Farewell but not 'Good-bye'

...And so we say 'Farewell' to Kenji. Although his time with us was relatively short (read 'too short'!) we have all been changed by the encounter. A lightning bolt takes only seconds to impart a great energy. Likewise, Kenji's energy has affected our congregations. We have been instructed to look inward for the tools needed not only to function but to flourish. He has sent us on a journey of discernment, of searching who we are and who we want to be as individuals and as congregations.

A committee has been formed to assess the features and requirements of our congregations and the search will begin for a new shepherd to lead our flock. There is also a task force in place to look at the United Church presence in the southwest region of Middlesex Presbytery that includes Appin and Glencoe. Perhaps a new vision will emerge, a new way of doing church, and we pray that we can be open to God's will for us.

We thank you, Kenji, for your wisdom, theology, technological wizardry, humour, friendship, leadership, and service, and we wish you well in your new charge. Peace be with you and your family.

sermon excerpts: "Journey On"

...
The Christmas story is of journey, from Nazareth to Bethlehem, from shepherd fields to a manger. There are wise men travelling, and another escape into the safety of Egypt. Jesus’ entire ministry was on the move. The missions of the apostles trace back and forth over the known Mediterranean world. So it is not a shock that our own lives are filled with transition, that the only thing we can count on is change.

With this change upon us, our time together is concluding, and we might agree that it has been too short, but at least we had this time at all. For a while, we journeyed together and we are changed for the encounter: the manse in Glencoe was sold, we’ve incorporated audio-visuals to supplement the worship service, broadened and enhanced work in the community through the ministerial association and Faith Fair events.

We welcomed university students from South Korea, confirmed some of our own, and watched the children, youth, as well as our parents and grandparents, even ourselves grow just a bit older – sometimes quite dramatically, sometimes not. We’ve commemorated funerals, weddings, baptisms and the special occasion of just an ordinary Sunday.

We have not solved the problems of too few people doing too many things to keep the churches going. We have not been able to break out of a financial practice of belt-tightening just to keep pace with costs. We have not satisfactorily addressed the issues and tensions of being congregations in relationship with one another. We have not claimed a bright and shining new vision for the rural regional network of southwestern Middlesex County.

But we have demonstrated enough foresight to strategize and try to plan. We’ve declared a willingness to see what might be possible. We’ve decided that things cannot continue the way they have been, that we don’t want to be circling the drain. We’ve expressed a desire for our church and faith to be life-giving and vital for its members and not just another series of tasks, meetings and grudging obligations.

It is in the chaos amid unknown futures, that God’s work happens best. In Genesis, the Creator fashioned the world from the chaos of swirling seas. The healing pool of Bethsaida was only effective when things were churning and agitated. The scripture from Hebrews speaks of suffering as a necessary evil of our existence, but promises deliverance by the divine one born to a human family.

...When the calendar flips to 2011, some may be hard pressed to see a bright future for the church. Some may remember that every journey has its peaks and valleys and that sometimes we need to move back for a time before we can move forward again. While the work of any particular minister may be a 9-day wonder, the work of a faith community is a generational enterprise.

No matter how we might measure the official length of our time together – an estimated 1278 days; 30 672 hours; 1.8 million minutes – I would hazard to say there has been depth and quality to what we have done here. Whatever seeds have been planted will need time and perspective before we might know the full story of what has happened here.

Until then, we pause this day to remember, honour and celebrate the time that we’ve shared with as partners in ministry in this place, we look ahead to the respective journeys that our lives will take and trust that our paths will cross again. It is into God’s keeping that we travel on, in faith, hope, peace, joy and love.

Christmas Eve service - Luke 2: 1-20

The kids are cute and a little predictable in the way they try to fit themselves into the story. We can figure out who is interested in fairies or astronomy, whose dad might be named “Mike”. Like any of us, they’re trying to find where they can fit into the picture. And despite the historical, cultural dominance of Westernized Jesus (blond hair, blue eyes), more and more people are focusing on the universality of Jesus: seeing him as from their own ethnicity and heritage or experience and identity.

But much of this is lost in all of pressure to find the perfect gift, to bake the perfect batch of goodies, to decorate the perfect homestead. We’ve become too distracted with fitting in with society’s version of what success and life should be. We’re trying to find where we fit into the artificial ranks of popularity, prestige and prosperity.

We gather tonight to put that aside for a few moments, to focus again on why this time is so special. The longest night of the year has passed; the days are getting longer. We celebrate the gift of life, of divine power that can come to all of us in ordinary ways.

The story of giving birth at inconvenient times or in unconventional places is not a new one. We have admired already the rise of an individual to greatness from humble beginnings, of the underdog winning over insurmountable odds. These are themes and plotlines that are common to our history.

What is different, what is unique, what is so compelling is not what we might use to put ourselves into the Christmas story, but the realization that the Christmas story is already within ourselves. When God came to earth as an infant, to journey among us, with us, as us, faith shifted from what the high priests could do on our behalf, to what our own spirit might be able to do and be. The quiet voice of our conscience, our gut feeling about a person or a situation, the first instinct of reaction is where eternal wisdom, knowledge and truth may be found.

And that may be as good a sermon message that I would want to finish with, from this pulpit – except I have some more to add. It is bittersweet that this celebration of Christmas is marred by the fact that this is my last service in this church as minister. But that is life, too. Gathered here in the congregation, mixed with the energy and excitement of Christmas’ arrival and birth is the sadness, regret and uncertainty of death and loss.

Back in Jesus’ family tree, we can trace the lineage back to a Moabite woman named Ruth who had married a son of a woman named Naomi. If you remember this story, you know that life turned rather nasty for them when their husbands died. Naomi decides to return to her hometown of Bethlehem and her daughter-in-law Ruth accompanies her. Upon her return, Naomi declares that her name be changed to “Mara” which means “bitter” because life has treated her so horribly.

I mention this because there is some scholarship that thinks that the name “Mary” is a derivation from the name “Mara.” There is much that is bittersweet in the nativity story. For Mary: a young teenager, giving birth far from home, no family support, no midwives, so much fear and anxiety. For Joseph: a conflicted husband, trying to support the birth of a son that was not his, alone with his labouring wife, no one at 911 to talk him through the delivery, so much fear and anxiety.

This was the end of their life as they know it. From this point on, their life was not their own. Not only was there worry and uncertainty about raising an infant, of colic, ear infections, and every fevered cry, but this was the Saviour, God incarnate. As much as everyone was happy at the safe arrival of a baby boy, the pressure and anxiousness must have put a bittersweet flavour on the proceedings.

