Black Friday Thanksgiving

Black Friday Thanks

This is my Thanksgiving Eve sermon. I hope, amid all the rush of this day (Black Friday), you do not forget your Thanksgiving blessings and prayers.

Thanksgiving Eve Joint Worship Service

St. John (Plum Hill) - Zion (Addieville)

November 25, 2015

Words of Welcome:

Still the beating of my heart, let me feel your touch, O Lord; help me feel secure in the wonder of your love. Accept my thanks for all the right things in my life, and the love I hold for others; may your love extend to all. 

Welcome, in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit; creator, redeemer and sustainer. Amen.

Homily:

“Hungering for Thanksgiving”

I have often wondered on Thanksgiving Day for what we give thanks. I remember the many times, as a child and during young adulthood, raising a family, giving thanks while we sat and awaited the carving of the turkey; giving thanks for the many blessings we had received. Thanks for good health, thanks for a good job, thanks for being lucky and being in the right place at the right time, thanks for our children and loved ones who have prospered during the past year, thanks for the promotions and pay increases we received, thanks not to have been infected with the flu virus, thanks for good grades, thanks for plenty to eat; and so on and so on, and so on.

Is thanksgiving a time of thanks for what we have received as individuals or as family members? Or is it a time we thank God for when we had been encouraged to go to church, to work at church functions, to give regularly when the offering plate is passed, to look at social issues critically and make decisions as a good steward for this beautiful and plentiful planet earth? To give thanks for seeking justice for all God’s children? Is Thanksgiving a time we learn to give thanks for the sacrifices we make, without bitterness, bringing us one step closer to the realm of Jesus.

How does Jesus want us to discern this time of giving thanks? Three weeks ago, one of the lectionary readings was from the Gospel of Mark, where Jesus observed the generosity of a widow as she gave all she had to the Temple treasury. Do we give thanks for her generosity or do we question a culture which expects so much from the least of our society and much less from those of us who have been so richly blessed? Do we give thanks that we know the value of labor, and expect our neighbor to labor as we do? Or is our righteousness defined by what we do in the sight of God, and not with regard to what our neighbor does?

Thanksgiving is a time of reflection and discernment of what our place is in our immediate family, our church family and the family of all humankind. These times we are living in are filled with joys unsurpassed and tragedies unimagined. Jesus’ message to us tonight is to celebrate with joy when one of the least of these is fed and welcomed. We give thanks you are here tonight and you support the work of our churches in meeting the thanksgiving needs of the least of God’s children. We give thanks many of you have shared food with the hungry and given monetarily to help the transients find their way during life’s difficult times. As the earliest of native Americans helped the Pilgrims in 1621 overcome starvation, we give thanks for the lessons we have learned from them and the joy of sharing what we claim as ours,  on this Eve of Thanksgiving 2015. Amen.

Starting Over

"Starting Over"

When Suddenly You Need to Re-evaluate Your Place in This World

     The words of John Lennon ring true. Starting over; an amazing concept, and yet as it is as much about life giving, it is as much about life denying. I have not only wondered about it, I have experienced it. It is most apparent when the impact is sudden and irreversible. Most often, you think of divorce and death, yet it extends to other areas of our life.  
     Recently, a friend (Jan Hutchins) asked that I share my thoughts and feelings on how people cope with the sudden changes which occur in their lives, which if not confronted in a meaningful manner can lead to devastating results in one's personal health and personal relationships with others. In a more global sense, how it can build up or tear down broader based cultural, religious and societal relationships.
    During what was one of the most difficult periods in my life, as I faced divorce and the consequences of it, I read from an article in Psychology Today, which helped to provide some clarity for me as I moved forward. The tone of the article was how any decision to divorce or step outside the marriage has moral consequences, because the marriage relationship was based upon a promise and made in covenant with another. However, when a relationship is no longer mutually beneficial and becomes destructive, that relationship must end. And although ending a married relationship may cause pain, pain is no reason to avoid the end. Pain smacks in the face of the old familiar song lyric, "if it feels good, do it!" My take away from the article was this quote, "there are valid moral principles which are self-focused, the most essential being that of self-preservation."

