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We hear an invitation from Jesus to reset our priorities on what is truly life-giving. In the face of real earthly temptation, Jesus resists the allure of power, invincibility, and riches. This is how he begins his ministry to fulfill God’s promises to God’s people. Matthew 4: 1-11 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tested by the devil. 2 He fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterward he was famished. 3 The tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” 4 But he answered, “It is written, ‘One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ”5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, 6 saying to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, ‘He will command his angels concerning you,’ and ‘On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.’ ” 7 Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’ ” 8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory, 9 and he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” 10 Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! for it is written, ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.’ ” 11 Then the devil left him, and suddenly angels came and waited on him. This week our confirmation class studied this scripture using our contemplative process in which we read it three times, reflecting on a new question each round. One seventh grader, upon considering how this passage connected with his life, said something really profound. “It reminds me that what is easy is not always the best choice. Sometimes we have to choose to do what is hard rather than what is easy.” Yes! At the start of a new year, I can’t think of a better reminder to choose what is actually fulfilling, even when it’s hard. Because as tempting as it is to “push the easy button,” it almost surely will be fleeting happiness, only to leave us feeling empty once more. When Jesus is offered the world’s riches and complete earthly power, he KNOWS what seems tempting in the moment isn’t the best choice. That’s the path of righteousness he forges for us. And when he says that our highest calling is to worship God- to serve God alone, I believe him… because time and again, he chose to deny his own comfort in favor of our care. That’s the kind of God I want in my life. We are often tempted to believe that pursuing our own comfort is the same as pursuing self-care. I recently learned the distinction between the two, and I think it’s super helpful. Neither are wrong, per say. For comfort think: a pint of ice cream while watching a marathon show on TV. For self-care think: taking a walk on your favorite path to destress and unwind. Both of these activities can be good, but here’s the question to ask yourself when making a choice between the two: is seeking comfort getting in the way of self-care? You might say YES if your “comfort” choices are making you slip into distraction, numbness, and excessive soothing at the expense of your values. Self-comfort might actually be getting in the way of self-care if it prevents you from addressing the issue that is conflicting with what you value most. We all face temptations, many of which promise us temporary happiness, but true joy is never found in earthly things. God has something much greater in store for anyone willing to open their hearts to their Creator: Our ultimate fulfillment is of a spiritual nature, never the glamor of the world. CS Lewis makes this point clear: “If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world.” He speaks often of this temptation to pursue earthly things as a distraction from what really matters. He says, “If you live for the next world, you get this one in the deal. But if you live only for this world, you lose them both. If there’s one reason to read the Gospels, it’s this: with every homeless night on earth, Jesus embodies what it is to find our purpose apart from material things. That’s what makes his reign on earth, his kingdom of heaven so very different. So obscure, in fact, that we still find it hard to fathom even 2000+ years later. He accomplished what none of us can on our own- true detachment from the temptations of power, wealth, and distracting comfort. I don’t know what’s numbing your spirit or distracting you from your own best intentions, but I do know that Jesus keeps right on asking us to be mindful about our choices. How are you pursuing what is truly life-giving? Like most of scripture, there is no formula for right-living, and we don’t need one! The truth has been knit within our very souls. We need only pay attention to the still small voice speaking truth amidst the voices of temptation raging around us and within us. This I know: Jesus wrestles with temptation, and Jesus wins! We can conquer our own temptation for the sake of the life-giving way Jesus intends for us all- the life that really is life! A spiritual life of abundance and peace. Thanks be to God!
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 13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. 14 John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” 15 But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. 16 And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw God’s Spirit descending like a dove and alighting on him. 17 And a voice from the heavens said, “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” Here it is, again! That same self doubt in John the Baptist we heard a month ago. Whaaaat Jesus? You’re crazy if you think I have any power to help you. I’m a nobody, can’t you see? But Jesus answered him, “Please, John, you’re a part of my plan to help right this world. Do it, for me, for you, for everybody.” And he does, John says, “Yes, Jesus, I’ll help baptize you.” In the act of consenting to be a part of Jesus’ plan, John ushers in one of the most powerful moments in human history. He holds the body of Christ, affirming God’s full union with humanity, as the Holy Spirit flutters to earth…the moment our image of the triune God is born. In the human act of baptism, Jesus opens the heavens to share with us all that heavenly voice of affirmation we crave: my son, my daughter, my child, you are beloved. With you I am well pleased!” I’m not sure any of us would truly believe the Jesus story if we didn’t crave these words in our lives. John got to be front and center witness to this truth, because he said “yes, Jesus, I’ll participate in your baptism.” What a holy and exhilarating way to live- believing that Jesus wants to use US to make things right here on earth. In preparation to receive new members, I often ask myself, what’s my elevator pitch for why church matters. I think I’ve said it a hundred different ways. Here are a few reasons I believe joining in church together matters:
