There they are, escaping from the clutches of Pharaoh after decades of oppression. What a fantastic feeling, to be free at last! But the band of newly liberated Israelites encounters a big obstacle in their path to freedom: the Red Sea. The Egyptian chariots are hard on their heels, breathing down their necks, and if they have to skirt the edges of the Red Sea the bad guys will surely catch up with them and haul them back to captivity.
So Moses holds up his staff and stretches his hand over the waters and God divides the Red Sea, and leads the Israelites across the middle on dry land. It is a miracle. Even better, when the Egyptian soldiers try to follow the escaping slaves, the waters close over them and they are drowned. The Israelites are blown away and say, “The Lord will be my God forever.” You can read this amazing adventure story in Exodus 14. Share it with your children and grandchildren.
But if you keep reading Exodus, you discover a few days later the Israelites have already started complaining to Moses. They are hungry and would rather go back to the land of Egypt – where at least they had enough bread. Rabbi Harold Kushner says, “What we learn is that the word ‘forever’ is a technical term meaning 48 hours. Somebody promises to be grateful forever. You can hold them to it for 48 hours and after that it is a lost cause.”
Yesterday’s miracle is not always enough to nourish us today. So instead of one spectacular miracle, God changes tactics. God provides manna one day at a time. Food is spread on the ground outside their tents overnight, and in the morning they go out, gather it up, and bring it in. They feed their families. God provides daily sustenance, only enough for one day at a time.
No miracle lasts forever. The miracle is that God gives us this day our daily bread. And that is enough. We are not capable of feeling grateful forever. But we can be thankful for the blessings we receive one day at a time. Poet Thomas Chisholm said it well in this hymn:
Great is your faithfulness! Great is your faithfulness! Morning by morning, new mercies I see. All I have needed your hand has provided. Great is your faithfulness, God, unto me.
Trust that God will give you what you need . . . in this day.
In Christian love, Julie R. Harley
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Friday, March 18, 2011
A Garden of Forgiveness
As we mark the 8th anniversary of the U.S. War in Iraq, we will gather on the Lake Street steps of the church tonight to pray for peace. Tomorrow, a group of us will head downtown to March for An End to All Wars, with people from more than 50 peace and justice groups in the Chicago area.
This is the litany of forgiveness we will share tonight. May the Prince of Peace guide our path.
Teach us to plant a garden of forgiveness, by planting seeds of forgiveness.
We ask that you would forgive us . . .
For our own acts of violence
For times when we did not speak up or speak out against war
For our complicity in paying taxes that support war
For turning away from news about destruction we have caused
Give us power to pray for peace and act for peace.
God, forgive our nation’s leaders . . .
Our own nation was born in war, and we are always at war.
Forgive our presidents, cabinet members, senators and members of congress who have fed the war machine.
Forgive our government and military leaders who have sanctioned the use of torture.
Forgive us for exporting violence and militarism to other countries.
Forgive us for spending billions of dollars on weapons of mass destruction.
Forgive us for cooperating with corrupt leaders.
Forgive us for supporting military dictatorships that oppress the poor.
Forgive us for sending troops to die for the sake of oil.
Give us power to pray for peace and act for peace.
God, forgive those who have carried out terrorist acts . . .
Plant forgiveness and compassion in the hearts of those who are training to be suicide bombers
Forgive those who have killed civilians and innocent men, women and children
Forgive those who are terrorized themselves by post-traumatic stress disorder
Forgive the thousands of veterans who experience mental illness and homelessness
Give us power to pray for peace and act for peace.
We pray for an end to all wars . . .
For an end to violence in Iraq
For an end to the war in Afghanistan
For an end to the violence in Bahrain and Libya
Forgive us for believing that war is the answer.
We give thanks for peaceful revolutions in Tunisia and Egypt.
We pray that more and more countries and peoples would find peaceful ways to resolve conflict and peaceful ways to bring dignity and justice to all of God’s people.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
(time for silent prayer)
Give us power to pray for peace and act for peace.
Teach us to plant gardens of forgiveness. Amen.
This is the litany of forgiveness we will share tonight. May the Prince of Peace guide our path.
Teach us to plant a garden of forgiveness, by planting seeds of forgiveness.
We ask that you would forgive us . . .
For our own acts of violence
For times when we did not speak up or speak out against war
For our complicity in paying taxes that support war
For turning away from news about destruction we have caused
Give us power to pray for peace and act for peace.
God, forgive our nation’s leaders . . .
