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Pastor's Notes

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PASTOR'S PAGE

Rev. Kathie S. Pownall

Finding Tomorrow”

Sermon: Nov. 1, 2009

Rev. Kathie S. Pownall

The word “tomorrow” is used in many expressions and phrases. Can you think of one? Tomorrow is often the busiest day of the week.~ Spanish Proverb; Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth. Biblical[ Proverbs 27: 1]; Don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today; and Today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday.

Regardless of how many “tomorrow’s” we each have between this very moment and the realization of God’s kingdom in the future, we as Christians, should have a positive impact upon them. We should be the people of God.

So this morning we will focus on “Tomorrow.”

There is a small town in Ohio named Morrow; whose name came from one of its early governors Jeremiah Morrow. The name provides grounds for confusion and that confusion was depicted in a song back in the 60’s, recorded by folk singer Bob Gibson, by Peter, Paul and Mary; Simon & Garfunkel, and the Kingston Trio.

Here are the Gibson lyrics [click on website below to view the Muppets Version]

I started on a journey, about a year ago To a little town called Morrow in the state of Ohio.

I’ve never been much of a traveler so I really didn’t know That Morrow was the hardest place I’d ever try to go.

I went down to the station for my ticket and applied For tips regarding Morrow, not expecting to be guyed.

Said I, “My friend, I’d like to go to Morrow and return No later than tomorrow for I haven’t time to burn.”

Said he to me, “Now let me see, if I have heard you right. You’d like to go to Morrow and return tomorrow night. You should have gone to Morrow yesterday and back today, For the train that goes to Morrow is a mile upon its way.”

“My friend,” said I, “It seems to me you’re talking through your hat. There is a town called Morrow on the line, now tell me that.”

“There is,” said he, “But take from me a quiet little tip To go from here to Morrow is a fourteen-hour trip. If you had gone to Morrow yesterday, now don’t you see,

You could have gone to Morrow and returned today at three. For the train today to Morrow, if the schedule is right, Today it goes to Morrow and returns tomorrow night.”

I was so disappointed, I was mad enough to swear!

The train had gone to Morrow and had left me standing there.

That man was right in telling me that I was a howling jay. I cannot go to Morrow, so I guess in town I’ll stay.

The song demonstrates that getting to tomorrow can sometimes be difficult. Prophets have written about “tomorrow” for centuries – especially during depressing times. The people of the Old Testament listened to such prophets who wanted to keep their faith alive.

In Christianity it is the same. Simply stated: when you take on the way of Christ you enter the kingdom of God, which is already partially here. You inherit a hope in God’s eternal kingdom where there will be no suffering and all wrongs will be made right. In the meantime you are in this kingdom.

Isaiah and Revelation’s this morning both represent those thoughts. The day is coming,” says the Lord, “when there will be no more mourning or crying or pain, for the first things have passed away.” That would be the decisive tomorrow, but it is quite mysterious to us mortals. At times, its promise seems so far off that it can feel like little more than wishful thinking.

During WW II, there was a popular British singer named Dame Vera Lynn nicknamed "The Forces' Sweetheart". She had many popular songs, one of which was “The White Cliffs of Dover,” which stated, “There’ll be joy and laughter / And peace ever after, / Tomorrow / when the world is free ... Tomorrow / Just you wait and see.” Some of you here this morning may remember those words. Thy referred to a “tomorrow” within that era.

In the dream speech of Martin Luther King, Jr. he envisioned the reality of God’s Kingdom achieved. Some of those pieces of his dream are now a reality. As a matter of fact, in Obama’s campaign he referred to the “Yes, we can…” of tomorrow.

In the Lord’s Prayer this morning we will pray for God to give us our daily bread while also praying that God’s kingdom would come. In God’s time all will be achieved, but in the meantime it is a mystery to us.

At the turn of the century people believed that the world was becoming more just. Their vision was that of Jesus Christ’s. Not only did they work to “save” souls but also to actively engage in solving the problems of society. They saw themselves as helping to establish a new social order - a place of peace, justice and well-being — what we would expect in God’s kingdom. Some people went so far as to say the world was about to enter a century that would be Christianity’s own.

Then came World Wars, the Depression and the Holocaust, and such and Christians began to doubt the reality of God’s Kingdom occurring at all. The went back to “soul” saving and waiting for God to bring in the new world order without help from us. But there was still hope, as reflected in the New Deal legislation of 30’s - a Social Gospel that gave society things such as Social Security checks.

Now our faith is balanced in belief and in work. Most Christians believe that we who follow Jesus can and should have a positive impact on the tomorrows of our world. Wherever there are people, there is work, which comes and goes. Earthquakes, tornadoes, and the like occur in places where reconstruction has occurred – only to be needed again. People are fed who become hungry again. The church moves in over and over to help people where they are. The work of God’s people is not in vain.

Ultimately, we are on a journey to find Tomorrow. Tikkun olam, in Hebrew means "repairing the world" or "perfecting the world." There is an inward part, which refers to the Jewish community modeling God’s world, and there is a second part that looks outward for the benefit of society.

Looking forward and finding tomorrow means in essence two things – helping people to find God and helping to repair the world.

God’s kingdom is the ultimate tomorrow – the ending goal of history and reward to the faithful. It will only happen in God’s time. But between today and that tomorrow are those other tomorrows. We who follow Jesus have the duty to make sure that the doors of justice and society’s benefits are open for all for those tomorrows and that the path to spiritual fulfillment is well marked.

To do the work of God we have to first be the people of God. That means having a lot of spiritual presence in the world. We shouldn’t wait for tomorrow to get started. We can get there from here. AMEN.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEilPR1PXko

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: