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February 22, 2008

Lenten Message, February 22, 2008

Greetings friends and family,

This Lenten season, our main source is the Gospel of John. John’s gospel is written later than the other three gospels and has a much different presentation style. Think of any great historical figure. When you look for a book about their life, is there just one to choose from? No, there are several. Each author offers a different aspect or way of looking at the main character. Jesus is similarly a complex character—not someone who will be captured easily by one book. And so John gets his chance to tell the story of this rabbi, this rebel, this God among Man.

One motif that runs through the Gospel of John is that of witness and trial. John is making the case for Jesus through the testimony of various persons who have interacted with him and been transformed. Throughout Lent, we will hear from various “Witnesses for the Defense” as we have entitled it. We recall that during Holy Week, and specifically on Good Friday, Jesus is put on trial. He goes before the Jewish Council and the Roman Governor. There is false testimony presented and persons who want to “wash their hands of this matter”, but we do not hear from anyone testifying on Jesus’ behalf.

Last Sunday, we heard from Nicodemus—the Pharisee. Kathy Verschoor did a nice job interpreting Nicodemus for us. Nicodemus comes to Jesus at night. He is attracted by Jesus’ miraculous deeds. But Jesus informs Nicodemus that he must look beyond his deeds to the Spirit that is undergirding the work and life of Jesus.

Darkness overshadows their time together. Darkness symbolized both Nicodemus’ desire to not be seen by his peers and also his spiritual condition—he was in the dark. He could look at Jesus and see the works but he could not open himself just yet to receive the Spirit of healing and light. The way of life that he had known his whole life was being called into question. He was being asked to expand beyond the letter of the law and step into a life of the Spirit. Not easy.

We might think that if we found a new, better way to live, of course we’d take it. But that’s not necessarily true. If we experience darkness in our life over a period of time, it becomes comfortable for us—familiar. And to be asked to come out into the light is a frightening invitation indeed. To leave the familiar for the unknown is not done nonchalantly. It is usually done because we realize that the darkness is killing us and that if we remain here we will never truly live.

Darkness can come in many forms. Addiction, Abuse, Depression and Anger are some common blankets of darkness. Jesus invites us, as he invited Nicodemus to come out of the darkness and into God’s loving, compassionate, truth-telling light. You may read the balance of this sermon on our website, www.irvingparkumc.com

This week our witness will be the Samaritan woman at the well. She has a story to tell. I hope you’ll come Sunday to hear her testimony about how Jesus changed her life.

Peace in Christ,
Pastor Vickie

Posted by vickie at 03:01 PM

February 17, 2008

Special Message

February 15, 2007

Dear Friends and Family,

The unthinkable has happened again, and this time close to home. More young people have lost their lives in a senseless, random act of violence. I am sad, dejected, and angry (and not necessarily in that order). When something like this happens, I need to hug and grab hold of those people in my life that I hold dear. Incidents like this also make me question whether or not the reasons I am separated from loved ones really matter. Is today the day to pick up the phone and make that call of reconciliation?

As the radio talk show hosts have so wisely expressed, this is not the time to debate the reasons why or to address the problems in our society that permit this type of thing to happen. That time will come and it needs to come.

Today, tomorrow and the next day let us pray:
For the people who were killed or injured and their families including
Daniel Parmenter, 20 of Westchester
Catalina Garcia, 20, of Cicero
Ryanne Mace, 19, of Carpentersville
Julianna Gehant, 32, of Meridan

For the lost gunman and his family, Steven Kazmierczak, 27;
For the persons who witnessed this horrific event and their families;
For the Northern Illinois University community and the DeKalb community;
For other colleges or schools who have experienced a similar event as this will bring their experiences and emotions back to the surface;
For victims of random violence across this country and around the world;
For those struggling with loss and grief;
For a just peace—that permeates all religions, countries, clans and cultures and every form of life.

In closing, the Psalmists have the ability to express in words what the heart is feeling…Psalm 27

Verses 7 -14:
Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud, be gracious to me and answer me!
“Come,” my heart says, “seek God’s face!” Your face, Lord, do I seek. Do not hide your face from me.

Do not turn your servant away in anger, you who have been my help.
Do not cast me off, do not forsake me, O God of my salvation!
If my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will take me up.

Teach me your way, O Lord, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies.
Do not give me up to the will of my adversaries, for false witnesses have risen against me,
And they are breathing out violence.

I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage;
Wait for the Lord!

Trusting in God through this difficult time, I am with you,
Pastor Vickie

Posted by vickie at 08:51 PM

Upcoming Activities

Thursdays during Lent: 7:00 p.m., informal Prayer/Meditation gathering followed by Adult Study “Radical Renovation: Living the Cross-Shaped Life” by J.A. Harnish. This will continue each Thursday evening during Lent, in the upstairs Chapel.

Friday, Feb. 22nd: 7:00 p.m., Movie Night “Facing the Giants” at the home of Sina and Rich Kraneis. This is a sports themed, family film, enjoyable for all. Please contact them at kraneis@aol.com if you plan to attend. You might bring a light snack item also (optional).

Saturday, February 23rd: 2:00 p.m. We celebrate the Wedding of Judi Kubik and Ronald Mumper. A reception in Fellowship Hall will follow.

Saturday, March 15, 4:00-6:00pm: Baked Potato Buffet and Family Holy Week Event

Sunday, March 30, 5:30pm: Ethnic dinner at Glunz Bavarian Haus 4128 N. Lincoln Ave. Contact Sina at kraneis@aol.com if you plan to attend.

Posted by vickie at 08:30 PM