1. FACE YOUR DEMONS

     I believe in the case of divorce and separation, self-preservation can be morally validated, yet it is legitimate only if one accepts responsibility for one's actions. Self-responsibility is vital to self-preservation and self-survival. Self-responsibility begins with self-evaluation. Self-evaluation includes facing the demons within you, and in the case of many people, the demons within you which work as barriers in building a relationship with another person. 
     I believe we all carry demons within us; it is part of our humanity, otherwise we would be divine, and as a person of faith I believe there to be only one self-actualized human being who carries that moniker. Some of the most prevalent demons in a destructive relationship include; control, deceit and detachment. Together these become a harmful cocktail, leading to ill health, misery and damaged familial relationships.  It could be argued each of the three aforementioned demons are a result of insecurity, which may well be the case, but each should be examined individually. Control leads to the denigration of another person, because you want  to control an outcome. Deceit is an outgrowth of control, hiding and playing games (which in most cases evolves around money and finances but also adulterous behavior). Deceit destroys one's character, which is hard to earn back. Once your character is besmirched, there is little hope to rebuild it. Detachment is an elusive demon, as it impacts your ability to be intimate. Without intimacy, a relationship with another is hard to build. Whether it is love-making or empathy for another, intimacy opens your heart to another person in ways which lay bare your true feelings.

2. FIND SOLACE

     I often turn to music to find solace; cheer, support and relief, and in the case of flawed relationships Barbra Streisand's interpretation of the song "Try to Win A Friend" rings true. Written by Larry Gatlin, the song expresses a hopeful attitude when you go through difficult times; remaining friends, even through the hurt and pain cut deep.

"When it's over, really over,

There ain't nothin' can start it over again.

Pack your bags and leave, ain't no use to grieve.

Though you've lost a lover, try to win a friend.

The partings easier when there are smiles instead of tears.

In your dreams you see that moment even if you live a million years.

Shake hands goodbye then, for remember when;

Though you've lost a lover, try to win a friend.

Let him go home, and cry your eyes out,

You'll only feel a little better.

Try to keep your body busy and let your mind forget him.

'Cause when it's over, really over,

There ain't nothin' can start it over again.

Shake hands goodbye then, for remember when;

Though you've lost a lover, try to win a friend.

Though you leave behind a lover,

Leave behind a friend.

Try to win a friend."

Songwriters
LARRY GATLIN

Published by
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

3. LIVE THE STRESS

     In 1981, David Bowie joined voices with Freddie Mercury and Queen and created a heightened level of musical stress with "Under Pressure." 

"Pressure pushing down on me, pressing down on you...

Insanity laughs under pressure we're cracking

Can't we give ourselves one more chance?

Why can't we give love that one more chance?

...Love dares you to change our way of caring about ourselves."

     Stress is good. Use it as the fuel of love to power you through crisis. Yes. Stress can increase blood pressure, but it can also help you focus. It can also help you make decisions, and meet deadlines when otherwise you could not (it can be a motivator). Believe it or not, there is a form of good stress called EUSTRESS (American Academy of Family Physicians). [Eustress means beneficial stress - either psychological, physical (e.g. exercise) or biochemical/radiological (hormesis). The term was coined by endocrinologist Hans Selye, consisting of the Greek prefix 'eu'- meaning "good", and 'stress', literally meaning "good stress"-ref: Wikipedia]. Physicians educate that creativity, problem-solving, change and satisfaction are enhanced when you reach a EUSTRESS equilibrium.  

     As a person of faith, I channel my stress through prayer which helps bring clarity to a problem and courage to respond and enact a plan of action. Stress can lead you to seek resources to help you respond; motivating you. Remembering Reinhold Niebuhr's advice..."accepting the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference;" (Serenity Prayer) stress can help you prioritize your time and help you establish priorities and better use of your time.
     We live with stress and by learning to cope with it helps us become productive with our time and more capable of timely decision-making. It helps us ward off the negative aspects of  stress called 'distress'.

