“Rules”-Luke 6:1-11

“Rules”-Luke 6:1-11
The Santa Fe children’s museum is such a great place for the girls to run around, explore, and be exposed to other kids sniffling and sneezing germs. So much freedom for them there! But there are some signs around... Some basic rules: “Under 2 only” referring to a well padded areas for crawling and toddling babies. “to play on this structure you must be under this height” - referring to a play structure that is too small for bigger kids. Perfect! If those rules weren’t there the littler kids could be really limited in their play options. Big kids would probably turn the padded play area into a MMA arena (that’s mixed martial arts). The climbing area would be a never ending game of king of the hill. Rules, clarifications, limitations are very necessary for the well functioning of societies and communities. They help us play well with each other. And so we have international, national, state, county, city, and then particular organizational rules and laws --a whole bunch of rules and whole bunch of lawyers! But throughout history, at every level there are times to expose injustices crafted within the laws...to expose and reform unjust laws and corrupt systems.

Hometown Crowd - Luke 4:14-30

Luke 4:14-30
There was nothing unusual about this particular Sabbath day. People were gathered as they had year after year in the familiar synagogue. Everyone knew everyone, they were friends, family, neighbors.

But, I guess, there was one thing a bit different: One who had grown up in that village, raised in that synagogue, the Son of Mary and Joseph the carpenter, was back. He’d been away. Rumors had spread in the town. I heard he took a vacation with the devil in the wilderness I heard he performed miracles in other villages. I heard he preaches some controversial sermons. But, he was their boy; now a man. Hey, Jesus is back, let’s get him to read to read the scriptures and preach this morning; let’s hear what he has to say.

After a few prayers had been prayed. Alms for those in need had been collected and distributed. It was time for the reading. “Jesus, would you care to read and comment?” As he moved toward the Moses seat -- the solid slab about knee high that jutted out from the wall of the back of the sanctuary, a seat of authority -- Jesus was handed the scroll by the synagogue helper - the scroll of Isaiah - the prophet during Israelite exile. He stood next to the Moses seat, and found the place where it was written:

The spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me To preach good news to the poor; To proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind; To set at liberty those who are oppressed; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.

He slowly rolls up the scroll; allowing the words of Isaiah to settle;
he hands it back to the synagogue helper; words are formulating in his head;
He sits on the Moses seat; Is now the right time?
A gust of wind whisps through the crowd. A little child makes a sound.
All eyes were fixed on him. Yes.

He began his sermon: “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”
“Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” - the first public words recorded by Luke, apart from reading scripture, Jesus speaks as an adult, and that is Jesus’ entire sermon. If only all sermons could be that short! “Today this scripture has been fulfilled.” “Hoy se ha cumplido la Escritura.”
And what was the first word of that sermon? “Today.” “Hoy.” Hoy Que? What has happened today? The message he reads from the scroll is of God’s powerful desire for liberation in the form of debt forgiveness, release of wrongful imprisonments, adequate health care, freedom from oppression, and land reform.
“Today.” Hoy. “anointed me” = to carry out this the Divine vision for the world! Today. Hoy
God’s vision, which would be Jesus mission, the mission of the disciples. and is to be the mission of the church in every age, time, and place. Healing, restoration, renewal, and justice, Today. Hoy

Today does not mean, that’s the way things used to be in some nostalgic “yesterday.” Today does not mean desperately slipping into some vague notion “Someday”. Today. Hoy. Can Healing, restoration, renewal, and justice be part of our reality today? The world is too full of injustice: The world is too full of impoverished starving people The world is too full of hopelessness. Our prisons are too full - full mostly of poor and minorities International prisons full of untried alleged terrorists... Our society is too blinded by materialism, greed; - systems of oppression are justified with every purchase - got to have our stuff and have it cheap. no matter the work conditions, wages, or environmental implications. Take away driver’s licenses; set up a system which creates another class who carries certificates, we need cheap labor to sustain what we’ve got. Craft laws so that the rich become richer, taking from the starving poor, and who would ever consider a law in which ever so often, the rich have to give back to the masses that which they have taken. Ha!

But Jesus says, “Today” “Hoy” Healing, restoration, renewal, and justice “The kingdom of God is now.” Was this a hoax?

Those gathered in the synagogue that day wanted to see what today meant? They were willing to give their boy the benefit of the doubt. They had heard the stories of “today” in other places. They wanted to experience some of what he was doing. Didn’t they deserve it? There is strange turn of events
After the short sermon, by their boy, Jesus some were amazed; wow, and to think he used to play with my boy Zacheriah Some, wondering - huh, well, if he means today, does that mean he’s going to perform healings in our town?! Some doubted, I’ve known this guy since he was little, he could barely swing a hammer... he better prove what he can do.

Jesus tells two short parables: 1) physician, heal yourself 2. No prophet is accepted in his hometown.
Then He refers to the works of Elijah and Elisha, in in so doing basically says, you aren’t getting anything from me.... Just because I grew up here, you don’t get special privileges. Just because I played on these dusty streets, doesn’t mean you deserve any special treatment. From amazement, and wonder, the crowd suddenly turns on him; they turn into an angry mob, grab him, drag him out, and try to hurl him off a cliff! Got to be careful what you say around your family and friends :)!

