Pastor’s Corner – December 7, 2023

Dear Beloved,

Greetings to you in this Advent season! How is it with your spirit? In this season, emotions can sometimes feel stronger - whether those emotions be feelings that we consider helpful or not so helpful. I pray that you can be gentle with yourself and those around you. If you need extra support during this season, please give yourself permission to reach out and ask. We are better together - God made us that way! 

This past Sunday we lit the Advent candle of hope. When you hear or see the word hope, what comes to your mind?

This past year, I have found myself answering questions with the word “hope” more than ever before. When people ask me why I do the things that I do, I say “because of hope,” or “I’m part of a people of hope.” I give thanks to God and all the people in my life who have taught me about hope - ancestors of our faith, the stories of our faith, colleagues and co-workers, the children in the different parts of my life, the wonder of creation, people I’ve met at work or while traveling or out and about the community…..I rejoice in God’s gifts of hope to us. When I think of hope, I feel a connection with Elizabeth and Hannah and Anna - all awaiting a child. When I think of hope, people living with big challenges come into my being. When I think of hope, I see Jesus’ patience with the disciples and with us. When I think of hope, I hear encouragement from scripture. In this season, may we take time to reflect on God’s gifts of hope and what they mean as we seek to share Jesus’ love in our daily lives and how we seek to live as his followers. I thank God for you and the opportunities we have to journey together.  

As I close, I want to leave you with a breath prayer that lifts me up- My hope is you Lord; my hope is in you Lord. I’m grateful for the praise bands over the years who planted those words in my heart (Psalm 25:21; Psalm 39:7) Maybe this breath prayer  will be of help to you sometime, too.

May you find encouragement in God’s love this Advent season.    

 -Sarah

By awesome deeds you answer us with deliverance,

    O God of our salvation;

you are the hope of all the ends of the earth

    and of the farthest seas.  Psalm 65:5

Pastor’s Corner – November 29, 2023

Luke’s telling of the nativity of Jesus is punctuated with singing. Mary magnifies God in song for being pregnant with Jesus, the Son of the Most High (Luke 1:46-55). Zechariah blesses God for the unexpected gift of a son named John, who would make ready a people prepared for the Lord (Luke 1:67-79). The angels sing the good news of the birth of a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord (Luke 2:14). The nativity in Luke concludes with the song of Simeon, who recognizes in Jesus the one who will be a light of revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to the people Israel (Luke 2:28-32).

With Luke’s inspiration, music is central to our Advent worship at Friedens. Preludes, postludes, hymns, responses, and anthems are all selected to connect us to Immanuel, God-with-us. In ways more mysterious and moving than written or spoken words music opens our hearts, heals our wounds, deepens our faith, and inspires in us the compassion of Christ.

As we meet in worship let us listen carefully to the music of the season. Let us offer our own joyful noise in praise and thanksgiving. Let us invite and welcome others to discover in the beauty of song the gifts of Christ—hope, love, joy, and peace.

Advent blessings,

Marc

Pastor’s Corner – November 16, 2023

Words of Encouragement from Paul (V)

About fifteen years after the death and resurrection of Jesus, Paul writes a letter to the first house church he founded in Macedonia (northern Greece), in the city of Philippi. Paul is writing from prison, uncertain about his survival. And yet, this letter is marked by gratitude and a spirit of joy and rejoicing in Christ.

Like Paul, we know what it’s like to face adversity and uncertainty.  May Paul’s words of encouragement bring hope and renewal of joy and faith to you.

Toward the conclusion of the letter Paul writes: Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you (Philippians 4:8-9).

Paul’s characteristics of discipleship set the bar high. It reminds me of something I learned from my dad—anything worthwhile is worth working for. It takes intentional effort to be true, honorable, just, pure, and commendable. It takes a reshaping of our priorities so that God is in the center of our lives. It is hard work but there is a reward for the effort—the God of peace will be with you.

