MUP LIFE: BETWEEN SUNDAYS

Confirmation Sunday (Feb 5th)

2012-02-02T12:28:00.000-08:00

MUP LIFE Blog for Feb 5th and BEYOND (to borrow a line from Buzz Lightyear)

This Sunday, Feb 5th, our congregation will receive 20 confirmands into the active life of the church. Our Confirmation Class of 2012 has been diligently preparing the last 6-months, learning about Christ, the Scriptures and the Reformed Christian faith. At the conclusion of their study, each confirmation student was given the choice to express faith in Christ and join the church OR not. Praise God! - each student expressed their desire to become members of our congregation and profess their faith in Christ.

Join with me, at the 11am worship service this Sunday (Feb 5th), as we celebrate their desire to trust Christ with their lives and become active members of our growing fellowship. Following the 11am worship service, the church is also invited for a banquet style lunch in celebration of confirmation.

In addition, below is a list of ANNOUNCEMENTS for February. Please read through the list and note important dates and times on your calendars!

Please pray for our church. Pray for the Spirit to move among us. And pray for me. As always, I am praying for you.

In Christ’s Peace,
Rev. Nathan Esser

MUP announcements for Feb 5th and Beyond!
Chicken PIE orders DUE – Feb 5th! Homemade from scratch and filled with the good stuff! Pies are $12 per pie and all funds are directed toward restoration of the Pipe Organ. Don’t MISS OUT….call the Church Office TODAY and place your order (724-625-1365).

CHICKEN PICKERS/COOKERS/PIE MAKERS NEEDED! Please, if you have an hour to spare, please call Dale Roos at 724-333-5230 or email Dale.e.roos@gmail.com and let him know of your availability to help! It is a lot of fun and for a very good cause! All proceeds go toward our pipe organ restoration fund!

Posti’s Pizza FUNDRAISER NIGHT OUT (Feb 21st) – Looking for an excuse for dinner out?? 50% of all orders at Posti’s Pizza in Mars after 4pm on Feb 21st will be donated toward our church’s summer mission trip to a rural community in Jamaica.

LADIES’ TEA at Johnston Tea House – Feb 25th at 1:30pm. Join the women of MUP for an enjoyable and elegant afternoon at the Johnston Tea House. RSVP to Jenne Esser or the Church Office (marsup@mars-up.org) .

MUP PANCAKE BREAKFAST – Feb 25th 7am-11am. Come enjoy home-style and buckwheat pancakes, along with an assortment of breakfast foods! MUP Pancake Breakfast is a fundraising event sponsored by the Stewardship Committee.

All Church GAME NIGHT – Feb 26th at 5pm. Bring your favorite game and snack/appetizer to share! Game Night is a fellowship event sponsored by the Membership Committee.

Sunday Evening LENT PROGRAM 2012! – Feed your body and spirit during Lent on Sunday evening’s at Mars UP Church! On March 4th, dinner will be prepared and served by the NNN class. Following dinner there will be a performance from the Urban Impact Choir. Urban Impact is a ministry based out of the North Hills. They focus on getting children and teens off the streets of Pittsburgh, involving them in extra-curricular activities, and exposing them to the Gospel. This is a great opportunity to invite friends and neighbors to come enjoy Lent with Mars UP! A “love offering” for Urban Impact will be taken up during the program. Here is a video about Urban Impact of the North Hills: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTBHdxXtepE&feature=related

MORNING JOY - with Rev. Terry Stoops & Rev. Nathan Esser. On Feb 29th at 11am begins a Lenten Bible Study for adults. Study will take place in the Red Room Library (unless study grows too large for Library). Lent is a wonderful opportunity to set aside additional time in preparation for our celebration of Christ’s resurrection. Hope to see you there!

Remember…purchase GIFT CARDS! Please see the note below from Bill Guesman.

MY GIANT EAGLE STORY
by Bill Guesman

I JUST GOT 20 CENTS OFF MY GASOLINE PURCHASE TODAY!
by using the MUP Giant Eagle/Organ fund card to purchase a $50 Home Depot and $50 Lowes Home Improvement card at the Giant Eagle.

I ALSO GOT 1% OFF MY GROCERY PURCHASE!
by scanning my Giant Eagle Rewards Card at the GetGo and pumping gas into my car!…..isn’t that just awesome! 

MY CHURCH ALSO GOT A REBATE OF 5% OF MY HOME DEPOT & LOWES PURCHASE….=$5.00 FREE MONEY….SOMEBODY PINCH ME!!!!!!!!

100 other church members spent an average of $300.00 this week on Groceries….they used the Giant Eagle gift cards to make their purchase and the Church received $150.00 free money from Giant Eagle for the Organ fund! Best of all, nobody changed the way they shopped or what they shopped.

NOTE: PURCHASES FROM FOODLAND & McGINNIS SISTERS EARNS THE CHURCH ORGAN FUND FREE MONEY TOO!

It's Unconditional

2012-01-18T11:24:00.000-08:00

MUP Life Blog: It’s Unconditional (Jan 22nd)

By Rev. Nathan Esser, Pastor of Mars UP Church

Recently, our congregation helped a local family struggling financially with home and heating costs. Thus far, the response has been astounding! Isn’t it wonderful that our congregation cares so deeply about other people that we do not hesitate to step forward and help?

This past Christmas, our congregation gave more financial assistance to struggling families than ever before! The fact that such needs exist is troubling; however, what an opportunity for us to stand for the Gospel of Jesus Christ while extending a helping hand through difficult times.

Over the years, we have provided financial help and encouragement to individuals and families facing debilitating circumstances. We have helped individuals and families through periods of suffering and loss or during times people have been out of work. When a family’s car broke down passing through Mars, they couldn’t afford a hotel and food in addition to the costs to repair their vehicle. So, our church helped provide a warm meal and a safe place to sleep while their vehicle was repaired. In the grand scheme of things, we’ve done little things, here and there, to help people through their rough patches. But greater than the sum of the monies we give, we have given other people reason to hope. We’ve given people reasons to believe in a power greater than the struggles they face.

A response from a recent family our church helped got me to thinking. The family had no real connection to our congregation. They were referred to us as a family needing help. When I visited with them, I discovered their situation to be worse than I had imagined. I didn’t detect any issues with substance abuse. This family literally had nothing. After praying with them and giving them a gift from the church, they broke down in tears.

As a church, we did a very good thing for this family. We might never actually see them in worship. We might never know the good our help has accomplished in their lives. But I am confident of this – it pleases God when we graciously give to help others.

I often wonder what makes it difficult to be generous, forgiving and gracious to other people.

Are we too accustomed to having our needs met that we only give to people who are able to give us something in return? Do we give and share love based on conditions?

There’s a Scripture from Matthew 6 entitled “Treasures in Heaven.” Matthew 6:19-24 states, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”

The challenge at the core of this Scripture from Matthew 6 is: Who or what do we serve? Do we serve a gracious and loving God and adopt His values for living? Or, do we bow down to the values of the world? Are we working to enjoy the treasures of this world? Or, are we storing up treasures in heaven?

God loves us un-conditionally. There is nothing we do to earn the love of God. And, thankfully, there is also nothing we can do to lose it. Is that the kind of gracious giving and love we offer one another? Or, when loving each other, are there strings?

Friends, let us not wait to forgive. Let us not wait to visit those in need. Let us not wait to reach out and embrace those who are longing to find peace and rest. Let us not wait to do what God is calling us to do. Let us not wait to begin thinking better about other people. Let us not wait to take on an attitude of love and grace.

Pray for me. As always, I am praying for you.

Responding to this past Sunday’s (Jan 15th) Congregational Meeting:

1. Click here (http://www.mars-up.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=97 ) to view a full version of the Long Range Vision Task Force Report.

2. The Long Range Funds are comprised of un-restricted funds of the church. Session adopted a reserve fund of $150,000 (approx. 6 month operating cost). Any monies above the $150,000 are designated to achieve the long range vision goals of the Church (see the above report of the Long Range Vision Task Force).

3. The 2009 Tarry ‘n Talk Renovation total costs were: $ 37,114.66. Total (to date) income toward the renovation: $30,182.55. Total monies not paid back into church reserves: $6,932.11.

4. Under Session’s recommendations for the Long Range Vision of the church, there were many questions/concerns about contemporary worship (contemporary meaning alternative forms for worship). Session has no intention of straying from the traditional core of our church and its worship. The Long Range Vision Task Force and Session both feel it is incumbent that we explore this as one way our church might grow the Kingdom of God in our local community.

5. A reporting of the vote pertaining to Nominations will be presented during the benediction of Sunday, Jan 22nd’s worship services.

I love our church and pray God continues to help guide and lead us. As pastor, I pray daily to become the pastor God is helping me become. Please also pray for the vision and future of our congregation. Thanks be to God that, together as the Body of Christ, we are all part of God’s “work-in-progress”. And, that He never stops working to renew us, to help us, to shape us and to guide us!

The Lord be with you! (Jan 15th)

2012-01-14T09:56:00.000-08:00

MUP LIFE BLOG: THE LORD BE WITH YOU! (Dominus vobiscum!)

By Rev. Nathan Esser, Pastor of Mars UP Church
Since fall, we have begun morning worship with the following greeting: “The Lord be with you!” “And also with you!” A few have wondered about the root of these words. Are they taken from tradition or Scripture? Are they more directly associated with a particular denomination? Here is information that tells a bit about the background of our opening greeting in worship.

“THE LORD BE WITH YOU/AND ALSO WITH YOU” finds it root in Scripture. Ruth 2:4 states, “Just then Boaz arrived from Bethlehem and greeted the harvesters, “The LORD be with you!” “The LORD bless you!” they answered” (NIV). And in 2 Chronicles 15:2 we read, “2 He went out to meet Asa and said to him, “Listen to me, Asa and all Judah and Benjamin. The LORD is with you when you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will forsake you” (NIV). Numbers 14:42 states, “Do not go up, because the LORD is not with you. You will be defeated by your enemies” (NIV). Saul tells David in 1 Samuel 17:37, “Go and may the Lord be with you” (NIV).

“The Lord be with you/and also with you,” also appears as part of the liturgy in the Book of Common Worship used by several Christian denominations including Presbyterian. Recently (2011), the Roman Catholic Church altered the phrasing of this greeting’s response. Opting for a more literal translation from the Latin text, Catholics respond saying, “and with your spirit.”

Regardless of its phrasing, this greeting brings us back to our roots. It flows out of the Scriptures and it has been used throughout history as a Christian greeting and as part of worship. Most importantly, it reminds us what our lives are to be about - seeking the presence of God and helping others (by word and deed) find that same holy presence.

I pray that the LORD may be with all you. And that each of us may strive to bless the lives of others, either by word or deed, being the presence of God in the world.

MUP GLANCING AHEAD:Jan 15th at 10am - CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
Jan 27th - Jan 29th - MUP WINTER RETREAT to Pk n Pk!
Feb 5th - Confirmation Sunday followed by Church Banquet in celebration of this year's Confirmands!
Feb 11th - Ladies Hot Cocoa/Tea at the Roos' house (interested in WOMEN of FAITH conf?? Come to the Hot Cocoa/Tea gathering!
Feb 12th - Boy Scout Sunday and Women of Faith Sunday!
Feb 22nd - Ash Wednesday (5pm-7pm Walk-in Communion & Youth Led Worship Service at 7pm)
Feb 25th from 7am to 11am - Stewardship Pancake Breakfast
Feb 25th at 1:30pm - Ladies Tea at Johnston Tea House (call the church office for reservations)
Feb 26th at 5pm - All Church Game Night! Cards, board games, Wii...bring an appetizer and join the fun!

MUP Life: Money Changers (Nov 13th)

2011-11-09T08:10:00.001-08:00

By Rev. Nathan Esser, Pastor of Mars UP Church
**Check us out at: http://www.mars-up.org/

You may have noticed several fundraisers in the life of our congregation. You had the opportunity to purchase pies and greenery for upcoming holiday celebrations. A silent auction is currently happening in Tarry 'n Talk and you are able to bid on gifts and services representing a few of our congregation's talents. There is attractive women's apparel available through Sue Morris (thinking ahead toward Christmas shopping?). And, as you might be in the habit, you are able to continue purchasing gift cards for use toward your food shopping and other needs (by just buying groceries, you can give to the church!).

A Story about Jesus. Each of the canonical gospels describes the Passover story about Jesus entering the temple in Jerusalem. With 300,000 – 400,000 Jewish pilgrims arriving, Jerusalem and the temple square bustle with excitement and opportunity. Jesus enters the temple area, turns over the merchants' tables, saying, "My Father's house will be a house of prayer. You have made it a den of thieves."

Caution. Don't take Jesus' words out of context. It's really NOT about church fundraisers. This is a story about injustice preventing access to worship in God's temple and the exploitation of the poor. The money changers knew there would be an influx of people into the city. They also knew people would be coming needing animals for sacrifice. Seizing the opportunity, they jack-up the prices. Jesus angrily turns the merchants' tables over upon them. How can they unfairly take advantage of those coming to the temple? They are exploiting the poor and Jesus rightly calls them thieves.

Fundraisers are not. Our current fundraisers are not exploiting the poor. Rather, they offer you the opportunity to purchase something through the church as opposed to a local department store or business. And, many are items that might already be a part of your budget. For example, are you planning to bake or purchase desserts for holiday and family gatherings? Are you likely to pay for a babysitter in the coming months? Do you frequently pay a handy man to fix things around the house you aren't able to do?

The fundraisers aren't intended to overwhelm you or distract you from worship. They are offered merely to address needs within the congregation. And they certainly are not exploiting the poor.

Rather than feeling overwhelmed, enjoy them! Isn't it wonderful to see so much activity happening in the life of the church? Join with me and celebrate the hard work, commitments and gifts of members from our congregation.

The Heart of the Matter. At the heart of the matter is another challenge. Thankfully, we are no longer required to offer animal sacrifices in worship. But, we are still challenged to make sacrifices. The sacrifice God calls us to give is a sacrifice of the heart and a sacrifice of our life's work.

November is our season of stewardship and, remember, it's not just about the money! Take advantage of this season and examine your heart. Take stock of those things that do not belong. Free yourself from unnecessary baggage in exchange for greater enjoyment worshipping and following Jesus. We often talk about Stewardship in terms of what you give. But it's more about what you are able to receive while living faithfully as God calls you to live.

That's what worshipping God in church is all about. It's not merely for social gathering. It's not just to help handle guilt and burdens too great to carry. Worship enables us to live beyond our own heart's ability and desire to love. And, it empties us. It empties and allows us to better enjoy the fulfillment of God's grace-filled and promised provision.

Blessings to all. Please pray for me, for our church and for the Spirit to move among us. As always, I am praying for you!

MUP Glancing Ahead:
*Silent Auction – the Exodus Sunday school class is currently half-way toward its goal! Thank you for your participation and continue bidding!
**This Sunday, Nov 13^th is Veteran's Observance Sunday. Take this time to prayerfully remember the life of a veteran.
***Congregational Meeting to elect church Officers and receive the church budget will be Sunday, November 20^th at 10am in the Sanctuary.
****Thank you for your continued support purchasing Giant Eagle, McGinnis Sister, and Foodland gift cards. Remember for your grocery shopping, fuel purchases and gift shopping, you are able to give a gift to the church for the restoration of our church's pipe organ!

Seasons of Stewardship (Nov 6th)

2011-11-02T10:23:00.001-07:00

MUP Life Blog - SEASONS OF STEWARDSHIP: GRACEFUL REVIEW OF FAITH (Nov 6^th)

By Rev. Nathan Esser, Pastor of Mars UP Church

*Check us out at: www.mars-up.org

November begins the season of stewardship. For various churches this means initiating pledge programs and calling for increased levels of financial contribution. At Mars UP Church, we typically offer a stewardship based sermon closely tied to the congregation's receiving the coming year's church budget. As a result, stewardship is most often associated with money.

Even though scripture deals more with money than any other topic, faithful stewardship involves much more than money. Stewardship demands critique and evaluation of faith, asking the following questions: Where do you spend a majority of your time? How do you invest your life's resources? And, what do your responses reveal about what is most important?

The aim of becoming a better steward is not to elicit guilt. Rather, a steward's responsible critique of faith is solely to fall more deeply in tune with the Spirit. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we all lived in tune with the Spirit?

To help, here are a few suggestions:

Take stock of your faith.
Are matters of faith important to you? What does the evidence suggest? How would someone know faith is an important part of your life?
Give and receive GRACE.
Faith takes shape in community. We learn to become better stewards while together sharing our lives. Be willing to forgive, allow room for grace, and choose love and commitment even when you feel offended and misunderstood. To best experience Christ's forgiveness and grace, we need to be readily willing to offer it to others.
Get rid of spiritual entanglements.
We all struggle. It's what we do with our struggle that matters. Do you have issues with ANGER, PRIDE, ENVY, GUILT, DOUBT, FEAR, or SELF-WORTH? These things have no place in the Kingdom of Heaven, but you do. God not only desires that you live a life of trust and faith; God longs for you to find your soul's healing and hope through Him.

Remember Stewardship is not just about money. It's about ways your life and love intersects with God's.

Please remember to pray for the church and for the Spirit to move among us. As always, I am praying for you. May God bless you.

You asked for it! This past week's sermon entitled, "REACHING FOR TOMORROW."

2011-10-16T14:36:00.000-07:00

If you'd like to hear the sermon from Oct 16th please click on the following link: http://www.mars-up.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=66&Itemid=77

Here is the text for this week's sermon:

Reaching for Tomorrow (Part 4 of a Sermon Series entitled YOUR HOMETOWN CHURCH)
by Rev. Nathan Esser

I’ve realized something happens when writing sermons. It’s as if a switch goes off in my brain that changes the way in which I write. I can’t quite describe what happens and why. Maybe my writing style changes thinking about ways words are heard.

I’ve tried to fool myself into believing I was writing a paper or a blog while writing a sermon. More often than not, it doesn’t work.

Today, I’m taking a slightly different approach. Rather than preaching the sermon, I am preaching a blog.

Today’s blog has to deal with news surrounding upcoming elections.

This past week, Baptist Pastor Robert Jeffress voiced his endorsement of Gov. Rick Perry and his dissatisfaction with Mitt Romney who he identified belonged to a cult.

While hearing Jeffress’ comments, I was reading “CONVERSATIONS WITH MOTHER THERESA.” A book written by a reporter who had become friends with Mother Teresa.

I was struck by the glaring contrast between Jeffress and Mother Teresa.

Jeffress’ portrayal fits popular atheist opinions about Christians. His critique of Romney provides further cause for Christians to be labeled hypocritical and judgmental.

Mother Teresa’s legacy, on the other hand, is hardly controversial. Her mission has been globally awarded for its compassionate loving of the poor.

For some Christians, this comparison provides an indictment. If you feel Jeffrees’ public words lacked tact, perhaps there is a lesson to be learned about humility and the destructive nature of words. On the other hand, your view of Christian living might also be transformed observing the loving and generous way of a tiny catholic nun with a big heart.

That’s not to say that Mother Theresa’s faith lacked theological depth and certainty. She was clear about her faith. Her generosity and compassion for the sick and dying flowed from a sincere and rooted devotion to Christ.

When asked what she thought of her own death, she stated: “Look, I would be happy as you if I could say tonight I would die. In dying, I too, will be going home. I will go to heave and will find Jesus. I have consecrated my life to Jesus. In becoming a sister, I became the bride of Jesus. See? I wear a ring on my finger like married women do. And I am married to Jesus. Everything that I do on this earth, I do out of love for him, so when I die, I will be going home, to my husband’s home. In addition, up there in heaven, I will also find all my loved ones. Thousands of people have died in my arms. For over forty years now, I have dedicated my life to the sick and dying. My sisters and I have gathered thousands and thousands of dying people off the streets, especially in India. We have brought them into oour houses and helped them to die in peace. Many of these people expired in my arms while I was smiling and stroking their trembling faces. When I die, I will meet all those people again. They are waiting for me there. We loved each other in those moments and have continued to love each other in our remembrance. Who knows what kind of party they might throw when they see me? How can I possibly fear death? I desire it and wait for it because finally, I will be able to go home.”

No-where have words more powerfully been spoken. However tragically, those outside the Christian faith often lump Jeffrees’ words with Mother Theresa’s, discrediting the integrity of the Christian faith.

One of the greatest obstacles encumbering the ministry of the church is unwanted baggage. Just when doors open, critics recall unheralded moments of Christianity’s past.

And for some, the past is too much an obstacle and moving forward too far a reach.

This week’s topic is “REACHING FOR TOMORROW.” It is the final phrase of our slogan which states, “WE ARE YOUR HOMETOWN CHURCH, FAITHFUL TO TRADITION, LOVING IN FELLOWSHIP, and REACHING FOR TOMORROW.”

Reaching for tomorrow is a challenging task for a church. Reaching implies stretching; stretching implies going outside areas beyond our normal zones of comfort. But “Reaching outside ourselves is necessary/compulsory because reaching gives a congregation strength and the opportunity for growth.

On paper, Reaching for Tomorrow” is a wonderful statement. But it’s another story when applied. Activities requiring us to reach outside ourselves are often neglected. Life is already busy without having to plan for the future; And we don’t want any part of it if it requires change.

I remember a childhood toy –Stretch Armstrong. You could pull Stretch several times its size and length and it always return to its original shape.

And I admit, part of Stretch Armstrong’s novelty was finding just how far he could stretch without breaking. And when too far, Stretch could not be fixed.

The beauty of a church’s reaching beyond itself is that it doesn’t always return to its original shape. Change is a constant in life as well as the life of a church. Attending Sunday school and learning about Scripture challenges what you believe. Serving at Applefest, assisting with youth group, mentoring a confirmation student, serving as elder or deacon changes the ways other see you and the way you see others. In a similar way, adding members changes the dynamics of a congregation. Traveling on mission to West Virginia, Texas, and Honduras not only changes the lives of those whom we serve, but impacts our congregation’s faith.

A church unwilling to reach beyond itself and grow its membership, be involved in mission outside its walls, a church unwilling to deepen its own knowledge, unwilling to evangelize and reach-out to surrounding communities, a church unwilling to deal with change - eventually dies.

And it’s not about growing the church for the sake of keeping it. Reaching beyond ourselves, going out of our way based upon what we believe is what Christ expects of Christians.

Change doesn’t require that we cease being Mars UP Church. Change doesn’t require we get rid of the pipe organ, abandon close held traditions.

Reaching, and stretching, and yearning for tomorrow merely demands we not allow fear stand in faith’s way.

If we fail because of fear what does that say about our faith?

If we are worried about stretching too far…I want to you to know that Church is a place where breaking is ok. A congregation reaching as high and far as it can, sometimes breaking, provides room the Holy to move among us and fix us.