Yet, Mary rejoiced, treasuring the memories and stories of shepherds and angels. She had a ministry of motherhood; this was her clear focus and purpose, and that resolve was a comfort. She knew her goal and vision was the care of the child, that she could do. If she let herself get caught up in matters of Christological implications of an incarnational avatar, then all would be lost. By concentrating on who she was and what she could do, as a mother of a son, wife of a husband, citizen of Judea, God’s will would be done.

sermon excerpts: "God with Us" - Isaiah 7: 10-16

... I’m going to tell a secret that I hope will not shatter your belief in the Christian tradition and understanding of the Messiah. Isaiah was not speaking of Jesus the Christ when he made his prophecy here. The young women who is with child and bearing a son? One of Ahaz’s wives. The child? Hezekiah, who not like his father, would be born and would grow to be a noble and caring leader.

Which is reassuring that the hope and promise of our children will lead us into the right path. Such is the trust that we’ve place in our children today – that they will know right from wrong. God is with us, in the next generation. We put our faith and hope in the next generation, in people that are not yet born, or not yet known to us.

It seems that it is in the future, in the time to come, that our saviour comes. Even for one who would know right from wrong, the ideal is always elsewhere. Such seeking is magnified when we assign messianic expectations to such words. But Isaiah was just stating the promise and hope in a son to exceed his father. And don’t all parents want that for their children? Not to make the same mistakes, to be better than inherited shortcomings, to build upon and succeed beyond what the first generations could not do?

Which might be why Ahaz is so reluctant to hear what it was that Isaiah was going to say. Maybe he liked the idea of a saviour, of deliverance from enemies and oppression, but only in the abstract. Because in reality, such a promise would be mean drastic change and upheaval in his life. He governed through power and might, using side deals and relying on the greed and self-preservation of others to get what he wanted. He did not have the principles of justice and fairness in mind, because he did not want to be treated like everyone else. He was the king; he deserved special treatment and special privileges. To have God with us would mean that he would be exposed as the villain that he was, a sham, a puppet of corruption and a self-centered power monger.

... So what if Hezekiah wasn’t divinely conceived, wasn’t born in a stable under a star? That doesn’t diminish the worth of who he was, or the religious reforms he brought in to undo the work his father Ahaz. King Hezekiah put the kingdom of Judah back on the right track. It’s a comfort to know that a normal, ordinary person like him was able to do such great work. He was not the Christ, not the Saviour. He didn’t have miraculous powers or abilities. Just like each of us, living our lives as best we can, doing as much as we can for as long as we can, trusting that God is with us.

If that’s the lesson that our faith can give, that all our weeks in Sunday School, the efforts of our parents, of our community, is that God is with us. In our life, in our triumphs, in our sorrows, in celebration, in grief, in the face of change on the way, from the beginning, to beyond our end, we carry the name Immanuel: God with us. Our New Creed is based on this notion – we are not alone, God is with us. Thanks be to God.

sermon excerpts: "This Desert Life" - Isaiah 35: 1-10

Isaiah presents such an inspiring image because the reality of what he and his people were living was so miserable. King Ahaz was corrupt and evil, the land was overrun by enemy armies, families were divided and there was no reason for hope. Maybe because things were so bad, the prophecy was so good.

At my exit interview with the Ministry and Personnel Committee, we discussed a number of topics regarding my time with Glencoe-Appin Pastoral Charge and wondered about the future. Some things can’t be sugarcoated and most people would see that it looks bleak. I’m not eloquent enough to match Isaiah’s vision for this community, but I will be bold enough to make some practical connections to an ancient dream.

All those things he mentions happen in the future, the temptation is to wait and see if the promised glory will arrive and to grumble when it doesn’t. Everything that is mentioned is set in the future. Except for one set of verses.

"Give strength to hands that are tired and to knees that tremble with weakness. Tell everyone who is discouraged, 'Be strong and don't be afraid! ..."

Are these more of the prophetic vision, or requests to God to do these things, to strengthen failing hands, make sturdy weak legs, offer encouragement to those with fear and anxiety? Or is it a call for us in the here and now to do those things. We have the ability to do that much and I don’t mean orthopedic surgery or antidepressants.

When we help others, ease pain, offer help, we make the conditions right for personal strength and wellness of body, mind and spirit. Much of what Isaiah is speaking about is making use of what is available and extending that beyond to new ways and places.

The seaside plain of Sharon, the lush, mountain-effected rains in Carmel and Lebanon were famous pockets of abundance and growth. The conditions were right, moisture in the air from the Mediterranean Sea rained on the leeside of the mountains and the coast made for fertile land in a desert nation. To this day, freshwater rights and distribution is an underlying but significant aspect of the conflict between Palestine and Israel. The desert could bloom; we have the irrigation technology to do so. It is a matter of making the political and economic conditions right for such an effort to be made.

Closer to home, the conditions are ripe for something big to happen in our churches. In addition to my departure in the coming weeks, there is change approaching all around us [with a number of nearby congregations facing upcoming vacancies in the next couple of years].

There are many balls up in the air, and the conditions may be right for some real and significant solutions to be found. Middlesex Presbytery and London Conference staff will name the southwest Middlesex area a priority for this reason. With great flexibility and adaptability possible, casting the rural regional network a bit farther afield, a new plan that is a genuine solution and not a band-aid strategy could be made.

There is the possibility that everyone can keep their own buildings, there is discussion of new configurations and relationships, of ministry teams with clergy, lay ministers and lay worship leaders serving a broad geographic area. But the expectation is that each congregation will contribute to the solution that would work best for them, and others.

Isaiah puts forward a promised return to Israel, the northern kingdom a sure and safe passageway, guaranteed that even fools could find their way. Such a vision was another prediction set in the future, and eventually the northern exiles did come home. Maybe the conditions are right for such a journey to happen again: the communities of God’s people would find assurance and protection as they move forward in the desert of our time, finding pockets of life and sustainability. May it ever be so. Amen.

A Last Letter

The epistles of the Bible remind us that ministry is a transitory endeavour; people drift in and out of our lives and communities, imparting lessons and sharing experiences, before moving onto different adventures. Such is the place where we find ourselves now as the new year will have me moving to Calvary United Church (no, not Calgary) in London (no, not England). Which was a development that came together rather quickly and unexpectedly this past summer, but was an opportunity too good to pass up.

In the transition time since July, I have been very careful keep focused on the work and ministry with Glencoe-Appin. I have no idea what my new office is like and will meet the rest of the staff team later this month. In return, I will be conscious about maintaining boundaries and keeping a professional distance from the goings-on here once I arrive at Calvary.

One of the things I that I will miss is the community-minded focus of the congregations. I appreciate the cooperation through the Ministerial Association and the strong support of one other, regardless of denomination. So I think it is very fitting that in this spirit, any pressing pastoral care needs that might arise in the new year will be accommodated by my colleagues and friends in the ministerial.

As for what else is to come, the mood of Advent is quite appropriate. Jesus of smalltown Nazareth, son of Mary and Joseph, was born into a time of anxiety and worry about what the future will bring. In a downtrodden and despairing society, no one expected that his life would change our relationship with God and life and death. It is a similar uncertainty that our congregations face.

Currently, the conditions are ripe for some meaningful and significant ministry strategies to blossom. There are upcoming vacancies in nearby congregations combined with a longstanding history of cooperation among the “rural regional” network, and commitment from Presbytery to work towards a viable and vital United Church presence in this area. It is this advent of church work and visioning that needs your ideas, opinions and trust!

