The Seasons

As I sit in my living room and write my blog today, I look out the window at the falling snow. Snow is beautiful from this vantage point - 72 degrees and dry inside, and no need to be on the road. Yes, the snow is beautiful, but I don't think I am alone in stating that after Christmas is over, I find little joy in the snow. I am ready to move on to warmer weather and experience the beauty and warmth of spring. Now I am well aware that the calendar still says January, and winter is not even half over (aren't you glad I reminded you of that fact?) but I look forward to the next season.

The way I look at it is that once January is behind us, February offers glimmers of hope for the coming spring. The snow that falls in February usually doesn't linger too long, and the average temperatures start to rise. March is a teaser of a month, as we often get some days that fool not only us, but the early flowers of spring. Garrison Keillor once said that God created March to show those that don't drink what a hangover feels like. March leads to April and the hope of new life abounds.

Because I have been through it all before, I can look out the window at the snow and know that today's cold and wintry offering will not last forever. The seasons will change. Enjoy the view today, or if you are a winter sports fan, have at it and enjoy the sledding and skiing. This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it. But if this is not what you consider ideal weather, there is hope for tomorrow.

We moved into our new home last month. Around the yard are several flowerbeds, in which we are told are many perennials that will make their presence known in the coming months. There is hope in that promise too. Like the flow of the seasons, the budding of trees and the breaking forth of the shoots of green from the ground are signs of things to come.

In the church, we mark the passage of time with the cycle of the church year. The flow of these seasons provide us hope as well. We will soon begin the season of Lent, which comes from the old English word meaning "to lengthen," as in the lengthening of days. Lent is a time of inward focus and discipline which leads to growth. Lent is also a marking of time leading up to the great celebration of Easter. The joy of Easter is the celebration of new life, given to us through the dying and rising of Jesus the Christ.

One of the things I appreciate about Lent, in addition to the discipline and time of deep devotion, is that it is the season before the celebration. Once Lent begins, I know that Easter is on its way. It is a sign of things to come. The flow of the seasons provides us an opportunity for hope, for growth, and for the continual promise that God is with us, in life and in death.

We cannot rush the seasons or the passing of time, but because we have experienced the seasons before, we know that the changes will come. So I will enjoy the snow, at least from this vantage point. I will tolerate the snow and cold. I will shovel the driveway and bundle up when walking the dog, knowing that another season will be coming soon...

... and my golf clubs and I will be united once again.

Peace,

Pastor Charlie

Make a Joyful Noise

Psalm 150

Praise the Lord!
Praise God in his sanctuary;
praise him in his mighty firmament!
Praise him for his mighty deeds;
praise him according to his surpassing greatness!

Praise him with trumpet sound;
praise him with lute and harp!
Praise him with tambourine and dance;
praise him with strings and pipe!
Praise him with clanging cymbals;
praise him with loud clashing cymbals!

Let everything that breathes praise the Lord!

Praise the Lord!

 

I love music. Growing up, there was almost always music. Mind you, it was not being made by my family members or me - it was either the radio or records on the stereo (kids, you can ask your parents about records). Dad would turn on the opera every Saturday afternoon. My brothers and I had our favorite bands and artists - we had a wide variety of tastes. There was always music. We were raised to appreciate music, and I thank my parents for instilling that in us.

 

Our parents encouraged us all to play an instrument. My brothers all picked band instruments - trumpet, clarinet and trombone were their choices. I chose the cello. I played the cello through high school, but not very well. While I haven't played in over 30 years, I still love the sound of the cello, especially when it is played well.

 

There are three cellists that I have admired over the years. The first is Pablo Casals, who was born in Spain in the late 1800s, and was considered by many to be the best cellist of the 20th century. Casals was the artist I dreamed I would be, if I could do it without all the practice and dedication.

 

Over the past ten years or so, my cello idol has been Yo-Yo Ma. What I appreciate about his music is that his offerings vary from classical to contemporary, and all are flawless and beautiful and powerful yet soft. Yet even more than that, what I appreciate about him is how much he seems to be filled with joy in sharing his gift of music.

 

Most recently, I have become a fan of a group called "The Piano Guys." Steven Sharp Nelson is the cellist in the group who does some incredible things to both classical and contemporary music. Again, what I appreciate is the joy that is eveident when he is sharing the music. 