I know there has been a lot of change in life, the community, politics, the economy, our nation. I know some of us feel overwhelmed. Trying to keep life in balance, it’s challenging to find space for church.

It would be easier if church didn’t change! If conflict, challenge, circumstances didn’t require our response. If we didn’t have to remember new names, incorporate customs and personalities, come up with new ideas and activities. Things would be much easier if church didn’t change!

But that is not why you are here.

You’re here because of change. Change happened when you encountered Christ, faced your sin, and felt broken. Christ changed you - that is what led you here and knowing all things are possible, including the lost being found, is what gives your soul joy.

Somewhere between when Christ entered your heart and now, you lost sight of what it means to reach out to others and to reach out to God.

But our REACHING for TOMORROW is vital to save the church, grow our faith and reconcile the family of God.

I’d like to close with a prayer. I want you to bow your heads with me and after each phrase all of us to say together LORD HELP US.

All together let’s say LORD HELP US.

Father, we feel overwhelmed and overburdened. LORD HELP US.

There are many needs pulling us in every direction. We lack the time, money, and strength required to fill them. LORD HELP US.

We need courage to break free from our fear of change and reach beyond ourselves to bear Christ’s message of peace and justice to the world. LORD HELP US.

Help us reclaim the promise of your presence, remembering wherever we go, you are beside us, within us, in front and behind us. When our lives break you are there to catch us. LORD HELP US.

Open our eyes to see our gifts and talents. Inspire us to share our lives and faith with friends, neighbors, those we love, and even our enemies. LORD HELP US.

Go with us now. Make your home within us, within the life of this church. Keep us on the the paths of peace; And remind us always of your blessing and love. LORD HELP US.

Amen.

Spirit Led (Oct 16th)

2011-10-13T12:31:00.001-07:00

MUP Life Blog: Spirit Led (Oct 16^th)
By Rev. Nathan Esser

This Sunday, Oct 16^th, we'll explore what it means to be a church that "Reaches for Tomorrow." The Scripture passage is 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, which states:

¹ Paul, Silas and Timothy,

To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:

Grace and peace to you.

² We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. ³ We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

⁴ For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, ⁵ because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. ⁶ You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. ⁷ And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. ⁸ The Lord's message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it, ⁹ for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, ¹⁰ and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath."

It's rather daunting to think God has chosen us to do His work. God's choosing and our responding to the call includes challenges. Christians in Thessalonica suffered while remaining faithful followers of Jesus. What encouraged early followers, including those in Thessalonica, is the power God provided by the Spirit. As warmth from the sun and its light brings growth to a plant, the Spirit sustains and nourishes our faith. If we respond affirmatively to God's call, the Spirit breathes into us life and purpose.

Early and recent history records Christians responding to the gift of God's Spirit by embarking on missions to proclaim the Word of God and provide help to the sick, impoverished and dying. Churches and communities of faith established in many places across the globe exist due to Christians' response to the Spirit.

That same powerful, nourishing and leading Spirit is what lives in you. The more you strive to respond to Christ and imitate His living, the more powerfully the Spirit will reside within you.

Think about your life and faith. In what ways do you felt the Spirit leading you? Imagine Christ walking with you as you go about your day. How do you imagine He reacts to what you see? What people and situations you encounter might grab Christ's attention?

Pray about it.

As always, I am praying for you.

MUP GLANCING AHEAD:
***Pie sale ongoing! Pie your pies for the approaching holiday season!
Oct 16^th – 80+ Dinner at 12noon
Oct 16^th – Spaghetti Dinner for the Community from 5:30pm to 7pm
Oct 23^rd – Church Bonfire at Quality Gardens at 5pm
Oct 30^th – Heritage Sunday (remember your leaf!)

IN THE FIELD…

2011-10-05T13:45:00.001-07:00

Our Director of Youth Ministries, Sean Brubaker, is participating in this year's Field Education Program through Pittsburgh Theological Seminary (PTS). Field Education is a requirement for students in the Masters of Divinity program, helping them discern their call to ministry and prepare for ministry following graduation. To fulfill program requirements, Sean and I will meet every Monday morning to reflect upon his ministry experiences of the previous week. Sean will also meet in class with other field education students and members of the PTS faculty.

During his year of field education, the church is also required to provide a variety of experiences in different areas of ministry within the congregation. Sean will occasionally accompany me visiting parishioners, teach adult Sunday school, lead devotions for Session and preach. This Sunday, Oct 9^th, Sean will be leading worship and preaching at both morning services.

His sermon will take up what it means to "SACRIFICE" in a self-centered culture. The text for this Sunday is John 12:20-26.

Pray for Sean, for the church and for the Spirit to move among us. As always, I am praying for you.

Blessings in Christ.

REMINDER: Oct 9^th at 5pm there is a JOINT ELDER/DEACON MEETING to plan and budget for 2012.

2011-09-30T13:12:00.001-07:00

WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY – Oct 2^nd

This Sunday, Oct 2^nd, is World Communion Sunday and the Lords' Supper will be celebrated at both morning worship services. World Communion Sunday highlights the unity of faith we share with other Christians all over the world. As we break bread and share Christ's covenantal cup, issues that divide us from other Christians throughout the nation and world will be momentarily set aside. Join with us as we gather together around the Lord's table and celebrate Christ's love with countless millions of other Christians.

The sermon is entitled "LOVING IN FELLOWSHIP" and discusses what it means to be a loving church. The scripture is Isaiah 5:1-7.

Pray for me and for the Spirit of God to move among us. As always, I am praying for you.

GLANCING AHEAD: This Saturday, Oct 1^st is Mars APPLEFEST in downtown Mars! Below are activities sponsored by Mars UP Church.

APPLES & ANTIQUE QUILTS On Saturday, October 1 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. during Mars AppleFest, we will host a non-juried Antique Quilt Exhibit. An appraised antique quilt will be raffled, a certified quilt appraiser will be on-site to discuss how quilts are dated & valued, Mt. Troy UCC Quilters will demonstrate old-fashioned group quilting, and a quilt vendor will be in attendance. All those displaying a quilt will be eligible for a "Visitor's Choice" prize. Donations to view the quilts will benefit the Pipe Organ Restoration Fund for the church.

APPLE FEST PIE BOOTH Slices of apple pie, hot apple cider and coffee will be sold at the Mars UP Church booth during AppleFest (or until we sell out of pie!).

MAGIC SHIRTS Back by popular demand, fashion items will be displayed and sold. If you'd like to purchase a shirt, scarf, kimono other fashion item, please stop by the magic shirt booth beside the Mars UP Church booth.

MUP Life Blog: Servant and Slave

2011-09-22T10:33:00.001-07:00

Doulos - Servant and Slave to Christ
*Doulos is the Greek word for slave used often throughout Pauline Epistles

Romans 1:1, "Paul, a bond-servant (doulos) of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God…"

You have been called and set apart!

I recently attended a coaching workshop. Coaching is a different style of leading – it's not managing, as much as encouraging, equipping, and directing.

Training events provide pastors the chance to become better; but they also offer the opportunity to share struggles, joys, and ask questions. A colleague shared, "We are having trouble finding people to serve as elders and deacons."

Many responded, "Yup! It's difficult to find volunteers." Finding volunteers is one of the most challenging yet crucial tasks facing churches.

It's a challenge compounded by ways serving the church, particularly as elder or deacon, are understood.

An elder or deacon is not a volunteer. An elder or deacon is a follower of Christ responding to a divine invitation. Serving the church is to be "conscripted" to service. The Spirit of God calls you to serve, and intends that your gifts and talents (and weaknesses) grow the congregation and deepen its spiritual roots.

This also functions on general levels. A basic component of faith requires that you look for the Holy in life and discern among choices, words, and actions. God's Spirit is active in the places we work, in schools and at home. Wherever you are – God is there - and He's inviting you to not only see what He is doing, but to walk with Him, and joyfully become a part of His work.

Our church's Nominating Committee will soon meet and discuss people God is leading to serve as elder and deacon. Pray for God's Spirit to guide those serving on the committee and ways you also might be called upon to serve. In fact, take a moment right now, set aside what you are doing and…imagine Jesus standing in front of you. See His face, look into His eyes. Notice His tattered clothes and worn hands. You exchange glances. But Jesus is on a mission and turns to walk away. He beckons you to come. He wants you to follow. He's trying to direct your attention toward something…what does He want you to see? You sense His heart breaking…what is Jesus asking you to do? You see others around you…who are the people Jesus wants you to serve?

There's temptation…don't get lost in the crowds. Don't lose sight of Jesus worrying too much about things you have to do. Stay close. Listen. Trust. And follow.

There is no better place, no greater joy, than to be with Jesus knowing you are where you are supposed to be, doing what He has asked you to do.

I recently read a book entitled, THIS ODD AND WONDROUS CALLING by Lilian Daniels. It is quite true. At times, God's call appears odd and mysterious; you'd rather avoid hearing God's leading. You feel unprepared, unequipped and overburdened.

But God's call is persistent. And responding not only blesses the larger body, but also feeds and nurtures your spirit and faith. God designed you as part of His plan to help others – giving your time and sharing your talent leads you to discover purpose and meaning.

So, how is God calling you? Is it to…

…deepen your faith? Perhaps God is leading you to join a Sunday school class, fellowship group or Bible study.

…serve? God might be calling you to teach, make muffins, evangelize, sing, pray, or volunteer with youth and children. There are never enough volunteers for nursery, junior church and youth group.

…lead? Maybe God has opened a door, preparing you to serve as elder or deacon – it might be your first time OR it might be your second, third, or more.

…do something more? Or, is there a need your gifts match? Maybe there is an opportunity for something new.

Remember, lives won't be transformed if we merely volunteer our time. God's purposes come about when people care passionately about their faith and follow Christ to certain places, people, opportunities and situations.

Blessings to all – see you on Sunday!

STEP FORWARD - SEPT 11th

2011-09-08T13:08:00.000-07:00

This Sunday, September 11th at 10am our guest speaker is Judge Dwayne Woodruff. Judge Woodruff, as many of you know, played cornerback for the Steelers from 1979-1990. During his rookie season, Judge Woodruff helped the team win the Super Bowl. As guest speaker, Judge Woodruff, will help us gear-up for an exciting fall. Sunday school, youth group, choir and other activities are kicking-off! It is an exciting and rejuvenating season at Mars UP Church.

During worship we will also remember the 10th Anniversary of the terrorist attacks on 9-11. September 11th is a day that not only has forever altered the course of history, but is also a day of tremendous loss and pain. Recall that on September 11, 2001:

2,753 people died at the World Trade Center

184 died at the Pentagon

40 died aboard Flight 93

Over 90 countries were represented in the 2,977 victims.

The youngest victim was 2 year old Christie Hanson.

The oldest victim was 85 year old Robert Grant Norton.

3,251 children lost a parent that day.

The impact of this loss is staggering. But the act of remembering provides us the opportunity to also remember an important message as we begin our new church year. The message is more of a series of questions. Will Christians stand united around endeavors for justice, peace and love? Will Christians actively share the Good News of Christ’s compassionate love? Will Christians engage, serve, discuss, disagree, rejoice, discern and work together in such a way that is both honorable to God and reflective of our Christian faith?

Our responses to these questions are crucial. If we, even imperfectly, keep Christ at the heart of our church life – there is no limit to what Mars UP Church might be able to achieve.

If anything other than Christ drives the life of our church – be it fear of change, pride, self-righteousness, envy…we limit our potential to do something amazing for Christ.

I’m calling for us to take a step forward in the life of our church.

ELDERS & DEACONS

• Establish church as a priority; attend worship and attend meetings

• Believe, when in worship and in meetings, you will be encountering something holy. Look for the Holy!

• Pray actively for Mars UP Church. Ask God for guidance and wisdom while serving on committees.

• Share your gifts! If you have an idea – share it!

EVERYONE

• Believe God led you to Mars UP Church for a reason and explore ways God is calling you to serve as part of our fellowship.

September 11th is a day for our country to remember and grieve. For us, it is also a day to step forward and live Christ’s love in such a way that the world becomes a brighter place.

See you on Sunday!

Get it? (Aug 21)

2011-08-18T12:51:00.000-07:00

Isaiah 11:6 states, “The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them.”

This verse speaks about the coming of the Messiah and His fulfillment of victory over evil. But is anyone else surprised to find that it is a little child who is portrayed as leading?

Scripture is full of surprises. Often, I think to remind us that we are not God. As people of faith, we are called to “lean not on our own understanding, but to trust in God” (Proverbs 3:5).

So what do we glean from Scripture’s teaching regarding the role of children in life? How about their role in the church? How do we respond to verses like the one in Matthew 19:14, which quotes Jesus saying, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

Is Jesus talking about the special place children have in the Kingdom of Heaven? Or, is Jesus inferring something about our disposition? Or, perhaps a combination of the two?

This coming Sunday, August 21st, is YOUTH SUNDAY. Members from our church’s youth group will be leading both 8:30 and 10am worship services. And while those who will be leading us in worship are no longer children – they are teenagers, young men and women seeking to find their identities and discern what it means to be Christian - I often wonder what ways they really get faith in ways I don’t. I wonder how, we as adults, obscure the powerful Gospel message Christ gave us to share?

I realize this is a challenge not only for adults, but also a challenge for our children and youth to embrace. 1 Timothy 4:12 states, “Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.”

I look forward to this coming Sunday’s worship and the contributions from our youth. Please remember to pray for them as they work hard to prepare for Sunday’s worship. Pray for the Spirit to move, for the Gospel to be shared and lives to be changed!

Blessings in Christ – see you on Sunday!

MUP Life Glancing Ahead: (Aug 21)
August 21st – YOUTH SUNDAY (both services)
August 22nd - MUP Ladies Night Out: Panera Dinner and Cranberry Cinemas (Movie: THE HELP)
August 23rd - Children’s LEGO build from 10am – 1pm.
August 27th – Children’s campfire and a movie night in the Esser’s back yard! Arrive at 6:30pm.
Sept 10th - MUP Guys Night Out (plus family) at Lernersville Speedway feat: Bus races, bike races...etc
Sept 11th – Confirmation Meeting at 9am (for parents of confirmands and confirmands)
Sept 11th – Rally Day (one worship service at 10am with lunch and fun activities following!)
Sept 16-19 – Youth Fall Retreat
Sept 18th – Pipe Organ Fund Drive Kick-off
Sept 25th – Sunday Schools Begin!

FATHER KNOWS BEST (Aug 14th)

2011-08-10T14:56:00.000-07:00

This Sunday’s (August 14th) scripture lesson is Genesis 45:1-15. It’s a portion from the story of Joseph. This reading takes place while Joseph is in Egypt during the time of a great famine. People from far and away traveled to Egypt to petition Joseph and the Egyptians for help. Even Joseph’s alienated siblings come, not knowing it is their own brother whom they betrayed that they now approach seeking help.

This passage tugs at my heart’s strings. I imagine the swelling of pain and bitterness that built up in Joseph’s heart. The emotions were so overwhelming that he withdrew from the public square. The Scriptures state he wept so loud all of Egypt heard his crying. But the pain and bitterness was no match for his love for his family and desire to reunite with his father.

When Joseph regained his composure, he returned to his brothers and stated, “I am Joseph. Is my father still alive?”

Do you have the picture I have of the drama unfolding in this story? Do you feel it in your heart? Joseph overcomes temptation to seek vengeance and chooses love and grace over judgment and hatred.

This is a story of old, but it’s also more than a story if your heart and mind is open to receive it.

We’ve all loved and been hurt. At times, we’ve shared our lives with others and, instead of the expected smile and embrace, received insult. Some days we take it in stride. Other days not so well.

Even when we fail by our own standards in keeping with God’s grace and love, we find ourselves recipients the very grace and love we strive to guide our lives.

I guess what I’m trying to say is that people will let us down. We’re imperfect, we all make mistakes. At times we stumble and fall. Even organizations and institutions (yes, even churches), because they involve people, fall short of our expectations. But God reminds us, He didn’t make us to be a people of judgment and hate. God created us to be a people of joy, grace, and love.

If you have time, read the entire 45th chapter of Genesis and the story of Joseph. The alternate text for Sunday is Psalm 133:1-3, which states:

“1 How very good and pleasant it is

when kindred live together in unity!

2 It is like the precious oil on the head,

running down upon the beard,

on the beard of Aaron,

running down over the collar of his robes.

3 It is like the dew of Hermon,

which falls on the mountains of Zion.

For there the LORD ordained his blessing,

life forevermore.”

Ask yourself how God is working to re-shape your heart and life to embody His grace and love.

As always, I am praying for you. Pray also for me and for the Spirit to move through our lives, our church, and community.

Blessings in Christ,

Rev. Nathan Esser

MUP Glancing Ahead:
August 12th – PEACH FESTIVAL (11am -7pm)
August 14th – Deacon Kindness Offering during worship & Communion at 8:30am
August 14th – Congregational Meeting to elect Nominating Committee at 9:30am
August 14th – Christian Ed meeting at 7pm
August 21st – YOUTH SUNDAY (Youth from our Church will be leading BOTH 8:30 & 10am services)
August 24th – LEGO BUILD (call now to register!!)
Sept 11th – RALLY DAY/KICK OFF SUNDAY

FREUDIAN SLIP: Jonah not Job (July 31st)

2011-07-27T10:11:00.000-07:00

MUP Life Blog: FREUDIAN SLIP – Jonah not Job (July 31st)
by Rev. Nathan Esser

In the upcoming Church Newsletter for August, I wrote as part of my memo: “Moses didn’t feel capable. The prophet Jeremiah felt unworthy. Job felt offended. Scripture shows countless others who gave reasons God should ask someone else.”

I meant to write “Jonah” not “Job.” I’m wondering if somehow deep down in writing “Job” I was acknowledging my own sympathy toward Job’s suffering. Indiscriminate suffering brings out that reaction in many of us – we are sympathetically offended. We want to know why bad things happen, especially to those we deem undeserving. We seek explanations and develop certain ambivalences toward God.

Some might be wondering how “Jonah” felt offended when called by God to service. Jonah, as many of you know, was called to the wayward city of Nineveh to proclaim God’s judgment. Jonah’s immediate response was a 180 degree turn around in the opposite direction. He ran as far as he could away from the place God wanted him to go. If it would have been up to him, Jonah would never have gone to Nineveh.

Did Jonah turn away because he felt afraid of traveling to such a place? Did Jonah fear the reaction the people of Nineveh might have toward him when he told them they were going to die? My guess is probably not. A prophet would have grown accustomed to bearing bad news to people in morally sticky situations and loathsome places.

Jonah ran because he knew if the people repented upon hearing God’s judgment that God would forgive them. Jonah felt offended that such a wicked people would have the chance to receive God’s grace.

Another story of this sort from Genesis 18. Abraham prays to God on behalf of Lot and the city of Sodom. Abraham first asks God to spare Sodom if fifty righteous people are found to live in the town. God agrees. Right away, Abraham asks again, “God, what if there are only forty righteous people?” God considers Abraham’s request and agrees if only forty righteous are found, He will not destroy Sodom. Faithfully pleading to God, Abraham bargains his way down to ten. He asks God, “If ten righteous people are found in the city, will you not destroy Sodom?”

God agrees to Abraham’s persistent and passionate requests. And, in so doing, God reveals His pension toward mercy and willingness to forgive.

This past Sunday, we read one of my favorite Scriptures from Romans 8. Here are excerpts from Sunday’s Scripture lesson:

“If God is for us, who can be against us?”

“What shall separate you from the love of God? Shall famine, trouble, hardship, persecution, hunger, the sword…? Nothing is able to separate you from the love of God!”

May your life be blessed today by the abundant grace and mercy of God!

MUP Glance Ahead (July 31st):
July 28th – MUP Ladies Night Out at Narcisis Winery at 6:15pm
July 31st – Guest Preacher: Elder Tom McMeekin
August 7th – Guest Preacher: Rev. Rosalyn Koomer
August 5th to 7th – Youth Canoe Trip
August 14th - Congregational Meeting to Elect Nominating Committee

Which life?

2011-07-20T11:00:00.000-07:00

MUP Life Blog: “Are You Who You Want to Be?”
By Rev. Nathan Esser

“This is your life are you who you want to be?” Those are part of the lyrics of a song I heard on the way to the office today. It fits with what I’ve been thinking about and talking about in worship. Even though the road we travel involves hardship, break-up, stress, and financial woe…God invites us to live a life of joy. It’s a question of alignment. Is your life’s “rhythm” and “direction” determined by your obstacles? Or have you aligned your spirit with the Spirit of God?

A quote that’s been ringing in my ears this past week by President Abraham Lincoln states, “You are about as happy as you make your mind up to be.”

There is a lot in life that we are not able to control; but the one thing we are able to control is how we live our lives and respond to the challenges life brings us. This week’s sermon will take up the topic, once again, regarding how Christians live into this radical grace God freely gives.

As always, pray for me. Pray for the Spirit to move in the midst of our congregation. And meditate upon the words of Scripture for Sunday. The Scripture lessons are: 1 Kings 3:5-12 & Romans 8:26-39.

Blessings to All!

MUP GLANCING AHEAD:
July 20th – MUP Softball Playoff Game! 6:30pm at Richland Park
July 22nd – MUP Guys Night Out at Robert Klings at 7pm
July 23rd to July 30th – New Wilmington Missions Conference
July 24th – Worship at 8:30am and 10am
July 28th – MUP Ladies Night Out at Narcisis Winery at 6:15pm
July 31st – Guest Preacher: Elder Tom McMeekin
August 7th – Guest Preacher: Rev. Rosalyn Koomer
August 5th to 7th – Youth Canoe Trip

WIRED FOR JOY: July 10th

2011-07-14T20:01:00.000-07:00

Can you believe this Sunday will be July 17th!? Where has this summer gone?

I hope everyone is doing well and avoiding the heat the best you can. This week's Scriptures are: Genesis 28:10-19 and Romans 8:12-25.

The main text for the sermon will be based upon the passage from Romans.

If you'd like to read it in advance, here it is:

"12 Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation—but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it. 13 For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, 14 because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship.[a] And by him we cry, “Abba,[b] Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory."

18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 19 The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that[c] the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.

22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently."

Here also is a quote from G.K. Chesterton that gave added direction and shape to this week's message. Chesterton once wrote, “Life is serious all the time, but living cannot be. You may have all the solemnity you wish in your neckties, but in anything important (such as sex, death, and religion), you must have mirth or you will have madness.” —G. K. Chesterton, English writer and journalist

I pray daily for you all. Pray also for me and for our time of shared together in worship!

Blessings to All! And see you in Church Sunday morning 8:30am and 10am!

