Good Seed

July 23, 2023 Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 Good Seeds 8th Sunday after Pentecost Year A Prelude Welcome Call to Worship One: As we harvest our growing abundance in this time of mid-summer, may we relish in the fruit of our labor, Many: As we harvest the fruitful seeds of nature and God’s Garden, let us share in the bounty with our neighbors. One: While we channel resources – water, light, fertile ground to the produce we desire in our gardens, Many: May we also recognize that the weed, the rabbit, the caterpillar also has needs for sustenance. One: We have enough, and an attitude of plentifulness increases through sharing. Many: For what our land grows with our tending, is only ours for a moment in time, filling a short term and immediate need. All: May we share the harvest by tithing back to nature, feeding the hungry among us, storing for the future without hoarding, and setting enough seed aside for the next season of planting. (United Church of Christ Worship Ways, Dr. Sherry Warren) Invocation God of many names, mother of all creation, father of all that is, womb of life, and wellspring of all that we can ever know, we invite your presence here as we seek to embody your loving spirit and create your presence among us. We are in need and we turn to you to be with us as we practice creating the kin-dom of heaven here on earth. (United Church of Christ Worship Ways, Dr. Sherry Warren) Song Guide me O Thou Great Jehovah Children’s Sermon Have some very small pots of dandelions or other native weed ready to be given to each child. Today our Bible message is about God as the gardener. Jesus told this story to his friends to help them to understand how the love of God workd. He told them that the farmer lavishly scattered seeds in the field. There were weeds already in the field and the good plants and the weeds grew up together. When it came time for the harvest, God separated the weeds from the good plants. At first some people would say that God should have thinned out the plants earlier and gotten all the weeds out, casting them into the fire. But that didn’t happen. Weeds and seeds grew up together. Then came the time of harvest. Each plant was harvested with the others, weeds and good plants alike. God will decide what to do about the weeds. God is loves us all very much and wants the best things for us. We have a lot to learn. Life isn’t always just good things; sometimes we encounter difficult times. We can learn about courage, perseverance, hope, and forgiveness in these times. I’m going to ask each one of you to take a special plant home with you. Take good care of it. Give it just the right amount of sunlight so that it will grow. Make sure to water it, but not too much. Take time to get to know your little plant. Think about the ways in which that plant is very special. Talk with your parents about planting your little weed in a place of its own where you can care for it. Thank you for coming up here today. Good luck with your plants. (United Methodist Ministry Matters, Nancy Townley) Prayer for Transformation and New Life God of creation and plenty, it can be easy for us to forget the abundant nature of your love. We forget that there are ample riches from this earth if we manage your resources you and we share generously among all your beloved children. We forget that we are all created in your divine beauty, perfect specimens of your holy vision for a people who can love without bounds, share without tallying, and celebrate among the great diversity you created to thrive together. Guide us to give of that abundance, to receive with grace and gratitude, and to turn our hearts from the perception of scarcity. We confess that we fall short; and we ask that you show us the path again to your fruitful garden where all things grow and flourish. (United Church of Christ Worship Ways, Dr. Sherry Warren) Words of Grace Let us know that God has always provided us with growth and abundance and will continue to guide us in the care of bounteous fields that spring forth with plant and animal, both weed and seed. We are all worthy of this enduring joy and sustenance as beloved children of God. (United Church of Christ Worship Ways, Dr. Sherry Warren) Passing of the Peace Scripture Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 Sermon Good Seeds Some of you can relate to one unknown homemaker who wrote: I don’t do windows because . . . I love birds and don’t want one to run into a clean window and get hurt. I don’t wax floors because . . . I am terrified a guest will slip and get hurt then I’ll feel terrible (plus they may sue me.)I don’t disturb cobwebs because . . . I want every creature to have a home of their own. I don’t Spring Clean because . . . I love all the seasons and don’t want the others to get jealous. I don’t put things away because . . . my husband will never be able to find them again. I don’t do gourmet meals when I entertain because . . . I don’t want my guests to stress out over what to make when they invite me over for dinner. I don’t iron because . . . I choose to believe them when they say “Permanent Press.” And finally: I don’t pull weeds in the garden because . . . I don’t want to get in God’s way, He is an excellent designer! So, what is a weed anyway. I have heard many different definitions over the years. The dictionary defines a weed as any plant that is growing in the wrong place. Of course we can add other criteria, such as a plant that is invasive. A plant that you do no want. And you definitely don’t intentionally plant weeds. And yet interestingly when Jesus refers to weeds and planting goods seeds for the harvest. Jesus says that the weeds are intentionally planted by the devil. He says that just as you plant wheat in neatly controlled rows – the devil did the same thing. Wheat is broadcast – you just throw it out on the ground. So perhaps Jesus wasn’t a farmer, so he wasn’t clear about technique. Or perhaps he wasn’t talking about plants at all. Perhaps he was talking about the weeds that grow inside of the church. In chapter 13- Jesus is talking to the disciples about the kingdom of heaven. They have never seen heaven, but they live in a world where seeds, plants and harvest are common. So Jesus is just explaining heaven in terms that they have heard. I just learned that all weeds are volunteers, but not all volunteers are weeds. Volunteers could be people or plant. So Jesus may be saying that in the church some of us are sincere and here for the right reasons and some of us are not. Some of us are good seed planted here by God and some of us are bad seed planted by God. But Jesus gets it wrong again when he says that you harvest weeds in the same way that you harvest good plants. Usually you pluck up the weeds long before you pluck up the harvest. Yet Jesus says to hold off on the weeds and pull up the weeds and the harvest at the same time. He says to burn the weeds. Once again it is only the human weeds that get thrown into the fires of hell so that they can burn. The question or question of the day is – which one of us here are weeds and which ones are good seed? And who is it that is responsible for the harvest? In Matthew, Jesus takes the time to explain the players in the story. The landowner who does the planting is Jesus. The enemy is the devil. The harvesters are the angels. You and me are just the seed. Some of us good seed and some of us bad. A Glorious Mess Hear now a recasting of the parable (courtesy of the wonderfully innovative work of Barbara Brown Taylor): One afternoon in the middle of the growing season, a bunch of farm hands decided to surprise their boss and weed his favorite wheat field. No sooner had they begun to work, however, than they began to argue ... about which of the wheat-looking things were weeds. Did the Queen Anne's lace, for example, pose a real threat to the wheat, or could it stay for decoration? And the blackberries? After all, they were weeds. But they would be ripe in a week or two. And the honeysuckle ... it seemed a shame to pull up anything that smelled so sweet. About the time they had gotten around to debating the purple asters, the boss showed up and ordered them out of his field. Dejected, they did as they were told. Back at the barn, he took their machetes away from them, poured them some lemonade, and made them sit down where they could watch the way the light moved across the field. At first, all they could see were the weeds and what a messy field it was ... and what a discredit to their profession. But as the summer wore on, they marveled at the profusion of growth. Tall wheat surrounded by tall goldenrod, accented by a mixture of ragweed and brown-eyed Susans. Even the poison ivy flourished beside the Cherokee roses. It was a mess. But a glorious mess. And when it had all bloomed and ripened, the reapers came. Carefully ... gently ... expertly ... they gathered the wheat and made the rest into bricks for the oven where the bread was baked. And the fire the weeds made was excellent. And the flour the wheat made was excellent. And when the owner called them together ... farm hands, reapers, along with all the neighbors ... and broke bread with them (bread that was the final distillation of that messy, gorgeous, mixed up field), they all agreed that it was like no bread they had ever tasted before. And that