This week I’ve added a new one:
In a conversation with our new member Lori this week, she affirmed her why so well: “It feels like a true family here,” she says, “I feel so loved and welcome.” It’s because you are, Lori. Your whole family is loved and valued and appreciated, the way each person within our caring circle is. The power behind this statement is the “chosen family,” the “through thick and thin commitment” we forge for one another, with a simple and powerful YES. Friends, Jesus’ invitation to be a part of his plan to help right this world is always open. Affirming our intention to be an active part of the body of Christ is a way of saying YES to what Jesus is already doing within our hearts. We are being formed into the likeness of our creator so that God's kingdom might come here on earth as it is in heaven; This is what we celebrate today. Like John the Baptist, we wrestle our self doubt and take one step of faith at a time, holding on to one another for support along the way. The intentional community we create is inspired by Christ’s desire to be among us when we gather. We celebrate our collective YES by installing our 2023 church leaders today.  Last week I shared that John the Baptist didn’t feel worthy of the call on his life. I also suggested that could be the spiritual epidemic that unites us…all of us have to battle the forces in our lives that tell us we are not the very good people God created us to be. In Matthew 11: 2-11 today, we hear Jesus set the record straight. Not only is John the Baptist a mighty prophet and friend of Jesus, but ANY of us who choose to believe are too! That is the origin of our joy. “When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?” Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, those with a skin disease are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me.” As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? What, then, did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. What, then, did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written, ‘See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’ “Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist, yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” The last shall be first and the first shall be last in the kingdom of heaven. It’s one of the most provocative theological statements Jesus ever makes- and he says it a lot. When Jesus suggests his value system is entirely different from the competitive world around us, I believe him. Because the ancient story of Christ’s birth is radically different than any of us might expect. Sure, this side of history we’ve made his birth kind of sweet with songs like Away in a Manger, no crib for a bed. That’s just a poetic way of saying Jesus was homeless, his mother a young unwed refugee. It doesn’t get more humble than this. Case in point: would Jesus’ birth today get any traction in the news headlines or social media feeds? I don’t know anyone who considers a migrant refugee giving birth to be news at all, let alone good news. Even John the Baptist, the prophet paving the way for Jesus’ ministry questions: is he the real deal, though? We want to believe, right? But it’s so hard to believe in Jesus’ power sometimes because it doesn’t look anything like we’ve been taught about power. Power demands, power consumes, power belittles others. Meanwhile Jesus heals, he renews sight & hearing, he offers good news to the poor. What kind of power is this, we wonder? This week during my Monday contemplative practice gathering with other pastors, we focused on this text from Matthew. Pastor Dee in this group is blind and has multiple impairments within her post-80 year-old body. I was struck by the response she gave to Jesus’ message. See, I could never hear this story like she does, especially as it relates to healing. As is the case for her, many folks know there’s no miracle awaiting them. Just the impairment they live with day in and day out). So the obvious question emerges: where’s Jesus’ power at work in my life? Maybe you’ve asked this question yourself. Pastor Dee shared something this week I hadn’t known about her: she teaches tai chi; one component of this is dancing. Now, many in her group are not able to physically dance. Even so, they practice something I find truly inspiring: they allow their hearts to dance. In so doing, Dee finds the healing she seeks within her heart rather than her eyes. For her, Jesus’ transformative healing does not have to happen in the physical realm for her spirit to be set free. Wow, I could have NEVER heard that in Jesus’ story, let alone preached it. I need Dee to help me build a bigger vision of God’s kingdom here on earth. I need you too. Jesus needed John the Baptist, even when he felt unworthy. We need each other, especially when we can’t quite find the strength to believe in ourselves. Can we do something for one another? Can we practice setting aside all the reasons we think we’re not worthy to carry Jesus sandals? Can we learn to listen to one another’s perspectives in order to see that Jesus’ power IS already at work in each of us? “Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist, yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” This is the power reversal Jesus’ own entrance into this world offers us- a chance to see ourselves as worthy of being a part of God’s kingdom. Are you worthy of following Christ? Of course you are- you were born for it! The point is not who is worthy (all are worthy), the point is- are you ready to follow the vision? To catch the joy? When Jesus heals people, giving sight to the blind, the lame another chance to walk again…he’s making disciples by connecting them with their internal wellspring of joy. The thing about joy (that differs from happiness) is this: once you’ve decided to live in joy, no one can take it away from you. You understand it’s been within you the whole time, just waiting for you to catch hold. Most importantly, joy is a transformation of the spirit, like learning to dance with your heart. I’ve found that contemplative practices are a powerful way to connect with my own internal wellspring of joy. I’d like to invite you all to join me in a NEW practice for our congregation. Beginning Monday January 2nd, 2023 at 12:10pm, I would love for you to join in reading the scripture for the coming week’s sermon together in a contemplative way. 40 minutes each week, we will hear, wait, listen, and respond to Jesus’ call in our lives. A call to live into joy. I will guide us, but you have the insights you already need for this practice. Please do not be scared by the word contemplative. All of us can listen and learn. Maybe contemplative study of scripture isn’t what will feed your soul. Monday mornings are not a prescription for finding joy in your life, it’s simply one invitation. Perhaps you feel connected with joy through acts of service or quiet prayers while soaking in the sunshine; maybe joy comes for you through time spent in nature. Or is it a coffee date with a spiritual friend? Whatever inspires you to catch the joy within, trust that Jesus IS calling you to participate in the prayer we offer each week: may God’s kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven. How will we know our prayers are answered? Lives are transformed, hearts are filled with joy.  I believe with all my heart that each of us is created good. Very good. I also believe many forces in this world try to trick us into being people we aren’t. Some tricky forces even make their way into our hearts…making us people who are fearful and violent rather than faithful and at peace. Jesus, being both human and divine, is the one who helps us back to being the very good people we are. That’s the story we prepare our hearts to hear this Advent. Matthew 3: 1-12 3 In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” 3 This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said, “The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight.’ ” 4 Now John wore clothing of camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. 5 Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region around the Jordan were going out to him, 6 and they were baptized by him in the River Jordan, confessing their sins. 7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for his baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8 Therefore, bear fruit worthy of repentance, 9 and do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our ancestor,’ for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. 10 Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. 11 “I baptize you with water for repentance, but the one who is coming after me is more powerful than I, and I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 12 His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and will gather his wheat into the granary, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” I love this story. “Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.” Yet as often as I’ve read it, I hadn’t noticed until this week that John the Baptist gets something wrong. He says, “I am not worthy to carry Jesus’ sandals.” That’s not true. He says it in the context of being a messenger of repentance. I wonder if he’s thinking about all the things he’s let into his heart that are not good. He does use some pretty harsh imagery for trees that don’t bear fruit and chaff burned off from the wheat. He’s wrestling with his own demons here- that’s the only way he would know the power of repentance. Over the years I’ve defined repentance in several ways. At its core it means: turn around- go in the opposite direction. Using John’s imagery, it means being able to recognize when we’re NOT producing good fruit. Because when we can recognize it’s happening, we can start producing good fruit again! Being the people we are created to be. A lot of people who read this text focus on the Pharisees, or the very cheery advent term “you brood of vipers.” These are folks who think their lineage (born into wealth & influence) makes them better than others. This is a problem, but I don’t think wealth & influence is the core issue. I think what John the Baptist eludes to himself is the problem. People who don’t believe they’re worthy of dignity try to take it from others. That’s the core motivation for greed and violence. This is my theory about why we can’t achieve world peace. I believe that deep down, people in power who choose greed and self-indulgence, even to the point of enacting policies of violence against others, don’t actually know their own worth- they’re trying to fill a spiritual void with earthly things. Bullies have been bullied, we know this, or at least they think power is something outside of themselves to be gained by taking it away from another. Bullies are not alone- most people I know have a really hard time accepting their worth. Jesus created us good, very good, we don’t need to prove ourselves to anyone else. It’s the destructive forces in this world, like greed and fear and hatred that try to convince us otherwise. I’d go as far as to say this is what makes humans spiritual equals. All of us struggle at times to claim ourselves worthy of producing good fruit. When we hear God’s voice, calling us the very good humans we are, that’s when repentance happens. THAT’S when we say, “God, I’ve gotten it wrong. I don’t need to steal someone else’s dignity to find my own. YOU produce good fruit in me, I will cultivate what you have sown. Let that be enough.” But cultivation is hard work. Those evil forces don’t rest. Bearing good fruit is labor, and labor hurts. When Jesus said YES to his path on earth, he knew he’d have to sacrifice his power to give us ours. And by enduring the evil forces of this world on our behalf, he redeemed humanity’s chance at getting it right. He gave us back the ability to see clearly- to understand in our very spirits that our worth is NOT of this world. Our worth is revealed in the good fruit of hope, peace, joy, and love. This is what it means to bear fruit worthy of repentance. To admit when we are wrong, when we’ve hurt another. To turn over a new leaf when we are not producing good fruit. If we ALL knew the power of repentance, (leaders & everyday citizens alike) I believe we’d experience true peace. But not everyone is ready to hear the voice crying out in the wilderness, not all are able to be their truest selves just yet. We can get focused on world peace, something abstract and likely not within our reach to change. But we DO have agency over our hearts & our everyday decisions. Let’s use this Advent season to be people who reflect on the fruit of our lives. What forces are at work trying to make us OTHER than the good people God created? These forces aren’t mysterious- they’re often mundane. When I lose my patience with my kids, it’s because I haven’t prioritized rest, prayer, play, and nutritious food. Those are the ingredients I need to bear the fruit of peace in my home. So why don’t I? That’s the question a repentant spirit will ask. What ingredients do you need to grow good fruit of hope, peace, joy, & love? What forces must you say NO to in order to prioritize the health of your very good mind, body, and soul? “God, help us cultivate what you have sown, let that be enough as our Advent prayer today, amen.”  