Pastor’s Corner – October 6, 2022

Thoughts on the Lord’s Prayer Part 4

Disciples spanning the ages and circling the globe share a common prayer, the Lord’s Prayer. Just imagine how many times this prayer has been offered. Just imagine all the situations that have inspired the use of these words of Jesus. Just imagine all the languages used to speak this prayer. Just imagine how much peace, wisdom, comfort, and inspiration the Lord’s Prayer has produced in the lives of Jesus’ followers.

In consideration of its significance and wide usage, I want to share some of my thoughts about the Lord’s Prayer.

The second petition Jesus teaches us to pray is: Give us this day our daily bread. Jesus invites us to affirm that our daily needs find their source in our Maker. Jesus is rooted in a tradition that understands God as the Creator of all that is good, making us stewards of God’s good gifts. The metanarrative is actually one of abundance not scarcity. The Provider fulfills all our needs one day at a time. It requires trust in God and a willingness to receive Divine abundance so that it overflows into the lives of others. We gratefully receive and generously share our daily bread.

Which proves heathier, satisfying your needs or getting everything you want? How does a daily reliance upon God strengthen your trust in God? How does it feel to overflow with generosity? You may share your thoughts with me at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com.

Let’s renew our commitment to using the Lord’s Prayer in ways that bless us and others.

~Marc

Pastor’s Corner – September 29, 2022

Dear Beloved,

The liturgical year (a church calendar flow that helps us retell the story of God our Creator, Jesus our Leader, and the Holy Spirit our Guide) and special Sundays of celebration/remembrance and offerings bring me extra pauses for reflection, confession, connection, and growth. I am grateful for this rhythm and these times set aside in different ways. Perhaps you experience special seasons like Advent and Lent or special Sundays like One Great Hour of Sharing similarly or much differently - I’m grateful to be part of a congregation that affirms unity in diversity and strength in uniqueness.  

One of these upcoming Sundays on October 2nd is World Communion and Neighbors in Need. World Communion Sunday has been a favorite of mine for many years. It reminds me of our connection with all our siblings - all God’s beloved children all around the globe. We can learn about and pray with our Global Ministries Partners at www.globalministries.org.

In 2022, the Neighbors in Need “BEHOLD!” offering focuses on economic justice. I have so much to learn in this area. I am grateful that an opportunity to give through the United Church of Christ also helps me be more mindful and intentional in praying for neighbors and learning more ways we can live as faithful neighbors as we partner with all God’s beloved near and far. What a blessing that God always gives us opportunities for changing and being transformed for the growing of God’s beloved shalom for all!

    With gratitude and hope,

         Sarah

Jesus said to him, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and withall your soul and with all your mind.’  This is the greatest and first commandment.

And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” 

Matthew 22:37-40

Pastor’s Corner – September 22, 2022

Thoughts on the Lord’s Prayer Part 3

Disciples spanning the ages and circling the globe share a common prayer, the Lord’s Prayer. Just imagine how many times this prayer has been offered. Just imagine all the situations that have inspired the use of these words of Jesus. Just imagine all the languages used to speak this prayer. Just imagine how much peace, wisdom, comfort, and inspiration the Lord’s Prayer has produced in the lives of Jesus’ followers.

In consideration of its significance and wide usage, I want to share some of my thoughts about the Lord’s Prayer.

The next phrase we are considering is: Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. This first petition in Jesus’ prayer seeks to align us with Divine purposes. It would seem that one of the differences between heaven and earth is the way God’s values prevail in heaven. We need help for that to happen on earth, so we ask God to make it so. Grace, peace, justice, faithfulness, kindness, compassion, and integrity are the characteristics we ask God to bring to earth and our relationships and interactions. Jesus doesn’t want us to simply wait for heaven to experience life with God. Jesus invites us to pray and work for it right now!

How might an openness to Divine values sustain life on earth? How have you experienced God’s kingdom come on earth? How does Jesus’ example clarify the will of God? You may share your thoughts with me at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com. 

Let’s renew our commitment to using the Lord’s Prayer in ways that bless us and others.

~Marc

Pastor’s Corner – September 15, 2022

Dear Beloved,

Many aspects of the nativity story or the story of Jesus birth cause me to pause. One of my favorite parts is where we are told that Mary pondered everything in her heart. As ones made to worship an awesome God, I think we are invited to ponder. What causes you to ponder?

