Christmas!... Underneath the Wrappings…

Christmas!...Underneath the Wrappings…

I love Christmas. I love the excitement and the good cheer and the hopefulness and the joy and yes, even the love that seems to surface like at no other time in the year. I love to give gifts that surprise and bring joy to people, especially those who are closest to me. I have great memories of mounds of wrapping paper lying in our living room right after the kids unceremoniously and excitedly ripped the paper and bows right off the gifts. But then there is that moment of “let down,” when the only thing to do next is to clean up the ripped apart and useless wrapping paper. Do you know what I mean?

How do you “wrap” your celebration of Christmas? Parties?..at work and at home and at school? Writing Christmas cards and making sure THE LETTER is creative  and fun and informative and…perfect?  Christmas decorations? The perfect tree? Family get-togethers?  (And making sure the house is perfectly clean?) Cookies? Pies? Special dinners? Gifts for all – including the mail carrier?... And, of course, making sure you have the PERFECT gifts for your children?...or someone else? (I think we all have stories of what crazy things we did to get that “perfect” gift for one of our children!) All these things and more – right? And they all seem to make our lives go faster and faster and faster! So, how’s it all working for you?... Especially when the wrappings are just lying there after it’s all done? Does it leave you a bit worn out and empty?  Do you sometimes want to scream and just say, “forget it!”??

In these four Sundays leading up to the day of Christmas, our goal is to dig down deep underneath all the wrappings to the heart of Christmas. It’s still there. It is a gift. It is for each of us.

We all know we need it. It is why even as a society we come back to Christmas again and again. Deep inside (seemingly as something that is as part of the human condition as breathing!)  we all long for the heart of Christmas buried underneath all the wrappings: Peace and hope and love and joy. 

As we dig down deep underneath the pile of the wrappings, I can promise you this. This heart of Christmas will never disappoint or leave us empty. For it is, finally, what we all search for and long for…and what Christmas is meant to give us.

Sunday, Dec. 1st            “Peace: Having It All Together”

I never seem to have it all together. As most of you know, I do have a hair or two out of place…in more ways than one. And when you add all the extra things of Christmas to it, I REALLY have a few hairs out of place. How about you? Today we look at how we can “have it all together.” It is called Christmas peace. It is at the heart of Christmas and it is a gift to each of us. For finally, none of us has every hair in place!

Sunday, Dec. 8th “Hope: Just Known’ It’s All Gonna’ Be OK!”

I once had a young mother come and see me who had inoperable cancer who had been given 6 weeks to live. She forcefully told me that she was sure she was going to be ok because her positive attitude would cure her. She died in 6 weeks. There are many times and situations in our lives when, no matter what, it seems that it will never get better and the struggle will never go away. I think in some way each of us experiences this – right? THIS is where Christmas hope enters the picture! It is at the heart of Christmas and it is a gift to each of us. For finally, each of us have those things that will seemingly never be “ok!”

Sunday, Dec.15th     “Joy: It’s Not Just, ‘Have a Happy”

A friend of mine in college was in a play entitled, “Whatever Happened on the Way to the Forum.” In this play is the phrase, “Have a happy!” Do you ever feel – especially during this time of the year – that people just want you to “have a happy” and put on a smiling face? And if so, how is that working for you? (It sure doesn’t work for me!) Christmas joy is about a “happy” that touches us down in the very essence of our being, as far as you can get from “putting on a smiling face.” It is at the heart of Christmas and it is a gift to each of us. For finally, “have a happy” leaves us all empty!

Sunday, Dec.22nd            “Love: You Really Do Matter To God”

I never thought it was so special and maybe it’s not: When my children were in high school (and anytime, really) the commitment I made to them was that if they were in a situation they didn’t like and they called me, I would come and get them, no questions asked. Recently, one of my (now grown) children has become friends with a Christian Counselor. He shared with me how his friend told him that many, many children do not live with this comfort that anyone cares enough -loves them enough - to come after them, no matter what.  Did you know that God cares about you enough to do exactly this? It is what Christmas love is all about. It is at the very heart of Christmas and it is a gift to you! For finally, every single one of us needs someone who will come after us, no matter what!

Christmas Eve Worship             The Light Still Shines

Permanence. It seems that at most it is simply an illusion. But tonight is different. Tonight, we remember the ONE who NEVER changes, the ONE who is a LIGHT that no darkness can overcome. What darkness do you carry? His Light is greater!

And HE is FOR you!...And HE NEVER changes!

Christmas Day Worship                   Celebrate! All Has Changed!!

I had to laugh at myself over the flood of memories I had in my head when I wrote the above theme and then thought about how a baby changes everything. As Jane and I experienced and used to laugh about, life is just different in the “AK” (after kids) – right? Now put that thought on steroids and you begin to understand the birth of Jesus. It changes everything! And it is for you!

