Pastor’s Corner - March 18, 2021

Learning from others is a tremendous blessing! All of you have taught me so much!!!! Thank you!

Something that I learned from Adam Hayden years ago when we met to work on ideas for the Christian Education Ministry Team and the Equipping Ministry Team, was the power of using “and” more frequently than “but.” Around the same time, a colleague often said, “and also” or “and yet.” These faithful leaders helped me to see things and say things as non-binary. Life is rarely “this or that”. Rather it is often “and also.” Life is complex. We as uniquely created people created in the image of a loving and gracious God are complex. Being in community is complex, and complex is not bad. In the many different facets of who each of us is and how we exist in relationship with God, one another, and all of creation, there is wonder and splendor and delight. At times, there is also hurt and suffering because we misunderstand ourselves, one another, and God.

We are all on this journey of life together. I’m grateful to be journeying with you. I’m grateful to be growing with you. As we continue in this season of Lent, may we take time to reflect on the complexity of life in the midst of the many simple gifts of life. In this season, we are invited to focus on our humanity and our need for God. We are invited to confess our failure to love. We are invited to repent and turn back to God who is always there and always seeking us with compassion and mercy. We are broken, AND we are beautiful. We are weak, AND we have strengths to share with others. We are unique, AND we are dependent on one another and all of creation. We live, AND we die. We can lament, AND rejoice at the very same time. We can doubt, AND we can believe at one moment.

May you know that you are treasured. You are loved. May you breathe in God’s Spirit. May you rest in the peace of Jesus. May we grow and serve as Jesus’ disciples in his ways of wellness and equity for all. May we live out our God-given call as beloved and loving children. Blessings upon you as we journey together, dear friends~

8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God,
“who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”

Revelation 1:8

Pastor’s Corner - March 11, 2021

I have been sharing my reasons for following Jesus; things like Jesus’ servant leadership, his abiding presence and graceful qualities expressed by the image of a Good Shepherd. Another reason I am committed to Jesus as my Leader is the purpose he gives my life.

It seems to me we humans need to make a contribution and a positive difference; it is what makes life worthwhile. In a word the purpose Jesus offers is discipleship. Jesus is still extending the invitation, “Follow me.” We are to follow in Jesus’ footsteps.

Discipleship is a way of life aligned with Jesus’ values. Values like: faithfulness, forgiveness, kindness, helpfulness, humility, integrity, and love. You will see these values expressed powerfully in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7.

Living these values is demanding. Jesus described discipleship as the narrow and difficult way that few choose. Thankfully, Jesus gives us his Spirit to empower our discipleship, reminding us that the effort leads to purposeful and joyful life.

Jesus gives me a life worth living. How about you? Are you fulfilling a meaningful purpose in your life?

Pastor’s Corner - March 4, 2021

Dear Beloved Friends,

How is it with your being? Lately I’ve heard a number of people talk about lack of physical movement due to being inside with the cold and snow. I hear you. I love being able to be outside to move my body in big ways. Perhaps I can share with you an idea that I learned from my dad when I was a kid that can allow us to move inside even within a small space. When I was a kid, I had never heard about yoga, but I knew about prayer exercises – moving through stretches with breath and prayers. My dad did them very regularly, and sometimes I would join him. We did them standing up and laying down, but they could be modified and adapted to do when seated.

Here are a few ideas to try –

Reach up towards the heavens lifting your arms in praise – breathe in God’s spirit and breathe out a song, sound, or word of rejoicing!

Reach down and thank God for coming into the world to lead and guide us in the person of Jesus – breathe in God’s grace and breathe out hope.

Reach to the right and reach to the left – breathe in God’s forgiveness and mercy, God who casts our sins from us far as the east is from the west and breathe out gratitude that God’s love is freely given.

Twist to the right and twist to the left – breathe in God’s presence with us through all the twists and turns of life and breathe out the good news of God’s steadfast faithfulness.

Lift your left knee up towards your chest and back down then lift your right knee up towards your chest and back down – ask God how we can continue to follow in paths of his Son, Jesus our leader?

