Pastor’s Corner – June 29, 2023

The I am Statements of Jesus II: Light of the World

The Gospel of John explores the identity of Jesus in a series of seven I am statements. In Hebrew the words for I am are related to the name of God. In Exodus 3:14 God introduces the Divine name to Moses. The faithful, in respect and awe, do not even speak the name of God, so no one knows for sure how it is pronounced. Nor does anyone know exactly what it means, maybe it means: I am who I am or I will be who I will be or just I am or something else.

Through the revelation of Jesus, we can learn more about the Divine identity. The second I am statement is found in John 8:12. Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”

This idea of God’s grace reaching to the whole world is as old as our faith. In Genesis 12 God invites Abraham and Sarah to journey to a new land, promising to bless them so that they may be a blessing to all the families of the earth. Prophets like Isaiah pick up on this theme reminding God’s people to be a light to the nations (Isaiah 49:6).

Jesus builds on this foundation of service to all using this imagery of light. Earlier in the eighth chapter Jesus offers the Divine light to shine the gift of mercy to one caught in the act of adultery. In the next chapter Jesus offers Divine light to shine the gift of understanding to those lacking vision.

Is there a situation or a relationship crying out for mercy? Could you benefit from seeing from the perspective of God’s light? Receive the gift by following the way of Jesus and pass it on!

Yours in Christ,

Marc

Pastor’s Corner – June 22, 2023

Dear Beloved,

How is your summer going?  Being outside more is my favorite part of the summer.  Some of you might prefer being outdoors in the winter.  Even though, I don’t resonate with that, I am excited you do because the older I get, and the more I learn, the more I feel believe and feel that being outside in God’s creation can be very healing – healing of body, mind, and spirit – individually and as a collective.  I think about all the time our leader Jesus spent outside and all the stories of Jesus that connect us with nature (and symbols we use as part of a community of his disciples). 

As summer was beginning, I saw the following statistics in The Big Book of Nature Activities by Drew Monkman/Jacob Rodenburg (p. 2)

2,500 – Number of ads a child encounters in a day

2,738 – Hours average North American child sits in front of a glowing screen/year

183 – Hours a child spends outdoors in unstructured play/year

As we think about how we support the children and teens in our lives and communities, I encourage us to think about how we model connections with God’s creation and practices that are renewing to our spirit.  There are many practices that involve refreshing our spirit that can be done absolutely anywhere.  At the same time, I hope you’ll take some time this summer if you’d like to and are able to, to be outside – to directly experience God’s creation and to enjoy the blessings God offers us in creation.  Please let me know if you’d like to join a group for mindfulness/meditation walks outdoors this summer and fall.  We are also considering and praying about some nature-based service learning experiences/reflection-action experiences in the months ahead and in the summers to come.  Please let me know if you are interested in being a part of the planning and/or in participating.  You are welcome to email, text, or call. 

With gratitude,

Sarah pastorsarah.friedensucc@outlook.com  317-709-5857

God spoke: “Earth, green up! Grow all varieties of seed-bearing plants, Every sort of fruit-bearing tree.” And there it was. Earth produced green seed-bearing plants, all varieties, And fruit-bearing trees of all sorts. God saw that it was good…  Genesis 1:11-13 

Pastor’s Corner – June 15, 2023

The I am Statements of Jesus I: Bread of Life

The Gospel of John explores the identity of Jesus in a series of seven I am statements. In Hebrew the words for I am are related to the name of God. In Exodus 3:14 God introduces the Divine name to Moses. The faithful, in respect and awe, do not even speak the name of God, so no one knows for sure how it is pronounced. Nor does anyone know exactly what it means, maybe it means: I am who I am or I will be who I will be or just I am or something else.

Through the revelation of Jesus, we can learn more about the Divine identity. The first I am statement is found in John 6:48-51. I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.

One key to understanding this metaphorical statement is the historical connection to manna in the wilderness. About 1500 years before Jesus, God called and empowered Moses and Miriam to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt to freedom in the Promised Land. Along this journey God provided food in the form of manna (In Hebrew manna means “what is it?”). Each day the people could gather just what they needed for that day, no more and no less.

