For this hour of worship we take a short break from the hectic schedules of this day to celebrate the birth of the Son of God, Jesus Christ, Emmanuel, Messiah, born to us our savior.Through this worship we take a break from family obligations, meal preparations, social gatherings, gift wrapping….worrying about all the expectations we place on ourselves to make this truly Merry Christmas…..
CONSIDER THESE CHRISTMAS EXPECTATIONS……
Expectations:For children in particular, the idea of a mystical Santa visiting our homes can create a lot of stress.How is Santa going to get down that chimney?What if we don’t have a chimney?What if Santa doesn’t like those store-bought cookies we put out tonight?For years the rumor has been going around that Santa is lactose intolerant.Better make a trip to the store on the way home and pick up some glutton free milk!
Just Wondering:How does Santa get around the whole world with presents for zillions of children – and all at the same time?Still trying to figure out how to explain that one to your children or grandchildren?
For adults gathered this evening:Through faith, we gather this evening to worship God who came to visit us as a child named Jesus.We have been celebrating the birthday of this child for over 2000 years. For me personally this is the 27th time I have been with you to celebrate this sacred birthday.The story never grows old. We place our faith each year in a very old story of Jesus born in a stable in a manger in a little town of Bethlehem – and the story is as fresh and refreshing as ever before!One of the miracles of Christmas.
Another Christmas Expectation:We pray that Jesus will continue to be the steady, unwavering, unchangeable Son of God. As the world around us changes, we pray for Jesus to continue to be our savior.As our community faces numerous challenges this coming year, we pray for guidance from the light of Christ emerging from the manger of salvation.In our homes and with our families and friends, we pray for God’s compassion to continue to embrace us with divine love.Through this church we pray for God to continue to work bring warmth and security into the lives of those who are hungry and homeless and looking for some friendship this sacred night.
Far and near we pray for peace on earth and good will for all of creation.
So my final expectation and charge:With everything going on in our lives and the world and community around us – may we take pause in a few minutes when we light our candles, to gaze upon the flames remembering the many ways we have been blessed, and ways God’s light can continue to shine through us in the lives of others.
May the miracle of the birth of Jesus our savior continue to embrace you in the light of God’s divine love….
May we continue to embrace each other, in the name of Jesus, with the sacred words:MERRY CHRISTMAS!BORN TO US AGAIN THIS DAY IN A MANGER FROM SO MANY YEARS AGO IS JESUS -- EMMANUEL, CHILD OF GOD, MESSIAH – SON OF THE LIVING GOD.
14 ‘For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them; 15to one he gave five talents,* to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. 16The one who had received the five talents went off at once and traded with them, and made five more talents. 17In the same way, the one who had the two talents made two more talents. 18But the one who had received the one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money. 19After a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. 20Then the one who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five more talents, saying, “Master, you handed over to me five talents; see, I have made five more talents.” 21His master said to him, “Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.” 22And the one with the two talents also came forward, saying, “Master, you handed over to me two talents; see, I have made two more talents.” 23His master said to him, “Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.” 24Then the one who had received the one talent also came forward, saying, “Master, I knew that you were a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed; 25so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.” 26But his master replied, “You wicked and lazy slave! You knew, did you, that I reap where I did not sow, and gather where I did not scatter? 27Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received what was my own with interest. 28So take the talent from him, and give it to the one with the ten talents. 29For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. 30As for this worthless slave, throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
I.Introduction
Nobody wants to read this scripture literally.
“The rich get richer and the poor who have nothing are worthless slaves thrown into outer darkness where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
Sadly, too many preachers take this text out of context.Any serious student of Jesus’ parables will see these stories are written as allegory with much deeper meaning than what is seen, literally, on the surface.My thoughts after some reflecting and study on the meaning of this scripture:
God has given everyone of us an abundance of gifts and talents.We have our family and our homes.We have our work and school and hobbies and for many—retirement.We have this church.We have our minds and hearts and passions and health.The most important gift God has given us:LIFE!
We can also know from this text that God has blessed us with an abundance of gifts and talents, resources and abilities to be used over time.God wants us to use our God-given gifts and talents—not to hide or bury them but rather, to use what God has given us for one and only one purpose–THE KINGDOM AND GLORY OF GOD.
The harsh words of judgment at the end of this parable come when we choose to hide our gifts; when we choose to not pay homage to our creator; when we choose to bury our talents in deference to God’s will; or when we deny God’s presence in our lives.This parable calls us in gratitude and reverence to be totally transparent with the use of our talents/resources acknowledging all we really have in life already belongs to God!
This being said, we are bringing our stewardship campaign to a close.We are still awaiting a dozen pledges that to be turned in.Grateful for your generosity, we know from the pledges we have already received that your commitments run deep and wide.We know for some of you the decisions you have made with this year’s pledge have been difficult. Your love for God and commitment to this church are reflected by the very fact that you give us a pledge in support of the ministries of this church.
Thank you for your pledges in support of this
Christ’s Church!
But now I must go back to the parable and ask:Are there hidden or buried talents or treasures you have failed to recognize, see or use?
II.Three Pockets….
To answer this question let’s imagine we all have three pockets.These pockets as defined by stewardship consultant J. Clif Christopher:[1]
1.POCKET OF RESOURCES NUMBER ONE:THE EARNED INCOME POCKET.This is the money we get from salaries or retirement accounts—the money we use to live on.This is the pocket most of us reach into when paying our church pledge.THE EARNED INCOME POCKET.
2.POCKET NUMBER TWO:THE CAPITAL POCKET…..the pocket where we keep our accumulated resources.Stocks and bonds, property, insurance policies, savings accounts, CD’s, various retirement accounts & funds we hold onto and try to grow to be used for a host of different things.THE CAPITAL POCKET.Even if we don’t have any capital, this is the pocket we hope to some day have!
3.POCKET NUMBER THREE:THE ESTATE POCKET….the pocket of resources we leave for those who come after us once we leave this earth.This is the pocket for all that remains to pass on to others when we die.
Knowing that most of us are already quite familiar with the first pocket, THE EARNED INCOME POCKET, I want to think with you for a few moments about pockets two and three.
III.POCKET TWO -- THE CAPITAL POCKET
The first thing that comes to mind in thinking about our CAPITAL RESOURCES:What are some of our capital needs?College?One time major projects like the purchase of a home or cottage or second vehicle.For many the CAPITAL POCKET is reserved for rainy day emergencies, emergency health issues, dental issues, the need for a new furnace or roof.Maybe you need a new hip or knee and need to dip into savings for copayments?
For many in this church on fixed incomes, because of the rotten economy, this CAPITAL POCKET OF BLESSINGS are also being used for day-to-day expenses including taxes and utility bills.For many in this unstable economy – the CAPITAL POCKET of resources are fast being depleted.
So what about the CAPITAL NEEDS OF THE CHURCH?We occasionally have capital fund raising campaigns.We usually only ask you to dip into your capital funds pocket when we feel we have no other choice.In the past your over-and-beyond the normal pledge has helped to pay for:Carpeting. Boiler repairs.Roof repairs.Organ Repairs.Window Repairs.
Something to think about:We are always planning for capital needs of the church.The Facilities team is looking for ways to repair these windows along this NW side of the building…..major work is needed to replace the sills on these windows.Because we just asked you for monies to help with organ repairs, we are going to try to fix these windows without asking for a special donation.
As a church, what are some of our capital needs or dreams for things that need to be done?A new roof?A new public address system?Every once in a while I hear of the need for air conditioning?What about an elevator?Someone recently suggested, with so many members unable to drive, that we consider selling the bus to purchase a small van.
SECOND POCKET GIVING – THE CAPITAL POCKET.And again I have to say thank you.We have been able to get through some rough patches because of your sacrificial giving….knowing that some of the capital needs of the church are also YOUR CAPITAL NEEDS.For many taking care of our spiritual health through the maintenance of this church is just as important as getting that root canal or hip replacement….knowing we also need to help you get back into this church after you have had that knee replaced!J
Another specific example:the installation of railings on each such this chancel is one such project that has been on the dream list for a couple of years.A church member has come forward to help fund this special project.Within a few months you will be seeing two new railings.This money from this donor is coming from this CAPITAL FUND POCKET.
Honestly:I know some of you may now be asking:Capital needs?Isn’t this why we have an endowment fund?I would normally say yes—except for two compelling reasons:
First, with the recession and hit on the markets we don’t have all that much money in the endowment fund—and it isn’t growing very much or very fast.
Second, what we have in the endowment is carefully (and let me stress the word carefully) used to help pay for annual operations of the church.In many practical ways the endowment fund is the first pocket when it comes to paying for annual church operations.Roughly ½ of our annual budget comes from principle and interest from the church endowment fund.
