Yes, the Church Is Worth It

We had a wonderful surprise this Sunday. Some members of one of our former youth groups drove 5 hours (one way) to be at our worship service, just because...

I must add that they are no longer youth but now have children of their own; although I still think of them as "the kids." My husband was their youth director and I was the (unpaid) assistant, so we really were not  much older than the high school youth, maybe 2-5 years. But we were adults, just barely.

As we told stories and reminisced about old times, I told one of mine. This urban church had a dance each Friday night for the neighborhood kids. The police thanked us because the crime rate went down during that time. The dance drew about 200 kids and had been a ministry of that church for over 15 years--so it was an institution unto itself.

At 10:00 we ushered the crowd out the door and were ready to lock-up and head home. Except locking up was always a problem. The church had an ancient alarm system which consisted of a silver magnetic tape that went over the doors and windows. Invariably, one of the kids would slit the tape with a razor blade, which made finding the break almost impossible. But we got pretty good a finding it, but it could take as long as an extra hour. So I was usually annoyed, because that meant that we wouldn't get home until midnight leaving no time for us.

After I told my story, one of the "boys" spoke up. He asked, "Why do you think they did it?" I just thought they were up to mischief, and I had ample reason for believing it too. But he answered, "It was because, we didn't want to go home." This floored me. I had never considered that as a reason, but knew in my heart that it had to be true. All that for an extra hour away from home.

I have many fond memories of this youth group, because it was really my first. So I experienced many "firsts" with them. It was the first time I had such responsibility and authority and they taught me a lot. It was one of the hardest jobs I ever had, but yes, it was worth it. They were worth it. My husband baptized each of the ones that visited and they still had their certificates so many years later. They turned out ok, but many of their friends did not. We just planted seeds. Some took root; others didn't. But it was still worth it.

When I see so much pettiness and ugliness in the church, I wonder if being a church professional is worth it. Sunday reminded me that, yes, it's worth it and a lot more. I hope you keep your reasons for staying in ministry ever before you.

Grace, Kathy

Book Review: Three Simple Truths by Adolf Hansen

Adolf Hansen, former pastor, vice-president emeritus at Garrett-Evangelical Seminary, theologian in residence at St. Luke's United Methodist Church, Indianapolis, has spent time exploring his own beliefs, and selected three truths which have been formative and important to his faith. His book, Three Simple Truths: Experiencing Them in Our Lives devotes a chapter to each truth, examining each one, word by word or phrase by phrase. 

Dr. Hansen's three simple truths are: God is good, all the time; God works for good, in everything; and Trust God, no matter what. His book is appropriate for group or individual study, and is published by Inkwater Press, Portland, Oregon.

He includes numerous references to scripture, offers"'pauses for reflection" in each chapter, and concludes each truth with a personal experience, questions for discussion, practices to express each truth, a prayer, and an original short song.

I found Three Simple Truths to have great depth in meaning and a thorough exploration of the truths presented. I especially appreciated the"'pauses for reflection" and the many suggestions at the end of each chapter to expand my experience with the scriptures and each truth.  

I highly recommend exploring Three Simple Truths during this period in the church year called Ordinary Time, when I believe we are encouraged to deepen our moments with God in this church season.  

Jacquie Reed

Fishers, Indiana

The Color of Prayer

This comes from the leaders of our Adult Education at our local church. Thought you'd enjoy it as well.


"We have been using a video during our class time to teach us more about prayer and yesterday one of the topics on the video was The Color of Prayer. I thought this was so fascinating because I had never thought about prayer having a color. Think about that for a minute. What color would you assign to prayer? Some responses of people on the video were white, rainbow, and blue. But the response that I loved was a man that is a hospice counselor. He said that the color of prayer for him was water. He explained that he knew that wasn't a particular color, but when he thought about prayer he always compares it to water. Water is fluid just as our prayer life should be. A constant flow of communication between us and God. He said sometimes the water is clear and sometimes the water is muddy. Sometimes the answers from God are crystal clear and sometimes the answers are not so clear and we have to spend more time in meditation and discernment. Sometimes water flows gently and calmly and sometimes the water is rough with huge waves. Our prayers can be loving words of praise and gratitude exchanged between us and God or our prayers can express our anger, frustration, or impatience for why we are going through particular trials and tribulations."


Happy Easter Monday,
Kathy

Rekindling Your Flame

Every Monday, our Sunday School leadership sends out an email to all teachers. The thoughts below are from last Monday's email. The phrase that really caught my attention was "I'm not sure if it has been this brutally cold winter or just time in the valley..." With so much winter this year and with so many sick, who doesn't need a rekindled flame. Thought you'd enjoy her words of encouragement.

