Pastor’s Paragraph - July 9, 2020

Just Sayin'

I will admit that I am rather concerned by some of the things I have read on Facebook. It is not disagreement but graceful disagreement that makes the world a better place. Grace in disagreement - expressing how this issue could be different and how is an essential part of human communication and experience. As a culture we might well evolve through disagreement. Ideas subjected to criticism grow stronger than ideas left unchallenged.

 When I was a kid we often said to our playmates, sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never hurt me. Maybe that is true in innocent play but we knew that in reality it wasn't completely true. Words can be detrimental to our spirit as the receiver of harsh and aggressive comments. Aggressive comments tear down rather than build up.

 My biggest concern about aggressive words is the damage to the soul of the one speaking or writing them. Aggressive feelings come from anger, but aggressive words come from aggressive anger put into action. Brené Brown gives some guidelines of engaged feedback. Firstly, I know I am ready to give feedback when:

• I'm ready to sit next to you rather thuan across from you

• I'm willing to put the problem in front of us rather than between us (or sliding it toward you).

• I'm ready to listen, ask questions, and accept that I may not fully understand the issue.

• I want to acknowledge what you do well instead of picking apart your mistakes.

• I recognize your strengths and how you can use them to address your challenges.

• I can hold you accountable without shaming or blaming you.

• I'm willing to own my part.

• I can genuinely thank you for your efforts rather than criticize you for your failings.

• I can talk about how resolving these challenges will lead to your growth and opportunity.

• I can model the vulnerability and openness that I expect to see from you.

I suspect that this sounds rather idealistic and maybe even impossible but it is certainly something to think about and something that can soothe the soul. So as you think about dealing with disagreements that need to be said, stop and think about how God would want you to prepare, what would God want you to say, and how would God want you to say it.

Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect
the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.

Ephesians 4:15 (NIV).

Pastor’s Paragraph - July 2, 2020

Dear Friends,

I miss you.  I care about you.  I wonder how you are doing? 

A few weeks ago, I was speaking to friend, author of Purpose:  A Shift from Driving It to Embracing It, Indianapolis business woman, and community leader who shared with us at our Advent gathering and Lenten gathering this past year.  We were speaking about different emotions.  We spoke of awe. 

What brings you awe?  For me, seeing any of God's creatures usually leaves me in awe - creatures like this little skink. 

While we cannot be together in the building sanctuary, we can enjoy the sanctuary of God's care.  We can find moments of awe in God's sanctuaries of family, friends, and creation.  We can find sanctuary in God's call to commitment to peace and ways of justice for all, especially those who have been oppressed and marginalized.  We can find sanctuary in God's forgiveness and grace.  We can find sanctuary in God's healing of our shame and guilt.  We can find sanctuary in the smile of a stranger and in the acts of the helpers. 

Where are you finding awe these days?  Where are you finding sanctuary?  Where are you finding healing?  

You are in my prayers.  Please be in touch anytime.  It is a blessing to be on this journey with you as follower of Jesus our Leader and Liberator~ Sarah

4 All the earth worships you;
    they sing praises to you,
    sing praises to your name."Selah
5 Come and see what God has done:
    he is awesome in his deeds among mortals.
6 He turned the sea into dry land;

Pastor's Paragraph - June 25th, 2020

In a meditation entitled By Their Fruits, Howard Thurman writes:

Further, I may not ever be deeply assured that I am not mistaken. I may be appraising my experience in the light of my own great need or my own previous conditioning or teaching. As a matter of fact, it is true that most of the fundamental decisions which we make are made on the basis of insufficient evidence. We cannot wait for final proof or verification. It would be too late. Thus, we wait as long as we can and then act on the basis of the total knowledge up to the present, with the hope that the future may verify our decision. This means that the decision does not have integrity in itself. Its integrity rests upon how it works out, how it unfolds.

These words resonate with me. The more I live the more I realize that my thoughts and ideas are temporary. They change and evolve as I experience and learn more and more. Though the uncertainty can be unnerving at times, the humility it produces creates space in my life for growth, openness and kindness.

Rev. Thurman had the words of Jesus in mind: "you will know them by their fruits...every good tree bears good fruit" (Matthew 7:16-17). Decisions lead to action, which leads to results. When the results disappoint us we can re-examine our decisions. Just maybe our thoughts and ideas need to change.

This feels like a time to re-examine our decisions; to test our ideas against the results we see. Covid-19 and the protests for greater equality are challenging some decisions and thinking that have been producing disappointing results. These global events give us the opportunity to re-think the way our society is structured and to re-consider how our priorities need to shift.

Let us resist the temptation to return to "normal" too quickly. Let us not turn aside from the challenge and the pain too soon. Let us consider long-term commitments to health and well-being for all, that require sacrifices now. Let us listen and learn so we can be part of the solution. Let us care more about just and equitable outcomes than being right about our thoughts and ideas.

Jesus, as always, was right. You can tell a tree by the fruit it bears. What does the fruit of your life have to say?

The grace and peace of Christ be with you,

Pastor's Paragraph - June 11, 2020

Wow! Thanks. Help.

Dear Friends,

Do you have any favorite tools or supports this time of year? Maybe some gardening tools, sports equipment, or lawn chair or hammock?

A few weeks ago, I heard about a new prayer tool or support - I heard about it twice in one day, so I thought maybe it is something that I am meant to share. I tried it with my family at a dinner prayer and appreciated it.

My most usual prayer tool is the one that my father taught me in confirmation class and one that I often share with others - ACTS (adoration/praise, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication/asking for oneself or on the behalf of others). I like this method because it is often easy for me to fly past the confession part, but I know that I receive more understanding of how to follow Jesus when I take time to examine my life and seek forgiveness for my own sins. I know I become more whole when I confess my sins and thank God for mercy.  

The new tool that I learned is Wow (praise/adoration)! Thanks. Help. Here's a prayer that I lift up with this tool. I look forward to praying with you. If you would like to share yours, I will join you in specific prayers. If not, you continue to be in my prayers for deep peace/shalom and in our journey together as followers of Jesus. 

I miss you and love you! 

-Sarah

Wow! - Wow God your compassion and love are so amazing! Your creative energy is so powerful! Your beauty is beyond compare!

Thanks - Thank you God for family, friends, food, clean water, health, custodians, factory workers, medical personnel, grocery store workers, farmers, deliverers, researchers, caregivers, the gift of faith communities, the gift of prayer, and your everlasting mercy and patience.

Help - God, please help all who are sick, suffering, sad, and separated. Please help us to live for you and your share your love with others.

Amen.

Pastor's Paragraph - June 4, 2020

God is good, all the time.

We face two daunting challenges in the world our Leader loves and gave his life for: healing a novel corona virus and dismantling systemic racism. As with all daunting challenges, God is with us to guide us toward wise words and actions.

All the time, God is good.

We will pray for researchers to find a vaccine and treatment. We will pray for leaders to guide the wide-spread application of the treatment and vaccine when it is available. In the meantime, we do our part by taking the precautions to stem the spread, looking out for those most vulnerable and staying well to avoid overwhelming healthcare resources.

God is good, all the time.

We will pray for peace with justice for our community and nation. We will pray for wise and bold leadership to bring people together for greater understanding and to establish and implement policy that finally levels the playing field and truly fulfills the promise for "liberty and justice for all."

All the time, God is good.

In the Friedens community of faith, we have a God-given and congregationally approved Open and Affirming Covenant that articulates our commitment:

We at Friedens United Church of Christ affirm that all people are created in the image of God and are redeemed through Jesus Christ; and so, as loved children of God, all are worthy of God's love and grace. We recognize that in the history of the Church, as an institution, people have been marginalized, mistreated, and unwelcomed. We promise with God's help to dedicate our church, our ministries, and our leadership to extending an extravagant welcome, with access to the rites and sacraments of the church, and open to all persons, including but not limited to, every race, culture, ethnicity, economic status, marital status, education, background, age, physical and mental ability and attribute, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and political belief, as a safe place to be authentic. We commit to an on-going journey, pursuing a diverse and united community of faith and a spirit that works toward inclusivity, openness, and understanding, seeking justice, healing, and wholeness of life for all people.

God is good, all the time.

