A sermon about the spiritual fires of God that make us grow stronger.

A sermon about receiving God's gift of grace upon grace at Christmas.

Some of you may remember that in 2016 the UCC Board of Directors endorsed a boycott of Wendy’s Restaurants due to the chain’s failure to join the Fair Food Program that protected its workers from unfair practices for their labors. These workers were enduring difficult and dangerous conditions in the fields, very low pay, and few benefits, and many were dealing with sexual harassment, racial discrimination and even slavery. Bruce and I joined the thousands of UCC members who felt strongly that this is part of what BE-ing the Church is all about. The Be The Church Sign that we have recently posted on our front lawn here at Christ Church shows the many ways we strive to live up to the vision of the UCC: “United in Christ’s love, a just world for all.” Recently I was surprised to learn of another boycott being proposed by podcaster Joey Mannarino. Mannarino took a poll on whether to boycott Chick-fil-A Restaurants. He accused the chicken sandwich chain of pushing an offensive political agenda. More than 110,000 people responded to his poll and almost half of them clicked, “Yes, boycott!” The response was nothing new. Chick-fil-A has been shunned repeatedly since 2012, originally by progressives for their position with LGTBQ+ individuals, and now, interestingly enough, by conservatives. According to Fast Company magazine, “Chick-fil-A now has the unenviable distinction of being perhaps the only major U.S. brand to be simultaneously boycotted by the left and the right.” The fast-food chain is drawing fierce criticism by conservatives for hiring a vice-president of DEI, (which stands for Diversity, Equality and Inclusion) and adopting a corporate policy on its website that details the company’s focus on “ensuring equal access,” “valuing differences,” and “creating a culture of belonging,” under the title, “Committed to being Better Together.” If you are a fan of Chick-fil-A, you probably know the company’s story. The Atlanta based chain invented the fast-food chicken sandwich in 1967, using a business philosophy based on the Bible. One of the core principles is that they are closed on Sundays. According to the chain’s website, the founder knew the “importance of closing Sundays so that he and his employees could set aside one day to rest and worship if they chose.” Not being open for business is a way to keep the Sabbath, as the Bible commands, and it probably cuts into profits. But despite being closed one day a week, Chick-fil-A has recently out earned every fast-food competitor except McDonald’s and Starbucks. Maybe you think the company deserves a boycott for its politics. Maybe you don’t. That’s not really the point. Chick-fil-A has discovered that it cannot please everyone, nor should it. What’s the saying: “You can never please all of the people all of the time.” I propose there is a connection between the chicken and the cross. In the eighth chapter of Mark’s gospel, Jesus is traveling with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi, politically dangerous territory in a Gentile region north of the Sea of Galilee. On the way, Jesus asks his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” They give a variety of answers, and then Jesus makes it personal by asking, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter offers the correct answer: “You are the Messiah,” the Christ. But Jesus tells them “not to tell everyone about him,” because he is not convinced that they know what being the Messiah is really all about. As they continue to walk along, Jesus begins to teach them that he must: “undergo great suffering and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes and be killed and after three days rise again.” He knows that the Messiah is going to get criticism from both the left and the right and be subjected to a punishment far worse than a chicken sandwich boycott. In fact, he is going to be killed. Peter finds these words to be outrageous, so he takes Jesus aside and rebukes him. But then Jesus turns the tables by sharply criticizing Peter with the words, “Get behind me Satan! For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things!” Peter cannot imagine that the Messiah should ever have to undergo suffering. He sees the Messiah as being so close to God and God would surely protect him from any pain or distress. We get this, don’t we? According to New Testament professor Pheme Perkins, “Christians frequently think that if we pray enough God will remove all trials from our lives.” Some think that prayer alone can cure a drug-addicted teenager or prevent an asthmatic child from having an allergic reaction. “Prayer is important in healing,” Perkins says, “but prayer is an opening up of ourselves to what God wills, not an exercise in FORCING God to do our will.” Sometimes the will of God includes time in a drug treatment center or a trip to the hospital. Sometimes, the will of God involves the suffering of the Messiah. Fast Company magazine reports that Chick-fil-A’s greatest periods of growth have come out of times of crisis. Back in 1982, the economy was tanking, and the company’s annual sales were in decline. Instead of focusing on a corporate turnaround plan, the executive committee adopted its official mission statement. It said that the company would “glorify God by being a faithful steward” and that it would “have a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-fil-A.” The next year, the company experienced growth of almost 30%. A quarter of a century later, during another terrible economic slump, the president of the company saw that they needed a “radical service makeover.” He drew inspiration from the challenge of Jesus to love your enemies and serve them. Having some fun with the Scriptures, he joked that “Jesus also said in this same chapter, ‘Let