God's Joy

Good Morning Bethlehem Trekkers,

So much this holy-day season is here to bring us joy. But I also know that so much else is here to rob us of that joy. A few weeks ago I didn’t know whether to laugh or be greatly concerned when I heard about a church who, after several years of someone stealing the baby Jesus from their outdoor Nativity Scene, attached a GPS to the baby Jesus. But every year somebody out of guilt or simply a silly prank, returned him to his rightful place on Christmas Eve. Maybe the would-be Grinch was like some of the rest of us who know quite well that you don’t put the baby Jesus in the manger until Christmas Eve! :) I take heart in the idea that the thief even knew that the baby Jesus was important enough to steal it in the first place.

Last Sunday, everyone present, received God’s gift of joy through the music of our Christmas Cantata. Joy was on the faces of those who played, sang and directed as well as on the faces of those who were privileged with hearing the beautiful music. Joy was there in the giving and the receiving. Sometimes though, joy doesn’t come to us as readily. Joy is oftentimes elusive. We seem to only brush up against joy —almost as if we were being teased with it; as if we were only flirting with experiencing joy. And so as we make our way to Bethlehem, we are greatly encouraged to be on the lookout for joy, along with hope, peace & love, as we focus our prayers and thoughts and meditations on what these gifts mean to our lives.

So often we set ourselves up. We don’t mean to, but we raise the bar so high on what we expect to get from this special time of year. We fall so deeply into the seductive trappings of the season that we diminish for ourselves, or we completely miss, the depth and the mystery of Christmas. And I think some the elusiveness of joy is because of our tendency to confuse joy with happiness.

A dear woman from my past, Frances, said it best, “Happiness is fleeting; it can come and go in your life. But joy is what you feel deep down inside your very soul.” “At its root,” writes Sam Purdum, “Joy is a testimony of the heart.” Joy is a gift and with all gifts, we must learn to be gracious receivers—to receive God’s grace—to receive God’s joy—to allow joy to enter your life— Joy comes from knowing that no matter what comes our way, God will make all things right—somehow and for better or worse, in God’s own time. But I also know when we allow God to enter our experiences, God is right on time…

In the midst of the “stuff” of life, we must get a grip on trusting and believing that we are really on our way to something far better and more wonderful than we can ever imagine—all because God loves us this much—all because our faith journey, our moving into God’s future, will be all that God desires for us…The joy in our song, the joy in our soul, allows us to drink from the well of God’s love, God’s joy, supplying and re-supplying all that we could ever need; all that allows us to never to hunger or thirst again.

When Paul told the Philippians “Rejoice always; again I say rejoice!” he wasn’t simply telling them, “Don’t worry; be happy…Put on a happy face.” He was telling them to allow themselves to enter into the joy that God has for them—to be open to experiencing the joy that fills life to overflowing of anyone who is in Christ Jesus. And the evidence of such a joy-filled faith comes to us from Jesus himself, when he spoke of joy during the Last Supper when he told his closest friends he would soon be crucified- hardly a time of joy for those hearing these words: “Abide in me as I abide in you…Abide in my love…I have said these things to you so that MY joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.” (John 15:4, 9-10)

Joy to the World! Joy to you! Blessings, Joanne

The Children

Good Morning Bethlehem Trekkers,

Stars! Angels! Shepherds & Sheep! Lion & Lamb! Crèche! Trees, Wreaths & Garlands! Candles! This time of year offers us so many rich images to capture the meaning and message of this sacred season. And of course there are also so many stories and legends that are now entrenched into the customs of Christmas. A Christmas without Grinch? Without George Bailey and his Wonderful Life? Without a trip down 54th Street? Without Charlie Brown’s Christmas? Without the bright nose of Rudolph? Without the Bah-Humbugs of Ebeneezer Scrooge? How empty my Christmas heart would be!

And for sure my Christmas would be more devoid of meaning and happiness if I couldn’t share this wonderful time through the eyes of the children in my life. Think about it…of course the lists to Santa are so very long and most items are more than just wishful thinking…then there are the messy kitchens filled with cookie baking and making gingerbread houses…the most creative efforts of wrapping presents…the Christmas trees that are heavy-laden with ornaments at the bottom and in the front…the playful ways of keeping secrets about that special gift for Mom or Dad or someone else dear…the squeals of delight at the simplest of things…the singing of Christmas songs with their own interpretation as they sound out the words…and most of all, the light and wonder in their eyes as they take in all that is happening around them…of course I’m intentionally leaving out their tears and tantrums that also are the reality of children (and some adults :) ), most especially this time of year!

During our Hanging of the Greens Service last Sunday, the children were certainly front and center-stage as we began to decorate the sanctuary. When they brought in the poinsettias there was such joy on their faces…they had been asked to help us decorate and they were so proud…so determined to get it right…and then as they helped put the ornaments on the tree, the older ones reaching as high as they could and the younger placing them on the first available branch before them…

…And then after all this came the attempt to settle into the Children’s Moment about none other than, PEACE…as they declared that peace was when everyone gets along; peace is the word that goes with quiet; when everything is calm…and as they were given olive shells…a symbol of peace…a bit of whining followed: “This one’s cracked…this one has stuff in it; she got a bigger one than this; his is prettier than this one—can I have another? And then in the spirit of sharing, one little voice whispered, “Can I get two? One for my baby brother?”

And who could have possibly anticipated the “Burp heard ‘round the Church” as the first word of litany of the lighting of the Peace Candle was barely out of the leader’s mouth? No it didn’t come from the leader; it came from an infant among us who had just finished his mid-morning feeding. Some burst out laughing immediately; some giggled while others shifted in their seats; and before long, the room was overflowing with laughter and we began a “do-over.”

And the recovery was well on its way as we were about to hear the scripture reading for the candle lighting. and if on cue, a child in the congregation began loudly crying. Talk about “…a voice crying out…In the wilderness…” We couldn’t have asked for better stage direction! :)

If there were those among us who were anticipating a solemn assembly for the Hanging of the Greens service, I know they must have left feeling a bit empty; but for those among us who come to worship with eager anticipation of God’s surprises, I know you left filled to the brim with the joy of this holy time as we enjoyed the presence of God’s Spirit and one another…
Truly we experienced the truth of the prophet Isaiah: “The wolf shall live with the lamb; the leopard shall lie down with the kid…and a little child shall lead them…”

Blessings, Joanne

Delayed Gratification

Good Morning All,

Anticipation! Promise! Preparation! Waiting! Wonder! Mystery! These are just a few of the watchwords that set the Advent stage for us… Advent begins the Church year for us as Christians. Advent also flows into the natural rhythm of late fall and the onset of winter. Nature is preparing for the deep sleep of winter; fluffing her pillow and snuggling underneath her warm, thick quilt; anticipating a long, winter’s nap.

Winter is known for its darkness yet it continues its work hidden beneath the ground. And in the midst of this shroud of mystery, Advent comes. Together Advent and winter invite us to long in hope as we anticipate the return of more sunlight and the birth of the Word made Flesh. Can you feel the power in this combined effort? Advent and Nature…Nature and Advent.

It’s a power that stirs deep within us…hidden, yet somehow known, as it rumbles around in our hearts and minds. We long to be embraced by the Holy; we long for our lives to be different in some way; we long for the world to be different... Advent is a season of reflection… remembering the people and events that have shaped our lives, most recently as well as in years gone by; people and events, both joy-filled and sad. And we wait…we wait in hope…knowing and believing that the Light of the World is coming…a time of true joy as the Light of the World dispels any and all sadness.

Some folks want to equate waiting with wasting…and we can indeed waste time in our waiting. But nature reminds us that everything comes in due season and waiting to its fullness makes all the difference to our sense of wholeness and well being. Gertrud Mueller Nelson, in her book, To Dance with God, reminds us that “a shortened period of incubation brings forth what is not whole or strong or at times even alive. Brewing, baking, simmering, fermenting, ripening, germinating, gestating are the processes of becoming and are symbolic states of being which belong in a life of value, necessary to transformation.”

While waiting is not often a welcomed guest in our lives, maybe the best gift we can give ourselves is to give waiting a new look…to dress it up a bit; maybe top it off with a bright red bow; so that we may better appreciate the power and purpose that waiting brings us. After all, isn’t it instant gratification that usually gets us in trouble or diminishes the act?

As we make our way to Bethlehem , let’s give a cheer to delayed gratification…feeling its power; seeking ways that bring meaning to our lives and purpose to our days; longing to experience the mystery of this sacred time… waiting in hope for the birth of the Christ Child…

Blessings, Joanne

Call for Unity

Good Morning All,

“I have fought the good fight; I have finished the race, I have kept the faith…”(2Timothy 4.7) These words were penned by the Apostle Paul, but are quite appropriate for both of the presidential candidates and to all who worked to help elect them and to all of us who cast our ballots. I have awakened to this “morning after” with an Election Night Hangover. Shame on you for thinking it might be due to something other than sleep deprivation! :)

I gave my remote quite a workout going from network to network to catch the latest results from the early pockets of electoral votes to the statewide decisions; from the moment when the magic # of 270 was reached to the last words of the concession speech and closing with the last words of the victory speech. I was riveted to say the least. I come by all this enthusiasm about politics quite naturally because all through my upbringing my parents were politicians; working and serving throughout their careers and beyond. I have such vivid memories of election night parties and activities in our home and it continues to this day.

