Pastor Paul's PostsA United Methodist minister for the last 24 years, this page contains journal posts beginning in 2017.
I hope to post pastoral comments here in the future as opportunities arise. |
Are you ready for Christmas Eve worship services? We are hoping to welcome you home along with many other persons on December 24th as we make ready for in-person and online worship experiences at Manchaca UMC. This year, we offer services at 3:00 pm, 5:00 pm, and 7:00 pm. Consider this a personal invitation to you and your family to come join us in the Sanctuary for a wonderful celebration of the birth of Jesus. Many "C"hristian churches are offering similar worship services. Why come? I believe it is a great time to be available for an experience of the glory of the Lord. You might ask, what is the glory of the Lord? Luke's gospel narrative of the birth of Jesus places Mary (birth mother) and Joseph (earth father) in Bethlehem, a village just south of Jerusalem during the seasonal census, registration, and taxation event sponsored by the Roman Empire. Joseph's family of origin traced back to King David who grew up in this area. And so Joseph returned and brought a very pregnant Mary with him. (See Luke 2:1-7) While Mary is giving birth to Jesus somewhere in Bethlehem (the house of bread), there is a brilliant flash of light and the voice of an angel of the Lord that "visits" some shepherds in the fields nearby. The message of Jesus' arrival and this important birth is announced. That is the main thing. That's why we come together in worship on Christmas Eve and tell this story - GOD is with us in the birth of Jesus! (See Luke 2: 8-14) But I also like to share this story because of its unexpected recipients - the shepherds. They were considered unclean, they were not welcome in polite social circles in the city, they were despised by those in power. And the glory of the Lord was made known directly to them. Just think, the brilliant light and the messenger of God did not show up in the big city church with the fancy sanctuary. God's direct message was not reserved for those in power, either religious or political. The glory of the Lord was made known in a field just outside a village to a bunch of no-bodies. Luke's gospel story sets the stage for God to be made known through the visits of the Angel, first to Zechariah, then to Mary (on both accounts making the promise of a son), and then in a THIRD VISIT to a bunch of shepherds. Back to the glory of God. If you want to read more about the Exodus of the people of Israel who God rescued from slavery in Egypt, look to the book we call Exodus in the Hebrew Scripture (some call it the Old Testament) and find these places where the glory of the Lord is made known: Exodus 14:17-18, 16:10, 24:17, 40:34-35. And then in the story of Solomon's Temple find the glory of the Lord showing up again (1 Kings 8:9-21). In each case, God's presence is made real to those persons in the story. In the deliverance of a people through the wilderness years, in the daily presence of the pillar of fire, and in the cloud that came into the tabernacle, the glory of the Lord appeared in such a way that those experiencing it were fully aware of the power and majesty of God. That is what happened on the third visit of the angel of the Lord in Luke's gospel narrative. The glory of the Lord appeared to them. We tell the story and often skim over the spectacle of the shepherds in the field. Who they were... are were not. And the glory of God, you would think someone more important would have been chosen to receive the message. If you are still with me, just think - the glory of the Lord could show up in our lives too! Even unexpectedly, most importantly unexpectedly and in the least likely location. It does not have to be in the fancy sanctuary. It could be wherever we are gathered this year. Standing beside a friend laying in the hospital with a viral infection. At the end of the longest line on the last day of shopping. In an out of the way, back street cafe with a someone who is hungry. In videos or photos sent by family unable to gather for the holidays. The message comes in the glory of the Lord. The message is that God is with us in Jesus! That is the story we will share on Christmas Eve. We would love for you to be a part of that night with our church family. Along the Way Pastor Paul
0 Comments
Anticipating the Joy of Christmas in this season of Advent for our family includes decorations of light on trees. These three photos show the Christmas trees outside my office at Manchaca UMC, on our breakfast nook bench, and out front of our home. Various size trees with various light sources. There is no magical formula for the rightness of the decoration. The things that are represented are the everlasting (in the greenery of the tree) and the light (white, multi-colored, flashing, not flashing, you choose) of this season. Everlasting light is the message to be conveyed!
