No doubt most of us have seen the Charlie Brown Valentine’s Day Special on T.V. It’s shown just about every year. If for some strange reason you haven’t seen it, make a point to do so when it is on again this year.

The story deals with the fact that every year Charlie Brown waits patiently by him mail box all day long hoping to receive just one Valentine, a very special one, from someone he cared about very much. And yet, every year he waits, and he waits, and he waits, but the card never comes. Poor old Charlie Brown, as we watch him we really feel for him, because somehow we want him to know that we care for him even if that little Redhead Girl doesn’t seem to know that he exists. I believe that the reason we empathize so well with Charlie Brown is because we too are hoping and wanting to know that someone cares about us.

If that’s the case for you, then take heart, because I have a Valentine message just for you. It’s given so that you might know that there is someone who really cares about you no matter what.

It simply reads: “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.” (John 3:16-17)

What greater Valentine could there be than this? It’s not a Valentine that is shared with only a few close friends, it’s a love letter to the entire world and everyone in it. And since you are a part of this world, this message is for you just as it is for me, and even those who think that they don’t need it, or those whom we may think should not have it. It is a special message in the fact that once we receive this Valentine we are called to deliver this Valentine to those who are still waiting patiently by their mail box of their heart, and even to those who may have given up waiting.

This year make it a special Valentine’s Day by seeking out those who are in need of care, find some way to help them know that they are not alone. For when you are able to do something for someone else you share in the love and ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the greatest Care-Giver of all.

(In Christian Love, your Interim Minister)

PS: This year the month of February also holds the Church’s observance of Lent, which begins on Ash Wednesday, February 22nd. The six weeks of Lent are a time of reflection, a time to open our hearts to the love and grace that only our Lord Jesus Christ can give.

Open yourself up to the opportunities that will be provided so that your preparation for Easter will be one full of all those things that will enable you to embrace the full meaning of Jesus’ resurrection in your life.

Just as the secular world celebrates new beginnings with the New Year each first of January. Epiphany, in the life of the Church, embraces the beginnings of Jesus’ life and his ministry to the world.

And much like Advent, Epiphany also has two expressions. Western Christianity tends to focus traditionally on the “Revelation to the Gentiles” mentioned in Luke 2:22-38. This is  where the term Gentile means all non-Jewish peoples. In Matthew 2:1-12, the Biblical Magi, represented the non-Jewish peoples of the world, who paid homage to the infant Jesus in stark contrast to Herod the Great (King of Judea), who sought to kill him. At the same time there is a focus on the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan river (Mark 1:9-15), and Jesus’ first miracle at the Wedding in Cana (John 2:1-11).

At it’s heart Epiphany deals with the appearing or the revealing of Jesus as God’s Son to the world and everyone in it.

Beginnings are not new to the life of the Church or our own lives as well. For some, each day is a new beginning full of possibilities and blessings. Opportunities to change, to grow, to start over, to leave behind, and to be blessed in the doing of it.

What revelation or revealing does this New Year hold for you?

Well it be as bright as a star shinning high above, leading you, guiding you in the direction that you need to go?

Well it be a prophetic word spoken by a stranger that will help you understand your purpose in this world?

Could it be something like a dove descending from above, speaking a clear message of what it is you need to do?

Well it be some miracle that you have the privilege to encounter, that enables you to see God at work in this world?

To paraphrase the Psalm, “This is the (year) that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

While we cannot know for sure what all is in store for us, we can walk it in faith, hope, and love. The Apostle Paul shares some very appropriate words for anyone venturing into this new year. In Philippians 3:12-16, he says:

“I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.”

“So let’s keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you’ll see it yet! Now that we’re on the right track, let’s stay on it.” (The Message)

Likewise, while I may not be able to see exactly what is unfolding before us here at First Christian Church. What I do know is that in this coming year you will experience the beginnings of a new ministry, with a new minister. So let us strive together in these days ahead, reaching out in Christ, embracing all that God has in store for us, seeking a clearer understanding of the mission and ministry this congregation can provide both inside and outside as a community of faith.

“Have A Blessed New Year!”

Have you figured out the name to this song yet? I wanted to hear it so much that my Grandma bought the Christmas Album a few years later, so I could play it whenever I wanted. Like on a dreary, rainy, summer day.