A word that has been coming up a lot for me lately is curiosity. Curiosity came up this week in a course that I’m taking called Trauma-Informed Yoga for Youth and in a book that I’m finding extremely powerful by Britt Hawthorne. A few years ago when a small group of Friedens read Revolutionary Love by Valerie Kaur, I was struck by her ideas about curiosity. 

How do you think curiosity applies to our journey as followers in the ways of Jesus? Jesus seemed curious to me. He asked lots of questions. A few that come to my mind:

Did you not know that I would be about my Father’s business?

Who do you say that I am?

Which one of these was the neighbor to him?

What would you like me to do for you?

Do you love me?

Jesus also took time to meet people where they were. He did not allow fear of socially constructed barriers to prevent him from sharing compassion and care. When the disciples wanted him to move on (no time to bless children or feed people who are hungry when it is already past dinnertime), he remained. 

I wonder if all these are aspects of curiosity.

What are you curious about in this journey of love and life?

You are not alone in your curiosity! You are loved and appreciated! May we use our God-given curiosity to give God glory and honor

Sarah

Jesus said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 
Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” 

Matthew 16:15-16

Pastor’s Corner – September 8, 2022

Thoughts on the Lord’s Prayer Part 2

Disciples spanning the ages and circling the globe share a common prayer, the Lord’s Prayer. Just imagine how many times this prayer has been offered. Just imagine all the situations that have inspired the use of these words of Jesus. Just imagine all the languages used to speak this prayer. Just imagine how much peace, wisdom, comfort, and inspiration the Lord’s Prayer has produced in the lives of Jesus’ followers.

In consideration of its significance and wide usage, I want to share some of my thoughts about the Lord’s Prayer.

Jesus begins his prayer by addressing God. Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. The second and third phrases represent general understandings of the Divine—placing the abode of God in heaven and describing the character of God as holy. Heaven and holiness are ways to articulate how God is different from our experience and identity. Sometimes holiness is defined as being set apart. The opening line of the Lord’s Prayer expresses the way the Divine is beyond us and mysterious.

Interestingly, Jesus sets the holiness of God in the context of a familiar relationship, that of a parent. Our Father, says Jesus. That is striking to me. Jesus uses the first person plural pronoun as a way of including us in an intimate relationship with God. Closeness with God is not reserved for Jesus, it is available to us too. That’s good news! The relationship of love between Jesus and God the Heavenly and Holy Parent, is one we can claim and enjoy.

What strikes you about the way Jesus begins his prayer?

How does it make you feel to pray, Our Father?

How do you experience and articulate the mystery of the Divine presence? 

You may share your thoughts with me at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com.

Let’s renew our commitment to using the Lord’s Prayer in ways that bless us and others.

~Marc

Pastor’s Corner – September 1, 2022

Dear Beloved,

 Thank you for all your prayers! I can never express my appreciation enough for the prayers you say for the world - all the local and global communities. Thank you for your prayers for how we can live as a community of the faith of Jesus who share Jesus’ love and compassion in the world.  

 Thank you for your prayers for the grant process we did for over three years with the Center for Congregations which allowed us to develop the Conscious Caring Community - a community for young adults between 20 and 40 who are focused on social justice, creativity, and wellness. The Lifelong Spiritual Formation Ministry Team was so grateful for the opportunities provided by the grant that we discerned that it would be worth trying to apply for a grant through our denomination. We are thankful that we received it. The grant allows us to have a creation justice intern from September through February. This intern’s name is Sierra Nuckols. She has worshipped with us multiple times. She spoke in worship last year and talked about her experience in South Africa with Desmond Tutu that led her to begin the food boxes in Indianapolis. The Friedens Moving Outward Ministry Team worked with her, other young adults from the Conscious Caring Community, the Perry Meridian High School Key Club, and the Friendship Girls to bring a box to Friedens. It is located outside the Hayden Hall entrance.  

 Sierra will be introducing herself later in September. We have planned her commissioning for September 11th in worship. You can meet her at the breakfast between services on the 11th. Sierra will be helping all of us grow in ways we can live as partners with all God’s creation who work for equity and wellness for all whom God has made. She will have focused work with teens and adults who are older than the Conscious Caring Community.  

