“Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city.”
--Revelation 22:1
The Tree of Life returns to the Biblical story – from the first chapters of Genesis to the last chapters of Revelation, this tree stands at the beginning and the end of the story. However, rather than standing as a tree within a garden now it’s a tree that springs out from within the city of God – truly an oasis amid the urban landscape of creation.
One thing I learned early in coming to Palms was that the property we sit on is zoned residential, and because of this there is a higher percentage of the land that is required to be permeable (water can flow in and out… in other words – it can’t all be paved and built upon with concrete, wood, and bricks) than would be the case if it was zoned commercial or industrial.
Reading the final chapters of Revelation I’m struck that the (re)New(ed) Jerusalem is the re-zoning of creation as the garden springs up from within creation to overtake the out-of-control commercialization/industrialization of our lives.
Our cities won’t pass away… but creation will overtake them and make them whole – breathing, verdant, permeable landscapes of life and love and goodness and grace.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Thursday, May 5, 2011
May 5: Double Standards
Greetings Friend,
I have take a week and half off from any devotional thoughts but figured it was time to resume some form of daily (twice weekly... whatever I happen to manage to send out) devotional. I'm feeling a bit tired of Acts to be honest and do not think I will resume going through the book (we've been in it over a year now after all). Also there was a lot of good response to the short devotional thoughts from the Lent Devotional. So for now, until the Spirit guides otherwise, I will probably do a random mix of scriptural thoughts and random thinking about diserning the meaning of discipleship. I appreciate any feedback, particularly if you have suggestions what you might like to see happen in this devotional space. And now... to today's random discipleship thought.
with love, Andrew
----------------------------------
Double Standards:
It strikes me that one of the most unpalatable (and thus ignored)
aspects of Christian life is that it requires that we hold ourselves
to higher standards than the world around us does...
and even more challenging?
Its not about worth, or earning entry,
or being better than other people...
its just about being who we already are and
how God made us to be.
I have take a week and half off from any devotional thoughts but figured it was time to resume some form of daily (twice weekly... whatever I happen to manage to send out) devotional. I'm feeling a bit tired of Acts to be honest and do not think I will resume going through the book (we've been in it over a year now after all). Also there was a lot of good response to the short devotional thoughts from the Lent Devotional. So for now, until the Spirit guides otherwise, I will probably do a random mix of scriptural thoughts and random thinking about diserning the meaning of discipleship. I appreciate any feedback, particularly if you have suggestions what you might like to see happen in this devotional space. And now... to today's random discipleship thought.
with love, Andrew
----------------------------------
Double Standards:
It strikes me that one of the most unpalatable (and thus ignored)
aspects of Christian life is that it requires that we hold ourselves
to higher standards than the world around us does...
and even more challenging?
Its not about worth, or earning entry,
or being better than other people...
its just about being who we already are and
how God made us to be.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Lent Devotional: Holy Saturday, April 23
Sandwiched between death and life, agony and ecstasy.
All is silent. The world seems paused. Love at rest?
Could this be the day, Holy Saturday, where we live the most?
(a reflection by Dr. Tom Walker)
All is silent. The world seems paused. Love at rest?
Could this be the day, Holy Saturday, where we live the most?
(a reflection by Dr. Tom Walker)
Lent Devotional: Good Friday, April 22
Dark...chilling...earth shattering...overpowering loneliness...lost...heart broken...swirling sorrow...deep grief...Suffering Servant Love...what wondrous love IS this?
(Reflection by Rev. Carol DiGiusto)
(Reflection by Rev. Carol DiGiusto)
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Lent Devotional: Maundy Thursday, April 21
Their last night together, Jesus gathered his disciples:
faithful, brave, sacrificing, scared, thoughtless, denying, betraying,
his friends.
They shared a meal, and then he gave them the message one last time:
he washed their feet, saying, "Do this - serve one another like I serve you.
Love one another as I love you."
The disciples ate in silence while he spoke to them,
chewing, listening, minds wandering, wondering.
And then he walked out to the garden.
(Reflection by Rev. Katie Day)
faithful, brave, sacrificing, scared, thoughtless, denying, betraying,
his friends.
They shared a meal, and then he gave them the message one last time:
he washed their feet, saying, "Do this - serve one another like I serve you.
Love one another as I love you."
The disciples ate in silence while he spoke to them,
chewing, listening, minds wandering, wondering.
And then he walked out to the garden.
(Reflection by Rev. Katie Day)
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Lent Devotional: April 20
Sympathy sends a care card to a person in need... but it doesn't enter the brokenness or feel the pain. Compassion enters into the world of the destitute to suffer with the other...our neighbor... our brother and sister... this is Christ-like love - for Christ is the great example (shows us the way) of entering into the life, and pain, of creation.
We cannot love with our eyes closed.
(Reflection by Rev. Andrew Kukla)
We cannot love with our eyes closed.
(Reflection by Rev. Andrew Kukla)
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Lent Devotional: April 19
I found out this morning that our down the street neighbors separated over the weekend. "Long time coming," I was told.
"Tried to work it out," our mutual friend said.
In the other direction down the street, a husband was involuntarily put in rehab for 20 + years of alcoholism.
Where have I been?
In both cases all on the outside looked OK, normal, smiles.
Inside those houses must have been a world of hurt.
Little ecosystems of coping and pain and indecision and grief.
Both families have children and pets and payments.
Everyone in our neighborhood owes more than our houses are worth these days.
Neither family has a faith community of which they are a part.
In fact, I might be the only clergy person either knows.
For both families, I am peripheral.
A nice neighbor.
A friendly face.
I'll write them a note.
And maybe give them a pretty tea pot.
Sometimes in this not fair world, things are not only not Happily Ever After,
they aren't even 'Til Death Do Us Part.
They are Until Life Rips Us Asunder.
This is holy week.
(Reflection by Rev. Laurie Furr-Vancini)
"Tried to work it out," our mutual friend said.
In the other direction down the street, a husband was involuntarily put in rehab for 20 + years of alcoholism.
Where have I been?
In both cases all on the outside looked OK, normal, smiles.
Inside those houses must have been a world of hurt.
Little ecosystems of coping and pain and indecision and grief.
Both families have children and pets and payments.
Everyone in our neighborhood owes more than our houses are worth these days.
Neither family has a faith community of which they are a part.
In fact, I might be the only clergy person either knows.
For both families, I am peripheral.
A nice neighbor.
A friendly face.
I'll write them a note.
And maybe give them a pretty tea pot.
Sometimes in this not fair world, things are not only not Happily Ever After,
they aren't even 'Til Death Do Us Part.
They are Until Life Rips Us Asunder.
This is holy week.
(Reflection by Rev. Laurie Furr-Vancini)
Lent Devotional: April 18
When love comes to town...
assumptions about who's in and who's out are challenged...
new stories about grace abound...
challenges are issued to live love daily...
When love comes to town...
As you begin the week, enjoy this version of a song by U2 and B.B. King entitled "When Love comes to Town" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=th1kQER770M - that invites us to dream the change that happens when love comes to town.
(Reflection by Dr. Tom Walker)
assumptions about who's in and who's out are challenged...
new stories about grace abound...
challenges are issued to live love daily...
When love comes to town...
As you begin the week, enjoy this version of a song by U2 and B.B. King entitled "When Love comes to Town" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=th1kQER770M - that invites us to dream the change that happens when love comes to town.