it was very, very good. Let those who have ears ... and half a brain ... hear and consider. Barbara Brown Taylor, www.Sermons.com _______________________ Jesus lesson for us today is not about the good seed and the bad. It is about our favorite hobby in the church – judging. As Christians we are obsessed with the thought that we are the good seed. And if we are the good seed, anything that does not look like us, that we don’t agree with, that we don’t understand, or doesn’t fit into our picture must be bad seed. Jesus is reminding us that we are just seed – we don’t have the power to judge. That is not our place in the story. A Word of Caution to Champion Weed-Pullers I'll never forget the day I became a champion weed-puller. It was a little embarrassing. About thirty summers ago I was a young boy of eight or nine, living with my family on a farm in rural Wisconsin, not far from Milwaukee. My older brothers used to spend a good deal of June and July helping the neighboring truck farmers weed their gardens. I don't know how they do it today, but then it was a matter of doing everything by hand. You got down near the ground and pulled the weeds one by one. The pay was about a dime for a row of radishes a hundred feet long. One day I thought I would get in on this money making venture, so I too presented myself to the neighboring truck farmer, who agreed to pay me a dime for each row of radishes I would weed. He quickly inquired whether I knew what a radish plant looked like. I quickly replied that I did, not wanting to be turned down for the job. So I went to work, and about an hour later, I stood before the farmer, expecting a shiny silver dime. But sure enough, I had picked all the tender young radish shoots and left the ignoble weeds standing there gloriously in the sunshine. Clearly it would have been better for this farmer and his radishes if I had never pulled his so-called "weeds" at all. A champion weed-puller indeed! Richard Patt, Challenge of Christ's Harvest As Christians we like to think that we have some special power to judge others, and we forget that in the bigger story – we are just seeds. We don’t even know how to determine if we ae even considered a good seed. We ae just seeds. A Line Through Every Heart I have colleagues who continually want to cull the field, making decisions on the basis of belief ... behavior ... even baptism. As many of you know, my wife is into genealogy. She's traced portions of her family back over 500 years. Just a few months ago, we learned that she had a relative who was burned at the stake in Switzerland. Why? Because he had the wrong understanding of baptism, that's why. They weeded him out. Then they burned him up. As for me, I don't always know whether I am weed or wheat. Wasn't it Alexander Solzhenitsyn who said: "If only there were evil people somewhere insidiously committing evil deeds, and it were necessary only to separate them from the rest of us and destroy them. But the line dividing good and evil cuts through the heart of every human being." Which, I suppose, includes my heart. For all I know, I may even be the weed in somebody else's garden. Perhaps in your garden. Collected Sermons, William A. Ritter, ChristianGlobe Networks, Inc. Sometimes we are the weed, and sometime we are the wheat. A Limerick for the Wheat and the Weeds I enjoyed the book by Archibald Hunter, Parable Then and Now. In his comments on today's parable, he had one limerick that I really enjoyed: "There is so much good in the worst of us, and so much bad in the best of us, that it hardly becomes any of us, to talk about the rest of us." Edward F. Markquart, www.Sermons.com The kingdom of heaven is like a field, but the kingdom of heaven is in God’s realm. And Fields only grow on earth. How to determine between the weed and the harvest is an earthly question. Weeds are only a negative thing in our own minds. In heaven every volunteer has a unique purpose and place. We have all heard the term, judge not and be not judged. That comes in Matthew 7. But in practical terms what does it mean not the judge others. How can you possible go through life without judging. We have to be able to identify the bad seed, the dangerous seed, those who are fake and phony. Better to Have Weeds than Nothing at All I asked the people at my last church to imagine what would happen if we adopted a policy of weed-pulling, if we drew a circle around the little town of Wingate, North Carolina, and made a vow that no evil would cross that line, that no weeds would grow within that border. I said, "You know, you and I could spend the rest of our lives protecting that boundary, standing shoulder to shoulder with pitchforks and clubs, making sure that we kept drugs and alcohol and pornography and gambling safely on the other side. I think it would take all of our energy and most of our time. But what if we did it? What if we succeeded? What would we have? We would have a town characterized by the absence of evil, which is not the same as a town characterized by the presence of good. And maybe this is what Jesus was talking about all along, that it's better to have a wheat field with weeds in it than a field with nothing in it at all. When a church in Wingate, North Carolina, began a ministry to the children of a nearby trailer park, they had to decide what kind of ministry it would be. They could have chosen to root out all the sources of evil in that place-to chase down the drug dealers and the deadbeat dads, to confiscate handguns and arrest child abusers. Instead, they chose to put up a basketball goal, to tell stories from the Bible, to put their arms around little children, and sing songs about Jesus. And two years after they started that ministry, two years of going out there Saturday after Saturday to do those things, the pastor got a note in his box at church with five words on it: "Adrian wants to be baptized." Adrian. The terror of the trailer park. That little girl who had made their work most difficult during the previous two years. Who would have guessed? Instead of pulling weeds in the field where she lived, they just tried hard to be wheat, and somehow Adrian saw that and fell in love with it and wanted it for herself. After she was baptized, there was a little more wheat in the field. And because she was there, soon, there was even more. James Somerville, A World Full of Weeds God has a dream for us , Jesus told his friends, God wants us to live in a way that makes everybody happy – It is called God’s shalom – God’s Peace. It is called the kingdom of God. Let us love everyone and let God sort it out when we get to heaven. . Song This is My Father’s World Morning Prayer Summer is just about halfway over. Some of us have been able to travel, to spend special time with family and friends; but for others there is a sameness about this season. It brings pressures to work to provide for our families; it reminds us of the many people who are ill and who are unable to enjoy some of the special delights that this season is supposed to bring. This morning we take a few minutes to name our dear ones and situations of pain and loss as we ask for prayers from this congregation. Some people will remain unnamed because of the anguish we feel about their difficulties. But you are with them, every step of the way, even when they don’t feel like you care. You are there with them, offering them peace and hope. Let us turn our hearts to you as we silently offer these special people to your care. [Silent Prayer]. Lord, you have heard the cries of our hearts. You see our tears and feel our pain. Be with us all. Give us healing for our broken spirits and bodies, for we ask these things in the name of Jesus, the Master Healer. AMEN. (United Methodist Ministry Matters, Nancy Townley) Stewardship Moment Moment for Stewardship (inspired by Romans 8) One of the legal realities of adoption in the United States is that the person being adopted becomes an equal heir with others born to or adopted bythat family. The law sees a legal adoption as the mechanism by which the adoptee is seen in the same relationship as a child born into that family. So when Paul uses language of adoption, it’s to assure Gentiles they have the same status before God as Jews. We are ALL children of God. That makes each of us an “heir”, and joint heirs with Jesus. Of course, not all families are the kind of family we might want to claim. But God’s family takes us away from fear, slavery, and living as debtors to the flesh. In God’s family, we no longer live in futility, but we’re set free, by adoption, to redemption and salvation. These big words mean we can live our lives buoyed up by HOPE. Claiming this as our truth leads us to a natural inclination to want to offer our thanks to God. That may come in a variety of ways, but it certainly includes an eagerness to share what we’ve been given with the Giver. We can give our time, our energy/talent, and our finances as offerings to the God who has created us and claimed us in Christ Jesus. So this Sunday, and EVERY Sunday, is a day to offer our gifts. With joyful hearts, filled with gratitude that we’ve been adopted into God’s family, let us share our gifts. Prayer of Thanksgiving Gracious God, you’ve named us, claimed us, and call us “my beloved daughters and sons”. With thanksgiving, we return to you these symbols of our live. Help us breathe in the assurance of our adoption, which will inspire us to offer all we are and all we have to your service. AMEN (Disciples of Christ Center for Faith and Giving) Announcements Closing Prayer for Facebook God’s people, you are called to go forth and appreciate the weeds among us, as we have each been in the wrong place at times. Go from this place during this harvest time and taste the ripeness of a plump tomato, the sweetness of fresh steamed corn, the crisp coolness of cucumbers. Please go in the knowledge that there is enough for all, be it God’s earthly blessings that are so delicious and nourishing or God’s love that connects us. Share in these gifts and know that we are all enough. (United Church of Christ Worship Ways, Dr. Sherry Warren) Community Time – Joys and Concerns Benediction Get ready to go into God’s world. Bring messages of hope to all. As we have been blessed, may we bring blessings to all in the name of Jesus Christ. AMEN. (United Methodist Ministry Matters, Nancy Townley) Additional Illustrations

