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Prelude
Welcome and announcements *Call to Worship We worship the God who inhabits our world and indwells our lives. We need not look up to find God… we need only to look around… within ourselves… beyond ourselves… into the eyes of another. We need not listen for a distant thunder to find God… we need only to listen to the music of life…the words of children, the questions of the curious, the rhythm of the heartbeat. Let us worship the God who inhabits our world and indwells our lives. Hymn Great Is Thy Faithfulness Glory to God 39 Prayer of Confession God, you know us better than we know ourselves. You know our thoughts, our weaknesses, our sins, and you love us still. Forgive us when we don’t believe such love is true or possible, when we wonder how you could love us just as we are, When we forget our intricate instruction, that we are fearfully and wonderfully made…in your image! Remove from our minds every thought that keeps us from you. Break down the walls, push aside the pride, and help us trust anew. You know our hearts and you love us still. Amen. Take, O Take Me As I Am Glory to God 698 Take, O take me as I am. Summon out what I shall be. Set your seal upon my heart and live in me. Repeat. Assurance of Forgiveness Nothing is impossible with God. There is no place you can go, no end of the earth to which you can run. There is nothing on earth or beyond death that can separate us fron the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. You are forgiven and freed to live in God’s infinite love, grace, and peace. Scripture Reading Lamentations 3:23-33 Moments With Our Young Disciples Scripture Reading Mark 5:21-43 Morning Message Sometimes, in spite of good worship and preaching plans, events take place during the week that are so significant, they have to be set aside in order address more relevant and timely issues. That’s where I found myself this week and what prompts the need for two gospel readings. On Thursday, we heard and saw images of a tractor-trailer accident on I 64 that spilled its contents onto the road. The contents were a herd of cows that created all kinds of havoc and additional accidents. It presented a huge challenge for local law enforcement and others. I admit, though, it was somewhat amusing. I sent links to the story to my kids in North Carolina. They found humor in it, too, but then they weren’t wrangling cattle that had crossed the bridge and were strolling through Chesapeake. Later, from a breaking news report, we learned of a condominium collapse in Miami, Florida. It fell in a cloud of dust and rubble, trapping many people inside. The video of the moment of collapse took me right back to 9-11, the moment the twin towers fell, and of the fear and heavy losses the country sustained that day. And with this event, I knew, we knew, that such a catastrophe doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It stuns a multitude while its leaders try to serve a grieving city. On Friday, we learned the fate of two individuals convicted in major court cases. One in Minnesota and one here in Cabell County. I found myself quite concerned for the moment when the Derek Chauvin verdict was handed down. No one wants a repeat of last summer’s racial unrest. We have much work to do to heal those wounds. Closer to home, a young man, a neighbor of ours in his childhood, was sentenced for the violent crimes he committed. I felt compelled to reach out to his family, though I had no idea what to do or say. So, I tested the waters with a non-probing, hopefully, text. There were a few exchanges, and I know if they want to speak further, the door is open. Also that day, I learned that a person in my orbit was suffering a variety of problems, both physical and emotional. At such times I can offer the balm of the Church- the support of our prayers and the blessed assurance we have in God’s eternal presence and love. In our Mark text, Jesus is summoned to the home of Jairus. This man’s daughter was very sick, close to death. Before Jesus can make his way to her, a woman, who had suffered an illness for twelve years, approaches him. This woman has suffered physical and emotional pain. She has been isolated from her loved ones. She could not go about the town or go to the market, or even serve her family, because, in that day, she was considered unclean. To interact with her would render others unclean, too. Twelve years she endured this. There’s a gospel song that goes, “Give Me that Old Time Religion, it’s good enough for me.” I say, “ No, thanks!” I, for one, would not want to return to those old-time religious practices. This woman has lost a lot, but the one thing that can’t be taken from her, is her belief and trust in the power of Jesus. If only she could touch a little bit of his robe, just a little bit of Jesus- she would be healed. She could resume her life. And that’s just what happened. She acted at great risk. She didn’t announce herself. Jesus did not seek her out. We don’t even know if Jesus was at all aware of her before she touched him. But, Jesus felt the power “go out” from him. She poured out her whole story and Jesus gives her his blessing, saying her faith had made her well. By the time Jesus has finished his encounter with this woman, report came that the daughter of Jairus had died. Or so they thought. But, Jairus persisted and so did Jesus. Upon entering the place where she lay, Jesus stretched out his hand and simply says, “Talitha