(Reflection by Dr. Tom Walker)
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Lent Faith Stories: Betsy Lyons
A word from Betsy Lyons:
“We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God, but our lives as well…” 1 Thessalonians 2:8
When I think about discipleship, the first thing that always comes to mind is sharing. Because when you really look at it, discipleship is simply the act of sharing with another person. Sharing not only the story of Jesus, but opening up ourselves and inviting others to be a part of our faith journey.
Jesus’ ministry plan has always seemed so incredible to me. Today, when we think about a successful ministry or church, we tend to think in terms of attendance or membership. Bigger churches are more successful because they have more people, right? Well it would depend on your definition of successful. Jesus’ ministry was not about gathering as many followers as he could. He chose to focus on discipling twelve young men. Jesus shared his life with his disciples. He lived with them, taught them, questioned them, encouraged them, ate and drank with them and worked alongside them.
Jesus intentionally shared his life with his disciples in order to teach them how to live like he did. And that is how he wants us to continue his ministry. Not by competing to see how many people we can convert, but by helping others grow into true followers of Christ.
I have been so blessed to see that kind of discipleship at Palms. I grew up here at Palms and the youth group played a huge role in my faith journey. It was there that I began to understand what a relationship with Christ meant and how I could live out my faith every day. Without my youth leaders discipling and sharing their lives with me, I know I would be in a much different place today.
As I grew more in my faith and left for college, I realized that while so many people had discipled me, I had never really taken the next step and discipled others. Jesus did not share with his disciples so they could keep it all to themselves. He commanded them to share what he had taught. “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20)
Palms has been vital in helping me take this next step in discipleship. Two years ago, we began to develop our college ministry and lead mission trips for college students. It has been amazing to see God work through this ministry and provide opportunities for fellowship and growth for college students. I have also recently begun to work as a leader with the youth group. I now get to share my life with our youth, just like so many of my youth leaders did with me.
Our faith and our lives are meant to be shared and it has been a joy to do so. I am so thankful for the opportunities God has given me to take part in discipleship at Palms. Sharing my life with others has helped me to grow even more in my own faith. I encourage you to take the next step in discipleship and think about who God is calling you to share your life with!
Betsy Lyons
“We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God, but our lives as well…” 1 Thessalonians 2:8
When I think about discipleship, the first thing that always comes to mind is sharing. Because when you really look at it, discipleship is simply the act of sharing with another person. Sharing not only the story of Jesus, but opening up ourselves and inviting others to be a part of our faith journey.
Jesus’ ministry plan has always seemed so incredible to me. Today, when we think about a successful ministry or church, we tend to think in terms of attendance or membership. Bigger churches are more successful because they have more people, right? Well it would depend on your definition of successful. Jesus’ ministry was not about gathering as many followers as he could. He chose to focus on discipling twelve young men. Jesus shared his life with his disciples. He lived with them, taught them, questioned them, encouraged them, ate and drank with them and worked alongside them.
Jesus intentionally shared his life with his disciples in order to teach them how to live like he did. And that is how he wants us to continue his ministry. Not by competing to see how many people we can convert, but by helping others grow into true followers of Christ.
I have been so blessed to see that kind of discipleship at Palms. I grew up here at Palms and the youth group played a huge role in my faith journey. It was there that I began to understand what a relationship with Christ meant and how I could live out my faith every day. Without my youth leaders discipling and sharing their lives with me, I know I would be in a much different place today.
As I grew more in my faith and left for college, I realized that while so many people had discipled me, I had never really taken the next step and discipled others. Jesus did not share with his disciples so they could keep it all to themselves. He commanded them to share what he had taught. “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20)
Palms has been vital in helping me take this next step in discipleship. Two years ago, we began to develop our college ministry and lead mission trips for college students. It has been amazing to see God work through this ministry and provide opportunities for fellowship and growth for college students. I have also recently begun to work as a leader with the youth group. I now get to share my life with our youth, just like so many of my youth leaders did with me.
Our faith and our lives are meant to be shared and it has been a joy to do so. I am so thankful for the opportunities God has given me to take part in discipleship at Palms. Sharing my life with others has helped me to grow even more in my own faith. I encourage you to take the next step in discipleship and think about who God is calling you to share your life with!
Betsy Lyons
Lent Devotional: April 16
He loves the flowers that come every spring.
Sometimes, his mind drifts to a game he played as a kid, a petal at a time:
"She loves me. She loves me not. She loves me. She loves me not. She loves me..."
For some reason, the flowers always seemed to have an odd number of petals.
(Reflection by Dr. Tom Walker)
Sometimes, his mind drifts to a game he played as a kid, a petal at a time:
"She loves me. She loves me not. She loves me. She loves me not. She loves me..."
For some reason, the flowers always seemed to have an odd number of petals.
(Reflection by Dr. Tom Walker)
Lent Devotional: April 15
She was hungry. Surrounded by playmates and attentive adults no one knew. Love was watching. Now she is fed body and soul.
(Reflection by Rev. Carol DiGiusto)
(Reflection by Rev. Carol DiGiusto)
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Lent Devotional: April 14
I lay in bed wondering how best to love my neighbor...
...and struggling because I'm filled to overflowing with anger.
Righteous anger?
Maybe...
...but I need to let it go all the same.
Right or wrong doesn't matter... without love we all lose.
(Reflection by Rev. Andrew Kukla)
...and struggling because I'm filled to overflowing with anger.
Righteous anger?
Maybe...
...but I need to let it go all the same.
Right or wrong doesn't matter... without love we all lose.
(Reflection by Rev. Andrew Kukla)
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Lent Devotional: April 13
Love actually is all around.
Sometimes I want to point it out,
to say aloud to anyone listening, "That's love!":
the driver who let me turn right onto 3rd Street
the woman who works at the gas station who called me Sweetie
my neighbor who pulled our trash can up to our garage after garbage day
Andrew unlocking my office at least once daily when I lock my keys inside
the letter carrier who shut the lid to our mailbox on a rainy day
a call from my mom just to say hello
It's love! All around!
(Reflection by Rev. Katie Day)
Sometimes I want to point it out,
to say aloud to anyone listening, "That's love!":
the driver who let me turn right onto 3rd Street
the woman who works at the gas station who called me Sweetie
my neighbor who pulled our trash can up to our garage after garbage day
Andrew unlocking my office at least once daily when I lock my keys inside
the letter carrier who shut the lid to our mailbox on a rainy day
a call from my mom just to say hello
It's love! All around!
(Reflection by Rev. Katie Day)
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Lent Devotional: April 12
He walked on the beach and thought a new thought of love. When I walk on the beach I think "are the kids going to sunburn, can I find any sharks teeth, that dog should be on a leash, etc. etc. etc." I want to be more like him. God, make me more like him.
(a reflection by Rev. Laurie Furr-Vancini)
(a reflection by Rev. Laurie Furr-Vancini)
Lent Devotional: April 11
"The commandment we have from him is this: those who love God must love their brothers and sisters also." (1 John 4:21)
It's not more complicated than that.
(a reflection by Dr. Tom Walker)
It's not more complicated than that.
(a reflection by Dr. Tom Walker)
Lent Devotional: April 9
Words can say too much. Words can say too little.
Words heal. Words wound. Words hide. Words reveal.
I guess you could say love is a word, but I wonder...
(a reflection by Dr. Tom Walker)
Words heal. Words wound. Words hide. Words reveal.
I guess you could say love is a word, but I wonder...
(a reflection by Dr. Tom Walker)
Lent Devotional: April 8
I thought love was forever. I never expected love lost. What I learned from the pain was I am grateful to have loved.
(Reflection from Rev. Carol DiGiusto)
(Reflection from Rev. Carol DiGiusto)
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Lent Devotional: April 7
I lost my wallet once... What a mess.
