How wonderful it is our children will grow up knowing that it’s all right to sing and laugh and play in the church. In fact, we’d all probably be a lot better off if we could all relax and do the same.

I ran across a poem the other day that reminded me of VBS and summer. It’s called “God Laughs and Plays” by Elise Boulding:
Meister Eckhart says, God laughs and plays.
I know he’s right, all things are bright.
God’s presence near in sister deer.
God delights in the magpies’ flights.
Heaven has room for the cactus in bloom.
God loves the butterfly wings and all mossy things.
God laughs at Brer Rabbit and me.
The porcupine was God’s design.
As was Ms. Spider and the worm beside her.
And the star specked sky, where the moon swings by.
Look all around – it’s God’s playground!

Our church has certainly become God’s playground this week. Everywhere I look our church is being transformed into a space station as our children join in a “Galactic Blast: A Cosmic Adventure of Praising God.” I am so proud to be a part of a church that understands the importance of nurturing our children in faith (and having a little fun at the same time!). Keep us all in your prayers this week and join us this Sunday to hear about our “out of this world” experiences!

Like the other Commandments, there are many questions about what it means to honor fathers and mothers.  For instance, some of us come from homes that were characterized by abuse or serious dysfunction.  How does one honor parents whose lives weren’t particularly worthy of honor?  Questions like this one are “live” issues for many people.  And while the Commandments themselves are short on details, there are plenty of other places we can turn in scripture to fill in the details.

One thing the Fifth Commandment hints at is that honoring our parents is actually in our own self-interest: “that your days may be long in the land I am giving you.”  I read that: “take care of your own folks because little eyes and ears are paying close attention – someday they’ll do the same for/to you.”

Children watch as you relate to your own parents.  They listen to your opinions and beliefs.  And, whether you realize it or not, they are taking it all down.

A few years ago, I taught a class on parenting and one of the chief lessons I learned was that “new” parenting techniques and philosophies aren’t always the answer to healthier, happier children.  The only way we can achieve those results is by becoming healthier and happier ourselves.

In the Old Testament, God made a covenant with Abraham and Sarah.  He promised Abraham that if he would be faithful, God would bless him and all the generations that would follow in his line.  I believe that principle is still at work today.  The power of God at work in the life of one man or woman is enough to change a family and thereby change the world.

So, on this Father’s Day, remember your children are paying attention – not nearly so much to what you say as to what you do.  Therefore, bring your family to worship, that together we might remember the God who blesses and redeems us all.

Fear and anxiety are equal opportunity tormentors. Some of us seem to deal with stress more easily than others. But, anyone who ventures out of their house in the morning (and even those who do not) will inevitably bump up against fear at some point. And, of course, fear leads to all sorts of other unpleasant things, like anger and depression.

The Bible talks about “a peace that passes human understanding” (Phil. 4:7). The kind of peace that is offered to us by God is not something we can manufacture for ourselves. We can’t just say, “Okay, from now on I’m just not going to let all this bother me!” If it were that easy, we would all be happy and content all the time.

The reality is life can be stressful. Work, family, relationships, money – all these things add up. We sometimes wonder how we even manage to keep our sanity. And yet, in the midst of all this, Jesus says to us, “Be not anxious about these things… Seek first the Kingdom of God and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matt. 6:33)

One of the ways we seek God’s kingdom is by following a pattern established in the very creation of our world: honoring the Sabbath. One day a week is set aside for rest and worship – even as God himself rested on the seventh day. Interestingly enough, seven days of work and worry are actually less productive than six with one day of rest. God intends for us to rest in him and to find our peace and strength in that relationship.

The worship of God in the community of the faithful and the study of God’s word are the primary ways we have each week of remembering the Sabbath. As we enter into the summer season, may we do so even more committed to maintaining our connection with God and with the peace only God can provide.