 I met Sierra at a Spirit and Place event on the northside after the CROP Walk about five years ago. At that time she was working at Flanner Farms. I was encouraged and grateful for the work she was doing to grow food in one of Indianapolis’ food deserts. Since then, I have continued to get to know Sierra and some of you have as well. I am blessed by her huge heart, her experiences in social justice work, and her willingness to serve with us. We are blessed by this grant and the opportunity to continue to learn and be transformed by God’s grace more and more into people of hope and shalom. I was asked to share information about her because there have been questions about our new intern. Please always feel free to reach out to me with your questions or to Lisa Haver who serves and leads the Lifelong Spiritual Formation Ministry Team. We hope to see you for breakfast on September 11th to hear about many wonderful programs that are happening this fall! Thank you for your continued prayers, worship participation, and the ways you share the love of Jesus in your families, schools, workplaces, recreational spaces, and marketplaces. I thank God for you!

With gratitude,

Sarah 

“I will sing to the God all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I Iive.” 

Psalm 104:33

Pastor’s Corner – August 25, 2022

Thoughts on the Lord’s Prayer Part 1

Disciples spanning the ages and circling the globe share a common prayer, the Lord’s Prayer. Just imagine how many times this prayer has been offered. Just imagine all the situations that have inspired the use of these words of Jesus. Just imagine all the languages used to speak this prayer. Just imagine how much peace, wisdom, comfort, and inspiration the Lord’s Prayer has produced in the lives of Jesus’ followers.

In consideration of its significance and wide usage, I want to share some of my thoughts about the Lord’s Prayer.

First a word of my general impression and appreciation of the prayer. Jesus’ prayer is brilliantly brief, simple, and profound. The words are easy to memorize. I love hearing children intone the words. I am touched when folks who because of illness have forgotten so much can still join in with the Lord’s Prayer.

This prayer of Jesus is a vessel of Jesus’ living Spirit. We feel close to Jesus when we sincerely recite the words. When all other words fall short, we can still speak the words in ways that are meaningful and powerful for any occasion. It is a beautiful thing to hear the gathered community speak them in the worship of God. It is comforting to share them in a hospital room or in a memorial service. It starts the day and ends the day on the right tone to speak them first thing in the morning or just before sleep.

I invite you to join me in thinking about the Lord’s Prayer. I will be sharing my thoughts via the Pastor’s Paragraphs. Why is the prayer meaningful to you? When did you first learn it? How does it make you feel to recite it?

You are welcome to share your answers with me at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com.

Let’s renew our commitment to using the Lord’s Prayer in ways that bless us and others.

~Marc

Pastor’s Corner – August 18, 2022

Dear Beloved,

In the past few years, I have been blessed by folx who have led me to deeper connections with our ancestors. Connecting with young adults has interestingly, caused me to reflect more deeply with memories of my grandparents – both biological and those I call my church grandparents. I give thanks for them, and I give thanks for the ancestors of faith in the Bible and those of Friedens. I am grateful for their ministries and leadership for their prayers and faithfulness.

I’m also thankful for the connection many of Friedens ancestors had with the earth as growers and greenhouse gardeners. As I think about our call in scripture to live in partnership with all creation, I think about Friedens ancestors who had a deep understanding of how seeds grow and the work it takes for food to be produced. It causes me to pause and reflect more deeply on what kind of ancestor I am being to future generations. What changes can I make to reverse the damage that I’ve done to the earth, or at least cause less harm in the days to come? How can I be an advocate for change in policies like we do through Bread for the World in order that all children of all ages can have what is needed for healthy growth?

With gratitude, I am hopeful and excited that the Lifelong Spiritual Formation Ministry Team received grant-funding to have an intern with us this fall and for the first part of the winter to help us grow and learn about how we can be better partners with all of creation. Please watch for more information about welcoming her.

On October 9th, we will also be hosting a virtual book conversation with Rev. Brooks Berndt and moderated by Adam Hayden. This will be another opportunity to grow and learn together. 

Before any of these upcoming opportunities, we have an opportunity for folx who enjoy hands-on work and projects. The beautiful butterfly garden which supports pollinators who are essential for our well-being is in need of work. If you are interested in helping with the care of the butterfly garden, please be in touch, or if you want to chat more about our connection to creation care and justice as followers of Jesus, please let me know. It is a blessing and a joy to grow and serve with you. 

May the wonder and joy of God’s beautiful world offer you much encouragement~

With gratitude,

Sarah 

4 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth;
    break forth into joyous song and sing praises.

Psalm 98

Pastor’s Corner – August 11, 2022

This summer I have been sharing some thoughts on the teaching of Jesus called the Beatitudes, found in the opening verses of Matthew chapter 5. The word “beatitude” means a blessing that produces well-being. A blessing comes from God and is to be gratefully received and generously shared. A focus on the Beatitudes is an opportunity to align our lives with Christ’s intentions for his disciples.