Elections, especially many of our Presidential elections, and this one in particular, carry such emotion, such fervor. And this election certainly bears witness to the words of caution that warn of the divisiveness that usually comes from discussions about politics & religion. Although we heard so much about “the undecideds,” I never encountered the first person who didn’t know which candidate they supported. Everyone I met had such strong feelings of support for their candidate and their political party as did I.

As I listened to Senator McCain’s concession speech, and as I listened to Senator Obama’s victory speech, I heard them both call for unity among all the people of our nation. And I thought for a nano-second, I was at a Disciples of Christ rally…ah, to have those millions of supporters as members of our denomination! The rule and passion of one of our Disciples of Christ’s founders, Barton Stone was, "Let Christian unity be our polar star."

The call for unity; the desire to end the polarity always must come following a long, hard, passionate fight for whatever prize. And while the many months of campaigning were arduous, the hard work that is needed to make this call a reality in this country has just begun. There are many walking wounded who will need more than just a little bit of time to heal from last night’s results and there are those whose candidate has emerged victorious who will need to respect that with the same kind of graciousness that Senator McCain exhibited.

But regardless of your political leanings, this indeed has been an election filled with numbers we haven’t seen in this country for several decades: new voter registrations, volunteer efforts, actual voter turnout and unprecedented financial support. But more than all this…this election is unprecedented in some very important ways. Step back in our US history to:

· 1870(138 years ago) when the 15th amendment of our Constitution was ratified, guaranteeing voting rights for all citizens (read, all Black male citizens) regardless of race, color or previous condition of servitude…yet it wasn’t enforced until 1963—only 45 years ago, at the height of the Civil Rights movement;
· 1920 (88 years ago) when the 19th amendment was ratified, guaranteeing the right of all women to vote (read, only white women) and the same enforcement came for Black women in 1963…

And now 46 years after one of the worst struggles in our history, our new US President will be sworn into office on January 20, 2009, on the steps of the US Capitol, which was built by slaves during the 1850’s…

We’ve come full circle…we are about to not only talk the talk of equality, we are about to walk its walk…putting words that have appeared on some very important paper for several generations; reminding us that every last one of us, is not only equal under the laws of this great nation, but first and foremost, every last one of us is equal in the eyes of God…
Let unity be our nation’s “polar star…” Blessings, Joanne

Waiting for Grace

Good Morning, All,

Not too long ago I went to a breakfast meeting with a group of 40 ministers. As we were all standing around waiting for permission to be seated, someone in the group finally spoke up and said, “Who will say Grace?” In a room filled with way too many ministers, that was also a way too general request. Instead of all of us jumping in at once, out of habit and hunger, we all seemed to bow our heads and proceeded to wait. And there we were, waiting and waiting and uncomfortably waiting some more, for what seemed endless seconds of agonizing silence. Finally one of us, perhaps hungrier than the rest, broke the silence & offered Grace.

It was a strange and awkward moment as we all stood around waiting for someone to say Grace. But when you think about it; the truth is, much of the world stands around waiting; waiting and hoping that someone will offer a word of grace; that someone will show mercy and compassion, forgiveness and pardon, rather than revenge and retribution. Oh, how we and all the world, long to hear and receive grace in our broken world; in our broken lives.

When I think about the brokenness we share with all who inhabit this planet, I realize that our experiences of brokenness vary in culture, subculture, economic class and overall personal circumstance. Lives are broken for millions upon millions who simply are in need of life’s basics, the stuff of life you and I take for granted: nutritious food, clean water and adequate housing and access to medical care.

While others experience brokenness because they have lost their jobs; or they can’t afford the high cost of healthcare; or they’ve lost their homes to foreclosure or are simply trying to keep the banks at bay. Future retirement has been put on hold a while longer; college funds are being used for living expenses; and in general, the lifestyles to which many have become accustomed, must now drastically change. And when we finally come up for air, we realize we never thought our lives would ever play out this way.

While it seems that we have more than enough to say grace over, there’s more…what about broken dreams; deferred dreams; broken relationships; broken bodies…all indicators of how much we stand in need of God’s grace; God’s healing; God’s wholeness. And we wait and we hope for God’s word of grace to come to us in a variety of ways and often at times when we least expect it; which means we must be ever-vigilant with eyes and ears, minds and hearts, wide-open and alert.

Hopefully you know of a time when someone has offered grace to you; when you’ve been touched in some way by grace and compassion. A time when someone had just the right words at just the right moment-- healing words; words of hope and concern; and perhaps just when you were expecting hurtful words or revenge or payback...then you do know of God’s grace.

I am sure that there are countless powerful stories and memories to be shared among us; stories and memories of unexpected kindness, surprising affirming encouragements, compassion, pardon, mercy and gentleness toward your soul; and you were, by God’s grace, made whole, perhaps in the stillness of that moment.

It can be a very difficult and unforgiving world out there, and we seek, hope and wait to hear a gentle and kind word of God’s grace. I invite you to gather in worship and study and prayer as we continue the journey together; reflecting upon the same love and grace of God in Jesus Christ, that we ourselves so freely receive. And then to discover ways to share that same love and grace with others in this battered and bruised world…Blessings, Joanne

Revel in God

Good Morning All,

Lately I have been in the presence of or in deep conversation with a lot of people in pain. Pain as well as suffering comes to each of us, some more than others for reasons we can’t quite understand. And when pain or suffering enters our lives, there’s usually at least one person who wants to fix it all for us; even before we want to do so. That well-meaning, well-intentioned person enters our lives and begins telling us how everything’s gonna be all right. “God doesn’t give us more than we can handle…” “Don’t worry, be happy… “ “All you have to do is trust God...” And upon hearing all this, all you want to do is scream and run for the nearest door!

And while any and all of the above might eventually bring us some sort of comfort, timing is everything. In the midst of whatever we are facing, we don’t want to hear words of comfort. First off, we need to name our pain; address our pain; maybe even wallow around in it for a little while, before we can even begin to be ready to hear any words of comfort; or sense the love and support of those closest to us; or begin to find peace in God’s presence or trust God’s lead.

But when the time is right, how good it is to reflect on a particular passage of scripture found in
Philippians 4:4-7: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Or as Eugene Peterson translates, “Celebrate God all day, every day, I mean, revel in God…Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life…Receive and experience the amazing grace of Jesus Christ, deep, deep, within yourself.”

Wow! Isn’t that something?

Did you catch the differences in translation?
"Rejoice" or "Celebrate God all day every day--revel in God!" says the other;

"Do not worry about anything...let your requests be made known to God."
Or..."Instead of worrying, pray...letting God know your concerns..."

And the not so subtle difference between:
"And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." and...
"Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down."

How wonderful it is that "the peace which passes all understanding," does not pass beyond our experience. In other words, God's peace in Christ Jesus may be far beyond our imaginations--far beyond our comprehension; but it never goes beyond our experience. We do not have to understand the peace of Christ in order to experience it. It truly is enough just to experience it. And it's more than enough to have that "sense of God's wholeness" coming into our lives, pitching a tent among us and settling us down, especially when we need that the most!

May you be open to hearing these amazing words just when you need them the most. Drink from their wisdom and power. Allow God to break through all that holds you captive. And may you experience a sense of God's wholeness deep, deep within you...Blessings, Joanne

Moving toward Wholeness

Good Morning All,

The weather this week continues to have record-breaking high temperatures as if it were summertime, but all you have to do is hang around the church house and know that we have definitely moved from one season to the next. Things are really hopping as we prepare for our annual “Fun-d Raising Day” on Saturday. Folks are feverishly working behind the scenes getting ready for our official “Green Sunday” Kick-Off, having introduced the idea in August, but really getting down to business this Sunday during Sunday School and Worship as we come to greater understandings about being stewards of our planet-home.

And then last evening as you went from room to room you heard laughter coming from a room full of girl scouts; our search committee sitting around the table interviewing a potential candidate for Associate Minister; in the next room Covenant women were gathering for Bible Study in the Youth room with evidence of the upcoming Trunk or Treat party planned for October 26; and you could find our Trustees meeting in the Library. And I thank God for the building, this church house, with which we have been so blessed.

In the early years of Covenant’s formation, I first heard God calling me to gather a congregation together, emphasizing the need to reach out and gather any and all who would choose to share in this exciting endeavor of being Church. It wasn’t too terribly long after that when I began to hear members, guests and folks in the community attempting to teach me that church=building.

And while I knew that was the typical understanding of church, I knew that God was continuing to remind me that church=people. But of course I soon learned that these were not mutually exclusive. The church was indeed a building; but more important that this, the church really was people. Of course, we decided that both=church and we were off and running. And in the midst of those early years and all through these years of formation, I continue to sense the importance of first being a congregation--a church family who gathers for worship, is nurtured in study, encouraged to serve others and all the while have fun doing so. And in our gathering, we are growing in our faith and understanding of what it means to hear God calling us to live faithfully and daring to respond as people of faith. After all, what good is an empty shell of a church building, without faithful people to fill it?