This covenant and all our ministry at Friedens are focused in keeping with a God-given and congregationally approved Mission and Vision Statement:

The church of Jesus Christ is called to serve the community and wider world (Matthew 25:34-36). Friedens UCC fulfills this calling with a mission of sharing the love of Christ with all people (Matthew 22:36-40). This mission is empowered by a commitment to inspire, train and mobilize disciples (Ephesians 4:11-13). We are called to be a church of the Great Commission of Jesus Christ, sharing the gospel with all people, helping all understand, live it and tell it (Matthew 28:16-20). We feel a special calling to minister to children and youth in the community (Mark 9:36-37). This is a ministry all can be involved in. Every member and friend of Friedens is blessed and equipped with spiritual gifts from God and encouraged to use them in a related ministry (Ephesians 4:11-12). We are striving to be a more compassionate community of faith, welcoming all to join us on the journey (Galatians 3:28).

All the time, God is good.

We have work to do: praying, fulfilling our covenant and putting into action our mission and vision.

God is good, all the time.

~Pastor Marc

Pastor’s Paragraph - May 28, 2020

Guilt 
I often comment to people, if there was a guilt overdose I would be dead! During this period of time it is easy to feel guilty without even being aware of it. Sometimes our guilt is so deeply instilled in us that it doesn't even get to the form of words. I feel guilty that younger people than myself are dying, I'm not as careful about washing my hands as I should be, I'm not doing anything for others, and I am feeling happy while people are suffering and dying. I will share this poem with you because it says what I would like to be wise enough to say:

I Worried by Mary Oliver

I worried a lot. Will the garden grow, will the rivers 
flow in the right direction, will the earth turn
as it was taught, and if not, how shall 
I correct it?

Was I right, was I wrong, will I be forgiven,
can I do better?

Will I ever be able to sing, even the sparrows
can do it and I am, well,
hopeless.

Is my eyesight fading or am I just imagining it,
am I going to get rheumatism,
lockjaw, demential?

Finally I saw that worrying had come to nothing.
And gave it up. And took my old body
and went out into the morning
and sang.

            This kind of says it all, so sing and sing a song of worship!

Pastor's Paragraph - May 21, 2020

Dear Friends,

You are a tremendous blessing!  It is a gift to serve with you. Thank you for being a loving and welcoming community of Jesus' disciples. Thank you for praying for each other and our local and global communities. Thank you for adapting to different ways of worshiping together and serving in ministry together. I am grateful for the many ways you continue to share the love of Christ with others in these times.

This month, I am particularly appreciative of the opportunity we have through the offering of letters for Bread for the World. This is a way we can still be involved in the focused mission of reaching out to children and youth. This is a way we can still work on overcoming hunger. One of my favorite memories of Friedens this past year was looking across the narthex and seeing folks in their eighties writing letters with elementary students for the Bread for the World offering of letters. Over the years, Friedens has grown in our participation in the offering of letters. I am excited and grateful that we can still offer ourselves to God, to others, and to ourselves in this way - we are, after all, all siblings of one another - when one of God's precious ones is hungry, we are hungry, too, of body and spirit. We hope you'll be able to participate in the offering of letters for Bread for the World to ask our governmental leaders to work to make sure people receive the support they need in order to have food to eat even during this pandemic and in the times to come. You will find information about how to participate below.  

Please be in touch if you have any questions - pastorsarah@friedensucc.org.  Thank you. 

With gratitude, deep care, and the love of Jesus~  Sarah

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you
gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in...  

Matthew 25:35

Pastor's Paragraph - May 14, 2020

Dear Members, Friends and Staff of Friedens Church,

I love you.

I love you so much that I have been staying home as much as possible to help stem the tide of the virus

I love you so much that when I have to go out into a public space, I wear a mask and keep social distance.

I love you so much that I will gladly abide by the decision of the Council of Ministries for when it is safe to return to the church campus for activities, because I know our leaders' priority is the health and safety of all of us.

I love you so much that when we can be in person together again, I will refrain from shaking hands and hugging you, even though I will be thrilled to see you.

I love you so much that when we can be in person together again, I will wear a mask, keep a safe distance and do whatever I can to keep us all safe.

I love you so much that you are in my daily prayers and always in my heart.

I love you so much that I will remain available for pastoral care via text or calls and lead worship virtually with our devoted team of staff and leaders as long as needed.