So, what was this chart topping song of over 50 years ago? It was “The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late)” by Alvin and the Chipmunks. Okay, I will now admit that it pales in comparison to the true Christmas Carol classic’s like “Silent Night”, “What Child Is This”, or O Holy Night”. At the same time, it far out ranks “Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer”.

Actually, it was the theme and words that hit home for me back in those early years. Do you recall the words? I’ll bet, for some of you, the words have been rolling around your head ever since I mentioned song.

It’s a simple tune with simple and short lyrics:

Christmas, Christmas time is near 
Time for toys and time for cheer 
We’ve been good, but we can’t last 
Hurry Christmas, hurry fast 
  
Want a plane that loops the loop 
Me, I want a hula hoop 
We can hardly stand the wait 
Please Christmas, don’t be late. 

It’s a song that speaks of an eager childlike anticipation about the arrival of Christmas. “Hurry Christmas, hurry fast!” “We can hardly stand to wait, please Christmas don’t be late.”

When was the last time you felt like that about the coming Christmas Season? When was the last time your anticipation out weighed your anxiety and frustration for a time of years that demands so much of your time and energy. The shopping for gifts, the decorating of home, the cooking and baking, sending Christmas cards, the parties, and the traveling, all rolled up in a few short weeks.

When was the last time you longed for the Messiah to come into your life? The Old Testament shares over and over again about the people of God longing and waiting for such a time. We sing about it during Advent with such hymns as “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel, that mourns in lonely exile here, until the Son of God appear.” or “Come, O Long-expected Jesus, born to set your people free… dear desire of many a nation, joy of many a longing heart.”

While some people say that they can’t wait for Christmas to be over, what about you? What are you anticipating during this Holy Season of Advent and Christmas? Will you be caught up in the commercialism and busyness, or maybe this is the year that you strive to focus on the real purpose of these sacred days of preparation for receiving and celebrating the coming of Christ in the world, and into our lives.

May you be open to the leading of God’s Spirit in reading the scriptures and other resources like our Advent Booklet, to be aware of those less fortunate then yourself, to seek out those who may be alone or just lonely.

If we truly share the Spirit of Christmas, then it won’t be late, it will be just in time.

So, maybe the best thing is to just focus on this cultural and social celebration called Halloween. You see, it’s an interesting time in the life of the Church, because many of us, as Christians, find ourselves taking time to celebrate something that began as a pagan ritual. The Druids in Britain and Ireland, who among other things worshiped trees, also celebrated the end of summer with an autumn festival and the feasting of all kind of food that had been grown during the summer. However, as the days grew shorter, these people also believed that it was during this time that evil creatures would roam the night. As Christianity grew in this area, as early as 3rd century, the Church worked to dispel the notion of evil creatures, but encouraged the celebration of the harvest. They did this by the observance of All Saints Day, held on November 1st. Yet the superstitions and symbols of the old pagan customs held on. From these customs Halloween, the “Hallowed Eve,” was established.

When Halloween made its way to the United States, over the years it became an occasion for playing harmless pranks. There was also an English custom from the celebration of All Saints Day that grew into the celebration of Halloween. That custom was people, mostly children in need, going door to door asking for an offering of food; an apple, a pear, a piece of cake. It may be from these two situations that we get the term “Trick or Treat.” It’s a term not used in the USA until the 1930’s.

Still, when you think about it “TRICK or TREAT’ has become a term that some people might use today to describe the life they are living. For some life is nothing more than a trick. They look at life and live life as if they were the butt of some cosmic practical joke.
There’s an old saying which goes, “We know God has a sense of humor, for why else would God have created us?” People with this kind of attitude seem to only see the evil that roams through their lives. The shadows are deep and dark. Fear and sadness blows around them and rattles the doors and windows of their hearts. Life for them is not Hallowed, but hollow.

Then there are those who view life as a treat. Life is full of laughter, and it’s generated out of joy, a joy that is shared. People with this kind of attitude toward life see the blessings that fill their life. And even though they walk through the valley of shadows, they fear no evil, for they have a special light (Jesus Christ) which shines in their heart.

Now, for most of us, we find that life has its share of both tricks and treats. Yet, those of us who journey in the faith of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, strive to emphases the blessings of Life. We’re the one seeking a offering of spiritual food, and receiving it through the loving grace of God.

