Pastor Tim’s Morning Reflection

                On a popular cable news network they do what they call “Shameless Plugs.”  It is an opportunity for each of the commentators to share something of a personal nature that they would like to make public.  Since I NEVER use this venue to give shameless plugs concerning the ministry and ministries of the church, I thought I would like to deviate from the normal path, just once to let you in on some reasons to celebrate blessings.  In a day when ‘bad news’ seems to bombard us from the radio, television, newspaper, and social media, we should find it refreshing and inspirational to hear some ‘good news.’

“Like cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news…” -Proverbs 25: 25

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                Over a year ago, one of the teenagers in our church led the way in discovering a ministry that feeds the hungry down on the banks of the Ohio River.  Faithfully, in all kinds of weather, people from First Church have embraced this amazing opportunity to ‘live out our faith.’  Some months ago, a few other First Churchers put their heads together and discovered a way to provide greater assistance by becoming partners with another organization in town.  This allowed First Church to step up its offering of assistance by becoming more effective in the way it does outreach.  In the last couple of weeks that ministry has taken on yet another amazing move forward.

                Inspired by the loss of a friend and a colleague, another First Churcher began to think about a way to “pay it forward.”  In doing so, a generous gift was given to provide the food for a month to those who gather seeking help and assistance.  After sharing the inspiration with some co-workers, within two weeks a total of $850 had been raised to carry this ministry for many months to come.  This is a true testimony to how a small spark can turn into a raging flame for the good of many.  Lifted up before us is another lesson on what can happen when someone uses their time and energy to lift up those around them.

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                During Holy Week our Music Team conducted a Maundy Thursday fund raising dinner.  The purpose of the dinner was to raise enough funds to purchase a new CD player for the choir, special music, and musical worship opportunities.  A great deal of work had gone into preparations for this dinner.  In fact, a couple of First Churchers had taken the day off from their regular jobs to spend the day cooking and working on making this event truly special in the Lenten and Holy Week tradition.  For those who attended it was a great time of fellowship and unity.

                In the end, the fund raising dinner had only raised enough to cover the cost of the dinner.  It appeared as if the attempt to raise the funds for the Music Team to purchase a new CD player, which would enhance worship for everyone, had failed.  Then, in steps another opportunity to learn the lesson that things do not always happen the way you plan them.  Had the fund raising dinner been successful, it would have robbed a person of the opportunity to receive a blessing by saying, “I have a few extra dollars and I would like to buy the CD player for the Music Team.”  Again, lifted up before us is another lesson on what can happen when someone uses their resources for the common good of those around them.

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                While the aforementioned “shameful plugs” had tangible outcomes, the greatest reason for celebration cannot be seen or touched.  One person after another within our community of faith has approached me with stories about their own spiritual growth and maturity.  While I celebrate the collective victories that God sends our way as a congregation, it appears as if it has been a season of individual and personal faith building.  Watching people make individual discoveries about their own spirituality and faith has become common place within the church. 

                We have often heard that; “Great people do great things.”  What we do not hear about is the great challenges that make great people.  We often hear that; “Great churches do great ministry.”  Sometimes what is left out of the story are the great challenges that formed and informed the great ministries.  Building a great ministry of outreach means that you build a foundation for that ministry one brick at a time. 

                OK, so a teenager discovers a way to feed the hungry, and another person finds a way to do it more efficiently, and then another person finds a way to fund it, all three pieces to this puzzle are critical to the grand outcome.  OK, so some folks sacrifice a day from their jobs only to discover that the immediate outcome appears to be short of the goal.  Had those contributions not been made, it would have never provided an open door for the need to be met through another.  OK, so the day presents challenges that you do not understand, these become learning opportunities which only serve to make you stronger in your faith and more resolute in your service.

                Surely there must be a Scripture that speaks words of wisdom to all of this.  It turns out that the Apostle Paul did speak to this.

“So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone.  In him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are built together spiritually into a dwelling place for God.”  -Ephesians 2: 19-22

                As instruments prepared to be used in the service of God, we join together, we grow together, and together become a dwelling place for God.  From the place where God dwells comes great ministry together.  I close with the words shared with me the other day by a First Churcher; “I believe God is getting ready to use us for an even greater ministry that we cannot even imagine.”  And to that, I say; “AMEN.”  So be it!

