The Wesley United Methodist Church in Riverside, has been exploring whether or not they are ready willing and able to be a member of the Reconciling Ministries Network. If they succeed in their quest they will be the first Reconciling Congregation in the city of Riverside. I lead my congregation through the process of becoming a Reconciling Church in 2011. The folks at Wesley asked me to come and preach for them on the 19th of March as they focused on the third chapter of the Claiming the Promise Bible Study. Having recently been reminded that the Board of Ordained Ministry in the United Methodist Church see themselves as gatekeepers called to protect the church from unqualified leaders who seek acceptance into the order of elders and deacons, I realized that there are church members who see themselves as gatekeepers called to protect the church from those they deem unworthy to be a part of the body of Christ. Below is the text of the Sermon I preached to the congregation at Wesley UMC gathered on March 19, 2017.
Scriptures are Psalm 139, !st Corinthians 7:17-20 and Matthew 5-7
SERMON TEXT
A few years ago I was at an event where one of the participants had written a hymn based on Psalm 139. She taught it to everyone in the place and the chorus for all to sing with gusto was “I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” As a matter of fact that was the name she had given to the hymn. That verse seems to be the verse from the Psalm that speaks to all who read it. When we read this Psalm we hear the Psalmist proclaim how intimately God has been involved in creating him: “forming and knitting together his inward parts in his mother’s womb. This Psalm begins and ends with the same confession and plea almost as if the Psalmist is defending himself in a court of law, not before God, but before humankind: O LORD, you have searched me and known me.
And the final verse: Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts.
See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
In his defense of himself, he lifts up this incredible tribute to the inescapable God, who is ever present, and who knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, your eyes beheld my unformed substance. In your book were written all the days that were formed for me, when none of them yet existed.
In other words, he is saying, “You, O God knew who I would be before I did.” This notion sounds a lot like a belief in pre-determinism thousands of years before the theological construct existed.
The apostle Paul like the Psalmist faced many a critic in his work and mission to the Gentiles. His words: "If God is for us who is against us?” echo the thoughts of the Psalmist as Paul proclaims that there is nothing in all the earth that can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.
In the early church, Paul encountered antagonists and detractors, people who accused him of spreading the gospel in all the wrong places, the wrong way, and among the wrong people. He encountered well-intentioned people who saw themselves as the “Gatekeepers” of the early church –that is those called to insure those confessing their faith in Jesus Christ fit the appropriate criteria, and went through the right and proper initiation for acceptance into the body.
Paul, who was himself a Jewish Pharisee -- that is a scholar of the Mosaic Law, turned Christian Missionary, brought his new found faith to the Gentiles, who were viewed by other leaders within the fledgling Jewish sect as unclean, polytheists, who did not live by or comprehend the significance of the laws of Moses. Paul’s mission to the Gentiles seemed often to be challenged by these gatekeeper missionaries who taught that to be truly Christian gentiles needed to be circumcised. Paul writes in chapter 7 of his first letter to the church in Corinth:
…let each of you lead the life that the Lord has assigned, to which God called you. This is my rule in all the churches. Was anyone at the time of his call to the Christian Life and discipleship already circumcised? Let him not seek to remove the marks of circumcision. Was anyone at the time of his call uncircumcised? Let him not seek circumcision. Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing; but obeying the commandments of God is everything. Let each of you remain in the condition in which you were called.
FINALLY if we are serious about being disciples of Jesus we are called to follow his commandments and teachings. They are clearly outlined in the Sermon on the Mount. (chapters 5-7 in Matthew’s Gospel)
Jesus reached out in love to people who were marginalized and ostracized in their own communities. The scriptures testify that he spent time with people from all walks of life, inviting them to embrace and be embraced by the kingdom of God. There was nothing in his teaching about changing one’s nature, unless it was one’s nature to be evil, wicked, mean, and bad and nasty. The content of his Sermon on the Mount was about personal conduct in relation to God and humankind.
• Being one who is poor in spirit, means you don’t have all the answers, and are open to learn. BE OPEN!
• Being one who has regrets, means you are willing to learn something new knowing that you haven’t always been successful in the decisions you have made. LEARN SOMETHING NEW.