4. SMILE and LAUGH AT ADVERSITY

     The great lesson I learned from my mother, Alice was "smile, always smile." Use laughter to your advantage. Over time I have learned this lesson and I have also learned the health advantages of laughter and smiling. In my early days of retail, working in the stock room of Freedlander's in Wooster, OH, my department manager, Royal Snyder reminded me "it takes fewer muscles to smile than to frown, so always smile, Don." The health benefits of laughter and smiling are well-documented (HelpGuide.org): 

1. When you laugh, your body relaxes. Tension is relieved and medical experts say your muscles relax for up to 45 minutes.
2. When you laugh, your immune system is boosted. Stress hormones are reduced, immune cells and infection fighting antibodies are increased, enhancing your resistance to disease.
3. Endorphins: Feel good with endorphins! The body's natural feel-good chemicals promote and overall sense of well-being and can even help to temporarily relieve pain.
4. Your heart smiles with laughter. Vascular function is improved, blood flow increased, helping to protect against a heart attack.

     One of the attitudes I believe you must adopt when you deal with life changes and stress, in addition to finding humor in life situations,  is that perfection, which we often think is what we live for; is fleeting and if you follow the approach of taking 2 Steps Forward, invariably you will take 1 Step Back. That is progress and it also one way to approach stress in your life. Work on it little by little. Pete Hamm, late of the British rock band, Badfinger, who suffered from severe depressive disorder and a victim of his own suicide, lamented his search for perfection in his life. In the song, "Perfection", written for Badfinger's 3rd album, 'Straight Up', he writes:

"There is no real perfection, There'll be no perfect day...

There's no good revolution, Just power changing hands...

Successful conversation will take you very far...

There is no real perfection, There'll be no perfect man

There's no good kind of killing, Just power taking life

So listen to my song of life, You don't need a gun or a knife

Successful conversation can take you very far

Successful conversation can take you very far"

When suddenly you need to re-evaluate your place in this world, I suggest you face your demons head on, find solace in the things you enjoy, live your stress and laugh and smile at adversity. Find love, peace and happiness in the end.

School Bells Ring!

School Bells Ring!

And Children Sing...

Beall Ave. School - 1955  Wooster, OH

     It is again that time of year, when children and young adults return to their schools to continue their education. This summer I have prepared five children's sermons called "Kids Parables" based loosely on the Parables of Jesus and inspired by the book, "The Power of Parable" by John Dominic Crossan. Each of the five (5) presented here is short, less than 3 minutes in reading time. The fifth was written today, for worship on August 23rd.  I found the young people who have heard them were able to connect with each, and the adults responded favorably to the message. Oh, the title of this entry is taken from a retail clothing store (Robert Hall) ad that ran locally in northern Ohio (at about the same time the picture of Beall Ave Grade School was taken); "School bells ring, and children sing, it's back to Robert Hall again!"

Note: Since the time I originally published these short Kid's Parables in August, I have completed the Summer Series by publishing #6 & #7 (9-6-2015), and now #8 (9-13-2015) and sharing them during my Kid's Sermon, up and through this past Sunday. DJ

Kid’s Parables

1. The Story of the Lost Farm Pet and the Gift of Caring

Janie lived on a farm and she helped care for 2 dogs, 4 cats and 4 kittens. One day a kitten named “Cutie” wandered off. Janie liked all her animals, so when Cutie became lost, she went to look for her. She looked for Cutie everywhere, and she was so excited when she found Cutie, and Cutie was happy to see Janie too. Now when her sisters, who were older, asked her why she wasted her time looking for one little kitten (knowing there would probably be another litter), Janie said, “this one little kitten is just as special as each of you. I would look for you if you were lost, so why not look for little Cutie. Little Cutie is part of our family and is as special as any of us. So, come on be happy, Cutie is back with us!"