Beloved Mickey Thomsen Where does God live? In people who hope. The Old Testament book of Isaiah is one of the richest stories of hope, because (as is often the case) God’s people find themselves in seemingly hopeless conditions. War. Families separated. Mothers in anguish. Children’s ears ringing with the sounds of wailing. Sound like today’s reality for millions of our siblings across the globe? It is. The same world in Isaiah’s day is the same world into which Christ is born, the same world that Mickey Thomsen entered nearly a century ago. The same world today. Always desperate for good news, God’s people then and now search for hope amidst the ashes. "This is what Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem: In the last days the mountain of the Lord’s temple will be established as the highest of the mountains; it will be exalted above the hills, and all nations will stream to it. Many peoples will come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the temple of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.” The law will go out from Zion, the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore. Come, descendants of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the Lord." The search is not in vain, because God’s way of peace is coming. We were created for peace, and we practice it each week in worship when we pass the peace of Christ. Several years ago I learned a simple melody inspired by Isaiah 2: We are marching in the light of God, we are marching in the light of God. I sang this song while marching in Milwaukee alongside hundreds of other UCC friends and colleagues around an immigration detention center that was keeping children apart from their parents. Driven by war from their countries of origin, not enough visas to go around, these families knew the wailing of separation. Cries for hope in what seems like an impossible situation. You and I could describe a hundred different scenarios similar to this that remind us things have not changed all that much since the days of Isaiah. We are still searching for hope, trusting that if we walk by faith, one day we will be able to join the great chorus that sings: We are marching in the light of God, we are marching in the light of God. As we lit these Advent candles this morning, the first candle of hope, I am reminded this faith community embodied hope long before any of us were around, and we sure intend to make it so long after any of us are here. Today, as you looked around while passing the peace, this is today’s people who hope. We draw from the great source of hope that is our ancestors in faith; today we embody the stories of hope that continue to germinate in our lives and those who will come after us. That's what it means to march ever forward in the light of God. I’ve been a part of this church family for 5 ½ years. As I reflected this week on what all has transpired since we moved here in 2017, I am aware of the many patriarchs & matriarchs we’ve lost and those who’ve moved away. I am also aware of the many new adults, youth, and children who have joined our body. It can be hard to hold this constant flux of grief & joy in balance. In fact I believe it would be impossible without one thing: hope. Even as we mourn the loss of loved ones, new babies are born and baptized. This is the constant of life: change. And we must practice the delicate balance in order to find our way toward hope. Pastors get to see hope in action as a part of our job (SUCH a cool job); my favorite way is to witness YOU ALL giving your time and energy to our shared mission. As we prepare to vote in a new slate of 2023 leadership next Sunday & prepare a faithful budget for 2023, I stand in awe of the way you all contribute SO heartily to ensure we are people who embody hope for one another and our community. You’ve caught the vision, and that fills me with hope. Now my favorite way to be surprised by hope is to receive the unexpected news of a large memorial gift to this church. Last week it happened again for the 4th time since I became pastor. My first year Glenn Kietzmann donated $30,000 for our Daktronics Sign, a memorial for Janet; Then Alice Doscher’s daughters Jeanie, Bobbi, & Mary donated $80,000 for our new kitchen remodel. A year later, Jim & Nora Wosepka donated $70,000 in memory of Verly & Louise to complete our Bradford Hall renovation. Just last week, we received a check in the mail from Mickey Thomsen’s estate in the amount of $25,000. Each time this happens, I cry tears of hope. People who’ve caught the vision and want to see it through, even after they’ve departed. Do we need an updated and efficient building to be people who hope? Absolutely not. God lives in us regardless. But because we function as a community who gathers a LOT for worship, fellowship, service, and good ole’ fashioned fun AND because we are people with a variety of physical needs…it is a blessing to be able to call this place home. Both Nancy Thomsen and our trustees agree that it would honor Mickey’s legacy best by using her memorial gift toward our new elevator. Accessibility and full inclusion are hallmark values for us as a church; a new elevator will improve our functioning in a big way. I don’t have full details on the elevator project just yet, but we will keep you informed as soon as we have the green light from our contractor. We’ll need additional funds (and you’ll hear totals when we have them), but we estimate already having over ½ of what we need set aside. Jack’s quilts in the back for purchase will also be for the elevator fund. So many displays of hope, even in the aftermath of grief. At the end of the day, raising money toward a common cause is an act of solidarity with all the saints who’ve gone before us. We are ensuring that this faith home will continue to be functional and vibrant for a new generation. This hope is what turns our mourning into dancing, our tears into laughter. I can think of no greater place to tend the delicate balance of grief and joy than right here in worship. The Lord’s call beckons us from the days of Isaiah: “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the temple of the God of Jacob. God will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in God's paths.” Thank you for choosing to walk in God’s path with us. It's my deep honor to share good news in the name of Christ as we begin another Advent season.  