Wiggle your toes and plant them back on the ground (perhaps also make some rotations with your ankles), breathe in thanks to God for the earth and the waters that nourish us, and breathe out thanks for all the relationships and all the ways we are connected to those who moved upon the land in the past, present, and future.

For more movement you can repeat these and/or add your own movements and breath prayers. If you repeat the movements, you can change the speed or the words/prayers.

When we move even a bit of our body and think about the movement and the beath, we are changing. Energy and life are moving through us. In this season of Lent when we are invited to focus on confession and repentance, we can listen and respond if God is calling us to allow something to move through us to be released or something to move into us to redirect or inspire us. May you know you are not alone. We live and move and breathe and have our being in God!

Let everything that breathes praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!

Psalm 150:6

Pastor’s Corner - February 25, 2021

In recent weeks I have shared two reasons I follow Jesus. He is humble and obedient to God and he is a trustworthy and constant companion. Another reason I follow is because Jesus invites me (and you too!).

Throughout the gospels Jesus calls with simplicity and sincerity: Follow me! Jesus knew that we humans were made to follow not lead. Yes, of course, we exercise an influence on others and that is a form of leadership. But the truth is, we are not equipped to handle all the challenges and opportunities we will face in life. There are far too many variables that are far too beyond our control to be in charge. When we try to be in charge it will inevitably result in failure and disappointment. The sooner we realize that the better.

We need a leader who is equipped to handle all the variables and circumstances beyond our control. Jesus is the one for the job! Jesus, revealed by John in the opening of his gospel, is the Word (the Wisdom of God and the agency of Creation) who was with God and was God. The word is the source of light and life and grace and truth. The Word has the power to make us the children of God. When we embrace our identity, we are humble enough to be followers instead of pretending to be leaders. This prepares us to celebrate with John’s proclamation: From the Word’s fullness we have all received grace upon grace.

It is liberating and comforting to know we do not have to lead the way and be in charge. We are invited to follow, faithfully and responsibly, the One who is perfectly equipped to do what we cannot.

I follow because I was born to be a follower and Jesus was born to be my Leader.

Who are you following?

Pastor’s Corner - February 18, 2021

Dear Friends,

Holy week last year was something so foreign to me. I can imagine that some of you may have felt unusual and many emotions as well. Holy week might be my favorite week of the year. Growing up as a pastor’s kid, the whole week was spent in preparation for Maundy Thursday, Holy Friday, Saturday’s stories/crafts/egg hunt, and Sunday’s joyous celebrations, and it was spent in a church building – not always the same church building but in a building. As I got older, I also tried to meditate out in a garden at some point, but not being in a church building bothered me more than expected because in general I like to be outside and on the move out in the community more than inside a building. At that time, I had not expected for us to pass through all the days that our faith tradition tends to name as especially important or special in the church/liturgical year, but we have. We have one final holy day within the faith practices that I have grown up with that I will experience for the first time in my life not physically gathered with a church community in a church building – Ash Wednesday. As I write this, we are approaching Ash Wednesday. By the time you read it, Ash Wednesday will have passed but it still felt relative to share.

This change has caused me to reflect on ashes in a very deep way, perhaps more deeply than other years. I remember the first year that I realized that the scripture verse that I had grown up hearing with the application of the ashes didn’t actually use the word ashes but dust. That actually brought me a bit of a laugh this year when first experiencing sadness that we would not be together in the physical way that I have known it. I may not have access to ashes, but I have plenty of dust. My life is full of dust. I am dust. From dust I have come, and to dust I will return (Genesis 3:19). How will I allow God to use the dust that makes up me in the space in between – the space where I am dust filled with breath? How will I connect with the dust that I tread upon? How will I express my appreciation for it? How will I honor the relatives who have walked on it before me and who will walk on it after me? In what ways will I listen and follow God in order to be a loving neighbor to the other creatures breathed out of dust, those whom I know and those whom I will never meet this side of dust?

