Pastoral Prayer (November 1st/All Saints' Sunday) - Athens First UMC

[Photo taken of Athens First UMC in October, 2015 by Anna King. The rainbow reminds us of our mission as a church to share God's covenant love with our community and world through our prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness.]

This is a day like no other on the church calendar. It is a day that reminds us that we do not worship alone. We also worship with all the saints in heaven who have gone before us.

As the Roll of the Victorious is read, our hearts are of full of thankfulness as we remember and honor these dear church members who have gone on to be with the Lord since this time last year.

Family and friends of each loved one are invited to stand as their names are read. We will ring a bell and light a candle after each name is read. We will also ring the bell and light an extra candle at the end of the reading of names to symbolize other loved ones who we name silently in our hearts.

Together, let us lift these saints who have gone on to glory to the Lord.

Paul Bradford, Jean Gall, Don Gamertsfelder, Marcia Johnson, Don Lambert, Herschel McNabb, Aline Paxton, Lara Pickett, Rollie Swart.

We will light one more candle this morning. It is in loving memory of others who are on our hearts and minds and who are also part of that great cloud of witnesses. We haven’t said their names aloud, but we say their names silently now in our hearts. Let us remember with grateful hearts all those whom we have loved. Their lives brightened and changed this world.

O God of resurrection and new life, we thank you for the good news of our faith that offers a grand finale of when the time will come when there will be no more sickness, mourning, pain, or sadness. Even death itself will be defeated once and for all. You have given us an advanced sign of this future reality through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We thank you for this grand finale where there will be nothing but peace, joy, love, and justice. Thank you for reminding us of this good news today.

Just as we give thanks for those saints who have gone before us, remind us that you call us to be your saints in this particular time and place. Help us to be faithful in being the people and the church you call us to be.

You hold all of us in the great arms of your mercy. And now with confidence as the people of God, let us join in the prayer that Jesus taught his disciples. “Our Father, who art in heaven…”

Confronting Racism: Why We Need the Saints

Many Christian faith traditions include a calendar of saints in which the church celebrates the particular witness of saints on a daily basis. Today, (July 1), the Episcopal Church calendar of saints celebrates the Christian witness of Harriet Beecher Stowe.

It's especially timely to remember this saint due to the Charleston, SC shootings that were prompted by racism. As African American churches are being set on fire and people are arguing over the use of the Confederate Flag, it's times like this that it's extremely helpful to remember saints from the past who walked the walk and talked the talk. Harriet Beecher Stowe was one of those saints.

Brenda Putnam shares this thought about Harriet Beecher Stowe:

Harriet Beecher Stowe, the American author whose book “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” opened eyes in its portrayal of Black slavery as shocking to all human sensibility. When he met her, President Abraham Lincoln said, “So you’re the little lady who started this (Civil) War.” For 40 years it was the world’s bestselling book, after the Bible.

As we approach the 4th of July weekend and give thanks for our country, may we also confess our racism, both subtle and overt so that we might be the nation that God has called us to be.

St. Fred Sunday

All Saints' Sunday is sometimes overlooked on the Christian calendar. Fortunately, that's not the case at First UMC where I serve as pastor. Over the years, it has become an important tradition for our church to give thanks to God for all of God's people who have faithfully lived and died.

Our church observes All Saints' Sunday by reading the names of people in the congregation who have  passed away over the past year. We ring a bell for each person and light a candle. Family members stand up when their loved one's name is read.

As we prepare to observe All Saints' Sunday, I offer these thoughts about this important day on the church calendar.

• This is a day to help us continue to give thanks for those who have gone before us. In addition to reading the names of church members who have passed away over the past year, we also light a candle for all of our loved ones who are no longer with us. Yes, it's an emotional day because we miss those who are no longer with us but it's also a day of celebration as we are reminded that they are now shining in glory and one day we will feast at God's heavenly banquet together. What a great day that will be!

