"What a short passage to try to write a whole sermon on. Is that all I have to work with?" That's what I told Wendy on Tuesday after reading the passage given to me to preach this Sunday. It really is a bare-bones passage. Jesus simply sees two sets of brothers - first Simon (Peter) and Andrew and then James and John. Each time he says "Follow me" and they immediately drop their nets and follow. No dialogue, no conversation, no inner stuggling, no questions of Jesus. They just follow. Can it really be that simple? especially after Curt's sermon last week on scepticism and doubt coming out of the calling of Nathanael.
Maybe that is why we need to look at all the passages where Jesus calls his disicples -there is quite a range of how this happens. At the same time, what can we learn from this particular passage and its brief but powerful example of following Jesus immediately. Part of it is the style of gospel writer Mark -he likes action and moving the story forward, all to support what is really important - discipleship and the Kingdom of God coming near. But this passage has made me also ask how these fishers were able to simply drop everything and follow Jesus. It's made we reflect on how I make decisions in general, and how I respond to Jesus and God. What risks do I take? How willingly do I just take the jump and follow God's calling?
How does this story speak to you? I would be curious.
Thursday, 19 January 2012
Tuesday, 10 January 2012
Being a Faithful Church - II Timothy 3:14-17
This past Sunday (January 8) we began a two-session process of discussion on our use of scripture at SJMC. Mennonite Church Canada has requested feedback on this as phase one of its "Being a Faithful Church" process on matters of human sexuality. If you weren't able to pick up a copy of the background materials MC Canada has published on this, you can download them here:
http://www.mennonitechurch.ca/tiny/1643 (the feedback tool we are using)
www.mennonitechurch.ca/tiny/1516 ("Being a Faithful Church" 1-3)
We had a pretty good start to these feedback sessions, and it's clear we have lots to talk about. Our experiences with the Bible have been mixed, and it's clear that our approach to the Bible has changed over the past decades. As usual, we ran out of time to get to everything, so here's an opportunity to do some work at home.
Since we're thinking about scripture and how we use it, it makes sense to engage scripture itself as we go. Perhaps the best-known biblical passage in relation to the purpose and function of scripture itself is II Timothy 3:14-17:
But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it, and how from childhood you have known the sacred writings that are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.
A few things to take note of:
1. When this passage was written, there was not yet a "New Testament" to the Bible. The scriptures it refers to are the Old Testament Hebrew scriptures. Even though it's written before Jesus was born, these sacred writings are still able to "instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus"!
2. Timothy is commended for having known the sacred writings from childhood. Our engagement with scripture needs to begin early.
3. What does it mean that all scripture is "inspired by God?"
4. The passage mentions various intentions or purposes for the good use of scripture:
a) instruction (towards salvation through faith in Jesus Christ)
b) teaching
c) rebuking
d) correcting
e) training for righteousness and justice
f) equipping and making us proficient in Christian good works
This suggests that any interpretation of scripture that doesn't do these things, or that cultivates the opposite, is not a good interpretation of scripture
5. Does this description of scripture resonate with our experiences at SJMC? Are there things here we're uncomfortable with, or things we're surprised not to find?
6. Does this passage provide any insights to how or why we use scripture the way we do?
We'll take a few minutes at the beginning of this week's session to hear any responses that come out of this passage. Otherwise, we'll aim on Sunday to reflect more directly on our use of scripture in the context of congregational discernment and decision-making.
http://www.mennonitechurch.ca/tiny/1643 (the feedback tool we are using)
www.mennonitechurch.ca/tiny/1516 ("Being a Faithful Church" 1-3)
We had a pretty good start to these feedback sessions, and it's clear we have lots to talk about. Our experiences with the Bible have been mixed, and it's clear that our approach to the Bible has changed over the past decades. As usual, we ran out of time to get to everything, so here's an opportunity to do some work at home.
Since we're thinking about scripture and how we use it, it makes sense to engage scripture itself as we go. Perhaps the best-known biblical passage in relation to the purpose and function of scripture itself is II Timothy 3:14-17:
But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it, and how from childhood you have known the sacred writings that are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.
A few things to take note of:
1. When this passage was written, there was not yet a "New Testament" to the Bible. The scriptures it refers to are the Old Testament Hebrew scriptures. Even though it's written before Jesus was born, these sacred writings are still able to "instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus"!
2. Timothy is commended for having known the sacred writings from childhood. Our engagement with scripture needs to begin early.
