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Pastor's Notes

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PASTOR'S PAGE

Rev. Kathie S. Pownall

“Hope in the Midst of Memory”

Sermon: November 29, 2009

Rev. Kathie S. Pownall

Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson - American astrophysicist and host of PBS NOVA recently wrote these words in Natural History magazine: “If the events that span the 15 billion year timeline of the universe were laid along the length of a football field, then all of human history would span the thickness of a blade of grass in the end zone,” and “the denouement [conclusion] is the still uncertain fate of the universe.” We are but a speck in the time framework of creation.

But on this first Sunday of Advent and the beginning of new liturgical cycle I remind you that we are all caught up in the drama of the universe. As Christians we believe that history, as we know it, will end with the second coming of Christ and the redemption of humanity.

Advent means "coming" or "arrival". In today’s readings it means preparing for two comings: God coming to earth in the infant Jesus whom we await at Christmas, and Christ returning to earth at a time we do not know. With the Second Advent, it's not a matter of if but when and Jesus wants us to be ready.

The Bible presents assorted descriptions of end times or fulfillment of the “second Advent,” but remember that the Bible is not a scientific document, not to be interpreted literally. Both Luke and Paul, in their writings urge us to not look solely backwards to Christ’s actions, but also to look to the future.

In the Gospel of Luke there is emphasis given to the joyful benefits of Jesus’ coming, but in the section dealing with the “end time” Luke is more concerned about present situations such as: carousing [partying], drunkenness [intoxication], and concern for the anxieties of daily life [worry]. It is behaviors like these that consume people during the present or “now” time.

We live needing God’s help to defend ourselves from such actions and ourselves. In Luke, Jesus virtually condenses that part of the Lord’s Prayer “deliver us from evil” to ask for God’s protection in the time of trial. This has been true for thousands of years.

Paul expected Jesus to return during his lifetime; therefore his writings to the Church at Thessalonica were full of expectation – like that of children anticipating Christmas. But he prayed that as believers waited they remain in love, as community, gradually becoming “for one another and for all, strengthening their hearts and conducting themselves to please God.”

Children anticipate Christmas – yesterday one of the three Poteet family daughters clapped her hands and jumped up and down telling me her excitement about Christmas coming. All of us have had experience waiting expectantly for an event in the future - a graduation, a wedding, and the birth of a child, a vacation or a visit from family. “Anticipation” is a word familiar to us.

We now make preparations to celebrate the first coming of Jesus many years ago in Bethlehem. Look at the sanctuary this morning – work has been done been to give the church a festive look for Jesus’ birthday. During this Advent season we will read not only about the expectation of this event thousands of years ago, but also the anticipation of the second coming of Christ as well, e.g. the future. As Christians we shape our faith in terms of hopes for the future as well as of memories of the past.

Jeremiah promises a time when Jerusalem will be secure and the people will call “the Lord our justice.” In a world where peace and justice seem impossible to achieve this promise may seem far- fetched. But Advent tells us that even in the face of suffering and death we must never let hope die, and that by expressing our hope in love for one another we are creating a portion of the promised future.

The love of God is great and magnanimous. As we appreciate that love, living in the present with an expectation of Jesus’ return, we need to work to create that future here on earth now.

Recently I read these lines for children: “Here I come ready or not. Busy with our lives...like we were hiding, waiting and looking forward to being found.

(God seeks us more than we seek Him).

Eventually, "God finds us"

(Jesus is born) that's the way it happened 2000 years ago. Now we remind ourselves of the feelings before and after Jesus was born.

Before: waiting, dark, unhappy times, expecting something.

After: joy, happiness and peace.

Let us ask God to lift us above the immediate and set our lives in the wider horizons as we remember the past but look to the future – Hope in the Midst of Memory.

“For you are God, my Savior, and for you I wait all the day.” [From Psalm 25] AMEN

THANKS TO Elders Allan & Sharron Taylor

Represented First Presbyterian from Chesapeake City

Acts 16:5 Initiative

Acts 16:5 Initiative

Sunday, October 25 through 4 p.m., Monday, October 26. The Church Development Unit of NCP is excited provided opportunity for a program proven to be catalyst for congregational transformation for churches. All pastors and congregations were invited to attend this introductory event, which was both a launch for the Acts 16:5 process and a stand alone event. Forty-four of the fifty five churches in New Castle Presbytery participated in this event.

The Seminar was led by Stan Ott, whom many heard at the May, 2008 meeting of presbytery. His DVD, “Four Questions for a Transformational Ministry” is available for viewing.

Acts 16:5 is about discovering God's next step for this church. It can be used – and has been – in presbyteries across the country, with churches from 27 to 2,700 members, whether they’re flourishing or floundering, across the theological spectrum. The Initiative invites congregations to engage in a deliberate process of congregational transformation that is both communal and missional –serving both the congregation and its surrounding community and world.

For more information, visit www.vitalchurchesinstitute.org.

PASTOR’S NOTE for FALL EPISTLE, 2009

I have devotional guides that I use periodically over many “years.” As I reread them I often remember a phrase or word or idea from previous years and rethink it, such as the word “Koyyannisqatisi.” If you dare to pronounce it, here’s some help: ko – yaa- nis-qatsi. In the Native American language of Hopi it means

1. Crazy life. 2. Life in turmoil. 3. Life disintegrating . 4. Life out of balance. 5. A state of life that calls for another way of living.

Have you ever experienced any of those conditions? Most of our lives are full of at least small experiences that are tumultuous or out of balance. They can be pivotal times of growth in our journey.

The film: Koyyannisqatisi: Life out of Balance , produced in 1982 [Director Godfrey Reggio, Music by Philip Glass, Cinematographer Ron Fricke] consists primarily of slow motion and time lapse photography of natural landscapes and cities across the United States. There is no dialogue nor narration The tone is established by the combination of images and music. The film implies that we are living in the manner of the “Koyyannisqatisi” [See above for definition.]

I watched the film in one sitting, which was both exhausting and mesmerizing, and I might add astonishing and provocative because of the roller coaster images presented. It prodded me to think about “life out of balance.”

We are now in a new season of the year, which is part of the “balance” of creation. During the winter, spring, summer and fall, we have time to learn and forget lessons over the years. Now is a new time of autumn and another opportunity to work at putting life in balance.

For me, that means centering my life around my faith. For me, when God is at the center of my being, the world cannot pull me into imbalance – only tempt me and give me opportunity to stand steadfast with my Creator as the world whirls around me.

As we all enter the season ahead of us with its the images of blazing colors and sounds of migrating geese, I urge you to use it as a season of reflection. Look at the images around you and juxtapose the music of hymns of praise and adoration - “May Jesus Christ be Praised,” or “This is my Father’s World.” Stop and think about “life that calls for another way of living.”

A favorite gospel song of mine is “Jesus, You’re the Center of My Life.” The music brings balance to my heart and soul – one that is nurtured by a close daily walk and strong relationship with God. I pray that you may be blessed with a season of balance as your prayerfully continue your journey as well.

Pastor Kathie

SELECTED SERMONS FROM THE PAST: