HAPPY NEW YEAR!

It's HERE!  A bright and shiny New Year!   Even though it's simply today, the day that follows yesterday...somehow on January 1st the world seems a bit "fresher".  We haven't made any horrible mistakes as of yet (I hope), we haven't said things that we wish we could take back, and the year just seems filled with amazing possibilities for new adventures.

I am a resolution-goal setter by nature...so today feels awesome to me.  I love to make a list and check it off as I accomplish things.  How about you?  Even if goal setting is not one of your favorite things to do, I hope that you have a sense of peace and newness as the year begins.  I pray that you feel the presence of God on your journey, wherever you may be and wherever you may go.

Peace to you today....on this sparkling New Year's Day!

Good, good morning!

We have a choice in this day.  We may have opened our eyes this morning only to remember the sadness, sorrow, pain, or even anger that we were encased in yesterday. And we KNOW that one night doesn't magically wipe all of that away.  

HOWEVER,  one night's sleep can make a world of difference.  I'm not sure who said this...so if you know comment and help me out...but one of my favorite lines is this "The difference between hope and despair is a good night's sleep."   

Or as it is stated in Psalm 30:5b (NRSV):

"Weeping may linger for the night, but joy comes with the morning."

Almighty God, we pray that this day maybe filled with peace.  That even though we may face hardship and sorrow, that our sense of your love will be greater than all that we encounter. Allow us to love others as a result of the way that you love and care for us. Help us to live in joy and in peace all day long. 

In the name of Jesus we pray.  Amen.

Pastor's Ponderings from the COS Newsletter

It is amazing to me how much Vacation Bible School has changed since I was a child. Maybe it was because I attended a very tiny United Methodist Church, but I don't think so. However, even with all of the changes, I am incredibly thankful for the similarities that remain. Children learning the Bible, singing songs of praise, and caring adults working with them exemplifying God's love. As I sat in the back of the sanctuary I watched our children bow their heads in prayer, sing and dance to worship music, and sincerely seek God in their extra-energetic way, it occurred to me, again, how very blessed we are to be part of this congregation. To be in a church that cares about us and is deeply connecting, but also a church that understands the importance of programs like VBS and makes them a priority by pouring time and talent into them is a gift. 

 I also believe strongly that seeds have been planted at VBS and if watered and nurtured our children will grow into those who love and serve Jesus Christ as Savior. I encourage you to take a few moments today to pray for the children of our church and the ministry that we have to these little ones. Jesus states in Matthew 19:14 “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs." 

 Thanks be to God! 

 Peace and Joy, Pastor Becky

Prayer Series

We are in the midst of our sermon series focusing on Prayer. I have heard such great stories from all of you...thank you so much for your amazing sharing! I am embedding the video that I shared yesterday in the service of Derek Redmond and his father at the 1992 Olympics. It's so powerful...and I thank the person that put it all together...what a wonderful blessing!

Peace to you all today!

Summer is Here

Time sure does fly! I have turned around and April turned into June...know the feeling? This evening I'm thankful to report that our youth group is on their very first mission trip! The are at TeamEffort in Cincinatti...how exciting. If you have time check out their blog: COS Next Generations.

I Am With You

Jesus prepares his followers for his departure...but doesn't leave them alone. I believe that in this section of text is housed some of the most comforting words for those that follow Christ. The concept that we haven't been abandoned when we experience loss, that if we ask and believe we can receive peace, God's peace that will descend upon us and fill us...and it's not the kind of peace that the world gives, says Jesus. Thanks be to God.

May you all experience that amazing peace today as we draw close to Easter Sunday. The day after Good Friday, when Christ was in the tomb and the disciples felt that all were lost. When they felt alone.

But thanks be to God that JOY comes with the morning!

I Hold You in My Heart

Timothy is known as Paul's "sidekick", working with him for 17 years...but he certainly had a resume of his own to brag about, and was an effective minister and evangelist in his own right. This text that we read this morning comes from Paul and Timothy, and it is a scripture that I have loved, especially as a Pastor who has left a congregation to move to another.

I especially appreciate the sentiment "you hold me in your hearts". I get that. There are people whom I love, especially those whom I don't always get to see, but my love for them still remains....and I hold them in my heart. I think of them, I pray for them, I give thanks for them.

Today is Good Friday, a day of pain and suffering. Remember, when we are journeying through some of our darkest, hardest times, we are held in the heart of God.

Peace to you today.

The Villian

Judas is the villain...the one who betrayed Jesus. And for what? Money (it really wasn't THAT much), power, pride? Or was it disbelief...maybe Jesus isn't really who he says he is...so will this betrayal even amount to anything? We hear it all and are disgusted...how could he do that????

And yet....and yet.....I find that some of things that I really dislike the most are the things that I am fearful that I might become or do, or already be. Does that make sense? Anyone else feel that way?

