Reformation Sunday

            This is a great day in the life of our church. This is the day that we celebrate the birth of the Lutheran Church. So it is a great day! Amen?!

            I think it is important to hear the story that we usually save for confirmation because let’s face it, many of us have either not been through confirmation or it has been quite a while ago. Our church came about by a man walking along a road in a thunderstorm. His father worked hard, spent years in the mines so that his children could have a good life; a life filled with education because education, back then was for the elite. This father wanted the best for his son named Martin. So Martin was going to go to university and become a lawyer. Martin was a good Catholic who went to mass and did all that was expected.

            It wasn’t until that day in the storm walking home that he began to fear God, lightning striking the tree next to him and that is when it happened; Martin fell to his knees and promised that if God would stop this wrath and fear that he would become a monk. He would give his life over to God. And so it was that he became a monk. He used all his learning as a child to follow “the way” and often felt convicted by God. He spent his early years in the monastery feeling the wrath of God. He felt convicted in his humanity and felt that God was punishing him for every little thing. He would spend so much time in confession that the priests were getting annoyed with him.

            His mentor set out to work with Luther and began to show him a different side of God. His mentor began changing Luther’s thinking that God was not a God of vengeance and fear, but a God of love. Slowly, Martin’s did see God as a God of salvation and forgiveness. This carried and sustained Luther. Martin Luther began challenging what he was taught and what the church held as sacred: relics, confessions, the saints, and yes even the power of the pope. Luther went on to make his famous stand in defense of his writings. This stand and his writings became known as the “reformation” in the church. The people who followed Luther became known as Evangelicals and split from the Catholic church.

            This story is important for a number of reasons. This is the day that we Lutherans hold to be the day that our church was born. It is the day when Luther published his 95 theses and nailed them to the door of the church…by the way, some might say (and one author has) that this was the beginning of social media. So here we have the blessing and the curse; blessing of church and curse of social media. There is more to this day then just the posting of a document on the door of a church.

            This Reformation Day is the day we recognize that when the Word of God became available to everyone. You see, in Luther’s time, the bible was only reserved for the priests. The services were in Latin (even in Germany). People could not just go to Borders book store and get a bible. You had to go to the priests for the bible to be “properly” interpreted. Most people could not even read and as I said earlier, only the educated were able to attend schools and learn to read. Most everyone else was left to fend for themselves, disease was running rampant and mortality rates were extremely high. Many were lead to believe that if they got sick that God was punishing them for something they did or even did not do.

            This reformation is important because it opened this door to the Word of God. No longer did the people have to go to the priest, because Luther translated scripture into German so that people could read the bible in their own language.

            That is why this reading from the Gospel of John is so important on this day. Jesus says that if we “continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” Those important words because who was able to know Jesus words in Luther’s time? If the bible was only for those who could interpret the Latin scripture, then how could anyone know Jesus’ words? Luther took this verse seriously in that the Word of God needed to be made available so that everyone could follow in Jesus’ Word. I mean, it makes sense that in order to know Jesus’ word we need to know what that Word is, don’t we?

            Knowing Jesus’ words are important but also carry a responsibility. We know that Jesus’ Words teach us and tell us to do many things. He teaches us about loving our neighbor, praying for one another, help out those who are in need, in prison, give our coats to someone in need, and feed the poor, help to find shelter, to live our lives knowing that God’s judgement is the only thing that matters…that it is not for us to judge others; that is left to God. That is the responsibility that we all have is to care for one another as best we can because each and every one of us is precious in God’s eyes. Every one of us is God’s creation and God’s creation is Good.

            But there is also this word truth that is in our Gospel reading today. Philosiphers have written about truth, the word “truth” is the most talked about word when it comes to relationships and responsibilities; this word is argued over in court hearings, philosophical arguments, who did what to whom, when did it happen,  we search for truth when reporting the news. This word “truth” can start arguments, wars, end relationships, and destroy lives. All because of this small word.

            In today’s Gospel we hear that the “truth will set us free.” So here is some truth. We live in a broken world. It is a world where we are told to live by fear. Fear that this will end, there will not be enough, and you better get for yourself or someone might take what you want. It is a society that basis its concerns on fear and scarcity. Jesus tells us that anyone who has sinned is a slave to sin. That is a relief! I mean, at least Jesus acknowledges that sin is appealing and it is somewhat easy to do what you want over what is right and just.

            However, Jesus tells us that truth is more important. It is the truth in knowing that even though we are a slave to sin, because let’s face it, we all have sinned at one time or another, The Son of God makes us free. Jesus sets us free so that we don’t have to be a slave to sin. We have the teachings and actions of God’s only Son, Jesus,  to go into our part of the world to love our neighbor, to feed our neighbor, to give one another a helping hand, to pray and live in community with one another and through our words and our actions, share God’s message that, although we might be slaves to sin, Jesus Christ went to the cross and died and was raised so that we are not captive to sin or death.

            That is where our responsibility comes in. We are responsible for our words and our actions. It is not easy to live out who Jesus calls us to be. Sometimes it seems better to do what is easy and not worry about consequences. Living the life of a disciple of Christ is hard. It is difficult, especially at this time. We have talked about the fact that numbers in all denominations of church attendance is declining. While that may be true in numbers, what is also true is that we celebrate who is here. We celebrate that the body of Christ is gathered to worship God and celebrate this day that changed the world as they knew it and created the Lutheran church.

            Through this reformation many things changed. It was not just the church that changed. Cities began developing schools, the Community started storing up funds to help people in need and so many other changes came out of this monk nailing the 95 theses to the door of the church.

            (Chapel) So what does that mean for us today? Today, our world is changing again. In a few short moments we will be receiving two new disciples of Christ. Today, the body of Christ will grow by two young disciples. Their parents will make promises to God to bring them to the Lord’s table and to place scripture in their hands. We will all make promises to help this family in their journey of faith. It is truly a day of celebration in that this church will be “re-formed” into the new body of Christ. We will also be changed in that one of God’s disciples has decided to become a member through a re-affirmation of baptism. God will remind him of the precious blessings and gift that he is and is called to be doing God’s work here on earth.

            So today, let us celebrate the monk whom God used to show us God’s word and God’s truth that we are loved and cared for; let us celebrate that God has given us the ability to do God’s work here on earth…thanks be to God.

(Woodsboro) So what does that mean for us today? Today our world is changing again. It is changing so rapidly that things that took months to make, now take minutes. There is so much information available that we often get inundated with having to make choices. But the one thing that does not change is God’s constant love. God’s love is forgiving, filled with grace, and is available to all. It is God’s truth of love, forgiveness, mercy, and abundant grace that is the truth that we need to hear, know, and celebrate.

            So let’s celebrate that monk whom God used to show us  God’s word and love are never failing; and let us celebrate who God calls us to be and what God calls us to do in spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ in our words and in our actions, this day and forevermore. AMEN

A look at society and, maybe, ourselves.

The following is an excerpt from an article that will be published in the Woodsboro Times which will be available in November. My hope is that this portion of the article will speak to you in some way,shape, or form. Although this is not the full article, the portions excluded are basic information about the pastor as this is an introductory article.

Where do we go From Here?

Recently, I had lunch with a parishioner. In our conversation he made this statement, “Pastor, I wouldn’t want to be in your shoes for anything.” It was a profound statement and one that I could chuckle about. However, I have been thinking for some time about what it means to be a pastor in this time in our history.

            It is not easy being a pastor in today’s culture. Everywhere I turn I hear of people fighting; they are fighting about what they believe to be theirs, who has the right to this or that, which political party is the “right” or the “wrong” party. I hear the people who have access to the airwaves pointing fingers and using other groups of people as the product of their anger. We hear of shootings that are senseless and people continue to argue about who is “right” and who is “wrong” while innocent people are dying.

            Much of this fighting has led to people in a state of constant anger. Someone is always angry because they did not get their way and this creates more anger. This constant state of anger is not healthy for us as individuals or collectively as a community, because it keeps us constantly looking for something or someone else to be the focus of our anger and distrust. Part of what happens is that we don’t trust anyone; not our elected officials, not our law enforcement, not our community leaders, and not our neighbors.

            As a pastor in the church of Jesus Christ, I find myself asking the question, “where is grace?” Where is the grace to have a disagreement and put personal views aside? Where is the grace to seek forgiveness from and for one another so that anger does not win the day? We spend so much time worrying about who got something they did or did not deserve that sometimes I don’t think we could see grace if it stared us in the face.

