Pastor’s Corner – October 5, 2023

Words of Encouragement from Paul (II)

About fifteen years after the death and resurrection of Jesus, Paul writes a letter to the first house church he founded in Macedonia (northern Greece), in the city of Philippi. Paul is writing from prison, uncertain about his survival. And yet, this letter is marked by gratitude and a spirit of joy and rejoicing in Christ.

Like Paul, we know what it’s like to face adversity and uncertainty.  May Paul’s words of encouragement bring hope and renewal of joy and faith to you.

Toward the end of the opening chapter we find this word of encouragement: Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether I come and see you or am absent and hear about you, I will know that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel (Philippians 1:27).

Find encouragement in a challenging season by renewing your practice of worship and service. When we find ourselves in a tough spot it is easy to be self-oriented. We can feel sorry for ourselves and if we do, we need to acknowledge that but not stay in that feeling. One of the most tried and true tactics for feeling better is to connect with others and lend a hand. Connect with God in worship. Connect with a confidant or a counselor to work through your feelings, and connect with someone in your circle of influence who can use some help. As Paul says, strive side by side with others to live Jesus’ way of love.

Try this advice from Paul and see if you discover the gift of encouragement.

Yours in Christ,

Marc

Pastor’s Corner – October 1, 2023

Dear Beloved,

   Who or what helps you to be still?  The other evening when outside preparing for supper with our family, God’s creation invited me to be still.  I have been appreciating many books and leaders over the last few years who have been teaching me to listen to God’s creation.  One particular evening, I heard lots of sounds from above me – I was not sure if they were birds or squirrels or both, but they said look up.  Take time and look up - which led me in a prayer of thanksgiving for these feathered and/or furry friends were reminding me of Psalm 121:1-2, “I lift up my eyes to the hills- where does my help come from?  My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of the heaven and earth.” 

     These verses have a special spot in my being, and I thank a wise ancestor and a young boy in Haiti for embedding them in my life.  When I first began serving with Friedens UCC, a woman named Nancy Richert spent a lot of time serving in the ministries that I was most involved with, as did and do so many people.  One day I asked her what her favorite Bible passage was, and Psalm 121:1-2 was what she shared with me.

      I’ll save the special story and experience in Haiti to share with you another time.  For now, I close with this prayer.

            God of the squirrels and birds, of soil and branches, thank you for offering us your wisdom is so many diverse ways.  Thank you for ancestors and neighbors near and far.  Thank you for the blessings of community and collective hope and healing.  Please fill us with your Spirit that we may be attentive you – listening with wide-open hearts, mind, spirits, and bodies.  Please help us have the same mind as Jesus that we may follow in his ways of compassion and wholeness for all.  May all know they are precious and beloved by you with gifts to be united together for the growing of your beloved community for all.  Amen

Pastor’s Corner – September 24, 2023

Words of Encouragement from Paul (I)

About fifteen years after the death and resurrection of Jesus, Paul writes a letter to the first house church he founded in Macedonia (northern Greece), in the city of Philippi. Paul is writing from prison, uncertain about his survival. And yet, this letter is marked by gratitude and a spirit of joy and rejoicing in Christ.

Like Paul, we know what it’s like to face adversity and uncertainty.  May Paul’s words of encouragement bring hope and renewal of joy and faith to you.

Paul begins his letter with this prayer: I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now (Philippians 1:3-5).

In these few words we find some faithful advice and encouragement for times of challenge.

·        Prayer is the most important daily action we take. Connecting with our Creator, Provider, Sustainer, and Savior steadies us, renews us, and gets our priorities straight. Tell God openly and honestly what is on your heart. There is power for change and healing in speaking the truth about ourselves to God. God understands, accepts, and gives us the wisdom and strength to see us through our situation. This process of speaking and listening to and receiving help from God, will almost always lead to thanksgiving. Lamentation and gratitude go together.