Sunday, December 29                   The Sign of the Star

The Prodigal….GOD

Prodigal – adjective

1.    Recklessly extravagant

2. having spent everything

I remember a story – don’t know if it was a movie or a book – about a Woodsman who lived with his two year old son and a big German Shepherd in a cabin in the wilderness. One evening the Woodsman had to unexpectedly go out, but he felt safe leaving his small, sleeping, son with his loyal German Shepherd. However, as he was returning, he heard a horrible commotion and bursting through the door saw his son with blood all over him and his dog’s teeth and nose covered in it. Without hesitation, he kills the dog. But looking around, he sees that his son is safe and a huge wolf that had somehow got into the cabin lay dead after what must have been a heroic fight put up by his loyal – yet now dead – dog. Sometimes it is good to stop and see things more clearly. It can change everything! 

In the next few weeks, we are going to take a closer look at a very familiar story that Jesus told. Most title it, “The Prodigal Son” and define “prodigal” as “wayward” or “rebellious” or “lost.” But really, it is a story about two lost sons where, to be honest, each of us can find ourselves…..and the prodigal (recklessly extravagant) love of the Father – of our Father God – for all. Like a beautifully cut diamond, we will look with new eyes at a number of facets of this story that Jesus told. It will challenge us, no matter who we are, to see ourselves with new, fresh, eyes, as well our prodigal God. Finally, it will give us a new, fresh, and powerful understanding of Jesus, our elder brother.

As the foundation and springboard for our focus, we will use a wonderful book entitled, “The Prodigal God” which will be given away to all. In the introduction, the author writes, “I believe that if the teaching of Jesus is likened to a lake, this famous Parable of the Prodigal Son would be one of the clearest spots where we can see all the way to the bottom.” This book – and this story told by Jesus – is meant for you whether you are a longtime follower of Jesus or just curious to know “what it’s all about” or anywhere in between.  For finally, we are all trying to find our way back to God. Whoever you are, this short series is for YOU!

Sat./Sun. October 5th/6th         “Setting the Scene For Everything”

Many have compared this story Jesus told to a Two Act play. So today, we are setting the scene, giving the context, describing the audience, revealing the characters, and in all this finding where we fit in the action. If it’s true that this story is a microcosm of the whole Bible, this is all kind of important, don’t you think?...especially where we fit into it all?

Sat./Sun. October 12th/13th          The Two Lost Sons

Have you ever heard the phrase, “the rest of the story?” Many years ago there was an announcer on the radio – his name was Paul Harvey – who made this phrase famous.  After doing the regular Newscast, he did a bit he called “the rest of the story” in which he would take one of the stories in the news and elaborate on it, giving the listener a much more in depth – and amusing – angle on it. It made him famous. Today, we take a closer look at the two sons in our story. They were both lost….and so are we.

Sat.Sun. October 19th/20th             Two Ways To Find Happiness

Everyone is looking to be happy. How is that working out for you? And could it be that the very ways we look to be happy is at the root of our problem?.... always looking but never finding?  Today we look at the two ways all of humankind tend to try to find happiness….And just maybe a third way will be revealed to us that will finally give us what we seek.

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Sat.Sun. October 26th/27th                   What’s a Lutheran? Stand-alone Reformation Celebration

When we lived in Indiana, the natives there called themselves “Hoosiers.” But did you know that no one knows what a “Hoosier” is?

When my son James and His wife Kayla, began their work as campus missionaries on the Chico State campus for CRU (Campus Crusade for Chirst), no one on their team at Chico State had ever heard of a “Lutheran” and, in fact, were kind of fearful at first that they were part of a Christian cult. Today, we remember and rejoice in who we are in Christ as Christians who share this tribe, “Lutheran.” So, you got questions? Trust me, it’s not like “Hoosier.” James really had an answer – and a Christian witness – that put the whole team at ease and created Christian friendship.  Oh, and if your question is more along the lines of “What’s a reformation?”, no problem, it’s not like “Hoosier” either.  

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  Sat.Sun. November 2nd/3rd                  Taking Lostness To Heart 

My brother and I were once caught in a blizzard (that had not been forecast) on a backpacking trip. We soon got out the maps and

determined the quickest and safest way out. Maybe thirty minutes down the trail we met a couple who refused to come out with us even though we showed them on the map that what they were planning was not wise. But they refused to listen. They refused to admit they were lost, going the wrong way, even when shown on the map. When we got back home, we saw in the Newspaper that they had died. Today, we will view “lostness” from a different perspective as it is redefined in the story for each of us, no matter who we are.  It will challenge each of us. We can take it to heart and see another way…or not.  

Sat.Sun. November 9th/10th    Wait! Something’s Missing In The Story!

I love this insight into the story. It is awesome! It brings everything together! We’re going to talk about it this weekend. I can’t wait!

