Ascension Thursday

The Ascension of Our Lord

detail from window at First Lutheran Church

Chambersburg, Pennsylvania

⁴⁴Then he said to them, "These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you — that everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled." ⁴⁵Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, ⁴⁶and he said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, ⁴⁷and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. ⁴⁸You are witnesses of these things.  

⁴⁹And see, I am sending upon you what my Father promised; so stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high." ⁵⁰Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and, lifting up his hands, he blessed them. ⁵¹While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven. ⁵²And they worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy; ⁵³and they were continually in the temple blessing God.  Luke 24:44–53

Prayer of the Day

Almighty God, 

your only Son was taken into the heavens 

and in your presence intercedes for us. 

Receive us and our prayers for all the world, 

and in the end bring everything into your glory, 

through Jesus Christ, our Sovereign and Lord, 

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, 

one God, now and forever
.

Minding and Abiding

Sometimes a change in perspective is necessary.  Often, though, it can be make us feel disoriented or at least a bit uncomfortable. Our experience has taught us that we eventually adjust and adapt. For example, the view of the baptismal font is different, yet it is still the baptismal font. The only thing that has changed is the perspective from which we are viewing the familiar font.

This Sunday we will consider the way that we are connected to Jesus. The Sacrament of Holy Baptism remains the central initiation into the Body of Christ. In baptism we are joined to Christ's death and resurrection -- we are given a new life, the only life that matters.

The way we view baptism sometimes becomes so familiar that we don't see the connections that have been made. A change in our perspective is often very helpful is rediscovering things we have forgotten or never noticed before.

Take some time between now and Sunday to discover more about your baptism.  Have you been baptized?  If so, when and where were you baptized? How were you baptized? Did you have sponsors or Godparents? Do you have any pictures?

On Holy Trinity Sunday, May 31, we will be receiving new members into the congregation. While we do so, everyone will be invited to participate in Affirmation of Baptism. Perhaps we can see things from a new perspective and be reminded of the connections not only between ourselves and Christ, but among one another.

In baptism our gracious heavenly Father frees us from sin and death by joining us to the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. We are born children of a fallen humanity; by water and the Holy Spirit we are reborn children of God and made members of the church, the body of Christ. Living with Christ and in the communion of saints, we grow in faith, love, and obedience to the will of God.  (Evangelical Lutheran Worship, Order of Baptism)

Mosaic of Jesus the Vine. San Clemente Church, Rome. 1100 a.d.

I realize that I used a version of the above illustration for the mid-week Lenten devotions. However, I found a better picture of this mosaic to share with you.  It may be difficult to discern in this image, but the central figure of Christ on the cross is surrounded by a series of branches that is to be an image of the church. Jesus is the True Vine and we are the branches. Apart from Jesus we can do nothing.

The Gospel reading this Sunday is from St. John: 15: 1-8.  Take a few minutes to read it, then sit back and listen to this meditative work by contemporary Estonian composer, Arvo Pärt. It's one of my favorites. (You can skip over the add after a few seconds.)

Afflicted?

I called in my affliction, and the LORD heard me and saved me from all my troubles.  (Psalm 34:6)

The daily devotional guide that I use contained some select verses of Psalm 34 today. Always curious about context, I read all of Psalm 34 in the translation from the Evangelical Lutheran Worship. This sixth verse of the psalm stood out as I read it. I noticed it, I suppose, because it resonates with my own experience. Generally speaking, I suspect that many of our best-loved scripture passages are best-loved because they speak to us in ways that are either profound or prophetic.

When I have called out to God for strength, hope, and healing, I have experienced God's presence and known saving release. Yet there are times when I have been unable to call out, or simply have not called out maybe because I never saw a need, did not believe it would make a difference, or was incapable of opening my mouth. What then?  Does God just stand back and watch us writhe in our own quick sand?

I am reminded that God is a relentless lover. Again and again God takes the initiative to seek and save. So when we are unable to call out from our affliction, or when we don't even know how to recognize that we are afflicted, God is mindful of what we need.  Our troubles and afflictions don't necessarily disappear or even dissipate. Yet we know that God, in Christ, is present and endures with us. God's decision to love creation is an unmerited gift of grace open to all people.