No ID, no credit card, no driver's license... lost my insurance information and my Costco membership card, all my various rewards cards too... couldn't even check out a library book.
It was like I lost everything...
...Everything????
(Reflection from Rev. Andrew Kukla)
No ID, no credit card, no driver's license... lost my insurance information and my Costco membership card, all my various rewards cards too... couldn't even check out a library book.
It was like I lost everything...
...Everything????
(Reflection from Rev. Andrew Kukla)
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Lent Devotional: April 6
We eat breakfast together each Wednesday before school.
We don't read the Bible;
we don't have a devotional;
we don't even pray.
We sit together:
some sleepy, some talkative,
some worried about homework or a quiz.
We share conversation, toast, and rides to school.
It's communion, although we don't call it that.
God's perfect love on a plain old Wednesday.
(Reflection by Rev. Katie Day)
We don't read the Bible;
we don't have a devotional;
we don't even pray.
We sit together:
some sleepy, some talkative,
some worried about homework or a quiz.
We share conversation, toast, and rides to school.
It's communion, although we don't call it that.
God's perfect love on a plain old Wednesday.
(Reflection by Rev. Katie Day)
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Lent Devotional: April 4
Dear Elder Son,
Both of you sons missed the mark when it comes to your father's love.
And we do, too - calling this story the Parable of the Prodigal Son & His Brother, when really it's all about the father.
Love wins.
Not greed, not fear, not retribution, not punishment, not jealousy.
Love wins.
So, did you ever go into the party?
Were you able to let go of your fear that you'd missed out on something you deserved, or your anger that your brother's sins would go unpunished?
As if any one of God's own children could do or say something
that would make God love them any less or any more,
that would make them cease to be God's child.
Because there is enough love for you both.
There is enough love for the whole world.
(from "Love Wins," a sermon by Rev. Katie Day on Luke 15: 11-32)
Both of you sons missed the mark when it comes to your father's love.
And we do, too - calling this story the Parable of the Prodigal Son & His Brother, when really it's all about the father.
Love wins.
Not greed, not fear, not retribution, not punishment, not jealousy.
Love wins.
So, did you ever go into the party?
Were you able to let go of your fear that you'd missed out on something you deserved, or your anger that your brother's sins would go unpunished?
As if any one of God's own children could do or say something
that would make God love them any less or any more,
that would make them cease to be God's child.
Because there is enough love for you both.
There is enough love for the whole world.
(from "Love Wins," a sermon by Rev. Katie Day on Luke 15: 11-32)
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Lent Faith Stories: Kevin Day
A word from Kevin Day:
I strive in my teaching to mold thoughtful, articulate, creative problem-solvers who engage moral dilemmas, open historical questions, pressing global concerns, three-paragraph essays, and their classmates with the patience, generosity, and care they themselves deserve. Each day I call out my students from their weariness, indifference, anxiety, and (sometimes) open disdain of history to stand with me where old stories and current events intersect, awaiting our answers.
Or so I hope.
I like to think I embolden a few of my students to think for themselves - and to want to think for themselves, even when it isn't assigned. But after these four and a half years of teaching, I place myself before my own essential questions and wonder if I possess the wisdom (or the courage) to live out the authentic answers I expect of my students.
Can history teach me to be more...?
What's the story behind my story?
What is school for?
These essential questions invite my ninth grade World History students to think historically with me - the most faithful response to my seminary professors' invitation to think theologically with them. I remember the afternoon in Greek school when I realized that my time at Columbia Theological Seminary would not be the Finishing School for Preachers I had hoped. I would come to discover something far more transformative and dangerous there: A safe place to thrash out my sense of call alongside professors who, each in their own way, preached an implicit gospel in their lesson plans. Along the way, each one emboldened my search for answers beyond churchy jargon and borrowed words. Each one insisted my classmates and I dwell upon primary sources with technical skill and theological integrity. And each one taught in a way that honored good questions, making of their classrooms places of sacred waiting.
Is geography our destiny or our decision?
What in the world are we coming to?
What is school for?
My seventh grade World Geography students calculate their carbon footprint and imagine more sustainable cities, classrooms and schools (and, this year, practice creating one). We perceive and redefine our connectedness with female migrant factory workers in China, Darfur refugees, out-casted dalits in India, and Arab street vendors rallying for a voice in their own government. At each turn, I pray our exploration of the world renders it both larger and smaller than we first imagined, and invites us to participate in a future that remains open to our involvement and invention.
I remain grateful for John Philip Newell's gentle invitation to ask myself these very questions - particularly that third one. I am coming to see that the next mile of my journey as a teacher will force me to put myself out there as a voice for curricular innovation at my school. I find myself, as fearfully and imperfectly as any of Jesus' first disciples, daring to venture along a different road than the one my seminary professors walked with me. I am "back at school", so to speak, but without another adult in the room for whose validation to angle other than... mine.
And, for now, my daily seems to be to submit myself to be remade by my own questions, whether or not anyone ever knows what will become of it. Or, me.
I strive in my teaching to mold thoughtful, articulate, creative problem-solvers who engage moral dilemmas, open historical questions, pressing global concerns, three-paragraph essays, and their classmates with the patience, generosity, and care they themselves deserve. Each day I call out my students from their weariness, indifference, anxiety, and (sometimes) open disdain of history to stand with me where old stories and current events intersect, awaiting our answers.
Or so I hope.
I like to think I embolden a few of my students to think for themselves - and to want to think for themselves, even when it isn't assigned. But after these four and a half years of teaching, I place myself before my own essential questions and wonder if I possess the wisdom (or the courage) to live out the authentic answers I expect of my students.
Can history teach me to be more...?
What's the story behind my story?
What is school for?
These essential questions invite my ninth grade World History students to think historically with me - the most faithful response to my seminary professors' invitation to think theologically with them. I remember the afternoon in Greek school when I realized that my time at Columbia Theological Seminary would not be the Finishing School for Preachers I had hoped. I would come to discover something far more transformative and dangerous there: A safe place to thrash out my sense of call alongside professors who, each in their own way, preached an implicit gospel in their lesson plans. Along the way, each one emboldened my search for answers beyond churchy jargon and borrowed words. Each one insisted my classmates and I dwell upon primary sources with technical skill and theological integrity. And each one taught in a way that honored good questions, making of their classrooms places of sacred waiting.
Is geography our destiny or our decision?
What in the world are we coming to?
What is school for?
My seventh grade World Geography students calculate their carbon footprint and imagine more sustainable cities, classrooms and schools (and, this year, practice creating one). We perceive and redefine our connectedness with female migrant factory workers in China, Darfur refugees, out-casted dalits in India, and Arab street vendors rallying for a voice in their own government. At each turn, I pray our exploration of the world renders it both larger and smaller than we first imagined, and invites us to participate in a future that remains open to our involvement and invention.
I remain grateful for John Philip Newell's gentle invitation to ask myself these very questions - particularly that third one. I am coming to see that the next mile of my journey as a teacher will force me to put myself out there as a voice for curricular innovation at my school. I find myself, as fearfully and imperfectly as any of Jesus' first disciples, daring to venture along a different road than the one my seminary professors walked with me. I am "back at school", so to speak, but without another adult in the room for whose validation to angle other than... mine.
And, for now, my daily seems to be to submit myself to be remade by my own questions, whether or not anyone ever knows what will become of it. Or, me.
Lent Devotional: April 2
Part of fly-fishing is the rhythm of the cast. The more you practice casting, the smoother the rhythm, the better the cast and the fishing.
