How Far From the Kingdom?

Ruth 1:1-18; Hebrews 9:11-14; Mark 12:28-34

“This is much more important than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.”·

In NE, we measure distance in time rather than miles. Think about it. If someone asks, how far is it to York, we tend to answer in minutes rather than in miles… “about 20 minutes from here.” But then, of course, it depends not only on which way we go, but also where we want to be when we finally get there.
· Usually, we want the fastest time, don’t we? Yet, we all know that the fastest time does not always mean the shortest distance. If you have a GPS, you know that there are all kinds of criteria to consider when choosing your route: fastest time; shortest distance; most or least use of highways; least use of toll roads. You make your selections, press a button, and a voice says, “Calculating Route.”
· “When Jesus saw that the scribe answered him wisely, he said to him, ‘You are not far from the kingdom of God’” (MK 12:34a), Jesus was not talking in terms of a satellite position; I think Jesus was talking about the scribe’s spiritual destiny, which was for him then, as it is for us now, an everlasting life with God.
· How far are we from the kingdom, friends? How do we even begin to tackle that question? We begin with the Holy Scripture, the Word of God.
· Scripture can reveal to us the way to the kingdom; but I believe it does something more valuable than just providing directions. The Bible speaks of truth and, as truth, it can teach us how far we are from the kingdom –yet not to discourage us or defeat us.
· It shows us so that we may locate where we are with God, get back on track with God, and find our way into the kingdom, to live forever with God as God has always intended for us to do.
· Many folks have settled for living too far from the kingdom, mostly because they think the kingdom is destiny much too far away, way out of reach. In actuality, the kingdom is so close we can practically touch it, taste it, smell it, hear it and sometimes even see it because the kingdom is not a destiny in life; it’s a journey of life, a journey toward life everlasting.
· The opening words we say each Sunday, “no matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you’re always welcome here” are much more than the words of a slogan; they are kingdom words. I have been doing an awful lot of thinking about them words lately.
· If we spin off from the scribe’s question to Jesus, “Which commandment is the first of all?” we might arrive at a question like this, “Which word in our words of welcome is the first of all, the most important—(as the scribe said) “much more important than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices”? What might we answer?
· (Time for suggestions, feedback)
· I learned something about those words in the last few weeks or perhaps even the last few months. We say these words of welcome, and we mean them. Yet, what I’ve learned from interacting with some people “out there” in our community is that they just may not know they are welcome here; they know little of the bible’s teaching, of our denominations’ teachings, of radical hospitality. This totally blows my mind!
· Many people have experiences with “The Church,” and more often than I’d like to think, their experiences are not life-affirming ones. The message some receive is more like this, “You’re way too far from the kingdom to mix with us!” How far is that message from God’s Word as revealed to us in Jesus Christ?!
· More than once in the last few weeks, someone has said to me after I have invited them to church here, “You mean, I could come to church here?” “You let people with my background come here?” “I didn’t know I would be welcome in your church.”
· More and more I am convinced that as hard as I’ve searched and we’ve searched for our vision, our mission, it’s been right under our noses all the time: be the welcoming church. The church of the extravagant welcome.
· We live in a society where people are going through tremendous losses of jobs, homes, careers, families, dignity, peace of mind. Where does one go with all that stuff? Where does one find relief from all that pain? Where can one find comrades in the chaos? Where can one go and not be judged for what they do not have?
· Where can one go and find liberty even in the midst of limitation? People do not know that they are welcome in a church, let alone God’s kingdom! They do not even know they are welcome at this table, the greatest invitation to love that there is.
· Invite the people to a new place; it’s called the kingdom and there is a lot of welcome, affirmation, faith, hope, joy, and LIFE there—a place where first things are put first—and love is always first—and burnt offerings and sacrifices are not required; a place where you do not have to earn your way in the door or pay for your seat in the pew.
· We have an awesome opportunity and an awe-inspiring responsibility today, my friends: God is preparing us with the great welcome! Just think of all the transformation going on here. We are opening up our building, making it an adventure to experience not a museum to preserve.
· We have RED DOORS because we want people to notice the church of the extravagant welcome! We want them to know that even though they may feel like Ruth, a foreigner in a strange and hostile land, that we are ready to receive them and to love them, to companion them no matter whom they are or where they are on life’s journey.
· Ruth said it best:
o Where we go they too can go;
o Where we lodge, they may lodge, and call it home;
o Our people shall be their people as we all seek to become one people;
o And our God wants to be their God.
o When they hurt & in need of prayer, we hurt & we pray;
o When they are filled with joy and hope, we too shall rejoice and praise God;
· As they die, we too shall die and all of us shall be buried together and resurrected together to live with God in the eternal kingdom.
You see, distance from the kingdom is not measured in miles; it’s measured in milestone moments—moments like:
o Ruth’s speech of undying love and devotion;
o A scribe’s wise answering of the teacher’s ?
o Jesus’ profound teachings in simple stories
o Jesus’ being nailed to the cross
o Rolling away the and finding an empty tomb
o Talking with a stranger & realizing it’s Jesus
o Living for God
· Purifying our consciences from dead works and worshiping the living God
· How far from the Kingdom are we? Answer wisely, in milestone moments. We are a people blessed to feed on the Word of God, no matter who we are or where we are on life’s journey. So have your portion today, then get out there & welcome someone, invite people to the feast so that the kingdom of God may come nearer. Amen.