I think I’ll be reflecting on dust, dirt, and ashes throughout this season of Lent – this season of preparation and repentance – this time of turning away from ego and towards Jesus our Leader and Liberator – this opportunity to be drawn more closely to our Creator. Would you like to join me in this journey? You are in my prayers, and if there are ways that we can be of support to you in your journey of life, please be in touch. It is a blessing to travel paths of discipleship in the faith of Jesus with you. May you feel the grace of the Maker of the heavens and the earth, the grace of Jesus, and the direction of God’s Spirit this day and in the days to come~ Sarah

“Then the Lord God formed a human from the dust of the ground and breathed into the nostrils the breath of life, and the human became a living being.”

Genesis 2:7

Pastor’s Paragraph - February 11, 2021

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.

(John 10:14-16)

The image of Christ as the Good Shepherd is beloved for many disciples, including me. It is one of the reasons I follow the way of Jesus. The care and protection of a shepherd helps to define the qualities of Christ as a constant companion. It is reassuring, comforting, and strengthening to remember we are never alone. Christ is with us, not rescuing us from adversity but guiding and helping us along as we travel the ups and downs and the twists and turns of this earthly journey. Christ’s abiding presence makes all the difference.

John adds another important truth in the passage I’ve selected. Christ is not just my Good Shepherd but our Good Shepherd. The protective care of Christ reaches far and wide, connecting me to one flock that circles the globe and spans the ages.

What image of Christ speaks to your heart and mind?

Pastor’s Paragraph - February 6, 2021

A few weekends ago, I was doing dishes and enjoying the wonder of God’s world out the kitchen window. These amazing creatures came into view….Oh God, I thirst for you. As I stood with quiet gratitude, I was filled with multiple emotions as so often in the case in these days. Seeing God’s creatures out the window usually fills me with wonder. At the same time, I felt concerned that a group of six deer has been in our yard so often this winter – where are they getting enough food? How will they stay safe on such busy roads?

Later in the day, I went to look up Psalm 42. I wanted to read the passage that came to mind in context. I was surprised by what I found. I expected a psalm of pure joy and praise. Psalm 42 is filled with many emotions – a soul that is downcast and feelings of being forgotten, memories of times of worship, a profound and intense longing for God, and commitment to hope and worshipping in the waiting, a trust that God will help…. Do you hear other emotions coming through? Are there aspects of this psalm that you resonate with?

If you would like to try meditating on photos of God’s creation and exploring scripture passages that they might bring to mind, we have two more virtual gatherings. These conversations are designed for adults, but if children and teens are home as virtual students, they are always welcome. Babies and pets are always wonderful to see during zooms as well. Hope you can join us at noon on Friday, Feb. 12th and Feb., 26th. Please feel free to invite others to join you as well.

May you know God loves you in all the emotions. May a peek out your window at trees, neighbors, birds, clouds, sunshine you remind you that you are a precious child of the Maker of the heavens and the earth.

With prayers and gratitude,

Sarah

1 As a deer longs for flowing streams,

so my soul longs for you, O God
2 My soul thirsts for God,

for the living God

When shall I come and behold

the face of God?..
.

11 Why are you cast down, O my soul,

and why are you disquieted within me?

Hope in God; for I shall again praise God,

my help and my God.

Psalm 42:1,2-11

Pastor’s Paragraph - January 28, 2021

Today I begin a series of reflections on the reasons I follow the way of Jesus. I hope my thoughts will not only stimulate your own thinking but will also warm your hearts and increase your loyalty to the way of love, the way of Jesus.

One of the oldest expressions of commitment to Christ is the hymn St. Paul borrowed and included in his letter to the church in Philippi. Pre-dating Paul’s letters and the gospels themselves, this hymn sings:

Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death—even death on a cross.

It is quite the understatement to say that Jesus is a different kind of leader. Most leaders exploit power while Jesus emptied himself of power. Jesus traded power for humility and obedience before God. It was certainly a costly decision, requiring Jesus’ life, though the end result for us was the revelation of Divine grace that forgives sin and overcomes evil and death with trust in God’s everlasting goodness and life.

This “emptying” through humble obedience to God that benefits others is sometimes called the downward way of Jesus. Rather than a posture of dominance over others, we follow Jesus by getting on our knees in prayer and worship to God and in service to others. The downward way is counter-intuitive and counter-cultural. The downward way values humility over exaltation. The downward way leads to meaningful, purposeful and joyful life.

