Reflections From Sunday Evening

Well this has not been the weekend I would prefer. Early in the week it started with that little cough. Now three days of meds and antiviral I am hopefully on the road to recovery.
It was great to watch church live stream today. Well done Britton and team. I especially appreciate Sue Arensberg for sharing our Sunbeams and Parents Day Out programs and of course the parents who got the kiddos out to sing.
As I laid around the past couple of days I could not miss the latest Tyreek Hill news. Our world has failed so many people. We must work to create healthy environments of respect for women and care for children. This is a sad situation.
Personally I believe Tyreek and all who fail need forgiveness and second chances. However there are consequences for our actions. Football days are done.
The other news I followed was the report from the United Methodist Judicial Council. Their actions followed what was done at the General Conference. Some thought the entire Tradition Plan might be ruled unconstitutional but that was not the case. They viewed the work as dealing with a series of petitions rather than a “plan”.
I’ll be happy to visit with people about these issues as we move forward. For now the local church is still the same. We continue to work with both liberties and restrictions.
That’s what I’ve been doing. The coming week holds expectations for healing and good things. These are my wishes for you.
In spite of things, it’s been a good day. I hope you’ve had a good day too.
Steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Why look for the living among the dead. He is not here. He is risen!
This announcement declares that everything has changed. The world is not what it was since Jesus rose from the dead. This event has cosmic repercussions. The world is not doomed to destruction but destined for renewal.
The announcement declares redemption for the whole creation.
The resurrection has life redemptive meaning for people. But with people the announcement turns into an invitation.
Come see.
Frankly, with Easter we have only just begun.
Now we move out of our roots and ruts to know and follow Jesus.
I have seen the Lord!  Come see Jesus.
We recognized him when he broke the bread. Come eat with Jesus.
Receive the Spirit and join Jesus in a life of forgiveness.
Like I said, we have only just begun.
It’s been a good day. I hope you’ve had a good day too.
Steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Pastor Nancy shared her new word today. Of course she told me  just before I started to preach and couldn’t get the word out of my head.
Coddiwomple.  Spell check does not recognize it but dictionaries do.
Coddiwomple: to travel in a purposeful manner towards a vague destination. It could mean toward an uncertain, or unknown destination.
It is a great word to begin Holy Week. It captures how many of us approach uncertain tomorrows or even the life of faith.
Jesus began his coddiwomple that led to the cross. With Jesus the destination was not vague but had our salvation in view. There could have been surprising twists in the journey, but the ultimate result was clear. The coddiwomple would end at the cross...but then.
We are invited onto our own coddiwomple this week.  There may be some seemingly vague destinations.  What should we make of towel and basin with its call to serve?
What about a Holy Thursday meal with friends? What about our personal view of the cross?
We may not be exactly sure where our faith will take us, but we travel with purpose.
Coddiwomple.
It’s been a good day. I hope you’ve had a good day too.
Steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Today I mentioned Skal Labissiere, a professional basketball player for the Portland Trailblazers. It makes me think.
There are 30 teams in the NBA. They have a roster maximum of 15 players. So there are 450 players in the league.
Of the 450 players I would say there are 8 superstars. Actually, there is Lebron and then the rest, but let’s say 8 superstars that are simply a cut above the rest.
Then there are 24 All Stars. The All Star game has 2 teams with 12 players each. 24 All Stars.
These would be included among the 150 starters for the teams in the league.
That leaves 300 players who range from contributing subs, role players, and those who mainly provide people to practice against and play very little. That would include Skal Labissiere and many others.
Here’s the thing about all these role players. They are elite athletes.  Elite players among their peers.
Here’s the thing. As followers of Jesus Christ we really do not have super star or all star Christians. But we are elite. You are an elite person loved by God. The forgiveness and grace of God’s sets you apart. As a child of God humbly accept elite status.
It’s been a good day. I hope you’ve had a good day too.
steve