The final Beatitude of Jesus reads: Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. The kingdom of heaven is Jesus’ invitation into and description of life with God. Life with God is characterized by trust and faithfulness in Divine grace that makes of us people of grace. This Beatitude reminds us that even persecution cannot negate our life with God.

You may recall from our reflection on the fourth Beatitude of Jesus (Matthew 5:6) that righteousness and justice are interchangeable words in the Bible. A commitment to justice often runs counter to societal values, thus putting us at odds with the powers to be. So be it. Our allegiance is to God through Christ and the Way of graceful love. The love and life we come to know in Christ will prevail. Praise be to God!

May you be blessed,

Marc

Pastor’s Corner – August 4, 2022

Dear Beloved,

Many years ago, Friedens United Church of Christ became a Global Ministries Congregation. We made a commitment to remain connected and supportive of our global partners. We have done this in a variety of ways including hosting in-person and virtual visits with mission personnel and through visiting mission partners overseas. You can always read about our partners around the world and pray for them. You could also consider serving with Global Ministries in a variety of capacities. One upcoming opportunity is shared below. You don’t have to do physical exercise – you can even do a spiritual sprint (although we know the life of faith is a marathon rather than a dash

You can read more at www.globalministries.org. Please feel free to be in touch if you have any questions.

The theme for the Mission Dash 5K is climate justice. Creation care efforts by international partners evolve with each natural disaster and shift in weather patterns. Partners cope with the negative impacts of climate change by protecting and nurturing the natural world, preserving resources, and seeking to ensure food security.

You are encouraged to walk, roll, run, jog, or spiritually sprint wherever you are! You may choose to do the 5K with neighbors, friends, family, church, or on your own. The cost is $25 per person, and each registrant will receive a collapsible water bottle and magnet.

With gratitude and hope~

Sarah

Pastor’s Corner – July 28, 2022

This summer I am sharing some thoughts on the teaching of Jesus called the Beatitudes, found in the opening verses of Matthew chapter 5. The word “beatitude” means a blessing that produces well-being. A blessing comes from God and is to be gratefully received and generously shared. A focus on the Beatitudes is an opportunity to align our lives with Christ’s intentions for his disciples.

The next to last of Jesus’ Beatitudes is: Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be children of God. This Beatitude connects with a theme that runs throughout our sacred scriptures—God’s vision of Shalom. From the opening chapter of the Bible we get a glimpse of God’s ultimate intention for creation. The Creator has a place and a role for each creature. When we live in obedience to our place and with faithfulness to our role, there is Shalom—harmony and well-being.

The human creation, made in the image of the Creator, has a place and a role too. Our place is one of humble service to God. Our role is to be partners with God in working toward Shalom, serving as stewards and caretakers of God’s handiwork. Embracing our place and role will reveal our identity as beloved children of the Creator, Provider, Sustainer and Savior.

How are you working for peace?

May you be blessed,

Marc

Pastor’s Corner – July 21, 2022

Dear Beloved,

Although I’ve written to you many times about prayer, I am writing about prayer again.

Thank you for your prayers for your families, workplaces, schools, neighborhoods, cities, states, countries, continents, this world that God created and so dearly loved. Thank you for your prayers for students and school staff as a new school year begins. Thank you for the prayers you say in your heart, for those you say out loud, for those you say only with God, for those you say with others, for the prayers you sing, for the prayers you shout, for the prayers you whispers, for prayers on the move, and prayers when you are still. I give thanks for everyone who prays.

Sometimes life can be overwhelming. How good it is to know that we are not alone! How wonderful to know that we can come before God in prayer just as we are! May we continue to pray for God’s love to heal and bring hope to all.

16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing,
18 give thanks in all circumstances,
for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Sarah

Pastor’s Corner – July 14, 2022

This summer I am sharing some thoughts on the teaching of Jesus called the Beatitudes, found in the opening verses of Matthew chapter 5. The word “beatitude” means a blessing that produces well-being. A blessing comes from God and is to be gratefully received and generously shared. A focus on the Beatitudes is an opportunity to align our lives with Christ’s intentions for his disciples.

The next Beatitude of Jesus is: Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Here again we see the way Jesus focuses his Way on right and faithful relationships. Jesus calls us to the narrow and difficult way of pure motives that produce kind and just actions. Purity finds its source in the goodness of God that can be reflected in our own lives when our allegiance is to Christ and his Way of grace.

