Sunday, January 31, 2021

The Fourth Sunday After Epiphany: Let us Speak of Authority

Archived Service 


Let’s start with three deep breaths and relax….

 

Opening Prayer


Open our hearts and spirits this day to hear the great good news

 of your power and presence with all your people. Fill our hearts 

with rejoicing as the words are proclaimed in song and story. 

Enliven us and remind us that you are with us, through the pillar 

of fire, through the magnificent words of the prophets, through 

the ministry and love of Jesus Christ. AMEN.



let us begin today’s worship

 

Call to Worship (Psalm 111)


L: By this I have known the presence of the Lord:

P: in the rising of the sun,

             in the smile of another’s face,

L: in the touch of a hand

             or the sound of a laugh,

P: in the scent of a flower

  holding the promise of spring.

L: By this I have known the power of the Lord:

P: in the healing of hurts,

  in the forgiveness of sin,

L: in the giving of gifts beyond all expectation,

P: in the shower of love

  that comes from God’s Son.

L: Let us give thanks to the Lord with all of our heart!

P: Let us worship our God, whose presence and power endures forever!


God, Speak to Me, That I May Speak #531

https://pioneerucc.org/events/september-20-online-service/

(starts at 1:15 mark)


Mark 1:21-28


21 They went to Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught. 22 They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. 23 Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, 24 and he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.” 25 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” 26 And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. 27 They were all amazed, and they kept on asking one another, “What is this? A new teaching—with authority! He[a] commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” 28 At once his fame began to spread throughout the surrounding region of Galilee.


The word of God for the people of God!


Thanks be to God!

 

Sermon: Let’s talk about Authority

Whose authority? What Power? These are some of the questions that arise in todays gospel. These days when we read these stories of Jesus healing people of disease or exorcising demons, how do we understand these?  I mean what is our comprehension? Is it just a story?  Is it proof of Jesus as Gods son? Is it a demonstration of compassion that we are to follow? The Gospel can point to any one of these interpretations. But on a whole the Gospel writers tend to treat Jesus’ miracles as acts to raise questions about who he is and whose power he employs.


Walter Brugeeman believes this to be the case; 


“the first miracle in the Gospel of Mark, provides an excellent illustration of this understanding of miracle. The man who is afflicted with the unclean spirit is, to say the least, not the focus of the story. Indeed, he comes "onstage" only as the carrier of the unclean spirit. Nothing is said about the man himself, his back­ ground, his faith or lack thereof. Jesus' conversation is with the spirit, and Jesus' action is on the spirit. After the exorcism, the man is not even mentioned. While Gospel miracles often treat the healed person more as a prop than as a character, this story carries that custom to an extreme degree.


Not only does the man who is afflicted and then healed receive little attention, but the exorcism itself is treated with haste. Jesus is teaching, he casts out the unclean spirit that presents itself, and the final report returns to the issue of Jesus' authoritative teaching. For Mark, then, what makes this event important stems from the teaching of Jesus and the issue of authority rather than from the exorcism alone.


When the story opens, Jesus enters the synagogue in Capernaum, where his teaching amazes people because he teaches "as one having authority, and not as the scribes" (1:22). The contrast be­ tween Jesus and the scribes is noteworthy, since the scribes were regarded as important and knowledgeable teachers in the Jewish community. When Mark says that Jesus' teaching has "authority," then, he may mean something other than its credibility or reliability. Exactly what "authority" means here remains to be seen. The unclean spirit bursts into the synagogue and confronts Jesus with a challenge ("Have you come to destroy us?" or another translation that is equally possible, "You have come to destroy us!") and with a title ("the Holy One of God"). As elsewhere in Mark, unclean spirits and others who are outside the religious power structure recognize who Jesus is, while those who might be expected to know Jesus do not. Despite this display of knowledge on the spirit's part, it obeys Jesus' rebuke. (See Acts 19:11-20; unclean spirits did not acquiesce to the demands of every would-be exorcist!) Most miracle stories, including exorcisms, conclude with a demonstration of the effectiveness of the cure and the response of those who have observed it. Here the demonstration drops out altogether and the response that comes from bystanders is a curious  one: "What is this? A new teaching-with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him." Jesus' power over the unclean spirits reinforces the earlier judgment that his teaching is authoritative.


Again, based on a contemporary understanding of healing as an act of compassion, we might anticipate that Jesus' exorcism would prompt bystanders to rejoicing and celebration. Jesus brings gifts that we imagine ourselves receiving with outstretched arms, but nothing in this story indicates that he was so received. Instead, the story concludes with "At once his fame began to spread," but the word translated as "fame" can also be rendered "report." It signifies

only that word went out regarding this event, but not how it was received.


The story culminates, then, in a kind of question. The earlier question, "What is this?" calls up another, more profound question: "Who is this?" If the "who" question is not asked here explicitly, it surely lies just below the surface. Who is this man? What is the source of his power? What do these events mean? If the reader of Mark's Gospel knows who Jesus is because of 1:11, and if the unclean spirit knows because it recognizes superior power, and if the disciples at least know the authority of the Master who has called them, those standing by do not know what is at hand. The answer is not obvious, and in fact the question will continue through most of Mark.


What makes the question raised by Jesus' exorcism the more intriguing is that so many contemporary Christians believe that miraculous events, if ever witnessed firsthand, would produce unerring and unwavering faith. The Gospel writers know otherwise. They know that miracles demonstrate power, but power can come from a variety of sources, both good and evil. The Gospel writers also know that understanding who Jesus is and what his mission entails involves far more that simply witnessing a miracle. As with every aspect of Jesus' ministry, the miracles and the teaching raise as many questions as they provide answers.”


It is interesting that one of the questions should be whose power  and by what authority does Jesus come by this power? Why is it that only those form outside the faith and or those of the spirit world know who he is and can see it? Perhaps it is because those who are in power, those who wield authority wield it falsely? Even today we look to our religious and political leaders for refuge and help but when it comes down to it many of us have had to fend for ourselves and in doing so choose to fend for others. Our concepts, even today of where power and authority lay can be misconstrued.


What if we look at this story as a condemnation of authority. The story may be trying to tell us not to put our faith in humans but look past the human and seek God. Or in this case it maybe do not listen to words and get out and do.  Faith needs to be active. Not sitting in high places quoting law and scripture.


“Jesus’ teaching ministry starts in Capernaum, on the Sabbath day, in the synagogue. Jesus’ exorcism represents a demonstration of authority, and Mark distinguishes that authority from the scribes’. (By the way, Mark refers here to acquired honor, the honor that is gained actively through social interaction).


The main activity of scribes was teaching. It consisted of an exposition of the Law or the Prophets with relevant implications for the present. Jesus is showing more authority than them. As Mark describes it, he is not presenting a new teaching but is giving an interpretation that proved to be more relevant.”


Basically todays story has an interesting movement. Jesus walks into the synagogue and teaches.  That teaching and authority is acknowledged “in amazement” by those who are listening. Suddenly there appears a man possessed and he cries out recognizing who Christ is. Jesus tells him to be quiet and heals the man. People acknowledge Jesus’ authority “with Amazement” again. Jesus leaves the synagogue.


The part in the middle, the exorcism, seems to be the, pay attention here, part.


“Two mentions of Jesus’ authority seem to frame the exorcism (verses 22, 27). That is the reason why Ched Myers affirms that the demons speak on behalf of the scribes.  “Have you come to destroy us?” is spoken by the demons, but in Mark’s narrative, it represents the scribes’ opinion. The narrator seems to be leading the reader to ponder what a demon-possessed person is doing in the synagogue, especially in the light of a later accusation of the scribes’ that Jesus performs miracles by the power of the prince of demons (3:22). In Mark’s view, the scribes’ teaching is “demonic” because it does not liberate, but oppresses and enslaves people. A liberating act was needed and Jesus did it!


The Jewish Annotated New Testament suggests at this point that the expression Holy One of God—applied to Elisha in 2 Kings 4:9, and opposite to unclean spirit—means that Jesus, like Elisha, “would restore the correct boundary between the demonic realm of death and the world of life created by God.”  It is not to be taken as a messianic title, as suggested by the capitalization of “Holy One” (which is not marked as such in the Greek text), but wrongly assumed by the translators. The expression refers to Jesus as belonging to God, being pure and separated from impurity, and thus contrasting sharply with the unclean spirits. The reason why they recognize this attribute, while no other human being in the narrative has done it yet, is because demons are spiritual beings.


Jesus’ command to the demons to be silent has to do with the fact that he does not want them to name him, since in that culture the one doing the naming had more authority than the one being named (see Adam naming the animals in Genesis 2:19-20). The order to come out of him has eschatological connotations; if the time has been fulfilled and the domain of God has come near, that means that God’s enemies are beginning to be defeated, and that Satan’s rule over the world is about to end.” 