Perfect love casts out fear.
(Reflection from Dr. Tom Walker)
Perfect love casts out fear.
(Reflection from Dr. Tom Walker)
Lent Devotional: April 1
Sunday he stood on the steps at the beginning of the Time with the Younger Church. He was waving as big as he could to someone...I said, "Oh, how wonderful, you are waving to a friend." He nodded yes saying, "Mr. Jim, do you know him?" "I do." Then, he walked down the steps, stood in front of me, his deep brown eyes looked directly into mine, and he said in a voice filled with wisdom and depthfulness beyond his years - a voice I know came from the mouth of God -- "I love him." As he spoke the word "love" I could hear the first sounds of creation, the first word spoken from the mouth of God...and it was very, very good.
(Reflection from Rev. Carol DiGiusto)
(Reflection from Rev. Carol DiGiusto)
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Lent Devotional: March 31
Peter was a rock...strong, unyielding, pulled himself up by his bootstraps... which of course was his problem. What he needed to be was a sponge... fragile, open, pliable... Soaking up love and spilling it everywhere he went.
(Reflection from Rev. Andrew Kukla)
(Reflection from Rev. Andrew Kukla)
Lent Devotional: March 30
Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes
How do you measure, measure a year?
In daylights, in sunsets, in midnights, in cups of coffee
In inches, in miles, in laughter, in strife
In five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes
How do you measure a year in the life?
How about love?
Measure in love.
lyrics from "Seasons of Love" from the musical Rent
How do you measure, measure a year?
In daylights, in sunsets, in midnights, in cups of coffee
In inches, in miles, in laughter, in strife
In five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes
How do you measure a year in the life?
How about love?
Measure in love.
lyrics from "Seasons of Love" from the musical Rent
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Lent Devotional: March 29
"I had hoped to be a sheep," he said. "But, I was scared of being sheared."
(Reflection from Rev. Laurie Furr-Vancini)
(Reflection from Rev. Laurie Furr-Vancini)
Monday, March 28, 2011
Lent Devotional: March 28
Abiding in God's love. What does this mean?
In the little French village of La Chambon, something extraordinary happened, yet those who participated considered what they did very ordinary. This little town saved over 5000 Jew during WWII from the Nazis. Living out the words over their church door "Let us love one another", they hid fleeing people and provided them life. When asked why they simply said they were doing what they thought everyone would do in their shoes. They did not see anything special about what they did and were in some sense embarrassed by the attention given to them for what they thought were natural, human actions. (I invite you to Google La Chambon-sur-Lignon and read more about this simple, yet profound village.)
God abides in love and those who abide in love abide in God and God abides in them. (1 John 4:16)
(Reflection from Dr. Tom Walker)
In the little French village of La Chambon, something extraordinary happened, yet those who participated considered what they did very ordinary. This little town saved over 5000 Jew during WWII from the Nazis. Living out the words over their church door "Let us love one another", they hid fleeing people and provided them life. When asked why they simply said they were doing what they thought everyone would do in their shoes. They did not see anything special about what they did and were in some sense embarrassed by the attention given to them for what they thought were natural, human actions. (I invite you to Google La Chambon-sur-Lignon and read more about this simple, yet profound village.)
God abides in love and those who abide in love abide in God and God abides in them. (1 John 4:16)
(Reflection from Dr. Tom Walker)
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Lent Faith Stories: Murray Beard
A word from Murray Beard:
One of my favorite bible verses comes from Hebrews 12:
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."
If we rely on our own faith and understanding, there are so many things that can hinder us and drag us away from running that race of life that Jesus wants us to run. I know in my own life there have been times that I have veered off the path set for me, sometimes even getting stuck deep in the ditch where for periods of time I wallowed in pity, selfishness, and ungodly behavior.
Fortunately there have been many in my "cloud of witnesses" that saw me in the ditch and rather than walking past decided to reach down and pick me up, dust me off and set me on my way again. I give thanks for people like my grandmother Era, who was a constant fixture in my life as a teenager; for Bill Tickle who extended a hand of faith and friendship when I was lost in the wilderness as a young father; for Dale Caswell, who leads by active example in how to love your neighbor. The list goes on and on- Joyce, Elise, Tom, Ingram, Katie, Clint, Mary Lou, Dottie, Richard, Carol, Laura, Max......
During this Lenten season, as you analyze your faith journey, who is a part of your great cloud of witnesses? Who are those people, present and past, that have made a difference in your life? If they are still alive, tell them thanks this day. Share with them how they have been important in your faith journey.
More importantly, whose list are you on? Look around you- is there a friend in need? Is there a teenager that needs someone to talk to? A young adult that looks lost? Make a difference in the life of someone else today. Keep them on the path so they can run the race with you. After all, it is not who gets there first. We all win if we cross the finish line!! Thanks be to God.
One of my favorite bible verses comes from Hebrews 12:
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."
If we rely on our own faith and understanding, there are so many things that can hinder us and drag us away from running that race of life that Jesus wants us to run. I know in my own life there have been times that I have veered off the path set for me, sometimes even getting stuck deep in the ditch where for periods of time I wallowed in pity, selfishness, and ungodly behavior.
Fortunately there have been many in my "cloud of witnesses" that saw me in the ditch and rather than walking past decided to reach down and pick me up, dust me off and set me on my way again. I give thanks for people like my grandmother Era, who was a constant fixture in my life as a teenager; for Bill Tickle who extended a hand of faith and friendship when I was lost in the wilderness as a young father; for Dale Caswell, who leads by active example in how to love your neighbor. The list goes on and on- Joyce, Elise, Tom, Ingram, Katie, Clint, Mary Lou, Dottie, Richard, Carol, Laura, Max......
During this Lenten season, as you analyze your faith journey, who is a part of your great cloud of witnesses? Who are those people, present and past, that have made a difference in your life? If they are still alive, tell them thanks this day. Share with them how they have been important in your faith journey.
More importantly, whose list are you on? Look around you- is there a friend in need? Is there a teenager that needs someone to talk to? A young adult that looks lost? Make a difference in the life of someone else today. Keep them on the path so they can run the race with you. After all, it is not who gets there first. We all win if we cross the finish line!! Thanks be to God.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Lent Devotional: March 26
Love and authenticity.
There's some sort of tie between being authentic and being loving.
Love pushes us to our true selves.
Love invites others to their true selves.
I wonder that if there is no love, there is no truth.
(Reflection by Dr. Tom Walker)
There's some sort of tie between being authentic and being loving.
Love pushes us to our true selves.
Love invites others to their true selves.
I wonder that if there is no love, there is no truth.
(Reflection by Dr. Tom Walker)
Friday, March 25, 2011
Lent Devotional: March 25
Never able to carry a tune or keep rhythm she began to sing her own version of the classic Beatles song...
All you need is love...ladedadada...
All you need to give is love, love; all you really need to give is love...ladedadada
...and the band played on...
(Reflection by Rev. Carol DiGiusto)
All you need is love...ladedadada...
All you need to give is love, love; all you really need to give is love...ladedadada
...and the band played on...
(Reflection by Rev. Carol DiGiusto)
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Lent Devotional: March 24
"What is love?"
"It's a long walk on a beach without needing to say a word."
"That doesn't make sense!"
"I know... but it's wonderful, isn't it?"
(Reflection by Rev. Andrew Kukla)
"It's a long walk on a beach without needing to say a word."
"That doesn't make sense!"
"I know... but it's wonderful, isn't it?"
(Reflection by Rev. Andrew Kukla)
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Lent Devotional: March 23
"Whenever I get gloomy with the state of the world, I think about the arrivals gate at Heathrow Airport. General opinion's starting to make out that we live in a world of hatred and greed, but I don't see that. It seems to me that love is everywhere. Often it's not particularly dignified or newsworthy, but it's always there - fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, husbands and wives, boyfriends, girlfriends, old friends. When the planes hit the Twin Towers, as far as I know none of the phone calls from the people on board were messages of hate or revenge - they were all messages of love. If you look for it, I've got a sneaky feeling you'll find that love actually is all around."
from the film Love Actually and shared by Rev. Katie Day
from the film Love Actually and shared by Rev. Katie Day
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Lent Devotional: March 22
"I wonder what God's love tastes like?" I asked her.
She looked at me with a far away look and said, "I think God's love tastes like strawberries with a bit of powered sugar on them."
"I think it is more like chewy honeycomb with the bees still in it."
(Reflection by Rev. Laurie Furr-Vancini)
She looked at me with a far away look and said, "I think God's love tastes like strawberries with a bit of powered sugar on them."
"I think it is more like chewy honeycomb with the bees still in it."
(Reflection by Rev. Laurie Furr-Vancini)
Monday, March 21, 2011
Lent Devotional: March 21
All you need is love.
In the sermon yesterday, I mentioned a powerful video of this song by the Beatles. It is a song that I can't get out of my head when sung by 156 countries. Here is the link: http://www.wimp.com/needlove/
So, they will know we are Christians by our love?!?
What a call, what a challenge.
(Reflection from Dr. Tom Walker)
In the sermon yesterday, I mentioned a powerful video of this song by the Beatles. It is a song that I can't get out of my head when sung by 156 countries. Here is the link: http://www.wimp.com/needlove/
So, they will know we are Christians by our love?!?
What a call, what a challenge.
(Reflection from Dr. Tom Walker)
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Lent Faith Stories: Anne Torgerson
I have the best job.
When I go to work I get to tell stories, write dramas, paint pictures, make cookies. I get to teach history, enforce good manners and plan festivals. I sew costumes and set up tents. Next month I'm creating a museum. And through it all I get to boldly sing about God, tell about God, and celebrate God.
I have the best job.
And I want to thank Palms Presbyterian for playing a large part in leading me to this place.
Last spring the Women's Network hosted Beth Moore's study of Esther. I am a big fan of Beth Moore so I was eager to sign up for the class. From the very beginning Beth promised that the book of Esther wasn't just about one orphan girl realizing her destiny but it was about all of us finding our destiny. Feeling that my life had become rather stagnant, I held my breath and completed every assignment. Oh what would my destiny be?
The class ended. Good class. My destiny? No clue.
But four of us from our small group at the study decided to continue to meet and start a new study. We chose a book recommended to us by Andrew. It was How to Find Your Personal Path to Success - Keys to Living Out Your Purpose and Passion by Robin Chaddock. I was in it more because the women were fun than because I really thought I would get anything out of the book.
Long story short - I did get something out of it. I recognized the abilities, interests and passions that I had within me that I hadn't been fully utilizing. Just as I reached the end of the book, an ad for a job came to my attention. Normally I would have let it pass. But armed with a new sense of purpose and adventure I took a chance. As Mordecai told Esther, "Who knows?"
Who knew? I love my job as the Children's Minister at Ponte Vedra United Methodist Church. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to delve into the studies offered at Palms and allow them to change how I thought about myself and what I had to contribute. And I love my friends and family at Palms who continue to assist my development as they answer my questions, "How do you . . . " "Where did you . . . " "How can I . . . "
Thank you Palms Presbyterian!
Anne Torgerson
When I go to work I get to tell stories, write dramas, paint pictures, make cookies. I get to teach history, enforce good manners and plan festivals. I sew costumes and set up tents. Next month I'm creating a museum. And through it all I get to boldly sing about God, tell about God, and celebrate God.
I have the best job.
And I want to thank Palms Presbyterian for playing a large part in leading me to this place.
Last spring the Women's Network hosted Beth Moore's study of Esther. I am a big fan of Beth Moore so I was eager to sign up for the class. From the very beginning Beth promised that the book of Esther wasn't just about one orphan girl realizing her destiny but it was about all of us finding our destiny. Feeling that my life had become rather stagnant, I held my breath and completed every assignment. Oh what would my destiny be?
The class ended. Good class. My destiny? No clue.
But four of us from our small group at the study decided to continue to meet and start a new study. We chose a book recommended to us by Andrew. It was How to Find Your Personal Path to Success - Keys to Living Out Your Purpose and Passion by Robin Chaddock. I was in it more because the women were fun than because I really thought I would get anything out of the book.
Long story short - I did get something out of it. I recognized the abilities, interests and passions that I had within me that I hadn't been fully utilizing. Just as I reached the end of the book, an ad for a job came to my attention. Normally I would have let it pass. But armed with a new sense of purpose and adventure I took a chance. As Mordecai told Esther, "Who knows?"
Who knew? I love my job as the Children's Minister at Ponte Vedra United Methodist Church. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to delve into the studies offered at Palms and allow them to change how I thought about myself and what I had to contribute. And I love my friends and family at Palms who continue to assist my development as they answer my questions, "How do you . . . " "Where did you . . . " "How can I . . . "
Thank you Palms Presbyterian!
Anne Torgerson
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Lent Devotional: March 19
"Love never ends".
Never?
Never!
Really?
Really!
You sure?
I'm sure!
Wow.
I know.
(Reflection from Dr. Tom Walker)
Never?
Never!
Really?
Really!
You sure?
I'm sure!
Wow.
I know.
(Reflection from Dr. Tom Walker)
Friday, March 18, 2011
Lent Devotional: March 18
Standing in front of his tiny church, we were looking over one of Jamaica's green mountain peaks...we stood in the muddy rut made by the wheel of a passing mule drawn cart...he turned and said, "I pray for you and your church." Tears flowed.
(Reflection by Rev. Carol DiGiusto)
(Reflection by Rev. Carol DiGiusto)
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Lent Devotional: March 17
She and I looked down into a great pit filled with all manner of horrible sights and creatures and miserable looking people. And I wondered aloud what it might be, and she said it might just be hell, and I agreed it was good to keep them locked away down there forever, but she just kept staring and I'm pretty sure I heard her say that they weren't locked in forever, they just hadn't finished therapy yet.
(Reflection from Rev. Andrew Kukla)
(Reflection from Rev. Andrew Kukla)
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Lent Devotional: March 16
Most of the time
when I type the word "love" on my iPhone
I accidentally type "live" instead
and I wonder if
it isn't the same thing
after all.
(Reflection from Rev. Katie Day)
when I type the word "love" on my iPhone
I accidentally type "live" instead
and I wonder if
it isn't the same thing
after all.
(Reflection from Rev. Katie Day)
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Lent Devotional: March 15
From the Desk of Rev. Laurie Furr-Vancini:
I arrive before everyone else.
Loads of food for BEAM lies on the floor.
Books on the front desk counter - heartbeat of God and pillars of creation.
Boys from the American Boys Choir frolic in the garden.
Gathering, 10, 20, 30 in red, white and blue.
Hackysacking, wandering, picking pomegranates.
My desk strewn with cameras, fish banks, worship prep, LOGOS, VBS paperwork.
The day to come.
All is right with the world.
God smiles.
Across the globe the numbers of dead from Japan rise as tall as tsunami waves.
God weeps.
I arrive before everyone else.