Sat.Sun. November 16th/17th           Home  

In the last movie in the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, Elrond, an elf, smells the sea breeze and says, “the sea is calling us home.” Where – or what – is home for you? Does the sea breeze call you to the ocean? Do the Mountain winds beckon? Or perhaps another place tied to sights, scenes, smells, and places of your life? But when we go to these places, are they the answer? Are we truly home? Or does the emptiness and longing still remain?...a soft, still voice saying, there has to be another place for me to be happy and whole and complete…for me to be home. Today, we talk about why we have these longings and about being home at last.

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Sat.Sun. November 23rd/24th         Thanksgiving Celebration!    Stand Alone Thanksgiving Celebration!

Thanksgiving is a National Holiday. Funny, that everyone seems to know that we should really be thankful to SOMEONE for everything we are and have! What a gift if one knows who that SOMEONE is! I pray this is true for you and even more so after the last few weeks! In the book of James it says, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights…” Today we together celebrate this God and give thanks for every gift, even as we look to be renewed in reflecting the generosity of our God in our lives. For after all, we have been created- and in Jesus recreated – in His image! “O give thanks to the Lord for He is good and His mercy endures forever!”

Hook, Line and Sinker

“Disciples That Make Disciples That Make Disciples”

The above idiom is a fishing term (but you probably knew that!). What it refers to is when a hungry, aggressive fish swallows all three; the hook, line, and sinker – Bam! The fish is “all in” – completely and totally, without hesitation or reservation. Bam!

Is there anything we can be “all in” on without hesitation or reservation, “hook, line and sinker?” It seems to me we all long for just such a thing that both defines us and directs our actions….something that is bigger than ourselves and gives us the purpose we were created to live in. I am amazed that even those who think there is no God and no meaning to anything still search to find something that will define them and give their actions a meaning beyond themselves, something to live for, so to speak. What about you?

Here at St. Matthew we talk about being disciples (followers of Jesus) who make disciples who make disciples. Why? This is what we were created to be “all in” on, hook, line, and sinker. It is a gift of God in Jesus.

Jesus begins His ministry by bursting on the scene and saying, “Come, follow me.” In a sense He is fishing for you and for me. What is His bait? Having – and doing - life with Him! It is the only place where we are complete and whole. It is who we were meant to be. It is our lost identity. A follower of Jesus…a disciple. And what is our purpose?  What is the “doing” that can finally make a difference and give meaning beyond ourselves? At the end of His ministry, following His resurrection, Jesus gives us this gift as well: “As you are going, (that is, as parents, spouses, friends, and in your neighborhoods, wherever you live your life) make disciples…. that is, make and grow followers of Jesus.”

Ok. How do we do that? What does it look like? What are the variables involved?  In the next few weeks, we will explore these questions… what it looks like and how we can take steps to grow in being followers of Jesus who in turn make followers of Jesus. For you see, it is always about following Jesus. It is always about teaching another to follow Him as well.

Where does it begin? In the closest of our relationships – with our children and with our spouse (our FAMILIES!) – but it then continues to our brothers and sisters in Christ and beyond, wherever we live our lives, filling every nook and cranny of our lives!  We are called to be “Disciples -followers of Jesus – who Make Disciples who Make Disciples.”  In this is both our identity and purpose. This is where we can be whole and complete! May we swallow it “hook, line, and sinker” – and grow in living in it! This is our focus in the next few weeks. May God bless us and grow us!

Sat./Sun. August 10th, 11th.        Jesus (Elements of Disciple Being And Making)

The very first creed of the very first followers of Jesus was this; “JESUS CHRIST IS LORD.” It was and is foundational! To follow Jesus is to receive Him as your Lord in every nook and cranny of your life. Where do you struggle with this? This is an important question, because if we are going to be about making disciples, about being used by God to grow others in following Jesus and growing in the fullness of life that He gives us, it is from us that they will learn -from our modeling - what it means to receive and live in Jesus Christ as Lord, beginning with our own families and our own children!

Sat./Sun. August 17th, 18th           Intentionality  (Elements of Disciple Being And Making)

I remember watching a World Series a number of years ago where a Yankee baserunner intentionally got in the way of a relay throw, much to the chagrin of the fans of the other team. Intentional. On purpose. Actions with a particular result in mind. The Yankee baserunner knew what he was trying to accomplish, and it directed his actions. So too with Jesus. He lived His life intentionally, certainly in going the way of the cross for us that we might be His, but also intentionally coming alongside others, investing Himself in them that they might grow as His followers.  And He would teach us to do the same.

Sat./Sun. August 24th, 25th         Relationship (Elements of Disciple Being And Making)

One out of two people in our society have no one to talk to. This is what sin does. It isolates us…both from God and from others. Adam ran away from God and “threw his wife under the bus”- “this woman that you gave me!” He was absolutely alone! To be a disciple is to live in relationship with Jesus. To live as a “disciple who makes disciples” one must forsake the notion that my life with God is just “Jesus and me” and embrace living in relationship with others. For this-relationship – is what we were created for! “With God, nothing is impossible!”