It’s interesting to see how Jesus reacts to this hometown crowd. Why didn’t he just give them what they wanted. Perform a few miracles, Exorcise a few demons, Just appeased the crowd, Jesus: “okay, bring me Sarah, her hand is withered and can’t cook, and her husband, Noah’s looking so frail and thin.” And while you’re at it, I heard my old buddy Jebediah’s been acting so strangely...I’ll get that demon out! Why not just give them what they want? I try to think about how it is when I go home, back to familiar, family and friends.

I’ve lived away from where I grew up, off and on for the past 20 years. It’s strange sometimes to go back. Sometimes I revert back to old patterns of behavior that I’ve been working so hard to change. And it drives me nuts when old friends or family put me into those little boxes of who I used to be. Around the familiar, guards are let down a bit. Sometimes it’s easier to say and do things we might not say or do outside of that context. Family systems are strange things.

Jesus is in this familiar system; maybe let’s his guard down a bit. And, maybe the hometown crowd was getting a little pushy because they felt like they could. Like any hometown hero, they expect him to give back to them, to show them special favors. They want some of what good things they’ve heard about him for themselves. Maybe all of this contributes to his making with this hometown crowd an essential point to this gospel message that he is proclaiming.

The family and friends and the familiar, serve as an example for all of us: If you want Today, to be Today, you’re not going to get it with an attitude of I deserve, If you want Today to be Today, it will come from an attitude of I will serve. That’s what the message Jesus read from Isaiah is all about. A servant’s song, a song that Jesus wants anyone and everyone who has ears to hear and obey. Today, hoy.

Anyone can see the needs, and anyone serve. “You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve.... You don't have to know the second theory of thermodynamics in physics to serve. You only need a heart full of grace and a soul generated by love." (mlk)

When we approach the world or God, as the hometown crowd did, thinking it owes us something, because of this or that. We miss the point of the gospel. When we justify our lifestyle by saying I worked hard, I deserve it. We miss the point of the gospel. When we assume that because we’ve been a good person, gone to church all our lives, pray hard claim to know Jesus well, that we deserve to have things work out the way we want them to; we miss the point of the gospel.

Jesus took a great risk in making the hometown crowd serve as an example for all of us when we have an attitude of deserve. But when there is a conversion from a posture of I deserve, to a posture of I will serve. We may find that in service, we experience the healing and liberation and the joy we’d always longed for.

Jesus’ mission and the content of his call to discipleship and to the church are filled with God’s passion for the outcast, the poor, the oppressed, and the lost.” May the spirit of the Lord fall upon us, and give us that same passion - compassion. May the spirit of the Lord fall upon us, and transform within our hearts, any sense of “give me what I deserve,” into, “empower me to serve.”

Today, can be Today. Here and now, when we will work together to make Healing, restoration, renewal, and justice - God’s vision - a reality here and now. For this is our true calling!  

I Want Water - A baptismal vignette by Jan Chesnut

We were celebrating Pentecost Sunday at our small, multicultural Presbyterian Church. It was a beautiful northern New Mexico day with a brilliant, cerulean sky and no gusting wind for a change.

There was much excitement in the sanctuary, a feeling of celebration on this holy day of Pentecost marking the birthday of the Christian Church. The congregation came dressed in red, symbolizing the flames of the Holy Spirit. A special event was also due to take place—a young mother joining the church and her three year old daughter being baptized. The first part of the service went seamlessly with Gina, the mother, being received into the church fellowship with Emma, her daughter, arrayed in a festive, white dress, standing quietly by her mother.

Now it was Emma’s turn to be baptized by Chester Topple, the pastor. As Chester turned to Emma she quickly ran down the center aisle crying, “No, no, no.” She was racing about the sanctuary as if swept along by the wind. The congregation was amazed by her reaction while Chester and Gina helplessly looked on, wondering what on earth to do next. Emma’s father Mark and her brother Forest stood nearby also clearly perplexed by Emma’s behavior.

Emma continued to circle the sanctuary, even heading up the steps to the chancel. After dashing to the back of the church, she paused for a moment and in a loud voice shouted, “I want water! I want water!” Then, suddenly calm, she returned to the front of the sanctuary where Chester and her mother and father were patiently waiting.

Emma and Mark proudly affirmed the baptismal vows asked of the parents. The pastor then took Emma by the hand, dipping his other hand into the baptismal font and baptizing her. A smile appeared on the child’s small, impish face and at that moment it seemed clear that the Holy Spirit itself was present in this little child. This was the Spirit that hovers over each of us, reclaiming us in spite of our insistent, “no, no, no,” until we come to our senses and cry “I want water.”

Indeed, as Jesus said, “The wind blows where it chooses…..So it is with everyone who is born of the spirit.” (Jn. 3:8) l .  

