Pastor’s Corner – April 3, 2025
“The Lord God put Adam in the garden to till it and keep it.” (Genesis 2:18)
From the beginning God intended that humans would be caretakers of God’s creation. God is the Creator, Sustainer, and Provider and we are blessed to be God’s grateful stewards. This faith perspective that focuses us on using God’s gifts to care for our earthly home, ourselves, and others is beautifully revealed in the life of our Leader, Jesus.
One of the gifts we receive from God to cherish and use are talents. Each one has a talent that makes life better and more enjoyable
“The Lord God put Adam in the garden to till it and keep it.” (Genesis 2:18)
From the beginning God intended that humans would be caretakers of God’s creation. God is the Creator, Sustainer, and Provider and we are blessed to be God’s grateful stewards. This faith perspective that focuses us on using God’s gifts to care for our earthly home, ourselves, and others is beautifully revealed in the life of our Leader, Jesus.
One of the gifts we receive from God to cherish and use are talents. Each one has a talent that makes life better and more enjoyable. Inspired by Jesus, St. Paul envisioned the church, “the living body of Christ”, as a community of folks with God-given talents. “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” (I Corinthians 12:4-7)
Stewards identify their talent by paying attention to the gifts that feel natural, produce joy, and feed passion. Directing your activities toward your God-given talent will not only bless you but it will also be a blessing to the common good. Stewards serve God by serving others with their talent. It is one important way to make a positive difference and to leave a legacy that endures.
Yours in Christ,
Marc
Pastor’s Corner – March 20, 2025
“The Lord God put Adam in the garden to till it and keep it.” (Genesis 2:18)
From the beginning God intended that humans would be caretakers of God’s creation. God is the Creator, Sustainer, and Provider and we are blessed to be God’s grateful stewards. This faith perspective that focuses us on using God’s gifts to care for our earthly home, ourselves, and others is beautifully revealed in the life of our Leader, Jesus.
One of the gifts we care for are financial resources. Jesus was clear about the role of stewards with money:
“The Lord God put Adam in the garden to till it and keep it.” (Genesis 2:18)
From the beginning God intended that humans would be caretakers of God’s creation. God is the Creator, Sustainer, and Provider and we are blessed to be God’s grateful stewards. This faith perspective that focuses us on using God’s gifts to care for our earthly home, ourselves, and others is beautifully revealed in the life of our Leader, Jesus.
One of the gifts we care for are financial resources. Jesus was clear about the role of stewards with money: “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.” (Luke 6:38)
Stewardship is empowered by trust in God. Stewards trust God’s ability to provide for the needs of all, including our own. Our part in that is using our gifts and talents in a spirit of generosity. God loves to give and so should we!
Since our culture so highly values amassing wealth, God’s giving to meet the needs of all has been thwarted. Our society has given the green light to satisfying needs and wants and even rigs the way things work so a few get the most. This undermines fairness and leaves many lacking basic needs. Stewards counter this sin of greed with the Divine spirit of generosity and the work of making the playing field even. Of course, some people with challenges like illness and disabilities need a hand up. Stewards understand we need each other and are glad to do a little extra to provide that hand up knowing the time will come when that care is reciprocated.
Stewards find deep satisfaction and joy in following Jesus with a generous and trusting heart.
Yours in Christ,
Marc
Pastor’s Corner – March 6, 2025
“The Lord God put Adam in the garden to till it and keep it.” (Genesis 2:18)
From the beginning God intended that humans would be caretakers of God’s creation. God is the Creator, Sustainer, and Provider and we are blessed to be God’s grateful stewards. This faith perspective that focuses us on using God’s gifts to care for our earthly home, ourselves, and others is beautifully revealed in the life of our Leader, Jesus.
“The Lord God put Adam in the garden to till it and keep it.” (Genesis 2:18)
From the beginning God intended that humans would be caretakers of God’s creation. God is the Creator, Sustainer, and Provider and we are blessed to be God’s grateful stewards. This faith perspective that focuses us on using God’s gifts to care for our earthly home, ourselves, and others is beautifully revealed in the life of our Leader, Jesus.
One of the gifts we cherish and use as grateful stewards is time. Jesus looked to lessons in creation to teach about time: “Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is bread baking in the oven, will he not much more clothe you?” (Matthew 6:28-30)
Today brings the gift of life. Tomorrow is a mystery. Stewards make the most of today by looking for opportunities to be the caring and kind servants of God we were created to be. This is the source of a truly satisfying and joyful life.