I love you and I am so grateful for your love.

Most sincerely,

Pastor Marc

Pastor's Paragraph - May 7, 2020

A Quiet Center

I have been fascinated by the pictures of animals being drawn into cities because of the lack of traffic and people during the Pandemic. I have seen herds of elk in Japanese cities and in Estes Park, Colorado. The pictures look so peaceful with animals instead of traffic!

The pictures of animals replacing people remind me of being in the world and yet not of the world. They portray a spiritual peace that we do not often experience. To me this represents a quiet space where inner awareness and freedom can grow. It reminds me of Jesus going to quiet places with a quieted inner spirit. In these places, free from the noise of the world, I am sure that he could hear the Father more clearly.

When all is quiet we can more intimately experience the dance of the Trinity in our inner spirit. Being free to hear God speaking to us, around us, and through us is so awesome. Even in the times that are foreboding, the voice of our great leader God is the gift that comes with our hardship and fear. God's love becomes a gift to be received and shared along with the enormity of the cosmos. This is the blessing of the spiritual journey, a time for positive change, not a singular trek but rather a journey with all of God's creation.

My challenge to you is to think about the rose (beauty), thorn (challenge) and bud (potential) of what God's journey is saying to you during this period of time. 

Call to me and I will answer you,  
and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.  

Jeremiah 33:3 ESV

Pastor”s Paragraph - April 30, 2020

Dear Friends,

This week, I offer you a photo from Friedens' butterfly garden and a photo from our yard. I feel like we are in a time of germination and growth waiting for clearer understanding of how we can join God's Spirit in cultivating a beloved community for all and not just some. At the same time, we are already seeing signs of this. God's beloved community is near and at hand and also yet and still to become. You are in my prayers. We are held by a faithful Gardener.

With gratitude, deep care, and the love of Jesus~ Sarah   

For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the
Sovereign Lord will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations.

Isaiah 61:11

Pastor's Paragraph - April 23, 2020

These words of Brené Brown articulate well how I have been feeling and the work to which I feel called to devote my time and energy:

We will not go back to normal.  Normal never was.  Our pre-corona existence was not normal other than we normalized greed, inequity, exhaustion, depletion, extraction, disconnection, confusion, rage, hoarding, hate and lack.  We should not long to return, my friends.  We are being given the opportunity to stitch a new garment.  One that fits all of humanity and nature.

Using my gift of preaching I want to contribute to a new normal.  Since I find Jesus’ teachings to be timeless, timely and always relevant I want to keep us focused on the loving way of Christ, the One who can fit us with that new garment.

So far this year we have followed closely the story of Jesus as told by Mark.  Mark’s brief and fast-paced narrative presents Jesus ministry of transformation through teaching and healing; a ministry his disciples are trained to continue through prayer, listening and care.  Despite the pressures of large crowds of needy people and the occupying authorities determined to advance the empire’s agenda, Jesus stayed focused on his mission even if it meant walking the path that led to the cross, the means of God’s ultimate victory of grace, goodness and life.  Written in the wake of Rome’s destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, a message of the triumph of Divine grace was most encouraging.  Do we find the same encouragement from Christ in our adversity?

Chronologically speaking, the next gospel to take up the story is attributed to Matthew.  Relying heavily on Mark’s storyline he also adds his own unique stories of Jesus, highlighting the liberation reminiscent of Moses.  These are the stories that will garner our attention as we move through Eastertide, seeking to find meaning in the Resurrection in our place and time.  Here are the unique stories of Matthew we will study in May:

May 3              Matthew 1:1 and 17                           Curious Pedigree

May 10            Matthew 1:18-25                                A Prologue to Liberation

May 17            Matthew 5:17-20                                Fulfillment of the Law

May 24            Matthew 5:21-30, 33-37                    You Have Heard

May 31            Matthew 6:1-8, 16-18                         On Practical Matters of the Spirit

I look forward to learning and growing in discipleship with you.  May the Spirit and wisdom of Jesus transform us, and through us, the world God loves and sent Jesus to save.