• All Saint's Sunday is a day to remember that we are all saints. Saints do not just include Mother Teresa and the members of the New Orleans football team, but they also include those of us who have sought to follow Jesus through our words and actions. The Apostle Paul was known to begin his letters to the several churches he founded by referring to them as saints. I'm no psychology expert, but I know that when someone dares to remind us of who we are called to be, we tend to set the bar a little higher and reach for our full potential.
• This day on the church calendar also reminds us that the church is bigger than we think. In the Book of Revelation, we are told that the author, John was able to peer into heaven and he saw those who were in heaven worshiping and glorifying God. What a powerful thought to remember that whenever we worship together, we don't just worship with the people sitting next to us or those who sit in the balcony, we are also worshipping with the saints in glory who are in the heavenly balcony! And pastors, I know how much you love to have record worship attendances, but no, you are not allowed to include the people who are worshiping in heaven in your Sunday count. It may be good worship theology, but it's also known as fudging the numbers.

"Maybe we should refer to each other as St. Fred..."

Since each person who is seeking to be a follower of Jesus is a saint, maybe we should refer to each other as St. Tom, St. Alice, and St. Fred. I know. It sounds kind of holier than thou, but it's good theology.

Happy All Saints' Sunday!

All Saints' Sunday Prayer

We bless your holy name O God, for all you servants who, having finished their course, now rest from their labors. Give us grace to follow the example of their steadfastness and faithfulness, to your honor and glory; through Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.

Heaven's Jazz Band

This past Friday, Penny and I were standing in front of the historic St. Louis Cathedral in the French Quarter of New Orleans on a sunny day enjoying our three day get away. With the mighty Mississippi River in front of us and the smell of those wonderful Big Easy beneigt treats in the air, we found ourselves in the middle of an impromptu jazz concert there on the street. This was the New Orleans we were hoping to experience.

The casually dressed five member jazz band was performing a very long version of "O When the Saints Go Marching In." During different times of the song, a band member would step out and offer his unique instrumental solo to the delight of the crowd. One young man who looked to be in his early 20s had a trumpet in one hand and a trombone in the other and he played them back and forth effortlessly during his masterful solo performance.

As the band continued to play, we sat on a park bench and that's when I received the call about my aunt who had been in failing health in Maryland.  This was my mom's sister who just eight months earlier had attended my mom's funeral.  Aunt Isabelle & Uncle Bill lived on a farm in Maryland. My brother, sisters and I loved visiting them because we were able to see our cousins and play all day on their farm. They had a dog named, "Boots" who became my buddy. There's nothing like a farmer's "supper" at the end of the day complete with fresh vegetables and ice cream with all the toppings.

Hospice was now caring for Aunt Isabelle and the phone call was to let me know that she had just passed away. My heart sank as I thought about these two sisters who were very close to each other. Even in the midst of that sad moment, a smile came to my face as the jazz band continue to play, O when the saints go marching in, O when the saints go marching in. I how I want to be in that number when the saints go marching in.

I took comfort in knowing that they were  now reunited in that glorious eternal kingdom where there is no more sickness, sadness, dementia, tears, or death. They were in a place of total joy and peace. 

Looking back on that afternoon last week when I received the phone call about Aunt Isabelle, I wonder if that was one of those sacramental moments when heaven and earth mysteriously overlapped there in front of the St. Louis Cathedral. For that brief moment in time, I experienced heaven's welcome of another of God's saints, New Orleans style.

Oh how I want to be in that number.

Valentine's Day Is for the Birds

Today is the death anniversary of St. Valentine who died in 312. Not much is known of this Christian saint except that we are told he was martyred for this faith on this date. The reason for this day being a symbol of romantic love is because in Europe, this is the time of year when birds pair up for their nesting season. With this falling around the same time as St. Valentine's Day, people began to associate the pairing up (romance) of birds with the already established St. Valentine's Day date. And this is why this is a big day for Hallmark.
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So on this day, we have two meanings of the word, love. We have the romantic, cuddling, pairing up kind of love. And thanks to St. Valentine, we have the deeper kind of love, a sacrificial love, the kind of love that led Jesus Christ to die on a cross for the world.

St. Valentine's Day Prayer:
Almighty and everlasting God, who kindled the flame of your Love in the heart of your holy martyr Valentine: Grant to us, your humble servants, a like faith and power of love, that we who rejoice in his triumph may profit by his example; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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Merry St. Nicholas Day! (December 6)

Christian origins of modern day Santa Claus (without the western capitalism & reindeer) - Happy St. Nicholas Day!