LOVE in JEOPARDY (June 26th)

2011-06-24T07:48:00.000-07:00

LOVE IN JEOPARDY!
By Rev Nathan Esser

The scripture for this week’s Sunday worship talks about the generosity, giving, and hospitality of Christians (see scripture below!).

How many of us have ever been taken advantage of when giving a gift OR doing something good? How many of us have ever done what we feel right and ever wondered if it made an impact for the Kingdom of God?

This Sunday’s scripture passage reminds us that, as Christians, we are called to be continually generous, hospitable, and sharing - regardless of the earthly rewards.

It’s only when having poured out and shared our gifts, talents, and resources that we realize the deep generosity of God’s love and grace toward us.

This simple giving, without expectation of return, is really all that God asks of us – to see a need and do something about it.

A commentary on Matthew 10 stated the following: “Although Jesus speaks of rewards in this passage we should not offer compassionate welcome with the expectation that something will be returned to us. Love is not always met with love. Jesus is clear with His disciples that being His followers will be difficult at times and that they will suffer persecution. Sometimes love is met with crucifixion; yet we are called to love in the midst of hate – even in those times when it appears hatred has won” (Feasting on the Word).

This coming Sunday’s worship will be held at Adams Township Park in the Rotary Pavilion at 10am (upper pavilion). There will NOT be an 8:30am worship service this Sunday – we hope everyone comes together at the park! A Church-Wide Picnic will follow worship; bring a side dish or dessert to share!

We will also be sharing photos from this past week of Vacation Bible School (VBS), as well as VBS song! Everyone is encouraged to attend - there will be great food, fun, and fellowship!

Scripture for Sunday: Matthew 10:40-42

40 “He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives the one who sent me. 41 Anyone who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and anyone who receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man’s reward. 42 And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward.”

As always, remember to meditate on the Word, discern its instruction for your life, and pray that the Spirit moves as we worship together on Sunday morning!

Blessings to All!

CONNECTING WITH GOD in WORSHIP

2011-06-14T13:37:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Pentecost this past Sunday – the church looked particularly beautiful didn’t it? Thanks to Sue Morris who decorated the Communion Table with 24 red candles, symbolizing the many disciples and apostles present on the day God gave the gift of His Spirit to give birth to the church. Just as the candles remind us of God’s light, they also point toward the presence of the Spirit that is poured out upon our lives.

In some parts of the world, Pentecost is quite an event. In fact, in Frankfurt, Germany, the Monday after Pentecost is a holiday. People line the streets, sharing food, listening to music and enjoying fellowship. Kind of puts our celebration of Pentecost to shame.

As wonderful a day Pentecost should be, I struggled with Sunday's sermon. The story of Pentecost in Acts is such a wonderful passage! Sometimes I wonder if God only gives me one good sermon a day. When I feel I preach well at our early worship service, for some reason it rarely goes as I hope at our second service. And the opposite is also true. When I feel I preach poorly at 8:30am, I usually feel that I preach well at the second worship service.

It’s quite a dilemma for a pastor and a complete test of my faith. I remind myself that it’s not about me and my feelings; but about the proclamation of the Word and how the Spirit of God moves in the hearts of those present in worship.

BUT, I have begun to notice something. There are times I sense the Spirit present among us in a greater way than other times.

There are times when I see the power of God through your faces – at times you’re there with me! Other times, maybe it’s the heat, a bad joke, or the worry in your own life that causes you to struggle to find that connection with God in worship.

So – I’m calling upon you for help.

As I prepare sermons for worship – pray for me. Pray that I serve as a conduit for the Word of God.

As you come to worship – prepare your heart and mind. Ask God to open your heart and mind to the Word proclaimed in your midst. Find a way to orient yourself around the presence of God’s Spirit, rather than around your preoccupations for the coming week. Scripture instructs us, “Do not worry about tomorrow, tomorrow has enough worries of its own” (Matthew 6).

And, most importantly, read your Bible.

I’m going to begin sharing the Scripture for the upcoming Sunday’s sermon. I’m giving it to you ahead of time, so that the story will be fresh in your mind. So that as you enter the sanctuary for worship, you’ll be ready and able to explore God’s truths in a deeper and more powerful way.

The more I reflect upon what happens in worship – the more I realize the struggle all churches share. The sermon has become the focus of worship – every prayer and liturgy leads toward the sermon. But just as the sermon itself is rooted in the Word of God, it takes on greater power when the members of the church anchor their lives upon the Words of Scripture.

If the proclamation of the Word and the sermon aren't a part of the shared work of the congreation and its members - worship falls short of its potential. The church falls short of its potential.

So, as much as you personally explore God’s Word for strength and instruction; as much as you pray and wrestle with the Scriptures; the more worship and the proclaimed Word will impact your life.

SO...why not give it a shot? Let's do it! What do you have to lose? There's probably even an "I PHONE" application that will read the lectionary scripture to you!

This week’s Scripture is really short! And I’m even going to provide it in this email.

Here it is: Genesis 1:1-2, 4a, “In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters…And God saw that the light was good.”
Take a moment and meditate on this verse. What images and feelings does it evoke? How does it strengthen your faith OR cause you to question?

If the above scripture from Genesis merely wets your appetite for the Word, take a moment and read alternate lectionary texts for this Sunday. Read: Psalm 8; 2 Corinthians 13:11-13; and Matthew 28:16-20.

As you seek God through reading the Word, I will be praying with you and for you. I will be asking God to allow the Word to live and move through your life. And the Spirit awakens within you the great longing to draw nearer to God.

Blessings and see you in worship this Sunday, June 19th, at 8:30 OR 10am!!

A GLANCE AHEAD:
-June 18th - VBS Work Day! Your help is needed at 9am! What we don't get done on Saturday we will have to do Sunday!!
-June 19th - SUMMER HOURS BEGIN! Worship services will be held at 8:30am & 10am
-June 20th - VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL BEGINS! Let the insanity begin!! If you have or know of a child (pre-k thru 6th grade) who might be interested in this AWESOME summer program, call 724-625-1365!
-June 26th - SUMMER WORSHIP AT THE PARK & CHURCH PICNIC! Worship is at 10am and will begin with a hymn sing. Picnic happens immediately after worship.

FLEAS! FLEAS! FLEAS FOR SALE! (JUNE 12th)

2011-06-06T12:07:00.000-07:00

FLEAS FOR SALE!
This year’s flea market is going to be REALLY GOOD. The Church Office basement has been full for some time. The piles in the Fellowship Hall of the Church building continue to grow!

I’m reminded of the truth of an old saying, “Someone’s trash is another’s treasure.” Our flea market is full of donated items that will become a treasure for another person.

Here’s a plug. If you haven’t signed up to help with the flea market, call the Church Office and sign up today! We need help setting up, organizing, selling, tearing down, as well as cooking baked goods for our bake sale. The flea market we had two years ago was a lot of hard work, but it was also a great opportunity to serve and fellowship. It turned out to be a lot of fun!

Now, along the lines of treasure, I want to share a brief thought. The world is full of people who think they are discarded, unwanted, untalented treasure. Lacking self-esteem and confidence, many people falter out of the gates of life before even having a chance to begin.

One of the best opportunities as the Church (YES – OUR CHURCH!) is to help individuals RECLAIM their treasured IDENTITY in CHRIST.

As we consider this past week’s sermon and what it means to be ONE in Christ (John 17:21), the main ingredient for unity is a personal and meaningful relationship with Jesus Christ.

I believe when we know the love of Jesus Christ, we begin to see our lives through the eyes of Jesus. When we see ourselves through Jesus’ loving eyes, we begin to see ourselves as treasured creations. Rather than untalented, in the eyes of Jesus we notice the ways we are gifted. Rather than ordinary, Jesus calls us His beloved.

Here are a few quotes by Thomas Merton to help put things in perspective:

"To be grateful is to recognize the Love of God in everything He has given us - and He has given us everything. Every breath we draw is a gift of His love, every moment of existence is a grace, for it brings with it immense graces from Him. Gratitude therefore takes nothing for granted, is never unresponsive, is constantly awakening to new wonder and to praise of the goodness of God. For the grateful person knows that God is good, not by hearsay but by experience. And that is what makes all the difference."

"Our job is to love others without stopping to inquire whether or not they are worthy. That is not our business and, in fact, it is nobody's business. What we are asked to do is to love, and this love itself will render both ourselves and our neighbors worthy."

Know today that you are a treasured person in Christ. Take a moment and allow the love of God in Christ to find a place within your heart and mind. Close your eyes, turn off the TV. Quiet your thoughts and listen for the still, small voice of God. Let it soak in!

Now, if you have the chance, help another person also see themselves as treasured creations in the eyes of Christ.

Here are a few suggestions:

Say something nice to someone
Tell someone you love, how much they mean to you
Smile
Give someone a hug
Say hello to a stranger you pass along the street
Thank the person ringing up your groceries
Sing your favorite hymn while driving to work
Send a card to a friend just to let someone know you care
Pay for the person’s order in line behind you

If you have another idea, I'd love to hear it!

BLESSINGS IN CHRIST!

HAPPENING THIS WEEK:

June 9th - Flea Market Set-up
June 10th & 11th - MUP Flea Market
June 12th - Pentecost!

ON RADAR:
June 19th - Summer Worship Hours begin (8:30 & 10am)
June 20th - June 24th - VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL!
June 26th - CHURCH WORSHIP SERVICE & PICNIC at Adams Township Park, Rotary Pavilion

MUP Life Blog: Not to miss! (May 29th)

2011-05-25T16:15:00.000-07:00

MUP Life: What not to miss… (May 29th)
by Rev Nathan Esser of Mars United Presbyterian Church

This coming week’s worship will be based on Acts 17:22-31. The key verse for worship will be Acts 17:30 which states, “God overlooks it as long as you don't know any better—but that time is past. The unknown is now known, and he's calling for a radical life-change” (According to Eugene Peterson’s version, The Message).

Rather than a devotional, read Acts 17:22-31 in preparation for worship on Sunday, May 29th. See you on Sunday morning!

In addition, here are a few activities happening at Mars UP Church that you won’t want to miss!
• May 28th Youth BBQ fundraiser at Quality Gardens
• June 5th Graduate Recognition Sunday!
• June 5th VBS work day 12:15-3:00 (lunch provided)
• June 10th & 11th Flea Market (Set-up on June 9th! We need Volunteers)
• June 12th Blood Drive!! Sign up today!
• June 19th Summer Hours Begin! Worship Services will be 8:30am & 10am. (Pentecost)
• June 19th FINAL setup for VBS!!

• June 20th – June 24th Vacation Bible School “PANDAMANIA”

• June 26th Outdoor worship service & church picnic! One worship service at 10am in the Rotary Pavilion in Adams Township Park. Lunch to follow immediately after worship!

May God Bless You!

UNFREEZE!

2011-05-18T11:38:00.000-07:00

MUP LIFE BLOG: UNFREEZE!

By Rev Nathan Esser

*To read past MUP LIFE BLOG entries, click here: http://muplife.blogspot.com/

Fear. Fear is debilitating. It is what keeps you frozen, unable to move forward, unable to be the person you want to be and do the things you want to do.

The message of Christ invites you to live beyond your fear. Jesus invites you to enjoy, as this past week’s Gospel message reminds us, life abundant.

John 10:10 states, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

But, as hard as you try, fear creeps its way into your life and the life of the church. I too have moments of weakness. At times, I am overwhelmed and distracted by my own fears and cause for worry. For example, I worry about our congregation and the future of our denomination. How will people react hearing the news about the denomination? Will this week’s sermon continue to encourage people to come back again the next Sunday?

Fear!

Now, I should be concerned about the state of affairs within our denomination. And, to an extent, I should fear how denominational concerns affect our congregation. But this concern and trepidation should never impact my trust and faith in the Lord. Faith calls us to be courageous in the midst of our fear and have faith.

So, here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. No matter the source or cause of our fear, remember, Jesus is Lord!

Jesus is Lord and is guiding you and our congregation. In the face of illness, controversy, and distress, we might fear the worst. What does Jesus do? He calls out to us, takes us by the hand, and takes our focus away from our fear. He shifts our focus away from our fear and worry toward His sufficient grace. FEAR IS NO MATCH FOR CHRIST’S GRACE!

Isn’t that how you imagine a shepherd works? When His sheep are in danger, the shepherd comes running to save them! The sheep might be trembling and fearing the worst. But once the shepherd arrives, He reassures it and reminds the sheep that He is never far away.

2. Fear makes us feel like we are alone; but we are NEVER alone!

One of the greatest gifts God gives us is the gift of the Holy Spirit. There is no limit to the work of the Spirit. The Spirit is powerfully present in all places, at all times. Fear acts to blind us to the working of the Spirit; but faith counters fear! When we entrust our fears to God, we awaken to the Spirit’s presence! Awakening to behold the Spirit’s presence brings hope!

3. The Spirit brings people to together – Mars UP Church is a family in Christ!

Everyone is truly related in Mars UP Church, but it’s more because of our love for Christ than blood lines. I believe the Spirit has led each person to Mars UP Church – and for a reason. You probably remember a time someone in church was hurting or struggling. You didn’t just stand idly by, did you? You were there to love and support your brother or sister in Christ. No doubt, you probably have faced your own struggles and received love and support from the people of the church. I hear it time and time again! People tell me, “Nathan, you have a very loving congregation. Your congregation is wonderful.”

4. When something is a blessing, the enemy knows it.

When God’s word is proclaimed and people begin to enjoy the blessing of the congregation, the enemy begins to work against it. The enemy of blessing is a propagator of division and hate. Remember, God led you to Mars UP Church and do not let anything distract you from enjoying its blessing!

Think of it this way. Have you ever played freeze-tag? I know it’s silly, but I want you to imagine freeze-tag as a way to understand life in the Spirit. Things happen to us that freeze us in our life and prevent us from seeking help from other people and from God. We worry, we develop phobias, we don’t want to have to get out of bed in the morning. In freeze-tag there is always someone (the healer) who goes around un-freezing everyone who has been tagged. As the church, we live in and serve a world filled with so many things that threaten to steal the joy of life. Our job, as the church, is to un-freeze the frozen and invite them to discover the new life in the Spirit of Christ.

And…we are much stronger as a church family of healers than any one person is alone.

God is calling our church family to remain strong in the face of uncertainty. God is calling us to continue our work for the Kingdom of God and to keep our focus upon matters of the Kingdom.

After all, if the chosen become frozen, who will bring God’s message of hope and life to the world?

Blessings to All!

MUP Glancing Ahead: (May 22nd & Beyond!)

May 22nd – Membership Breakfast & Recognition of New, 25, and 50 year Members at 9:30am. Everyone is invited and both services are encouraged to attend – this also marks the conclusion of Sunday School for the school year!
May 22nd – VBS work day 12:15-3:00 (lunch provided)
May 28th – Chicken BBQ at Quality Gardens (Youth Fundraiser!)
June 5th – Graduate Sunday! Recognition of graduates through high school and post-grad
June 5th – VBS work day 12:15-3:00 (lunch provided)
June 9th – Flea Market Set-Up!
June 10th & 11th – Flea Market!
June 19th – Summer Hours Begin (Worship Services for Summer – 8:30am & 10:00am)
June 19th – VBS set-up day immediately following worship
June 20th – June 24th Vacation Bible School “PANDAMANIA”
June 26th – Church Family picnic and worship service at Adams Township Park, Rotary Pavilion.

ALL IN PERSPECTIVE

2011-05-13T11:01:00.000-07:00

MUP Life Blog: ALL IN PERSPECTIVE
By Rev. Nathan Esser

It’s been quite a week. Many of us are deeply saddened by the passing of friend and loved one, Jim Govan. I’ll be first to admit, Jim’s death hit me harder than I expected. He was a great man and, over the past few years, he became a dear friend of mine.

But, I celebrate along with the family, the now fulfilled promise of God and life abundant for Jim. Jim suffered a great deal these past few years, and it warms my heart to know that God has made him well. Jim sees fully what we only now see in part. He has entered the wonderful glory of the promise of his faith – eternal life and blessedness with the Father.

As much as I know he loved his friends and family, I imagine how happy Jim is now – reunited with past friends and loved ones and no longer suffering. He is able, as Isaiah 40 states, to walk and run without growing weary and tired.

Jim’s passing, along with the frequent reminder that life is short, places everything in perspective.

We heard recently the news reporting significant changes to standards of ordination in our denomination. There is no doubt these changes will have a direct impact on many congregations within the PC(USA). The moderator for the Beaver-Butler Presbytery put it well, “It will encourage some and trouble others.”

Many ask, “What will be the impact upon our congregation and ministry?”

The short response to that question is that the impact will be relatively little to none – as long as we fix our eyes on Jesus, draw upon the love we have for one another, and continue the great work God has prepared in advance for us to do.

Listen to these powerful words from Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV): “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

And Ephesians 2:10 (NIV): “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

Do you believe God has good works for us to do? I do!

And I believe, at Mars U.P. Church, we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses and that God has GREAT things in store for our congregation.

These great things will only happen if we keep all things in perspective and refuse becoming caught up in the distractions currently causing struggles within our denomination. In my mind, the enemy delights in using our denomination’s struggle to tear apart churches and congregations.

Don’t give-in to temptation. Don’t add fuel to the enemy’s divisive work to tear down something great. Don’t allow our work as a congregation to falter, lose momentum, or lose focus. Keep coming, keep loving, and keep serving.

And as you do, trust that our Session and Presbytery will prayerfully discern the way ahead.

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests” (Luke 2:14)!

Blessings in Christ,

Rev. Nathan Esser

GLANCING AHEAD (May 15th)

May 15th – New Member Inquiry Class at 10am in the Social Hall
May 22nd – Membership Breakfast & Recognition of New, 25, and 50 year Members at 9:30am. Everyone is invited and both services are encouraged to attend – this also marks the conclusion of Sunday School for the school year!
May 22nd – VBS work day 12:15-3:00 (lunch provided)
June 5th – Graduate Sunday! Recognition of graduates through high school and post-grad
June 5th – VBS work day 12:15-3:00 (lunch provided)
June 9th – Flea Market Set-Up!
June 10th & 11th – Flea Market!
June 19th – Summer Hours Begin (Worship Services for Summer – 8:30am & 10:00am)
June 19th – VBS set-up day immediately following worship
June 20th – June 24th Vacation Bible School “PANDAMANIA”
June 26th – Church Family picnic and worship service at 10am at Adams Township Park, Rotary Pavilion.

KINGDOMS

2011-05-05T07:45:00.000-07:00

I won’t deny that I do feel a sense of gratification knowing Osama Bin Laden has been captured and killed. His death is a good thing – it doesn’t allow him to continue killing and hurting people. Maybe I celebrate a little, but more than any other emotion I feel a sense of release. Not that his death makes up for the lives lost on Sept 11th or the number of troops killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. It’s more that justice seems to be a rare thing in this day and age, but justice was served in killing Bin Laden. I now fear who will take Bin Laden’s place. Will he be just as awful, or worse? Will Al-Qaida become more unified against the West? If ever there’s been a time to have faith in God, its times like these, in the midst of today’s uncertainty that we need our faith in God the most.

The story of Osama’s death overshadows other events happening in the nation and our lives. On the same day when the news broke of Bin Laden’s death, I watched President Obama award the Medal of Honor to Anthony T. Kaho'ohanohano of Hawaii and Henry Svehla of New Jersey. Kaho’ohanohano and Svehla were both killed in the Korean War. I have to admit, I wasn’t initially attracted to watching the Award Ceremony. We had just heard a speech from President Obama and this appeared to be one more speech. But the more I heard the stories of Kaho’ohanohano and Svehla the more I became interested in watching.

In contrast to the character of Bin Laden, these men offered a fine example of heroism and bravery. I was instantly struck by their leadership and their self-less courage. Kaho’ohanohano gave his life while holding his ground to allow his men to fall back to safety. Svehla, already outnumbered and nearly overrun by Chinese forces, smothered the blast of a hand grenade to save nearby troops.

Kaho’ohanohano was 21 at the time of his death. Svehla was 19. They both seem too young to have been so brave and courageous; certainly both too young to die.

But, it is their stories (and others’ like theirs) that inspire me and give me a renewed sense of conviction. At the risk of sounding clique, their stories inspire me to be a better person; I want to be the best I can be and honor the sacrifice of those who have given theirs for our freedom.

The stories of Kaho’ohanohano and Svehla remind me of another story.

Freedom is something that greatly concerns Jesus. Jesus was born into a very politically oppressive scene and He passionately fought against tyranny and the exploitation of the poor and defenseless. Jesus countered the unjust rule of the day with the message of an eternal Kingdom unlike any of the kingdoms of the world. Jesus spoke of His Father’s Kingdom - a Kingdom demarcated by peace, a Kingdom where the least among us, where children held the place of honor among all people.

Although Jesus wasn’t employed by the military and never fought with guns or grenades, His fight for freedom cost Him His life. Jesus gave His life for our freedom – that we might know the love of the Father and live not as citizens of this world, but as ambassadors for the Kingdom of Heaven.

I hope you didn’t miss these important stories in the midst of all the drawn-out coverage of Bin Laden’s death. They are stories we cannot let go unnoticed. They require our acknowledgment and our response to do what we can to bravely stand against all forms of evil - for the enjoyment of life, for the glory of the Father's Kingdom, and for freedom for all people.

Blessings to All.

MUP Glancing Ahead (May 8th):

May 8th MOTHER'S DAY! Talent Show in honor of all mothers & grandmothers! 10am with refreshments!
May 8th - SUITCASE & Dream Big Offering! If you have a suitcase you'd like to donate to the Dream Big Honduras Mission, please bring it and place it in Tarry 'n Talk, near the Dream Big donation barrel. Also, we will take up a special offering at both worship services to help defray costs of shipping donated goods to the children and families of the Dream Big Honduras Mission.
May 22nd - Membership Breakfast at 9:30am
May 28th - Youth BBQ for Quality Gardens
June 10th & 11th - MUP Flea Market (set-up on June 9th)
June 19th - Summer hours begin! Worship times for Summer beginning June 19th are 8:30am & 10:00am.
June 20th thru June 24th - Vacation Bible School "PANDAMANIA"
June 26th - Worship & Church Picnic at Rotary Pavilion

"FOLLOW THE BOUNCING BALL..."

2011-04-21T06:39:00.000-07:00

MUP Life Blog: “Follow the Bouncing Ball…”
(to Easter - April 24th!)
By Rev. Nathan Esser, Pastor of Mars U.P. Church

I recall early childhood memories of my parents dressing up my sister and me in Easter dress clothes, standing us on the front porch, and taking our picture. I laugh when I recall those days and look at the photos. How did my parents ever convince me to wear a suit and tie? I’m sure you’re all a bit surprised to hear I was a smidge mischievous as a kid. I never wanted to stand still for very long and enjoyed pulling practical jokes. But, as many a child has done before, I absolve myself of any wrong doing and instead blame my parents (Ha! I hope they read this!).