Eastertide blessings,

Pastor Marc

Pastor’s Paragraph - April 16, 2020

The Peace of Christ

 When I gave birth to my first child I felt relatively alone. My husband was out of the country in the military. As I went to the hospital and into labor I remember the amazing peace that came to me. It felt like strength and confidence. I felt an extreme trust in the process of having a child. I also felt this peace when Don and I go to Madison and eat at a little hamburger place that is like a boat on the river. I had lived as a small child right down the road directly across the street from the river and that might be part of the serenity. Don and I also experienced this same peace in a particular cathedral in Rome. When we entered it was as though we were surrounded by a million souls worshipping God. It was an experience of peace and awe.

 During the first four weeks of being confined in the house I have to admit my prayer and devotional life has been pretty much the same as usual. I have felt guilt that I am well while others are ill. I have questioned why this has to happen and how long will it last. I have felt closeness to my children with whom I text almost every day. I have felt tenderness for the helpers I have encountered. But most of all I have felt peace so great that sometimes I just want to sit and be in this peaceful Presence of God.

 Yes, all of the good feelings of love and connectedness are from and of God but the peace of Christ is an overwhelming comfort. All we have to do is to allow a time to be aware of it. We can simply let it in and savor it. I am so very thankful for the peace of Christ!

 Lord God, we thank you for your holiness which comes to us in feelings of peace and love. We ask that you remind us to take time to be aware of your Presence and the ways in which you bring peace from chaos. We  thank you above all for the peace of Christ and pray that others might become aware of this blessing too. Amen.

Pastor's Paragraph - April 9, 2020

Dear Friends,  

When I have been praying and thinking about Holy Week, a song that I learned during my young adult years came to mind. I don't know the title, but this is how it goes.    

I wake in the morning with my eyes fixed on Jesus, Hallelu, hallelu, hallelujah.

I wake in the morning with my eyes fixed on Jesus, my eyes fixed on Jesus, Hallelu, hallelu, hallelujah.  

You can make up your own verses for different parts of the day or activities. I have started singing - I think of the world with my eyes fixed on Jesus. When I keep my eyes fixed on Jesus, I am reminded of many things. For now, I'll share just one - Friedens United Church of Christ's s focused mission is to share the love of Christ with children and youth. How do we do this during a global pandemic?    

Let us remember that we are Easter people. We are resurrection people. We rejoice in the good news that Jesus is risen. The grave cannot hold the powerful life-giving transforming love of God. Jesus' love cannot be stopped.    

Let us share this good news with children through word and deed, through prayers spoken and prayers echoing deep within.  

Let us pray for children and teens who are feeling lonely, anxious, depressed, or afraid.  

Let us pray for wisdom about how to share and support children and teens who are struggling with distance learning.  

Let us pray for understanding about how we can continue to help children who face food insecurity.  

Let us pray for connections with community partners who serve children and teens.  

Let us give thanks and rejoice for the joy, energy, and gifts children offer the world.   Let us give thanks for the hope and enthusiasm children bless us with.  

Let us send notes of encouragement to families with children and teens.  

Let us remember our belovedness as children of the Maker of the heavens and earth who brings new life to all! Let us offer praise! Let us keep our eyes fixed on the Risen Lord. Alleluia!      

5 As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man, dressed in a white robe, sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. 6 But he said to them, "Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him. 7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you." Mark 16:5-7 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) 

Pastor's Paragraph - April 2, 2020

As we move into our remembrance of Holy Week, it occurred to me that my feelings this year may be closer to the feelings of the women and men who followed Jesus into Jerusalem two millennia ago. Like them I feel some uncertainty and anxiety about what is to come. Like them I am staying as close to Jesus as I can.

This perspective has helped me interpret some of the words of Jesus during Holy Week in light of and in relation to the crisis we face. For example:

• As Luke tells the story of Palm Sunday some critics of Jesus demand he stop this demonstration of enthusiastic followers waving palm branches and shouting "Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord". Jesus responds, "I tell you, if these followers were silent, the stones would shout out." This response reminded me that even though much of our normal activities have come to a stop, nature itself is still demonstrating the hope and new life of a fresh season of growth!

• In the Temple, only days before his unjust arrest and execution, Jesus recalls what matters most-the love of God, neighbor and self. It is the power of love that makes it possible for Jesus to walk the path of trust and suffering that lead to the cross and beyond. So too on our path of adversity a renewed commitment to receiving and sharing Divine love will surely keep us moving through suffering to healing and hope.