"John 15:5-8

The Message (MSG)

5-8 “I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you’re joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated, you can’t produce a thing. Anyone who separates from me is deadwood, gathered up and thrown on the bonfire. But if you make yourselves at home with me and my words are at home in you, you can be sure that whatever you ask will be listened to and acted upon. This is how my Father shows who he is—when you produce grapes, when you mature as my disciples.

 

Good morning everyone,

Have you seen those Charter commercials that start with, "When your cable goes out...."? And then it follows a downward progression to some absurd, but funny ending.  Have you ever thought that the same example could be used for our spiritual life? I think it would go something like this: When our flame goes out, we get stressed and depressed. And when we get stressed and depressed we try to take things into our own hands.  And when we take things into our own hands, we make bad choices.  And when we make bad choices, we think we are failures.  And when we think we are failures, we get in a rut. Don't get in a rut.  Ask God back into your life and get in the groove!

I'm not sure if it has been this brutally cold winter or just time in the valley,  but I have noticed a lot of people who seem to have lost their flame.  God tells us we will have highs and lows, but no matter the season, we must draw near to Him.  I pray that we reconnect to the life-sustaining Vine so we can produce much fruit for the Kingdom!"

Grace, Kath

Love Came Down at Christmas

On my in to work this morning, several of us on the commuter van were talking about what days we were taking off for Christmas. One person remarked that she was going to have to work a lot of hours despite the holidays, because she was not able to get everything done in her office. This prompted another person to say that, for her, what was truly important was family and friends. She said that when you leave work, the people will miss you but the work will go on. Then she recounted this story.

Several years ago she was teaching this very lesson at a workshop for her employees. Her team is a dedicated bunch and they work very hard. It was a matter of pride that they accomplish their work goals. So when she said that if you leave, people will miss you but the institution won't care and the work will continue, that comment was met with some resistance. After the workshop my friend got a phone call that one of her team, who worked out of town, suddenly died--a forty-ish man had a heart attack and simply died to everyone's shock. The next day, my friend walked in to finish up the workshop and she told them about their colleague. Then she said, "And do you think that there isn't a person sitting at his desk doing the work this morning? He will be missed but the work goes on."

In response to her story, I joked that in many places you may leave but not replaced. And she answered, "But even with fewer hands, the work will continue."

So this year please remember what is truly important.

But for us Christians there is another lesson. God's work will always get done if not by us, then someone else. God never leaves himself without a witness. This can mean a lot of different things, but today, for me, it means that we are free and that's a big relief. None of us is so special in getting a job done that God can't find someone else. We don't bear the sole weight of responsibility--God does. Bringing in the kingdom does not depend solely on us. We can take a break and celebrate. Sure we should do our part, but we are just a part, not the whole.

Joy and Peace,
Kathy

Early Morning Mary

The church I attend has a 7:30 am chapel service every Wednesday. Although the attendance fluctuates, there can be as few as four and as many as ten. 

I have led the service a few times when the pastors were on vacation or busy. Although the church is close to 25 minutes from my house, getting up early, usually in the dark, and driving to the small chapel to begin the day with other believers is a great blessing.

I led the service this past Wednesday and will again lead next week.  My message this week was about Mary which I titled, "How Can This Be?" I commented how Mary is held as an extraordinary  example of obedience to God's word, although her first response to the angel's message about  carrying God's son was "'How can this be?"

We do not know the process Mary went through to go from her initial response, "How can this be?"  to "I am the Lord's servant, may it happen to me as you have said,, but the scripture between her two comments offers helpful advice when we too are placed in situations where our response is "How can this be?"

Throughout life we have experiences which leave us saying,"'How can this be?"--a sudden job loss, a newly diagnosed illness, an unexpected pregnancy, learning about a move when a long-awaited job has just been secured. This happened to me twice. I received job offers for positions I long desired, only to find out a few months later we were moving; or any other situations which leave us surprised, confused, distressed.

Looking at the scripture, the angel offers a few words of advice to Mary. The angel says:

1. "Don't be afraid." Mary was obviously troubled by the angel's words as are we when unexpected events happen.  Unexpected circumstances remind us things are changing. We don't initially have a new plan or direction as our regular routine is affected.Remembering the angel's words,"'Don't be afraid," may calm our hearts as we begin to deal with the unexpected.

2. "The Holy Spirit will come on you." The power of the Holy Spirit is without limit. Even when we do not know how to pray, the Holy Spirit provides. The companionship of the Holy Spirit carries us, until we can reach a place of peace.