PSEUDO-POWER

Job 38:1-7; 34-41; Hebrews5:1-10; Mark 10:32-45

“Whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all.”


Job, James, and John all wanted something from God—felt that their request was worthy of being honored because of who they were and how they had given up everything to be obedient. The problem was that as soon as they made their request, it moved farther out of reach. Such is the paradox of faith.

All three men were quite sure that they had sacrificed everything to follow the Lord.

So when they voiced their confidence, they became like the 7-year-old who had just won $2 for great memory work in Sunday school. After the morning service, the pastor congratulated the child. The child proudly announced, “And I put it all in the morning’s offering!” “How wonderful!” the pastor exclaimed, “I’m sure God will be pleased.” “Yes,” the child replied, “now maybe God will let me do some of the things I want to do!”
Job has finally had enough of the sacrifice, sickness and surrender of his dignity he has experienced for the first 37 chapters of this book. He finally asks the great question that many of us have asked at least once in our lifetimes:
Why are you doing this to me, God?
Why let bad things happen to good people?

James and John got the surprise of their lives when they said to Jesus (nb: they didn’t even ask!). “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you” (Mk 10:35). The brothers asked to sit in seats of glory.

Let’s look at the responses that God gave Job and Jesus gave James and John. Compare them:

First, God answers Job “out of the whirlwind” (God is angry). “Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?”

First, Jesus answers the Zebedee brothers, “You do not know what you are asking.”

Second, to Job: God booms, “Gird up your loins like a man. I will question you…”(38:2-3)

Second, to James & John: “Are you able (Are you man enough…) to drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?” (v 10:38).

God barrages Job with the divine truth that God is God and Job is not. “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?” And on and on rails God for 67 verses to which Job can only reply, “See, I am of small account; what shall I answer you?” This is the correct answer.

Turning from God and Job to Jesus, James and John, the same kind of question should haunt us, “Where were you when they crucified my Lord? Where were you when they nailed him to a tree? Where were you when they laid him in the tomb?”

These questions should cause us to tremble because we know where James and John were—scattered and in hiding. Just a few days after this bold request, they and the others betrayed the very Lord they wanted to sit next to in glory.

Like Job, we want God to explain things to us; we demand to know, Why? Why did this or that happen to me? How could you let this happen?

And like James and John, we want to bargain with Christ for favors, especially for glory and power because of our “faithfulness”. Remember last week? The disciples said, “Lord, we gave up everything to follow you …” (10:28)

Because we feel we have given up everything, even our prize-winning $2.00 we earned for our “faithfulness”: ie, going to church, learning our bible, placing offerings in the plate, does not automatically mean that we are faithful people who deserve all the gifts of heaven.