• John adds to story of the Last Supper a touching and powerful moment-Jesus humbly washing his disciples' feet. Just as Jesus serves us and soothes our stress in this uncertain time so we can offer grace and peace to others through prayer for the sick and their caregivers, caring notes or calls or texts to our circle of influence, offering monetary donations to efforts that are engaged in helping ease the burden and end the crisis, and reassuring our children who may be especially shaken by this pandemic.

• From the cross Jesus pronounces, "Father, forgive them". Even in the midst of personal suffering Jesus could see beyond the pain to offer what others needed. Recent years have been characterized by so much division and anger. Could this global crisis help us reset our priorities? Could a spirit of forgiveness heal the rifts? Could we set a new course of global cooperation that provides collaborative solutions to the challenges that threaten the well-being of our planet and its people?

As you join me in study and reflection on the Holy Week stories let us look for the wisdom that empowers us to be Christ's disciples for our own journey to the cross and the empty tomb.

From my family to yours-blessings of safety and health in the days ahead.

Pastor Marc

A Note from Pastor Marc

The glory of the young is their strength,

but the beauty of the aged is their gray hair.  (Proverbs 20:29)

This verse has taken on more meaning for me as my age and gray hair advance.  Though recently one of my grandsons mentioned that my hair color has moved past gray to white! 

This verse has also been meaningful to me in this crisis.  It reminds me that there are gifts in each age and stage.  Everyone has the opportunity to add value to our life together.   We need each other.  No one is expendable.

Social distancing is the most important work for most us.  We have an opportunity to help suppress the transmission of this virus and the suffering it brings.  I have been grateful for the way social media allows communication, connection and personal expression while ensuring safe interactions.  I have been encouraged by a hopeful song beautifully offered by two children from our church family.  Another member offered a meaningful poem.  Three great nieces of mine who are sisters put together a funny video to share with the extended family.  A picture of my three grandsons playing on their backyard swing-set warmed my heart.  Artists in my household have created paintings of beautiful color and form and shared them online.  I have a feeling you have been touched and encouraged by these same sorts of gifts.

In a time like this adding more beauty to the world is a reflection of our Creator and the peace and strength we feel from Christ.  Let’s thoughtfully choose beautiful words and actions in our households.  This is a stressful time for all of us, which might be amplified by the amount of time we are spending together in close quarters.  Let’s send out some beautiful expressions that bring encouragement.  This is a stressful time for all of us; a picture, a poem or a song can mean more than we imagine.  Let’s offer a beautiful word of appreciation to those whose essential work (at personal risk) is moving our world toward the resolution of this crisis.  Let’s offer prayers that are beautiful by their sincerity, gratitude and quiet listening.

Thank you for being Christ’s ambassadors of beauty, faith and love in a time when these gifts are especially needed.

Grace and peace to you and the world God loves.

And, remember to get updates and participate in virtual worship at www.FriedensUCC.org.

Pastor's Paragraph - March 26, 2020

How to Find Meaning in a Time of Pandemic
I am often asked how  we find meaning in such a chaotic and confusing world. One thought that often helps me is to recognize the ways in which I think in comparisons. Things seem good or bad, pretty or ugly, successful or non-successful. Author and priest Richard Rohr calls this dual thinking. Not only do we judge people and things with dual thinking but we also judge ourselves. We think we are coping or falling apart, managing well or feeling stressed. This thinking leads to an all-or-nothing mindset and builds anxiety.  The truth is that we can feel both feelings at once - a little bit country and a little bit rock and roll. We can feel vulnerable and strong. We can embrace the uncertainty and remind ourselves of our strengths. We can feel broken and be strong. We can know we are guilty and feel grace. My son says,’ it is what it is.’ I like that phrase. Our hope is that God will mysteriously provide the meaning. And hope is a good thing even with the mix of hope and doubt.

I sometimes use this exercise to help with conflicting thoughts and feelings: Get comfortable and holding your hands in front of you, palms up, now look at your right hand. Imagine that hand representing the stresses and anxieties of your life. Really let that image soak into your hand. Then look at your left hand and let the goodness of your life be represented there. Hold your palms directly facing each other and let go - letting the two hands slowly and naturally draw closer together - they will! This is a visualization for the integration of the two contrasting thoughts or feelings coming into a more comfortable place. 