Matthew 2:1-12 - What gift do you bring with you?

Matthew 2:1-12 - What do you bring with you?
This morning’s sermon is a simple one. Let us compare and contrast the attitudes of the Magi - or Wise Men-- and King Herod toward Jesus, and in so doing, consider our own attitudes towards others. Herod believed in the news about Jesus birth. How did he react? Along with the scribes and the pharisees. The Wise Men believed in the news about Jesus, How did they react? they wanted to adore Jesus, offer him gifts, well-being, and love. When Herod set out to find Jesus, what was his intention? [In order to ensure the death of Jesus, he sent his men to kill all the boys in and around Bethlehem who were two years old or under.] When the Wise Men set out to find Jesus, what was their intention? Is it a wonder that the three visitors from the east - Gentiles, outsiders - are called wise? What is a word that might be used to describe Herod? At the risk of creating a dualistic image, I want to draw upon these contrasting images of the Wise Men and Foolish Herod and consider our own interactions with others. What do we bring when we go on a visit? What do we bring when we run into someone? What do we bring when we come to church, or go to a place where people are gathered? What do we offer through our correspondence...and email, a phone call, a text message? Joy, Love, Appreciation, even Adoration in our hearts when we knock on the door? Can our presence bring dread? Oh no, it’s so and so...