Loads of food for BEAM lies on the floor.
Books on the front desk counter - heartbeat of God and pillars of creation.
Boys from the American Boys Choir frolic in the garden.
Gathering, 10, 20, 30 in red, white and blue.
Hackysacking, wandering, picking pomegranates.
My desk strewn with cameras, fish banks, worship prep, LOGOS, VBS paperwork.
The day to come.
All is right with the world.
God smiles.
Across the globe the numbers of dead from Japan rise as tall as tsunami waves.
God weeps.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Lent Devotional: March 14
(Sermon excerpt from Sunday, March 13th
"God is Insanely Loving" by the Rev. Andrew Kukla)
All that we find and see in scripture that is filled with the proliferation of sin AND forgiveness, brokenness AND restoration, and the time and again way in which God is moved to try again with God's people means that God - despite God's anger and frustrated hopes - has not given up... God's deep, passionate love of everything will not give up.
They say the definition of insanity is trying the same thing over and over expecting a different result. And by every shred of evidence I see, God is insane... God is insanely in love with you - with all of us - with all of creation.
"If you do not know love, you do not know God, for God is love."
---------------------------------------------
If God loves everyone and everything, and never gives up that love, how does that have a radical call on how we might choose to act towards everyone regardless of those things that we think divide us: race, creed, nation, status, world view, and even how they might treat us?
"God is Insanely Loving" by the Rev. Andrew Kukla)
All that we find and see in scripture that is filled with the proliferation of sin AND forgiveness, brokenness AND restoration, and the time and again way in which God is moved to try again with God's people means that God - despite God's anger and frustrated hopes - has not given up... God's deep, passionate love of everything will not give up.
They say the definition of insanity is trying the same thing over and over expecting a different result. And by every shred of evidence I see, God is insane... God is insanely in love with you - with all of us - with all of creation.
"If you do not know love, you do not know God, for God is love."
---------------------------------------------
If God loves everyone and everything, and never gives up that love, how does that have a radical call on how we might choose to act towards everyone regardless of those things that we think divide us: race, creed, nation, status, world view, and even how they might treat us?
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Lent Devotional: March 13
Today marks the first Sunday in Lent. It will also continue Palms second year of the Journey to Discipleship. Last year we began a new tradition of using Lent as a time for intentional focus on discipleship. As we Journey to the cross with Jesus we, like the disciples of the Bible, place ourselves at Jesus feet to hear his teaching and learn to walk in the way of Jesus in our daily lives.
A question I am often asked is, why discipleship?
It seems that many of us find the word disciple daunting, intimidating... too much. We prefer to think of ourselves as Christians, or members of the church. And yet Christ's command to his original twelve disciples is not to go make members of the church - or go gather adherents to a set of beliefs (Christians). Christ tells them to go make disciples, people who will follow Jesus with them, learning to walk in the way of Jesus in all they do and say.
As I read scripture there is very little daunting or intimidating about the disciples - in fact they are usually getting it all wrong. They too struggle with Jesus words, and they too often miss the meaning. They lose faith and struggle to grasp the vision. The only single attribute that I find in the disciples that sets them apart from others is that when the rubber hits the road, when they are challenged and afflicted by Christ's words, they still choose to follow in the way Jesus leads them. Others hear discouraging news and fade into the night (Nicodemus and the rich young ruler for instance), but the disciples - thick brained, over-eager, prideful men that they are - constantly stay with Jesus. Peter sums it up, "Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life." (John 6:68)
If you see in Jesus one that you wish to follow... if you sense that in Christ you find the way, the truth, and the life... then you are a disciple! You are called by God to follow in the way of Jesus and to share that gift by nurturing, equipping, and sharing the journey with other disciples. Naming yourself as a member of church is about naming where you find community... and that's important. But being a disciple? It is the essential journey of a lifetime where we follow Jesus and learn to live according to his word and way.
This Lent I hope that you find ways to connect deeply with God in answer to your call to discipleship. This particular year we have focused our conversation on love. Hearing those words we say in every baptism, "We love because God first loved us," (I John 4:19) we pause to reflect on how we are living that out in our life. As disciples how are we learning to live in Christ-like love.
Why discipleship? Because I firmly believe that being a disciple is what it means to be human. Being human is being God's children who follow God's son into the world in the way of love.
Join us on the journey!
Blessings and Love,
Rev. Andrew Kukla
On each of the six Sundays of Lent our Lenten Devotional will be short testimony from a Palms member of how discerning discipleship and living into the love of God has changed their life. Sharing stories of faith and discipleship is essential in Christian community but not always easy to do. We hope this can be one more way that we help each other to engage in this rich and wonderful practice of nurturing one another at Palms. If you have a story to tell we invite you to share that story on our blog or facebook page, you will find the links to each of those below. You are also welcome to send an email reply. Community is about sharing stories that feed faith - share yours today!
A question I am often asked is, why discipleship?
It seems that many of us find the word disciple daunting, intimidating... too much. We prefer to think of ourselves as Christians, or members of the church. And yet Christ's command to his original twelve disciples is not to go make members of the church - or go gather adherents to a set of beliefs (Christians). Christ tells them to go make disciples, people who will follow Jesus with them, learning to walk in the way of Jesus in all they do and say.
As I read scripture there is very little daunting or intimidating about the disciples - in fact they are usually getting it all wrong. They too struggle with Jesus words, and they too often miss the meaning. They lose faith and struggle to grasp the vision. The only single attribute that I find in the disciples that sets them apart from others is that when the rubber hits the road, when they are challenged and afflicted by Christ's words, they still choose to follow in the way Jesus leads them. Others hear discouraging news and fade into the night (Nicodemus and the rich young ruler for instance), but the disciples - thick brained, over-eager, prideful men that they are - constantly stay with Jesus. Peter sums it up, "Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life." (John 6:68)
If you see in Jesus one that you wish to follow... if you sense that in Christ you find the way, the truth, and the life... then you are a disciple! You are called by God to follow in the way of Jesus and to share that gift by nurturing, equipping, and sharing the journey with other disciples. Naming yourself as a member of church is about naming where you find community... and that's important. But being a disciple? It is the essential journey of a lifetime where we follow Jesus and learn to live according to his word and way.
This Lent I hope that you find ways to connect deeply with God in answer to your call to discipleship. This particular year we have focused our conversation on love. Hearing those words we say in every baptism, "We love because God first loved us," (I John 4:19) we pause to reflect on how we are living that out in our life. As disciples how are we learning to live in Christ-like love.
Why discipleship? Because I firmly believe that being a disciple is what it means to be human. Being human is being God's children who follow God's son into the world in the way of love.
Join us on the journey!
Blessings and Love,
Rev. Andrew Kukla
On each of the six Sundays of Lent our Lenten Devotional will be short testimony from a Palms member of how discerning discipleship and living into the love of God has changed their life. Sharing stories of faith and discipleship is essential in Christian community but not always easy to do. We hope this can be one more way that we help each other to engage in this rich and wonderful practice of nurturing one another at Palms. If you have a story to tell we invite you to share that story on our blog or facebook page, you will find the links to each of those below. You are also welcome to send an email reply. Community is about sharing stories that feed faith - share yours today!
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Lent Devotional: March 12
"I'm giving up something for Lent."
Giving up. Those words puzzle me. They speak too much off self, of my control, of faith on my terms.
The early Christians said Christ emptied himself. He didn't give up, but emptied. I wonder what I need to empty this Lenten season.
(Reflection by Rev. Tom Walker)
Giving up. Those words puzzle me. They speak too much off self, of my control, of faith on my terms.
