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The Round Valley United Methodist Church Daily Devotional Archives Page (2010)
Below is a list of past Daily Devotionals that were sent out by our previous Pastor, Jessica Campbell. We hope you enjoy and are inspired by them.
Click any of the headings below to read or hide the Devotional
December 2010 Archives
Daily Faith Lift - December 17th, 2010Christmas Is More than a Nice Story
Christmas is not simply a nice story that Christian parents tell their children about the birth of baby Jesus in whom they believe. The Christmas season is far more than that for we are celebrating a part of God's eternal plan when we celebrate Christmas. Christ did not come into existence at Christmas. He is eternal. Through Christ of Christmas all things were made. The Scripture tells us that Christ, the Word, was in the beginning. He was and is and always will be. Christmas celebrates the Word taking on a human frame and being born of a virgin. Light came to shine into the world's darkness in that Bethlehem cattle stall.
The Word became flesh and dwelt among us revealing the grace and truth of God in abundance-thank God for Christmas. It is a time for us truly to give thanks to God. We read sometimes of misunderstandings about the word "blessing," equating it only with money. Blessing is far much more than that. Christ came to this world that we who believe in Him might receive one blessing after another.
So how do you celebrate Christmas? In different cultures people celebrate Christmas in different ways. One common factor should be that we celebrate the living and eternal Word of God who came into this world to redeem us. What wonderful blessings! Grace and truth come to us through Jesus Christ. If we can humbly confess our need of Him as our Savior and Lord, we can receive these blessings.
Blessings, Pastor Andrew
Daily Faith Lift - December 16th, 2010A Child Is Born!
"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this." (Isaiah 9:6-7)
This famous passage points to the miracle of Christmas: The Almighty God of the universe becoming one of us, being born like us, weak like us, living amongst us. Notice the various titles given to the Savior of the world:* Wonderful Counselor-He will be the one who guides and leads us.It also points to the fact that the Savior will be a descendant of King David, who will rule in righteousness forever.
* Mighty God-God Himself, who is all powerful and able to do all things, will come in the form of a human being.
* Everlasting Father-He cannot be contained by time nor space. He always was and always will be. He will also be the Father who is compassionate and provides for His people.
* Prince of Peace-He cannot be corrupted or go against His just and holy nature. He will bring wholeness and justice to society.
Do you feel the grip of sin's power over you? Praise the Lord! Jesus has broken that burden of sin. The same power that raised Him from the dead is at work within you! This Christmas season, let us celebrate the miracle of the birth of Christ. He lived the perfect life we should have lived and the death we should have died, all for unconditional love for us.
Blessings, Pastor Andrew
Daily Faith Lift - December 10th, 2010"Boasting in God"
2 Corinthians 1:12 "Now this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, in the holiness and sincerity that are from God. We have done so not according to worldly wisdom but according to God's grace."
Boasting has a bad connotation these days. When we hear the word boast, our thoughts naturally go to self-puffery, but in this passage the content of boasting is not about oneself, but God. Paul's conduct with the Corinthians has been consistent, and so, Paul is proud. Why Paul is emphasizing the fact that he's been the same in dealing with them? The important message here is that whatever the situation may be an important element in human relationships is consistency; when we are not consistent in our behavior and action, a trusting relationship cannot be built. The relationships we build in the community of faith should be centered around Christ, and our decisions should not be made in a worldly manner. Being consistent and honest is a crucial part of the relationships built in the community as a family. The relationship that is built in the community is found in the person of Christ who is always faithful. In Christ, the answer is always "Yes" because the faithfulness of Christ never fails us.
Blessings, Pastor Andrew
Daily Faith Lift - December 9th, 2010God's Time
We often wonder about God's timing of many things, but one thing is for sure, God does not operate on our time schedule. This is a truth I have had to face again and again. God is always on time. God helps us at the right time. He is always willing to help us.
There is something beautiful about endurance. Endurance demonstrates the depth of someone's love. There are times when I have said to God, "Of course I love You. I will do anything for You." Then, I have heard, "Why don't you just do what you are doing right now for me?" I have replied in my mind, "Because it doesn't seem so important." God does work through you, but we cannot reject the work that God is doing in you. Honestly, I have been motivated at times to be recognized as an "accomplished" Christian, but God is interested in making us a true disciple.
Enduring is not just waiting to do something important for God. Enduring in itself is important. It is not "down time," since God can accomplish all manner of miraculous things without us. It is important because it develops character in us. More than using us for some great purpose, God desires to build us. One might wonder why God would make us wait. It seems torturous, but God wants to demonstrate what God has built in us already. Although we may endure many hardships for God, in the grand scheme of things, it is God who ultimately waits for us.
Blessings, Pastor Andrew
Daily Faith Lift - December 2nd, 2010Becoming Like Jesus
There was a statue of a beautiful girl that had become the town's landmark. Even though it was just a statute, the sculptor had created an expression of class and beauty on her face. One day, a girl from the countryside came across the statue and became mesmerized. The girl wanted to become like the statue. So she went home and practiced smiling like the statue's smile. Then she saw the statue's clean face and began washing her face. Seeing the statue's kept hair motivated her to brush her hair. Then she fixed her clothes just like the statue's clothes. Everyday, the girl made changes to become more like the statue.
Then one day, the people of the town were amazed to see their landmark alive and walking around their streets. The girl that wanted to become like the statue had eventually become a beautiful and elegant young lady. Christians are people that look at Jesus every day and become like Him. Becoming like Jesus is the biggest source of joy for Christians.
Blessings, Pastor Andrew
November 2010 Archives
Daily Faith Lift - November 22nd, 2010A Prepared Heart
Once I get home from work on Friday, I rarely leave the house until Sunday morning. On Saturdays I usually spend most of my time in the study room meditating and preparing for my Sunday sermon. I am sure it is because I am not the best preacher, but I cannot focus my heart to worshiping God on Sunday if resort to anything else.
One Saturday night as I was returning to the study after dinner, I happened to see my kids playing computer games. I ended up playing for about fifteen minutes, then headed back up to the study. The next morning, I took a moment to pray before getting up to the pulpit to lead the worship and deliver my sermon. But once I closed my eyes to pray, the screen from last night's computer game appeared before my eyes with a bunch of blips. I am sure the congregation did not notice, but I was very startled at that moment.
I am a pastor, and I spend many hours leading up to Sunday service, polishing and preparing my heart for worship. Fifteen minutes is honestly nothing compared to the time that I spent to prepare for the Sunday worship, but considering the fact the "insignificant,"' seemingly very short fifteen minutes had grabbed a hold of my heart that morning. I wondered how often we come to church to worship God with our hearts prepared through prayers and meditations. In order for worship to be worthy, it must be carried out with a prepared heart. Worship does not begin at church, but rather at home.
Blessings, Pastor Andrew
Daily Faith Lift - November 16th, 2010Thanksgiving Faith
An old lady came to the Oval Office asking to meet with President Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln was the target of harsh criticism at the time, and his assistant was about to turn the lady away when Lincoln happened to step out of the Oval Office. The old lady pleaded, "All I need is a moment, please." Lincoln invited her into his office and asked, "What can I do for you, ma'am?" The old lady said, "There is nothing you can do for me, but I came to give you something. It is not much, but I brought you cookies you like. You must be very busy, but I wanted to repay you for all the hard work you have done for us. I came here because I wanted you to know that we all love you and are always grateful." We give offerings, but it is not to help out with God's needs. Rather, it is an expression of faith and gratitude for God's grace, and an act of giving our best to God. Only those that put God before everything else can confess faith in God through offering.
Blessings, Pastor Andrew
Daily Faith Lift - November 12th, 2010Filled with the Spirit
To explain what it is like to be filled with the Holy Spirit D.L. Moody asked his congregation how to get rid of the air in an empty glass. People suggested using suction to remove the air, but Moody warned it would break the glass. As people were left wondering just how to go about removing the air, he asked someone to bring some water and then poured it into the glass. The water pushed all the air out of the cup. Just like that, in order for us to leave behind the ways of sin and become righteous, we have to go through the drastic and painful changes much like water filling up the cup. We have to come to God as we are-sinful, wicked, angry, hurt, and more. Asking the Lord to fill us with the Holy Spirit to remove our pain is the first step in truly becoming God's children
Blessings, Pastor Andrew
Daily Faith Lift - November 10th, 2010The story is told of a man who took his family on a vacation tour of London. His six-year-old daughter was especially awed by Westminster Abbey. The man couldn't help but notice her intense focus on the grandeur of the building, so finally he asked, "What are you thinking about, honey?"
She replied, "I just noticed how big you look at home and how small you look in here."
Sometimes we struggle to separate the big things in life from the not so big ones. This is especially true when it comes to the end times. It's easy to get caught up in the urgency of daily concerns that we lose sight of eternally important things.
Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning (Luke 12:35).
Jesus is coming again and when He does, the problems as well as the dreams of this world will shrink to nothing. Meanwhile, we're called to be ready, to maintain the proper perspective. Amid the distractions of the "small stuff," may we focus on the priorities and desires that matter in eternity.
Blessings, Pastor Andrew
Daily Faith Lift - November 9th, 2010God's Kingdom Through Cooperation
I like to share with you an article written by one of my pastor friends who went to mission trip in Korea.
A few years ago I visited a small island called Hwado on the southern coast of Korea. There were 23 people in our group, and we spent time on the island treating the local elderly to feasts, giving them haircuts, and holding an evangelical service in the local schoolyard.
The island was beautiful, but the afternoon sun was unforgiving. Standing there in the heat was Jiyeon, and I asked her, "What are you doing here? You're too sick to be out here with us. You should really take care of yourself." What Jiyeon told me in response with a spatula in hand was humbling and touching at the same time: "Pastor, can you see my ankle? It's bruised pretty badly, huh? It's because of cancer. But I wanted to come so I could help feeding my friends who are serving here. I don't have enough strength to go through the neighborhoods or to play music for the local people. But I can still cook, so I came to help."
Her words brought tears to my eyes, and I hurriedly reached out and placed my hand on her ankle and prayed. That night all the people from the island and our group enjoyed a delicious dinner. That day, Jiyeon looked like an angel from a heaven on earth, both in appearance and her heart as she was sincerely eager to share her all with others.
Blessings, Pastor Andrew
Daily Faith Lift - November 4th, 2010God Is the Guide of Life
When a man was skiing one day in Colorado, he noticed a number of people in red vests scattered throughout the slope. When he got close to one, he was able to make out the words "Visually Impaired" on their vests. He was surprised once he figured out who those people were, but also curious to see how the blind could ski. He stood by and observed as the group skied down, and was surprised by the simple but ingenious way of their skiing. Each blind person had someone else with them, guiding them down the slope but close enough to communicate between each other.
He saw that the guides were using two methods of communication. One was tapping the slope with the ski poles to indicate where he was, and the other was giving directions such as "straight," "left," "stop," "slow," and "person coming up on the right." The visually impaired skier then followed the guide's instructions.
Our lives are very much like going down a hill blind. Just as the blind could not see what was happening five meters ahead of them down the slope, we too are unsure as to what will take place in five seconds. But we have a guide with us that stays by our side and communicates with us. The most important thing here is that we must obey and follow God, the Ultimate Guider of life, just like how the blind skiers followed the guides' instructions.
Blessings, Pastor Andrew
Daily Faith Lift - November 2nd, 2010Do you need more peace in your life? Are you frustrated or upset over something or fighting off discouragement? The first question to ask yourself is "What am I thinking about?" If you're thinking about your problems all the time or how impossible everything is, then your life is going to follow that negative direction. But, when you get your mind going in the right direction, when you focus your mind on the Word of God, then you are setting yourself in the direction of peace. So keep your mind focused on God. Be empowered by meditating on God’s Word. As you set your thoughts in the right direction, your life will move forward in the direction of peace and victory God has in store for you!
Blessings, Pastor Andrew
October 2010 Archives
Daily Faith Lift - October 29th, 2010No doubt Mother Teresa, the saint of the twentieth century, was a living example of the true servant hood and discipleship. She dedicated her entire life to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ through service. She was truly the mother of all people who were poor and outcast. One day a reporter asked her why bother when there are still so many hungry and needy people out there all over the world despite her work? Why do you keep doing this when you cannot possibly solve all the problems? Mother Teresa acknowledged that her work is only a drop of water in the ocean. But if she had not cared for that one drop, she said, the ocean would be one drop less.
Blessings, Pastor Andrew
Daily Faith Lift - October 21st, 2010Four Types of Churches
There are four types of churches; those resembling a cemetery, a museum, a theater and a house party. The "cemetery" type is a church in which the entire ministry has died out and joy has left its congregation. It is a lot like when people go to the cemetery out of a sense of duty to pay respects, and no other reason. A "museum" church is stuck in the past reminiscing about how the church used to be.
A "theater" church has a lot of gathered people. But they are focused only on watching a performance. People cheer and applaud for the performers. All there is to the church are a few main players and a director, and everyone else are spectators. Lastly there is the "house party" church. Everyone is invited to celebrate Jesus coming to save us. The house is packed with first timers because they like to invite other people. Those people who already have met Jesus serve new guests. Jesus watches with joy.
A church needs to be like a house party where everyone is welcome to celebrate the new life. People who do not know God are transformed by the power and grace of Jesus Christ.
Blessings, Pastor Andrew
Daily Faith Lift - October 13th, 2010The Seed of Life
A few years ago, there was an incident that made the archaeological community very excited. A mummy in its original form without much damage had been found. This mummy from 3,000years ago was holding grains in his hands. Scholars debated whether the grains still have life in them or not. Some said that there could be no seed of life in them because they had dried up while others claimed that since vital power is strong thing they could still hold life in them. A farmer put an end to this debate with a simple solution. "Why do you waste time debating when can fine out by planting them?" When the seeds were planted, 70% of them sprouted surprisingly. For 3,000 years those seeds couldn't sprout because they were in the hands of a dead man. But once the seeds were planted in fertile soil, they sprouted up.
Likewise, the Gospel of life cannot bear fruits if it is in the hands of a dead man. In order to bring out life, it must be spread and planted. in the soil of someone's heart. Are you holding and keeping the Gospel of Jesus Christ for yourself like the dead man holding the grains in his hands or are you planting it into the hearts of your neighbors? The disciples of Jesus Christ are called to sow the seed of life. God has called us for this task. This is the will of the Lord who started the first church. This is the vision and mission of the Church of Jesus Christ.