Dive In - Luke 3:15-22

Dive In - Luke 3:15-22 El Grito was what we called him. He was also called Giant standing 6’4’ weighing 250 pounds as a 22 year old. It was while we were on retreat at a beach near Acapulco, MX, while we were all hanging out on Saturday afternoon, that Alejandro asked me to baptize him there, in the ocean. Huh, uh, Seria increible, Grito. Incredible to be sure Apart from the size difference, to add to the challenge - we weren’t in a very popular section of the coast, the ocean where where we were is described as Mar Abierto. Strong under-toe. Wicked unpredictable waves. At about 5 pm that evening, Grito and I, in our bathings suits, waded out into the mar abierto. How deep was I to go? Deep enough to not feel so much of his 250 pounds.. but not too deep to get swept away... I thought we were in a good spot....Alejando, En el Nombre del...yikes, we got swept away... We resurfaced and tried to swim a little closer to the shore... En el nombre...a wave crashes over us, booom!! We both go under, and he is lifting me up, practically carrying me, and we call it a done deal! Last year, on Pentecost Sunday, we baptised Emma Russel. Jan Chesnut wrote about the experience: There was much excitement in the sanctuary, a feeling of celebration on this holy day of Pentecost marking the birthday of the Christian Church. The congregation came dressed in red, symbolizing the flames of the Holy Spirit. The first part of the service went seamlessly with Gina, the mother, being received into the church fellowship with Emma, her four year old daughter, arrayed in a festive, white dress, standing quietly by her mother. Now it was Emma’s turn to be baptized by Chester Topple. As Chester turned to Emma she quickly ran down the center aisle crying, “No, no, no.” She was racing about the sanctuary as if swept along by the wind. The congregation was amazed by her reaction while Chester and Gina helplessly looked on, wondering what on earth to do next. Emma continued to circle the sanctuary, even heading up the steps to the chancel. After dashing to the back of the church once more, she paused for a moment and in a loud voice shouted, “I want water! I want water!” Then, suddenly calm, she returned to the front of the sanctuary where Chester and her mother and father were patiently waiting. Gina and Mark proudly affirmed the baptismal vows asked of the parents. The pastor then took Emma by the hand, dipping his other hand into the baptismal font and baptizing her. A smile appeared on the child’s small, impish face and at that moment it seemed clear that the Holy Spirit itself was present in this little child. This was the Spirit that hovers over each of us, reclaiming us in spite of our insistent, “no, no, no,” until we come to our senses and cry “I want water.” A few years ago, many of us travelled out to the Pecos River - to Bob and Kathy Barnes place, there we baptized Rachelle in the Pecos. She had denied opportunities to be baptized as a child. She felt it wasn’t for her - whatever it meant to her.... But, In her mid-twenties, soon to be married to Allan, she wanted to claim her Christian identity; she felt led by the Spirit. She was ready. We were hoping for warm weather; spring in Northern New Mexico...anything was possible. It was a cold...overcast day. After her affirmations of faith After We covenanted with her to journey along with her in her faith. We were already shivering. The short trek to the water seemed long. Bob Barnes and I were on either side of Rachelle, and we cautiously stepped in. Rachelle and I were both jealous of Bobb wearing his rubber over-alls he uses for fishing. The group was gathered above us, standing on the bridge...flashes from cameras went off. WE held her: We baptise you in the name of the Father, The Son, and the Holy Spirit. She went down completely submerged-- Eyes closed, her face was still, and seemed to turn bluish white. her hair flowed upstream like silk-- There was silence-- time seemed to have stopped while the water passed over her. Complete trust. Complete surrender. And in a flash we pulled her up and she gasped for air, and let out a yelp, and we both ran for towels! I’m pretty sure I beat her to the towels. I wrote Rachelle Guzman to tell her I was thinking of her and her baptism. She wrote back: “I think of my baptism a lot. It truly was the most incredible experience....” On that Jordan river years ago, lines were formed of people getting baptized by John. Jesus stood in line waiting his turn. We don’t know why he felt compelled to participate in this an ancient act of repentance. Because everyone else was doing it? To get wet? Cold? Feel the waters pass over? Depends on our orthodoxy, I guess. The gospel writers don’t tell us..and it seems they were confused about why he did it. Matthew and Mark have John in this awkward position of arguing with Jesus about baptising him. Luke has John there baptizing people, but then suddenly, John is arrested by Herod and disappears from the scene, and it seems as if jesus baptizes himself, or some unknown person does it. The evangelist John doesn’t even mention Jesus being baptized... Jesus didn’t need to be cleansed of sin, right?! Among the many things Baptism symbolizes, - cleansing, - Dying and resurrection, - old life becoming new It has powerfully come to mean to me, surrender, surrender of the one baptized, and surrender of all those who witness to event. And Jesus, even as God’s son, models surrender for us. I don’t have to be in control I’m am not seeking power. When we surrender, we engage the process of becoming--not perfect-- but holy, bearing fruits of the Holy Spirit: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Baptism When we surrender we show our intentions - not to be right - but to be righteous, seeking relationships of wholeness, forgiveness, and reconciliation, always. Baptism In surrender, we may live a life - not to be served - but to serve... Baptism WHen we surrender, symbolized so powerfully in baptism--be it the sprinkling of an infant or in raging ocean waters -- we can enter into a deep intimacy with God...because it is then that we may hear God’s voice: You are my beloved Child. I am so pleased with you. You are my beloved Child, I am so pleased with you. Know that in life and in death, nothing can separate us from God’s love. The power of diving into the Promise of Baptism. As a community that seeks to live into it’s baptismal calling of surrender through serving others, we are taking the time to recognize all the many ways people are committing themselves to serve in this community this upcoming year, so long as God calls us to life together. Jobs for Jesus, modeled after monastic community, in which all those who are part of the community take on a responsibility in order to serve the needs of the community. We serve one another not to please the pastor, or anyone else, but to please God. We serve one