Prepared Hearts for Nov 3rd, All Saints

Hello Friends,

Welcome back to Prepared Hearts, the online Bible study of the Wacousta Community United Methodist Church.

The lectionary texts for this week are as follows:  Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18, Psalm 149, Ephesians 1:11-23, and Luke 6:20-31. I’ll be preaching from Ephesians.

The text is below, followed by starter thoughts:

Ephesians 1:11-23

In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance, having been destined according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to his counsel and will, so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and had believed in him, were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit; this is the pledge of our inheritance toward redemption as God’s own people, to the praise of his glory.

I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power. God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to come. And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

STARTER THOUGHTS

This week we will be celebrating the Feast of All Saints, which traditionally is the time of year that the church celebrates the followers of Christ who have gone before us who have shaped our faith, individually and collectively. Congregations do this in a number of ways. They may read the names aloud of those who have passed in the last year, light candles, toll a bell, etc. A colleague of mine shared with me that her church used butterflies to symbolize saints and filled trees placed up by the altar with paper butterflies in remembrance of their loved ones. Who are some of the saints who have had an impact on your faith journey? In what ways did they shape your walk? What are some of the rituals you have developed for remembering them and their importance in your life?

Of course, the term “saints” doesn’t refer simply to those who have died in Christ, it is a term that describes anyone who proclaims Jesus as Lord. Do you think of yourself as a “saint?” Why or why not? Are there saints in your life today who inspire and support you? How have they helped you grow in your understanding of discipleship? Do you think they would consider themselves “saints?”

The writer of Ephesians declares that believers have an inheritance which is part of God’s greater cosmic plan. What does this mean to you? Do you find it difficult to connect your daily life to this grand plan? Why or why not?

Being the recipient of an inheritance or inherited traits is something that most of us can relate to. What things have you inherited in life (physical traits, skills, gifts, etc.)? Are there parts of your inheritances that you’d rather give back?

As members of the church, we’ve inherited a great deal from those who have gone before us, some of it good and some of it not so great. For example, we have the blessing of Scripture, but we’ve also inherited a church that is fractured into countless denominations and sects. What are the good and bad things you’ve inherited in the faith? What are some of the things you wat the next generation of Christians to inherit? What sort of things do you hope they don’t have to inherit?

I’ve been wrestling with this text all week, so I really look forward to your thoughts and reflections. Feel free to email me or post here. 

Peace,

Pastor Amee

Prepared Hearts for October 27th

Hello Friends,

Welcome back to Prepared Hearts, the online Bible study of the Wacousta Community United Methodist Church.

This week’s lectionary texts include: Joel 2:23-32; Psalm 65; 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18; Luke 18:9-14. I’ll be preaching from the Gospel of Luke this week. The text is below, followed by starter thoughts:

Luke 18:9-14

He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: ‘Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax-collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, “God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax-collector. I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.” But the tax-collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted.’

STARTER THOUGHTS

I have a friend who meditates daily, using the mantra: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” When he first shared this with me, I thought: how depressing! I’ve used a variety of Christian phrases and prayers for daily meditation, but this one (which is actually an ancient Christian practice) just seemed like a total bummer! Who wants to recount, over and over again, one’s status as a sinner?

And yet…the older I get and the deeper my faith becomes, I’ve got to admit that I now appreciate (yes, even like) this phrase. It no longer holds the negative and judgmental meaning for me that it once did. It frees me to accept God’s mercy and (with God’s help) show that mercy to others.

What does the tax collector’s prayer, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” mean to you? How does it feel to be identified as “a sinner?” Does the idea of that feel condemnatory and critical? Or does it center you in reliance on God? Or is your response nothing like either of these? Spend a few moments with this prayer, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner,” and notice your reaction to it.

I think most of us can relate to the Pharisee in this story. I’ve found myself (on plenty of occasions) wrapping myself up tightly in a big blanket of self-righteousness. Part of this stems from pride, and part of it comes from insecurity. The Pharisee is careful to recount to God all that he is doing to try to earn salvation. As Christians, we know that Christ’ grace is sufficient for us, and yet, don’t we often get caught up doing good works to impress others or be noticed by God? What do you think is going on with this Pharisee? Is he presumptuous? Prideful? Insecure? Clueless? All of the above? When do you feel yourself most drawn into places of self-righteousness? How do you respond?