Blessings, Pastor Andrew
September 2010 Archives
Daily Faith Lift - September 30th, 2010Give Children a Hug
In Touch, a book by Tiffany Field, there is a story about two orphanages in a small city during World War II. One was on the east side of the river, and the other on the west side of river. One on the west side was supported by the allied forces, so it was better equipped and provided the orphans better food and housing than the other orphanage. For some reason, however, the death rate and the number of ill children were lower in the orphanage with the poor facilities.
After the war, the researchers found a very interesting discovery while comparing the two orphanages. In the orphanage with the poor facilities, there was a woman who had lost her child in the war and become mentally deranged. This woman mistook the children at the orphanage as her own. She had held the children in her arm one after another like her own child. That was the crucial factor that lowered the illness and death rate for the children in the orphanage.
Blessings, Pastor Andrew
Daily Faith Lift - September 23rd, 2010"What's for supper?"
For me there is always a good answer and a satisfying meal. Not once in my fifty some years have I ever had to go to bed hungry.
"What's for supper?" "Some corn meals and water." The answer is pretty disappointing and so is the supper. Yet it is a kind of response one million people get every night of the year. They are the malnourished overseas and even here in America.
"What's for supper?" "Nothing!" That's the answer for between thirteen and eighteen million children and adults every night of the year. Many of them die from hunger and starvation at forty thousand children alone each day of the year.
It's enough to turn your stomach! It has turned my mind and heart. I want to do something but the numbers are staggering. I hear Jesus say, "But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you, for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous" (Luke 14:13-14).
I really can't invite even a fraction of those hungry over for supper. But one of the things I can do is share my "bread" by supporting the 2010 Central Hunterdon CROP-WALK for the Hungry. We all can! It's a start, and it's a good start! The pledges we give for walkers are turned into "supper" for many starving people. Those pledges make possible the distribution of life giving-life saving-foods. And our Food Pantry is one of many programs that receive funds from Crop Walk.
The walk(5 miles) is on Sunday October 10, 1PM and begins and ends at YMCA Camp Carr in Clinton Township. I pray, I really do, that every one of us here at Church will sponsor a walker and that many people from our church are willing to participate in this year's Crop Walk-adults, youths and even older children from our Sunday School.
It's a terrible thing to bed hungry. It's a horrible thing to go to bed and die. So let's serve up a lavish response. What a joy it will be when a malnourished child asks, "What's for supper?" And a mother can answer her with a full plate made possible by someone at Round Valley United Methodist Church. I can hear that child say, "Great!" I can also hear Jesus saying, "I was hungry and you gave me to eat."
God loves you and so do I.
Blessings, Pastor Andrew
Daily Faith Lift - September 21st, 2010I want to share with you "10 ways to pray" for the world.
1. "Lord, do something that will show people your glory over all the earth."
2. "Lord, use these anxious and uncertain times to bring many to Christ."
3. "Lord, guide our leaders to be instruments of your will on earth."
4. "Lord, protect the innocent."
5. "Lord, use your people to bring comfort to the oppressed, heal the sick and feed the hungry."
6. "Lord have your way and your will in the lives of our enemies."
7. "Lord make a way for people to live in the dignity and freedom that goes with being made in your image."
8. "Lord, help your people model peace in these troubled times, pointing the people around them to Jesus-at a time when hearts are soft."
9. "Lord, use world events to open many doors that have been closed to your gospel."
10. "Lord, bring peace out of all that's happening."
Let us be united in prayer in times like these.
Blessings, Pastor Andrew
Daily Faith Lift - September 19th, 2010First things first! I can't even begin to count the number of times I've said that to myself. It sounds so simple and yet it's a guideline for life that we seldom heed. When I have really busy day ahead of me, I find that it is often helpful to sit down and write all of my tasks on the piece of paper (or on my i-pod). Then I look at what I have written and try to decide which of the things listed is the most important, and the second most important, and so on. Beginning with the most important task, I then put my mind to each task, one at a time, until they have all been accomplished (hopefully!). Priorities, sometimes the best way to get things done in life is to set priorities.
Our highest priorities should be those things that touch the most lives and have the longest effect. The things that will have eternal result should be given the highest priority. That's probably what Jesus meant when he said, "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness," If people could learn to make God's kingdom a priority in their lives, then everything else in life would fall into line. If people learn to focus their attention on their service to God, God would not leave them in want and "all these things shall be added to you."
Do you think that Christians today are true to that teaching? Do Christian churches today place more importance on seeking the kingdom of God than on any other aspect of Church life? Or are there any other mundane concerns that often keep the Church from fulfilling her highest priority? How about our own Round Valley Church? Are we as the People of God truly seeking to serve God and bring God's Kingdom into our midst? Or aren't our minds and hearts so occupied with other earthly concerns that we fail to make God's kingdom business our highest priority?
Blessings, Pastor Andrew
Daily Faith Lift - September 16th, 2010We as the church, the body of Christ, have a mission. It is to go and make disciples of Jesus Christ witnessing the Gospel to the lost and motivating and equipping them to follow Jesus Christ our Lord. It means that we are willing to boldly go where we have never gone before. What is the best way to make people want to become disciples of Jesus Christ? Do we have to knock on doors, visiting house to house? Yes, by all means. We should do that. God calls us to go from door to door, preach the Gospel, the Good News of Jesus Christ and invite them to accept Jesus as their Lord. We Christians need to learn to witness. We need to practice telling people who Jesus is and what He has done in our lives.
One way of preparing is by studying scripture and applying God's word to our daily living. Another way is to pray for guidance on how to witness. Furthermore, we also need to be awake and look for opportunities to share that witness. I believed the key for witness the Gospel lies in the words of Francis of Assisi: "Everywhere you go, preach the gospel. Use words if necessary." The witness of our lives is more important than what we say. Words are important but they are empty if they are not words that come out of the way we live our lives. It has been said that actions speak more loudly than words. And that is true: we need to walk the walk, to talk the talk.
Jesus commanded that we make disciples. You don't need to be a preacher to do that. Our actions are our tools; they are our true words. Let us go, therefore, with the Love of Christ, and witness the goodness and greatness of God. Let us show them with our lips and hands of the way God has loved and taken care of us you.
"The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of harvest to send out laborers into his harvest." (Matthew 9:37-38)
Blessings, Pastor Andrew
Daily Faith Lift - September 14th, 2010"I thank my God every time I remember you" (Philippians 1:3).
My friend sent me the following article which apparently was written by a missionary and medical doctor in Africa. His testimony shows us how God hears and answers our prayers. This will truly lift you up spiritually. Please read and enjoy it.
One night I had worked hard to help a mother in the labor ward; but in spite of all we could do, she died, leaving us with a tiny, premature baby and a crying two-year-old daughter. We would have difficulty keeping the baby alive; as we had no incubator (we had no electricity to run an incubator). We also had no special feeding facilities.
Although we lived on the equator, nights were often chilly with treacherous drafts. One student midwife went for the box we had for such babies and the cotton wool that the baby would be wrapped in. Another went to stoke up the fire and fill a hot water bottle. She came back shortly in distress to tell me that in filling the bottle, it had burst (rubber perishes easily in tropical climates).'And it is our last hot water bottle!' she exclaimed. As in the West, it is no good crying over spilled milk, so in Central Africa it might be considered no good crying over burst water bottles. They do not grow on trees, and there are no drugstores down forest pathways. 'All right,' I said, 'put the baby as near the fire as you safely can, and sleep between the baby and the door to keep it free from drafts Your job is to keep the baby warm.'
The following noon, as I did most days, I went to have prayers with any of the orphanage children who chose to gather with me. I gave the youngsters various suggestions of things to pray about and told them about the tiny baby. I explained our problem about keeping the baby warm enough, mentioning the hot water bottle, and that the baby could so easily die if it got chills. I also told them of the two-year-old sister, crying because her mother had died.
During prayer time, one ten -year-old girl, Ruth, prayed with the usual blunt conciseness of our African children. 'Please, God' she prayed, 'Send us a hot water bottle today. It'll be no good tomorrow, God, as the baby will be dead, so please send it this afternoon.' While I gasped inwardly at the audacity of the prayer, she added, 'And while You are about it, would You please send a dolly for the little girl so she'll know You really love her?'
As often with children's prayers, I was put on the spot. Could I honestly say 'Amen?' I just did not believe that God could do this. Oh, yes, I know that He can do everything; the Bible says so. But there are limits, aren't there? The only way God could answer this particular prayer would be by sending me a parcel from the homeland. I had been in Africa for almost four years at that time, and I had never, ever, received a parcel from home. Anyway, if anyone did send me a parcel, who would put in a hot water bottle? I lived on the equator!
Halfway through the afternoon, while I was teaching in the nurses' training school, a message was sent that there was a car at my front door. By the time I reached home, the car had gone, but there on the verandah was a large 22-pound parcel. I felt tears pricking my eyes. I could not open the parcel alone, so I sent for the orphanage children. Together we pulled off the string, carefully undoing each knot. We folded the paper, taking care not to tear it unduly Excitement was mounting. Some thirty or forty pairs of eyes were focused on the large cardboard box. From the top, I lifted out brightly-colored, knitted jerseys. Eyes sparkled as I gave them out. Then there were the knitted bandages for the leprosy patients, and the children looked a little bored.. Then came a box of mixed raisins and sultanas - that would make a batch of buns for the weekend. Then, as I put my hand in again, I felt the.....could it really be? I grasped it and pulled it out. Yes, a brand new, rubber hot water bottle. I cried. I had not asked God to send it; I had not truly believed that He could.
Ruth was in the front row of the children. She rushed forward, crying out, 'If God has sent the bottle, He must have sent the dolly, too!' Rummaging down to the bottom of the box, she pulled out the small, beautifully-dressed dolly. Her eyes shone! She had never doubted! Looking up at me, she asked, 'Can I go over with you and give this dolly to that little girl, so she'll know that Jesus really loves her?' 'Of course,' I replied!
That parcel had been on the way for five whole months, packed up by my former Sunday school class, whose leader had heard and obeyed God's prompting to send a hot water bottle, even to the equator. And one of the girls had put in a dolly for an African child - five months before, in answer to the believing prayer of a ten-year-old to bring it 'that afternoon.'
'Before they call, I will answer.' (Isaiah 65:24)
Blessings, Pastor Andrew
Daily Faith Lift - September 9th, 2010Walking With God
My niece's daughter, Noori, who just turned one has learned to toddle just recently. Although it is still quite an effort for her to walk, Noori continues to step forward, looking straight ahead. Her mom tries to hold her hand, but she pushes her side and tries to walk on her own. Her foot slips and she falls. So her mom follows her around and walks along with her. But Noori does not realize anything because she is so occupied with her freedom to walk. Often she doesn't even know that her mom is nearby. Her mom does not try to help but merely looks at the baby from the back.
When she sees an obstacle in the child's way, she quickly puts it away. Only when the child rushes for a puddle or runs into a thing that can hurt her, her mom runs swiftly like a lightening to lift her up. Thinking that her mom wants to play with her, Noori start laughing. Her mom smiles brightly and puts her down in a safe place again.
As in the actions of the mother, we can see the images of God. Our loving God protects our life in the way the mother looks out for her baby. God is always nearby, watching out for us. Sometimes God quietly walks with us side by side. Other times God acts promptly to help us out. When we wobble, God holds our hands. When we are falling, God lifts us up. When we go through suffering, God give us a piggy-back ride. When we walk towards the wrong way, God points us a new direction. God's promise keeps us safe even through the most desperate time of our lives.
Blessings, Pastor Paek
Daily Faith Lift - September 7th, 2010There is a song that says, “A Song is not a song until you sing it, a bell is not a bell until you ring it, and love is not love until you give it away.” Likewise “a blessing is not a blessing until you’re thankful for it.” There are many blessings that we don’t recognize as blessings because we are not thankful for it. When you have a thankful heart, even a smallest thing can become a huge blessing to you. When, on the other hand, you lack in the area of “thanksgiving,” all the blessings of the world don’t mean anything.
Brazilians are known to say “Obrigado” all the time. It means “Thank You!” It is one of the most frequently used words for them. They say “Obrigado!” even for the smallest thing in life. They shout “Obrigado!” whenever they have a chance. It is known that by the time we reach the adulthood, we become aware of 26,000 words, and the best words to make someone happy are “Thank you!” Certainly, “Thank you!” or “Gam-sa-harp-ni-da!” in Korean are the words that make God most pleased. There is a Jewish wisdom that says, “Don’t teach anything to children until they are used to saying ‘Thank you.’”
Blessings, Pastor Paek
Daily Faith Lift - September 3rd, 2010A Healthy Church
I heard this story from a pastor friend. When he visited a church, the members of the congregation bragged how there are no kids who smoke or drink in that church. So he asked them, "Did you expel those kids who drink and smoke? Or were they transformed by the Word to not drink or smoke?" They couldn't answer that question.
What kind of church is a healthy church? It's a church where anyone is welcome. It's a church where people who are hurt and have suffered could come freely. A healthy church is where the weak, problematic and even the most sinful human being can come and feel right at home. Anyone who is willing to worship and be transformed by the Word is welcome by God.
In the big picture of God's kingdom, we all play an important role, like a piece of a puzzle. It cannot become a beautiful work if even one small piece is missing. Likewise, we need each and everyone of us working together to create the master work of the God's church. When all are working together, our church can be pleasing to God.
Faith is not only about believing in Jesus and going to heaven alone. But it is also communal. Faith is about loving, serving and worshipping together as the church of God, the body of Jesus Christ. You can't be alone when you believe in God. When you accept Jesus as your Savior and receive Him into your heart as the Master of your life, you get brothers and sisters, you get neighbors and you get a community.
Blessings, Pastor Paek
June 2010 Archives
Daily Faith Lift - June 11th, 2010All night and day I have been trying to decide what to say for my final Daily Devotional here at Round Valley.
While some of you mock me for this...it is surprisingly emotional for me to let go and say goodbye.
So...
I want to thank you.
Thank you for listening to my voice and walking beside me as I have pondered, reflected, quoted, and questioned.