 

3."'God's power will rest upon you"'  Knowing that God was with Mary as she worked through the astonishing news was a reminder she was not alone. We too have the same assurance that no matter what is happening in our lives, God is with us.

 

Mary must have absorbed the angel's words, helping her arrive at a place of acceptance and peace so she could say with confidence, "I am the Lord's servant, may it happen to me as you have said."'

 

The angel's words can help us  work through those moments when we say, "How can this be?"  Keep these words close throughout the year so that whatever happens we too can come before God, finding peace and acceptance.

 

Jacquie Reed 

Fishers, Indiana

You Know You Have a Child-Friendly, Healthy Church When...

This past Sunday no acolytes showed up to light the candles at the worship service. Sometimes this just happens and it happens in all churches. People don't show up, but life goes on. In our church acolytes are kids from the third to sixth grade, and they receive extensive training. It's a big deal to be an acolyte. And this Sunday something truly remarkable happened.

But first you must know that in addition to lighting the candles on the altar before the service and extinguishing them afterward, another part of the acolytes' job is to hand out the offering plates before the prayer, and then walk behind the ushers, collecting the attendance registration pads. When there are no acolytes, the liturgist just fills in and hands the ushers the offering plates.

But this Sunday there was a young boy sitting in the second row. When he saw that there were no acolytes to hand out the offering plates, he got up, went to the altar, and gave the plates to the ushers. It was a spontaneous gesture and he carried the job off flawlessly. There was no hesitation. He slipped in so quickly that nobody seemed to notice. The ushers took the plates and the service went on.

I was so impressed that the boy felt free enough to just step forward unbidden. These aren't many adults who would do the same. I wasn't the only one touched. I saw several others tear up too, because we know this boy.

I'm so thankful that our church is the kind of place where children take an active role. It speaks to the overall health of the church that when there is a need, someone just steps up--not with a lot of fanfare but just because the job needs to be done.

To me this also says something about being a Christian. When there is a job to do, a Christian is the kind of person who just helps out--no criticism, no expectation of praise, just a willingness to do the work of God.

Grace, Kathy

Our Mission: Passionate Witness

Matthew 28:18-20

  

“Rekindle in us the power of your love.”  Some will recognize those words as part of the Prayer to the Holy Spirit. The power of Christ’s life fueled the Disciples and enabled them to fulfill their mandate to spread the Gospel throughout the world. We, who are Jesus’ disciples, are also tasked with this same mission. In fact, we repeat this mission every Sunday when our pastor asks our congregation, “And what is our mission?” And we reply, “To make disciples of Jesus Christ to transform the world.”  When we say these words each Sunday, I think of the great cloud of witnesses, those who have come before us, encouraging us to go forward.  And I imagine that God is pleased with our willingness to witness, but I am convinced that God is more pleased when we actually do it—when we are freed for joyful obedience and act on our faith. Having good intentions isn't enough.

For years I've had good intentions about exercising regularly. I’d start and do well for a time, then quit when the going got tough or when I just was too tired. But having breast cancer this spring gave me an opportunity to take advantage of the wonderful fitness ministries at the YMCA, one of which is the ABC program. As part of this program, I get to meet with a personal trainer who helps me and keeps me accountable so that I can make my fitness goals. I still am tired from my long commute to and from work. Most days it is still hard to drag myself to the Y, but knowing that my trainer has set aside time for me and has an investment in me, gives me added motivation. She rekindles my resolve by the power of her investment in my progress.

So how much more will God rekindle us through the power of his Spirit? God is invested in us and has tasks for us to accomplish. We can be sure that we don’t have to go it alone. In addition to his Holy Spirit, God gives us each other.  And that’s a good thing, because transforming the world takes all of us. God is our trainer. He’s there to motivate us and keep us accountable. But God also provides us with the fuel of faith to help sustain us when things get tough.

Dear God, Rekindle in us the power of your love. Send forth your Spirit and we shall be created and you shall renew and face of the Earth. Oh God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit, we may be truly wise and ever enjoy your consolations. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.

Kathy

Yelling the Name of Jesus

I love my Sunday School class and if there is any wisdom in this, you can give them the credit.

In the midst of the hurry and worry of daily living, sometimes we falter and turn away from God. There may be lots of reasons and dozens of good intentions, but the bottom line is that we get off track and wander away from God's path for us. So what can we do? One easy but wise way is simply to call upon the name of Jesus.

So when that person cuts you off in traffic, your child gets on your last nerve, or even when the church's demands won't stop, just speak the name of Jesus. Jesus' name is not some kind of magical formula, but saying his name can remind us that we are straying and that we need to set our sights back on God.