Sat./Sun. Aug.31st, Sept.1st.        Teaching (Elements of Disciple Being And Making)

In Matthew 28, Jesus gives His people their “marching orders.” He says, “Go and make disciples of all nations…..teaching them to OBEY everything I have commanded you.” When I got my California Teaching Credential, I remember we learned about various levels of learning. The lowest level was rote memorization with the highest level being the student internalizing it, making it part of who they were. Jesus said, “blessed are those who hear my words AND PUTS THEM INTO PRACTICE.” This is a lifelong learning endeavor both for ourselves and for those who we are discipling and those who they in turn will disciple. Certainly, we are called to “know about” the things of God, but true teaching (and blessing!) comes as we grow and teach others how to put them into practice!

Sat./Sun. September 7th, 8th          Modeling  (Elements of Disciple Being And Making)

Every teacher will tell you; one of the most effective ways to learn and to grow – to put knowledge into action – is to have a peer model “what it looks like.” This is especially true with any kind of “movement” as any coach will tell you. To see what it looks like is powerful and helps us to learn to do it! Today, we focus how Jesus models for us what it looks like to make disciples so we can do the same.

Sat./Sun. Sept. 14th, 15th      Exercising/Practicing Our Faith   (Elements of Disciple Being And Making)

When I was in college, I did a paper on this new kind of knee surgery called Arthroscopic Surgery. It was so new that I had to use the research library in the hospital where my mom worked as a nurse. Of course, the advancement in caring for injured knees was amazing but one thing that came up again and again in the research papers was the absolute correlation between success and how many times the surgeon had done the procedure. You can be told how to swim, you can watch someone else swimming, you can write about swimming and even talk about swimming, but the only way to learn how to swim and to get better at it is to do it – and then to practice! So it is with being – and making – disciples! Today, we explore what this means!

Sat./Sun. September 21st, 22nd      Accountability   (Elements of Disciple Being And Making)

To hold one accountable means that something matters. To want to be held accountable means that I agree that it matters. To walk with Jesus matters. To disciple others to walk with Jesus matters. I am convinced that one of the greatest ways we show love to each other is to, in love, hold one another accountable.  Just ask any parent!  Oh, and by the way, it is what Jesus does for us – and what He would have us do for one another!

Sat./Sun. September 28th,29th        Reproduction   (Elements of Disciple Being And Making)

Following Jesus is never just about “Jesus and me.” It is always looking beyond “me “to the other that I can bless as I grow him/her as a disciple of Jesus. It is living in the heart of God who “loved the WORLD so much that He sent Jesus.” Disciple being and making is the way Jesus chose to bring His life to the whole world. We are always both following Jesus in relationship and connecting with others in relationship to grow them in following Jesus…who in turn are connecting with others in relationship to grow them in Jesus. This is the way of exponential reproduction so that in every nook and cranny of the world people might follow Jesus in the way of life. This is the mind of God, the paradigm of the kingdom and Jesus would have us in awe joyfully embrace it and live in it!

Got Milk

Do you remember the commercial? The telltale “milk mustache” on the lips of whoever they pictured as evidence that they indeed “got milk?” And through that contented looking milk mustache to just maybe make you start craving a drink of it? After all, “milk does a body good” – right?

“Grace, mercy and peace be to you from God, our Father, and from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” These words, or something close to them, are used again and again throughout the New Testament. Grace. Mercy. Peace…And I might add JOY… and HOPE as well. These are like the “milk mustache” of the commercial. Do you have them in your life? Got grace?... Got mercy?.. Got peace?... Got joy?... Got hope?...

Or, perhaps a better question is, “Where do you especially need them right now in your life?” And does it make you “thirsty” to think about it?

These are the things that God would give to you in Jesus as a free gift; To receive and to live in and to give away. This is our focus in the next few weeks.  So, take a deep breath and slowly let it out…and come rest  - and grow – in these things. And if you know someone else that could use these things in their life, bring them along with you – there’s always enough for one more! For these are the gifts of Jesus offered to all!

Sat/Sun. June 22nd/23rd           Grace To You

Grace. The word means undeserved love. Love that is not earned. Love that is given. Love that you can rest in because it does not depend on you and what you do but rather the heart of another. Where have you received grace in your life? Where do you need to receive it in your life right now? And where do you have the opportunity to give it to another? For this is a gift from God to you in Jesus and a gift you can give away! So, bring a friend and come take a long rest in the grace of Jesus!

Sat./Sun. June 29th/30th         Mercy To You

Are you old enough to remember Mr. T? Do you remember the line he made famous?....”Pity the poor fool!” To be merciful is to be full of pity towards another. To give mercy is to act from this heart of pity (sympathetic sorrow and compassion) for another. God looks at you – and each of us in our brokenness and struggles and failures and weakness – with a heart full of mercy, a heart full of pity, a heart full of sympathetic sorrow and compassion. This is what we focus on today. Where do you need this in your life? Where is there another to whom you could show mercy? Bring them along so you both might experience the mercy of God today!