Actually, I learned a lot about practical jokes from spending summers with my Grandma and Grandpa Gilpin on their dairy farm. Just imagine the trouble to be found on a farm! First of all, it’s easy to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. From buckets of water suspended above the milk house door, to slippery “cow patties” underfoot – in the midst of a hard day’s work, there always seemed to be a reason to smile. I will never forget the time when, after waking up in the middle of the night to help gather a few heifers who broke loose from their pen, without thinking, I quickly put on flip flops! Here’s a word of advice from someone who knows…if in the middle of the night cows escape their pen, in your haste to round them up, never wear open toed shoes! My Grandpa now informs me that wearing those flip flops on that night is reason I have hairy toes! Oh, and by the way, if you ever have the chance to visit my Grandparents, never take your eye off your desert at the dinner table. And, if my Grandfather asks you to “Pull his finger…” don’t do it.

Much to my family’s chagrin, I love to pass on these treasured tricks of the trade. For example, when I ask my dad to “Pull my finger…,” he just shakes his head. Perhaps he’s rethinking all the time they allowed me to spend on the Gilpin family farm as a kid!

Isn’t it odd? Isn’t it odd how thinking of Easter, a high and holy day, leads us to think of other things that really have nothing to do with the Resurrection? Some of our fondest memories are intimately connected with Easter, but many of them only come to mind, after following one thought through to another. And I don’t think it’s necessarily bad.

Actually, I really think Easter and our celebration of the Resurrection is a wonderful gift from God! The most important message is certainly that of Christ defeating death and sin in the power of the Resurrection. But, around the message of Christ and the cross, tucked away in our celebrating Christ’s life, are special moments with our family, friends, and church.

Do you recall your Easters as a kid? Did your parents torture you by dressing you up and taking your picture? Seriously, I want to know! What about the family meal? Did anyone else have a relative who enjoyed pulling pranks?

I know, for many of us, recalling these memories also bring certain sadness. It may have been this time of the year when someone you dearly loved passed away. Or, maybe the people with whom you shared many Easter celebrations are no longer with you.

Keep in mind; your fond memories of Easter are a special gift of life from God to you. And those memories would likely never have happened if Jesus had not died on the cross and rose from the dead. You wouldn’t have those Easter memories (including the memories distantly tied to them) if it weren’t for your friends’ and family’s love for Jesus and the church!

I want my children to look back upon their childhood and recall Easter as a special time. I want them to know the gift of God’s love in Christ and also how our celebration of God’s Easter love gave them something around which to enjoy the company and love of friends and family.

How about you? Will you take time this Easter to tell the stories of old? Will you help ensure the next generation of Christians has the chance to create their own fond memories of Jesus, His church, and Easter? Even if a few of your stories aren’t really related to the Christ’s empty tomb – it’s the fact that we have a story to tell that fills our hearts and minds with the very love that God so desperately wants us to know.

Easter Blessings to All!
Rev. Nathan Esser

MUP Glancing Ahead
• Thursday, April 21st at 6pm - Maundy Thursday Lamb Stew and Communion Celebration
• Friday, April 22nd at 12noon - Good Friday Lunch with Worship Following in Sanctuary
• Saturday, April 23rd at 12noon - Easter Egg Hunt at Adams Township Park Pavilion. Bring a side dish to share!
• Sunday, April 24th at 8:30am & 11:00am - Worship Services to Witness Christ’s Resurrection

I FEEL LIKE I'M HOME AGAIN

2011-04-05T13:43:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday evening, I enjoyed hearing an inspiring message from the Rev. Alan G. Adams (Executive Presbyter of the Beaver-Butler Presbytery). Rev. Adams spoke on a familiar parable to many of us– the Parable of the Prodigal Son.

I don’t think it’s a far-off statement to suggest that all of us have been in the shoes of the Prodigal Son. I can think of a number of occasions when I started heading in a direction I initially thought to be good – only to turn around, realize the error of my ways, and humbly ask forgiveness. When the parable of the Prodigal Son is my story, I get down on my knees and thank God for His grace. I thank God for the grace that allows me to move on with my life even when I find it hard to let go of guilt. I thank God that He doesn’t hold grudges!

Part of Rev. Adams’ message really spoke to me. I hadn’t considered what happens after the Prodigal returns home. We aren’t told what happens after the party. We don’t know if the Prodigal stays with his father OR if he returns to his wayward living. I think this part of the Prodigal’s journey is left out by intention.

Let’s suppose the Prodigal once again decided to leave home and paint the town red. Even in light of his second show of disloyalty, do you think the father would willingly receive him home? Yes!! Why? The father receives him, because the father loves him. The greatest gift the father can give is his love. The money, opportunity, and honor lost during the son’s time away are things worth much less than the father’s love. The father wants his son to enjoy his greatest gift.

You know, I struggle thinking how I would respond in the father’s position. Would I be as merciful? Would I welcome back someone after having my trust betrayed?

It’s important to keep this story in mind as we approach Easter. Life is busy; there are countless chores to do before day’s end. It’s likely someone will do something or say something to offend you. The story of the Prodigal Son should remind us (and all of Christendom) of God’s hope for His people and church - it should remind us of the great gift the church is able to offer the world. Do you know this gift? It is the love of God in Christ.

So, this Easter take time to welcome each other into the house of God. Use this opportunity to invite others to come to church and celebrate the wonderful gift of God’s love. Also, take this time to reach out to old friends. Maybe pray about letting go of a long-held grudge and calling that person with whom at one time you shared close friendship. Maybe you need to forgive yourself and let go of the guilt and bitterness inside you. Just as the father welcomed back the Prodigal Son, God is ready and willing to receive you.

After all, that’s what Easter is all about.

This coming Sunday evening’s speaker will be the Rev. Dick Morledge. Rev. Morledge served as long-time pastor for Bakerstown Presbyterian Church. Dinner will be served at 5pm by the Red Room Sunday School Class (yum!). The children’s activities include sharing a Seder Meal (parents, if you don’t know what a Seder meal is all about – come and find out!). Teens in grades 6th thru 12th are encouraged to participate in the evening’s youth group activities.

Blessings to all!

MUP Glancing Ahead:

April 10th at 5pm - Lent at MUP!
April 17th at 6pm - EVENSONG Worship & the NEW Veggie Tales Movie for Children
April 21st at 6pm - Maundy Thursday Lamb Stew and Communion
April 22nd at 12noon - Good Friday Lunch & Worship
April 23rd at 12 noon - EGGSSZITING Easter Egg Hunt at Adams Township Park
April 24th - Christ has risen! Easter worship - 8:30am and 11:00am

40 DAYS

2011-03-29T09:08:00.000-07:00

Lent is a season of the preparation. The season of Lent involves spiritual preparation through prayer, repentance, self-giving, and self-denial to commemorate the passion of Christ and celebrate His resurrection. It’s a season that invites us to get rid of our spiritual cobwebs, dust off our Bibles and give a little more energy toward fostering a renewed love for Jesus and His church.

To help foster a renewed love for Jesus and the church, we have prepared a Mars U.P. Devotional Booklet – for Lent & Beyond! Prepared by members of the Mars U.P. congregation, the Devotional Booklet contains 35 daily Scripture readings along with insightful reflections that will lift your spirits! I have been greatly encouraged reading through the booklet and I have particularly enjoyed discovering what God is doing in the hearts of many people in our congregation.

I commend the Devotional Booklet to you and hope you take the time to utilize this wonderful resource for your spiritual benefit. If you haven’t already picked up a devotional, they will also be available in Tarry ‘n Talk this Sunday, April 3rd.

Another great opportunity to clean out your “spiritual cob-webs” is to help the church clean out the “actual cob-webs” during our Church Spring Cleaning Day, April 9th at 9am. We will be cleaning, dusting, putting away, etc. – anything we can do to help present a shiny, beautiful church for worship on Easter Sunday. Donuts, juice and coffee will be provided. Please also bring your own cleaning supplies with you.

Hope you are able to join us! As is often the case when serving the church, many hands make light work AND serving alongside our friends at church is a great source joy and blessing.

God’s peace be with you all – see you on Sunday, if not before!

-Rev. Nathan Esser

GLANCING AHEAD: MORE for LENT

• Sunday Evening Lenten Program – This Sunday evening, April 3rd, children and teens will be dyeing and blowing eggs (yay!!). Adults will share in an interesting program led by Rev. Alan Adams, Executive Presbyter of Beaver-Butler Presbytery. Dinner begins at 5pm with programming to follow dinner.

• Young Adult Group (YAG) is invited for Hors d'oeuvres, drinks & fellowship on April 9th at 6:15pm. Bring your favorite plate of food to share. Please RSVP to Rev. and Mrs. Esser.

• Maundy Thursday Lamb Stew & Communion – April 21st at 6pm. A wonderful opportunity to prepare your heart and mind for Easter. Please RSVP through the Church Office.

• Good Friday Soup Lunch and Worship Service – April 22nd at 12noon. Worship will begin, following lunch, at 12:45.

MUP Life Blog & Glancing Ahead (March 27th)

2011-03-22T17:32:00.000-07:00

A DAY IN THE LIFE: EARLY MORNING PREPARATION

During the first few weeks I arrived as Pastor for Mars UP Church, Rev. Terry Stoops (who eventually would become my mentor) encouraged me to find time in the morning of each day to work on things at home and plan for the day. “It’s good to come to the office late in the mornings and use your morning to get things done. Once you enter the Church Office,” he stated, “it’s difficult to finish what you need to get done.” So, I’ve heeded Rev. Stoop’s advice. Before leaving home for the office, I take time to pray for the church, plan for worship, work on sermon preparation, and plan for the day ahead. It turns out to be a very productive part of my day – amidst all the flurry that happens once my feet enter the Church Office building, it’s nice to have connected with God and completed a few things that needed done.

Every job has its challenges. Each challenge is helped or hindered by the strengths and weaknesses of the person doing the job. The challenge of being pastor, as I see it, is finding the balance between administrative tasks and relational ministry. On any day, I’d much rather be working in the field, visiting parishioners, but it’s a balance. There is plenty work to do in both areas of church work - and rarely is either activity ever completed as timely as I’d like.

Christian author, Philip Yancey, writes that pastors often suffer from having a “Savior complex.” He talks about the tendency of many pastors to over-function in serving the church. As if to prove to the world the great joy and provision offered through Jesus Christ, pastors lose their focus on Christ and replace it with the desire to become “people pleasers.” Here’s another fine word of advice that’s been stated many times, “You can’t please everyone – it’s impossible.” Becoming a “people pleaser” is a hopeless endeavor and quickly becomes an obstacle in doing ministry and being faithful to God. Oddly enough, it’s also what often leads to people leaving the church and is chief cause of burnout among pastors. That’s why it’s important for us to fix our eyes on the true focus of our lives – Jesus Christ. Hebrews 12 calls us to the task stating, “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith. Who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame to sit down at the right hand of God. Consider Him who endured such agony, that you may not lose hope.”

The great news is that we worship a powerful God. So, no matter how far we believe we fall short in serving God, the grace of God takes our humble offerings and transforms them into something beautiful. In fact, that’s what our celebration of Easter is all about – the world was a sinful place without any reason for hope; but Christ entered the world, defeated death, and offers us the chance to do something beautiful with our lives. Jesus did for us what we could not do for ourselves. Let’s keep our eyes on Christ, and together, not lose sight of God’s hope for our lives.

Blessings to All!

Hebrews 13:2 states, “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.”

Glancing Ahead

March 27th at 5pm – Sunday Evening Lenten Program with Dinner and Program for All Ages! Guest speaker will be Elder Paul Bhame!

*MUP Life Blog is a ministry of Mars United Presbyterian Church. Past entries are found here: http://muplife.blogspot.com/

SUFFICIENT GRACE

2011-03-16T08:05:00.000-07:00

A good friend recently called me seeking help – he had been through quite a bit and wanted to know what to account for the bad things that have happened recently in his life.

He had served in the military and experienced many of the hardships that go along with serving overseas in a time of war (the hardships of which I can only begin to imagine). He returned home to deal with a number of health issues stemming from his time in the Middle East & having been disconnected from his wife and children.

In the past few years, his wife grew away from him and eventually filed for divorce. His health struggles continued, but were becoming more psychological.

So his question…was he being punished for past sin? Did he party too much as a teenager? How did these past few years of his life fit as part of a God’s plan for his life?

Here’s a bit more background. This is a guy who didn’t grow up in the church. He wasn’t taught the stories nor given the opportunity to explore faith and nurture a positive set of convictions. So, when he’s hit with unexpected hardship, he turns to God seeking answers.

Only, he opens the Bible hoping to find a scripture to help, but doesn’t know where to begin. He “church hops” and attends a few churches – this confuses him even more! There are so many churches and each one says a lot of different things. He begins to wonder if faith has anything to offer him. The question, “Is there a God,” echoes louder in the back of his mind.

Then he calls me. We live in different states, so I’m not able to rush over and visit with him. But I want to help. So, I offer a few words of encouragement. I tell him that he’s not being punished for something he’s done in the past. Things happen and often there’s no explanation. But God is with him and has always been with him. And God has shared his struggle and pain with every step. I wanted him to know that through all the joy and hardship of life, God works for the best for all of us – God’s plan is to bring good into our lives – but until we reach Heaven, the good will be mixed with bad. A part of the bad stems from choices we and other people have made that have led to rather awkward and difficult circumstances. And another part of our pain results from life having a beginning and end. Our bodies aren’t perfect. We battle disease, we grow old, our bodies grow weak – at times the pain is unbearable. But it’s important to know that the good we cling to in life flows from the love of God. No matter life’s circumstances, God invites us to enjoy His peace, love, fulfillment, and joy. And God provides us with people – friends, family, and church – to be the physical reminders of God’s love and to support us when we need it most. The good in life is perhaps a glimpse of heaven on earth and offers us hope even through the most difficult times in our lives.

Faith in the midst of life’s struggle was put in perspective for me this past Sunday evening when Rev. RB McCrumb spoke during our Lenten program. His message was about the grace of God and the particular comfort of the Christian faith. God’s grace is sufficient! God’s grace is sufficient for me and for you. It’s all we need! No matter how strong the waves that knocked us down, no matter how dark the alleys we’ve traveled, God breaks into our lives to offer the help we need to imagine hope. A hope for each of our lives – and a hope for our church!

One of the last things I said to my friend before I hung up the phone was to keep seeking and to keep his heart and mind open to the Spirit of God. No matter how confusing it might be when seeking answers to questions of faith in the midst of life’s storms, God will speak. Even when looking in Scripture not knowing where to start – God will speak. Even when going to church and wondering what’s happening in the midst of a church worship service – God will speak. God will speak and lead you to find the questions you’re looking for. Just keep showing up and don’t give up the search.

This coming Sunday evening’s speaker will be Rev. Terry Stoops. His message will focus upon seeking God during the season of Lent. There will be another wonderful meal beginning at 5pm. The children and youth of the church have more fun activities planned – it will be a very special night!

Hope to see you there! Blessings to all!

LONGING FREEDOM & STRUCTURE

2011-02-23T10:32:00.000-08:00

I live my life wrestling to master two great longings. One longing seeks adventure, chasing after the unrestrained freedom in the Spirit. Have you sensed this longing?

After a recent snowfall, I sat down in the snow and carefully leaned back to shape a snow angel. As I carved the snow, my eyes glimpsed the drifting clouds steadily crossing the sky– there was something spiritual about watching the clouds. I imagined God giving each one its shape and function. Some extra white and fluffy. Others sleek and fast. And, for the moment, I lost track of time. I set aside my worry and the long list of chores yet to be done. I stumbled upon a sense freedom. As one with the clouds, I felt accountable to no other being or power than alone the great power of the Divine.

On the other side of the spectrum, I wrestle a longing for structure, routine, familiarity, and ritual. This more defined longing provides a guide through which my understanding of God and faith to develop a certain depth and expression. It helps connect my faith and life’s story with the revealed person of God and the witness of billions of other people who have come before me.

Both the longings for unrestrained freedom and defined structure are good. Both longings help me better know and love God. They are complimentary; the more I find myself in one, the more I long for the other.

I notice these expressions of desire, not only in my life, but also in reading the stories about God’s interactions with humanity. In Ancient Israel, God provided a way for the Israelites to enjoy a tangible, meaningful relationship with Him. Holy places provided a place through which traditions were created to tell the ongoing story of the Divine. People were called to serve as priests and prophets, helping voice the needs of the people to God and the words of God to the people. The forms and practices, in and of themselves, were not made to take the place of God. Rather, they were intended to help foster the personal and communal bond between God and humanity.

The people of Ancient Israel erred too far on the side of structure. So much so, that they began to miss the vibrant, heart-felt freedom for which it was given. Jesus was sent to help overcome the awesome burden of the practice of their law and traditions.

I’m afraid today’s society has moved too far in the other direction. Rather than being encumbered by tradition, ritual, and forms – today’s society is more likely to set aside the valuable structures of religion. What do we find filling its place? In its place we find a self-centered, watered down approach to spirituality that is based on little-to-nothing. It’s akin to humanistic expressions voiced in the past: “If it feels good do it. If it doesn’t don’t do it.” Or, “I’m ok, you’re ok, we’re all ok.”

But a watered-down, self-centered spirituality shifts the focus away from God. It shifts the focus away from God and places our faith’s focus on us - on our own desires, system of values, bias, and preferences. When it’s all about us, it’s easy to lose perspective. When it’s all about us, it’s easy to lose sight of God. While “doing your own thing” might help you “feel spiritual” – most of the times it “feels good” because you’re not challenged to deal with the things God wants you to address. Or you decided to take the road often traveled and abandon God’s call to truly love those you find it difficult to embrace.

I want us to wrestle with these two longings - longings for freedom & structure – and find their balance. It’s a balance that’s difficult. But if we strive to find it, while keeping our eyes on Christ, we are better for it.

I once heard that finding this balance is very much akin to learning to dance. When you learn how to dance, at first you’re overcome with technique. It’s as if you have two left feet! And you practice over and over. Sometimes it hurts! Sometimes it’s boring! Sometimes your toes are stepped on! But the more you practice, the more freedom and happiness you are able to enjoy in the midst of the dance. Faith invites us to enjoy the dance. But not without first learning the story, its purpose, and form. And also not without the intent of shaping your heart to enjoy it - making the dance – faith in God - possible for all to love and share.

When dancing (and in faith), you never leave behind the basics and the practice of your technique. The basics are central to dance and to faith. They become more and more important the more you grow in your experience with God.

So, I hope you take up this chance to learn (or re-learn) how to dance. I hope you come to church and keep coming. I hope you see yourself as part of the dance and as an important piece of the larger picture in the life of God and the world. And I hope you enjoy the music, the beauty, the joy – and the battle between longings. In the midst of enjoying the form and structure of dance, you’ll soon too discover its unrestrained freedom.

When asked about the greatest of commandments, Jesus replied: “Love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, mind, and strength. And love your neighbor as yourself.”

Blessings to All!

THROWING STONES

2011-02-19T17:07:00.000-08:00

This past Friday, the sound of spring was in the air. Along with the refreshing return of warmer weather, I’ve noticed the chatter and song of birds in the yard. In this warm weather, I love to take walks with the family (it’s good to get out of the house). And I’ve noticed more and more people taking to the streets, also enjoying the early signs of spring.

Around the neighborhood where I live there are three Guinea Hens who go from yard to yard. We call these Guinea Hens our “chickies.” It’s my way of recalling the days of my youth and the summers I’d spend on my Grandfather’s farm. It’s fun to pretend I’m a farmer with a plot of land and livestock – and without having to shovel the stalls! When the “chickens” first arrived on our street, they were the talk of the town. They were loud and they left their mark in the places they had been. And no one knew the house or farm from which they escaped.

I remember a few times, people would yell at the Guinea Hens, chase them, and even throw stones! Acting as if they were part of my flock, I asked them to stop. I also would ask why they were throwing stones. Most often people replied, “Because they don’t belong here. They don’t belong, they are invasive.”

Well, I came to find out they are no longer considered invasive. They have been around long enough to be considered native. But the comment, “They don’t belong here” has stuck with me.

I mean, even if they are considered “invasive” what harm are they to us? Aside, from the occasional under-foot surprise and the loud noise they make when people come near, they are harmless. In fact, I’m more inclined to enjoy them (and their random placed surprises) as a reminder of God’s good creation.

But…the more I think of “our chickens”, I wonder, how often I throw stones.

You know what stones I mean. Not literal stones; but stones of insult, offense, indifference, and judgment. When something or someone doesn’t fall in line with my expectations – do I embrace it or the person? Do I receive the unexpected as a surprising reminder of the unpredictability of God, maybe even a test of my faith? OR do I place what I don’t like on the margins along with other things I believe shouldn’t be?

The Bible is chocked full of stories warning against throwing stones. The story of the Good Samaritan in Luke’s Gospel is one example. It brings to the fore, racial and ethnic barriers that truly encumber the lives of those who follow Christ. The Good Samaritan calls us to be compassionate toward others and examine our “worldly” perspectives. Excerpts from the letters of Paul remind us that what often appears as good judgment might actually be foolish. Paul writes in his letters to Corinth, “But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.” God asks us, time and time again, to “lean not on our own understanding” but to rather lean on wisdom from God (Proverbs 3:5-6).

There are numerous other scriptures I could cite. The parable of the Good Samaritan and Paul’s emphatic urgings to Christians in Corinth are two that were recently shared as part of Sunday morning worship. Through them all, God’s piercing message draws us back to examine the source of our wisdom and existence. God asks, “What is the foundation upon which your life is constructed? Is your living based upon something that has endured the test of time?”

God pulls us back to Scripture. And, He knows even when reading scripture we’ll often mess up. So, he places us alongside other Christians (in church) to study the Word together and put it into action.

People often tell me they don’t need other people to help them be “spiritual” and connect with God. My response is usually something like, it’s true God is everywhere and that you don’t have to be in church to have a conversation with God. But even if you pray a lot on your own, it’s often hard to see and understand what God is doing. Sometimes the best “reading” of Scripture is coming to church and seeing the physical presence of Christ in the people around you.

And, to be brutally honest, saying you don’t need other people, sounds awfully prideful. It’s kind of like saying that you have this Christian thing figured out and that there’s no more room for you to grow to be a better, more loving person.

I know the Church can be frustrating at times. I see more of it than anyone! But it’s still a place that does a lot of good. Its history is not perfect – but it’s a history filled with people who have experienced grace, who changed their lives to help change the lives of others.

And, things often do not go the way people want in the church. And things often also move far too slow.