Reflecting on the concept that Jesus authority was not only in the teaching but in the act it is revealed. As a condemnation of the current authority as corrupt. Perhaps we still need to follow in Jesus footsteps. We can name demons in the world today and work against them and seek to cast them out. Hear me this is huge metaphor.


What are some of the demons in the world today. Osvaldo Vena says;


“Naming the demons is a way to recognize that they exist. We start with the big one, Unbelief: losing one’s faith in God, in life as a sacred force, and in our fellow human beings. It is the feeling that nothing can be done to solve our problems. Then, springing from this one, come the others in fearful company: homophobia, racism, sexism, classism, religious and ideological intolerance, violence at home and at school, poverty, militarism, terrorism, war, greed, extreme individualism, globalization, out-of-control capitalism, media-infused fear that leads to paranoia, and governmental manipulation of information. To name just a few.


Praying is not a pious resignation to God’s will, or an exercise that puts our minds at ease, but rather, using Ched Myers’ words, that “intensely personal struggle within each disciple, and among us collectively, to resist the despair and distractions that cause us to practice unbelief, to abandon or avoid the way of Jesus.”  In other words, it is the struggle to believe that change can really happen. A better world is possible.” 


This can be challenging because we honestly do often fall into the what difference can I make.  How can I as one person change anything at all? Yet in the church in Community we do make a difference one person at a time.


Just by proclaiming we are ONA and demonstrating it by flying the rainbow flag makes all the difference in a world where there are generations of people who are still told they are not good enough or they are an abomination as an ONA church we “make a public covenant of welcome into their full life and ministry to persons of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions.” 


Just through going through the process and proclaiming we are a green creation Justice Church shows we are living out an example to the world and we are not alone .


Congregations collectively discern their high calling to care for creation and seek justice for the oppressed.

Congregations make a commitment so serious and so sacred that it necessitates talking about God’s covenant with us and with all of creation.

Congregations not only become recognized as “green.” They become a part of a larger network of churches and a larger movement to change the world.

Congregations engage in critical thinking about the socioeconomic dimensions of environmental justice such as race, class, and global inequality.

Congregations foster a deeper sense of connection: connection to God, to each other, and to the world in which we live.

Congregations unleash their imagination and creativity as a sense of purpose propels them to make a difference. 


We are looking how we can be a better church that looks at racial justice. We are learning how to stand in “solidarity with the creation narrative in Genesis 1:26-27, which clearly outlines what matters to God—all of humankind and a just world for all. God created humankind in God’s image and likeness, women and men are image bearers, sharing equal status as human beings. God did not create race, racism, superior groups of humans, and hierarchical and hegemonic social structures. God does not sanction human suffering including America’s involvement in—

Inhumane social confinement due to mass incarceration and surveillance of communities of color

Global confiscation of another cultures land and resources

Human trafficking and the enslavement and sexual violence and assault against women and children

Deportation and the separation of families from immigrant communities

Police brutality and militarized tactics and abuses resulting in the murder of people of color

Using global armaments and acts of terrorism on innocent civilians domestically and abroad

Supporting White Christian supremacy over and against non-Christian faith communities


In the Hebrew Scriptures the Psalmist tells us “The earth and everything on it belongs to the Lord,” (Psalm 24:1), and the Gospel of John affirms what matters to God when the writer says, “For God so loved the world…” in John 3:16. Therefore the United Church of Christ believes that “God is Still Speaking” and those who believe so are called to “Be the Church” creating a “Just World for All” 


These are just a few of the demons in our world and you can hear where the false authority comes from but through the power of Jesus and his teachings and example we can choose to excise these demons so that our world comes closer to the heaven on earth we pray for amen!

 

Pastoral Prayer

What have we done, Lord? We want to praise you, so we sing songs, we shout your praises, with hands held on high. We teach and preach your word. But we don’t listen carefully for you. We are so busy trying to shout above the noise of the day, that we don’t take time to really listen and know you. The voices of the prophets spoke to people long ago who were too busy and anxious to hear. Their words streamed in the winds of time and have come to us. We need to pay attention to your message offered through them. You are our God, the God of all creation, the God of power and love, whose mercy is offered to us. In Jesus’ time, he proclaimed the good news through words and actions, reaching out to those who were troubled, alienated, cast aside. He offered healing and hope to those others turned away. Help us to learn that you alone can heal us and fix those areas in our lives that are wounded and twisted. Help us to understand that you alone can offer to us a new way of life through Jesus Christ. Remind us again that as we have spoken the names of people and situations that concern us, praying for your healing touch, that the same touch is offered to us in Jesus’ name. Lord, we need to let go of our control issues and place our trust wholly in you. Now and forever. AMEN.


Please write your joys and concerns in the comment section and I will lift them up after this hymn

 

 

Where charity and love Prevail #396

https://www.facebook.com/FirstCongBoulder/videos/953274538468557


Let us pray the prayer Jesus taught us

 

Our Creator, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kin-dom come, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For Thine is the kin-dom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen

 


Invitation to the Offering


God, you are the source of all goodness and life.

We bring our offering to you this day,

knowing that all we have comes from you.

We hear your call and we answer,

bringing all that we have and all that we are.


Donate Here!

 

Doxology #778 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hbrJ7F2wKc&ab_channel=DanInglis

 


Offering Prayer


Bless these gifts with your voice of creation,

your healing, and your love, Mighty God.

Use our gifts, our talents, and our bodies

for your work of peace and justice. Amen.


 The office is open for regular hours

We are accepting donations for the kidz cupboard and the food pantry

 

I am available for one on one virtual visits or phone calls if you need any prayer we will be together again one day, but until then remember you are the hands and the feet of our lord in this world and in this world of no physical contact we can still smile, wave, chat, check in

 

O Love, How Vast, How Flowing Free #209

https://vimeo.com/37488830

(starts at 54:20)


 Closing Prayer


Lord, we have listened to your word for us this day. We are grateful for the love of Jesus who takes our burdens and lightens our spirits. Be with us today as we leave this place. May we continue to place our trust in you, for it is in the name of Jesus that we pray. AMEN.

 

Benediction/Sending Forth

Jesus comes to us, offering healing and hope, speaking and acting with authority. Listen to him. Go into this world, confident in God’s love and healing power. Go in peace and may God’s love and peace always be with you. AMEN.


Sunday, January 24, 2021

Third Sunday of Epiphany: A Fisher of people

Archived Service 


Let’s start with three deep breaths and relax….

 

Opening Prayer (PS 139, Cor 6)


Holy God, creator of a new reality

just now coming into view,

we have come today to see and touch

and know your presence here among us.

Be with us as we listen for your call.

Help us hear afresh the good news:

that power and steadfast love

arise from you, our rock and our salvation.


National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman at Presidential Inauguration



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mTmTdOgv0M&ab_channel=C-SPAN



let us begin today’s worship

 

CALL TO WORSHIP

L: Christ is calling you as disciples

P: Lord Jesus, let us follow you faithfully.

L: You will be led into fields of mission and service.

P: Lord Jesus, where you lead us, we will go.

L: Listen for Christ’s call to you.

P: We are ready to serve the Lord. AMEN


Dear God, Embracing Humankind #502

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_AzxkmDvSgc&ab_channel=EdgewoodUnitedChurch


 

1 Dear God, embracing human-kind, 

forgive our foolish ways; 

Reclothe us in our rightful mind, 

in purer lives your service find, 

in deeper reverence, praise. 


2 In simple trust like theirs who heard, 

beside the Syrian sea, 

The gracious calling of your word, 

let us, like them, be spirit stirred, 

rise up and followers be. 


3 O sabbath rest by Galilee! 

O calm of hills above! 

There Jesus met you prayerfully: 

the silence of eternity, 

interpreted by love. 


4 Drop your still dews of quietness, 

till all our strivings cease; 

Take from our souls the strain and stress, 

and let our ordered lives confess 

the beauty of your peace. 


5 Breathe through the pulses of desire

 your coolness and your balm; 

Let sense be numb, let flesh retire; 

speak through the earthquake, wind, and fire, 

O still, small voice of calm 




 

Mark 1:14-20


The Beginning of the Galilean Ministry

14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news[a] of God,[b] 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near;[c] repent, and believe in the good news.”[d]

Jesus Calls the First Disciples

16 As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. 17 And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you fish for people.” 18 And immediately they left their nets and followed him. 19 As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. 20 Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him.

The word of God for the people of God!


Thanks be to God!

 

Sermon: Fisher of People?

 


 

As I sat to write todays reflection on the gospel I had to look elsewhere.  I had to go beyond my traditional point of view because I have said it enough.  Though I admit I still find it amazing that these men who have given their youth and life to their vocation suddenly drop their nets to just follow.  Poor Zebedee watches, I can only imagine, dumbstruck by his boys up and leaving their family business without so much as a good bye.


Jesus begins his ministry today by proclaiming the Gospel. The time is fulfilled “The word for “time” is kairos, signifying an opportune time and decisive moment because God is about to act. It has eschatological (end of time) implications. The word for “fulfilled” is a verb in passive which conveys the idea that the implicit subject is God, who had caused this to happen.” 


That is all so exciting.  Now some 2021 years later we know that God’s time isn’t out time and so we are still in this opportune time where God is about to act, or as we proclaim is acting, still speaking. Our God is not a passive God but one who participates in our human experience, journeys with us and asks us to work to bring God’s kin-dom about, here on earth just as it is in heaven.


Our youth Poet laureate said it best when she said; 


“When day comes we ask ourselves,

where can we find light in this never-ending shade?


The loss we carry,

a sea we must wade

We've braved the belly of the beast

We've learned that quiet isn't always peace

And the norms and notions

of what just is

Isn't always just-ice


And yet the dawn is ours

before we knew it

Somehow we do it

Somehow we've weathered and witnessed

a nation that isn't broken

but simply unfinished” 

                                                                   

Somehow we have weathered and witnessed a world that isn’t broken but simply unfinished.  I can hear that being the sediment of Christs’ followers then and I know it is where my heart lies as a follower of Christ now.


Yes we have done damage through our varied history as followers of Christ. Even todays message can bring forth a history of pain.


Osvaldo Vena professor emeritus of new testament interpretation at Garret seminary explains it this way;

“Jesus recruits his first disciples. They will be “fishers of people.”1 This metaphor was used by missionaries all over the world to justify and legitimize the allegedly life-giving ministry of the Christian evangelist. And yet, it really is a metaphor of death: fish, when taken out of the water, die! But that has been interpreted as dying to the world, which results in life unto God, something the author of the Gospel clearly affirms in Mark 8:35. The metaphor can also be explained by saying that since in the Bible the sea represents the place of the primordial chaos, inhabited by God’s mythical enemies, the fishing of people can have the connotation of rescuing them from the snares of the devil.” 


How much harm has been allowed in the name of God. Many, many missionaries have been sainted for the “good work” they did but, it truly is a shameful burden that Christian history has borne and continues to bare.


Oswaldo continues to reflect;

“In my experience as a youth in Argentina, and through the preaching of U.S. missionaries, we understood being fishers of people in the two senses mentioned above. We heard the preaching of the Protestant version of the gospel as believers of the Roman Catholic faith, who already enjoyed a healthy relationship with God.


Ched Myers, in his book Binding the Strong Man, has alerted us to the fact that the metaphor of fishing is taken from Jeremiah 16:16, where it is used to symbolize God’s disapproval of Israel. It is also used in Amos 4:2 and Ezekiel 29:4, where catching fish with hooks is used to represent the divine judgment upon the rich and the powerful, respectively. “Jesus,” Myers concludes, “is inviting common folk to join him in his struggle to overturn the existing order of power and privilege.”2 This is quite a different interpretation from the one I received in my youth.” 


Today I believe we still struggle with the two interpretations of just what it means to be Christian and what it means to be called as fisher of people. The old model of the missionary going into save a people, which basically meant tearing them away from their culture, their traditions and their way of life still happens.


“Is it fundamentally arrogant, or even immoral, for missionaries to assimilate with

“unreached” people groups with the ultimate intent of sharing a foreign, spiritual

message with them? Shouldn’t isolated people groups instead be left undisturbed?


There is no question that, historically, missionaries have often been wrong-headed in their approach to sharing their messages. One sorrowful, infamous example is the case of Catholic Franciscan priest and bishop, Fray Diego de Landis. As a Spanish missionary to the New World, whatever good he did was eclipsed by his harsh and coercive methods against the Mayas. His most infamous accomplishment may have been the burning of the entire Maya library due to the books being filled with what he believed to be “superstition and lies of the devil.” Only 3 Mayan documents survive – a great loss to our understanding of Mayan culture.” 

This horror story of a great fisher of man is repeated over and over again. The contemprorary version may be the case of Scott Lively.  Mr. Liveley is an evangeleical preacher and missionary from massachusetts who extreme and hatefilled views of anti -homosexuality has made him the subject of college papers, lawsuits, and even the southern poverty law center has him on a watch list. He helped to create ugandas death penalty bill for being gay.


“Having said that, let us not imagine that the committing of cultural and racial atrocities has exclusively been a religiously motivated pursuit. For nearly a century, Darwinian evolution widely held that dark-skinned people were less evolved than Caucasian people. As recently as the late 19th century, some 5.000 to 10,000 (Australian) aboriginal graves were desecrated, and “specimens” shipped, to British museums. In some cases Aborigines were murdered to obtain parts for study. (See David Monaghan, “The Body Snatchers”). As late as the early 20th century, targets for eugenics and forced sterilization included dark-skinned races.


Thankfully, both theists and atheists, religion and science, have come a long way since then. The modern missionary movement is smart and sensitive. There is nothing innate to the whole of scripture to justify the earlier missionary atrocities.


When Worldviews Collide

Nonetheless, there is certainly a clash of worldviews at play here, and that’s not going to go away. Secularists will continue to think that Christian missionaries have no business “invading” the lives of isolated people groups for the sake of spreading a myth. Followers of Jesus will continue to consider it a compassionate act to introduce isolated peoples to their universal Creator. What is different now is that both groups are concerned with respecting and retaining indigenous cultures and protecting the health and survival of these people.


One fact both sides can agree on is that isolated tribes are vulnerable to a number of modern threats, and that their existence is fragile. Missionary author Don Richardson claims that in the past 75 years, more than one tribe per year has disappeared from Brazil, from an estimated population of 4 million. Richardson claims thousands have been gunned down, blown up, or poisoned. The fact that the Sentinelese warriors have been observed firing their stone age weapons at a helicopter shows that they have no idea what they are up against.


The view of the modern missionary movement is that leaving tribal people undisturbed is not an option in the 21st century. It insists that it is better that missionaries get to remote peoples first because they value them as human beings created in God’s image. There are a host of potential outsider contacts who have no qualms about cheating, exploiting, and contaminating tribal people groups, and they are not asking permission: farmers, lumbermen, land speculators, minors, hunters, military leaders, road builders, art collectors, tourists, and drug dealers.


In thinking about indigenous cultures, there tends to be a halo effect around the way secularists view tribal people groups; as though their existence is peaceful, free, equitable, and humane. But all human beings are broken, and there is no ideal culture. Tribal cultures believe in the supernatural and are bound by strict beliefs about what their gods require. Critics of missionaries must grapple with the question of whether acceptance of an indigenous culture means acceptance of such practices as inter-tribal warfare, slavery, female genital mutilation, cannibalism, and other oppressive or self-destructive behaviors.” 


Though there are few untouched indigenous cultures the contemporary mission movements seem to have learned from their past transgressions and have helped even preserve some indigenous cultures.


“Richardson tells the story of the Wai Wai tribe of Brazil, which had been reduced to its last 60 members less than a generation ago:

     This was due largely to foreign diseases and the Wai Wai custom of sacrificing babies to demons in attempts to prevent these diseases. Then a handful of UFM missionaries identified themselves with the tribe, learned their language, gave it an alphabet, translated the Word of God, taught Wai Wai to read and brought modern medical care.

      Far from denying the supernatural world, the missionaries showed the Wai Wai that a God of love reigned supreme over it and had prepared a way for them to “stay right” on a deeper level than they had ever dreamed. The Wai Wai now had a rational, even delightful, basis for not sacrificing babies to demons. The tribe began to grow, and today is fast becoming one of Brazil’s more stable tribes. Wai Wai Christians are now teaching other dwindling groups of Indians how to cope with the 21st century through faith in Jesus.


(Perspectives, “Do Missionaries Destroy Cultures?” – Don Richardson)

The world is now filled with such stories of positive change. Jesus was not “white,” and His message was never to promote Western culture. Relational unity with God transcends all cultures, and can be expressed through all cultures.” 

.