Jesus builds on this remembrance of God’s daily provision in the Exodus, not only teaching us to pray give us this day our daily bread, but also by suggesting that his presence is the nourishment that connects us to life with God—a full and good life now and forever.

This I am statement is put into practice in the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. When we partake of the bread we are invited to receive the bread of life. From the manna the Creator makes available for bodily nourishment day by day to the bread of life that offers the strength we need for this life and the hope we need for the life to come; Jesus reveals God’s grace that provides. Are you open to God’s graceful provision?

Yours in Christ,

Marc

Pastor’s Corner – June 8, 2023

Dear Beloved,

Praises be to God that the joy and hope which we celebrated during the season of Eastertide remains with us as we move into the liturgical season of ordinary time.  In the ordinary days of life we can continue to put our trust in an extraordinary God of extraordinary love – a love that never fails, never forsakes, always welcomes, always embraces us….A few weeks ago on Pentecost we celebrated the gift of God’s Spirit in all times, places, peoples, and life.  In the ordinary moments of life, we can continue to celebrate the extraordinary works of God’s Spirit.  The Spirit who comforts, consoles, convicts, connects, and covers us. 

Where are you experiencing God’s Spirit at work these days?  Maybe in the a gentle or strong breeze, maybe in a storm or silence, maybe in a downpour or a gentle rain, maybe in a song or smile, maybe in a memory of the past or in a dream for the future….  I give thanks as I experience God’s Spirit in the gifts of prayer and gifts of community.  When I feel energized or concerned, I feel God’s Spirit when I remember that we are praying for each other.  When I feel discouraged or hopeful, I feel God’s Spirit when I remember that we are not alone.  I feel God’s Spirit when I see or hear about ministries old and new – ministries of feeding and sharing, ministries of supporting and serving.  Thank you for being part of the ministries God calls us to as followers of Jesus.  Thank you for your prayers.  If you have questions about how to connect with ministry teams or want to share your prayer concerns or joys, ponderings, or dreams, please feel free to reach out to Pastor Marc or to me.  We are grateful for you and thankful to serve and follow Jesus with you.

With gratitude,

    Sarah

 “I have said these things to you while I am still with you.  But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.   

John 14:25-27

Pastor’s Corner – June 1, 2023

Sightings 4

In the sequel to the Gospel According to Luke, the Acts of the Apostles begins with a dramatic sighting of the Risen One. In the second chapter, the living Spirit of Christ pours forth among all the followers “like the rush of a mighty wind and like divided tongues as of fire”. It created such a commotion that many who were gathered in Jerusalem for the Festival of Pentecost were drawn to the house where the disciples were gathered. Folks from all over began to hear these Galilean disciples speaking in their own languages the good news about Jesus. This winsome Spirit, like wind and fire, spread quickly so that “about three thousand folks became disciples on that very day” (2:41).

If we are open we too can be a free flowing vessel for Christ’s living Spirit. We have to get out of the way and let the Risen One do through us what we never could imagine. Have you ever been surprised that you took a risk to lend a helping hand, that you spoke up for someone who was being put down, that you offered a prayer to someone needing direction, that you encouraged someone who was feeling hopeless, or that you gave credit to Christ for all the goodness in your life? Those kinds of surprising, unplanned actions of grace and peace are not all you! They have their source in the Risen One. Be open and willing and give thanks!

Yours in Christ,

Marc

Pastor’s Corner – May 25, 2023

Dear Beloved,

How is it with your being in this season?  From my perspective it feels like a time of transitions for many.  In these times when I remember summer breaks full of playing outside with friends all day (as soon as my required piano practice and summer reading were done), I pray especially for children and teens where summer break means the absence of the structure and supports of school that can be helpful.  I’m grateful for summer servings, and yet I am still concerned that some children may not have enough to eat. 

It also feels like I know many people who are in the midst of other transitions – changes in family, work, living situation, health, plans, hopes, dreams, understandings of who they are or how they express themselves to others.  If you are in the midst of a time of change and uncertainty, where or how do you find peace, calm, and rest?

