Remember the Fourth
Sometimes you end up writing something that you know is great advice, but you are absolutely horrible about following it yourself. This is one of those times. Learn from my mistakes, but more importantly, keep me accountable.
There are a multitude of things that we know are sins and that we have no problem judging people on. We can all hopefully agree that murder and stealing are wrong. Lying is frowned upon, especially when someone is lying to you (we try to make up our own excuses for why our lies aren’t bad). Cheating on your spouse is devastating to way more than just the two people involved. Like I said, these are pretty obviously wrong, and it’s one of the reasons why they were included in the ten commandments.
The first three commandments are almost the definition of calling oneself a Christian, and then there’s the second half that we already covered a bit. But there’s this pesky fourth command that we ignore. Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy. I don’t want to get into the debate between Saturday and Sunday, worship, old covenant/new covenant, or the legalism that Jesus had to fight. But maybe we should start from the assumption that God wasn’t crazy for telling us to take a break.
And that’s where my struggle is. I am not great at taking a break from work. Even when I’m not physically at work I’m thinking about work, or playing catch up around the house trying to get all the chores done. It feels like there is always the next thing on the list that needs to be done. The worst thing is, I look at other people who always seem to be doing something and think they are busier than I am and that maybe I need to do more. I know I’m not alone, but being a workaholic is a culturally accepted, and even sometimes revered, sin.
God never intended us to work all the time. We have to take regular breaks, and it just so happens that God gave us a pretty easy to remember standard. One day a week. One day where, for all intents and purposes, you relax and rejuvenate. You take the time to worship God, and you do as little as possible beyond that.
I’m not here to tell you exactly what it has to look like for you. After all I’m fully admitting I have a problem with my own healthy boundaries. However, after just going through the busiest month of the year where my own body tried to betray me and tell me to take it easy, then having a vacation where I did puzzles and hung out with family, its important for you to take the time to figure it out. Leave room for God to work in other people as you step back and let God rejuvenate you. One way or another, life will eventually go one without you. You are a child of God, and we all know kids need naps. Seriously, be like Jesus, take naps.
The Hidden Pitfalls
In the warm embrace of church small groups, where fellowship flourishes and friendships form, two silent dangers can quietly creep in: gossip and anger. Let's explore why these seemingly harmless behaviors can harm our spiritual community.
The Whispering Web of Gossip:
Gossip is like a spider weaving its web, slowly entangling everyone in its threads. In our small groups, gossip can start as a simple conversation but quickly grow into a harmful force. When we gossip, we spread rumors and half-truths, damaging trust and tarnishing relationships. Just as a web ensnares its prey, gossip entangles the unity that small groups strive to build. “The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.” (Proverbs 18:8 NIV)
The Fiery Flames of Anger:
Anger, like a wildfire, can quickly consume the peace within a small group. When tempers flare, communication breaks down, and harmony is replaced by discord. Anger hinders our ability to love and understand one another, making it difficult for our small groups to thrive in the spirit of cooperation.
The Ripple Effect on Relationships:
Gossip and anger don’t stay confined; they create a ripple effect, impacting the entire group. Friendships strain, and trust weakens, making it challenging for the small group to function as a supportive and nurturing community. It's essential to recognize the far-reaching consequences of these behaviors on our shared journey of faith.
The Importance of Open Communication:
To combat gossip and anger, open communication is key. Encouraging an environment where members feel safe expressing their thoughts and concerns helps prevent misunderstandings that may fuel gossip or anger. When we communicate openly, we build trust and strengthen the bonds that hold our small groups together. If your strife is towards another group, have the courage to seek out and discuss what is angering you so badly with the leader or persons of that group. Choosing to gossip and spread your anger towards another ministry or group - within your small group - only leads to unnecessary webs of gossip and more fiery flames of anger. Seeds take root, and strife abounds.
Choosing Love Over Gossip and Anger:
Love is the antidote to gossip and anger. When faced with the choice, let's choose to love one another unconditionally. By embracing love, we create an atmosphere where gossip struggles to take root, and anger finds no fertile ground. Love binds our small groups together and fortifies the foundation of our shared faith. Let us remember God’s commandment from Leviticus: “You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against any of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.” (Leviticus 19:18 NRSV)
The kids in our youth group experience gossip and anger almost on a daily basis within their middle and high schools. Sadly, it’s become a way of life in the secular world. I strive to provide each young adult a safe place where there is no gossip or anger within our group.