            I want to be clear on the grace that I am talking about. I am talking about God’s grace. It is that grace that was displayed for us by the God who created us, “the earth, sea, and all that is in them.” It is that grace that is given to us despite our brokenness when God calls us to seek forgiveness and know that we are valued and cared for and that is God’s grace.  It is the grace of forgiveness, love, and mercy.

            This grace did not come cheap. It came at the expense of God’s only Son sacrificed on a cross for you and for me. Imagine your only child being sacrificed for many other people. It may be something we cannot even begin to imagine. Yet, God did just that; gave up a Son for all of our sake to know that we are loved and valued. When we live our lives using the thought that “God must forgive me because of Jesus on the cross” then we cheapen God’s grace that has been given to us. Yes, that grace was freely given and offered to us all, not at the expense of a “get out of jail, Free” card.

            When we recognize that God’s Grace was at the cost of Jesus on the cross then we can begin to respond. How do we respond to the grace of forgiveness from God? How do we respond knowing that God saved us from our sin? Does that change how we live our lives and how we treat one another?

Where have all the people gone?

            There is something that concerns many pastors from many denominations. It is the declining numbers in worshipping attendance. There have been studies from numerous groups showing that youth are disengaging from the church. I would suggest that it is not only youth but many people are disengaging and declining to come to church. It is not only in one denomination but is across all denominations.

            As a pastor, I have heard many of the reasons. The reasons range from Sports on Sunday mornings to being bored, just don’t want to get up that early, and the list goes on and on. I have seen “YouTube” videos with titles “Why Jesus hates religion” and that list can go on and on. I am currently reading a book entitled “You Lost Me” by DavidKinnaman. Through all these reasons, videos, and books I hear a three common threads: 1) The current style of worship is outdated, 2) Church is a place of hypocrites who say one thing and do another, and 3) Scripture is outdated and does not speak to me like it should.

            These concerns are not new and they are not old. I have heard many times these concerns from parishioners as well as people who tell me why they don’t go to church. To the first thread of church being outdated, we at Woodsboro Evangelical and Chapel Lutheran Church have been in conversation about our styles of worship. As to the second thread of hypocrites being in attendance, I would answer that and say it is a true statement.

That is part of being a Christian. Not one of us is free from making mistakes in our lives. There has only been one perfect person in this world and that is none other than Jesus Christ. We don’t come to church to puff ourselves up but we come to bring our burdens to the cross. To re-energize our batteries and hear that we are loved and forgiven and that God’s promises are true and everlasting. Sometimes we may make the same mistake twice; it happens

With regard to the thread of scripture being outdated or not speaking to an individual. That, too, is why we gather on Sunday morning; it is to hear the word of God and if it does not speak to us, then begin the conversation about it, talk about it, and live out the Gospel in our actions and not just words. Sunday morning is about re-energizing our batteries to start the week and to remind us that we are part of a larger community who does care for one another and does not point the fingers.

These books, videos, and studies report a wide range of reasons why people do not attend worship. Today, parents, couples, and individuals are so overworked that, sometimes, Sunday is the only day left in the week that is not filled with some type of schedule. As a pastor, I can relate to that. There never seems to be enough hours in the day to stop and just breathe. I have worked in the private sector and understand the requirement to do more with less; to work more hours than you are paid, to take pay cuts and yet produce the same amount.

Remember there is hope. If you do not have a church I invite you to come and worship at either Woodsboro Evangelical Lutheran Church at Woodsboro at our 11 a.m. service or to Chapel Lutheran Church at 11109 Daysville Road at our 9 a.m. service. If you would like to make an appointment to speak with me, I would be happy to talk with you. I can be reached at the Parish Office (number intentionally left out for the purpose of the blog).

Increasing our Faith...What is Faith

The Apostles came up to the Master and said, “Give us more faith.” That is a pretty bold request, don’t ya think? Their demand does not appear to be too out of the ordinary, for us does it? I mean, who has not asked for more faith? Especially at this time in our history when there is so much turmoil and war or talk of war and uncertainty. You know my background. I came from two previous careers, one in the military and one as a paralegal. When it came time to discern a call to the ministry, my first response was “who me?” Are you sure God this is what you want me to do? I immediately jumped to the notion that I would need a lot of faith for this and I was not so sure I had enough to continue going to church; let alone leave my job security (what little there was) and go to seminary.