During our stewardship season, we get to listen to the gospel witness as a guide to our values. As we consider what is most important to us, we’re also naming what deserves our financial attention. We do this both in our households and as a church- we budget our values. It’s a way to refresh our memory each year about what Jesus says leads to abundant life (hint: it’s not what the very skilled holiday marketing experts are leading us to believe with those convincing ads). Sixteen chapters into Luke’s gospel, we see Jesus fulfilling what was predicted even before his birth; only his version of kingdom power shocks those in authority. He wears no fancy clothes, rides no chariots, buys no home, seeks no political office, he doesn’t build a wall of protection; no, he addresses the rich men in power who are neglecting the poor and says, “You cannot serve both God and money. When the Pharisees heard all this, they made fun of Jesus, because they loved money. Jesus said to them, “You are the ones who make yourselves look right in other people's sight, but God knows your hearts. For the things that are considered of great value by people are worth nothing in God's sight.” Reign of Christ Sunday is the perfect reminder that no amount of earthly riches satisfy the human heart. We are created to cultivate rich spirits, not possessions; but oh how the pursuit of things captivates us. You know that feeling if you–like me–have ever bought something to satisfy an emotional need…only to feel disappointed when it doesn’t? We were meant to gather only what we need, not more. Our daily bread; manna for today’s journey. I suspect Jesus isn’t as concerned with the amount we hold as he is with the hold that amount has on us. Jesus wants us to break free from earthly attachments, “For the things that are considered of great value by people are worth nothing in God’s sight.” What is the antidote to the trap of consuming more than we need? It’s simple: Jesus says, “give it away.” Why? Because Jesus knows we will never experience true spiritual freedom if we become too attached to our money. Of course money matters, because at the core of every financial decision is a value being expressed. I enjoy normalizing talk about money, because I trust, as Jesus says, God already knows our hearts. The expression of our generosity is simply a benefit to our shared goals, because generosity is contagious. It feels counterintuitive to ask an already exceptionally generous crowd to give even more during this month of Stewardship…and I might be more hesitant to ask for those pledge cards (due next Sunday) if I didn’t have the joy of filling one out myself. Our family has set up an automatic monthly withdrawal to this church as a way of speaking our values. In fact, I’ve come to appreciate reviewing my bank statement as a way to ask, “am I investing in what truly matters to me?” For example, I pay a car payment each month because I could not fathom doing my family life and ministry without it. I make a contribution to this church each month, just slightly more than my car payment, because I could not fathom doing my family life and ministry without you all. I feel truly fortunate to have the financial means to support this church, because I’m investing in us…in what God is doing among us in the Pierre & Ft. Pierre area. That’s my why in a nutshell. So many of you have shared your “why,” and I can't thank you enough. We are bearing witness together to the Reign of Christ, to the world in which money is used for things that make a difference, that increase our wellbeing; that bring life and collaboration toward shared goals: Togetherness, empathy, justice, mercy, life-changing community, worship, and service. I don’t know of another institution that is quite as organic and beautiful as a church family investing in their future together. I’m sold on church because of you all. This is my church- this is your church- this is God’s church; as Cherlyn, Brenda, and I remarked this week at our budget meeting- WE ARE the sole funders of this church. If I don’t give, if you’d give, we don’t exist. We are just a mom and pop operation here- and that’s SO cool to me- we’re hardworking people with enough faith to believe that sharing our resources is an investment in our wellbeing and in the wellbeing of our neighbors. That’s it! That’s stewardship at its finest. And that’s enough for me. So when I look at my bank statement and I see my church giving out pace my car payment, it stings a little at first, but I’ve been at it long enough to know I am better off for the investment made. You cannot serve both God and money. The more we practice release, the more freedom we receive. So THANK YOU for helping invest in the future of our ministries. In 2022 we’ve had 90 households contribute financially, that’s incredible! And if you stay tuned next Sunday, I have big news to share in the generosity department. Thank you for saying “We will not let the reign of Christ happen in this world without us!”  