Loving and Living in Christ Alone,

Pastor Tim  

Whispered Prayers…
An old Native American legend says that whereas butterflies have no mouths, if you whisper it a prayer, it can tell no one except God and God. Join us this day for an extremely spiritual and moving service as we release 144 butterflies into the sky. Everyone in attendance will receive their own butterfly to whisper a prayer too and release to the heaven above.

The Peace & Social Justice Team will be hosting their annual Rummage Sale on Saturday, April 20. Please start cleaning out your closets, basements & garages and bring your treasures to the church.  Also the time spent can be counted in your Mission 4/1 Earth hours!   You can bring your items on Sunday, Wednesday, or call Terry at First Steps (304-523-5234) or see a PSJ Team member to arrange a drop-off time. The team will post other drop off days on the church Facebook page.  Thank you for supporting this fundraiser.

Pastor Tim’s Morning Reflection

                Fresh off of a Lenten journey that began with Ash Wednesday, and ended with the celebration of Easter Resurrection Sunday, we now find ourselves in Eastertide.  Eastertide is the fifty days found in between Easter Sunday and Pentecost Sunday.  During this period we not only journey through the experience of the disciples learning to live into this new reality without Jesus, we reflect on the things that Jesus said while he conducted his ministry.  During this period of time Jesus physically appeared to the disciples to give them instruction and to encourage them as they faced the challenges of the days ahead. 

          The Liturgical Calendar calls on us to reflect on the greatest sermon ever given.  This particular sermon of Christ is so greatly lifted up that it has been given a distinct name; The Sermon on the Mount.  Disciples and followers of Jesus had gathered from all over the region to hear him speak about the Kingdom of Heaven.  In fact, Matthew tells us that ‘great crowds’ had gathered from Galilee, Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and from beyond the Jordan.  Seeing the crowds, Jesus went up onto a mountain and began to teach them about the shift from external actions to internal heart conditions. 

          It is in this sermon that Jesus reveals the make-up of the Kingdom of Heaven.  During this Eastertide, we are called to reflect on His teaching.

          “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.  Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.  Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.  Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.  Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.  Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.  Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.  Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.  You can find this passage of Scripture in Matthew 5: 1-12.

          This sermon lasted for three chapters in our Bible; Matthew 5-7.  This sermon was so great that it left those listening ‘astounded.’  “Now when Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were astounded at his teaching.”  -Matthew 7: 28

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          To this very day, people remain ‘astounded’ at the amazing message that Jesus shared that day on the mountain side.  The teachings of Christ were founded in wisdom, faith, and relationship with God.  The Sermon on the Mount assumes that each of us have a deep desire to be apart of the Kingdom of Heaven.  And then, gives us the ability to not only see it, but be a part of it.  The value of looking beyond this day that will end; to that eternal day which never ends is placed by Jesus into our reason for living.  From birth to death, Jesus wishes to give us a life of such abundant living that he verbally illustrates what the Kingdom of Heaven is like.  And, then invites us to become a citizen of that Kingdom.

          As you reflect of the joy of Easter, take a moment to read the greatest sermon ever preached, Matthew; chapter’s 5 through 7.  May the words of Christ bring life and living to your journey.

In Christ Alone,

Pastor Tim    

ONE UNITED CHURCH on a shared resurrection witness for Planet Earth during 50 great days of greening up, powering down, and shouting out for the environment.

Easter Monday, April 1 to Pentacost Sunday, May 19
Stay tuned for more information from your Peace & Social Justice Team on how you can participate in this project

Tri-State AIDS Task Force

AIDS Walk 2013 is May 5, 2013, please plan to attend.  AIDS walk collection envelopes are available please see Lisa Cremeans and/or Major Myers. Those who collect $50.00 will be awarded an AIDS Walk 2013 T-shirt, those who donate $25.00 will receive an AIDS Walk 2013 T-shirt. This year we are pre-selling 50/50 tickets for $2.00 each or 6 for $10.00, the JACKPOT will given away at the end of the participant giveaway. If you are a business and want to be included on the back of the T-shirts, please in box me for the details.

 “Holy Week Daily Series”-Friday

          Good morning.  Welcome to the final installment of our Holy Week Daily Reflection Series.  Today is not the last day of Lent.  Lent concludes with Easter Vigil Saturday.  Easter Sunday is not included in the Lenten calendar.  Easter is the beginning of Eastertide, which is numbered fifty days (Easter-Pentecost).  Good Friday, also known as Black Friday, is the day in which we recognize the death of our Lord.  God’s final offering to the world for the fulfillment of His own sacrificial requirements would be displayed upon the stage of creation.  The events of this week which led to the death of our Lord were questionable, suspect, and filled with ulterior motives.  That was done and here we stand.