Stewards trust God with tomorrow. Like the wheat whose growth and beauty is transformed into life-nourishing bread that feeds others, so we trust that whatever changes come tomorrow can be used by the Creator for the greater good.
Yours in Christ,
Marc
Pastor’s Corner – February 20, 2025
Did you know that I am not planning to retire when I turn 65 in March? I still feel called to serve as your Senior Pastor. I am still enthusiastic to serve as your Senior Pastor. I remain thankful to have the health and energy to fulfill this role. I feel a sense of responsibility and excitement to continue to do my part to position Friedens UCC for a vital future in an era of declining religious affiliation.
Did you know that I am not planning to retire when I turn 65 in March? I still feel called to serve as your Senior Pastor. I am still enthusiastic to serve as your Senior Pastor. I remain thankful to have the health and energy to fulfill this role. I feel a sense of responsibility and excitement to continue to do my part to position Friedens UCC for a vital future in an era of declining religious affiliation. We have been taking some positive steps forward in that regard, and I believe Christ is at work among us to fulfill a vision for greater impact that will prepare the way for the next chapter of leadership and ministry.
Of course, you also have a responsibility to discern if I should remain as your Senior Pastor for a few more years. I serve at God’s call and at your pleasure. We are congregationally organized. The congregation shares in determining clergy leadership.
I invite your prayerful discernment. If you feel our partnership should continue, then I invite you to join me in a spirit of renewed faith and energy to fulfill the vison Christ is giving us to secure a vital future for Christ’s mission in the community through the disciples and ministries of Friedens Church. If not, you have the freedom and responsibility to speak your truth at a congregational meeting. This is the way our United Church of Christ functions to ensure health and well-being in leadership.
I am grateful for our three decades together and I look forward to our years ahead continuing to work together to share the love of Christ.
Yours in Christ,
Marc
Pastor’s Corner – February 6, 2025
Did you know that in this era of declining religious affiliation in the United States, growth needs to be measured in ways other than membership and attendance figures? Across the nation those metrics are declining. So how do we measure growth today? Here are a few ideas:
In discipleship rather than membership. Jesus never called the church to make members. Jesus called the church to make disciples (Matthew 28:19).
Did you know that in this era of declining religious affiliation in the United States, growth needs to be measured in ways other than membership and attendance figures? Across the nation those metrics are declining. So how do we measure growth today? Here are a few ideas:
In discipleship rather than membership. Jesus never called the church to make members. Jesus called the church to make disciples (Matthew 28:19). For a long time in our nation it was believed that good citizenship included religious membership. This filled the rolls and the pews with nominal members who were there out of obligation rather than in commitment to Christ. When religious membership no longer was connected to good citizenship, rolls and pews started diminishing. Those left were there because Christ and his way really mattered. Today we can count and celebrate disciples who love and serve Christ and his church.
In service to the community rather than in the size of staff, programs, facilities, and budgets. Jesus made it clear: I came to serve not to be served (Mark 10:45). Jesus expects the same from us. The difference we make in the lives of the people in our community is a powerful metric of vitality for the church today.
In a spirit of unity not uniformity. In the prayer of Jesus on the eve of his death, recorded in John 17, this was Jesus petition: I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one…so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them as you have loved me. A healthy metric of growth for the church of Jesus Christ has always been the spirit of unity among a widely diverse group of disciples created by love, not uniformity in doctrine, practice, or appearance. At the beginning of this same gospel this point is driven home with these words: to all who received Christ, Christ gave power to become children of God (John 1:12). Have we allowed Christ to transform us into loved and loving children of God? If so, we ourselves bear witness to the growth of Christ’s church!
Can you think of some other ways we can measure the church’s growth today? Please share them with me so we may embrace the future together in a spirit of hope.
Yours in Christ,
Marc
Pastor’s Corner – January 23, 2025
Did you know that one of the biggest challenges of churches in this era of decline in religious affiliation is maintaining aging buildings that are larger than the needs of the congregations who use them? We all know stories of churches forced to close their doors because they could no longer afford to maintain their campuses. Not only are the lives of the members diminished by the closing of their church, but the neighborhood they once served suffers too.
Did you know that one of the biggest challenges of churches in this era of decline in religious affiliation is maintaining aging buildings that are larger than the needs of the congregations who use them? We all know stories of churches forced to close their doors because they could no longer afford to maintain their campuses. Not only are the lives of the members diminished by the closing of their church, but the neighborhood they once served suffers too.