As for now, we remember the arrival of the Christ Child, contemplating what it means for God to be with us. Christmas Eve worship is at Trinity United Church, 7:30 and my final act as minister with Glencoe-Appin will be a joint worship service at Appin United on Boxing Day morning at 9:45 a.m.

I’m not so great with good-byes, because part of me knows that the world is a small place and that our paths will cross again. Thank you for the way you welcomed and supported my family and I; you have been a blessing for us. May the fullness of the season, hope for the future and courage for the journey will be yours.

In Christ’s love,

Rev. Kenji Marui

sermon excerpts: "Lunch with the Little Guy" - Luke 19: 1-10

Here now is quite a picture! Zacchaeus, an obscenely rich and powerful man of society, clambering up a second-class tree in his finery – expensive robes and designer sandals – to get a look at what the fuss was about in the streets. Naturally, he would try to be as inconspicuous about this as possible, concealing himself as best he could.

Jesus notices the hidden man in the tree, calls him by name, invites himself over to his home. Jesus must know this would send murmuring and rumours through the crowd. He picked the most hated individual of the crowd and favours his household with his presence.

As if Zacchaeus didn’t have enough already, a success in many measures of our world; he had money and power. Sure nobody liked him, but with enough wealth and influence, friends and enemies didn’t matter much. The fact that he positioned himself on the outside must have struck a chord with Jesus.

We know Jesus gravitated to the outcast and marginalized. We tend to look upon such groups as the lepers, the prostitutes, the widows and the impoverished. Why and how did this man become the focus of Jesus attention that day? Better miracles could have been done that day.

The crowd responds as expected: Zacchaeus?! That guy? The thief, the money-grubbing, puppet of Rome? Turned his back on his own people, can’t be trusted, good for nothing Zacchaeus. If we were looking for someone on the outside, I think we’ve found our man.

While he makes a good show of repenting, of citing biblical laws of atonement (the book of Leviticus presents a formula of 4:1, one stolen sheep requires repayment of 4 sheep to the rightful owner), there is still a question of the sincerity of his decision. Is he trying to buy favour and friendship from his peer group now?

The follow through of a lifestyle change, of dispersing his assets, and we wonder if maybe Zacchaeus was a decent guy caught up in a system of corruption, unable to see a way of getting out. After all, the name “Zacchaeus” means “clean” or “innocent.” How long with this new found attitude last? Maybe he really and truly is just a greedy tax collector at heart.

Who was Zacchaeus really? We know him by his occupation, by his physical qualities, but God looks beyond that. God sees us in our hiding places, calls to us, and restores us to community. No matter what public façade we put on, no matter what qualities and characteristics we have that are positives, we all feel outcast and excluded in some way.

Which is why I uphold that the church needs to be a place of welcome and acceptance and hospitality. Not just for people on the edges, or up in the trees, but also for those in the crowds, there is a place where it is possible to be known and accepted. God’s attention and focus seeks us out and brings us forward.

...

In Christ, Zacchaeus experienced the power of being noticed. In this encounter, the hated tax collector was identified by name, invited to share time with a saviour whose time was at a premium. For much of his life, Zacchaeus was noticed for the negative reasons; caught in that tree, he was noticed and accepted for who he was. Jesus already had committed himself to coming over whether Zacchaeus repented and repaid people or not.

As a congregation, we are caught in a crowd and are milling about seeking the same thing as other churches. We want the secret to success, the magic procedure, the key to relevance and vitality. We jostle and crane our necks to see if we can find it, looking where our neighbours are looking, borrowing their fundraising schemes or worship ideas.

Might we take a page from Zacchaeus, of bringing attention to oneself by being on the outside, of doing something different, by breaking away from the pack? Is there a way to make a new name for ourselves? What might be done here that is uniquely suited to the strengths of this community?

Fine for me to ask that now, I’m leaving in the new year, 8 Sundays after today. In the meantime there will be ongoing dialogue with Presbytery and Conference about the needs and visions for this charge, an accelerated confirmation class, preparation for Advent and Christmas, and getting ready for our goodbye.

Amid the crowded list of things I’d like to do before departing, I’ll remind myself to look elsewhere, off the beaten path, to notice the little things that matter, that make a difference. For trees and leaves, harvest and homes, we give our thanks.

Faith Fair – That We May Know Each Other

On Saturday October 16^th, Trinity United Church hosted a Faith Fair entitled “That we may know each other”. A rapt crowd listened to the origins, unique elements, and daily expression of four different religions at this second ‘Faith Fair’, a continuation of the series of regional events for area United Churches. The purpose of the event was to promote understanding of non-Christian religions in our predominantly Christian community. Organizers felt that by offering an evening of discussion, then awareness, respect and understanding for all faiths could be advanced.

Explaining their individual faiths were Emanuel L. Levin of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Matthew Stevens of Sarnia, William Neal, and Leon Shanfield, both of London.

Emanuel Levin is a direct disciple of the Sufi mystic teacher Bawa Muhaiyaddeen, with whom he studied from their meeting in 1972 until the teacher’s death in 1986. Mr. Levin has since shared what he learned, speaking around the globe about the teachings of Sufism. The International Association of Sufism has published his book On the Road to Infinity, a compilation of his talks.

Matthew Stevens is an ordained minister within the United Church, but with his Kanien’keha:ka Haudenosaunee (Mohawk) and Irish Metis heritage he has been recognized as an Elder within the Anishinaabek (Ojibwe) people and represented First Nations Spirituality at the Faith Fair. He has served both First Nations and dominant society congregations across Canada. Mr. Stevens serves as the Resource for Stewardship, Justice, and Right Relations with the London Conference of the United Church of Canada.

William Neal grew up in North Bay, Ontario. As a student of theoretical physics at the University of Guelph he felt spiritually unfulfilled and studied various religions. Upon moving to Guyana, he was introduced to the Baha’i Faith and found it answered his life questions. He began his teaching career in Guyana at a Baha’i-inspired school, met his wife there and subsequently moved back to Canada. He is now Vice Principal at Nancy Campbell Collegiate Institute, a Baha’i-inspired school in London.

Leon Shanfield has been a friend of Glencoe’s Gord Leach since they were students together at Sir Adam Beck Secondary School in London. Mr. Shanfield was born into the Jewish faith and continues to embrace his Jewish heritage. He is a retired lawyer.

Rev. Kenji Marui directed each of the panelists to answer five questions about their faith: its origin; its unique elements, or what personally attracted them to it; how it affects their everyday lives; the misconceptions about their faith that they would like to clear up; and finally, any further remarks.

Stevens indicated that all beings are divine. The only sin is a lack of gratitude. Sunrise offers a fresh opportunity every day to start over through cleansing and prayer. He felt that if you used your religion to beat down others you have defiled your own religion.