• Being among the gentle, means you have room in your heart and mind for the thoughts and opinions of others. It means you don’t have to be in control of everything all the time. BE FLEXIBLE.
• Being one who hungers and thirsts for justice and right to prevail means you can see clearly the plight of a fellow who has been or is being treated unfairly. It means you will look for a way to make things right. BE JUST.
• Being one who is merciful, means you will NOT make up your mind about an issue or the value of person based on their mistakes, locking up your mind, never allowing it to be unlocked again in your lifetime. BE MERCIFUL
• Being one whose heart is pure, means you won’t hold a grudge, which darkens the heart and casts a shadow over your spirit. CLEANSE YOUR HEART REGULARLY.
• Being a peace maker, means you are one who strives to bring peace in any given situation, not fan the flames of strife. MAKE PEACE.
• Being persecuted for being a person of good character goes with the territory and being persecuted for being a follower of Jesus is the ultimate testament to one’s discipleship. SACRIFICE.
• Be tasty; be strong; be indivisible; BE SALT
• BE THE LIGHT in someone’s darkness.
• Don’t hold onto anger
• In relationships stay faithful and work it out.
• Don’t swear to anything, but LET YOUR WORD BE YES, YES OR NO, NO.
• DON’T RETALIATE OR RESIST AN EVILDOER, SURRENDER
• LOVE YOUR ENEMY
• GIVE TO THE POOR
• PRAY SIMPLY: Our Father in heaven, hallowed by your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our bread for tomorrow. And forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not bring us into the time of temptation, but rescue us from the evil one.
• FAST not for the world to see, but alone and in secret
• INVEST YOUR HEART IN THE TREASURES OF HEAVEN
• KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE KINGDOM PRIZE- AND THEY WILL BE HEALTHY AND FULL OF LIGHT
• DECIDE WHOM YOU WILL SERVE
• DON’T BE ANXIOUS
• DON’T JUDGE OTHERS
• DON’T WASTE TIME ON PEOPLE WHO WON’T LISTEN
• ASK, SEARCH AND KNOCK
• DO UNTO OTHERS AS YOU WOULD HAVE THEM DO TO YOU
• FIND THE NARROW GATE AND ENTER THROUGH IT
• BEAR FRUIT
• DON’T DECEIVE YOURSELVES, BUT DO THE WILL OF GOD
• DON’T JUST BE HEARERS, BE DOERS WHOSE HOUSE IS BUILT ON A SOLID ROCK FOUNDATION OF FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST.
There is nothing in these commandments that says be a gatekeeper working to keep people out of the kingdom of God, or separate from the table of grace. There is nothing in these commandments that says it is your job to sort the wheat from the chaff, or your job to remove the weeds sown among the wheat. Your job as disciples of Jesus Christ is to minister to everyone in Jesus name, to bring them the good news, to be the good news, which doesn’t mean telling them that they should, somehow, morph into being someone else, or mimic you, your values, and your behaviors. Jesus didn’t reach out to people to convert them. He reached out to people to offer them God and life in a whole new key. Our desire, of course, is to behave in this world as much like him as possible, to work too bind up the brokenhearted, to set the captive free, to give sight to the blind, and to declare the year of the Lord’s favor.
Therefore, we are called to welcome those who are similar to us, and those who are different with no expectation that anyone deny how God knit them together in their mother’s womb. NO!!!
Let us be those who embrace the YES that Jesus offered to all people.
Amen.
The Rev. Dr. Amanda J. Burr
March 19, 2017
Saturday, March 25, 2017
March 12, 2017 "LET THE HEALINGS BEGIN"
We believe in God the creator of heaven and earth, who grants us grace and life.
We believe that nothing in all the world can separate us from the love of God,
who willingly forgives the repentant heart.
We believe in Jesus Christ, God in human vesture, who came to live with us and taught us to choose life in his name.
We believe that Jesus took the burden of our sins upon himself and carried them to the cross,
where he gave up his own life for our sakes. This was his ultimate gift to humanity.
We believe that God raised Jesus from the dead and that he will come again one day
to take us to himself.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, who is present with us, offering
good counsel and truth in every language. When we willingly embrace the Spirit’s presence, our hearts are warmed,
and we are transformed.