We are working at Friedens to avoid this sad outcome. We continue to meet our financial obligations and we continue to be able to care for our large church campus. However, if the cultural decline in religious affiliation continues, and there is no evidence that is changing anytime soon, there may come a time when a smaller congregation struggles to stay in the Friedens Church campus.
One way we have already been taking action on this concern is to reimagine the church campus as an asset for revenue. Welcoming community partners into the campus to use space and provide rental income can help ensure a future home for the members and friends who meet at Friedens Church.
We have had many groups who have rented our beautiful space for one time or short-term events like conferences, meetings, worship services, practices, or banquets. Those help our community learn about us and they add rental revenue to our overall income, but what we really need for more long-term security is a partner who sees the Friedens Church campus as their home too—a partnership that invests significantly in the long-term maintenance of the buildings and grounds.
Please join our church leaders in praying and thinking about connections you may have with community organizations who are looking for a space to invest in as a new home. Please send along any information to our Congregational President, Sheila Denman, at 13sdenman@gmail.com or our Vice President, Bobby Dake, at sarge.army@gmail.com.
Yours in Christ,
Marc
Pastor’s Corner – January 9, 2025
Did you know that I am the only full-time employee at Friedens UCC? This is another trend in church life influenced by the decline in religious affiliation in America. The church in America is relying more and more on part-time employees and the gifts and talents of members and friends.
At Friedens we are blessed with a dedicated and talented team of part-timers: Associate Pastor, Sarah Haas;
Did you know that I am the only full-time employee at Friedens UCC? This is another trend in church life influenced by the decline in religious affiliation in America. The church in America is relying more and more on part-time employees and the gifts and talents of members and friends.
At Friedens we are blessed with a dedicated and talented team of part-timers: Associate Pastor, Sarah Haas; Music Director, Kristin Petty; Office Manager, Heidi Richmond; Organist, Heather Orvek; AV Technician, Michael Kendall; and Child Caregiver, Katie Yager. David Orvek receives a stipend from the Choral Scholars fund to lead singing and support the Chancel Choir.
We are also blessed with a generous sharing of time and energy from a host of volunteers who are the backbone of church life. From musicians and singers to ushers, from children’s leaders to meal preparers, from the church council to ministry teams, from weekender back sack volunteers to visitors of our elders, from gardeners to entry way sweepers, from worship leaders to card writers…the list goes on and on!
Sincere appreciation to everyone who lends a hand in large or small ways. Thank you to our part-time staff who juggle two jobs, community activities, and family life. Everyone’s gift is important! The living Spirit of Christ takes each effort and multiplies it for the sake of advancing God’s reign of compassion, justice, and peace.
As a new year dawns, you might like to get more involved. Pastor Sarah and I will be very happy to share about the many opportunities to share the love of Christ.
Yours in Christ,
Marc
Pastor’s Corner – December 26, 2024
Did you know that charitable giving to churches represents 27% of all charitable giving in the United States, according to research by Nucleus. Not surprisingly, this represents another downward trend connected to the decline in religious affiliation.
Giving in America has diversified to many different non-profit organizations. People give directly to the causes they prefer, no longer looking to the church to make those decisions for them.
Did you know that charitable giving to churches represents 27% of all charitable giving in the United States, according to research by Nucleus. Not surprisingly, this represents another downward trend connected to the decline in religious affiliation.
Giving in America has diversified to many different non-profit organizations. People give directly to the causes they prefer, no longer looking to the church to make those decisions for them. Nor is it surprising that more and more people prefer the convenience of online giving. Thankfully, Friedens has that option at our website, www.FriedensUCC.org.
As the year comes to a close, many people give to charitable organizations in the spirit of generosity of the Christmas season as well as to take advantage of the related tax deduction. A strong conclusion to Friedens’ financial year allows more funds to be directed to the ministries of the national and international work of our denomination called Our Church’s Wider Mission. These funds empower support of a variety of local ministries of welcome, education, advocacy, justice, and reconciliation, as well as projects of compassion with partners around the globe in times of war, displacement, and disaster. If you would like to know more about Our Church’s Wider Mission and how you can help, please reach out to the Friedens Moving Outward Council Representative, Tim Tjarks at timtjarks@gmail.com. Wise stewardship of our resources is one way we share the love of Christ.