One of the guys in my Sunday School class was kidding another class member, saying that during our recent Youth Week, he heard his friend not just saying the name of Jesus but yelling it loudly. We all laughed. But sometimes we have to yell just to make sure we hear it ourselves.

I'm not a particularly spiritual  person, but I can do this--saying the name of Jesus when things are going badly. And I've tried it. It really does help me and perhaps it can help you too.

So whether we whisper or yell the name of Jesus, God will honor our prayer and help guide us back in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Grace and Peace,
Kathy

Missing Matisse....and God

Today I visited a home built in 1904, which I have admired from the street for decades. The home, part of a Home Decorator's charity event for a local hospital, was built by  Kurt Vonnegut's grandfather. The Vonnegut family is long established in Indianapolis. I was exited  to see the interior of this stately home.  

The decorators filled the three stories with many furnishings which looked a little out of place considering  the original floors, fireplaces, elaborate woodwork around hallways and stairs remained. I was more intrigued with the  designs and patterns appearing in the hardwood floors which varied from room to room. 

I carefully followed the arrows directing the visitors, but  almost missed an original Matisse painting located on an inner wall. I was thrilled. I don't think many noticed  because of the location. I took a few pictures while others walked around me captivated by couches, chairs, statues and vases.

Walking around my neighborhood later in the afternoon, I realized seeing the Matisse was the highlight of the tour. I am so lucky I was not distracted by the furniture and other decorations. I reflected further how seeing the famous painting was a metaphor for life with God.

How many times am I distracted by my "to do" list that I neglect a simple act of kindness, like holding open the door for the person behind me or greeting the cashier at the store? How often do I miss a rainbow in the sky or other signs  reminding me of God's presence? Do I let myself 'do one more thing' before I settle into daily meditation and prayer?

God, I ask that when I travel through my day, keep me ever alert to how you might appear in another person or in the natural world or on the radio or in an encounter. I want to receive all you offer me each day.  Amen.

Jacquie Reed  

Fishers, Indiana

Forty Days: Help for Grief

There is a service  in the Greek Orthodox Church that occurs forty days after a person's death. Special food is prepared to eat after the service of remembrance.  My parents, who both died in mid-January, were recently honored.

I was telling a friend, who is familiar with the Greek Orthodox tradition about the  difficulty I was having dealing with their passing. She suggested that I begin my own forty-day period of reflection to deal with the emotions I was experiencing. She didn't tell me how to structure the time or what to do. I decided to commit to forty days of reflection, asking God to direct me daily.   got a notebook, numbering each day, including the date. I wrote a few words or sentences each night. Sometimes I wrote God questions, other times I recorded new insights or perspectives received. I wrote scripture; I wrote prayers. I drew simple pictures. I brought my heart completely to God.  

I am on day 37 of 40. I have reached a place of peace. I am so grateful.

I realized that '"forty days" occurs often in the Bible. Noah was in the ark 40 days. Jesus went to the wilderness forty days. Lent lasts 40 days. There are probably more.

I want to offer  forty days of reflection'for any difficulty or challenge you are facing.  Many pastors and families are anticipating change within the next few weeks with new church appointments. 'Forty days of preparation for the move or the first forty days in a new church might be a  helpful, intentional way of spending time with God, offering grounding in uncertainty, chaos, and adjustment.

Forty days could be effective  for discernment, dealing with any type of loss, celebrating an event, planting a garden or being present to anything life presents.  

I am thankful for the way a Greek Orthodox tradition has helped me along a difficult path. I told my friend today I felt like I had experienced two Lents this year, which also means I have experienced two Easters!!  Thanks be to God!

Jacquie Reed 

Fishers, Indiana

Maundy Thursday: We Can't Out-friend Jesus

            Who is your best friend—the one who saved you from doing that, the one who listens and supports you during tough times, the one who brings out the best in you, the one who helped you become the you you are?

            Susie was my best friend in college. We had loads of fun and got into some scrapes that I still can’t talk about. I was her maid of honor; she was mine. We've loved each other through children, moving across country, our parents’ deaths, and now our grandchildren. I can never be a better friend to her than she is to me. Even now when I think about Susie, I smile. She brings out the best in me and my life is richer because of her. She’s the best. We also can’t be a better friend to Jesus than he is to us. He’s the best and our friendship with him is what we celebrate today.