Parker Palmer from the book jacket of his book, A Hidden Wholeness, “speaks to our yearning to live undivided lives—lives that are congruent with our inner truth, in a world filled with the forces of fragmentation. Mapping an inner journey that we take in solitude and in the company of others; a form of community that fits the limits of our active lives.” He writes about a “circle of trust”—a space between us that honors the soul.” And he invites us to discover what it means to be a community of faith that shares in friendship and organizational life and all points in between, as we travel together toward living “divided no more.”

And I know that we are well on our way as we make strides toward this sense of wholeness to which we are called. Dr. Sharon Watkins, our General Minister and President, reminds us that,
“We are the Disciples of Christ—a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world. As part of one body of Christ, we welcome all to the Lord’s Table as God has welcomed us.”

How good it is to be in life and ministry with you and those who come our way to “sit down a spell” with us as we build and embody a circle of trust that gathers our fragmented lives in this fragmented world, seeking to live divided lives no more. Blessings, Joanne

True Security

Good Morning All,

Bailout Sinks and Dow Follows!
House defies leaders in face of constituents’ anger!
777 point loss is market’s biggest tumble ever!
Crisis claims a new victim as Citigroup swallows Wachovia!
What’s ahead and what to do? Fear and fury doomed compromise!
Leaders will retool rescue bill!

Just a few of the recent headlines that have greeted us in the News & Observer…and if these headlines and the related articles aren’t enough for me, just when I was beginning to wean myself from the bombardment of television and radio news, I find myself tuned in more than ever before! And then the more putout I am over the hype and spin the media folks are weaving through so much of the coverage. And as I listen, really listen, to it all, I smell fear running through it all…

Fear…one of the most debilitating emotions in our lives. As fear mounts, we allow it to take front stage and before we know it, it’s in the driver’s seat and we begin to make decisions that perhaps we wouldn’t otherwise make. We say and do things that are uncharacteristically not us. We begin to mistrust everything and everybody. We begin to hoard our possessions and we become less and less generous with our money; our time; our energy; our commitments… And we no longer recognize the person staring back at us from the mirror. Mirror, mirror, on the wall...who’s the most fearful of them all?

So, what exactly do we fear most? Many would reply, “ I fear losing it all…all that I have worked so hard for…all that matters the most to me…all my retirement benefits; my money; my children’s education; my house; my car; my job; my security…I’ve been told that human beings have only 2 innate fears: the fear of falling (you, falling—not stock markets); and the fear of loud noises—not the crashing stock market). If we accept this understanding, then it means that all other fears come from learned behavior; we’ve been taught how to fear everything else in our lives.

Wow! Where does all that fear come from? Let me step out on a spiritual limb here and say, that our basic fears in life come from a lack of trust that fuels our inability to hope. Whatever happened to trusting that God is the source of all we have; God is the source of who we are? Whatever happened to being poor in things and rich in soul?

And where has all our hope gone? Hope comes from trusting God in the first place—making that trust the very foundation upon which our lives are built. It comes in remembering and believing that God is in charge and that God really does desires the very best for all of us. Perhaps it’s time to dig a bit deeper into our spiritual bank accounts, lest we allow a hostile takeover; lest we need to file for a different kind of bankruptcy…

Let us gather together in worship as we trust in God to shape and form us as a community of faith; building our trust; securing our faith foundation and offering us hope beyond all hope…

Trust them with bailout? Ha! Ha! Ha! (Joseph Galloway; Other Opinion page, N & O 9/28/08)

Naw…“Trust in God with all your heart” Prov.3:5

Blessings, Joanne

Faith and Politics

Good Morning All,

So here we are less than 50 days away from what is becoming a “defining moment” in political history…or does it just seem that way? Nonetheless, if you come across anyone in our country who isn’t aware of the 2008 presidential election, you might want to ask what planet they’re from! While I am very excited about all the interest that is stirring among us, I am also growing weary with all the ads vying for our attention. It’s a regular hay-day for the political cartoonists, satirists, pundits and late-night talk show hosts, not to mention Saturday Night Live.

I truly believe it’s my civic duty to learn all that I can in preparation to vote for the candidate of my choice and am grateful for the freedom to do so; it also makes me an even stronger proponent of what our nation’s forbears aptly called, “separation of church and state.” And of course I realize as I write this, even the interpretation of this amendment varies among many faithful people.

But I stand quite firm in not crossing the line in using the pulpit as a “bully-pulpit” in support of one candidate over another; or one party or another; or to take advantage of the captive audience of our faith community, to distribute partisan political propaganda. And yet I also believe that my faith certainly does impact my political decisions and my convictions about the work of our government especially when it comes to serving the public good as well as our relations with all those countries we share life with on this planet.

This being said, knowing that none of us can fully know the mind of God, I still can’t help but wonder and ponder about what God must think, if anything, of this 2008 presidential election. And yet there are a whole host of folks out there who are certain of what God thinks and desires, especially as we prepare to elect the future president of the United States .

I came across a cartoon in the September 23, 2008 issue of the Christian Century where God is somewhere “up there” looking very distressed while twirling the planet Earth on his index finger like a basketball. Many political thoughts and comments are ascending to God, like: “God is Pro-life!” “God is a Republican!” God approves MY message!” “God is Pro War!” “God would vote for ME!” “God hates how you draw Him!—No, SHE does not!” Feel free to write in your own thoughts here…And then off to the side of the cartoon are 2 angels offering two presumptions with which I agree… “God must hate elections…One can only presume…” :)

As people of faith, some of the best homework we can do in making any and all of life’s decisions is to study God’s Word and to prayerfully seek the guidance of God’s Spirit to interpret the Word. One’s faith cannot be something that we concern ourselves with and quickly put on a shelf for display when it comes to living a life filled with so many decisions. Faith indeed is to be an integral guide for all of life; building a strong foundation for one’s world view; how we treat others; how we help those in need; how we consider issues of power, greed, economics, peace, war, the environment, etc.

Being able to recognize when to say “NO” and when to say “YES” to any candidate; to whatever is being proposed by a particular candidate; or to a certain direction that our government decides to take; happens best when I choose to allow my faith to guide my actions. But I do so acknowledging that I am speaking or acting only for myself; never presuming that I speak for anyone else. Isn’t that what every “good Disciples of Christ” is called to do?

While I can’t imagine that God has time for any direct involvement in politics or determining the outcome on election night; I do believe that you and I are called to make the important decisions of life based on the guiding principles of our faith…nobody ever said it would be easy… “Choose this day, whom you shall serve…but as for me and my house, we will serve God…” (Joshua 24:15) Blessings, Joanne

God Speaks

Good Morning All,

Unlikely places, unlikely faces, unlikely circumstances…when considered as positive situations, I can look at them as good surprises; when considered as negative experiences, I can look at them as barriers to other things. But in general, all of these remind me of how unpredictable life really is. For the most part, I really appreciate and enjoy the times when my world is infused with unpredictability. Because when I’m struck with the unpredictability stick, I know I have been spared from having a ho-hum, ministry as usual kind of day…But also know I’m grateful that it doesn’t happen all the time :) Regardless of my day, I need to always anticipate as each day unfolds that I will meet some aspect of the unknown and will need to roll with the punches.

Some days though, when I least expect it, I encounter people whom I haven’t seen for ages; maybe they are former members who stop by to chat as they pass through town; or I bump into former members who have moved out of the area at the Fairgrounds Flea Market; and other days it’s meeting a stranger on the street or in a store or at the gasoline pump.

As I reflect on these encounters, I wonder what to make of them. Are they simply a nod to chance? Signs of something more meaningful? A “God-happening” perhaps? Maybe a combination? In any case, I find myself paying more attention to them than I used to.

Not too long ago I was waiting for friends to arrive at a restaurant. A woman and her children emerged from the restroom and approached me to ask if I were waiting on the children they saw in the restroom. I said, “No, I’m not.” “Oh, well, I just wanted their parents to know that they are the nicest and most polite children I’ve seen in a long time.” “How nice of you to seek out the parent to tell them something good about their kids.”

And then almost as if in the same breath, she gave me a handwritten note. She said that she felt called to give it to me…
“God makes a promise—
Faith believes it,
Hope anticipates it,
Patience quietly awaits it…”
And as she left she said, “Have a blessed day…”

Hmmmm…What a great way to share your faith with a stranger. I applaud her for finding a way to witness to her faith in a non-threatening; non-offensive way. We can all learn from this as you and I attempt to discover our own ways of telling others how important God is in our lives. But the question remains, “Was this a nod to chance? A “God-happening?” Who’s to say for sure? Maybe it takes such chance happenings for God to speak to us?

Last Sunday during the Children’s Moment I asked the children how God speaks to them/us. After quickly ruling out cell phones, computers, telephone, writing a letter or note, one child with his hand slowly waving in the air, quietly says, “God speaks to us through our feelings…we just know…” “Yes, we just know, don’t we?”