What do you think?
When have you called out?
Did the LORD hear you?
Is being saved from trouble the same as being moved out of trouble?

I called in my affliction, and the LORD heard me and saved me from all my troubles.  (Psalm 34:6)

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Fourth Wednesdays

Because the Lenten "Soup & Scripture" evenings were such a success, it has been suggested that it should be continued in some similar but limited fashion.  How about "Potluck & Scripture" on the 4th Wednesday of each month at 6:00 PM?  We'll give it a try on Wednesday, April 22nd. A Sign-up sheet will be posted on the bulletin Board. Bring your favorite dish and enjoy an evening of sharing God's word!  Following the meal and study, there will be Evening Prayer (Vespers) at 7:30. 

Third Wednesdays

As a follow up to the recent Lenten Retreat presented by Sisters Joanne and Thelma that was so moving and thought provoking, some members of our congregation have proposed a "Study Group" to examine the writings of Franciscan priest, Richard Rohr, whose emphasis on contemplative prayer is so appealing to Christians of all faiths.  Fr. Richard's book, "Falling Upward" would be a good place to start.  Anyone interested in this initiative is encouraged to join the study group by using the sign up sheet posted on the door to Pastor Frye's study. This group will gather on the 3rd Monday of each month, from 10:00 AM to Noon, and begin on May 18th.  For more information, call the church office or Mary Ellen Fairbairn at 352-9403.

Maundy Thursday

Jesus Washing Peter's Feet, Ford Madox Brown, 1855

This evening at 7:00 the Maundy Thursday Liturgy will be held in the nave. Everyone is welcome. But first, we need to de-code this first sentence. There is much insider language being used here to describe one of the central worship activities of Christian communities of faith.

The word Maundy originates from the Middle English maunde, from Old French mandé, from Latin mandatum  It refers to a command, order; from the words spoken by Jesus to his disciples after washing their feet at the Last Supper, “a new commandment I give unto you, that you love one another” (John 13:34).

The Thursday of Holy Week, the first day of the Paschal Triduum (the Great Three Days) is Maundy Thursday. On this day we commemorate the institution of the Lord's Supper, the rite of footwashing, and the betrayal of Jesus. At the conclusion of the liturgy this evening, the altar is stripped in preparation for Good Friday.

In the midst of all this activity, we also have an opportunity to hear clear proclamation of the forgiveness of sins. Corporately we will engage in an examination of conscience and confession of sin. Then everyone is welcome to come forward and receive individual absolution.

Tonight's worship is a time of activity, sensing, seeing, tasting, hearing, and doing. This is not a show or a spectacle. It is a liturgy, literally, a work of the people.

Don't take my word for it, come and see for yourself. All are welcome! Participants are necessary.

Maundy Thursday

April 2, 2015

Prayer of the Day

Eternal God, in the sharing of a meal your Son established a new covenant for all people, and in the washing of feet he showed us the dignity of service. Grant that by the power if your Holy Spirit these signs of our life in faith may speak again to our hearts, feed our spirits, and refresh our bodies, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

Readings

Exodos 12:1-14 [5-10] 11-14

Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19

1 Corinthians 11:23-26

John 13:1-17, 31b-35

"Thoughts and a Prayer"

I suspect that once in awhile
each of us desires rest.
The pace of life is quick.
Schedules full; lives, a blur.
Here and there we go.
Stillness is not our forte.

Some lament (a protest)
The rate of change, exponential
Gears and levers have yielded
Chips and boards banter
Zeros and Ones, touch-screens, tweets
Meaning receding.

This: a type of shorthand
For the clever, the quick?
The restless, depressed?

Longing, desire, want
They: of hope and trust or
Just despair and grief?

Hosanna! Crucify!
We are so fickle
The prototype flip-flop.

Do we know what we want?
Or better yet, is there a better question?
What does God desire?
Might the Son inspire, enable
A transformation, a destination
A hill worthy of climb?
Free at last to live surprised by hope!