Collect of the Day: Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, c. 342

Almighty God, in your love you gave your servant Nicholas of Myra a perpetual name for deeds of kindness both on land and sea: Grant, we pray, that your Church may never cease to work for the happiness of children, the safety of sailors, the relief of the poor, and the help of those tossed by tempests of doubt or grief; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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Wright On!

The next time you write a note or a letter to someone, remember the name of Alcuin (England, 8th century A.D.)  He is the one who is credited with creating this style of writing of ease in communication through connecting letters together.

Also, if you believe that education is important for a strong society as well as for a growing faith, think of Alcuin.  He established several schools and what is kinown as "scriptoria" which is the copying of ancient secular and religious manuscripts for preservation.

Since today (May 20) is when we celebrate Alcuin's feast day on the calendar of Christian saints, you  might want to read a book or write that letter of encouragement you've been intending to write. 

Almighty God, who in a rude and barbarous age raised up your deacon Alcuin to rekindle the light of learning: Illumine our minds, we pray, that amid the uncertainties and confusions of our own time we may show forth your eternal truth, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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Origins of St. Valentine's Day - A Dark History

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NPR has an excellent article on the dark origins of Valentine's Day.

Happy St. Nicholas Day! (December 6)

James Kiefer, who writes about Christian saints shares this information about today's saint (December 6) - St. Nicholas, 4th Century.

Nicholas was a native of the western part of what is now Asiatic Turkey Anatolian Plateau). He became Bishop of Myra in the fourth century, and there are many stories of his love for God and for his neighbor.

The best-known story involves a man with three unmarried daughters, and not enough money to provide them with suitable dowries. This meant that they could not marry, and were likely to end up as prostitutes. Nicholas walked by the man's house on three successive nights, and each time threw a bag of gold in through a window (or, when the story came to be told in colder climates, down the chimney). Thus, the daughters were saved from a life of shame, and all got married and lived happily ever after.

Because of this and similar stories, Nicholas became a symbol of anonymous gift-giving. Hence, if we give a gift to someone today without saying whom it is from, it can be called "a present from Saint Nicholas (or Santa Claus)." Some parents explain this to their children and invite the child to join them in wrapping a toy (either something purchased for that purpose, at least partly with the child's allowance, or else a toy that the child has outgrown but that is still serviceable) or an outgrown but not shabby item of the child's clothing, or a package of food, and then going along to donate it to a suitable shelter that will give it to someone who will welcome it. This gift is then called "a present from Santa," so that the child understands that this is another name for an anonymous gift given to someone whom we do not know, but whom we love anyway because God does. (Presents within the family can be "From Santa" or "From Santa and...")

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The Best Sermon Ever Preached?

John Chrysostom, (4th & 5th Centuries) was a towering leader in the church of his day. One of the best preachers to have ever lived, he gave what some argue as the best sermon ever preached, his Easter sermon. It's always good to be at your best on the most important day of the church year!

It is said of him that those who gathered to hear him preach ran the risk of being pick pocketed because they would be mesmerized by his powerful and articulate preaching.

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Today, the church calendar recognizes John Chrysostom. Enjoy reading the best sermon ever preached. And even more importantly, allow the good news of the Easter message to fill your life and overflow into the the people you see today.

Easter Sermon by John Chrysostom

Christ is Risen!

If anyone is devout and a lover of God, let him enjoy this beautiful and radiant festival. If anyone is a wise servant, let him, rejoicing, enter into the joy of his Lord. If anyone has wearied himself in fasting, let him now receive his recompense.

If anyone has labored from the first hour, let him today receive his just reward. If anyone has come at the third hour, with thanksgiving let him keep the feast. If anyone has arrived at the sixth hour, let him have no misgivings; for he shall suffer no loss. If anyone has delayed until the ninth hour, let him draw near without hesitation. If anyone has arrived even at the eleventh hour, let him not fear on account of his delay. For the Master is gracious and receives the last, even as the first; he gives rest to him that comes at the eleventh hour, just as to him who has labored from the first. He has mercy upon the last and cares for the first; to the one he gives, and to the other he is gracious. He both honors the work and praises the intention.