cum.” “Little girl, get up!” And to the others, he says, “Give her something to eat.” Dying bodies have no need for food. Only the living. She would live. These are dramatic stories. Miraculous stories of the power of Jesus to heal, to restore. In each case, we are to believe that the faith and trust of those in need had affected their healing. OK. But, what about the others, throngs of believers, generations deep, who have known, loved and served Jesus? All those who have encountered trouble, trauma, devastating illness, tragedy. What about their faith? Is it defective? Of course not. Sometimes Jesus restores the health of the sick. But, sometimes this does not happen. Or, at least, we can’t see any of the normal signs of healing. But, that doesn’t mean that we can’t be made whole, at peace with God and accepting of our circumstances. Here’s where our Matthew text comes thru for us. He urges: “Come to me, all you who are heavy-burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” A yoke is a device that is applied to two beasts of burden so that they move together- at the same pace and in the same direction. If one stops to drink, it’s safe to assume, the other also drinks. If one stops to rest, the other does the same. This is how close Jesus is to us. We do not carry our burden alone. We are yoked to Jesus who helps us carry that heavy load. I know you probably hear way too much about my grandchildren, but, they do provide good sermon material. Tad, the younger one, has been sick this past week. It started out as restlessness and crying in the night. His parents would comfort him and return him to his bed. After a day or two, a fever developed and an earache. A visit to the doctor was in order. Ear infection, sinus infection, and tonsillitis. Two kinds of antibiotics. And a lot of TLC. Tad still hurts and the medicine upsets his stomach, and he can’t go the neighborhood pool, which he loves. But, just being in the presence or the lap of Mommy or Daddy is all the reassurance Tad needs. He feels better the closer he is to them. I am aware of some of your burdens. I am aware of the burdens some of you carry for others. Mother Teresa used to say, there is always someone to pray for and there’s always a front step to sweep. It is always appropriate to seek God’s healing and wholeness- for ourselves and all those experiencing brokenness. It would be great if we could wake up tomorrow and think, “This might just be the best day ever!” But, in case it’s not, let me offer this prayer for all of us: Lord, I want to be made well. I reach for the hem of your garment, and there I find those who clothe me with love, and deep listening, and encouragement, and wisdom, and gentle correction, just as you would. I ask for your hands on me and I get hugs, and emails, and texts with GIFs, and prayers said on my behalf, as if they had come directly from you. Though others take me by the hand and feed me spiritual and physical food that revives my soul and body. out of the abundance of the health you offer. May I share your peace widely. Laura Stephens-Reed *Affirmation of Faith The Apostles’ Creed Glory to God p. 35 Gloria Patri Glory to God 581 Sharing Our Joys and Concerns Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer Presenting Our Gifts of Tithe and Offering Prayer of Dedication *Blessing Go now, with your hope set on Jesus Christ. Let the Spirit guide you. Let your righteousness shine like the sun until darkness and light are one. And wherever you go, whether you scale the highest heavens or plunge to the depths, may God’s presence be known to you, may Christ Jesus welcome you into his embrace, and may the Spirit assure you that you are loved. *Postlude Congregational Meeting Announcements There will be a congregational meeting immediately following worship. The purpose of this meeting is to elect a member of the congregation to the Nominating Committee and to elect the next class of elders to serve on the session. Nominees are: Hala Mosrie Mary Minichan Valerie Wood Clara Adkins Prelude
*Call to Worship Come, sing praises to God! Rejoice in God’s presence, for he is our God: Father to the fatherless, and the defender of all who need protection; the One in whom the lonely find a home, and the prisoner finds release! Hymn This Is My Father’s World Glory to God 370 Prayer of Confession God of power and love, We hear the stories in scripture, the ones that speak of your strength and miraculous power, and wonder if you still act to still storms and raise twelve-year-old girls from the dead. We still have storms that destroy and diseases that rob people of life. We still need your help, aware that help may come in ways we cannot imagine or expect. Forgive us when our faith is trembling, when our hearts are troubled and our minds worn out. Help us to believe that we are your beloved children, whom you will never leave nor forsake. Amen. Take, O Take Me as I Am Glory to God 698 Assurance of Forgiveness Fear not! God is always with us, stilling our storms, pointing us in hope’s direction, and restoring the joy of our salvation. Believe the good news of the gospel: know you are forgiven and live in God’s peace. Amen. Old Testament Reading Psalm 133 Time With Our Young Disciples Gospel Reading Mark 4: 35-41 Morning Message Summertime has always been translated “pool-time” for our family. I think my kids were always happiest when we were at the pool or on the beach. Happy, carefree, laughing and playing with their friends or their sisters. Fueled