another because it is what Jesus the master asks of us. Some of these tasks may seem trivial, or a waste of time.... but the spiritual task is to find meaning and joy even in the trivial times we “waste” away... I believe the elders are planning on taking any job that has not been claimed or recruiting people to those jobs, or deciding if it is necessary at this time in the life of the community There are probably some jobs that are being done that aren’t identified. There will probably be some tasks that emerge over the course of the year. There will be people who come who will want to get plugged in. There will be people who go, and their position will need to be filled. We enter into this as a community of faith! Trusting in God. These are the jobs not yet claimed, if you want one, Take it! Even if you’re not sure what it is, I can help sort it out later :) Yet to be claimed/identified: open/close church before/after worship: Cindy Piatt and Dick Fallis; Steve Brugger Deacon: Service Project coordinator: Stage Manager: Okay, now let’s recognize one another and commit to one another. When I call a name, let us acknowledge that person, and if you are here, please come forward as you are able, Dip your hand in the baptismal font, claiming your baptism I will ask you: Will you commit to taking on these tasks during 2013, so long as God calls us to life together? And to the congregation: will you lovingly support these servants? Alabad - Liz and Margaret Communion Prep-table set up, storage: Michael Brinegar Communion Bread Baker: John Burnett Home Communion Coordinator: Jan Chesnut (after April) Ushers/greeters: Micah Frisch, Libby Naranjo Taize coordinators: Keri Brinegar, Jan Gough, Bob Chesnut Prayers Of the People: Consuelo Walker (coordinator), Holly Roach, Isabel Chavez, Maya Chavez, Kevin Hart, Richard Fallis, Richard Avery, Cindy Piatt, Trasie Topple, Paul Fisher, Steve Brugger, Choir Singers: If you plan on singing in the choir this year, please come forward Bell Choir Ringers: Donna Ormerod, Barbara Medina, Micah Frisch Liturgists/Scripture Readers: Brinegars, Richard Fallis, Georgia Ortiz, Patrick Kiptum, Cindy Piatt, Louise Singleton Pulpit Supply: Georgia Ortiz, Jan Gough, Bob Chesnut, Jim Roghair, Richard Avery, Dean Lewis, Gaspar Naranjo Musicians: Brinegars, Grace Nadell, Elizabeth Ethelbah, Bill Taylor, Isabel Chavez, Maya Chavez, Holly Roach, Micah Ortega, Pat Slentz (organ) Musician Coordinators: Grace Nadell, Richard Avery Will you commit to taking on these tasks during 2013, so long as God calls us to life together? And to the congregation: will you lovingly support these servants? Christian Ed - Cindy Nursery Manager: Desiree Burnett Nursery Attendant: Yadira Brugger Youth Coordinator: Holly Roach Children's Sunday school - ages 7-11, Trasie; ages 3-6, Julie Walker, Trasie Topple Librarian: Suzanne Drieth Adult Ed: Christian Education Coordinator: Patrick Kiptum (and if you would like to serve with this care group please stand) Will you commit to taking on these tasks during 2013, so long as God calls us to life together? And to the congregation: will you lovingly support these servants? Mission - Dick Fallis Peacemaking Leader: Phoebe Girard Quilts For Traumatized Children: Donna Ormerod Food Pantry Manager: Grace Nadell Missio Dei: Seamus Malin, David Anderson (and if you would like to serve with this care group please stand) Will you commit to taking on these tasks during 2013, so long as God calls us to life together? And to the congregation: will you lovingly support these servants? Congregational life - Georgia Ortiz Pastoral Care: Bob Chesnut, Georgia Ortiz, Chester Topple Home, Hospital, Nursing Home Visitation: Sherl Rehn, Erik, Mason, Keri Brinegar, Barbara Medina Vecinos Coordinators: Rachel Johnson, Trasie Topple Prayer Chain Organizers: Lois Morton, Libby Naranjo Farolito Editors: Margaret Sandoval, Jennifer Frisch Webmasters: Holly Roach, Cipriana Jurado Facebook Page managers/ promoters: Holly Roach, Cipriana Jurado, Jennifer Frisch, Hospitality Team: Bill Stark (consultant), Bob Chesnut, Lois Morton, Gretchen Bush, Nicole Ortega, Sherl Rehn Special Events: Kevin Hart, Margaret Sandoval Prayer Shawls Coordinator: Lois Morton Technical Guru: Bob Horning Liaison to Scouts: Bob Horning Church Photographer: Jennifer Frisch Give-a-day: Gretchen Bush Office Assistance: Gretchen Bush, Margaret Sandoval, Nicole Ortega Wall of History: Milee G-R, Rachel Johnson Parish Associate: Georgia Ortiz Christmas & Special Event Decorations: Young Lee Will you commit to taking on these tasks during 2013, so long as God calls us to life together? And to the congregation: will you lovingly support these servants? Session/ Administration Elders: Steve Brugger, Terry Garcia (elect), Louise Singleton, Dwight Walker, Cindy Piatt, Richard Fallis, Elizabeth Ethelbah, Margaret Sandoval (Emeritus) Clerk of Session: Milee Griego-Rotuno Moderator: Chester Topple Commissioner to Presbytery: Charles Ortiz? Personnel Contracts - Steve Brugger Will you commit to taking on these tasks during 2013, so long as God calls us to life together? And to the congregation: will you lovingly support these servants? Money and Finances - Louise Treasurer: Keri Brinegar Stewardship: Money Care: Counters Coordinator: Suzanne Drieth Money counters: Suzanne Drieth, Steve Brugger, Lois Morton, Margaret Sandoval, Gerzain Chavez, Carol Lujan, Charles Ortiz, Rachel Johnson, Michael Brinegar, Nicole Ortega, Richard Fallis, Bob Marshall, Mary Graham, Diane Ransom, Consuelo Walker. (if you would like to serve with this care group please stand) Will you commit to taking on these tasks during 2013, so long as God calls us to life together? And to the congregation: will you lovingly support these servants? Building and Grounds: Dwight Walker and Steve Brugger Gardener: John Singleton Project Managers: Steve Brugger, Milee G-R, Charles Ortiz, Assistants: Joe Dudziak Kitchen Manager/organizer: Kevin Hart Kitchen Cleaner: Bob Marshall Leroy and Deanna Vigil, custodians Will you commit to taking on these tasks during 2013, so long as God calls us to life together? And to the congregation: will you lovingly support these servants? Staff Support: Helen Newton, office and administration Chester Topple, pastor Georgia Ortiz Each of us who is gathered here, in a formal role/ Jesus Job, or just being present is seeking live into God’s claim on your life. Are we ready to dive in to a new year together! Let us all stand and share this prayer of St Francis... and as we pray together, you may feel a little water splash on you, reminding you of your baptism...and your life of surrender and service. Sprinkle everyone in the room.... Tracy Chapman...I’m Ready. That image to me, captures the essence of baptism more than any other. Complete trust, Complete Surrender Friday morning, Zia woke us all up a little after 4 am with dry heaving. We tried to lie back down -- she was