Enter all of you, therefore, into the joy of our Lord, and, whether first or last, receive your reward. O rich and poor, one with another, dance for joy! O you ascetics and you negligent, celebrate the day! You that have fasted and you that have disregarded the fast, rejoice today! The table is rich-laden; feast royally, all of you! The calf is fatted; let no one go forth hungry!

Let all partake of the feast of faith. Let all receive the riches of goodness. Let no one lament his poverty, for the universal kingdom has been revealed. Let no one mourn his transgressions, for pardon has dawned from the grave. Let no one fear death, for the Saviour's death has set us free.

He that was taken by death has annihilated it! He descended into hades and took hades captive! He embittered it when it tasted his flesh! And anticipating this Isaiah exclaimed, "Hades was embittered when it encountered thee in the lower regions." It was embittered, for it was abolished! It was embittered, for it was mocked! It was embittered, for it was purged! It was embittered, for it was despoiled! It was embittered, for it was bound in chains!

It took a body and, face to face, met God! It took earth and encountered heaven! It took what it saw but crumbled before what it had not seen!

"O death, where is thy sting? O hades, where is thy victory?"

Christ is risen, and you are overthrown!
Christ is risen, and the demons are fallen!
Christ is risen, and the angels rejoice!
Christ is risen, and life reigns!
Christ is risen, and not one dead remains in a tomb!

For Christ, being raised from the dead, has become the First-fruits of them that slept.

To him be glory and might unto ages of ages. Amen.

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Happy St. Stephen's Day! (December 26)

On this day each year (December 26) the church gives thanks for Stephen who who read about in the Book of Acts (Acts 6 & 7) and who became the first Christian martyr.

The Christmas song, "Good King Wenceslas" is a song about this day; "Good King Wenceslas looked out on the feast of Stephen..."

Wenceslas was the Duke of Bohemia during the 10th century A.D. As the song indicates, he was a good, honest, and strongly principled man. He became the Patron Saint of the Czech Republic and his Saint's day is September 28th. His picture appeared on Bohemian coins, and the Crown of Wenceslas became the symbol of Czech independence.

Collect of the Day: Saint Stephen
We give you thanks, O Lord of glory, for the example of the first martyr Stephen, who looked up to heaven and prayed for his persecutors to your Son Jesus Christ, who stands at your right hand; where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

"Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus!"

Today, we give thanks for St. Nicholas of Myra (south western Asia Minor) from the 4th century who is remembered on the calendar of saints on this date. He is noted for his presence at the Council of Nicaea and as the gift giving personality behind our present day Santa Claus. Below is the story that started the Santa tradition.

There was a very rich man in the city of Mora who lost all his wealth. He had three daughters of the age of marriage and could not marry because of their father's poverty. Satan caused the man to think that he should make his daughters live in sin. God revealed to St. Nicholas the thoughts which were in this man's head. St. Nicholas took one hundred Dinars of his father's money and tied it up in a sack, and during the night, he threw the money into the window of the man's house. When the man found the gold, he was astonished and rejoiced exceedingly and was able to give his eldest daughter away in marriage. During another night, the saint threw another one hundred Dinars into the man's house and the man was able to give his second daughter away in marriage.

The man wanted to know who this charitable person was. The third time when the saint threw the gold into the house, the man was watching and immediately when he felt the thud of the sack dropping, he ran out of his house to see who was throwing the gold to him. He found the kind Bishop St. Nicholas, and the man bowed down at his feet, paid him great homage, and thanked him because he saved his daughters from poverty and from a life of sin. The saint refused to accept any thanks and asked them to thank the Lord Who put this thought in his heart.
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Blaise Pascal: 1623 - 1662

One of my favorite conversion quotes (see below) is by Blaise Pascal who is remembered on the calendar of saints today.

In addition to his famous quote below, an accomplished French physicist, he is known as the inventor of the mechanical calculator and what would later become, our modern day syringe and hydraulic press.

"In the year of grace, 1654,On Monday, 23rd of November, Feast of St Clement, Pope and Martyr,and others in the Martyrology,Vigil of St Chrysogonus, Martyr, and others,From about half past ten in the evening until about half pasttwelve,

FIRE!