But fortunately I still remember those magical days of summer in my old neighborhood – when I was still too young to be expected to do anything but play. We spent hours climbing trees, playing in “the crick,” and riding bikes. And when the sun would go down, all of the neighborhood kids would gather on the steps of my best friend’s house and we would play hide-and-go seek until the street lights would come on and mom would yell for us to come in for the night.

Summer is a wonder-full time. And for those adults with eyes to see, it still is! When we get out of our sterile, air conditioned homes and offices, we can still breathe in all of the intoxicating sights and smells and sounds of summer. Life is blossoming and bursting all around us! No one is too old to experience wonder at the beauty of God’s creation.

Thousands of years ago, the Psalmist looked around himself and saw God’s handiwork everywhere. In Psalm 8, the Psalmist wrote, “O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! … When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have established; what are human beings that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them?”

It seems to me that wonder and reverence are natural responses to God’s creation. It would also seem to me that those whose eyes are closed to beauty and wonder have in some way closed their eyes to God. Albert Einstein once said, “The most beautiful experience we can have is the mysterious. It is the fundamental emotion which stands at the cradle of true art and true science. Whoever does not know it can no longer wonder, no longer marvel, is as good as dead, and his eyes are dimmed.”

This summer, as you travel or simply work in your yard, I would encourage you to stop and truly appreciate the mystery and beauty that surrounds you. Perhaps, when you see the flowers blossom or smell the lilacs or see the stars strewn across the night sky, you will join the Psalmist in proclaiming, “O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!”

This Sunday we will consider the first – and arguably the most important commandment: “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” Indeed, some would say that much of the Bible is an exposition on this one idea.

In his book, Improving Your Serve, Charles Swindoll includes a fictional letter that I think is a good reminder of how silly it really is to have more than one god in our lives. It is a fictional letter written by a woman to a man who had proposed marriage. The letter begins:
Dear Floyd, I would love to marry you. It’s a dream come true. There are a few minor details, though. I have a couple of other boyfriends – well, ten to be exact. Most of them don’t mean much to me, but can I keep Fred and Dennis? I must be in love, because I’ve never before been willing to give up so many boyfriends! Mom says you’re a lucky man! There’s one other thing. I will accept your proposal on the condition that I can stay in Texas and live with my parents. I love them.

They have done so much for me that I couldn’t dream of leaving them. You wouldn’t want me to hurt their feelings, would you? However, you can visit whenever you want. I’m sure you’ll understand. I look forward to setting the wedding date! Yours in undying love and devotion, Dorothy

Now, most of us have a pretty good idea how we would react if someone greeted our proposal for marriage in such a way. We would say “forget it.” And yet, too many of us do the very same thing in our relationship with God – partially committing our life and our service, but not really wanting to go all the way. If you can imagine how a husband or a wife might feel about sharing their spouse with two or three other lovers – then you can begin to understand how God feels when we refuse to put Him first in our lives.

God calls us to make a decision. God has promised he will love and provide for us all the days of our lives. All God asks of us in return is that we covenant to love him and serve Him in whatever ways He calls us.

I once heard someone describe a covenant (like marriage or our relationship with God) as a promise we make in times of strength so that it can carry us through in times of weakness. The time has come for us to renew our covenant with God. May a part of that covenant include our worship together each Lord’s Day. I look forward to gathering with you once again in worship and praise of the One, True God.

Here are some tips from a fellow, long-term native in the hopes that pilgrims will find at Central Christian Church their own Plymouth Rock!

–Smile and greet everyone. Say, “Hi, I’m _______.” If you happen to greet a visitor – especially a first time worship visitor – you’ve hit the jackpot.

–Be helpful. When you meet a first time visitor, see if they have any questions. If they have children, they may wonder where our Sunday School classrooms or nursery are located. If they are alone, perhaps you might invite them to sit with you or your family.

–Do a “hand off.” If you are busy on Sunday mornings, as many of our volunteers are, be sure to hand them off to someone else before going about your business. Introduce them to someone with whom they may have something in common. In other words, don’t leave anyone alone and unsure what to do next.