“ I would like to suggest then that the purpose of Jesus’ call to discipleship is not to take people out of a hostile world, promising them a better life in God’s heavenly kingdom. Instead, his purpose is to change the world in such a way that it will cease to be the hostile place it is, so that God’s reign can be established on earth. Doing this will require that we make a preferential option for the poor, the dispossessed, the excluded, and those who because of gender, sexual orientation, race, or class have been rendered invisible in our society. It will also require that we will courageously denounce the evils of our western culture and its arrogant project of globalization. In short, it will require that we change the romantic view of discipleship that we have inherited for one that, by addressing the socio-political realities of our world, may do more justice to Jesus’ original intent.” 


This is why the modern day missionary looks quite different.  We are people packing lunches at the border of Arizona and Mexico offering hospitality to those who have experienced none.  We are a woman who watches at the border of Palestine and Israel making sure workers can get back and forth safely without harassment. We are water in the desert. We are digging wells, teaching in schools, staffing orphanages and hospitals.  This is the way of becoming fisher of men today.

If someone asks why we are doing this we simply explain it is our faith.  We are the river against the stone. We are the face of Christ in the world today. This is the way of Christ to walk humbly and be of service. This is what our food pantry is all about. This is what the kidz cupboard is all about.  Being a mission of Christ, which is the church, is about being a blessings and a loving presence to the community around us. And so I say amen and keep up the good work that the federated church of Marlborough is.


A call to prayer

Holy Mystery, we cannot count your thoughts,

nor can we understand completely

your plan for creation. So we have moments of resistance and fear, moments of concern for ourselves, our loved ones and the world.


You know us more intimately than we know ourselves.

We flourish in the womb of your love.

When you call us on new adventures,

we turn to you with joy,

amazed at your presence. And so we have moments of great Joy when we can clearly see your presence in our world.

Open our hearts to your invitation

and give us the courage to lift our joys and our concerns to you here now. Amen.

 

Please write your joys and concerns in the comment section and I will lift them up after this hymn

 

 

Anthem: Hope of the World #46

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGm_mR6enw0&ab_channel=BryanMcFarland


Let us pray the prayer Jesus taught us

 

Our Creator, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kin-dom come, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For Thine is the kin-dom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen

 

Invitation to the Offering


Our nets are full enough to share God’s bounty. Our hearts are open wide to the needs of others. Let us reach out and share what we’ve been given.


Donate Here!

 

Doxology #778 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hbrJ7F2wKc&ab_channel=DanInglis

 


Offering Prayer


Holy God, Steadfast Rock of all Salvation,

we marvel at the strength of your compassion

and your ability to offer forgiveness.

We come to you,

hungry to be part of the good news

you are bringing forth,

for we would be part of the realm

you are revealing. Amen.


The office is open for regular hours

We are accepting donations for the kidz cupboard and the food pantry

 

I am available for one on one virtual visits or phone calls if you need any prayer we will be together again one day, but until then remember you are the hands and the feet of our lord in this world and in this world of no physical contact we can still smile, wave, chat, check in

 

The Lord of the Dance


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCFQXis4eKc&ab_channel=First-PlymouthChurchLincolnNebraska


 

 Closing Prayer


Lord, we have listened to your word for us this day. We are grateful for the love of Jesus who takes our burdens and lightens our spirits. Be with us today as we leave this place. May we continue to place our trust in you, for it is in the name of Jesus that we pray. AMEN.

 


Benediction/Sending Forth

As we go out to meet a changing world,

remember this: God alone is our rock

and our salvation; the risen Christ

is calling each of us to share the good news

of the realm of God.

Go forth proclaiming the good news in deed and word amen.


Sunday, January 17, 2021

Jan 17 the Second Sunday after Epiphany; Can anything Good come out of Nazareth?

Archived Service


 Let’s start with three deep breaths and relax….

 

Opening Prayer (PS 139, Cor 6)


Creating God, how deeply you know us.

In the mystery of your love,

you see who we are and who we might become.

Our bodies are your creation;

they are wonderfully made.

Our minds reflect your handiwork.

Our spirits are a gift from you.

You call us by name and invite us to follow.

Lead us now into the depths of your love. Amen.



let us begin today’s worship

 

CALL TO WORSHIP

L: In the shadows of the night, God calls us.

P: Here I am, for you called me.

L: In the daylight, God calls us.

P: Here I am, for you called me.

L: God calls to each of us by name.

P: Here I am, for you called me.


Come O Fount of every Blessings #459

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLi6vzggOJQ&ab_channel=TheCommunityChurchofSebastopol


John 1:43-51


Jesus Calls Philip and Nathanael


43 The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” 44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. 45 Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth.” 46 Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” 47 When Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him, he said of him, “Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!” 48 Nathanael asked him, “Where did you get to know me?” Jesus answered, “I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you.” 49 Nathanael replied, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” 50 Jesus answered, “Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than these.” 51 And he said to him, “Very truly, I tell you,[a] you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.”


The word of God for the people of God!


Thanks be to God!

 

Sermon: Can anything good come out of Nazareth?

As we listen to today’s gospel story.  We hear the tale of the call of Nathaniel who loudly inquired “can anything good come out of Nazareth?” It sounds so sarcastic and dismissive and yet to this day many are called to serve and the response to those are much the same.

I cannot help but recall the reaction to students who rose up against gun violence after shootings at their schools often dismissed as kids who didn’t know what they were talking about.

Its is sad but if you google human rights activist dismissed there are about 16,800,000 results from all over the world.

 Today we join with many churches celebrating the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. His legacy and activism cannot be dismissed, though there were those who tried. Even here in NH. I was surprised to learn of the history and the time it took to recognize Martin Luther King Day here in New Hampshire.

It has been only 22 years since New Hampshire recognized MLK as an official Holiday and it was not an easy road. In an article from 2013 we are reminded of that fight….

“New Hampshire was the last state to have a holiday to observe King by name.

As we approach the 50th anniversary of the “I Have a Dream” speech, those who pushed for the holiday in the Granite State say it’s important to remember that it didn’t happen without a fight.

Arnie Arnesen remembers every detail of her first floor debate as a member of the state House of Representatives.

“It sounds crazy, but I can tell you what I was wearing.”

It was 1985 and the legislation she was supporting would have recognized Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a holiday in New Hampshire.

Arnesen, now a radio talk show host, recalls being up until 2 in the morning the night before crafting her argument.

“I remember thinking how was I going to explain why it was so important to me, a white Norwegian, Italian protestant. And I remember writing something to the effect of that this really represented the minority in all of us.”

She and others made their case. Then the votes came in.

“We only got 60 votes. And I remember being so shocked.”

But efforts to mark the day in New Hampshire date back even further to 1979, when Senator Jim Splaine filed the first of what would be many failed bills.

Then, in 1983, President Reagan signed into law a bill making Martin Luther King Jr. Day a federal holiday. Most states quickly followed suit.

But New Hampshire and a few others held out.

Opponents argued that New Hampshire’s small African-American population – roughly 1 percent – meant the issue wasn’t a pressing one for the state.  (by default that is systemic racism…not seen not a problem)

They also took issue with King’s position against the Vietnam War.

A grassroots campaign formed to change that and lawmakers filed bills virtually every session to mark the day.

And front and center was Arnie Alpert, the spokesman for the Martin Luther King Day committee in New Hampshire.

“We tried to keep the focus on why it was good for New Hampshire to do that, not simply why it was embarrassing for the state to stay in that anomalous role.”

New Hampshire took a step closer in 1993, when New Hampshire lawmakers approved Civil Rights Day.

Opponents of naming the day after King argued that the movement was bigger than one man.

But for Arnesen and others, that wasn’t enough.

“I couldn’t accept Civil Rights Day because individuals matter. Movements don’t exist but for some remarkable human being who inspires change.”

But things were about to change.

Governor Jeanne Shaheen used her 1999 inaugural address to bring the issue to the forefront.

“We cannot end this century without making Martin Luther King Day a part of the heritage we leave to our children.”

Later that year, lawmakers approved the bill and Governor Shaheen signed it into law at a ceremony in June.

In 2000, New Hampshire recognized its first Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

But that it took so long for the state to recognize the holiday still resonates with some residents.

“It was really strange to me that all the talk was around all these other things, except the real reason was that we really didn’t want to honor a man of color.”

JerriAnne Boggis is the director of the Portsmouth Black Heritage Trail.

She recalls reading every couple years about how the state Legislature had killed another effort to mark the day.

“Finally, when we could say we were the last state in the nation to do it, it was like a sigh of relief. Even my kids said, ‘Oh, finally. You know? We finally did it. It finally happened.”

She says it was important her children live in a state that recognized a man so important to history.

“I think sometimes we as adults tend to forget how kids will respond to that or what lessons they’re learning.”

While New Hampshire was the last state to recognize King by name, the same debate was going on in other states.