Thank you for putting up with my poor spelling and mis-typed words.
Thank you for challenging me, giving me new ideas and resources, and supporting me.
Thank you for shedding a tear with me.
Thank you for laughing with me.
Thank you for reading these devotionals and sharing how they have touched your soul or given you a new window to see and experience God.
Thank you for your prayers.
Thank you for letting me pray for you.
And thank you for weaving your life and your story together with my own.
Thank you.
God loves you and so do I.
Blessings, Pastor Jessica
Daily Faith Lift - June 10th, 2010Someone asked me yesterday if panic had set in yet over the move. While I calmly answered "we are in good shape and I think everything should be done in time". The second time I was asked yesterday I simply answered "yes".
Here is where we stand:
Attic-done
My Office-done
Jonathan's Office-done
Basement-done
Living Room-done
Dinning Room, Kitchen and Bedrooms-Not Done
In terms of packing I think we are finally in good shape. The problem now is that our house is being painted so there is only so much we can get done, our furniture that we wanted to sell is not getting sold, and I have not done any of the actual "move" stuff-ie. change of address, canceling cable, and looking into new plates and licenses.
Even though I feel a sense of panic, it is not motivating me to get things done any faster. I don't want to pack any more boxes and I don't want to look for the start of the tape on the roll any more.
Transitions are always hard for me for a variety of reasons. There is the physical-disorganized-everything is in my way and yet I can't find a thing part. And then there is the emotional saying goodbye's part.
I give thanks that we believe in a God of new beginnings and future hope. That we are called to look at ways God is leading us and guiding us and not just staying where we are. This belief and faith is what is making the transition a little easier.
Even though I will miss the Lebanon community, I pray that God is leading me to a new place where my gifts will be used. Even though I hate this time of craziness, I know that it won't be long until I am at home in a new place and Pastor Paek is wandering the streets of Lebanon knowing who is who.
God is good, all the time! All the time, God is good!
Blessings, Pastor Jessica
Daily Faith Lift - June 7th, 2010Well, below are some photos from my ordination service. It was so sacred!
Our house is being painted and we are now knee deep in boxes so after much prayer I have decided that this Friday will be my last Daily Devotional.
It is hard for me to make this formal because it is one more change in the midst of so many but we can't be home (the only place left with internet access) during the day while they are painting and by night I am a pack-aholic.
I will miss doing this and am sad to let it go. I am keeping the same email address after I move and will be restarting some type of daily devotional or blog after July 5th if you are interested.
Here is to the last week of sharing this together...
Click the thumbnails below to enlarge the picture
Blessings, Pastor Jessica
Daily Faith Lift - June 3rd, 2010This pretty well sums up how the day was!
GNJ Annual Conference Daily Digest
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Building the Church by Our Presence
The Greater New Jersey Annual Conference convened on Thursday June 3, 2010.
Esther Chung Kim Preaching
Annual Conference started with a reminder that a promise is a promise. Rev. Dr. Esther Chung Kim told a story of how she had promised her cousin a robot as a young child, after which years passed before she saw the cousin again. When she did finally see her cousin, Rev. Kim was reminded of the promise and instead purchased a laptop. "A promise is a promise," she said. "God sent the Messiah as promised, and his name is Jesus." Rev. Kim reminded us that through God's promises we are called to keep holding on, in good times and even in times of burden. "God's plan is not to harm, but to give us hope for a future," said Rev. Kim. "God has promised to walk with us and He does." Then she asked how each would respond to this promise at the start of Annual Conference. "Make the most of these three days. Use them to draw near to God and the people here," she urged. Following the sermon, the Service of Remembrance proceeded, which recognized and celebrated the lives of Laity, Clergy Spouses and Clergy who passed away since the last Conference. The service concluded with Holy Communion being served.
Social Principles Luncheon
Leaders from the GNJ Conference gathered for a luncheon which examined the Social Principles of the United Methodist Church. Rev. Neal Christie, Assistant General Secretary of the United Methodist Board of Church and Society for Education and Leadership Formation, gave GNJ leaders tips on how to incorporate the Social Principles into church life. "[The Social Principles] take on life when we have conversation," said Rev. Christie. He suggested incorporating one part of the UMC Social Creed into each bulletin or mission moments, which helps connect a local church's actions to what the global United Methodist Church proclaims about social issues.
Rev. Stephanie Moore Hand - Conference Preacher/Teacher
Thomas was missing when Jesus first appeared to the disciples in the Gospel of John. "A disciple was missing in action," said Rev. Stephanie Hand, an elder from North Carolina who has been recognized in the area of Christian Education and Youth Ministry. During her teaching she speculated where Thomas may have been that morning. "Where was Thomas? What could Thomas have possibly been doing?" she asked. Rev. Hand continued to suggest that Thomas could have been resting in bed, watching a televangelist or even taking a vacation that week.
Rev. Hand talked about how Thomas has been branded as the "doubter". She said that in Sunday School she heard about "Doubting Thomas" and when she was a little older she heard more about "Doubting Thomas". "We want clarity sometimes, but we need to have faith."
Rev. Hand challenged the GNJ leaders not to get stuck on "unless this or unless that". She said people have all kinds of unless this or that excuses. She used examples of music styles, the way young people dress and the length of the sermon as reasons people make for not showing up in church.
"Thomas missed the encounter with Jesus, but we serve a God of second chances," Rev. Hand said. She then challenged all to be not only physically, but mentally present during this time of Holy Conferencing and to surrender all to God.
Awards
Members of Annual Conference celebrated during the afternoon session with the presentation of several awards. The Christian Unity Award was received by three recipients - Kaitlyn Eystad, a youth lay member of Pitman UMC for starting the Angels of God Clothing Closet. Rev. Carol Davies of Bethel UMC in Hurffville and Middletown United Methodist Church also received the Christian Unity Award.
The Harry Seese Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Rev. Douglas Rea.
The Francis Asbury Award was presented to Rev. Derrick Doherty.
The Denman Evangelism Award was received by Jacob William Sprengle, a youth lay member of Crosskeys UMC, Anne Dice, a lay member of St. Peters UMC in Ocean City, and Rev. Koo Young Na.
Chatham UMC was also presented the Local Church History Award.
Donation
A generous $100,000 donation was made that will create an endowment that will support the spiritual formation of youth and young adults of the GNJ Annual Conference. The endowment, donated by Paul Smith, Jr and Patria Agustin-Smith will primarily support scholarships for the annual Taize pilgrimage. Bishop Devadhar said he hoped the creation of the endowment would inspire others to financially contribute to the fund.
Commission on Equitable Compensation
Leaders approved an increase to the minimum equitable compensation for persons under appointment. Effective January 1, 2010, the minimum compensation for Elders in Full Connection will be $34,847, the minimum compensation for Provisional and Associate Members will be $33,105 and the minimum compensation for a full-time local pastor will be $31,362.
Episcopal Address
During his Episcopal address Bishop Devadhar called the churches of GNJ Conference to action. This year's Annual Conference focus is ministry through our presence. "John Wesley gives us seven manifestations of how we live out the ministry of presence," said Bishop Devadhar. He said these areas are the poor, slavery, prisons, liquor, politics, war, and education.
"What does it mean to be a sacramental presence of God as faithful disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world filled with the power of the Holy Spirit?" asked Bishop Devadhar.
He commended churches and pastors who have been present at District Resource Days, trainings and other learning and spiritual experiences. Bishop Devadhar also said he was "confused and saddened" by those who aren't present at these opportunities. "How may I convince you that these things are far more important than personal benefits or salary concerns?" asked Bishop Devadhar.
Bishop Devadhar challenged GNJ leaders to become "powerful circuit riders" of the 21st century by prayerfully looking at our history and by living fully in the present. He also encouraged moving toward a future where the world is transformed by the love of God through our "faithful, risk-taking, God-centered ministry".
Bishop Devadhar encouraged clergy and laity to always ask, "Are we a sacramental presence of Christ in everything we do?" He urged prayerful consideration of whether God is calling us to be risk takers, caretakers, or undertakers.
Following the Bishop's address the appointments for the upcoming year were fixed.
Blessings, Pastor Jessica
Daily Faith Lift - June 1st, 2010On Friday night, after many years of work, study and prayer, I am being ordained! If you would like to watch the ordination service online you can do so. Here is the information from our Conference website about the Live streaming:
Live Streaming!
In addition, for the third year in a row the Conference Communications Committee will be providing live web streaming coverage of the public sessions at Annual Conference, including the Episcopal Address on Thursday night and the Ordination Service on Friday night. To access the live stream, please go to www.gnjcommunications.com and click on the live stream link on the home page there.
For those who are planning on attending here is the information for the Convention Center:
Radisson Valley Forge Hotel & Convention Center, 1160 1st Avenue, King of Prussia, PA 19406 (1-610-337-2000)
Mapquest says it is an hour and a half from the church.
The service begins at 7:30 and there is a reception afterwards. If you enter the convention center, the hotel staff will be able to direct you to where the service is being held.
I am so grateful to all of you for your prayers and presence through this entire process.
Blessings, Pastor Jessica
May 2010 Archives
Daily Faith Lift - May 27th, 2010I have always believed that God gave us our gifts of reason and thinking. I have always believed that we should further our education and strive to learn more about God and God's church.
Drew is now offering one day classes on a variety of topics. Mark your calendars and be open to how God can work in new ways.
I am pleased to announce the Classes without Quizzes schedule for 2010-2011:
September 24, 2010
"Conflict Resolution within the Church Community"
- Varlyna Wright, Leadership Development Coordinator, Greater New Jersey Annual Conference of the UMC
October 29, 2010
"Developing a Personal Relationship with God"
- Rev. Dr. Charles McNeil, Retired UM Clergy, Psychotherapist, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
November 19, 2010
" The Financing of Ministry: Cultivating a Growing Church"
- Rev. Dr. Rich Hendrickson, Stewardship Development Coordinator, Greater New Jersey Annual Conference of the UMC
February 25, 2011
"Keeping the Pastor Healthy"
- Dr. Virginia Samuel, Associate Dean of Contextual Learning, Drew Theological School
March 25, 2011
"Negotiating Personal Relationships within the Church"
- Dr. William Presnell, Adjunct Instructor in Doctor of Ministry Program, Drew Theological School, ordained UM Minister, Licensed Marital and Family Therapist
April 29, 2011
"Evangelism in Today's World"
- Dr. Leonard Sweet, E. Stanley Jones Professor of Evangelism, Drew Theological School
The seminars run from 9:30 a.m. - 12 noon (except for April 29, which will run from 9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.) The registration form will be available at www.drew.edu/theo/cue within the next week or two, once the Seminary Saturday schedule is finalized.
Blessings, Pastor Jessica
Daily Faith Lift - May 26th, 2010It is always good to laugh!
Bulletin bloopers
Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale. It is a good chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Bring your husbands.
The peace-making meeting scheduled for today has been canceled due to a conflict.
The sermon this morning: Jesus Walks on the Water ... The sermon tonight: Searching for Jesus.
Next Thursday, there will be tryouts for the choir. They need all the help they can get.
The agenda was adopted...the minutes were approved...the financial secretary gave a grief report.
Barbara C. remains in the hospital and needs blood donors for more transfusions. She is also having trouble sleeping and requests tapes of
Pastor Jack's sermons.
The 'Over 60s Choir' will be disbanded for the summer with the thanks of the entire church.
Missionary from Africa speaking at Calvary Memorial Church in Racine. Name: Bertha Belch. Announcement: "Come tonight and hear Bertha Belch all the way from Africa."
Announcement in a church bulletin for a National Prayer & Fasting Conference: "The cost for attending the Fasting & Prayer conference includes Meals.
"Miss Charlene Mason sang, "I Will Not Pass This Way Again," giving obvious pleasure to the congregation.
Blessings, Pastor Jessica
Daily Faith Lift - May 25th, 2010Let Peace Be Your Umpire
Let the peace from Christ rule in your hearts. Colossians 3:15
God leads us by peace. The verse today says peace is like an umpire that decides what is "safe" or what is "out." If there's no peace, it's "out"! We are to let the inner harmony in our minds and souls rule and act as an umpire continually in our hearts, choosing and settling with finality all the questions that arise in our minds and the choices we must make in our lives.
We must learn to obey our own sense of right and wrong and resist doing things our own inner conscience is uncomfortable doing. God gives or takes peace from our conscience to let us know whether or not we are on track.
God's Word for the Day: Let peace be your umpire today. Know that your choice is "in" when you have peace, and "out" when you don't.
From: Hearing from God Each Morning by Joyce Meyer
Blessings, Pastor Jessica
Daily Faith Lift - May 24th, 2010Yesterday I talked about the history of the QWERTY keyboard to give an example of how change is hard. Be sure to look at the proposed keyboard and imagine typing out a sentence. CHANGE IS HARD!
Here is a bit of that history from Wikipedia:
QWERTY (pronounced /'kwerti/) is the most used modern-day keyboard layout on English-language computer and typewriter keyboards. It takes its name from the first six characters seen in the far left of the keyboard's top row of letters.
This layout was devised and created in the early 1870s by Christopher Latham Sholes, a newspaper editor and printer who lived in Milwaukee. With the assistance of his friends Carlos Glidden and Samuel W. Soule he built an early writing machine for which a patent application was filed in October 1867.
For more from Wikipedia, please click HERE.
Blessings, Pastor Jessica
Daily Faith Lift - May 20th, 2010Last night at the Interfaith Dialogue Dinner a number of people from the Muslim community and from the Christian churches in the area gathered together for food, fellowship and getting to know each other.
It was a great event in which stories were shared. Stories of discrimination, stories of stereotypes, stories of hurt and stories of love. Events like this give me hope that we can believe in a future where God's peace will prevail on earth.
In finding ways to be hospitable to our neighbors and witnesses to the love Christ has taught us, God was glorified and the human community was strengthened.
I hope that you will find ways to get to know people who do not believe like you or look like you and that you will be blessed by knowing and befriending the full spectrum of God's creation in humanity.
Blessings, Pastor Jessica
Daily Faith Lift - May 19th, 2010Tonight we will have our interfaith Dialogue Dinner with the Interfaith Dialogue Center. If you are able to join us at 7pm, please come.
The evening will be spent sharing our faith traditions, learning from one another and enjoying a Turkish meal.