I am grateful for faith communities and prayer partners who help me through seasons of change.  I’m grateful for the way God created the seasons and the rhythm of night and day – in many ways we are always changing, even when we don’t feel it as deeply.  I also praise God for the beautiful diversity and splendor of all God creates and find renewal and rest out in God’s creation.  I’m grateful that this summer we have a special opportunity with Indiana Humanities to connect with the earth God has made through a conversation with Autumn Brunelle. Autumn is Anishinaabe, a citizen of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa, and grew up on the Leech Lake Indian Reservation in Cass Lake, Minnesota. Autumn graduated in 2015 from Dartmouth College with a B.A. in Environmental Studies and Native American Studies with a desire for integrating indigenous knowledge into environmental education and outreach. She has continued to develop this passion through her diverse work experiences with international and local non-profits, the National Park Service, local governments, and in creating community-based environmental programming. She currently works as a full-time Naturalist for the Monroe County Parks and Recreation Department.  I hope you’ll mark your calendar for Sunday, June 11th at 2 p.m. to join us for this program with Autumn, the Peace Learning Center, Indy Public Libraries, and Crossroad Dance Indy.  If you are available to help with this program, please contact me at pastorsarah.friedensucc.org or 317-709-5857. 

You are in my prayers this season and in all the seasons of life as we journey together.  May you always know that no matter who you are, where you are, or what questions you have, you are welcome with Friedens United Church of Christ, and you are a beloved child of God! 

“Oh give thanks to God, for God is good, God’s steadfast love endures forever.”  Psalm 136:1

Pastor’s Corner – May 18, 2023

Sightings 3

Only John recounts a touching scene of the Risen Jesus preparing breakfast for some of his disciples on the shore of the Sea of Galilee (21:1-19). Some of the followers have gone back to fishing after Jesus’ death. While in a boat casting a net but without success, someone from the shore tells them to try on the other side of the boat. They do and the catch is so large that it nearly swamps them. In the excitement one among them realizes it is the Risen Jesus who is on shore. Peter forgets the fish and dives in to swim to shore. The others bring the haul of fish, but everyone remains quiet in Jesus’ presence. Jesus had fish and bread on a charcoal fire, and they ate together.

After breakfast, the Risen Jesus focuses his attention on Peter who had denied he even knew Jesus (John 18:15-27). Three times Jesus asks Peter, “do you love me?” Three times Peter confesses his love for Jesus. And three times Jesus calls Peter to “tend his sheep”. Peter is forgiven for his denial and Peter is newly commissioned for his service to Christ.

Like Peter, when have you denied your loyalty to Jesus and when have you betrayed Jesus’ way of grace and peace? Can you get past this guilt and regret? Remember, the Risen One is seeking you. He goes wherever you are, pleading for your attention, welcoming you back in the fold, renewing a loving relationship, and calling you to serve in the way of grace and peace. Watch and listen, friends, Jesus is alive and present.

In Christ,

Marc

Pastor’s Corner – May 11, 2023

Dear Beloved,

Worshipping God with you together in the same physical or virtual space on Sunday mornings is something that I greatly look forward to each Sunday. Pastor Marc’s messages always challenge and inspire me. Hearing the lay reader share the scripture passage brings it to life differently than when I read it by myself. The shared responsive reading bring me hope. 

As someone with no musical talents, I’m very grateful to have a weekly opportunity to join my voice in songs of praise and adoration to God with each of you. Dwight, Kristin, the chancel choir, the cantors, and the AV ministry leaders use their gifts so beautifully to glorify and honor God. I appreciate all their time, energy, and dedication.

I appreciate and give thanks for each of you who take time to join us for worship experiences virtually or in person. Thank you! This week I’ve been wondering what your favorite hymns are. I really enjoyed hearing your favorite Bible stories. If you’d email me your favorite hymns and/or Bible stories, I would be very grateful. Pastorsarah.friedensucc@outlook.com I appreciate getting to know each of you better. I thank God for you and the ways God brings us together with different perspectives, talents, personalities, and experiences. Thank you for being the unique you whom God made. 