As we approach Good Friday tomorrow, and as we share in Holy Communion this evening, the celebration of the Last Supper, and the time that Judas betrayed Jesus, may we take time to make an examination of our own souls. May we honestly search our hearts and if there is any way in us that needs to be changed, forgiven and shifted may we be brave and move forward in forgiveness and new life.

Thanks be to God for moments of reflection and honesty.

Real-life

I like to think that when it really matters that I would come through. When faced with something as Peter was....that I would NOT deny Christ 3 times. But still, we really don't know until we are faced with what another if faced with what we would do. What I do believe, and think is the overall message that we need to get, is that Peter found forgiveness and redemption. That's real-life.

In real-life things don't always work out just so, we don't always make wise decisions, people don't always love us and help as we desire that they would. We keep on going, we forgive when we are given the opportunity to do so, we shift our thinking and our expectations, and we continue on the journey. We realize that we have all sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and move through that. It's not always easy, but there such growth and depth that can be gained by working through a challenging time and getting on the other side of it. Peter is a great example of a real-life person, not perfect, but growing and loving God in his humanness.

May it be so for us as well. Peace to you today...and I'm very glad to share my real-life with you.

Name Change

Have you ever noticed the significance of name changes in the scriptures? This is a symbolic way to understand the great change that occurs when one encounters a living God. For example, in the Old Testament, Abram became Abraham, Sarai became Sarah, and Jacob became Israel. 2 examples from the New Testament are when Jesus named Simon-Cephas (Peter) and Saul of Tarsus became Paul.

Saul who is a big-time persecutor of Christians encounters Jesus and becomes Paul. I have always found such hope in this story...it reminds me that God's love can reach out to anyone, anywhere. Those that seem beyond the reach of God, who might look at Christianity as primitive and puritanical, those whose hearts may have become so hardened that it seems that they will NEVER accept Christ...that's where Saul was! A Pharisee, part of a very strict sect, even murdering Christians.

God's love extends to all, even those that don't extend love to God. And when they come to accept that love, God gives them a fresh start, even a brand new name. The old is wiped away, and the new is ushered in. Ahhh...a fresh start. It's a beautiful thing.

Peace to you this Holy Week...may you enjoy the fresh start and new name that you have been given "Christian".

"Becky the....."

He is known as "Mark the Evangelist". Nice. Of all of the descriptors that one could be known as, Evangelist is a good one. It makes me wonder...when my life has been said and done upon this earth, when I am in a much better place, what would I be known for?

Hmmm...some days I can honestly say that it would be something nice, such as "Becky the smiler" or "Becky the laugher"....but some days I suspect that it would be something that I don't even want to hear!

My point is that it is significant how we live our lives, not necessarily that everyone loves us and names us appropriately, because, let's face it, we are not going to make everyone happy all of the time, and to think that we can is ridiculous. However, we can choose to live our lives in ways that are pleasing to God, and to be known as one that shares the gospel with others.

Maybe when you have an extra minute or two today you will think on this a bit. What name is it that you would like to be named? How can you start living your life in that way today?

Peace to you this Holy week as you journey towards the cross. I will be specifically praying for all of those that read the blog this week...so please know that you are in my prayers.

Out on a Limb

Luke 19:1-10
"He entered Jericho and was passing through it. 2A man was there named Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was rich. 3He was trying to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was short in stature. 4So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to see him, because he was going to pass that way. 5When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down; for I must stay at your house today.” 6So he hurried down and was happy to welcome him. 7All who saw it began to grumble and said, “He has gone to be the guest of one who is a sinner.” 8Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, “Look, half of my possessions, Lord, I will give to the poor; and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will pay back four times as much.” 9Then Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he too is a son of Abraham. 10For the Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost.”

It's funny, the song of Zacchaeus is one from Vacation Bible School that has stayed with me for 40 years or so. And even though, because of that song, I've known this story for most of my life, it has been a new revelation to study it all over again. I want to share with you a very simple summary of what I've been thinking about...and I hope you use the summary for reflection.

Zacchaeus, literally and figuratively went out on a limb for Jesus. Would I? Have I?

Have a blessed Saturday!

Martha and Mary

38Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. 39She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was saying. 40But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me.” 41But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; 42there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.”

It's the classic story, someone works harder than the others and then wants the ones that aren't working as hard to get up and DO SOMETHING! Jesus tells Martha that Mary's way is better...and we think to ourselves "seriously?!" She was lazy, we think (we would never say it out loud), Martha was in charge of the house and hospitality was essential for good dischipleship....no fair, we think. But it comes back to something so simple...and so important all over again. We talked about it just yesterday!

The key is not to focus on how others do or don't live, the key is to do our very best in the moments that we have to honor and follow Christ. Martha isn't scolded for her excellent hospitality, she is missing the big picture of pausing and focusing her attention on Christ, not on what Mary does or doesn't do.

Can you take a moment today to pause and focus on Christ? Focus on the sacrifice that Christ made for us? Maybe if we can do this we will be able to see more clearly the incredibly blessings that are all around us, just waiting for us to enjoy them.

Peace to you.

Blog to Come....