But, sometimes, most times, this is not a bad thing. It reminds us that God is ultimately the one in charge, not us. It’s not about us! It’s about God and the work He is able to do through us. And God will use us if we are willing to let Him AND if we show up to be a part of what He’s doing.

Blessings to All!

A LIFE OF DEVOTION

2011-02-03T08:39:00.000-08:00

A LIFE OF DEVOTION

"I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; that you may love the LORD your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days;" (Deuteronomy 30:19-20)

Our church is putting together a devotional booklet for the season of Lent (can you believe it’s almost here?!). I am looking for 40 people to write a short reflection on a provided passage of Scripture. So far, I’m very pleased to announce we have 30 people committed to write a devotion for our church! We only need 10 more people!

Take a moment and consider writing a devotion for our church. Here are a couple things to take into account as you do:

1. BE READY - I love the Scout motto, “Be Prepared.” That’s also why I carry a roll of duct tape and a paper clip in the trunk of my car – you never know! A Christian’s motto or “calling” is the same. 1 Peter 3:15 states, “15But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” God depends on YOU (yes you!!) to share the Good News of Christ with others. And you need to be reading Scripture to be ready to offer help when called upon by others. How can you shine your light if you aren’t able to relate God’s Word to your neighbor?

2. WRESTLE – Remember the story of Jacob wrestling with God from Genesis 32? Jacob was faced with overwhelming circumstances. His brother, Esau, had a large army and Jacob was worried Esau would seek vengeance upon him and his family. So, Jacob called upon God for help. Jacob would not relent until he had received a blessing from God and finally found a sense of peace. We too often face things that overwhelm us. We are given the choice – we can run, hide, or wrestle! Like Jacob, a blessing awaits those who persist in prayer and wrestle to gain understanding through God’s word. There is not a question, fear, worry, or complaint that God cannot handle. It’s often through our most difficult times that we begin to really see the power of our faith. Keep wrestling!

3. REPLAY – Be willing to share the times of your wrestling. Often when you share your struggle, others discover they are not alone in their struggle. God is able to use your wrestling to offer hope for another person who feels lost, abandoned, and confused. I know how horrible it can be to remember your past. But, your ability to share might just save a life. Romans 8:28 states, “28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” God can and will take something horrible and use it to bring help and hope to someone in distress.

Telling the story and relating the words of Scripture to life, is not a job reserved only for your pastor. Nor should it only take place on Sunday mornings! Reading God’s Word and applying it to life is part of God’s plan to redeem the world. This means that God depends on YOU to bring hope and healing to the world! You’re part of the ingredient that makes the medicine work; you’re part of the gears that function to make the world a better place.

Blessings to All!

MUP Glancing Ahead:
Feb 12th - Children's Valentine's Tea (sign-up now if you haven't alread!)
Feb 13th - Camp "K" returns with the story of the Good Samaritan.
Feb 20th - Church wide game night - come to challenge Bea Moore to Connect 4 OR Keith Nichols to Stratego!
Feb 26th - Women's Tea at Johnston Tea House
Feb 27th - Financial Planning Discussion (9:45am-10:45am); Submit your questions today!
March 5th - MUP Community Pancake Breakfast!

SANTA IS WATCHING!

2011-01-20T19:46:00.000-08:00

For leverage to help encourage good behavior in our oldest son, my wife and I would often tell Bradley, “Santa is watching.”

And, for the most part, I discovered that Santa is pretty influential! Bradley seemed to straighten up right away when reference was made to that certain jolly man in a red suit.

So, I guess I should not have been surprised when, following an argument with my wife, Bradley tugs at my arm and says, “Daddy. You and Mommy fight. Santa watching.”

Talk about conviction! Immediately, I scooped him up and held him close. The message was clear. It was as if God was speaking, reminding me not to take things for granted.

That’s part of my confession. I take too much for granted in life. My wife, my family, my faith, our church, my health…the list is long.

It’s not that I’m unthankful or non-appreciative of all that God has given me, it’s just there are few times I really take time to enjoy them.

How about you?

I recently read a brief chapter from “GOD CAME NEAR” by Christian author, Max Lucado. Max tells the story about a time when he was visiting the family of a missionary. His daughter was playing outside with the children of the family he was visiting. Suddenly, one of the children rushes in, “Jillian is in the pool!” Jillian, Max’s daughter, was only 2-years old at the time. Knowing Jillian didn’t know how to swim, Max rushed out to the yard to save her. Thankfully, he rescued her from the pool in time. Jillian coughed up pool water, but she would be ok. Max and his wife held Jillian close for the rest of the next few days. It was a close brush with death and a reminder not to take their lives for granted.

In his book, Max goes on to describe how “taking things for granted” is a method the enemy of God uses to break us of our faith. If we see life as boring and dull, we’ll eventually lose that sense of wonder and that conviction that the Spirit of God is working all around us.

But, by the grace of God, life is far better than what we settle to make it.

Think of the missed opportunities in the first part of this week alone. Think of the chances you’ve had to speak words of encouragement and love to your friends, co-workers, and family. But, instead, you’re too proud to admit just how much you love the people in your life; so, you chose to appear tough and stubborn. Maybe you’ve been stressed out at work or maybe you’re wrestling with news you heard from the doctor – and the only way you know to release your anger and frustration is with hurtful words toward others. You could have chosen to love, you could have made the most of an opportunity, but you missed it. Imagine what your words of encouragement and love could have done!

I’m not writing this to make you feel guilty. I’m writing to remind you of the abundance God offers us. And, to encourage you to make the most your opportunities and enjoy your life.

After all, it could be in the middle of your day, while you’re preoccupied with the most boring part of your work, that the Spirit of God offers you an exciting opportunity to love and share your faith.

It could be following dinner with your family, you’re adding up the bills for the month and there’s little money left, but rather than dwell on what you don’t have in the bank, it’s an opportunity to celebrate what you do have - your family and the life you share with them.

It could be waking up on Sunday morning and taking one hour out of your week to say thank you to God with a bunch of good old Presbyterians in worship! Can I get a witness?!

I know life is not easy. All of us have far too much on our plates. But don’t let your busy schedule or challenging circumstances take away from your ability to enjoy the life God’s given you.

God offers us the way to best enjoy our lives – all we need is the eyes to see it in the world and the people around us.

Blessings to all!

ITS ALL GOOD.

2011-01-13T08:40:00.000-08:00

IT’S ALL GOOD
I know I may have been a bit edgy this past week. Thanks to everyone for putting up with me and my crankiness.

It helps knowing people care. I received a number of encouraging emails and phone calls from people in our church. Some stated, about my previous blog and the reality of brokenness, “We feel it too!” Others told me encouraging stories of how God’s Spirit has been working powerfully through their lives OR through someone close to them. It’s good to know you’re not alone! Let me state that again, it’s good to know you’re not alone!

Thank you for being reminders of the presence of God!

In fact, that’s my words of wisdom and encouragement for this week’s blog. You see, we have a tendency (we meaning people in general) to isolate ourselves when faced with difficult and trying situations. We’ve been taught to fend for ourselves! It’s the old adage, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going!”

Is it a pride thing? Do we not want people to know we have weaknesses and struggles?

I’m all for working hard and putting your nose to the proverbial grindstone. Frankly, that’s one of the many hidden jewels I gleaned from my high school football coach. He’d often say, with an eye toward overcoming our exhaustion and muscle aches, “These are the times that try men souls!” And he would push our bodies to the brink of collapse. Each practice, some more than others, was a test to see if we had the metal and strength to endure.

But the truth is, and it’s true on the football field, that if you try to go it alone, you will stumble and fall. I didn’t really notice just how much my football teammates meant to me at the time, now it’s clear as day. The more we try to be strong for the sake of our own pride and struggle through difficult circumstances, the more we are likely to make bad decisions or collapse under pressure.

At every crossroad of your life, there are people with whom you can confide. There are people willing to listen, offer advice, and pray with you. If you find yourself at a point in your life, right now, and you feel that the weight is too great for you to carry. It probably is too heavy for you and it probably means you need to ask for someone to help share your burden.

Let’s get it all out on the table – there’s no shame in sharing your struggle. If you and your spouse are considering separation or divorce, if you feel disconnected from your friends and family, now is the time to ask for help. Don’t wait. Share the burden and invite the grace of God and the love of the church to help you bear the weight you were never intended to carry alone.

Backed by Scripture...

James 5:13-16 states, “13 Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. 16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”

Ecclesiastes 4:12 states, “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."

Hebrews 12:1 states, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."

I Corinthians 12:24-26 states, “But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 25 so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.”

Romans 12:5 states, “So in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.”

MUP Glancing Ahead:
• Sunday, Jan 23rd at 12noon - Children’s Ministry Brainstorm Meeting
• Friday, Jan 28th – Sunday Jan 30th - Church Ski Trip to Peak N Peek
• Saturday, Feb 12th from 1-3pm - Children's Valentines Tea
• Sunday, Feb 20th beginning at 5pm - Church Game Night in Church
• Saturday, Feb 26th at 1:30pm - Ladies Tea at Johnson Tea House
• Sunday, Feb 27th at 10am - Financial Planning Panel Discussion

*MUP Life is a blog offered as part of the ministry of Mars UP Church. You can read past entries by clicking here: http://muplife.blogspot.com/

BROKEN

2011-01-05T20:28:00.000-08:00

It’s been a tough week; my heart has felt heavy. Maybe it’s the let down from an awesome season of Advent and I’m feeling sad that we decided to take down the decorations and put away the Christmas tree. Christmas is such a joyful time, I hate to see it come and go. Maybe it’s just that time of year. You know, it’s winter; it’s dark and cold outside.

But, for some reason, I see brokenness more than before.

Some of us are going through ugly divorces and separations. There is news of incurable disease – each time someone in the church is undergoing tests, I pray it’s not the c-word.

And I see brokenness, not only in the stories of individuals, but also in the Christian church. Not just our church, but churches in all places. People are deciding they don’t need church or the God they find revealed in the people of the church. I often hear something like, “I believe in God, just not church.” It’s very close to saying, “I’m spiritual, but not religious.” Really??

Are people frustrated by the church because they want to seek God uninhibited by committees and church governance? Are people fed up working with other people with whom they don’t necessarily see eye to eye? Do folks just want to go somewhere, hear music, get a little excited, and not have to really be a part of anything? Do people attend church to get a feeling, to take and not necessarily give? If that’s where faith and religion are getting the most attention, we are in real trouble.

You see, the Christian faith is all about the people and relationship. The faith begins with a growing love of God and blossoms to impact the relationships believers share with other people. Jesus didn’t say love only those you find it easy to love! Jesus described true love by loving your enemies, loving those you don’t like, can’t stand, those you like to try to avoid if you can.

A bit a conflict (just a bit) is a healthy thing for a church. The presence of conflict tells me that people are being honest and they are striving to face up to the incredible call of Christ’s love. It’s the work of God taking place!

If someone backs away, when people remove themselves from a community of faith, part of the wonderful potential for the Christian church also dies. Part of the radiant love of Christ and the true power of its expression is cast in shadow.

And it’s the same when people divorce and when friendships die. The breaking of any relationship leads to brokenness.

You might not agree with me. That’s ok, I still love you. I might not show it in a way that you see it all the time, but I do. And…I don’t want you to back away from the difficult, life changing love that God has in store for you. Keep loving.

Somewhere along the way we all make choices. We make choices to stay a part of something or leave it. We make a CHOICE to love or not. Usually people stop loving because they’ve been hurt, perhaps even too proud to admit any wrong. Maybe it’s an intellectual chasm that creates the rift. But, you have to know that when life is all said and done, most of what we argued about most passionately won’t be worth the time we spent arguing.

Love is a choice. It’s what the Apostle Paul tells us is the greatest of all things – LOVE! Love is also a bright light in a dark world. It’s the Scotch tape in a world of broken, hurting people.

My hope and prayer for 2011 is for there to be MORE LOVE than 2010. My hope is that people remain committed in love and friendship, to Christ, and the family of God. Will you pray this too?

One thing for sure, everyone loses when relationships are broken. But everyone wins when we choose to stay and to love.

May the love of God bless each and every one of you.

CHRISTMAS BLESSINGS!

2010-12-21T13:37:00.000-08:00

During Christmas we celebrate the ultimate gift of love given through Christ’s birth. I am so excited for Christmas and I hope you are too! It’s really a time God gives to us to set aside space in our busy lives to better experience the blessings of our faith. So, if you feel overwhelmed, Christmas is a message of peace. If you feel worried and anxious, Christ’s birth is a message of hope. If you feel sad and find yourself in an impossible rut, this is a time to empty yourself before God and be filled with joy. And for those among us who feel distant and alone, perhaps angry at God or guilt-ridden, Christmas is a reminder of grace and an intimate, unconditional love.

Won’t you join me in celebrating the blessings of Christmas?

Our Church is offering two wonderful opportunities to experience the light of Christ’s birth. The 7pm candlelight worship service offers music from our talented Chancel Choir. Nursery care is also provided at 7pm. The 11pm candlelight worship service invites you to share in a Christmas Communion along with special music from percussionist, Nathan Cook.

I hope to see you on Friday, if not before! Until then, MERRY CHRISTMAS!

MUP Glancing Ahead:

Dec 22nd at 6pm Christmas Caroling (Bring Cookies!)
Dec 24th Christmas Eve Worship Services at 7pm & 11pm
Dec 26th Worship in Sanctuary at 8:30am & 11am
Dec 29th Church Ice Skating at 10:30am at Ice Connection
Jan 28th – Jan 30th Church Ski Retreat to Peak N Peek
Feb 20th at 5pm Church Game Night (Go Fish!)

*MUP Life is a blog offered as part of the ministry of Mars UP Church. You can read past entries by clicking here: http://muplife.blogspot.com/

JOY in BELIEVING

2010-12-08T05:48:00.000-08:00

On Friday, I helped officiate my first catholic wedding. It was a beautiful ceremony for a really special bride and groom. I actually played a larger role in the wedding ceremony than I originally expected. I was surprised by the willingness of the priest to share several significant liturgical elements of the ceremony. I was surprised because Catholic priests and Presbyterian pastors don’t often invite each other to participate in sharing each others’ sacraments.

I questioned the priest about my part in the service after the wedding ceremony. I thanked him for being so kind and generous in sharing the prayers, readings, and blessings. And I pressed him - I wanted to know why he was willing to be so open to participation from a Presbyterian. I also asked him about the catholic pressure placed on families to remain Catholic. He replied saying many things have changed in the Catholic Church. Vatican II has created more common ground between Catholics and other Christians. In his opinion, the pressure to remain catholic no longer came from the parish, but from families of an earlier generation and of a different time.

The priest shared with me that his sister called him one day with a concern. She told him about his nephew, her son, who decided to begin attending and join a Methodist church. She was distressed and looking for priestly advice. “What should I do?” she explained. He shared his reply with me, “Does it matter where your son goes to church? There is joy in knowing he believes.”

There is joy in knowing he believes.

That’s a statement that has stuck with me for the past few days. Especially considering its timing. This coming Sunday, Dec 12th, is the third Sunday of Advent, the Sunday of JOY. As Christians, it is a time for us to rejoice in the gift of faith and of Christ’s birth. No matter this be a time of prosperity or a time of struggle, the message of JOY is a message that God is faithfully with us.

Will you join me in sharing this JOY?

Our third Advent study is this Sunday at 9:45am. It is a wonderful opportunity for you to share in the story of Christ’s birth and set aside a special time to be with other Christians in the house of the Lord. This week’s sermon will also take up the topic of JOY and give a challenge to share the ultimate gift of Christmas – the gift of faith in Christ.
See you on Sunday!

ASKING THE IMPOSSIBLE OF THE IMPOSSIBLE

2010-11-29T11:51:00.000-08:00

“GOD ASKS THE IMPOSSIBLE OF THE IMPOSSIBLE”

REFLECTIONS ON ADVENT STUDY #1 – HOPE!

This past Sunday, Nov 28th, began the season of Advent and our special Sunday School Advent Program for Adults. The program is entitled “A SAVIOR IS BORN” and invites us to know the HOPE, PEACE, JOY, and LOVE of Christ expressed in this special season of preparation and celebration. Anyone is welcome to join in the program. If you weren’t able to attend the first program offering, consider participating this Sunday at 9:45am in the Social Hall of the church. You won’t regret it!

Here are a few reflections from this past Sunday:

“God asks the impossible of the impossible” (a great comment by Bob Cox). It reminds me of the scripture from Luke 12:48, "From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked” (NIV). People who already have a lot of responsibilities are often depended upon by many and asked to do more. These are people who find ways to get things done and have a positive impact upon others.
“What about Joseph?” (another great question by Bob). Mary had the feeling of a baby growing in her womb, what influenced Joseph's trust in Mary and God? Would it have been more difficult for Joseph to believe Mary’s child was the Messiah, the Son of God?
How do we listen and discern the voice of God? And, how do we recognize God’s voice when we hear it?
Have you ever felt led by God? Or, have you ever refused to follow in a direction you felt God was leading you? What is the “impossible” question God is asking of us? Why do we doubt that all things are possible with God?

The last two bullet points seemed to really stick in my mind as I left church Sunday morning. Is God still speaking? How does God participate in the lives of His people? Most of our discussion around these two points on Sunday morning, reflected upon times we sensed God’s guiding presence when we looked back upon a past event. It was only after time had passed, that we were able to see the presence of God with us. Is this how God works today? Is God’s presence observed only when glancing at the past? Or, is there a way to sense God’s presence and leading right now, looking toward the future?

The people described throughout Scripture didn’t have the all-encompassing witness of the Bible which we have today. People in the Ancient World had a strong sense of God’s presence. God often spoke to them through the agency of prophetic figures and God’s presence was shared through the re-telling of the history of the people; but the full scope of the Old Testament historic and prophetic writings along with the New Testament books and letters were not accessible to the people for reading and study. But they are available to us. The stories and witness of the faith of countless generations are within our reach. We have the tremendous source of inspiration through the Scriptures which are able to help guide us and speak the Word and presence of God into our lives.

So, the question again: Are we able to sense God’s guiding presence as we consider our future? Is God still speaking? Yes, God is still speaking. But, by in large, we are horrible listeners.

God is still speaking and the best way to hear His voice is through Scripture, in the reading and study of the Bible. Theologian Karl Barth once wrote, “The Word of God is not a thing or an object, but God Himself speaking.” Reading and studying the Scriptures bring us face to face with the revelation of Jesus Christ.

The obstacle that often prevents us from hearing God’s voice and from sensing His presence is our preoccupation with other parts of our lives that also require our attention. The reality is that we won’t really hear God’s voice or sense His presence until we learn how to quiet our thoughts and listen. I remember hearing someone say, “Prayer begins when you run out of things to say. When you finish talking to God and begin listening, that’s when you really experience the power of prayer.”

So true.

This week in church we will begin talking about the PEACE of God in Advent. Please come and join in discussion about the PEACE of Christ through our ADVENT STUDY at 9:45am in the Social Hall. And, because this is the season of Advent, a season of preparation, take the time you have between now and Sunday to say all you need to say to God - get everythin off your chest. And when you run out of things to say and you feel that prayer time is over, sit a while more and listen for a word from the LORD. Part of really knowing God’s Advent PEACE, as I hope you come to know, is offered to us when we set aside our own thoughts and agenda and listen for a word from the LORD.

Blessings to all!

-Rev. Nathan Esser

ADVENT WONDER: HOPE, PEACE, JOY, and LOVE

2010-11-25T07:58:00.000-08:00

I’ve been thinking a lot about Jesus. I imagine meeting Jesus as I go about my everyday business and wonder who He might be dressed up as in disguise. Sometimes, I picture Jesus sitting in the sanctuary of our church in worship on Sunday. When I notice an unfamiliar face in a pew and ask myself, “Could that be that Jesus?”

Today is Thanksgiving. It’s a time when family and friends gather together to enjoy food and each other’s company. As my family sits for our meal, I wonder, “Should we pull up an extra chair in case Jesus decides to stop by for turkey and stuffing?”

Imagining Jesus sitting with us around the table, I wonder what He would think of my family and our celebration. Would Jesus smile and laugh with us in hearing our stories and in sharing our memories? Would He ask for a second helping of Uncle Jim’s traditional oyster stuffing? I want to believe Jesus would fit right in with us. I want to imagine that He would enjoy the way my family expresses its love and care.

And then I wonder what Jesus thinks and feels looking at each person of my family. I glance around the room – Uncle Brian, Aunt Keri, Grandma & Grandpa, Uncle Wes & Aunt Marsha, Mom & Dad, Jenne, Bradley, and Bryson, my sister and her family. Each person matters so much to me. I love each of them in a different way, for different reasons, and I am more aware of this love when I imagine the way Jesus loves each of them.

This Sunday, November 28th, marks the first Sunday of Advent. Advent is a time of preparation, leading us toward Christmas Eve’s joyful celebration of Christ’s birth. This is my favorite time of the year. It’s my favorite time of the year because Jesus feels so close and people in general seem to be a little more joyful and happy. Maybe without realizing or admitting it, people are a little more joyful and happy because they intuitively sense the nearness of Jesus’ presence.

Where do you sense Jesus’ presence in your life? Are you looking for Him? Could He be the person in line in front of you at the store? Could Jesus be disguised as the person sitting beside or behind you in worship? Maybe you encounter Jesus and He’s wearing rags, appearing homeless as He extends a cupped hand for spare change.

Preparing for Christ’s birth and looking for His presence disguised in the strange and recognizable is hard work. At times, more often than not, your heart will break – you’ll see a person in a way you might never have before. You’ll see their struggle and hardship and want to help. You’ll see their talent and personality and want to become friends. Looking for Jesus will change your life.

Each Sunday of Worship and through this year’s exciting Advent Study, we are studying the HOPE, PEACE, JOY, and LOVE of Christ. These are words that describe the life of Christ. But they also describe our experience in seeing and knowing His presence in the world.

Join us in worship, come share in our discussion during Sunday School, and let us all join together in preparation for the joyful message of Christ’s birth!

FEARING GOD

2010-11-18T12:30:00.000-08:00

Fear of God is mentioned in countless places throughout Scripture. But what does it really mean? Is it about respect and honor, a sense of terror and fright, or something else?

References to the fear of God appear often in Proverbs and the Psalms. Here are a few:

Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

Proverbs 9:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding

Psalm 2:11 Serve the LORD with fear and rejoice with trembling

Psalm 19:9 The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever

Psalm 33:8 Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the people of the world revere him

Psalm 34:11 Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD

Psalm 86:11 Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name

Psalm 111:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding.

Fear related to God can also be found in other places like the Job, Jeremiah, Ecclesiastes, and Revelation:

Job 23:13-16 But he stands alone, and who can oppose him? He does whatever he pleases. He carries out his decree against me, and many such plans he still has in store. That is why I am terrified before him; when I think of all this, I fear him. God has made my heart faint; the Almighty has terrified me.