In the Spirit of the Lord

Rev. Harriette Cross First United Methodist Church of Wilmington Romans 8:1-11 In the Spirit of the Lord 7th Sunday After Pentecost Year A Prelude Welcome Call to Worship One: The Word is a lamp and a light. The word illuminates our life. Many: We welcome The Word with praise and thanksgiving. One: The Word comes from the mouth of God and accomplishes its purpose. Many: We hear The Word that loves and embraces, challenges and convicts, renews and restores. One: The Word is life, offers a future with hope, and creates peace in the midst of the storm. Many: We receive The Word among us with rejoicing. We worship The Word in spirit and in truth! (United Church of Christ Worship Ways, Rev. Dr. Cheryl Lindsay) Invocation Creator, your presence among us illuminates our lives. Make us fertile soil, receptive to the seeds planted by your word. Nourish us with Living Water and grow us through the energy of your empowered and healing rays of sunshine. Let us encounter you afresh as we gather in community. May our worship show our love for you and each other. Make your presence known to us and through us for your glory. Amen (United Church of Christ Worship Ways, Rev. Dr. Cheryl Lindsay) Song Spirit of the Living God UMH 393 Children’s Sermon By Lois Parker Edstrom Person presenting the lesson may want to sit on a stool demonstrating a “time-out.” Have you ever done something you shouldn’t have done and been asked by your mom or dad to stand in a corner or sit on a stool and think about what you have done? It is not fun to have a time-out. While you are sitting on that stool you may think of all the other things you would rather be doing – playing with your friends, riding your bike, or reading a book. But, when we make bad choices we must learn about consequences (the cost of our bad choices). The Bible tells us that the Spirit of Christ Jesus sets us free from sin (bad choices) and this applies to adults as well as children. When we let the Spirit of Jesus live in us, it is like being released from a time-out. We are free to be grateful, worship God, and enjoy the life he has given us. As we go about our day thinking of behavior and activities that are pleasing to God, we make better choices. The Bible tells us that “the mind of the Spirit is life and peace” (8:6). Scripture quotations from the World English Bible Copyright 2008, Richard Niell Donovan Responsive Reading Psalm 119 #840 Baptism Scripture Romans 8:1-11 Prayer for illumination In the reading of you Word, may we be given light to see. May your word rest in our hearts and minds and in so doing, transform us into your faithful people. Amen. (Presbyterian Outlook, Tara Bulger) Sermon In the Spirit of the Lord As the lights in the movie theater dimmed, a young man loaded down with popcorn, cokes and candy paced up and down the aisle, scanning the darkened rows. It was obvious he was looking for the person or persons with whom he had come. After three or four unsuccessful trips he finally stopped and asked loudly, "Does anybody here recognize me?" (1) It's horrible not to be recognized isn't it? It's horrible to feel alone and cut off. Being recognized means you're connected, part of the family and that someone cares, someone is watching out for you. And that matters because Family matters. Does anyone know who I am? We ask that question every Sunday. The challenges of life pull us out of ourselves. When we come into the presence of God – it puts things into perspective. When we come to church we are reminded of God’s love for us. Furthermore, when we participate in a baptism service – we get a special opportunity to put on Christ. When we let christ into our lives – that makes all of the difference in the world. You know, it is funny but there are times when things work out perfectly. Serendipity is Gods way of reminding us that God is here and watches every thing going on. Our scripture for this morning is perfect for a baptism, and a baptism is the perfect illustration to help us understand what Paul is saying to us. B. A United Methodist Minister in Vermont tells how the Sunday School Superintendent of his Church was registering the children in Sunday School and she asked two brothers their ages and birthday. The bolder of the two boys said, "We're both seven. My birthday is April 8, 1976, and my brother's is April 20, 1976." The Superintendent was a little confused and said, "But that's impossible!" The quiet brother answered, "No, it's not, one of us is adopted." Before she was even aware that she had asked, the words were out, "Which one?" The boys looked at each other and smiled. Then the bolder one said, "We asked Dad that awhile ago, but he just said he loved us, and he couldn't remember any more which one was adopted." (3) Through our faith in Christ we are made heirs with Christ. That means that we have equal access to God. We are seen as equal heirs with Christ. There is no longer any distinction between us and Christ. We are brothers and sisters with Christ Jesus. God just loves us and can't remember anymore which ones of us are adopted. Why? Because Family Matters to God. And God wants each of us in His Family. That's what faith in Christ does for us. It puts us in God's family. We can hold our head high because we belong. We belong to God's family. We know our value, we know our worth. Not by worldly standards but by God's standards. Vera and Roxi are cousins born two days apart, but they are forever connected together in baptism. Today they both take on the identity as a child of God. They are siblings with christ. They are both claimed by the Holy Spirit. Today we celebrate the fact that God has wonderful things in store for their life. It Is such an honor to be witnesses to their faith. I have always said that Romans 8 is the one chapter in the bible where our entire faith is summed up. I feel like I preach on Romans 8 every year – this scripture comes up a lot. But it is not every Sunday that we get to put this scripture into action in the life of our children, our families and our church. Paul’s message to us – there are 2 ways to live our lives. We can live in the flesh or the spirit. The flesh ad spirit are two different attitudes. We can order our lives according to what is happening in the moment, or we can look at the bigger picture. We can be selfish and just life for ourselves or we can live in community and do what it best for all. We can live self centered or God centered. In the scripture Paul refers to a selfish life. Author Patsy Clairmont tells of the time her husband surprised her with two lovely apricot-colored rosebuds. Over the next few days, one of the rosebuds opened up and began to bloom. It was beautiful. The other rosebud stayed tightly closed. By the end of the week, the first rose opened into a full, gorgeous flower, while the second rose remained a small bud. By the second week, both roses began to wilt and shed their petals. As Patsy contemplated her flowers, she felt sad that one rose had never opened up. It had never revealed its greatest beauty. It had died in the same form it had lived: closed. How similar to those roses are we humans? How many of us never grow to our full potential? How many of us never display the full glory of God? How many of us stay tightly closed against the world all our lives, and die never knowing what we could have achieved? (6) So it is with those who never open their lives to the Spirit of the living God. Instead of beginning a relationship with God, they take unacceptable risks. Without even being aware of it, they live in rebellion against all that God has for them. And thus they never fulfill their full God-give potential. Isn't it time you take off the old patch of sin and put on the new patch of the Spirit of God? All of us are children of God. When we put Christ into our lives we get a boost of power and potential. We have a chance to live life to its fullest. When we open the connection between God and us, then we open our lives. Jesus, considered himself so close to God that he called God Abba – or daddy. There were a lot of people who were upset, because they felt that he had no right to claim a relationship that close with the creator of all life. Jesus shows us what it mean to be adopted into the family of God. The challenge then, as presented to us