Lent begins February 13th .
Lent encourages us to look within ourselves to see how we have confused popular cultural values with Christian faith.
We need Lent!
From the very earliest times, Christians took time out before Easter to reflect on their faith, cultivate it, and prepare for a most joyous celebration of Easter.
Remembering that Jesus took 40 days off to prepare for the beginning of his ministry,
the church sets aside these 40 days prior to Easter for us to get ready.
This is a time for us to explore the mysteries of the universe, looking beneath the surface – within ourselves -- examining our own motives and desires, and ascertaining exactly what our commitment is: to what, to whom, and what it means.
At the beginning of his ministry, Jesus went out into the desert for 40 days.
For 40 days he lived without food or, presumably water.
For 40 days he confronted his demons.
For 40 days he prayed.
For 40 days he communed with his God.
Suffice it to say, upon completion of his 40 days in the desert, Jesus had a clearer picture of his purpose in life,
of his reason for being,
of his God-given mission.
And he embarked on his course of demonstrating the reign of love on earth.
Traditionally, the church has set aside these 40 days prior to Easter as a time for personal reflection toward discovery of our purpose and renewed commitment to our faith.
Many cultures make a lot over the fasting nature of these 40 days.
Carnival is celebrated in many parts of the world the day before Lent begins as the last chance to eat meat for 40 days!
In this country Mardi Gras is celebrated in New Orleans on “fat Tuesday” – the day before the 40 day fast begins.
Today, we see these 40 days as an opportunity to attend to the parts of our lives that we often neglect. We are challenged to open ourselves in new ways to the Spirit’s transforming power.
Because Presbyterians rebelled against all things Catholic, Lent was never celebrated in most Presbyterian churches until recent years. But, Lent is such a rich time.
It is an excellent opportunity for us to really focus on things that matter.
Lent is meant to remind us that
the days are getting longer –
Spring is right around the corner. Signs of life are preparing to bud right in front of our eyes.
And, we need to prepare ourselves to see these signs!
We need Lent!
Lent encourages us to look within ourselves to see how we have confused popular cultural values with Christian faith.
Through a sustained focus on the life and ministry of Jesus, Lent can help us resist the pressures of this culture.
Lent can remind us that we are called to continue his ministry: "As the Father has sent me, so I send you" (John 20:21).
Consequently, Lent prepares us for an Easter that is more than bunnies and eggs,
an Easter that begins a whole new reality – a whole new world.
From the beginning, part and parcel of the Lenten observance has been alms giving.
The purpose of fasting is not so much a bodily discipline as it is a sharing discipline. Becoming aware of the needs of others, and responding to them with generous gifts of our time and talents and money are particularly transforming.
During this season we will be emphasizing our One Great Hour of Sharing as a concrete way of self-sacrifice for the needs of others.
The discipline of a daily gift to the One Great Hour of Sharing jar is a concrete way of focusing our thoughts on our individual purpose for living.
It becomes an expression of the faith we proclaim.
We will dedicate these special offerings on Palm Sunday, March 24.
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Thursday, October 25, 2012
For Us Christians, Thanksgiving is Really Thanks-living
Greeting each day with thanks for another chance to live and to love is a very Christian thing to do.
The days are shorter, the nights are longer.
The autumnal sun dances through the colored leaves –
it’s as though God had this in mind all summer long.
It is right, and quite natural, for us to feel a certain thankfulness for all the blessings that come our way – especially at this time of year.
Thanksgiving is one of the most universal of holidays.
And, as you may have heard me say before, it may also be one of the most Christian.
Locked behind cell doors, Paul admonished his new Christian followers to be thankful in all things.
For us Christians, thanksgiving is a calling.
It is an attribute of the life we seek to live.
It is a definition of a way of seeing ourselves in relation to our God who created us, redeems us, and sustains us through the trials and tribulations that have a way of showing up on our life-journey.
Notice, the Ten Commandments do not start with “Thou shalt not...”
But, rather with, “I am the Lord God, who brought you out of Egypt, therefore . . .”
The entire Mosaic Law is to be followed as an act of thanksgiving.