2. The Story of the Lost Money and the Gift of Appreciation

It was a beautiful day and Bobby was riding on his bike. It was really beautiful because he had an envelope with $100 on the back of his bike, and he was heading for the store to buy an I Pod. He had performed chores and helped out whenever and wherever he could to earn enough money to buy his very own I Pod. When he arrived at the store he turned to get his money, and he saw it was gone! Brokenhearted, feeling kinda dumb for what happened, he returned home the same way he came, hoping he would find his money on the road. When he got home, he saw his mom and the neighbor lady, Mrs. Smith in the front yard. Red faced and embarrassed he told his mom what happened and how he looked and looked for the lost money. That’s when Mrs. Smith opened her hand and showed Bobby she had found his money on the side of the road. He was so appreciative of Mrs. Smith, that he gave a portion of his hard-earned money, for he was so happy someone had found it and not kept it. (You know, “finder’s keepers, loser's weepers”). Two weeks later, Bobby went to the store with more money, secure in his pocket. Now he is listening to his favorite songs on his I Pod and thanking Mrs. Smith for being such a thoughtful person.

3. The Girl Who Cared Only About Herself

There was a young girl named Rachel, and she thought only about herself. She was always asking her Mom for advances on the work she did around the house, and even for the work she did for others. One day, she asked her Mom if she could have her share of the insurance policy her Mom had for herself. Now, that’s pretty selfish; her Mom was still alive! And yet, her Mom agreed. So Rachel, with her insurance share in hand, took off on a trip (by jet) to the Bahamas. She promptly wasted her money, eating junk food, buying jewelry and, tee-shirts for herself (which she didn’t need), giving money away to new found so-called friends who took advantage of her, and all other sorts of wasteful things; too many to mention. Needless to say, she quickly ran out of money, her so-called friends left her and she had to fend for herself. She had to get a job to support herself. She got a job cleaning out the cages at a chicken processing plant and then clean the floors after they had been processed. It was dirty, ugly work. With no place to stay, she saved what little money she could, and then hired on a boat back home. And who was waiting for her, when she got off the boat; her mom was waiting. Rachel thought her Mother would be angry, but she was smiling and hugged her when she saw her (even as smelly as she was)! Rachel learned a lot about love and understanding that day, and that to love oneself means to love others first. That’s what her mother did, putting others first, with no strings attached (loving unconditionally). “I love you mom,” said Rachel, who has now learned to love as her mother does.

4. The Mixed up Little Boy

There once was a young boy named Charlie who wanted so badly to find God. He thought, if he would put a penny in his piggy bank each day, he was sure to find God. He was told, “a penny saved is a penny earned.” So, he thought if he was saving up for God, God would be very pleased with him. For years he placed money in his piggy bank until the day his grandpa died. He was so upset he took his piggy bank to grandpa’s funeral at church. He thought if he would put the money in grandpa’s casket grandpa would come back to him and things would be the same as before he died. The Pastor saw what he was doing and asked Charlie why he was placing the piggy bank in Grandpa’s casket. Charlie told him about the money and seeing God and helping Grandpa come alive again. The Pastor said, “Charlie, did you know your Grandpa volunteered to help feed the hungry? I bet if you give what you saved to help feed the hungry, your Grandpa would be very happy and you would see the face of God on all the hungry people you feed.” Charlie did just that and now he see’s the face of his Grandpa on all the faces of the people he helps feed.

5. The Little Girl Who Grew In Beauty

Susie, was a little girl who had few friends; matter of fact, no one really liked her. First of all, she lived with her dad who was unemployed. They lived on food stamps and aid. They would go to the food pantry every other week. She didn’t have any new clothes, like the other kids, most of her clothes were second hand (used). She had one good dress she wore to Sunday School and church. And whenever she came home her dad would remind her to hang up her “one good dress” so it would be ready to wear next Sunday.

One day, on her way home from school, she saw a school friend who had a bloody nose and a bruise on his face. She stopped to help him. He said, a schoolmate hurt him and took his science fair homework. Susie gave him a Kleenex to wipe his nose and she took him home where her dad put some ice on his bruise. Susie’s friend said that she was the only one who stopped to help him; He said, “I guess it’s because people don’t like me.” Everyone else just passed by, and “one classmate crossed the street to avoid me.” Nobody even wanted to look at me.

Susie gained a friend on the day she helped a classmate. Her new friend asked her why she stopped to help him. She said, “I learned in Sunday School that Jesus teaches, ‘when you help those in need, you help me.” “What a friend we have in Jesus, and what a friend I have in you, Susie”, he said.