            Maundy Thursday is the day we celebrate the last meal that Jesus had with his disciples. Tough days are ahead, but now we remember what is good. The word “Maundy” means mandate, and Jesus uses it when he says, “I give you a new commandment (mandate): Love one another; as I have loved you.” Jesus mandates us to love each other, like he loves us, his friends, his best friends.

            The point is simple: Jesus is our friend; and because of him, we befriend others and bear lasting fruit for the Kingdom. But if we fail or run away like Peter, Jesus will seek us out and offer us another chance. In other words, we might drop off the vine and even into the mud, but Jesus remains our friend no matter what.

Throughout the Gospel of John, we hear Jesus say over and over, “My hour has not yet come.” He says this to his mother when she asks him to whip up some wine at a wedding, because they’d run out. It’s said when Jesus is teaching in Jerusalem and some people want to seize and destroy him. It’s said a lot. But it is also said right before Jesus takes the Last Supper with his disciples and again as it draws to a close.

I can just imagine Jesus looking over these clueless disciples. He knows he only has so much time left and he has to fit 5 years of the Course of Study and 4 years of seminary and maybe 15 years of experience working at the church into dinner conversation, which will be especially hard because the wine and the many toasts will make the disciples a little drunk. So the disciples are not positioned to be at their best, and they surely won’t be taking notes. Jesus is going to have to repeat himself and drive home the key points over and over to make sure they get even a little something.

So he starts simple. “I am the vine and you are the branches.” Yes, very good. Let’s make another toast; we are on board with you Jesus. “No,” replies Jesus, “Not quite so easy.” I am the vine and you are the branches. It means that we are connected, but we are connected for a purpose—to be fruitful.” We are connected as the Church. We represent different dominations. We belong to various committees, teams. We are connected and we strive toward common goals to produce significant products for the benefit of the Kingdom. Yes, Jesus we got it.

Then Jesus goes on to say that because we are connected to him, we are connected to each other—not as servants or followers, but as his friends. We are Jesus’ beloved friends. When the Gospel of John talks about “the beloved disciple,” we generally think of John, the disciple. But here Jesus is saying that if we stay connected to him and let him be our friend, we are all his beloved friends. And perhaps even more important, he is our friend; and the hour is here when he’s going to show us just how much that friendship means to him.       

What Jesus asks us to do in return doesn't sound particularly difficult. He wants us to love each other. Yes, even those people who want to sit at the right and left hand of Jesus. Yes, those people who just don’t seem to ever get it. Yes, those people who promise to deliver, but bail at the last minute. You get it—those people.

So under the influence, we all say, “Jesus, we will never fail you. We love you and, ok, we’ll love each other, because we think so much of you.”

Jesus’ hour is here. He is betrayed into the hands of the authorities, who have been trying to get him for a long time. Then there is Peter, who at dinner swears that he will defend Jesus to the death. After Judas’ betrayal and the soldiers step forward, Peter even cuts off the ear of the High Priest’s servant to prove his loyalty. Then he follows at a distance as the soldiers take Jesus away. Peter hangs out in the High Priest’s courtyard waiting for who knows what. Peter would show just how good a friend he was. But we all know the story; Peter denies that he even knows Jesus, let alone that Jesus is his best friend. Peter denies not once, but three times.

And in so doing, Peter cuts himself off from the vine. So he goes back home to fish only for fish. So much for being a rock. So much for the keys of heaven. Peter slinks home, convinced that he will be less than who he could have been with Jesus.

Days pass. Jesus is crucified, buried, and is raised from the dead. Jesus appears to his followers. Everybody wants to see Jesus. Everyone, that is, except Peter. Peter and a few others went home, but Jesus notices that Peter’s not around—like any friend would notice another friend’s absence.

So Jesus goes after him, not a lost coin or lost prodigal, but a lost friend. He goes back to where it all began for him and Peter—to Galilee. And there he is. Jesus finds them all and, of course, Peter. Poor Peter— so broken, so ashamed. So like you would do for any friend who is hurting, you cook them a meal—usually comfort food. So Jesus roasts some fish and they eat.

Then come those questions. Jesus asks, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” These “what” we’re not sure. Probably doesn't matter anyway. At least he and Peter are talking. Jesus asks this question three times. “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” Three times to undo the three times Peter denied him? Three times to drive home his point? Or perhaps it takes three times to get Peter’s attention.

“Yes, Lord you know I love you. Yes, Lord you know I love you like a brother. Then, Yes Lord stop asking, you know already. I can’t love you like you love me. Heck, I can’t even love you like a brother, I can only love you—like Simon son of John.”

Then, I imagine Jesus smiling and saying, “Good enough. That’s all we need. Now, feed my sheep. Go and be that rock I called you to be. Trust me. I’m the best friend you’ll ever need.  