Unlikely place, unlikely face, unlikely circumstance…Waiting for friends outside a restaurant… receiving a handwritten note from a stranger…Maybe God really does write notes…
Blessings, Joanne

Finding the Words

Good Morning All,

“Who do people say that I am?” “Who do YOU say that I am?” “Come on now, you’ve known me for a while. You know me better than most of the folks we encounter along the way. Why the hesitation? Why are you looking anywhere and everywhere for the answer when the true answer comes from your heart? Why can’t you look into my eyes and tell me who you have come to believe that I am? Do you even have a clue? Do you have the remotest of inklings as to my identity? And finally Peter blurts out, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God!” Good answer Peter…Here’s the keys to the Kingdom…

“Who do YOU say that I am?” What a great question for you, me and countless other seekers, to not only wrestle with initially, but time and again throughout our faith journey. I want to revisit the illustration I shared this past Sunday about a woman leaving worship feeling refreshed and renewed from her time spent with her life-long faith community. She was deep in thought as she contemplated the wonderful morning message; just like you do when you leave Covenant, right? :) And she accidentally bumped into a guy who was standing on the sidewalk, looking at the large opened doors, the sun reflecting from the stained-glass windows of Jesus and his disciples.

“Excuse me; I wasn’t looking where I was going.” And she continued making her way toward the parking lot.

“Ma’am…could I ask you a question?” Thinking he probably wanted money or directions, she walked back toward him. “Yes, what is it?”

“Can you tell me what folks in there believe?”

Probably hoping beyond all hope that he actually wanted a handout, she hemmed and hawed, shifting from one foot to the next; looking everywhere but into his eyes; trying to put a few words into an intelligible sentence; but to no avail. Sensing her discomfort with his question, he simply said, “I’m sorry to bother you; I’ll be on my way…”

He bothered her alright…not for her time but because she couldn’t find the words to adequately answer his question. Whew! Have you ever been in that situation before? Declaring yourself to be a Christian; a faithful follower of this Jesus and you can’t even spit out an intelligible answer as to what you and “folks in there” believe!

This past Saturday at Lazy Daze, Renié was handing out “Come, Satisfy the Hungry Heart” cards that offer our website and information about our Sunday and Wednesday services—pick up few! A few times, I was taken aside to share who we are and what “folks in here” believe and practice. I jumped right in! I get excited thinking about all the dynamic leadership we have; the dedicated staff; the teachers and youth leaders; the choir; the children & youth; the volunteer spirit and willingness to share our time, talent, money and energy; and the joy expressed each Sunday in our worshipping community.

At first it may seem that sharing the Covenant Story is a whole lot easier than telling others about this Jesus. And yet, if we had never experienced the presence and power of this Jesus in our lives, we couldn’t begin to enthusiastically tell others what “folks believe in there,” now could we? Our excitement, our joy, about being a part of this faith community called Covenant is only made possible because of the inviting Spirit who is alive and well and bumping around in our hearts and lives. Once we claim what’s already deep within us, we too will be able to find the words that convey our faith to others who are seeking this steadfast relationship with God in Jesus Christ.

So when opportunity comes knocking…don’t hold back! Be Bold! If words escape you, simply blurt out, “Come and See! Come and See!” Blessings, Joanne


Rev. Joanne VerBurg, Sr. Minister
“Come, Satisfy the Hungry Heart”
www.CovenantChristianChurch-Cary.org

Carrying People

Good Morning All,

“Woke up this mornin’ with my mind, stayed on Jesus;” Woke up this mornin’ with my mind, stayed on Jesus; Woke up this mornin’ with my mind, stayed on Jesus; Allelu, Allelu, Allelu-ia.”
(African-American spiritual) And so I did this morning, just as I usually do each morning. I awakened with thoughts that soon breathed their way into prayers…

And I was reminded of the good friend and colleague in ministry who visited me a few days ago as part of her “Birthday Tour.” She talked of how she “carries” about 50 people with her everywhere she goes—and while she doesn’t serve a local congregation, these folks are her congregation…family members and dear friends; folks who have different needs from time to time and at other times bring her great joy.

The image of “carrying people” in our hearts, minds and memories is one with which most of us can resonate. During the course of a given day, I carry the burdens, joys, challenges and pain of a lot of people, mostly because that’s what it means to be in relationship with others. God calls us to do so and I would also add, God calls us to use good judgment and wisdom in the process, lest the relationships take us where we don’t need to go.

Some other song lyrics popped into my head this morning from, “Wishin’ and Hopin’,” a song in the late 1960’s (how very last century that sounds :) ) made popular by Dusty Springfield: “Just wishin', And hopin', And thinkin', And prayin', Plannin’ And dreamin'…” These words, while from an oldies’ love song, also seem to describe a process that many of us unconsciously go through when thinking about the future…personally and in other ways as well…“Wishin’ and hopin’; thinkin’ and prayin’; plannin’ and dreamin’”…

And this morning, these words remind me of a long-time member of our congregation, Denise Loughridge, who for almost 2 years has battled some very tough, life-threatening health challenges. She is facing a surgical procedure today that when first done earlier this spring, kept her in the hospital for 5 weeks in very serious condition. Those of you who know her well and have most recently heard her share her thoughts in her Sunday School class, also know that Denise, in the midst of all the frustrations, disappointments, pain and suffering, continues to emerge as a courageous and strong woman of faith. And this means that she is also quick to pray for you and to be in “your stuff” with you whenever invited to do so!

That’s what we do when we “carry people” with us. Doing so causes us to not only take our minds off our own concerns, but to put life in perspective; to realize what’s important and what’s not; what we need to hold on to and what we need to let go—ah, another song enters my mind: “You gotta know when to hold ‘em; know when to fold ‘em; know when to walk away; know when to run…”--thank you Kenny Rogers. :)

Carrying people with us also allows us to enter into a deeper partnership with God, the One who invites us to not only share the joys and burdens of our lives but encourages us to “offer up” whatever is in our hearts and minds and let God handle it all--especially when you and I in our human efforts have done all that loving hands can do.

I invite you to be in prayer for and with Denise…“wishin’ and hopin’; thinkin’ and prayin’” that this surgery will be successful and she will have many years to continue “plannin’ and dreamin” with her husband and sons, other family and friends. May it be so, O God…May it be so…
Blessings, Joanne

VBS Reflections

Good Morning All,

Take a few rooms, add scads of children; lots of volunteers and yummy snacks. Puree fun games that spend lots of energy & cool beach crafts. Mix-in lively music performed on colorful surfboards; alternate with a dose of Flamé, the Flamboyant Flamingo. Blend in adventurous stories from scripture and clever science demonstrations...Repeat for 5 evenings, letting set overnight each time. It’s a tried and true recipe for summer fun--“Beach Party-Surfin’ through the Scriptures” Vacation Bible School !

The lively pace of this exciting week is rewarding on so many different levels. Of course there’s the obvious fun from learning the stories of faith and new songs; and all the excitement and endless energy exhibited by the children and leaders. But it’s also the unsolicited comments: “I’m having so much fun!” “This is so cool!” “Hey, wanna race?” as well as the unsolicited actions of comforting a friend who tripped and fell; holding hands even with your sister :) ; sharing the last cookie. What joy comes from being together with church friends and making new friends as we have fun learning about the “Be-Attitudes:” Be Obedient…Be Kind…Be Forgiving…can’t wait to see what we learn tonight and Thursday!

Sunday during lunch I asked everyone about their memories of Vacation Bible School either growing up or with their own children, now grown. Of course, decades ago, it really was simpler—or does it just seem that way? Bible stories shared in a circle with flannel board characters; singing “The B-I-B-L-E,” “Jesus Loves Me;” “We are Climbing Jacob’s Ladder;”(the songs didn’t have to match the lessons :) ; basic crafts out of popsicle sticks and lots of Elmer’s glue; relay games to wear us out; a cup of Kool-aid and a couple of homemade cookies; a black & white group photo; and we were good to go. And “Go” we did—to every Vacation Bible School in our area—what a great tribute to Christian unity! This all gives credence to “The more things change, the more they stay the same.”

In the midst of all that is high-tech and holy, I found my heart smiling on Monday night. VBS had officially ended and the children adjourned to the front yard for the “unofficial” program of playing until parents dragged them home…while they were headed in a gazillion directions, it was as if someone had hollered, “Freeze!” And without any one specific child leading the pack, you could hear them shout, “Fireflies!”—with a few “Lightning Bugs!” thrown in for good measure! And they began chasing them all over the yard. Some things never change! And as they were leaving I overheard a few of the parents attempting to explain how fireflies do their thing...helpful and informative, of course…but you know, I think it’s really more about chasing fireflies than explaining how fireflies do their thing.

My heart smiled again the next morning as I read one of the Tuesday morning comics, Rose is Rose. The little girl was simply ecstatic as she danced and sang; jumped for joy with drawings of hearts, rainbows and musical notes all around her. And over head in the night sky, fireflies were glowing while two of them said, “She REALLY enjoyed our show!” “She seems to LIGHT UP whenever we perform!” :)

The joy of unsolicited responses…whether it’s learning about God calling us to be obedient; to be kind; or to be forgiving; or simply dancing and jumping for joy that’s what makes vacation bible school times memorable and fun…that’s what makes so much of life memorable and fun. Pure bliss in the midst of God’s summer light show…
Blessings, Joanne

“Come, Satisfy the Hungry Heart”
www.CovenantChristianChurch-Cary.org

Fixing the Connections

Good Morning All,

Last week when we took a look at Jesus’ teachings about the Kingdom of God ; the Realm of God, One of the things to which Jesus compared it all, was a mustard seed—reminding us that bigger is not necessarily better. My recent encounter with “new and improved” technology caused me to reflect upon this teaching when it comes to the countless advertisements shouting at us about upgrades, the bundling of services and other technological gadgets. Is the latest and greatest that technology has to offer, better? I really do wonder…

A few weeks ago one of the thunderstorms that rolled through our area affected my cable TV service. I was a bit perplexed in that it only affected the TV in the living room—yes, I have more than one television in my home…but we’re not going there, OK? :) Tried as I might, I couldn’t get it to work and had to resort to going online with “live tech support.” After about 20 minutes of instructions, ranging from, “Tell me what is lit up on the box” to “Let’s reboot by unplugging the electrical connection in the wall,” the internet connection fails and “Bye-bye tech help!”