With gratitude for you and hope and trust in our Good Shepherd who leads us and carries us~



Sarah

“Oh, give thanks to the Lord and pray to the Lord,” they sang.
“Tell the peoples of the world About God’s mighty doings.
Sing to God; yes, sing the Lord’s praises
And tell of God’s marvelous works.
Glory in God’s holy name; Let all rejoice who seek the Lord.

   1Chronicles 16:8-10

Pastor’s Corner – May 4, 2023

Sightings 2

Only Luke recounts a familiar story of another sighting of the Risen Jesus—the walk to Emmaus (24:13-35). Two followers were on a seven mile journey from Jerusalem to Emmaus when they were joined on this walk by the Risen One himself, though they didn’t recognize him. Luke tells that the unrecognized Jesus began a lengthy interpretation of the books of Moses and the Prophets and the way Jesus of Nazareth was a fulfillment of the scriptures.

When the destination was reached, the two invited the stranger to stay with them and share a meal. When the stranger blessed and broke the bread to give it to them “their eyes were opened, and they recognized him and he vanished out of their sight. Then they said to each other, ‘Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road’” (24:31,32).

This sighting of the Risen One was characterized by sudden insight and the warm feeling of a graceful Presence. Have you ever experienced the feeling of suddenly understanding a deep mystery? Have you ever felt your heart strangely and unexpectedly warmed, maybe in worship, or in the presence of beauty, or when loved and accepted?

Maybe it is coincidence or maybe it is the Risen One?!

Yours in Christ,

Marc

Pastor’s Corner - April 27, 2023

Dear Beloved,

Do you have formation childhood or teen memories that acted as crystalizers of foundational themes or frameworks in your life?  As a child of the 80s and 90s, banners were a big thing in the congregations who raised me.  Each time there was a baptism, I watched my mom carefully cut out a red flower with a green stem from felt.  Then she’d write the name of the person being baptized on the flower in bright yellow puff paint.  As a child, I remember how important it was to be patient to let it dry before transporting it or the whole process began again.  When completely dry it was hung on a banner that had part of a passage from Isaiah, “I have called you by name.  You are mine.”  When I was old enough, it became my job to take the flower down after the baptism and give it to the person or family of the person who had been baptized.  As one who has always loved babies, this was a very special job if the person being baptized was a baby. 

I did not know then, but looking back, I believe those experiences were placing in my heart a firm belief that God knows each of us by name and calls us.  God loves each of us as unique beings created in the image of God’s all-loving and mightily-merciful self.  The idea that any other human would know me intimately enough to know all the hairs on my head or all the unpleasant thoughts in my head would terrify me, but knowing that God knows each of us that well and accepts us anyways and patiently guides us to grow and be transformed by the indwelling of Jesus and power of the Holy Spirit gives me abundant hope and peace.

Recently I learned about deadnaming.  Deadnaming is the act of referring to a transgender or non-binary person by a name they used prior to transitioning, such as their birth name. Deadnaming may be unintentional, or a deliberate attempt to deny, mock or invalidate a person's gender identity.  Maybe the power of God calling us by name is why I find the act of deadnaming heart-breaking.  I want to honor a person fully, and I am praying that God will keep helping me learn and understand how to be attentive and open to understanding what that means for each person.  I am grateful for people who are willing to teach me and help me learn.  We have an opportunity to learn a little more about honoring all people through a presentation/conversation with Emma from GenderNexus between worship services from 9:30 to 10:20 on Sunday, May 7th in the chapel.  It is a special day with a bake sale in the narthex for Love Lucas and a film about hunger with Friedens Moving Outward in Hayden Hall after the 10:30 a.m. worship service.  I hope you will be able to be part of these special opportunities for learning and growing together as disciples and followers of Jesus.  I thank God for you and the blessings of serving with each of you!