Jesus’ good news today emerges from real time spent with people who are suffering. In his (now famous) sermon on the mount, Jesus begins to address hurting people with a blessing. Hear it today in your own stories of pain and grief. Looking at his disciples, he said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. “Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their ancestors treated the prophets. A reflection from Sojourners in 2017 offers a connection between suffering and hope. “This is how personal transformation takes place. We can’t imagine ourselves different than we are today or healed of that which binds and afflicts us. We can’t imagine ourselves forgiven. We can’t imagine our own salvation. But when we walk through the door of hope, and we look back at where we have been and where we are now, we see evidence of the grace of God. For Christians the Resurrection is that door of hope, and Jesus showed us that the resurrection comes by way of a cross. Suffering and hope are always joined in human history. The cost of moving from one reality to another–in our personal lives and in history–is always great. But it is the only way to walk through the door of hope.” Each year during All Saints, I reflect on how much more effort we put into tending our physical pain opposed to our emotional and spiritual pain. Its here in worship where we tend the wounds of our souls. None of us can escape the grip of grief. There’s no way around it; we must simply walk through it as best we can, holding onto the strength of others for support, offering our sorrow in prayer. It’s the only way I’ve ever experienced true hope in the midst of loss. That’s the story Jesus tells those who are looking for healing on that hillside over 2000 years ago, and it remains our hope too. “To you who are listening” He says, whether in need of healing or in need of sharing your blessing…Jesus is drawing us together for the sake of experiencing hope in the flesh. We cannot exist in communion with God without also being in communion with one another. That is the road map to our blessing we celebrate on All Saints Sunday. Amen.  Today we hear another parable from Jesus, in which we are meant to ask, where do we find ourselves in this story? Before I share it, let me offer a lens, in case it’s helpful. You know the concept of a caricature? Like- you have such and such qualities, but I will BLOW them out of proportion to prove a point. Okay- I like to think of the two people in this parable as caricatures of our own pride & humility. Remember the question: where do you find yourself in this story? “Jesus also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: 10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.’ 13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted.” I love paying attention to the caricatures of religious people and moments on TV. Has anyone seen the TV show called Ted Lasso- new last year? (no one at text study had either). An American football coach (Ted Lasso, played by Jason Sudeikis) moves to England and coaches soccer (or Futbol) for the first time. We also meet this side-kick of an assistant coach, Coach Beard; now he’s always getting into some type of personal drama- especially romantic. On and off again with a woman named Jane. In one particular scene, he’s sad after losing a big game, wandering the streets of London, somehow lost his phone… when he has this epiphany: Jane is the one! Trouble is, when he finally finds his phone, he also sees several angry texts from Jane who thinks he’s ignoring her after she (for the first time says), “I love you.” See what I mean? Personal drama. Coach beard is UPSET! He thinks his chance with Jane is over. He’s drunk & drenched from a downpour, and in a final display of exhaustion, he slips into a church door lit by a neon cross. Slumped into the pew, he bows his head awkwardly and says, “Are you there God, it's me, Margaret's little boy, long time listener, first time caller.” I love that line. It’s a fairly common trope in TV- someone on the sidelines of religion their whole life now attempting to connect with God in a moment of desperation. It also makes me laugh because it suggests God is a radio show host or something. But when I read Jesus’ parable, I think of Coach Beard as the Tax Collector…and I wonder: what in his past has stopped this “long-time listener” from actually making the call to God? Maybe as important- what made him do it now? The tax collector KNOWS he might find God in the temple (it was, after all, thought to be the physical place God dwelled)... but he also acts like he doesn’t deserve it. “Standing far off, would not even look up to heaven.” I hear in those words a deeper truth. Many of us haven’t felt worthy of being in God’s presence, so we’ve not risked prayer. We’ve not dared to make the call. Maybe we’ve been listening to God our whole lives, but haven’t had the right words to say anything back. You know what happens when this tax collector takes a risk and goes for it? He goes home exalted. He makes a connection with God that transforms his self-understanding. Are you the tax collector today? If so, are you willing to risk making a call to God? “Long-time listener, first-time caller.” God, in such merciful kindness, is waiting to hear from you. You ARE worthy of being in God’s presence–here in this sanctuary and in your own heart. Harness that humility and use it to create a new relationship with your God. And what about that Pharisee, that caricature of our pride. Let’s examine his posture for a moment. He too finds himself in the temple. He too is calling out to God. But he’s got a very different attitude. Here’s his prayer in a nutshell: “I’m really good, God! In fact, I don’t actually need you, I just called in to say how nice it is to compare myself with others and come out on top.” Okay, so if that’s a caricature, let’s make it more personal. When have you regarded someone not as good as you with contempt? I probably won’t believe you if you say you haven’t. It’s a human thing to do- that’s how Jesus knows we need this parable. It’s hard to admit when this happens, right? You know where I let pride get the best of me? When I start regarding another with contempt? It’s when I think about the parents whose kids are in foster care. This is a vulnerable thing to admit, because I absolutely know there are complex factors affecting every family- the pastor and social worker in me sees the systemic & psychological reasons why people are simply unable to parent their children. But the tired mom in me, the one who has overextended time and again to care for my little ones, that part of me gets real judgy. In fact, my own prayers sometimes sound a little more like the pharisee than I’d want them to. I don’t think Jesus wants me to be a worse parent- Jesus wants me to stop comparing myself with other parents. Especially when it leads me to feelings of contempt. Here’s the truth, no one has lived in the skin of anyone else, period. And making comparisons of who’s good and bad at this or that is simply not our job. “For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted.” I’m a firm believer that Jesus doesn’t make rules for the sake of rules. Jesus isn’t into religion so much as