your light so shine among [people] that they may see your clean parking lots and taste those hot waffle fries.’” Those changes made during the pain of the Great Recession, led to four years of double-digit sales increases. The point is NOT that God always rewards faithfulness with economic success. No, that would make God into a cosmic drive-through restaurant, one in which you say a prayer into a speaker and then receive a delicious blessing. No, the lesson is that suffering is a part of life, and that even the most faithful among us will face undeserved pain and anguish. Our challenge is always to remain faithful in time of suffering, and to believe that even death is followed by new life. Remember: Jesus predicted that he would undergo great suffering, and be rejected, and be killed. But after three days he would rise again. (vs. 31) At this point in our text, Jesus tells what it means to set our minds on divine things, instead of human things. Speaking to the crowd and the disciples, he says, “If any wish to come after me, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it.” All throughout history, people have denied themselves, taken up their cross, and followed Jesus. They have offered courageous service to others, with some even losing their lives in the process. David Rhoads, professor of New Testament, speaks of the countless “missionaries who have left home and country to bring the gospel to remote parts of the world.” Their numbers “include those who risked their lives to rescue Jews in Nazi Germany,” as well as people “who joined Martin Luther King Jr. in the struggle for civil rights.” In all nations, they are found “where people take courageous risks to bring life to others in the face of persecution.” They are not chicken. Far from it. No, they take courageous risks when they pick up their cross and follow Jesus. Such followers of Christ know that there is really no profit in gaining the world and forfeiting their lives. They would rather risk for others than take actions to save themselves. And while their sacrifices strike us an extraordinary, they are in line with the sacrifices that we are asked to make each day. When we give up status to help another person, we are taking up our cross. When we sacrifice money to make a charitable contribution, we are taking up our cross. When we turn down a position of power to serve our family, our church, or our community, we are taking up our cross. Any loss of status or wealth or power can feel like a step on the path to the cross. Professor David Rhoads says, “These are the ‘death-like experiences of everyday life. They cause us to ask ourselves: “How often do we avoid speaking up because we wish to avoid embarrassment? How many actions do we avoid taking because we wish to avoid rejection or loss? In what ways do we fail to give to the needy because we will not risk financial insecurity?” Don’t be chicken, says Jesus. Instead pick up your cross. The stakes are very high, according to this passage from Mark. Jesus says, in conclusion, “Those who are ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of them the Son of Man will also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” So, do not be ashamed to sacrifice status or money or power as you walk behind Jesus on the path to the cross. It is better to feel badly about your generosity than ashamed that you did not sacrifice enough. Jesus tells us what kind of Messiah he has come to be and therefore what kind of life we are called to live: A life of service and sacrifice. Discipleship is not for the faint-hearted! Here at Christ Church we’ve committed to “take up our cross” by living out what is stated on the BE THE CHURCH banner we have posted outside. Each of the statements is backed by a scripture reference. *Protect the Environment: Psalm 21:1 – “The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it;” *Care for the Poor: Matthew 25:35-36 – “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger and you welcomed me. I was naked and you gave me clothing. I was sick and you took care of me. I was in prison and you visited me.” Forgive Often (or live into Forgiveness): Matthew 6:12 – “And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” Reject Racism (or dismantle racism): Romans 10:12 – “For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him.” Fight for the Powerless (or fight with the Marginalized/confront the powers): Psalm 82:3-4 – “Give justice to the weak and the orphan; maintain the right of the lowly and the destitute. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.” Share Earthly and Spiritual Resources: Luke 3:11 – “In reply he (Jesus) said to them, “Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.” Embrace Diversity: Genesis 1:27 – “So God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” Love God: Luke 10:27 – “Jesus answered, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.’” Enjoy this Life: Philippians 4:4 – “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, Rejoice.” A life of following Jesus is certainly going to lead to criticism from others. Jesus’ question to his disciples is still appropriate for us today, “who do YOU say that I am?” It’s a question each one of us must answer in our lives. Once we, like Peter have made our confession of faith (whatever that may be), we have only taken the first step. The second step is the lifelong journey of living our confession fully and authentically. Jesus tells us what kind of Messiah he has come to be and therefore what kind of life we are called to live: a life of service and sacrifice. Discipleship is not for the faint hearted! But disciples who “take up their cross” and follow Jesus will find that Jesus’ words in verses 34 & 35 of our text are true: “Those who lose their life for my sake and for the sake of the gospel, will save it.” Yes, your life will be saved by taking up your cross. Not by being chicken. Amen.