Yours in Christ,
Marc
Pastor’s Corner – December 12, 2024
Did you know that religious affiliation continues to be in decline in the United States? Gallup polling reported that in 2000 42% of American adults attended worship regularly. In 2023 that number dropped to 30%. It is little wonder that today the average church in America reports average attendance of just 50 congregants.
No need to panic. It is the reality that we have been adjusting to for several years at Friedens.
Did you know that religious affiliation continues to be in decline in the United States? Gallup polling reported that in 2000 42% of American adults attended worship regularly. In 2023 that number dropped to 30%. It is little wonder that today the average church in America reports average attendance of just 50 congregants.
No need to panic. It is the reality that we have been adjusting to for several years at Friedens. Our focus is on our mission of sharing the love of Christ with everyone, with a special emphasis of serving children and young people in our community. We have welcomed new members because we are a Just Peace and Open and Affirming congregation. We have new partnerships with the Cooperative Play Academy and St. Barnabas. We have hosted three Chin congregations who needed a temporary place to worship. We have sponsored community events like the recent Growing Gratitude program, featured in the Spirit and Place Festival, and we have sponsored a booth at Greenwood PRIDE. We have also received leadership training and a planning grant through Sacred Spaces IN. And recently, the congregation approved capital improvement projects for 2025 to ensure people can come and go safely in our church campus.
Like most other congregations we have fewer members, but the good news at Friedens—we have more disciples of Jesus. Those of us at Friedens UCC today are deeply committed to the way of Christ. Our church staff and council continue to pray and work to be vital in this new era. If you would like to get more involved in this effort please reach out to our Congregational President, Sheila Denman, at 13sdenman@gmail.com, or our Vice President, Bobby Dake, at sarge.army@gmail.com.
Yours in Christ,
Marc
Pastor’s Corner – November 28, 2024
Lessons I Live By 6
The older I get the more I want to keep things focused on what really matters. This fall I am sharing some of the lessons I have learned that help me do that. My hope is that my reflections will encourage you to think about the lessons that matter most to you. Choose to live those lessons and share them with those who look to you for encouragement and inspiration.
The sixth and final lesson I am sharing in this series has to do with self-care. I have learned that self-care makes me a more caring person. My leader, Jesus, regularly went off by himself for prayer and solitude. He needed to renew and recharge so he could return to his life of service.
Lessons I Live By 6
The older I get the more I want to keep things focused on what really matters. This fall I am sharing some of the lessons I have learned that help me do that. My hope is that my reflections will encourage you to think about the lessons that matter most to you. Choose to live those lessons and share them with those who look to you for encouragement and inspiration.
The sixth and final lesson I am sharing in this series has to do with self-care. I have learned that self-care makes me a more caring person. My leader, Jesus, regularly went off by himself for prayer and solitude. He needed to renew and recharge so he could return to his life of service.
Taking care of myself is not selfish, it is a necessary part of a healthy and balanced life of discipleship. As I have often heard and believe to be true, I cannot fill others if my cup is empty.
Of course, the lessons I have shared in this series are not the only ones I have learned and am learning. I have been blessed with many good and faithful companions along the way who teach me so graciously and generously—good and faithful companions like you! Let’s be sure to continue to learn together so that we might grow into the full stature of Christ (Ephesians 4:13).
Most sincerely,
Marc
Pastor’s Corner – November 14, 2024
Lessons I Live By 5
The older I get the more I want to keep things focused on what really matters. This fall I am sharing some of the lessons I have learned that help me do that. My hope is that my reflections will encourage you to think about the lessons that matter most to you. Choose to live those lessons and share them with those who look to you for encouragement and inspiration.
The fifth lesson I’ve learned is that the playing field is not level. Though our nation is founded on liberty and justice for all, there is plenty of work to do
Lessons I Live By 5
The older I get the more I want to keep things focused on what really matters. This fall I am sharing some of the lessons I have learned that help me do that. My hope is that my reflections will encourage you to think about the lessons that matter most to you. Choose to live those lessons and share them with those who look to you for encouragement and inspiration.
The fifth lesson I’ve learned is that the playing field is not level. Though our nation is founded on liberty and justice for all, there is plenty of work to do to make that aspiration true. I am finding purpose in my latter years in doing this work. I enjoy mentoring and encouraging younger people, I am learning more about the injustice that withholds equal opportunity, I am making a point to make room at the table for those who are on the outside looking in, and I am voting and advocating with that value in mind.