 

Music is an instrument of praise and a gift from God. The psalmist put it well - let everything that breathes praise the Lord! My hope and prayer is that, whatever gift God has given me, I can use it to praise the Lord, and that I might find great joy in the effort.

 

A couple of videos - Yo-Yo Ma and the Piano Guys version of Cello Suite No.1 - Prelude by J.S. Bach. (ignore the ads)

 

 

 

Peace,

Pastor Charlie

 

The House of the Potter

Jeremiah 18:1-4 Revised Standard Version (RSV)

The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord:  “Arise, and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will let you hear my words.”  So I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was working at his wheel.  And the vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter’s hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to do.

Jeremiah had the difficult task of telling the people of his day that God was not pleased with what was going on in Israel. He spoke of the coming doom and destruction of Israel at the hands of other nations. But Jeremiah also offered a word of hope that God would not abandon his people. God will prevail, and the promises of God will not be broken. God will rework his creation into that which is good and pleasing to God.

Have you ever watched a potter throw a pot on a wheel? Have you ever tried doing it yourself? It is not an easy task, and it takes gifted hands and great patience to make that clump of clay into a pot. The imagery of the potter at the wheel is one that offers hope. It is an imagery that can be related to our church.

God is the potter working the wheel. God gathered a group of people together and started a church called Epiphany. Epiphany Lutheran Church was founded on the mission and ministry of sharing God's word and caring for God's people. God has blessed Epiphany Lutheran Church with gifted leaders and devoted members, and our history is filled with events and activities that provided a beacon of hope and joy for this community and around the world.

Past events caused this vessel to be set off center on the potter's wheel. This earthen vessel was in need of some reworking in the potter's hand, as is often the case. Some things had to change - and they have. We have moved forward, knowing that God has embraced this creation, and continued to bless it with gifted leaders and devoted members. God did not abandon the vessel in his hands. No. Through the dedication and devotion of the leaders and members who make up Epiphany Lutheran Church, God has reworked us into a new vessel, as it seemed good for God to do.

How important it is to remember that God is the potter and we are the clay. God will continue to rework us, only if we are open to the direction of his guiding hands, and remember who is the potter and who is the clay. We need to continually be centered on God's will for us as individuals and as a community of faith. And if we are faithful, God who is faithful will bless us and the work that he calls us to do. That being said, this new vessel that God is reworking may look different than the vessel did before. Who we are and what we do will continue to be reworked in the potter's hand. Trust God to melt us, mold us, fill us and use us to do God's work with our hands. And when we get off center, as we often do, may we remember that God offers us the gift of forgiveness and reconciliation through Jesus Christ.

May we continue to pray for God's gifted hands to shape us in to a vessel pleasing in his sight, and may God continue to bless our efforts to do God's will.

Peace,
Pastor Charlie

Once again, I share a song - a simple refrain and a prayer.

A Time and A Place

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

1. To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
2. A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, a time to reap that which is planted;
3. A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
4. A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
5. A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
6. A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
7. A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
8. A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

These words were made known to many of us by the group The Byrds, whose song, "Turn, Turn, Turn" was a hit in February, 1969. BONUS VIDEO included!



This song has been running through my head the past few weeks as we have packed up all our worldly belongings and moved from one home to another. There has been a time to weep, and a time to dance. There was a time to laugh and a time to mourn. There was a lot of time spent deciding what to keep and what to cast away. And believe me, there were many moments we felt as if we were in the spin cycle of a washing machine - turn, turn, turn! To everything, there is a season.

Not only is there a time for every purpose, but a place for everything, and for everything a place. I was amazed and more than a little bit nervous as I watched the movers put everything of ours in one truck. It looked like a giant Tetris game. But, somehow, it all fit. And when it was delivered to the house, thankful that it arrived safely, the question became, "Where are we gonna put all this stuff?" For 12 plus years, there was a place for all of this "stuff" in the old house. Where is that place going to be in the new one? And will we be able to find it when we need it?

The boxes were stacked in the garage, and we started in, one by one to empty them, and find a place for the contents of each. And, in time, we have found a place for most everything. Mind you, one of those places was the curb for the waste management professionals to take it from there. The good news is that we are moved in. My wife's goal of getting both cars in the garage by the end of December (ten days after we moved in) was met. We are glad to be home! To everything there is a place. To everything there is a season.