Spirit Sunday, September 8, 2024 Isaiah 35: 1-7 Mark 7: 24-37 Then looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, “Ephphatha,” that is, “Be opened.”  Prayer: Help us catch your Holy Spirit today, O God of new life and grace. In the Spirit of Christ we pray, Amen. So what the heck is going on today? Balloons? Beach balls? Bouncing around the congregation? Being caught and then batted away? Streamers blown from a fan? The person behind you tickling you with ribbons on a stick? Tambourine style ribbon catchers? A brand new banner? It’s all about our Spirit Sunday theme, “Catching the Spirit!” Who said worship is dry and boring? Of course, I’m well aware that some of you are bristling going, “Seriously? For cryin’ out loud, Pastor G, worship is supposed to be serious. And sedate. And ponderous. It’s not supposed to be fun and joyous. Spunky and spontaneous.” On the contrary. Worship is supposed to give God our unbridled praise for God’s power of renewal. For celebrating God’s grace that opens doors. Blessing God for the forgiveness that frees us, and for the love that throws out fear of others. So, I encourage us. Today, be opened. Be opened by the power of the Holy Spirit’s presence as we celebrate Spirit Sunday! Amen! But, more importantly, in worship, we rejoice in God’s good news of spiritual freedom. Which can open minds that seem impossibly narrow. It can warm up those who are cynical. It can release those who struggle with their own human brokenness, frailty, and guilty consciences. And melt hearts that are ice cold and soften the ones hard as stone. That’s what I imagine the people of Isaiah’s day were experiencing. They were hardened. They were in Babylonian captivity for the past 70+ years of their lives, and Isaiah’s word comes to them saying that the wilderness experience of their captivity will soon be over. And they were probably like, “Yeah, right.” But God pushed through their cynicism. Isaiah basically tells the people to “Be opened” to what God can do. Because their lives will soon be like the desert that blooms. Their nation will be like weak hands that get firm. Knees that get strengthened. Their faith will be like blind eyes that get opened, deaf ears that get unstopped, lame legs that can leap. And people will say, “YES! Here is our God! God comes and saves you!” Be opened to what God does. I mention this because Jesus has a “be opened” experience with the Syro-Phoenician woman. This story is amazing to me—it shows Jesus actually growing! Who knew that the Holy Spirit would use a non-Jewish woman to actually help Jesus broaden his horizons? Because Jesus being fully human, he had fully human feelings, human thoughts, human opinions. And he was of the opinion that his first calling and priority was to the Jewish people. And he was emphatic about it, even sounding harsh when he slams the woman, likening her to street dogs. Saying that the children’s food shouldn’t go to the dogs. Whoa. To which the woman was like, “Oh yeah? Well, too bad. My daughter is in need.” Boom! Of course, she didn’t actually say that. What she did say was a bit more respectful: “Sir, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.” Which I have to believe sent Jesus into a creative pause. One where he had to listen deeply to her words. One where he had to be opened from one perspective to a broader perspective of what God’s purposes were. God’s intention through Christ was to redeem the whole world. Because the whole world is in need, Jesus! She fit under God’s tent of salvation just as easily as the children of Israel fit under that tent. Her needs were just as great. It was like Syro-Phoenician lives matter! Jesus grew and was opened to God’s deeper truth. Then comes the story of the deaf man with a speech impediment in the Decapolis, a Roman city. With the new insight of God’s wider purpose firmly in place, Jesus puts his fingers in the man’s ears, does this weird thing with spit and touched the man’s tongue, (something that would never fly today given our clergy boundary training and all—just sayin’). He looks to heaven, sighs, and says “Be opened.” And the man’s ears were opened, and his tongue was released. He could hear and his speech impediment was gone. Be opened. Those words had a profound impact on me this past week. It was the first week without an Associate Pastor with all its challenges. And I’m hearing God say, “Be opened to what I’m doing at Christ Church.” It was a week where there was another fatal, mass shooting in GA, and a shooting on a highway in KY, and I heard myself looking to heaven, sighing within my inner spirit, and praying that Jesus would speak the words “Be opened” to the log jam in Washington DC, that is keeping our country from having stronger gun laws in place. So, I wonder if we can look to God, and sigh deeply in prayer, and say “be opened” to the plaguing attitudes, prejudices, and bigotry that stops us from seeing the image of God in other person, the immigrant, the politician, the person of a different faith? Can we look to Jesus, and sigh from the depths of our being, and say “Ephphatha” to the confining walls that make me think that God’s grace and love are only for me and for those who are like me? Who think like me? And worship like me? Can we