            I pray for the blessings of quiet, transformation, and love for your Lenten journey.

39 Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, 

“Peace, be still!”And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.

Mark 4:39 New King James Version (NKJV)

A Note from Pastor Marc

When I face challenges it sometimes helps to think about a role model whose example I can follow.  Lately I’ve been thinking about my mother’s mother.  Her name was Bessie Burt; she was a strong person of faith.  She was born in the 1880’s and died in the 1970’s, when I was a young teen.  My mom, Louvine, was her 11th of 12 children.  Sadly, Bessie had to endure the loss of four of those children plus her husband, Lem, after six decades of faithful marriage.  She also lived through a number of other hardships including life on a farm looking after a large family, world wars, a terrible flu pandemic, the Great Depression as well as a tremendous amount of change in the nine decades of her earthly journey.

Bessie persevered with the love of family, by helping and receiving help from neighbors and church members, with hard work, an enduring faith, a love of Hoosier basketball, and a sassy sense of humor.  So many of her grandchildren and great grandchildren, like me, were fortunate to have her to set the example for living a meaningful and purposeful life.  Bessie passed away while I was confirming my faith at St. Mark UCC in Terre Haute.  I chose my grandmother’s favorite verse for my confirmation verse:

We know that all things work together for good for those who love God and who are called according to God’s purpose.  (Romans 8:28)

For me this verse is a reminder that God is the source of all that is good.  It is a verse that reminds me not to blame God for evil.  It helps me to focus on loving God and loving self and others as an expression of God’s purpose.  My grandmother’s example and her favorite Bible verse provide the kind of practical wisdom that helps me, especially in times like these.

Who is one of your role models?  What is one of your favorite verses?  Maybe some reflection on these questions will bring some calm and direction to your life right now.  Maybe sharing the story of your role model and your favorite verse will bring calm and direction to others in your circle of influence.

Let’s keep sharing our stories (in safe ways, of course) so that the goodness of God grows through us.

By the way, your pastors continue to be praying for you and are available for conversation and spiritual support at pastormarc@FriedensUCC.org; pastorsarah@FriedensUCC.org; and pastorpam@FriedensUCC.org.  Virtual worship and other information is available at www.FriedensUCC.org.

May the peace of Christ be with you.

Pastor's Paragraph - March 19, 2020

Dear Friends,

How grateful I am for God's gift of prayer to us! How good it is to be able to reach out to God in anytime and anyplace! How wonderful that we can connect through God's Spirit even when we are apart!

I am an in-person kind of person. I only remember one snow storm when I was in high school that caused church buildings to close for corporate worship. My friends from a few blocks away walked through the snow, and we had worship together at our kitchen table followed by brunch. At the same time, I am so very thankful for our leaders who made decisions for everyone's safety and health. I am thankful that we have ways to stay in touch when we cannot meet together in the same physical space. Here are some ways we can connect through prayer:

• The prayer concern list will continue to be sent over e-mail. If you do not receive this but would like to, please let us know.

• Your pastoral staff is available to receive prayer concerns over e-mail, text, or the phone.

• We have 20 seconds of pause every time we are scrubbing our hands. We can prayer for brothers and sisters near and far - for doctors, nurses, researchers, grocery store workers, sanitation workers, government leaders, and those who are most in danger during this time. We can thank God for being God. We can express our love and trust in God. We can express our fears and our anxiety. God hears it all. God is big enough (and beyond big enough) for it all.

• I shared the idea of breath prayers in a recent pastor's paragraph. Feel free to call and we can do one over the phone if you'd like.

• There are many on-line devotionals and prayer apps. Friedens QUEST ministry uses the Bible app. I also use the Common Prayer: A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals app. I will be sharing more resources in the weeks to come.

• If coloring or dancing or walking or woodworking help you relax and connect with the Creator, you can listen for God's Spirit as you enjoy your activities.

• We can find a song to sing or hum to the Lord and to calm our minds.

• You can join a zoom online prayer meeting from 4 to 4:30 p.m. on Mondays. For more information contact Pastor Sarah.