I have not found a more trustworthy and faithful leader than Jesus. How about you?

Pastor’s Paragraph - January 21, 2021

Dear Beloved Siblings,

How are you? As I write, I hold you in my heart and look forward to worshipping together in-person when it is safe to do so. Please be in touch if there are ways we can be of support to you as we continue this journey of life.

As I prayed about what to share with you this week, I thought about being in Haiti this time of the year twenty-one years ago. I went with a group that one of my professors from Eastern Kentucky University knew. I was supposedly going to offer occupational therapy services, but I was not ready. I was a new graduate and not prepared for any settings outside of where I had done internships. At that time, I had not yet served on the board of Global Ministries or taken any classes on missiology (the theology of mission) to understand the ideas of partnership in mission. I did not offer much, but I learned a lot, and for that I humbly give thanks.

I still remember many things vividly. One precious gift that I still carry with me was a walk up and down a mountain with a little boy. I remember that he asked about my watch, my shoes, and my Bible. He shared that his favorite verse was Psalm 121. He recited it. It sounded different walking in the mountains of Haiti rather than the flat lands of where I had grown up. In these days of pandemics, this little boy still offers me a gift – a gift of hope and help. Much may be unknown and uncertain, but I know my help comes from the maker of the hills, the sun, and the moon. God our ever-present Help offers us eternal love and grace and invites us to share this love and grace with others. May these words offered and echoed for thousands of years all around the world offer you blessings this day, dear ones.

With gratitude and prayers,

Sarah

1 I lift up my eyes to the hills—
from where will my help come?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.
3 The Lord will not let your foot be moved;
the Lord who keeps you will not slumber.
4 The Lord who keeps Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The Lord is your keeper;
the Lord is your shade at your right hand.
6 The sun shall not strike you by day,
nor the moon by night.
7 The Lord will keep you from all evil;
the Lord will keep your life.
8 The Lord will keep
your going out and your coming in
from this time on and forevermore.

Psalm 121

Pastor’s Paragraph - January 14, 2021

It is a joy to share some good news. From December 12th through the 25th we had 1,012 visits to the church website and 2,853 pageviews. Wow! God is using new ways to tell the old, old story of Jesus and his love. Clearly, the pandemic is not stopping the church from proclaiming the good news that sustains us in a time like this. What a blessing that we have the use of technology to continue to worship, pray, learn and serve in Christ’s living Spirit. No wonder we have already decided to continue virtual worship even when it is safe to re-gather for in-person services in our inspiring sanctuary.

I want to offer sincere appreciation to the Council of Ministries for their willingness to invest in upgraded audio and video equipment in the sanctuary. Of course, it is the generosity of a faithful congregation that empowered this investment. I also tip my hat to the church staff, the technology team, the music team and the Worship and Arts Ministry Team for their devoted service in front of and behind the camera. And finally, special kudos to Michael Kendall, Mark Raker and Jerry Weissinger for technical guidance along the way and hours of work each week that make our ministry of virtual worship possible. Friedens is richly blessed with good souls who share their gifts with glad hearts!

The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ. (Ephesians 4:11-13)

Pastor’s Paragraph - January 7, 2021

Dear Beloved Siblings,

May you feel God’s Spirit renewing you as this new year of 2021 begins. Are you one who practices setting goals or resolutions at the beginning of a year? For me, the new year has often been a time of practicing the spiritual discipline of examen – an opportunity to reflect on the past year and where I’ve seen God’s Spirit moving, to confess where I’ve missed the mark, and to consider where God is guiding and calling the new year. This year the Indiana-Kentucky Conference of the United Church of Christ (one aspect of community and covenant within our denomination of the United Church of Christ) offered us a list of star words that we can use on a Spirit-led, Spirit-filled journey for the new year. As the magi followed the star on a journey of faith to draw nearer to the Christ child, perhaps you’d like to pick a word or phrase to help you stay focused on drawing near to Jesus during 2021. You can quietly meditate and pray about a word on your own, or you can use the link below to pick a word. After you decide on a word, maybe you’d like to cut out a star and write your word or draw a picture on the star to place somewhere that you’ll see if often. Maybe you’d like to place it in your Bible, on a kitchen table, or on a mirror. You can use it as a way to stay focused on your journey in the faith and love of Jesus. I hope it will remind you that you are a loved child of God. May the stars and words/drawings be of encouragement to us we continue to seek God’s wisdom and guidance in ways to share Jesus’ love with others.