3. What does it mean that all scripture is "inspired by God?"
4. The passage mentions various intentions or purposes for the good use of scripture:
a) instruction (towards salvation through faith in Jesus Christ)
b) teaching
c) rebuking
d) correcting
e) training for righteousness and justice
f) equipping and making us proficient in Christian good works
This suggests that any interpretation of scripture that doesn't do these things, or that cultivates the opposite, is not a good interpretation of scripture
5. Does this description of scripture resonate with our experiences at SJMC? Are there things here we're uncomfortable with, or things we're surprised not to find?
6. Does this passage provide any insights to how or why we use scripture the way we do?
We'll take a few minutes at the beginning of this week's session to hear any responses that come out of this passage. Otherwise, we'll aim on Sunday to reflect more directly on our use of scripture in the context of congregational discernment and decision-making.
Wednesday, 21 December 2011
The Song of Christmas
We're into the final Christmas countdown - only 4 days left until Christmas! Our services at SJMC this weekend will have us reflect on the songs of Christmas. Not our usual Christmas carols, but the songs of the characters in Luke's gospel as they confront the mystery and wonder of God's promised child. On Christmas Eve we'll listen to Mary's song of praise to God as she feels the bumps and kicks of God's life stretching within her. On Christmas Day we'll encounter an old man named Simeon at the Temple where the baby Jesus is being dedicated. He recognizes Jesus as the promised child of God's salvation, and sings his own song of promises fulfilled.
Both Mary and Simeon, however, sing songs with a sharp edge. The birth of Jesus is a time for joy, for praise, for thanksgiving and for wonder at the miracle of God. But they both know that this child will also pierce their lives and their world in ways that will bring heartache and difficult choices. Mary sings about the pround being scattered, and the powerful brought down. She sings of the hungry being filled and the rich being sent away. Simeon says something similar - I find these words both haunting and thrilling: "This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed." To Mary herself he says: "and a sword will pierce your own soul too."
The good news born on Christmas Day may be painful to embrace. It may tear us from what we know and what we love, causing as many to stumble as to be raised up. We cannot celebrate the birth of this child without embracing also the cross that awaits not far down the road. The song of Christmas joy in the coming of the long-awaited Messiah has teeth. The longing is serious, and so is it's fulfillment. For something really has happened in the birth of Jesus. All of creation turns to look, and will never be the same. Praise God, for this child is the Lion of Judah and the Lamb that was Slain. King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the Prince of Peace and the Bread of Life. The Mighty One has done great things for us, and Holy is his name.
Both Mary and Simeon, however, sing songs with a sharp edge. The birth of Jesus is a time for joy, for praise, for thanksgiving and for wonder at the miracle of God. But they both know that this child will also pierce their lives and their world in ways that will bring heartache and difficult choices. Mary sings about the pround being scattered, and the powerful brought down. She sings of the hungry being filled and the rich being sent away. Simeon says something similar - I find these words both haunting and thrilling: "This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed." To Mary herself he says: "and a sword will pierce your own soul too."
The good news born on Christmas Day may be painful to embrace. It may tear us from what we know and what we love, causing as many to stumble as to be raised up. We cannot celebrate the birth of this child without embracing also the cross that awaits not far down the road. The song of Christmas joy in the coming of the long-awaited Messiah has teeth. The longing is serious, and so is it's fulfillment. For something really has happened in the birth of Jesus. All of creation turns to look, and will never be the same. Praise God, for this child is the Lion of Judah and the Lamb that was Slain. King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the Prince of Peace and the Bread of Life. The Mighty One has done great things for us, and Holy is his name.
Thursday, 8 December 2011
Detectives of Divinity
The children in Sunday school have been encouraged to be "detectives of divinity" as we prepare for our Christmas program this coming Sunday. We are looking for clues or glimpses of God - some tiny, some big - of God's presence and activity in the world.
Here is a glimpse of God straight from South Africa, written by Karen Suderman:
"The mother walking ahead of us looked tired and slightly frazzled, as almost any mother of three would look by the end of the day. I can imagine this was their last stop before going home for the evening. Pick n' Pay, the local grocery store, is the last stop for many on their way home from a busy day. Gathering and herding her children along, her blond hair blowing in the breeze of incoming rain, the mother was working at making this a quick stop.
Coming in the opposite direction, having completed her shopping, was another mother of three. She too looked tired, eager to get home. However, she had encountered a problem. The grocery cart was stuck on a lip of the concrete. Her young daughter pulled with all her might on the front of the cart, her brow furrowed with strain. The mother pushed from the other side of the cart, but to no avail. It was stuck.