·        Even in adversity keep on sharing the gospel—the good news about the grace of God in Christ. In fact, when we are feeling vulnerable, we are in the right place to speak and live good news into the lives of others who are feeling vulnerable. Empathy is a powerful tool of discipleship.

Try this advice from Paul and see if you discover the gift of encouragement.

Yours in Christ,

Marc

Pastor’s Corner – September 17, 2023

Is there a symbol that is offering you encouragement these days? My favorite symbols are often water and trees. Rainbows and dirt are others that often offer me support and encouragement in the living of these days. 

As I long to hold on to summer, I think about the water that some children have access to enjoy over the summer when it is hot – pools, sprinklers, garden hoses, bathtubs, buckets of cool water, puddles…. As I think of opportunities for refreshment near rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, and oceans, I thank our Creator for clean water to drink and wash in. I give thanks for the rain that allows plants and food to grow. I give thanks for the water that connects us, enlivens us, renews us…… I also give thanks for all the encouraging stories that involved water in the Hebrew and Greek Scriptures. I was curious, so I looked up the number of times water is in the Bible. 708 times!!!! Do any water stories or memories from the Bible or your growing up years come to mind for you?

Maybe memories of swimming lessons or swim teams, maybe creation stories involving water, maybe rituals with water. Perhaps stories of God’s protection of a baby floating in a basket in a river or God’s liberation of people through water as the Israelites who were being oppressed walked through dry ground as the seas were parted or Jesus emerging from the waters of his baptism or Jesus calming the storm….Perhaps verses that compare Jesus to living water or the ways that water reminds us God’s refreshing love and grace…..

As I think about stories of the faith of Jesus that involve water, I also think about our call and responsibility to live in loving relationship with all God’s people, creatures, and creation. There are so many concerns about clean water and access to water…..I won’t try to go into those now, but I invite you to learn, pray, and consider how we can do our part in caring for and partnering in the waters of life which connect all of us.  I would also like to invite you to an all-ages water event on Saturday afternoon, October 14th at Holliday Park. We will learn about some of Indy’s watersheds, spend time in meditation and reflection, join in some clean up, and enjoy time for snacks and connecting. If you have questions, please let me know. The event is free. Donations can be made to Earth Charter if you would like. All are welcome. Hope you can come and bring others along.

With gratitude, hope, and love,

Sarah

10 Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.” 11 The woman said to him, “Sir,[c] you have no bucket, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water? 12 Are you greater than our ancestor Jacob, who gave us the well and with his sons and his flocks drank from it?” 13 Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, 14 but those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty. The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life.”   John 4:10-14

Pastor’s Corner – September 7, 2023

The I am Statements of Jesus VII: The Vine

The Gospel of John explores the identity of Jesus in a series of seven I am statements. In Hebrew the words for I am are related to the name of God. In Exodus 3:14 God introduces the Divine name to Moses. The faithful, in respect and awe, do not even speak the name of God, so no one knows for sure how it is pronounced. Nor does anyone know exactly what it means, maybe it means: I am who I am or I will be who I will be or just I am or something else.

Through the revelation of Jesus, we can learn more about the Divine identity. The seventh (in the Hebrew tradition the number seven is representative of wholeness and completion in God) and final I am statement comes from John 15. I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. Jesus uses the metaphor of gardening to teach about discipleship. This teaching leans on the theme we have noted before—the unity of Jesus with God. In the imagery of the vine, that unity is enlarged to include those who follow Jesus’ way. It also builds on the Hebrew Scripture theme that all that is good comes from God. If we want to do good, we need a connection with the One who connects us to God.

Discipleship is a humble way of life. Our job is to stay close to Christ so that we are in position to receive and share the gifts of grace and peace. Who are you following? Are you in relationship with Christ? If you need help with that relationship please reach out, pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com.

Yours in Christ,

Marc

Pastor’s Corner – August 30, 2023

Do you ever imagine yourself within a story?  Are there people or characters in stories you quickly identify with or want to be like?  Are there people or characters in stories that you feel nervous or surprised by?