look to God and say “be opened” directly to the deafness, the wall of disbelief we have of God’s incredible message of resurrection power? Say “Be opened” to the tomb that keeps my inner spirit on lock down, to the grave that tries to keep my authentic self from emerging. Pray “be opened” that this whole gospel of Jesus Christ thing is actually very, very, very REAL. And it is very REAL for each one of us. That the spiritual freedom we have comes when our ears and our hearts are opened and we hear God’s message that we are really, really loved. Say “Be opened” to the walls that prevent us from hearing all that. Pray “be opened” to whatever spiritually gets us dried up, clogged up, backed up, blocked up, stopped up, closed up, dammed up, hardened up, freezed up, caked up, gummed up, and clotted up! And watch what God will do! So, send those beach balls a-flyin’! Get those balloons in the air and let those ribbons blow in the wind! Because we’re catching God’s Spirit! We’re being opened by our spiritual freedom, opened by God’s grace and love, opened by the Spirit’s forgiveness and renewal as we worship and as our new church program year begins. And we will say, “Here is our God!” Thanks be to God! Amen.

I like the way today’s lectionary readings has the people of God assembling before the altar of the Lord lifting up praises and remembering their covenant with God. And, the second reading where the Apostle Paul, charges those assembled in Ephesus to clothe themselves in God qualities: truth, justice, peace and faithfulness, a mind for liberty and the passion for God’s word as their weapon of choice. Recall that they were to pray in the Spirit of God’s Word and be alert as they continually plea for all the saints. That’s advice for us too. Please pray with me. Over the almost four year I’ve been with you, there have been times when we lived into these threads and treads. Times when we stepped into our workboots and gardening gloves, our aprons and kitchen gloves. We’ve had conversations where truth was required, and hurdles were crossed because we spoke the truth in love. We had to be patient and gentle while insisting on justice and creating room for peace. We were required to trust in God’s salvation, for liberty from what oppressed us, what depressed us, what incensed us on behalf of other. We had to hold on to the shield of faith that God would work things out when we couldn’t see the way. I have many memories and feelings that go along with them. Events and tasks, conversations and worship times that has brought us together. I hope that you’ll write your memories in that book to help me when my new ministry needs some encouragement or a good belly laugh. These memories help us remember that God is in the mix of things. As one of the woodworkers (who wishes to be anonymous) explained about working on a piece of wood, through all the phases you have to do, ““God has created this world we live in step by step to give it life as a finished item.” Doing his woodworking step by step put him in mind of the Master Creator. As I see it, this step by step process is what we do in our various ministry outlets. Each fund raiser, each donation of clothing, each meal at First Reformed UCC in Lancaster, each youth Lock-In, each workday at Wittel Farm, or Fire Pit, or Sunday class or prayer time is a step along your faith journey. It also includes different ways fun gatherings and casual spending time with one another. Can I share some with you now? _____________ When a pastor leaves a church, the Committee on Ministry asks “who or what blessed your ministry here?” Let me use a more poetic phrase: How do I love thee, Christ Church, let me count the ways. I remember the way 100 people showed up at a large tent out on the lawn, the congregation in folding chairs and camping chairs for my candidating weekend, Sept. 20, Pastor Galen’s birthday. I recall meeting people on Zoom and as you drove through the portico to greet me, and sitting in a circle with an imaginary campfire under that portico as people peppered me with questions, including little Henry Walsh, asking 20 questions. But, even before I met you, I was drawn to the lovely Memorial garden and especially the fountain of flowing water that made music in my ears. I would sit in the garden to hear the voice of the one who knows us organically as well as spiritually. Remember to tend your spiritual garden with prayer, study and discernment, and don’t shy away from challenges that build spiritual fortitude. In the garden we unplug for a minute to listen for the Spirit’s bidding. I remember that when I first started, it was during covid, when no one was coming into the church building, not for meetings nor for worship. But I had Galen, Tracey and Nadinne to keep the office lively. I recall with fondness the first Sunday I led the whole service and Galen was on vacation. Tana Parrett, Wes Runnells and his boys, Carol Bubacz and Carol Hunter provided such kind support as I nervously went through the stage directions of the service and my first sermon. Remember how there were only four singers allowed in the choir loft?