Can we gird up our loins and drink the cup that Jesus drank? Are we able to be baptized with the baptism that Jesus was baptized with? Are we willing to sacrifice all that we have, for the prayer of the Lord?

This question is an excruciating one, yet one that must be asked of us. God’s is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever, not ours. God is God and we are not.

If we are not God, then what are we? In this world, we want the good life. We want stature and riches and the finer things: having it all gives us a sense of power, but it is pseudo-power. We have people going from riches to rags everyday in this country; ask them how powerful they feel. The Good News is that Jesus has the answer to the pain of powerlessness.

True power comes from living the servant life that Jesus modeled and preached, day in, day out, all the way from Bethlehem to Jerusalem, from cradle, to cross, to grave, and ultimately to the skies.

To have this true power, we must go to its source, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. His words to the disciples in first century Jerusalem have not changed. With the Gentiles, their rulers lorded power over them. Others with great power became tyrants over the poor and sick and ostracized.

“But it is not so among you,” Jesus declares; in other words, gird up your loins…your fancy clothes, your robes and fancy garments. Whoever wishes to become great (whoever wishes to have true power) among you, must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all.”

Jesus lived, died and rose again with true power in his obedience to God. No matter the harassment, betrayal, abandonment and physical punishment he endured, he knew that God had a plan, and it was designed to the finest detail.

We understand the design and the details when we live like Jesus and for Jesus, “for the Son of man came not to be served but to serve and to give his life a ransom for many” (10:45). Be one of the many. Amen.

October 18, 2009
1st Parish Federated Church, South Berwick, ME
Rev Donna Lee Muise

The web has finally come to First Parish Federated Church. With determination and generosity four folks have worked together to prepare our web site which will soon go public. The literature is very clear that the internet is the best source of information for people who are looking for anything...including a church.

Of course, our web site will always be a work in progress because we have to keep up with the acitivities, missions, and ministries here. Life changes from day to day. I came to this blog today having thought of lots of exciting things to say as I pondered this moment for the past few weeks. I sat down this afternoon and ... blank. I drew a blank. I don't know if perhaps it is blogfright--little known cousin of "stage fright."

What shall I say that a first-time reader or a church researcher might find intriquing, helpful or curious enough to come on down here for one of our suppers or worship or perhaps even a Bible study.

One of the biggest events that is on my mind these days is our upcoming Lenten series on William Paul Young's fiction bestseller, The Shack.

Someone said to me the other night, "I think it's really gutsy that we're doing this book!" I think it is, too. The Shack is not a stranger to controversy in religious circles. Some pastors have forbidden their parishioners to read it, others have said, "read it atyour own peril." Others have a great admiration for the book and what Young has tried to do with his story.

I find that the text could very well be the place where those who are suspicious of or strangers to God feel invited to come in. Those well-versed in doctrine and tradition also have some thought-provoking questions and attempts to answer to the profound mysteries of God and the Trinity.

The text addresses in a fictional (though seemingly all too real) format, the question of "Where is God in the midst of unspeakable pain?" The answer to this question has sent many a believer back to the forest to commune with nature, giving up on any kind of higher power.

Higher power is a mystery that no human being can understand fully; yet, I think this book takes an evocative approach to helping seekers and believers alike to approach God in a relationship of unconditional belovedness.

The answers given by "Papa" (God) will prompt the deepest discussions and perhaps even some of the rawest emotions. I have no doubt, however, that every one of us who engages this book and one another will be far richer for the experience of being in fellowship with one another while sharing in the midst of Holy Presence.

Join us at the Simple Supper, beginning 5:30 pm on March 4. You don't want to miss this one.

Peace,
Rev Donna

S O A P

Today I'd like to share with you a simple form of Bible Study that you can do on your own and easily remember the steps. This format is called the SOAP method but there's no water involved!