The basic understanding is that because God is God and enables marvelous things to happen and continues to be involved in my life and in the world around me,
therefore, I can do nothing other than live in gratitude.
We Christians live in thanksgiving for what God has done and continues to do for us.
For us, thanksgiving is really thanks-living.
The Psalmist could sing: This is a day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it! Greeting each day with thanks for another chance to live and to love is a very Christian thing to do.
There is a story told about a devout king who became disturbed by the ingratitude of his royal court.
He prepared a large banquet for them.
And when the guests were seated and the sumptuous feast brought out, a beggar appeared dressed in rags and smelling of sewer.
They watched as the brazen fellow walked right up to the table and literally pigged out.
Stuffing turkey legs in his pockets, and eating handfuls of mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie.
It happened so quickly, and yet it seemed in slow motion.
And the tramp was gone.
The quests were furious.
They asked permission from their host to pursue the man and tear him from limb to limb for his brazenness and ingratitude.
And then the King said,
“That beggar has done to an earthly king only what each of you do to God.
You sit here, day after day, eating until you are satisfied.
Then you walk away without recognizing God,
or without even expressing one word of thanks to Him.”
It is not without merit that many writers refer to ingratitude as the most basest of sins.
Even Shakespeare could write:
I hate ingratitude more than lying, vainness, babbling, drunkenness, or taint of vice.
Thanksgiving reminds us of how much we owe to forces outside of ourselves.
It behooves us to take an inventory of our blessings and offer up thanks in all things.
This year, expand your thanksgiving thoughts to thoughts about thanks-living.
The days are shorter, the nights are longer.
The autumnal sun dances through the colored leaves –
it’s as though God had this in mind all summer long.
It is right, and quite natural, for us to feel a certain thankfulness for all the blessings that come our way – especially at this time of year.
Thanksgiving is one of the most universal of holidays.
And, as you may have heard me say before, it may also be one of the most Christian.
Locked behind cell doors, Paul admonished his new Christian followers to be thankful in all things.
For us Christians, thanksgiving is a calling.
It is an attribute of the life we seek to live.
It is a definition of a way of seeing ourselves in relation to our God who created us, redeems us, and sustains us through the trials and tribulations that have a way of showing up on our life-journey.
Notice, the Ten Commandments do not start with “Thou shalt not...”
But, rather with, “I am the Lord God, who brought you out of Egypt, therefore . . .”
The entire Mosaic Law is to be followed as an act of thanksgiving.
The basic understanding is that because God is God and enables marvelous things to happen and continues to be involved in my life and in the world around me,
therefore, I can do nothing other than live in gratitude.
We Christians live in thanksgiving for what God has done and continues to do for us.
For us, thanksgiving is really thanks-living.
The Psalmist could sing: This is a day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it! Greeting each day with thanks for another chance to live and to love is a very Christian thing to do.
There is a story told about a devout king who became disturbed by the ingratitude of his royal court.
He prepared a large banquet for them.
And when the guests were seated and the sumptuous feast brought out, a beggar appeared dressed in rags and smelling of sewer.
They watched as the brazen fellow walked right up to the table and literally pigged out.
Stuffing turkey legs in his pockets, and eating handfuls of mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie.
It happened so quickly, and yet it seemed in slow motion.
And the tramp was gone.
The quests were furious.
They asked permission from their host to pursue the man and tear him from limb to limb for his brazenness and ingratitude.
And then the King said,
“That beggar has done to an earthly king only what each of you do to God.
You sit here, day after day, eating until you are satisfied.
Then you walk away without recognizing God,
or without even expressing one word of thanks to Him.”
It is not without merit that many writers refer to ingratitude as the most basest of sins.
Even Shakespeare could write:
I hate ingratitude more than lying, vainness, babbling, drunkenness, or taint of vice.
Thanksgiving reminds us of how much we owe to forces outside of ourselves.
It behooves us to take an inventory of our blessings and offer up thanks in all things.
This year, expand your thanksgiving thoughts to thoughts about thanks-living.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Seeing Summertime as Sabbathtime
Do you remember the song?
