Shall We Dance?

Shall We Dance?

Psalm 30; John 21:1-19

Some years ago, I found myself in a new relationship. After dating for awhile, this beautiful woman agreed to become my wife. I was so happy, I could dance. Except, I really couldn’t dance. So, in anticipation of our wedding day and the reception, and the traditional “first dance,” we signed up for a special deal at a dance studio. We were going to learn how to dance. With the introductory special, the teachers took us through the steps for the fox trot, and then there was waltz, west coast swing, mambo, samba, chacha, rumba. By this time, I was more confused than confident. When the introductory sessions ended, they sat down with us to offer a package to learn more. For another $2K we could become proficient dancers. We weren’t preparing to audition for Dancing with the Stars! If you attended our wedding and reception you may not remember the first dance. We were too busy enjoying our guests.

Deanna is a woman about my age. She was living in New York City for a time. Deanna enjoyed getting around on the subways, but also she enjoyed the sights and sounds of the subway stations. One day there were two blues bands that were a bit closer than usual. They got into a competition of sorts, playing back and forth, point-counterpoint, call and response. A crowd had gathered to enjoy the the moment. In the group was one particular woman. She was dressed with layers that were more than what the weather might indicate. Her colors were varied and mis-matched. She had all the appearance of a person who lived day to day without the comfort and security of a traditional home.

What caught Deanna’s attention, though, was when this woman began spontaneously moving to the music. Her first movements were followed by more, and then she stepped into an open area and began to dance, dancing to the music that filled the tunnel. Deanna handed her bags to her companion and stepped into the open space. She approached the woman and simply said, “May I join you?” The woman invited her in, and together, the two swayed and stepped and danced. For a few moments the two were lost in the joy and abandon of sharing the dance. What struck me, when I first heard her tell her story was that she approached the woman without judgement, without prejudice. She did not try to teach her how to dance properly, but joined her in the dancing that brought her a moment of joy. Deanna was simply joining her in her dance of life where joy and grace abounds.

There is something about the image of dancing: not so much as a precise form of art but as engaging in life with joy and abandon.

Not Doctrine but Compassion

It’s NOT about DOCTRINE; It IS about COMPASSION!

The movement of Christ followers was once called The Way, in some circles. My impression is that these were folks who had known Jesus, had seen his life, been touched by his ministry and sought to follow in his way of love, compassion, justice, inclusiveness, and peace. Then the group grew large enough that it became more established and became “The Church.” People and leaders quickly began posturing and defining. The posturing is for influence and control ("church politics"); and the defining was to determine what are the acceptable and not acceptable beliefs and tenets of faith (doctrine). Once the Church became established as the official religion by a government, it was like giving a shot of steroids to an athlete. Now the battles for control of the organization and control of people’s thoughts and beliefs took on more urgency. Lines were drawn. Some people were declared to be “In” and others were “Out.” Some doctrines were declared "wrong" or heretical. Those people, no matter how they might have tried to be faithful to their understanding of Jesus, were ostracized or, worse, tortured and killed. And all "in the name of Christ." 

So, IF your doctrine is to help YOU understand what you believe so that you can follow the WAY of CHRIST more faithfully, the way of COMPASSION, of “Love your neighbor,” and “love your enemy,” and “do unto the least of these” . . . then I would honor and celebrate what you believe, even if it is different from what I might believe. But IF your doctrine is to define you as RIGHT and others as WRONG, if it identifies you as SAVED while others are DAMNED, if it creates a wall that separates you from “heretics” or “infidels,” . . .  well, please know that I will gladly stand on the side of the heretics, and will continue to seek to live (imperfectly, perhaps) in a compassionate, Christ-like manner and will love you in so far as you will allow me to.

Things That Come In Threes

Things That Come In Threes

Isiaah 6:1-8; John 3:1-17

Today is Trinity Sunday. We love the stories that are told and retold over the course of the church year: Christmas, Easter, Pentecost, the parables of Jesus, the stories in Acts about the Apostles and the church. And then we have Trinity Sunday. This is the one Sunday that focuses on a doctrine of the church. When preachers choose to preach a Trinity Sunday sermon, they generally take on the impossible task of explaining something that is beyond explanation. I’ve done it, more than once - sometimes with reasonably good response; other times putting a congregation to sleep with theological mumbo-jumbo. So, today, I am NOT going to attempt explaining what we mean by the Trinity. But I do hope to play with the idea of Trinity so that you might experience something of the mystery of God.

