Hindsight, Discernment, and Unity

Within the context of a conversation yesterday in a meeting armed with the the blessing of hindsight, I realized that for the past year or so we have been engaged in discernment. Several times we have actually used the word "discernment" to describe what we were doing. Though I suspect that we thought if it more in terms of planning and preparing. Discovering and doing the will of God is different from measuring and implementing our own. 

Figuring out what God wants you to do (and become) can be frustrating. Rarely is the process quickly accomplished. Sometimes I think of it as a period of gestation that seems to never come to fruition. Despite many idiosyncrasies, we are faithful when we strive forward. 

Since the recent snow accumulation derailed our plans for last Sunday morning, this Sunday morning in Faith Formation Forum we will discuss last week's topic, Growing Together Spiritually. As time permits, we will incorporate the topic for this second week in our six-week challenge, Using Gifts to Work Together.

For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another. We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us: prophecy, in proportion to faith; ministry, in ministering; the teacher, in teaching; the exhorter, in exhortation; the giver, in generosity; the leader, in diligence; the compassionate, in cheerfulness.                    - Romans 12:4-8

Marva J. Dawn, in her book Truly the Community observes the following:

How rarely it is truly understood in the Church that we are really all together in one Body in Christ, and each member has a different function! To our great loss, the idea of unity in diversity in the Christian community is often talked about as a nice theory, but rarely put into practice. We all can see how wonderful the pictures of the Scriptures are, but the friction comes when we try to put them in tangible relationships and structures. Seldom do we actually manifest true unity/diversity in the Body, and, therefore, rarely do we set one another free for functioning in our own unique ways.*

As you reflect on your experience as a member of a congregation, a parish, or a gathering of Christians, consider how you have lived into unity. Have you? Is there room in the midst of it all for diversity?  Are we better at "taking hostages" emotionally or setting one another free for functioning?

* Dawn, Marva J., Truly the Community: Romans 12 and How to Be the Church. (Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1997), p. 77.

Dwelling

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.   Colossians 3:16-17

When I started this blog a couple of years ago, it needed a title.  I chose Willing Habitation.  This phrase is adapted from a sentence in a book on preaching by Wallace E. Fisher.  Dr. Fisher was my ordination sponsor. More importantly, Dr. Fisher was a pastor, author, mentor, leader, and faithful servant of the church during the second half of the 20th century.

Although a bit "in your face" this assertion by Fisher below has clung to me for years -- a steady reminder of what's at stake in my vocation.

Christ confronts persons through preachers who, making themselves willing habitations for him, proclaim God's demands and promises no matter what the cost may be to their persons.  Wallace E. Fisher

There seems to be a connection between this notion of being a willing habitation and the call to "let the word of Christ dwell in you.." from the Colossians text. One is an expectation the other is an invitation. Yet they get at the same thing.  Becoming a dwelling place and a willing habitation is not something to which we are naturally inclined. At least I'm not. It is a discipline to make the room and clear out the clutter.

It terms of growing together spiritually, this task of house cleaning seems to be the first, yet often overlooked, step. If not the word of Christ, what is it that dwells in you? What is it for which we would rather provide sanctuary -- serve as a willing habitation?

So, depending on the amount of snow we get over the next couple of days, we will have an opportunity to discuss this at our gathering on Sunday morning at 8:45. As always, your comments and thoughts are welcome. God bless you.

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As you are watching the snow fall, here is Simone Dinnerstein playing Suite Bergamasque - 3. Clair de Lune by Claude Debussy.

6-Week Challenge

In the midst of the bleak mid-winter may actually be the prime time to focus some of our attention on renewal. All around us things seem to be in a state of hibernation. And, if truth be told, sometimes we feel like joining that trend. Imagine, however, using this time to devote our collective attention and energy toward a series of six sessions that will challenge us to deepen our faith and enhance our capacity for mission in the name of Jesus.

Below here you'll see an outline of topics for the next six weeks. Even if you have never attended Sunday morning Faith Formation (Sunday School) you are more than welcome.  I would also like to encourage you to invite others (friends, neighbors, family members, etc.) to come and see. I'm looking forward to our time together.

As we anticipate this Sunday's first session, let's consider a few questions: In your lifetime, what changes have you witnessed in the church? What changes have you experienced in the position of the church in relationship to our surrounding culture? How has your spiritual well-being been nurtured by the church over the years? Has it been? How would you describe your relationship with Jesus?What are some of the activities, priorities, and responsibilities that compete most for your allegiance and devotion?