In Utah, lawmakers voted in 2000 to officially mark Martin Luther King Day, which up until then had also been known as Human Rights Day.

Also that year, South Carolina made the holiday a paid state holiday; before that, state employees had to choose between Martin Luther King Jr. Day or one of three confederate holidays.

Regardless, those who fought for the recognition in New Hampshire say it was a battle worth fighting.

Executive Councilor Deb Pignatelli sponsored legislation during her time as a state representative, and then as a state senator.

“I wasn’t happy about us being last, but I was pleased that we were at least among the states that passed this, that recognized this extraordinary, nonviolent, peaceful individual.”” 

It is funny that kings most important speech, the I have a dream speech is not what it was meant to be. You see the good reverend had a speech all written out, a text all prepared but as he started speaking you can hear a voice calling out “tell them about the dream martin”, Mahalia Jackson shouted again; “Tell them about the dream”…

“Martin said;

I say to you today, my friends, so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.


I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: 'We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal.'


I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.


I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.


I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.


I have a dream today.


I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of interposition and nullification; one day right there in Alabama, little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.

I have a dream today.

"I Have a Dream" came to be regarded as one of the finest speeches in the history of American oratory.” 

Kings legacy lives on today and there is so much of it that has been slapped in the face…in just this past year the leadership conference on civil and human rights has listed at least 95 times that human right legislation has been rolled back or completely dismissed…in 2020 alone. 

You may think these are not my concern, I suggest you read up something may be affecting you and you do not even know it…such as the White House issued a Statement of Administration Policy opposing H.R. 1230, the Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination act…or the fact that Health care workers may now refuse to be involved with providing services that offend their religious beliefs.

In the united states you are free to hold any religious beliefs you want but now people can discriminate and claim it is based on their religious beliefs…just think about that…

The events of the past few weeks just shows us how far, as a nation, we have to go and how much work as a Christian church we are called to do.

I still believe and lift up Martin Luther kings dream speech his legacy is inspirational and his work is not done.  There are days when I am tired of the fight. There are days I would love to sit back and say I did my time it is time for another to take over but until there is complete equity for all we cannot rest. We cannot allow ourselves to be dismissed nor can we afford to be dismissive. Every voice in the fight for justice needs to be heard and lifted up young or hold form New Hampshire or from Nazareth.

On a last note, I would like to say that I understand that much of these things can cause anxiety. The news can get depressing, frustrating, scary even. That’s where we need to live into, breathe into our spiritual practices. For some that is stillness, for others it is exercise or a hike to connect to nature. We do a lot to move away from our anxiety or to relieve it.

I was just speaking about this with my spiritual director and well, there are times and this may be one of them, we need to be present to the anxiety. We need to acknowledge the fear and the pain. Instead of trying to release it we may need to embody it so that the energy may be transformed into something positive.

Have you ever been so mad or upset about something that the energy ended up being put into whatever you were doing at the moment? Somehow you were sweeping up the kitchen and now the whole house is clean. You get the picture. Sometimes we have to allow ourselves to be frustrated, angry, sad and we need to take that energy, honor it and live into it so that the world may be transformed.

I pray that the fear and the anger and the pain of the past few weeks is honored and transformed as we continue to dream the dream of Martin Luther and all who have followed seeking justice and equity for all people and the planet. Amen


 

 

A call to prayer

Holy Mystery, we cannot count your thoughts,

nor can we understand completely

your plan for creation. So we have moments of resistance and fear, moments of concern for ourselves, our loved ones and the world.


You know us more intimately than we know ourselves.

We flourish in the womb of your love.

When you call us on new adventures,

we turn to you with joy,

amazed at your presence. And so we have moments of great Joy when we can clearly see your presence in our world.

Open our hearts to your invitation

and give us the courage to lift our joys and our concerns to you here now. Amen.

 

Please write your joys and concerns in the comment section and I will lift them up after this hymn

 

 

Anthem  here I am Lord

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiGZ9j3OD88&ab_channel=65Seasons


Let us pray the prayer Jesus taught us

 

Our Creator, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kin-dom come, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For Thine is the kin-dom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen

 






Invitation to the Offering


God, you are the source of all goodness and life.

We bring our offering to you this day,

knowing that all we have comes from you.

We hear your call and we answer,

bringing all that we have and all that we are.


Donate Here!

 

Doxology #778 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hbrJ7F2wKc&ab_channel=DanInglis

 


Offering Prayer


Bless these gifts with your voice of creation,

your healing, and your love, Mighty God.

Use our gifts, our talents, and our bodies

for your work of peace and justice. Amen.

The office is open for regular hours


 


We are accepting donations for the kidz cupboard and the food pantry

 

 

 

I am available for one on one virtual visits or phone calls if you need any prayer we will be together again one day, but until then remember you are the hands and the feet of our lord in this world and in this world of no physical contact we can still smile, wave, chat, check in

 

Come we who Love God’s name


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmbqN0yiT4I&ab_channel=LloydT.Hayes

 

 Closing Prayer


Lord, we have listened to your word for us this day. We are grateful for the love of Jesus who takes our burdens and lightens our spirits. Be with us today as we leave this place. May we continue to place our trust in you, for it is in the name of Jesus that we pray. AMEN.

 

Benediction/Sending Forth

God, who knows us better than we know ourselves,

calls us to follow.

And so we go in Jesus’s name to share the good news of God’s love.

Go in peace, knowing that God loves you.

Follow the call of Love

and go with God’s abundant blessing.

For it is in the listening, that we finally hear this truth:

We are beloved children of God—

created in love, created for love, created to love.

Let us go out there to listen and love.


Sunday, January 10, 2021

The Beginning of the Good News the Baptism of Christ

Archived Video 


Let’s start with three deep breaths and relax….

 

Opening Prayer (Isa 60, Ps 72, Matt 2)


Word of God, speak,

for your servants are listening.

(Pause for silent prayer.)

Spirit of creation and renewal,

hover over our gathering this day,

as you hovered over creation on that first day.

Enter into our hearts and our lives,

as you did at the day of our baptism.

Descend on us like a dove,

as you did on Jesus’s day of baptism,

that we may hear again

your words of love and adoption.

Speak from the heavens into our minds,

that we may perceive your words of guidance

and wisdom.


let us begin today’s worship

 

CALL TO WORSHIP

L: God’s strong voice calls us to worship,

P: calling us to sing and offer praise.

L: God’s creative voice calls us to worship,

P: calling us to life and light.

L: God’s loving voice calls us to worship,

P: calling us to love and be loved.

L: Listen, for God’s voice calls to us now.


 I sing the Almighty Power of God

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JX2NIAK2v6w&ab_channel=FirstCongregationalChurchofRidgefield 


Mark 1:4-11


4 John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 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. 6 Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 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. 8 I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

The word of God for the people of God!

Ok here is the strange thing about the lectionary, we do not read the whole Bible. “The Revised Common Lectionary is a three-year cycle of weekly lections used to varying degrees by the vast majority of mainline Protestant churches in Canada and the United States. The RCL is built around the seasons of the Church Year, and includes four lections for each Sunday, as well as additional readings for major feast days. During most of the year, the lections are: a reading from the Hebrew Bible, a Psalm, a reading from the Epistles, and a Gospel reading. During the season of Easter, the Hebrew Bible lection is usually replaced with one from the Acts of the Apostles. The lections from the Hebrew Bible are sometimes chosen from the Apocrypha…. The gospel readings for each year come from one of the synoptic gospels according to the following pattern:

Year A - Matthew

Year B - Mark

Year C – Luke   https://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/faq2.php

So todays readings are for January 10th year B, the baptism of the Lord as last week readings were for Epiphany or the story of the wise men.    I personally like to stay with the lectionary and sometimes that gives us gospel messages which we have recently heard before in the sacred cycle. These can be challenging at times as I try to keep fresh perspective and not repeat myself.