Out of Darkness

Easter Sunrise Message – 2012

John 20:1-10; Psalm 116:1-9,23-26; Isaiah 25:6-9; John 20:11-18

On Saturday, two weeks before Easter, I began working on my message for the Sunrise Service. I was reviewing the scripture readings for the day and pulling together a liturgy and bulletin information to share with other worship leaders. And in the middle of my reflections I got a disturbing phone call. It was a call to let me know about the death of Rachel, a beautiful young woman whose life was full of promise. My focus on the celebration of Easter was interrupted by the terrible reality of the darkness of life. My thoughts, my prayers, my heart turned to Rachel's family and the pain and grief that they were experiencing, even as I was preparing for celebrating good news.

TEDxHouston 2011 - Chris Seay - Pastor at Ecclesia

A Most Unusual Communion

A Most Unusual Communion

Psalm 133; Matthew 15:21-28

Sometimes I have to laugh at myself. When I started this experience as Stated Supply, way back in the month of May, I created a chart to schedule my preaching plans. For these three months I plugged in my scheduled vacation and the dates when Charlie, Craig, and Jody would be preaching. I then went through the lectionary and read over the scriptures for each Sunday, making decisions about what passages I would use and the direction I anticipated for the message. So, in early May I had planned out three months of worship.

Facing the Storm

Facing the Storm

Psalm 85:8-13; Matthew 14:22-33

My name is Bartholomew.  I bring you greetings from the Christians who are worshipping in Antioch, Jews and Greeks, and from my colleague in ministry, Matthew.  Matthew and I have worked together for about thirty years, now. It’s hard for me to believe that it has been thirty years since our Lord was glorified and we were empowered to carry on his mission.

I Believe in the Sun, Even When it is Not Shining

I Believe in the Sun, Even When it is Not Shining

Romans 8:26-39

Our passage from Romans, today, is possibly my favorite passage in the Bible. At least it contains verses that have been quite meaningful for me. It starts off with the image of a person who is so burdened with life that he or she is unable even to form words to pray, and it concludes with a strong affirmation that, no matter what, God’s love will never, ever, let you go.

Let us hear the word of God as it comes to us through Romans 8:26-39

Thinking about the opening verses I am reminded of a phrase that I have often heard: “As the Bible says, God doesn’t give you more than you can handle.” My favorite response to that was from a gentleman who added, “I just wish God didn’t have such a high opinion of me.”  Well, frankly, I’ve searched. Those words are not biblical, and there are times they ring rather hollow for me.

I Know Something About Heavy Burdens

14th Sunday in Ordinary Time

I Know Something About Heavy Burdens

Psalm 145:8-14; Matthew 11:16-19,25-30

Our reading from Psalm 145 begins with words that may be familiar. They speak of God’s grace and are often used as part of the assurance of forgiveness after a prayer of confession. This grace of God is then extended to all of creation and creation responds by giving praise to God. And then the closing words focus on God’s grace being a helping hand to those in need. Let us hear the word that God has for us in

Psalm 145:8-14

Last week we heard from Matthew about how Jesus was doing tremendous ministry throughout the countryside, in many villages and cities. Yet, the need continued to be great and Jesus commissioned the Twelve to go in his name, and he empowered them for their work. So good deeds are being done everywhere. You would think that when people saw good being done and how it impacted lives of people around them, and perhaps even their own lives, as well, that it would have made a difference in the choices they made. Doing good, showing love, being compassionate leads to others doing good, showing love and being compassionate. It’s like in the movie “Paying it Forward.” Except, too often in real life it doesn’t work out that nicely. It’s as if people are questioning, “Hey, if we allow all of this do-gooder stuff to continue, how will it really impact me? What will be the cost I have to pay? How will it impact my comfort and my quality of life?” So, too, Jesus’ ministry of compassion is met with opposition. It doesn’t matter what you do. If people feel the least bit threatened they’re going to question your motives, your actions, your intentions. That way the focus is taken off of them.

In our passage from Matthew, Jesus calls them out. He exposes their fear and hypocrisy. He then turns his attention to talking with God, which he follows with turning his attention back to those who are struggling, who feel the burdens of life. Let us listen for the word that God has for us in

Matthew 11:16-19,25-30

Over the past several years I have found that an important part of my preparation for preaching is to go to the Internet. There are a wide variety of web sites that offer reflections on the scripture selections from the lectionary. Some are written by scholars and theologians. Others are reflections by everyday preachers who are wrestling with the realities of their lives in their situations. With the reference in today’s passage about “those who are weary and are carrying heaven burdens,” I was struck by some of the situations I found in my readings yesterday.