Jesus’ words to us? “Trust me. I’m the best friend you’ll ever need. I’ll help you.”

No, we can’t be a better friend to Jesus than he is to us, but we don’t have to. He loves us as we are. So let’s celebrate our friendship with Jesus by communing with him and each other now.

Have a blessed Easter.

Kathy

Encountering the Heart of Jesus

I wonder what Jesus was thinking as his death approached. Not many people know thier life expectancy, but Jesus did. I spent time reading scripture preceding the Last Supper, trying to get closer to Jesus' heart during these final days.   

I carried these thoughts with me a few hours later when I went to the hospital to visit a clergy friend, Jimmy.   Jimmy is  93 years old, dying of congestive heart failure. Jimmy was appointed to many  churches in   the former South Indiana Conference. He was  a district superintendent. Jimmy's son, also  a pastor, and his daughter, were  in the room.  

Although his  breathing was labored and speech difficult to understand, he managed to say, "I am going to heaven." I realized Jimmy must be in that in-between place where his  body is on earth, while  his soul is already experiencing  what is to come.

Reflecting later, I believe God gave  me an encounter to answer  the question  that began my day. Jimmy  shared an awareness of ending as well as  beginning giving me a glimpse of Jesus' heart as he too approached death.  

Thank you God for providing an experience to deepen my understanding of your Son.

Jacquie Reed 

Fishers, Indiana

Being an Encourager

This past week, I took my young son to one of his karate classes just like I do every week. But on this particular day, the class was unusually small (only 7 kids). So the sensei decided to have the kids practice a particular set of skills one at a time and have the rest of the group comment on their technique. He gave two simple instructions. After the student was finished doing their skills, each of the other students could choose to say something positive that they did well or give a suggestion on how they could improve. Well my son is a very analytic child, and so he waited and watched each child take their turn and strategically chose to go last. I could only assume it was because he got the benefit of learning from the mistakes of those that went before him. When class was over and we were driving home, he asked why the other students only pointed out what he did wrong instead of saying something nice about what he did well. I did not want his feelings to be hurt, so I simply said they just wanted him to be able to do his best.

Later I was thinking about his question to me and it got me thinking. Why do we find it so much easier to point out the faults of others instead of building each other up? Think about that for a minute. How often do you criticize or pass judgement on others when what we should be doing is offering encouragement and sharing God's love? I think many times it comes from a place of insecurity inside us and finding the faults in others makes us feel better about ourselves. But when you meditate on the fact that we are created in God's image and through Jesus we are new creations, you can find wholeness and peace and let those insecurities slip away.

So how do we do it? How can we be encouraged, and how do we become encouragers? True encouragement grows out of a deep faith-walk with God and one another. It requires our time and selfless devotion. It seeks to lift up and heal, helping others grow closer to God, so they can press on in their faith and be better suited for serving in God’s kingdom. There are dozens of Bible verses that train us to be encouragers. May these sampling of Scriptures encourage you today!
 
Jesus, our Hope, encourages us. (Heb. 6:18, 2 Thess. 2:17)
Salvation encourages us. (1 Thess. 5:8-11)
The Holy Spirit encourages us. (Acts 9:31)
The faith of others encourages us. (Acts 11:23, 28:15, Ro. 1:12, Phil. 1:14, 1 Thess. 3:7)
Fellowship with believers encourages us. (Phil. 2:1, Heb. 10:25)
The truth of Scripture encourages us. (1 Co. 14:31, Phil. 1:14, Tim. 4:2-5, Titus 1:9)
Serving God encourages us. (2 Chron. 35:2)
Anticipating the Lord’s coming encourages us. (1 Thess. 4:18)

Lisa

How Can This Be?

How many times in life do we say or hear someone else say, "How can this be?"

My friend who lost in-vitro twins at 23 weeks cried, "How can this be. I ate right, took care of myself. We prayed for God to care for these babies. How can this be?"
A neighbor whose 35 year-old sister was recently diagnosed with breast cancer told me, "How can this be? She is so young, exercises and lives a healthy lifestyle? How can this be?"

Far too many times the words, "How can this be?" bring together thoughts of something unfair, unexpected, undeserved.

The angel came to Mary, explaining that she was chosen to carry God's son. Mary replied, "How can this be?"

Mary surely was not expecting a declaration from an angel. Her confusion is recorded, "Mary was deeply troubled by the angel's message, and wondered what the words meant." The angel explained further God's mission. Eventually Mary replied, "I am the Lord's servant, may it happen to me as you have said."