with peanut butter sandwiches and juice boxes. When our older two, Katy and Sarah Beth, were ten and five, we joined the Guyan Estates pool, mainly for swimming lessons. At the time, taking swimming lessons there led to participation on the swim team. We decided to give it a try and see what happened. On the first day of lessons, at 9:00 in the morning, Katy gingerly made her way into the cold water, uncertain that she wanted to be there. Sarah Beth jumped into water over her head and came up ready to race. Both girls learned quickly, and because everyone else was on the swim team, they joined in. Swim meets were posted on our calendar. We hoped it would be a good experience for the whole family. Katy has asthma, so swimming was good exercise for her. She worked hard at every stroke, every kick. But, even though she expended great energy, she often finished last in her events, sometimes through tears. I know some of you have experienced this: your heart hurts to see one child struggle while an- other excels in a skill or a sport. And that’s exactly what happened. It was humiliating for Katy to be out-done by her little sister and in front of a crowd. There were easily a hundred people gathered around whatever pool was hosting a meet. We were more than willing to let her quit, but she would not admit defeat. She would struggle on with our support. We all struggle sometimes. The proverbial water turns choppy and threatening. Or we find ourselves in over our heads. We need to change course before it’s too late. Our scripture text describes the disciples in a similar situation. Jesus is teaching and preaching and people are responding. His message is compelling. His miraculous works are drawing crowds. Teaching one day on the Sea of Galilee, the crowd grows so large that he has to speak from a boat on the water so that people can see and hear him. At the end of a long day, probably in search of rest, Jesus has them cross to the other side. Now they set sail at the widest point of the sea. It is estimated to be thirteen miles across. And Jesus, exhausted from his work, falls asleep. I have never been out in open water when a storm blows up. I have only been as close as the shore, the beach. But, that’s been close enough. The sky can change color. I’ve seen everything from gray to purple to a weird green announce an impending storm. The air changes from hot bursts to cold blasts. The air even smells different. Have you been there, too? Do you rush to gather up your belongings and hurry off the beach, maybe prompted by cracks of thunder? Lightning slashing at the sky? That’s what I imagine happening to the disciples that day. I can imagine their fear. And I can imagine their fear turning to anger as Jesus slumbers on, blissfully unaware of their plight. “Wake up, man! Don’t you care that we’re about to die out here? Do something!” The boat is rocking wildly. It is taking on water. Catastrophe is imminent. And from Jesus, a stern command: “Silence! Be still!” And the wind and the sea obey. As he has sternly commands nature, he sternly demands an answer from his disciples: “What’s the matter with you? Have you no faith yet?” This is the most interesting part of the whole episode to me: Jesus sleeps through the storm and the disciples interpret that as he doesn’t care about them. They have witnessed his interaction with many other people in need by this time. They know first-hand that his love and compassion for people is genuine. They know the awesome nature of his power. They know its source is God. They wake Jesus. Jesus has made them privy to every interaction he has had with people in need. He has demonstrated that his love and care and power are genuine. They know the source of all that is God. And now, the very ones who are closer to Jesus than anyone else on earth, are terrified and are accusing him of not caring. I can imagine how Jesus responded to that. I can imagine him feeling angry. I can imagine he wonders if his ministry, his message, have been futile. And, friends, I can imagine this scene playing out in families everywhere. A crisis hits and family members accuse one another of not caring or not responding appropriately. They doubt each other’s love. They question each other’s commitment. Soon, the crisis, whatever it is, increases in intensity, and the family is trapped in the cycle of fighting with each other instead of fighting the problem that is threatening their lives. They forget that Jesus is in their boat. It happens. It has happened to me, maybe to you as well. Facing a problem, a serious one, we do as our faith instructs us. We pray. We wait. We hold on and Jesus seems to be asleep. We ask our friends to pray. They call us to check in. They bring food. And Jesus is still sleeping. Maybe we get so frustrated or angry that we shake our fists and shout, “What’s the matter with you, Jesus? We’ve been good and faithful and you don’t even care!” Jesus slept. At the end of a long, crowded day, Jesus piled his friends in a boat and tells them to go to the other side. Then he retreats for rest. Could it be that Jesus, the rabbi, the master teacher, has so much confidence is his message, and so much confidence that his message has been taken to heart, that he trusts his disciples to cross the troubled waters relying on their faith, their skill, his blessed assurance that he will never leave them nor forsake them? They don’t know it yet, but, Jesus has so much confidence in them that one day they will receive power