With gratitude for you and hope and joy in our Creator in this season of Eastertide~ 

     Sarah

  But now thus says the Lord,
    he who created you, O Jacob,
    he who formed you, O Israel:
Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
    I have called you by name; you are mine.  Isaiah 43:1

Pastor’s Corner – April 20, 2023

Sightings 1

According to Matthew (28:1-10) and John (20:11-18) the first sighting of the Risen Jesus is by Mary of Magdala and another Mary (though John does not mention the other Mary). It was early in the morning of the first day of the week that these two Mary’s, these two faithful disciples, went to visit the tomb of and pay their respects for their beloved Leader. It is fair to say, that the last thing they expected was to see alive the one they witnessed dead and buried. Surprise, shock and even fear are descriptive of their emotions at the sighting. In each telling, they bow in worship before the Risen One who greets them and gives them a job to do. They are to tell the others.

We are included among those who have heard this shocking good news from the women at the tomb who first saw the Risen Jesus. What do you make of their story? Do you trust their witness?

I do. Their account rings true. If I were with them, I would have felt the very same way they did. Plus, it fits with Jesus own repeated prediction that in Jerusalem “the Son of Man is to be betrayed into human hands, and they will kill him, and three days after being killed, he will rise again” (Mark 9:31).

I also find it convincing that Jesus gave the women a job to do—to tell others. The gospel writers share a common view that reflects Jesus’ commission to followers: “go and make disciples of all people” (Matthew 28:19).

We are the living body of Christ, the church! Christ is alive in us when we tell others of the difference Jesus has made in our lives and invite others to follow too. Do you see the Risen One at work in the disciples at Friedens Church?

Yours in Christ,

Marc

Pastor’s Corner – April 13, 2023

Dear Beloved,

This morning, I was thanking God for you and thanking God for the offerings of letters which we participate in at least once a year. I can remember glancing around one year and seeing a five-year-old writing a letter to advocate for healthy food for all and food security next to an eighty-year-old. The moment was beautiful and glorious and turned me to total praises to God!!! The memory of it still does. Thank you for those memories. Thank you for your commitment to equity, justice, and shalom in the ways of Jesus our Leader!

As I thanked God for you, I praised God who is our Nourisher of body, mind, and spirit. What is your favorite story or memory of nourishment of body, mind, and spirit? This time of year, I begin to think of picnics with friends at parks and my heart feels happy. I think of Jesus feeding people and eating with people who others would not dare eat with. The stories of God’s provision of manna and daily bread overwhelm and humble me. I am excited to explore the story of the woman and child who shared with Elijah and the passages about gleaning this summer during Vacation Bible School and as we enjoy a visit from a leader of Society of St. Andrew who helps extra Indiana produce find a place to become food for people. I write this with Maundy Thursday still ahead of us – a time when we remember Jesus’ last meal with his disciples before his death and resurrection, and by the time you read this we may be exploring the meals the resurrected Jesus had with people as he shared hope and the good news of God’s Spirit and peace with them. 

Thank you for journeying through these memories with me! I’d love to hear or read your stories and memories of nourishment or meals shared if you’d like to chat or send them. I hope you’ll be joining in writing letters for the Bread for World offering of letters either virtually or in person on Sunday, April 16. If you have more questions please connect with me or our Friedens Moving Outward Ministry Team.

With much gratitude for you and praises to our Nourisher, Bread of Life, and Spirit of peace~

As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on.  But they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.” So he went in to stay with them.  When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 

Luke 24:28-30

Pastor’s Corner – April 6, 2023

Questions Jesus Asks on the Way to the Cross

He came a third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? Enough! The hour has come; the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Mark 14:41

In his hour of need those closest to Jesus failed him. One betrayed, another denied, and the rest ran away. They couldn’t even stay awake to pray with Jesus. This part of the story makes us sad, not only because of the way Jesus’ disciples let him down but also because it reminds us of the way we let Jesus down. We are no better. We too have betrayed, denied, and run away. We too have trouble staying awake and alert to opportunities to serve Jesus and advance his way of love.