Our own nation was born in war, and we are always at war.
Forgive our presidents, cabinet members, senators and members of congress who have fed the war machine.
Forgive our government and military leaders who have sanctioned the use of torture.
Forgive us for exporting violence and militarism to other countries.
Forgive us for spending billions of dollars on weapons of mass destruction.
Forgive us for cooperating with corrupt leaders.
Forgive us for supporting military dictatorships that oppress the poor.
Forgive us for sending troops to die for the sake of oil.
Give us power to pray for peace and act for peace.
God, forgive those who have carried out terrorist acts . . .
Plant forgiveness and compassion in the hearts of those who are training to be suicide bombers
Forgive those who have killed civilians and innocent men, women and children
Forgive those who are terrorized themselves by post-traumatic stress disorder
Forgive the thousands of veterans who experience mental illness and homelessness
Give us power to pray for peace and act for peace.
We pray for an end to all wars . . .
For an end to violence in Iraq
For an end to the war in Afghanistan
For an end to the violence in Bahrain and Libya
Forgive us for believing that war is the answer.
We give thanks for peaceful revolutions in Tunisia and Egypt.
We pray that more and more countries and peoples would find peaceful ways to resolve conflict and peaceful ways to bring dignity and justice to all of God’s people.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
(time for silent prayer)
Give us power to pray for peace and act for peace.
Teach us to plant gardens of forgiveness. Amen.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Living God's Vision in Lent
Live the values of God's vision in the next 46 days. How, you may ask?
Moving from words to witness: Look for the lavender flyer “The Gifts We Bring,” fill it out and return it to church by Mar. 20. It's posted on our website: www.firstunitedoakpark.com. How is God calling you to share your skills and experiences to build Christ’s mission at First United and in the world?
Moving from individualism to intimate fellowship: Join a Lenten book study. Five groups will read and discuss “An Altar in the World: A Geography of Faith” by Barbara Brown Taylor. The book is available on Amazon and in many bookstores, including The Book Table on Lake Street in Oak Park. Choose the group that is best for you.
1. Sunday at 9:30 am in the church lounge – led by Susan Buchanan – beginning Mar. 13 through Apr. 17
2. Sundays at 7:00 pm at the home of Lola and Nathan Wright, 636 Gunderson Avenue, Oak Park – beginning Mar. 13 through Apr. 17
3. Wednesdays at 11:00 am in the church conference room – led by our pastors – beginning Mar. 16 through Apr. 20
4. Wednesdays at 7:00 pm at the home of Bob and Janet Haisman, 632 South Grove Avenue, Oak Park – beginning Mar. 16 through Apr. 20
5. Thursdays at 7:30 pm at the home of Steve and Beth Mrkvicka, 329 South Taylor Avenue, Oak Park – beginning Mar. 17 through Apr. 21.
To sign up for one of these book discussion groups, see the bulletin board in the church lounge or contact Pastor Rob Leveridge at rleveridge@firstunitedoakpark.com.
Moving from charity to changing structures of injustice: The U.S. war in Iraq began eight years ago. Billions of dollars in military spending have drained resources essential for other human needs. Stand for peace on the Lake Street steps of the church at 7:00 pm on Friday, Mar. 18, as part of our weekly peace vigil. Join a group from First United who will march for an end to all wars at noon on Saturday, Mar. 19, at Congress and Michigan Avenue in Chicago. For more information, email Ruth Babcock at jlbabck@sbcglobal.net.
Moving from words to witness: Look for the lavender flyer “The Gifts We Bring,” fill it out and return it to church by Mar. 20. It's posted on our website: www.firstunitedoakpark.com. How is God calling you to share your skills and experiences to build Christ’s mission at First United and in the world?
Moving from individualism to intimate fellowship: Join a Lenten book study. Five groups will read and discuss “An Altar in the World: A Geography of Faith” by Barbara Brown Taylor. The book is available on Amazon and in many bookstores, including The Book Table on Lake Street in Oak Park. Choose the group that is best for you.
1. Sunday at 9:30 am in the church lounge – led by Susan Buchanan – beginning Mar. 13 through Apr. 17
2. Sundays at 7:00 pm at the home of Lola and Nathan Wright, 636 Gunderson Avenue, Oak Park – beginning Mar. 13 through Apr. 17
3. Wednesdays at 11:00 am in the church conference room – led by our pastors – beginning Mar. 16 through Apr. 20
4. Wednesdays at 7:00 pm at the home of Bob and Janet Haisman, 632 South Grove Avenue, Oak Park – beginning Mar. 16 through Apr. 20
5. Thursdays at 7:30 pm at the home of Steve and Beth Mrkvicka, 329 South Taylor Avenue, Oak Park – beginning Mar. 17 through Apr. 21.