The early Christians said Christ emptied himself. He didn't give up, but emptied. I wonder what I need to empty this Lenten season.
(Reflection by Rev. Tom Walker)
Friday, March 11, 2011
Lent Devotional: March 11
Ash Wednesday
I came home from worship.
She said, “Hey, what have you been doing, your forehead is dirty?”
I said, “I was reminded how vulnerable and fragile life is and how deeply I am loved…”
“Oh,” she said, “…here’s a napkin to wipe that off.”
I thought to myself, “not yet…not yet…”
(Reflection by Rev. Carol DiGiusto)
I came home from worship.
She said, “Hey, what have you been doing, your forehead is dirty?”
I said, “I was reminded how vulnerable and fragile life is and how deeply I am loved…”
“Oh,” she said, “…here’s a napkin to wipe that off.”
I thought to myself, “not yet…not yet…”
(Reflection by Rev. Carol DiGiusto)
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Lent Devotional: Mar 10
Smeared with ashes of palm fronds,
"You are dust and to dust you shall return" still ringing in our ears,
we dashed through the rain to our cars, our homes, our families,
our chores, our tv shows, our jobs, our lives,
almost forgetting that mark of death we bore into the world,
until we absentmindedly rubbed our forehead or walked past a mirror,
noting with surprise that even television and soap cannot separate us
from our own mortality.
--Reflection from Rev. Katie Day
"You are dust and to dust you shall return" still ringing in our ears,
we dashed through the rain to our cars, our homes, our families,
our chores, our tv shows, our jobs, our lives,
almost forgetting that mark of death we bore into the world,
until we absentmindedly rubbed our forehead or walked past a mirror,
noting with surprise that even television and soap cannot separate us
from our own mortality.
--Reflection from Rev. Katie Day
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Lent Devotional: Ash Wednesday, March 9
We arrive today at another season of Lent and the Palms Journey to Discipleship. This year our theme is "Living in Christ-like Love". We will journey together through a sermon series on love using I John 4:7-21, through Sunday school classes themed on discipleship and love, and through a lenten daily devotional. This year our devotional will look a little different.
The Palms staff has become intrigued at the power of short story and few words to evoke deep thought. So this year our devotional will not be lengthy reflections but provocative thoughts for you to wrestle with... we will provide you a spark in hopes that you will write your own devotional.
Each Monday will begin with a short thought and question from the sermon the day before, and then each day a different pastor will add another short provocative thought into the mix. We invite you to play with these and think on them through your day. You can even make it a conversation by making a comment or responding to comments on our blog, you will find the link to it below.
Today marks the beginning of Lent, a day we call Ash Wednesday. Many of us associate Ash Wednesday as something Catholics do, and aren't sure what the service is about - except maybe we know that you get ashes put on your forehead.
Ash Wednesday is really about beginning a journey with Christ to the cross. The ashes remind us that "from ashes we came and to ashes we will return". Ashes then become symbolic for death and life in the same way that Christ will forever link his risen life with death upon the cross. The Resurrected life in Christ only comes to us in a journey through death and brokenness. The ashes then are our own confessional awareness, our own experience of death and brokenness that leads us to life in Christ.
This year the scripture that captured our attention for Ash Wednesday comes from Paul's second letter to the Corinthians.
But we have this treasure in clay jars,
so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power
belongs to God and does not come from us.
We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed;
perplexed, but not driven to despair;
persecuted, but not forsaken;
struck down, but not destroyed;
always carrying in the body the death of Jesus,
so that the life of Jesus may also be made visible in our bodies.
For while we live,
we are always being given up to death for Jesus' sake,
so that the life of Jesus may be made visible in our mortal flesh.
(2Co 4:7-11)
I hope that you take some time today to reflect on this passage, and join us this evening for the Ash Wednesday service at 7 pm in the Sanctuary. It is the begining of our community journey this lent in discipleship, a journey following Christ to the cross and to resurrected life.
The Palms staff has become intrigued at the power of short story and few words to evoke deep thought. So this year our devotional will not be lengthy reflections but provocative thoughts for you to wrestle with... we will provide you a spark in hopes that you will write your own devotional.
Each Monday will begin with a short thought and question from the sermon the day before, and then each day a different pastor will add another short provocative thought into the mix. We invite you to play with these and think on them through your day. You can even make it a conversation by making a comment or responding to comments on our blog, you will find the link to it below.
Today marks the beginning of Lent, a day we call Ash Wednesday. Many of us associate Ash Wednesday as something Catholics do, and aren't sure what the service is about - except maybe we know that you get ashes put on your forehead.
Ash Wednesday is really about beginning a journey with Christ to the cross. The ashes remind us that "from ashes we came and to ashes we will return". Ashes then become symbolic for death and life in the same way that Christ will forever link his risen life with death upon the cross. The Resurrected life in Christ only comes to us in a journey through death and brokenness. The ashes then are our own confessional awareness, our own experience of death and brokenness that leads us to life in Christ.
This year the scripture that captured our attention for Ash Wednesday comes from Paul's second letter to the Corinthians.
But we have this treasure in clay jars,
so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power
belongs to God and does not come from us.
We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed;
perplexed, but not driven to despair;
persecuted, but not forsaken;
struck down, but not destroyed;
always carrying in the body the death of Jesus,
so that the life of Jesus may also be made visible in our bodies.
For while we live,
we are always being given up to death for Jesus' sake,
so that the life of Jesus may be made visible in our mortal flesh.
(2Co 4:7-11)
I hope that you take some time today to reflect on this passage, and join us this evening for the Ash Wednesday service at 7 pm in the Sanctuary. It is the begining of our community journey this lent in discipleship, a journey following Christ to the cross and to resurrected life.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Feb 10: The Power of Twelve
“…altogether there were about twelve of them.” (Acts 19:7)
Let me say it again… I love little, almost throw away, comments that hold potentially rich and deep material. There is absolutely no reason to need to add this little detail about there being twelve of them. Paul has met a group of disciples who were missing an important part of faith (in this case a small little thing called the Holy Spirit). He teaches them about Jesus, baptizes them, and they begin to feel the empowerment of the Holy Spirit (they break out speaking in tongues and stuff… you know the ordinary run of the mill Christian happenings). It doesn’t really matter how many of them there are… and yet the author decides as a parting thought to throw in this comment. “…altogether there were about twelve of them.”
Now immediately we hear the number twelve and we ought to have little antennae go up at this (if you were born without them, substitute a light bulb on your head… or a little vocal, “Aha!” will do.) Twelve? I’ve come across that number before… and certainly twelve disciples. Apparently there is something to this whole twelve disciples thing.
Throughout Paul’s teaching and preaching he is constantly coming across these little packs of people, starting community churches, and engaging people on the road. They are all people that are “following the way of Jesus”. Some of them know that they are – and Paul affirms them. Some don’t realize they are doing so – and Paul gives them a name for themselves and points them towards Jesus. But what stays consistent is that there are groups of people dotted all over the first century landscape that are traveling together in faith.
Today it seems we are headed in two different directions from that beginning. We head towards personal spirituality where there is no “church” or community to tell us what to believe. Or we head towards mega-churches where there lots of people are doing lots of good things together. What we don’t find much of (though they do exist) is little groups of “followers” dotting the twenty-first century landscape journeying together in faith.
Is this a problem?
I’m not sure. I do not know that it HAS to be a problem. But I also wonder if it isn’t symptomatic of a problem… and I’m not alone. There are a growing number of people who are asking that same questions in many different and exciting ways. But let me imagine just one possibility for today.