Jeremiah 5:22 “Should you not fear me?" declares the Lord. "Should you not tremble in my presence?"

Ecclesiastes 12:13 Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man

Revelation 14:7 He said in a loud voice, "Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water"

The above verses generally relate fear with expressions of awe and admiration. God is described in terms of His power, just action, wisdom, and authority. There is a sense that God is different. He is described as a being above and beyond our own existence. His life is not temporal; He is not seasoned nor weakened by age or disease. Yet, at the same time, we are asked to become more like Him. We are called to keep His statutes and mirror His life in our own.

So how do we become more like God and yet also fear God? Well, that’s a deep subject (sorry…I couldn’t resist).

In many ways, our culture makes it difficult for us to understand the fear of God. Think about it. When our children act out of line, how often do we avoid discipline? When our kids complain, how often do we cave-in, giving them what they want? Giving-in is easier than teaching discipline and providing our children an example of authority. Our lives are filled with so much. By the time we arrive home, we have little energy to be dad or mom and teach our children the consequences of their actions.

But we fail our children when we don't take time to teach them discipline. When children aren’t taught accountability for their actions, children develop a false sense of fear. A false sense of fear is more concerned with personal failure and success than honor toward God.

This past Sunday’s sermon challenged us to become fearless stewards. We read Malachi 3 and the parable of the talents in Matthew 25. We discussed the failure of the third servant to be fearless in his stewardship of his entrusted gifts. He failed because he had a misguided fear. The third servant feared his own failing more than he feared God. The third servant lost sight of what was truly important. He took his focus off God and placed it on his own abilities and weaknesses.

Scripture instructs us to maintain a healthy fear of God; but Scripture also commands us to not be afraid of anything else.

Am I saying that moms and dads are purely to blame for our failure to honor God? Absolutely not. There are many cultural and societal factors that make it difficult to faithfully fear and honor God. I used parenting as an example to describe one of my own current struggles. I’m working hard to be the best father for my two beautiful boys. I really love them and I love being their dad; sometimes I feel that I do it well. Other times I know I fail miserably. I want them both to grow up happy, having enjoyed life, and having learned from their mistakes.

I also hope they grow up to really know God. I hope they know God who cares intimately for them; God who cares that they are loved and treated well by others. And just as God loves them, I hope my boys know that God loves all people, and that they discover their responsibility to treat others with like care and compassion.

I hope they don’t fear failure. I hope they don’t fear messing up or worry about having enough stuff. But, I do hope they have a healthy fear of God and worry more about honoring Him with their lives more than anything else.

This Sunday, November 21st, marks the end of the liturgical calendar year as we celebrate CHRIST THE KING SUNDAY and give thanks for His reign over all the heavens and the earth. CHRIST THE KING SUNDAY is always the Sunday prior to the beginning of Advent. It draws our attention toward the power of Christ over death as witnessed in His resurrection. CHRIST THE KING SUNDAY is an invitation to set other fears and worries aside. It is an invitation to find ourselves as inhabitants of the everlasting Kingdom of God, a Kingdom of peace, justice, and love.

Will you join me? Will you join me on Sunday morning in worship and also express your joy in serving and knowing our great King, Jesus Christ the Son of God?

May God bless you always!

TAKE TIME WITH FRIENDS

2010-11-10T20:39:00.000-08:00

This week’s week blog entry is late - my apologies. I had many failed starts, but each one always felt forced. I wanted to write something that would be moving and inspirational – that’s what pastors are asked to do, right? But each attempt felt uninspired.

So, what do you do when you’re a pastor or a teacher and you try to write something that show’s you have something to teach and share when it’s hard to find a place to start? What do you do in those moments the answers just don’t seem to come?

This evening I was reminded of the value of friendship. I went to dinner with three friends. No agenda, just casual conversation. We didn’t solve any of the world’s problems, and we really didn’t feel the need to address any of our own struggles. We just were friends sharing a meal.

After I returned home, it hit me what I should write. The best theology is a lived theology – the best faith is a lived faith. If any of us want to have an impact in the world, we must also take time to enjoy the blessings God provides. If we don’t take time to notice and enjoy the good that God provides, how will we ever offer anything worthwhile to anyone?

And one of the best things God gives to us is friends.

So take time…especially when you feel you don’t have time…and share a meal with a friend.

Proverbs 27:17 states, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.”

Last week I wrote how each of us should do our very best everyday for Jesus trusting that God will provide in the midst of our hard work. Friendship is one of the many good things God provides! When I needed it most God provided!

May God bless you this day forevermore!

A RECOVERED WORK ETHIC

2010-11-03T11:14:00.000-07:00

A RECOVERED WORK ETHIC

“Our work on ordinary days should not be easy. We’ll be ok. Angels will minister. What we do should be urgent. If not, we are doing something other than what we say we are doing” (Jones, Rev. Dana C., HERE, READ THIS. pg 1).

In a time of reflection and study shared with fellow pastors, the above topic was introduced for our discussion. The title of the chapter was “A Recovered Work Ethic” written by retired Pastor Dana C. Jones. The Rev. Dana C. Jones had entered retirement following serving in the pastorate most recently at Sewickley Presbyterian Church in Sewickley, Pennsylvania.

I felt challenged by the idea posed by the Rev. Jones that, generally speaking, pastors have a tendency to act is if they are entitled to enjoy a relatively easy or lax work schedule. The Rev. Jones highlighted a sense of urgency with which pastors should work and serve. A fellow pastor and friend of mine, having served under the Rev. Jones, remarked that Rev. Jones described his own life and goals in ministry as, “getting up and doing as much for Jesus in a day that he could.”

This urgency and our discussion regarding it, still echoes in my heart and mind ever since returning home. It’s an easy temptation to fall prey to when pastors have a number of meetings that we must attend throughout the week. It’s not just the meetings, pastors have a long list of people to call, emails to send, fires to put out, and programs to fix - it’s easy to lose sight of the real aim of our ministry for Christ. It’s through these activities and tasks that a sense of urgency becomes easily drowned.

I wouldn’t say that I waste time in the office nor would I say that my work schedule is easy; but I also wouldn’t say that I’ve always gone about my work with this sense of urgency.

It’s also easy for the church to lose sight of this sense of urgency. Consider, for a moment, the number of meetings we ask elders and deacons to attend. Meetings require a commitment of our time and energy. Meetings are often long and difficult. It becomes easy to lose sight of the hurting, hungry, and lost people in the world, when a great deal of our time is spent in the board room. It’s easy to lose our sense of urgency.

I’m not suggesting getting rid of meetings. Meetings are a part of Presbyterian life and without them we would not be able to grow or succeed as a ministry for Christ. And to extent, I believe our meetings should be joyful and refreshing, not all the time, but certainly more often than not. But ultimately, the work of the church should NEVER cause us to lose sight of our sense of urgency!

Will you keep this urgency in mind as we enter the busy seasons of Thanksgiving and Advent? Even if you do not currently serve on a committee or board, will you keep Christ and His call at the center of your life and ministry?

At the beginning of this blog, there is a quote which I love. It states, “We’ll be ok. Angels will minister.” My high school football coach often told me to lay everything I had to give on the football field. He would tell us to have no regrets, but to play hard, play your best, go home, and sleep. The same is true for the church. We will be ok. When we feel we have no energy to give to the life of the church, God will provide. When we feel that we lack passion and drive to reach out with the love and compassion of Christ, God will provide. And if we are to sleep well, having no regrets at the end of the day, all we need remember is to do as much for Jesus in a day that we can - in a sense, lay it all on the field.

ONE OF THOSE DAYZ...

2010-10-19T20:31:00.000-07:00

Did you ever have just one of those days? On Monday of this past week, I jumped out of bed only to stumble over a pile of clothes waiting to be washed beside the dresser. Hopping back to my feet, I didn’t think anything more of it. A few moments later, while picking up bath toys in the bathroom, I turn suddenly to respond to my son Bradley when – SMACK – I nailed the side of my head on the bathroom towel rack. Finally dressed and almost ready to head out the door for work, I sat down at the table to enjoy my delicious bowl of Honey Nut Cheerios. It’s only just before I took my first bite that I realize, instead of milk, I had poured orange juice on my cereal. I usually have orange juice with breakfast, but not all blended together at the same time!

And throughout the rest of my day, similar bad things would happen to me. I arrived at work only to discover the cup of freshly brewed coffee I had poured in my travel mug was still at home on the counter. Following work and upon returning home, the boys were extraordinarily grouchy. And so on, and so on.

You get the picture that the week didn’t really start off on the right foot. In fact, if I had the chance, I would have preferred to hit the “re-start” button and begin Monday from scratch OR to have just gone back to bed, pulling the covers over my head, trying to forget the day ever happened.

Do you ever experience a day like this one? Did you ever have a day that just didn’t go as you had planned?

I wish I knew why things like this happen. I wish I were able to understand what causes the tedious balance in life to suddenly shift, sending everything in life into disarray. But the more I try to understand, the more I become frustrated and perplexed.

And there have been far more trying days than the one described above. I’ve had days when I my very best efforts were not enough. I’ve experienced days of tremendous doubt and question. As chaplain at a Veteran’s Hospital, for example, I often asked God, “Why do so many suffer with cancer?” And I spent days walking the halls of the ICU brooding in prayer because I felt helpless in the midst of a family’s grief.

And I know I’m not alone.

Just today, I was watching THE VIEW. Stephen Colbert was the featured guest. At one point, Barbara Walters asks Colbert about one of his most difficult days. Walters asked Colbert about his mother and how he and his family emerged from the long ago tragic plane accident that claimed the lives of his father and two brothers. Colbert responded by stating with a rare sincerity that it was the strength of his faith that helped him endure.

There is something powerful about Colbert’s simple response about his faith in the midst of a tragedy. His response about faith isn’t a comment on reason and it’s not an analytical statement abiding by scientific law. His faith is fueled by imagination. Colbert realizes there is a lot about life that he is unable to explain. There is a bit of mystery to life and he’s not about to try and fit what he can’t explain into a tightly constructed box. Rather, his faith and imagination about God and the life to come enable him to find peace in the midst of life and sanity in light of what he does not understand.

In a book entitled, ORTHODOXY, by Christian author and pastor, G.K. Chesterton, an argument is made against a common idea held in Chesterton’s time that “imagination breeds insanity” (Chesterton, G.K., ORTHODOXY. Dodd Mead & Company: 1908, p 12-13). Chesterton believes nothing of the sort. He counters this idea arguing that often the cause of insanity is reason. He writes, “Poets do not go mad – chess players do. Mathematicians go mad and cashiers; but creative artists, very seldom. I am not, as will be seen, attacking any logic: I only say that this danger does lie in logic, not in imagination” (Chesterton, p 12). And later on the same page, “The general fact is simple. Poetry is sane because it floats easily in an infinite sea. Reason seeks to cross the infinite sea and make it finite. The result is mental exhaustion. To accept everything is an exercise, to understand everything is a strain. The poet only desires exaltation and expansion, a world to stretch himself in. A poet only asks to get his head into the heavens. It is the logician who seeks to get the heavens into his head. And it is his head that splits.”

Rather than trying to understand it all - try imagining what might be. It’s not possible to know everything and I wouldn’t think it would be much fun. And when you allow yourself to imagine, you not only see beyond yourself and this life, but you also see past those tough and clumsy days you’d rather leave behind!

May God bless you this day and forevermore!

TEMPTATION: PEANUT BUTTER & CHOCOLATE

2010-10-12T13:59:00.001-07:00

As I was preparing notes for a wedding this past weekend, I found myself needing something sugary to spark some creative thought (the coffee just wasn’t doing it!). So I looked through the pantry…nothing caught my fancy. Checked the refrigerator…found carrots and celery, but decided to keep looking. I opened the freezer door and discovered a pack of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups hidden under a couple packs of hotdogs. Now, I’m not sure who hid this pack of Reese’s. Honestly, I could have hid them long ago and forgot they were there, so they could have been mine. There’s also a chance they weren’t mine and that they belonged to Jenne or were intended as a treat for our boys. So, not knowing whose peanut butter cups they were, I decided to take the risk. This, I thought, was a time to rely upon the old adage that sometimes it’s better to seek forgiveness than ask permission. So, I grabbed the peanut butter cups and quietly returned to the office. You have to know, I have a weakness for Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. And this wasn’t a normal pack– it was KING SIZE! Four peanut butter cups in one package! I decided this was a sign that I was going to have a good day.

So, when I returned to work, and began enjoying my snack, I told myself I would only eat two and that I would save the other two for someone else. But, two wasn’t enough. Four Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups later, I realized my decision to turn down unclaimed Reese’s Cups and share them wasn’t as strong as my desire to eat them and have them all to myself.

I know this is a silly story that has little impact on the rest of my life, albeit a stomach ache and perhaps an angry look from my wife. But it does highlight the power of temptation and sin. Even though we know the right decisions to make in life, it’s so easy to make compromises and do something we’ll later regret.

This is something the Apostle Paul knew well in his own life. In Romans 7:14-20, Paul writes, “14We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. 15I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. 16And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. 17As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. 18I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature.[c] For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. 20Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.”

I love reading Paul’s writings because he is so honest! He’s not trying to be boastful. As he’s writing, other Christians are looking to him for leadership and he’s not even distracted by what others might think of his imperfection. This great man of faith laid out his struggles for others to see. If the Apostle Paul, a great hero of the Christian faith, struggled with sin and regret, then it should not surprise us when we find ourselves in our own struggle against sin. Here’s the challenge, are we willing to be as honest as the Apostle Paul? Are we willing to admit our tendency to make mistakes and depend on God for help and forgiveness?

I love how Paul finishes Romans 7. It’s the Gospel message, beautifully and intimately written in so many words. Paul’s frustrated with his own weakness in the presence of temptation. He wants to honor God with his life and his choices. But he realizes that he cannot live faithfully on his own; he comes to the conclusion that only God has the power to save him. So, in verses 24 and 25 Paul writes, “Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God – through Jesus Christ our Lord!”

No matter what temptation we face, no matter what sin we have committed in the past, Christ invites us to receive his strength and forgiveness each and every day. I read a t-shirt while browsing in the Christian book store today. It said, “I’m not yet who I’m going to be, but thank God I’m not who I was.”

No matter our temptations, whether they be Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups or something worse. God is ready and willing to help us grow to become the people he believes we can be.

LORD, LISTEN TO YOUR CHILDREN PRAYING

2010-10-06T07:54:00.001-07:00

Part of my family’s nightly routine while getting our kids ready for bed involves brushing teeth. Thankfully, both our boys LOVE to brush their teeth (yay for good hygiene!).

I wanted to share with you something that happened this past week while in the midst of these regular preparations for bed.

Brush, brush, brush. Spit. Brush, brush, brush…suddenly Bradley starts crying. “Bradley, what’s wrong?” He continues crying. At this point, I’m thinking Bradley has found a way to injury himself while brushing his teeth and so I’m checking him over to see if there is any blood. He checks out ok, so I ask him again, “Bradley, are you ok?”

More tears. “No, (sob, sob).” He replies, “No more toothpaste! Toothpaste gone!”

And then it hit me. Bradley was crying because he realized his toothpaste had been used up on his brush. You’ve got to know, Bradley loves his toothpaste! God love him!

I gave him another small dab of toothpaste and we happily finished brushing our teeth together.

Right now while my littlest child is napping and my oldest child is at pre-school, I can say this, there is something very beautiful about a child’s cry. It’s usually (not always) about something that they want and don’t have. In this case, it was toothpaste. Other days and times it’s a rice cake (yes, both our boys love rice cakes), gum, or chocolate. When they see something they want, they will not be shy to let you know.

Here’s what’s beautiful about all that…when thinking of faith how often do we consider ourselves a child in the presence of God? How often do we want the good God has to offer us? I know a lot of times, we ask for things that aren’t worth having, but there are times when God longs to give us something really good, we just don’t take time to ask.

This week in church, we will be wrapping up our study on prayer. Luke chapter 11 tells us that even Christ’s disciples had questions about prayer. They asked Jesus, “Jesus, teach us how to pray.” So, this week’s (Oct 10th) final sermon in the sermon series, “LETTERS TO GOD,” will take a look at the disciples’ question and challenge us to also learn from Jesus’ teaching.

See you on Sunday!

Blessings this day and forevermore!

BATTLE FOR MIDDLE EARTH & TURKISH DELIGHT

2010-09-29T08:51:00.000-07:00

So, a few of my favorite movies include LORD OF THE RINGS and the still-kind-of-new version of C.S. Lewis’ CHRONICLES OF NARNIA. Both stories depict a battle taking place between the powers of good and evil, those who walk in the light against those who hide in the veil of darkness. I love how I’m drawn into the drama of these stories and how I’m given a different way to understand the world and the Christian faith.

In CHRONICLES OF NARNIA, Aslan (a wise, strong, and noble lion) represents God. Aslan strikes fear into the heart of his enemies, yet he is adored and revered by those who serve on his side.

THE LORD OF THE RINGS gathers together a host of characters to represent the power of the light. Each character has a unique strength and weakness. The main character of the story, Frodo, is a young hobbit, small in stature, but determined and devoted to his task. Aragon, a skillful warrior and leader, lacks the determination and will power of a king. It’s only through each the sum of the characters’ strengths and their abilities that the evil forces of Sauron are defeated.

Perhaps what strikes me most is the way both evil kingdoms battle to rule the world. Sauron and the White Witch, appeal to humanity’s greed and want of power, offering those whose allegiance is undecided, the illusion of power and wealth. Frodo is tempted by to cling to the power of Sauron’s ring. Middle Earth is doomed unless Frodo finds the will to let go of the ring, destroy it, and thus refuse its temptation. The White Witch, self proclaimed ruler of Narnia, has magical powers which grant wishes. Edmund is offered the chance to rule by her side. With the help of the White Witch, Edmund will no longer be the little brother pushed around by his siblings. He’s also given all the Turkish Delight (his favorite pastry) he can imagine. But, Edmund never imagined the wicked witch would go back on her promise. Once she no longer needed Edmund’s help, she stopped granting him wishes and threw him in prison. After all, if its power and wealth that defines her kingdom, there isn’t enough of it for there to be two people sitting on the throne.

With each story, a battle takes place between good and evil, but it also takes place between what is real and what is fantasy. The powers of darkness grow stronger when the story’s characters buy into their illusions of riches and power. On the other hand, when the characters, battling to save the world, finally see past evil’s empty false promises, the balance of power significantly shifts in favor of the good.

So it is with the Christian faith. Each day Christians are tempted to believe that life is as we see it, shaped by what we are able to obtain for ourselves. This way of living, much like the stories described above, describes success and happiness in terms of power, wealth, and material possession. These empty pursuits are difficult to obtain and even harder to keep. But there is another way; there is another kingdom.

Christ invites us to see the truth of His life and love for us. He invites us to identify ourselves as citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven; we are encouraged to claim ownership of the rights and privileges as heirs to His Kingdom of peace and justice. Participation in God’s Kingdom offers an abundance of joy and peace. In this Kingdom, joy and peace aren’t defined by how much we possess. We aren’t competing against each other for a better seat at the table with God. Rather, our participation and life in the Kingdom of God frees us to share and live our lives as one.

This coming Sunday is WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY. We will be celebrating the Sacrament of Communion, and celebrating the truth and peace of God’s Kingdom along with thousands of churches all over the world. Join us as we worship together and imagine the reality of God’s Kingdom taking shape in our communities and world.

The prophet Isaiah offers us verse that I think is fitting to mention here. Isaiah 2:1-5 states:

“This is what Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem: In the last days the mountain of the LORD's temple will be established as chief among the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and all nations will stream to it. Many peoples will come and say, "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths." The law will go out from Zion, the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore. Come, O house of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the LORD.

May God bless you today and forevermore!

Not lettin' go!

2010-09-21T19:00:00.000-07:00

This Sunday’s Scripture lesson is taken from Matthew’s Gospel and offers comparisons to the Kingdom of Heaven. In speaking to His disciples, Jesus states, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field, a merchant looking for fine pearls, a net which caught all kinds of fish. (Matthew 13:44-58).

Each one of Jesus’ comparisons in Matthew 13 describes something of GREAT worth. They are not to be thrown away, neglected or misplaced.

If Jesus tells us that the Kingdom of Heaven is of such great value, why do we so easily choose to ignore it or let it go?

My guess is that Jesus’ disciples also struggled to understand Jesus’ words. In a couple of places, Jesus addresses His disciples saying, “Are you listening?!” “Do you understand what I’m saying?” (Matthew 13:43 and Matthew 13:51).

It’s so easy to lose focus on what is truly important. Jesus knows that we are geared in such a way to look after our own needs and wants. Yet, Jesus never gives up hope that we will one day grab hold of the eternal treasure and never let it go.

If the almighty God through Christ has faith that one day you and I will finally understand what’s truly important, then we should never let go of hope for our own lives. If God continues to believe in you and me, then we should continue to seek Him with all our heart, mind and strength.

Blessings this day and the next!

As God Loves

2010-09-15T06:49:00.000-07:00

Elisabeth Elliot offers a great daily devotional. I'm sure there are paper copies available, but I've been enjoying reading it online. If you'd like to check it out, here's the web address: http://www.elisabethelliot.org/devotional.html .

Today, the devotional message was on revenge and the question: what if God were to treat us in the same way we treat other people? Rather than responding with a vengeful anger, God chooses to love and forgive us. If God has forgiven us, why should we not love and forgive others?

When we choose to love in the way God loves us, we show the world another way to live. We show the power of love and mercy over fear and hate. We bear witness to the power of the light over the power of darkness. And, through our seemingly small acts of forgiveness and love, the world is offered a invitation to know the living Lord.

John 16:33 states, ³³"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

Potpourri

2010-09-10T07:40:00.000-07:00

A few thoughts have been brewing and it’s been difficult to nail down one topic to write about, so, this week’s blog will be a little different. In the spirit of one of my wife's favorite show's, Jeopardy, here's this week's potpourri! Bear with me.

Have you ever watched a coffee maker brew a pot of coffee? I hadn’t done it until this past week. And really if you haven't you're not missing much.

It happened after a long night with little sleep and I bet you will never guess why! So after a long night with two little toeheads constantly waking up, there was no way I was going to be able to fall back asleep and continue my beauty rest. So, I decided to begin my day early…say, 4am early. Ugh! Hence, watching the coffee brew seemed like all the entertainment I could handle.

On a day like that, it’s hard to focus on one thing. That’s kind of how I’d like to introduce today’s blog entry. It’s not about one thing, but a few thoughts I’ve had on my mind. So here it goes.