Others are watching how we handle adversity. Others are watching to see if faith really helps in adversity. Others are looking for a positive example so they will know what to do when their life gets difficult. Living the characteristics Paul articulated and Jesus exemplified will see us through life’s challenges and will bless others who are paying attention. And that will bring peace even in times of challenge.

Try this advice from Paul and see if you discover the gift of encouragement.

Yours in Christ,

Marc

Pastor’s Corner – November 9, 2023

Dear Beloved,

By the time this reaches your inbox, All Saints Day will have passed, but as I write this I am pondering and praying about how I might honor All Saints Day this year.  Usually it is time for me to spend reflecting upon and giving thanks for the many named and unnamed/known and unknown saints who have impacted my life. 

This year I have been thinking about all the healthcare workers and behind-the-scenes-professionals who served so many extra hours in very stressful settings during shelter-in-place and all those who continue to serve.  I have been thinking about all the founders of organizations working for equity and wellness near and far and for all those serving as peacemakers, rescue and relief workers,  and caretakers in places of conflict and destruction. 

Who are some of the saints who have been or continue to be deep in your hearts, minds, and souls? How can we express our gratitude this day and in days to come? 

I thank God for you and for the ways you live as saints of God who share the love, hope, joy, and compassion of Jesus in your daily lives.  May you know you are appreciated for who you are and loved by the Maker of the heavens and the earth.  

“I thank my God every time I remember you.  In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy.”  Philippians 1:3

Pastor’s Corner – November 2, 2023

Words of Encouragement from Paul (IV)

About fifteen years after the death and resurrection of Jesus, Paul writes a letter to the first house church he founded in Macedonia (northern Greece), in the city of Philippi. Paul is writing from prison, uncertain about his survival. And yet, this letter is marked by gratitude and a spirit of joy and rejoicing in Christ.

Like Paul, we know what it’s like to face adversity and uncertainty.  May Paul’s words of encouragement bring hope and renewal of joy and faith to you.

In the third chapter we find this encouragement: this one thing I do, forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:13-14).

Especially when things are uncertain, it really helps to keep things simple by focusing on what matters most. For Paul that was to press on toward the goal of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. When we keep our focus on Jesus, we are choosing the high road. It can be tempting in adversity to get stuck in blaming or reacting to evil with evil. The low road is the easy path, but it leads to mutual destruction. The high road holds the promise of reconciliation and restoration. As Jesus said, the high road is narrow and difficult but leads to life (Matthew 7:14).

Try this advice from Paul and see if you discover the gift of encouragement.

Yours in Christ,

Marc

Pastor’s Corner – October 19, 2023

Words of Encouragement from Paul (III)

About fifteen years after the death and resurrection of Jesus, Paul writes a letter to the first house church he founded in Macedonia (northern Greece), in the city of Philippi. Paul is writing from prison, uncertain about his survival. And yet, this letter is marked by gratitude and a spirit of joy and rejoicing in Christ.

Like Paul, we know what it’s like to face adversity and uncertainty.  May Paul’s words of encouragement bring hope and renewal of joy and faith to you.

In the second chapter of Philippians, we find this wisdom: It is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure (Philippians 2:13).

No matter how difficult life gets remember that God is still at work in your life. Since God is the source of good, don’t blame God for the adversity you are facing. God is still with you, working to bring good even in a bad situation. Open your heart to God’s good presence and choose the path of the greatest good.

Try this advice from Paul and see if you discover the gift of encouragement.

Yours in Christ,

Marc

Pastor’s Corner – October 26, 2023

Dear Beloved,

I appreciate that at the beginning of worship Pastor Marc has often been sharing words from Jesus according to the book of Matthew that remind us of Jesus’ presence with us – “…Take heart.  It is I…”  Matthew 14:27

There are so many amazing things about the word heart and about Jesus’ use of these words….  I won’t try to go into them in this note to you right now, but they are definitely worth exploring!!!  In the meantime, I would invite you to use these words as a prayer – maybe a breath prayer where you breathe in and out as you say these words – maybe as a movement prayer as you exercise – maybe as a bedtime blessing as you settle down for rest and renewal – maybe as a morning blessing as you begin the day – maybe in a time of challenge or stress – maybe in a time of transition or discernment or celebration.  Or maybe you are picking some other words these days. 