If you’d like to share your word, or send a photo of your word or picture, we can be holding one another’s guiding words in our thoughts and prayers as we journey together as followers of Jesus in a community committed to growing in the faith of Jesus and to sharing his love with others, especially with children and youth in our communities.

https://files.constantcontact.com/8206d75f001/a9006b74-f05b-49e7-bcba-4d26c59808d2.pdf

Please feel free to send your word and/or photo or drawing to pastorsarah.friedens@outlook.com

9When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. 11On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.

Matthew 2:9-12

Pastor’s Paragraph - December 31, 2020

While under house arrest Paul writes to the church in Philippi:

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.

(Philippians 4:8)

This is not an example of looking at the world through rose colored glasses. This is the perspective of faith, of trust in the abiding grace and peace of Christ. This is the way a disciple who experiences the suffering of the human journey continues to persevere, learn, grow and serve others. By keeping our focus on Christ we are empowered to reflect through human suffering the truth, honor, justice, purity, pleasing and commendable excellence that is faith and service in Christ’s Spirit. This focus does not minimize or deny suffering but it makes space for a perspective that can be used by Christ to bring peace and healing to suffering.

Yes, there is much stress, illness, grief, weariness, anxiety and sadness. And, yes, the One whose birth we are still celebrating gives us hope, love, joy and peace. These gifts sustain us in these difficult days and promise us better days to come.

You remain in my daily prayers for joy in the season of Christmas and hope in the New Year.

~Marc

Pastor’s Paragraph - December 23, 2020

Dear Beloved Siblings,

I miss you! You’ve been in my thoughts, prayers, and heart throughout this season of Advent. There is so much that I want to ask you and share with you as we approach the celebration of Jesus’ birth and his coming anew in our lives. In praying about what to share, I heard gratitude. Thank you for your continued faithfulness. Being the church is worshipping our Creator in all times and places. Being the church is joining in Jesus’ mission of partnering in God’s work of healing, feeding, and growing. Being the church is about God’s gifts of unconditional love and transforming grace. Throughout COVID, by God’s mercy, we have continued to grow, learn, worship, and serve.

Many, many thanks to all who have made virtual worship and worship services in the parking lot possible. Many, many thanks for all who share food for weekenders and write letters for Bread for the World. All who participate in virtual prayer groups, study groups, workshops, and gatherings are appreciated. Your prayers for our local and global communities are cherished. The work of the new Just Peace Exploratory Team is a gift and a blessing. The countless hours given by the health team guiding decisions about our safety and wellness are greatly appreciated. The leadership and efforts of the council of ministries leaders and ministry teams cause me to thank God. It is a blessing to serve with you. When the suffering of neighbors near and far threatens to immobilize me, I return to the spiritual practices, disciples, and gifts of prayer, gratitude, and rejoicing. Praises be to God!

So very much has been different in 2020, but at least two things remain the same – 1) God is love. 2) We are called to love God and love one another. On Christmas eve and Christmas day much will be very different for many of us, but the reason we bow down and humble ourselves before God remains the same. God has come into the world. God is with us. God will never leave or forsake God’s beloved creation and creatures. Jesus our Immanuel, Wonderful Counselor, Prince of Peace, Mighty God, and Holy One continues to redeem us and set us free to share God’s saving grace. May we join Mary in focusing on the God’s magnificence and glory. May we join Mary in pondering, honoring, and partnering with a God who fills the hungry with good things. May we join the shepherds in drawing near to Jesus and running to share the good news of great joy of his birth. May we hear and embody the praises of angels who remind us that Jesus’ love is for all people. It is for you! It is for everyone! In midst of all the emotions and challenges, in the midst of the suffering and pain, may you know you are held and covered by the hope, peace, compassion, faithfulness, and eternal love of God – Creator, Liberator, and Guide.