The Christian Faith is not a trick, a hoax, or a practical joke. It is a real and vital force in the lives of so many people. And through these people of faith it is also at work in the world, helping to dispel fears, bringing light to the shadows and dark places around us and within us, helping those in need to unmask the evil in the world and expose it the light of Christ.

In some circles, it’s been said that the reason some people of the Church celebrate Halloween is because we are mocking the evil of this world, the dark evil of death and the unknown. Through our faith in Jesus Christ, we know about the light that the darkness can not overcome. The light that guides us along our journey of life, until we are safely home with him.

It’s kind of good to be thinking about all this at this time, especially when you stop and realize that the next big celebration we will share in is THANKSGIVING.

Thank you God, for the sweet treat of your steadfast love, and bless all the saints of your Church.

Usually, Terri and I make plans to spend a couple of nice days out enjoying the Fall colors. The Tri-State area of Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York are nice places to travel, with all those hills and valleys. You can see a lot in a couple of days. And yet timing is everything when it comes to checking out the Fall colors. Last year our schedules didn’t allow us to make the journey until late October, and it was a little too late. Much of the colors had turned to brown and a big rain storm blew most of the leaves off the trees.

There’s a lot to be said about timing, especially when it comes to change. Some change can be as predictable as the seasons, but at the same time, circumstances can effect change or even let it slip by. Which means that in most cases we need to be ready for change. In some cases we can create change, seeking to have an element of control over the process. But I’ve come to learn that most of the time change sneaks up on us, often catching us by surprise.

Maybe that’s why most of us are not that happy when change comes along. Because it’s mostly out of our control. Having just turned 60 this past August has proven that. The mental image of myself and the one I actually see in the mirror each day are not the same. The fact that a year from now I will have lived longer than both my parent is a sobering thought. I expect to be around a long, long time, so it’s hard to imagine that my parents will be forever younger than me. And still that realization will in fact be a blessing for me. Change comes, ready or not.

The truth is without change we can never really move forward. How does that saying go:  “A body at rest tends to remains at rest, but a body in motion tends to stay in motion.” If I remember my physics, motion is usually created by an external force.

When I look at Church Life and Change (as a positive) I have often imagined that the external force that moves us forward is “The Holy Spirit.” Not so much in surprising ways, although it does happen from time to time. We know the Spirit of God is among us, just as we are aware of the seasons in their coming and going. But in such matters timing is also important. Which means that we need to be alert, to be ready, to be prepared to be moved by this spiritual force that is able to guide us in the direction we need to go.

In my short time here at First Christian Church I have seen that this “Body of Christ” is not at rest, it is moving forward on many levels. There is a willingness here to allow the Holy Spirit to be that force that moves us forward. May we continue to see the changes taking palace here as positive steps forward in the ministry and mission Christ is calling you to share in.

Remember these words from the Apostle Paul: “…forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.”
(Philippians 3:13b-14)

For most of us summer bring up fond memories of our childhood, a break from the routine of school. As a kid I couldn’t wait for school to be out for the whole summer. That was back when you never went back to classes until after Labor Day. But do you want to know something strange? Every summer without fail, by the middle of August, many, myself included, would start complaining that we were “bored!” “There’s nothing to do.” All that freedom from the classroom and studies, and yet we (I) began to long for the routine we once wished was gone. How strange and yet how normal. Maybe it’s a part of our collective DNA. Something to do with our basic human nature. A need for routine, for the familiar, for a sense of steadfastness.

I think our faith often reflects this basic human nature. Living faithful lives is demanding, it calls for a routine of prayer, study, service, and worship. And yet we often equate routine with words like habitual, dull, mundane, and ordinary. But in the routine of Church life it should instead be seen as steadfast, stable, and faithful. In fact, Jesus was an advocate for taking a break from the routine of life. He knew the value of rest and renewal. Yet, we need to understand that this is more than physical and mental relaxation. It’s a need to set aside time for God.

As you read through the gospels you will find many times when Jesus breaks away from the crowds, or even his small group of disciples. He would retreat into the mountains, or sometimes just a short distance from the group. He knew how important it was to get renewed, so that the work of his ministry and mission could move forward. In Mark 6:31 it says, He said to them, “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.” Note that it does say, “rest for a while”. There’s the implied need to return and not stay away.