The first mother moved towards the cart and helped the young girl lift it over the lip. It was a simple act. Almost insignificant. But the look of gratitude from the second mother indicated that it was anything but small.
I love to see moments like this - people reaching out and lending a hand to each other. This incident in the context of South Africa was also significant. It was a white woman who helped a black woman.
It is wonderful to see these small acts of compassion here. In a country that has such a brutal history of division and oppression along racial lines, it is wonderful to see how people are reaching out in small ways to begin to change that."
And a couple of photos from Karen in South Africa too:
Thank you, Karen!
Wishing all of you a wonderful second week of Advent!
Here is a glimpse of God straight from South Africa, written by Karen Suderman:
"The mother walking ahead of us looked tired and slightly frazzled, as almost any mother of three would look by the end of the day. I can imagine this was their last stop before going home for the evening. Pick n' Pay, the local grocery store, is the last stop for many on their way home from a busy day. Gathering and herding her children along, her blond hair blowing in the breeze of incoming rain, the mother was working at making this a quick stop.
Coming in the opposite direction, having completed her shopping, was another mother of three. She too looked tired, eager to get home. However, she had encountered a problem. The grocery cart was stuck on a lip of the concrete. Her young daughter pulled with all her might on the front of the cart, her brow furrowed with strain. The mother pushed from the other side of the cart, but to no avail. It was stuck.
The first mother moved towards the cart and helped the young girl lift it over the lip. It was a simple act. Almost insignificant. But the look of gratitude from the second mother indicated that it was anything but small.
I love to see moments like this - people reaching out and lending a hand to each other. This incident in the context of South Africa was also significant. It was a white woman who helped a black woman.
It is wonderful to see these small acts of compassion here. In a country that has such a brutal history of division and oppression along racial lines, it is wonderful to see how people are reaching out in small ways to begin to change that."
And a couple of photos from Karen in South Africa too:
 |
| Mpophomeni, South Africa |
 |
| Zulu homestead, South Africa |
Thank you, Karen!
Wishing all of you a wonderful second week of Advent!
Wednesday, 30 November 2011
Repentance: Turning Towards God's Embrace
So what comes to mind when you think of the word "Repentance?" I tend to think about change away from sin or 'being bad' or 'doing something wrong' in some way. It can be a harsh term. There might be punniment attached to it or consequences that bear out in your life from what you have repented of.
Repentance is a word very much a part of this week's Lectionary passages for Advent II. John the Baptist comes to prepare the way for Jesus and preaches a repentance for forgiveness of sins (and many are baptized, confessing their sins). And yet he is quoting Isaiah 40 which puts those same words of 'prepare the way of the Lord' in the context of 'comfort, O comfort my people.' After reading all the passages, I was left with a different view of repentance. (I think this was my unexpected surprise this week) It seemed to be more about turning towards something, rather than away from something. The turning is towards God, towards the light, towards forgiveness, towards God's promises, towards a new heaven and earth... or as Alisha Martin (worship leader) and I decided to entitle the service this week "Repentance: Turning Towards God's Embrace" I am curious how this thought or idea will play out as we work on the service. What have been your experiences of repentance?
I decided to put excerpts from the 4 Lectionary texts into a reader's theatre that will be used this Sunday for the Scripture reading, so this may be easier than looking up all the texts (format comes out a little funny here):
Psalm 85:1-2; 8-13; Isaiah 40:1-11; Mark 1:1-8; 2 Peter 3:8-15 (excerpts)
All: The beginning of the good news* of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.*
Voice 1: As it is written in the prophet Isaiah,*
Voice 3: ‘See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,*
who will prepare your way;
the voice of one crying out in the wilderness:
Voice 2 and 4: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight” ’,
Voice 1: John the baptizer appeared* in the wilderness, proclaiming a
baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
Voice 3: And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.
Voice 2: Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God.
Voice 4: Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that she has served her term, that her penalty is paid, that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins.
Voice 1: Lord, you were favourable to your land; you restored the fortunes of Jacob.
Voice 3: You forgave the iniquity of your people; you pardoned all their sin.
Voice 4: Let me hear what God the Lord will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his faithful, to those who turn to him in their hearts.*
Voice 2: Surely his salvation is at hand for those who fear him, that his glory may dwell in our land.
Voice 3: The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you,* not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance.
Voice 1: But the day of the Lord will come like a thief.
Voice 2: But, in accordance with his promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness is at home.
Voice 4: Therefore, beloved, while you are waiting for these things, strive to be found by him at peace, without spot or blemish; and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation.
Voice 1: Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet;
Voice 2: righteousness and peace will kiss each other.
Voice 3: Faithfulness will spring up from the ground,
Voice 4: and righteousness will look down from the sky.
Voice 2: The Lord will give what is good, and our land will yield its increase.
Voice 4: Righteousness will go before him, and will make a path for his steps
Voice 3: He proclaimed, ‘The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals.
Voice 1: I have baptized you with* water; but he will baptize you with* the Holy Spirit.’
Repentance is a word very much a part of this week's Lectionary passages for Advent II. John the Baptist comes to prepare the way for Jesus and preaches a repentance for forgiveness of sins (and many are baptized, confessing their sins). And yet he is quoting Isaiah 40 which puts those same words of 'prepare the way of the Lord' in the context of 'comfort, O comfort my people.' After reading all the passages, I was left with a different view of repentance. (I think this was my unexpected surprise this week) It seemed to be more about turning towards something, rather than away from something. The turning is towards God, towards the light, towards forgiveness, towards God's promises, towards a new heaven and earth... or as Alisha Martin (worship leader) and I decided to entitle the service this week "Repentance: Turning Towards God's Embrace" I am curious how this thought or idea will play out as we work on the service. What have been your experiences of repentance?
I decided to put excerpts from the 4 Lectionary texts into a reader's theatre that will be used this Sunday for the Scripture reading, so this may be easier than looking up all the texts (format comes out a little funny here):
Psalm 85:1-2; 8-13; Isaiah 40:1-11; Mark 1:1-8; 2 Peter 3:8-15 (excerpts)
All: The beginning of the good news* of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.*
Voice 1: As it is written in the prophet Isaiah,*
Voice 3: ‘See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,*
who will prepare your way;
the voice of one crying out in the wilderness:
Voice 2 and 4: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight” ’,
Voice 1: John the baptizer appeared* in the wilderness, proclaiming a
baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
Voice 3: And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.
Voice 2: Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God.
Voice 4: Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that she has served her term, that her penalty is paid, that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins.
Voice 1: Lord, you were favourable to your land; you restored the fortunes of Jacob.
Voice 3: You forgave the iniquity of your people; you pardoned all their sin.
Voice 4: Let me hear what God the Lord will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his faithful, to those who turn to him in their hearts.*
Voice 2: Surely his salvation is at hand for those who fear him, that his glory may dwell in our land.
Voice 3: The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you,* not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance.
Voice 1: But the day of the Lord will come like a thief.
Voice 2: But, in accordance with his promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness is at home.
Voice 4: Therefore, beloved, while you are waiting for these things, strive to be found by him at peace, without spot or blemish; and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation.
Voice 1: Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet;
Voice 2: righteousness and peace will kiss each other.
Voice 3: Faithfulness will spring up from the ground,
Voice 4: and righteousness will look down from the sky.
Voice 2: The Lord will give what is good, and our land will yield its increase.
Voice 4: Righteousness will go before him, and will make a path for his steps
Voice 3: He proclaimed, ‘The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals.
Voice 1: I have baptized you with* water; but he will baptize you with* the Holy Spirit.’
Saturday, 19 November 2011
Heart of Mennonite Worship - End of Series (Summary Sunday School Class)
Last Sunday we finished the 4 week worship series on "The Heart of Mennonite Worship." It has felt like a rich series of exploring the meaning and purpose of worship. The series also included a baptism service for 2 of our youth and a meaningful time of communion. Last Sunday we sang our way through our SJMC music history from the Church Hymnal and Life Songs II (amazing octet!) to more recent hymnals and supplements (Hymnal: A Worship Book, Sing the Journey, Sing the Story) to jumping up and down for "Allelulia, praise ye the Lord" to Bryan Moyer Suderman songs to songs from Africa and South America. We have a rich musical heritage that continues to sustain us and challenge us. I am so thankful for the spirit of worship here at SJMC that draws on rich resources and foundations and yet is so open the new moving of the Spirit. This is a creative, adventuresome and grounded place where we meet and are surprised by God in so many ways. We have much to be thankful for.