in bed with us by this point-- hoping that was it; but by 4:45 my face was wet with what had once been in her stomach causing her trouble. She was not well. At no point did I resent her, question my love for her, wish she would just go away and stop bothering me. The baptismal calling to community is like that in some ways. We all struggle with varying degrees of health issues - physical, emotional, psychological-- and sometimes these varying conditions of not-well-ness, may result in someone tossing their cookies on you or me - maybe that was it, had we fed Zia any cookies earlier that day? When we take our baptismal convenant with one another, we recongnize many truths about our common life. That we are not perfect, and that no one here is perfect, and taht perfection is really not the goal. Holiness is more the mark, be Holy as your heavenly Father is Holy, is how Jesus put it: Being seems to be a willingness or even beyond that an ability to love unconditionally. In striving to be perfect or always right, we miss the whole point of baptism, which is that God loves us in our imperfection, drawing ever near. If we strive to be perfect and always right, what need then have we for God, except, we of course, can never obtain that goal, and it only takes falling on our faces time and again to realize that something is fundamentally wrong with that objective. Three years ago, many of us travelled out to the Pecos River - where Bob and Kathy Barnes live--and there we baptized Rachelle Guzman. In her mid-twenties, this was a decision she had made...she wanted to claim her Christian identity; she wanted to allow her life to be filled with the Spirit, led by the spirit. She had had an opportunity to be baptised as a child, but didn’t think it was right for her. It was a cold spring day. Overcast, as I recall, most unlucky in New Mexico when you get an overcast day when you plan an outdoor activity. She made her affirmations of faith, putting her trust in God; We covenanted with her - promising to journey along with her in her faith. THen we made the short trek to the water. Bob Barnes on One side, I on the other. WE held her, In the name of the Father, The Son, and the Holy Spirit. She went under, water rushing over her face, eyes closed, Complete trust. Complete surrender. That image to me, captures the essence of baptism more than any other. Complete trust, Complete Surrender A subtle component to the version of the story Luke tells is the little detail about who baptized Jesus. In Matthew and Mark, it is John, clearly. Even though John puts up a bit of a fuss about it in both of them. In Luke, John is there one moment, then there is the brief interlude of John’s confrontation with Herod and Luke reports John’s in prison. Then back on the baptism scene, “when all the people had been baptized and when Jesus had also been baptized.” We can safely assume it’s John that did it, but there is a bit of awkwardness in the way Luke tells the story. This may not seem like a big deal, but really it is. We bible geeks will sometimes talk about Christology. Thoughts, teachings, study about Christ. We describe the varying levels of how people view Jesus in terms of high Christology or low Christology. Like how highly esteem we see jesus, which would lead to a high christology, or how not so high we esteem Jesus, low christology. So, for example, for mark and Matthew who have John baptize Jesus, but make a fuss about John doing it, they have, in this instance, a lower christology. If Jesus is baptised by John, does that make him lower than John? If Jesus is baptized, by the John’s baptism, which was the baptism of repentence, what does that say about jesus, he had no need to repent...right? Some have asked, many may wonder when we are going to baptize our girls. It is customary to baptize infants in most Presbyterian Churches. I have witnessed and performed many infant baptisms in my 37 year affiliation with the Presbyterian Church. Why do we baptize infants? We don’t believe that it is an issue of eternity in the Presbyterian Church. That if you are not baptized that means you do not get into heaven...as has been taught in some Christian churches over the centuries. So if you don’t need baptism to be fireproof why baptise at all? When we baptise infants - we affirm the prevenient gift of God’s grace - that is, that before we can utter more than a goo-goo ga ga about God, God loves us; and claims us. And that is what baptism of infants is about. It’s also an opportunity for parents to think about what it means to raise their children in a Christian environment, and an opportunity for a community of faith to commit itself to helping raise children in the faith. This community has made a covenant to love and help raise in the faith every child who has been baptised into the community. And it is a commitment that transends every time and place. Tammy Lopez, whose funeral is coming up on January 19, was baptised in this community some fifty six years ago. Maybe one or two people who are presently here recollect the possibility of being here. yet, our commitment to her and her family was sealed in those baptismal waters. That is what we are called to do, and we claim that calling, by celebrating baptism. Those unforgetable moments...leading us into day by day living with God. I can’t figure out why some days, the keyless key button works, and other other days it doesn’t Why are we more healthy some days and less healthy other days. Why? Why are there so many senseless acts of violence? Why are there so many random acts of kindness? Apart from the raucous John was making out there baptizing...: The heavens opened! The voice boomed: You are my beloved Child. An affirmation that would lead him to become who God had called him to become! Jesus baptism didn’t mean that his life would go back to the way it had been before... It meant that from that moment on, he was going to live a life of loving service. It wasn’t an end - a ticket to heaven - it was a beginning, which would lead him to the cross. Some of us may not have been baptized, but are familiar with the practice... Some of us may remember our baptisms. Some of us may not, which means you were baptized as a baby, like I was, and let me tell you, from experience baptising babies, that is about as unpredictable as it gets: Don’t cry don’t cry don’t cry...water on the head, WHAAAH. I bet most I you who were baptized as babies cried like babies! In either of the scenarios - we are all living in a world unpredictable, a life in which there are few garauntees...the baptism may help us get through it, but more so, its the life that is lived when we claim our baptism...when we claim that we are beloved children of God that nothing can separate us from the love of God. Nothing can separate us from the love of God. And then we live into that reality each and every day: through service. Some may wonder why By