he is all about relationships. Jesus wants what is BEST for us, and what is BEST for all of us, is to stop comparing ourselves with others. Regardless if the comparison leads you to think you’re better OR worse, Jesus says, “not today, friend.” Today you are all worthy of my presence. Not only that, but you will automatically receive it when you open your heart in humility rather than pride. That’s what it means to be justified. The minute our religious actions make us think we’re better than someone else, we’ve forgotten what it’s all about! So let’s be present with God in our own reality and trust others to do the same. God knows our hearts. That’s enough! We don’t have to pretend to be anything or anyone we’re not. In fact, it’s a disservice to our spirits to think we could somehow attain righteousness on our own. Yesterday I was with the foster kids from our WRAP team, carving jack-o-lanterns; I got a chance to cuddle each of them & make them laugh by speaking in a silly voice; I altogether enjoyed the morning. At one point, I heard the 4 year-old shout, “Emily, look!” showing me his halloween costume; It was one of the first times I’d heard him use my name, and something in my heart shifted. Relationships have a way of transforming our spirits. Sure, I spend time with them because I think it’s a good thing to do…but I am becoming more aware that I need those kids as much as they need me. The more fun we have together, the less I focus on judging their parents. At the end of the day, it’s about the love we share, not the judgment we hold. It’s about showing up for each other, knowing we’re ALL in need of grace. Together on the same journey, doing the best we can with the resources we’ve been given. Thank you Jesus for the gift of humility to counter our pride. May we find the grace we need for ourselves and others this week. Amen.  Less than two weeks ago, we lifted Psalm 121 in memory of Robert Huckins, who had this text highlighted in the bible he used while serving in the military. Nancy Thomsen has also selected it for Mickey’s service this week. It just so happens to be a part of our lectionary readings today, AND integrates well into the tidings Cherlyn, Chuck, and I bring back from our SD, NE, & IA Joint UCC Annual Meeting. Hear this poignant (and insistent) reminder that no matter our circumstances, God keeps us in tender embrace. “I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you—the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” My heart is still in rhythm with the energy of our UCC Joint annual meeting this week. And I am thrilled to share highlights along with Chuck & Cherlyn today. We heard from our Conference Ministers, engaged with excellent guest speakers, enjoyed family reunion-style conversation with our UCC siblings in SD, IA, & NE, and tended to the real-life aspects of shared ministry- like budgets and bylaws! :) Our local churches don’t get many opportunities to fully engage the wider church- but this morning is one of them, so feel free to ask questions of Chuck, Cherlyn, or I to learn more after the service. Here’s the 5-word vision of a healthy church offered by our keynote speaker Rev. Dr. Martha Brunell. A Participatory, imaginative, community of hope. We participate in a movement guided by the gospel, which asks us to imagine a world in which hope not only changes us, but brings us into community. That’s a participatory, imaginative community of hope. And you know what my first thought was? That’s us! We, First Congregational UCC in Pierre, SD ARE a healthy church! In fact, Cherlyn & I shared several knowing glances when speakers offered ideas that WE ALREADY DO. Like sharing a giving story each week in worship; like developing a church culture in which we ask for what we need and offer what we can. Like experimenting with new ideas, because we trust God has been alive in this community long before us, and God will continue to guide this ministry long after we’re gone. Martha shared a key principle that’s at work within healthy churches: We are always in the act of balancing gratitude and grief, fear and joy. That’s how hope is born. She says, “Hope is what we’re willing to commit to, regardless of what happens. It’s not about knowing, it’s about dreaming into the future together, and being delighted at the ways God shows up.” Church, WE ARE a participatory, imaginative, community of hope, and it my sheer pleasure to celebrate that with you all. Loving is who we are. Here’s one example of the connection I felt when we were together with our UCC siblings. Some of you may recall our October Messy Church text was John 3:8, “The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” I love this text, especially during a windy week like we’ve just had. It turns out, our new Executive Conference Minister Phil Hart does too! He used this exact scripture as his address to us Tri-Conference churches, as we embrace “The possibility to be unpredictably moved by God.” That is what makes ministry unique…we follow Spirit at work around us, within us, before us and beside us. We don’t know what the future holds, but we trust in the One who holds it. I have a final connection to share, but before I do, I’d like to offer Chuck & Cherlyn a chance to speak. Rev. Phil Hart spoke of the love he’s witnessed between the SD, NE, and IA UCC churches. I agree, the energy and love at the conference was palpable. Loving is who we are. My final connection is a tangible one. We have been invited to participate in THE FIRST sister church connection in our tri-conference. What does this mean? We form an intentional relationship with one other church, and we’ve been paired with Mayflower UCC in Sioux City, IA. In fact, Cherlyn & I met and brainstormed with Linda, a church leader from our new sister congregation. We don’t yet know HOW our relationship will form, but we are committed to this experimental way of expanding the reach of our participatory, imaginative community of hope. So be watching for ways YOU might engage, support, and learn from the ministries at Mayflower UCC, AND help us dream about how we might be good neighbors with them, in the name of Christ, the author of all our hope and faith. Amen!  Throughout scripture, a certain refrain repeats itself. So consistently, in fact, we nearly miss the power it holds. Okay, here’s the truth, I ignore this significant part of scriptural witness more often than I’d like to admit. Hear it today: No one can go it alone.
Mark 6: 6-12 Then Jesus went around teaching from village to village. 7 Calling the Twelve to him, he began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over impure spirits. 8 These were his instructions: “Take nothing for the journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in your belts. 9 Wear sandals but not an extra shirt. 10 Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave that town. 11 And if any place will not welcome you or listen to you, leave that place and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.” 12 They went out and preached that people should repent. 13 They drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them. I was the girl who wanted to complete every group project in school on my own. I AM the girl who doesn’t ask for help. I can do it myself… You can too, right? Equipped with enough resources, I can knock out any project on my own. I’ve got a heavy dresser to move up a flight of stairs? No problem, I’ll just shimmy it across the carpet, use one of those Menards roller things, then angle it up one stair, brace it on my hip as I adjust my grip to heave it up that next step. I grit my teeth, and by God I’m gonna get it done. Never mind the ache in my knee, the resentment in my heart, or the scratches on my newly painted dresser. WHY do I, do we insist on going it alone? Here’s how Jesus says it… None of us are gonna have any success driving out the demons of self-sufficiency until we learn to rely on others. We’re not gonna heal anyone–especially ourselves–unless we ask for help. And asking for help means acknowledging how desperately we need a source of connection…maybe even THE source of connection- Jesus our Christ. Where do we turn to find Jesus? Here’s a great place to start– look around you– the body of Christ. That’s not just a name for church, that’s who we are! Jesus is forming this authentic and helplessly self-sufficient crew of believers who know deep down that we actually need each other. Jesus makes this point in Mark’s gospel: don’t rely on your own resources (bread, a bag, or money), PEOPLE are the most important thing in your life. Take nothing for the journey, except a buddy. Oh, and you can wear sandals too. That’s the secret, Jesus? The buddy system and a solid pair of shoes? What else…invite ourselves into people’s homes? Really? What if Jesus is right? What if the secret to abundant life has something to do with connecting to one another? What if the buddy system is a form of salvation for you and I, this side of heaven? Scientist Matthew Lieberman wrote a book in 2013 called Social. It’s a strong case that our need to connect is as fundamental as our need for food and water. He comes to this conclusion by reviewing a lot of social psychology research that finds social pain is real pain. The suffering we experience when our social bonds are threatened…[think: the betrayal of a close friend].. Is as hurtful to our wellbeing as the suffering of starvation. He says, “With respect to understanding human nature, I think this finding is pretty significant. The things that cause us to feel pain are things that are evolutionarily recognized as threats to our survival; the existence of social pain is a sign that evolution has treated social connection like a necessity, not a luxury. [...] because of how social pain and pleasure are wired into our operating system, these are motivational ends in and of themselves. We don’t focus on being connected solely in order to extract money and other resources from people – being connected needs no ulterior motive.” In a nutshell, we connect because we were created to connect; The fabric of our being is dependent on how well woven we are into the community around us. Jesus knows this, he too was connected intimately within the triune nature of God- three persons, one divine being. He too was connected with his mom and brother, his disciples & friends, the same ones he sent out two by two on a mission of more connection. I don’t know what you think brought you to church this morning- whatever the reason, I suspect something even more elemental was also at work. A need to feel connected. Being a part of a church has been one of my favorite ways to experience this innate need for connection- even since childhood. But here’s the interesting thing- no matter HOW MUCH value I find in connecting with you all, I still try to go it alone sometimes. This Wednesday, of what turned out to be an extremely busy week for me…I came into the office pretty hyped up and scattered. Marc knows this version of Emily. Many of you likely do too. I LOVE the variety of things a pastor does, so much so, that I THINK I’m the one who needs to do it all, even when I physically and mentally just can’t. I guess I haven’t changed much from those “do the whole group project yourself” days. Thank goodness for people around me who heed the wisdom of Jesus and offer to be my buddy. Nance came into the office that morning to discuss a few things, and when she saw Marc and I with a pile of paper bug parts for Messy Church…she immediately started cutting. After hours of them laboring over little bug bodies and wings, I was more than grateful for their help; but then Nance asks, “what else can I help you with?” Whew, I’m REALLY not good at answering that question. Honestly my first thought was, ‘don’t you have something more important to do?’ as if helping me shouldn’t be a priority (that’s the demon of self-sufficiency rearing its head). I stammered for a bit, looked around as if the answer were on my desk or floor…and suddenly I said “Googly-eyes. We need googly-eyes.” Immediately after I said it, I felt ridiculous; but when the confirmands and I began setting up Messy Church, I felt this wave of joy seeing those packages of googly-eyes awaiting us. It feels GOOD to be helped. Friends, it’s not really about the googly eyes is it? It’s about the connection we create when we acknowledge a need. When we let someone else help us, it’s good for everyone! It’s a more abundant life! What part of your life needs more abundance? Are you struggling to find balance, to set priorities for yourself and your family? Maybe you’re lonely; or maybe the constant demands on your time mean only one thing: you’re in sheer survival mode. Wherever your need for more abundance might be, here’s the invitation…let someone know your need. Isn’t it crazy that it’s often the last thing we think of doing- asking for help? Invite another person into the mess that is life. If people have already failed you when you asked for help…start with prayer. Allow a connection with God to open your heart to new possibilities. You never know who will enter your life next. What we do know is this: no one can go it alone. May we all find a buddy, a Nance who runs out and buys googly-eyes in our moment of chaos. May we discover connections anew right here in this church body as we gather to mourn; to sing; to laugh; to learn; to help; to worship, to talk; to hold hands and pray; to listen and to be heard. May we do the work of Christ’s disciples, delighted by the simplicity of our task: make a connection. |
Rev. Emily Mungerdelights in connecting sacred texts with everyday life. Sermon Archives
August 2023
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