Neal advised we are all the leaves and fruit of one tree. The Baha’i faith is a monotheistic religion. It was founded by Baha’u’llah in the 19^th century, whose writings were voluminous. They strive for universal unity among mankind. They accept the teachings of all of the great prophets and saints throughout the ages.

Levin explained that Sufism is an ancient mystical tradition, which found its form in Islam. It is based on a teacher-disciple relationship with the teacher being the mirror for the disciple. Sufism is about transformation, changing from Insan (man) to Insan Kamel (perfected man). This is done by becoming the qualities that are God-like.

Judaism is based in the Torah, the first five books of the Old Testament. In Canada at present, there are three major branches of Judaism - orthodox, conservative and reform. Judaism is an ethical religion. Some of the major holidays are Passover - the exodus from Egypt; Rosh Hashanah - the New Year and the period of repentance, which culminates in Yom Kippur the Day of Atonement; and Hanukkah which is the festival of lights and regeneration and coincides with Christmas but is not otherwise related.

Upon reflection listeners noted the common threads of all faiths. While each individual may take their own personal path, we all share a common goal of ultimately connecting with God. We are more similar than we are different.

The formal portion of the evening was followed by refreshments and an opportunity for individual discussion.

The Numbers

The congregations of Appin and Trinity United Church met this morning to discuss the idea of worshipping together in the new year. The results of the respective votes were quite decisive.

In Appin, 16 voted "Yes" and 33 voted "No".
At Trinity (Glencoe), 36 voted "Yes" and 4 voted "No".

What this means is the proposal will not go forward and that things will continue as the status quo. As for next steps, we are not sure what will happen. The questions of why people voted as they did and what might be other suggestions to consider need to be answered.

The respective Sessions of the churches will re-evaluate and re-group as we continue to seek new vision for our mission in Southwest Middlesex. If anyone has ideas or input, contact any Session member, or leave a Comment below.

P.S. my cellphone works again - albeit a little damp still - after another adventure through the washing machine. My compliments to Samsung! - Kenji

Dog Days and Cleaning Bees

After an August "off", with thanks for the hospitality of Presbyterians, things are gearing up for September's far-too-quick arrival.

This Saturday, September 4th at 9 a.m., Trinity United Church will be having a cleaning bee to clear out cobwebs, dead bugs (possibly bats) and polish things up for a return to routine. Join us if you're able to help for even a little bit.

Sessions Meeting Update

Last night, the Sessions of Trinity and Appin United met to discuss the proposed combining of their respective congregations. Given the uncertain financial picture, complicated by the departure of our minister in the new year, some financial projections based on differing scenarios will be forthcoming.

A letter describing our next steps will also be forthcoming and congregational meetings will be held on Sunday, October 3rd during worship to seek approval to join together into one worship service beginning January 2011. This will serve as a trial period while we examine the feasibility of a possible amalgamation of our two churches.

sermon excerpts: "Persisting in Prayer" - Luke 11: 1-13

It’s some comfort to know that they disciples didn’t know how to pray. Or maybe it’s more accurate to say they want to know how to pray better. Like them, we want the proper formula, the magic combination of words. We want to be sure we’re doing it effectively, efficiently, properly and powerfully.

So Jesus offers up the set of verses that we call the Lord’s Prayer, although it might be more accurate to call it the Disciples’ Prayer. Mind you, what we have is an English version of a Latin translation of the Greek writing of what Jesus spoke in Aramaic. ... What we have used for centuries is straightforward and compelling enough: pray about bread, sins, debts or trespasses (depending which denomination you belong to) and temptations. That’s it.

Except it isn’t that easy. We know of prayers that go unanswered, unheeded, ignored. Or maybe flatout refused. Which makes God seem rather random and arbitrarily discriminatory. What is the criteria by which prayers receive a positive response? Neither Jesus nor the Bible seem to be able to outline the selection system.

But we might be well reminded to consider that it is not the outcome of prayer that should be our focus, but the act itself. As the Nike shoe company used to tell us: “Just Do It.” There are a number of techniques that people come up with, but it’s a matter of finding the time to do what works best for you.

...

We do not pray to change God’s mind or influence the outcome of the future, but to change and influence ourselves. The movie “Shadowlands” is about C.S. Lewis and his marriage to Joy Gresham who dies of cancer. In discussing the situation with a friend, C.S. Lewis says, " That's not why I pray, Harry. I pray because I can't help myself. I pray because I'm helpless. I pray because the need flows out of me all the time, waking and sleeping. It doesn't change God; it changes ME." I haven’t been able to verify this is an actual quotation from him or just a meaningful portion of movie script, but it certainly is worth sharing.

Jesus follows the prayer with a little situation of the neighbour knocking on the door at night needing a bit of food to accommodate a surprise visitor. Set against the previous lessons about hospitality, who is a neighbour, of visiting and listening to guests, this is in keeping with what he had been teaching.

However, it’s been a bit of puzzle why Jesus might present prayer in a negative fashion, as the relentless knocking on the door in the middle of the night, as something that God might find inconvenient or bothersome. Why would a reluctant granting of prayer out of frustration be preached about?

...

The idea of asking and being granted, of being the squeaky wheel getting spiritual grease is a little too familiar with our earthly processes and procedure than to be any kind divinely inspired interaction of grace and mercy. It is tempting to interpret these verses as proof that prayer gets us what we want.

...

The persistent and repeated act of humbling oneself, swallowing pride to admit one doesn’t have enough on one’s own, moves us to change and rethink our attitude and our situation. If a person approaches prayer from that perspective, God is able to work miracles in our lives.

Let our lives be prayer. In action, in outreach and in giving.

sermon excerpts: "Hearth and Home" - Luke 10: 38-42

Jesus is on the road, heading towards Jerusalem. As you might recall from a couple weeks ago, he’d instructed 70 (72) of his followers to go into the nearby towns and villages, to prepare his coming, relying only on the hospitality of those that would receive them.

Here we are now, Jesus is visiting with his friends Mary and Martha, accepting their hospitality and kindness. Martha is busy tending to the details, harried and hurrying to see that things are just right. After all, it is her Lord and Saviour that is gracing her humble home. He deserves the best.

Jesus surely would know that meals and lodging don’t magically appear, there’s a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes. If he was any kind of church leader (and actually, he wasn’t because the church came into existence long after this home visit) he’d know how important the work of women is. He doesn’t seem to notice or care.

He criticizes Martha for being so industrious. Or maybe she has her priorities misplaced. It’s a blunt way of Jesus telling her, the housework will always be there, it will never be finished. Take some time now, while you have it, to spend it with people instead of chores. Enjoy the company you have while they’re still here.

In this way, sister Mary has chosen the good thing. She now has the memories and teachings and stories that they’ve shared. We all know how quickly time passes, (how did we get halfway through July?), and how often do people wish they had picked more flowers, spent more time with family and friends?

So, good for Mary; she got it right. It seems rather unlike Jesus to wade into a family feud and take one side against another. It’s out of character for him to choose between two friends. Usually he’s more gracious and giving, if not diplomatic.