Christmas Eve in Five Acts - 2012

Act 1 - Words of Welcome
La gracia y paz de nuestro Dios esten con todos nosotros ahora y siempre.
Bienvenidos
Warm and bright greetings to each of you on this cold dark night.
Tonight is the night before the church around the world celebrates the birth of Jesus.
Just as room was made for Jesus in the stable, let us make room for one another...if you need to shift around a bit in order to make space I’m sure that would be greatly appreciated.

Tonight’s Christmas eve service will consist of songs both new and familiar.
We will begin by lighting candles of the advent wreath and end sing silent night and lighting our individual candle, both times defying the darkness with light of hope.
Scripture will be read...messages will be proclaimed...prayers will be prayed
We will receive Holy communion
We will take delight in the children and youth as they enact the scene from years ago.
It is a night for celebration
It is a night when we long for peace...
and so let us leave behind all the worries that may have accompanied us here...
we are in sacred space.
We are before God.

Let us pause for moment...take in a few deep breathes. 

Allow a smile to come over your face...we are loved more than we can even imagine..
In that love, let us worship God.
The choir will sing: Still, Still, Still.



Act 2 - advent candles lit 

Blogger Rachel Held Evans reflected:

These little Advent candles sure have a lot of darkness to overcome this year.

The world did not end in 2012..and yet, there certainly were so many tragic events and endings.
From Superstorm Sandy to Sandy Hook elementary school,
continuing wars... warring politicians
environmental disasters...instabilities in our homes
So many images.. blurred... of all that has not gone the way we might have hoped this past year. 

And yet we gather in church, in the darkness of night, and light little Advent candles.

These candles glow, almost defiantly - in churches, in homes,  at midnight vigils,
they glow all across the world.

They burn persistently penetrating the darkness, pervasively reminding us of  God’s promises foretold millennia ago.

Look, “even the smallest light can chase away the shadows lurking in this world; that even in the darkest places, Darkness cannot overcome the light.“

We have grieved much this year; we all grieve in different ways;
and we must be patient with one another as we do...

It is during some of the darkest times, some of the darkest moments, that we wonder:

Is God absent?
Does God care?
Has God left us alone to sort it out ourselves?  

Grief can do that.

Seemingly escalating trouble has led some to suggest that God is disappearing or being excluded.

Some point to the “War on Christmas.’
When a check-out clerk says happy holidays, they emphatically respond:  “Merry Christmas”. 
[The irony - the word holiday is derived from Holy Day - thus it is still declared a holy time of year. ]

“Every gift purchased, every mall opened late, and every credit card maxed out must be done so in Jesus’ name…or else Christ will be taken out of Christmas.”

Some insist if we can’t keep God’s name in our pledge, on our money, and on our courthouse walls,
 then we can’t keep God in our country.

Put the name of God on our idols...
does that somehow make the worship of money or power right?

If the incarnation tells us anything, it’s that God does not need a nod from the Empire to show up.

Incarnation tells the story of God who showed up
In a barn, because there was no room...
In darkness...in the middle of the night

Christmas is hours away.... 
“If Jesus’ birth teaches us anything, it’s that God can be found everywhere:
in a cattle trough, on a throne, among the poor, with the sick, on a donkey, in a fishing boat, with the junkie, with the prostitute, with the hypocrite, with the forgotten, in places of power, in places of oppression, in poverty, in wealth, where God’s name is known, where it is unknown, with our friends, with our enemies, in our convictions, in our doubts, in life, in death, at the table, on the cross, and in every kindergarten classroom from Sandy Hook to Shanghai. 

Darkness cannot overcome the light

There are days when our doubt and anger make it hard for us to believe - Immanuel-
which is why we keep lighting these little Advent candles like religious fools...may they help us in our unbelief. 
May they shine shine shine.
May their flames be a reminder to all of us that in the midst of terrible happenings, God was there….
and here,
and in those swaddling clothes,
and on that cross,
and in that grave,
and on the throne.
For no amount of darkness can overcome the light.

Act 3 - Meditation and segue to Pageant

I was so pleased when I heard the pageant was going to be told from the shepherd’s perspective. 
Because I grew up going the church, the shepherd’s role was always my role!
Many a Christmas eve drive to church found me rehearsing: Let us go now, even unto bethlehem to see this thing which has come to pass, which the Lord has made known unto us...
Of course, I was never able to finish my line completely before a jab from one of my older sister’s elbows landed in my rib cage.

Ah the shepherds. 

What a life...just chilling out with the sheep.  Perhaps literally chilling on those dark cold nights.

But, free. Free from so many worries of the world...they only had to worry about any number of lurking sheep invaders who come at night - wolves, bobcats,
and rattle snakes they might step on,
 and people who may try to rob them,
and perhaps the price of wool, maybe the price of meat....

I bet they were poor for the most part...

gee, and to think all these years I thought they had it made.

Still, how fitting that the angels appeared to them...only scared them half to death...
they’re kind of edgy out there in the middle of the night in the middle of no where, remember.

Angels appeared to the shepherds...the one’s who cared for the sheep, to tell them some great news...
The Shepherd Jesus had come into the world. 

I love the way the angel tells them they will know it is him:
The sign: wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger...

Was this an  inside joke...