To be completely transparent with the figures:Anticipated pledges and gifts from the congregation in the budget this year is around $84,000.It will take an additional $73,000 from the endowment fund to finish out this year.Next year, with the loss of some important pledges, our dependence on the use of principle in the endowment fund grows.That is why is so important for us to encourage, if possible, your helping us out with an increase in your pledge.There isn’t a lot of extra wiggle room in our budget or the endowment fund when it comes to funding special projects.
Maybe think of it this way:We are a 100 member church with roughly 40-50 members in worship.The gifts we get from the endowment represent another 40-50 members ….so we can function in this large building, with all our programs and full time staff….as though we were a 150 member church. The endowment fund helps us do more with less.
And yes, while we can use the endowment fund for emergencies, we have to be careful in our stewardship of these funds because our ability to be a church is dependent on your support….and the support we get from this endowment.It is safe to say that without the endowment you wouldn’t be able to take care of this building…or have a full-time pastor – and things like newsletters and paid organists and plowed parking lots--Sunday security wouldn’t be possible.
Which leads to this invitation and challenge for some of you:Are you in a position to dig in to that second pocket, the CAPITAL POCKET to help us in building our church endowment fund?I am talking about gifts you may be able to give above and beyond what you have already pledged….perhaps a special year-end gift?
IV.THE ESTATE POCKET
Which leave one more pocket.THE ESTATE POCKET.When we die, we want to make sure we leave something for our families.Our children and grandchildren.For many I know that you have made plans to leave some of your estate to this church.Our endowment fund wouldn’t be helping us at all without these estate gifts….I counted 32 special gifts have come in since this endowment fund was created in the 1970’s.We did a calculation a few years ago….literally 3 and ½ to 4 million dollars have been used from this endowment fund since the 1970’s.The sad news is that without more estate gifts, this fund will not be able to grow to be more than about half of what it originally had in 1972 – and that was roughly one million dollars.
A couple more thoughts in thinking about this third pocket, the ESTATE POCKET.
1.Just because we die doesn’t mean the needs of the church are all of sudden going to become the responsibility of somebody else…just like the needs of our children don’t just disappear when we die.Those who make ESTATE GIFTS recognize they can continue to contribute to the church beyond the grave.
2.A second thought, and this comes from two conversations I have had with members of this church in the past few weeks…. Why wait until you die to give part of your estate to the church?If you know roughly what you are going to want to give to the church, we can invest and start using those funds…..now.
Why bury our talents (treasures) or put off using our talents (treasures) when they are needed for God’s work – NOW?
V.Conclusion
A simple and short conclusion:With scripture in hand and speaking theologically:Like the burying of money in the parable of the talents, do we bury some of our resources when we know they could be used now?
Is there more we can give and invest in and through this church beyond our regular tithes and offerings?What portion or tithe of our capital or estate resources are we planning on giving to the church?
It’s all about full disclosure….in the use of all that God has entrusted our care:Time, talents, money – all things we value including life itself…..we are called to be stewards of all God has given us…..including life itself.
Again, thank you for your generosity.
AMEN
[1]Not Your Parents Offering Plate, J. Clif Christopher, pg65ff
12Now the Lord said to Abram, ‘Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. 2I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. 3I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.’*
I Corinthians 16: 1-4
Now concerning the collection for the saints: you should follow the directions I gave to the churches of Galatia. 2On the first day of every week, each of you is to put aside and save whatever extra you earn, so that collections need not be taken when I come. 3And when I arrive, I will send any whom you approve with letters to take your gift to Jerusalem. 4If it seems advisable that I should go also, they will accompany me.
(Need a prop -- small box named "LIFE")
I.THE BOX NAMED “LIFE”
By now you know me pretty well.I like to be “organized”.I like living in an ordered, well-thought-out structured world.I like schedules.I like predictability. I like consistency!I like to make elaborate plans for just about everything. For me it is much easier to change a schedule than to not have a schedule at all!As John Calvin, the founder and father of Presbyterianism would say, I like to do things “decently and in order”.
Next to my bible is my calendar – figuratively and literally!My greatest organizational sin is when I let the calendar become more important than the bible.
In many ways my structured, organized world is like this box….four sides and a top and bottom.And this box has a name:LIFE!And for a pastor, every once in a while the lid comes off the box with something that surprises me.That’s good….because life is always full of surprises!The world that is always changing all around us, part of life, also in the box named LIFE.