Perhaps the point is that busy and active Martha shouldn’t have tried to get Jesus on her side. Would it not have been more appropriate to speak directly with her sister about the issue? Although, I warrant it was a conversation that they’d had many times before so maybe Martha thought there was no point in retreading an already well-worn conversation. She appeals to an authority and is found to be at fault – adding insult to injury!

Martha was trying to make Mary into something she wasn’t by publicly coercing her. It’s something as parents that we try not to do to our children, but it happens despite ourselves (or more truthfully, because of ourselves). We project ideals and characteristics that we think our children or friends or siblings or co-workers should have. Then we get upset when those traits are not exhibited, when the other person as the nerve to be who they are and it’s not what we think they should be!

So it’s an enormous act of trust that we allow our children to grow up to be who they are and not who we think they should be. This does not mean that we don’t offer words of suggestion or advice to family and friends when we think they need to hear our viewpoint. We just need to remember that we cannot change someone else; profound and authentic change needs to come from within.

It would be nice if Mary helped out her sister, in the same way the church needs to be active and engaged in the needs of the household. But it is up to Mary to make that choice, not Martha, not Jesus, and for that moment she has chosen the better way.

The world and the community, the coming kingdom of God, needs both Marys and Marthas, contemplative be-ers and initiative do-ers. But above all else, God wants us to be us, our best selves, and that will be the better part, the right thing.

sermon excerpts: "Roadside Assistance" - Luke 10: 25-37

When we don’t help someone, it boils down to a few things: not trusting in the viability of the situation, not trusting the real plight of the victim, or not trusting in one’s own abilities. And there are also the real reasons of being too busy, or just not caring. We’re pretty good at finding excuses and reasons to explain our behaviour.

Here we have one of the parables that is pretty easy to interpret and the message is clear. Our neighbour is anyone we meet who is in need and we are to show God’s grace and extend Christian love in our response. When it comes to respect, dignity, compassion and charity, minor considerations like race and religion have no merit.

The Samaritan is the one who acted as a neighbour to the wounded man. He took time and money to see that he was OK. He had no expertise or training, just a willingness to set aside his own agenda and timeline. Of the 3 passersby, he had the most reason not to stop and help – being so far from home, in a country where his kind of people were treated with suspicion, fear and hatred.

The basic message is simple. Treat others as we would want to be treated ourselves. The details of the entire encounter between Jesus and the lawyer have just as much meaning for us in a changing, multi-cultural world.

The lawyer, the teacher of the Law, after being shown up in a scriptural showdown of Deuteronomy and Leviticus was trying to find a loophole. In wanting to know who his neighbour was, there is an unasked question of who isn’t my neighbour? Who don’t I have to love? Where can I draw the line?, because loving everyone is going to take far too much time, energy and money!...

Instead Jesus answers with the parable praising the efforts and mindset of the Samaritan. The story begins with the Greek phrase anthropos tis, meaning “some guy” was travelling from one city to another. Jesus is generic in his description, deliberately so. When he refers to “some guy”, he means any one. You. Me. We don’t need to know this character’s social status, skin colour, income level, sexual orientation, religious denomination, family connections, or proficiency with a soccer ball. He is deliberately descriptionless because we cannot put limitations or labels on who is our neighbour and who is not.

But that is not how Jesus answers the question. He doesn’t conclude his parable by saying, that poor guy, beaten up on the side of the road is our neighbour and you should help him. No. He instead asks the question, “Which of the passersby acted as a neighbour to this man?”

The emphasis shifts. We can no longer look at people and judge if they qualify to be a neighbour worthy of my aid or not. We have to look within ourselves to see if what we do and say is worthy of being a neighbour to the people know and meet. The onus is not on others to meet our standards but for us to act as a neighbour to others.

That is an important a life lesson as the great commandment to love others as we love ourselves. We can only control who we are, how we are and our own actions. Sure we can complain as much as we want about other people, our neighbours, our rivals, our enemies, but such behaviour only distracts us from the only place where real change can happen: within our own selves.

The Samaritan did not make any excuses, did not dwell on the shortcomings of the man lying injured on the road, but gave of his time and money, and acted like he was a neighbour. Let us go and do likewise.

sermon excerpts: "Seventy(-two) with 0" - Luke 10: 1-11, 15-16

Parker Palmer, founder of the Centre for Courage and Renewal (what if there was a church like that?) speaks of “functional atheism” - I know I’ve mentioned it here before, and it’s readily in my mind because I suffer from it on occasion. That we act like God doesn’t exist when we think we’re the only ones who can do the work. If we don’t trust that others have gifts and talents and abilities equal to, or even greater than our own, if we think we’ve got the only answer, if we’re convinced no one else could do the job, we ignore so much of what God has created. In this manner we function like atheists. ...

Jesus himself demonstrates that he cannot do things alone. He needs in the input and involvement of others. 35 (or 36) teams of 2 headed into the towns and wilderness. They went to the places where he would be going. They went to lay the groundwork, prepare the foundation, blaze the trail, pave the way.

They would go, and they themselves were hardly self-sufficient, relying entirely on the kindness of strangers. Without provisions, supplies, or a change of footwear, they hit the road offering they only thing they had left: peace. If was accepted, they stayed. If it was not welcomed, they left, going so far as to shake the dust off of their feet – so that they leave with nothing of that place, not even a speck of dirt.

As communities of faith, how then might we be welcoming to a greeting of peace? How do we show hospitality, care for the strangers, for those who do not have anything, for those who are in need of shelter, food, a change of clothes? To grow the church, Jesus sent these teams of people into cities, towns and villages to see which of them were ready to be the church.

His call and instruction was for the disciples to go out into the world, and then go even further out beyond that. They were to spread out and tell the story of wonderful love, tender and true, that Jesus loves me, and saved a wretch like me. The word needed to be shared, preached and taught.

So by the same token, when the call to move onward comes, one can’t ignore it figuring that God’s greatness will compensate for our inaction. It may sound like I’m preaching out of both sides of my mouth – relax, God’s mission is bigger and more important than any of us; but get out there and do your part because God needs us.

And that is the delicate balance that a minister in our time and tradition needs to navigate. I am wearing sandals, but I am not wiping any dust from my feet. I have found the churches and communities to be incredibly hospitable, receptive and accepting to the greeting of peace.

...

We see the movies where the aliens arrive and come in peace, but we know that they really don’t. It’s always breaks down into suspicion and conflict and intergalactic warfare. What a world it would be if we could trust each other’s word. So we spend our time in relationship and community to see what is what, who is who and how best to get along and get things done.

We live in times that feel like we, as a faithful people of a church congregation, are like lambs in a world of wolves. Amid G8 and G20 powerbrokers gathering for high class, international hobnobbing or Black Bloc and violent demonstrators forcing their objection into the headlines of media outlets, we find it hard to connect. Our simple message of love one another, treat each other with kindness and compassion, seek the divine in ordinary things, pay attention to your family, these simple messages can’t compete in the competitive kingdom of gadgetry and brand name recognition.