A Cup of Cold Water

A Cup of Cold Water

Psalm 13; Matthew 10:40-42

Our first reading, this morning, is a short Psalm that is easily heard in three distinct parts. The first two verses are a description of a desperate situation. It seems that God is absent as my life is be falling apart. The middle two verses are essentially a prayer, a cry to God for help. The closing two verses are then an affirmation of trust that God will be faithful and will deliver. Let us listen for God’s word in this Psalm of a deserted soul:

Psalm 13

Our Gospel reading is also a short passage: three verses long. And it comes at the end of a rather long speech by Jesus to his disciples. Prior to Chapter 10, Matthew has piled up several stories of Jesus and his ministry. Matthew recalls stories of healings, of lepers being made whole, a woman with a hemorrhage touching the hem of Jesus’ robe; Peter’s mother-in-law is restored to health. There are also stories of a girl being given back her life, of demons that are destroyed, of a raging storm that is calmed. Sight is restored to the blind and a person who was unable to speak found her voice. I can just imagine that as the word spread around the countryside that there was this miracle worker and healer among them, the crowds grew day by day. Some were curious, others had real need and an aching hope. We are told, at the end of Chapter 9, that “When [Jesus] saw the crowds, he had compassion for them. . . .Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” So, in response to the human need that was evident, Jesus told the disciples to pray for laborers. Now, as we all know, you need to be careful what you pray for. The very next thing we learn, as Chapter 10 begins, is that Jesus sends his twelve disciples. And the disciples now become the Apostles, ones who are sent.

When you think about this image of laborers being sent into the harvest, what kind of work do you imagine they are given? Matthew tells us “Jesus summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to cure every disease and every sickness.” In other words, they are commissioned with a ministry of compassion.

What follows through Chapter 10 is a speech by Jesus where he gives further direction about where to go, how to behave, and what to expect. “Not everyone will welcome you with open arms. In fact, your ministry of compassion will also stir up a lot of resentment and opposition. But always remember who and what you represent.” And now, we come to our passage from Matthew. It lies at the end of Chapter 10. These are the closing words of Jesus’ instructions and warnings as he sends his disciples. Listen for the word that God has for us.

Matthew 10:40-42

You know, as scary as it can be to be given a difficult job to do, something new and different that needs a different set of skills than what you have ever used before, as scary as that is, how cool to be selected! Wow! Jesus wants me to do the things he’s been doing: healing the sick, casting out demons, helping the lame to walk and the blind to see. And he has given me authority and power to carry out this work. How cool is that! And to add to that, Jesus says who ever welcomes me, welcomes the one who sent me, and the one who sent him. So, whoever welcomes me is essentially welcoming God and God’s Son, Jesus. Wow! And, Double Wow!

Pentecost 2011

Empowered to Do, Empowered to Be

Acts 2:1-21; 1 Corinthians 12:3b-11; John 20:19-23

Pentecost is here. Our first reading, this morning is the account in Acts of the Spirit of God being unleashed on the disciples at the Jewish festival of Pentecost. If you listen, carefully, you may get a sense of the power that these frightened disciples felt as the wind, and flames began to stir within them.
Acts 2:1-21

Our second reading, and the focus for today, will be from 1 Corinthians. The giving of the Spirit was not simply a one time event. But there are gifts from the Spirit that remain with the church and empowers the church, even today.
1 Corinthians 12:3b-11

I would like to add to today’s readings a short passage from the Gospel of John. As the resurrected Jesus appears to his disciples, behind locked doors, he breathes on them his Spirit.
John 20:19-23

Over the years I have heard many stories and many ideas about the Holy Spirit, and the gifts of the Spirit. Many strike me as being a bit off the mark. So this morning, I would like to, very briefly, share my thoughts on what I would consider three misconceptions about the gifts of the Spirit.

Unfailing Spirit of Love

An Unfailing Spirit of Love

Psalm 66:8-20; John 14:15-24

Pentecost is coming: The gospel reading today is preparing us for the outpouring of the Spirit. But before the Spirit is unleashed, Jesus has to leave, a second time. So, today, the passage is taken from the part of John's Gospel just before Jesus is arrested and crucified. Jesus is preparing the disciples for his departure. His words are as meaningful, perhaps more meaningful, in anticipation of his Ascension.

Reading: John 14:15-26

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”

Recently, I met a man in a nursing home. He was, by all accounts, rather brilliant. His mind is still sharp and clear, even though his body is failing, terribly. He had been an intellectual and a scientist. For him, there was little room for superstitious things like religion. In life, in general, and particularly in the nursing home, he observed people around him who wore their religion like a badge. They would greet you with words of blessing, but if you didn’t do things their way, they could also “bless you out.” We see it, all the time. People who are quick to publicly profess their faith, who speak pious platitudes, but whose lives betray priorities that are quite different from what Jesus taught. For this scientist who is now in a nursing home and dependent on the good will of others, the absence of good will from those who profess Jesus simply reinforces his notion that it is nothing more than superstition.

Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”

The Dangers of Being A Royal Priesthood

The Dangers of Being a Royal Priesthood

OR

Being a Royal Priesthood Can Be a Royal Pain

Psalm 31:1-5,15-16; 1 Peter 2:2-10

Last year I was fortunate enough to have found some health problems through routine checkups. That meant I was able to avert having more serious problems later on. It also means that I have become more aware of the benefits of regular check ups. So last month I went to my primary physician for an annual physical. As important as it is to do, I will admit that there is something a little disconcerting about the experience. Maybe you know what I am talking about.

First, you are ushered to a little room by a medical technician, some one who checks a few vitals. Her primary purpose isn’t the vitals, though. She pulls out the hospital gown and the paper sheet and instructs you to take off all of your clothes, put on the gown that opens in the back, and you can use the sheet for a little extra cover. “And doctor will be in shortly.”

A Shepherd of Abundance

A Shepherd of Abundance

Psalm 23; Acts 2:42-47;  John 10:1-10

Recently I ran across a story of a rich beggar. Of course, we think of beggars as being people who have circumstances that have left them poor, without resources, and they find that seeking the generosity, or the pittances of others enables them to have food to eat. Well, there was once this beggar who was indeed poor. Due to injuries and the stigmas he carried in his village, he found that he was unable to make any meaningful money, so he had to beg. He also prayed. Regularly, he prayed for the means to live  so that he would not need to beg. One day, he was visited by a messenger who carried a special bag.

Be Holy? Be Perfect? Who Me?

Be Holy? Be Perfect? Who Me?

Leviticus 19:1-2,9-18; Matthew 32 5:38-48

Some years ago there was a little country church with a pastor who had a dog and the folks of the church loved the dog as much as their pastor. The dog was a seeing eye dog, or a service dog, who helped the pastor who was totally blind. The dog would lead the pastor on visitation calls. The dog would be with the pastor in his office; would be present  for various church events; he even took part in worship.

Happy New Year!: A Sermon for the First Sunday of Advent

Happy New Year!

A Sermon for the First Sunday of Advent
Isaiah 2:1-5; Matthew 24:36-44

Happy New Year!

Last week Suzanne directed us to write down our new years resolutions and place them in the offering plate. That’s the way I heard. As we were making our stewardship commitments for the coming year, we were to write down a personal commitment related to our relationship with God or our involvement with the church. We then sealed our notes in envelops and placed them in baskets on the communion table. The notes will be mailed back to us in May so that we can see how well we have done. Suzanne also reminded us that last Sunday was the last Sunday of the church year, and this Sunday, today, marks the beginning of Advent and is the first Sunday of a new Church year. So, that’s why I greeted you, this morning with Happy New Year!

Never Forsaken, Never Alone

Never Forsaken, Never Alone
Hebrews 13:1-8, 15,16

This weekend is a weekend for remembrances. I’m not sure what it is about the end of August. Maybe it’s the effects of a long, hot summer. Maybe I’ve had too much time on my hands as I have recuperated from my own health issues. Preparing for a wedding that was held last night, at Club Continental in Orange Park, I found myself remembering another wedding in the late 70’s, at the end of August. And I remembered the divorce that ended that marriage four years ago, this weekend. But this weekend is about more than one marriage.

Five years ago a storm hit the gulf coast around Louisiana and Mississippi. The hurricane was given the name, Katrina. Remember? Images from New Orleans were devastating and disturbing.

Can You Do Something For Me?

Can You Do Something For Me?
Luke 13:10-17

Walking through a nursing home, one day, I heard a voice calling out. That’s not so unusual. You will often hear people calling out from one corner or from another room. This voice was calling, “Can you do something for me?” I will confess that I did not look around, too hard. At first, not at all. There can be so much need, and with so many residents who are confused or with dementia, you never know what you’re going to get in to. Better to leave it to the staff. Except, I didn’t see any staff around, either. Only the voice kept intruding into my world, “Can you do something for me?”

Running With Perseverance

Running With Perseverance

Hebrews 11:29-12:2

I debated about using a video to begin my sermon. Would the technology work? Would there be someone who could work the technology? Would the video distract from the central message of the sermon? My intention is to talk a little, today, about spirituality, how we are each on a path that is unique to us. Sometimes the paths may look similar to another, but we are all unique and our spiritual paths are unique. And, as the Hebrews passage encourages us, we are to follow our path, run the race, with perseverance. So, if we can pause for just a moment, I would like to share with you a video, a song, a glimpse at one type of spirituality.

Abounding In Things Not Seen

Abounding in Things Not Seen

Hebrews 11:1-12

Do you believe that we are surrounded by things unseen? Consider these comments that I have either said or heard at one time or another: Mom, where are my socks? Hey Dear, have you seen my car keys? I could have sworn there was leftover pizza in the fridge, but I swear I can’t see it now? Where is that blasted tv remote?

You know, we are surrounded by things unseen! Sometimes the things unseen are right in front of us, but for whatever reason our focus doesn’t let us pick them up.