In our church’s adult small groups, where we seek spiritual growth and connection, gossip and anger pose significant threats. By understanding the potential harm these behaviors can cause and actively choosing love and open communication, we can protect the unity and harmony that make our small groups a haven for spiritual flourishing. Let's be vigilant, recognizing the signs of gossip and anger, and strive to cultivate a nurturing environment where our faith can truly thrive.
Embracing Solace
In the midst of the holiday season's hustle and bustle, the Methodist tradition offers a unique and contemplative space for those grappling with grief, loss, or simply seeking solace. The "Longest Night" special service, also known as Blue Christmas or Winter Solstice service, is a poignant expression of compassion and understanding within the Methodist community. Our “Longest Night” service will be held next week on Wednesday, December 20th, at 6:00pm. Not having ever experienced this type of service before, I wanted to look more in-depth into this service. Here are some highlights from my exploration!
Understanding the Longest Night Service
The Longest Night service is typically held on or around the winter solstice, the longest night of the year. Contrary to the jubilant celebrations of the Christmas season, this service acknowledges that not everyone feels the warmth and joy associated with the holidays. Many individuals grapple with personal losses, challenges, or a sense of loneliness during this time.
Creating a Safe Space
Methodist congregations embrace the essence of inclusivity by providing a safe and comforting space for those navigating difficult emotions. The service often takes place in a dimly lit sanctuary, creating an atmosphere of calm and reflection. Soft candlelight, subdued music, and thoughtful prayers contribute to the overall sense of peace and tranquility.
Acknowledging Grief and Loss
One of the core elements of the Longest Night service is the acknowledgment of grief and loss. Participants are invited to share their experiences, either through personal reflections or written prayers. This open dialogue fosters a sense of community and reminds attendees that they are not alone in their struggles.
Embracing Hope in Darkness
While the service addresses the pain and sorrow associated with the longest night, it also carries a message of hope. Readings and reflections often emphasize the promise of a new dawn, symbolizing the belief that, even in the darkest moments, there is a glimmer of light and hope. This balance of acknowledging pain and offering hope resonates deeply with those attending the service.
Music as Healing
Music plays a crucial role in the Longest Night service, offering a powerful means of emotional expression and healing. Hymns and songs are carefully selected to evoke a range of emotions, providing a therapeutic outlet for those in attendance. The carefully curated musical elements contribute to the overall contemplative and supportive atmosphere of the service.
The Methodist tradition of the Longest Night service is a testament to the community's commitment to empathy and understanding. By acknowledging the diverse emotional landscapes that coexist during the holiday season, this special service provides a sanctuary for healing and reflection. In the quiet moments of the longest night, Methodist congregations come together to create a space where individuals can find solace, share their burdens, and embrace the promise of a new dawn. I personally invite you to next week’s service - either as someone who experiences grief during this season, or as someone who can offer a “shoulder of encouragement” to those grieving.
No matter what you’re feeling this Christmas season, please know that you are loved by all of us here at NUMC, but more importantly, loved unconditionally by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Have a blessed and merry Christmas.
A Christmas Miracle
Christmas is the season of perpetual hope. There are miracles on 34th street, Grinches returning roast beasts, wonderful lives, and even ghosts. But just to show that anything can happen at Christmas, I’m going to do a real Christmas blog for once, and it’s even on one of my favorite Christmas songs.
If you want to listen to the song, you can click here to listen to it on spotify. Chris only used two verses in this recording but he nailed the feeling of the song with the two that he chose. The lyrics are:
O come, O come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear.Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
shall come to thee O Israel.O come, Thou Dayspring, come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here;
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night,
And death’s dark shadows put to flight.