Yet we continue to gather on Sundays, we still seek God’s Word, we try to live as best we can. We may not tread on scorpions unharmed, or cause Satan to fall from heaven, but we do find joy in doing God’s work. Here, in the living of our faith it is not reveling in the power over evil, of rejoicing at another’s expense, but in being of right relationship with a hope of peace, an air of welcome and hospitality, and moving onward from there.

Even More News

Last Wednesday evening, I informed the Official Board of my request to Presbytery for "a change in pastoral relationship", effectively tendering my resignation as minister with Glencoe-Appin Pastoral Charge as of January 1, 2011. Yesterday, I announced this news during worship to those assembled.

I cannot yet disclose details about where I will be going at that time, but once further meetings have been conducted and motions approved, everything will become public knowledge then.

It was a difficult (and somewhat surprising) decision, and rotten timing on my part, but I hope you understand that such opportunities rarely present themselves and I could discern God's nudge in the process.

In the meantime, for the next six months, I am committed to the work of congregational care, visioning and action with Trinity and Appin United Churches - and as a friend suggested, perhaps my leaving will allow for even greater possibilities to emerge for a new future ...

All this amid our discussion regarding union of our two separate congregations into one. Such are the winds of change, and they are gusting it seems.

"Peace be on this house. The Kingdom of God has come near."

Blessings always,
Kenji

letter to the congregations

[The following letter was presented during worship and distributed to those present to share the ideas and next steps in our church discernment. We invite all feedback and comments!]

Dear Members, Adherents, Friends and Supporters of Appin and Trinity United:

For many months, years even, our two congregations have been wondering how they might continue to exist, and even thrive. The respective Visioning Committees and Sessions met and worked throughout the past year and, as it turns out, have been travelling parallel courses – wondering many of the same things and having many of the same ideas.

You are likely tired of hearing about change, wondering what will happen, and may be frustrated or frightened by all of the uncertainty. After a combined meeting of both Session committees earlier this month, we are recommending a plan of action: that, pending results of a financial study, the two congregations of Appin and Trinity join together into one, while keeping both buildings.

Essentially, the two congregations would become one church that has two locations. As you can imagine, many details would need to be sorted out; for example, Sunday worship might rotate from one building to the other on a monthly basis. Right now, it is on the principle of uniting the two congregations that we seek your input, feedback and suggestions. No drastic changes with regard to selling buildings or movement to new sites are part of this plan. A merger would relieve the time and energy costs on our leaders and members as we cooperate with each other more fully.

We emphasize that this is an intermediate step into our future. At some point, we have to know what our neighbouring United Churches in the Southwest Middlesex region might do, if they would be interested in future collaboration with us. In the meantime, our uniting would demonstrate to our wider church governance and local communities that we are serious about making changes that position us well for new opportunities.

There will be congregational meetings in the fall to address the matter formally with a hope to begin this new relationship January 1, 2011. In the meantime, please give us your comments and concerns! Contact any of us, listed below, with your opinions and ideas [submit them as Comments to this webpost].

Yours in Christ’s mission and ministry,

the Clerks of Session and Minister of Appin & Trinity United Church

sermon excerpts: "but the Kitchen Sink" - 1 Kings 19: 1-15

...Drought and meagerness is a theme and reality of much of the biblical context and today is no different. After Elijah ushers in the end of a 3-year drought that he predicted, he finds himself in a situation of no food and water. There isn’t anything left for him, he’s at the end of his rope. On the run from the most powerful people in the land, in the middle of nowhere, nothing to eat or drink. His prayer is for death. He prays to God to die because his life is so miserable.
Is that a comment on the nurture and provision of God? Through God we will have what we need. Even if it’s only bread and water, we have enough to get by on.

If we stop and look, there is our sustenance. Or are we too busy feeling sorry for ourselves to notice? Or are we too scared to reach out and receive, worried that it would lead to something else? Or, are we too proud or spoiled to partake?

So, given our current church situation of declining resources amid escalating cost, where is our sustenance? Is there anything we’re overlooking, afraid of, or ignoring? We struggle and strain to strategize and overcome, but it feels like too many factors are piled up against us. Like Elijah.

Although he is lucky enough to speak directly with God, even to experience God’s presence – not in hurricane winds, earthquakes or firestorms, but in stillness and smallness. Is that not where we find our faith, when we are weak and discouraged? God who sides with the underdog cares not for grand gestures of power and prestige. We see that in Jesus’ teachings.

Sometimes we need to be shocked into silence. That’s when we ourselves are quiet enough to hear what God would say to us. The shaking and the rumbling of life’s great catastrophes, the earthquakes and firestorms, bring us out of ourselves, open us to a larger perspective, re-align our priorities. When everything is broken open, the still small voice becomes clear.

In the aftermath, in the what next, in the questions and wondering, we find our purpose and mission. Elijah will go on to anoint kings, appoint warriors and acclaim a new prophet. He will set up these others to influence and affect the kingdom of Israel for generations to come. So that God’s work could be done.

We, as churches, are actually in a position of power and strength in the sense that we have the ability to decide for ourselves what our next steps will be. In our discernment, prayer and vision, we want to further the work of God in this world. We want to follow Christ’s example to love and serve. We want to listen to the still small voice that calls us forward to venture into the world around us, to connect people to their vision and destiny.

In a reality of meagerness, of drought, Jesus continues to invite us to an open table. Granted, anyone who is starving and dehydrated will not find enough nourishment in a cube of bread or thimble drink of grape juice. But the connection to an eternal and endless God of creation and life, the experience of forgiveness, the promise of resurrection and fresh starts, the spirit of renewal and the taste of unconditional love, are all ways that the still small voice is able to break through the raging storms and turmoil of our days.

It’s ceremonial, it’s a ritual, but it is real and brings in communion with a real and present way to express our faith and live in God’s grace. Our sacrament is a modest reenactment of a meal that our Saviour provided, but it means so much and offers so much. At that table we find truth, hope, reconciliation, mercy, justice, absolution, nurture, encouragement, renewal, all that and more. Everything but the kitchen sink.

sermon excerpts: "Pentecost Unity and Diverstiy" - Acts 2: 1-21

Ten days after Jesus disappears into the clouds, all that he foretold comes true. Gathered together in a room, the Spirit descends like wind and fire upon the assembly and the ability to speak in every language was granted. Aflame with God’s power, like so many human birthday candles, the church was born.

Now the listing of all those other people in Jerusalem who heard their native language spoken that morning is enough to intimidate the most accomplished reader of scripture, and I want to commend our own readers this morning on their fine work on a daunting passage. We hear these names of places and marvel at the exotic locales and thoroughness of the Spirit but we forget one thing. For all of these places named, for all of the people of different languages, geographies and customs, they were all Jewish! Some of them, as proselytes, were recent converts, but even to this point the Christian message was reserved for God’s chosen people – the Jews. So even though there were more similarities than differences between these particular people of faith, the human ability to divide and splinter off is never more pronounced.