When I read or listen to a story of Jesus, I often find myself in the story.  There are so many different ways to hear or read or simply experience stories or other forms of expression – song, poems, visual arts….  I find the same to be possible with the Bible. 

I’m grateful that we are able to explore the stories, songs, poems, and prayers of the Hebrew and Greek scriptures together in worship with Pastor Marc’s guidance, messages, and faithful leadership.  I value the historical context and theological insights that Pastor Marc shares and the ideas for application he offers.  It is a blessing to join in worship with you on Sunday mornings whether virtually or in person. 

This fall we have several meditation opportunities in the new meditation room.  One experience is being led by Professor Sunny Romack on Sunday mornings at 9:50 a.m.  She is very gifted in teaching and leading meditation practices.  Another opportunity begins on Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. in September.  During this time together called Listen and Live Circles, we’ll join in a guided meditation of a story of Jesus.  The stories will have a common theme of feeding and/or eating in community.  After the guided meditation there will be a variety of ways to reflect on the experience and to share with the group if desired.  You can participate in person or virtually.

I hope you enjoy experiencing the good news of God’s love in ways that have grounded and encouraged you for years and/or in new ways.  Please always feel free to be in touch with ideas, questions, reflections, and ponderings about stories.  It is fun to learn and explore with you as we grow and journey as followers of Jesus.

With gratitude and hope,

         Sarah

I will meditate on Your precepts
And regard Your ways. 

Psalm 119:15

Pastor’s Corner – August 10, 2023

The I am Statements of Jesus V: The Resurrection and the Life

The Gospel of John explores the identity of Jesus in a series of seven I am statements. In Hebrew the words for I am are related to the name of God. In Exodus 3:14 God introduces the Divine name to Moses. The faithful, in respect and awe, do not even speak the name of God, so no one knows for sure how it is pronounced. Nor does anyone know exactly what it means, maybe it means: I am who I am or I will be who I will be or just I am or something else.

Through the revelation of Jesus, we can learn more about the Divine identity. The fifth I am statement is found in John 11:25-26, in the conversation Jesus has with his friend Martha, whose brother has died. Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. As the story plays out Jesus reveals his own despair at the loss caused by death and calls forth Lazarus from the tomb.

The sadness Jesus feels is surely connected to his own impending death and his deeper sorrow for human mortality. The raising of Lazarus is a sign of trust in a promise—the Divine power of grace and life is greater than death. This promise was rooted in Jesus’ tradition and is fulfilled in Jesus’ words and actions. Just before his arrest and crucifixion, in a prayer of assurance for his fearful followers, Jesus says: And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent (John 17:3).

When we come to know Jesus, we come to know the One who sent him. In that relationship of grace we discover that our lives are caught up in the life of God—a life of meaning, purpose, and joy that is everlasting in scope.

Jesus asks Martha, do you believe this? How do you answer?

Yours in Christ,

Marc

Pastor’s Corner – August 6, 2023

Dear Beloved,

What makes your heart, body, and soul feel heavy?

Lately there has been a lot of heaviness in my heart as I hear or see about hurts in our local and global communities:  the number of unhoused people including many teens and young adults, people experiencing serious health concerns, continued war, continued violence near and far, the condition of the world’s air and water, the number of people of all ages experiencing trauma….

What do you do when your heart, body, and soul feel heavy?

I am grateful that Jesus teaches us to turn to the Maker of the heavens and the earth.  Maybe we go to a deserted room.  Maybe we turn on praise music and sing at the top of our lungs.  Maybe we write down all the blessings for which can thank God.  Maybe we reach out to a prayer partner.  Maybe we listen to or feel the sounds of creation.  Maybe we pause and breathe in God’s Spirit.

All of these possibilities are helpful to me.  In this moment, I want to pause and express my thanks to God for the ways God’s Spirit is working in and through you.

 Thank you to everyone who made VBS a fun and special week!

Thank you to everyone who brought items for the Little Timmy project!