So today we are delving into the Baptism of Jesus

“The Gospel according to Mark is fast paced, and action oriented. It is the shortest of the Gospels, and believed to be the first written. Both Matthew and Luke include - sometimes word for word - most of Mark. But whereas Luke was written to present Jesus to a non-Jewish gentiles; and Matthew was written for Jewish new converts or those considering becoming followers of Jesus, Mark reads like an early family history - the writing down of already familiar and often spoken stories that are told at family gatherings: "Remember when ... and then ...and then ..." http://www.holytextures.com/2011/12/mark-1-4-11-year-b-epiphany-1-baptism-jesus-lord-january-7-january-13-sermon.html

Yet todays reading leaves out the very beginning of this Gospel which I feel is Important. I mean Listen and as they say for those with ears hear the first words of Marks Gospel… “Beginning of the good news of Jesus Messiah Son of God.” (John 1:1)

“For one thing, Verse 1 tells us what Mark's ‘message’ is…Note that Mark says this is the ‘beginning.’ Is he simply meaning, ‘this is the opening sentence of my book?’ Or is he is implying, ‘This is the beginning of an as-yet-unfinished proclamation of good news?’ His writing certainly does not finish with ‘This is the end of the good news.’” http://www.holytextures.com/2011/12/mark-1-4-11-year-b-epiphany-1-baptism-jesus-lord-january-7-january-13-sermon.html

The fact that Mark gives us a Proclamation of where we are at and who we are about and there is no this is the end really kind of reflects who we are as the The federated Church of Marlborough. I just find it very exciting this says that the Gospel, the Good news, is still happening, thus God is still speaking. If we engage the Gospel today, if we pause to embrace it and listen, it is just as relevant today as it was when it was first written, perhaps even more so.

“With this characteristically curt announcement we start our reading of the first Gospel to be written. ‘Beginning’ tells the reader where we are of course, but may also serve as an echo of the opening words of the bible. ‘Good-news’ has come through the Anglo-Saxon as ‘gos-spel’, into the English as ‘gospel’. It reflects on one hand an old Testament background, where the word refers to the proclamation of God’s great deeds, and on the other hand a background in the Roman Empire, where it can be used for something like the announcement of a birth to the royal house, or a roman victory in far-off places. ‘Messiah’ comes into Greek as ‘Christ’, but in this Gospel, as opposed to the Letters of Paul, it is a title rather than a name. ‘Son of God’ Is not in all manuscripts but it is likely what Mark wrote and is almost certainly what he meant.”

The bible

“Bruce Malina - and other scholars - helpfully point out that the underlying Greek word for "good news" was commonly used for a royal proclamation of "good news" such as a victory in war; the marriage of the emperor; the birth of an heir; etc. That the followers of Jesus used this word for their story of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, is a political act of daring. Daring to provide an alternative to the Roman Empire as an authority and source of "Good News."

Malina also points out that the title, "Son of God." was not uniquely used only for Jesus. Notably, the Roman Emperor was called, "Son of God." And occasionally, the phrase is used in Scriptures to refer to folks who are manifesting qualities of God in their behavior or being.

Indeed, "son of" is probably better understood as meaning, "having the qualities of," and certainly NOT as "genetic descendant of." And so, similarly, "son of man" means having the qualities of a human; and so, "sons of thunder," (see Mark 3:17) means "loud, boisterous, energetic."” http://www.holytextures.com/2011/12/mark-1-4-11-year-b-epiphany-1-baptism-jesus-lord-january-7-january-13-sermon.html

Mark does another strange thing he proclaims a verse written by the prophet Isaiah

Look I am sending my messenger before your face,

Who will prepare your way;

A voice of one shouting out in the desert:

Prepare the way of the Lord,

Make straight his paths.”

Reverend Nicholas king says this

“Mark’s is a mysterious Gospel, and it is mysterious from the very beginning. The quotation that he attributes to Isaiah is not in fact wholly from that source. The opening lines of it are from Either exodus 23:2 (in the Greek version) or from Malachi 3:1. Only after that does Mark revert to Isaiah (40:30 in the Greek version). Why is this so? The reader must decide – but you can exclude any Idea that Mark didn’t know his Old Testament.

Also Mysterious is the fact that Mark starts his Gospel, not with Jesus (as you might expect), but with John the Baptist. This must mean that in some sense John gives a clue to the mystery – including, apparently, that Jesus may properly be called ‘Lord’ in a passage that clearly referred originally to God.”

The bible

Mark takes us into that world where we just get a glimpse of John the Baptist. A person who comes out of the Desert, dressed very austere with a diet no one will attempt to follow. John is proclaiming a baptism for forgiveness of sins and people were coming from all over wanting to be baptized and they wanted to get baptized by him in the River Jordan, confessing their sins.

I could see where this could be the end.  This could become about John’s ministry except John proclaims there is someone who I am not worthy to untie his sandal.  Not even worthy of doing the work of the slave to untie his sandal.

“and it happened in those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan by John. And immediately coming up out of the water he saw the heavens dividing and the Spirit Like a Dove coming down upon him. And a voice came out of the heavens: ‘You are my son, the beloved; in you I have taken pleasure” Mark 1 (-11)

Here is an interesting note;

“Throughout Mark the only references to Jesus as Son of God come only from the spirit world (i.e., the voices from heaven at his baptism and at the transfiguration (Mark 9); or from evil spirits that Jesus is casting out.) Except, finally, at the conclusion of Mark, a complete outsider to the story and one who participated in executing Jesus, a Roman centurion soldier who was at the cross when Jesus dies - that person is the first to say of Jesus, "Surely this man was the Son of God." (NIV) The Bible

But if Jesus is the son of God why does he get baptized? One commentator states;

“And so, we might understand the baptism of Jesus as a selfless aligning/embodying of self with the desires of God. Rather than a "functional" baptism - that is, being baptized so that some function could happen - the forgiveness of sins - this is a "revelatory" baptism - that is, enacting, confirming and making visibly real what is already the case: You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”

http://www.holytextures.com/2011/12/mark-1-4-11-year-b-epiphany-1-baptism-jesus-lord-january-7-january-13-sermon.html

I would venture to continue on this thought that Jesus was also aligning himself with those who were sinners. With us, everyday people, and later, through his ministry, the marginalized.  This baptism brings Jesus down to us, as human and yet elevated as God both aspects of Jesus are present here; the human and the divine.  It also makes Jesus relatable to this very day as we are all tied together as one body through the Baptism, we share the same sacred spirit, the same sacred cleansing, the same sacred waters. And all of us, Christian or not, share in the same humanity. I think we forget that more often than not.

It is knowing that we share in that same humanity and are called to treat each other equally that we support our food pantry, the community meals, toys for tots, kidz cupboard , na aa meetings, theater, small groups, and global ministries. 

AS a denomination we acknowledge that we practice

“Presence – manifesting God’s love by living in intentional, committed relationships

Mutuality – walking in hope with others in God’s mission

Community – building interdependence and unity among all God’s children

Justice – living out God’s radical love by confronting powers that deny the fullness of life and the integrity of creation

Peace – embodying reconciling relationships with God, humanity, and creation”

This isn’t about evangelization. This is about being a presence, the presence of Christ to all in the world. We manifest this through our partnership with Global Ministries.

“Global Ministries mission (is) to receive and share the Good News of Jesus Christ by joining with global and local partners to work for justice, reconciliation, and peace. Global Ministries and its predecessor mission bodies have walked globally with God’s Church on behalf of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ for over 200 years. This unique testimony of unity between two denominations connects with more than 290 global partner churches and programs.”

If you have not taken the time already, I encourage you to look up Global ministries of the United Church of Christ and explore its pages through there is where we can connect to the world beyond our community.  There may be something there that inspires you. If so, lets see what we may consider to take on as a project, maybe plan a mission experience or contribute to those seeking out Justice.

Marks Gospel is the good news of a still speaking God and I believe we are about to embark on quite a journey together in exploring how we can be that loud and strong still speaking voice here in Marlborough. As vaccinations start to roll out we will look anew at the tried and true and seek out where our greatest passions can meet the greatest needs of our community and the world around us.



Thanks be to God!

 

Sermon: The Beginning of the Good News


 

 

A call to prayer

When our hearts are hard as stone,

You soften us with your grace. These are the moments we lift in prayer.

When our lives are riddled with doubt and pain,

You heal us with your mercy. These are the moments we lift in prayer

When our ears are ringing with the pain and cynicism of this world,

You strengthen us with words of faith and love. These are the moments we lift in prayer.

When our minds are muddled with confusion and fear,

You enlighten us with the radiance of your wisdom. These are the moments we lift in prayer.

Speak to our spirits from the truth of your being,

the reality of your love,

that we may hear your voice clearly

and follow where you call us to go.

 

Please write your joys and concerns in the comment section and I will lift them up after this hymn

 

 

Anthem  Take me to the water 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIdT2KMR-K4&ab_channel=StephenO%27Bent


Let us pray the prayer Jesus taught us

 

Our Creator, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kin-dom come, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For Thine is the kin-dom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen

 



Invitation to the Offering


With hearts wide open and ears ready to hear, we bring our very lives to this time of offering. May we bring more than just gifts in a plate, but hearts and minds ready to hear God’s call and respond where God’s voice leads us.


Donate Here!

 

Doxology #778 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hbrJ7F2wKc&ab_channel=DanInglis

 


Offering Prayer


Bless these gifts with your voice of creation,

your healing, and your love, Mighty God.