Summertime... and the livin’ is easy...
Sometimes I think if we didn’t have summertime, we would have to invent it!
It seems to be basic to our human nature to need a time of relative quietude –
a time of slowing down a bit more than usual –
a time of reflection –
a time of contemplation –
a time of getting back in touch with the things that really matter –
a time of prayer –
a time of seeking joy –
a time of pausing —
a time of refreshment —
a time of re-creation.
The Bible seems to ordain that we need a time set aside for these things.
The fourth commandment speaks to the need for religiously observing a periodic day of rest. Other passages speak of the need for sabbaticals and times of jubilee.
For many of us, Summertime has become Sabbath-time:
a time for respite, a time for rest,
a time for relaxation, a time for restoration,
a time for rejuvenation, a time for refreshment,
a time for recess, a time for recovery,
a time for renewal, a time for revival,
a time for restoration, a time for rebirth,
a time for recovery, a time for reawakening,
a time for recuperation, a time for resurrection.
Yes, summertime can be all of these things.
Time seems to slow down in the summer.
(Perhaps, it’s the heat and humidity, but I think it’s more than that.)
Nature has a way of forcing sabbaticals on us.
As if God is reminding us that all moments are precious:
the roses need to be smelled,
the breeze needs to be felt,
the rain needs to be celebrated, the fruits need to be savored,
the relationships need to be cultivated,
the children need to be befriended,
and laughter needs to resound all around.
Of course, you don’t need me to tell you what you need.
I pray that this time will be of great benefit to you:
Do something you would just not think of doing at some other time.
Take time to smell the roses.
Write a note.
Make a call.
Get in touch with the Creator of time itself.
Do something special for someone.
Remember your church —
and your brothers and sisters in the faith here.
Sabbath times are holy times.
And, summer times are holy times —
if we remember to put first things first.
Putting first things first means to affirm the words of the Psalmist:
This is the day the Lord has made... rejoice and be glad!
My prayer is that you will find holy times this summer as you take advantage of the days given to you.
Remember to take it easy.
Remember to just slow down.
Remember to keep a Sabbath.
Remember who has given you this day.
Remember who has placed you where you are.
Remember who has given you the people you are with.
Remember whose you are.
Remember who you are.
Use your time this summer to rejuvenate.
And let us, together, gather with new resolve to help God use this church to further the Kingdom of God on earth.
Pray for one another and rejoice in the moments you have.
Summertime... and the livin’ is easy...
Sometimes I think if we didn’t have summertime, we would have to invent it!
It seems to be basic to our human nature to need a time of relative quietude –
a time of slowing down a bit more than usual –
a time of reflection –
a time of contemplation –
a time of getting back in touch with the things that really matter –
a time of prayer –
a time of seeking joy –
a time of pausing —
a time of refreshment —
a time of re-creation.
The Bible seems to ordain that we need a time set aside for these things.
The fourth commandment speaks to the need for religiously observing a periodic day of rest. Other passages speak of the need for sabbaticals and times of jubilee.
For many of us, Summertime has become Sabbath-time:
a time for respite, a time for rest,
a time for relaxation, a time for restoration,
a time for rejuvenation, a time for refreshment,
a time for recess, a time for recovery,
a time for renewal, a time for revival,
a time for restoration, a time for rebirth,
a time for recovery, a time for reawakening,
a time for recuperation, a time for resurrection.
Yes, summertime can be all of these things.
Time seems to slow down in the summer.
(Perhaps, it’s the heat and humidity, but I think it’s more than that.)
Nature has a way of forcing sabbaticals on us.
As if God is reminding us that all moments are precious:
the roses need to be smelled,
the breeze needs to be felt,
the rain needs to be celebrated, the fruits need to be savored,
the relationships need to be cultivated,
the children need to be befriended,
and laughter needs to resound all around.
Of course, you don’t need me to tell you what you need.
I pray that this time will be of great benefit to you:
Do something you would just not think of doing at some other time.
Take time to smell the roses.
Write a note.
Make a call.
Get in touch with the Creator of time itself.