Either way, I hope you can find reassurance and peace in knowing that God is with us in the storms – God is with us in the silence – God is with us in the waiting – You are a loved and loving child of God. 

            With gratitude and hope,

                   Sarah

Pastor’s Corner – October 12, 2023

Autumn greetings! 

How are you in this time of shifting seasons?  When the air becomes cooler and the colors begin to change, I thank God for one of the foundational experiences of my early years in the loving body of Jesus we call the church. In third grade we moved to Indianapolis when my dad started serving a congregation in downtown Indy. Every autumn this congregation participated in a 6-mile CROP Walk. This walk is sponsored by Church World Services and focuses on ending hunger. I enjoyed this event and time praying, walking, rolling, and strolling with people of all ages from faith communities across the city (and in different locations all over the country). 

Over the years, I am grateful to have had opportunities to participate with many different people and congregations in a variety of walks. So now the fall leads me to think of many walks and needs – many efforts, organizations, and people with whom to partner – the Alzheimer Walk, the Buddy Walk for Down Syndrome, the Suicide Prevention Walk, the Every Child Matters Walk on Orange Shirt Day, the National Alliance on Mental Illness Walk, the Infant Loss Walk, the Overdose Lifeline Walk. 

For me, walking or journeying is also an important metaphor for life. We do not all walk or stroll physically, but we all have a purpose and a mission. We all travel this life of love and learning. God is with us on this journey with all its twists and turns and ups and downs, and God joins us in community. As I think about the metaphorical stepping out in faith, I desire to seek God’s wisdom and guidance on what God’s next best step for me is in the daily movements of seeking to follow Jesus’ ways of love and compassion. 

I am grateful for all the ways God’s Spirit is at work in the world. I thank God for you and the ways you are living on the path of discipleship as we seek to share the love of Jesus with those around us. You are in my prayers as we journey together with God, and I appreciate your prayers. May you feel God’s loving embrace and encouragement in the colorful artistry of the Maker of the heavens and the earth this autumn. 

Make me to know your ways, O Lord;
    teach me your paths.
 Lead me in your truth and teach me,
    for you are the God of my salvation;
    for you I wait all day long.

Psalm 25:4-5

Pastor’s Corner – October 5, 2023

Words of Encouragement from Paul (II)

About fifteen years after the death and resurrection of Jesus, Paul writes a letter to the first house church he founded in Macedonia (northern Greece), in the city of Philippi. Paul is writing from prison, uncertain about his survival. And yet, this letter is marked by gratitude and a spirit of joy and rejoicing in Christ.

Like Paul, we know what it’s like to face adversity and uncertainty.  May Paul’s words of encouragement bring hope and renewal of joy and faith to you.

Toward the end of the opening chapter we find this word of encouragement: Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether I come and see you or am absent and hear about you, I will know that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel (Philippians 1:27).

Find encouragement in a challenging season by renewing your practice of worship and service. When we find ourselves in a tough spot it is easy to be self-oriented. We can feel sorry for ourselves and if we do, we need to acknowledge that but not stay in that feeling. One of the most tried and true tactics for feeling better is to connect with others and lend a hand. Connect with God in worship. Connect with a confidant or a counselor to work through your feelings, and connect with someone in your circle of influence who can use some help. As Paul says, strive side by side with others to live Jesus’ way of love.

Try this advice from Paul and see if you discover the gift of encouragement.