…six feet apart, except for Ann and Cris. I remember how we all spoke and sang through cloth masks and wiped down the pews with antiseptic wipes after each worship. We didn’t know what we were dealing with, but it was lethal. It seems like ages ago, with the loss of loved ones, a gap in church activities and moderated worship attendance controlled for safety But, Covid didn’t keep this church from being creative and doing what could be done. That first October, when outside activities were still ok, we held our first Trunk or Treat in the parking lot…with masks, of course, both he tfirst and second years. In November, the Green Team did litter pick up. Dave and I stay about 6 feet from Ken and Mary per Covid protocol. I am grateful to Dave and Mardi, Ann, Amy, Allison and Chris Eurich for continuing the work of the Green Team after the chairperson, Missy Stevens moved away. We did trash pick-up days wearing masks and yellow vests to keep safe. We participated in the Earth to Etown Celebration with a table to teach people about composting and the good work of Wittel Farm. Janie Kaelberer accepted my invitation to play with paints and make very tall puppets which we used in the sanctuary the first Christmas as Wisemen; they also blessed the Holiday Parade in 2021 where we won first place! Did you know? Rich made the wooden stands for them and the signs for the wagon. Mike Foust stepped up with his truck to pull the wagon and play music on his sound system. In January we heard the presidential invitation to hold prayers for victims of covid and their families and loved ones. Amy Dickinson can tell you about that event that she just ‘happened’ to walk by. That first Easter we held the egg hunt activities outside in the park. We held an after dark Easter Egg hunt for the Youth group and Amy Addams brought plastic eggs with lights in them so we could see them in the dark. The five youth in Confirmation class, God bless them, four of whom just graduated, did class by Zoom with Pastor Galen. We were able to hold the retreat at Wittel Farm because the guest rooms worked out just right for our small group. As the weather warmed up we were able to find more outside activities to do, like a drum circle in May, Bible and Brew and Fire Pit Fellowship evenings. I’m glad we were able to find an outdoor mission opportunity at Wittel Farm after retired pastor Bill Wealand, Jan’s dad, and I attended Wittel Farm’s one day Lenten retreat. We learned of the farm’s Growing Project to grow produce for food distribution sites in Lancaster County. That summer we volunteered and have been at it ever since with many of our members giving their time and sweat to this ministry. The Church also welcomed first year students from Etown College with water bottles and good vibes, as they ventured on the Blue Jay Walk visiting merchants in their new hometown. We have ministered to and made friends with young adults, some without homes to cover them, some LGBTQ+ who were looking for a place of kindness and support. I think the first year, we expected 250 college students (it was just after the Covid hiatus.) Each year it’s increased…this year it was 540. In all these things and more, the Auction, Mission trips to Cradles to Crayons, Corty’s Johnny Cash concerts, a week in Philadelphia doing things to help the houseless population, a Cornhole Tournament to fund mission trips, feeding the homeless in Lancaster on a quarterly basis, a Trivia game night, going to the Phillies/Orioles game, or raising money for several ministries - supporting Communities That Care, PA Furniture Mission, Masonic Village’s Hospice program, or funds for clothing and shoes for Etown students…so many good things that, in my opinion, show that you, Christ Church are strong in the Lord. These ministries are the evidence that we gather weekly for worship at the altar as is says in 1 st Kings, to assemble for prayer and to commit ourselves to keeping our covenant with God with all our heart. The Apostle, Paul, encourages us to “Put on the whole armor of God”, that you may be able to stand against the tough days, the hard decisions, the disappointments and the losses. We are not to struggle against our neighbors but against the darkness that threatens joy and peace. Stand with your belt of truth on your waist and the breastplate of righteousness, acting according to God’s moral law. Lace up your sandals, your Jordan sneakers, slip on your flip flops, step into your high heals and be prepared to spread the gospel of peace. Take the shield of faith, the helmet to preserve your life, the sword of the Spirit – which is the Word of God. Pray in (and with) the Spirit at all times. Keep alert and persevere in the way of the saints, our ancestors in faith. Be ready for the journey. Finally, as Paul asks, I ask: Pray also for me, so that when I speak, a message may be given to me to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel. I am taking a new position in a new town but, as e.e. cummings penned “I carry your heart with me. I carry it in my heart.” Reflection Time Prayer: Lord, make me an instrument of your peace; where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy. O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood, as to understand; to be loved, as to love; for it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life. Amen.

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