Christmas blessings,

Sarah

46 And Mary[f] said,
“My soul magnifies the Lord,
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant.
Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
50 His mercy is for those who fear him
from generation to generation.
51 He has shown strength with his arm;
he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.
52 He has brought down the powerful from their thrones,
and lifted up the lowly;
53 he has filled the hungry with good things,
and sent the rich away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy,
55 according to the promise he made to our ancestors,
to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”

Pastor’s Paragraph - December 17, 2020

We began a study of the Gospels as 2020 dawned. What a blessing that we were keeping close to the wisdom of Jesus as the pandemic took hold and changed our lives. As the year draws to a close and we anticipate 2021 we have hope the pandemic will diminish with the promise of a vaccine. Come what may, our study of the way of Jesus will comfort and encourage us. We have looked carefully at the way Matthew and Luke follow the chronology and outline set forth by Mark. We have noted unique material in these synoptic gospels, appreciating the unique perspective these three bring to the story of Jesus and his love. Now we shift to the fourth and most mysterious of the gospels, John. Following his own chronology and storytelling path, John speaks of signs not miracles and of mystical metaphors not parables. John adds depth to the identity of Jesus the Word, beginning the story before creation itself. Let us follow along with open hearts, minds, and spirits.

Blessings, Marc

Here is a look at the texts and sermon titles through January:

12/24/2020, John 1:1-5, 14-18, In the Beginning

12/27/2020, John 1:29-34, The Son of God

1/3/2021, John 1:35-42, What Are You Looking For?

1/10/2021, John 3:1-5, The Spirit at Work

1/17/2021, John 4:7-15, The Living Water

1/24/2021, John 6:35-40, The Bread of Life

1/31/2021, John 8:3-11, Neither Do I Condemn You

Pastor’s Paragraph - December 10, 2020

Most years as an adult, I’ve picked a word or two to focus on, or a word picks me. Some of the words have been more challenging than others. Listen and surrender are ones that I find very humbling and often seem to be the foundation for other words. A few years ago when I went through a pretty low time of depression, my counselor directed me to the word joy when she offered me the reminder that “The joy of the Lord is my strength.” That helps me find groundedness in the midst of confusion, exhaustion, and struggle. It reminds me that I do not, and actually cannot, carry things on my own. Strength comes from that deep trust in the God who leads us with love and compassion.

This year I have also found encouragement in the idea that joy is an act of resistance. Many years ago, I remember hearing a choir share that nothing can take our joy away. Much will come and go. Much is uncertain. Yet we can find joy in God’s unconditional love and grace. That does not mean that we will always feel happy. We can feel all the feelings while still being strengthened by God as our joy – and our hope, love, and peace – God as our all in all – our Rock and Redeemer – our sure and steady foundation. In these days, I also encourage you to give yourself space to mourn and grieve. I have felt a collective grief, and I while I trust that joy will come in the morning, I sense that I will be best when I actively remain in this season of expectant waiting without rushing past lament. The one who we will welcome once again into our lives as a precious newborn when Christmas comes, grew up to teach us, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”

May you feel God’s comfort. May you feel God’s healing at work in the world and in all the places of hurt and brokenness. May you feel God holding you wherever you are and in the midst of whatever you are facing and feeling. You are loved. You are not alone. You matter to God, and God has designed you with purpose!

And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant.
Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name.
His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.
He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly;
he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy,
according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever."

Luke 1:46-55

Pastor’s Paragraph - December 3, 2020

During the pandemic we have become acutely aware of how much our physical presence means to one another in our community of faith. We certainly miss being together in-person but we do not regret taking action to stem the tide of virus transmission and to ease the heavy burden for our healthcare workers and first responders. Thank you for doing your part as a caring and responsible neighbor and disciple.

When this is finally over we will never take for granted the opportunity to gather together for worship, learning, fellowship and service. In the meantime, we will continue to do our best to stay connected virtually and with cards, notes, texts, phone calls and socially-distanced outdoor gatherings as the weather allows.