Do something special for someone.
Remember your church —
and your brothers and sisters in the faith here.
Sabbath times are holy times.
And, summer times are holy times —
if we remember to put first things first.
Putting first things first means to affirm the words of the Psalmist:
This is the day the Lord has made... rejoice and be glad!
My prayer is that you will find holy times this summer as you take advantage of the days given to you.
Remember to take it easy.
Remember to just slow down.
Remember to keep a Sabbath.
Remember who has given you this day.
Remember who has placed you where you are.
Remember who has given you the people you are with.
Remember whose you are.
Remember who you are.
Use your time this summer to rejuvenate.
And let us, together, gather with new resolve to help God use this church to further the Kingdom of God on earth.
Pray for one another and rejoice in the moments you have.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Have you ever wondered why you should be in church on Sunday?
Every so often, I like to ask the question:
Have you ever wondered exactly why you should be in church on Sunday?
Of course, there are various reasons that people have given over the years, and scientific evidence even now supports many of them.
There are actually physical and mental health benefits for worshiping regularly.
Many recent studies have confirmed what most of us see on a regular basis:
folks that go to church every Sunday are healthier and live longer than those that don’t.
And, when they are ill, they tend to heal quicker and have an easier time of it than those that don’t.
We know that going to church every Sunday releases stress and tension and actually enhances coping skills needed for life in today’s world.
Other studies point out how going to church every Sunday provides needed guidance for living.
A recent study at Stanford concludes that “Children [simply] will not thrive ... unless they acquire a living sense of ... faith.”
The National Commission of Children concurs that
“For many children, religion is a major force in their moral development; for some it is the chief determinant of moral behavior.”
Others go to church regularly for inspiration – to keep in touch with the holy. They find that it cultivates the soul and enhances our ability to recognize the holy when we encounter it.
Many who go to church every Sunday find strength and support for facing and living through the difficult situations life throws at us.
Others come for forgiveness or guidance for making difficult decisions.
It may surprise you to hear that Jesus never said:
Thou shalt go to church every Sunday!
He didn’t say it.
In fact, it wasn’t until after his death and resurrection that his followers began to gather every Sunday to celebrate his resurrection and share stories of their encounters with the risen Lord.
It was a celebrative occasion and folks came much as you might go to a family celebration – not out of a sense of duty or obligation but because you want to be a part of it and wouldn’t miss it for the world.
But, the very most important main reason you should be in church Sunday is what your presence does for the others present.
When you are not there, everyone in the room knows it.
Since negativity breeds negativity, the thinking goes,
“if church us not that important to them, maybe I can get along without it too.”
When you are in church, others get a sense of how important it is to you,
and they begin to feel it, too.
A visitor takes a look around the room and sees you.
Your presence is a witness to them.
(It matters not how you are dressed.
It matters not how prepared you are.
It matters not what you may have done the night before.
It matters that you are here!)
Simply put, your presence in Church gives a message others need to see and hear.
Your presence in church actually provides inspiration to others.
So, do something important this Sunday, come to church.
Have you ever wondered exactly why you should be in church on Sunday?
Of course, there are various reasons that people have given over the years, and scientific evidence even now supports many of them.
There are actually physical and mental health benefits for worshiping regularly.
Many recent studies have confirmed what most of us see on a regular basis:
folks that go to church every Sunday are healthier and live longer than those that don’t.
And, when they are ill, they tend to heal quicker and have an easier time of it than those that don’t.
We know that going to church every Sunday releases stress and tension and actually enhances coping skills needed for life in today’s world.
Other studies point out how going to church every Sunday provides needed guidance for living.
A recent study at Stanford concludes that “Children [simply] will not thrive ... unless they acquire a living sense of ... faith.”
The National Commission of Children concurs that
“For many children, religion is a major force in their moral development; for some it is the chief determinant of moral behavior.”
Others go to church regularly for inspiration – to keep in touch with the holy. They find that it cultivates the soul and enhances our ability to recognize the holy when we encounter it.
Many who go to church every Sunday find strength and support for facing and living through the difficult situations life throws at us.