Yours in Christ,

Marc

Pastor’s Corner – October 1, 2023

Dear Beloved,

   Who or what helps you to be still?  The other evening when outside preparing for supper with our family, God’s creation invited me to be still.  I have been appreciating many books and leaders over the last few years who have been teaching me to listen to God’s creation.  One particular evening, I heard lots of sounds from above me – I was not sure if they were birds or squirrels or both, but they said look up.  Take time and look up - which led me in a prayer of thanksgiving for these feathered and/or furry friends were reminding me of Psalm 121:1-2, “I lift up my eyes to the hills- where does my help come from?  My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of the heaven and earth.” 

     These verses have a special spot in my being, and I thank a wise ancestor and a young boy in Haiti for embedding them in my life.  When I first began serving with Friedens UCC, a woman named Nancy Richert spent a lot of time serving in the ministries that I was most involved with, as did and do so many people.  One day I asked her what her favorite Bible passage was, and Psalm 121:1-2 was what she shared with me.

      I’ll save the special story and experience in Haiti to share with you another time.  For now, I close with this prayer.

            God of the squirrels and birds, of soil and branches, thank you for offering us your wisdom is so many diverse ways.  Thank you for ancestors and neighbors near and far.  Thank you for the blessings of community and collective hope and healing.  Please fill us with your Spirit that we may be attentive you – listening with wide-open hearts, mind, spirits, and bodies.  Please help us have the same mind as Jesus that we may follow in his ways of compassion and wholeness for all.  May all know they are precious and beloved by you with gifts to be united together for the growing of your beloved community for all.  Amen

Pastor’s Corner – September 24, 2023

Words of Encouragement from Paul (I)

About fifteen years after the death and resurrection of Jesus, Paul writes a letter to the first house church he founded in Macedonia (northern Greece), in the city of Philippi. Paul is writing from prison, uncertain about his survival. And yet, this letter is marked by gratitude and a spirit of joy and rejoicing in Christ.

Like Paul, we know what it’s like to face adversity and uncertainty.  May Paul’s words of encouragement bring hope and renewal of joy and faith to you.

Paul begins his letter with this prayer: I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now (Philippians 1:3-5).

In these few words we find some faithful advice and encouragement for times of challenge.

·        Prayer is the most important daily action we take. Connecting with our Creator, Provider, Sustainer, and Savior steadies us, renews us, and gets our priorities straight. Tell God openly and honestly what is on your heart. There is power for change and healing in speaking the truth about ourselves to God. God understands, accepts, and gives us the wisdom and strength to see us through our situation. This process of speaking and listening to and receiving help from God, will almost always lead to thanksgiving. Lamentation and gratitude go together.

·        Even in adversity keep on sharing the gospel—the good news about the grace of God in Christ. In fact, when we are feeling vulnerable, we are in the right place to speak and live good news into the lives of others who are feeling vulnerable. Empathy is a powerful tool of discipleship.

Try this advice from Paul and see if you discover the gift of encouragement.

Yours in Christ,

Marc

Pastor’s Corner – September 17, 2023

Is there a symbol that is offering you encouragement these days? My favorite symbols are often water and trees. Rainbows and dirt are others that often offer me support and encouragement in the living of these days. 

As I long to hold on to summer, I think about the water that some children have access to enjoy over the summer when it is hot – pools, sprinklers, garden hoses, bathtubs, buckets of cool water, puddles…. As I think of opportunities for refreshment near rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, and oceans, I thank our Creator for clean water to drink and wash in. I give thanks for the rain that allows plants and food to grow. I give thanks for the water that connects us, enlivens us, renews us…… I also give thanks for all the encouraging stories that involved water in the Hebrew and Greek Scriptures. I was curious, so I looked up the number of times water is in the Bible. 708 times!!!! Do any water stories or memories from the Bible or your growing up years come to mind for you?

Maybe memories of swimming lessons or swim teams, maybe creation stories involving water, maybe rituals with water. Perhaps stories of God’s protection of a baby floating in a basket in a river or God’s liberation of people through water as the Israelites who were being oppressed walked through dry ground as the seas were parted or Jesus emerging from the waters of his baptism or Jesus calming the storm….Perhaps verses that compare Jesus to living water or the ways that water reminds us God’s refreshing love and grace…..