As the Advent season is underway and the holy days of Christmas will soon be here, we have a special challenge to attend to health and well-being while honoring the traditions that make this season so special and meaningful. Please know the worship team and Worship and Arts Ministry Team are working to include in virtual worship rituals like candle lighting, carol singing, the reading of Advent and Christmas scriptures, and inspiring instrumental music. Worship remains the indispensable connecting point to the living Spirit of God that empowers us to not only remember but to live the gifts Christ brings at Christmas: hope, love, joy and peace. Please participate in these worship offerings available here on the Friedens website under Worship Services, (https://www.friedensucc.org/worship-services) and share them with your family and friends.

May a commitment to worship inspire service to our community. One of the best ways to celebrate Christmas is to lend a helping hand. Please be watching for the announcements about the Christmas Giving Tree, the Christmas Fund special offering, and ongoing hunger relief through Weekenders. Please also continue the daily kindnesses of being good neighbors. For instance, sharing and receiving Christmas cards will likely take on special meaning this year. Please consider adding to your Christmas card list the homebound members of our church family. Beautiful cards and thoughtful greetings to those who feel most isolated can bring a warm reminder that no one is ever truly alone. Christ is with us and his love binds us together. Christmas cards are a tangible symbol of this truth.

Our homebound friends and neighbors are listed in the link in weekly “Keeping Us Connected” newsletter. If you cannot find your copy reach out with the contact form at https://www.friedensucc.org/contact-us to have another copy sent to you. Thank you for remembering them with a card and a greeting. You will bring a smile and warm a heart…theirs and yours!

God bless,

~Marc

Pastor’s Paragraph - November 25, 2020

The season of Advent is beginning, dear ones. In this season of confession, repentance, and preparation, we have an opportunity to open ourselves once again to the inbreaking of God’s love anew. How will we spend this Advent?

On the first Sunday of Advent, we focus on hope. In these days of global pandemics, where are you finding hope? How are you living and sharing hope?

When I sat down to reflect on hope, I searched a book for a quote on hope and the shadow of hope because this fall the concept of the shadow of hope had caught me in my tracks. In her book I’m Still Here, Austin Channing Brown shares these words about hope, “This is the shadow of hope. Knowing that we may never see the realization of our dreams, and yet still showing up” (p. 180). Austin Channing Brown reminds me in powerful ways that we are called to keep stepping out in the faith of Jesus. We are to keep unlearning and learning. We are to keep confessing and receiving grace. We are to keep loving. We are to keep our lives fixed on God’s call and vision that all God’s creatures live with equity and deep peace and justice.

May we spend time with God in order to receive the strength and mercy to follow God’s Spirit and respond to God’s call. If your hope is waning, please feel free to reach out. God designs us for community. We need one another. We are not alone. You are loved. You are cared for. You have purpose. We have a Creator who offers us hope while we wait in the shadow of hope. May we live with compassion and find courage in the care of our Maker this Advent.

For God alone my soul waits in silence,
for my hope is from God.
God alone is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress; I shall not be shaken.

Psalm 62:5-6

Pastor’s Paragraph - November 19, 2020

Several years ago, a couple from Greenwood began visiting at Friedens. It did not take long to understand what a blessing they were bringing to our family of faith. Their names, Don and Pam Taylor.

Don jumped in using his gifts in music to become a member of the chancel choir and a cantor for the liturgical service. Pam brought the gift of a deep and discerning spirit to enrich our spiritual life as a congregation.

Over time, Pam felt a sense of call to ministry. She believed that she could bring her social work and counseling training and careers, with enrichment from her spiritual life, to become a pastoral counselor. Together we explored the options for authorized ministry in the United Church of Christ. It became clear that the right path forward for Pam was the process for becoming a Licensed Minister of Pastoral Counseling. Pam worked with the Southeast Association’s Committee on Ministry to become a Licensed Minister. Friedens’ Personnel Ministry Team and Pastoral Relations Committee took the necessary steps to extend a call to Pam to become our Licensed Minister of Pastoral Calling. In addition, Pam took training at the Shalem Center to become a Spiritual Director.

As a result, Pam has served Christ at Friedens Church adding a dimension of devotion and discernment to personal relationships and growth in discipleship through practices of the Spirit. From book studies to confidential counseling, from the rite of anointing to experiences of prayer and meditation, Pam has served us with wisdom and compassion. She has also been a trusted and valued member of the church staff.