Jesus lives Divine grace in service to others, which is how our eyes are opened to God. Remember the words of Jesus later in Matthew’s gospel (25:31-40)? Jesus promises that when we serve the least we serve him. Pure hearts are dedicated to gracefully serving the needs of others. In our service we will “see” God.

May your heart be pure, your service be graceful, and your eyes be opened to Christ.

May you be blessed,

Marc

Pastor’s Corner – July 7, 2022

Dear Beloved,

What is your favorite story about the summer? Have you heard a helpful or uplifting story recently?

Jesus was a powerful storyteller. Stories shape us. Stories guide and inspire us. Stories correct and nourish us. This summer I’ve been thinking and giving thanks for the stories of so many – the stories of creation, the stories told by elders, the stories told by children, the stories drawn or sung or sculpted, the stories told by plants and animals, the stories danced or acted out or embodied in another way, the stories which live in our hearts and muscle memories.

Who is your favorite storyteller? How would you describe someone who listens most carefully to your stories and how does that make you feel?

In this week ahead, may we take time to listen to and embody a story of Jesus’ love and welcome. In this week ahead, may we listen to someone’s story with sincerity and may we thank someone who has told us a framing or foundational story that has helped us grow or given us hope.

Thank you to those of you who take time to share stories with me. I appreciate you!

May you know that you are loved and treasured by Jesus who knows our whole stories and cares for us more than we can ever fully understand or imagine.

With gratitude,

Sarah

31 He put before them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; 32 it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.”

Matthew 13:31-32

Pastor’s Corner – June 30, 2022

This summer I am sharing some thoughts on the teaching of Jesus called the Beatitudes, found in the opening verses of Matthew chapter 5. The word “beatitude” means a blessing that produces well-being. A blessing comes from God and is to be gratefully received and generously shared. A focus on the Beatitudes is an opportunity to align our lives with Christ’s intentions for his disciples.

The fifth Beatitude is: Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. This saying of Jesus reminds me of another common sense saying of our Leader, you reap what you sow. Jesus demonstrated the integrity he demands from his disciples. In this case, mercy given can expect to be returned.

The Biblical idea of mercy is sometimes connected to forgiveness and sometimes connected to compassion. Compassion is the ability to empathize with another’s need and to take action to meet the need. For instance, in Mark 10:46-52, we meet Bartimaeus, who is blind and as a result is forced to beg for a living. When Bartimaeus hears Jesus drawing near, he cries out, Son of David, have mercy on me! When Jesus stops and talks to Bartimaeus, he asks, what can I do for you? Bartimaeus replied, let me see again. Sure enough, Bartimaeus regained his sight! Jesus was compassionate. Let’s follow this good example, sharing and receiving mercy as compassion.

May you be blessed,

Marc

Pastor’s Corner – June 23, 2022

Dear Beloved,

How do you like to pray? Standing, sitting, kneeling, moving….in a chair or on the floor…. out loud or in your heart…in the car or in the shower…singing or whispering…at a school desk or behind a register…with a prayer or poem written by someone known or unknown…in a lab or in a board room…with tears or with laughter….

What a beautiful gift that God hears us no matter where we are, no matter what we say, no matter the tone of our voice or the length of our silence….

Sometimes we are afraid to pray. Sometimes we hurt too much to find words. Sometimes we are so excited that the words flow so quickly they wouldn’t make sense to others… God listens. God knows. God understands. God responds even when we don’t feel it.

We do not have to fear. We are lifted by a cloud of witnesses. The Spirit intercedes for us!

The Lord has heard my supplication;
the Lord accepts my prayer.

Psalm 6:9

Pastor’s Corner – June 16, 2022

This summer I am sharing some thoughts on the teaching of Jesus called the Beatitudes, found in the opening verses of Matthew chapter 5. The word “beatitude” means a blessing that produces well-being. A blessing comes from God and is to be gratefully received and generously shared. A focus on the Beatitudes is an opportunity to align our lives with Christ’s intentions for his disciples.

So far we have looked at Jesus’ Beatitudes of poverty in spirit, mourning, and meekness. Today we think about: Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. In his book Speaking Christian, Marcus Borg makes the case that righteousness and justice are interchangeable in the Bible. Professor Richard Dickinson, former Dean of Christian Theological Seminary, taught me that justice and righteousness refer to the good and faithful action of God that provides what each one needs. In a word, what we need and receive from God is grace—unconditional love that saves us from evil and death and saves us for lives of joy, meaning, and purpose.

When we follow the example of justice and righteousness we see in God through Jesus, we work to give others the life our Creator intends—a life of health and well-being. That is the kind of work that is truly satisfying!