Thank you to everyone who brings items for the Weekenders Sacks and the little blue community food box.

Thank you to everyone who prays.

Thank you to everyone who participates in virtual or in-person worship,

Thank you to everyone who serves on a ministry team.

Thank you to everyone who serves on the Council of Ministries.

Thank you to our music ministry staff and their teams.

Thank you to Heidi and Pastor Marc.

Thank you to our artists.

Thank you to the behind-the-scenes cleaners, yard keepers, and communion preparers.

Thank you to those who help with breakfasts and lunch and learns.

Thank you to those who lead or help with Treasure Seekers, Middle School and High School Ministries, and Revive and Thrive.

Thank you to those who lead or participate in book groups or small groups.

Thank you for all those have served in the past and those who will serve in the future which is in your hands, O God our Rock and Redeemer!

“do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”             Philippians 4:6

Pastor’s Corner – July 27, 2023

The I am Statements of Jesus IV: Good Shepherd

The Gospel of John explores the identity of Jesus in a series of seven I am statements. In Hebrew the words for I am are related to the name of God. In Exodus 3:14 God introduces the Divine name to Moses. The faithful, in respect and awe, do not even speak the name of God, so no one knows for sure how it is pronounced. Nor does anyone know exactly what it means, maybe it means: I am who I am or I will be who I will be or just I am or something else.

Through the revelation of Jesus, we can learn more about the Divine identity. The fourth I am statement is John 10:14-16. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.

Thanks to the popularity of Psalm 23, I need not remind you of the long tradition of imagining the identity of God like a Good Shepherd. Jesus enlarges this idea of a protecting God who offers rest, nourishment, comfort, reconciliation, goodness, and mercy by adding the quality of unity. Jesus highlights the unity he shares with the Father, a unity that overflows on to the sheep who follow. Though the sheep may come from many different folds, in Christ there is one flock and one shepherd. In Christ there is unity with God and there is unity in the human family—a unity reflected in a rich diversity not in a smothering uniformity. Who are you following?

Yours in Christ,

Marc

Pastor’s Corner – July 20, 2023

Dear Beloved,

What are you excited about or hopeful about as a new school year and a new year of Lifelong Spiritual Formation opportunities begin? Everyone is the right age for Lifelong Spiritual Formation! We hope you’ll prayerfully consider one of the options below or other options that are coming up for learning and growing together as followers of Jesus who connect with and love God and all God’s people, creatures, and creation.

In addition to our Bible Study groups and book groups, we are starting some guided meditation groups this school year in connection with our focus on mental health and the offerings of the Metamorphosis Mindfulness Community. We have experienced meditation practices, other spiritual disciplines/practices and prayer to support us in our desire to love God and each other – body, mind, and spirit. The practices also help many of us feel healthier and more whole. We believe that God cares about our mental health.  While mental health often seems to be spoken about more freely in some settings than it was previously, we want to continue to create an open environment for people to share and feel welcome to reach out to others for connection. We hope everyone feels included and welcome to be themselves.  We are grateful for the ever-faithful all-merciful Creator who calls everyone beloved!

Below are some options for you to consider. All are welcome. Please invite people to come with you. Please let me know if you would like more information about any of them. Start dates will be coming soon if not included below.  Information about book groups and Bible studies will be coming soon as well. Thank you to everyone who is leading, facilitating, and supporting behind the scenes and to everyone who participates. Thank you to the Lifelong Spiritual Formation Ministry Team who supports these opportunities. 

Sunday Morning Meditation, 9:50-10:20am - Introduction to meditation for mental health, wellbeing, and spiritual reflection. Ten to fifteen minute meditation practice ranging from silent to guided meditation followed by brief, guided discussion of meditation techniques and mindfulness skills. Open to all, regardless of meditation experience.  These are led by Dr. Sunny Romack. 