In the church, we find that there is a time for every purpose under heaven. There is a time to weep, a time to dance, a time to embrace, a time to plant, and a time to reap. There is a time. And there is also a place. St. Paul tells the church in Corinth about the wonderful gift of the Holy Spirit, knits us into the body of Christ, with a place for each gift we have, and for each gift, a place. You are a child of God. In the waters of baptism, God's promised Spirit is given. Sealed with the Holy Spirit and marked with the cross of Christ forever, you belong to God. Through the Spirit, you are a part of this community.

Today we find ourselves in this time and in this place. This is where God has brought us. There will be more turning, more times of sorrow and joy, more gathering together and casting away. In the midst of all the turning, yet another song comes to mind - "Simple Gifts" written by Elder Joseph

'Tis the gift to be simple, 'tis the gift to be free

'Tis the gift to come down where we ought to be,

And when we find ourselves in the place just right,

'Twill be in the valley of love and delight.

When true simplicity is gain'd,

To bow and to bend we shan't be asham'd,

To turn, turn will be our delight,

Till by turning, turning we come 'round right.

May God bless us in our turning, to find the place just right.

Peace,

Pastor Charlie



 BONUS VIDEO #2

The Christmas Mix-Up

As we prepare for coming of the Christ-child, I want to share with you a favorite story of mine, written by a dear friend of mine. Carol Kehlmeier, is a long-time member of St Paul Lutheran Church in Westerville, Ohio (my previous congregation). She is the mother of four boys, and is a great writer. The setting for this story is the church in Westerville.  It is called “The Christmas Mix-Up.” You will soon learn why.

Outside the little white country church, the feathery snow was falling gently, creating a picturesque scene in the bright moonlight. Inside, we sat in the warmth of the glowing candles and glittering Christmas tree, anticipating the entrance of the children. It was the annual children’s Christmas program. I had been rehearsing our four little boys daily with the lines they were to say that night. We had gone over their speeches until even the youngest knew what he was to say and when he was to say it.

“I hope they remember everything,” I whispered anxiously to Husband. The lights dimmed and the beautiful old stained-glass windows created a cozy, yet reverent setting in the candlelight. I had done well, I thought proudly. As a reward for their diligent work, each night I served them cookies and cocoa at bedtime along with reading, “’Twas The Night Before Christmas.”

The organ began playing, “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear,” the tiny voices joining in confidently. The rustling of children sounded in the back of the church. They began their march to the chancel, then were directed into neat rows by their adult leader. I took a deep breath and waited for the children to begin to tell the story of the birth of the Christ Child.

“And there were in the same country, shepherds abiding in the fields,” a sixth-grader called out. Children dressed in bathrobes marched up the aisle, holding high their make-shift staffs. “And lo, the angel of the Lord shone round about them,” another voice called. A trail of preschoolers tripped up the aisle in white sheets and paper wings, their halos askew.

“Behold! I bring you tidings of great joy!” announced a tiny voice. My heart pounded. It was time for our oldest to make his theatrical premiere. “And what to my wandering eyes should appear,” he said boldly. I swallowed. “What’d he say?” I whispered. “A miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer!” Our second born followed his lead.

Husband looked at me and grinned. ”That’s what you get for mixing religion with fantasy,” he said softly. “With a little old driver so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick,” our 4-year old called.

There were snickers and giggles from all over the sanctuary. Three boys dressed as wise men marched down the aisle carrying their gifts, while the adult leader tittered behind her fingertips.

Other parents must have been reading theft children the same poem because they continued line for line, one after the other until our youngest shouted with gusto, “Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night! “Then he paused and finished with what he had rehearsed, “And on earth peace, good will toward men.”

By this time, the entire congregation was laughing. The wise teacher, wiping tears of laughter from her cheeks stood in front of the children, spoke softly and the first child began the speech. The second time around, each child continued telling the Christmas story from the book of St. Luke — and when it ended — received a mighty applause, followed by cookies and cocoa in the fellowship hall. 

-          For unto you is born a savior, who is Christ the Lord.  O come let us adore him!