to do mighty, miraculous things themselves. When we consider the long arm of history, the centuries of information, knowledge, and wisdom God’s people have accumulated, the risks brave people have taken, the catastrophies that have shaped human experience, the threats that have prompted research, the discoveries, the developments, the inventions that have made our lives so rich and rewarding, I am left with this one truth: Jesus is in our boat. And I’m counting on Jesus being there as we try to make our way to the other side of the communal angst of this time. I’m counting on Jesus to be there as we work out our differences, as we recognize our prejudice. I’m counting on Jesus being there when we change laws that have kept some of God’s children oppressed. And I’m counting on Jesus being there when we grow so weary and worn it hurts to breathe. My little girl who wanted to swim in spite of asthma worked as a lifeguard all through college. My fearless child still jumps first and figures things out as she goes. They’ve both suffered storms, hurricanes even. The kinds that leave homes lying like sticks strewn on the ground. But, they made it to the other side. Maybe you or someone you love has suffered deeply, with their lives lying like sticks strewn on the ground. You, and they, can make it to the other side, too. This I know: Jesus is in your boat. *Affirmation of Faith The Apostles’ Creed Glory to God p. 35 Gloria Patri Glory to God 581 Sharing Our Joys and Concerns Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer Presenting Our Tithes and Offerings Contributions may be left in the offering plates on the Communion table or on the table in the narthex. Prayer of Dedication (same as we’ve been using) *Blessing Shine, O Lord, upon the homely mosaic of West Virginia’s land: upon her steep-hewn hills and angled draws, her maple-strewn valleys and ridges clad in mountain rhododendron. Shine, Lord, upon her citizens, armed only with freedom, scrappers all for such measure of dignity as fearlessness and faith may win. Shine, O God, into those deep recesses where thou hast abundant riches, that those who dig in the earth, and those who watch for their return, may know the radiance of thy light and the safety of thy love. Bright be the cleaning fire of thy truth in the hearts of the people, and in the public weal of their common life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Washington National Cathedral, prayed for the week starting March 1, 2020. *Postlude Congregational Meeting Announcements There will be a congregational meeting today immediately following worship. The purpose of the meeting is to elect one member of the congregation to the Nominating Committee and to elect elders to the Class of 2023. Nominees are: Hala Mosrie Mary Minichan Valerie Wood Clara Adkins Next week is ECCHO Sunday. Please bring contributions of cereal. We will also receive the Cents-ability Offering for the hungry in our community. Prelude
Welcome and Announcements *Call to Worship 1 John 4:9-10 In this is love, not that we have loved God, but that God has loved us and sent God’s Son into the world so that we might live through him. Prayer All powerful God, in Jesus Christ you turned death into life, and defeat into victory. Increase our faith and trust in him, that we may triumph over all evil, relying on the strength of the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, forever and ever. Amen. Hymn In the Bulb There Is a Flower (Hymn of Promise) Glory to God 250 Prayer of Confession Almighty God, you love us fully, completely, but, we have not loved you with our whole selves. You call, but we do not listen. We walk away from neighbors in need and we condone prejudice, conflict, and greed. God of grace, help us admit our sins, that we may turn from indifference and ignorance, and turn toward you, see the needs of the world, and resolve to speak with your voice and walk in your ways. Amen. Take, O, Take Me As I Am Glory to God 698 Take, O take me as I am, summon out what I shall be. Set your seal upon my heart and live in me. Repeat. Assurance of Forgiveness Scripture declares that God sent his Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. Friends, believe the good news of the gospel: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven. Be at peace. Old Testament Reading Psalm 20, 1 Samuel 15:34-16:13 Time With Our Young Disciples Gospel Reading Mark 4:26-34 Morning Message What a noisy spring we've had! And how surprised we've been to have it. Five years ago we bought a house on a lot covered with trees, mostly pines, some hardwoods, a few dogwoods. When we stood in the kitchen with the realtor and looked into the forested back yard, we knew we would buy. Oh, how we loved those trees! The way they surrounded and framed our house, the shade they provided, the birds and squirrels they sheltered, the way that large maple silhouetted the house in flaming red leaves in the fall. As one friend said, "This is a real tree house." It was a tree house. And we were happy there. Until the storm blew through last May. In addition to the 23 diseased pines we'd just had removed, another 16, mostly hardwoods, were lost in the storm-splintered by lightning, snapped by strong wind. Once the debris had been cleared, what remained was--there's no other word for it--our once beautifully wooded lot was ugly. It was bare and it was ugly. Last summer and fall were difficult. No green canopy of shade in July. No brilliant red backdrop in