Faith & Worship

First, I’ve had this thought about faith and worship. There is a quote (I think it’s by Young Life founder, Jim Rayburn) which states, “What you win people with, you win people to.” I’m a Christian pastor, so you might guess I’m always trying to get people to come to church. And, I’m always looking for ways to get people thinking about Christ and faith. But I have to be careful the way I go about sharing my faith and inviting people to church. For example, a nearby church recently offered visitors the chance to win a bicycle during a church event. The bicycle raffle was offered as part of an outreach event put together to bring people into the church building. Now, taking a chance on winning a new bike sounds like a lot of fun, where’s the harm in winning a bike?? I know, I know, this sounds like something all-together silly, but the implications could be quite damaging to the integrity of the Christian faith. You see, what happens after the excitement of winning the raffle goes away? What’s next? If you provide material reasons for people to come, you have to keep offering similar material rewards to sustain their participation. To be clear, I’m not saying we shouldn’t have fun in church. In fact, another one of Jim Rayburn’s quotes is that “it is a sin to bore a kid in church.” But we have to keep the main thing, the main thing. Worship is about God & sharing our faith is about what God has done in our lives - it’s not about us or what we are able to get out of believing in Christ or attending a worship service.

Pride

My second random thought is about pride. Pride is one of the most common pitfalls Christians face. All Christians, all people for that matter, wrestle with the effects of pride. But, and here’s the rub, our society and way of life is more vulnerable to the effects of pride than other people groups of less privilege. Don’t take this the wrong way. I’m not trying to cast judgment or make a statement that is anti-American. I really enjoy my life, my home, my country, the opportunities available to me, and the people around where I live. But I’m beginning to notice, in society where opportunities abound there exists a dangerous trend toward isolation. You might question how we are becoming more isolated when our Facebook and Twitter accounts announce everything we do to the entire world. But that is part of the problem. We have numerous ways we can actively play a part in each others’ lives, without having to be physically present. Not actually physically sharing in each others’ lives makes it a little easier to ignore the hurt and pain of the world (ignorance is bliss??). AND it also makes it all too convenient to overlook our own rough spots. Once we begin to isolate ourselves from others, it’s easy to convince ourselves that faith and God have no place in our everyday life. I mean if I can pay my bills, take care of my health, and I’ve come this far, what else do I need? Early Christian communities depended on one another’s help to meet the demands placed on their daily lives. As a society living in the 21st-century, we are now far removed from the culture of 1st-century Palestine; however, the communal and religious ethos revealed in early Christians' stories should tell us that we still have a lot to learn. Even though we may be technologically superior, our society will only succeed in advancing itself in as much as we invest in our community and pursue our faith in God. Both community and a pursuit of our faith requires that we share our lives with God and other people. It demands a certain humility and an awareness of one's own limits.

9/11

Finally, a brief thought about the burning of the Quran. I was disappointed and saddened by a recent Pastor’s plan to burn the Quran. This story has been headline news, so I'm sure you've heard about it. No one knew who this pastor was a few days ago, but even so, he has a sphere of influence in Florida and is impacting the lives of those around him. Ironically, he is the pastor of a small, independent church called the Dove World Outreach Center, but I see no outreach in the call to action from this supposed man of God. I am disappointed because he’s a pastor and his actions unfortunately impact how people think of other pastors, not to mention the Christian church. I am also saddened because I believe his burning of the Quran betrays our faith. People might say, "if they (radical Muslims) are burning effigies of Americans, why can’t we burn the Quran?" Even if this right is protected by the 1st Amendment, the line of reasoning seems petty and falls significantly short of the Biblical mandate to love, especially Jesus’ command to love even our enemies. I fail to see how burning the Quran advances the cause of Christ in any way. I am still upset and hurting by the tragedy of Sept 11, 2001 like many of you. I feel awful – that memory continues to linger in my heart and mind. I grieve especially for the families whose lives were forever changed by the death of their loved ones. However, my convictions restrain me from seeking vengeance. It’d be easier to really show my anger and burn the book, but because I take my faith seriously and trust in God to bring justice to the world, I strive to conform my life to the righteous ways of Christ. The planned burning, even if it is currently on hold has already done much of its damage. Unfortunately most of the world has seen this story, no thanks to the media which has helped to fan the flame of ignorance, and their view of Christian Americans is coming from a small, radical group. We in the church are held to a different and higher standard and with the eyes of the world constantly watching us through a microscope, we need to be setting the example of the right way to love and cause change for good in this fallen world. This is a lesson we must carry into every decision we make in our lives, especially here at MUP and in the community our lives are directly impacting.

Thanks for reading. May God bless you today and always!

I ACCEPT

2010-08-31T20:27:00.000-07:00

I ACCEPT: PROMISES OF JOHN 10:10

This past Sunday, some of the youth in our church led worship for both early and late worship services. They did a wonderful job leading us in worship and I’m confident they helped strengthen the faith of the congregation. I know I felt encouraged!

As pastor, it’s not often I have the opportunity to sit in the pews and worship alongside my wife. I confess that it was actually hard to sit and not feel like I should be doing something. I’m not used to sitting as part of the congregation in the pews. Where's the microphone!? But after finally sitting down and clearing my head, I really enjoyed the opportunity to worship.

The focus of this past Sunday’s worship was “SERVICE” and everything centered on the idea of being the hands of God for other people and allowing other people to be the hands of God for us. Part of my struggle with ‘service’ is not so much the ‘doing’ part; more so, I struggle to allow myself to be the recipient of someone’s good work. I want to be the servant; I want to do the work. It’s really, really hard to allow someone else to be the servant and do something wonderful for me.

I mean, when was the last time you sat idly by while some type of activity was happening in your apartment or home? My guess is you were right there in the fray. For example, how many of us have you ever allowed dinner guests to help clear the table or do the dishes? I can be really stubborn, so sometimes when I try to carry something too big or heavy for me to carry I still try to do it on my own - regardless of the pain I’ll feel the next day. It’s hard to receive help; it’s a knock on our pride to allow someone the opportunity to do something for us. We want to think we don’t need anyone’s help, we want to believe we can take care of ourselves.

But we can’t. We need each other. And we need each other’s help to know we need each other.

And we need God.

The danger of not letting others help us is that we often carry this way of thinking over into our relationship with Christ. So rather than allowing God’s Word to comfort us, we try to find a temporary escape from our pain and discomfort. Sort of like using bubble gum on a leaky pipe – sooner or later, it’s going to fail to stick. Or, rather than asking God for help and forgiveness, we try to make amends, again and again, for our past mistakes. The result is usually that we over-do-it and overcompensate to cover up our guilt. We want to be known for what we are able to do, not for how we fall short.

That’s what’s so powerful in the story the youth told about their foot washing ceremony. This is what I believe Christ talks about when he talks about abundant life. You want abundant life? You want to know what it really means to live? You want to be noticed or feel appreciated? Here it is – allow yourself to be loved. In order to love another person, in order to love and enjoy our lives, we must know for ourselves what it means to be served and loved.

It takes humility to do something great as God’s servant. But it also takes humility to allow God to love us and forgive us.

John 10:10 states, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

HOPE LIVES -

2010-08-25T08:51:00.000-07:00

HOPE LIVES –

I often begin my day by reading the newspaper or listening to the headlines. It’s long been understood that anything that makes the headlines, usually isn’t good. It’s usually the bad news that’s most marketable. So it’s in the midst of reading and hearing of this bad news, I gotta ask, “What’s going on? Why do we have so much bad news?”

That’s the Christian struggle in a nutshell. We are called to be a people of hope in a world that often gives us reasons to not.

I mean, let’s look at today’s headlines:

Ground Zero Mosque - Religious and political leaders arguing with one another about worship. I admit, I don’t like the idea of a mosque near Ground Zero, but aren’t religious folk supposed to proclaim peace even when we disagree?

Democrats Losing Political Edge – Politicians appear to obsess over the thought of obtaining power for their respective political parties, rather than defending the rights of their individual constituents.

Stocks Tumble – The economy continues to plummet with news of less than expected home sales.

Miners Trapped – Another awful story trapped miners in a collapsed mine in Chile – praying for them as I hear they might be trapped until Christmas.

Bomber On Run – The long quest to bring a bomber to justice continues.

Suffering in Pakistan – Flooding and territorial claims to land keep people from receiving first aid, water, and food supplies.

And this doesn’t include some of the sub headlines.

When I’m done hearing about the headlines, I go for a stronger cup ‘o joe.

I researched the word “HOPE” throughout the Scriptures to see the places where hope is referenced. I found it used quite a bit in the book of Job; the word hope is mentioned in 18 places in Job.

Job is known as a book that talks a lot about suffering and faith. I mean you have this man of faith, Job, who endures so much – he loses his family and possessions, his friends scoff and turn away from him, and yet Job never waivers in his conviction.

Here are a few ways Job talks about hope:

Job 7:6, “"My days are swifter than a weaver's shuttle, and they come to an end without hope.”

Job 17:15, “15 Where then is my hope? Who can see any hope for me?”

Job is worn thin by the tragedy he has endured; he’s at the end of his rope! When Job talks about hope, he’s dreaming about an end to his suffering. One of the most difficult parts of Job, is reading how fervently he searches for God’s mercy and comfort. He searches – God is nowhere in sight.

Listen as Job talks in chapter 23:

“1 Then Job replied: 2 "Even today my complaint is bitter; his hand is heavy in spite of my groaning. 3 If only I knew where to find him; if only I could go to his dwelling! 4 I would state my case before him and fill my mouth with arguments. 5 I would find out what he would answer me, and consider what he would say. 6 Would he oppose me with great power? No, he would not press charges against me. 7 There an upright man could present his case before him, and I would be delivered forever from my judge. 8 "But if I go to the east, he is not there; if I go to the west, I do not find him. 9 When he is at work in the north, I do not see him; when he turns to the south, I catch no glimpse of him.”

Even in the midst of this dry and weary part of his life, Job continues…

“10 But he(God) knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold. 11 My feet have closely followed his steps; I have kept to his way without turning aside. 12 I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread.”

I know it’s difficult to talk about suffering. It’s even more difficult when it’s personal. But I want to encourage you, even in the midst of your pain, to hang on to your faith. I want to encourage you to keep looking to God, even when it good news is hard to find. Job did not wavier in his faith in God – he was honest about his hardship, but he never stopped looking to God. Job’s friends tried to tell him to stop believing and change his approach to living. In so many words, they’d say, “How can anyone endure this!” But Job never stopped believing in God and never gave up hope.

I want hope to be more a part of my life. So, I’m still going to watch the news…frankly I need to know what’s going on and I need to know how I can pray and help other people. But before I turn on the news, I’m going to look to God, spend time in prayer, and strengthen my faith through His Word.

One of my favorite verses is Jeremiah 29:11. Add it to your list of awesome verses and allow it to begin your day today. It states, “11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

May God bless you this day and fill you with enough courage and strength that you cling to your hope and hang on to your faith!

LEANING ON THE EVERLASTING ARMS

2010-07-21T07:13:00.000-07:00

Leaning on the Everlasting Arms

As many of you know, our good friend and member of our congregation, Joe Liska, passed away this past Sunday morning. It was a traumatic event. I want to thank everyone who responded to Joe’s side with such care and compassion. There were also many who prayed for Joe and the emergency workers, asking God for comfort and help during that difficult time.

Is everyone doing ok? I’ve been thinking and praying for God’s comfort and peace, knowing that we all were a bit shaken being so close to a traumatic event. If you need help or would like to talk about what happened on Sunday, please do not hesitate to give me a call.

As a member of our church family, Joe will be dearly missed. He was a brilliant, gentle, and kind man. He worked with our men’s volunteer group, the “A-Team”, to keep our church clean and in good shape. He was active in Sunday school and religious about showing up early for the late worship service. Everyone who knew Joe loved him.

As I talk with many people in the church about Joe’s passing, I am too reminded of God’s grace in the midst of this difficult time. Joe found a lot of comfort and strength through his faith and the loving support of our congregation. Many people, with whom I talk about Joe’s passing, mention something of the following: “What a way to go. Joe was already at home with God when he began his journey home.” As difficult as it is to say, I too find something comforting in that type of statement. When Joe passed on, he immediately grabbed hold of God’s hand to lead him home to the eternal dwelling of peace. I’d like to think that as we began the 10am service, Joe was somehow present with us in the spirit of our worship, singing along with our songs and hymns for the day.

There’s a hymn that comes to mind as I write the entry for today. The hymn is also the title for this blog entry…LEANING ON THE EVERLASTING ARMS.

Here are the words to this hymn:

What a fellowship, what a joy divine,
Leaning on the everlasting arms;
What a blessedness, what a peace is mine,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.

Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms;
Leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms.

O how sweet to walk in this pilgrim way,
Leaning on the everlasting arms;
O how bright the path grows from day to day,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.

What have I to dread, what have I to fear,
Leaning on the everlasting arms;
I have blessed peace with my Lord so near,
Leaning on the everlasting arms. AMEN.

Sing those words with all your heart this day and I pray that as you sing them, you find God’s Spirit reaching out guide and comfort you.

When I came home from church and changed out of my dress clothes, I found Joe’s glasses in my pocket. I had picked them up when they fell on the ground and forgot that I had them. I immediately called the family to let them know. The more I thought I about those glasses, the more I felt it was a way God was speaking to me. He was reminding me not to worry about Joe. God was saying to me, “Nathan, Joe’s gone to a better place, a place where he doesn’t need to wear glasses anymore.” As much as I wanted Joe walk through my door so that I could hand him his glasses, I realized that I do not have to worry about Joe and shouldn’t I feel bad for him. He’s with God, he’s at home, and he’s no longer hindered by the imperfect of this world. He no longer needs his glasses.

John 14:1-4 states, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.”

Blessing in Christ,
Rev. Nathan Esser

"Never look for justice, but never cease to give it."

2010-07-14T13:33:00.000-07:00

I've been using Oswald Chambers devotional recently (MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST), and I've really felt enouraged. The spiritual 'well', from which Chambers invites you to be refreshed, is very deep. So, if you looking for something to help center your spirit on Christ, I highly recommend your grabbing a copy to of Chambers' devotional to read. In fact, I'd welcome your thoughts and reactions to this devotional . Feel free to email me or respond to this post. I'd like to think I'm not the only one who has been challenged and inspiried by his devotional readings:)

Today's reading (July 14th) flows from Matthew 5:39. You may recognize this scripture as part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. Matthew 5:39 states, "I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also."

Wow! What a challenging verse to take to heart! It really takes a big swipe at our personal pride and sense of entitlement. It also goes a step beyond addressing personal pride and highlights one of the most important aspects of our faith - hope and salvation comes only from God. Chambers writes, "In the natural realm, if a person does not hit back, it is because he is a coward. But in the spiritual realm, it is the very evidence of the Son of God in him if he does not hit back. When you are insulted, you must not only not resent it, but you must make it an opportunity to exhibit the Son of God in your life. And you cannot imitate the nature of Jesus— it is either in you or it is not. A personal insult becomes an opportunity for a saint to reveal the incredible sweetness of the Lord Jesus."

Chambers is challenging Christians to re-define how experiences of injustice and insults are understood. He wants believers to see the larger picture and consider their response to injustice as an opportunity for God's light to shine through them.

All too often, when I am offended, I respond by trying to find comfort and shelter from the blow. The insult causes pain, and I want time and attention to dress my wound and get back on my two feet. Chambers suggests that injustice is something we should expect to encounter this side of paradise. Chambers also states that even when we are victims of injustice, we are not relieved of our Christian responsibility to pursue justice and peace. We must strive to be faithful to love and treat each person with respect and dignity, at all times. It shouldn't matter how good or bad things have been for us in the past week or month. It shouldn't matter how emotionally low or vulnerable we feel in the moment. God calls us each of us to pattern our lives according to His high ethical and moral standard. This way of living describes how we are to be the 'salt' and 'light' of the earth. People notice the difference in us. Lyrics from a popular Christian campfire song comes to mind: "They'll know we are Christians, by our love, by our love. Yes, they'll know we are Christians by our love."

Our experiences of injustice are also a time for us to remember where we find comfort and hope. If we seek to be comforted by the things of this world and live an 'easy' and comfortable life, we will likely become discouraged by our experiences. People will let us down and fail to keep their promises. We will even fall short of our own expectations for ourselves. But...if we find our greater comfort and hope in life through our relationship with God, we will be continually renewed and refreshed by His grace and Spirit.

I'm not saying there won't be down times, nor am I suggesting that if anyone becomes Christian they will never be discouraged. I am saying that the blessings and comforts we share through our faith in God (and our family in faith) are greater and stronger than any sadness, injustice, and offense.

I once asked a mentor of mine, "How ya' doing?" I knew he had been having a difficult week. He surprised me by responding (in so many words), "I'm doing great. The battle for my life and for your life has been won. I am more than fine."

So powerfully true. When you place your life in God's hands, you are entrusting your life to someone who is more powerful than anything else in all the world. And not only that, but you can trust that no matter what anyone ever does or says to you, no matter how far short you fall from meeting your own expectationg for your life, you will always be cherished in the heart of God.

There's a lot of grace in these words...forgiveness...we talk about it alot. But there's also a lot of power and strength and hope.

May God bless you this day!

Reconciliation - Oswald Chambers

2010-07-12T06:18:00.000-07:00

Today's devotion (July 12th) from MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST by Oswald Chambers spoke volumes. It was based on Ephesians 4:13, but I found it helpful to also read surrounding verses. Ephesians 4:11-16 states:

"11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the 5edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love."

Based on the verse above, Chambers (in so many words) asks readers whether or not their live's focus is truly on Jesus Christ. More often than I care to admit, I worry about the various programs, classes, and other things happening in my life and the life of our church (to an extent, as pastor, it is my job to worry about those things); but is my worry and concern driven by my love for Christ? Or is my worry and concern more self-seeking? The ministries of the church, and all that we do, are to find their strength firmly upon the foundation of Christ's love for the world. Upon this great foundation, teachers, pastors, and missionaries are sent out into the world. Upon this great foundation, all Christians find their life's purpose. So...are we building up the body of Christ? Or are we only concerned about our own personal development?

Chambers closes his devotional stating, "My goal is God Himself, not joy nor peace, Nor even blessing, but Himself, my God. Am I measuring my life by this standard or by something less?"

You can read the full devotional here: http://utmost.org/ .

A Prayer: God, guide our thoughts and actions this day. Help us to see and know the many ways Your Spirit is leading us and our Church. Thank You for the gift of Your grace, thank You that we have this chance to share this gift with the rest of the world. May all we do be driven by a passionate love for Christ our Lord. AMEN.

FREEDOM

2010-07-07T07:52:00.000-07:00

FREEDOM ON THE FOURTH

Freedom is a powerful word. Reflecting on the celebration of our Nation’s independence, there are many other people across the U.S. who also value freedom. There were grand celebrations throughout the country and even in pockets abroad where Americans gathered to observe the 4th of July. I will never forget many of the awesome 4th of July celebrations I experienced as a child and teenager. These experiences range from a montage of local firework shows to meager fireworks in the backyard. Each experience has provided me with priceless opportunities to reflect upon the blessings of life and to dream of the future. With each passing 4th of July celebration, however, I feel I have gained a greater appreciation of my own freedom.

My earliest memory of a 4th of July Celebration is following a country concert (my first ever concert). I sat in a lawn chair alongside my Grandparents as we listened to the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band float their lyrics through the humid summer air. Following the concert, we enjoyed the sights of a grand firework show that really lit up the dark night sky. At that point, as a very young boy, I dreamt about riding my bike, helping my grandparents on the farm, OR even thought a few times about a particular girl I had a crush on in school. At that point in my life…those things were how I lived and understood freedom.

I also recall having watched several memorable fireworks shows on the water. One show took place over the Ohio River in Louisville, Kentucky (a great show). They would actually launch fireworks from barges floating on the river. If you ever have the chance, Juneau, Alaska, also offers one of the truly best waterfront firework shows you can ever imagine. The beauty and grandeur of both locations, however, were what stole the show and made the experiences worthwhile and memorable. It was as if there were two fireworks shows in one. The water reflected back the light and color of the night sky. My experience of freedom was broadened and my eyes were beginning to open to see more of the vast world around me and my humble part in it.

Recently, I was reminded of the great value of freedom this past Sunday evening, when the people of the town of Mars, Pennsylvania, all converged on their quaint downtown. My family and I gathered with close friends of ours and watched as our young boys participated in the downtown 4th of the July parade.

I can’t help but smile as I think of my oldest son, Bradley, driving in the parade with his friend Adam. Bradley and Adam rode in a very cool, red, 4x4, Big Wheel, battery powered truck. Neither Adam nor Bradley could steer, but they were sure able to hit the gas pedal and go really fast!

More and more as I reflect upon the good in life, I’m finding that our freedom is something we often take for granted. Like many things we enjoy, we really do not think much of our freedom and its cost, until its threatened to be taken from us. Think of it for a moment. Are you forced to get out of bed to worship on Sunday morning? Or do you worship God at a church of your choosing because you want to worship and you feel a responsibility to be there? Whether you worship God on Sunday, or not, is your choice. It is one of the great freedoms we enjoy. If we were not given the freedom to gather and worship, my guess is the way we think about it would be different. We would value it more.

I hope you had a chance to celebrate the 4th of July - I hope you had the opportunity to enjoy a grand display of lights and community. I also hope you take a moment - today - and reflect upon that celebration. It is about the freedoms we share in this country. It is a way to remind us of the cost of our freedom and a challenge to not take it for granted. Think of the many ways you participate in this freedom. Think of what you love most about life and be thankful. Allow those thoughts to help you build upon this great foundation of freedom and, for the glory of God, invite others to enjoy it as well.

Galatians 5:1 states, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”

For the Glory of God!
Rev. Nathan Esser

Freedom to be free

2010-06-10T10:20:00.000-07:00

Scripture: Acts 20:32-38 & Ephesians 1:14

I realized, once again, this past week, that I am flawed. That might not come as a surprise to some of you.

I have an infatuation, you might say, with cars. It's not so much cars themselves, but the idea of owning or driving a certain car. My far off infatuation is to own a 1960-something Ford Mustang, convertible if possible, but with a 289 V-8 engine (oh, oh, oh). Right now, though, I'm not too embarassed to admit that, lately, I've been picturing myself driving a mini-van. I know - a mini-van - it's not exactly every young man's macho dream to own one.

I even went and looked at a mini-van. Someone was interested in trading their van for my car. Now, I know my car isn't much to look at, its no where close to being a sought after car, its not something people automatically picture themselves driving, but this van was even worse. The steering wheel went this way and the car went this way, it was bad. It was a blue van, originally, but it had a hand spray-painted white stripe down its middle. As soon as I looked at the van, I knew immediately it wasn't going to happen.