Faith Formation Forum

St. Luke Evangelical Lutheran Church

2695 Luther Drive, Chambersburg, PA

Sunday Mornings @ 8:45

Growing Together: Spiritual Exercises for Renewal

January 17, 2016 - Second Sunday after the Epiphany

Change: Plate Tectonics and the Church

January 24, 2016 - Third Sunday after the Epiphany

Growing Together Spiritually

Colossians 3:16-17

January 31, 2016 - Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany

Using Gifts to Work Together

Romans 12:4-8

February 7, 2016 - Transfiguration of our Lord

Considering the Mission

Matthew 28:18-20

February 14, 2016 - First Sunday in Lent

Sharing the Faith With Others

1 Peter 2:9

February 21, 2016 - Second Sunday in Lent

Receiving Unconditional Love

Ephesians 2:4-9

Like a Dog

Oliver

Not long after we moved to Chambersburg, we decided to adopt a dog to round out the household. (Apparently three children and two cats weren't enough under one roof.) Oliver came from a local rescue shelter. He fits right in now and is a force to be reckoned with in our family. One thing for sure, Oliver is unwavering in his faithfulness, love, and devotion.  I know this is not a unique quality in our dog Oliver. Yet it remains a constant reminder of what pure unconditional love looks like. No matter what, every time I return home and enter the house through the back door into our kitchen, Oliver is right there to greet me with kisses and a wet nose. 

In the gospel reading for this day of the Epiphany of our Lord, we hear that the wise men from the east have come to greet Jesus:

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.”  (Matthew 1:1-2, NRSV)

The Greek word that is translated homage is προσκυνέω (proskynéō, pros-koo-neh'-o).  It means to kiss, (like a dog licking his master's hand); to fawn or crouch to, i.e. (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore):—worship.

The Three Magi: Balthasar, Melchior, and Gaspar 

from a late 6th century mosaic 

at the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo in Ravenna, Italy

What would it look like for us to pay homage to our Lord and King, Jesus the Christ? What gifts can we offer in this Light that no darkness can overcome?

This coming Sunday, the church observes The Baptism of Our Lord.  As we remember Christ's baptism, we also remember our own and give thanks for the gifts that each of us has been given. Chiefly, we remember that we have been adopted and rescued. We have been given the gift of grace that has called us through the waters of baptism to walk as children of the Light. How might this gracious gift of new life shape and inspire our worship and the ways we offer our homage?

Georgian Orthodox Church celebrates Epiphany with multiple baptisms.

Year in Review

 

Annual Report of Pastor Frye to the Congregation                         

A Variety of Gifts:  As I reflect on this past year and look to the time ahead, I am mindful of the many who have contributed so much in service to our Lord and the Church. The Apostle Paul reminds us that in the church, the Body of Christ, there are a variety of gifts. I am grateful to all of you who employ your gifts in the life and ministry of this congregation.

I can’t name everyone, but we should all be grateful for the dedication and service of Helen Hessler over the years. She has been the coordinator of the Prayer Chain Ministry. While she continues to participate in prayer ministry, the coordination responsibilities have now been entrusted to Robert Kane. Further, our two office secretaries, Vicki Long and Norma Huss, have stepped down after fruitful and dedicated years of work. Earlier this fall, we welcomed Susan Mayer as our new office secretary.  Thank you all for your gifts!

Homebound: A group of seven have been involved in study and formation to begin service as visitors to homebound members and friends with the Sacrament of Holy Communion.  This is an extension of the Lord’s Table to those unable to attend regular worship. These visits will complement, not replace, the regular visits that I conduct. Please keep Diane Koch, Bob Kane, Bob Huss, Tim Frye, Mary Ellen Fairbairn, Carleen Skiles, and Rich Garner in your prayers as they anticipate the beginning of this ministry in the weeks and months ahead.

Plans: A result of much prayer, deliberation, hard work, and teamwork, the masterplan for our congregation’s physical plant was presented and approved at a special congregational meeting earlier this fall. A two-phase approach will be utilized as we move forward. Currently the selection of a capital campaign consultant is underway. We look forward to progress being made early in the new year.

Council Study: Throughout this past year, the church council, has been engaged in a study of Dave Daubert’s book, Living Lutheran: Renewing Your Congregation. We took up this study at the suggestion of Pastor Richard E. Jorgensen, Jr., Director for Evangelical Mission, Lower Susquehanna Synod, ELCA. Pastor Jorgensen has consulted with us on several occasions at council meetings and with me to encourage, equip, and support us as we seek faithful ways to engage in mission and ministry. This year’s study, prayer, and discernment has been essential to our continued openness and willingness to pursue God’s purpose for our life as church. We are all grateful for the wisdom and faithfulness of our council president, Jodi Forrester.

Retreat: It has been a blessing to many of our members (and members of our community and other congregations in our area and region) to be able to attend our Lent and Advent Retreats this past year. Sisters Thelma and Jo Anne from the Tau Hermitage conducted retreats here for participants of many and various backgrounds and faith traditions. I look forward to continuing these semiannual events into the near future.