October. I did plant a few trees in November, most of them little more than twigs. Another package of twigs arrived in March. I planted those, too. I planted the twigs because it seemed like the right thing to do. In truth, though, I had no idea what would happen with them. The decimation of our yard felt so complete, it was hard to imagine it coming to life again. As spring approached, I wondered what it would be like. What would, what could come back to life? What would become of all those twigs I planted? What would spring be like this year after the storm? Spring this year has been noisy. And colorful. And surprising. Not only have nearly all the trees I planted blossomed or spouted leaves, but 8-10 hardwood trees, mostly maples, have sprung up out of nowhere. The birds who left for a time have returned. The squirrels who searched frantically all fall for new places to hide their acorns are as fat and sassy as they used to be. Parts of our yard still look desolate, but there is so much more life there than I ever knew, more life than I ever dreamed of. According to the gospel writer, my blooming, noisy, vibrant yard is what the kingdom of God is like. Seeds are planted--sometimes even in ugly, desolate places--seeds are planted; and, somehow--I don't know how--somehow life emerges from those seeds. Sprouts and twigs and flowers and leaves and branches. Someday, as we did with those 23 pines before the storm, someday these new, just-developing trees will have served their purpose, and they too will need to be harvested. But, today, these seeds, seedlings, and saplings are bursting with life. They are a reminder that even when things seem dead, when hope seems pointless, in deep places we cannot see or know, life is stirring, moving, growing...whether we understand it or not, the life in those seeds will burst forth in undeniable, incontrovertible ways. That's what happened with Mr. Ballantine. The day the elderly man was shoved out of a car and deposited on the doorstep of a homeless shelter, another homeless man named Denver offered to help. In response, the drunken Ballantine spat out curses and racial slurs. Denver helped him anyway. Even more than he hated people of color, Mr. Ballantine hated Christians...so much so that he would rather have starved than endure chapel sermons to obtain a free meal at the shelter. When Denver went through the serving line, he'd always get a second plate and take it upstairs to Mr. Ballantine. Denver continued taking meals to Ballantine even after the older man had been moved to a government-run nursing home two miles away. When Ballantine's room was messy and unclean, as it often was, Denver cleaned the room and its occupant. Each time he came to visit, Mr. Ballantine cursed Denver and called him names. One day a friend went with Denver to visit Mr. Ballantine. He asked the old man if he could get him anything. "Ensure and cigarettes," the man said. Denver and the friend went to a nearby drugstore to purchase the items. The friend sent Denver back to the nursing home alone. Here's how Denver relates his conversation with Mr. Ballantine in the book titled Same Kind of Different As Me: When I went back to Mr. Ballantine's room, he asked me who paid for the cigarettes and I told him Mr. Scott. "How am I going to pay him back?" he asked. I said, "You don't." "Why would that man buy me cigarettes when he doesn't even know me?" "Cause he's a Christian." "Well, I still don't understand. And anyway, you know I hate Christians." I didn't say [anything] for a minute, just sat there in a ole orange plastic chair and watched Mr. Ballantine lyin there in his bed. Then I said to him, "I'm a Christian." I wish you coulda seen the look on his face. It didn't take but a minute for him to start apologizing for cussin Christians all the time I'd knowed him. Then I guess it hit him that while I'd been takin care of him--it was about three years by then--he'd still been callin' me names. "Denver, I'm sorry for all those times I called you [names]," he said. "That's okay." Then I took a chance and told Mr. Ballantine that I'd been takin care of him all that time, 'cause I [knew] God loved him. "God's got a special place prepared for you if you just confess your sins and accept the love of Jesus." I ain't gon' kid you, he was skeptical. Same time, though, he said he didn't think I'd lie to him. "But even if you aren't lying," he said, "I've lived too long and sinned too much for God to forgive me." He laid there in that bed and lit up one a Mr. Scott's cigarettes, starin' up at the ceiling, smoking and thinking. I just kept quiet. Then all of a sudden he piped up again. "On the other hand, I'm too...old for much more sinning. Maybe that'll count for something!" Well, Mr. Ballantine stopped callin me [names] that day. And wadn't too long after that I wheeled him through the doors at McKinney Bible Church...We sat together on the back row, and it was the first time Mr. Ballantine had ever set foot in a church. He was 85 years old. After the service, he looked at me and smiled. "Real nice," he said. (Ron Hall and Denver Moore, Same Kind of Different As Me. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2006, 162-3.) Jesus said: The kingdom of God is as if someone would scatter seed on the ground, and would sleep and rise night and day, and the seed would sprout and grow, he does not know how. Thanks be to God! In the name of our God, who creates us, redeems us, sustains us, and hopes for our wholeness. Amen.