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right Spirit within me.

All else is commentary --
artifacts of ancient struggles.

A Radical Proposal

I've been having the best time recently preparing for and guiding our Wednesday evening Bible studies during Lent. There are many and various ways to study scripture. In the setting of an evening class following a meal, the challenge is not putting anyone to sleep with a boring lecture. I prefer to approach a study as a group effort. We're in this together, I'm inclined to say. Most times it feels like I received far more than I was able to give. I appreciate the wisdom and perspective that others bring to the task of Bible study.

Beginning in January, our church council and I began reading and studying a little book by Dave Daubert, Living Lutheran: Renewing your Congregation. We're taking our time, considering a chapter each month. The last half hour of our meetings from now on are going to include a time of intentional Bible study, conversation, and prayer. The chapter we just discussed this past Monday evening emphasized three keys to the process of renewal: Bible study, prayer, and dialog. Daubert contends that each of these provides an essential part of coming together and finding a Lutheran voice. So, please keep this bold commitment of the church council in your prayers as we take up this spiritual discipline as foundational in the work of congregational leadership.

While it is wonderful that the leadership of the congregation has committed to this spiritual discipline, it is certain that they do not have a monopoly on it.  Maybe you are aware that there are a couple other Bible study groups within our congregation. Bob Kane has been facilitating a Men's Bible study and a rather recent development has been the Thursday morning Bible study group that meets at Perkins.

What about you? If you are not already involved in a Bible study of some sort, would you be willing to be part of such a study? What would it look like, for example, if our Neighbors Connecting groups birthed Bible study gatherings for each neighborhood? I know we love to eat and get together. (I know I do!)

I encourage us to go deeper. We can do this. We are called to do this.

Here is what I ask of you:  Join me and take some time to pray and think about this radical idea of Bible study. Write down your thoughts, reflections, and questions. Then share them with me. Together, I would like us to cultivate a culture of intentional Bible study in the life of our congregation. It should become as natural and expected as a covered dish social (in fact it could even include that from time to time!).

In the meantime, know that you are welcome to come and enjoy the remaining Soup and Scripture studies on these Lenten Wednesday evenings. Beyond that, maybe we should just continue meeting weekly like that on a Wednesday evening for Bible study and Evening Prayer. What do you think? Let me know. So many possibilities!

Cross Purpose

Christ Carrying the Cross (detail)

Titian, 1560

^{Psalm 22:23-31}

You who fear the LORD, give praise! All you of Jacob's line, give glory.

     Stand in awe of the LORD, all you offspring of Israel.

For the LORD does not despise nor abhor the poor in their poverty;

neither is the LORD's face hidden from them;

     but when they cry out, the LORD hears them.

From you comes my praise in the great assembly;

     I will perform my vows in the sight of those who fear the LORD.

The poor shall eat and be satisfied,

     Let those who seek the LORD give praise!

     May your hearts live forever!   

All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the LORD;

     all the families of nations shall bow before God.

For dominion belongs to the LORD,

     who rules over the nations.

Indeed, all who sleep in the earth shall bow down in worship;

     all who go down to the dust, though they be dead,

     shall kneel before the LORD.

Their descendants shall serve the LORD,

     whom they shall proclaim to generations to come.

They shall proclaim God's deliverance to a people yet unborn,

     saying to them, "The LORD has acted!" 

As we anticipate this Second Sunday in Lent, please consider what it means for you to take up your cross and follow Jesus. I've been asking people all week that very question. I've asked it, too, of my self.

The gospel reading this Sunday from Mark includes the first time that the word cross is mentioned in that account. Jesus says:

If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me (Mark 8:34).

We all know what it means to bear a burden or shoulder a load. Specifically, what does cross bearing look like in our lives. What is the purpose?

Since I'm on the rebound from carpal tunnel surgery, I'm going to stop typing anymore here. Please take the time to consider what it means for you to take up your cross and follow Jesus.  Meanwhile, may we prepare our hearts and minds for worship this Sunday.  See you there!