How could you miss it?
Everyone is welcomed to attend. I know from past experiences it will be faith-enriching and enjoyable.
Blessings, Pastor Jessica
Daily Faith Lift - May 18th, 2010Could singing from the hymnal be a Christian vice for coping? It has been a stressful two weeks for a variety of reasons and last night when I got home from my meeting and thought I was actually at my breaking point, I had a hymn sing all by myself.
It was amazing how it lifted my spirits singing Here I Am, Amazing Grace, Great Is Thy Faithfulness and others.
I know Scriptures says wherever two or three are gathered God will be present but last night reminded me that even when we are on our own with the worries of the world on our shoulders...God will be there with us.
The day, even though it is gloomy, is looking up already!
Blessings, Pastor Jessica
Daily Faith Lift - May 17th, 2010My favorite hymn from worship yesterday. I pray that as you read the lyrics that God will speak to you in this moment.
400. Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
Text: Robert Robinson, 1735-1790
Music: Wyeth's Repository of Sacred Music, Part Second
Tune: NETTLETON, Meter: 87.87 D
1. Come, thou Fount of every blessing,
tune my heart to sing thy grace;
streams of mercy, never ceasing,
call for songs of loudest praise.
Teach me some melodious sonnet,
sung by flaming tongues above.
Praise the mount! I'm fixed upon it,
mount of thy redeeming love.
2. Here I raise mine Ebenezer;
hither by thy help I'm come;
and I hope, by thy good pleasure,
safely to arrive at home.
Jesus sought me when a stranger,
wandering from the fold of God;
he, to rescue me from danger,
interposed his precious blood.
3. O to grace how great a debtor
daily I'm constrained to be!
Let thy goodness, like a fetter,
bind my wandering heart to thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
prone to leave the God I love;
here's my heart, O take and seal it,
seal it for thy courts above.
Blessings, Pastor Jessica
Daily Faith Lift - May 13th, 2010As I talk with people about my move, a few have asked what it means that we are itinerant. Here is an article from www.umc.org that is helpful in understanding the why's and how's of the appointment system.
Background
Every local church needs a pastor. The United Methodist Church has a unique way of matching pastors and congregations. Rather than local churches hiring and firing their own pastors-as in some denominations-United Methodist bishops appoint pastors to serve in local churches and other ministry settings.
One advantage to this process is that a local church never has to go without a pastor. Likewise, a pastor (specifically, a full member of an annual conference in good standing) never goes without a setting for ministry. The primary goal of the appointment system is to match the gifts and graces of a particular pastor to the ministry needs of a particular congregation at a particular time.
This itinerant system, where pastors move from one appointment to another, dates back to American frontier days when circuit riding preachers traveled on horseback from town to town. At that time, bishops matched preachers to circuits four times a year. Now bishops typically fix appointments once a year.
Where the UMC Stands
To understand the appointive process, it helps to know a little about how the United Methodist Church is organized. We are a connectional church. That means individual congregations are part of a larger network known as an annual conference under the leadership of a bishop. Most annual conferences consist of several districts. Ordained clergy are members of an annual conference rather than a local church.
Bishops are responsible for assigning pastors to charges. A multi-point charge consists of two or more congregations that share a pastor. Ordinarily, district superintendents assist the bishop in prayerfully making appointments. They generally meet with pastors and representatives of local churches every year to assess the effectiveness of ministry there.
The pastor-parish (or staff-parish) relations committee represents the congregation officially in this process. Usually, when everyone agrees that a current pastor's gifts and graces are a good match for the specific needs of a ministry setting, the pastor is assigned to remain for another year. Sometimes, however, a particular pastor is needed elsewhere or a local church requires someone with a new set of gifts and graces. In that case, the pastor will move and the church will receive someone new. The process always involves consultation, but the details vary according to the conference and the bishop.
Appointments are formally 'fixed' at the regular session of annual conference and they take effect on a designated Sunday, usually in early summer.
What We're Doing in This World
Our appointment process puts The United Methodist Church in a unique position to help local churches broaden their understanding and experience about who can do effective ministry. For instance, many churches who would probably not have 'hired' a woman pastor on their own have learned to love and appreciate the clergywomen who have been appointed to serve them. (See "Memories and Dreams: Four Clergywomen Reflect on Their Calling" by Erik Alsgaard in Circuit Rider magazine.) Likewise, cross-racial and cross-cultural appointments invite congregations to value diversity in new ways. (See "Celebrating Diversity" on the East Ohio Conference web site.)
Of course, nontraditional appointments also create challenges for both pastors and local churches. Our connectional system allows for training and support in the face of these challenges. We are always working to improve our appointment process in light of our mission to make disciples. One current trend is to foster longer term appointments so that pastors and local churches have more time to develop truly effective ministry
Blessings, Pastor Jessica
Daily Faith Lift - May 12th, 2010On this dreary day I thought some exciting church resources might be fun to look through. Here is a great newsletter from the national agency that oversees United Methodist Communications.
I hope you are inspired by some new ideas!
Blessings, Pastor Jessica
Daily Faith Lift - May 11th, 2010Yesterday in our Council Meeting our devotional reminded us that we need to continually tell our faith story because we forget so quickly. We need to remember who holds our future and what the basics of our faith teach us about living, about facing tomorrow, and about faithfulness in difficult times.
God is good. That is what our Scriptures teach us. God is good, all the time. All the time, God is good. When everything else crumbles around us or everything else seems to be shaken-if that is our rock and foundation, then we can stand firm.
Stand firm for God is good.
Blessings, Pastor Jessica
Daily Faith Lift - May 10th, 2010Yesterday was a hard day. The Mother's day part was wonderful. Nathan gave me a little box filled with a picture of us, a cut out of each of our hands, 2 hershey kisses (one of which he promptly ate), a band aid so we can always stick together and a little bear to remind us of our bear hugs.
Jeremiah gave me a book that he wrote about his favorite things that we do together. It turns out that even though he is quickly becoming too cool to hang out with me-there are still a few things that he loves to do with his out of touch mom.
Chris, with the help of his dad gave me a great Vegetarian cook book with recipes collected from around the world.
That part was wonderful. Now on to the hard part.
During our worship services it was announced that I am moving. I have been re-appointed to Thiells UMC in NY. While I am so excited about the congregation there and all of the ministries that are taking place-the move is bittersweet. I have deep bonds with the good people in my current appointment and I have memories of starting my ministry and family that I have to work through. For everyone reading this-near or far-in the church or not-would you say a prayer right now for everyone involved. A prayer that the church I am going to, the church I am leaving, and me and my family will honor and trust God through this transition?
Thank you, your prayers make the hard day a little easier.
Blessings, Pastor Jessica
Daily Faith Lift - May 6th, 2010THE KNOTS PRAYER
O Lord,
Please untie the knots that are in my mind, my heart and my life.
Remove the have nots, the can nots and the do nots that I have in my mind.
Erase the will nots, may nots, and might nots that find a home in my heart.
Release me from the could nots, would nots and should nots that obstruct my life.
And most of all, O Lord,
I ask that you remove from my mind, my heart and my life all of the am nots that I have allowed to hold me back,
especially the thought that I am not good enough.
Amen.
MIKEY'S FUNNIES is a clean humor email list, sent every weekday. Copyright 2012 Mike Atkinson | www.mikeysFunnies.com
Blessings, Pastor Jessica
Daily Faith Lift - May 5th, 2010The United Methodist Church is active around the world. One of the primary social action agencies is our General Board of Church and Society. This Board is supported by our shared ministry (apportionment) dollars and they do tremendous work here and around the world.
Enjoy their newsletter - this comes out weekly and you can sign up directly so you stay connected with this important ministry.
Blessings, Pastor Jessica
Daily Faith Lift - May 4th, 2010Our family was recently given a small gift that I have put on top of our tv. It is a small little wooden saying that says "He has good plans for you!" from Jeremiah 29.
I have put the little saying right next to a picture of my boys and I find myself trusting and relying on that saying more each time I look at it.
As a mom, I depend on God to be the One who guides my children and who sets the plans for their lives. As we move toward Mother's Day I hope that you will all take comfort in knowing that God not only has plans for you and your life but for the next generation as well.
Remember today - God has good plans for you! Be faithful in those plans.
Blessings, Pastor Jessica
Daily Faith Lift - May 3rd, 2010For the last hour I have sat with my middle child watching shark videos on YouTube. Right now he is totally interested in everything shark. We have been to the aquarium in Camden, watched hundreds of videos, read tons of books and played with every possible shark toy. In the last few weeks I have learned more about sharks than I have ever know before and if I hear or sing the Jaws theme music again, I may actually pull my hair out.
What makes me laugh is that in two weeks his attention will be diverted to something entirely different. Maybe it will be cars or snakes, boats or space. And then it will begin again....
How is that we change course in life? How is that we can devote ourselves to something-a project, a hobby, a family member, whatever it is-and then change directions? For my son it comes so naturally. One minute it is sharks, the next it is planets.
Maybe as adults we make change too hard. For years I have wanted to live a more "green" life. Maybe I should follow my son's lead and stop reading about it and just start doing it.
How is it possible that I learn so much about life and faith and love and struggles and joy from such young people?
Blessings, Pastor Jessica
April 2010 Archives
Daily Faith Lift - April 29th, 2010It doesn't hurt to have a little Biblical humor
Q. What kind of man was Boaz before he married Ruth?
A. Ruthless.
Q. What do they call pastors in Germany ?
A. German Shepherds.
Q. Who was the greatest financier in the Bible?
A. Noah He was floating his stock while everyone else was in liquidation.
Q. Who was the greatest female financier in the Bible?
A. Pharaoh's daughter. She went down to the bank of the Nile and drew out a little prophet.
Q. What kind of motor vehicles are in the Bible?
A. Jehovah drove Adam and Eve out of the Garden in a Fury. David 's Triumph was heard throughout the land. Also, probably a Honda, because the apostles were all in one Accord.
Q. Who was the greatest comedian in the Bible?
A. Samson. He brought the house down.
Q. What excuse did Adam give to his children as to why he no longer lived in Eden ?
A. Your mother ate us out of house and home.
Q. Which servant of God was the most flagrant lawbreaker in the Bible?
A. Moses. He broke all 10 commandments at once.
Q. Which area of Palestine was especially wealthy?
A. The area around Jordan . The banks were always overflowing.
Q. Who is the greatest baby-sitter mentioned in the Bible?
A. David He rocked Goliath to a very deep sleep.
Q. Which Bible character had no parents?
A. Joshua, son of Nun.
Q. Why didn't they play cards on the Ark ?
A. Because Noah was standing on the deck. (Groan.)
PS... Did you know it's a sin for a woman to make coffee?
Yup, it's in the Bible. It says . . 'He-brews'
KEEP SMILING!!!! GOD LOVES YOU BUNCHES AND BUNCHES!!!!
Friends are God's way of taking care of us.
Faith, Hope & Love -- but the greatest of these is LOVE.
1 Corinthians 13:13
Blessings, Pastor Jessica
Daily Faith Lift - April 28th, 2010Tonight begins our Wednesday night Interfaith Dialogue Series. There is an attachment with the schedule and more information.
As United Methodists, we believe that we are called to be neighbors and witnesses to people of all faiths.
This will be an opportunity to engage in that call.
If you receive this online or out of town. Check out www.gccuic.org and look for their interfaith resources. There are lots of great resources through that website.
Hope you can join us!
Blessings, Pastor Jessica
Daily Faith Lift - April 27th, 2010Please join me in prayer today for those in Arizona who are living in a new sense of fear because of the change in law regarding immigration. Bishop Minerva Carcano has worked tirelessly for a Christian and human response and treatment for immigrants-no matter what their status. The new law is problematic on so many levels.
As Christians we see God in all people and are reminded throughout our scriptures to welcome the stranger in our land for we were once strangers too.
Where ever you stand on how immigration should change, putting people in a position of fear because of what they look like and how they dress is wrong and unChristian.
Please join me in prayer for the immigrants in this country, Bishop Carcano and those working tirelessly for fair change, and our governmental systems.
Blessings, Pastor Jessica
Daily Faith Lift - April 26th, 2010Yesterday Jonathan and I attended a retirement worship service and reception for our district superintendent Rev. Bob Scott, Jr. It was a beautiful celebration of his years in ministry and his commitment to justice.
It got me wondering...what do I want people to say about me when I retire? What mark do I hope to leave on my family, my churches, my friends and colleagues? As I started thinking about those questions I challenged myself to prayerfully live into those things.
I was talking with a fellow pastor afterwards and she was telling me about her new sermon series about showing up to life. We all need to be intentionally present with our jobs, our friends, our families. Life is too brief to just get by each day.
The combination of my thoughts and her sermon reflections led me to similar points and a renewed passion for living.
Take a moment at some point today and prayerfully ask yourself-what do you want people to say at your retirement? What mark do you want to leave on the world? What is God calling you to show up to and be present for? What ministry is God calling you to do that would give you a new zeal and passion?
Happy contemplating...
Blessings, Pastor Jessica
Daily Faith Lift - April 22nd, 2010I am on the last day of the National Workshop for Christian Unity here in Tampa, Florida. Yesterday was another full day in which we had two Bible Study sessions on Jesus and the Sacred Meal. We went in-depth about the meaning of Communion and the meal that the gathered denominations all celebrate.
Over lunch we met regionally, so I sat at the NJ table. Here we talked about specific ways we could be working and dialoguing together.
We had a closing session on Holy Conferencing. In this closing time we had some great exercises and were given some tools on how to be in conversation with people who have opposing views. In a time when our nation is more and more divided, this was a great opportunity to learn how we can move forward, at least as a church, in a way that is life-giving even when we disagree.
Last night we had a night off and were invited to a buffet and private tour of the Florida Aquarium. My in-laws were able to meet me there and it was nice being able to relax for a bit.
Today my sessions are: Preaching Ecumenism and Racism as an Impediment to Ecumenism.
I have been blessed and my ministry to the church has forever been strengthened because of the opportunity to be here. I will have an article in our state-wide United Methodist newspaper in the next month or so and will look forward to finding ways that this can benefit not only my local churches but our Conference as well.