We could stop right there and everybody would love the photos and the trees and the lights and all that we do to busy ourselves in this special season. Or, we can keep reading. On Christmas Eve, the church will read scripture readings that are shared in the story of Jesus coming into our world as the Everlasting Light. As Christians, we reach into the Hebrew Scripture for a word about everlasting and light. In the prophet Isaiah, ninth chapter, we hear a word of hope and promise for the people of Galilee of one to come and restore their people: "But there will be no gloom for those who were in anguish. In the former time, he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and Naphtali, but in the latter time he will make glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. The people who walked in the darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness - on them light has shined." (Isaiah 9:1-2) Light as opposed to darkness, joy instead of oppression, peace instead of war. These are the things of which the prophet speaks. These are the hopeful promises of a prophet speaking truth to those who would hear. The people of the 8th century before Jesus needed to hear such words. The people of the first century in the same area also needed to hear these words. I think these words are timeless and I think we need to hear them again for each of us today. For a child has been born for us, a son is given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and righteousness from this time onward and forevermore." (Isaiah 9:6-7) The Prince of Peace as referred to in Isaiah the prophet is a term that continues in this story of everlasting light, hope and promise, peace and joy. For the one we claim as Savior is Christ the Lord, Jesus - the Incarnation of God with us, Emmanuel - born to Mary in a manger in Bethlehem. We will also share the gospel story from Luke 2 in which a great light appears to shepherds in the fields. That part of the story I will save for Christmas Eve. Join us at Manchaca UMC at one of THREE worship services: 3:00 pm, 5:00 pm, or 7:00 pm. Hear the story again and make it your own. Light the candles of love with us in our candlelight service and celebrate the everlasting presence of God in Jesus. Holy Advent Merry Christmas EVE Pastor Paul When our family gathers for Thanksgiving, you can be sure there will be a feast! For years, Laura and I along with Ben would go to Kerrville to my parents house for Thanksgiving. And as the photo here shows, oftentimes I would assist by carving the wonderfully cooked turkey. These days, we go to the DuBose Family Farm where my sister-n-law Kerry and her family host a large gathering of family and friends for this special meal. I am looking forward to it with great anticipation. And then there is the family blessing said at holiday meals. Who is going to say it? One of the preachers of the family? All of us together? The youngest? So many biblical traditions come to mind with the Passover meal and the liturgy the family uses to tell the story of God's saving act in Egypt. I can imagine your family has some traditions as well in how you give thanks and how you share the storytelling of God's love and mercy. The recommended bible verses for this Thanksgiving Day come from John 6:25-35. In that section of scripture we hear Jesus in conversation with those who seek him after the feeding miracle. They have come seeking additional signs as to the true identity of Jesus. Is he the One, the Messiah? Is the wait over after all these years? They wonder, are we saved again, at last, forever? Jesus replies and teaches them by using the imagery of believing, working, coming, and seeing which all imply a relationship with God in Jesus, the Christ. Jesus says to them, "Very truly, I tell you, you are looking for me , not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you." Okay Jesus, (can you hear the murmurs... what's that mean?) What must we do to perform the works of God? And Jesus said, "This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent." And the people responded, "What sign are you going to give us then? So that we may see it and believe (in) you?" (Keep reading the scripture for the rest of this story.) The conversation continues with Jesus finally declaring that "I am the bread of life." Our Thanksgiving meal tends to focus on the turkey. What about the bread, the real bread, the gift of God in the lives of God's people. Are we just celebrating a day with families as a result of Puritan storytelling and that first hard season along the shores of a new land? My hope this year as we celebrate in the family feast will be to remember that just as the manna in the wilderness was like bread from heaven, the gift of God which has come down from heaven indeed is Jesus, the bread of life. And as we tell our family story, let us include the stories of how God has saved and continues to save God's people. Happy Thanksgiving Pastor Paul Greetings friends. Soon, we will celebrate All Saints Day in the life of the church. For me, it is one of the holiest days of the Christian calendar. We celebrate those persons in the life of the church who have passed beyond death and now enjoy the transformation of God's reign. We claim for each of these beloved persons lost to us the resurrection promise in Jesus Christ. As we ring a handbell and call their name in prayer in our Sunday services on November 6th, I join you in remembering and giving thanks. The threshold of faith