As the church, Christ’s body in the world, we are called to a ministry of service,
working for justice and reconciliation.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Most generous and merciful God, each of us enters this sanctuary with different expectations of our time spent in worship. For some our desire is to set down the heavy burdens we carry and rest our spirits for awhile. As we pray for the healing of body and soul, give us the courage to leave our burdens behind. For those whose desire is to discern your will for us as the body of Christ and as individual members of that body, we pray for openness as we encounter change along the way. May we be ever grateful for this day and this moment in time. Infuse us with the confidence that Jesus had in you, so we may serve you faithfully and joyfully without hesitation. Let us embrace every triumph, large or small and help us embrace new beginnings. All this we pray in the name of the Christ. Amen.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
One of my favorite candies growing up came in a purple box. It was called Good and Plenty. We recently became re-acquainted on a road trip to Phoenix. It’s amazing, in an age of skimping, there is still plenty of candy in the box. The box is heavy with candy, filled right up to the top, in a time when most containers are, maybe, 3/4 full. Since the 13th century the word “Plenty” has meant: “as much as one could desire; abundance.” Today the expression: “That’s plenty” seems to mean: “You can stop now; that’s more than enough.” When you look at the brimming offering plate as it is brought forward for a blessing, do you say: “Now, that’s plenty.” Truth be told $8000.00 per week adds up to almost enough.
Wednesday, March 8, 2017
March 5, 2017 ROCK SOLID ACTS
We believe in God the creator of heaven and earth, who grants us grace and life.
We believe that nothing in all the world can separate us from the love of God,
who willingly forgives the repentant heart.
We believe in Jesus Christ, God in human vesture, who came lived with us and taught us to choose life in his name.
We believe that Jesus took the burden of our sins upon himself and carried them to the cross
where he gave up his own life for our sakes. This was his ultimate gift to humanity.
We believe that God raised Jesus from the dead and that he will come again one day
to take us to himself.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, who is present with us, offering good counsel and truth in every language.
When we willingly embrace the Spirit’s presence, our hearts are warmed,
and we are transformed.
As the church, Christ’s body in the world, we are called to a ministry of service,
working for justice and reconciliation.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
O, most gracious and Loving God, we began our journey through this Lenten season on Ash Wednesday. We humbled ourselves in the company of Job. We listened as he confessed his desire to melt away because of his lack of understanding and repent in dust and ashes for his sinful, self-righteous assumptions. Let us not make light of Lent, but give us the understanding to take it seriously. Guide us in honing our spiritual disciplines. Give us the will to pray, and not shy away from it. Inspire us for service investing time in one of the church’s ministries. And sharpen our biblical wits as we ponder your word. All this we pray in the name of the Christ. Amen.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
As I pondered the passage for today, my head radio started playing that tune by the Beach Boys “Good Vibrations” with new words “I’m pickin’ up good foundations, their meeting my expectations, Good, Good, Good, Good, Foundations.” The first line of our opening hymn today tells us plainly that Jesus Christ is the church’s one foundation, the one Lord, in whom we share one faith, one birth, one hope, and one table. Building our corporate and personal spiritual house upon this rock, we can stand strong in inclement weather, even as storms and world crises assail us. Our tithes and offerings are a manifestation of the faith we share and help to keep us vital, alive and rock solid!
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Wondrous and Eternal God, bless these tithes and offerings. We offer them with grateful hearts, trusting that you will guide us to use them wisely, for the edification of Christ’s church and the good of humanity. Jesus taught us that all things are possible with you. May our work serve your will. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
Wednesday, March 1, 2017
Newsletter Article March 1, 2017 "SLOUCHING TOWARDS JERUSALEM"
SLOUCHING TOWARDS JERUSALEM
In his oft quoted poem “The Second Coming” written in 1919, William Butler Yeats is said to be commenting on a world in chaos post WWI. He writes:
“Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold;
Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world,
innocence is drowned and anarchy is loosed upon the world,
and everywhere the ceremony of innocence is drowned."
The imagery his poem conjures up is dark and dreary, as he writes:
"And what rough beast, its hour come round at last,
Slouches towards Bethlehem to be born?"
Yeats was not a theologian, neither was he a Christian. The beast he refers to, is said to be the lion headed sphinx that slouches towards Bethlehem to be born. Some would say the word slouch suggests reluctance, hesitancy or even, menace. The poem is revelatory even apocalyptic.
