First Lutheran Church

September 26, 2021

“God’s Work, Our Hands Sunday”

Mark 10:13-16 People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them. But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.  Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.’  And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them.

Sermon

Each year in September congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) come together to perform acts of service with our neighbors on “God’s Work, Our Hands Sunday.”

It’s a Sunday when we change up our usual gathering pattern.  It’s a Sunday when we focus not on being in the sanctuary but rather being out there in our neighborhood.  It’s a Sunday set aside to celebrate who we are, - “one church, freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor.” “God’s Work, Our Hand Sunday” offers us an opportunity to explore one of our most basic convictions as Lutherans: that all of life in Jesus Christ – every act of service, in every daily calling, in every corner of life – “flows freely from a living, daring confidence in God’s grace.”

Our Bishop Andy Taylor always reminds us, “Because we know that ultimately we are ‘saved,’ we don’t need to worry so much about our own life, we can focus on helping those in need.”  In Christ, we know that we are loved, we know that we are cared for, we know what really matters; and this sets us free to love and care for our neighbors.  This is what it means to have a “daring confidence in God’s grace! ”So it is that we gather today not to somehow ensure our own salvation, but to be empowered by “the salvation we already have” to go out into the world and make a difference.

And that is exactly what we are going to do!

Over the past month we have been preparing for this day in many ways.  This year we chose to partner with “Crittenton Services for Children and Families.”  Crittenton is a nationally accredited mental health and child welfare nonprofit, located here in Fullerton, with more than 50 years of experience serving the most vulnerable system-involved children, youth, and families.  Greg Eubanks, the CEO of Crittenton, and a member of The Table, joined us a few Sundays ago and told us all about the important and inspiring work that they are doing!  Many of you have expressed a great excitement to be partnering with Crittenton, and many of us hope this will turn into an ongoing opportunity for service for First Lutheran and The Table.

In our conversation with Crittenton we discovered what some of the things they need, and we have been collecting them.  In particular we have been gathering up card games, Spanish language toddler books, sippy cups, and the ever-valuable soccer balls to replace those who have escaped the fence around their field finding their way into the drainage canal!  Today, after our service, we will be bringing these donations over to their campus just down the street from us. 

And we will also be bringing lunch! 

Today we will be serving lunch and playing games with around 60 teenage boys.  Thanks to those of you who made a financial gift to buy pizza, lots of pizza for those 60 teenage boys!  And thanks to those of you who made all the dessert cookies for those 60 teenage boys.  And thanks to those of you who are able to go over there today to serve the lunch, and interact, play games, with those 60 teenage boys.  It’s going to be quite a day, quite an experience for all of us, and for those 60 teenage boys!

It seems that too often our religious life deals with things that can be mostly “philosophical.”  We talk about our good theology, discuss great and noble ideals, we learn about God and creation, we investigate the social condition, we discover ourselves in spiritual disciplines, and we act out meaningful liturgical rites.  And while all these things are good, I have to admit, I really like it when we get out of our heads and out onto the streets, I really like it when the rubber meets the road, I really like it when we leave this place and go out into the world to serve.

In last Sunday’s appointed Gospel Jesus took up a little child in his arms and said, “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me.”  In today’s Gospel Jesus proclaims, “Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.”  And to my joy, today we will not muse philosophically about these teachings, - we will boldly live them out. 

Today we will be seeking out the children in our community who are in need, children who need to be reminded that they are loved and cared for, children who need help finding a place to call home, the children Jesus would have us gather up in our arms.  God’s work, our hands!  And in this little act of service, we will undoubtably discover the Kingdom of God that belongs “to such as these.”  We will come with sippy cups and soccer balls, and they will bless us with the Kingdom of God.  Not a bad deal, - for each of us!

And in between this service and our service project we will take a few moments to enter into a Congregational Meeting!  Today we will vote on calling a new Associate Pastor.  And one of the duties of this pastor will be to help us organize a new emphasis in our Children and Family Ministry.

“Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me.” “Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.” 

Today we are blessed to be about these very things, today we are blessed to do the work of God with our very hands, our very hearts.  Let us do so with a daring confidence in God’s grace and love.  The Kingdom awaits us. Amen.

First Lutheran Church

September 19, 2021 + The Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost B

Mark 9:30-37

30[Jesus and the disciples went on] and passed through Galilee. He did not want anyone to know it;31for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, “The Son of Man is to be betrayed into human hands, and they will kill him, and three days after being killed, he will rise again.” 32But they did not understand what he was saying and were afraid to ask him.

33Then they came to Capernaum; and when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the way?” 34But they were silent, for on the way they had argued with one another who was the greatest. 35He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.” 36Then he took a little child and put it among them; and taking it in his arms, he said to them, 37“Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me.”

Sermon

This week’s Gospel begins with Jesus once again reminding his disciples that that the path he is on will lead to a great conflict, one that will cost him his life.  Yet death will not have the last word.  And once again the disciples don’t seem to get it.  Oblivious to what lies ahead and the consequences, as they travel along the disciples begin to inexplicably argue amongst themselves as to which one of them is the greatest.