These are just a few ideas. Please be in touch if you'd like to talk about any of them or share others.

Thank you for uniting in prayer. Let us pray - God, You are so good! May we continue to put our trust in You. Thank you for the gift of caring communities. With hope in You, may we receive and share the love and peace of Jesus near and far. Amen.

Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving. (Colossians 4:2)

Pastor's Paragraph - March 12, 2020

As we have been studying the Gospel According to Mark in worship we paid attention to an important moment in the story. Mark 3:14 reads:

Jesus appointed twelve, whom he also named apostles (which means those sent out), to be with him and to be sent out to proclaim the message.

First, it is rather astounding that Christ would choose to partner with us to advance the Divine mission of grace and peace. What a privilege and honor to share in the ministry of Christ; it is our highest calling.

Second, there is a certain rhythm set in this calling of apostles. We are invited in to be with Jesus for inspiration and instruction and then the movement of ministry is outward to the community and world Christ loves. Worship in the sanctuary goes hand in hand with service outside the walls of the sanctuary. This movement in to worship and out to serve is the rhythm of apostles.

This may feel natural to us who have been worshiping for most of our lives. But for most people in our neighborhoods (and maybe in our families as well) this movement in to worship feels strange, especially Friedens' worship that is ancient in its rites, rituals and sacraments.

This disconnect requires us to talk about why this movement in to worship and out to serve is important to us and our living of the way of Jesus. However, as we have noticed in Mark's narrative about Jesus, we do not start with talking and telling about what matters to us. Remember those three words we have been using to describe discipleship? Prayer, listen, care.

Prayer is how we develop the mindfulness of Christ's companionship, calming life's storms and bringing healing to our places of brokenness.

Listening is how we sense the next step Christ calls us to take and is the way we develop relationships of trust with those we know and meet.

Care is the practical actions of Christ's love we share with others so that they too can experience the calm and healing of Christ's transformative presence.

These steps will open the door for conversations about why we do what we do and what matters to us as disciples. These conversations will open the door for inviting others to join us in this way of life and this rhythm of movement in to worship and out to serve. These invitations expand the circle of discipleship.

I look forward to learning and growing with you in worship and stepping out with you to serve.

~Pastor Marc

As God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Colossians 3:12. 

Pastor’s Paragraph - March 5, 2020

All Things Become New

Have you ever had clothes that you threw away to update your wardrobe just to have them come back into style? Have you ever thought of clothes you wore back in "the day" that you wish would come back into style? All kinds of styles come to my mind - Nehru collars, saddle oxfords, and so on...  

Traditions in the church are practiced in the same way. Traditions comes and go. I recently read on FaceBook that traditions are peer pressure from dead people, which may well be. I am particularly interested in the history of traditions of the church. For example, the dead sea scrolls were discovered around 1947 which is not very long ago considering it was the year of my birth. The scrolls are Jewish manuscripts found in the Judaean Desert caves. These scrolls were dated from the last three centuries before Christ and the first century after Christ's life on earth. There were also some manuscripts from Egypt found a little later. These writings gave new insight to the way that the early followers, mothers and father of the faith, emerged themselves in fasting, self-examination, and prayer in the community of the desert. They chose the desert to escape the negative influences of the culture of the time.

Recently the prayers of convents and monasteries as well as the scholarly interpretations of these early writings have created a revival of Christian mindfulness and contemplative prayer and brought this to conventional Christ followers.  I have found it a blessing to be able to receive training and knowledge in this way of prayer. I am excited to lead the Meditation and Prayer service on Sunday evenings, the second Sunday of March, April, and May. We will be sharing contemplative prayer in this service.

Contemplative prayer is only slightly different than a time of naturally occurring contemplation on the things of God. We spend a little time relaxing into the prayer time and then praying together with a unified focus or a prayerful activity. Our intention is to be quiet, calm, receptive, and healing in worshipful prayer to clear away the garble that agitates our lives. You are certainly invited to enjoy our quiet evening of prayer at any or all of the times indicated.

He has made everything beautiful in its time.  

He has also set eternity in the hearts of men;

yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.

Ecclesiastes 3 : 11.

The Meditation and Prayer service takes place this evening at 6:30 pm.