What about you?Imagine everything in life being placed in a box named LIFE?.Not always structured or organized…..all the things you do, all the plans you make, everything you value is in this box.All of your passions, family and church -- everything public and private, hopes and dreams are to be found within the four walls of this box named LIFE.
From when you get up until going to bed, what’s in your box named LIFE?If you were to pack all your experiences, fond memories, cherished friendships in a box, what would they be?Who would be with you in this box?Family?Friends?Neighbors? Perhaps the LIONS or TIGERS or a few SPARTANS?Perhaps a dog or a cat?What do you see when you imagine looking into this box named LIFE?Your savings?Investments? Tools and toys?Cars and homes? Your job? Your hobbies?YOUR LIFE!
To carry this image of a box named LIFE a bit further:everything God has given us – blessings received – are in this box named LIFE.The air we breath.The water we drink.The food we eat.Memories.Hopes and dreams.Uncertainty about the future?Times of celebration?Pain?Laughter?Tears?
What about your faith in God?Is Jesus in your box?God’s love for you?Your love for God?All these things we value are in this box named LIFE.
One thing I know for sure in playing this imaginary game….things we see in this box of life are PRICELESS!Organized or disorganized, structured or not… we cannot place a price tag on what we see in this box named LIFE.Yet this observation:What often is priceless has a cost!PRICELESS IS NOT THE SAME AS FREE.
II.THE BOX NAMED “CHURCH”
Now think of this church as another BOX with the large BOX named LIFE.A good many of our friends, our passions, our faith are found in this place – the Warren Avenue Presbyterian Church.Jesus Christ lives in this place….. this church.We gather for worship each week.We listen for God’s Word.We share our joys and concerns, our pains and struggles.God is everywhere in this church.God’s spirit flows freely within these walls.
All we do to give glory to God in Worship is in this box named CHURCH.
We listen for God to speak to us through scripture sermons in this place named CHURCH.
We share our joys and concerns, our pains and struggles in this CHURCH.
Everything we do to serve God as educated servants is in this CHURCH.
Programs that brings us together in fellowship are in this CHURCH.
Things tha keep us structured and consistent in serving Christ as sa Presbyterian church, organizationally, is in this CHURCH.
God’s Peace – PRICELESS -- surrounds us in this CHURCH.
God’s Love – PRICELESS – penetrates everything we do… our VERY BEING…as Christ’s church.
And this reality:All of our ASSETS, tied directly to your tithes and offerings and bequests from the past – as well as your offerings of talentgs and time -- are part of our identity as the WARREN AVNEUE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
All this being said as we begin our stewardship season:It still takes money to run the church.All of our combined resources are essential – like fuel or gas we put in our cars – all of our combined resources are essential in running the church.While our budget does not define us, blessings from God do!Blessings God has given us….shared with others….they are priceless and define us as Christ’s church.
III.2012 STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN
Our stewardship theme this year.“Saints Alive!Living Generously!”
With this years theme we are asking you to see yourselves as the “Living Saints”, “Believers in Christ” -- living and giving generously to pay for that which is PRICELESS.How do we pay for that which is PRICELESS.We combine our gifts.Your tithes and offerings, combined, create something greater than the sum of all our gifts….this church.And what we have in this church is priceless.
Consider carefully what this church gives to you…blessings received.Then consider what scripture calls a “generous portion” of what you have back to God.And with all these blessings – a generous portion of what we give are combined …. watch what happens!
One of the things that happens when we combine our gifts…something I see that is priceless are the smiles and laugher in conversations you share before worship….the love that is demonstrated in the passing of the peace.I see it in your faces.You really enjoy being here.What I see from where I sit is PRICELESS….
A close look at scripture would go so far as to suggest – and this is directly from Paul’s letter to the Corinthians:
“On the first day of every week, each of you is to put aside and save whatever extra you earn, so that collections need not be taken when I come.”
An interesting question that has been asked over the years:Is the first check you write each month to the church?Or is the church the last thing that gets attention from your check book?This is tough!How do you determine what to give knowing God has already given you so much!That’s why we talk about “proportionate giving”, finding a percentage of income you are comfortable with sharing….and using this to guide you in your giving.For some this may be a full tithe, 10% if income.For others this may be 2% or 5% -- perhaps reaching for a higher percentage each year.Maybe it’s a gift of $1.00 a week now, and a $1.25 next year, with a goal $1.50 the next.All that scripture asks is that you be GENEROUS when considering your pledge knowing that our combined gifts are priceless.