Affirmation of Faith the Apostles’ Creed Glory to God p. 35 Gloria Patri Glory to God 581 Sharing Our Joys and Concerns Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer Presenting Our Tithes and Offerings *Blessing *Postlude Prelude
Welcome and Announcements *Call to Worship I wait for the Lord, my soul waits. Our hope is in God’s Word. My soul waits for the Lord, more than those who watch for the morning. Our hope is in God’s Word. Hymn Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation Glory to God 394 Prayer of Confession God of perfect love, you continually bring forth life. transforming sadness to joy, and despair to hope. We are weak, but you are strong. Our ways are flawed, but your ways are true. Sometimes we stray from your way. You are always faithful. Forgive us, redeem us, transform us. Take away the sin that burdens us, and restore us to the people you would have us be, for the sake of Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen. Take, O Take Me As I Am Glory to God 698 Take, O take me as I am; summon out what I shall be. Set your seal upon my heart and live in me. Repeat. Declaration of Forgiveness God seeks us out relentlessly. With abundant grace and boundless mercy, God seeks us out and calls us by name. This is the good news: in Jesus Christ we are loved and forgiven. Be at peace. Reading from the Psalms Psalm 138 Pew Bible p. Time With Our Young Disciples Gospel Reading Revelation 21: 1-6 Morning Message I’ve spoken these words at countless funerals. I have leaned on their promises, trusted in their truths. I’ve reassured loved ones and have had them spoken over the pew that held my own family in our times of grief and loss. But I don’t think I have ever un-packed them in a sermon before. The first thing I noticed is that the text says, “God makes all things new.” It does not say, “God makes all new things. “What’s the difference? Rev. Dr. Janet Hunt offers us an idea about that. She says God does not simply replace all that has been broken, defiled, betrayed, polluted, adulterated, or destroyed. Rather, somehow, God gathers it all up and makes the old new again. God redeems what we thought was beyond the human capacity for hope. Again and again. And Janet says, even though these six verses are speaking to a time in the future, the churchy word is “escatalogy,” or in the “fullness of time,” we can catch a glimpse of their wonder even now. Recently, Janet paid a visit to the county jail in the state where she lives. Have you ever been to a jail? I’ve been as close as the courtroom where I witnessed people sentenced to jail, or prison. One was for multiples DUIs. The other was for murder. That’s as close as I ever plan to get. It is an odd and desperately serious experience. Janet went to the jail with a purpose, to see a particular inmate. The inmate was a young woman. She was not a church member. In fact, she had little to no experience with the church or any faith community at all. But, Janet had become acquainted with her and her need for support through one of the church’s outreach ministries. When Janet made arrangements for the visit she was told that she could bring very little to the inmate, but she could bring her a Bible. And so she did. Janet says when she placed it before her on the table, it was obvious that she didn’t know Genesis from Revelation. She gave her a quick overview and then Janet showed her where to find a verse she found helpful, hoping it might bring some comfort to this scared young woman. The verse was Isaiah 43: “I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you. And through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you.” Janet returned several times and they would discuss Bible passages the woman found interesting or puzzling. She may not have been familiar with the scriptures when they first met, but she was now a devoted student. Every time Janet visited, they would spend time in prayer. Their time together was increasingly valuable. Meaningful. This past March she was sentenced and has been moved many miles away to another city. A visit now would involve a day’s drive. A few weeks ago, Janet received a letter, clearly identified as having come from a prison inmate, the woman Janet had befriended. The message filled Janet in on how she was getting along since the move. Janet was truly glad to hear from her. So she sat right down and wrote a response so she could get it into that day’s mail. Soon she received a reply. In part, this is what it said: “I was very happy to hear from you! Thank you as always for the love and prayers. Sometimes I feel like I can actually feel the prayers from everyone. Especially when I am surrounded by some very trying