It is a sad part of our story of discipleship. It is important for us to be honest. It is necessary for us to seek forgiveness and invite Christ’s living Spirit to help us do better. The good news is that Jesus does forgive us and remains with us so we can do better. When the Risen One returned to the disciples his first words were, peace be with you.

Jesus always comes to us with peace, understanding, forgiveness, healing, and a fresh start. Jesus never asked us to be perfect just willing. Jesus always invites with the words, follow me. We just have to be willing to dust ourselves off and get back on the path of loving service. We are never alone on the journey. Jesus is always there to encourage, teach, forgive, and empower us to learn and grow.

As we move with Jesus toward the cross and on to the empty tomb let us wake up to the new possibilities Jesus’ resurrection offers imperfect but willing disciples.



Yours in Christ,

Marc

Pastor’s Corner – March 30, 2023

Dear Beloved,

How are you as we move towards Holy Week? I hope you can join us virtually or in person for Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, and Holy Friday worship services. Some of us may never have been part of any Holy Week worship experiences or traditions. Some of us may have negative or hurtful memories. Some of us may have mixed memories. No matter who you, what questions you have, or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome. We are always welcome to come to worship and any other Friedens gatherings with whatever we are feeling or aren’t feeling, with whatever we are or aren’t remembering, with all our questions, with all our doubts, with all of our being. You are loved and affirmed for the unique being God created you to be. 

For my childhood self, Maundy Thursday was my favorite worship experience of the year. Holy Friday worship service was the most painful and frightening. Palm Sunday and Easter were fun. As an adult, my feelings run together, and I have so many more questions. The whole season of Eastertide has become more meaningful to me as I age as well, but that is for another time. 

It is a blessing to be on this journey with you – a journey where we can keep growing, receiving and extending God’s grace and love, and being still together that we may listen to God’s call upon our lives to share the mercy and compassion of Jesus our Leader and Liberator. Please feel free to reach out with questions before, during, or after Holy Week. You may find it interesting to take time reading, studying, or meditating with some of the different Holy Week stories from the Bible. I will share just a few possibilities below. May you know you are dearly cared for with the unconditional, unstoppable love of the Creator of the heavens and the earth this moment and each moment.

With deep gratitude for you and hope in God’s Spirit~

Sarah

Pastor’s Corner – March 22, 2023

Questions Jesus Asks on the Way to the Cross

But Jesus said, “Let her alone; why do you trouble her? She has performed a good service for me. Mark 14:6

Maybe it was jealousy. Maybe it was a genuine concern about the use of resources. Maybe it was anger about a woman serving Jesus. It is not clear what caused the outrage over the anointing of Jesus with an extravagant gift of a fragrant and soothing ointment. But Jesus didn’t mind. In fact, Jesus was grateful for this offering of love that brought some peace and care just before his arrest and execution, prompting Jesus to ask: Why do you trouble her? She has performed a good service for me.

Of course, being good stewards of resources matters. But so too do extravagant expressions of love for our Lord and Savior. Jesus was walking a path of obedience for Shalom that led to a cross. Jesus gave his life to demonstrate the power of Divine grace and peace to reconcile Creator with creation. Jesus, who died and was risen, is worthy of our praise, worship, and very best gifts. In heartfelt gratitude we should all perform a good service for Jesus every day.

It doesn’t stop at Jesus. Mother Teresa is one who shows us how to extend extravagant actions of love to others. Asked over and again how she was able to serve the poorest of the poor, her response was consistent: she saw Christ in others, she served Christ in others.

May we be inspired by these two faithful women. May we be remembered for our love of Christ, by our sincere praise and worship of our Leader and Savior, and in our kindness and care for others.

Yours in Christ,

Marc

Pastor’s Corner – March 16, 2023

Dear Beloved,

How is it with your being? I often feel like that is a very complex question because there are so many facets and aspects of each of us, but I want to share one experience my being has had lately. I have told several people that my heart in constantly feeling like it is going to bubble over with gratitude. I am so grateful for much and one of the blessings for which I give thanks is the way the Spirit is at work within Friedens United Church of Christ as a community of people seeking to follow Jesus and his way of grace, love, and welcome.     