Ok, I can fully admit that this is not the cheeriest Christmas song, but I really can’t think of a better Advent song. Advent is all about the waiting of Jesus to come. First it was about the second coming of Jesus and now has been tied together with the birth of Jesus. We often play the part of Ricky Bobby and just want to focus on the 8 pound 6 oz baby Jesus because it’s our favorite time of year and we can celebrate. But we miss the context of the 600 years of waiting from when Isaiah prophesied about the Messiah to his actual birth. Israel was conquered and exiled, their people scattered across the known world. The only hope the exiles had was for God to do something miraculous. Yet the miraculous didn’t happen. Not when they were exiled in Assyria or even when they were exiled to Babylon or conquered by the Persians and Greeks. It was 6 centuries, and dozens of generations before the promise was fulfilled.
The words of the first verse are referring to a literal time and place in Biblical history. It acknowledges that they were mourning, lonely and separated from where they wanted to be and that in that state the only hope is Jesus. This moves into the refrain of rejoicing because Emmanuel, God with us, is coming to Israel. I think most people take this line and in their heads it’s actual rejoicing, but for me it’s the head trying to convince the heart that it will be ok. It’s living in the messiness and despair of exile while clinging to a not yet seen hope which is perfectly seen in the second verse. If they have already rejoiced, why would there be a plea for God to have to cheer their spirits and disperse gloomy clouds?
Christmas isn't just a celebration of joyful moments but a recognition of the shadows that precede the light. It's about acknowledging the expanse of time, the generations that waited, and the faith that persisted through the darkest hours. The beauty of this song lies not only in its melody but in its portrayal of the human experience—waiting, longing, and holding on to hope against all odds.
Overflowing Gratitude
Overflowing Gratitude: Celebrating the Blessings of Family, Church, Community, and Each Other"
In a world filled with challenges and uncertainties, it becomes increasingly important for us to pause and reflect on the blessings that surround us, especially on this Thanksgiving Day. As followers of Christ, we are called to cultivate a heart of gratitude, recognizing the gifts that God has graciously bestowed upon us. Today, let's briefly remind ourselves of the amazing reasons we have to be thankful for our families, our church, our community, and each other.
Grateful for Our Families:
The family is a sacred institution established by God, providing a foundation for love, support, and growth. Every family is unique, special, and not without its own challenges at times. However, in the midst of our busy lives, it's crucial to express gratitude for the precious gift of family. Our families are the first communities we encounter, shaping our character and instilling values that guide us throughout life. As we gather around the dinner table, share moments of joy and laughter, or navigate challenges together, let us remember to give thanks for the blessing of family bonds that reflect God's unconditional love.
"Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward."
-Psalm 127:3 ESV
Thankful for Our Church:
Our church is more than a physical structure; it is a living, breathing community of believers united in faith. NUMC becomes a second family, a place where we worship, learn, and grow in our spiritual journeys together. Expressing gratitude for our church involves recognizing the diverse talents and gifts that each member brings to the body of Christ. Through fellowship, prayer, and service, we strengthen our connection with God and with one another. It is a beautiful place where everyone is welcome.
"For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them."
-Matthew 18:20 ESV
Appreciating Our Community:
Beyond the church walls, our local community serves as an extension of God's plan for us. It's a place where we can share the love of Christ through acts of kindness, compassion, and service. As we engage with our neighbors and contribute to the well-being of our community, we reflect the light of Christ. Let's be grateful for the opportunities to make a positive impact, demonstrating the transformative power of God's love beyond just our church walls. We have done so many wonderful things for the local community already. This year let’s seek to do even more to be the light, life, and love of Christ to our neighbors.
"Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others." -Philippians 2:4 ESV
Gratitude for Each Other:
In the tapestry of life, every individual plays a unique and essential role. I know I am forever grateful to all of you. It has been a joy and privilege getting to know more and more of you during my time here at NUMC. Today, let us appreciate the people God has placed in our lives—friends, mentors, and even those we encounter briefly. Each person contributes to the richness of our experiences and the depth of our understanding. By expressing gratitude for each other, we create an atmosphere of love and encouragement that mirrors God's intention for community. I am truly grateful for every one of you.
"A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity."
-Proverbs 17:17 ESV
As we reflect on the great blessings of our families, our church, our community, and each other, let us cultivate a heart of gratitude that overflows into our daily lives, especially today. In doing so, we honor God and bear witness to His love, creating a ripple effect that transforms the world around us. May our thankfulness be a testament to the goodness of our Heavenly Father, who richly blesses us in every season of life. Happy Thanksgiving, NUMC family!