6. The Little Boy Who Stood Up

Johnny loved going to church and attending Sunday School. Sunday School was a different kind of school where he learned things he didn’t learn in regular school. His mom said that’s the way it should be. School is for one thing, church school is for another. Anyway, he got to see his friends he didn’t see every day at regular school. His teachers were really cool; he understood the stories they taught and he really liked singing songs at the start of each Sunday School class.

He liked going to grown up church also. He liked saying the things that his mom and dad said during church service and singing the songs. One day, while he was sitting with mom and dad (they usually sat at the same place every Sunday, near the middle of the church), an older lady came in and walked up to the place where they were sitting; she looked kinda crumpled and wore an old dress. She was looking for a place to sit, when Johnny got up and offered her his seat.

Johnny stood up for someone he didn’t know and for someone who was very different from him. He stayed right by the old lady during the entire worship service (he was surprised she knew all the songs they sang, and all the other stuff they did) and when it was over, the crumpled old lady came up to him and said, “thank you, young man, I came back today because this is where I was baptized and you welcomed me, like God welcomed me when I was baptized. And this is where my family would sit. I will never forget you.” Because of Johnny’s example, many people who remembered the old lady came up and greeted her after church service. Johnny’s dad said, “you did the right thing by giving up your seat and helping to make her feel at home, because she is no different than you.”

7. The Little Boy & A Great Harvest

Little Jimmy lived on a farm at the edge of a big town. Jimmy attended Sunday School and church and he liked it, but he had friends who did not attend Sunday School every Sunday, and they seemed OK; so he didn’t understand why his Mom and Dad wanted him to attend. He didn’t see any difference between himself and his friends who didn’t go to church.

One Sunday he asked the minister why he had to come to church and Sunday School every Sunday. His pastor said, “you have been taught the parable of the seeds, do you remember that?” Jimmy said, “yes, but what does that have to do with me?”

“Do you have a brain,” asked his pastor. “Yes...”, said Jimmy. “Well your brain is like the 200 acres your father and mother have planted in corn this year. Because the seed corn was planted in good soil, rather than on rocks on or the road next to your farm; it will produce a good crop when it is harvested.” He continued, “when you come to Sunday School every Sunday, your teacher plants a seed in your brain; like helping others, being polite, making good decisions that don’t hurt people, and being fair. Remember when you bought presents for kids at the local orphanage, and when you helped serve meals to the hungry, or carried the books of a classmate you didn’t know, but who had a broken leg. That was because of the seeds that were planted in your mind and your brain.” Church and Sunday School helps your brain become good soil.

“That’s right,” said Jimmy, “those were things I did with my friends in Sunday School, helping others, and things I did. Thanks, Pastor; now I know why mom and dad make sure the seeds go on the good soil and not on rocks or on the road. They want a great harvest like you do and like Jesus does.”

8. The Rescue

Samuel was running home from school as fast as he could. He did not want to miss his favorite cartoon show, which started at 4 pm. He was determined to make it home in time, and nothing was going to stop him.

As he turned the corner from Main Street, onto his street, he heard a high pitched yelp. Not one yelp, but two and then three and four and five yelps; all in a row. Something was wrong, he thought. It sounded like an animal in trouble. But he couldn’t stop to see what was wrong. He had to get home to watch his favorite cartoon show. He couldn’t and he wouldn’t...but then he thought, “That’s not what I was taught last Sunday at church. Help one another, even if it means sacrifice.” “Gosh, I hate that word ‘sacrifice’ thought Samuel out loud.

So he slowed down and he could still hear the yelp, yelp, yelp coming from down the alley. So he turned from his street into the alley and as he got closer to Mrs. Garvin’s house (the widow lady), he saw what the yelping was all about. Her little puppy ‘Bobo’ had its paw caught in the fence and every time he tried to pull it out, he yelped.

Samuel saw what the problem was right away. Every time Bobo pulled his paw, it became stuck on a jagged piece of metal. So Samuel got hold of Bobo’s paw and gently held it still while he pulled the fence to the side. He rubbed Bobo’s paw where it was scratched, and Samuel could tell Bobo was happy; the little puppy started running around the yard and then looked at Samuel, as if to say thanks.