There are countless ways the Spirit is at work! The one that I want to give thanks about today is Friedens new mental health team. From the time that I was two, I knew that I wanted to be a mom and work with kids. I’m grateful that my church family nurtured this hope and dream by letting me help with children who were younger than me when I was eight (or at least that is how my childhood self experienced it). At age 5, I decided that I wanted to be a child psychologist when I grew up. That plan lasted until my junior year in high school when a math class led me to look for a different path. When I learned that I could work in the area of mental health as an occupational therapist, that became my path. Different experiences throughout my life have continued to keep mental health and wellness central in my heart. I’m excited and grateful that early this winter the Lifelong Spiritual Formation Ministry Team felt like it was time for Friedens to be even more intentional in raising awareness about mental health concerns, in reaching out to help people learn more about mental health services and resources, and in advocating for access and equity. The team is still forming and developing next steps, so if you have ideas or questions, please feel free to let us know. We are grateful that we have already been able to offer a few programs this year to help us continue to learn and grow. We hope you’ll participate in and/or spread the word about a wonderful upcoming opportunity to join Melissa Atlas for a program after the 10:30 a.m. worship service on Sunday, April 23 called The Whole Truth: Beyond “Just Say No.” This will be a fun, open, and positive conversation about commonly used substances. Melissa is a talented and experienced mental health professional, leader, and advocate in our community. We hope you’ll share this good news with others! 

I thank God for the whole you! We are called to love God with our whole heart, mind, body, and soul. We are called to love one another as we love ourselves. I pray for wellness and shalom of heart, body, mind, and soul for each and all of God’s beloved children. May you know you are precious! You are not alone. God is with us and offers us communities of care. 

 With hope for the journey together in the hands of our Good Shepherd,

  Sarah

“Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” Jesus said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”  (Matthew 22:36-40)

Pastor’s Corner – March 9, 2023

Questions Jesus Asks on the Way to the Cross

Then Jesus asked him, “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down.” Mark 13:2

There is something about an awareness of our mortality that helps us clarify what really matters. Jesus had that kind of clarity as he approached his death on a Roman cross. Coming out of the Temple, Jesus’ disciples could not help but be impressed with the sheer size and elaborate beauty of the Temple in Jerusalem.

At about the time of Jesus’ birth, Herod was finishing an expansion and beautification of the Temple. Ancient reports describe it as a true wonder. Herod’s expansion was not to glorify God. His construction projects were intended to show off his greatness and to bring revenue to his kingdom as wealthy Romans came for holidays at the port and luxurious city he built on the Mediterranean called Caesarea Maritima and then on to Jerusalem to see the impressive architecture of his palace, fortresses, and the Temple. Need I mention that his ambitious building projects were built upon the backs of the common people?

We can understand why Jesus’ disciples marveled at these great buildings and imagined they would stand forever. Jesus knew the truth: human efforts at greatness and immortality built from a place of arrogance and injustice will always fall short. Not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down. Jesus was right. In just a little over three decades from the time of Jesus’s crucifixion, Herod’s Temple was destroyed. And yet, Jesus who spent just a couple of years teaching and healing from village to village, and who only ever built a team of disciples from among common folks, continues to be a living presence that changes lives with the indomitable force of Divine grace and peace.

What do you find impressive? Are you giving your life to something that really matters and will endure?



Yours in Christ,

Marc

Pastor’s Corner – March 2, 2023

Dear Beloved,

Have you had any songs in your spirit this week? I have had many lately – maybe inspired by the fun opportunity that Kristin and the music ministry team are sharing with us. I’ve never been part of any bracket experiences before, but I am looking forward to this one. Hope you can participate and enjoy! (Read about Hymn Mania in "Staying Connected" for more details)

There are two songs that are both energizing and calming my soul at the same time today. The first is, “In the Bulb there is a Flower” from our Chalice Hymnal. The second is a song that says, “I will worship you in the waiting.” I really thought that I’d be able to find all the lyrics to share with you, but I haven’t figured them out yet. I know that was a song that I enjoyed in my college days and then would hear in the YMCA locker room as a young adult when I felt like I was waiting on a lot. I suppose that the phrase “worship in the waiting” has carried me through many years now. Sometimes when waiting on a diagnosis for oneself or a loved one, waiting can be very scary, and you are in my prayers right now and in the days to come. I believe God is with us in very deep ways in those times. At the same time, what has been on my mind this week is the waiting of certain seasons – those times when we feel God’s Spirit working and doing things not yet seen. 