They all claim one common identity but still were very distinct and different because of other aspects of who they are. Partly because of where they were from, the language they spoke, the jobs they had, their economic standing, there is more to them then just their religion. Just as we call ourselves Christian, we would say that we are different from the Christians who are Roman Catholic. Or Pentecostal. Or how we’re different from United Church people in Vancouver, Toronto, London, Strathroy. And even Glencoe/Appin.

Each of us here is called and claimed to one identity as a follower of Christ. But we all retain a unique quality and possess a special life story. Even the question of how we found ourselves worshipping here this particular morning is varied and valuable: is it through tradition? Being born into this community, into this church? Is it through questioning and shopping around? Or was it by trying something new and different, just once and maybe again another time?

Jesus words were coming true. The power of the spirit arrived, just as he promised. The disciples were his witnesses, just as he promised and it began in Jerusalem that morning when Peter gets up to defend his community. Peter begins his witness. He tells the truth as he experienced. Again, he did not judge, he did not argue of procedures or precedents. He told of what was actually going on that morning. They were not drunk; they were connecting to what was previously foretold by the prophet Joel: a time of great vision, of power and promise, of potential for all people.

The work of bringing God’s kingdom to earth has transferred from the resurrected and ascended Christ himself to the community of faithful. Equipped with language, personal experience and questions, given the gift of witness, they were ready to be the church. The disciples could communicate and convey the message of love and life, of resurrection and renewal.

No matter what we think of other cultures and customs, or what words we use, we remain connected to this God who loves us, knows our language, our quirks, our idioms. God can connect to us on our terms in a way that only we can understand. Our faith an be that private and personalized. But it cannot stay that way, our work is to be the translators and connectors for a world that does not know the story – to tell the people in a language they understand about a wonderful love, a compelling call and a community that cares.

sermon excerpts: "Ascension Deficit Disorder" - Acts 1: 1-11

The story of the ascension marks this transition for the faith community. Jesus leaves the people on their own to figure things out, to live their life, to pursue their passions and shape their ministry. This is not a Christian festival or scripture that is very popular in the United Church of Canada for some reason. Not many commentators have bothered with it; maybe it’s more of a Catholic thing; I’m not sure. ...

It’s a scripture that deserves more focus and consideration. I find that the questions of the disciples, the assurance of Christ and the image of those gathered, necks craned toward the sky looking intently a compelling reminder of what we are to be as the church. The book of Acts has been criticized as presenting an unrealistic series of triumphs (because life is rarely so spectacularly successful) and appears to supplant the importance of Christ with the institution of the church. But I think the most important aspect of the Acts of the Apostles is the reminder that God is very active in the world by the Holy Spirit through the faith of people, and not a blueprint for how to “do church.”

We are well aware that blueprint is changing with the times: emerging technologies, global transportation, interconnected economics and market forces, media-driven social dynamics all make our reality very different from that of the eastern Mediterranean of 2000 years ago. We cannot transplant what worked well in days gone past without accounting for contemporary influences and factors.
...
In recalling John’s baptism by water, we are reminded how the crowds came to find him, from Judea and the surrounding region. The movement reverses now – as the Spirit creeps out from Jerusalem into Judea, then to the somewhat foreign land of Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. It’s time for the gospel to hit the road, to travel and spread.

It all begins with an awe-filled moment of Christ rising up above this mortal coil, disappearing into the heavens. The last words Jesus delivers are a promise and a guarantee: you will have power when the Holy Spirit comes, and you will be witnesses. One part speaks to what the disciples will receive (power in the Spirit) and the other part speaks to what the disciples will do and deliver (witness).

That’s another word that makes United Church folks uneasy: “Witness.” It conjures images of testimony, of evangelism, of pushy, self-absorbed salvation and annoying other people so much with God that they tune out and turn away. It’s too bad that the hyper-evangelistic and fundamentalist characters of Christianity monopolize such an important and inviting aspect of our faith life.

What does Jesus mean when he tells the disciples they will be his witnesses? (And this is not a request or a suggestion, it is a declaration – they will be his witnesses!) We might look to the legal system for some direction. After all, there is a legal quality to the writing of Acts and there are plenty of trials and arguments in these chapters.

To be a witness implies a couple things. First, there is a conflict, there is opposition to what we have to say, and it is conducted in public. Otherwise, why are witnesses needed? Each side gathers its experts and witnesses to prove a point, to uncover a truth.

Second, witnesses speak only to what they know or experienced. They are not the judges or jurors in the situation, they do not decide the worthiness, holiness or salvation of others. Witnesses don’t try to convince or persuade others, that job is for the lawyers to do. All witnesses do is share as clearly as they can what they believe to be true.

Jesus may have ascended, lifted to the heavens, leaving us behind to figure things out for ourselves. That does not excuse us from our mission, from following his last words – to accept the power of the Holy Spirit in our world and to be a witness.

sermon excerpts: "In the Name of the Mother" - Acts 16: 9-15

... So much of life is regaining that sense of God shining in us. Sometimes we do things that cause that light to dim; sometimes disheartening things happen to us. The apostle Paul experienced a rift in his team when he and his long time colleague Barnabas had a very pointed difference of opinion over another member of their company, and they parted ways.

The gospel was at a crossroads. Paul and his remaining companions then attempted to make their way east into Asia, what we call Turkey. The verses before our reading this morning say that the spirit of Jesus prevented them. There aren’t any details saying exactly how the spirit barred their entry, but it’s a pretty sizable obstacle to overcome when the spirit of Christ stands in your way.

It would be easy to be downhearted and discouraged. Soon after this setback, an alternative presents itself. It was a dream that prompted Paul and his companions to venture into northern Greece, into Europe and thus God’s work is done. Although I wonder how Paul knew it was a Macedonian in his dream – what exactly do they look like?

Not only does this story begin the spread of Christ’s ministry in a whole new region, we make note of the shift from third person accounts of “him” and “they” to the first person telling using “us” and “we”. As the gospel is shared with Gentiles as it moves beyond the rites and regulations of Jewish purity and tradition, more emphasis falls upon the work of the Spirit and the assembled community.

Paul with his companions, Silas, Timothy and Luke, who is the writer here, finds quick success. Lydia meets the apostles and her acceptance of them along with the subsequent baptism of her household sets the stage for the Christian message to flourish in difficult times. Different from Paul’s dream, because she is a Macedonian woman, she is the first European to convert to Christianity and a new branch of the faith family tree begins to bud and grow. Is it that far a stretch to say that she was the mother of the church?

She pledges the lives of household to Christ and goes one step further. Lydia offers hospitality. She invites this band of foreign wanderers into her own home. Like Shane Claiborne and his friend Michelle with the shine-less prostitute, Lydia embraces the needs of others as her own and gives what she could.

Granted, as a person of power and wealth, and we know this because of her business. The supply and sale of purple coloured fabrics and furnishings was a luxury enterprise. Only the very wealthy could afford the pricey colour of royalty and prestige.