people. I know that God is with me and is helping me to get through the days. I thank God every day for continuing to help me with love, patience, understanding, and strength. I’ve prayed not only for my family and friends, but also for the people I don’t get along with so well.” She continues: “There was a lady that stopped me in the bathroom last night and asked me if I ever feel like the “black sheep” of the family because I’m here. My response made her smile and she thanked me. I told her, no, I don’t feel that way. I told her to remember that God loves her and gave his life for HER! She agreed. I then asked her to read Isaiah 43:1-4. I also reminded her that she’s never alone and she’s worth more than she will ever know. I told her what room I’m in and to come find me if she ever needed to talk. This morning I saw her and asked her how she was doing. She is much better. That made my heart happy!” Now, we all know that this woman’s new-found faith doesn’t erase her past, her crimes. None of this proves that God is making all things new in the lives of those she offended, including her family. We don’t know about their desire or their capacity for forgiveness. That may be asking too much at this point. But, even so, God is doing something amazing here. Some kind of awesome “newness” forming in her heart that was never there before. Even in those dreadful circumstances. Even in a place where she is reminded every day of her sins and every day is paying for that with the loss of her liberty, God is indeed already making things new. Revelation speaks to us of a new heaven and a new earth. Can we even imagine what that might look like? When I first began studying this text, the first images that came to mind were scenes of the opposite- of destruction- the aftermath of hurricanes, tornadoes, fires- leaving people in a state of profound loss and despair. Even so, we know that wherever God’s people are suffering, God is there. God is there with first responders and long-serving workers who come to restore order in the midst of chaos. God makes things new on a very personal level, too. We have some pretty great neighbors. We all have daughters so we have had a lot of shared experiences. The daughter of one set of neighbors was eleven when they moved in across the street. She was full of energy, always positive and friendly. She was a natural-born cheerleader. Like the others, she grew up, went to college, moved to a bigger city and holds an important job in the public policy sector. The world was her oyster…until she was diagnosed with cancer. She approached it like she has done everything else in her life: full steam ahead. She’s been cancer-free for years now. We danced at her wedding to a fine young man and were delighted when God dropped two little tornadoes into their lives: twins! God does work in mysterious ways, his wonders to perform. Words of scripture are faithful and true: tears wrought from disease will be wiped away, but not all tears. Some spring forth in response to joy and become showers of blessing. God is about to do a new thing in one of our sister churches. Today the Highlawn Church is meeting the person I hope will become their new pastor. They have the opportunity to take a bold step into the future. I believe in the adage, “a rising tide lifts all boats.” When one of our churches thrive, it is a blessing to all of us. I urge you to add your prayers to mine this morning for this important decision. God makes all things new. Who in your life needs to hear those words? Who needs to hear that one day sorrow and suffering and grief will be a memory? What within yourself does God long to make new? *Affirmation of Faith The Apostles’ Creed Glory to God p. 35 *Gloria Patri Glory to God 581 Sharing Our Joys and Concerns Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer Presenting Our Tithes and Offerings With gratitude for God’s faithfulness and with thanksgiving for all that we have received, we bring our gifts to God. All contributions may be left on the Communion table in the plates provided. Prayer of Dedication O God, with faith and hope, we offer these gifts. Use them, even as you use us, to accomplish your purposes in Jesus Christ, the head of the church and the Lord of our lives. Amen. *Blessing Go forth from this place trusting that God is always with us and for us in every moment of every day. May you know the blessings of grace, love, and companionship through the Triune God. Amen. *Postlude Announcements The session will meet next week following worship. June Birthdays and Anniversaries Elder of the Month Kevin Dennison |
PastorCinda Harkless Archives
July 2024
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