For our last adult Sunday School class tomorrow morning (probably before anyone actually reads this... but please continue to ponder anyways), we want to review the series by reflecting on the 4 questions we gave one person each Sunday to share for 3 minutes. Take time to read these questions and ask how you would answer each of them. They were answered by Rebbecca Seiling, Curt Shoemaker, Ryan Martin and Ruth Bauman in provocative and engaging ways in the last 4 Sundays. If you any responses, feel free to add to the comments section below. We would love to hear what you think?
1. What happens to your spirit as you experience worship?
2. How does worship form and transform you?
3. What makes the Mennonite Church your worship home?
4. What happens to your spirit as you sing congregational songs in worship?
Mark Diller Harder
For our last adult Sunday School class tomorrow morning (probably before anyone actually reads this... but please continue to ponder anyways), we want to review the series by reflecting on the 4 questions we gave one person each Sunday to share for 3 minutes. Take time to read these questions and ask how you would answer each of them. They were answered by Rebbecca Seiling, Curt Shoemaker, Ryan Martin and Ruth Bauman in provocative and engaging ways in the last 4 Sundays. If you any responses, feel free to add to the comments section below. We would love to hear what you think?
1. What happens to your spirit as you experience worship?
2. How does worship form and transform you?
3. What makes the Mennonite Church your worship home?
4. What happens to your spirit as you sing congregational songs in worship?
Mark Diller Harder
Wednesday, 16 November 2011
Eternity Sunday - Love Abides
For a few years now we have been celebrating something that we call Eternity Sunday at SJMC. Christian tradition has long maintained that the church-year begins at Advent, with our preparation for the coming of Jesus. So the Sunday before Advent is in a sense the last Sunday of the year. On this day we look back and remember the year that has passed - and in particular those people in our community and in our lives who this year have passed away into the eternal love and care of God. This Sunday we will be invited to enter this space of memory, grief and comfort once more. We will be invited to light a candle in memory of loved ones who have died as we experience together the assurance of God's love and the support of this community.
As I thought about a scripture text for this service, I kept returning to an unexpected place: 1 Corinthians 13 - the love chapter. Unexpected because this has become for most of us a wedding passage. "Love is patient, love is kind, love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude..." And yet as you read on, the context shifts easily into our experiences of death and eternity. "Love never ends. But as for prophesies... tongues... knowledge, it will come to an end. For we know only in part... but when the complete comes, the partial will come to an end." And then the beautiful closing line of the passage: "And now faith, hope and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love."
Sometimes it's good to dislodge a scripture passage from its usual context. It helps us to see it fresh. What might it mean for love to abide, not only in life but into death as well? And what might it mean for us to love each other - whether in marriages or friendships or any other kind of relationships - with this same abiding love of eternity? The love that abides is, of course, the eternal love of God. This is the love that holds each and every one of us, and it's into the keeping of this love that we entrust our loved ones who have passed away. And this love we know in our earthly lives and relationships too - even if only dimly, in part, as in a mirror darkly.
We remember those whom we have loved because we love them still. Because the love that we have known in the God of Jesus Christ abides in time and in eternity. True love is a relationship not only with another person, but with love itself - with God. And this relationship cannot be severed by time, by death or by any wounds of life. Love abides, thanks be to God. And so we are invited to light a candle.
As I thought about a scripture text for this service, I kept returning to an unexpected place: 1 Corinthians 13 - the love chapter. Unexpected because this has become for most of us a wedding passage. "Love is patient, love is kind, love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude..." And yet as you read on, the context shifts easily into our experiences of death and eternity. "Love never ends. But as for prophesies... tongues... knowledge, it will come to an end. For we know only in part... but when the complete comes, the partial will come to an end." And then the beautiful closing line of the passage: "And now faith, hope and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love."
Sometimes it's good to dislodge a scripture passage from its usual context. It helps us to see it fresh. What might it mean for love to abide, not only in life but into death as well? And what might it mean for us to love each other - whether in marriages or friendships or any other kind of relationships - with this same abiding love of eternity? The love that abides is, of course, the eternal love of God. This is the love that holds each and every one of us, and it's into the keeping of this love that we entrust our loved ones who have passed away. And this love we know in our earthly lives and relationships too - even if only dimly, in part, as in a mirror darkly.
We remember those whom we have loved because we love them still. Because the love that we have known in the God of Jesus Christ abides in time and in eternity. True love is a relationship not only with another person, but with love itself - with God. And this relationship cannot be severed by time, by death or by any wounds of life. Love abides, thanks be to God. And so we are invited to light a candle.
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