When they arrive at their destination for the day, Jesus asks them, “What were you arguing about on the way?” They don’t respond, - they are embarrassed.  In this moment Jesus sets them down, seeks out a child, puts the child among them, and then lifts the child up, holding the child in his arms, he proclaims, “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me.”

Do you see what is happening here, in the movement, in the action? Jesus reminds the disciples that greatness is not what they think it is, it is not about worldly power, but rather it is about hospitality, it is about humility, it is about serving the little ones.

In the next chapter in Mark’s gospel, the tenth chapter, Jesus will once again turn to a child to instruct the disciples about the nature of the Kingdom of God.  “People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them. But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.  Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.’  And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them.” (Mark 10-13-16)

In Luke’s version of the same story he adds, “Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.” (Luke 18:17)

So it is that Jesus makes children - signs of the Kingdom, examples of faith, and key to the understanding of our mission, what it means to follow Jesus.  Today we are invited to consider, and perhaps reconsider, just what it is about children that opens us up to the nature of God, the presence of God, and our relationship with God.

The first temptation with today’s text is to sentimentalize the connection, to lift up the idealized nature of children as pure and innocent, meek and mild, good and unselfish, open and accepting, genuine and good.  After all that’s what it means to be childlike, right?  Yeah, maybe, but we all know that children can also be - childish! 

One of my favorite theologians these days is Debi Thomas, you are probably becoming familiar with that name, because I quote her all the time.  I was particularly interested in reading what she had to say about this week’s text, about Jesus and children, because she is not a seminary professor but rather an active children’s minister!  She works with children all the time.  And I found her response to this temptation to sentimentalize the connection between children and faith very interesting and thought provoking. She writes, “Well, I don’t know children like that; the ones I know are far more interesting. They’re feisty, clever, quick, fierce, generous, selfish, naughty, obedient, curious, bored, quiet, loud, challenging, funny, surprising, solemn, and exhausting. I think Jesus knew as much when he described children as trustworthy representations of God.”

So, keeping the “true nature” of children in mind, as described by Thomas, let us honestly consider how welcoming children, and becoming childlike in our understanding of faith, might open us up to the true nature of God, the presence of God, and deepen our relationship with God.  Thomas suggests we explore these possibilities: imagination, questions, abundance, and divine power.

Children are free to imagine and reimagine God.  They don’t limit themselves to preconceived notions, they are not limited by doctrine, dogma, or theology.  Children can take a few markers and some construction paper, some clay or building blocks, and imagine the whole kingdom of God.  And while it may look like just a bunch of squiggles, and while they may draw outside the lines, while it might be messy; when you ask them to explain what they are creating they can tell you the gospel story, the story of God’ love, as they understand it, as they experience it.  Today our children will gather for messy church, and that’s exactly what will happen!   In today’s Gospel the disciples can’t begin to understand Jesus’ teaching about the resurrection, they can’t even begin to imagine something beyond death.  When Jesus invites us to welcome the children, Jesus is inviting us to open up our imaginations, to wonder freely once again in the realm of endless possibilities.  Perhaps that is where God is waiting to meet us, perhaps we should all visit Messy Church today!

Children are free to ask questions, even the hard questions.  Children are curious, they are not embarrassed because they don’t know the answer, and they’re willing to risk social discomfort, (yours and mine,) to get to the truth.   And children are persistent with their questions.  “But why?”  In today’s Gospel the disciples are afraid to ask Jesus any questions about the things they don’t understand.  When Jesus invites us to welcome the children, when Jesus invites us to receive the kingdom of God like a child, Jesus invites us to ask questions, even the hard questions.  For it is these kinds of questions that lead us into the holy intimate conversations that help us grow spiritually, that place us in the presence of that Living Word of God.

Children teach us to trust in God’s abundance.  Thomas writes, “Young children generally expect that there’s enough to go around. Enough time, enough hugs, enough attention, enough love. (Also, enough Teddy Grahams, cheddar-flavored Goldfish, and Munchkin donuts!) It doesn’t occur to them to fear scarcity unless they’re conditioned to do so; left to themselves, they assume plenitude.”  To welcome the child, to be childlike in your faith is not to argue about who is the greatest, but rather it is to trust in the generosity, sufficiency, and abundance of Jesus.  It is not a competition!  In Jesus there is more than enough.

And finally, we are invited to see in children – divine power.  In the time of Jesus children were socially invisible.  They were totally dependent on the hospitality and tolerance of others.  They were powerless in the system.  Children are often at the mercy of those who are older, bigger, and stronger than they are.  Yet Jesus lifts them up as signs of the kingdom, examples of faith, and the key to our mission as followers of Jesus.  We are reminded that Jesus came into the world as a helpless child, born not into power but into poverty, “born in a stable because there was no room for him in the inn.”  In lifting up children Jesus challenges the hierarches of this world.  The disciples don’t get it, they argue about greatness, they are “stern” with the children that approach Jesus, they don’t have time for the children.  They forget that true power, divine power is experienced in serving others, in serving the children, in serving those who are truly powerless in our world.  “Do you want to see God?” Thomas writes, “Look to the weak, the small, the simple, the vulnerable, and the helpless. Look to the ones who are not in charge. Look at the tiniest faces, and see God.”  When Jesus invites us to welcome the child, Jesus invites us into the power of servanthood, the power of the Kingdom of God.