I know for many times are tough.For many this is a time of uncertainty.We don’t know what is going to happen with our medical care….or taxes….or social security.Yet even with these tensions that exist in the world, does God not continue to take care of us?Blessing us?continue to bless us?Is this not the church where we can go to find God’s PRICELESS PRESENCE and LOVE and PEACE?Because what God gives us is PRICELESS all I can do is ask you sincerely….give as you can as generously as you can.
Please….please pledge something.It would really be neat this year if we could actually get a PLEDGE from every member.While most of you make regular contributions to the church only about half of this church actually fills out a pledge card.It would really help us in our planning if everyone would fill out a pledge card.
And this is also important:the most precious gift you can give is also priceless…..the foundation of all giving….your presence here today.
IV.Some Budget Facts:
The session has approved a budget of $164,000!This is up only about $800 from last year.The is a bare bones budget.We work hard to eliminate waste in everything we do. In fact, every time I hand you a piece of mail instead of using the postal service, I am saving the church 44 cent….I think today alone I saved over $8.00 by handing some of you your mail.The use of emails has allowed us to make considerable cuts in our office supply budget.
Most of our church expenses are related to church staff:my position as pastor, our parish visitor, organists and pianists, our secretary and custodian, gues preaches, guest preachers, summer magic staff.
Next to staff are the expenses in taking care of this church building….in fact we just finished over $4,000 in work to our organ….it sure makes a difference not having the wind/hissing sounds in worship…..and there is still more work to be done….
Other parts of our budget go for worship and programming and mission.
In fact you should know the church session on numerous occasions refused to make cuts in mission!Consider this interesting statistic.We give roughly 15,000 (and that includes special offerings) to mission.Over $141.00 per member is going to mission.
Given these numbers, please remember that what we do with what you can give as far as time and talent and money – is PRICELESS!What we have in this church cannot be defined by a budget.
As a structured/organized person who loves doing things “decently and in order”, the providential gifts God gives us as a church are PRICELESS – and the combined resources you give to the church through your pledges will be used responsibly….in a “decently in ordered fashion” – knowing that we cannot afford to waste any of the good gifts God has entrusted our care as Christ’s church.
And let’s be realistic…..it takes money from your combined pledges to pay for that which is PRICELESS – the ministries of his church.
IV.PRICELESS
Returning now the image of the BOX NAME LIFE.I can’t put a price tag on this.I was visiting with a member this past week who was just diagnosed with cancer.Several of you have had asimilar diagnosis.
She still doesn’t know what is going to happen as far as treatments.But one thing we know for sure, this church will be an anchor for her …. and all of you working through health issues.We will be with you in prayer.God will be with you.All we do to support any of our members who are hurting or with special needs is PRICELESS…..yet my friends, it still takes money to pay for ministry….care and compassion and companionship you offer each other that is priceless.
So yes, fill out your pledge cards.Be generous.Every pledge is important.All of our pledges combined have more power than you can ever imagine.YOUR pledge combined with others makes it possible for us to be Christ’s church.
But also know what we really need is for you to be here!We need your love.We need your presence.We need your prayers.
THANK YOU for your generosity.THANK YOU for your pledges.THANK YOU for what you give passionately because of your love for Christ and this Christ’s church.Thank you!
We churches of the United States have a message of hope for a fearful time. Just as the churches responded to the harshness of early twentieth century industrialization with a prophetic “Social Creed” in 1908, so in our era of globalization we offer a vision of a society that shares more and consumes less, seeks compassion over suspicion and equality over domination, and finds security in joined hands rather than massed arms. Inspired by Isaiah’s vision of a “peaceable kingdom,” we honor the dignity of every person and the intrinsic value of every creature, and pray and work for the day when none “labor in vain, or bear children for calamity” (Isa. 65:23). We do so as disciples of the One who came “that [all] may have life, and have it abundantly” (John ), and stand in solidarity with Christians and with all who strive for justice around the globe.In faith, responding to our Creator, we celebrate the full humanity of each woman, man, and child, all created in the divine image as individuals of infinite worth, by working for:
. Full civil, political, and economic rights for women and men of all races.
. Abolition of forced labor, human trafficking, and the exploitation of children.