I am grateful for all the people who are witnesses of worshipping in the waiting, for all the people who pray with us and for us in times of waiting and uncertainty, and for the Spirit who is moving and growing deep beneath the dirt and dust…. If you are in a particular season of waiting for something that feels fearful, you are not alone. God is with you. If you are waiting for something joyful, you are not alone. God is with you. If you are waiting on something extremely uncertain, you are not alone. God is with you. If you aren’t in a season of waiting, you are not alone. God is with us, and by God’s grace and strength we are part of communities of care. Please feel free to reach out. You are appreciated and cared for you. You are a loved and loving child of God! Grateful to be serving, worshipping, waiting, singing, listening, praying, learning, growing, and connecting with you. 

“My soul waits in hope for the Lord more than a watchperson for the morning. Yes, more than a watchperson for the morning….” 

Psalm 130:6

Pastor’s Corner – February 23, 2023

Questions Jesus Asks on the Way to the Cross

Jesus said to them, “Is not this the reason you are wrong, that you know neither the scriptures nor the power of God? Mark 12:24

Jesus offered these words in response to a ridiculous question whose sole purpose was an attempt to trap Jesus and make him look foolish. Jesus saw through the ruse and got to the heart of the source of all that is ridiculous and harmful in our world—a failure to think, speak, and act from the wisdom of our ancient, sacred texts and the truth of God’s powerful presence. Jesus understood that scripture and the Divine presence are essential to wise and faithful living.

Scriptures require interpretation. Our sacred texts are inspired by God but are written and interpreted by humans. For example, in the time of testing in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11), Jesus encountered the personification of evil tempting him using verses of scripture. This was not the first time nor was it the last that the Bible was used for evil purposes.

This is why Jesus also calls for knowing the powerful presence of God. We must always test Biblical interpretations against the grace, goodness, and righteousness of God. Interpretations outside of these essential characteristics of the Divine should immediately raise a red flag of warning. Scriptural interpretations that are harmful, self-serving, and divisive are not of God.

Faith seeking understanding through knowledge of the scriptures and the living presence of a graceful, good, and righteous God will be rewarded with thoughts, words, and actions that reflect Divine grace, goodness, and righteousness. Knowing the scriptures and the power of God keeps us faithful to the way of Jesus and his love.

Yours in Christ,

Marc

Pastor’s Corner – February 16, 2023

Dear Beloved,

When you hear or see the word Lent, how do you feel? Does it leave you with mixed feelings, positive memories, negative energy, questions, confusion, excitement, curiosity?

I am grateful that I grew up with parents who offered me opportunities to experience the special liturgical seasons of Advent and Lent in very meaningful ways that invited reflection and confession without leaving me full of a guilt or shame that caused me to doubt God’s unconditional love and grace. 

On Sunday, Feb. 19 after the 10:30 a.m. worship service, all are welcome to join in an informal conversation about Lent and spiritual practices that you might like to try during this special season which goes from Ash Wednesday through Holy Week (the week of Maundy Thursday and Holy Friday) to Easter/Resurrection Sunday. 

All liturgical seasons can offer us a time to be more intentional about our connection with God, one another, and all of creation. One resource that you might like to try this year is the Creation Justice Ministries calendar you can see at the end of this note. Just click on the image, and you will be able to see the whole document. It will be one of the resources that we can explore together on this Sunday. If you aren’t free to join us on Sunday, please feel free to reach out with questions or ideas you have. 

You are in my prayers this Lenten Season. Through Lent and beyond, may you remember that you are a loved and loving child of God. 

With gratitude,

Sarah