What lesson have you learned about how the world works that is inspiring you to think beyond your own interests?
Yours in Christ,
Marc
Pastor’s Corner – October 31, 2024
Lessons I Live By 4
The older I get the more I want to keep things focused on what really matters. This fall I am sharing some of the lessons I have learned that help me do that. My hope is that my reflections will encourage you to think about the lessons that matter most to you. Choose to live those lessons and share them with those who look to you for encouragement and inspiration.
The fourth lesson I try to live by is to always be myself.
Lessons I Live By 4
The older I get the more I want to keep things focused on what really matters. This fall I am sharing some of the lessons I have learned that help me do that. My hope is that my reflections will encourage you to think about the lessons that matter most to you. Choose to live those lessons and share them with those who look to you for encouragement and inspiration.
The fourth lesson I try to live by is to always be myself. I have learned the hard way that pretending is exhausting and inauthentic. Plus, I have learned over the years that no one is fooled by the charade, and I end up looking like a fool when I try to be someone I’m not.
Why would any of us try to be someone else? Each of us is a loved child of God! Each of us has a gift to share! Each of us adds beauty to the wonderful diversity of God’s world! Each of us matters! So, be yourself, be the person God created you to be!
Yours in Christ,
Marc
Pastor’s Corner – October 17, 2024
Lessons I Live By 3
The older I get the more I want to keep things focused on what really matters. This fall I am sharing some of the lessons I have learned that help me do that. My hope is that my reflections will encourage you to think about the lessons that matter most to you. Choose to live those lessons and share them with those who look to you for encouragement and inspiration.
The third lesson I have to share is choosing understanding over judgment. Jesus asked: Why do you see the speck in your neighbor’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? (Matthew 7:3).
Lessons I Live By 3
The older I get the more I want to keep things focused on what really matters. This fall I am sharing some of the lessons I have learned that help me do that. My hope is that my reflections will encourage you to think about the lessons that matter most to you. Choose to live those lessons and share them with those who look to you for encouragement and inspiration.
The third lesson I have to share is choosing understanding over judgment. Jesus asked: Why do you see the speck in your neighbor’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? (Matthew 7:3).
We all have weaknesses, sins, shortcomings, and failures. When we forget that truth, we tend to stand in judgment over others. However, if we begin with an honest appraisal of ourselves, we can be more understanding of others. Together we can learn from our mistakes, grow toward being more like Jesus, and remember that everyone we meet is facing some sort of adversity and is deserving of grace, just like we are. Taking the time to listen carefully, understand the perspective of another, to walk in their shoes, and have compassion (which literally means to “suffer with” another) judgment begins to give way to forgiveness, transformation, and mutual respect.
Jesus’ spirit of understanding is just what we need to build bridges instead of walls.
Yours in Christ,
Marc
Pastor’s Corner – October 3, 2024
Lessons I Live By 2
The older I get the more I want to keep things focused on what really matters. This fall I am sharing some of the lessons I have learned that help me do that. My hope is that my reflections will encourage you to think about the lessons that matter most to you. Choose to live those lessons and share them with those who look to you for encouragement and inspiration.
The second lesson I have to share and I try hard to live by is not to take myself too seriously.
Lessons I Live By 2
The older I get the more I want to keep things focused on what really matters. This fall I am sharing some of the lessons I have learned that help me do that. My hope is that my reflections will encourage you to think about the lessons that matter most to you. Choose to live those lessons and share them with those who look to you for encouragement and inspiration.
The second lesson I have to share and I try hard to live by is not to take myself too seriously. Jesus did such a good job of this by keeping the focus on God’s Spirit and mission in his life. He could have been very impressed by his abilities to heal the broken and teach with authority. He might have chosen to leverage his abilities to become a wealthy ruler (Matthew 4:8-10). Instead of doing what he wanted, Jesus did what God wanted (Matthew 26:36-39). He followed the path of the cross to reveal the unstoppable power of Divine life and love (Philippians 2:5-8).
Have you considered how life might be more meaningful and purposeful if you took your self less seriously and God more seriously?
Yours in Christ,
Marc
(You can read the previous lesson at https://www.friedensucc.org/pastors-corner )
Pastor’s Corner – September 19, 2024
Lessons I Live By 1
The older I get the more I want to keep things focused on what really matters. This fall I am sharing some of the lessons I have learned that help me do that. My hope is that my reflections will encourage you to think about the lessons that matter most to you. Choose to live those lessons and share them with those who look to you for encouragement and inspiration.