Transform our meager offerings into abundant gifts

for a world in need of your light and life. Amen.


 

The office is open for regular hours

We are accepting donations for the kidz cupboard and the food pantry

 

 

 

I am available for one on one virtual visits or phone calls if you need any prayer we will be together again one day, but until then remember you are the hands and the feet of our lord in this world and in this world of no physical contact we can still smile, wave, chat, check in

 

Breathe on Me, Breathe of God


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9s8BFHThfc&ab_channel=HymnChannel 

 

 Closing Prayer


Lord, we have listened to your word for us this day. We are grateful for the love of Jesus who takes our burdens and lightens our spirits. Be with us today as we leave this place. May we continue to place our trust in you, for it is in the name of Jesus that we pray. AMEN.

 

Benediction/Sending Forth

Amidst a noisy world, make way to listen for God.

In the busiest of days, find time to listen for God.

For in the listening, we finally hear this truth:

We are beloved children of God—

created in love, created for love, created to love.

Let’s go out there to listen and love.


Sunday, January 3, 2021

Epiphany Sunday 2021

Archived Video


 Let’s start with three deep breaths and relax….

 

Opening Prayer (Isa 60, Ps 72, Matt 2)


God of promise and light,

open our eyes this morning,

that we may see your light in the darkness.

Open our hearts,

that we may perceive your promises

of justice and righteousness

fulfilled in the babe of Bethlehem.

May we, like the Magi,

have a star to guide us

on our journey quest

to find the one who will truly set us free.

May this time of worship

bring us closer to you,

that the good news

of the birth of light and love

will transform our lives. Amen.

 




let us begin today’s worship

 

CALL TO WORSHIP

L: Arise; shine, for your light has come!

P: We are called out of our darkness into light.

L: Lift up your eyes and look around.

P: We rejoice in the gift of light.

L: Come let us worship the God of light and joy and peace.

P: We come to kneel at the cradle of the babe,

the light incarnate.

 



The First Noel

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c333ddPCrnA&ab_channel=JosephStillitano 

 

Matthew 2:1-12


The Visit of the Wise Men

2 In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” 3 When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:

6 ‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,

    are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;

for from you shall come a ruler

    who is to shepherd my people Israel.’”

7 Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. 8 Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.” 9 When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. 11 On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.


The word of God for the people of God!


Thanks be to God!

 

Sermon: Take another Road



So, let us review today's Gospel…. how many were there….3?  It doesn't say that. Eastern tradition says there were twelve. What were they Wise men, Kings Astrologers…It doesn't say that?  It was about the 3rd century that they were considered to be kings most likely to fulfill the prophesy in psalm 72:11 “May all kings fall down before him.” Wait I know one many how many know the answer to what were their names…

“Melchior, a Persian scholar; Caspar, an Indian scholar; Balthazar, an Arabian scholar… many Syrian Christians name the Magi Larvandad, Gushnasaph, and Hormisdas… In the Eastern churches, Ethiopian Christianity, for instance, has Hor, Karsudan, and Basanater, while the Armenians have Kagpha, Badadakharida and Badadilma and many Chinese Christians believe that one of the magi came from China…”  It wasn’t even until the 8th century that they received names. 

“The Adoration of the Magi—i.e., their homage to the infant Jesus—early became one of the most popular themes in Christian art, the first extant painting on the subject being the fresco in the Priscilla Catacomb of Rome dating from the 2nd century. In the Middle Ages the Adoration of the Magi was often associated with two other major events of Jesus’ life: his baptism, during which the voice of God publicly declared Jesus to be his son, and the wedding at Cana, at which he revealed his divinity by changing water into wine. The three events, commonly celebrated on the same feast day, were frequently represented together in the monumental sculptures that decorated the churches of the period.” 

We three kings of orient are wrong we three wise men mmm …. astrologers…. sages…. mages…Magicians…. Maybe.  What do we know about these three guys who come from the east?  Well, we know they are described in the Greek as Magi these are men most likely of the Zoroastrian tradition an early Monotheistic faith that had its origins in pre-historic Iran that had influence as far as China and Japan.  “According to Richard Foltz the roots of Zoroastrianism emerged from a common prehistoric Indo-Iranian religious system dating back to the early 2nd millennium BCE”  

Does all this matter?  Are the Facts important…in this case no!  It is about the story, and the Journey.  We assume 3 Magi because there are three gifts given and so I am going to roll with that.

Melchior a Persian Scholar I imagine came from a Tehran his Journey would have been over 40 days this is a calculation done at 10 hours a day walking which is highly unlikely considering midday heat and companions and setting up camp and tearing down camp.

Caspar an Indian scholar I like to say he came from Madhya Pradesh India his Journey would be (at the unrealistic rate of 10 hours a day) 126 days and finally we have Balthazar supposed to be an Arabian scholar in that case he would have been the closest but if he came from the far east deep in china his journey could have taken up to a year and a half or more….

So, we have three men who are educated and read the skies for signs of things to come and omens of things to watch for they see something in the sky that foretells of the Child who is to be the king of the Jews and so the furthest one out sets off on his trek much before the others.  Therefore, as he went along, he must have told others what he saw in the sky and those that choose to believe him (as he was a figurehead of some kind) they followed him.  His party grew as he went along adding the other two figure heads as he journeyed helping them interpret what it was, they saw in the sky.

Ernest L. Martin describes the caravan this way as they had an audience with Herod;

These Magi came from the east bearing rich gifts for the newborn king. They could not have been reckoned as certain classes of sorcerers and confidence men who roamed the Roman world under the name “Magi.” Herod and all Jerusalem would hardly have been troubled by what they considered impostors. But if the Magi had come from the court of the Parthian kings who employed Magi in the religious affairs of their government, or from the respected Magus colleges of the east, then that would have been a different matter in the view of Herod and the Jewish authorities in Jerusalem.

In order to have an audience with Herod and for him to have members of the Sanhedrin (the Supreme Court of the Jews) to hear the interpretations of these Magi must show that they were held in high esteem by the people of Jerusalem. In their deportment, it was customary for the Magi to dress in magnificent priestly attire to indicate their professional status. In presenting themselves before royalty the historical records show that the Magi did this with pomp and circumstance. 4 In traveling or on official business in areas where their influence was felt, it was normal for the priestly Magi to proceed in a processional mode with various ranks of them appropriately positioned in the caravan. This must have been the manner in which they approached the city of Jerusalem to present their gifts to the newborn king of the Jews. This would account for the respectful attitude of Herod and the Jewish authorities to them.  

So, they all come bearing these gifts, for one who they believe is royal born. And so, there are theories as to what these gifts represent “The theories generally break down into two groups: All three gifts are ordinary offerings and gifts given to a king. Myrrh being commonly used as an anointing oil, frankincense as a perfume, and gold as a valuable. The three gifts had a spiritual meaning: gold as a symbol of kingship on earth, frankincense (an incense) as a symbol of deity, and myrrh (an embalming oil) as a symbol of death.”  

I am sorry if there is disappointment here but I say, assuming the story is true, the meaning of the gifts are most likely just ordinary offerings for the birth of royalty.  So, imagine the shock when this entourage arrives at a simple country house and find an unassuming girl and her husband a carpenter. Can you imagine the shift there?

Can you imagine these High Priests who are revered by kings and leaders, who can interpret the stars and who respect the Hebrew scholars and religious texts: “And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for form you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.” (Mathew 2:6) These studied men, these well-traveled, worldly, rich men find the simplest of people with a child that in no way will be brought up or trained to be a King as they have understood.

This is where, and why I have titled this “Taking an alternate Path”, you see in the meeting of the Christ Child their realty of how the world works, of how the stars align, of who is worthy of royal honors…it all shifts.  Reality is turned upside down and instead of saying well this can’t be…we read something wrong…this peasant cannot, nor never will be a King at least not in any way that they comprehend and yet they present their Gifts.

These men, I choose to believe, are humbled and awe struck, what has been their way of thinking and believing is shifted, a new reality is opening up before them and they have yet to see what it means.  The scripture says at just seeing the house they are overwhelmed with Joy.  Before they even get in the door something is happening, something physical and as they enter, they see the mother and child and they fall to their knees and pay homage opening their treasure chests and presenting their gifts.

This is not ancient hospitality nor the rules the world traditionally abides by, Andrew Arterbury, a professor at Baylor explains;

“Ancient hosts also were obligated to meet their guests’ needs by supplying them with necessary provisions. Upon their guests’ arrival, meritorious hosts fed strangers an initial meal and at times provided them with lodging without asking their guests questions about their identity or place of origin.