Listening and Living Circles - All ages are welcome to come in-person or virtually from 7 to 8 p.m. for a guided meditation and time of group and/or individual reflection on our experience of listening to and exploring a Bible story together.  This offering is provided by the Metamorphosis Mindfulness Community. We will have three main sessions on Sept. 13th, 20th, and 27th and then a closing session on Oct. 4th for anyone who would like. 

With gratitude, joy, and hope,

Sarah

As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God.  Psalm 42:1

Pastor’s Corner – July 13, 2023

The I am Statements of Jesus III: The Gate

The Gospel of John explores the identity of Jesus in a series of seven I am statements. In Hebrew the words for I am are related to the name of God. In Exodus 3:14 God introduces the Divine name to Moses. The faithful, in respect and awe, do not even speak the name of God, so no one knows for sure how it is pronounced. Nor does anyone know exactly what it means, maybe it means: I am who I am or I will be who I will be or just I am or something else.

Through the revelation of Jesus, we can learn more about the Divine identity. The third I am statement is found in John 10:9-10. I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.

In Jesus’ Hebrew tradition doors and gates were symbolically significant. On Passover it was blood on the doorposts that saved from death those inside that door. At the gates of the villages the elders would gather to settle conflicts and disputes. At the gates of the Temple people running from unjust pursuers could find sanctuary. It is little wonder that Jesus used this same imagery to describe the God who delivers and saves. As the manifestation of the Divine on earth, Jesus continued and fulfilled this mission of granting a secure and abundant life in the face of injustice and death.

The violence, hatred, and division that marks contemporary society breeds fear, uncertainty, and anxiety. The doors of our homes, schools, gathering places, and workplaces may not be able to keep evil at bay. The door that is Christ offers a security of presence in our adversity and a security of promise as we trust Divine life and love to ultimately overcome. We do not meet evil with evil. We take refuge inside the gate of grace and we open the door of peace to defeat evil with good.

Are feelings of uncertainty and anxiety keeping you awake at night? Enter the gate that is Christ where a graceful presence and promise can help you rest.

Yours in Christ,

Marc

Pastor’s Corner – July 6, 2023

Thank you for your participation in worship (virtually or in person) and for your involvement in ministries teams and all the ways you share Jesus’ love each day.  Thank you for your prayers.  With less than a month until students and school staff begin a new school year, I would greatly appreciate your prayers for all students, their families, and all school staff.  Your prayers for children, teens, and adults participating in Friedens Vacation Bible School from July 17 to July 21 would also be deeply appreciated.  We will be celebrating them on Sunday, July 23. 

It is always an honor and gift to pray with you.  Please feel free to send specific ways that we may be holding you in prayer if you’d like to.  Here is a prayer that I’m offering for you as I write this note.

Creating and Compassionate God of mighty mercy and powerful patience, thank you for loving us.  Thank you for accepting us right where we are, just as we are, with all our questions.  Thank you for your transforming grace and for designing us with gifts to be woven together for the good of all.  Thank you for joining us in communities of care and for offering us healing of body, mind, and spirit.  May we continue to know and share your kindness, hope, and joy near and far that all may live fully and freely in your deep overwhelming peace, wellness, and shalom.  May your belovedness be experienced by all.  Amen.

“We thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you…”  (Colossians 1:3)       

Pastor’s Corner – June 29, 2023

The I am Statements of Jesus II: Light of the World

The Gospel of John explores the identity of Jesus in a series of seven I am statements. In Hebrew the words for I am are related to the name of God. In Exodus 3:14 God introduces the Divine name to Moses. The faithful, in respect and awe, do not even speak the name of God, so no one knows for sure how it is pronounced. Nor does anyone know exactly what it means, maybe it means: I am who I am or I will be who I will be or just I am or something else.

Through the revelation of Jesus, we can learn more about the Divine identity. The second I am statement is found in John 8:12. Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”

This idea of God’s grace reaching to the whole world is as old as our faith. In Genesis 12 God invites Abraham and Sarah to journey to a new land, promising to bless them so that they may be a blessing to all the families of the earth. Prophets like Isaiah pick up on this theme reminding God’s people to be a light to the nations (Isaiah 49:6).