So...during the ride back from looking at this van, in kind of a prayerful state I kept hearing this message or thought over and over.  Nathan...be content, you keep driving that red car, find your happiness through me...and the work or your hands.

And so that's what I've been trying to do...I have this desire to have something else, in this case a different car...and I've been giving it to God. When I first began, I felt a great deal of guilt. I mean, I don't need a different car. My cars run fine, most of the time. There are people in many places that struggle merely to have food on the table and provide for their family let alone be able to have extra room in case you want to drive the kids and their friends to Chic-Fil-A, a softball game, or the zoo. I think of Kristopher Robinson, the little guy we pray for each week, who battles cancer. I only imagine how his parents pray.

And so lately I've been thinking a bit better about what I have and I've been trying to be more grateful. I've been focusing more on what God has already provided for us, rather than on the things that I do not have.

And you know what, as I give thanks to God for all that he provides, even something as silly as my ugly red car, I've also begun to let go of the guilt I felt asking God for a mini-van. I've realized that wanting something like a van isn't an awful thing, because I don't allow owning a van to determine my self-worth. It's not my chief goal in life and it won't really make me any more content or happy than I already am. True contentment and happiness is found in relationship with Christ.

Another thing I've begun to realize is that God values my vulnerable, even if it's vain, honesty. God doesn't want lip service from me, it's not about saying a prayer so that I sound good to myself or in front of other people. God really wants to be God of my life, he longs to supply my life with joy and grace and peace, and the only way that really begins to happen is when I talk with God and don't hold anything back.  If God is really God, if He desires to live in my heart and through my life, then I must also begin to allow him to do just that.

And so lately, I've been trying to be a little more real with God. And in prayer to even be willing to say some of things that might stack up as rather trivial desires in the grand scheme of things. A recent prayer of mine has sounded like...

God, it's me again. Thanks for a great day and for a full night's rest. I never thought I'd see the day both our boys would sleep through the night. And thanks for providing a great wife. She's pretty cool. I know that I am better because of her. God...I feel a little bad asking you about this, but I'm trying to be real with you. God, I really want a mini-van. I know you're busy, but is there a way you can kind of pre-arrange this to happen? Even as I say this to you, God, I realize this sounds a bit selfish. If it's too much to ask I'm willing to settle for a station wagon.  Whatever you decide God, I know I will be more than ok. Thanks for hearing me. I know there are more important prayers going up, but I know you want me to be honest. In fact, saying this to you out loud helps remind me to trust in you and to focus my attention on other stuff that's more important. Thanks God. I'll keep driving my red car, and I will keep trusting in You to provide.

You know what, I haven't let go of my desire to have a van. It may be way lower on my list of priorities, but I still holding out, for a way to have 7 seats in one vehicle...it doesn't help that 7 is even a Biblical number. But I'm also not long in the face because I don't have one.  I'm striving to be happy and content and to learn how to thrive and find contentment as a follower of Christ. I don't want to miss what the abundance of what Christ has to offer me because I'm looking for it somewhere else AND I don't want to miss out on something because I'm not recieving what I feel I should be getting. I'm striving to find myself near Christ, near the heart of the people of God, ready to give and to serve.

I recently read an excerpt from Joel Osteen's devotional, entitled, Your Best Life Now. He writes how God intends for us to thrive as Christians. More and more, Osteen writes, we underestimate God and we limit what God is able to do in our lives and it's all in how we understand our relationship with God and how we approach the spiritual side of our lives...

I want to read a quote from his book... (excerpt included here)

So, I'm not going to determine my success by whether or not God helps me find a mini-van for my family. But I'm also not going to be surprised if, one day, when I least expect it, God provides for a desire for my family that's been on my heart. I'm not going to let owning or not owning a van or any other thing that's material determine how I believe God is able to work in my life, but I'm am going to praise him and thank for everything he provides.

It works this way also for the church. You see we should have desires for the congregation, a greater part of that desire should be in the interest of other people - for their salvation, for their benefit, or comfort. Serving Christ is not about what we feel our church wants or needs, it's not only about what the church has done in the past or what the church is not doing now...it is a question are we willing to do whatever it takes to share and to give and to share in such way that people are attracted to the presence of Christ within our congregation.  And because we serve a great God, that answer always must be YES!

Our Scripture passage for today, Paul touches on this with Christians in Ephesus.  His words were written long ago, but they apply to our lives as well, he states, "I commit you to God and to the word of grace (in other words, he is entrusting us to the care of God and the guidance from the Scriptures as he gets ready to leave Christians in Ephesus). And he says (I'm paraprasing) I have not coveted silver or gold, I am content with what I have. I have worked to provide for my needs, the needs of my friends, and of those who are poor and I call myself blessed.  When I could have kept and stored up what I worked to obtain, I found it was better to give, it is better to open up my life to others and share.

Friends, among the many valuable things we are able to share and to give, is our heart and our soul. It is good and well to give to others and to support the weak in their time of need, that is part of our calling. But it is also crucial that we give of our hearts and of our lives. We work so hard to build-up strong-holds in our lives that isolate us and prevent others from seeing the real us and knowing our inner-most struggles and most profound joys. We don't like to be weak and vulnerable; we don't feel comfortable being exposed or known in a deep and meaningful way. But this openness and weakness (if you will) is part of what God has in mind for us when He claims us as His possession. This is part of our inheritance as believers, that we are known by fellow believers and most importantly known by God.   This is how Christ chose to share his life and love with us...so much so that while we were still sinners he died on the cross for our sins. This openness and this sharing together in the body is part of what it is to be called blessed.

I mean, really, if you cannot begin to share you life with your neighbor or a close friend, how can you really begin to share your life with your God?

Don't think that I'm asking each person to stand-up in front of every person in Mars, describing in detail your greatest sin and temptation. But you do need to find a place where you feel comfortable openly sharing about your faith and praying with other people. Whether that be grabbing somebody following worship and saying your going to lunch with me and I'm buying...I need to talk and pray with you today. Or even entrusting your joys, worries and fears to the church for prayer, consider this part of your spiritual life, if not, then think of it as a way to help you practice the discipline of openly sharing your life with God.

Ephesians 1:14 reminds us, "You were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession - to the praise of his glory."

You have heard the words of truth and salvation. In believing you have recieved the Spirit, and have been marked with the seal of God; You are His possession.  A seal on a scroll in ancient times would have protected a document from being tampered with or becoming corrupt; a seal safe-guarded a scroll until it was recieved by its recipient. In the same way, God's seal functions to let the world see that even as you live and breathe, you are His possession and that your life is guarded, your life is protected by power of the love of Jesus Christ.  And we realize it so much more, when we share the knowledge and power of that claiming power of God within the church and community of believers.

One of my professors in college would often return graded papers to his students and at the same time reiterate a statement he would say over and over... Now, if you recieved a grade on a paper and you don't like it, be reminded, it's not the end of the world, you are not the grade on your paper.

In the same way I am defined by what car I drive to work. My value is not determined by what I have, by how I look or where I live. I belong to God, you belong to God, and, together, we belong to Christ.

For the glory of God the Father, in the grace of the Son, and by the power of the Spirit - Amen.

Prayer, the air we breathe, the blood that flows

2010-05-26T10:05:00.000-07:00

    This past week was a bit of an emotional week. My wife and I recently found out, from Facebook of all places, that a good friend of ours, Jack Roth passed away on May 17th. Jack served as elder at 2nd Pres and was active in the youth ministry of the church. He was an avid cyclist, a doting father, loving husband, and strong man of faith.
    There are many great things I could tell you about this guy. But the most important one, for me, is that Jack lived life to its fullest. He never let a moment escape him. He looked out into the world around him with a smile and saw life as one of the many great and wonderful gifts of God. In life and the world, Jack saw mystery, beauty, and a wonder about it all that made me want to put on his glasses and capture what he was seeing. I know, with confidence, that Jack is now resting in the joy and peace of God. His death saddens me a lot. But greater so remains the impact his life had upon mine.  This day, and the many to follow, I hope to live my life in a way that captures even a fraction of the joy Jack carried him in his earthly life.
    In my time of meditation and devotion, I had the opportunity to read 1 Thessalonians 5, 1 Kings 19:9b-18, and a devotion by Oswald Chambers (see devotion for May 26, My Utmost for His Highest). Chambers begins his devotional thought reflecting upon prayer and writes:

"The correct concept is to think of prayer as the breath in our lungs and the blood from our hearts. Our blood flows and our breathing continues “without ceasing”; we are not even conscious of it, but it never stops. And we are not always conscious of Jesus keeping us in perfect oneness with God, but if we are obeying Him, He always is. Prayer is not an exercise, it is the life of the saint. Beware of anything that stops the offering up of prayer. “Pray without ceasing . . .”— maintain the childlike habit of offering up prayer in your heart to God all the time."

I like the thought of prayer as the "breath in our lungs and the blood from our hearts." We are not concisous of our breath or the flow of blood through our bodies - it's always moving and flowing; it never stops. Chambers further describes prayer as "the life of the saint." So, even during those times when I feel like doing anything BUT pray, the presence of God's Spirit is moving within me and around me. It is actually what drives my life and propels my spirit to seek the quenching only God's living water can provide.

Often our lives...our spiritual lives...feel something akin to just that...a man lost, searching for water in the dry and blistering heat of a desert. In the midst of our prolonged thirst, our heart's ache for an oasis. With each step and word, amidst hardship and toil, we long to feel safe and intimately close to the presence of God. But everywhere we look, relief and assurance are often more a distant dream than a secure hope.

First Kings 19:9b-18 describes one of Elijah's divine encounters with God. Verses 9-11 state, "And the word of the LORD came to him: "What are you doing here, Elijah?" He replied, "I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too." The LORD said, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by." Elijah is the sole prophet remaining for Israel. All others had been brutally killed by Israel's enemies. I wonder if Elijah is thinking this is a dry, desert moment! If I were Elijah, I'd be pretty frightened and discouraged! He's hanging on, looking for help, looking for God. He's looking for hope and salvation.

God did answer Elijah and make known His presence; but it wasn't in the way Elijah (or us, as readers) would expect. Verse 12 describes God's presence with Elijah as a "gentle whisper." God wasn't in the burning rage of the fire. God did not come to Elijah in the rumbling of the earthquake (read verses 11-13). God appeared to Elijah in a quiet voice, a whisper.

A whisper...a still small voice...a quiet voice...I wonder how long it took for Elijah to hear it. In the same way, I wonder how long is before I hear the words God is speaking in my life and in the world. How long has God been trying to grab my attention? How long have I been shutting my ears to God's words of comfort and refreshment? In what places have I been mistakenly looking for a reminder of God's presence?

Now that I have this story in mind and an understanding of prayer in a way that is always going before the Lord (even when I am unaware), I feel a greater sense of God's restful and fulfilling peace. When I breathe, as the blood flows through my body, it is comforting knowing my heart is calling out, searching for God. There is something reassuring about thinking of prayer and God's presence in this way. There is also something very freeing and empowering...

I don't just want this knowledge and understanding of God's presence to only exist in the fleeting feelings of my heart. Peace and contentment often come and go with the rising of the tide; I want a way to anchor this knowledge in my mind and in my life. I want to be ever so aware that God is always with me and I want to make consious decisions informed by this reality.

Maybe my friend Jack had found a way to anchor this knowledge of God's presence and peace in his life. I can only imagine the powerful prayer life Jack shared with the Lord while he vigorously battled cancer. Maybe this knowledge of how God works and how prayer functions in our lives is what placed Jack in a position to live a beyond his fears and more fully into God's love and joy. Whatever it was...I want to live in that way too.

First Thessolonians 5 closes with cherished words that often are shared as part of a benediction. 1 Thess. 5:23-28 states, "Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it. Brethren, pray for us. Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss. I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read to all the holy brethren. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen."

May you find in your heart and in your mind the anchor, the living water, that gives joyful shape to life. May this knowledge of what is good and true keep you faithful to the Lord, Our God. And even more so, as we see the Day approaching, may you live in the freedom and peace the flows from the grace of God! Amen.

I love you Jack! You will be missed!

Spring Fever...is back.

2010-05-03T09:59:00.000-07:00

Spring fever is here! It's must be something in the air, but I LOVE this time of year.  I enjoy watching the world around me come to life, being able to spend more time outside, working in the yard, walking, watching Bradley play; but I also love this time of year because it's marks the beginning of baseball season. There is something about turning on the TV or radio and hearing the sound of the game (back..back..back...it's gone! and the crowd goes wild...). What makes this year even more exciting is that baseball is now something that I am able to share with my oldest son. I'm not kidding, Bradley really seems to enjoy it! My wife, Jenne, on the other hand dreads the beginning of baseball season. The few times that I actually have control of the remote (emphasis few) its all about baseball and she can only handle so much.
But...as much as I love the game, I love God and my family more. This is a simple statement to make, but perhaps no greater point can be made. Jesus reminds us in the Gospel of Luke to "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself'" (Luke 10:27). I don't see baseball anywhere in that verse...nor is baseball even mentioned in Scripture (you can make your case for the Pirates...David DID defeat Goliath). But one thing I know...and that is that something considered good and fun, like the game of baseball, can become something dangerous. Just like anything that we enjoy (chocolate, internet, beer, sleep, chips, etc), when it becomes our ultimate concern, our sole source of joy and comfort, what we enjoy becomes harmful. Nothing is to take the place of God.
Luke 10:26 (just before Jesus' above statement about the law) describes the teachers of the law approaching Jesus with their questions. They ask Jesus, "What is written in the law? How do you read it?" Their questions are innocent enough...perhaps there are some teachers among them who truly want to know Jesus' response. But the rest of the Scriptures reveal their duplicity.  Rather than seeking the truth they sought to ensnare Jesus and make Him look foolish in the eyes of the people. But Jesus' wisdom and understanding of the ways of God went beyond even their own.
I desperately want to believe that I am different than the teachers of the law. It's just easier if I see myself as someone better and smarter than the teachers of the law. If I'm honest, however, I'm really not that much different. I make the same mistakes. Give me a moment more and I'll explain.
The teachers of the law wanted all the good stuff God had to offer them, but they wanted it on their terms. Do I doubt their love for God? No. More than likely, at the root of their conviction resided a deep and sincere passion for God. Overtime, however, this love for God became less vibrant, buried underneath a passion for tradition, the status quo, and the law. So, when Jesus, God in the flesh, appeared on the scene, He was viewed as a trouble maker rather than the Messiah. His presence was cursed rather than celebrated. His words of grace and truth evoked anger rather than praise.
Fast forward to 2010. Is my life that much different? I have a good life and enjoy a great and many things in our town and community. But, do my actions show that I have God at the heart of my life? If Jesus were to approach me this day...would I be willing to listen and change how I live my life to reflect His commands?
I notice that I have a tendency to allow the things I enjoy to get in the way of my relationship with God. So...when it comes to getting out of bed and having the chance to catch up on last night's baseball scores OR spend time with God...what do I choose?  And it's not just the spring.  During the spring, my temptation might be baseball. During the summer, it might be spending too much time at the gym to prepare for that beach vacation (the Reese's Cups...catch up after a while!). The fall...that means football. So this temptation to see the world and value the world in a way that I want will always be my struggle.
But I want so much more and I believe God wants much more from me. I want God to be reflected in my life. I want to give God the glory and the praise. That is why I worship on Sunday morning, that is why I pray, because I want God to be the most important thing in my life.
A great baseball movie is "Field of Dreams." What a great movie! And the story of the baseball greats coming to life in the middle of a corn field, I'll admit, is a little freaky, but so awesome! Who wouldn't want to pitch to their favorite player? The oft quoted line from this movie is, "If you build it, he will come." I know you've heard it...it's almost cliche. But if we reframe it a bit from a Christian perspective there is truth to this quote. God promises if we trust in Him, he will come through. If we build our lives with Christ as our foundation, God will provide. So each day is an opportunity. Each day we show what gives shape to our lives...each decision we make is a test to see what we value most and hold most dear.
1 Corinthians 3:10-15 states, "By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames."
This spring, I am working on tempering my love for the game of baseball. I'm putting my trust in something that is better and that offers much more. What about you?

God working in us: Us working it out!

2010-03-03T10:55:00.000-08:00

My wonderful wife recently told me this story from a program she heard on a Christian radio station. I was able to find the story illustration on the web, but the moral of the story is from what I can remember her telling me.

Key Thought: God is working in us so that we can work it out!!
Key Scripture: Philippians 2:12-18

Illustration of Key Thought:  There is the story of a young man who bought a farm. He and his wife were from a long way away, and when they bought the farm, a lot of people laughed. The old Fairchild farm had lain fallow for many years. Brush and tangles had grown up in the fields. The barns were falling down. The roofs leaked and pieces of the siding had fallen completely off. No one in their right mind would buy the Fairchild farm.

But the young man and his wife did. And they worked day and night to make the place into a producing farm. By the second year they had transformed the place. The fields had been tilled free of undergrowth. In them straight the rows of the crops alternated in green bands with the rich brown bands of the earth. The new tin roofs shone brightly on the barns. New boards replaced the holes in the siding. People were amazed. The old Fairchild farm had been transformed into a farm that would make anyone in the county feel proud.

One day the minister of the nearby church came by for a visit. The minister looked around at the beautiful farm. He nodded in appreciation. “Farm sure does look good,” he said. “Yep,” the preacher stated, “you and God have sure done a wonderful job with this place.” The young man thought for a moment. Then he replied to the preacher, “Reverend, you should have seen this place when God had it by Himself.”

Moral of the Story: God is at work in us, so that we may work it out! Let's face it, we all have our own problems. They might be problems we create for ourselves. We might have a tendency to be controlling...and we must deal with the consequences of being controlling. We might have a problem with anger...we must face our anger and do something about it.   We might have an addiction to pornography, drugs, alochol - you name it - we must admit that we need help. We are given a choice to work on our problems or allow our problems to work on us. We also might have problems because of a difficult relationship or circumstance. It might be a broken relationship with a family member or friend. It could be a situation at work that is just driving you up the wall. We have a tendency and it's easy to look away and ignore these stresses in our lives.  Ignoring them won't help them to go away! God is at work in us, but we are called to work it out. God calls us to work, God offers us help, and expects that we do our part.

The good news is that God is working in us. We are not alone.  Our loving Creator resides in our hearts. And He is working to encourage us and help our lives reflect His good and perfect will.

Beginnings: Rhythm and Life

2010-02-27T13:20:00.000-08:00

As I write my first Blog post, my son Bradley is doing something I used to do and enjoy as a child. When my Grandmother would bake, she would often fill large cookie pans with a one or two cups of flour. Then she would pick me up and sit me at the table with my matchbox cars and allow me to dig, plow, and drive my toy cars through the flour. This activity was a lot of fun, but, as you might imagine, it also created quite a mess. However, the time it took to cleanup the mess and the cost of a couple cups of flour for play were worth it!
This is just one adventure I enjoyed while visiting with Grandma. She didn't allow me to watch much television and, to be honest, the rabbit-ear antenna would only pick-up a few channels. While I was there, however, I don't remember missing television. The only times my Grandma would turn on the television were those times we were either watching the news or a movie as a family.  Most of our time, I was either working on the farm, exploring in the fields, eating, or sleeping. One of the movies I remember watching at Grandma's was the 1973 Disney version of Robin Hood. You might remember Robin and Little John's characters were illustrated as a fox and a bear. I think I watched this movie every holiday and visit at Grandma's- summer, Thanksgiving, Easter, and times in between. Even though I am now 30 years-old, I still enjoy an occasional viewing of this animated classic.
As I reflect on these fond moments of my childhood, especially the times I spent visiting my Grandparents, I notice a simple, calming rhythm. A type of rhythm that feels good. A rhythm that feels like home. Not a rhythm that is easy - my Grandparents ran a dairy farm and I was expected to do my part of the daily chores. But a rhythm which gave me space to grow, reflect upon, and adjust to life's changes.
Now that I have a wife and two children of my own, the pace of my life has quickened. There is more to do with less time; time itself is a commodity in high demand. And when life is too hectic, when the house needs cleaned, when the laundry piles seem to overwhelm, there echoes a subtle tug within my heart, longing for the days-of-old. I know that I can't travel back in time to a simpler life, nor do I want to re-live my early years. But I long for that rhythm. I long for that sense of peace, calm, mystery, and belonging. You might say that I am hungry for that well-balanced, peaceful rhythm to my life.

Is there hope for me? Should I give up chasing this longing? Am I grasping for the clouds in the sky? Or, is there a way to reclaim this rhythm and, once again, find satisfaction and peace in my life.

Yes. I believe there is hope. I want to believe there is hope. When I see it and experience it, I know it. But I know it even more when this rhythm and peace in my life is not there.

I am a Christian pastor and I believe the church (or God through the church) invites people to find this peaceful and calming rhythm to life through faith in Christ. I've experienced this rhythm and recently on Sunday morning. Our church (Mars United Presbyterian Church) was celebrating Confirmation - a big day in the life of our teenagers and congregation. We invited the people in worship to join us for a church potluck after worship. There were so many friends, family, and church members who attended the potluck, that we had to set-up more tables and chairs. I looked over the crowded social hall, watching and listening as people took time to laugh, cry, and celebrate. This is what I've been looking for...there is something about this experience that echoes the rhythmic peace of God.
I've challenged myself to look a bit closer at the rest of my life for glimpses of what I'd like to now call "God's rhythm for life." I see and hear God faithfully pounding this rhythm as our church takes time to greet one another and celebrate the joy of God's forgiveness during worship. I sense God's calming and peaceful rhythm when our congregation gathers around the Lord's Table and celebrates Communion. I even notice God's rhythm for life, when people are taking time, following worship, to linger and talk.

I'm curious where and when you might see God speaking peace and hope into your life. Do you experience it?  What is it like? Do you long for it? Are you willing to take time to seek it?

Romans 5:17 reminds us, "For if, by the sin of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ." This peaceful rhythm of life is rooted in God's grace as one of the abundant provisions and promises of our faith. We receive this gift by learning to trust God with our lives and by not giving in to the worry, fear, and stress that surrounds us.
God wants us to live according to His rhythm and offers us help to find it and overcome life's obstacles. One of the best helps that God gives to us is the opportunity to gather and worship. Worship is a time for us to share our joys and sorrows, as well as give praise. This is a time in which God invites us to laugh, cry, and celebrate. This is a time God gives to us so that we may offer (or learn to offer) the broken, dull, stressful, and boring parts of our lives in exchange for the joyful and peaceful rhythm of God.

Back to the flour and cookie trays...I must admit, before I cleaned up the flour on the cookie trays and put away my son's matchbox cars, I took time to help my son make a mess.  This...I think...is part of the many joys of living in God's rhythm.