          For those most closely involved with our Lord, this would be a day of fear, hiding, and unbearable emotional distress.  Scripture tells us that even the physical creation would alter its natural function in recognition of this dark day.  We do know that the HUMAN Jesus did not want to do this day but, the DIVINE Jesus knew that it had to happen.  (Mark 14: 36)  On this day the world would see love in its purest form.  The very words of Jesus would come flooding back to the disciples as this day would unfold.  “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friend.” –John 15: 13 On this day, the disciples would realize that Jesus was more than their Lord, Savior, and Messiah, He was their friend.

          It is hard to imagine that such friendship and love could spring up in the midst of such pain and suffering.  Love grew where the blood fell.  Waves of love went flowing out from Jesus that day.  Like a tsunami that reached to the corners of the earth, Jesus was announcing that He wanted to be more than just our Lord but, our friend.  Jesus knew that sacrificing his physical presence was required in order to provide for us His spiritual presence.  In the midst of His physical ‘leaving’ through His brutal death, He provided for us an eternal spiritual ‘staying.’  “I will never leave you or forsake you.” –Hebrews 13:5

It is important for each of us to be reminded that this day of death for Jesus, 2,000+ years ago, had to happen in order for us to celebrate this day of life.  Literally, His death brought us life.  The broken falling Jesus provided for the healing standing we each have available to us today.  The Apostle Peter put it this way; “When he was abused, he did not return abuse; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but he entrusted himself to The One who judges justly.  He himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that, free from sins, we might live…, by His wounds you have been healed.”  -I Peter 2: 23-24 Such amazing love!

          It is to Isaac Watts (1707), which we turn to for a more melodic way of telling this story.

When I survey the wondrous cross, on which the Christ of glory died,

My richest gain I count but loss, and pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, then, that I should boast, save in the death of Christ, my God;

All the vain things that charm me most I sacrifice them to Christ’s blood.

From sacred head, from hands, and feet, sorrow and love flow mingled down!

Did e’er such love and sorrow meet, or thorns compose so rich a crown?

Were the whole realm of nature mine, that were a present far too small;

Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.

          On this Black/Good Friday, we turn our attention to the top of a lonely hill just outside of the city.  On that hill stands an Old Rugged Cross on which our Savior died.  For most, that day seemed as if it was the end.  Death seemed so final.  Fortunately, for us, this was not the death of an average every day person.  This was the physical death of the very Creator who created life itself.  The One who spoke the worlds into existence.  The One who breathed life into creation to begin with.  This will not be the last you see of Jesus.  No, in fact, in just three days, the short term victory of death will be turned into a long term victory for life. 

          Here’s hoping that your Lenten journey, your Holy Week, has been one of true emergence into the passionate walk of sharing with Christ.  Please accept this invitation to join us this Sunday, March 31^st, (Resurrection Breakfast; 9:30 am, Easter Sunday Worship; 10:30 am) at First Congregational United Church of Christ, Huntington, as we lift the veil of Holy Week and celebrate THE REST OF THE STORY!!!!!!!!

In Christ Alone,

Pastor Tim

“Daily Holy Week Series”-Thursday

          If it’s Thursday, within Holy Week, that must mean it’s Maundy Thursday.  The fairly slow days, if that’s possible, of Monday through Wednesday, are about to change significantly.  Thursday is the day that Jesus gathered His Disciples for their last meal together before his death.  Maundy Thursday is also known as; Holy Thursday, Covenant Thursday, or Great and Holy Thursday.  It is an ancient practice.  Maundy Thursday is also known as “Sheer” Thursday, which meant “clean” or “bright.”  Actually, the word Maundy is derived from an ancient Latin word “man datum” which is found as the first word in the new commandment that Jesus gave to His Disciples.