by Paul, is to be sure that we permit the Spirit to dwell within us. It is Paul’s quest that we all live spiritual lives. It is Paul’s mandate that we accept the disciples required to maintain a spiritual life. It is Paul’s inquiry of what will be the orientation of our attitude — flesh or Spirit. And Paul is very forthright in declaring that if we allow Jesus to dwell within our souls, we will be spiritual individuals. As Paul writes, “since the Spirit of God dwells in you.” And it does take a proper attitude to be spiritual. It takes focus. It takes discipline. It takes desire. It means we engage in all the spiritual opportunities traditionally offered by the church. We engage in our own journey of personal prayer, Bible reading, and reading Christian literature When Carl Erskine, a former pitcher with the LA Dodgers, first came to the big leagues, he was asked a question by owner Branch Rickey. Rickey asked, "Do you go to church?" Carl said that he did. Rickey responded, "I ask that question of every young man that I sign. The reason that I ask it is that I've found if a person will discipline his life to sit in a place of worship and get his spiritual values in place, that person will develop a quiet confidence that he cannot get anywhere else." St. Paul writes, "For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship." (v. 15) When Ernest Hemingway was struggling to make it as an author, he had a stroke of bad luck. He lost a suitcase containing all his manuscripts--manuscripts he had been working on for months and which he had been planning to publish in a book. He couldn't conceive of redoing his work. He shared his predicament with his friend, poet Ezra Pound. Pound called it a stroke of good fortune! Pound assured Hemingway that when he rewrote the stories, he would forget the weak parts. The new version would be better than the old. He encouraged Hemingway to start over with a sense of optimism and confidence. Hemingway did rewrite the stories and eventually became one of the major figures in American literature. (2) All Hemingway needed was to hear someone say that he could do it. That is all we need sometimes in our lives. Our problems loom so large. But they are not insurmountable. All we need is the confidence to tackle them. All great people have faced times when their confidence waned. When Abraham Lincoln was tragically killed, several items were found in his pockets: an embroidered handkerchief, a watch, and some confederate money. But most interesting of all was a ragged copy of a newspaper article. The article had been written during a time of great controversy and turmoil in the country. In the text of the article, the writer extolled Lincoln's virtues, approving of the decisions he had made in office. (3) Lincoln was one of the great men of history. But he needed, as we all need, some assurance that he was on the right track. We all need a word of encouragement at times. We need to know our lives matter--that we are not hopeless. The Good News for the day is that we are daughters and sons of God. We can take confidence that we are children of the King--offspring of the Most High. When we are willing to live life in the spirit – we have that little voice encouraging us onto be the best that we can. Most of our children have probably seen the Disney Studio’s animated movie Toy Story. Two of the characters are Woody, a toy cowboy and Buzz Lightyear, a “space ranger” action figure. Early in the movie Woody confronts Buzz Lightyear with the fact that he is not really a space hero. Woody shouts, “You’re not a space ranger! You’re an action figure a child’s plaything.” After failing in an attempt to fly, Buzz realizes the truth of Woody’s statement. Grief-stricken and disillusioned, Buzz hangs his head in resignation, declaring, “I’m just a stupid, little, insignificant toy.” Later in the movie Woody tries to undo the damage he has done. He seeks to comfort his friend by underscoring the love of the boy who owns them both. He says to Buzz, “You must not be thinking clearly. Look, over in that house, there’s a kid who thinks you’re the greatest, and it’s not because you’re a space ranger; it’s because you’re his.” As Buzz lifts his foot, he sees a label affixed to the bottom of his little shoe. There in black permanent ink is the name of the little boy to whom he belongs. Seeing the image of his owner, Buzz breaks into a smile and takes on a new determination and confidence. He knows the little boy who owns him treasures him deeply. (6) As we leave this place today, I hope that we will do so with a new determination and confidence because of the One who has adopted us as His own children. “For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’ The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children . . .” Life in the Spirit of Christ gives us protection, confidence and strength to do what we need to. Every moment – we are faced with ways of dealing with life. We can choose the way the world sees things, or we can choose the ways of God. We always have two choices, but one one leads to life. This is my final story. Stuart Briscoe, pastor of ElmbrookChurch outside Milwaukee, illustrates the power of feeding and starving with an observation about cuckoo birds. Cuckoos aren't merely the obnoxious noisemakers heard at the top of the hour in certain clocks. They are certifiably real. Two species, in fact, nest in America. To be more accurate, cuckoos rarely make their own nests. When it's time for a female cuckoo to lay her eggs, she will scout the local territory until she finds the nest of another bird that already has eggs -- often the nest of a thrush -- and wait until that mother bird is absent. Then she will dart in to the nest and deposit at least one egg of her own. Thrushes are apparently not overly skilled in algebra, for when the mother returns, she doesn't notice that there is an addition to her nest. She continues to go about the work of hatching the eggs. What happens when the nestlings appear? There are four tiny thrushes and one lumbering cuckoo, two to three times larger than the other birds. What happens at mealtime? The big bird gets the worm. The cuckoo continues to grow while the thrushes fight for survival. Briscoe remarks, "When I was a kid, you could always find a baby cuckoo's nest. You walked along a hedgerow until you found dead little thrushes, which the cuckoo throws out one at a time." God's children have two sets of desire in one nest. Which one shall we feed? We must feed the new desires and starve the old ones. We must feed the ones that strengthen our walk with Christ and starve the ones that have always taken us down. The more we choose the new desires, the stronger the Holy Spirit grows our personal resolve to choose the new desires the next time as well. We won't always succeed. Trying to become a spiritual person in a fallen world -- trying specifically to think, feel and live as Christ's person -- will always to some degree be exasperating. But through God's gift of grace, Christ's victory over sin, and the indwelling presence of the Spirit, we can know that we truly have the power to change. CSS Publishing Company, Sermons for Sundays after Pentecost, by Glenn McDonald Do you know Who you are? And Whose you are? Amen. Song Hymn of Promise UMH 707 Prayer God who plants seeds of hope and justice within our lives, we are so grateful for this community of faith and for all, anywhere, who hunger and thirst for your healing, reconciling word. You know all the things that are on our hearts today and you bring us together in love and support. We ask your healing mercies with those who struggle with illness of every kind, with feeling lost and marginalized; for those who mourn and for whom the darkness of sorrow enshrouds them. We ask your growth-producing love for all those who celebrate and rejoice today. Be with each one of us and all those whom we have named in our hearts before you. Help us to reach out to each other in compassion and support, for we ask these things in Jesus’ name. AMEN. (United Methodist Ministry Matters, Nancy Townley) Lord’s Prayer Stewardship Moment Summertime, and we can see the results of what happens when we “scatter sow” – that is, if we have a handful of seed and toss it out. Jesus shared the parable, and an explanation of it. Leaning into this parable, let’s think about what our giving says about the kind of “soil” we are. For some of us, the idea of giving financially to the church is absurd; we’re “hard”ly able to do what we want. Giving away any money at all seems crazy. For others, we’re willing to give a little when the appeal is great, but see no point in making weekly contributions; we’re easily distracted by the allure of other things to do with our money. Yet others agree giving regularly to the mission of the church is important, but we find there’s a big demand on our finances for basic bills, for treat times, and for participating in the “shop, see more, shop more” response to all the advertising present in our daily lives. And, for others, regular giving (and even sacrificial giving) gives us pleasure, counter-acts our “hoarding/stingy” genes, and builds up opportunities for caring for “the least, the lost, the lonely” of our sisters and brothers. Dolly Parton, world-renowned performer, grew up in poverty and in a strict Christian church. For