As I think about stories of the faith of Jesus that involve water, I also think about our call and responsibility to live in loving relationship with all God’s people, creatures, and creation. There are so many concerns about clean water and access to water…..I won’t try to go into those now, but I invite you to learn, pray, and consider how we can do our part in caring for and partnering in the waters of life which connect all of us.  I would also like to invite you to an all-ages water event on Saturday afternoon, October 14th at Holliday Park. We will learn about some of Indy’s watersheds, spend time in meditation and reflection, join in some clean up, and enjoy time for snacks and connecting. If you have questions, please let me know. The event is free. Donations can be made to Earth Charter if you would like. All are welcome. Hope you can come and bring others along.

With gratitude, hope, and love,

Sarah

10 Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.” 11 The woman said to him, “Sir,[c] you have no bucket, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water? 12 Are you greater than our ancestor Jacob, who gave us the well and with his sons and his flocks drank from it?” 13 Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, 14 but those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty. The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life.”   John 4:10-14

Pastor’s Corner – September 7, 2023

The I am Statements of Jesus VII: The Vine

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 seventh (in the Hebrew tradition the number seven is representative of wholeness and completion in God) and final I am statement comes from John 15. I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. Jesus uses the metaphor of gardening to teach about discipleship. This teaching leans on the theme we have noted before—the unity of Jesus with God. In the imagery of the vine, that unity is enlarged to include those who follow Jesus’ way. It also builds on the Hebrew Scripture theme that all that is good comes from God. If we want to do good, we need a connection with the One who connects us to God.

Discipleship is a humble way of life. Our job is to stay close to Christ so that we are in position to receive and share the gifts of grace and peace. Who are you following? Are you in relationship with Christ? If you need help with that relationship please reach out, pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com.

Yours in Christ,

Marc

Pastor’s Corner – August 30, 2023

Do you ever imagine yourself within a story?  Are there people or characters in stories you quickly identify with or want to be like?  Are there people or characters in stories that you feel nervous or surprised by?

When I read or listen to a story of Jesus, I often find myself in the story.  There are so many different ways to hear or read or simply experience stories or other forms of expression – song, poems, visual arts….  I find the same to be possible with the Bible. 

I’m grateful that we are able to explore the stories, songs, poems, and prayers of the Hebrew and Greek scriptures together in worship with Pastor Marc’s guidance, messages, and faithful leadership.  I value the historical context and theological insights that Pastor Marc shares and the ideas for application he offers.  It is a blessing to join in worship with you on Sunday mornings whether virtually or in person. 

This fall we have several meditation opportunities in the new meditation room.  One experience is being led by Professor Sunny Romack on Sunday mornings at 9:50 a.m.  She is very gifted in teaching and leading meditation practices.  Another opportunity begins on Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. in September.  During this time together called Listen and Live Circles, we’ll join in a guided meditation of a story of Jesus.  The stories will have a common theme of feeding and/or eating in community.  After the guided meditation there will be a variety of ways to reflect on the experience and to share with the group if desired.  You can participate in person or virtually.

I hope you enjoy experiencing the good news of God’s love in ways that have grounded and encouraged you for years and/or in new ways.  Please always feel free to be in touch with ideas, questions, reflections, and ponderings about stories.  It is fun to learn and explore with you as we grow and journey as followers of Jesus.

With gratitude and hope,

         Sarah

I will meditate on Your precepts
And regard Your ways. 

Psalm 119:15

Pastor’s Corner – August 10, 2023

The I am Statements of Jesus V: The Resurrection and the 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 fifth I am statement is found in John 11:25-26, in the conversation Jesus has with his friend Martha, whose brother has died. Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. As the story plays out Jesus reveals his own despair at the loss caused by death and calls forth Lazarus from the tomb.