So sorry if you have checked today but didn't find an updated blog...I am having technical difficulties but am working it out! There will be a blog to come shortly.

It's Not About Me

The rich man is so caught up in his own life and possessions, he doesn't even see a starving man at his feet?! Not only does he miss Lazarus, but he misses the words of Moses and the prophets, again, because he is not paying attention. Or maybe more accurately he is only paying attention to himself.

In the last church I served we had a campaign talking about what church was all about...and we named it "It's not about me...." I LOVED that. It's such a flip-flop of ideas...to understand that we come into this community of faith intent on loving and caring for those around us. And we then trust that those around us will love and care for us, as well.

It's Not About Me...

Attitude is EVERYTHING

The rich young ruler asks Jesus how to obtain eternal life...and Jesus looks at him...LOVES HIM...and tells him that he needs to sell all that he owns and care for the poor. The man walks away sad. So...does that mean that we are all doomed?

I don't think so, I think this is about attitude. I think Jesus is talking to the rich young ruler about priorities, where his heart lies. In the text in Matthew 6:21 Jesus talks about our heart being where are treasure is...so don't store up your treasure where "moth and rust decay", but focus on eternity.

Those that are blessed with wealth play such a wonderful vital, roll in the church, when their eyes are turned towards eternity. We have some that just offer what they have so generously to lift up and care for those in need. They have an attitude of generosity and they seem to realize that giving generously doesn't take away from their abundance, instead it blesses them. They are wise with their finances, but not so frightened of it's loss that they won't share with others. It's as if they understand that when it's all said and done it's not about money at all...but about how we love and treat one another. What a wonderful attitude to cultivate!

*Part of having an attitude of thankfulness includes counting our blessings. What blessings to you have today that you are thankful for?

Won't You Be My Neighbor?

I LOVED Mr. Roger's neighborhood when I was a kid...and...well....I'm still really fond of it today. Caleb went through a short phase of wanting to watch it, too, which I thought was wonderful considering that the program was recorded years ago and has stood the test of time as far as a child's desire to enjoy it. Why? Because being kind to your neighbor (or to those you encounter along your life's journey) just doesn't go out of style. Mr. Rogers was all about building up the self-esteem of children and teaching them about the world that they live in, including caring for and being kind to those who are placed in our lives.

The Good Samaritan risks so much to care for someone in need...to be kind. I realize that it isn't always easy, or popular, or even safe, to be kind. But I know that it's good and right. Even in our anger and expression of pain, we can be kind. We can choose the words we use more carefully or even choose to not speak at all, which might be the kindest act of all in some circumstances. The point is we should make an effort to be a good neighbor. Isn't it interesting that it comes back to something that we learned as children? Hmmm....

As a special treat I found a wonderful little YouTube video tribute for Fred Rogers, who passed away in 2003. Here it is:

Mary, The First Missionary

Mary Magdalene. She certainly has become a woman of controversy as the years have marched on between the time of her living on this earth and now. We know that Jesus healed her and her life was transformed. She was with "the other Mary" at the tomb in the text that we read today. I could spend many hours writing about her and the various theories about her life, quoting source after source. She has become quite popular for scholars and even fictional novel writers.

However, I want to quote what someone said at Bible Study Wednesday night about her...and I suspect that he was quoting from something that he had heard before. Art said "Well, Mary was the first missionary." I paused...hmmm...I was thinking Paul and the missionary journeys in Acts...he went on to say "She was told by the angel in the tomb to run and go tell the others that Jesus is alive...and she did. She was the first missionary."

Interesting, the text tells us that the women are afraid, but also happy...and they run to tell the disciples the amazing news. And this is the good news of the Gospel that they had to share: Jesus was dead...now he is alive! Go tell the others! And the good news still remains: We can be touched by God and experience a resurrection in our own lives...that is the good news of Easter!

Run...go tell the others!

Well Written

I think that it's interesting that Luke wrote about 27% of the New Testament himself in the Gospel of Luke and the book of Acts. And even in the text we read for today we hear that the intent of Luke is to somehow, in an organized fashion, express the events that surrounded the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. We certainly are the beneficiaries of his need to capture the events of the day!

Have you ever wondered what you are contributing in the world just now that will make a wonderful, lasting impact? I do...I want very much to leave the world a better place for my being in it. So if I care for someone who is in great need and it helps them survive through a really challenging time...I've done a good thing and it will effect the world for the better. And if I've written a blog that seems really simple but someone who needs a word of encouragement reads it and is lifted up...then I've done a good thing.

What about you? What "Lukan" act have you done that will make this world a better place?

It's tempting...

What is your greatest temptation? What was it for Jesus....power? Avoidance of death and the future that he was moving towards?

We are challenged today in a simple and profound way...resist temptation and it will flee from you. (James 4:7) See how it works today....let's do it together. When we face temptation we will be conscious in our resisting the devil.

*Join me in this day in praying for all of the others that read this blog and will make a choice to resist the evil that faces them.