I started asking for more faith because I was not sure that I had enough. I am sure that we all have experienced that in our lives. It might not be a career change but it could be making it through an illness, finding a job, the loss of a loved one, divorce…there are any number of things that could cause you to question whether or not you have enough faith. We have all been there or are there. It is that question that we ask of ourselves every day…”Do I have enough faith to get me through this (whatever it is)?”

It is a common question because we are taught to question. After all, that is how we obtain knowledge is through the questioning of something we may not fully understand. Sounds simple doesn’t it? I want to know how to turn on the computer at home. I find the answer by going to the owner’s manual or now I find the little universal button that we associate with power and push it. We get that knowledge and now we know how to do something. We figure out how magic tricks are done and we feel more important because we know how it is done.

Faith is quite different. There are no owner’s manuals on faith. There is no instruction book on how to obtain faith. Faith is not something that you can see, touch or feel as we think in our conventional wisdom. It is not a tangible product like this pulpit or the choir members or us sitting in the pew, for now and I will come back to that in a little while. Society dictates to us how we measure things. For instance if you “get a bargain” that means you may get 10, 20, or 30% off on a product or a two for one deal. Society wants to measure everything in things you can touch feel, see. Society wants us to obtain and hold onto whatever it is for ourselves.

Faith is not like that. Jesus tells us that faith cannot be measured by a more or less. There is only faith. Even if your faith was the size of a mustard seed, poppy seed…the point that Jesus is making is that faith is faith. It is what is in your heart, your mind and your soul. He is wiping any kind of standard off the map. God does not have a scale to measure your faith because God has your heart. While there is no owner’s manual, there is a book to help us develop our faith. We all know that book that is the bible; yes that’s the book for me. This book is about God’s relationship with us and our relationship with God and with one another.

It is the story of God’s love poured out for us through carrying us through difficult times, teaching us about Our Creator and it is the book that teaches us about the immeasurable love of God. It is immeasurable in the God delivered a Son into this world and it is the same God whose only Son went to the cross, suffered and died for our sake…so that we would have faith, no matter how great or small, that we are valued; each and every one of us is God’s precious creation. The story does not end with death on the cross but continues in the Good News that Jesus was raised from the dead to show us that God will always have the last word. The story does not even end there because Jesus words to the disciples and us were and are to share the Good News of everlasting life.

A friend in Christ, Faith is not necessarily determined by what we can see, touch or feel; however, faith is observed, is touched, and is felt. When we gather to worship it is faith that brings us together to share and sing the praises for God who has delivered us from sin, death and the devil. It is our faith in God that is with us when we seek or offer forgiveness from others and from ourselves. It is faith in God and in Jesus Christ when we receive the ultimate act of forgiveness in the body and blood of Christ in Holy Communion. It is our faith in the God who promises everlasting life when we hand our children over to God through the gift of Baptism.

That is faith in our worship lives but what about when we walk out these doors? Faith carries us through our difficult times. Especially today when we hear the words “unemployment, divorce, illness” or words like “layoffs, sequestration, or shutdown” These are troubling and painful words yet we put our faith and trust in God who uses our congregation, friends, and family to help us through difficult times. We have faith, and faith alone, that calls us and teaches us that we help one another as much as we can; in our everyday lives.

    Faith is not some heroic act that will get your name in the paper. We can want it to be and hope it to be but the truth is that when our faith is lived out, it is done so with no news crews or paparazzi hanging outside our door. Faith guides us in our words and actions in our every day life. Faith is lived out with the purpose of knowing that it is God’s call and it is not for fame and fortune because quite frankly, fame and fortune is not the purpose for living out our faith. The purpose of living out our faith is because of the gifts that God has given to us in our daily lives; the gift of love, forgiveness, grace, and mercy and it is our response to these Gifts that we give and share with others God’s gifts with everyone else.
   I don’t know about you but I don’t know if I can move a mulberry tree. I don’t know that my faith will do that but I do know that our faith keeps Christ in our hearts, minds, and souls…even on those days when we don’t feel like it, we still have faith. I know that faith keeps us in relationship to God and with Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord. Faith is what holds us together as the body of Christ and sustains us as Children of God: AMEN