Then thru the magic of cyberspace, I get reconnected, not to the same tech of course, who finally told me that she would make arrangements for an onsite tech to come out and fix the problem. And 4 days later, the tech did just that…and to my embarrassment, by punching a few keys on the remote!

And then 5 days later someone is in the driveway spray painting orange and red lines from the road to the house. What are you doing? I’m preparing the way for some cable guys to lay a new cable line…and I’m thinking, “Funny, you don’t look like John the Baptist!” :) And 3 days later, 2 other guys arrive to lay the new cable. While doing so, I have no cable, no internet, no phone—the joys of “bundling” my services—more like bungling. When they said they were finished and we’re leaving, I asked them to wait while I checked to see if everything was back up and running…And yes, you guessed it; I still had no connections of any sort…

“Well, Ma’am, our lines are definitely connected…you’ll have to call for a Time Warner tech to come out.”
“And I’m supposed to do that by using a dead phone?”
Hmmmm…”Let me see what I can do…” And off he goes to consult with his companion…and 30 minutes later all is connected correctly to the power source; the services are restored… WoooooHooo!

Amid all my frustrations, I pause…there really is a life lesson at work here…isn’t this the problem that you and I have from day to day? When we find ourselves not working or functioning up to par, it doesn’t take long to realize that we are not connected to the Power Source. The Power is there, but it’s not coming through. Yes, you and I are functioning at some level—maybe even able to sit up and take a little thin soup—but it’s not enough to tackle what we must tackle in any given day. Sooner or later we run out of steam; we must reboot our system so that we may be connected to the source of power…THE Source of Power, lest we lose important data.

Excuse me…I must go now and Power Up so that I will have whatever I need to move through this day…perhaps you need to do the same…

Blessings, Joanne

“Come, Satisfy the Hungry Heart”
www.CovenantChristianChurch-Cary.org

The Wastefulness of God

Good Morning All,

During the Commission on Ministry meeting earlier this month, one of the seminarians who appeared before us showed me a book he was reading and recommended. He had me when he said it was an easy read; emphasis on easy. :) That’s what I like especially in the summer. I’m sure some of you are already familiar with The Shack (Where tragedy confronts eternity) by William P. Young. I only lack a few pages until finishing it and have thoroughly enjoyed how the story brings the reader into a yet another approach to a relationship with God, spurred on by an encounter with personal tragedy.

The 6 year old daughter of the main character, Mack, was abducted while on a family camping trip and later found in an abandoned shack. “Four years later in the midst of his Great Sadness, Mack receives a suspicious note, apparently from God, inviting him to return to that same shack for a weekend…In a world where religion seems to grow increasingly irrelevant, The Shack wrestles with the timeless question, “’Where is God in a world so filled with unspeakable pain?’” (from the back cover)

It’s important to note that this is a work of fiction—the author is not a theologian—and it’s not to be taken as gospel truth. But the story line raises many questions that beg the reader’s own answers--questions that deal with who God is; the nature and makeup of the Trinity (which isn’t even mentioned in scripture); good and evil; free will, etc. And anything that causes us to wrestle with what YOU and I each believe about our faith; anything that causes us to strengthen what YOU and I believe, can’t be all bad, right?

In the story line is an exchange that speaks to what I have come to believe about the nature of God and God’s grace; that God offers us the “wastefulness of grace…” Some of us might look at wastefulness as a bad thing…so what’s up with the idea of God’s grace being wasteful? Does this mean that God spends or uses the gift of grace in a less than careful manner? That God squanders the gift of grace? Hmmmmmmm….

Perhaps the “wastefulness of God” can be viewed in the same way as an approach to the parable we usually call, “the Prodigal Son.” One approach ends up naming it as the story of the Prodigal God! The word, “prodigal” by first definition is, “recklessly extravagant” and can be attributed to the younger son in the parable as he goes about wasting his resources and his life. The second definition is, “one who spends or gives lavishly. This second definition fits more with who God is and what God does…offering us lavishly all that we need; lavishly, with reckless abandon, offering us God’s gifts…

For many of us this remains a difficult concept to wholeheartedly believe. Surely God doesn’t mean to shower everyone with blessings we don’t deserve—the obedient as well as the disobedient? How foolish! Surely God doesn’t shower everyone with God’s grace—the good as well as the bad? What a waste!

Which leaves me asking yet another question: Who are we to question God’s actions?
I for one am eternally grateful for the wastefulness of God…How ‘bout you?

Blessings, Joanne
“Come, Satisfy the Hungry Heart”
www.CovenantChristianChurch-Cary.org


PS. I would like you to consider reading The Shack as an “easy summer read” and get back to me as to whether you would like to explore the questions and answers that are presented in the story and wrestle with what YOU believe…I’ll check back with all of you in a few weeks and we’ll find a time to get together…one daytime and one evening time…

Holy Time Out

Good Morning All,

I returned home from working out this afternoon; no need to be impressed; haven’t been to the Rex Wellness Center for quite some time. Feeling a bit virtuous nonetheless, but I’m sure this too shall pass. :) After dinner I thought I would catch up with some phone messages but as I passed through the living room, “what to my wondering eyes should appear?”--A young buck eating grass in the back yard. He must have seen my movement through the window as he stopped and seemed to stare right at me. I moved to get a better view and he saw me again. This went on for another 15 minutes or so until he headed off down to the creek in the woods.

It’s good to stand still and to observe one of God’s seemingly gentle and curious creatures grazing in the yard; all the while ever vigilant of his surroundings. For a brief few moments I found myself transported from the everyday tugs on my life to a world that gives me the gift of a deer grazing in the early evening light. And just as suddenly as the deer appeared, my thoughts turned to the news that the body of Nancy Cooper, the woman who left home to go jogging last Saturday morning, was found less than a mile from where the deer and I were standing...to think that something as horrific as the murder of a young mother had taken place nearby just a few days before.

Experiencing the deer’s presence, up close and personal and then knowing that a death had taken place near my home, only serves to remind me for the gazillionth time, that life IS fragile.

And I’m always left wondering why it takes the extremes of life’s experiences to teach me this invaluable lesson. Somehow most of us find ourselves being torn in so many directions each day; allowing little or no time for self or family; to take time to not only smell the roses, but to see an owl take flight or to hear the lament of a hawk in a distant tree; to see children at play; to visit with a dear friend; a spouse; a parent; a child or teenager; to share laughter.

Why can’t we simply slow down long enough to take time to play; time to listen; time to relax; time to pray for strength and courage; peace and justice; time to sort through the problem areas of life—making a way through any financial hardships we might be experiencing; unemployment or having to work several jobs to make ends meet; relationship concerns; health challenges—of our own of someone we love; or sorting through the clutter of our lives…

We go about the hectic pace from day to day as if it were the demands of our life that really mattered. When what REALLY matters is taking some “holy time out” to be with those who matter and to do the things that matter. And during this “holy time out” to remember that God is in all of life with us; walking in front, leading the way; walking beside us as a friend and partner; walking behind us, prodding us, nudging us to keep moving ahead.

Oh, we of little faith; how faith-less we are each time we think we must go it alone. How quickly we forget that the One who calms the storms of life is as close as a prayer; as is the One who takes our burdens and makes the load a whole lot lighter; the One who is in the stillness of the moment; the One who stands ready to guide us; the One who transports us from where we are to where God wants and needs us to be...

Thanks be to God…the One to whom we can return over and over again when life is filled with paradoxes; confusion; emptiness and uncertainty; the One to whom we can turn when life makes absolutely no sense; who promises to be with us always...beginning right here and now...in the fragility of this day...Life is Fragile—Handle with Prayer...

Blessings, Joanne

Do Good

Good Morning All,

If you pay attention to your life and to the world, it’s easy to understand why we sometimes feel helpless and unable to come close to helping others, those whom we know as well as the stranger, resolve their needs and challenges in life. We become overwhelmed by life in general. It’s part of the human condition…some even call it “compassion fatigue”—we wear ourselves out in response to the needs of others. I don’t know how you respond, but this is when I have found myself throwing my hands up and saying to God things like:

“OK God…What do you want from me anyway? Why do you expect me to care so much? What good do my seemingly insignificant efforts really do to alleviate the suffering and pain of so many?” Or, why are some folks so difficult to love? Am I the only one in my family who can figure this out? Or, what’s up with the need to compromise or work things out?