To sign up for one of these book discussion groups, see the bulletin board in the church lounge or contact Pastor Rob Leveridge at rleveridge@firstunitedoakpark.com.
Moving from charity to changing structures of injustice: The U.S. war in Iraq began eight years ago. Billions of dollars in military spending have drained resources essential for other human needs. Stand for peace on the Lake Street steps of the church at 7:00 pm on Friday, Mar. 18, as part of our weekly peace vigil. Join a group from First United who will march for an end to all wars at noon on Saturday, Mar. 19, at Congress and Michigan Avenue in Chicago. For more information, email Ruth Babcock at jlbabck@sbcglobal.net.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Our daily bread
I usually go grocery shopping on Mondays, my day off. When I went to the local Jewel a few weeks ago, I found myself surrounded by hundreds of shoppers, standing in long lines -- quite strange for a normally quiet Monday. It turns out everyone was stocking up before the much-anticipated blizzard that arrived the next day. When we are fearful, we store up food that will last. It helps us feel secure.
When the Hebrews escaped from bondage in Egypt, God fed them with manna. Each morning, there would be enough of this manna to sustain them for the day. But if they tried to store it -- even overnight -- it would rot and grow worms. Why didn't God give them a Costco-sized portion, to ease their worries?
Because God wanted them to know their safety, their security and their trust cannot be based on earthly things. The daily manna allowed them to turn their trust to God each day. This miraculous food was more than food; it was an opportunity for them to trust in their relationship with God, to sink deep into their souls and know that even in the desert, they would have enough for this one day.
Jesus emphasizes the same kind of trusting relationship, when he teaches us to pray, "Give us this day our daily bread.We live each day by leaning on the unfailing kindness and grace of God, who provides for all our needs . . . one day at a time.
Many of the world's spiritual traditions affirm this truth: All we can ever have is what we are given in this day.
The Koran says: Those who you serve besides God cannot give you your daily bread. Therefore seek your daily bread from God, and worship Him.
In the Buddhist tradition, monks arise each morning, take their robe and begging bowl, and set out to beg from neighbors for their daily bread.
In the Hindu tradition, believers put their faith in God's providence. One follower states: "We should rest assured that God will give us every day our daily bread, meaning everything that we require."
Give thanks that we have enough for each day. Let go of whatever fears you carry. Allow your soul to soften, to be open to the ridiculous possibility that God will provide whatever you need . . . even our daily bread.
When the Hebrews escaped from bondage in Egypt, God fed them with manna. Each morning, there would be enough of this manna to sustain them for the day. But if they tried to store it -- even overnight -- it would rot and grow worms. Why didn't God give them a Costco-sized portion, to ease their worries?
Because God wanted them to know their safety, their security and their trust cannot be based on earthly things. The daily manna allowed them to turn their trust to God each day. This miraculous food was more than food; it was an opportunity for them to trust in their relationship with God, to sink deep into their souls and know that even in the desert, they would have enough for this one day.
Jesus emphasizes the same kind of trusting relationship, when he teaches us to pray, "Give us this day our daily bread.We live each day by leaning on the unfailing kindness and grace of God, who provides for all our needs . . . one day at a time.
Many of the world's spiritual traditions affirm this truth: All we can ever have is what we are given in this day.
The Koran says: Those who you serve besides God cannot give you your daily bread. Therefore seek your daily bread from God, and worship Him.
In the Buddhist tradition, monks arise each morning, take their robe and begging bowl, and set out to beg from neighbors for their daily bread.
In the Hindu tradition, believers put their faith in God's providence. One follower states: "We should rest assured that God will give us every day our daily bread, meaning everything that we require."
Give thanks that we have enough for each day. Let go of whatever fears you carry. Allow your soul to soften, to be open to the ridiculous possibility that God will provide whatever you need . . . even our daily bread.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Liberation in Egypt
A peoples’ revolution arising in Egypt has drawn the world’s attention in the last three weeks. It is not the first nonviolent uprising to take place in the cradle of civilization.
We remember that God led Moses and his people on an exodus out of slavery in the land of Egypt. Their path of escape from Pharaoh’s bondage was marked by a pillar of cloud by day and the light of a pillar of fire by night.