S stands for Scripture
O stands for Observation
A stands for Application
P stands for Prayer

At the top of your page, write down one or at the most two verses you want to focus on. Next, make an Observation about the scripture. Then for the Application, write down how you will be different today because of what you have just read. Finally, write out your short prayer reflecting the application.

Here is an example for you:

S "What I tell you in the darkness, speak in the light; and what you hear whispered in your
ear, proclaim upon the housetops." (Matthew 10:27)

O If I am not hearing God in the darkness, what will I speak in the light? If I am not
hearing God whisper in my ear, what will I proclaim on the housetops?

A This scripture reminds me to not only talk to God in pryaer, but it is equally
important to hear God in prayer!

P "Dear Jesus, help me to hear You today! I want to be still that I may hear Your word for
my week, for my life. Speak, Lord! Your servant is listening!

UnChristian

From time to time I receive offers for free books and I gladly take advantage of them. The most recent offer involved a book called UnChristian by David Kinnaman and Gabe Lyons. I was excited to receive this book offer because it is a title I've been watching in the reviews in the newsletters and professional journals I read.

The subtitle of the book is "What a New Generation Really thinks about Christianity...and Why it Matters."

The author is very candid that many readers won't like some of the reports they will read in this text, but nevertheless it is essential that we read the research despite our personal reactions. For instance, it could hardly please any of us to learn that "The research shows that Christians are best known for what they are against. They are perceived as being judgmental, antihomosexual,. and too political. And young people are quick to point out they believe that Christianity is no longer as Jesus intended. It is unChristian."

Here's an extensive quote (p 15) that I believe captures the essence of why it would do all of us good to read this book.

After thousands of interviews and countless hours studying non-Christians, I believe outsiders would want this book titled UnChristian. Young people today are incredibly candid. They do not hold back their opinions. I want to capture outsiders' expressions and views in these pages.l I don't agree with everything they say. Yet if I am going to be your guide to the hearts and minds of people outside Christianity--if you are going to really understand them--I feel compelled to represent their viewpoint fairly and candidly, even if it is uncomfortable for those of us who are Christians. To engage nonChristians and point them to Jesus, we have to understand and approach them based on what they really think, not what we assume about them. We can't overcome their hostility by ignoring it. We need to understand their unvarnished views of us. Therefore, this book reflects outsiders' unfiltered reactions to Christianity.....

Even though some of the realities are uncomfortable, I have no intention of picking on Christ followers. Far from it. My purpose is not to berate Christians. You won't find here the names of any Christian leaders who have done wrong things. From time to time, I will use an anonymous illustration to show why some of the negative perceptions exist. Yet the point is not to pick on any particular person. Every Christ follower bears some degree of responsibility for the image problem; it is not helpful to assign blame to those who have made mistakes.

Still for the things we can influence--our lives, our churches, the way we express Christianity to others--I hope that by helping you better understand people's skepticism, your capacity to love people will increase, offering them genuine hope and real compassion through Jesus Christ. Paul, the most prominent writer of the New Testament, says, "While knowledge may make us feel important, it is love that really builds up the church (I Corinthians 8:1).

So, I'm on my way into the depths of this text, and I hope that I have whetted your appetites enough that you might purchase the book and begin your own journey into its wisdom. I'd love to hear what you have to say. Let me know if you're going to read the book, ok?

Thanks for the "chat!"

Reverend Donna

Projects and Ideas

Ideas seem to come in spurts. I may have several in just a few days or maybe only a few over a span of several weeks. I thought I would share with you here some of the ideas that have come to me over the past several months.

I keep a "Project and Idea Board" in my office. It's a sticky board and I have half-size index cards that I write the main idea on (without much detail) and I stick it on the board. I read it over often and I check off the ones that have been put into action.

I would like to see a church-wide "Project and Idea Board" --a big board--that people could add their ideas to all year long. There are an abundance of good ideas floating around out there and a sticky board would be a great place to "catch" them.