Looking Forward: There is a great deal of transition going on in the life of the Chambersburg Conference (Lutheran congregations in Franklin County).  A sister congregation (Greenvillage) is closing, and others are in precarious positions as they anticipate the future. Over the years, as a congregation, we have been blessed. This congregation has demonstrated time and time again a willingness to risk and step out in faith. We need to remember this character trait when we sometimes get anxious about change and the uncertainties of growth. With this blessing comes responsibility and opportunity. While we necessarily spend time and resources in the year ahead to strengthen and expand our physical facility and capacity for worship and ministry in this place, I pray that we would also be open to ways that we might continue to strengthen and extend our outreach – specifically in our local community and neighborhoods. This could involve shared and cooperative ministry with other established Lutheran congregations.  And it might well involve perusing the renewal of relationships with our ecumenical friends in the greater Scotland and Fayetteville communities. For several days in February I will be attending a training conference for new Mission Developers and Redevelopers in the ELCA. I covet your prayers and support for this opportunity.

On a personal note, thank you for your ongoing support and dedication to our mutual ministry. You are probably tired already of hearing me say this:  We’re in this together.  I know it would make a good bumper-sticker slogan.  Yet it rings true.  And I believe it without question. This togetherness is a gift that we get to live out of our baptismal identity as sisters and brothers in Christ. On behalf of Heidi and our children, Isabelle, Gabriel and Rowan, thank you for all your prayers, acts of kindness and support. It has made all the difference! 

May God bless you.

Your brother in Christ,

Pastor Christopher Frye

Christus Rex

Although it's the end of the church year as we know it this Sunday, all around it sounds like the end of the world as we know it. Hyperbolic language is bombarding us from the right and from the left in regard to current events. The premise that is so uncritically accepted is that there has to be sides: winners and losers, right and wrong, good and evil. Everyone wants to be on the winning team.

The thing is, we all lose when we accept these terms as the way things have to be. We are a community of faith that is lead by a crucified Lord. We look to the Christ of the Cross as the victorious Lord of all. So, if the way of selflessness, suffering, sacrifice, and the cross was Christ's way of loving the world, are we too called to take up these things as our way of life as well? I believe we are.

Mercy, love, grace, acceptance, and hospitality -- these are not optional equipment for the journey we are called to make as brothers and sisters in Christ.

When we confess Christ as King, what are the implications for the way in which we live our lives. What difference does it make that Christ is King when we are confronted with the tragic, the terror, and the tedium of our times? How easy it is to be swept up in the call to arms, violence, retaliation, hatred and fear!

Christ the King is also the Prince of Peace. He calls us to lift up our hearts and set our minds not on things that are on earth, but on things that are above. This isn't easy. It's not convenient. And it sure isn't popular. Yet, I can find no faithful alternative. Can we reconcile the cognitive dissidence in the popular premise that asserts itself at the center of our current state of affairs here below?

Christ the King Sunday

November 22, 2015

Prayer of the Day

Almighty and ever-living God, you anointed your beloved Son to be priest and sovereign forever. Grant that all the people of the earth, now divided by the power of sin, may be united by the glorious and gentle rule of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Readings 

Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14 

The one coming with the clouds rules over all

Psalm 93 

Ever since the world began, your throne has been established. (Ps. 93:2)

Revelation 1:4b-8 

Glory to the one who made us a kingdom

John 18:33-37 

The kingdom of Christ

Every Whit

What does it look like to be committed? Have you ever been "all in" with some project, effort, or passion? It's been observed that half measures avail us nothing.This may ring true on the page, but what about in real living? There are so many voices vying for our allegiance.

I'll admit that I frequently feel that I must compromise in order simply to keep my head above water. Even as I'm taking the time at this moment to sit down and work on this blog, I'm thinking about all the other places I "should" be right now. I've got to work on promoting Sunday afternoon's concert, I've got to make a few visits. I've got to help the secretary get the bulletin announcements proofed and in order because so many ignored forgot the Wednesday deadline for submissions! The sermon isn't finished yet. Gabriel has chorus rehearsal at 4:30. The leaves need to be raked. The phone is ringing. Someone just came in the door! Is it time for lunch? People are chatting in the hallway!

I'm taking a deep breath.

This Sunday we hear the gospel lesson in which Jesus commends the nameless widow who gave her all, every whit. So many throw in their two cents, but she has given wholly, all she had to live on. This widow is "all in" -- committed, invested.

With all our abundance, are we able to experience the luxury of thorough devotion? What might be some of the obstacles? What might one thing be that we could do to help clear the way?

Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

November 8, 2015

Prayer of the Day

O God, you show forth your almighty power chiefly by reaching out to us in mercy. Grant us the fullness of your grace, strengthen our trust in your promises, and bring all the world to share in the treasures that come through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

Readings

1 Kings 17:8-16 

God feeds Elijah and the widow at Zarephath

Psalm 146 

The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down. (Ps. 146:8)

Hebrews 9:24-28 

The once for all sacrifice of Christ

Mark 12:38-44 

A widow’s generosity reveals the hypocrisy of the scribes