While this was all going on, Samuel forgot about his favorite cartoon show, and when he got home he remembered school let out early, so he wasn’t going to miss his show after all. And he helped a friend along the way, because he put Bobo ahead of himself. What a great day for Samuel!

Two Flags

Two Flags

Flags can create controversy. They can be used as  symbols of hatred, and they can be used as symbols for things other than that for which they stand. On Freedom Weekend (July 4-5, 2015) I preached on the two flags which stand to the left and right of the pulpit in my church. I share my sermon with you and my thoughts on how they stand in relationship with each other. 

Mark 12: 13-17

“Two Flags”

Two flags stand at the front of this great hall; one, a flag representing freedom and honor; the other, a flag representing love and community. Each flag is sewn from the threads of time and bear the scars of that for which it stands; sacred symbols for those who pledged their allegiance to its cause and those who worshiped its spirit.

Two flags borne from persecution and oppression, both a symbol of the greater good to come to all who respected it and who flew it with all good purpose in mind.

The first flag representing freedom and honor, came into being during the darkest period of our nation's birth history, in 1777. Its designer was a man whose family motto; “Always Ready” exemplified the spirit of its creation. Throughout the years it has changed in design when states were admitted into the union. The only constant, the thirteen stripes representing the original 13 colonies who sought separation from king and empire.

120 years later, in 1897, an impromptu gathering of a Methodist youth group led to the creation of the Christian flag. Though it was not borne out of the present persecution of its creator, it was representative of the sacrifice paid forward and symbolized by a red cross, representing the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. A pledge of allegiance was written “to the Savior for whose kingdom it stands; one fellowship uniting all in service and in love.”

These two flags cannot stand without the other, and though they are intentionally separate from the other, they prove to be equal in the eyes of the beholder.

Our nation has been strengthen by the values represented in each flag. Only when one is said to be more important than the other or more emphasis is placed on one over the other, are we weakened.  We live by the laws of freedom exemplified in the one flag (of country), and we live by the principles of justice and mercy exemplified in the other flag (of God).  

In this sanctuary, the sacred Christian flag of God stands in front of the secular American flag of country, intentionally, signifying the greater being, our creator, who we worship. Outside of this building the American flag stands before the Christian flag to honor the freedom we so cherish as a diverse and religiously free people.

Two flags stand before us this day, one representing kingdom and one representing empire, together they reside in harmony for as long as we believe the words of Jesus, “to that which is Caesar’s we give to Caesar, and to that which is God we give to God.” To know the difference is indeed a blessing.

Plastic Soul

    

PLASTIC SOUL

     

        Son (DJ)                Father (Glen A.)

     "Plastic soul, man, plastic soul." With this utterance (studio chat during the recording of Rubber Soul), Sir Paul McCartney celebrated one small step for recorded music, one giant leap for rock 'n roll. My father, an accomplished saxophonist and the lead singer for a touring orchestra (Don Grimm Orchestra) in Ohio during the 1930's, gave the Beatles little more than a year, calling their music a fad. He watched the Beatles perform on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1964, after which he made his famous prediction. To the contrary, my generation thought their music was simply fab and we spent as much of our own and our parents money (allowances, if we were lucky) to prove it! And the generational music wars began for our generation. Not only did the Beatles shake things up culturally, Elvis Presley did the same for my older brothers. More importantly, Elvis helped meld country with rhythm and blues, specifically black and white musicians coming together creating a new sound in Memphis, TN. an example of which is the music of Booker T. & The MG's and later, Big Star.   
      Music has always been a common link within generations and among generations of people. Electricity allowed music to get louder and to be transmitted through the airwaves. Vinyl was the media used, radio was the medium employed. In the movie, "The Graduate", a young college graduate portrayed by Dustin Hoffman was encouraged to think about his future (but not until he enjoyed the summer after his graduation); The business partner (Mr. McGuire) of Benjamin's (Dustin Hoffman) father comments to Benjamin, "I want to say one word to you. Just one word." To which Benjamin replies, "Yes sir", continuing with the following dialogue: "Are you listening?" "Yes I am. "PLASTICS." "Exactly how do you mean?" Benjamin replies, to which Mr. McGuire says, "There's a great future in plastics. Think about it. Will you think about it?" Indeed there has been a great future in plastics and petroleum, which is another story for another time.