We offer our very best to Pam as she has retired from her duties as our Licensed Minister of Pastoral Counseling and begins a new chapter of life and discipleship. Thank you for joining me in showing your appreciation to Pam for her faithful service.

I know you will be happy to hear that Pam and Don will continue their active

membership at Friedens Church. We will continue to journey together on the path of faith and service. May we all be inspired by Pam to use our God-given gifts to their fullest potential in service to Christ and his church.

God be with you,

~Marc

P.S. Thank you for the many kind expressions of pastoral appreciation in recent days. It is an honor to serve with you as ambassadors for Christ.

Pastor’s Paragraph - November 12, 2020

The Spiritual Journey

The spiritual journey is a way to seek and follow God’s will for our lives. Prayer is the way of grace to respond to Jesus’ invitation to ask, seek, and enter into our real (spiritual) lives. Prayer is the doorway to the continued journey. Even when we don’t think we are receiving an answer prayer sustains our relationship with God and keeps the conversation going. During this very unique period of time my sacrifice of face-to-face time has been enriched by a more intense desire for the friendship of God - also for my friendships with people through their books and even from Facebook. While I miss you all I have chosen to give thanks for each one of you, pray for you, and appreciate your unique contributions to my life.

I will be resigning my position as staff in our church at the end of November due to increasing inconveniences of arthritis. I am not getting around as well as I used to. It has been a joy to be called to work with the staff and members of Friedens. While I am retiring from my staff position and from counseling I will still be around to continue walking the faith journey with you as a congregations and as individuals. I want to continue in my journey of prayer and spiritual direction and hope there will continue to be opportunity to share that together.

I share this treasure with you:

Above all, trust in the slow work of God.
We are quite naturally impatient in everything to reach the end without delay.
We should like to skip the intermediate stages.
We are impatient of being on the way to something unknown, something new.
And yet it is the law of all progress
that it is made by passing through some stages of instability—
and that it may take a very long time.
And so I think it is with you;
your ideas mature gradually—let them grow,
let them shape themselves, without undue haste.
Don’t try to force them on,
as though you could be today what time
(that is to say, grace and circumstances acting on your own good will)
will make of you tomorrow.
Only God could say what this new spirit
gradually forming within you will be.
Give Our Lord the benefit of believing
that his hand is leading you,
and accept the anxiety of feeling yourself
in suspense and incomplete.

—Teilhard de Chardin

Pastor’s Paragraph - November 5, 2020

Dear Beloved Siblings of our Creator,

I miss being with you physically, but I am grateful that we are united through the gifts of prayer and connected through God's Spirit.

At Friedens we are diverse and held together by our common mission of sharing the love of Jesus, especially with children in our communities. One way we join together is working with one another to provide weekender packs to children who face food insecurity at Glenns Valley Elementary and the Early Childhood Academy.

Within Friedens United Church of Christ, we are young in years and old in years. We are non-binary, male, and female. We live alone and with others. Some of us walk, and some of us roll. Some of us go to school or work, and some of us are retired. We have different gifts, strengths, and personalities. We serve and volunteer with different ministry teams and organizations. We enjoy different hobbies. We are republican, democrat, other political parties, and unaffiliated. We are introverts and extroverts and somewhere in between. We are Black, Hispanic, Asian, biracial, multi-racial, and white. We are short and tall. We are very musically talent, not even able to clap on beat, and everywhere in between. Amongst us, we like to draw, dance, read, sew, and build. Together, we are a beautiful and varied pattern of community. Together, we are stronger. We are designed to be in relationship with God and one another. Life together in diversity offers us more space to grow, learn, and love.

With humility and deep joy, I give thanks for who we are as we seek to serve God. With the peace and the power of the Holy Spirit, may we continue to work together to respond to God’s call on each of our lives and on our lives as a collective. May we continue to breathe and move into our mission to share the love of Jesus, especially with children and youth in our communities. May we trust and find our courage in God who will never leave us or forsake.

With gratitude, prayers, and much care,

Sarah

4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. 7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good…. 26 If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it.

1 Corinthians 12:4-26