The first lesson I have to share is the one that is most important and helpful to me—choose to be loving. In any situation or relationship, you will almost always add value by choosing the most loving option you have available to you.
Lessons I Live By 1
The older I get the more I want to keep things focused on what really matters. This fall I am sharing some of the lessons I have learned that help me do that. My hope is that my reflections will encourage you to think about the lessons that matter most to you. Choose to live those lessons and share them with those who look to you for encouragement and inspiration.
The first lesson I have to share is the one that is most important and helpful to me—choose to be loving. In any situation or relationship, you will almost always add value by choosing the most loving option you have available to you. I know the truth of this because of the way love has made such a difference in my life. From my parents to my wife to my children, grandchildren and to the Friedens Church family, love has been the source of acceptance, forgiveness, transformation, goodness, enjoyment, and hope. Where would I be without love? That’s why I am committed to being as loving as I can be. We are supported in practicing this lesson because God is love (I John 4:8).
What matters most to you? Is love a lesson you practice?
Yours in Christ,
Marc
Pastor’s Corner – September 5, 2024
Jesus Told a Parable IX (The last in the series. I hope you have enjoyed reading and participating in this study of some of the parables of Jesus.)
Teachers in Jesus’ time commonly used parables to express ideas. The parable is a story-like form of metaphorical communication. Parables invite reflection and conversation through multi-layered and open-ended interpretation. Parables are a perfect form for God’s Spirit to convey wisdom in both timeless and timely ways. Parables often come with a surprising twist, revealing the way Jesus’ lessons are counter-cultural and counter-intuitive. Jesus told parables to help his followers understand the quality and character of life aligned with God’s values.
One of the most well-known and loved parables is found only in Luke, the parable of the prodigal and his brother. This parable is recorded in Luke 15:11-32.
Jesus Told a Parable IX (The last in the series. I hope you have enjoyed reading and participating in this study of some of the parables of Jesus.)
Teachers in Jesus’ time commonly used parables to express ideas. The parable is a story-like form of metaphorical communication. Parables invite reflection and conversation through multi-layered and open-ended interpretation. Parables are a perfect form for God’s Spirit to convey wisdom in both timeless and timely ways. Parables often come with a surprising twist, revealing the way Jesus’ lessons are counter-cultural and counter-intuitive. Jesus told parables to help his followers understand the quality and character of life aligned with God’s values.
One of the most well-known and loved parables is found only in Luke, the parable of the prodigal and his brother. This parable is recorded in Luke 15:11-32. Here is the parable in a nutshell: the younger of two sons asked for his inheritance before his father’s death, receives it and uses it to travel to a distant land where he wasted his inheritance in foolish and selfish pursuits. The older of the sons remained home fulfilling his responsibilities to his father. When the younger son returns home repentantly, the father welcomes him with open arms and throws a welcome home party. Not surprisingly, the older son is put off by his father’s spirit of welcome and forgiveness. The father responds with these familiar words: Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found (verses 31-32).
I invite you to take a spiritual reading of the parable. Read it through a few times slowly and prayerfully. Listen for the connecting points between the parable and your own life experience. Identify an image, word, or phrase that resonates in your spirit. Sit quietly and ask God to open your heart to a truth that you need in this moment in your life.
My time with this parable drew me to a detail in the words of the older son spoken to his father and found in verse 30. Rather than referring to the younger son as his brother, he refers to him as this son of yours. It made me think of the ways I sometimes use words to create distance rather than connection. Words do matter. It is important for me to listen and learn the most respectful ways to address others. Everyone deserves to be heard and to be treated with the inherent respect each one has as a loved child of God.
This is a lesson I glean from this parable of Jesus. How about you? How is the living Spirit of Christ connecting with you through this parable? Feel free to reach out if you would like to share your connecting point.
May the parables of Jesus help us grow in faith and discipleship.
Yours in Christ,
Marc
Pastor’s Corner – August 22, 2024
Jesus Told a Parable VIII
Teachers in Jesus’ time commonly used parables to express ideas. The parable is a story-like form of metaphorical communication. Parables invite reflection and conversation through multi-layered and open-ended interpretation. Parables are a perfect form for God’s Spirit to convey wisdom in both timeless and timely ways. Parables often come with a surprising twist, revealing the way Jesus’ lessons are counter-cultural and counter-intuitive. Jesus told parables to help his followers understand the quality and character of life aligned with God’s values.