May you be blessed,

Marc

Pastor’s Corner – June 9, 2022

Pentecost blessings, beloved!

I’d invite you to read the story of Pentecost in Acts 2. What an incredible day! Can you imagine the experience of being there?

Easter through Eastertide into Pentecost is my favorite time of the church year. These seasons cause me to wonder. They cause me to rejoice in the gifts of new life we receive from the Creator of the earth and the skies. They cause me to pause and confess my own sin that betrays Jesus whom I seek to follow. They encourage me to receive grace and listen for how I am being called to respond in this moment in time.

As we reflect on the power of Pentecost – the filling and covering of the Holy Spirit – the sending forth promised by Jesus, may I ask – what passion is God igniting in your heart? When you feel and hear the mighty rushing wind, how are you being inspired to respond?

Friends, the world is filled with deep need and suffering. The world is filled with overwhelming compassion and held by a God whose love is unstoppable, relational, connective, and at work in the world.

In learning from the children and young adults in their mid-twenties and early thirties, I am being moved to grow deeper in understanding and responding to the causes behind the rising numbers of climate refugees. Friedens was started by greenhouse growers. We have a strong commitment and history in working to overcome hunger and food insecurity through weekenders and advocacy through Bread for the World. We wrote 207 letters this spring! (Thank you and thanks be to God.) The changes leading to so many climate refugees are related and connected to hunger and food insecurity. The temperature changes impacting people all around the world impact us nearby as well. This is one of the ways God’s Spirit is moving me to grow. How is God’s Spirit moving you?

I’d appreciate your prayers as we respond individually and collectively to the flames of love God continues to place in our souls. You are in my prayers. I thank God for you! May we trust God our Maker, Jesus our Leader, and the Spirit our Guide. We are not alone. God goes before us and behind us and draws us together.

With the hope and awe of Pentecost,

Sarah

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.
2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues[a] as the Spirit enabled them.

Acts 2:1-4

Pastor’s Corner – June 2, 2022

This summer I am sharing some thoughts on the teaching of Jesus called the Beatitudes, found in the opening verses of Matthew chapter 5. The word “beatitude” means a blessing that produces well-being. A blessing comes from God and is to be gratefully received and generously shared. A focus on the Beatitudes is an opportunity to align our lives with Christ’s intentions for his disciples.

Today we look at the third Beatitude of Jesus: Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. The word meek is not one we use often, maybe because we confuse meek with weak. New Testament scholar, Amy-Jill Levine, has studied the word meek in its Hebrew and Greek forms. She defines meek as it is understood in the Bible—the characteristic of one who has power and uses it to show respect for and to serve others. King David and Jesus are both described as meek. They have power but refuse to use it in ways that lord it over others or takes advantage of others.

This Beatitude is a reminder that those who God will entrust with the care and stewardship of the world God made, are those who are meek—powerful and compassionate. Understood with its Biblical definition, meekness should be applied to all the roles we may play along the human journey—disciple, friend, sibling, parent, spouse, colleague, supervisor, leader.

May you be blessed,

Marc

Pastor’s Corner – May 26, 2022

Dear Beloved,

Thank you for all your prayers and support during our time working with the Center for Congregations on the Engaging Young Adults (20-40) initiative and grant. We are extremely grateful to the young adults who have trusted us and been willing to engage and connect with us. We began the pilot program in 2019. God has seen the world through much since then. Thanks be to God for the steadfast love and faithfulness in which we can always find strength and hope in.

During the process we were asked to listen, to plan, to listen more, to course-correct, to listen, to adapt. We have maintained the focus on wellness, creativity, and social justice based on asking young adults what they needed and found important. We have learned a lot and look forward to continuing to connect with young adults wherever they are on the life's journey. The young adults we have had the opportunity to engage with are very talented, thoughtful, and committed to the growing of a more healthy world for all. We appreciate their leadership, inginuity, kindness, and inclusiveness. I have learned a lot about the environment and about the language of the spirit. I am forever grateful for the prayers and conversations with these young adults.

It is a blessing to serve with all of you of all ages, even though my focused energies are with children, their families, young adults, and reaching out into the community. We are better together. God uses us all. Whether 90, 39, 19, 9, or 9 months, we are blessed by God and invited to be a blessing. Please be in touch if you have specific questions or want to be involved with the Lifelong Spiritual Formation Ministry Team as we seek to support all ages in growing in the faith and love of Jesus that we may reach out with his love.

-Sarah