Blessings, Pastor Jessica
Daily Faith Lift - April 21st, 2010Yesterday at the National Workshop on Christian Unity I four different workshops. The first workshop was presented by a Catholic Priest who talked about the state of Ecumenism in the Roman Catholic Church and whether inter-church relationships were still a priority of the new Pope and Vatican. We were assured that Ecumenism is still a vital part of their Church.
The next workshop I attended was called "A New Fire". This workshop was led by young adults who are forming a new ecumenical community for young people. They are getting youth and young adults fired up about the gift of unity that God has given to us and how we as the church are called to live out that gift.
During lunch I was in a workshop led by Michael Kinnamon, the President of the National Council of Churches. He challenged this all United Methodist lunch gathering to ask ourselves if we are still living out our Ecumenical Commitment. The Book of Discipline and John Wesley demands that we seek church unity and stay involved in ecumenism. He made some points asking us if we were still living that out.
After lunch I attended another workshop led by Kinnamon and a female Episcopal Priest that addressed everyone gathered. In this time together we discussed Interreligious Concerns and some of the challenges Christians are facing surrounding that issue.
To close the day, we worshiped together in an Episcopalian Church nearby and shared Holy Communion with my Protestant brothers and sisters.
Whew.
Now on to day number 3...
Blessings, Pastor Jessica
Daily Faith Lift - April 20th, 2010Good morning from sunny from Florida!
I am in Tampa for the National Workshop on Christian Unity and am inspired and hopeful for the future of the church. Yesterday I spent the day meeting with United Methodists from all over the country. United Methodists who are committed to uniting the church through Ecumenism and who work tirelessly at building bridges between the UMC and other Christian communities.
Some of our speakers included the Bishop of the Florida Conference who reminded us of the importance of their letter called Call to Hope and Action. For more information go to www.umc.org/renewedcreation.
We also heard from a Native American man named Otto Braided Hair and a UM pastor who works on reservations. In 2012 the General Conference will do an act of repentance to Native Americans. Our church history with Native Americans is quite disturbing and it is only now that we are repenting for what we have done as a church body.
Beyond that we talked about how we are celebrating the Full Communion Agreement in our Annual Conferences and what we have been doing in our respective ministries.
I was disappointed to find out that we have to pay per day for internet access. I will do my best to make my time stretch until Thursday but I didn't want to pay for all 4 days!
Blessings, Pastor Jessica
Daily Faith Lift - April 16th, 2010As a devotional today I am putting you to work. Would you please think of one thing you could do between you and God this weekend?
Maybe you could find a book on faith and spend a few minutes looking through it. Maybe you could wake up a little early and say the Lord's prayer or another prayer. Maybe you could go for a 5 minute walk and ask God to be with you in your solitude.
Whatever it is that you choose, from this list or your own creation, would you commit to doing it? I would love to hear what you do and how God acted through your time together. Please share on our Prayer Wall page.
God has already accepted the invitation to be with you. Will you?
Blessings, Pastor Jessica
Daily Faith Lift - April 14th, 2010A prayer for the day:
The Serenity Prayer
God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.
Amen.
--Reinhold Niebuhr
Blessings, Pastor Jessica
Daily Faith Lift - April 13th, 2010Every year the various districts in our Conference offer a District Day of Learning with numerous workshops to strengthen the local churches.
For those that live in or near Lebanon, I hope you will look at the listing below. I know this is last minute but if you are able to attend, it is usually a great day of worship and learning.
For those that live further away, I recommend that you look into what training sessions are available for you and your congregations.
This year there is a great childcare opportunity as well.
Click HERE to view the 'Day of Learning' information.
Blessings, Pastor Jessica
Daily Faith Lift - April 12th, 2010Last night Jonathan and I watched the documentary Food, Inc. It was a disturbing film about the food production companies and what they are doing to farmers and our food throughout the country. Simultaneously, I have been watching Jamie Oliver's new tv show Food Revolution. In watching how our food is made, what it has turned into, and what the outcome of our eating habits are doing to our children and even nation, I am praying that God will help change our ways.
I strongly urge you to watch Food, Inc. and to get involved. Many people I know don't want to be bothered with this information because they might feel guilty or not know what to change in response. As Christians we are called not to hide away in fear but to stand boldly for ways that are pleasing and acceptable to God.
We have the good news that God will continually make things right in the world but God calls US into action to use our hands and feet and voices to make that kingdom come.
For those that want to have a movie night at the church to watch the film, let me know and I will arrange it.
Blessings, Pastor Jessica
Daily Faith Lift - April 9th, 2010Last night Jonathan's two churches treated our family to a very nice dinner in celebration of his birthday. I was asked to bring a couple of funny stories so I decided to do a trivia game about who Jonathan is and how much they knew. They did quite well and we had a nice time laughing about memories and sharing stories about someone we loved.
For whatever reason I have been in a sentimental mood lately. I have been curling up with scrapbooks and reading journals from my teenage years. Some entries are uplifting, some are sad, some make me laugh and others bring me to tears.
We all have stories that shape us. Stories of who our family is, who we were and are today, stories of who we want to become. What stories shape you? What do we do with the stories that are negative or hurt us? How do we let God's story replace that so we can grow into the best person God created us to be?
Whether your birthday is near or past, I hope you will spend a few minutes contemplating these questions and relishing the good memories of the stories that shape you.
Blessings, Pastor Jessica
Daily Faith Lift - April 8th, 2010A few weeks ago I found out that the United Methodist Board of Church and Society has a weekly newsletter called Faith and Action. I have included it below and hope you will take a few minutes reading through the articles. This is our church at work.
Click HERE for the newsletter.
Blessings, Pastor Jessica
Daily Faith Lift - April 7th, 2010Sorry for the delay today. I have been spring cleaning the house which has meant that for two days I have been primarily decluttering our house. I have learned a few lessons from cleaning this year.
First, it turns out that the missing socks from the year were not missing at all but were conveniently located under every dresser, chair, couch, and bed throughout the house. If you are missing pairs of anything know that all missing pairs magically walk under things. Not sure why or how but lesson is learned.
Second, I learned that you should always look with your eyes before just reaching into dark corners to clean. For example: when cleaning under the master bed it is wise to take a flashlight and shine before reaching under with your hand and just sweeping out what is there. If you follow this advice you will be less likely to say-pull out the dead bat that the cat killed who knows how long ago.
Finally, in this de-cluttering time I have has also realized that with children where they think things should be put away is not always where I as an adult would put them. This lesson came to life for me when I found a small pile of bandaids in the kids bookshelf. When asking the kids why the bandaids were located with the books they replied "You know cause the pages sometimes rip and get hurt and they need bandaids." Duh, how could I have forgotten that.
Well many trash bags later both the house and I are letting out a sign and I have resolved never to let the house get like that again...at least till I do it again next year.
Blessings, Pastor Jessica
Daily Faith Lift - April 6th, 2010A poem that was shared by one of the Daily Devotional readers.
Enjoy.
When you clean your house.....clean it as if God were going to be your special guest.
Because God is.
When you prepare a meal…..prepare it as if God were going to be sitting at your table.
Because God is.
When you work.....work as if God will be your customer.
Because God is.
And when you speak with another... speak as if you were speaking with God.
Because you are.
Ron Atchison
Blessings, Pastor Jessica
Daily Faith Lift - April 5th, 2010After a long season of Lent and studying what happened to Christ in the last 24 hours of his life it was awesome to proclaim the good news of Easter hope, the hope that God is triumphant over all the evil and darkness and fear of the world. It was awesome singing the Alleluia songs of the risen Christ and being reminded that God has the final word over all the things we are afraid of, all the things we worry about, the final word over death itself.
Happy Easter everyone! Christ is Risen! Risen indeed!
Blessings, Pastor Jessica
Daily Faith Lift - April 2nd, 2010Today is Good Friday-the day when we remember the death of Jesus Christ and how Christ saved us through his death on a cross.
I would like to encourage you to read the Crucifixion of Christ that is below. Imagine being there that day. What are the sounds you hear? The smells? What do you see and what other people are there?
The Crucifixion of Jesus
They compelled a passer-by, who was coming in from the country, to carry his cross; it was Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus. Then they brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means the place of a skull). And they offered him wine mixed with myrrh; but he did not take it. And they crucified him, and divided his clothes among them, casting lots to decide what each should take. It was nine o'clock in the morning when they crucified him. The inscription of the charge against him read, 'The King of the Jews.' And with him they crucified two bandits, one on his right and one on his left. Those who passed by derided him, shaking their heads and saying, 'Aha! You who would destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself, and come down from the cross!' In the same way the chief priests, along with the scribes, were also mocking him among themselves and saying, 'He saved others; he cannot save himself. Let the Messiah, the King of Israel, come down from the cross now, so that we may see and believe.' Those who were crucified with him also taunted him.
The Death of Jesus
When it was noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. At three o'clock Jesus cried out with a loud voice, 'Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?' which means, 'My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?' When some of the bystanders heard it, they said, 'Listen, he is calling for Elijah.' And someone ran, filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a stick, and gave it to him to drink, saying, 'Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to take him down.' Then Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. Now when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, 'Truly this man was God's Son!' There were also women looking on from a distance; among them were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. These used to follow him and provided for him when he was in Galilee; and there were many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem.
The Burial of Jesus
When evening had come, and since it was the day of Preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath, Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself waiting expectantly for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate wondered if he were already dead; and summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he had been dead for some time. When he learned from the centurion that he was dead, he granted the body to Joseph. Then Joseph bought a linen cloth, and taking down the body, wrapped it in the linen cloth, and laid it in a tomb that had been hewn out of the rock. He then rolled a stone against the door of the tomb. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where the body was laid.
May the reading of God's Word bless you this day and prepare your hearts for Easter.
Blessings, Pastor Jessica
March 2010 Archives
Daily Faith Lift - March 31st, 2010As we take another step closer to the cross I would like to share the following quote with you:
Romantic love is blind to everything except what is lovable and lovely, but Christ's love sees us with terrible clarity and sees us whole. Christ's love so wishes our joy that it is ruthless against everything in us that diminishes our joy. The worst sentence Love can pass is that we behold the suffering that Love has endured for our sake, and that is also our acquittal. The justice and mercy of the judge are ultimately one. - Frederick Buechner, American theologian and writer
How is that we know Christ's love sees us with terrible clarity and sees us whole? What is it about the cross that takes down any veils we try to keep up and expose us for all of our faults? What are the things in you that diminish your joy? How can Christ's love change those things?
As we wrestle with God, consider attending Holy Week services this week. In the Lebanon, NJ area there is a Seder dinner at the Readington Reformed Church Thursday at 6:30. On Friday we will worship there-Readington Reformed Church at 7:30. Sunday will begin with sunrise service at 6:30 at Round Valley Youth Center and we will have our traditional service at 10:30.
Blessings, Pastor Jessica
Daily Faith Lift - March 30th, 2010As we continue on in our Holy Week Journey I would like to share this prayer with your from the United Methodist Worship Site.
For Holy Week, Ash Wednesday, and General Confession
by Carlene Lenore
Lord, as I surrender to you, I lay my drooping spirit in your arms. I am stained by sin and my wrongdoing is staring me in my face. Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love. What I have done has driven a wedge between us. I have sinned against you, and my heart aches with guilt and shame. Forgive me for disappointing you. Dip me in the fountain of your forgiveness. Wash away my sin and bring brilliance to my tarnished spirit.
Make me over, Lord, with a new heart, obedient spirit and a joy-filled life. Sin has brought sadness; give me the gladness of your spirit. Instruct me with the teachings of your truth, so that I may have wisdom in my secret heart. Restore me to the joy of your salvation. Show me new ways of living; and when I commune with you, remind me of the path I should follow.
Father, I am ready to sing praises of your goodness and your mercy. Part my lips for singing. You alone have accepted me as I am; thank you for not despising my broken heart. O Healer, Restorer, and Strengthener of my soul, I want to live in your will. Restore me and my relationship with you that I may be whole again. In the Name of Jesus I pray, AMEN.
Blessings, Pastor Jessica
Daily Faith Lift - March 29th, 2010Yesterday we ended the service by stripping the sanctuary and moving into Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. We left in silence-no closing benediction response and no postlude. It is so hard for me to do that because I do not like to live in the space of grief and pain. I do not like to leave things on a "down note".
Even though I do not like this I find it is helpful to stay there, at least for a week a year. So often our society wants us to move into hope and happiness and make everything artificially uplifting even when it is not. Anyone who has experienced depression knows the reality of this. All of life is not upbeat. All of life does not come with happiness and joy. There are some really awful parts to life and we can all be richer and closer to God if we are willing to stay in that space for a bit, realize the existence of that pain and then move forward authentically.
In pastoral care it is tempting to gloss over a persons illness or pain or grief and cram good news down their throat. Anyone who has training in care giving on any level learns that it is better if we can just sit with a person in the "pit" so to speak.
Yesterday we talked about the horrific acts of what happened to Christ on the Cross. He died a horrible death. Let's stay there this week and assume that his death IS the end of the story. How does that change what happened? How does staying in the pit of death make you feel? Why? How can we face that pain and suffering authentically without shoving happiness in our face?
Journeying with you this week....
Blessings, Pastor Jessica
Daily Faith Lift - March 25th, 2010Well last night was one of those heart-wrenching mom moments for me. We were getting all the boys ready for bed. They had stayed up late because they played in fellowship hall while mom worked and then it was bath night too. We read our bedtime stories and said our prayers. Jeremiah, the oldest went to his room and got into bed. Nathan, our middle son, said he wanted to move back into the top bunk of his bed. We then asked Chris, the baby, my baby, if he wanted to sleep on the bottom bunk. The bottom bunk is actually a toddler bed that just happened to fit into the space under the bunk beds we got.
He nodded yes and I got that gut feeling that my baby was growing up way too fast. I had hoped that I would shut the door and he would cry to go back into his baby crib but after a couple of hours we checked on him and sure enough he was sound asleep.
I guess he is going to grow up whether or not I am ready...
Have a good weekend.
Blessings, Pastor Jessica
Daily Faith Lift - March 24th, 2010This week in our Church service we will start worship with singing Hosanna and waving our palm branches. By the time of the sermon we will have moved from there into the hours of the actual Crucifixion. We have been studying Adam Hamilton's book 24 Hours that Changed the World and we will look at what happened on the cross and what it means for our lives today. It is hard for me to believe that we are now at the end of Lent and are collectively waiting to hear the Good News of a new day.