We remember that wise men traveled through the deserts of this region for two years, to find the Christ child and lay their gifts at his feet. They were guided by the light of a star shining in the east.
We remember after they visited Jesus, the magi returned to their home by another way, warned in a dream that King Herod wished to extinguish the light of this newborn Messiah. They engaged in a courageous act of nonviolent civil disobedience, refusing to collaborate with the powers of the Empire.
We remember that in the third century after Christ’s birth, the monastic movement was emerging on this same Egyptian desert.
One of the early monks had a dream. He saw a large group traveling in the desert at night without a road. In the distance they could see a light they were traveling toward, but they could not see how to reach it.
However, these people believed there were persons in front of them who were able to see the light and how to reach it, and so they had each placed their hands on the shoulder of the person ahead of them, in an unbroken line reaching to the front.
So long as they stayed connected in this way, they were safe.
But a few persons thought this procedure was too limiting. And so they announced they knew a better way to reach the light and promised that if others followed them they would reach the light more quickly and more easily. And so small groups would break off and follow these persons.
But soon these small groups found they were hopelessly lost, wandering around in circles in the desert. And then these small groups would in turn split up into even smaller groups, each disagreeing with the others and each seeking to find the light on its own.
The monks were guided by this dream and decided that their path of rigorous spirituality should never be separated from the wider church.
We gather in worship today as part of a revolutionary movement that is led by a single light: Christ, the light of the world.
We see Christ’s light in stars, in fire, in the face of a toddler . . . the one who was the Word that became flesh and dwelt among us. When Christ was born, God moved into our neighborhood.
The church is not an institution, it’s a movement. Sometimes it’s even a revolution. May we stay together, moving into God’s future, seeking to walk in the light of Christ.
And when we cannot see the light ourselves, let us put our hands on the shoulders of someone else, and simply follow. . . . in an unbroken line stretching to the source of all light.
The stories of scripture light our way to the future.
God’s Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. May the revolution continue. Amen.
We remember that God led Moses and his people on an exodus out of slavery in the land of Egypt. Their path of escape from Pharaoh’s bondage was marked by a pillar of cloud by day and the light of a pillar of fire by night.
We remember that wise men traveled through the deserts of this region for two years, to find the Christ child and lay their gifts at his feet. They were guided by the light of a star shining in the east.
We remember after they visited Jesus, the magi returned to their home by another way, warned in a dream that King Herod wished to extinguish the light of this newborn Messiah. They engaged in a courageous act of nonviolent civil disobedience, refusing to collaborate with the powers of the Empire.
We remember that in the third century after Christ’s birth, the monastic movement was emerging on this same Egyptian desert.
One of the early monks had a dream. He saw a large group traveling in the desert at night without a road. In the distance they could see a light they were traveling toward, but they could not see how to reach it.
However, these people believed there were persons in front of them who were able to see the light and how to reach it, and so they had each placed their hands on the shoulder of the person ahead of them, in an unbroken line reaching to the front.
So long as they stayed connected in this way, they were safe.
But a few persons thought this procedure was too limiting. And so they announced they knew a better way to reach the light and promised that if others followed them they would reach the light more quickly and more easily. And so small groups would break off and follow these persons.
But soon these small groups found they were hopelessly lost, wandering around in circles in the desert. And then these small groups would in turn split up into even smaller groups, each disagreeing with the others and each seeking to find the light on its own.
The monks were guided by this dream and decided that their path of rigorous spirituality should never be separated from the wider church.
We gather in worship today as part of a revolutionary movement that is led by a single light: Christ, the light of the world.
We see Christ’s light in stars, in fire, in the face of a toddler . . . the one who was the Word that became flesh and dwelt among us. When Christ was born, God moved into our neighborhood.
The church is not an institution, it’s a movement. Sometimes it’s even a revolution. May we stay together, moving into God’s future, seeking to walk in the light of Christ.
And when we cannot see the light ourselves, let us put our hands on the shoulders of someone else, and simply follow. . . . in an unbroken line stretching to the source of all light.
The stories of scripture light our way to the future.
God’s Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. May the revolution continue. Amen.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Warming Up Our Welcome
What makes us Christian? We could name off a hundred qualities. In yesterday's Bible study, we learned there are three key practices:
1. Hospitality
2. Generosity
3. Not taking vengeance
An odd list, isn't it? Why is hospitality such a big deal in Christian life? Perhaps because sharing a meal with strangers is the closest we will ever get to experiencing the realm of God on earth.