Luke records the parable of the great dinner in 14:16-24 (note a different version recorded in Matthew 22:1-10). Jesus tells that a host invited many to a great banquet but each had an excuse not to attend and sent their regrets.
Jesus Told a Parable VIII
Teachers in Jesus’ time commonly used parables to express ideas. The parable is a story-like form of metaphorical communication. Parables invite reflection and conversation through multi-layered and open-ended interpretation. Parables are a perfect form for God’s Spirit to convey wisdom in both timeless and timely ways. Parables often come with a surprising twist, revealing the way Jesus’ lessons are counter-cultural and counter-intuitive. Jesus told parables to help his followers understand the quality and character of life aligned with God’s values.
Luke records the parable of the great dinner in 14:16-24 (note a different version recorded in Matthew 22:1-10). Jesus tells that a host invited many to a great banquet but each had an excuse not to attend and sent their regrets. The host felt disrespected by these excuses and ordered his servants to go out to any and all in town to fill the house for the banquet. The parable ends with the house full of guests and the host sadly admitting, none of those who were invited will taste my dinner.
I invite you to take a spiritual reading of the parable. Read it through a few times slowly and prayerfully. Listen for the connecting points between the parable and your own life experience. Identify an image, word, or phrase that resonates in your spirit. Sit quietly and ask God to open your heart to a truth that you need in this moment in your life.
I felt the Spirit nudging me to extend the invitation to life with God to anyone and everyone. It is not for me to decide who is in or who is out. My job is to extend the invitation to any who will listen.
This is a lesson I glean from this parable of Jesus. How about you? How is the living Spirit of Christ connecting with you through this parable? Feel free to reach out if you would like to share your connecting point.
May the parables of Jesus help us grow in faith and discipleship.
Yours in Christ,
Marc
Pastor’s Corner – August 8, 2024
Jesus Told a Parable VII
Teachers in Jesus’ time commonly used parables to express ideas. The parable is a story-like form of metaphorical communication. Parables invite reflection and conversation through multi-layered and open-ended interpretation. Parables are a perfect form for God’s Spirit to convey wisdom in both timeless and timely ways. Parables often come with a surprising twist, revealing the way Jesus’ lessons are counter-cultural and counter-intuitive. Jesus told parables to help his followers understand the quality and character of life aligned with God’s values.
The parable of the Samaritan is found in Luke 10:30-37. This familiar parable is offered in response to a Lawyer’s question about living life with God.
Jesus Told a Parable VII
Teachers in Jesus’ time commonly used parables to express ideas. The parable is a story-like form of metaphorical communication. Parables invite reflection and conversation through multi-layered and open-ended interpretation. Parables are a perfect form for God’s Spirit to convey wisdom in both timeless and timely ways. Parables often come with a surprising twist, revealing the way Jesus’ lessons are counter-cultural and counter-intuitive. Jesus told parables to help his followers understand the quality and character of life aligned with God’s values.
The parable of the Samaritan is found in Luke 10:30-37. This familiar parable is offered in response to a Lawyer’s question about living life with God. The parable tells of a traveler who is robbed, beaten, and left to die. Two religious figures pass by without helping but a person from Samaria (Samaritans were estranged cousins of Jesus’ people) stopped to help. The parable concludes with a question from Jesus: Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers? The lawyer said, the one who showed him mercy. Jesus said to him, go and do likewise.
I invite you to take a spiritual reading of the parable. Read it through a few times slowly and prayerfully. Listen for the connecting points between the parable and your own life experience. Identify an image, word, or phrase that resonates in your spirit. Sit quietly and ask God to open your heart to a truth that you need in this moment in your life.
The word that keeps coming to the surface for me is the word mercy. I need to be more merciful with myself and others. I need to be more understanding of the situation and backstory that shape our thoughts, words, and actions. I need to be more compassionate and less demanding. I need to be more kind and helpful and trust the rest to God.
This is a lesson I glean from this parable of Jesus. How about you? How is the living Spirit of Christ connecting with you through this parable? Feel free to reach out if you would like to share your connecting point.
May the parables of Jesus help us grow in faith and discipleship.