In addition, hosts would often provide them with water for cleaning their feet and with new clothes if they needed them. Then, after the guests had finished the meal, hosts finally were free to inquire about their guests’ identity, home region, and travels.”  

The imagery here is intensified when it is juxtaposed against tradition.  For one Joseph and Mary would never even anticipate a visit from a group as big and famous as these guys probably were and in no way could they even begin to provide what traditionally is given.  There are new ways of being beginning to be expressed before Christ message is spoken, Kings are bowing to peasants.  The host is being offered Gifts with no expectation of Hospitality.

The “wise men” are warned in a dream to take a different path home.  But they are already on a different path.  The meeting of the low born king, the peasant king, who overwhelmed them with Joy, to whom they knelt before expecting nothing.  There are no alliances made, there is no political or religious relationships established what was imagined to be a king has now changed the meaning all together.  They are on a different path.

After their dream they probably left in haste realizing that their lingering presence would arouse suspicion and place the child in danger...which it already had.  So, they journeyed the long journey home 40 days, 80 days, and a year to a year and a half.  All the way home they had to study and ponder what did this all mean.  How their understanding of the world could be so reversed by one child astounded and confounded them. They are literally taken on an alternative path through this intentional encounter with the peasant King.

A friend of mine, Judith Favor, shared a poem and some quotes on Journeying from Mark Strand’s; Chicken, Shadow Moon and More, and though this story is about a physical journey it becomes a spiritual journey for the 3 Magi and their entourage and for us.





A journey continues until it stops

A journey that stops is no longer a journey

A journey loses thing on its way

A journey passes through things, thing pass through it

When a journey is over, it loses itself to a place

When a journey remembers, it begins a journal

Which is a new journey about an old journey

A journey over time is different from a journey into time

An actual journey is into the future

A reflective journey is into the past

***

A journey always begins in a place called here

Pack your bags and imagine your journey

Unpack your bags and imagine your journey is done

***

If you're afraid of a journey, don't buy shoes 



I believe that part of being a Christian is telling the story. So how do we tell the story of Jesus.  Do we let the carols and the feasting and the gift giving become the story? No, we tell the story through Engaging the story and journeying with the story.  That means living the story of Jesus in our hearts and on the road.  You see many of us the story of the Magi can be relevant.  I actually believe for all of us if you just engage the story. Don’t worry about the facts.

You see our lives changed when we met a different understanding of Christ.  When, many of us learned, that not only could we be loved by God but that we are most enthusiastically loved by God, by Christ and that through the Life of Jesus we are taught how we are to Journey in this world.

We are invited to an alternative path an alternative Journey…it is not done in a day or a year but over many years over a lifetime.  As we are on our own Journey, each one unique onto itself, we discover that the Journeys and stories of Christ change in our heart, shift our perception and in return they will again change our Journey.

In many ways it doesn’t matter if this story or any of the stories are true for, we have chosen to live as a people of faith.  We have chosen to listen, study, and incorporate these stories into our lives.  We have chosen to take an alternative path, a path that in the end, leads us home, home to Christ, Home to Love and Home to our own selves.

So, on this the first Sunday of a new year I wish you a safe Journey.  May it be filled with wonder and awe, may God grant you a few surprises, and when difficulties arise know you are not on the journey alone reach out to a fellow traveler seek support from the people here around you.


Blessings and a very happy healthy year.



 

A call to prayer

Ever patient God,

we are a people who live in thick darkness.

We stumble around,

bombarded by news of war and poverty,

famine and genocide,

injustice and oppression.

The maelstrom of things

and issues and people of the dark,

can overwhelm and paralyze us.

Help us to be people of the light,

shining your light of righteousness, peace, and joy

into all the dark places of our lives and world.

Unlock the mystery and glory

of the babe born in Bethlehem. Turn our aimless wanderings

into a journey of purpose

guided by your star.

Let the light break into our lives and our world,

and transform us into people of the light.

As People of Light we lift these concerns and joys to you now...

 

Please write your joys and concerns in the comment section and I will lift them up after this hymn

 

 

Anthem  The Queens came Late 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFG3Lf6nLaA&ab_channel=fleeingoz


Let us pray the prayer Jesus taught us

 

Our Creator, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kin-dom come, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For Thine is the kin-dom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen

 

Invitation to the Offering


We have seen the light of the world. We have been called to follow the star of promise. Like the Magi, let us bring our gifts to honor the babe of Bethlehem and bring the light to all the dark places in our community and our world.


Donate Here!

 

Doxology #778 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hbrJ7F2wKc&ab_channel=DanInglis

 


Offering Prayer


God of light and promise, we bring our gifts

to further your work in a dark world.

May they bring your light

to those overwhelmed by darkness, pain,

and loneliness.

Accept these gifts of money and time,

indeed, the gift of our very selves.

Let them shine for all to see,

and be brought into the sphere of your love

and righteousness.


Celebration of Holy Communion

(Please if you have not already prepared elements for communion do so. Remember that even an English muffin can become a sacrament, even a cup of water or tea can become a remembrance of God’s redeeming love)

Invitation




For Holy Communion this morning,

I invite you to lend Christ your table.


We recall that once a long time ago Jesus gathered with his friends in a room. Men, woman, children, free and slave, Jewish, roman, tax collector and priest all gathered as friends to celebrate a feast.


We do not know all the conversations that were shared. We do not know the menu of the day. Yet by faith we proclaim these words.




The Communion words sent to the church at Corinth.


For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you,

that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed

took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks,

he broke it and said,

“This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”

In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying,

“This cup is the new covenant in my blood.

Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.”

For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup,

you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.




Sharing of the Elements



Leader:    Let us in our many places receive the gift of God, the Bread of Heaven.

Unison:    We are one in Christ in the bread we share.



Leader:    Let us in our many places receive the gift of God, the Cup of Blessing.

Unison:    We are one in Christ in the cup we share.



Prayer of Thanksgiving



Leader:


Let us pray in thanksgiving for this meal of grace,

rejoicing that, by the very method of our worship,

we have embodied the truth that Christ’s love

is not limited by buildings made with human hands,

nor contained in human ceremonies,

but blows as free as the Spirit in all places.



Unison: 


Spirit of Christ, you have blessed our tables and our lives.

May the eating of this Bread give us courage to speak faith and act love, not only in church sanctuaries, but in your precious world,

and may the drinking of this Cup renew our hope

even in the midst of pandemic.

Wrap your hopeful presence around all

whose bodies, spirits and hearts need healing,

and let us become your compassion and safe refuge. Amen



 

The office is open for regular hours

We are accepting donations for the kidz cupboard and the food pantry

 

 

 

I am available for one on one virtual visits or phone calls if you need any prayer we will be together again one day, but until then remember you are the hands and the feet of our lord in this world and in this world of no physical contact we can still smile, wave, chat, check in

 

God rest ye Merry Gentlemen/We Three Kings


https://www.facebook.com/MaplewoodUCC/videos/277502539599765/


 

God rest ye merry, gentlemen, let nothing you dismay

Remember, Christ our Saviour was born upon this day

To save us all from Satan's power when we were gone astray


O, tidings of comfort and joy

Comfort and joy

O, tidings of comfort and joy


From God our heavenly Father this blessed angel came

And unto certain shepherds brought tidings of the same

How that in Bethlehem was born the Son of God by name


O, tidings of comfort and joy

Comfort and joy

O, tidings of comfort and joy


O, star of wonder, star of night, star with royal beauty bright

Westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to thy perfect light


Born a king on Bethlehem's plain, gold I bring to crown Him again

King forever, ceasing never, over us all to reign


O, star of wonder, star of night, star with royal beauty bright

Westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to thy perfect light


Glorious now, behold Him arise

King and God and sacrifice

Hallelujah! Hallelujah, worshipping God most high


O, star of wonder, star of night

Star with royal beauty bright

Westward leading, still proceeding

Guide us to thy perfect light


God rest ye merry, gentlemen, let nothing you dismay

God rest ye merry, gentlemen, let nothing you dismay

God rest ye merry, gentlemen, let nothing you dismay

 


 

 


Closing Prayer


Lord, we have listened to your word for us this day. We are grateful for the love of Jesus who takes our burdens and lightens our spirits. Be with us today as we leave this place. May we continue to place our trust in you, for it is in the name of Jesus that we pray. AMEN.

 

Benediction/Sending Forth

Arise, and go forth to shine for all the world to see.

Go to spread the good news of light and love,

righteousness and justice.

Go now and follow the star

that will guide you on your journey

this week, this year, and forever.

As the Magi of old,

go forth in trust and excitement,

transformed in the presence

of the child of light.

May the blessing of the God of light

rest upon you and fill you with light.

Amen.