Sometimes I want to put up a sign that says…Gone fishin’…see you next year!” :) Perhaps your personal pleas to God are a bit different, depending on the circumstances, but just about the time you and I might want to give up and cast it all into the wind, along comes this gentle reminder from Jesus found in Matthew 11: 28-30: “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens and I will give you rest…learn from me…for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls…”

In addition to these comforting words of Jesus, I also offer you another reading that might help guide our thoughts and actions that express scriptural direction and hope: “Paradoxical Commandments,” written by Dr. Kent Keith, when he was a sophomore at Harvard in 1968. He wrote them as a challenge for student leaders, “to always do what is right and good, even if others don’t appreciate it. You have to keep striving, he writes, “no matter what, because if you don’t, many of the things that need to be done in our world, will never get done.” So, try this on for sighs :) :

The Paradoxical Commandments by Dr. Kent M. Keith

People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered. Love them anyway.

If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives. Do good anyway.

If you are successful, you will win false friends and true enemies. Succeed anyway.

The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.

Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable. Be honest and frank anyway.

The biggest men and women with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men and women with the smallest minds. Think big anyway.

People favor underdogs but follow only top dogs. Fight for a few underdogs anyway.

What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight. Build anyway.

People really need help but may attack you if you do help them. Help people anyway.

Give the world the best you have and you'll get kicked in the teeth. Give the world the best you have anyway.

© Copyright Kent M. Keith 1968, renewed 2001

Jesus invites us to share our burdens, frustrations and challenges with him and with each other, remembering that God has also equipped us with minds to think, hearts to feel and hands to help, even when we least desire to do so…

So, let’s go out and do what is right and good, even if we don’t feel like it..after all, many of the things that need doing in this world will never get done…I will if you will…
Blessings, Joanne

The Family of Faith

Good Morning All,

“Gosh, I’m just swamped with work… studies…family demands…I’m just not getting enough sleep…(insert your own excuse here)…getting ready to come to worship (insert other church meeting/activity here) and being in worship(meeting/activity) takes up a lot of my time…I need that time with my cup of coffee and the Sunday morning paper…it’s the only morning I can sleep in and take it easy…after all, I can worship God on my patio…at my kitchen table, right?” It’s the only time I can get away…I can worship God on the golf course, right? At the beach, right? In the mountains, right? During my own “pillow devotions,” :) right?

These are just a sampling of the “justifiable reasons” people express for not being in worship—justifiable to the persons making their case for absenteeism, but God’s verdict has yet to be rendered on this one…or has it…”Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy…” comes to mind… But I’m not writing this to make anyone feel guilty…guilt runs rampant throughout every part of our lives and accomplishes very little.

I’m bringing this to our attention to remind us all of something more important and more revealing about our relationship with God and the church. It’s not about the need to be away; or to take a little R ‘n’ R from time to time. Of course we all need a break from the stresses and demands of everyday life. Even God rested on the 7th day, right? Jesus went off to be by himself to pray quite regularly; found that quiet mountain rest from time to time.

It’s not any of the excuses we offer that disturb me; it’s more about how I think most of us have forgotten the purpose of a faith community. Yes, God can be worshipped anywhere… There, I’ve said it! You do not have to be in worship on Sunday morning each week in order to worship God…God indeed, is everywhere and I imagine God is pleased with our worship wherever and whenever we take time to do so…And yes, we can indeed worship God by ourselves…But there’s more to being a faithful Christian than this…worshipping God calls us to be in community with one another. We are called to gather together to support each other.

Your life may be going along just fine for the moment…Praise God. But the person seated next to you in worship, may be quietly sitting in his/her own “pool of tears” or filled with joy because there is something to celebrate that day; and you are needed to be there for that person. The joys are easily shared with one another. But you may never know the hurt and pain of that person next to you; nor the importance of the comfort or encouragement you offer simply by being there.

And when it’s your turn, and you have a joy to share or when you are engulfed by your own “pool of tears,” you need others to be there for you in the same way…worshipping together is a “win-win” experience. We give and receive to and from the other…we’re there for each other.

“...what we glimpse is life woven together in love…interwoven in ways that do not smother and encumber but release and strengthen. Here is God’s desire and design for created life…
“So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith (Gal.6:10). No dimension of another’s life lies beyond the scope of the Christian’s concern and care. Paul enjoins us to “bear one another’s burdens” and so fulfill the commandment to love one another (Gal. 6:2)…New life in Christ manifests itself in responsibility for the other…” (John Mogabgab, Weavings XXIII:4; July August 2008)

This is the purpose of being Church—the body of believers gathered together in one place…See you the next time we gather in one place…Blessings, Joanne

Discovering Joy

Good Morning All,

I have heard it said most of my life that “communication is the name of the game…” And I take that to mean that communicating well is the key to understanding everything—certainly can be said of learning, any and all sorts of relationships, as well as local, national & world events. This being said, I have begun to realize that I am more of a “news junkie” than I once thought. I find myself listening to the latest news when I’m driving; I watch whatever news/sports channel is on at the Wellness Center; I catch one if not more of the local evening news; one of the evening national news; and if I’m awake, I’ll tune into the local evening news. And then to top it off, if there’s any sort of crisis going on, I find my way to CNN. And of course I also read the morning paper each day.

Well, lately, we have the never-ending political campaigns; advances of the Taliban in Afghanistan ; the war in Iraq ; concerns about Pakistan , N. Korea & Iran ; not to mention the increased numbers of deaths. We see the news about the destruction, deaths, financial ruin and homelessness from the storms, fires and floods throughout our country; the economic gloom and doom from Wall Street to our street—rising unemployment; the devastating housing market and rising gasoline & food prices; killer tomatoes—just checking to see if you’re really reading this :); the local reports of murders, rapes & robberies…I just want to stand on the top of a mountain and scream those memorable words from a last century musical/movie, “Stop the World, I Want to Get Off!”

And this sentiment doesn’t stop with all of these concerns , but it spills over a bit closer to home in our day to day lives...adjusting to tracked out children being at home; summertime boredom with teens; relationship issues with growing children, grown children, aging parents; other family members; colleagues, friends and neighbors; worrying about friends & family in the military; declining health; loss of meaningful work; lack of health insurance; graduation with no job in sight; balancing the home budget and wondering if you can afford that summer vacation or weekend getaway…fill in the blanks with any other issues…

Whew! Is it any wonder we want to stop the world and get off for a while…” But knowing that communication is the key to a meaningful life and at the same time allowing my life to be inundated/almost smothered in news reports about the ills of this world, are two different things. I’m a realist and I know that wanting to disassociate myself from the concerns of my own life and the world, is first and foremost unfaithful and therefore makes it not an option.

So I am trying to expose myself to less media information and to concentrate more on filling my life with more good news…with God’s Good News—praying to God for strength to make it through each day; a sense of renewed energy for facing whatever comes my way; compassion for the never-ending cries of this needy world; finding ways to help without suffering from compassion-fatigue, numbness and indifference. I am committed to listening & looking for ways to fill my heart with pure, unadulterated JOY!

So I leave you with an exchange between a 3 year old granddaughter, Maggie, and her grandmother, Queenie, on a recent beach vacation with the whole family. Maggie was having such fun running through the water as the waves broke on shore with Queenie watching closely. It was a picture-perfect day. You couldn’t help but see and feel the pure joy Maggie was experiencing. She turns and stops for a brief moment, looks up at her grandmother and says, “You guys make my heart happy!” :)

Ah, yes…in the midst of all that is disturbing, may you experience all that is holy, discovering heart-happy moments today and every day…Blessings, Joanne

The M 'n' M Singers

Good Morning All,

We walked through the doors and were greeted by colorful balloons and friendly faces. “Welcome!” “So glad you came!” “Go around the corner and find a seat at any of the tables…” a large banquet room filled with more balloons; tables draped in white cloths and sprinkled with shiny confetti; colorful napkins stuffed in clear glasses; other tables filled with trays of food and 3 decorated birthday cakes. Ah…lots of familiar faces, including other Covenant people. Excitement fills the air and Ben Tomszak, the director, goes to the microphone: “Welcome to the 20th Anniversary of the “M ‘n’ M Singers!”

As most of you know the “M ‘n’ M” Singers are a lively singing group of differently-abled adults who come to Covenant one Sunday each year. We look forward to their annual visit as they grace us with their presence and fill our lives with such joy! You only have to be with them for a few moments to experience their bright smiles and share in their laughter; and you are transported to a higher plane where you feel the presence of God; and any and all cares are whisked far away. As they begin to share their gifts of music, you readily know that they ARE God’s Good News in Jesus Christ. They not only embody God’s love for all people but they celebrate how “wonderfully and awe-fully” they and all of God’s people are made. Any sermon on any given day pales by comparison.

Tonight was their night to shine…a special anniversary filled with good food and great company; but also a time for each of them to have fun and share their individual talents. There were solos; duets; bells; dancing; a ventriloquist and a stand-up comedy routine that rivals any at the Comedy Club or late-night television. What fun! What loving parents, family members, care-givers and friends lending encouragement and support to this awe-inspiring group.

As the evening was coming to a close, several volunteers were honored in special ways for their countless hours of working with the Singers throughout these 20 years. Then Ben spoke about a new annual award that would be presented for the first time. It’s “The Jackie Ransdell Award,” named for the long-time assistant musical director, who died of cancer a few years ago; a truly remarkable woman whose smile and personality would light up any room. I thought this is a great way to remember Jackie.