we experience can be palpable. My emotions will be thinly sliced this year as I remember my mother Anabel who passed in January. Indeed, the space we share that day will be rich with the goodness of God's mercy and grace. With this note, I attach two photos. One photo is the west elevation of the Manchaca UMC church building. Can you remember all the persons who have come and gone in the life of this congregation? As the congregation changed, so did the campus. Its growth is a physical reminder of the rich life of discipleship enjoyed in this place. The other photo is a common stock photo of a bunch of votive style candles. We use them to light worship spaces and remember souls who now cheer us on from the heavenly realm of saints. I invite you to use these photos or any other sacred photograph you may choose during your time of prayer in the coming days. Gaze into the memory of that threshold moment held so dear when we remember our beloved members. Give thanks to God. And offer yourself again to Christ and the ministry and mission of the Church - the body of Christ. We join the saints of our lives in claiming this moment as a vital moment in the life of our church and community. Know this, you are loved by God! Hear this, you are beloved in the family of Christ. Read this, a blessing for all "In the Death of the Beloved" by John O'Donohue, printed in "A Book of Blessings: To Bless the Space Between Us," Though we need to weep your loss, You dwell in that safe place in our hearts where no storm or night or pain can reach you. Your love was like dawn brightening over our lives, Awakening beneath the dark a further adventure of color. The sound of your voice found for us a new music that brightened everything. We look toward each other no longer from the old distance of our names; now you dwell inside the rhythm of breath, as close to us as we are to ourselves. Though we cannot see you with outward eyes, we know our soul's gaze is upon your face, smiling back at us from within everything to which we bring our best refinement. May you continue to inspire us: to enter each day with a generous heart. To serve the call of courage and love until we see your beautiful face again in that land where there is no more separation, where all tears will be wiped from our mind, And where we will never lose you again. CAMPING SHAKEDOWN The photo is borrowed and is typical of a process known in backpacking-hiking circles as a "shakedown." A person lays out for view of others everything that is to be taken along on the journey. Then the critique begins. "You really don't need that, do you?" "I see you are doubling up on certain items; that's extra weight." And the process as designed helps a hiker not carry anything extra on the journey. It's a process that depends on the view of others. It's a process that works. This shakedown process first worked for me as a 14 year old Scout joining a troop of other young lads from Austin on an adventure to the Philmont Scout Ranch near Cimarron, New Mexico. I remember going through the process with my tent-mate, and then my junior leader, and then my Scoutmaster. Each step along the way something "fell out" of my most needed backpack possessions. And then we arrived at Philmont and the opening ceremony and adjustment days in base camp. Our ranger, another more experienced Scout, came alongside each of us and made his own critique. The good news is that he didn't slash much more from my "stuff." But he did recommend a few modifications. I am preparing again to be outside, hiking and or camping in the majesty of God's creation. Because the morning temperatures here in my part of Texas have dipped into the low to mid 50's, I can imagine myself with a three-day pack exploring, walking, meditating, praying, and all the things I do in relationship with the Triune God while alone on a hiking journey. It has been awhile since I got my camping-hiking gear out. I did this morning. Laura witnessed the activity all the while saying, "Just come back in one piece. We have work to do here." I laughed and I listened. So over the next few weeks, I will be in shakedown mode with a goal of several overnight outings nearby to test my gear. Then, when able, I will load my pack and my travel bag and set out. Several places beckon. The Pecos Wilderness. Big Bend. Southwestern Colorado. The deal is this: those points of interest will have to wait until the current season I live as care-giver is completed. It's a season I cherish. And at the same time, I long for the trail. For now, I am in shakedown mode. A period of examination and readiness. Waiting. Wondering. Longing. Along the Way Pastor Paul On our better days we live into our faithfulness and God provides the fruitfulness... in our lives, in our relationships, in our ministries, in all that it means to Love God and be in ministry with our Neighbors. Keep reading for the story. Earlier this week, a pastor friend said something after our study group meeting that caught my attention. My friend was speaking about an important outreach ministry and some specific information about that ministry that she had shared with a prospective church member. The ministry was enough to convince the prospective church member that the United Methodist Church was indeed where she wanted to belong and participate in a life of discipleship. My friend said, "Yes, on our better days, the church is still making a difference in the lives of others in our community and around the world."