Sat./Sun. July 6th/7th           Peace To You

Amid the cacophony  - the noise – of life, where do you go to find a little peace? …and how’s that working for you? And how do you try to help another who is also looking for peace? And how’s that working? Peace is another gift that Jesus gives. Where do you need a little peace in your life? And where is there another who desperately needs someone like you to bring a little peace? Bring them with you today so you both might rest in the peace that Jesus brings!

Sat./Sun. July 13th/14th       Joy To You

Joy is more than, “Have a happy!” It goes beneath the surface to the soul, the essence of who one is. It is a transcendent happiness of the soul….which oozes into everything we are and do.. It also is a gift from Jesus to receive and to give away. Where is there a shadow over your soul? …an emptiness that cannot be filled? This day is for you…and for that other one who you bring as well.

Sat./Sun. July 20th/21st        Hope To You

Have you ever heard the phrase, “something got lost in the translation?” I feel that way when we talk about the Hope that comes from Jesus as a gift. We tend to think of hope almost as a “wish”- “I hope that happens.” Biblical hope is absolute CERTAINTY! Where are you living with great doubts and uncertainty? And how’s that working for you? And where is there another in your life that is also experiencing great uncertainty – and how’s it working for them? This day is for you…and for that one who you bring!

More...Explained

More….Explored….

After one of the first Super Bowls that Tom Brady won, feeling the “is this all there is?”  downside after reaching the pinnacle of his dreams, he talked about the “let down” he felt in the midst of his victory. 

No matter what, somehow, we know there is “more.” Do you feel it? Do you sense the emptiness?....the longing for something….more? Just a few days ago, we heard God’s gentle, overpowering Easter witness that there is something more. And through the Easter reality God offers it to us as a gift!

But what can this mean for us in our lives right now? Jesus said he came that “we might have life and have it to the full!” The entire ministry of Jesus we see Him bringing this “fullness” to those around Him. But what does this mean for us right now?  Certainly, this means that He would somehow fill our longing that there is something more, doesn’t it? In the next few weeks, this is what we are going to explore. Using one Easter appearance of Jesus after another, we will explore living in the “More” given in the Jesus of Easter. There is more and Jesus wants you to experience it!

Sat./Sun. April 27th/28th               More: You Matter…No Matter What!  (The Value of One)

One. It can have many meanings. One penny….kind of worthless. One day…nice but it’s only one, not worth much. One meal….one of many, no great meaning. One Mona Lisa….priceless, a unique treasure. Tell me, how do you view yourself?...what kind of “one?” And more importantly, how do you think God views you?...And what difference does it make? It’s what we look at today in Jesus!

Sat./Sun. May 4th/5th                    More: You Matter…No Matter What!   (The Apple of God’s Eye)

When one of my sons was young – I honestly can’t remember which one – I caught him red handed doing what he knew he should not be doing….And he looked so cute with those guilty eyes I couldn’t help but laugh out loud and love him even more. Oh, we talked about it….it was the right thing to do, but from the place of love, because it’s all I had at that moment. Can you relate? Tell me, do you think God loves you any less? It’s what we’re talking about today in Jesus!

Sat./Sun. May 11th/12th                         More: You Belong     (Do You See It?)

I had a great friend in High School and College. His name was Jim. I named one of my sons after him. I remember dropping by his house once to drop something off and they had just sat down to dinner.  I tried to make a quick exit (feeling like I didn’t belong), but his dad saw me, immediately welcomed me warmly, pulled up another chair to the dinner table, and before I could open my mouth had a plate of food in front of me. What do you think he was trying to say?...Maybe “you belong?”...”you’re part of the family?” It’s what we’re talking about today in Jesus!

Sat./Sun. May 18th/19th                        More: You Belong   (Let’s Eat!)

In the last few weeks, we have had various couples show the Executive Pastor – Discipleship candidates around the area and just connect with them. In one case, a couple with young children took them to the “every Sunday dinner” that they have as a family at the Grandparent’s home. When I met with the pastor and his family the next morning, they shared with me how meaningful it was. Tell me, why do you think this was so? It’s what we’re talking about today in Jesus!

Sat./Sun. May 25th/26th                More: Made To Make A Difference    (Sent!)

Purpose. Meaning. Mission. Reason for being. We are continually looking for these things in our lives, are we not? But how is this search working for you? Today is about these things given as a gift to us in Jesus!

Sat./Sun. June 1st/2nd                     More: Made To Make A Difference (Ascension Celebration)  (Commissioned!)