I will admit that virtually every time I’ve said of others, “Thank God I’m not like that person!” God has somehow managed to put me in that person’s situation! I’ve learned to never utter the words, “Well, I would never…” because as sure as the sun rises, I will end up doing the very thing I condemned someone else for! Have you had similar experiences? How has the Spirit curbed your pride or helped you to recognize when you are getting caught up in your own virtue?

The reader of this text discovers the true character of the tax collector and the Pharisee through the prayers they offer to God. What do your prayers say about your faith?

Finally, how does the church do, as a whole, in facing sin? When it comes to corporate acts, like global warming, poverty, and lack of affordable housing, what is the church’s responsibility to cry out, “God, be merciful to us, sinners!” Do we dwell on these sins or do something about them?

I look forward to hearing your thoughts and reflections! Email me or post a comment here.

Peace,

Pastor Amee

Prepared Hearts for October 13th

Hello Friends,

Welcome back to Prepared Hearts, the online Bible study of the Wacousta Community United Methodist Church.

The lectionary texts for this week are as follows:  Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7, Psalm 66:1-12, 2 Timothy 2:8-15, and Luke 17:11-19. I’ll be preaching from Luke.

The text is below, followed by starter thoughts:

Luke 17:11-19

On the way to Jerusalem Jesus was going through the region between Samaria and Galilee. As he entered a village, ten lepers approached him. Keeping their distance, they called out, saying, ‘Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!’ When he saw them, he said to them, ‘Go and show yourselves to the priests.’ And as they went, they were made clean. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice. He prostrated himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him. And he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus asked, ‘Were not ten made clean? But the other nine, where are they? Was none of them found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?’ Then he said to him, ‘Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well.’

STARTER THOUGHTS

One of the first statements in this passage reinforces what we discussed last Sunday, the “outcast” status of persons with leprosy in ancient Israel. You’ll note that the men “kept their distance” when calling out to Jesus. To approach him or anyone else who was not “unclean” was forbidden. These men displayed extraordinary courage in calling out to Christ for mercy. They even refer to Jesus as “Master” (something only the disciples had done throughout the book of Luke).  What do their actions say about their desperation and/or their understanding of Jesus? Have there been times in your life when you’ve felt the desperate need for healing (spiritual, physical, mental, or emotional)?  What was your response to this need?

The men with leprosy weren’t healed immediately. Jesus simply tells them to head off to the priests. On their way, they are made clean. They step out in faith and begin to journey, not knowing that they will be healed along the way. The trust they show in Jesus and his instruction is really extraordinary. Are there moments when you have struggled to follow God’s instructions, unsure of where they will lead? Do you think that we (the church) show the faith of the lepers? Do we take off on our voyage and trust that God will do the miraculous as we journey along?

One of the most common questions asked about this passage is: why does the Samaritan turn back while the others do not? One of the things to keep in mind is that the Samaritan was in essence doubly cursed. He had leprosy (which made him unclean), and he was a Samaritan (which made him despised). In reality, the priests had nothing to offer him. The other nine would have been declared clean by the priests and restored to community. This wouldn’t have been the case for the Samaritan. How do you think the Samaritan’s unique “doubly cursed” position may have affected his understanding of what Jesus had done for him?

The heart of this story isn’t so much the healing as it is the response the healing invokes (or doesn’t invoke) by those healed. A lot of sermons I’ve heard on this text basically admonish Christians not to be like the 9 lepers and to show gratitude toward God. However, the Samaritan does more than thank Jesus. He praises God and falls at Jesus’ feet. His actions are those of one who acknowledges the authority of Jesus as Lord. The Samaritan’s actions are as much an expression of faith as they are an act of gratitude. This is reinforced by Jesus’ comment, “Your faith has made you well.” What is your understanding of the relationship between faith and gratitude? Can one exist without the other?

Of course none of Jesus’ healing would have taken place if he hadn’t seen those who called out to him. His acknowledgment of those with leprosy and their cry for mercy is the beginning of their healing journey.  This begs the question: who do we see or fail to see? Are there folks in need of healing who don’t catch our attention? What cries for mercy does the church turn from or pretend not to hear?  