As I pondered the imagery I began to think about the Lenten journey to Jerusalem.
The word, slouch is defined as “a gait or posture characterized by an ungainly stooping of the head and shoulders; to stand, sit, or walk with the shoulders and head bent forward.” I remember my mother reminding me always to sit up straight and not slouch. Slouching was always negative body language. But now a different image has come to mind with a very different connotation.
When I picture Yeats’ “rough beast” slouching towards Bethlehem to be born, I picture a lioness with head lowered, and shoulders slouched down, very much at work, stalking her prey, her gaze intent on her target.
In the gospel of Luke chapter 9 verse 51, the evangelist writes: “When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he [Jesus] set his face to go to Jerusalem.” I now have a picture of a doggedly determined man intent on facing what awaits him in Jerusalem. In chapter 16, and again in chapter 17 of Matthew’s gospel, Jesus foretells three times how, in Jerusalem, he will endure great suffering at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the scribes. He will, in fact, be killed, and on the third day be raised. Jesus knows this, even before his Transfiguration atop the mountain. Now with his face set, and head lowered, Jesus slouches toward Jerusalem, his gaze intent on his target, that “city that kills the prophets, and stones those who are sent to it.” (Matt 23:37) Let us dare to slouch along with him, intent on the target, doggedly determined to take the journey even as his reluctant witnesses.
As is ever true, in the wake of trouble and sorrow, we shall be transformed, and called upon to lead one another into a new day. Let’s be on our way!
Blessings,
Rev. Amanda
In his oft quoted poem “The Second Coming” written in 1919, William Butler Yeats is said to be commenting on a world in chaos post WWI. He writes:
“Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold;
Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world,
innocence is drowned and anarchy is loosed upon the world,
and everywhere the ceremony of innocence is drowned."
The imagery his poem conjures up is dark and dreary, as he writes:
"And what rough beast, its hour come round at last,
Slouches towards Bethlehem to be born?"
Yeats was not a theologian, neither was he a Christian. The beast he refers to, is said to be the lion headed sphinx that slouches towards Bethlehem to be born. Some would say the word slouch suggests reluctance, hesitancy or even, menace. The poem is revelatory even apocalyptic.
As I pondered the imagery I began to think about the Lenten journey to Jerusalem.
The word, slouch is defined as “a gait or posture characterized by an ungainly stooping of the head and shoulders; to stand, sit, or walk with the shoulders and head bent forward.” I remember my mother reminding me always to sit up straight and not slouch. Slouching was always negative body language. But now a different image has come to mind with a very different connotation.
When I picture Yeats’ “rough beast” slouching towards Bethlehem to be born, I picture a lioness with head lowered, and shoulders slouched down, very much at work, stalking her prey, her gaze intent on her target.
In the gospel of Luke chapter 9 verse 51, the evangelist writes: “When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he [Jesus] set his face to go to Jerusalem.” I now have a picture of a doggedly determined man intent on facing what awaits him in Jerusalem. In chapter 16, and again in chapter 17 of Matthew’s gospel, Jesus foretells three times how, in Jerusalem, he will endure great suffering at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the scribes. He will, in fact, be killed, and on the third day be raised. Jesus knows this, even before his Transfiguration atop the mountain. Now with his face set, and head lowered, Jesus slouches toward Jerusalem, his gaze intent on his target, that “city that kills the prophets, and stones those who are sent to it.” (Matt 23:37) Let us dare to slouch along with him, intent on the target, doggedly determined to take the journey even as his reluctant witnesses.
As is ever true, in the wake of trouble and sorrow, we shall be transformed, and called upon to lead one another into a new day. Let’s be on our way!
Blessings,
Rev. Amanda
March 1, 2017 Ash Wednesday " NOW INCLINE ME TO REPENT"
We believe in God who brought forth every living creature from dust and nothingness.
God designed the sun, the moon, and the stars as the special lights which reveal
the awesome colors of creation as each day begins and ends.
We believe that Jesus was the beloved Son of God. He was
begotten to love, teach, free, heal, and save humankind.
His greatest desire was to show us how to love God and each other.
He gave his life as a pardon for our sin. When God raised him from the dead,
we understood and embraced the promise of eternal life.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, God’s special counselor sent to warm our hearts,
walk by our side, and give us the language of glory.