When my children were still fairly young I read a book entitled, “The Blessing.” What it talked about is that the greatest thing a father can give his children – and this is doubly so for his sons – is the message that they “have what it takes” for life. It changed the way I parented. Before this is was about me “doing” - being the best I could be - as a Christian father. After this, it was about what my children did and making sure they had the message that they had what it took to “do it.” This is what today is about for each of us in

Sat./Sun. June 8th/9th                                And ONE MORE!....(Pentecost Celebration)               (Empowered….Not Alone Ever!)

“Even youths grow tired and weary.” Is. 40:31 When is the last time you “ran out of steam” physically or emotionally or spiritually? And when have you felt alone in your powerlessness? The Easter reality is that we are never alone; And His power always goes with us! This is what today is about for each of us in Jesus!

Sat./Sun. June 15th/16th                        This is Our God! Trinity Sunday    (Celebrate, Celebrate, Dance to the Music!)

From Europe to China to South America to Rocklin, CA, Christians around the world are celebrating this Sunday as “Trinity Sunday” as they have for over a thousand years! Today we remember and celebrate who God is, who we are as His people, and the joy of what this means in our lives. Celebrate, celebrate, dance to the music!

Intersect

(The Cross In The Midst of Our Human Condition)

Have you ever been in a place where you desperately wanted to “be there” for someone in exactly the way they needed for you to be there for them? Do you remember the frustration as you tried to figure out  and understand what this meant? Ie. HOW – in what way – you could “be there” in just the right way? Maybe a husband or a wife?...Or a child or a parent?...Or a friend?...Or someone else you were trying to help?

And on the other hand, have you ever desperately wanted someone to be there in “just the right way” for you?...Do you perhaps remember how frustrating it was even reaching out to someone and trying to explain what you needed, but no one seemed to “get it?”

Our focus in the next few weeks is how God is there for us in our human condition in every situation in exactly the way we need Him to be, always tied to the cross of Jesus; And how in Jesus we can be there in every situation in just the right way for another.

This is for all for us, for we all share our human condition. This is for all of us, for we all share the same Jesus.

Sat./Sun. March 9th/10th        Intersect   (Getting the “Lay of the Land”)

Have you ever seen the musical, “The Music Man?” The opening scene is a bunch of con-artists (“flim-flam men”) on a train talking about the next town they want to fleece. They are all excited at the prospect, but one guy keeps standing up and yelling a word of caution: “But you’ve got to know the territory!” Have you ever had someone say to you, “You just don’t get it” when you were trying to understand and be there for them? Have you ever said it to another?  Today we look at the territory – the lay of the land when it comes to the human condition and the cross of Jesus. God gets it! Today, He would make sure we do.

Sat./Sun. March 16th/17th     Intersect    (In the Face of Guilt, The Cross)

Ok. Have you ever carried the burden of guilt?...a foul up you can’t make right? You can’t make excuses/justify yourself – it was wrong and there is no good excuse!  You can’t make up for it – it is too late for that and anything you could do or any “payment” you might make would fall short! You did wrong. The only way out is to be forgiven…to get out from underneath the burden of a debt you can’t pay!...So, did someone give you that forgiveness? How did it feel? What did it mean for you? In our guilt, the cross intersects, bringing the peace of God and a new beginning… for you…and for the one you can “be there for.”  Interested?

Sat./Sun. March 23rd/24th      Intersect   (In the Face of Shame, The Cross)

It has been said that to live in guilt means to admit, “I have done wrong,”….but to live in shame is to say, “I am wrong.” Where is this you? Where do you know someone in this place in your life? And how does the cross of Jesus intersect into this human condition?...for you…and for the one you can “be there for.” Interested?

Sat./Sun. March 30th/31st    Intersect      (In The Face of Fear, The Cross)

Where do you live afraid?...especially of those things “beyond your control?” How do you try to cope? Does it work for you? Many times we just stuff things until we have to face them – as many do, I believe, with death. We live our lives in fear trying to cope in ways that, finally, cannot possibly give us victory over what we fear. Our fears dictate our lives!...and no, it doesn’t work very well. Can you relate? Do you know others who can? It is the cross of Jesus that intersects with this human condition, giving victory!...for you…and for the one you can “be there for.” Interested?

Sat./Sun. April 7th/8th      Intersect   (Synthesis: Guilt/Shame/Fear, Innocence/Honor/Power)

Have you ever dissected a heart or a cow’s eye or a frog in a Biology class? While you learn a lot, you also fail to see what it looks like/how it works when it is alive, interfacing with all the “moving parts!” (Just google a film of a working heart to see my point!) Today, we synthesize everything we have focused on in the past month. In “the alive,” “pumping heart,” living out of our human condition in guilt, shame, and fear, we see the intersection of the cross that brings real time innocence, honor, and power….for you… and for the one you can “be there for.” Interested?

