The Pastor's Pen
January-February 2010
Greetings,
Doing and being better in 2010! Such is the best New Year’s resolution I’ve heard as we begin another year on planet Earth. But better what — Americans, human beings, people, parents, children, church participants, Christians? How about allowing the Holy Spirit to make us into better servants!
Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 3:5-10, “What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, even as the Lord gave opportunity to each one. I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth. So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth. Now he who plants and he who waters are one; but each will receive his own reward according to his own labor. For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building. According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building upon it.” (NAS)
“As the Lord gave opportunity to each one,” or “as the Lord has assigned to each his task.” (NIV) How does God give opportunity for all saints to minister as part of this church? Godly leadership within the body should encourage opportunities for each one or all who are willing to serve! What would you like to do now in the church? God leads and provides — or do we limit God by demanding that God first provide and then lead before we enable and encourage people to do something worthwhile for Jesus? God graces everyone with abilities and gifts to serve, to minister to others where they want to and in ways they can with God’s help. How do we limit God personally and/or as a congregation? I believe God places leaders with vision and desires to do what is best for the whole church and to do so as part of the whole church in an attitude that celebrates a diverse spectrum of ministries supported by most on behalf of the whole church. We are all called to serve Christ together. Thanks for those who do.
One of my core values in ministry involves seeking ways for all and any who so desire to serve one another lovingly and giving them opportunities to serve Jesus Christ. If God is the one who gives the growth, it makes it really hard on God when some of the ones planting and the ones watering are inhibited from doing so.
The purpose of our efforts is that others might come to believe in Christ as we do whatever we can. We are called to give opportunities for the Spirit to be expressed in and through us. In this new year, let us practice Galatians 5:25, “If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.” Practicing such things results in experiencing and inheriting the
Growing in and through God’s grace, Pastor Gerald
November-December 2009
Greetings.
The holidays of both Thanksgiving and Christmas are upon us again. Life today is much like traveling on a train at high speed— if you blink twice, you might miss the beautiful scenery going by outside the window. How do we slow down enough to “catch a glimpse of the glory of the Lord around us?”
For some, that means literally slowing down and taking a few intentional moments to “smell the roses” where you are. God gives us the chance to use the “pause” button as our lives are being recorded moment by moment.
For some, that means speeding up a little, perhaps working a little harder now so you can be in a position to notice the parade when it goes by later. We seem to never be late for Santa when he comes at the end of the Christmas parade, but how many see the crèche scene on the first church float located in the middle of the procession?
For some, that simply means opening your heart and mind and eyes and ears and nose, both physically and spiritually. God wants to use you in ways you may not fathom during these seasons of Thanksgiving and Christmas-- but how hard it is for God when people are unwilling to give God something with which to work. God wants to do a new work in you in ways you can’t even imagine, but how can God’s spirit blow into your life when God’s invitation to join your celebration is denied or ignored?
For some, that means allowing hope, and faith, and love, and joy, and gratitude to seep into your realm of possibilities for your life and the life of this church this year. “Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus” doesn’t make much sense for those not expecting (no pun intended!)
We will never again share a 2009 Thanksgiving & Christmas season together. Catch a glimpse of the glory of the Lord around and through you this season before it passes you by!
Growing in and through God’s grace, Pastor Gerald
September - October 2009
Greetings.
As you can see in this newsletter, there have been many and various opportunities of ministry among us as First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Monongahela these past few months. Times of fellowship, worship, study, and service happened as ministry was facilitated and coordinated by various committees / teams who encouraged and enabled all who would to help and to benefit from coming or doing during the events/programs/experiences of life within our church as part of the Body of Christ, locally and beyond. Thank you if and as you were able to involve yourself in being and doing “church!” Some involved in doing these ministries were blessed and some “others” were blessed through you and us as part of this whole congregation. In our personal growth in the faith and our faithfulness to follow Christ, the Head of the Church, God is glorified.