God of Abraham, God of Isaac, God of Jacob, (Ex 3:6; Mt 22:32)not of the philosophers and scholars.Certitude. Certitude. Feeling. Joy. Peace.God of Jesus Christ."Thy God and my God." (Jn 20:17) Forgetfulness of the world and of everything, except God. He is to be found only in the ways taught in the Gospel. Greatness of the Human Soul. "Righteous Father, the world hath not known Thee,but I have known Thee." (Jn 17:25)

Joy, joy, joy, tears of joy. I have separated myself from Him. "They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters." (Jn 2:13)" My God, wilt Thou leave me?" (Mt 27:46) Let me not be separated from Him eternally." This is eternal life,that they might know Thee, the only true God,and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent." (Jn 17:3) Jesus Christ.

JESUS CHRIST!

I have separated myself from Him: I have fled from Him,denied Him, crucified Him. Let me never be separated from Him. We keep hold of Him only by the ways taught in the Gospel.
Renunciation, total and sweet. Total submission to Jesus Christ and to my director. Eternally in joy for a day's training on earth."I will not forget thy words." (Ps 119:16) Amen."

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For many centuries in several European countries, today (March 25) marked the beginning of a new calendar year. First of all, why would a new year begin in March, and secondly, why would a new year begin before a month is even over?

Answer:

Today is the Annunciation to the Virgin Mary when the angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would become pregnant by the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:26-38.) Christians have observed March 25 as the date to celebrate the Annunciation because nine months later, we arrive at December 25, the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

Christians viewed March 25 as the time when the Christian era began since God became incarnate in the womb of Mary on this date.

So what are your new year's resolutions? For some of us, we may need to simply get back to doing what we decided to do this past January 1st. For others of us, today marks an opportunity to make new commitments in our walk with Christ.

Since I just finished reading Scot McKnight's excellent book, "Praying with the Church: Following Jesus Daily, Hourly, Today" which details the importance of praying at fixed times each day, I am determined to be more intentional in my daily prayer life.

Without wasting any time and knowing that Christians all around are praying this prayer today (March 25,) pray with me...

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"Pour your grace into our hearts, O Lord; that we who have known the incarnation of your Son Jesus Christ, announced by an angel to the Virgin Mary, may by his cross and passion be brought unto the glory of his resurrection; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever."

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Happy New Year!

Happy St. Nicholas Day!

Today, we commemorate one of the great saints from the 4th century who was a bishop in what is the present day country of Turkey.

St. Nicholas was known to have given anonymous gifts to help out a family in need. From this tradition...well you know the rest!

The Eastern Orthodox church has a much better understanding of this special day on the church calendar as they hold special services and reenact this tradition of gift giving on the eve of St. Nicholas Day.

So for the people who like to point out that there is a secular Christmas with Santa Claus that is separated from the religious meaning of Christmas, St. Nicholas Day (Dec. 6) reminds us that many of our present day Christmas traditions are very much connected to the Christian faith.

As we prepare to celebrate the Feast of the Nativity, let us remember to join St. Nicholas in offering our gifts to people in need.

A Tribute to William Wilberforce - July 30th

Today is the death anniversary of a Christian who ranks in my top 10 category of most committed Christians who have ever lived - William Wilberforce, 19th Century England.

A member of British Parliament, he courageously spent 18 years in working to abolish the English slave trade. Just 4 days before his death, a bill to abolish all slavery in British territories finally passed. A year later in 1833, 800,000 slaves were set free.

United Methodists have a connection with this incredible man of faith not just because of Wilberforce's work toward social justice but also because John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, also greatly admired him. Wesley's last letter before he died was sent to Wilberforce encouraging him to not give up in his uphill battle to defeat the terrible evil of slavery.

I am so proud to live near Wilberforce University which reminds me again and again of what it means to pray, "Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven."

Prayer - Let your continual mercy, O Lord, enkindle in your Church the never-failing gift of love, that, following the example of your servant William Wilberforce, we may have grace to defend the children of the poor, and maintain the cause of those who have no helper; for the sake of him who gave his life for us, your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.