And then I heard Ben say, “And the first recipient of the Jackie Ransdell Award, is Covenant Christian Church in Cary!” Did he say, Covenant? “Will Rev. VerBurg and Carole Tyler please stand?” Whoa… I had NO clue this was in the works. (Yes, there are times when I actually am overwhelmed and speechless at the same time!) :) As far as we knew, 7 Covenant members were simply going to a party to celebrate this great group. Ben went on to share how Covenant is the only church where the “M ‘n’ M” Singers had been invited to sing every year of their 20 year existence!

How excited we are to share this award with you, the congregation. How humbling it is for us to be recognized in this way. They speak of this simple gesture of hospitality we offer; how we welcome God’s people into God’s house. So, I ask you, what’s the big deal here? We’re just welcoming God’s people into God’s house, right? Isn’t that what we’re called to do; isn’t this what it means to be faithful? Actually, it’s the Singers who are the ones to be honored and recognized for the many ways they bless our lives…how they teach us about God’s unconditional love.

I guess it’s a two-way street…we are blessed and we in turn are a blessing to others. That’s how God’s love works-- like the words in that old camp song…”Love isn’t love til you give it away… and you end up having more!” Maybe this is what a dear friend meant when he paraphrased Ecclesiastes: “Cast your bread upon the water and it comes back as a ham sandwich.” :) Blessings, Joanne

God Is in Charge

Good Morning All,

On the last Sunday of May, the lectionary gospel reading was Matthew 6: 24-34—a reading that could fall under the heading, “Don’t Worry.” Easier said than done, right? How absurd to think that we humans will not worry…maybe we’re hardwired to worry, who knows. And some of us do a much better job at worrying than others; and you know who you are! :) Which then also means that there are also those who seem to do a much better job at keeping whatever happens in our lives, in perspective. This usually means taking a deep breath or many deep breaths, stepping back a bit to reflect on the cause of our worry and then to remember that it is God who is in charge. And our faith reminds us that we are to fill up whatever is empty with a sense of God’s peace and not our own anxiety.

No matter how fervently you may search throughout the scriptures, you will not find any passages where God promises to fix everything that goes wrong; or that if we are faithful, we will never encounter challenges or defeats or anything bad in our lives. It doesn’t work that way. God doesn’t promise to solve our problems and dilemmas; but God does promise to be with us every step of the way as we make our way to the other side of our troubles.

It is God who gives us the precious gift of perspective: Consider those lilies of the field that Jesus talks about in this reading from Matthew.” Look at the birds of the air. Who of you by worrying have added a single hour to your life or inch to your height?” Or as Eugene Peterson writes in The Message,
“Don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow; so much so that you miss out on today. Don’t get all tied up in knots over the possibilities of what lies ahead.”

Yes, of course, for many good reasons, it is wise and prudent to prepare for the future. But these words from Jesus warn us not let our plans for the future take total control of our lives; or become the driving force or the ultimate goal in our lives. That’s when we run amok. That’s when worry and God’s peace are fighting for space in our hearts. We find ourselves running on empty; losing our way along the path; thinking that providing for the future needs to be done even at the expense of our relationships with our family and friends as well us at the expense of moving toward a fuller relationship with God.

God stands ready to put our worries to rest…to move our worries out of God’s way so that we may be filled and clothed with God’s presence, patience and strength; as we allow God to provide us with all that we need. If God does this for birds and flowers and all of God’s creatures, in all of God’s splendor; then how foolish we are not to believe that God will not custom-tailor our lives as well.…

“Alterations, No Charge”

Last night, I hung up my worries in the closet,
hoping the wrinkles would smooth out by the next day;
I put my fears into the laundry, so they would be clean enough to wear again this week; I made sure that pebble called stress was still in my shoe, where it has worn a hole into the heel.

But this morning, when I opened the closet, I found a whole new outfit, woven out of Easter lilies and resurrection's sweet grass and sandals made out of sparrow's feathers.

Turning, I found you standing there, a tape measure around your neck, chalk in your hand, saying with a smile, 'try them on…so we can see if any alterations are needed.'
(c) 2008 Thom M. Shuman

So, what will it be…"off the rack" or custom-made?

Blessings, Joanne

Life and Death

Good Morning All,

The wedding had been planned last Fall. It would be at the Outer Banks; on the beach, weather permitting; before the start of hurricane season. “Yes, I would be honored to officiate at your wedding.” (not to mention any excitement about going to the beach. :) ) As the weekend approached there was the usual preparation to be away from Covenant…making sure everything was in place at the church so that worship and other responsibilities would run smoothly.

On the other hand, death doesn’t afford us the luxury of choosing a specific date and time. Death comes when death comes. Pre-arrangements though allow us the opportunity to plan a time of worship and celebration before the time is made known.

“Yes, it would be a privilege to speak at your mother’s memorial service and to share in this time with you and your family…after all, we’ve known each other for 28 years…”

“When do you want it to take place?”

“Friday at 11a; in Washington , NC …”

“I can make that work…I am planning to leave for the Outer Banks to do Lee and Jessica’s wedding sometime late Friday; but now I’ll just plan to leave early that morning. Not a problem…”

At first glance, it seemed as if emotions that come when a loved one has died and those involved with preparing a young couple for their marriage were about to collide in my heart. How would I sort them out? How can I make sure I could give each occasion my full attention?
Grief and sorrow were about to meet joy and bliss…

But God is so good. And these words from scripture popped in my head, “Who we are to become, dear friends, has yet to be revealed to us…” (I John 3.2) And after a few moments, it became very clear to me that both of these life experiences have so very much in common.

Both are
· life-altering experiences, not only for Deane Parker whose earthly pilgrimage was over; but also for Lee Wakefield and Jessica Nixon who were about to be married; but for all who love them.
· times filled with deeply rooted, heart rendering emotions.
· reasons for pure joy! The joy of a well-lived life and the joy of being united with a soul-mate.
· great occasions for celebration…celebrating the many lives that have been touched and influenced by a special relationship; celebrating lives that will touch and influence lives in the future.
· a reminder of God’s many blessings thus far along the way and that these blessings don’t end with a particular ceremony or ritual.
· new beginnings; moving into the unknown; trusting in God’s constant presence and unconditional love; and God’s warm invitation to move into God’s future.

God’s blessings abound in life and death and all points in between. Thanks be to God for this inexpressible and sustaining gift…

Leave your umbrella at home…the spiritual forecast calls for God’s showers of blessings…
Joanne

Connections

Good Morning All,

Well, I did it again…I clicked my heels 3 times and after almost a total of10 hours of return air travel, I landed back at RDU, a bit jet-lagged, but with a heart and mind filled with wonderful memories of exploring the Netherlands and a bit of time in Belgium. Yes, any of your pre-conceived ideas about the Netherlands and Amsterdam in particular may be true; there are so many other experiences to enjoy. So from my first, “Dag” (hello) to my last “Tot Zeins” (goodbye), it was a grand and marvelous trip, filled with tulips, canals, windmills, bicycles, museums, Delft porcelain, more canals, bicycles, traditional Dutch and Indonesian foods; did I mention, bicycles?; and of course, “melt in your mouth” chocolates :)

Spending time in a country that holds personal ancestral ties was an added dimension to my travels; to see names that relate to mine; to know that a current town official shares my same last name, only serve to remind me of ties that bind—of how we are all connected to each other in some way. And that connection reminds me of the different ways we are all connected to each other…not just by flesh and blood, but by common needs, common feelings, common desires, hopes and dreams.

Whenever I would sit on a bench or stone bridge and watch people pass by, I could hear many different languages being spoken (Amsterdam alone has over 200 languages represented there) yet as I looked at people’s expressions or hand gestures, I could sense if the conversations were intense, loving, filled with anger or questions or if the person were lost-- tourists intensely reading maps was one to which we could especially relate. :)

Signs and graffiti-laden bridges and walls were filled with hopes for world peace and an end to wars and hostilities. Children were filled with laughter and playfulness, engaged in childhood games and teasing. Walking around I could see families gathered in their homes for dinner; or see people looking out onto the streets; overlooking the canal; friends meeting at a café; parents enjoying their children…The scenery, the language, the food (way too many MacDonald’s & Burger King’s scattered about); the sites may be different, but there is no denying our connectedness.

Every time I am blessed to travel or to engage in conversations with people who are from different cultures, I am also reminded of the one, true God, who created us—each last one of us, no matter where we call home in this world; who made us in God’s own image; a God whose heart’s desire is to satisfy our hearts’ desires; a God who loves us unconditionally—who accepts us where we are and just the way we are—in one glorious rainbow of color, shapes and sizes; languages and lifestyles; different abilities…a God whose creation offers us blue skies and rain; sunshine and moon rays; oceans, rivers and canals; a God who has given people the ability to create tons of steel that can fly and stay flying over vast areas of land and sea…a God who gives us the ability to appreciate our differences, yet to have them fall away as God calls us to be one…to celebrate that universal oneness that calls us all to live in peace, understanding and with hope for the future...Thanks be to God…

Blessings, Joanne

The Living Christ Revealed

Good Morning All!