As we journey on...keep yourself steeped in prayer. Prayers of transformation and prayers to know God's grace.
Blessings, Pastor Jessica
Daily Faith Lift - March 23rd, 2010Sorry to be getting this out so late in the day.
It is one of my favorite quotes from Deitrich Bonhoffer. Very appropriate for this point in our Lenten Journey.
"The call to discipleship… means both death and life… [It] sets the Christian in the middle of the daily arena against sin and the devil. Every day he encounters new temptations, and every day he must suffer anew for Jesus Christ's sake. The wounds and scars he receives in the fray are living tokens of this participation in the cross of his Lord.
But there is another kind of suffering and shame which the Christian is not spared. While … only the sufferings of Christ are a means of atonement, yet…the Christian also has to undergo temptation [and] bear the sins of others; he too must bear their shame and be driven like a scapegoat from the gates of the city. (Heb. 13:12-15) …The passion of Christ strengthens him to overcome the sins of others by forgiving them. "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. (Gal. 6:2) … Suffering then is the badge of true discipleship. The disciple is not above his master… That is why Luther reckoned suffering among the marks of the true Church… If we refuse to take up our cross and submit to suffering and rejection at the hands of men, we forfeit our fellowship with Christ and have ceased to follow Him. But if we lose our lives in His service and carry out cross, we shall find our lives again in the fellowship of the cross with Christ. The opposite of discipleship is to be ashamed of Christ and His cross and all the offense which the cross brings in its train.
Discipleship means allegiance to the suffering Christ… It is a joy and token of His grace. … Christ transfigures for His own [the early Christian martyrs] the hour of their moral agony by granting them the unspeakable assurance of His presence. In the hour of the cruelest torture they bear for His sake, they are made partakers in the perfect joy and bliss of fellowship with Him. To bear the cross proves to be the only way of triumphing over suffering. …
Jesus prays to His Father that the cup may pass from Him, and His Father hears His prayer; for the cup of suffering will indeed pass from Him-but only by His drinking it.
Blessings, Pastor Jessica
Daily Faith Lift - March 22nd, 2010Last night a historic vote was taken in our country and the United Methodist Church was an instrumental part of voicing health care as a basic human right. Nancy Pelosi thanked the UMC in her speech last night. Please see the highlighted information in the speech below.
If you didn't hear the speech, take a moment to read what happened on this historic night.
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Dear Board of Church and Society Chairpersons,
If you were watching the historic vote on health care in the House of Representatives this evening, you heard Speaker Pelosi thank the United Methodist Church. As United Methodists we can be proud that our Church believes health care is a basic human right. We expect the reconciliation bill to pass the Senate very soon. Thank you for your hard work in informing and organizing United Methodists in annual conferences in this huge step forward in achieving health care reform!
Grace and Peace,
Rev. Cynthia Abrams, Director Alcohol, Other Addictions and Health Care Program General Board of Church and Society of the United Methodist Church
"For the Lord loves justice." Psalm 37:28
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Sunday, March 21, 2010
Pelosi: ‘Today, We Have the Opportunity to Complete the Great Unfinished Business of Our Society and Pass Health Insurance Reform for All Americans’
Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi spoke on the House floor tonight in support of historic health insurance reform legislation. The House passed the Senate version of health insurance reform legislation by a vote of 219 to 212. That bill now goes to the President for his signature into law. A second bill, to improve the Senate bill, passed by a vote of 220 to 211 and goes to the Senate. Below are the Speaker’s remarks.
“Thank you, my colleagues. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the gentleman for yielding. I thank all of you for bringing us to this moment.
“It is with great humility and with great pride that we tonight will make history for our country and progress for the American people. [Applause] Just think—we will be joining those who established Social Security, Medicare, and now tonight health care for all Americans. [Applause]
“In doing so, we will honor the vows of our founders, who in the Declaration of Independence said that we are ‘endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.’ This legislation will lead to healthier lives, more liberty to pursue hopes and dreams and happiness for the American people. This is an American proposal that honors the traditions of our country. [Applause]
“We would not be here tonight, for sure, without the extraordinary leadership and vision of President Barack Obama. [Applause] We thank him for his unwavering commitment to health care for all Americans.
“And this began over a year ago under his leadership in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, where we had very significant investments in science, technology, and innovation for health care reform. It continued in the President’s budget a few months later, a budget which was a statement of our national values, which allocated resources that were part of our value system. And in a way that stabilized our economy, created jobs, lowered taxes for the middle class and did so, and reduced the deficit, and did so in a way that had pillars of investment, including education and health care reform—health care reform and education, equal opportunity for the American people. [Applause]
“And this legislation tonight, if I had one word to describe it would be ‘opportunity,’ with its investments in education and health care as a continuation of the President’s budget. We all know, and it has been said over and over again, that our economy needs something new, a jolt. And I believe that this legislation will unleash tremendous entrepreneurial power into our economy. Imagine a society and an economy where a person could change jobs without losing health insurance, where they could be self-employed or start a small business. Imagine an economy where people could follow their passions and their talent without having to worry that their children would not have health insurance, that if they had a child with diabetes who was bipolar or pre-existing medical condition in their family, that they would be job-locked. Under this bill, their entrepreneurial spirit will be unleashed. [Applause]
“We all know, we all know that the present health care system and insurance system, health insurance system in our country is unsustainable. We simply cannot afford it. It simply does not work for enough people in terms of delivery of service and it is bankrupting the country with the upward spiral of increasing medical costs.
“The best action that we can take on behalf of America’s family budgets and on behalf of the federal budget, is to pass health care reform. [Applause]
“The best action we can take to strengthen Medicare and improve care and benefits for our seniors is to pass this legislation tonight, pass health care reform. [Applause]
“The best action we can do to create jobs and strengthen our economic security is pass health care reform. [Applause]
“The best action we can take to keep America competitive, ignite innovation, again unleash entrepreneurial spirit is to pass health care reform. [Applause]
“With this action tonight, with this health care reform, 32 million more Americans will have health care insurance. And those who have insurance now will be spared being at the mercy of the health insurance industry with their obscene increases in premiums, their rescinding of policies at the time of illness, their cutting off of policies even if you have been fully paying but become sick, the list goes on and on about the health care reforms that are in this legislation: insure 32 million more people, make it more affordable for the middle class, end insurance company discrimination based on pre-existing conditions, improve care and benefits under Medicare, and extending Medicare’s solvency for almost a decade, creating a healthier America through prevention, through wellness and innovation, create 4 million jobs in the life of the bill and doing all of that by saving the taxpayer $1.3 trillion dollars. [Applause.]
“Another Speaker, Tip O’Neill once said: ‘All politics is local.’ And I say to you tonight that when it comes to health care for all Americans, ‘All politics is personal.’
“It’s personal for the family that wrote to me who had to choose between buying groceries and seeing a doctor. It’s personal to the family who was refused coverage because their child had a pre-existing condition — no coverage, the child got worse, sicker. It’s personal for women — after we pass this bill, being a woman will no longer be a pre-existing medical condition. [Applause.]
“It’s personal for a senior gentleman whom I met in Michigan, who told me about his wife who had been bed-ridden for 16 years. He told me he didn’t know how he was going to be able to pay his medical bills. As I said to you before, I saw a grown man cry. He was worried that he might lose his home — that they might lose their home because of his medical bills and he didn’t know how he was going to pay them. And most of all, he was too embarrassed to tell his children and ask them for help. How many times have you heard a story like that?
“And it’s personal for millions of families who’ve gone into bankruptcy under the weight of rising health care costs. In fact, many, many, many — a high percentage of bankruptcies in our country are caused by medical bills that people cannot pay. And it’s personal for 45,000 Americans and their — families who have lost a loved one each year because they didn’t and couldn’t get health insurance.
“That is why we’re proud and also humbled today to act with the support of millions of Americans who recognize the urgency of passing health care reform. And more than 350 organizations, representing Americans of every age, every background, every part of the country, who have endorsed this legislation. Our coalition ranges from the AARP, who said that our legislation ‘improves efforts to crack down on fraud and waste in Medicare, strengthening Medicare for today’s seniors and future generations.’ I repeat: ‘Improves efforts to crack down on fraud and waste in Medicare, strengthening the program for today’s and future generations of seniors.’ To the American Medical Association, the Catholic Health Association, the United Medical — the United Methodist Church, and Voices of America’s Children. From A to Z — they are sending a clear message to Members of Congress: Say yes to health care reform. [Applause.]
“We have also reached this historic moment because of the extraordinary leadership and hard work and dedication of all the Members of Congress, but I want to especially recognize our esteemed Chairs — Mr. Waxman, Mr. Rangel, Mr. Levin, Mr. Miller, Mr. Spratt, Ms. Slaughter — for bringing this bill to the floor today. Let us acknowledge them. [Applause.]
“And I want to acknowledge the staff of the committees and of the leadership — they have done a remarkable job — dazzling us with their knowledge and their know-how. [Applause.] I would like to thank on my own staff: Amy Rosenbaum, Wendell Primus, and Arshi Siddiqui.
“And now, I want to just close by saying this. It would not be possible to talk about health care without acknowledging the great leadership of Senator Edward Kennedy, who made health care his life’s work. [Applause.]
“In a letter to President Obama before he passed away — he left the letter to be read after he died. Senator Kennedy wrote that: ‘Access to health care is the great unfinished business of our society.’ That is until today. [Applause.]
“After more than a year of debate, and by the way, the legislation that will go forth from here has over 200 Republican amendments, and while it may not get Republican votes and be bipartisan in that respect, it is bipartisan in having over 200 Republican amendments. [Applause.]
“After a year of debate and hearing the calls of millions of Americans, we have come to this historic moment. Today, we have the opportunity to complete the great unfinished business of our society and pass health insurance reform for all Americans that is a right and not a privilege. [Applause.]
“In that same letter to the President, Senator Kennedy wrote, what is ‘at stake’ he said, ‘At stake are not just the details of policy but…the character of our country.’
“Americans will look back on this day as one which we honored the character of our country and honored our commitment to our nation’s founders for a commitment to ‘life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.’
“As our colleague John Lewis has said, ‘We may not have chosen the time, but the time has chosen us.’ We have been given this opportunity. I urge our — an opportunity — stay right up there with again, Social Security, Medicare, health care for all Americans. I urge my colleagues in joining together in passing health insurance reform — making history, making progress, and restoring the American dream.
“I urge an aye vote. Thank you.”
Blessings, Pastor Jessica
Daily Faith Lift - March 18th, 2010This weekend we will continue to look at the last 24 Hours of the life of Christ and this week we will focus on the torture and humiliation. While this will be a difficult week, I think it will be meaningful in our Lenten journey as well. It will be in this weeks theme that we will take another giant step closer to the cross and what the death of Christ means for us. If you would like to read ahead please read Mark 15: 15b-23.
Blessings, Pastor Jessica
Daily Faith Lift - March 17th, 2010A few facts about the man behind the day- Saint Patrick.
St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, is one of Christianity's most widely known figures. But for all his celebrity, his life remains somewhat of a mystery. Many of the stories traditionally associated with St. Patrick, including the famous account of his banishing all the snakes from Ireland, are false, the products of hundreds of years of exaggerated storytelling.
Taken Prisoner By Irish Raiders It is known that St. Patrick was born in Britain to wealthy parents near the end of the fourth century. He is believed to have died on March 17, around 460 A.D. Although his father was a Christian deacon, it has been suggested that he probably took on the role because of tax incentives and there is no evidence that Patrick came from a particularly religious family. At the age of sixteen, Patrick was taken prisoner by a group of Irish raiders who were attacking his family's estate. They transported him to Ireland where he spent six years in captivity. (There is some dispute over where this captivity took place. Although many believe he was taken to live in Mount Slemish in County Antrim, it is more likely that he was held in County Mayo near Killala.) During this time, he worked as a shepherd, outdoors and away from people. Lonely and afraid, he turned to his religion for solace, becoming a devout Christian. (It is also believed that Patrick first began to dream of converting the Irish people to Christianity during his captivity.)
Guided By Visions After more than six years as a prisoner, Patrick escaped. According to his writing, a voice-which he believed to be God's-spoke to him in a dream, telling him it was time to leave Ireland. To do so, Patrick walked nearly 200 miles from County Mayo, where it is believed he was held, to the Irish coast. After escaping to Britain, Patrick reported that he experienced a second revelation-an angel in a dream tells him to return to Ireland as a missionary. Soon after, Patrick began religious training, a course of study that lasted more than fifteen years. After his ordination as a priest, he was sent to Ireland with a dual mission-to minister to Christians already living in Ireland and to begin to convert the Irish. (Interestingly, this mission contradicts the widely held notion that Patrick introduced Christianity to Ireland.)
Bonfires and Crosses Familiar with the Irish language and culture, Patrick chose to incorporate traditional ritual into his lessons of Christianity instead of attempting to eradicate native Irish beliefs. For instance, he used bonfires to celebrate Easter since the Irish were used to honoring their gods with fire. He also superimposed a sun, a powerful Irish symbol, onto the Christian cross to create what is now called a Celtic cross, so that veneration of the symbol would seem more natural to the Irish. (Although there were a small number of Christians on the island when Patrick arrived, most Irish practiced a nature-based pagan religion. The Irish culture centered around a rich tradition of oral legend and myth. When this is considered, it is no surprise that the story of Patrick's life became exaggerated over the centuries-spinning exciting tales to remember history has always been a part of the Irish way of life.
Blessings, Pastor Jessica
Daily Faith Lift - March 15th, 2010I have had to take an Evangelism course for ordination and I had a total of 17 papers to write ranging between 4 and 10 pages each. I am down to the final book and the final couple of papers which is a good thing because everything has to be into Nashville by Saturday. I have been so tired, staying up late to read and write, while trying to do all my normal work/pastor/mom duties in the daytime. I love education and plan on being a lifetime learner for the rest of my life but this has been ridiculous.
When it is all said and done, I know I will be glad to have this class and knowledge in my ministry but getting to this point has bee tough.
I am so thankful to all my congregation members who have given me the space and support that I need to finish up and keep reading and writing.
Once my grade is returned in 6 weeks I am all clear for ordination.........finally!
