, even his own disciples were almost horrified by his behavior”.
Why do we call this day Maundy Thursday? Jesus asks of us three things:
Baptize others, share the bread and wine which represents body and blood, and literally wash one another’s feet. While this is not very feasible in our culture we can show the same caring by our love. Maundy is derived from the Latin mandatum, the first word of the phrase “Mandatum novum do vobis ut diligatis invicem sicut dilexi vos” which translates, “A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you” (John 13:34). These words are chanted during the Mandatum ceremony of the washing of the feet held in many Christian churches. In washing his disciple’s feet, Jesus expressed without words his love to his disciples and to us. No more powerful way could have been chosen.
Dear God, Help us to be more like Jesus. May we see ways that our love can make a difference for others each and every day. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.
Elder Kay Ramsay
I picked this day to “blog” because of the power and meaning of this day to all of us who believe in Jesus Christ. We come to the day, Maundy Thursday, when Jesus gathers with his disciples for the final time. John says that Jesus knew his fate, knew his betrayer, and yet his love for them kept him calm and in control. And then he did an astonishing thing—“he got up from the table, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet…..”
How could Jesus perform this act which at the time was considered so degrading? M. Scott Peck felt it was one of the most signicant events of Jesus’ life. “Until that moment the whole point of things had been for someone to get on top, and once he had gotten on top to stay on top or else attempt to get farther up. But here this man already on top—who was rabbi, teacher, master—suddenly got down on the bottom and began to wash the feet of his followers. In that one act, Jesus symbolically overturned the whole social order. Hardly comprehending what was happening, even his own disciples were almost horrified by his behavior”.
Why do we call this day Maundy Thursday? Jesus asks of us three things:
Baptize others, share the bread and wine which represents body and blood, and literally wash one another’s feet. While this is not very feasible in our culture we can show the same caring by our love. Maundy is derived from the Latin mandatum, the first word of the phrase “Mandatum novum do vobis ut diligatis invicem sicut dilexi vos” which translates, “A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you” (John 13:34). These words are chanted during the Mandatum ceremony of the washing of the feet held in many Christian churches. In washing his disciple’s feet, Jesus expressed without words his love to his disciples and to us. No more powerful way could have been chosen.
Dear God, Help us to be more like Jesus. May we see ways that our love can make a difference for others each and every day. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.
Elder Kay Ramsay
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Wednesday, April 8
The Lord GOD has given me the tongue of a teacher, that I may know how to sustain the weary with a word. Morning by morning he wakens—wakens my ear to listen as those who are taught. The Lord GOD has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious, I did not turn backward. I gave my back to those who struck me, and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard; I did not hide my face from insult and spitting. The Lord GOD helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame; he who vindicates me is near. Who will contend with me? Let us stand up together. Who are my adversaries? Let them confront me. It is the Lord GOD who helps me; who will declare me guilty? Isaiah 50:4-9a
How often are our ears closed, and likewise, our spirits? Convinced that we have all the answers we become rigid and inflexible. Like the prophet, we need ears that are opened afresh each day, to hear something new in God’s Word and be expanded and transformed by what we hear. In such a dynamic relationship with God, we hope for the wisdom to speak words capable of sustaining the weary around us. It’s not an easy task, and we must expect challenge. We need the prophet’s confidence to stand firm in the face of adversity, unshaken by criticism and mockery, even insult, sure of God’s faithful help to the end. With God’s help, human efforts to disgrace and shame cannot prevail.
Elder Amy Stratton-Smith
How often are our ears closed, and likewise, our spirits? Convinced that we have all the answers we become rigid and inflexible. Like the prophet, we need ears that are opened afresh each day, to hear something new in God’s Word and be expanded and transformed by what we hear. In such a dynamic relationship with God, we hope for the wisdom to speak words capable of sustaining the weary around us. It’s not an easy task, and we must expect challenge. We need the prophet’s confidence to stand firm in the face of adversity, unshaken by criticism and mockery, even insult, sure of God’s faithful help to the end. With God’s help, human efforts to disgrace and shame cannot prevail.
Elder Amy Stratton-Smith
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Tuesday, April 7
Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, "Sir, we wish to see Jesus." Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. Jesus answered them, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honor. "Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say—'Father, save me from this hour'? No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name." Then a voice came from heaven, "I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again." The crowd standing there heard it and said that it was thunder. Others said, "An angel has spoken to him." Jesus answered, "This voice has come for your sake, not for mine. Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself." He said this to indicate the kind of death he was to die. The crowd answered him, "We have heard from the law that the Messiah remains forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?" Jesus said to them, "The light is with you for a little longer. Walk while you have the light, so that the darkness may not overtake you. If you walk in the darkness, you do not know where you are going. While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become children of light." After Jesus had said this, he departed and hid from them. John 12:20-36
In these verses of the Gospel of John, Jesus reveals to some Greeks that he will be soon be crucified. He admonishes them to believe in the light while he is still present so that they may become children of Christ. Some twenty-one centuries later, each of us is given that same opportunity to believe in the light that is Jesus Christ and thereby to share in the glory of God. May we make the most of that opportunity in our lives.
We pray that the light of Christ will shine in your life this Lenten season and forever more. Amen.
Elder Tomas Klaseus
In these verses of the Gospel of John, Jesus reveals to some Greeks that he will be soon be crucified. He admonishes them to believe in the light while he is still present so that they may become children of Christ. Some twenty-one centuries later, each of us is given that same opportunity to believe in the light that is Jesus Christ and thereby to share in the glory of God. May we make the most of that opportunity in our lives.
We pray that the light of Christ will shine in your life this Lenten season and forever more. Amen.
Elder Tomas Klaseus
Monday, April 6, 2009
Monday, April 6
Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations. Isaiah 42:1
Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus' feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. John 12:1-3
Many centuries before the birth of Christ, the prophet Isaiah spoke of God’s servant as “my chosen, in whom my soul delights”. In Jesus’ lifetime we see Mary demonstrating her devotion to God’s chosen one by anointing His feet with precious oil. This act seems like such a strange custom to us in the 21st century, an odd mixture of humility, intimacy, and reverence—in essence, an experience that speaks to every aspect of our person; one that might indeed, delight the soul!
Dear Lord, You have chosen and anointed your Son as our Savior. So let me also choose to immerse myself in Him, being present to that part of myself which is fully human and fully divine. Amen.
Elder Susan Rupp
Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus' feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. John 12:1-3
Many centuries before the birth of Christ, the prophet Isaiah spoke of God’s servant as “my chosen, in whom my soul delights”. In Jesus’ lifetime we see Mary demonstrating her devotion to God’s chosen one by anointing His feet with precious oil. This act seems like such a strange custom to us in the 21st century, an odd mixture of humility, intimacy, and reverence—in essence, an experience that speaks to every aspect of our person; one that might indeed, delight the soul!
Dear Lord, You have chosen and anointed your Son as our Savior. So let me also choose to immerse myself in Him, being present to that part of myself which is fully human and fully divine. Amen.
Elder Susan Rupp
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