Devotion

        . . . from the desk of the pastor

 

A recent article in the Smithsonian magazine (November 2011) caught my attention. The article spoke about more than history, which the Smithsonian is famous for, it addressed the building religious tension. As you may recall, this past January there was a “democratic” movement sweeping through the Arab world. Since that time, a number of governments have toppled, most recently the forty plus year government of Col. Moammar Gadhafi in Libya, and the thirty year tenure of Egypt’s Hosni Mubarak. Experts assessed the “democratic” actions as positive but in light of those changes, the Christians in Egypt are now suffering the consequences and are on the bloody end of the stick. What was once the norm, “persecution”, has now returned to the church in Egypt and likewise to many Christians in Africa and the Middle East.

None of this is really new. Christians are told to expect a tough time. Peter tells us as much in his first letter; suffering will come AND he tells us that we are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a people set apart, belonging to God. (1 Peter 2:9.) We are chosen for the task before us. Right now our brothers and sisters across the world stare death eyeball to eyeball. The conviction about their faith is unshakable. ALL people are called to walk in faith. But not all choose to do so. Many shrug their shoulders and stroll away with a flippant gesture muttering, “whatever”.

We are called to greater things. We are called to state simply how we are blessed by God; to simply tell others what has happened, and is happening to us. Each generation is encouraged to commend God’s works to the next generation (Psalm 145:4). When we cover our mouths and withhold the words that should spill out, we dishonor God and shortchange our children. We would never think of cheating our kids out of pocket change. You wouldn’t sneak into your child’s bedroom and steal from their piggy bank while they are asleep. Even the thought of such action is disgusting – yet that is what we do spiritually when we fail to tell them the truth that would strengthen their faith and build their character. We cheat our children and undermine our future.

Remember the part of the confession that says that we sin by the “things left undone”? Failure to speak is “truth unsaid” and in practical terms “truth unsaid” is no truth at all. As we move to the American institution of Thanksgiving allow yourself the refreshing exercise of declaring your gratitude in the hearing of others; not in boastful terms, but with words that speak from the heart. Marvel at the abundance of grain that our community produces. Be in awe at the continual out pouring of God’s provision for us, for the peace that we have, of the presence of our loved ones, of our health, and songs that we share, and the breath that we take. And pray God’s continued mercy upon our brothers and sisters in other lands, who daily speak the truth with their actions, and who as a result gain a penalty of punishment for their faith. And yet with their words they too testify to a world that is hungry to hear the sweet sound of truth – whose name is Jesus. As we lift up our hearts may we give thanks.

Your fellow worker,

Jay Johnson

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Saturday, November 12

at 5:00 p.m.

in the church basement

A special committee has been working on this project for several months and the fruits of their labor will be presented once a month for the next several months as a trial period.

Pastor Jay took a twenty-four hour retreat with a group of fellow clergy who had much time in prayer and in the reading of “commons of old”. It was an enlightening time to read and understand how much of our current worship is derived from the ancient church fathers. Contemporary worship is a bit different from the traditional services, but in many ways still has the same “taste”. How so?

Most of us like apple pie – the apples, cinnamon, the baked delight, the aroma, the taste, the ingredients make it what it is. Apple pie has the good taste, but it’s the intimacy of being “homemade”, especially for us and shared with others, that makes it so flavorful.

Having spoken with a military chaplain this past week, he explained of how in the field there are essentials for worship: the Word, Adoration, and a declaration of our Belief. The space may vary, the content may change, but the ingredients are essential. The Word is the text of Scripture which is explained in the message. Adoration comes through music, prayer, and our various offerings—be it talents shared, gifts given, or praises offered. And the ancient Creeds accurately reflect our faith.

The Contemporary Worship Service scheduled for Saturday, November 12, at 5:00 p.m. will be in the church basement. The Contemporary Worship committee has chosen the basement because the space encourages a more relaxed gathering, the sound will be richer, and the interaction among the participants will be much easier. Please plan on attending and consider making a commitment to come once per month for the contemporary services. The stability of regular attendance is an encouragement to others as well.

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THANKSGIVING WORSHIP

Come and give thanks and praise

to our Heavenly Father

in worship here at St. John on Thanksgiving Eve,

Wednesday, November 23, at 7:00.

Holy Communion will be celebrated.

 

Psalm 100 - 1 Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. 2Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. 3Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his;     we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. 4Enter his gates with thanksgiving  and his courts with praise give thanks to him and praise his name.5For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;  his faithfulness continues through all generations.

 

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