years after becoming a wealthy woman, she has quietly shared financially, recognizing it’s one way of living her best spiritual self. She provides free books for young children (one a month for birth to age 5). She developed a program to encourage Tennessee youth to stay in school. She supported hundreds of folks for six months after they lost their homes in a wildfire. What kind of “soil” would you judge her to be? What about you? What kind of “soil” are you? Prayer of Thanksgiving Generous God, we thank you for the abundance in which we live. Speak to us through your word. Help us hear the challenge of Jesus’ parable, and respond as “good soil”. Receive what has been given today, Creator God, and work through this congregation and our giving to bring forth 30, 60 or 100 fold for the ministries to which you call us. AMEN (Disciples of Christ Center for Faith and Giving) Announcements Closing Prayer for Facebook May we each go out to love and care, to find the Spirit’s leading and join in its work and to bless the world as we have been so richly blessed. In the name of our Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer, Amen. (Presbyterian Outlook, Tara Bulger) Joys and Concerns Benediction As you have received the seeds of faith and hope; go now into God’s world to scatter the seeds of reconciliation and peace, in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. AMEN. (United Methodist Ministry Matters, Nancy Townley) Additional Illustrations

Receiving God

July 2, 2023 Matthew 10:40-42 5th Sunday of Pentecost Receiving God Year A Prelude Welcome Call to Worship (inspired by Matthew 10:40-42) One: Welcome to all gathered, and on line, as we come to worship God. Many: With our words and our actions, we extend greetings to all. One: Prophets, Righteous, old and young, this is the place to find your reward. Many: We’ve come to offer our gifts, and give thanks for all God is doing. One: Even a cup of cold water is appreciated! Many: So we lift our voices and sing our praise! (Disciples of Christ Center for Faith and Giving) Opening Prayer Ever-present God, we’ve come to praise your name, and to honor you with our time, our talent and our treasure. Help us steady our hearts, and focus our minds on your presence among us. Accept our intentions to worship you alone, for you’ve given us power through your Spirit. We receive what you offer, and give you our thanks, through Jesus Christ, whose life, death & resurrection we celebrate! AMEN (Disciples of Christ Center for Faith and Giving) Song America the Beautiful UMH 696 Children’s Sermon This week we will celebrate Independence Day! That is our country's birthday. This morning I have the American Flag. This is the flag of the United States of America. As you know, our flag is red, white, and blue. Have you ever stopped to think what those colors mean? Red: Red stands for courage. Many men and women have had the courage to stand up and fight for our country. They have defended our country against our enemies and many have died in the service of our country. White: White stands for purity. Purity means to do what is right. We hope and pray that our country will always stand for what is right. Blue: Blue stands for justice. When we pledge allegiance to the flag, we end with the words: "With liberty and justice for all." That means that in our country, everyone should be treated fairly and with respect. The colors red, white, and blue remind me of our country, but those colors also remind me of Jesus. Red reminds me of Jesus' blood that was shed when he died on the cross for my sin. That is very important, because the Bible says, "Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness" (Hebrews 9:22). White reminds me that when I give my heart to Jesus, he washes me and I become as "white as snow" (Isaiah 1:18). The Bible says, "you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 6:10). Blue reminds me of God's faithfulness. The Bible tells us that "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and make us clean" (1 John 1:9). God is faithful to keep His promises. Red, white, and blue. Yes, I am reminded of our great country, but more importantly, I am reminded of our great Savior, Jesus. You know, even in our nation’s history, we see a lot of mixed message welcomes. For example, do you recognize this? (Hold up picture of the Statue of Liberty) It’s called the Statue of Liberty. It stands in the harbor outside New York, right by a place called Ellis Island. The statue is a symbol of freedom, and it even has a poem on it welcoming people who are tired and yearn to be free. It was the first thing that immigrants saw when they moved to the United States from other countries. But they would pass through this processing place called Ellis Island, where they were screened, and sometimes sent back home, if they didn’t have good health, or plans, or enough money. Even if they made it through, these immigrants were often treated poorly by other people. Sometimes Americans refused to give them jobs or food or a place to stay. I wish that were ancient history, but it still happens. (Hold up recent picture of immigration processing center, protest at a wall, or other immigration-related news). Some people do not want to welcome others who aren’t like them. Unfortunately, this can even happen in churches. We might say we welcome everyone, but if people look a certain way, they might be treated negatively or feel cast out. This is not what Jesus wanted. To be sure, we need to make sure that we stay safe. We can’t just throw open the doors of our houses to anyone who might walk in and do something evil. We do want to wear masks and make sure we’re feeling healthy for the sake of other people. And we need to monitor the situation of our country and population. Father, we thank You for those who fought for our freedom. We thank You even more for Jesus, who gave us freedom from death and freedom from sin. Help us to live in that freedom by doing what is right and not giving in to our temptations to do wrong. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen. (Ministry to Children – Kristin Schmidt) Prayer of Reflection and Transformation Holy Prophet, Divine Warmth, Creating a home for strangers and friends can often take extra effort. From the extra cleaning to food preparations, we spend extra time, talents, and treasures to care for your children. Sometimes, we often do not feel as if we have the energy to go the extra distance – to ensure the drinks are cold and our homes are cozy. Give us an extra boost in our bodies, minds, and souls to be the welcome team in your Realm. May we embrace divine hospitality as we care for the ones struggling the most, the ones caring for your creation, and the ones speaking prophetically for you. Amen. (United Church of Christ Worship Ways, Michelle Torigan) Words of Grace and Love God continues to welcome us into the Divine Realm even when we walk past its doorway. God’s magnificent grace will refresh our hearts, inspiring us to return again. Amen. (United Church of Christ, Michelle Torigan) Scripture Matthew 10:40-42 Sermon Receiving God Usually for the 4th of July I always talk about freedom in Christ – but today I want to talk about discipleship – what does it cost us to citizens of heaven. No, the 4th is not a Christian holiday – Christianity and the building of our nation go hand in hand. Do not let anyone claim tribute of American patriotism if they even attempt to remove religion from politics." – George Washington’s Farewell Address to Nation Our legal system is based on the ten commandments, the United Methodist church is structured just like the US government, and the values of our nation are based on God. "I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of and to the Republic for which is stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." "Under God" and the Pledge of Allegiance The words "under God were taken from Abraham Lincoln’s famous Gettysburg Address, "…that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth…" and were added to the Pledge of Allegiance on June 14, 1954 by a joint resolution of Congress, 243 (Public Law 83-396). (The Pledge was initially adopted by the 79th Congress on December 28, 1945, as Public Law 287.) On June 14, 1954, President Eisenhower signed into law the pledge: "I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which is stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." President Eisenhower gave his support to the Congressional Act, which added the phrase, "under God" to the Pledge of Allegiance, saying: "In this way we are reaffirming the transcendence of religious faith in America’s heritage and future; in this way we shall constantly strengthen those spiritual weapons which forever will be our country’s most powerful resource in peace and war." President Eisenhower then stood on the steps of the Capitol Building and recited the Pledge of Allegiance for the first time with the phrase, "one nation under God." From America’s God and Country Encyclopedia of Quotations, William J. Federer, Fame Publishing. In light of the presence of God in the principles of our nation, service to the greater good and a willingness to sacrifice are important. This dedication to the greater good is shared by our founding fathers and the disciples of christ. Both of these groups were so committed that they were willing to sacrifice. Sermon Opener – Never Underestimate the Power of a Cold Cup of Water - Matthew 10:40-42 Now I would like to stop the world for just one minute and ask you to think back. Think back with me to the first century. Think about those 50 years after Jesus’ death and what it must been like for Jesus’ disciples. Before the last one died their efforts had brought 500,000 men, women, and children into the ranks of the church. But what they had to suffer in order to accomplish this task is seldom discussed. We like the outcome of their discipleship but we don’t want to hear the cost of discipleship. So for the record here is the cost: History tells us… 1. John died of extreme old age exiled to the island of Patmos. 