We in the Church tend get this all backwards, especially in the summer. We look for a break from those very things that are meant to bring us closer to God, as in prayer, study, mission work, and even worship. But I also think that, for most of us, our breaking from Church routine also brings us back to a point much like my childhood longing to return to the classroom and studies. I hope this is the case for you as we end our summer break here at First Christian Church and return to a stronger routine of mission, ministry, study, prayer, service, and worship.

I look forward to see all of you back in the routine of Church life on September 11th, renewed and ready to continue the work that our Lord is calling us to do.

There were exhibits all over the place sharing, telling, about the work we as “Church” are doing on behalf of Jesus Christ. Video presentations were shown during the ministry reports; Week of Compassion, Disciples Home Mission, Global Ministries, Council of Christian Unity, The Pension Fund, New Church Ministries, just to name a few.

We voted to re-elect Rev. Dr. Sharon Watkins for another six years, due to her outstanding leadership. We engaged in discussion and action on resolutions such as Justice in Education Reform, Opposing Bullying in our Schools, Opposition to Human Trafficking, Addressing   Anti-Muslim Action in the United States and Canada, Celebrate and Reaffirm Our Commitment to the Vision of Planting New Mission (88 new and affiliated congregations have joined us since our last assembly.), and there were a number of others.

My favorite experience was the opportunity to see friends that I had not seen for awhile, some of them for years. It was very much like a family reunion. In fact, it was a Church Family reunion. There were lunch gatherings for Hiram College and Christian Theological Seminary where I reconnected with friends and made a few new ones. CTS announced their new president, Rev. Dr. Matthew Boulton, the first Disciples minister to hold that position since I was a seminary student. I even ran into Rev. Rebecca Heller, and she sends her love and blessings.

Terri and I worshiped Sunday at Woodmont Christian Church on the south side of Nashville, where Dr. Fred Craddock brought a wonderful message. The church was so packed that Terri and I ended up setting on folding chairs in the center aisle (wouldn’t that be a great thing to happen in our own Church?). He spoke again on Tuesday night. The truth is all the speakers, morning and evening, gave thought provoking and challenging messages.

There were also many good workshops to choose. One that I went to was on “Praying in Color.” I liked it a lot and will be looking into this subject more in the weeks ahead.

I could go on and on about all this, but I suspect that it’s much like trying to tell people what it’s like to be a Camp Christian and be touched by the Spirit of Christ in that place. Words are no enough, you have to come and experience it yourself.

So I will leave you with this bit of “Good News”, actually, it’s “Great News”. While the next General Assembly is being held in Orlando, Florida, July 13-17, 2013 (Good News), the 2015 General Assembly will be held July 19-25, right down the road in Columbus, OH. (Great News). So mark your calendar and start saving that pocket change. Make a commitment to be there, and then you will know what I am telling you is worth your effort to be there.

As the Apostle Paul rightly points out: “So faith comes from hearing the Good News, and people hear the Good News when someone tells them about Christ.” (Romans 10:17)

It was here at Camp Christian that I first began to hear my call to ministry, some 43 years. (Don’t try to figure out the math, because there are time gaps.) In large measure my being in ministry today is because of my Camp Christian experiences. This is why I am so passionate about Camp Christian and having youth spend time there. Over the years I have encouraged the youth of each congregation I have served to attend. I have not always been successful in this effort, a few have slipped by. Yet, I don’t recall any youth, who accepted the invitation or challenge to go, being disappointed or having regrets. My own children didn’t mind spending their Conference weeks with their Dad, even the goofy times.

And now this year my youngest nephew Nick is up for the challenge. Although Lutheran in background, over the years he has heard about Camp Christian from his cousins, aunts and uncles, and his Dad. This will have been his first time there.

But for Nick it’s just been words or pictures. Actually, Nick is literally stepping out in faith. Which is true for anyone coming to Camp Christian for the first time. Those of you who have been there know what I am talking about. How many times have you tried to explain why this is a wonderful place. How many times have you tried talking about all the things you did, the relationships, the experiences, the Spirit of God that fills this place, and finally the best thing you can say is, “You just have to come and experience it for yourself.”

Is this the case for you when talk to others about the mission and ministry here at First Christian Church of Kent? Have you ever been so moved by the way that God’s Spirit is at work through this congregation that words alone could not convey it all? Is the best way for you to share what is going on around here to simply say, “You just have to come and experience it for yourself.”? If not, then why not?