What periods of your life have just exhausted you? How did you get through it? How did you recuperate? How was God with you in that time?
Blessings, Pastor Jessica
Daily Faith Lift - March 11th, 2010I have debated all day if I should send this and I have decided that yes, Christ was crucified standing up for social justice, I can at least let others know what is happening.
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Tell Glenn Beck: I'm a Social Justice Christian
Glenn Beck says Christians should leave churches that use the word "social justice." He says social justice is a code word for communism and Nazism.
But since the Catholic Church, the Black Churches, the Mainline Protestant churches, and more and more Evangelical and Pentecostal churches including Hispanic and Asian-American congregations all consider social justice central to biblical faith, Glenn Beck is telling all those Christians to leave their churches. Of course, Christians may disagree about what social justice means in our current political context -- and that conversation is an important one -- but the Bible is clear: from the Mosaic law of Jubilee, to the Hebrew prophets, to Jesus Christ, social justice is an integral part of God's plan for humanity.
Beck says Christians should leave their social justice churches, so I say Christians should leave Glenn Beck. I don't know if Beck is just strange, just trying to be controversial, or just trying to make money. But in any case, what he has said attacks the very heart of our Christian faith, and Christians should no longer watch his show. His show should now be in the same category as Howard Stern. Stern practices pornography and Beck denies the central teachings of Jesus and the Bible. So Christians should stop watching the Glenn Beck show and pray for him and Howard Stern.
Beck also said that if his church was about "social justice" he would report his church to the church authorities. What authorities? Church bodies as diverse in their theology as the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and the National Association of Evangelicals have explicitly endorsed social justice as a biblical imperative.
So here's an idea: how about reporting ourselves to Glenn Beck as church members and pastors who practice and preach social justice.
Since Sojourners' mission is "to articulate the biblical call to social justice," I'll be the first to turn myself in. And I invite you to join me in turning yourself in to Glenn Beck as a Christian who believes in social justice. Let's send him thousands of names.
BREAKING UPDATE: Our message to Glenn Beck is getting through. This morning on his radio show Glenn responded to our challenge with further distortions of the gospel and smears against Jim Wallis. Rather than respond to personal attacks, Jim would like to invite Glenn to a conversation about whether or not social justice is, as Glenn claimed this morning, "a perversion of the gospel".
Blessings, Pastor Jessica
Daily Faith Lift - March 10th, 2010Last night a group of about 70 people from various churches in the area gathered once again for fellowship, a soup supper, and worship.
Our theme this year has been THE NAME YOU CLAIM.
Next week the worship is at Round Valley and I am still discerning what to do for the service. I am hoping for your feedback. What does "the name you claim" mean to you? What name do you claim and how does that affect you? What traditions do you and your families have around naming? What traditions of other cultures are you aware of?
Tuesday night there will be a program and I have some ideas brewing but I need/want your feedback. If you don't have my personal email address, post your ideas on our Prayer Wall!
Blessings, Pastor Jessica
Daily Faith Lift - March 9th, 2010In the midst of planning for Lent and Easter, preparing for ordination and of course being a mom, I have also been taking an evangelism class as a requirement for being ordained.
I am currently reading the second to last book I have to read and it has been one of the best in the curriculum. Here is one of the quotes from early in the book. Round Valley folks: check out the author, it should be familiar name.
"In your congregation are strangers offered the hospitality of home? THink about the experience of being a member of your congregation. For many people church is the one place, other than the family, where they experience the warmth of being welcomed home. People there know you and you know them, or at least a significant number of them. They are glad to see you, as you are glad to see them. You exchange news, catch up with each other's lives, support each other in common tasks and in times of need. The essence of hospitality is to be known and welcomed, needed and loved." -Roger K. Swanson
(ok for those that don't recognize the name it is the father of Rachel Faidley, our former organist!)
What is this statement saying about hospitality? Knowing that there is always room to grow and improve, what are some things we can do to help people feel more at home at church? If you are feeling home now, how did you get there? What can you do so that others know that joy?
Blessings, Pastor Jessica
Daily Faith Lift - March 8th, 2010I love movies but between the kids and church life and ordination, I have not been watching many movies. Last night I had the Oscars on in the background and I realized I have not seen any of the movies nominated.
It was a strange feeling for me because for the first time I felt really out of touch with pop-culture. I didn't know some of the young presenters, I had not even heard of some of the movies. I am used to this out-of-touch feeling when it comes to the grammys because I am just not into music like I am movies.
I was left in a crisis wondering if this was the beginning of getting old and out of touch. Is it a bad sign that I was still waiting for the sound track of Titanic to be played? As they honored the "Brat Pack" and John Hughes I felt right at home remembering the 80's and 90's.
Where has the time gone? Will I now be the uncool parent that doesn't know what's up in the world today? Yikes! This came about way to fast.
I think I need a date night at the movies...
Blessings, Pastor Jessica
Daily Faith Lift - March 4th, 2010Good morning! I apologize for not being able to send a daily devotional yesterday. We only purchased a certain number of internet hours in the hotel and I had run out before I got to the devotional time.
Anyway, there is so much to share about the week in Washington D.C. I have always been an advocate of what the Board of Church and Society but now I am just outright impressed with all that they do. Here are some of their current priorities: Advocating that we see the US budget as a moral document, immigration reform, healthcare reform, regulating tobacco, environmental protections and climate change, and sex trafficking.
One of the things that I was also impressed with is there Seminar program. The General Board of Church and Society will bring in professional speakers on a variety of topics and lead seminars for any age and any group. If they don't have someone to speak on the topic of interest, they will send people to trainings to learn and then come and lead the seminar. All of this is only $12 per day per person. Not a bad deal!
The work they do is Scripture based, church supported and important in bringing about justice for all of God's people. I will be doing a sermon series on The Social Principles later this spring and go over some of the positions of the church on these issues.
God is at work in the world!
Blessings, Pastor Jessica
Daily Faith Lift - March 2nd, 2010It is official- I love the United Methodist Church and what we are doing in the U.S. and around the world as far as Church and Society is concerned.
There is so much information that I want to share but I want to start with the United Methodist Building. In Washington D.C., up on Capitol Hill there is one and only one non-governmental building. It is the United Methodist Building. In the early 1900's United Methodists across the country sent money to the denomination to buy and build a building so that the church would have a presence, witness, and voice in politics. The hot issues of that day were alcohol, child labor, peacemaking and women's suffrage. (Over 70% of the money came from women).
In the building there are 14 apartments that are used by various politicians at various points. Al Gore's mother and father, Newt Gingrich and others have lived here. The building has become a politically non-charged space for politicians. In the 1980's Senators Dole and Harkin used the building to draft the legislation for the Americans with Disabilities Act. They specifically asked for the voice of the United Methodist Church to be a part of that legislation.
The building has multiple uses today. There are ecumenical offices, interfaith offices, United Methodist training events, and the voice of the denomination is heard from the people who work in the building as they meet with politicians on an ongoing basis.
All of this work and space is supported through our shared giving in apportionments. What important work it is, might I add. every time we were fed, housed and provided transportation yesterday (all which costs serious money here in D.C.) I gave thanks to the local churches I serve because without their financial support none of this training would be possible.
My hope is that God will use me and the training I have received to strengthen my ministry so that the local churches can be strengthened as well to do God's work in the world.
Some how I will share with you the rest of what I learned after the first 30 minutes of learning about the building. Let's just say it was a really full day!
Blessings, Pastor Jessica
Daily Faith Lift - March 1st, 2010It is official- I love the United Methodist Church and what we are doing in the U.S. and around the world as far as Church and Society is concerned.
Good morning from the National Capitol! Jonathan and I left yesterday afternoon and arrived in Washington DC last night. We are here for a Young Clergy Gathering of the Board of Church and Society. Church and Society is a division of the United Methodist Church that bridges the gap between the work of the church and the needs of society. I have always been impressed with the work they do in passing legislation, building ministries, and trying to shape public policy.
I am very excited to be here and will be excited to share what we do and learn over the next couple of days.
Blessings, Pastor Jessica
February 2010 Archives
Daily Faith Lift - February 25th, 2010I learned another important life lesson from my boys last night. I had a gift card to Borders and knowing there would be a snow day today, I suggested we let the boys pick out a movie to buy. We stood in Borders for nearly 45 minutes as they carefully scanned every movie in the children's section. Every time one child picked a movie, the other child immediately said no, not that one. Movie after movie they chose and shot down the others selection. As they grew more and more frustrated with each other they wanted mom and dad to referee.
At one point, when I knew tempers were about to flare, I told them that if they could not agree on a movie together then we would just go home and not get anything. Again they could not come to a compromise.
Knowing that disaster was about to strike I suggested that we skip buying a movie (a treat I thought they would love) and instead go to the library and they could each borrow a movie for free. Instantaneous excitement erupted. They cheered and sang and danced out of the store because I was not forcing them to BUY one thing but instead they could BORROW many.
I was surprised but pleased. I love the library. I love seeing my boys make good choices. Most of all I love my boys.
Instead of movies all together, they ditched tv and spent the morning water coloring on their snow day. Go figure.
Blessings, Pastor Jessica
Daily Faith Lift - February 24th, 2010Someone sent this to me and it is a great devotional for Lent.
Lenten Reflection
Lent is more than just a giving up.
It is giving and developing a greater love towards God, self and others.
LENT can be a FEAST AND A FAST.
Fast from worry; feast on trusting God.
Fast from complaining; feast on appreciation.
Fast from negatives; feast on affirmatives.
Fast from hostility; feast on tenderness.
Fast from unrelenting pressures; feast from unceasing prayer.
Fast from judging others; feast on Christ dwelling in them.
Fast from fear of illness; feast on the healing power of God.
Fast from words that pollute; feast on speech that purifies.
Fast from discontent; feast on gratitude.
Fast from anger; feast on patience.
Fast from personal anxiety; feast on the fullness of truth.
Fast from pessimism; feast on optimism.
Fast from bitterness; feast on forgiveness.
Fast from self-concern; feast on compassion for others.
Fast from discouragement; feast on hope.
Fast from suspicion; feast on truth.
Fast from lethargy and apathy; feast on enthusiasm.
Fast from facts that depress; feast on truths that uplift.
Fast from gossip; feast on purposeful silence.
Fast from problems that overwhelm; feast on prayer that sustains.
Fast from thoughts that weaken; feast on promises that inspire.
Fast from apparent darkness; feast on the reality of light.
-adapted and revised from The Anglican Digest
Blessings, Pastor Jessica
Daily Faith Lift - February 23rd, 2010As we continue thinking about the last 24 hours of Jesus' life, and how that time began with the Last Supper with Jesus and his friends, I can't help but continue wondering what the actual meal was like. As I give thanks to God that Jesus made room for all of us to be share in his meal, I am even more compelled to be aware of the presence of Christ at my meals. Yesterday we spent time prayerfully giving thanks that Christ was at our table. Tonight we are going to try putting an extra place setting at the table and talking with the kids about what it means that Jesus is there when we break bread in Church and when we break bread as a family.
Would you consider trying this with me? How would the dynamics around your table change with this activity?
Blessings, Pastor Jessica
Daily Faith Lift - February 22nd, 2010Historically Lent is a time when those who denied Christ to avoid persecution are allowed to repent for their denial and enter back into the membership of the Church.
Yesterday in service we challenged ourselves with the multiple questions. One question was: When have we denied Christ and how can we appropriately and sincerely repent of our denial and return fully into the fellowship of the church?
In this Holy season of Lent, may we all be asking ourselves these questions and growing closer to Christ.
Blessings, Pastor Jessica
Daily Faith Lift - February 18th, 2010Last night I celebrated Ash Wednesday at an Episcopal Church with 9 other clergy and folks from each of our congregations. It was a beautiful thing to see the gift of unity in the body of Christ even in the midst of our brokenness. The service was beautiful with its artistic flare, celebration of Holy Communion, and the imposition of ashes. It was a great way to begin this season of Lent-this season where we lay our brokenness before God and seek to have our hearts cleaned as we repent and dig deeper into our faith. As the journey begins, I am praying for every member of each of my congregations throughout the day and whoever may come across the pages of the Round valley website.
May God bless you this day as your own journey begins.
Blessings, Pastor Jessica
Daily Faith Lift - February 17th, 2010As we begin this new season of Lent I share this Ash Wednesday prayer from our hymnal:
O God, make of every thing and judge of all that you have made, from the dust of the earth you have formed us and from the dust of death you would rise us up. By the redemptive power of the cross, create in us clean hearts and put within us a new spirit, that we may repent of our sins and lead lives worthy of your calling; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
As we journey together through the last 24 Hours of the life of Christ, my prayers are with you and ask that you keep me in your prayers.
Blessings, Pastor Jessica
Daily Faith Lift - February 16th, 2010Today is the last day before we begin our Lenten Journey. Take a moment to write down your plans for Lent. What will you give up? What spiritual discipline will you add in? How can you dig deep this Lenten season and prepare your hearts for the cross and empty tomb?
Jonathan and I have moved our fasting date-we will fast from breakfast on Saturday until Communion on Sunday each week. In addition to that Jonathan is giving up tv and I am working with my nutritionist again and will find a list of foods to abstain from.
What would be meaningful to you? What will give you more time and energy for God?
The Ash Wednesday service will be an ecumenical service held at Church of the Holy Spirit in Lebanon
Blessings, Pastor Jessica
Daily Faith Lift - February 9th, 2010Dear daily faith lift friends,
Because of the snow I am leaving tonight for my ordination interviews. I won't have internet access until Friday night so I am requesting some serious prayers during this time.
Before I go I want to share an encounter I had with God. On the Sunday before last, we sung "Here I Am, Lord", a song the congregation has sung many times in my tenure there. On this particular Sunday though, God spoke to me. In the midst of the hymn I closed my eyes and my mind went back to 2000 when my home church was sending me off for Seminary. The congregation that I was in a decade ago laid their hands on me while singing "Here I Am, Lord". I recalled what a sacred time that was for me and then I heard God say to me "I have carried you this far, why would you doubt me now?" A sense of calm came over me that has really given me encouragement in facing my interviews.
May God's grace touch each of our lives today as we journey onward.