–Bring all pilgrims to me! As long as worship isn’t in progress, or just about to begin, I would love to meet anyone who is visiting with us. Please feel free to interrupt me or “cut” in line after worship. Helping visitors to feel welcome and wanted is one of our top priorities every Sunday!

–After worship, seek out folks you don’t already know. Sometimes you will meet other members you haven’t had a chance to meet. More often than not, you’ll be the friendly face greeting people who may be visiting the church for the first time. Once again, before disengaging, be sure to introduce them to someone else or invite them to join you in the fellowship hall for refreshments.

–Our fellowship time is a great opportunity to make visitors feel at home. If you are a “native,” then that automatically makes you a “host.” If we all begin thinking like hosts, we can be certain anyone visiting our church will be made to feel very welcome!

Research has shown that the summer months are when pilgrims are most likely to be out searching for a church home. So keep an eye out and remember… you are a representative of Jesus and His Church not only on Sundays, but every day of the week.

Attending worship is an important touchstone for many of us. Those who have committed to weekly worship and observance of the Lord’s Supper feel as though something significant is missing in their week when they aren’t able to
touch base with the church.

There is a reason the Bible warns us not to neglect the gathering of the saints each Lord’s Day (Hebrews 10:25). Worshiping with other believers not only gives us an opportunity to rededicate ourselves to lives of discipleship and service, but it also “forms” us. In other words, simply showing up and being with others who are likewise seeking to love and serve God and neighbor changes us and shapes us in fundamental ways.

Kind of like that wrench in my father’s pocket, after a long time, all of the rough parts are worn smooth and pleasant to the touch. We become more pliable and more useful in the Master’s hand.

On any given Sunday at Central Christian Church, dozens of regular attendees are not present. The next Sunday, the numbers haven’t changed, but the faces have. In other words, we have a different congregation nearly every week. When we all happen to be present on the same Sunday – what a wonderful feeling it is!

As the temperatures rise, many will take time for much needed vacations and time away. That is important recreation time. Even God took a break on the seventh day. But do not neglect the gathering of the saints! When you are able, join your church in worshiping and growing together in faith. Discipleship is a journey and we are on this journey together!

Beginning on Pentecost (May 23rd), I will begin a sermon series on the Ten Commandments that will take us nearly through the summer months. I am currently reading “The Ten Commandments” by Patrick D. Miller in preparation and I’m very excited about exploring these words we oftentimes don’t fully understand. It is going to be a great summer!

I look forward to joining with all the Saints this coming Sunday – on Mother’s Day – as we worship God and celebrate the gift of our moms!

It’s amazing what a difference believing can make in how we see and relate to the world. How many times have we heard stories of horrible things happening right under the noses of people who should have known better, but who simply couldn’t believe something like that could ever happen in their family or neighborhood. So they just didn’t see it. In WWII, when the United States started receiving intelligence reports that Hitler was systematically exterminating Jews, Gypsies, homosexuals and others the Nazis considered sub-human – many Americans simply couldn’t believe it. In fact, there are people around today who still deny the Holocaust ever happened.

The point is, sometimes seeing is not enough. People often say, “Seeing is believing.” We even have a state that made that sentiment its motto – Missouri, the Show Me State. Of course, sometimes (like Thomas) when we see we do believe.

In the case of the Holocaust, when American soldiers finally came upon the death camps and found the smoldering ovens and the huge mass graves, they did believe. But I think that more often than not, it is probably more accurate to say, “Believing is seeing.” In other words, sometimes before we can really see and understand something, our belief system has to be in place. If we don’t believe it – we might never see it.

What we believe makes a difference. The wrong perspective is imprisonment – the right perspective is empowerment. Belief can either bring power and freedom to our lives, or it can build walls around us that separate us from everybody – even God.

What difference do you suppose it would make if you lived each day with the belief that God is seeking to do something important through your life? Do you think you might begin to see everything from a different perspective? Or what difference would it make in the way you lived your life if you started believing God loves everyone and wants the same from you? Or finally, what difference would it make if you believed Jesus rose from the dead, defeating death and evil forever, and that he can also raise you to new life? Try it and see! Or, as Jesus said, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.” Believing is seeing!