Jesus builds on this foundation of service to all using this imagery of light. Earlier in the eighth chapter Jesus offers the Divine light to shine the gift of mercy to one caught in the act of adultery. In the next chapter Jesus offers Divine light to shine the gift of understanding to those lacking vision.

Is there a situation or a relationship crying out for mercy? Could you benefit from seeing from the perspective of God’s light? Receive the gift by following the way of Jesus and pass it on!

Yours in Christ,

Marc

Pastor’s Corner – June 22, 2023

Dear Beloved,

How is your summer going?  Being outside more is my favorite part of the summer.  Some of you might prefer being outdoors in the winter.  Even though, I don’t resonate with that, I am excited you do because the older I get, and the more I learn, the more I feel believe and feel that being outside in God’s creation can be very healing – healing of body, mind, and spirit – individually and as a collective.  I think about all the time our leader Jesus spent outside and all the stories of Jesus that connect us with nature (and symbols we use as part of a community of his disciples). 

As summer was beginning, I saw the following statistics in The Big Book of Nature Activities by Drew Monkman/Jacob Rodenburg (p. 2)

2,500 – Number of ads a child encounters in a day

2,738 – Hours average North American child sits in front of a glowing screen/year

183 – Hours a child spends outdoors in unstructured play/year

As we think about how we support the children and teens in our lives and communities, I encourage us to think about how we model connections with God’s creation and practices that are renewing to our spirit.  There are many practices that involve refreshing our spirit that can be done absolutely anywhere.  At the same time, I hope you’ll take some time this summer if you’d like to and are able to, to be outside – to directly experience God’s creation and to enjoy the blessings God offers us in creation.  Please let me know if you’d like to join a group for mindfulness/meditation walks outdoors this summer and fall.  We are also considering and praying about some nature-based service learning experiences/reflection-action experiences in the months ahead and in the summers to come.  Please let me know if you are interested in being a part of the planning and/or in participating.  You are welcome to email, text, or call. 

With gratitude,

Sarah pastorsarah.friedensucc@outlook.com  317-709-5857

God spoke: “Earth, green up! Grow all varieties of seed-bearing plants, Every sort of fruit-bearing tree.” And there it was. Earth produced green seed-bearing plants, all varieties, And fruit-bearing trees of all sorts. God saw that it was good…  Genesis 1:11-13 

Pastor’s Corner – June 15, 2023

The I am Statements of Jesus I: Bread of Life

The Gospel of John explores the identity of Jesus in a series of seven I am statements. In Hebrew the words for I am are related to the name of God. In Exodus 3:14 God introduces the Divine name to Moses. The faithful, in respect and awe, do not even speak the name of God, so no one knows for sure how it is pronounced. Nor does anyone know exactly what it means, maybe it means: I am who I am or I will be who I will be or just I am or something else.

Through the revelation of Jesus, we can learn more about the Divine identity. The first I am statement is found in John 6:48-51. I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.

One key to understanding this metaphorical statement is the historical connection to manna in the wilderness. About 1500 years before Jesus, God called and empowered Moses and Miriam to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt to freedom in the Promised Land. Along this journey God provided food in the form of manna (In Hebrew manna means “what is it?”). Each day the people could gather just what they needed for that day, no more and no less.

Jesus builds on this remembrance of God’s daily provision in the Exodus, not only teaching us to pray give us this day our daily bread, but also by suggesting that his presence is the nourishment that connects us to life with God—a full and good life now and forever.

This I am statement is put into practice in the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. When we partake of the bread we are invited to receive the bread of life. From the manna the Creator makes available for bodily nourishment day by day to the bread of life that offers the strength we need for this life and the hope we need for the life to come; Jesus reveals God’s grace that provides. Are you open to God’s graceful provision?

Yours in Christ,

Marc

Pastor’s Corner – June 8, 2023

Dear Beloved,

Praises be to God that the joy and hope which we celebrated during the season of Eastertide remains with us as we move into the liturgical season of ordinary time.  In the ordinary days of life we can continue to put our trust in an extraordinary God of extraordinary love – a love that never fails, never forsakes, always welcomes, always embraces us….A few weeks ago on Pentecost we celebrated the gift of God’s Spirit in all times, places, peoples, and life.  In the ordinary moments of life, we can continue to celebrate the extraordinary works of God’s Spirit.  The Spirit who comforts, consoles, convicts, connects, and covers us. 

Where are you experiencing God’s Spirit at work these days?  Maybe in the a gentle or strong breeze, maybe in a storm or silence, maybe in a downpour or a gentle rain, maybe in a song or smile, maybe in a memory of the past or in a dream for the future….  I give thanks as I experience God’s Spirit in the gifts of prayer and gifts of community.  When I feel energized or concerned, I feel God’s Spirit when I remember that we are praying for each other.  When I feel discouraged or hopeful, I feel God’s Spirit when I remember that we are not alone.  I feel God’s Spirit when I see or hear about ministries old and new – ministries of feeding and sharing, ministries of supporting and serving.  Thank you for being part of the ministries God calls us to as followers of Jesus.  Thank you for your prayers.  If you have questions about how to connect with ministry teams or want to share your prayer concerns or joys, ponderings, or dreams, please feel free to reach out to Pastor Marc or to me.  We are grateful for you and thankful to serve and follow Jesus with you.

With gratitude,

    Sarah

 “I have said these things to you while I am still with you.  But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.   

John 14:25-27

Pastor’s Corner – June 1, 2023

Sightings 4

In the sequel to the Gospel According to Luke, the Acts of the Apostles begins with a dramatic sighting of the Risen One. In the second chapter, the living Spirit of Christ pours forth among all the followers “like the rush of a mighty wind and like divided tongues as of fire”. It created such a commotion that many who were gathered in Jerusalem for the Festival of Pentecost were drawn to the house where the disciples were gathered. Folks from all over began to hear these Galilean disciples speaking in their own languages the good news about Jesus. This winsome Spirit, like wind and fire, spread quickly so that “about three thousand folks became disciples on that very day” (2:41).

If we are open we too can be a free flowing vessel for Christ’s living Spirit. We have to get out of the way and let the Risen One do through us what we never could imagine. Have you ever been surprised that you took a risk to lend a helping hand, that you spoke up for someone who was being put down, that you offered a prayer to someone needing direction, that you encouraged someone who was feeling hopeless, or that you gave credit to Christ for all the goodness in your life? Those kinds of surprising, unplanned actions of grace and peace are not all you! They have their source in the Risen One. Be open and willing and give thanks!

Yours in Christ,

Marc

Pastor’s Corner – May 25, 2023

Dear Beloved,

How is it with your being in this season?  From my perspective it feels like a time of transitions for many.  In these times when I remember summer breaks full of playing outside with friends all day (as soon as my required piano practice and summer reading were done), I pray especially for children and teens where summer break means the absence of the structure and supports of school that can be helpful.  I’m grateful for summer servings, and yet I am still concerned that some children may not have enough to eat. 

It also feels like I know many people who are in the midst of other transitions – changes in family, work, living situation, health, plans, hopes, dreams, understandings of who they are or how they express themselves to others.  If you are in the midst of a time of change and uncertainty, where or how do you find peace, calm, and rest?

I am grateful for faith communities and prayer partners who help me through seasons of change.  I’m grateful for the way God created the seasons and the rhythm of night and day – in many ways we are always changing, even when we don’t feel it as deeply.  I also praise God for the beautiful diversity and splendor of all God creates and find renewal and rest out in God’s creation.  I’m grateful that this summer we have a special opportunity with Indiana Humanities to connect with the earth God has made through a conversation with Autumn Brunelle. Autumn is Anishinaabe, a citizen of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa, and grew up on the Leech Lake Indian Reservation in Cass Lake, Minnesota. Autumn graduated in 2015 from Dartmouth College with a B.A. in Environmental Studies and Native American Studies with a desire for integrating indigenous knowledge into environmental education and outreach. She has continued to develop this passion through her diverse work experiences with international and local non-profits, the National Park Service, local governments, and in creating community-based environmental programming. She currently works as a full-time Naturalist for the Monroe County Parks and Recreation Department.  I hope you’ll mark your calendar for Sunday, June 11th at 2 p.m. to join us for this program with Autumn, the Peace Learning Center, Indy Public Libraries, and Crossroad Dance Indy.  If you are available to help with this program, please contact me at pastorsarah.friedensucc.org or 317-709-5857. 

You are in my prayers this season and in all the seasons of life as we journey together.  May you always know that no matter who you are, where you are, or what questions you have, you are welcome with Friedens United Church of Christ, and you are a beloved child of God! 

“Oh give thanks to God, for God is good, God’s steadfast love endures forever.”  Psalm 136:1

Pastor’s Corner – May 18, 2023

Sightings 3

Only John recounts a touching scene of the Risen Jesus preparing breakfast for some of his disciples on the shore of the Sea of Galilee (21:1-19). Some of the followers have gone back to fishing after Jesus’ death. While in a boat casting a net but without success, someone from the shore tells them to try on the other side of the boat. They do and the catch is so large that it nearly swamps them. In the excitement one among them realizes it is the Risen Jesus who is on shore. Peter forgets the fish and dives in to swim to shore. The others bring the haul of fish, but everyone remains quiet in Jesus’ presence. Jesus had fish and bread on a charcoal fire, and they ate together.

After breakfast, the Risen Jesus focuses his attention on Peter who had denied he even knew Jesus (John 18:15-27). Three times Jesus asks Peter, “do you love me?” Three times Peter confesses his love for Jesus. And three times Jesus calls Peter to “tend his sheep”. Peter is forgiven for his denial and Peter is newly commissioned for his service to Christ.

Like Peter, when have you denied your loyalty to Jesus and when have you betrayed Jesus’ way of grace and peace? Can you get past this guilt and regret? Remember, the Risen One is seeking you. He goes wherever you are, pleading for your attention, welcoming you back in the fold, renewing a loving relationship, and calling you to serve in the way of grace and peace. Watch and listen, friends, Jesus is alive and present.

In Christ,

Marc

Pastor’s Corner – May 11, 2023

Dear Beloved,

Worshipping God with you together in the same physical or virtual space on Sunday mornings is something that I greatly look forward to each Sunday. Pastor Marc’s messages always challenge and inspire me. Hearing the lay reader share the scripture passage brings it to life differently than when I read it by myself. The shared responsive reading bring me hope. 

As someone with no musical talents, I’m very grateful to have a weekly opportunity to join my voice in songs of praise and adoration to God with each of you. Dwight, Kristin, the chancel choir, the cantors, and the AV ministry leaders use their gifts so beautifully to glorify and honor God. I appreciate all their time, energy, and dedication.

I appreciate and give thanks for each of you who take time to join us for worship experiences virtually or in person. Thank you! This week I’ve been wondering what your favorite hymns are. I really enjoyed hearing your favorite Bible stories. If you’d email me your favorite hymns and/or Bible stories, I would be very grateful. Pastorsarah.friedensucc@outlook.com I appreciate getting to know each of you better. I thank God for you and the ways God brings us together with different perspectives, talents, personalities, and experiences. Thank you for being the unique you whom God made. 

With gratitude for you and hope and trust in our Good Shepherd who leads us and carries us~



Sarah

“Oh, give thanks to the Lord and pray to the Lord,” they sang.
“Tell the peoples of the world About God’s mighty doings.
Sing to God; yes, sing the Lord’s praises
And tell of God’s marvelous works.
Glory in God’s holy name; Let all rejoice who seek the Lord.

   1Chronicles 16:8-10