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
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
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
“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
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
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
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