2. Judas Iscariot, after betraying his Lord, hanged himself. 3. Peter was crucified; head downward, during the persecution of Nero. 4. Andrew died on a cross at Patrae, a Grecian Colony. 5. James, the younger, son of Alphaeus, was thrown from a pinnacle of the Temple, and then beaten to death with a club. 6. Bartholomew was flayed alive in Albanapolis, Armenia. 7. James, the elder son of Zebedee, was beheaded at Jerusalem. 8. Thomas, the doubter, was run through the body with a lance at Coromandel, in the East Indies. 9. Philip was hanged against a pillar at Heropolis. 10. Thaddeus was shot to death with arrows. 11. Simon died on a cross in Persia (what we now call Iran.) 12. Matthew was first stoned and then beheaded. What sacrifices! And I ask you why? Why did they choose to die this way? Why desert your father and mother, your wife and child, and your home? Why put up with the constant humiliation, and hunger, and persecution, and defeat town after town after town? I’ll tell you why, because, in the words of Apostle Paul, they were held captive by the words and teachings of Jesus Christ. It is Paul’s way of saying they were slaves to Christ… Fifty-six men signed the Declaration of Independence. Their conviction resulted in untold sufferings for themselves and their families. Of the 56 men, five were captured by the British and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons in the Revolutionary Army. Another had two sons captured. Nine of the fifty-six fought and died from wounds or hardships of the war. Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships sunk by the British navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts and died in poverty. At the battle of Yorktown, the British General Cornwallis had taken over Thomas Nelson's home for his headquarters. Nelson quietly ordered General George Washington to open fire on the Nelson home. The home was destroyed and Nelson died bankrupt. John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying. Their thirteen children fled for their lives. His fields and mill were destroyed. For over a year, he lived in forest and caves, returning home only to find his wife dead and his children vanished. A few weeks later, he died from exhaustion. Today is an opportunity to honor both groups of all men. But all of us have a chance to fulfill their legacy. In the book of Matthew, Jesus is a teacher – he gives 2 major teachings. First – the sermon on the mount is for the people. Chapters 9 and 10 are the second lesson, giving specifically to the disciples. Apparently, Jesus is preparing them for a mission. We don’t know what the mission is, and we never hear in Matthew if they completed the mission. Mark and Luke speak of the mission, but they don’t go into detail like Matthew does. Jesus tells all of us who are still sent on this mission – to take up your cross and follow me. Trying to help people is not easy, and most of the time the people who you re trying to help are going to destroy you. And yet you still serve. When buddhist monks are sent to help the community they are given a begging bowl. – they knock on doors and eat what people are willing to put in the bowl. When Jesus sends out his disciples, he tells them to take nothing for the journey. To depend totally on the kindness of others. If they show kindness to stay and serve them, if they don’t shake the dust off of your feet and to keep stepping. Relying of the kindness of strangers – that is the meaning of the word hospitality. Hospitality is a latin word that literally means turning strangers into friends. The foundation of our faith – our mission has always been to turn strangers into friends. Jesus mission for us is to care for people, to provide for everyone’s basic needs and to welcome them into the circle. Jesus says that when we welcome strangers – that we are welcoming him, when we welcome him we are welcoming God Hospitality is not only the foundation of our faith, it is our connection to God. We all know that the business of hospitality is much more dangerous today then it was in Jesus’ day. We are close to the anniversary of the shooting of church members who invited a stranger to their bible study. That is one of many attacks on houses of worship in recent years. And yet, Jesus still calls us to be in the mission of hospitality. Whoever Welcomes You, Welcomes Me Recently I was sent this story. The author said, I saw him in the church building for the first time on Wednesday. He was in his mid-70’s with thinning silver hair and a neat brown suit. Many times in the past I had invited him to come. Several other Christian friends had talked to him about the Lord and had tried to share the good news with him. He was well respected, honest, a man of good character. He acted much like a Christian would act, but he never came to church or professed Christ. After I got to know him well and we had talked about a wide range of subjects I asked him if he had ever been to a church service. He hesitated. Then with a twisted grimace told me of an experience he had as a boy. He was raised in a large family. His parents survived the depression but they struggled to provide food and clothing for the family. When he was around ten years old a friend invited him to go to church with his family. He went – the Sunday School class was great. The songs were fun to sing and the stories, oh the great Bible stories, were exciting to hear. He had never heard anyone read from the Bible before. As class ended the teacher pulled him aside and said, “Son, please don’t come again dressed as you are now. We want to look our best when we come into God’s house.” He looked down at his old hand me down overalls that were certainly worn and tattered. He thought about that for a moment and said softly, “No ma’am I won’t ever.” Then he looked at me, the author wrote and said, “And you know what… I never did.” It was clear that he was done with that conversation. The author reflected, I am sure that the Sunday School teacher meant well and in fact was representing the feeling of the majority of the folks in that church. But what if, what if she had put her arms around the dirty little boy in the ragged overalls and said, “Son, I am thrilled that you came this morning and I hope you will come every chance you get to hear more about Jesus because he loves you so much.” Moreover what if she would have talked with her pastor or her friends in the church and mobilized a full blown outreach effort to help this family make ends meet. What if that church would have thought, Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. Or whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple will receive a great reward (v. 40 & 42) The story ended like this: Yes I saw him in the church house for the first time on Wednesday and I cried as I looked at the immaculately dressed old gentleman lying there in his casket. He was looking his best. But all I could think of were those words of an impressionable little ten-year-old boy echoing in my mind, “No ma’am I won’t ever.” David Wiggs, Who Needs a Welcome? The kindness that we show to others really makes a difference. How we treat others has a lasting impressions. Jesus sends us out into the world to serve and to be served. Take nothing for your journey, rely on the kindness of others. Three times in two sentences Jesus says that when we give and receive kindness that we will receive a reward. As Christians we are always both the giver and the receiver of hospitality. We should always be welcoming and welcomeable. Sometimes our reward big and something the truly affects us, and sometimes our reward is spiritual. But our hospitality never goes unnoticed by God. Simple Caring For several weeks, Mrs. Sherman's first-grade class had waited for the field trip to the observatory. Notices had been sent home with instructions about the bus, lunch, and times of departure and return. To the students, waiting for the field trip was like waiting for Christmas. Finally, the day arrived. We grabbed our lunches and coats and lined up for the bus. In the back of the room, one boy began to cry because he had forgotten to bring a lunch and would have to stay behind with another teacher. In a few minutes, the other children had contributed extra sandwiches, fruit, desserts, and drinks until the boy had a feast for his lunch. With new tears, this time tears of gratitude, he grabbed his coat, lined up, and climbed onto the bus. We had given him a "cup of cold water." Acts of service are not always dramatic or earth-shattering. Simple caring is all that is needed. Discipleship means being alert for opportunities to care, to demonstrate God's loving-kindness, and to teach others to do the same. Gene Blair Our hospitality opens the door to healing in the lives of others. I know that I have used this quote before, but I think that it is a fitting end today. French writer Alexis de Tocqueville, after visiting America in 1831, said, "I sought for the greatness of the United States in her commodious harbors, her ample rivers, her fertile fields, and boundless forests--and it was not there. I sought for it in her rich mines, her vast world commerce, her public school system, and in her institutions of higher learning--and it was not there. I looked for it in her democratic Congress and her matchless Constitution--and it was not there. Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power. America is great because America is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great!" Alexis de Tocqueville. As disciples of Christ, let us continue to show hospitality to others. Amen. Song This is My Song UMH 437 Independence Day Prayer We pause as a people to lift up our prayers of thanksgiving, intercession, lamentation and petition. We ask you to accept the prayers we make that serve your will and fulfill the vision you have for our world. As we give thanks for the freedoms we enjoy on this Independence Day, we pray for peoples and countries struggling under oppressive regimes, abusive systems of power and coercive means of control. We pray for our nation’s leaders who seek creative ways to address complex problems. We pray for the safety and well-being of our military personnel, especially those serving in harm’s way. We pray for those who are traveling this weekend, that they might be responsible and safe. We pray for those in our nation still waiting to be freed from hunger, poverty and the ravages of injustice. We prayer for those whom we hold in our heart. Fill all people with your Holy Spirit that we might bear each other’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ. United as a family of faith and as the Body of Christ we lift these prayers up to you, God our Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer. Finally, hear us pray the prayer Christ taught us Amen. (Presbyterian Outlook, Terri McDowell Ott) Stewardship Moment For many communities, this is prime vacation time! Summer, school’s out, weather is warm, and the earth is in full bloom. And still, we’ve come together on this Lord’s Day morning, to offer our thanksgiving to the Giver of Life. Here’s the challenge: What can we give to the one who has created all that is? The Psalmist cried out in lament, and then declared I trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, (who) has dealt bountifully with me. Today, trusting in God’s steadfast love, we invite you to share your financial gifts, your prayers of thanksgiving and your voices, as we receive our morning offering. (Invite the congregation to walk forward, as those with monetary gifts lay envelopes, checks and/or cash in an offering tray while the congregation sings CH#379 “Accept, O God, the Gifts We Bring”) Prayer of Thanksgiving Ever-giving God, thank you for the many ways you continue to encourage and challenge us. May your life flow abundantly through us! Please receive this offering. Use it, and use us, to free up the good gifts of life for others. AMEN (Disciples of Christ Center for Faith and Giving) Invitation to Communion (reflecting on Romans 6:23) Over years of life, many of us have had reason to ask “what will my wages be?” or “What will I be paid?” Paul, writing to the Romans, sets out a clear description: “the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” It is THAT free gift which we celebrate each time we come to this table. Here we touch and taste the gift we’ve been given, as we eat bread and drink a sip of juice. These emblems symbolize for each of us the gift of LIFE in Christ Jesus, our Lord. No need to worry about being underpaid, or unpaid. Jesus Christ is the strong foundation on which our lives can stand, secure. So come, share in this meal of remembrance and thanksgiving. God is making a WAY for each and for all to step into eternal life which is ours here and now. Communion And Passing of the Peace Announcements Closing Prayer for Facebook May God keep you safe May your bellies be full May your thirst be quenched May your hearts be blessed With knowing you are loved And may you share that love With all who come your way Amen. From Liturgies from Below: Praying with People at the Ends of the World, ed. Cláudio Carvalhaes Joys and Concerns Benediction Do not ever be afraid to welcome others. Bring your welcoming, accepting spirit to all those whom you meet. May God go with you on your journey this week and all of your days. (United Methodist Ministry Matters, Nancy Townley)

The Easy Yoke

July 9, 2023 Matthew 11: 16-19, 25-30 Year A 6th Sunday after Pentecost The easy yoke Prelude Welcome Call to Worship One: Come on ya’ll, let’s worship the Lord! Come to Jesus, all you who have suffered a beat down this week. Many: Come to Jesus, all you who have experienced family turmoil this week. One: Come to Jesus, all you who are tired of conflict all around, tired of high gas prices, tired of glass ceilings, quotas, minimum wage jobs, and limited family values. Many: Come to Jesus, all you who have a job that is getting on your last nerve. One: Jesus said, “I’ll give you rest. I’ll bring you relief. I’ll provide your deliverance. I’ll make a way.” Many: And Jesus will give us wonderful rest! All: Come on ya’ll, let’s worship the Lord! Adapted from Joseph W. Daniels, The Africana Worship Book, Year A Opening Prayer Lord of peace and hope, we open our hearts to you this day. Be with us as we hear your words of inspiration and healing. Guide our hearts and spirits as we seek to be witnesses to your redeeming and reconciling love. In Jesus’ Name, we offer this prayer. AMEN. (United Methodist Ministry Matters, Nancy Townley) Song. Come Thou Font of Every Blessing Children’s Sermon Does everyone see this? It’s a pillow. We use pillows to rest our heads on when we sleep. We wouldn't be very comfortable without a pillow to rest our heads or neck on. And our back would start hurting and we wouldn't get that much sleep that night. Getting a good night's sleep is really important, especially if you want to be energetic and active the next day. Sleep helps our body in a lot of ways. It helps our muscles rebuild and gives our stomach time to digest all the food we ate that day. Sleep is necessary. Without it we wouldn't survive. You know kind of like this pillow, God also provides comfort and rest. But I'm not talking about sleep for our bodies, I'm talking about rest for our souls. Do you know what a soul is? Our souls are spirits that live forever and when we die, our spirits live on. When you accept Jesus into your heart, you accept his promise that your soul will live forever in heaven. If you don't accept Jesus, your soul will end up in hell. That's not a very nice place to be. So it would be nice to know for sure that we're going to heaven. I think I would lose a lot of sleep if I didn't know where I was going when I died. Fortunately, Jesus said he will give us rest. In Matthew 11:28, Jesus says, “come to me all who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.” If we love Jesus and follow him, he will give us rest and comfort. We can be assured that we will spend an eternity with God in heaven. We'll never have to be tired, or stressed, or worried. So get a good night's sleep tonight, and when you lay your head on your pillow, remember that God provides a total rest in heaven. (Children’s Ministry Deals) Apostles Creed UMH 881 Prayer for illumination Gracious God, for generations, your Word has brought love and life to your people. Speak to us now; we pray that we may hear, and in hear- ing, we may be transformed. Amen. (Presbyterian Outlook, Tara Bulger) Scripture. Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 Sermon. The Easy Yoke Sermon Opener – The Burden Bearing Christ - Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 There is a wonderful legend concerning the quiet years of Jesus, the years prior to his visible ministry. The legend claims that Jesus the carpenter was one of the master yoke-makers in the Nazareth area. People came from miles around for a yoke, hand carved and crafted by Jesus son of Joseph. When customers arrived with their team of oxen Jesus would spend considerable time measuring the team, their height, the width, the space between them, and the size of their shoulders. Within a week, the team would be brought back and he would carefully place the newly made yoke over the shoulders, watching for rough places, smoothing out the edges and fitting them perfectly to this particular team of oxen. That’s the yoke Jesus invites us to take. Do not be misled by the word “easy,” for its root word in Greek speaks directly of the tailor-made yokes: they were “well-fitting.” The yoke Jesus invites us to take, the yoke that brings rest to weary souls, is one that is made exactly to our lives and hearts. The yoke he invites us to wear fits us well, does not rub us nor cause us to develop sore spirits and is designed for two. His yokes were always designed for two. And our yoke-partner is none other than Christ himself. Running