In a world where the way of Jesus is often unpopular and challenging, moving smaller (to the individual alone) or the larger (to the mega-church) are both ways of hiding. We are trying to hide our lives away from Jesus and from truly following in the “Jesus way”. Alone in our spirituality there is no-one to tell us that our life is not lining up consistently with our faith. And lost in the crowds of mega-church we can blend in anonymously. On the other hand, with just twelve people? That is the kind of class where you actually have to do your reading, you have to come prepared to participate, you have to go out on a limb and show yourselves. Just 12? That requires active and participatory discipleship.
Have you found yourself trying to hide? To blend into the crowd?
What do you find most challenging about really living in the way of Jesus?
Do you have your group of twelve who are helping you, as you help them, on the journey?
Let me say it again… I love little, almost throw away, comments that hold potentially rich and deep material. There is absolutely no reason to need to add this little detail about there being twelve of them. Paul has met a group of disciples who were missing an important part of faith (in this case a small little thing called the Holy Spirit). He teaches them about Jesus, baptizes them, and they begin to feel the empowerment of the Holy Spirit (they break out speaking in tongues and stuff… you know the ordinary run of the mill Christian happenings). It doesn’t really matter how many of them there are… and yet the author decides as a parting thought to throw in this comment. “…altogether there were about twelve of them.”
Now immediately we hear the number twelve and we ought to have little antennae go up at this (if you were born without them, substitute a light bulb on your head… or a little vocal, “Aha!” will do.) Twelve? I’ve come across that number before… and certainly twelve disciples. Apparently there is something to this whole twelve disciples thing.
Throughout Paul’s teaching and preaching he is constantly coming across these little packs of people, starting community churches, and engaging people on the road. They are all people that are “following the way of Jesus”. Some of them know that they are – and Paul affirms them. Some don’t realize they are doing so – and Paul gives them a name for themselves and points them towards Jesus. But what stays consistent is that there are groups of people dotted all over the first century landscape that are traveling together in faith.
Today it seems we are headed in two different directions from that beginning. We head towards personal spirituality where there is no “church” or community to tell us what to believe. Or we head towards mega-churches where there lots of people are doing lots of good things together. What we don’t find much of (though they do exist) is little groups of “followers” dotting the twenty-first century landscape journeying together in faith.
Is this a problem?
I’m not sure. I do not know that it HAS to be a problem. But I also wonder if it isn’t symptomatic of a problem… and I’m not alone. There are a growing number of people who are asking that same questions in many different and exciting ways. But let me imagine just one possibility for today.
In a world where the way of Jesus is often unpopular and challenging, moving smaller (to the individual alone) or the larger (to the mega-church) are both ways of hiding. We are trying to hide our lives away from Jesus and from truly following in the “Jesus way”. Alone in our spirituality there is no-one to tell us that our life is not lining up consistently with our faith. And lost in the crowds of mega-church we can blend in anonymously. On the other hand, with just twelve people? That is the kind of class where you actually have to do your reading, you have to come prepared to participate, you have to go out on a limb and show yourselves. Just 12? That requires active and participatory discipleship.
Have you found yourself trying to hide? To blend into the crowd?
What do you find most challenging about really living in the way of Jesus?
Do you have your group of twelve who are helping you, as you help them, on the journey?
Monday, January 24, 2011
Jan 24: Building up the Body of Christ
“After this Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. There he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all Jews to leave Rome.” (Acts 18:1-2)
“After staying there for a considerable time, Paul said farewell to the believers and sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila.” (Acts 18:18)
“Apollos began to speak boldly in the synagogue; but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained the Way of God to him more accurately.” (Acts 18:26)
I think it’s easy to decide that Acts is about Paul. (He does tend to dominate the landscape a bit!) However it’s a disservice to discipleship and the scriptural witness to miss other very important people in the story. The Bible is absolutely full of “extras”. People whose names are sometimes known (like Priscilla and Aquila) and often not (like the Syrophoenician woman). Who do memorable acts (like a thief defending Jesus on the cross) and some that we hardly even notice (like a women bathing Jesus feet long before he will turn around and do the same for his disciples).
My point is this: it’s easy to think that disciples are the people with their names in neon lights. The larger than life personalities… the great missionaries… the spiritual gurus… the natural healers… the keen intellects… the extroverts… the people brimming with charisma and quick tongues… the people whose actions directly cause cataclysmic change in the world… the archetypes of faithfulness (never mind that such as these don’t have a list of failings as well).
We all know Abraham, Moses and David. We know Peter, Paul and the many Johns. But this is not the beginning and end to an understanding of discipleship. Where are any of these people without the Priscillas and Aquilas of the world? Paul plants churches… but who nurtures and cares for them?
You do.
We do.
Priscilla and Aquila are mentioned in total six times. Three times in Acts. Three times in the collective letters of Paul (the end chapters of Romans, 1 Corinthians, and 2 Timothy). They could look like minor characters – they never speak in the text and their actions are most behind the scenes. And yet we know from these other references that they are known to Christians in far spread places, they “risked their necks for my (Paul’s) life,” and they lead a church out of their own home. We known that when other (more charismatic) figures fall a bit astray from following in the way of Jesus that they are there to pull aside and explain the Way of God more accurately.
They are essential for the health and depth and vitality of the church. They are essential to fostering discipleship.
How are you helping by being a foundation of discipleship?
In what ways are you (named and unnamed) building up the Body of Christ?
Does overall picture of your life help others understand the way of Jesus Christ?
“After staying there for a considerable time, Paul said farewell to the believers and sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila.” (Acts 18:18)
“Apollos began to speak boldly in the synagogue; but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained the Way of God to him more accurately.” (Acts 18:26)
I think it’s easy to decide that Acts is about Paul. (He does tend to dominate the landscape a bit!) However it’s a disservice to discipleship and the scriptural witness to miss other very important people in the story. The Bible is absolutely full of “extras”. People whose names are sometimes known (like Priscilla and Aquila) and often not (like the Syrophoenician woman). Who do memorable acts (like a thief defending Jesus on the cross) and some that we hardly even notice (like a women bathing Jesus feet long before he will turn around and do the same for his disciples).
My point is this: it’s easy to think that disciples are the people with their names in neon lights. The larger than life personalities… the great missionaries… the spiritual gurus… the natural healers… the keen intellects… the extroverts… the people brimming with charisma and quick tongues… the people whose actions directly cause cataclysmic change in the world… the archetypes of faithfulness (never mind that such as these don’t have a list of failings as well).
We all know Abraham, Moses and David. We know Peter, Paul and the many Johns. But this is not the beginning and end to an understanding of discipleship. Where are any of these people without the Priscillas and Aquilas of the world? Paul plants churches… but who nurtures and cares for them?
You do.
We do.
Priscilla and Aquila are mentioned in total six times. Three times in Acts. Three times in the collective letters of Paul (the end chapters of Romans, 1 Corinthians, and 2 Timothy). They could look like minor characters – they never speak in the text and their actions are most behind the scenes. And yet we know from these other references that they are known to Christians in far spread places, they “risked their necks for my (Paul’s) life,” and they lead a church out of their own home. We known that when other (more charismatic) figures fall a bit astray from following in the way of Jesus that they are there to pull aside and explain the Way of God more accurately.
They are essential for the health and depth and vitality of the church. They are essential to fostering discipleship.
How are you helping by being a foundation of discipleship?
In what ways are you (named and unnamed) building up the Body of Christ?
Does overall picture of your life help others understand the way of Jesus Christ?
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