Hospitality has been on my mind a lot lately. Pastor Rob Leveridge and the new member committee track our worship visitors, and in the last few months we have had about 200 people join us as first-time guests. Pastor Leah Fowler and the adult education committee have sponsored several visits here and in Villa Park with Muslim neighbors from the Islamic Foundation. Our Annual Meeting in January was on the theme of welcoming newcomers. Our February new members class has 23 people in it -- much larger than average.
What keeps people coming back? Here is a testimony from one person:
I have been going to church all my life. I was baptized a Baptist and I have been to other denominations as well. Lately they all seem to be preaching prosperity only. When my nephew died we came to you all asking for a large place to have his funeral. I never experienced so much compassion from strangers before.
It was the week following his funeral that we attended regular service and found that you all were preaching love for all people, feeding the hungry and finding housing for people. I felt so much love in this church. I have a different view of what religion is.
Baby, it's cold outside. But with hospitality like ours, it's warm on the inside.
I'll be back next week to talk about generosity, and in two weeks we'll cover forgiveness. Grace and peace. Show compassion to a stranger this week.
1. Hospitality
2. Generosity
3. Not taking vengeance
An odd list, isn't it? Why is hospitality such a big deal in Christian life? Perhaps because sharing a meal with strangers is the closest we will ever get to experiencing the realm of God on earth.
Hospitality has been on my mind a lot lately. Pastor Rob Leveridge and the new member committee track our worship visitors, and in the last few months we have had about 200 people join us as first-time guests. Pastor Leah Fowler and the adult education committee have sponsored several visits here and in Villa Park with Muslim neighbors from the Islamic Foundation. Our Annual Meeting in January was on the theme of welcoming newcomers. Our February new members class has 23 people in it -- much larger than average.
What keeps people coming back? Here is a testimony from one person:
I have been going to church all my life. I was baptized a Baptist and I have been to other denominations as well. Lately they all seem to be preaching prosperity only. When my nephew died we came to you all asking for a large place to have his funeral. I never experienced so much compassion from strangers before.
It was the week following his funeral that we attended regular service and found that you all were preaching love for all people, feeding the hungry and finding housing for people. I felt so much love in this church. I have a different view of what religion is.
Baby, it's cold outside. But with hospitality like ours, it's warm on the inside.
I'll be back next week to talk about generosity, and in two weeks we'll cover forgiveness. Grace and peace. Show compassion to a stranger this week.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Snow and Frost, Stormy Wind
I laugh every year at the lectionary -- the assigned scripture texts for each Sunday -- because when we get to late December, we always read Psalm 148:
Praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights!
Praise the Lord from the earth, you sea monsters and all deeps, fire and hail, snow and frost, stormy wind fulfilling his command!
So yesterday we got our snow and frost, and a few stormy winds too. I have learned not to trust weather forecasts, but this one was spot on. Now all of us are sitting at home, unable to go anywhere or do anything.
Mother Nature is pretty powerful. God reminds us that we are not in control. It's a strange feeling, isn't it, not being able to go anywhere and do anything we want? We're not used to just being.
Our church is closed today, but the good news is that we're open as a warming center for people who have nowhere else to go. A church member sent me an email offering to make sweetbreads and brownies and bring them over to the PADS folks in our church basement. The food pantry will do everything they can to be open tonight.
This is the church, being the church. Life is good. Give thanks.
Young men and women alike, old and young together!
Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted.
Praise for all his faithful, for the people of Israsel who are close to him.
Praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights!
Praise the Lord from the earth, you sea monsters and all deeps, fire and hail, snow and frost, stormy wind fulfilling his command!
So yesterday we got our snow and frost, and a few stormy winds too. I have learned not to trust weather forecasts, but this one was spot on. Now all of us are sitting at home, unable to go anywhere or do anything.
Mother Nature is pretty powerful. God reminds us that we are not in control. It's a strange feeling, isn't it, not being able to go anywhere and do anything we want? We're not used to just being.
Our church is closed today, but the good news is that we're open as a warming center for people who have nowhere else to go. A church member sent me an email offering to make sweetbreads and brownies and bring them over to the PADS folks in our church basement. The food pantry will do everything they can to be open tonight.
This is the church, being the church. Life is good. Give thanks.
Young men and women alike, old and young together!
Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted.
Praise for all his faithful, for the people of Israsel who are close to him.
Praise the Lord!
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