So it was not a financial hardship to billet a missionary group from Jerusalem. But there was a significant cost to her reputation and credibility. She sides with a band of strangers preaching a very strange message of power and might through humbleness and service, believing a story of a saviour who died, rose again and disappeared into heaven.

It’s bad business to join forces with crackpot outsiders. With her hospitality, in giving shelter, food and lodging, Lydia turns away from the pressures of popular opinion, of mob mentality and lives into her new life. She recognizes that a meaningful life is more than income and honour in society; she wants to be part of something grander and greater than any human business.
Paul and his band of friends arrived on the scene and conveyed a sense of family and togetherness that she saw and wanted. They did not have much among themselves but did not need much. They had their faith, trusting in God’s grace and abundance.

We don’t do as well. We like to know what’s going to happen next. We like to have safety nets. But like any mother or caregiver knows, at some point we have to let go and just trust that we’ve done our part, that things will have have to take care of themselves.
Who knows what awaits us? Did Paul predict that his detour into Europe would be so well received? Did Lydia know that she would give birth to a movement that has extended its reach across oceans and continents and centuries?

Do we really believe that God’s love shines up on us? Do we know what we need to do to restore the spiritual shine in our own lives, or more importantly, in the lives of those around us? Where are the opportunities for hospitality and witness that we’re overlooking or walking past?

for May 9 - Acts 16: 9-15

During the night Paul had a vision: there stood a man of Macedonia pleading with him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” When he had seen the vision, we immediately tried to cross over to Macedonia, being convinced that God had called us to proclaim the good news to them.

We set sail from Troas and took a straight course to Samothrace, the following day to Neapolis, and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. We remained in this city for some days.

On the sabbath day we went outside the gate by the river, where we supposed there was a place of prayer; and we sat down and spoke to the women who had gathered there.

A certain woman named Lydia, a worshiper of God, was listening to us; she was from the city of Thyatira and a dealer in purple cloth. The Lord opened her heart to listen eagerly to what was said by Paul. When she and her household were baptized, she urged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come and stay at my home.” And she prevailed upon us.

* * *

What feelings, questions, thoughts and prompts to personal action arise from this scripture?
What about hymn suggestions or ideas for Children's Time? Share them as Comments below or in an email, and help shape Sunday's worship service.

Back in the Saddle

Hi everyone, (or at least to the few of you that stop by here),

After a couple weeks' of Study Leave where I heard many wonderful presenters and speakers at Princeton Theological Seminary, I'm getting back to the rhythm of life in the pastorate! (You can tell I've been in the States when I use words like "pastorate"). I'm sure I'll find ways to work in some of the new learnings into what's going on around these parts.

Already there's a few meetings and workshops that have me here and there - I won't be in the office on Thursday - this week filled up quite quickly!

Once again, thank you for the support and expressions of sympathy conveyed to my family on the passing of Shelley's grandmother. It means a lot to us.

Looking forward to seeing you again and catching up on your news,
Kenji

Thanks for your Care and Support

Many of you have learned through the congregational network that Shelley's grandmother passed away last night after suffering a stroke yesterday morning. Janet Baker was 93 and had a good, fruitful life. More information about her arrangements are at: http://www.haskettfh.com/janet-thomson-baker/

Thank you for your expressions of sympathy and support, your prayers and condolences. It is very appreciated. In a way, it's been good that I'm currently on Study Leave; it's allowed for me to hold down the fort at home while Shelley tends to things in Exeter. I'll still be able to attend my conference in Princeton, although my heart won't be totally into it...

We'll see you all when I'm back in to church life in May.
With thanks and gratitude,
Kenji

for April 11 - John 21: 1-19

After these things Jesus showed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias; and he showed himself in this way. Gathered there together were Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples. Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.

Just after daybreak, Jesus stood on the beach; but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Children, you have no fish, have you?” They answered him, “No.” He said to them, “Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in because there were so many fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on some clothes, for he was naked, and jumped into the sea. But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, only about a hundred yards off.

When they had gone ashore, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred fifty-three of them; and though there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” because they knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. This was now the third time that Jesus appeared to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.

When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.” A second time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” And he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. Very truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go.” (He said this to indicate the kind of death by which he would glorify God.) After this he said to him, “Follow me.”

* * *

What feelings, questions, thoughts and prompts to personal action arise from this scripture?
What about hymn suggestions or ideas for Children's Time? Share them as Comments below or in an email, and help shape Sunday's worship service.

sermon excerpts: "Thomas in Hiding" - John 20: 19-31

... enough about Thomas; I want to spend a bit of time with the other disciples. They were hiding out in a locked room, fearful of what the future held, Jesus murdered, his body missing, the religious authorities clamping down on the remnant of his movement, the Roman authorities aggressively keeping the peace. So the disciples found a home that was safe and stayed there.

This past week, the world was glued to the news of the mining explosion in West Virginia where 25 people were killed. We hoped and prayed that beyond any reasonable expectation, the missing 4 miners somehow got to a safe room where there were supplies of air, water and food. We hoped and prayed that these men made it one of these safe rooms and were waiting for their rescue. Tragically these rooms were found unused.

We all need places of safety and sanctuary, somewhere to regroup, catch our breath, collect our thoughts, and plan the next course of action. For many of us, the church represents such a haven. At its best, the church can be a place of safety and security, of assurance and acceptance, open to inspiration and comfort.

But the fact of the matter is we all need to leave at some point. Even if it is a safe room in a West Virginian mine, the reality is that we can’t stay in one forever. Eventually, we need to go out. Or wait for someone to come rescue us.

As a church, sometimes we act like we’re stuck here in this room, waiting for rescue. We look for some saviour to come, some new families that can fill some committee positions, some wealthy benefactor to pay our bills. It is safe here and it is comfortable. But that is not what our calling as followers of Christ is.

The focus of the resurrection was not supposed to be on Jesus magically popping in and out of locked rooms, bragging about his scars. It was not even supposed to be on the personal assurance of eternal life and the death of death. The resurrection shows the unstoppable nature of God’s love for us and sounds the call to share a message of hope.

With the gift of the Holy Spirit, the call is to forgive. It’s a tall order – to forgive those who punish and abuse, to clear away past wrongs, especially in that time of turmoil and persecution for the early church.

It’s amazing to think the power of forgiveness rests entirely with you – those sins you forgive will be forgiven, those you do not will be retained. It is what Jesus told his disciples. It is what he demonstrated.

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How different the scripture would be if Jesus returned bearing a grudge! But no, he brings peace and forgiveness. Life is not about revenge or repaying harm done or offering equally ill treatment. A life of faith is about offering a new beginning, a release from worry and guilt, a life without fear.

Sure it was still wise to for the disciples to be cautious of their enemies and to protect themselves. But that would be a regression to an old way of distrust and fear. Even then Jesus knew that a church hunkered down and locked into its rooms is not a church at all.