We can tap the angel's words when situations in which we say, "How can this be?" occur to us or to those we love. First the angel said, "Peace to you. The Lord is with you." Knowing that we are never alone, that God is always present, is solid grounding for whatever happens in life. The angel reminded Mary that God was with her. We can remember the angel's words that God is with us.

Second, the angel tells Mary not to be afraid. Fear is an unwelcome part of any unexpected event--fear about a diagnosis of cancer: what will happen next--fear when a job is lost: where will I get money to pay bills? Practices that deepen one's connection to God can sustain when fear is present but perseverance is needed.

Third, when the angel explained that Elizabeth, Mary's cousin, was also pregnant. The angel concluded, "There is nothing that God cannot do." These words offer hope. Hope that peace will come. Hope that persons saying "How can this be?" will find light in darkest circumstances.

So when we say "How can this be?" during trying times, we can rest in the angel's words to Mary: "The Lord is with you. Do not be afraid. There is nothing that God cannot do."

God is present; God is hope. God's love can sustain us through the darkest night.

Jacquie Reed
Fishers, Indiana

Almost Advent

Liturgically, the great expanse of weeks and months between Easter and the first Sunday in Advent, called Ordinary Time, ends next week. Once again the four weeks of preparation for the birth of Christ begin.

From what perspective would you have liked to witness Jesus' birth?

Here are a few choices: the angel, Mary, Joseph, the innkeeper,the innkeeper's wife, other
ppeople on the way to Bethlehem, the donkey, the inn, the manger, the stable, the cow, other animals, the star, the people in Bethlehem, Simeon, Anna, one of the kings, the shepherds, Elizabeth, Zechariah, John, the swaddling cloth.

I asked this question to a group of friends and just about every perspective was chosen.

I selected the donkey because then I could have heard every conversation between Mary and Joseph on the way to Bethlehem, as well as during and after Jesus' birth.

Perhaps as Advent begins, your perspective can guide the way to the manger with new insights and thoughts on the miraculous birth.


Jacquie Reed
Fishers, Indiana

How is Jesus the Way?

In my Sunday School class we just finished studying "Going Public with Your Faith." I highly recommend the 5-part study by Chip Ingram. This is not a commercial, but if you want to investigate further, go to http://www.livingontheedge.org/home/chip/chips-corner.php

In the last session, Chip explains the plan of salvation. It's a lot more than you think, so don't prejudge. What he says isn't unfamiliar. There is a deep gulf between the holiness of God and sinful humanity. Jesus is the bridge. All we have to do to become a Christian is walk across the bridge; i.e., trust Jesus. After thinking and discussing this in class, a couple more lights went off in my head. The reason God wants us to be with him is because he loves us. He's not on his side, tapping his foot impatiently and he's not evaluating or judging our imperfections. And actually he is not even standing around waiting for us, letting eternity tick by. Rather, he is more like the father in Jesus' story of the Prodigal Son. God is searching for us and anxiously awaiting our return to him. But he doesn't stop there.

And Jesus? Jesus is not the bridge. (Sorry Chip.) We don't walk across the bridge. Jesus is the one who walks across the bridge to us--a bridge already built by God (his prevenient grace)--to bring us home. And here is where reality differs from Jesus' story. In the story, the son makes his own way home. In reality, Jesus goes and finds us and then brings us home. Jesus is the Good Shepherd who finds the lost sheep. That is grace. We don't walk across the bridge on our own power, but only with the help of Jesus. Our part is simply to take Jesus' hand and follow him. Yes, we trust Jesus to lead us, but we take steps of faith. Perhaps baby steps at first. But as we continue to follow, God empowers us to love enough to find others to make the journey with us. When we follow Jesus together, we are the Church.

Jesus is the way, but he is so much more. And for those of us who have trouble trusting, God knows that too. He loves us enough not to let us keep ourselves separated from him, others, and even ourselves.

Thanks be to God. Amen.
Kathy

God's Supreme Act of Loving in Grace

Hope you had a wonderful Easter. So why did Jesus have to die for us? Did a cold, angry God demand Jesus' cruel sacrifice? How did Jesus' death and resurrection cancel our Sin? These are age-old questions that have to answered for each generation.

First, I don't think the death and resurrection can be separated, because they are of one cloth. Simply put, Jesus lived, died, and rose again because God's self-sacrificing love for us. Jesus' death made concrete how much God loves us. Like many hymns say, Jesus gave it all. Through a great act of love, God fulfilled our part of the covenant. God also does this in Genesis. See Genesis 15:12-21. Here God takes the part of the less power party in a contract "signing." In Jesus,' God made Himself vulnerable--the least, the last, and the lost.