Thoughts I have on my board includesome of the following:

• a blogging book club: read current books on faith and church life; announce the book one month out; profice communication on line; schedule a discussion on line; and name the next book about a month out to give folks time to get it and read it.
• yearly themes: Align all programs in church around certain themes, for example: joy; family; love; etc
• evening worship on Sundays, Wednesdays or perhaps Thursdays. Include songs (praise music) the Word; prayer. Would last about 45 minutes and include video, seating at tables, food, etc
• PALS groups (new): Genealogy; families with young children; Christian parenting; Christian marriage, etc
• Church campaign signs: (especially in years of elections) ask parishioners to place "campaign" signs in their yards, just as we might do with a candidate's sign. Copy could be something like "FPFC: That's My Church!" or similar
• Valet Parking: our parking is so limited, which limits our ability to fill our sanctuary, believe it or not (all the books say so!). Have valets in lot to park cars so t hat people can get out at church doors; include parking lot greeters as well, so that the church experience literally starts the moment folks arrive.
• Church school: reconfigure classes to fit a new kind of church school--one room, on line, or workshop rotation models perhaps
• After-School: elementary age students middle school too: provide snack, homework help, games, childcare for older children--ask high school students to lead with adult supervision
• visitors welcome packets;
• publicity scrapbook
• "We Expect Company" attitude (this idea is not mine--came from Julia and Peary)
• Put together resource book for assisting folks who come to the church for help
• a couples retreat
• Men's retreat or group
• couples' club
• widows and widowers support group
• Explorers Group: go out to other churches and experience worship services of all types and bring home good ideas and opinions
• Media Team: web page (Mark Forsythe) and podcasting; broadcasting on community tv
• Recording of scripture passages and prayers with music in background to be distributed to shut-ins (this is Peary's idea)
• Celebrate the Decades: celebration days for people in their sixties, their seventies; their eighties, their nineties, complete with food and fascinating facts of history made during those decases (1938-1947; 1928-1937; 1918-1927; and 1908-1917)

Some of the ideas i've had that I've already put into place are the business cards for parishioners, the Advent Candle Lighting Processions; the "I LOve My Church Because" posters; family Vacation Bible SPA; changing the look of the Triangle,and some changes to the sanctuary decor.

What are your thoughts and ideas? I would love to hear them!

Peace,

REv Donna

Hi, Friends,

I subscribe to a weekly internet newsletter called "CHristian Leaders Intelligence Report." It provides snippetts of all kinds of information and statistics regarding life and trends that affect today's leaders and churches. I found this article today, and I thought you would be interested in it. Happy reading!


Men & Church
Less than 40% of church attendants at a typical worship service are men.Men are the world's largest unchurched people group, according to Church for Men, founded by David Murrow, author of Why Men Hate Going to Church. He argues that worship services today are typically built around feminine values, with worship songs that are sweet and sentimental and sermons that emphasize home, marriage and family. Men need more masculine imagery and more opportunities to use their unique skills. They have their own language, culture and needs. Murrow says that, rather than having a separate men's ministry, churches need to integrate everything they do with a masculine spirit. Here are some of the suggestions Church for Men makes, based on their research:
Have special worship services with a theme targeted at men, such as "Great Outdoors Sunday," so men feel at home and not uncomfortable on cushiony pews with fresh flowers everywhere and quilted banners hanging around the church.
Shorter is better when reaching men. Sunday worship services should always be wrapped up in one hour or less.
Worship songs should have lyrics that men can relate to. While hymnals are full of anthems for men, today's praise songs sound more like love songs. Men prefer upbeat music and songs that do not repeat over and over.
Services need to be relevant to the world in which men live if they are to change the perception that church is boring or irrelevant.
Churches that have more men active in the church (60% or more) are more likely to be growing.“Here's the wonderful truth about women,” argues Church for Men. “They are comfortable with guy things.” And with 1 out of 5 married women worshiping on Sundays without their husbands, most women would gladly try something new in order to attract their husbands, sons and fathers to church. Pastor’s Weekly Briefing, 6/8/07