Last Words of Christ

“Context.” It’s important if one is going to really understand what is being said. Have you ever heard someone say, “You took my words out of context!” Or, “I was only joking.” Or, “well you don’t understand what happened before that!” Or…well, you get the point.

This year our Lenten Wednesday Worship will focus on the Last Words of Jesus spoken from the cross, especially looking to understand them in the context of the relationships of those who heard them and walked with Jesus. Why? Because the context is important! And with Jesus the context is always relationship, a relationship that, finally, Jesus in His love would offer, give, and grow in you. During this time of Lent we will look at the Last Words of Christ in the context of Jesus speaking them into the flesh and blood reality of your life in the relationship He offers to you through the cross.

For a millennia or more, Christians have used this time of Lent – the 40 days before Easter not counting the Sundays – as a penitential time; a time of recognizing and turning away from our sin to the cross as we prepare to be renewed in living in the Easter reality. What better way to do this than to focus on our Savior’s Words spoken from the cross into our lives?

Our Lenten Journey begins on Ash Wednesday, March 6th and will include the Imposition of Ashes and Holy Communion. There will be TWO opportunities for worship – at 1pm and at 7pm, which follows a Soup Supper beginning at 6pm. For the remaining Wednesdays in Lent there will only be the 7pm worship following the Soup Supper. (Please call the church office if you would like someone from the St. Matthew family to pick you up for worship on these Wednesdays!) Beginning with Ash Wednesday, each worship will be enriched through the reading of the account of the suffering of our Lord according to the four Gospels as well as a Dramatic Reading designed to touch our hearts. May this time be a blessing to you as we travel it together!

Ash Wednesday, March 6th      The First Word From the Cross Relationship Context: The Paralytic) (Imposition of Ashes/Holy Communion)

Have you ever fouled up – I mean really fouled up – and all that you could do was ask for forgiveness? Was it given?...And if so, what difference did it make?...On this Ash Wednesday, we focus on the first Word from the cross spoken into our human context. We should not be surprised that it is a word of forgiveness. For finally, it makes all the difference.

Wednesday, March 13th          The Second Word From The Cross Relationship Context: The Rich Young Ruler)

We like to make sure the cake is “cut right down the middle” so we get what we deserve, what’s rightfully ours. It absolutely has to be “fair.”

But have you ever noticed that in the closest of relationships it just doesn’t work (at least very well) this way?...like, say..in a marriage? The kingdom of God is not fair. All one has to do is to look at the cross to see it. And thank God it’s not. This is what we look at tonight.

Wednesday, March 20th        The Third Word From The Cross     (Relationship Context: John The Beloved)

This last Summer I was trying to find someone to help my sister in Southern California with a kitchen remodel. In desperation I contacted a dear friend of mine….whom I hadn’t talked to in probably 30 years. But even after 30 years or more I trusted him without question and yes, he was there for me. Do you have some relationships like that? Jesus did. And I think He still does…maybe even with you.

Wednesday, March 27th      The Fourth Word From The Cross       (Relationship Context: Martha)

Do you ever ask “why?”….especially when stuff happens that you just don’t understand? One of my sons went through a great disappointment in his life because of an injury he suffered. He asked me, “Dad, if God didn’t want me to have this ability, why did He give it to me in the first place and then just take it away? I told him I didn’t know….all I knew was that God loved him and we could trust him.  Have you ever had a relationship like that with someone? It’s what Jesus wants to have with you!

Wednesday, April 3rd        The Fifth Word From The Cross      (Relationship Context: Matthew)

Have you ever been “blown away” by how much someone is “for” you? When I was in college, I drove an old VW Bug. When the transmission went out, it took the guy 5 tries to fix it. You know who I called all five times to tow me even though he worked 6 ten-hour days? My dad. And he was always there. And he was always nothing but supportive and even full of joy that he could help me. Even as a college kid, I was blown away…. Still am. Have you had a relationship like that with someone in your life? Jesus wants you to know He is that someone for you!

Wednesday, April 10th        The Sixth Word From the Cross       (Relationship Context: The Adulteress)

One day after school in my freshman year of High School I went to get my books in my locker and was cornered/surrounded by a mob (racial discord). In that moment just before being pounded – or worse – a guy who looked just like the guys in the mob broke into the hallway and said it wasn’t right to gang up on me. He rescued me. I never saw him before or after, but I still remember and yes, it changed me. Jesus is the one who stands up to the mob for you. And yes, it can change you.

Maundy Thursday, April 17th                        “The Gift”            

(7pm) Holy Communion and Stripping of the Altar

Tonight, on the night on which Jesus was betrayed and His final suffering began, on the night before we will remember His brutal death on the cross, Jesus ushers in a new era, a new reality, for us. Why? Because we are family. And we are never apart.