Not everyone connected with this church did everything connected with this church. Everyone who did something connected with this church could have invited someone else to come be with us and them. Those that came and brought others were somehow blessed and were a blessing to those others – the extent of which perhaps only God knows. The harvest results of these personal and group “seed planted, watered, and tended” is up to the Lord. Having the commitment and passion and excitement and faithfulness and interest in any particular ministry of the church through your participation and/or support resulted in lives being changed and God being glorified through His people.
On September 20, I shared sermonic reflections & refractions about “Dreams Fulfilled” and invited those present to consider my prayerful thoughts included in a hand-out as each one would take the time to dream about the future of this church and offer constructive feedback as future ministries would be supported and as budgets are planned and ministries of fellowship, worship, study, and service opportunities are presented.
Desire leads to dreams fulfilled; Rationale (Holy Rationale) leads to God’s dreams fulfilled in and through us; Experiences and Expectations influence dreams fulfilled; A nswers come in order to have dreams fulfilled; Money and Motivation contribute to dreams fulfilled; and Spirit-driven and empowered people function to facilitate dreams fulfilled. It’s going to take God and us to be and to do the ministry of FCC Monongahela! But God gives us the freedom to choose to exclude God in our planning, being, and doing whatever we do or don’t do in the future.
I’m here, as we begin our next “110 years” of FCCM, to continue as the team’s player/coach in helping you individually and as a congregation to grow in and through God’s grace, and to encourage you to fulfill your purposes and Christ’s purposes through you in this world for this time and place. Loving the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength while making disciples of and among all nations is both exciting and contagious! My intent & hope in being among you is that I will be allowed and supported in helping and encouraging you and those God brings across our path to discover, develop, & deploy your gifts/abilities in ministry through what we are and do as ministries of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Monongahela. Be part of the team that gathers at 6 th and Chess now while there is still time in the grand scheme of things (2 Peter 3:8-14)!
Growing in and through God’s grace, Pastor Gerald
May - June 2009
Greetings,
With Lent and Holy week behind us for this year, we Christians can look forward to the upcoming days of Pentecost, Memorial Day, Mother’s and Father’s Day, Graduate Recognition, etc. I am reminded of how in
“In
Since that lawyer was not worth his salt in arguing his case, it reminded me also of another bit of jocularity in another church newsletter article titled, “Employment humor.” “My first job was working in an orange juice factory. I got canned. I couldn’t concentrate. Then I worked in the woods as a lumberjack, but I just couldn’t hack it, so they gave me the axe. Next I tried working in a Muffler Factory, but that was too exhausting. After that, I became a Deli worker, but any way I sliced it, I couldn’t cut the mustard. My best job was a Musician, but eventually I found I wasn’t noteworthy. I studied a long time to become a doctor, but I didn’t have any patience. Next, was a job in a shoe factory. I just didn’t fit in. Then I became a professional fisherman, but I couldn’t live on my net income. My last job was working for a pool maintenance company, but the work was just too draining.”
Remember, every Sunday since the first one is Easter Sunday. And every day can be a holy day in which one can worship, have fellowship, study, and serve God — at least for those who believe!
On another note, congratulations to all those involved in The Sound of Music . The three performances were outstanding! And congratulations and best wishes to our 2009 high school graduates as they begin the next verse in their life.
Growing in and through God’s grace,
Pastor Gerald
March - April 2009
Greetings!
I recently read an article by Dean McIntyre (www.umcworship.org) that offers fifty characteristics of disciple-making congregations. Several of those are worth noting as we individually and as a church progress through spiritual growth during Lent.
McIntyre says that a congregation that is actively & successfully engaged in making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world does these things:
1) provides worship that helps people encounter the presence, love, grace, call, forgiveness, comfort, power, and peace of God.
2) welcomes visitors by seeing the church as a hospital for sinners, not a museum of saints.
3) offers numerous points of entry (opportunities/ministries) into congregational life.
4) encourages and affirms diversity in worship and ministry.
5) shares communion every time it meets in worship.
6) has an outward focus where people do not exist to serve the church, rather their focus is about equipping, training, and supporting people to be the church in the world as well.