I don’t know how that indicates the Great Shepherd has been born...seems like the angels appearing in the middle of the darkness with loud singing Gloria To Go Glory to God Glory to God in the highest!
would have been enough

Well, enough of my take..

We’re all in for a treat as we witness the scene of what it may have been like for those shepherds 2000 years ago...who night after night faithfully watched after their flock, until this night changed their lives...and changed our lives forever

Hermanos y hermanas: Who Got the Good News First, written and directed by Cindy Piatt and performed by gifted children and youth. 


Let us give glory to God as we celebrate the birth of Jesus by celebrating these children and youth:
Narrators: Lauren Moran and Dira Brugger
   
 
Shepherds: Grace Lee, Maya Chavez, Ruby Gene Topple, Micah Frisch,
Sophia Lee, Guinnevere Phelps, Oscar Walker, Christopher Moran
Angels: Megan Naranjo, Isabel Jurado, Lauren Moran, Emma Russell
Joseph: Forrest Taylor Mack
Mary: Isabel Chavez

And now turn to hymn 30 in the blue hymnal as we search for the meaning of that evening singing “It came upon a midnight clear” #30.



Act 4 - Communion

COMMUNION

Chester (offering)

For tonight’s offering, we have an opportunity to give to the ministries of this church or to an offering called the Christmas Joy Offering,
which supports retired pastors and their families, and mission schools.
By giving may light shine in dark places.


Come, come, O Christ,
Come among us
as you did come, as a baby boy, in the midst of sheep, shepherds, your mother Mary and your father Joseph,
Speak peace...peace like that experienced moments after your birth....

The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.

Great Creator Spirit from whom all life comes forth
We gather this evening with bread and with fruit of the vine
on an evening dark
seeking the light of your presence
in a hungry world
we long to be nourished
we hunger for wholeness in our lives
for unity on earth and for peace among nations.
Here we gather with bread and fruit of the vine, but with more than that...
We gather with creation’s elements all around us
with earth, air, fire and water still expanding through the universe
with the glory of the sun by day
the whiteness of the moon and the glittering of heaven’s lights by night
Here we gather with bread and fruit of the vine, but with more than that...
We gather in the company of friends and loved ones
and in so doing
may heavy hearts be made light
may lonely places be filled with joy
may our longings be your longings
as we become one with you and one another...
Here we gather with bread and fruit of the vine, but with more than that...
On this night, on this Christmas eve, we sing...
When the hustle and bustle of the season is over...we sing
When the impulses and pressures of commercialism and greed have subsided...we sing
For this child, your child, our savior, we sing the angels’ song,
joining all those who sing on earth and in heaven.
Santo, Santo…

We Praise you for this child, your son,
Bread of Heaven, born in Bethlehem - house of Bread.
swaddled in clothes in a manger, wrapped in a shroud in a tomb. 
Son of womanhood, born in humility,
raised to glory, companion of our soul
may we be sanctified, and all the world healed.
Great is the mystery of faith…or este es el misterio de la fe
Cristo ha muerto…

At night, with his disciples at the table, before his arrest Jesus blessed the bread y dijo:
“este es mi cuerpo, entregado por ustedes.

Break bread

At night, with his disciples at the table, before his arrest
Jesus blessed the cup y dijo:
Esta copa es la nueva alianza confirmada con mi sangre, la cual es derramada en favor de ustedes.

Pour cup

Have servers come forward..give those serving the cup the cups and they take their places...

Come upon us with your Spirit, O God
and upon this cup of unity.
May it set us free to love.

Give those serving the bread the bread and they take their places
Come upon us with your Spirit, O God
and upon this bread of the earth
May it feed our longing for peace.

Come upon us with your Spirit, O God
for we who walked in darkness have seen a great light! 
All is ready, all are invited, Come.

Near the tree and near the wreath will be standing two people who will have the candles for us to light during silent night.

In anticipation of the miracle of this night..let us sing together silent night

Close by singing Silent night…
After each verse, a light will be turned off…
After the first verse, begin to spread the light throughout the sanctuary.

Benediction:
May we go from this place in peace to love as we have been loved.
May we go into the darkness outside shining light, as Christ’s light shines in this world.
As with the shepherds,
 may angels appear before you to remind you of the birth of the savior.
As with the Christ, remember on Christmas the most significant gift of all, comes in humility, innocence, and with love for all the world.

Que la gracia….

Chirps off the Ol Block - Luke 1:68-79

Luke 1:68-79
Luke 1:68-79 The topic of this morning’s sermon is how the dreams of others shape our living... Pee Wee asks his friend Jeffrey: How is the baby bird like its dad? Jeffrey: How? Pee Wee: It’s a chirp off the old block. – Submitted by David D., Guyton, Ga.
A corny joke, a desperate attempt, to bring levity to what otherwise is a pretty heavy sermon.
How do you know who you are supposed to be in this world? How much are we shaped by our fathers and mothers, our families, those who have gone before us? Chirps off the old block? How much are we shaped by the dreams of our communities? Our society? By The American Dream--whatever that means to you? How do these dreams and visions determine who we become?