Good Friday, April 18th              The Seventh Word From The Cross          (Relationship Context: The Donkey)

Estes Park was our favorite place in the Colorado Mountains. We first time we went there the kids were really young, we stayed in a hotel, and I remember having the kids jump into my arms while I was in the deep end of the pool. I still remember how each one was a little hesitant that first time – and then they were good! Have you ever had to trust someone like that? How did it work out? Did you know you can always trust Jesus and His Words? Just jump. He’s got you!

Making Everything New! (Knowing Jesus Better)

Christmas is all about Immanuel – God with us! It’s all about God wanting us to know this in a profound way as He brings the birth of Jesus before our eyes. Every human being longs to know that they are not alone, especially in the brokenness – the knowing - that things are not right in our world and in our lives. Our longings bubble up at Christmas and God brings us face to face with a brother who is Immanuel – God with us! As a friend of mine once said, “no one can ever say that God is not there; that He doesn’t care; that He hasn’t done anything; for the Child is born – and that changes everything! It makes everything new!”

In the next few weeks, we focus on the gift that this is meant to be in your lives. We focus on this baby that would turn our world upside down and make everything new! We focus on knowing Jesus better!...And living in His gifts in our lives!

Have you ever noticed how quick all the Christmas decorations come down? It’s as if everyone is trying to “get back to normal” at warp speed! It’s as if the brokenness of our existence is so familiar that we are all frightened to actually embrace a different way…even the way of hope, joy, peace, and love, the very things we deep-down long for. But the whole reality of Christmas is that God has something better for us than the “normal.” He has Jesus. Immanuel. God with us. And He is meant to “make everything new!” This then is our focus; “Making Everything New – Knowing Jesus Better!” What might this mean for your life? 

Weekend of Dec.29th/30th        New Beginnings

“God’s mercies are brand new every morning.” Lam.3

“Behold, I am making everything new!” (words from Jesus in Rev.7)

Where do you need a new beginning in your life? God wants you to know Jesus better. He wants you to know Him as the One who brings and gives new beginnings! What might this mean for you?

Weekend of Jan.5th/6th          New Heart

How do you see yourself before the face of God? And how does this color how you see others? Today, God would rock our world with a picture of how God sees us…and others. God wants you to know Jesus better. He wants you to have a new heart. What might this mean for you?

Weekend of Jan.12th/13th         New Connections (1)

The first day of High School Summer football practice I didn’t know hardly anyone because I went to a different grade school. But a couple of guys I did know quickly introduced me to everyone and all of a sudden I was part of the family. Has this ever happened to you with a friend and their family group? To know Jesus better is to understand what new connections He would bring into our lives; to understand life in a whole new sense of family. What might this mean for you?

Weekend of Jan.19th/20th          New Connections (2)

When I got my first real job (in a grocery store) the people I worked with became almost a second family. And when I met Jane and got married her family became my family – and vice versa. To know Jesus better is to understand what new connections He would bring into our lives; to understand life in a whole new sense of family. What might this mean for you?

Weekend of Jan.26th/27th         New Growth (1)

Lee Genter. He was a good friend of mine in the seminary with whom I would have long talks about theology. Looking back (and don’t ever tell him – I don’t want him to get a “big head!”) God worked through that relationship and those conversations to grow me as a person and pastor. But that’s the way it works – right? You could state the above exponentially with my wife…or my children (don’t tell them!), my parents, and many others throughout my life. How about you? Today we see what Jesus has to say about this as we look to know Him better; as He shows us how He works the gift of new growth into our lives! What might this mean for you?

Weekend of Feb.2nd/3rd            New Growth (2)

Who do you call if you have a plumbing problem? Or your car won’t work? Or you have a financial decision to make? Most of us look for an authority we can trust – right? And when we find them we go back again and again – right? How about you? Today we see and know better the authority of Jesus. What might this mean in your life as He works the gift of new growth?

Weekend of Feb.9th/10th                 New Paradigm (1)

Sorry. I use this word “paradigm too much. But I couldn’t help it.  A paradigm is a way of looking at life. Jesus would give us the gift of a foundational, startling new beginning in how we see ourselves in the life we live. He said it best, “when you lose your life, you find it.” Today, as we come to know Jesus better, He would work this new beginning in each of us. What might this mean for you?

Weekend of Feb.16th/17th         New Paradigm (2)

A paradigm is a way of looking at life.  A new paradigm is a way of seeing things differently. Today, Jesus would give us a shocking new way to see reality…and where we fit into it as one who follows Him. Today, we come to know Jesus - and the lens through which He sees life – better. What might this mean for you?

Weekend of Feb.23rd/24th          New Awe     

What causes you to pause in awe? Is it a sunset in the Sierras or over the ocean? Is it the power of a storm or the crash of a 20 foot wave as it hits the shore? Is it an athletic feat or a musical performance? Is it the mystery of life or even our existence? Today God would reveal just a bit the glory and power of Jesus face to face! He wants us to know Him better so that we can live brand knew in the awe of this Savior who has come for us! What might this mean for you?