. Employment for all, at a family-sustaining living wage, with equal pay for comparable work.
. The rights of workers to organize, and to share in workplace decisions and productivity growth.
. Protection from dangerous working conditions, with time and benefits to enable full family life.
. A system of criminal rehabilitation, based on restorative justice and an end to the death penalty.
In the love incarnate in Jesus, despite the world’s sufferings and evils, we honor the deep connections within our human family and seek to awaken a new spirit of community, by working for:
. Abatement of hunger and poverty, and enactment of policies benefiting the most vulnerable.
. High quality public education for all and universal, affordable, and accessible healthcare.
. An effective program of social security during sickness, disability, and old age.
. Tax and budget policies that reduce disparities between rich and poor, strengthen democracy, and provide greater opportunity for everyone within the common good.
. Just immigration policies that protect family unity, safeguard workers’ rights, require employer accountability, and foster international cooperation.
. Sustainable communities marked by affordable housing, access to good jobs, and public safety.
. Public service as a high vocation, with real limits on the power of private interests in politics.
In hope sustained by the Holy Spirit, we pledge to be peacemakers in the world and stewards of God’s good creation, by working for:
. Adoption of simpler lifestyles for those who have enough; grace over greed in economic life.
. Access for all to clean air and water and healthy food, through wise care of land and technology.
. Sustainable use of earth’s resources, promoting alternative energy sources and public transportation with binding covenants to reduce global warming and protect populations most affected.
. Equitable global trade and aid that protects local economies, cultures, and livelihoods.
. Peacemaking through multilateral diplomacy rather than unilateral force, the abolition of torture, and a strengthening of the United Nations and the rule of international law.
. Nuclear disarmament and redirection of military spending to more peaceful and productive uses.
. Cooperation and dialogue for peace and environmental justice among the world’s religions.
We—individual Christians and churches--commit ourselves to a culture of peace and freedom that embraces non-violence, nurtures character, treasures the environment, and builds community, rooted in a spirituality of inner growth with outward action. We make this commitment together—as members of Christ’s body, led by the one Spirit—trusting in the God who makes all things new.
16When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, 17and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written:
18“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives
and recovery of sight to the blind,
to let the oppressed go free,
19to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
20And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. 21Then he began to say to them, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.
I.Mission and Missionaries
There is an urban church in a small Cleveland neighborhood that recently asked the presbytery and the General Assembly Mission Council:
“Please send us a Missionary!”
Perhaps urban churches in distressed neighborhoods need more than what a traditional pastor can offer.A missionary?Why not?While the work of the church goes on in distressed nations around the globe, many of the pressing needs of people are on the HOMELAND – this country -- America, where we find hungry children, homeless families, women and men looking for jobs…..streets where the prevalence of gangs and crime continue to tear at the fabric of community life.
And consider this thought:Perhaps God has already called us – each and every one of us -- to be missionaries in this community!
“Missio” means “to send”…. God has already sent us to be missionaries in this community to “bring good news to the poor, proclaim release to the captives, recovery of sight to the blind;to feed the hungry and provide shelter for the homeless;to let the oppressed go free.”
While core activities of the church revolve around the pillars of worship and education and fellowship, mission is in bringing Christ and God’s compassionate love into the community and world around us.
Simply put, while God feeds our souls through worship as educated servants of God, we are in the end sent by God into this time and place to serve our Lord by serving others.At the end of the day this isn’t your church or my church – this is Christ’s church where we are called to live out the commandment “to love our neighbors as much as we want to be loved ourselves!”
II.
Historically, we’ve done a stellar job in doing Christ’s work in this community.To commit the sin of boasting for a few moments, this is a short list of what we are doing as missionaries:
Summer Magic—programming we do for community children
Debbie Davis is our missionary doing this work as director of this program
Also on this short list:
The East Side Soup Kitchen back in the late 90’s,along with the presence of the Nauseau Health Mobile, Hidden Harvest using our garage as a giant freezer….
Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts have had an active presence in our church
through the years
We are a mission outpost for the
Women of Colors and Mark Neumeyer YouthCenter
And this is not to forget our support for:
Habitat for Humanity-Mother’s Day Offering
Rescue Mission
Millette Center Students who come to clean this Sanctuary
Every Monday morning
Good Neighbor Mission
Emmaus House
Christmas Store
The Two coins a meal offering
Crop Walk and Soupler Bowl of Caring raising funds
For overseas missions and local missions!