      I have been downloading purchased music of a recently released UK series called "Ultimate Rock" (Ultimate Rock, Ultimate 80's; you get the picture). One of the sides I downloaded presented the music of Korn, Wheatus, Screaming Trees, Good Charlotte, The Only Ones and others; well, you get where I'm going with this. Dozens upon dozens of musical groups and talent unheard of by my generation, and unrecognized. But as I listen to these groups I think, "plastic soul, man", as these groups are making music and continuing the tradition my father shared with so many others in the swing era, and which I so humbly continue every Sunday when I play my trumpet and cornet, as an accompaniment to our church organ while the congregation sings the gospel hits of yesteryear.

HELP!

What's A Kid Supposed to Do?

HELP, I Need Somebody!

     I wonder what was going through my head when this picture was taken? "Keep your finger on the line Don, don't screw up for the whole world to see you can't outline the letter 'H'." Perhaps I was thinking "Wow, this instructor is tall!" Or maybe I was thinking of words which began with the letter "H"; 'hell, hallelujah, Henry (Critchfield; a neighbor), hardball or HELP'. Kids need a lot of help, now more than ever (I know I did back then). You read these stories about some amazing kid doing some amazing thing to further humankind. Yet there are so few of these stories, so what do we tell our kids and how do we instruct the young and very young of our church to be more of this or that, and to do more of this or more of that..?

     In our church we dedicate one Sunday in the year to our Christian Education classes and ask them to present material they have learned over the past year, and then we promote them to their next class. Invariably the parents are impressed with what their young children have learned and how well prepared they were when presenting their class program. (They also recognize how much they have forgotten.) I love being able to sit with the congregants and just take it all in. The children memorize bible stories of faith and how the characters of the stories overcame great odds and exhibited great faith. The children recite creeds and prayers, many of these at ages far younger than most. (I love it when the 4 and 5 year old's are reciting the Lord's Prayer with me during worship service.) Some of the 8-10 year old's do interpretive analysis of a bible story. (They put into their own words what the story meant to them.) Yet, when it is all said and done, what do I tell them and how do I encourage them to take the next step beyond memorization and bible stories. What's a kid supposed to do with developing a faith he or she can call their own?

     At the end of the most recent worship service, after the kids had made their presentation, it was my turn. I needed to keep it short and I wanted to stay within the boundaries of the lectionary. My reading was Psalm 139, the first verse and the sixth verse ("Lord, you have examined me. You know me." (v.1) "That kind of knowledge is too much for me; it's so high above me that I can't fathom it." (v.6)-CEB Reading these verses was all I needed to stimulate the writing of a brief poem called "Child's Poem". Here it is:

Child’s Poem

by Pastor Don

I am but a child,

What difference can I make?

My size is not great, like a mom or a dad

My voice is not heard, except when I’m bad

Or maybe when I’m sad

I have no job, [but I do have chores]

No cash, like grandma or grandpa

Who seem to have everything

And I’m told; “you’ll have to wait until you’re older”

What is it Jesus, about being a child?

I come to you on Sunday’s

I say my prayers at night,

and I try to do what’s right.

What else should I do?

If Jesus were living today, I think he would say:

“Look into the eyes of your parents and see my love for you

Feel your parent’s love when they hug you and know I love you also.

Start with a hug and a word of kindness,

be caring to those around you.

Treat others with respect (like you want to be treated),

and help whenever you can.

Be the best you can be in everything you do.

Say the prayer I taught you, (you know, “Our Father”)

and know I am with you always.”

Although Jesus isn’t alive today, Jesus can still be alive in you!

Promotion Sunday, June 14, 2015

     

     

"I've Got Something On My Mind"

He May Call You Up Tonight

RIP Michael Brown (April 25, 1949 - March 19, 2015)

Today, I learned that “Left Banke” founding member and “Walk Away Renee/Pretty Ballerina” composer Michael Brown (Michael David Lookofsky) died on March 19, 2015. His music deepened my adolescent angst and inflamed my youthful anxiety and fear of the girls I dreamed of being in a relationship with, not unlike the young and captivating Renee, the subject of his song.

He popularized, and in every sense, created “baroque rock”, with memorable piano and harpsichord introductions and refrains. Upon hearing of his death, I revisited a sermon I had written for the 20th week of Pentecost, 2014, which used Buddy Holly as an example.

Jesus 2.0

Matthew 22: 34-40 (Unplugged)

It was the last week of Jesus’ life; Holy Week, but Jesus and his followers knew it as the Festival of Passover. Just one day ago Jesus had been well received, so much so, the temple officials were concerned. The Aristocrats, politicians and lawyers associated with the temple began to follow Jesus and question his Jewish faith, by asking him misleading questions. In this case, they asked him which was the greatest commandment found in the Torah, the Law. He answered them with three responses. ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind [Luke writes, strength also]. He said this is the first and greatest. Secondly, ‘you must love your neighbor, as you love yourself.’ And then finally, asserting his authority, he stated, ‘All the Law [the Torah] and the Prophets [Moses and all the others] depend on these two commands.’

True Love Ways

On February 3, 2015 we celebrated the 56th anniversary of ‘the day the music died.’ It was the day Buddy Holly met his demise in an airplane crash along with the Big Bopper, Ritchie Valens and the pilot, Roger Peterson. The great “outlaw” country western singer, Waylon Jennings was spared death when he gave up his seat to the Big Bopper (J.P. Richardson).

Buddy Holly is known for simple rhythms and simple lyrics. One of my favorites, ‘True Love Ways’ or the ways of true love, is an example. Buddy Holly sings and implies a great deal in just a few words. It was written as a wedding gift to his new bride, Elena. Here are the lyrics to the song:

“Just you know why, Why you and I, Will by and by Know true love ways. Sometimes we'll sigh,  Sometimes we'll cry, And we'll know why, Just you and I know true love ways. Throughout the days, Our true love ways, Will bring us joys to share, With those who really care. Sometimes we'll sigh, Sometimes we'll cry, And we'll know why, Just you and I know true love ways. Throughout the days, Our true love ways, Will bring us joys to share, With those who really care. Sometimes we'll sigh, Sometimes we'll cry, And we'll know why, Just you and I know true love ways.”

Buddy Holly knew the principle of tune-filled brevity and getting to the point. Three key words or phrases (‘sigh’, ‘cry’ and ‘bring us joys to share’) summarize his understanding of a love relationship; not unlike Jesus who knew well of keeping things simple. In archaeological discoveries and the interpretation of new texts, such as the Gospel of Thomas, we discover a Jesus who speaks with short, powerful, and ‘to the point’ messages.

Today’s scripture lesson is an example. Perhaps all of the New Testament could be summarized in these 6 verses. And yes, perhaps all of one’s lifetime could be spent living up to its message. At once, it is the greatest lesson of Jesus and at the same time, the greatest challenge.

What do you have to gain from a relationship with God, with coming to church, with being a Christian, or for that matter, making your faith a central part of your life? Why do we do this? I believe the answer lies within today’s text.  Remember, Jesus was speaking to a people, not unlike us, in respect to our yearning for answers to this life and the next. He was also speaking to a people who could not read, who in many instances were of ill health. No more in crisis than we, who have so many distractions in life to keep us from worshiping and practicing our faith.

I believe the simplicity of Jesus’ faith was informed by Hillel the Elder  who wrote “That which is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow. That is the whole Torah; the rest is the explanation; go and learn.”
Jesus grew as a child when the teachings of Hillel were still being taught in and near Jerusalem. He learned the teachings of the Torah and then reiterated the four principles of godly love: in using His Mind   (by applying knowledge), in opening His heart (by showing compassion), in examining His soul (by exhibiting wisdom and thoughtfulness),  in showing His strength (by displaying courage and endurance). In the end, Jesus spoke of simple peace, surpassing all human understanding, yet enabling us to love our neighbor, because we have learned to love ourselves by His example.