7) administration facilitates people to discover and help identify, equip, and use their spiritual gifts in ministry.
8) many of the members visit members who are sick, hospitalized, or in nursing homes.
9) helps members see that their primary place of ministry is beyond the church walls (involving people in service and outreach; leans into the hope of God that God’s mission is bigger than our own limited sight/plan/capability).
10) engages members in local and global mission outreach.
11) nurtures and equips people through vital worship, active small groups, and challenging outreach opportunities.
12) provides opportunities for personal growth and spiritual formation, moving people to a deepening and broader experience of living and learning the Christian faith.
13) are more concerned with relating people to God in a supporting community of faith than with profits and safety margins.
14) offers appropriate and effective age-level Christian education and spiritual formation through Bible-based Sunday school or small group studies.
15) offers high commitment intimacy groups where dialogue and instruction can produce faith formation and spiritual growth.
Take some time and look at each of these and ask yourself how you personally a) have chosen to be involved or not be involved in doing or being present for these, b) have spoken or acted in support of those opportunities for others, or have influenced negatively or inhibited these qualities or ministries by your attitudes and/or decisions.
Salvation through Christ is a personal relationship that is in the process of growth, development, and maturation in faith, hope, and love. The Christian life happens as our hearts and minds are changed by our personal and church-related encounters with the Living God and with one another. A changed heart and mind makes a difference in the way we live our lives. As we become aware of our sins, errors, and shortcomings, repent and believe the gospel!
Growing in and through God’s grace,
Pastor Gerald
January-February 2009
Greetings:
Did you know that there are no references in the New Testament about "unfailing love"? In my concordance search, I found 32 verses that had "unfailing love" in them, but none in the New Testament! I guess for those of you who assume we don't have to follow the Old Testament anymore, we Christians don't have to understand or practice unfailing love. Before we make such a wrong conclusion, consider a few of those 32 verses and notice if they might carry over to a New Testament informed Christian lifestyle like the one recorded in 1 Peter 4:7-10: "The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms." NIV
Since our New Testament faith is at least grounded and informed by Old Testament perspectives, consider a few of the passages with “unfailing love” in them.
Moses said in Ex 15:13 this response to crossing the
David said in Ps 6:3-4 this earnest prayer in a difficult time he was going through: “My soul is in anguish. How long, O Lord, how long? Turn, O Lord, and deliver me; save me because of your unfailing love.” NIV Is there any situation in your life today that would cause you to offer this prayer, too?
Ps 33:18-22 is another passage from David, but this one gives us an action we can take related to God’s response toward us: “But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine. We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in you.” NIV
Psalm 36:7 makes a special declaration when the writer says, “How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings.” I’ll never forget standing in the shadow of the wings of the Mission Air DC-3 on the Puerto Lempira
Lastly, I remind us football fans, as we anticipate/recall the Steelers Super Bowl trip this season, of Ps 147:7-11: “Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; make music to our God…His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse (i.e. Denver Broncos didn’t want to face the Steelers so they lost to San Diego), nor his delight in the legs of a man (i.e. a made or missed field goal to win/loose the game); the Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.” NIV
God’s love is unfailing! Let us be as much like God, and have as much of God in us, too!
Growing in and through God’s grace, Pastor Gerald
December 2008
Merry Christmas!
We all receive Christmas packages this time of year, but the most special package appeared some 2,000 years ago – sent especially to us from a most gracious and loving God. I remember attending a dramatic presentation of “Toymaker and Son” during college. Then after we were married, Cindy & I were able to see a new version of the play. Since this is a dramatization of the Good News in human history, you can imagine the packaging of the gospel through this illustrative play! We see and understand the indescribable gift that the Toymaker presented to his children.
One of the Christmas poems I’ve seen several times this year is entitled, Bethlehem of Judea, (author unknown). The verses read, “A little child, a shining star, a stable rude, the door ajar. Yet in that place, so crude, forlorn, the hope of all the world was born.” We give thanks to God for God’s indescribable gift!
In Titus 2:11-14 we read, “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope-the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.” (NIV)
If we consider the above passage, the “package” was addressed to “all men.” We understand it to mean humanity – to all people – and by extension, to all of creation affected by humanity.
We have the image of God embroidered into our DNA – figuratively and literally. In John 1:1-4, we read, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men." (NIV)
The verse in Titus 2:14 reads “who gave himself for us” – Jesus Christ. Then in Romans 5:6-8, we continue, “You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (NIV) And the Titus passage continues to explain that it is “the grace of God that brings salvation.” Titus 3:7 reads, “The Holy Spirit has been poured out on us through Jesus Christ our Savior so that we might be justified by his grace and become heirs in hope of eternal life.”
So how does the gift make you feel this Christmas season? Is this present (gift) something you could use or would like to have? Jesus says in Matthew 11:38-30, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (NIV) And in Revelation 3:20, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. (NIV)
Is there anything special about this particular Christmas gift this year? The angels made the first announcement to shepherds abiding in a field: “Glory to God, and on earth, peace to men on whom his favor rests.” This grace is for the salvation of all people (1 Timothy 2:4, 6) Salvation is offered to rich and poor, native and foreigner, seeker and saint, Jew or Greek, Israeli or Palestinian. Jesus breaks down the walls of separation and lays down his life as a bridge between persons at odds with one another and between God and themselves.
Our gift or “thank you” to God for this indescribable gift would be to live God-controlled lives – to say “no” to the world and “yes” to God’s influence in our lives – to allow God’s presence to be seen through us in our world – to bring comfort to a hurting humanity – to be peacemakers – to give hope to the hopeless and food to the hungry – to proclaim justice – to love those who seem unlovable – and to be filled with the joy of the Lord.
In this in-between time, between Jesus’ birth and second-coming, it is the presence of God in history and the presence of Christ in the community now through which the gift of God appears. The community knows that this life is not forever and waits in hope for the return of Christ, unceasingly living in ways that honor him – by means of the work of, in, and through the Holy Spirit.
Jesus healed the sick, touched the untouchable, called people to share their wealth, fed the hungry, spent time with outcasts, loved the unlovable, and washed the feet of his disciples like the lowliest servant. His mission and message drew fire from his enemies, but rather than vanquish his enemies, he forgave them. Because of Jesus, we have a hope that challenges worldly empires and changes human sin-stained lives. What gift are you going to send back to God this Christmas?
Growing in and through God's grace, Pastor Gerald
October-November 2008
Greetings,
Every choice we make has consequences – good and bad. Occasionally choices are influenced by what others choose. Sometimes we don’t comprehend what the lasting impact is from the choice we or others have made. Learning to make the best choices available is what life is about, and decisions are usually a culmination of choices rolled in to one big choice.
This time of year is a season for choices. In
It’s also time in the life of our church’s future to make some hard but consequential choices. Individuals have a choice to participate, to serve in some capacity of ministry, and to share financial resources that make the ministry possible. Board members who choose to participate make consequential choices, and those who choose not to participate also influence the ultimate outcomes. Pastors prayerfully choose the best avenues for the future of the congregation as they serve faithfully at the pleasure of the board and members of the congregation. Together, life choices & decisions shape and affect the health of the church both today and tomorrow within the context of yesterday’s decisions.
The writer of Ezekiel suggests this word to us as we consider our future choices:
“The hand of the Lord was upon me, and he brought me out by the Spirit of the Lord and set me in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. He led me back and forth among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, bones that were very dry. He asked me, "Son of man, can these bones live?" I said, "O Sovereign Lord, you alone know.” (Ezekiel 37:1-3, NIV)
I think the Sovereign Lord replies back to us, “Each of you alone and together know how this church will live tomorrow as well as today.” It’s really as much about you and your personal and corporate decisions as it is about the Spirit of God working among and through us. It’s mostly up to you! Your life’s daily vote matters.