Gifts we collect for families at Christmas
And our special offerings:
Peace Offering
One Great Hour of Sharing
Christmas Joy Offering
And part of our church mission budget that goes to support
The mission work of the church around the globe.
The problem with lists like this – lists don’t show the smiles on the faces, relief in the hearts of those who are struggling, changes we are able to make happen in the lives of others because we are Christ’s open and inclusive, loving and caring church.
Granted, some of our help is temporary and short-lived!What we give the neighborhood is limited only because we have become a smaller congregation.We are not as young as we used to be. None the less, we continue to make a significant difference in the lives of people near and far.
Today is World Communion Sunday.We receive a special offering and 25%of that offering remains here to help us maintain our church playground. This fourth pillar essential in doing ministry:MISSION.Mission, is an essential part of our identity as a church.Something we have said repeatedly:Without he work we do in this community through the use of this building, we lose our identity.
It’s not hard to say with conviction:We are a Missional church!
Digging Deeper…….
III.SOCIAL CREED FOR THE 21ST CENTURY
A few years ago I introduced you to an important missional document, the “Social Creed for the Twenty-First Century”.This was back when I first started using “missional” language to describe the work of the church.
There is so much to think about in this creed I decided to give you a copy again – if only to focus on the last paragraph:
“We—individual Christians and churches--commit ourselves to a culture of peace and freedom that embraces non-violence, nurtures character, treasures the environment, and builds community, rooted in a spirituality of inner growth with outward action. We make this commitment together—as members of Christ’s body, led by the one Spirit—trusting in the God who makes all things new.”
Inner growth is always paired with outward action, just as the work of preparing the soil is followed by the planting of seeds.We are planting seeds in this community.Outward action – the small acts of compassion, an anonymous good deed, a letter or note, a donation, a phone call to check in on an acquaintance…..and bigger decisions that have changed the culture of this church…..and this church changing the culture of this street and neighborhood…..what a momentous decision back in the 1970’s when this church decided to stay in this neighborhood…..and using this building to support programming for children in this neighborhood.We’re so blessed not only to have this church – but for the children – a playground and Gym!
What would this street look like without this church?The simple presence of this church sends a message that we care – and yes, God cares for the people in this community.
IV.RISKY BUSINESS
We have learned some valuable lessons along the way as a church discerning God’s will for us in doing Christ’s work in this community.Being a church in a neighborhood like this comes with a certain amount of risk.Missionary work is risky.
One lesson we learned, when we risked some years ago opening our doors to the East Side Soup Kitchen.More recently we opened our doors to the Women of Colors organization and the youth center…..and we learned that we don’t have the capacity or resources to do this work ourselves so we broker these things out for others to do…. work that is consistent in doing mission as a Presbyterian church in this neighborhood.
When preaching sermons like this I am reminded of the quotes found in both the old and new constitutions of the church….A FOUNDATIONAL PRINCIPLE that reminds me of the risk we have taken in the past as a church….
F-1.0301
The Church is the body of Christ. Christ gives to the Church all the gifts necessary to be his body. The Church strives to demonstrate these gifts in its life as a community in the world (1 Cor. –28):
The Church is to be a community of faith, entrusting itself to God alone, even at the risk of losing its life.”
From the Old Constitution:
G-3.0400
“The Church is called to undertake this mission even at the risk of losing its life, trusting in God alone as the author and giver of life, sharing the gospel, and doing those deeds in the world that point beyond themselves to the new reality in Christ.”(G.3.0400)
We are not just members of this church in passively watching from a distance what is going on in the community.We are missionaries called to be proactive in engaging in ministries of service to others.Mission is in our blood!
Finally, in summarizing this four week series of sermons:
We worship God, the first pillar, in giving glory to God for all blessings received.
We are an informed, educated church. We believe in looking toward scripture and the confessions of the church to guide us in the work we do.
The third pillar is fellowship – our emphasis in doing God’s work together as a community of faith—having some fun in doing God’s work in this community.
Today, we acknowledge that we can’t keep what God has given us bottled up within these sacred walls. We are called to share the good news of the gospel with others.
For truly,
18“The Spirit of the Lord is upon us,
because he has anointed us as Christians
to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent us, in the name of our lord, to proclaim release to the captives
and recovery of sight to the blind,
to let the oppressed go free,
19to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
May God continue to bless us as a missionaries sent from God, through this church, to serve the community and world around us.
