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THE MIRROR - September 24, 2008
Minister’s Musings….
The Fair is ending. World Communion Sunday is rapidly approaching (Jim Pierson in the pulpit). Children’s Sabbath and Blanket Sunday have a presence in October too. I will be making a trip to Indianapolis for the Board of OHM meeting October 1st through the 5th. The Regional Assembly of the Christian Church (DOC) in the Pacific Southwest Region will be taking place in San Bernardino. Oh, and then we will be hosting a Halloween/Fall Carnival. There is much to look forward to in our life as church, neighbors, family and friends in celebration of these many events. Is it not amazing how much we can accomplish when we allow God’s presence to guide and fortify us as we tackle the many tasks? I cannot imagine such a journey without God’s love, grace and support.
We are so blessed. We bade farewell to our pianist, Liz Cervantes, just a couple of weeks ago. She will be missed as she quickly etched a place in our lives and hearts. But, fear not! We have been again blessed by the arrival of our new accompanist and pianist, Bob Clatterbuck, who began on September 21, 2008. Sometimes when a window is shut a door is opened. As a lively and vital part of the body of Christ we can continue to be positive and excited about our future and our ongoing ministry.
How are we able to accomplish our hopes for ministry? Paul gives us an idea of our good fortune and source of strength in his letter to the Christians in Rome. ”Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have obtained access to this grace In which we stand; and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God.” (Romans 5:1&2)
Life truly is good. Thanks be to God.
Alan
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THE MIRROR - August 27, 2008
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FCC Bakersfield Calendar for September 2008
Minister’s Musing …
Labor Day, NAPAD Ministry Week, Fall Stewardship Campaigns, Chapman University Search Committee, Minister’s gathering in Chicago, David Kagiwada Sunday, Reconciliation, Church Leadership Emphasis, Light a Candle for Children, Karmel Korn, and the County Fair. What a lineup of events awaits all of us in September (not the least is that the schools have begun!). Hooray!
Having written all of the above, I cannot help but think it pales in light of what Christ plans for us. Just think, sisters and brothers, that we are to feed the poor, house the homeless, visit the prisoners, promote peace, love our enemies as ourselves, do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with our God.
Okay, which list/calendar of events is the most advantageous for us to follow. I opt for the first paragraph as easy street is what I may truly seek. I can spend a couple hours at the Fair booth. I can light a candle and consider my pledge for the coming year, I can remember Dave Kagiwada, etc .. All of the events and special dates in the first paragraph can easily be accomplished in just a few hours. The benefits are good for such a low impact schedule. It won’t hurt a bit! Oh, and I get to spend parts of three days in the “Windy” city of Chicago. What could be better?
Perhaps, no more hunger, homelessness, war, violence, killings, abuse, war, loneliness, heartache, anger, unemployment, war, political diatribe, strife, disease, sleeplessness, war, to name a few things that we are called to bring to a close in God’s realm. Can we be the reconcilers of this world as Christ called for us to become? Yes, but not alone. We need one another. We need all of God’s children to work for a common sense of good, wholeness, peace and hope. We can recognize that God’s love and grace is available to all who will be open to receiving it. We can speak with one voice of truth, peace and harmony in calling for an end of our inhumanity to one another.
Okay, it will be difficult but not impossible. Just think of the reward to have God’s good grace fill us, sustain us, and give us peace. It is a task worth doing and the outcome is eternal. Thanks be to God.
Alan
Minister’s Musing …
August will be an interesting month. It signals for many in Bakersfield a return to the classroom. It is one of our five (5) Sunday months. The Elders will be on retreat the 29th and 30th• The Choir will be retreating in preparation for another year! Western Round-Up is on the horizon (8/22). Two weddings are taking place on our campus. A new Sunday school program will be beginning for our children on the 24th• Speaking of children! Kathy and I will be traveling to Dana Point on the 16th to join in the celebration of granddaughter Noelle’s third birthday and granddaughter Olivia’s first. And I will be observing/participating in KAXL 88.3 FM’s hours of prayer on August 5th• Wow! It is never dull at FCC.
August 10th Gospel lesson is Matthew 14:22-33. I have a working title “Walking on the Water” assigned to that Sunday. It is understood that Peter took his eyes off of Jesus after leaving the boat (attempting to walk out to Jesus on top of the water) and began to sink. Then there is a verse that is an important and constant reminder to me of my ability to “lack” adequate trust in the Lord I serve. Jesus says to Peter, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”(14:31b) Why do any of us “doubt” indeed. If you want to hear more on how this lesson is unpacked in a sermon be in church on August 10th!
Blessings,
Alan