On this day we gather together as nothing less than the children of God.  That’s what Jesus has proclaimed in our baptism, that each of us indeed are - a beloved child.  Be that child; receive that love, imagine that love, question that love, trust that love, and practice that love.  As you have been welcomed into the arms of Jesus, welcome others into those abundant arms through your arms. For it is in these arms that we are in the very presence of God.  “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me.”

Amen.

A Horse, A Ship, & A Forrest

Pr. Jasmine Waring

Pentecost 16 September 12, 2021

Peter had a big mouth. I like to say that he was Jesus’ problematic intern. His eagerness and messiness would get him into all kinds of awkward situations. Like the time when he tried to set up a bed-and-breakfast for Moses, Elijah, and Jesus on the Mountain of Transfiguration. I think the writer of James may have heard stories about Peter, and was inspired to write about the untamable power of the tongue. When Jesus asked his disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” Peter replied, “You are the Messiah.” This is God’s anointed One we have been waiting for. The One who will judge the wicked, and liberate Israel from the oppression and occupation of the Roman Empire. This was a very loaded and dangerous statement. That’s why in this Gospel, Jesus didn’t give him a hi-five and say, “Ding-ding-ding! You got the right answer!” or clap his hands saying, “You’re doing it, Peter!”. No, instead Jesus might as well of covered Peter’s mouth with his hands. “Shhhhh! Don’t tell anyone.” Jesus knew that his ministry and his divine calling were at odds with those abused their power, and it would inevitably get him killed. Calling Jesus the Messiah was like putting a target on his back. When Peter rebuked him, and told him this violence could not happen, Jesus told him to literally shut-up, the same words he used to silence demons and calm the seas. Peter’s tongue had the power to set into motion events that would change history. Like a bit in the mouth of a Roman soldier’s horse, he could have caused the most powerful military force at the time to capture Jesus before his work was completed. Like the rudder of a great ship, he could steer their collective lives in the wrong direction, counter to the Kingdom of God. Like a flame in a dry forest, Peter’s tongue could have utterly destroy everything in his path. “Who do you say that I am?” “You are the Messiah.” After Peter received his rebuke from Jesus, he managed to bite his tongue long enough to see the end result of Jesus’ mission. Jesus went from a target on his back, to rising out of an empty tomb. As we celebrate the 16th Sunday of Pentecost, we remember the day the Holy Spirit fell upon the disciples, with tongues of fire. Peter, who couldn’t hold his tongue any longer, proclaimed the Good News of Jesus Christ. Peter’s tongue was like a bit in a messenger’s horse, delivering the Gospel far and wide. Like the rudder of a ship, called the early church, he was able to help navigate the waters of our chaotic world with the grace and truth of Jesus. Like how a fire opens up pinecones so that its seeds can spread and create new life in a forest, the Holy Sprit is able to bring new life in seemingly desolate spaces. “Who do you say that I am?” You see, how we answer this question reflects our worldview…and our worldview influences how we treat people. For Peter, Jesus was Messiah, the One who would liberate them from oppression. Originally, he thought this was a physical overthrowing of the government. But after the death and resurrection of Jesus, he realized the Jesus was there to spiritually liberate them. So that no matter what powers try to dominate, imprison, or oppress them, they knew that they were already free. Peter’s worldview was that of liberation. “Who do you say that I am?” Is Jesus a prophet, a historical figure, a myth? Is Jesus God in human form, a charismatic cult leader, a businessman? Is Jesus riding a bald eagle, wrapped in an American flag holding an assault riffle and a bag of Doritos? Is Jesus wearing a tie-die tunic gently placing daisies in the barrels of shotguns? “Who do you say that I am?” How we answer this question has the power to change the world around us. Like a bit in a horse’s mouth, like the rudder of a ship, like a flame in a forest…we can do a lot of good, and a lot of harm. I encourage you this week, to think deeply about this question. If Jesus is your savior, what is he saving you from other than hell? If Jesus is your Messiah, the one who liberates you from oppression, what forces are oppressing you, and how can you help liberate others? If Jesus is just a great man who lived an extraordinary life of love, then what does that love mean to you? Our words are powerful. Our tongues and the many other ways we communicate contain life, death, and everything in between. Let’s use this God given power to create a better world for everyone. May your tongue be like a bit in a messenger’s horse, delivering words of peace. May your tongue be like a rudder on the great ship that is your life, and may it navigate you through the many waves and tides this world brings. May your tongue be like a flame blazing through a forest, breaking open seeds and creating new life in desolate places. May you use your tongue to speak up, shout, cry, taste, and sing. And may you have the wisdom to know when to bite it. Amen.