Jesus calls us to come and follow him, but also to go and make disciples. And he has given us the gift of the Holy Spirit to help us in our “comings” and “goings”.

What takes place at Camp Christian or here in this congregation comes about through a great deal of effort: planning and praying, volunteering time and talent, supporting with money, materials and encouragement. It is done so that we might grow strong in our faith, so that everyone might come and experience it for themselves. But even more so we do it all for the glory of God, in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord.

In Acts 2, we have the coming of the Holy Spirit, the promised gift from Jesus Christ to his disciples. However, the receiving of this gift to the disciples is only part of the story. The tongues of fire that rest upon each of them ignited their souls, and empowered them to act and re-act in a whole new way.

Peter is empowered to speak in a way that all who heard him understood, no matter what foreign country they might be from. He explained to them what was happening by sharing the words spoken by the prophet Joel:

“In the last days it will be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams…. Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Acts 2:17, 21)

Peter goes on to quote King David, as saying:

“I saw the Lord always before me, for he is at my right hand so that I will not be shaken; therefore  my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced; moreover my flesh will live in hope.” (Acts 2:25-26)

One of the problems we face, as modern day Christians, is that we look at this event and the words spoken as history. Something that happened 2000 plus years ago. The Spirit of the Living God came upon these early faithful followers of Jesus, enabling them to do far more than they normally could or would do.  And the whole world was changed.

But that was then and this is now. They were important people, and well, we’re not. We’re just ordinary people, they were the ones who laid the foundation of the Church.

However, what we so often fail to understand and accept is that God’s Spirit was pour out to all. The gift of the Spirit is a gift to the world, and it’s timeless. It is freely given as part of Jesus’ salvation sacrifice. Yet, we must be willing to accept it. But now, just as then, our hearts cry out “What Should We Do?”

Then, as now, Peter’s words ring true, “Repent, and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38)

Many of us have done just that, and the Spirit of God has been given and received. But there is still a bit of uncertainty about what to do with this gift. Sadly, many of us react to the gift of the Spirit in the same way as Jesus’ story of the servant who was given a talent., and because of his fear he hide it, actually he buried it.

We have been given a gift that helps us with prophecy, to have vision, to dream dreams, and to live in hope. Prophecy is not fortune telling, it’s being the messenger of the Church. Vision and Dreams enable us to see and understand the direction of the Church as it unfolds before us and leads us into future works of mission and ministry, even the calling of a new Minister.

All who believe have these gifts and more. The question is, are we willing to us them?

On that first Easter the writer of the Gospel of Luke shares a story about two people leaving Jerusalem, heading for the town of Emmaus. They are lost in the pain and sorrow and confusion of losing their friend and teacher, Jesus of Nazareth. Just a week earlier they joined the massive crowd of people who were praising him as their King and Savior. But in a flash, they saw the very same people a few days later turn against him, crying out for him to be put to death. Who could blame them for their discouragement as they walked that dusty road.

But then we are told that a stranger came up and began walking and talking with them. Someone who seemed unaware of all that had happen in these past days concerning Jesus. He asked them some questions, he sensed their heartache, then he began to talk and share about why all this had to take place in order that God’s promise might be fulfilled.

He was still talking to them as the two reached their destination and stopped, while the stranger seemed ready to continue on. They begged him stay with them, for it was getting late and he must have been as hungry and they were. He agreed to stop and have supper with them.

It was then that the most marvelous thing happened to them. As they sat at the table to share a meal, the stranger took bread and blessed it and broke it, and in that act, the two realized that the one they had been walking and talking with was their Lord. And then he just disappeared.

However, the joy of this revelation, that Jesus was actually alive, energized them to the point that they got up and ran all the way back to Jerusalem to tell the others what they had experienced. Only to discover that the others also had a similar revelation.

While other say that the story of the “Empty Tomb” is their favorite Easter Story. This is my favorite Easter Story, “The Walk to Emmaus” (Luke 24:13-35). Even though, as Easter People, we know the reality of both stories, I like this one because it speaks to the fact that even we are often unaware that our risen Lord is walking beside us, in our times of sorrows, in our times of joy. Only when we are willing to stop and take time to break bread with him will our eyes be open and we will realize that he has been with us all along.

As you journey in faith may you also realize the present of Jesus Christ in your life.