The sadness Jesus feels is surely connected to his own impending death and his deeper sorrow for human mortality. The raising of Lazarus is a sign of trust in a promise—the Divine power of grace and life is greater than death. This promise was rooted in Jesus’ tradition and is fulfilled in Jesus’ words and actions. Just before his arrest and crucifixion, in a prayer of assurance for his fearful followers, Jesus says: And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent (John 17:3).

When we come to know Jesus, we come to know the One who sent him. In that relationship of grace we discover that our lives are caught up in the life of God—a life of meaning, purpose, and joy that is everlasting in scope.

Jesus asks Martha, do you believe this? How do you answer?

Yours in Christ,

Marc

Pastor’s Corner – August 6, 2023

Dear Beloved,

What makes your heart, body, and soul feel heavy?

Lately there has been a lot of heaviness in my heart as I hear or see about hurts in our local and global communities:  the number of unhoused people including many teens and young adults, people experiencing serious health concerns, continued war, continued violence near and far, the condition of the world’s air and water, the number of people of all ages experiencing trauma….

What do you do when your heart, body, and soul feel heavy?

I am grateful that Jesus teaches us to turn to the Maker of the heavens and the earth.  Maybe we go to a deserted room.  Maybe we turn on praise music and sing at the top of our lungs.  Maybe we write down all the blessings for which can thank God.  Maybe we reach out to a prayer partner.  Maybe we listen to or feel the sounds of creation.  Maybe we pause and breathe in God’s Spirit.

All of these possibilities are helpful to me.  In this moment, I want to pause and express my thanks to God for the ways God’s Spirit is working in and through you.

 Thank you to everyone who made VBS a fun and special week!

Thank you to everyone who brought items for the Little Timmy project!

Thank you to everyone who brings items for the Weekenders Sacks and the little blue community food box.

Thank you to everyone who prays.

Thank you to everyone who participates in virtual or in-person worship,

Thank you to everyone who serves on a ministry team.

Thank you to everyone who serves on the Council of Ministries.

Thank you to our music ministry staff and their teams.

Thank you to Heidi and Pastor Marc.

Thank you to our artists.

Thank you to the behind-the-scenes cleaners, yard keepers, and communion preparers.

Thank you to those who help with breakfasts and lunch and learns.

Thank you to those who lead or help with Treasure Seekers, Middle School and High School Ministries, and Revive and Thrive.

Thank you to those who lead or participate in book groups or small groups.

Thank you for all those have served in the past and those who will serve in the future which is in your hands, O God our Rock and Redeemer!

“do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”             Philippians 4:6

Pastor’s Corner – July 27, 2023

The I am Statements of Jesus IV: Good Shepherd

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 fourth I am statement is John 10:14-16. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.

Thanks to the popularity of Psalm 23, I need not remind you of the long tradition of imagining the identity of God like a Good Shepherd. Jesus enlarges this idea of a protecting God who offers rest, nourishment, comfort, reconciliation, goodness, and mercy by adding the quality of unity. Jesus highlights the unity he shares with the Father, a unity that overflows on to the sheep who follow. Though the sheep may come from many different folds, in Christ there is one flock and one shepherd. In Christ there is unity with God and there is unity in the human family—a unity reflected in a rich diversity not in a smothering uniformity. Who are you following?

Yours in Christ,

Marc

Pastor’s Corner – July 20, 2023

Dear Beloved,

What are you excited about or hopeful about as a new school year and a new year of Lifelong Spiritual Formation opportunities begin? Everyone is the right age for Lifelong Spiritual Formation! We hope you’ll prayerfully consider one of the options below or other options that are coming up for learning and growing together as followers of Jesus who connect with and love God and all God’s people, creatures, and creation.