          During this intimate meal that the Disciples would share together with Jesus for the last time, Jesus knew that the information he would share with them would leave them in shock.  The Twelve Disciples had heard Jesus teach, preach, and expound, on The Scriptures for three years.  This was to be his last and final message reserved for just them.  While The Lord had said some amazing things along the journey of ministry, this was to be His ‘final,’ and most important, message to those who were closest to Him.  He wanted their undivided attention for, “He would be with them only a little longer.” (John 13: 33)

          In less than 24 hours, they would be eye witnesses to some of the most gruesome, brutal, and faith shattering, acts of the journey.  The One they had followed for so long would be broken before their very eyes.  Judas had now excused himself at the request of The Lord.  Then, Jesus shared with them His final command;

“I give you a new commandment, that you love one another.  Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.”  -John 13:34

Then he offers his explanation;

“By this everyone will know you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” –John 13:35

          And then, it was done.  He had said many things.  He had preformed many miracles.  He had saved many lives.  And, it all boiled down to these final words shared in this most personal of moments.  The mission, the ministry, and the message, would be left in their hands to carry on without Him.  The source of their love, security, and comfort, would be forcibly taken from them and all that they would have left would be their love for one another.  Initially, the events would scatter them but, it would eventually be that love that brought them back together.

          Twenty-one centuries later, it is still the recognition of Maundy Thursday that calls His disciples to the table.  The chair of our Lord remains vacant at the table.  A simple, and symbolic, reminder of His presence, His words, and His commandment.  It is also a subtle reminder that He will join us once again at the table on that great and glorious day.  Until then…we journey on through Holy Week.

NOTE:  First Congregational United Church of Christ, Huntington, will recognize Maundy Thursday worship this evening at 7:00 pm.  There will be a special meal together at 6:00 pm, in Bromely Hall.  All are welcome at the Table of the Lord. 

“Daily Holy Week Series”-Wednesday

          (John 13: 21-30)  In the mid-1970’s, the sands and caverns of ancient Egypt coughed up some very interesting pieces of parchment.  Found within a cave and encapsulate within clay pots were some Coptic writings which dated back to the first century of the Christian Church.  These very writings were similar to early parchment findings which gave to us the Dead Sea Scrolls.  After a great deal of carbon testing and research by ancient Coptic transcribers, the news was published that the time period of their writing was genuine.  Over 2,000 years later, a long missing piece of the Christian puzzle was, potentially, being placed onto the table for public review and commentary. 

          Since this gospel arrived late into the awareness of Biblical scholars, and therefore, too late for canonization into our present Holy Scripture, we are left only to the speculation of the ages.  The discovery of these Coptic writing’s sparked immediate reaction from every corner of the Church of Jesus Christ.  From flat-out rejection to full intellectual embracing, serious Biblical students were left to wonder; could it be?  Why was this so explosive within the world of Christian believers?  The author of the writings is reported to be Judas of Iscariot.  Parchment title: “Peuaggelion Nioudas,” in Coptic- “The Gospel of Judas.”  That’s right, the infamous Judas of the original twelve disciples.

          For many centuries now, people have wondered why Judas never wrote anything about his experiences with Christ.  Clearly, Jesus had enough confidence in this individual to “call” him into the apostolic number.  And, we all accept that Judas played a critical role in the process of Jesus becoming the ultimate sacrifice for all of the human family.  For millenniums the mere mention of the name of Judas has sparked feelings of shame, disgust, and even denial.  To this day, the name of Judas is singularly held for one person in history.  For some Christians, it is the name never to be mentioned unless it is meant to generate negative feelings.

          In 2006, after 30+ years of transcribing the old, now ancient, Coptic writings; some very interesting thoughts, ideas, and views, of this person called Judas begin to emerge.  One idea from these writings seems to be that Jesus and Judas shared a very special relationship.  It is suggested that Jesus ‘trusted’ Judas enough to play this ‘infamous’ role in history; a role that could not be placed on any other shoulders.  This would explain why Jesus would look at Judas and say, “Do quickly what you are going to do.” (John 13:27)  The other eleven disciples did not treat the role of Judas very well in their writings, and why would they.  Peter was a denier of the Lord.  Thomas was a doubter of the Lord.  Matthew, Mark, and Luke, was earlier runners from the Lord.   And, the Apostle Paul (self-labeled) was a persecutor of those within the faith of the Lord.  They each had big personal baggage in relationship to the Lord.

          Now, if these new discoveries of early writing’s are to be taken seriously, it’s fine to debate the authenticity, then we must believe that, in the timing of God, it must have been time for Judas to speak to the ages.  After 2,000+ years, potentially, the Apostle Judas speaks.  Of one thing we are certain; the going price for a Messiah is 30 pieces of silver.  The ultimate price Judas paid; unimaginable.  And, we continue our journey through Holy Week. 

Reference

The Lost Gospel, Herbert Krosney, Copyright @ 2006

The Gospel of Judas, Rodolphe Kasser, Marvin Meyer, Gregor Wurst, Copyright @ 2006

          Published by National Geographic, Washington D.C.