These words, "On Our Better Days," were uttered In the midst of a pastor group conversation related to churches leaving the UMC (disaffiliation is our term for the process). Our common lament focused on the impact to our connectional ministry and its focus on being the church in mission. What I heard my friend saying was that even in the midst of all that is going on in the world to divide us as a denominational church, there are still ministries and days in which we find ourselves doing the better work of the church together. I have included a photo of my father and I from a recent "better day" in which we visited the campus of his college alma mater, Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas. Laura captured this image of me acting silly and Dad getting the biggest laugh. All the memories of his college days, where he met and courted my mother, the campus that he found to be holy ground and a place he acted upon the call to ministry, all of these memories came to focus and the stories flowed forth. It was certainly one of our better days. We smiled. We laughed. We remembered. We wondered, what comes next? I write this today to ask each of you who read this: "What is God calling you, me, and us to do and to be as the church "on our better days?" We will be sharing A Companion Litany to the UMC Social Creed in our worship services on October 2nd. The prayer uses a repeating, and inviting phrase, "Today is the day!" It is worth reading, It is worth praying, It is worth living. Join us in worship this Sunday and pray with us. Ask again, what lies ahead on our better days? I like to follow the Facebook Group called Maine Fall Foliage. Recent photos shared in that social media group indicate that the leaf color change has begun in the Northeast. As I awake each day, a new photo finds my group feed. Over the last few years of not traveling, these photos have been particularly helpful in September and October. Especially since we in Texas experience summer days that drag on and on (like this week). I mentioned a tree from the Bible story last week in worship. I also spoke about trees to my Tuesday evening Zoom group. I received some great feedback. Many of you have trips planned for this year! I am jealous. But I am glad you are going to see God's creation beauty in the transformation of leaf colors. I also received several photos from trips taken in the past. Golden aspen groves in Colorado. Can you just hear the sound of the aspen trees in this season? Seasons that change remind us that we live in a world still very much alive in the creative majesty of God. I believe that these reminders are good for our souls and our spiritual life. Movement in the grace of God renews us... challenges us. It "quickens' us to a pace and interest that is different. Experiencing the love and grace of God can be exhilarating! Just like seeing the leaf color change in the trees of the northeast or the mountains of Appalachia or the Rockies. I wonder - what newness of the season change are you feeling? How is the Lord showing you that all things are being made new? Just as a reminder, I am still available for conversations during the week. Let me know when and where to meet you. Coffee, conversation, new things experienced together. Glad to be here with you! Paul Along the Way with Pastor Paul A few years ago, one of my friends in a congregation captured some of the words of one of my sermons and wrote them down in this graphic. She sent it to me later, as a kind gesture, an encouragement Along the Way. I think of it now. I still agree with what I said. It’s what I believe. It’s why I still stand up every week and preach. It’s why I long for the adventure.
This week at Manchaca UMC, we will speak about El Olam - the everlasting God. Before and beyond time the One LORD is with us. Hi friends,
Sunday mornings at Manchaca UMC during the month of September, Pastor Paul will be at the Coffee Cafe area ready to Welcome you and join you in conversation about your discipleship with Jesus. Stop by for a minute or several minutes. Pastor will be at the coffee bar from 10:05 am to 10:45 am. If you are new to our faith community, looking for a worship opportunity, seeking a small group or Sunday school class, we welcome you and look forward to connecting you with our community. We continue to develop and re-develop opportunities for spiritual community here at Manchaca UMC. Take a look at our website for updates. Find a friend and share the news! Loving God, following Jesus, building community Along the Way Pastor Paul One of my favorite memories of an experience of God’s presence and God’s Creation glory is captured in this photograph. It was a family trip of sorts as Laura and I ventured with our son Ben to a hilltop condo overlooking mid-town Ruidoso, New Mexico.
On this adventure, the scenery refreshed our souls. The timing was different than most in the tradition of our family vacations. It was mid December, Advent in the church calendar, and I was off on medical leave. The reasoning for our excursion was to ground ourselves spiritually as a family after a major health challenge. The experience of that trip brings great joy to my heart and mind. A fresh overnight snowfall had coated the grounds. Everything was glistening in the lamp-post light of an early dawn. And then with coffee and camera in hand, the sun came up over the hill. New every morning! A reminder of God’s faithfulness and presence. I wonder what stories you have to share… of God’s abiding presence. Those stories are dear to me and I want to listen to you tell them. Call me if you would like to chat. |
Details
Author: Paul E HarrisJournal posts from a pastor and spiritual friend Archives
October 2023
|