In addition to our Bible Study groups and book groups, we are starting some guided meditation groups this school year in connection with our focus on mental health and the offerings of the Metamorphosis Mindfulness Community. We have experienced meditation practices, other spiritual disciplines/practices and prayer to support us in our desire to love God and each other – body, mind, and spirit. The practices also help many of us feel healthier and more whole. We believe that God cares about our mental health.  While mental health often seems to be spoken about more freely in some settings than it was previously, we want to continue to create an open environment for people to share and feel welcome to reach out to others for connection. We hope everyone feels included and welcome to be themselves.  We are grateful for the ever-faithful all-merciful Creator who calls everyone beloved!

Below are some options for you to consider. All are welcome. Please invite people to come with you. Please let me know if you would like more information about any of them. Start dates will be coming soon if not included below.  Information about book groups and Bible studies will be coming soon as well. Thank you to everyone who is leading, facilitating, and supporting behind the scenes and to everyone who participates. Thank you to the Lifelong Spiritual Formation Ministry Team who supports these opportunities. 

Sunday Morning Meditation, 9:50-10:20am - Introduction to meditation for mental health, wellbeing, and spiritual reflection. Ten to fifteen minute meditation practice ranging from silent to guided meditation followed by brief, guided discussion of meditation techniques and mindfulness skills. Open to all, regardless of meditation experience.  These are led by Dr. Sunny Romack. 

Listening and Living Circles - All ages are welcome to come in-person or virtually from 7 to 8 p.m. for a guided meditation and time of group and/or individual reflection on our experience of listening to and exploring a Bible story together.  This offering is provided by the Metamorphosis Mindfulness Community. We will have three main sessions on Sept. 13th, 20th, and 27th and then a closing session on Oct. 4th for anyone who would like. 

With gratitude, joy, and hope,

Sarah

As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God.  Psalm 42:1

Pastor’s Corner – July 13, 2023

The I am Statements of Jesus III: The Gate

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 third I am statement is found in John 10:9-10. I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.

In Jesus’ Hebrew tradition doors and gates were symbolically significant. On Passover it was blood on the doorposts that saved from death those inside that door. At the gates of the villages the elders would gather to settle conflicts and disputes. At the gates of the Temple people running from unjust pursuers could find sanctuary. It is little wonder that Jesus used this same imagery to describe the God who delivers and saves. As the manifestation of the Divine on earth, Jesus continued and fulfilled this mission of granting a secure and abundant life in the face of injustice and death.

The violence, hatred, and division that marks contemporary society breeds fear, uncertainty, and anxiety. The doors of our homes, schools, gathering places, and workplaces may not be able to keep evil at bay. The door that is Christ offers a security of presence in our adversity and a security of promise as we trust Divine life and love to ultimately overcome. We do not meet evil with evil. We take refuge inside the gate of grace and we open the door of peace to defeat evil with good.

Are feelings of uncertainty and anxiety keeping you awake at night? Enter the gate that is Christ where a graceful presence and promise can help you rest.

Yours in Christ,

Marc

Pastor’s Corner – July 6, 2023

Thank you for your participation in worship (virtually or in person) and for your involvement in ministries teams and all the ways you share Jesus’ love each day.  Thank you for your prayers.  With less than a month until students and school staff begin a new school year, I would greatly appreciate your prayers for all students, their families, and all school staff.  Your prayers for children, teens, and adults participating in Friedens Vacation Bible School from July 17 to July 21 would also be deeply appreciated.  We will be celebrating them on Sunday, July 23. 

It is always an honor and gift to pray with you.  Please feel free to send specific ways that we may be holding you in prayer if you’d like to.  Here is a prayer that I’m offering for you as I write this note.

Creating and Compassionate God of mighty mercy and powerful patience, thank you for loving us.  Thank you for accepting us right where we are, just as we are, with all our questions.  Thank you for your transforming grace and for designing us with gifts to be woven together for the good of all.  Thank you for joining us in communities of care and for offering us healing of body, mind, and spirit.  May we continue to know and share your kindness, hope, and joy near and far that all may live fully and freely in your deep overwhelming peace, wellness, and shalom.  May your belovedness be experienced by all.  Amen.

“We thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you…”  (Colossians 1:3)