Yours in Christ,
Marc
Pastor’s Corner – July 25, 2024
Teachers in Jesus’ time commonly used parables to express ideas. The parable is a story-like form of metaphorical communication. Parables invite reflection and conversation through multi-layered and open-ended interpretation. Parables are a perfect form for God’s Spirit to convey wisdom in both timeless and timely ways. Parables often come with a surprising twist, revealing the way Jesus’ lessons are counter-cultural and counter-intuitive. Jesus told parables to help his followers understand the quality and character of life aligned with God’s values.
The parable of the lamp is found in Matthew 5:15, Mark 4:21, and Luke 8:16 and 11:33.
Jesus Told a Parable VI
Teachers in Jesus’ time commonly used parables to express ideas. The parable is a story-like form of metaphorical communication. Parables invite reflection and conversation through multi-layered and open-ended interpretation. Parables are a perfect form for God’s Spirit to convey wisdom in both timeless and timely ways. Parables often come with a surprising twist, revealing the way Jesus’ lessons are counter-cultural and counter-intuitive. Jesus told parables to help his followers understand the quality and character of life aligned with God’s values.
The parable of the lamp is found in Matthew 5:15, Mark 4:21, and Luke 8:16 and 11:33. Mark has Jesus tell this brief parable in the form of a question: Jesus said to them, “Is a lamp brought in to be put under the bushel basket, or under the bed, and not on the lampstand?
I invite you to take a spiritual reading of the parable. Read it through a few times slowly and prayerfully. Listen for the connecting points between the parable and your own life experience. Identify an image, word, or phrase that resonates in your spirit. Sit quietly and ask God to open your heart to a truth that you need in this moment in your life.
The answer to Jesus’ question seems straight forward to me: Of course, a lamp is to be placed on a lampstand! And yet, the problems in my life and in the world can seem overwhelming. In fear and worry I hide or dim my light. Jesus is with me to encourage me to let my light shine not only bringing encouragement to me but to others who can benefit from the illumination of God through me.
This is a lesson I glean from this parable of Jesus. How about you? How is the living Spirit of Christ connecting with you through this parable? Feel free to reach out if you would like to share your connecting point.
May the parables of Jesus help us grow in faith and discipleship.
Yours in Christ,
Marc
Pastor’s Corner – July 11, 2024
Jesus Told a Parable V
Teachers in Jesus’ time commonly used parables to express ideas. The parable is a story-like form of metaphorical communication. Parables invite reflection and conversation through multi-layered and open-ended interpretation. Parables are a perfect form for God’s Spirit to convey wisdom in both timeless and timely ways. Parables often come with a surprising twist, revealing the way Jesus’ lessons are counter-cultural and counter-intuitive. Jesus told parables to help his followers understand the quality and character of life aligned with God’s values.
In Mark 4:26-29 we find the parable of the growing seed.
Jesus Told a Parable V
Teachers in Jesus’ time commonly used parables to express ideas. The parable is a story-like form of metaphorical communication. Parables invite reflection and conversation through multi-layered and open-ended interpretation. Parables are a perfect form for God’s Spirit to convey wisdom in both timeless and timely ways. Parables often come with a surprising twist, revealing the way Jesus’ lessons are counter-cultural and counter-intuitive. Jesus told parables to help his followers understand the quality and character of life aligned with God’s values.
In Mark 4:26-29 we find the parable of the growing seed. Jesus also said, The kingdom of God is as if someone would scatter seed on the ground, and would sleep and rise night and day, and the seed would sprout and grow, he does not know how. The earth produces of itself, first the stalk, then the head, then the full grain in the head. But when the grain is ripe, at once he goes in with his sickle, because the harvest has come.
I invite you to take a spiritual reading of the parable. Read it through a few times slowly and prayerfully. Listen for the connecting points between the parable and your own life experience. Identify an image, word, or phrase that resonates in your spirit. Sit quietly and ask God to open your heart to a truth that you need in this moment in your life.
The phrase, he does not know, resonated with me. The longer I live the more I realize how little I know. It is easy to feel obsolete and of little value in this ever-changing world. This parable reminds me that life is not so much about knowing. Life is more about trusting God who is always at work bringing growth to Divine purposes. We can be part of those purposes at every age and stage, as we trust God and offer the gift God has given each of us.
This is a lesson I glean from this parable of Jesus. How about you? How is the living Spirit of Christ connecting with you through this parable? Feel free to reach out if you would like to share your connecting point.
May the parables of Jesus help us grow in faith and discipleship.
Yours in Christ,
Marc