Yesterday I opened the regional Commission on Ministry meeting with a devotional based on this past Sunday’s gospel reading from Luke 24, about the 2 disciples on the road to Emmaus on the evening of Christ’s resurrection. Cleopas and his companion, as they walked along were met by a man they thought to be a stranger. “Their eyes were kept from recognizing” the stranger as Jesus. When they were about to reach their destination they invited the stranger to stay with them. And when they were at table, Jesus became the host as he took, blessed, broke and gave them the bread; and “their eyes were opened and they recognized him;” I so love this story and the example of how God comes to us over and over again in the ordinary activities of life; making the ordinary, the extraordinary…

This past Sunday, a stranger, who became a guest once he entered the doors of the sanctuary, took time to speak with me following worship. He told me how he appreciated the gospel reading and the story about the little boy having lunch in the park with God. But the exchange that followed was the best of all. He told me how he awoke one morning not feeling particularly well—sleepy, somewhat depressed—and how he asked God to guide him through the day and to see other people he would encounter, as God might see them. He recalled how he made the once grumpy woman behind the coffee shop counter, smile; how he engaged seemingly lonely or lost people in brief conversations that made them smile…and on he went through his day. He then said that by the time he returned home at the end of the day, his mouth was very tired because he had smiled so much :)

“Besides having a tired mouth, how did you feel?” “I know I was better for it; it was absolutely amazing how wonderful it is to see others as I think God sees them—people of worth when they don’t even recognize it! I enjoyed doing this and I want to do it again…” “Well, I would like to challenge you to do exactly that,” I replied; “Come back and tell me how it all went…”

After telling this story I asked each Commission member to share one experience with the Spirit of the living Christ since we last met in January:
· Marcie told about attending a John McCutcheon concert; how the words of the music helped her to see the presence of Christ in her life;
· J.O, who is African-American, told of his recent call to an all-white congregation to serve as their pastor in the midst of a community that has had a history of racial tension;
· John spoke of the living Christ as the power of connection—how the Spirit connects pastor to pastor; congregation to congregation; claiming our oneness in shared ministry;
· Mark, told about the laughter shared during a recent family dinner with his 2 young teenagers;
· I recalled having heard the “crucifixion story” told by a 4 year old who attended Covenant’s Maundy Thursday Tennebrae worship as she recounted her experience to her granddaddy later that same evening--“…somebody read the bible; candles were put out and the lights in the room went out…and then it was dark…and Bam! Bam! Bam! Jesus was dead!
· Louis shared his recent visit with a 97 year old uncle and how Christ’s Spirit was again revealed as his uncle shared his strong faith and his growing relationship with God;
· Lewis told about a woman in his congregation whose life is an example of Christ’s Spirit being revealed over and over again;
· Virginia shared her story of walking the outdoor labyrinth at Mill Creek Christian Church.

When have your eyes been recently opened and you recognized the Spirit of the living Christ? How has the ordinary become the extraordinary in your life? Where will you see the living Christ as this day unfolds? Open our eyes, Lord… Blessings, Joanne

Good News

Good Morning All,

Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed! “Attack Against Militias Puts Cease-Fire at Risk!” “Economic Outlook Worst Since 1973!” Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed! “Candidates Weigh in on Housing Market!” “Missile Parts Sent to Taiwan by Mistake!” “Ice Shelf Collapse Puts Other Glacial Ice at Risk!” Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed! “Two Die as Crane Section Falls !” “Detroit Mayor, Ex-aide pleads not guilty!” “Year-Round or Not?” Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed!

The above headlines come from this morning’s News & Observer. I searched and searched for a story filled with “good” news but to no avail. I challenge you to do the same. I guess one could use the Sports section as a source of good news; but only if YOUR team happened to have won. One could peruse the Life section and declare that the recipes and food information is filled with at least some goodness. But all in all, today’s stories are all about tragedies and crises here and around the globe. I daresay the same is true for the television news broadcasts. I recently heard someone say, “If it bleeds, it leads…” meaning only stories about blood and guts or some kind of tragedy or crisis, make the top of the news hour.

Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed! “I want to run a few tests to make sure what we’re looking at…” “I’m sorry, he didn’t survive the surgery…” “The tests have determined that you have…” “I just don’t want to be married to you anymore…” Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed! “We need to downsize and your division is the first one to be dismissed…” “I regret to inform you that we must foreclose on your home immediately…” Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed! “My life is a real mess…” “I have lost my way and can’t seem to get a grip on my life…” “I’m not sure I have anything to live for…” Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed!

As I muse about the headlines as well as the news that touches us even more personally and place them alongside our Easter morning greeting, “Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed,” I see God’s Good News peppered throughout all the bad news. And I am reminded that God is in the midst of it all--the good, the bad and the ugly. I also see the Easter message declaring that God’s miracle of Christ’s resurrection is the source of my strength and yours as we face whatever comes our way in this life.

God’s Good News declares that death is finished! When we first think of death we know it as an end to one’s earthly existence. Yet death also comes to us in the form of broken relationships; broken dreams; broken lives; loss of livelihood; times when we feel we have lost all hope. But God’s Good News breaks through any and all death as God restores new life; offers us new beginnings; new approaches; a new sense of purpose and well being. God’s Good News brings us hope in this life as we live in the undying hope of the Resurrection…as God makes good on all of God’s promises…

Marilyn Brown Oden in Wilderness Wanderings-a Lenten Pilgrimage says it this way: “Christ is risen in the world…The Light has come into the darkness! The new mystery enfolds us, lifts us…Christ is risen in our lives…Nothing will ever be quite the same again…we journey in a new kind of light, in a new kind of living, a new kind of giving that brings life to others and to ourselves…Christ is risen in the Church…We draw together in community in the name of Jesus Christ…We have been given the Light of Christ; the Word of hope and love that teaches us how to live together; the Waters of Baptism; the Lord’s Supper…We encircle all of God’s people with the empowering light of holy love. We go to the edge and dare to leap; and miracle of miracles, we find as feeble as we are, together we can soar!”
Christ is risen!
Christ is risen indeed!
Alleluia!
Blessings, Joanne

Holy Week Musings

Good Morning Lenten Trekkers,

Well, here we are…what a week it’s been and it’s only Wednesday. I’m still reeling in from the excitement and celebrations from Sunday’s parade. I just love a good parade! A bit curious though…Not sure why Jesus came in riding that donkey; couldn’t the disciples at least find a strong steed to carry him into the city? After all, I’m told he’s our only hope. He’s the one who will save us from our enemies; restore our nation to its rightful power. And all they could find was a donkey? And why the humble robe of a peasant? Where was his royal robe; his golden crown? I just wanted him to look good if anyone dare to compare him to Pilate and his entourage…you know, the strong steed; the rich, flowing robe; that huge crown upon his head…

But there’s something about this Jesus, in his humbleness, his facial expressions, those haunting eyes…ah, I’m really taken in by those eyes…window to a person’s soul; being able to look deep within and somehow know he’s different, this Jesus. He may not be what we were expecting, but I have a feeling he’s something way more than we can ever imagine…

Did you hear about what he did a couple of days ago? It seems the day after the parade Jesus and his friends went to the Temple and when they found it all abuzz with money changers and hustlers…seems he went a bit ballistic…took a whip and cracked it over and over again; turned the sellers tables over; all the while shouting something about how they had turned the holy place of worship into a marketplace, a den of thieves! Such a display of anger! At least he lets us know what he’s thinking…

And then just last evening when he debated his harshest critics. There were many who tried to discredit his teachings. But he never backed down. He simply shared his beliefs from his heart and mind…no, more like his very soul...

And so here we are on the morning of this new day. Rumor has it that Jesus’ dear friend Judas has become a bit disenchanted with Jesus. Perhaps disillusioned or maybe it’s nothing more than impatience with his friend whom he truly believes can change the world with his power and presence. Yet he thinks that Jesus needs to kick his ministry and mission up a notch…display his true power and his true identity…lest they all be killed...

Word on the street is that Judas is really struggling with how to get Jesus to take over and end the oppression…maybe if he forces his hand a bit…if he tries to draw him into a scenario that will force Jesus to quit dragging his feet and stand up to all the ruthless leaders whose power has gone to their heads…Maybe…

Well, tomorrow is the Passover; “the night that is different from all other nights;” when all faithful Jews gather to remember the Exodus from Egyptian slavery. That’s why it’s so crowded here in the city; there must be millions of us here…but there’s a bit of tension in the air…more than the usual brought about by the Roman soldiers…could it be that Jesus is in the midst of a great power play with the authorities? Maybe the greatest ever so far? Could it be that his life is really on the line? Could his mission be coming to an abrupt halt? Why can’t we celebrate the Passover in peace? Why can’t this be a time for “business as usual?”

Hmmmm…looks like there’s a back room deal going on…heard the payoff is 30 pieces of silver…for simply letting the authorities know of a place and time later in the week-- away from the crowds…after the Passover meal; where they can quietly take this Jesus down to the station for, you know, just a little interview…

It’s so unsettling…just who IS this Jesus? Maybe he’s not what we were expecting after all…but I have a feeling he’s something way more than we can ever imagine…

Blessings, Joanne