When Jesus died and the temple curtain tore top to bottom, it means that God, Himself, tore it, undoing the separation between Him and us. That is the whole point, Jesus' death and resurrection, was a continuation of Jesus' life's work: to break down the barriers that we put up that separate us from God. But also to break down unhealthy barriers between us as people. That is the meaning of the word, Sin. It means separation from God. It took God to make our relationship with Him right. That is what the word "righteousness" means--right relationship.

No, God is not a cruel tyrant demanding innocent blood. God's extreme and extravagant love was personified in Jesus. And God can indwell in us as well if we are open to seeing and believing Jesus.

Happy Easter,
Kathy

Ashes on the Go?!

I was listening to the local news this morning on NPR and heard, "Ashes on the go tomorrow on the circle."

"What in the world? Ashes on the go?" I thought.

I got on the church's website and here is what I discovered. There is a large circle in downtown Indianapolis. Businesses, a few restaurants, and a hotel surround the circle, as well as a large Episcopal Church. Here is the invitation on the Christ Church Cathedral website: "No time for Ash Wednesday services? Come by the circle and a priest will impose ashes. Passersby, downtown workers, visiting guests from out of town, and the spiritually curious are welcome to receive ashes at these times: 7:30-9:00 am;11 am-1 pm; 4-5:30 pm."

Is offering "ashes on the go" to those who are "spiritually curious or just walking by the church" demeaning to a very sacred day beginning forty days of preparation for Easter or just a way to meet the spiritual needs of a very busy society?

What are your thoughts?

Jacquie Reed
Fishers, Indiana

What Lent Study Style Are You?

Lent is a time of preparation for Easter, but it means different things to each of us. We prepare in different ways. Some focus on Jesus' time in the wilderness, some on Holy Week, others on Easter itself and what comes after. Whatever your style, there are studies to take you or your group on a meaningful path to Easter.

The Traditionalist
If it's less than seven weeks before the first Sunday succeeding the first full moon after the Spring Equinox, then it must be Lent! The liturgical seasons are important to you and you're so devoted to the lectionary you wonder if Jesus handed out a bibliography of Old Testament readings with every parable.

You prefer straightforward, Bible-based studies and devotions that engage the mind and touch the heart. You probably have your favorite Lenten study preordered by Proper 27, but if not, you may want to check out Call Him Savior or Mosaic: When God Uses All the Pieces, by Shane Stanford.

The Neomonastic
Taize, candles, lectio divina . . . It's ancient-modern all the way for you, as you find meaning in simplicity, self-denial, fasting, and spiritual practices. Your focus on Jesus' time in the desert, resisting temptation, lends itself to a more austere observance culminating in meditation on Christ's suffering.

You'll love Simplifying the Soul, from Catholic author Paula Huston, a collection of daily practices for Lent that draws on the wisdom of the Desert Fathers and Mothers. And Holy Week just wouldn't be, well, holy, without walking the Stations of the Cross. Pray the stations with Paul Hoffman's photographs and meditations, or Alfred McBride's The Challenge of the Cross, which includes a fifteenth station for the resurrection.

The Pre-Easter-er
It's not Lent, it's our Easter series. Isn't Lent that stuff that gathers in your belly button? Christ is risen, so why focus so much on his suffering and death? For the seven weeks (or six, or four) leading up to Easter, you want to focus on what Christ's death and resurrection mean for us today. Themes of redemption and new life reign. Try Beth Moore's Breaking Free, J. Scott Duvall's New People Forever, or John Stott's LifeGuide Bible Study, The Cross.

The Jesus Journeyer
For you, Lent is all about following the path of Jesus, studying and discussing death and resurrection, sin and atonement. You embrace the roller coaster of Christ's final week in Jerusalem, pondering everything from the donkey Jesus rode in on to those war drums that end Mel Gibson's Passion of the Christ.

Lucky you, there are many studies available exploring Jesus' journey to the cross, many with a DVD component. Check out The Last Days of Jesus by Matt Williams, and two from Adam Hamilton: 24 Hours That Changed the World, and his newest, Final Words from the Cross.

The Activist
If you're more focused on the actions and attitudes that got Jesus on the wanted poster in the first place, you may be an Activist. You're tired of giving up something for Lent—you want to give back instead, focusing on living out Jesus' values in the world. If this is you, you won't want to miss A Place at the Table: 40 Days of Solidarity with the Poor.

So what "style" are you?

Jessica Kelley
http://www.ministrymatters.com/all/article/entry/2332/whats-your-lent-study-style