Peace

Pastor Charlie

Words of Hope

As we gathered for worship this weekend, the news from Newtown, Connecticut weighed on our hearts. Our prayers continue for the families and community. A number of my colleagues and I discussed how best to address this in our churches this weekend. I paused and considered the readings and the music already set for the services, and was struck by how the words of Advent speak to us in this time. The words of scripture and the hymns all remind us of the need for God's indwelling in our lives and in our world. The message of Advent is the message we long to hear. We are broken people. We live in a broken world. We need a savior. Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

At three of our services this weekend, the worship centered on Advent hymns and songs from around the world. The readings from Isaiah, as well as the words of the angel Gabriel to Mary, and the song of joy on the lips of John the Baptist's father, Zechariah together with the music shared all focused on the coming of Jesus, our Savior. At the close of the service we shared these words, written by organist and choir director John Benjamin.

After centuries of waiting for the Promised One, God’s Chosen People at last heard the prophet calling, “Prepare the way of the Lord!” As Christians everywhere prepare their hearts once again to celebrate Jesus’ birth, we, too, await the coming of the Messiah – Christ’s promised return. Still, we know there are people of many nations who have never heard God’s word, experienced the grace of Jesus Christ, felt the comfort of the Holy Spirit.

We have a mission: to reach those who are longing – yearning – to feel the presence of God in their lives. If you are one of those people, know that you are loved, know that you are cared for, know that you are valued beyond measure. Know that God sent Jesus to be the light shining in the darkness, the hope of the nations, Emmanuel – God with us! Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

 

Children's Christmas Program

This past weekend, I attended all four productions of the Children's Christmas Program, "Angels Aware!" What an incredible show it was! I am very proud of all who put many hours and work into the show, especially the children.

"Angels Aware!" tells the Christmas story from a different perspective. The show takes place in heaven as God prepares to send Jesus to earth as a baby. We met Gabriel, Michael, Moses, Isaiah, the heavenly host and all the prophets. They sang, danced and shared the good news of Jesus' birth. I find myself singing songs from the show throughout the day, and am thankful for the memories and messages those songs bring.

Here are some things I learned from the musical I would like to share with you:
1. Sharing the good news can be a lot of fun! The kids on stage had a great time doing it. The smiles on their faces, the enthusiasm in their songs and actions, the energy they put into the show were contagious. If you left the show without a spring in your step and a smile on your face, you must not have been paying attention!
2. God has a plan. In the show, Moses and Isaiah shared with us that even though God tried over and over to get us back to a right relationship with God, we still kept falling into the trap of sin. Instead of focusing on others, we kept thinking only of ourselves ("I" trouble!). And even though it seemed like that problem would never go away, Isaiah the optimist reminded us that God always has a plan.
3. God's ways are not our ways. When the angels got word that God was going to send His Son to the earth, they pondered what role he would take - a popular rich leader, or a military man, or a maybe even a rock star! They were shocked when they heard that God had chosen to go as a baby.
4. God loves you! At the end of the show, the kids on stage shared the message that God's love is for all. Kandis Wean (what a great job she did in directing the show!) told the kids to find someone in the audience and point directly at them when they shared that line. Imagine her surprise when, at the end of the last show, they all pointed at her. She told me that she was blown away by that. That is what God's love is all about - God loves YOU so much, and has paid a great price to show you just that.
5. God wants us to hear the good news of Jesus, the one who saves us from our sin. I think that sometimes hearing the message from the pastors over and over again can cause us to get complacent in our hearing the good news. We hear it over and over again, and because we have heard it before, we forget just how great the message is. So how wonderful it is when we get to hear the message from others, through a different means and we experience again the greatness and joy and power of this good news!
6. God has equipped us to share the message. I truly believe that we all have been gifted by God to share the good news of Jesus Christ in some way. For some it is preaching, for others it is teaching or singing or caring for others. There are many gifts, but the same Spirit gives them. We are blessed at Epiphany Lutheran Church to have a ministry in which kids from preschool through eighth grade are given the opportunity to try out these gifts.  For many years, hundreds of children have been given this opportunity, and many of them will tell you how this experience strengthened their gifts, and how they are still using these gifts today to do what God has equipped them to do.

I am sure there are many more things you could add to this list. Again, thanks to all for a great message!

Peace,
PC