I made a pilgrimage to find our God:
I listened for his voice at holy tombs,
Searched for the print of his immortal feet
In [the] dust of broken altars; yet turned back
With empty heart. But on the homeward road,
A great light came upon me, and I heard
Our God’s voice singing in a nestling lark;
Felt his sweet wonder in a swaying rose;
Received his blessing from a wayside well;
Looked on his beauty in a lover’s face;
And saw his bright hand send signal from the sun.

Markham’s search for God included holy tombs and ancient altars only to find God on the homeward road — in the
everyday things of life.

At Easter, we are reminded the Risen Lord is not always revealed to us in ways we might expect or anticipate. The Angel tells the women, “He is going before you to Galilee…” Galilee was home, but Galilee was also on the fringe. It was a long way from Galilee to Jerusalem, in more ways than one. It was called “Galilee of the Gentiles” by the Jews, because in Galilee, Jews and Gentiles lived side by side. In other words, Galilee wasn’t a very kosher place to live. But it was where Jesus chose to go first. Not to Jerusalem — to the home of the Temple, but to dirty old, unkosher Galilee.

It was there the first people heard the witness of the women and the disciples that Jesus Christ was raised from the dead, and it was there the story continued. I would like to add it is still in dirty old unkosher Galilee the story of the Risen Christ continues.

To me this is one of the clearest messages of Easter: the Risen Lord comes to meet us in the midst of everyday life. Sometimes Jesus appears very subtly, like to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus and sometimes, a little more directly – like the time he appeared to Saul on his way to Damascus. Either way, Jesus comes to us where we live.

Whenever we discover the holy in the daily routine of life – whenever we see behind the facade of life to the amazing presence of God all around us, we are confronted by the Risen Lord. Whenever the hungry are fed and the naked clothed, life triumphs over death and the Risen Christ is revealed. Whenever the fearful are comforted and the lonely
befriended, life triumphs over death and the Risen One is made known. Whenever the shamed are forgiven and the guilty find grace, life triumphs over death and the Risen Lord is present in the midst of them. This is why we gather to worship and celebrate – on Easter Sunday, and every Sunday.

Easter is about discovering the Risen Lord in places where you would never think to look — on a cross, in an empty tomb, in Galilee — even in your own life. The Easter story never ends, it never has and it never will. We are simply the latest to receive its Good News and the latest to share it. Let’s make sure the chapter we are writing is one worth passing on.

As Christians, we certainly need to understand the incredible power of death and evil. We can never bury our heads in the sand and pretend they’re not there. The gift of the church to the world is not an appreciation for the power of death, but rather the power of the Risen Christ to transform death and evil into something new and beautiful.

One of the reasons getting that message across to the world is so difficult is that death and evil abound in such loud and obvious ways. Just this morning I heard about deadly terrorist bombings in Moscow and the arrests of potential domestic terrorists in Detroit. Evil blares and blazes. Resurrection whispers.

It’s like a wildflower blooming in the midst of a burned out forest. We must constantly search for signs of it. Or, as the Psalmist enjoined, “Be still and know that I am God.”

The world already understands the power of death. The job of the Church is to trumpet resurrection from the rooftops loudly and proudly and boldly. Jesus Christ is risen from the dead and all the powers of death and hell cannot prevail against him!

This Holy Week we will solemnly remember Jesus final week in Jerusalem. We will remember his last supper with his disciples, Judas’ betrayal, and finally, Jesus’ death. But on Easter we will revel in the new life and joy that pushes aside darkness and death. We will baptize believers into Christ’s life. We will smell the fresh scent of lilies, lift our hearts in prayer, and celebrate and praise God for Christ’s resurrection (and our own!). The world is filled with darkness and death. Come and celebrate life, love and joy. Come and celebrate the resurrection of our Lord!