Others come for forgiveness or guidance for making difficult decisions.
It may surprise you to hear that Jesus never said:
Thou shalt go to church every Sunday!
He didn’t say it.
In fact, it wasn’t until after his death and resurrection that his followers began to gather every Sunday to celebrate his resurrection and share stories of their encounters with the risen Lord.
It was a celebrative occasion and folks came much as you might go to a family celebration – not out of a sense of duty or obligation but because you want to be a part of it and wouldn’t miss it for the world.
But, the very most important main reason you should be in church Sunday is what your presence does for the others present.
When you are not there, everyone in the room knows it.
Since negativity breeds negativity, the thinking goes,
“if church us not that important to them, maybe I can get along without it too.”
When you are in church, others get a sense of how important it is to you,
and they begin to feel it, too.
A visitor takes a look around the room and sees you.
Your presence is a witness to them.
(It matters not how you are dressed.
It matters not how prepared you are.
It matters not what you may have done the night before.
It matters that you are here!)
Simply put, your presence in Church gives a message others need to see and hear.
Your presence in church actually provides inspiration to others.
So, do something important this Sunday, come to church.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Spring Has Sprung, The Grass Has Rize . . .
May does seem to be the most miraculous month, wouldn’t you say?
We sing about the merry, merry month of May –
and it is.
May is the result of winter’s rest and April’s showers.
May is the budding time of God’s time –
the harbinger of the growing season,
the blossoming season,
the rebirthing of bulbs and seed.
From time immemorial people have been celebrating this time of new beginnings as our ancient forebearers sought to appease the fertility gods in order to assure a bountiful growing season.
For us, May can be a budding time as well –
a time of rebirth,
a time to blossom and grow in our faith
and in our relation to God and each other.
This is a season of special Sundays.
We will celebrate the Generations of Faithful People,
Mother’s Day,
Our Presbyterian Heritage,
and Pentecost (don’t forget to wear red on Pentecost – May 27).
During May, a unique celebration makes each Sunday special.
May can be special for you, too.
Take time to read the weekly Bible readings.
Begin to reflect on your prayer practice.
Reflect on the desperate need for the world around us to see us practice love.
Reflect on the new day and the new world that is both a promise and a reality that we can experience here and now.
Reflect on the refreshment we experience and can offer the world around us.
And, reflect on the spirit that fills our lives with meaning and propels us to minister to the needs of others.
Let us take a clue for how we should our lives.
Any act of caring is never forgotten.
Any thing you ever do for another is never in vain.
People remember those who have shown they care.
Such discipline this month can only be beneficial.
Results are guaranteed! Try it!
As you do, remember the rest of us in the church -
as we will remember you.
In this small way, this month of May can be a time to bud and flower.
Your soul will find nourishment and your countenance will flourish.
As we sing in church: Let them know we are Christians by our love.
Spring has sprung,
The grass has rise . . .
Is there a greater witness
That God is?
I am looking forward to this special month,
this special time,
these special Sundays.
See you in church – and bring someone with you.
We sing about the merry, merry month of May –
and it is.
May is the result of winter’s rest and April’s showers.
May is the budding time of God’s time –
the harbinger of the growing season,
the blossoming season,
the rebirthing of bulbs and seed.
From time immemorial people have been celebrating this time of new beginnings as our ancient forebearers sought to appease the fertility gods in order to assure a bountiful growing season.
For us, May can be a budding time as well –
a time of rebirth,
a time to blossom and grow in our faith
and in our relation to God and each other.
This is a season of special Sundays.
We will celebrate the Generations of Faithful People,
Mother’s Day,
Our Presbyterian Heritage,
and Pentecost (don’t forget to wear red on Pentecost – May 27).
During May, a unique celebration makes each Sunday special.
May can be special for you, too.
Take time to read the weekly Bible readings.
Begin to reflect on your prayer practice.
Reflect on the desperate need for the world around us to see us practice love.
Reflect on the new day and the new world that is both a promise and a reality that we can experience here and now.
Reflect on the refreshment we experience and can offer the world around us.
And, reflect on the spirit that fills our lives with meaning and propels us to minister to the needs of others.
Let us take a clue for how we should our lives.
Any act of caring is never forgotten.
Any thing you ever do for another is never in vain.
People remember those who have shown they care.
Such discipline this month can only be beneficial.
Results are guaranteed! Try it!
As you do, remember the rest of us in the church -
as we will remember you.
In this small way, this month of May can be a time to bud and flower.
Your soul will find nourishment and your countenance will flourish.
As we sing in church: Let them know we are Christians by our love.
Spring has sprung,
The grass has rise . . .
Is there a greater witness
That God is?
I am looking forward to this special month,
this special time,
these special Sundays.
See you in church – and bring someone with you.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
16 Reasons to Be at Christ Presbyterian Church Easter Sunday
- You will be among friends.
- Celebrations are good!
- Your spirit will be up-lifted.
- You will be accepted here - no matter what you wear.
- You will be welcomed here - no matter what you’ve done.
- You will be welcomed here - no matter where you’ve been.
- You will be accepted here - no matter what you may have said.
- There will be familiarity to the service - presented in an informal fashion with full explanation of what to do when.
- Easter breaks through religious rituals to reveal the birth of a whole new way of doing things.
- You can help CPC break out of old odes of being church and reinvent a new church model more suitable for the 21st century.
- You might find new meaning and purpose for your life.
- You won’t be as lonely as you otherwise might be.
- You certainly will be appreciated.
- You would be listened to - and heard.
- Your presence would give hope to all others present.
- Where else, besides your car or shower, will you get to sing out loud?
Be with us Sunday, April 8 at 10:00 am in the Presbyterian Chapel in Drexel Hill on Turner Avenue at State Road.
Easter!!!
The single most significant event of our faith-history will happen again this year – just like it did last year and the year before!
The poet calls it “the sun’s birthday...
the birthday of life and of love and wings! ....
(now the ears of my ears awake and now the eyes of my eyes are opened!)”
Since that first Easter morning some 2000 years ago, folks have continued to celebrate what their eyes and ears could not believe – what all of human experience told them was totally impossible.
It seems to me that it is easy to loose sight of what happened that day – and what continues to happen in our days (for that is the message and the promise and the reason, after all, for our faith).
The reality is that we are a resurrection people.
Prior to that day there were no Christians.
So we do celebrate Easter as a birthday of sorts.
The birthday of life itself – no longer confined to temporal physics – life that transcends the boundaries of space and time and even death.
So we savor symbols like the butterfly and lily and pomegranate and mustard seed which must die before they live.
For the word is out that we, too, can expect the sprouting of new life when our time comes.
And that’s good news, isn’t it?
Easter is a huge birthday party for us as we celebrate the discovery and revelation of the true nature of our God – and of ourselves.
Once a year we focus on tending the ears of our ears and the eyes of our eyes to become more awake and more open to observing and celebrating the presence of Christ in our world, in our lives, today.
We do this, because like those early disciples, we so often look for love and truth and meaning in all the wrong places.
When they found the tomb empty, God’s messenger asked “Why do you look for the living here among the dead?”
That question is asked of us, as well.
Either we don’t know where to look, or we are afraid to look in the right places.
We need to come together, hone our skills of discernment and celebrate the ultimate revelation.
This prayer is posted above my desk:
He is risen!
That through Him we may recover faith:
faith in ourselves,
faith in our world,
faith in our God.
He is risen!
That in Him we may rekindle hope:
hope for the abandoned,
hope for the despairing,
home for the dreamless.
He is risen!
That in Him we may restore love:
love to those from whom
we have kept it,
love to those who are most near us,
love to those we will never meet.
He is risen!
Easter is about discovering sparks of the Divine within ourselves and in our daily lives.
My hope is that through our celebration together, Easter will so inform your life this year that you will know with surety, that you are a child of God, no less than anyone who has ever gone before, beloved of the Center of the universe and the Creator of life itself.
This Easter let us come to thank God for this most amazing day in celebration of Christ’s continuing presence with us.
See you in church – and bring someone with you.
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