Growing in and through God’s grace, Pastor Gerald
August-September 2008
Greetings.
As I write this article at the start of August, another year has passed while Cindy and I have worked alongside of many of you in the various ministries of FCC Monongahela, and the months to come await future histories to be written by all of our lives and efforts for Jesus Christ here and now.
One hundred years ago, life was measured in years because of the pace and possibilities of daily living. In this first decade of the new millennium, months seem like years when you consider all that typically transpires. When we are involved in those extra special short-term ministries like VBS, Holy Week, and/or mission trips, the week actually seems like a month. And when we as a church shoulder the brunt of the load for exceptional ministries like Praise and Worship in the Park, a day can seem like a week!
Regardless of how long time seems, we can be assured that we are on the team in the game of life during the time we are in this contest whether we are taking our turns at the plate or covering the bases our Divine Coach provides for us. We can always enjoy the innings as they play out.
Looking forward in time is good to the extent that probable plans are made and current interest levels are considered. “DC” (Divine Coach) wants to know your input, so please be sure to let us bench coaches (i.e., the elders and myself) know through the survey enclosed in this mailing. There will never be another fall or spring like the one that is to come, just as none of us can turn back the clock to re-do any of the 36 months of opportunities for/in ministry provided through my family’s pastoral leadership or that of many others’ faithful service for Christ through this church.
In whatever we are and do, it remains my hope that Paul's words I preached from at the July 27 service will be actualized in and among us now. 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 says, "We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. We continually remember before our God and Father your word produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ." (NIV)
As we do this, we can be assured that the Owner of the LEAGUE will be working things out for the best for all concerned as the innings are played out and the long-term well-being is not forgotten.
Also like the lyrics of the song, “Soldier” by Jim Gilbert, that I mentioned in my sermon, as far as it depends on me, “I just want to be a soldier in the army of the King, just a good and faithful soldier who’s given Christ his everything. I’m content to be a worker in the vineyard of the Lord, to hear Him say, “Well done, my servant”, that’s all I ask as my reward. I don’t want to be a superstar, seeking fortune and fame. I am richer than this world by far just praying one prayer in Jesus’ name. I would rather be a doorman in the household of the Lord, than to be that wealthy poor man who sold his soul and bought the world. To live a simple life for Jesus, that’s all I ask and all I need, to reap a harvest if He pleases, or be the one who plants the seed…” (© 1982 by Celebrant Music)
So, as we finish the summer and initiate fall and spring ministries, step up to the plate for ways to worship, study, fellowship, and serve others as God leads and equips you today. And remember, we’re closer today to tomorrow than we were yesterday.
Growing in and through God’s grace, Pastor Gerald
June-July 2008
Greetings,
It was a long spring, although cooler than normal, here in
My dad used to say that “if you just stick around awhile, the weather will change before you know it.” That was true for northern
The two points to ponder this month: “what’s normal?” and “what’s changing?” Change is normal, and what is normally changing is just about everything. With the start of summer came the normal heat and its consequences, good and bad. Now with another change of seasons comes the fall leaves. Most people are limited when it comes to having much control over a change that they think is needed. I suppose we’re going to be hearing a lot about change in the next few months with the political climate now upon us.
Here in southwestern
Sometimes changing scenery doesn’t really make the changes in your perspective that you might think. Sometimes it’s changing the way we make decisions that contributes to “life and godliness” as the world changes around us.
May God help us both individually and as a community of faith as changes happen in our lives. Transformation (change) happens – either for the good or the not so good. It’s nice to serve a God who goes along with us through life’s changes, transforming old “normals” into new renewing realities that will become normal again soon enough. In the midst of life’s changes, remember to “share one another’s burdens and thus fulfill the law of Christ” so that transformation comes about in due season in the midst of changes all around and within us.
James 1:17 refreshes us with the hope that “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” [NIV] Let us be growing in the grace and the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ through whatever changes or normal conditions are currently influencing the way we live this summer together.
Growing in and through God's grace, Pastor Gerald