Blessings, Pastor Jessica
Daily Faith Lift - February 8th, 2010On behalf of Valentine's Day on Sunday I share this poem with you:
Twice As Sweet
On Valentines Day, we show our love;
We express our deep affections.
Those who are important to us
Get cards and sweet confections.
But Christian love is not just for
The ones we hold most dear;
Jesus said "love everyone;"
He made that very clear.
For Christians, it is every day
We should care and love and serve
Everyone we meet in life,
Whether they do or don’t deserve.
Let’s follow Jesus’ good command
To love everyone we meet.
Valentine’s Day every day
Will make life twice as sweet.
By Joanna Fuchs
Blessings, Pastor Jessica
Daily Faith Lift - February 4th, 2010Jonathan made me a CD with some of my favorite contemporary Christian music on it. One of my favorite songs right now is Jeremy Camps' Give me Jesus.
Here are the simple but powerful lyrics that I wake up to every morning now.
Give Me Jesus
by Jeremy Camp
In the morning,
When I rise. (x3)
Give me Jesus.
(Chorus)
Give me Jesus (x2)
You can have all this world.
Give me Jesus.
When I am alone (x2)
Oh, when I am alone.
Give me Jesus.
(Chorus)
When I come to die (x2)
Oh, when I come to die.
Give me Jesus.
(Chorus)
Give me Jesus (x2)
You can have all this world (x3)
Give me Jesus.
This weekend, in the midst of whatever you may be facing, may you pray this simple prayer that God will give you Jesus.
Blessings, Pastor Jessica
Daily Faith Lift - February 3rd, 2010Today I am headed to the dentist. Not my favorite place in the world but I am expecting that today will be extra special because Jeremiah is going and Nathan is going for the first time ever. Nathan in those situation is as cooperative as wild squirrel would behave.
Don't get me wrong, I love all of my boys very, very much. Nathan though is a sensitive guy who gets scared and moody at the drop of a hat. We have been reading all of the little books about going to the dentist and I have even been playing dentist at home. My expectations remain very low.
I sometimes wonder how my boys will turn out in life. Will my wild child calm down? Will they do well in school and in making friends and dating? If we don't make it through the dental appointment, will we ever be able to make it through the first heartbreak?
I am so grateful to be able to trust in God to see me through all that is to come. I cannot imagine parenting without my faith in a loving Creator who cares for my children deeply. I give thanks that I can raise them in a community of faith who will help me instruct them and raise them in the faith.
No matter how the dental appointment goes-praise God for whom all blessings flow!
Blessings, Pastor Jessica
Daily Faith Lift - February 1st, 2010Did you know that one word can be a miracle?
You see, I am the type of mom that from the moment my babies were born, I began to dream of the first "mom" or "mommy". After waiting a very long 18 months for little Christopher to finally look at me and clearly say the word, he did so this morning. Of course the word came long after "dada" and even "kitty" but what a miracle it is to hear my little guy run into my arms in the morning with the squealing delight of a "mommy!"
What a gift I have received!
Blessings, Pastor Jessica
January 2010 Archives
Daily Faith Lift - Janaury 28th, 2010Our time away ended yesterday with an inspiring closing session on preaching and the need for preachers to have time to study and prepare because preaching and worhsip is the most important thing we do. After my ordination interviews I am hoping to put into action some of his methods of preparation.
In the mean time, we got home unpacked and woke up to a snow day. We are all very excited!
Blessings, Pastor Jessica
Daily Faith Lift - Janaury 26th, 2010The first day of our Convocation went really well. We started off with an amazing worship service with Communion. In a room full of clergy, who know the hymnal well, the music alone is a time of God's Spirit at work in me. Rev. Mike Slaughter, pastor of Ginghamsburg UMC is one of our speakers this week. He started at a small church in Ohio when he 27. The church had 90 members who he called "soft-secular Christians". Within one year 30 people had left because of his passionate message about being true disciples who lived the good news to the poor and worked to bring God's kingdom on earth.
With membership down to 60 more deeply committed Christians, the church started more and more mission trips, missional giving, and voicing for justice. Today his congregation has over 6,000 members and multiple campuses. They travel regularly to Sudan where they install water systems, help sustain agriculture, and now are building schools.
It was pretty inspiring to hear him speak about what his congregation is doing to transform the world. My sermon topic for Sunday, long before I knew the content of this week, was going to be "changing the world begins with you". Boy, oh, boy, I am on fire for that message!
Blessings, Pastor Jessica
Daily Faith Lift - Janaury 25th, 2010For all who read about our new fish-I have an announcement-the babies we couldn't find are alive and well. We welcomed three new fish into our tank and are having fun watching the little guys swim around!
Yesterday was a great day of worship and celebration over lunch. I love church. I can't imagine life without my church community.
Blessings, Pastor Jessica
Daily Faith Lift - Janaury 21st, 2010I have been preaching a Sermon series called: Life Lessons from Mom and Dad.
On Sunday we are talking about Building Character and Values. I will be preaching on the Ten Commandments. Do you have them memorized? How have they or have they not played a role in your life?
Take a look at Deuteronomy 5. It's always interesting going back to the basics of our faith at different points in life.
Blessings, Pastor Jessica
Daily Faith Lift - Janaury 20th, 2010Well my children have officially been exposed to the wonders of nature. Gram and papa gave the kids some money for Christmas and they collectively decided they wanted to buy an aquarium and some fish. We went to store and got goldfish. They died. Turned out the tank was not set up the right way.
Went back to the store and got Guppies and Mollies. 5 beautiful all male fish.
Yesterday I cleaned the tank for the first time, just a little gravel cleaning to keep everything looking fresh.
The 5 male fish all looked healthy and great. So did the five little baby fish.
My first reaction was of adornment, the cute little babies swimming along. I called the boys over to look and see. And then I quickly began to panic-don't fish eat their babies if they are too small? Don't we have all males-and if not how often are we going to have this little problem?
The boys, after cheering and naming the babies, proceeded to drill Jonathan and I on how babies are made. I'm not ready for the Birds and Bees talk yet...
Today Jonathan and the boys are headed to the library to get some books on caring for the little guys. In the mean time we can't seem to find the babies....gulp.
Blessings, Pastor Jessica
Daily Faith Lift - Janaury 19th, 2010As we continue to hear news about the terrible news in Haiti, please read this letter from Bishop Devadhar and mark you calendar to join him in prayer.
January 17, 2010
My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
Greetings in the precious name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
This morning I attended a worship service in one of our churches where the pastor brought a powerful word of hope and prayer in the midst of this calamity for all who have been effected by the January 12 earthquake in Haiti. In her sermon she said, "Tomorrow is set aside as the day we particularly remember the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as we look at the world that is and particularly today in the devastation in Haiti, I think of King's dream. He is a person that in spite of what the current circumstances were, could see ahead and envision a different reality and so he spoke those famous words "I have a dream. . ." His challenge to those who listened to that speech and to we who gather this morning is to work towards, that dream, that reality." I am sure that other churches and pastors have done the same. I thank you for your continued care for the people of Haiti and their relatives and friends in all parts of the world.
While we celebrate the safe arrival of the Trinity United Methodist Church mission team from Haiti, we have also been informed of the death of another executive of the General Board of Global Ministries. Rev. Clinton Rabb, head of the office of Mission Volunteers of the General Board of Global Ministries died from injuries sustained when he was trapped in the rubble of a Port-au-Prince hotel destroyed by the earthquake. On Friday, we learned of the death of Rev. Dr. Sam Dixon, executive in charge of the United Methodist Committee on Relief. Both men had been in Haiti attending meetings to improve health services there. Both Sam and Clint had been known to me and were truly committed Christians, passionate in reaching out and helping the marginalized. The vacuum created by their deaths will be difficult to fill. Additionally, we have also been informed of the death of a volunteer, Jean Arnwine, a member of a Dallas UMC mission team providing eye care to Haitians. Please pray for the families, friends and annual conferences of Clint, Jean and Sam. Also pray for our United Methodist colleagues who live, work and witness in Haiti, as well as for the president, directors and staff of the General Board of Global Ministries.
In response to this tragedy, may I request the clergy and laity of the Greater New Jersey Annual Conference join me, the cabinet, extended cabinet, program staff, episcopal staff and the conference staff in prayer, wherever you are, on Wednesday, January 20th, 2010 at noon. Let us pray together for the comfort, grace, healing and continued work of relief for and with the people of Haiti. Additionally, I prayerfully request you continue to support the United Methodist Committee on Relief with your prayers and your monetary gifts. Financial contributions for relief work in Haiti can be made through UMCOR, project #418325. For more information please visit Haiti Emergency Advance.
In Christ's love,
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar
Blessings, Pastor Jessica
Daily Faith Lift - Janaury 13th, 2010Last Saturday at a District Resource Day a peace activist told the following story: If I knew that tomorrow someone was going to cut off my pinky finger I would be a mess. I would be anxious and worried. I would not be able to sleep tonight. I would toss and turn and try to think of ways to get out of the pinky removal. I would be afraid and fearful and nervous. I might actually have a panic/anxiety attack.
When we hear about millions of people who die in an earthquake or war do we get as upset as the above story states? If not, is that saying that our pinky finger is more valuable then the millions of lives affected by war, starvation, and natural causes?
Yesterday there was an earthquake in Haiti, more deaths in our war, and thousands who died because they did not have water or food. What could happen if we cared, really cared about those people. Prayers are great, they really are but is that all you can do? If a mission trip was provided, would you take a vacation to go? Would you be willing to give money you really can't afford to give?
I know these are challenging statements and you might even be defensive reading them. That is ok. God works in those emotions. As Christians we are called to love our neighbor as ourselves. This is a radical concept and it should make all of us uncomfortable because it moves us from saying our finger is important but the deaths on the other side of the world are equally if not more important to me.
In the struggle with you. If God is calling you to take further action let's talk!
Blessings, Pastor Jessica
Daily Faith Lift - Janaury 12th, 2010A carrot, an egg, and a cup of coffee...You will never look at a cup of coffee the same way again.
A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up, She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.
Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil; without saying a word.
In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her
daughter, she asked, ' Tell me what you see.'
'Carrots, eggs, and coffee,' she replied.
Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled egg.
Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma. The daughter then asked, 'What does it mean, mother?'
Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity: boiling water. Each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The grou nd coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.
'Which are you?' she asked her daughter. 'When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?
Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength?
Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart?
Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and c hange the situation around you. When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest do you elevate yourself to another level? How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?
May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human and enough hope to make you happy.
Blessings, Pastor Jessica
Daily Faith Lift - Janaury 11th, 2010I started a new sermon series called Life Lessons from Mom and Dad and the theme of the first sermon was "Love". This coming week will be a challenging week for me-the theme is discipline.
Discipline came up regularly in the postcards and emails that I received on this topic and it is one that a lot of people struggle with, including me.
Would you send me your thoughts and stories on the topic? What and how do Christian parents discipline their children? What guidance do we have from scripture? What images work on the subject?
Thanks for your help!
Blessings, Pastor Jessica
Daily Faith Lift - Janaury 7th, 2010Sorry that these have been coming so late. For one reason or another I have been up late and then hitting the snooze button so many times that we have barely enough time to feed the kids and get everyone to school on time! As we get back into the school routine, I will get back on track!
On New Years Eve we got Marley and Me from the library. It was due back today and we had not had a chance to watch the movie so we stayed up last night (one of the reasons for the snooze button this morning) and watched the film. I had heard over and over that it was a tear jerker but at the start of the movie I decided that I was in no mood to cry over some dog.
Jonathan laughed and brought in the kleenex anyway. It was a good thing.
This movie tells a simple story of a family who journeys together in good times and in bad. I love almost any movie that can make me laugh and cry at the same time and this movie did it.
I am starting a sermon series on Life Lessons from Mom and Dad on Sunday and there is a scene in the movie that speaks perfectly to the struggles of an imperfect family that has crazy mornings like the mornings at my house and has ups and downs like we all do.
If you get a chance in the next few weeks to Netflix or rent or borrow the movie, I highly recommend it to you. If you have already scene the movie, what was your reaction? What were the values taught in the movie about life?
Blessings, Pastor Jessica
Daily Faith Lift - Janaury 6th, 2010As a youth growing up I received a survival kit with a little message from my church family. I still have the little baggie and the message in my desk drawer in my office. I received this forward with a similar message and I couldn't help but get sentimental. I hope you enjoy it!
This New Year,
I am giving you a DAILY SURVIVAL KIT, to help u thru 2010:
Toothpick ...
to remind you to pick the good qualities in everyone, including yourself.
Rubber band ...
to remind you to be flexible. Things might not always go the way you want, but it can be worked out.
Band-Aid ... to
remind you to heal hurt feelings, either yours or someone else's.
Eraser ... to
remind you everyone makes mistakes. That's okay, we learn by our errors.
Candy Kiss ...
to remind you everyone needs a hug or a compliment everyday.
Mint ... to
remind you that you are worth a mint to your family.
Bubble Gum ...
to remind you to stick with it and you can accomplish anything.
Pencil ... to
remind you to list your blessings every day.
Tea Bag ... to
remind you to take time to relax daily and go over that list of God's blessings.
This is what
makes life worth living every minute, every day
Wishing you 365
days of love, gratitude, friends to cherish, caring, sharing, laughter, music, warm feelings in your heart and soaring with the eagles.
Blessings, Pastor Jessica
Daily Faith Lift - Janaury 5th, 2010Yesterday I was back to work and accomplished many things but I completely forgot about my daily devotional gig. Sorry!
Christmas break was really wonderful. My in-laws were here and both I and my family had some really great times with them. We even had a night out with friends which was refreshing and renewing.
Christmas itself was so meaningful this year. All three worship services went pretty well and it was wonderful seeing so many new faces. On Christmas the boys were ecstatic. They got a few small things but they each got a new bike. They have been out riding and riding even on the snow. We are researching bike paths for the spring and are excited about having some family time outdoors.
Jonathan and I only exchanged one gift each this year and that made that particular gift even more meaningful and thoughtful.
As I enter the New Year I have some resolutions (some have been the same since high school!) and I am trying to be more intentional about my faith and spiritual disciplines.
How about you? How did you discover God this Christmas and Epiphany season? What would help you in your journey?
After a week off-Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Blessings, Pastor Jessica
Click HERE to view the 2009 Daily Devotional Archives.
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