As always I look forward to your thoughts and reflections. Feel free to email me or post a comment here.

Peace,

Pastor Amee

Prepared Hearts for October 6th, 2013

Hello Friends,

Welcome back to Prepared Hearts, the online Bible study of the Wacousta Community United Methodist Church. I apologize for the delay in this week’s email!

This Sunday is World Communion Sunday and I will be using two texts, one from the lectionary (2 Timothy 1:1-14) and one random scripture that I picked out of a hat. Just kidding! This passage from Mark may seem like an unlikely choice, but trust the Spirit, I think the combo of these passages is very powerful.

The texts are below, followed by starter thoughts:

2 Timothy 1:1-14

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, for the sake of the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus, 2 To Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

I am grateful to God—whom I worship with a clear conscience, as my ancestors did—when I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. 4 Recalling your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy. 5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that lived first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, lives in you. 6 For this reason I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you through the laying on of my hands; 7 for God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline.

8 Do not be ashamed, then, of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel, relying on the power of God, 9 who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace. This grace was given to us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, 10 but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

11 For this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher, 12 and for this reason I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know the one in whom I have put my trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard until that day what I have entrusted to him. 13 Hold to the standard of sound teaching that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 14 Guard the good treasure entrusted to you, with the help of the Holy Spirit living in us.

Mark 1:40-45

40 A leper came to him begging him, and kneeling he said to him, ‘If you choose, you can make me clean.’ 41 Moved with pity, Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, and said to him, ‘I do choose. Be made clean!’ 42 Immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. 43 After sternly warning him he sent him away at once, 44 saying to him, ‘See that you say nothing to anyone; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.’ 45 But he went out and began to proclaim it freely, and to spread the word, so that Jesus could no longer go into a town openly, but stayed out in the country; and people came to him from every quarter.

STARTER THOUGHTS

Looking at 2 Timothy first, what stands out to you in this passage? Is there a particular portion that really speaks to you?

One of the things I’m struck with is how Paul names Timothy’s grandmother, Lois, and his mother, Eunice in the letter. Paul celebrates how faith was passed down through generations to Timothy. For many who attend church today, this remains true. They were taught the ways of Christ from infancy, and their parents or a parental figure brought them to church, Sunday school, youth group, etc. However, cultural shifts have definitely occurred. Many adults today haven't been raised in the church and were not taught the ways of any particular faith growing up. How does or should this change the way we go about reaching out to others to share the love of God? Have we (the church) shifted with the times or do we still assume that most folks have a rudimentary understanding of the Gospel?  

My favorite portion of this section of 2 Timothy is: But I am not ashamed, for I know the one in whom I have put my trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard until that day what I have entrusted to him. Shame and honor played huge roles in First century Mediterranean society and still play major roles in our society today. Many people carry the stigma of shame daily: single parents, those receiving public assistance, those who are without a home…the list goes on. When are times in your life when you have felt shame? Were there people in your life who helped to lessen your burden? How did they do that? What does it mean to you to love God and others shamelessly? 

The brief excerpt from Mark tells of how Jesus healed a man with leprosy, who then began to tell everyone about it (even though Jesus told him to keep his mouth shut). Clearly, this man felt no shame in proclaiming the power of Christ! This story is one of many in which Jesus touches the “untouchables” of society. As we gather for a celebration of World Communion Sunday this week, give some thought to who the “untouchables” are today…in our neck of the woods and across the globe. How is the world reaching out to those whom others shun?

World Communion Sunday is an ecumenical effort (meaning lots of other churches and other denominations engage in it). It actually started in a Presbyterian church, but has since spread and is now celebrated globally by all manner of Christians. The United Methodist Church takes a special collection on this Sunday to fund scholarships that help equip racial- and ethnic-minority students in the United States and international students to transform our churches and communities. Some personal stories about the ministries made possible through this offering can be found here. In reading these stories, were you surprised to learn about these ministries? Was there a particular story that really inspired you?

As always, I look forward to hearing your thoughts. Please feel free to email me or post here!

Peace,

Pastor Amee