The Spirit invites us to dance the dance of transformation, sing songs of praise,
and give thanks to the One who loves us without reservation.
We believe in the Church that gathers our hearts as one moving us
ever onward as we work for the Kingdom of God. Thanks be to God.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Almighty God, Creator of Heaven and Earth, with humble and contrite hearts we enter this sanctuary on this Ash Wednesday to journey with Jesus toward Jerusalem. We shall walk the path of repentance prayerfully, lifting up our own spiritual needs and those of others. Try us and challenge us during these 40 days of Lent to invest some effort in recovering our souls. Let us cultivate an even deeper faith and help us stay the course. We understand that we are choosing transformation. We may fast; we may serve; we may study. Keep us alert, and may our efforts bear good fruit. Let us not be distracted in our pursuit by the demands of the world. Empower us to love with a heart like Jesus, and to wait upon you with trust like his as we pray the prayer that he taught us. Our Abba Father, who art in heaven; we hallow your name above all. May your kingdom come and your will be done upon the earth as it is in heaven. We ask no more than the food we need to nourish both body and soul. Please forgive our trespasses, fumbles and faux pas, and teach us to forgive the same in others. Let us not be overcome by the temptations of this world, and keep us from evil we pray; for the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
The season of Lent calls us to turn and return to God; to look at ourselves in the mirror that God holds up before us. It is a time to reflect on how much of ourselves we are investing in our relationship with God and neighbor. Lent is not about making a list of our sins and checking it twice. Neither is it a time for obsessing over disappointments and failures. Lent provides us with the opportunity to examine our priorities and become better followers of Jesus. Lent is always a season for decision making; so I invite you to decide. Choose a spiritual discipline to practice for the next 6 weeks. Take 30 minutes apart from your regular day, at least three times a week to pray, or fast, read the scriptures, or offer to serve in one of the church’s ministries. Write down your commitment on the card in your bulletin. Carry it with you for the next 40 days and let it accompany you on your journey.
OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God accept these gifts of thanks and praise for your steadfast love and mercy. Create in us clean hearts and put within us a right and loving spirit. Empower us to turn away from sin and toward you. Lead us in lives of service worthy of your calling and worthy of the cross. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
February 26, 2017 "ELIJAH HAS ALREADY COME"
In the beginning, God poured out goodness, mercy and love on every living thing,
and does so still today.
God’s word is ever near us, on our lips and written upon our hearts.
We believe that Jesus is the Lord of our lives, and our confession of faith in him
is our salvation.
We believe that Jesus’ death on the cross was not the end of his reign.
God raised him from the dead, as promised.
In Christ, there is no distinction between Jew and Greek.
We believe that the same Lord is Lord of all, generous and gracious to all.
All who call upon the name of the Lord shall be redeemed.
We believe the Holy Spirit is poured out upon us from birth to death,
and is eager to guide us through life’s maze of decisions and choices.
We believe in the Church; Christ’s body in the world.
As the Christ’s disciples, we are called to be and proclaim the good news.
For it is certain that faith in the Christ comes from what is heard about him.
Thanks be to God!
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Wondrous and Loving Lord, how glorious it is to worship you in the company of those whose hearts meld with yours, when we sing and pray together, when we ponder your word for us and commune with your Christ. Indeed, our time together is a gift that renews our spirits and revitalizes our commitment to ministry in Jesus’ name. Pour out your blessing upon all of our efforts to proclaim your good news and shine your light of hope and healing for our community, the nation, and the world. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
Lately, I am determined to simplify my existence. Some people call it downsizing, I am calling it a general purge. I confess I am pretty sentimental about my stuff and remember who gave me what and when, even the things in my office. Alex Vergara gave me the large colorful wooden cross hanging on my office wall 35 years ago. Sue gave me the wooden clown pencil holder on my desk 30 years ago. Roby Brady gave me the sampler on the wall just inside my front door 20 years ago. Twelve years ago Mariana gave me the Nun doll that sits on top of my curio cabinet and Nancy gave me the Mezuzah that adorns the door frame entrance to my garage. What I must learn is this: I don’t need their gifts in order to treasure the people who gave them to me. They are already affixed to my heart.
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