throughout all scripture from the beginning to the end is the theme that ours is a burden bearing Christ. He is not just a Lord whom we burden, and we do, but a Lord who actually solicits our burdens.... Our major lesson for today is how to wear the yoke of Jesus. Last week we looked ag Matthew 10 – Jesus us preparing the disciples for mission. He tells them to take up your cross and follow me. Matthew 11 occurs after that event. His words and his teachings seem all over the place. The lectionary writers tried to summarize Matthew 11 for us, and it still seems like a lot fo take in. Jesus starts talking about kids refusing to play games, the he talks about a hopeless generation that won’t listen, he compares his ministry with that of John the Baptist. Then he invites us into a challenging ministry – but encourages us to rest. That is a lot to talk about in just one chapter. Some scholars say that Matthew 11 was directed to John the Baptist’ disciples. Jesus was comparing his ministry to JB. And now that John the Baptist was in jail, he was inviting his disciples to join his mission. Now get this, this is just a theory, but some people say that Jesus was a recovering alcoholic, and when he was baptized by John the Baptist, he fully recovered and turned his life around. I know that sounds crazy – but it is biblical. In his comparison, he says that John the Baptist abstained from eating and drinking and the people rejected him. And the holy one came eating and drinking and the people called him a glutton and a drunkard. Jesus liked to quote scripture – and it says in Deuteronomy 21:20 that the holy one was a glutton and a drunkard and he turned his life around and started ministry. Some people say that Jesus was talking about his own life, when he talks about the holy one. Fortunately, most scholars agree that Jesus used that biblical reference figuratively. He was just making a point, that this hopeless generation always has something to complain about. Actually, we are that hopeless generation. Times Were Hard The times were hard. The government, a huge bureaucracy that provided so many important things like roads and military support and the justice system, was hopelessly out of touch with the people. And the religious establishment wasn't much better. It seemed so focused on preserving the status quo that it had little or no vision for what might yet come to pass. When a prophet spoke out, they were vilified, punished, especially if they called into question the decisions of the government. Voices of hope arose, but just as quickly they fell as questions arose about the character of the speaker, about their ability to deliver, or about the transgressions of their past. Apathy was the prevailing ethos in the community. It was not hard to imagine the people asking, "Why even bother when nothing seems to change?" Kind of hard to figure out the time referenced, isn't it? While this description is meant to refer to Matthew's community, they could be referring to today in any town or city in America. The pervasive apathy of our age, the sense that nothing can improve and to bother trying to make things better is a fool's errand, the despair that makes us resign our hearts to a belief that poverty, hunger and homelessness have no real answers. Such matters are left to Sisyphus, sadly rolling that stone up the hill only to have it roll back down, generation after generation after generation. Trace Haythorn, Jesus' Invitation to Paradox Jesus still invites us to come and follow him. Yeah, it sounds good – but how many of us are tired, weary, wear of the Christian life. Afterall it is a lot of work. It is a lot of going against the crowd, it is a lot of worrying, it is a lot of rejection and negativity. It really doesn’t ,make life any easier – and in most cases it makes life harder. Possible Sermon Closer Growing weary is the consequence of many experiences: We can be weary of waiting; We can be weary of studying and learning; We can be weary of fighting the enemy; We can be weary of criticism and persecution. There are lots of things in life that are fine in themselves, but our strength has its limits and before long fatigue cuts our feet out from beneath us. The longer the weariness lingers, the more we face the danger of that weary condition clutching our inner man by the throat and strangling our hope, our motivation, our spark, our optimism, our encouragement. But Let's understand that God does not dispense strength and encouragement like a druggist fills your prescription. The Lord doesn't promise to give us something to TAKE so we can handle our weary moments. He promises us HIMSELF. That is all. And that is enough. The Savior says: Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light (Matt. 11:28-30 NIV). Charles Swindoll, Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life, Zondervan, 1983, pp. 150-151 When you are physically tired – we can sleep, when you are emotionally tired you can spend time alone, but what happens when you are spiritually tired.I think that we have all had that time when taking a break does not make us feel better. We are still tired after everything. What is the remedy? I Have More Remedies Have you heard about the farmer who went to a government bureaucrat specializing in animal health? The farmer sought help from the “expert” because ten of his chickens had suddenly died. The government expert instructed the farmer to give aspirin to all the surviving chickens. Two days later, however, the farmer returned. Twenty more chickens had died. What should he do now? The expert said quickly: Give all the rest castor oil. Two days later, the farmer returned a third time and reported 30 more dead chickens. The government expert now strongly recommended penicillin. Two days later a sad farmer showed up. All the rest of his chickens had now died. They were all gone. “What a shame,” said the expert, “I have lots more remedies!” The world offers many so-called remedies to the problem of stress, but the truth is most of them don’t work. The world offers many so-called experts on stress management, but the truth is there is only one Great Physician who can give us the comfort and strength we need. The world offers many so-called solutions for the tensions and burdens that push us down and pull us apart… but the truth is there is only one Prince of Peace, who can soothe our jangled nerves and save our troubled souls. There is only One who can truthfully say and mean it: “Come to Me all of you who are exhausted and weary and worn and troubled and stressed out and I will give you rest. I will give you comfort, I will give you the strength you need for the living of these days.” James W. Moore, Collected Sermons, www.Sermons.com I think sometimes that is the problem with this hopeless generation – we think that there is a problem for every solution. We are searching for remedies to make us feel better. After 2000 years of Jesus teaching, we are still learning that there is no remedy for life. Life is a challenge no matter who you are. Dealing with other people is a challenge. Being in mission is a challenge – and there is no cure for that. And yet Jesus is still inviting us to take up his yoke. Alone, a bull can pull 7000 pound, but when yoked to another, they can pull not twice, but three times that amount. When we are yoked to christ, it is Christ who bears the burden. There is a legend that christ made yokes in his workshop with his earthly father Joseph. They were such good craftsmen that the sign over the door said, my yokes fit well. Yoked together we don’t have to work alone, but we also don’t have to bear the burden alone. Together, we can do so much more. Together with God, we can do the impossible. Christ calls us into community to work together. Working together we can see the hard work to be done, but we can also look to see the synergy that we are creating. Did you know that the pastor’s stole is actually inspired by this verse. In the early church church workers, usually women – wore an apron to symbolize that fact that they were yoked to God in their work. Eventually the stole got smaller and was jusat a symbol- but the meaning is still the same. In order to to the work of the church, you have to be yoked to God. And be willing to follow the actions of God in everything that you do. It encourages pastors to look to God as a partner, but it is a reminder for all of us – that we are not alone, God works with us. The invititation to be a Christian is not an invitation to an easy life, but it is indeed a yoke unlike no other. Being yoked to the holy spirit is an adventure – Jesus can attest to that. One the one hand you see a lot of pain and suffering, but on the other hand – you find beauty, miracles, joy, peace, and yes rest. It is interesting, because that word has been haunting me all week. Not in a bad way – but in a way to make me think. There have been facebook post all week about rest. One which said that it is important for pastors to rest and not think that they have to work all of the time. But how can you find rest when there is so much that needs to be done? The Sweetest Sound There is a story that Hebrew families tell their children to help them understand the fourth commandment. The fourth commandment reads, "Six days you shall labor but on the seventh you shall rest." The story is called, "The Sweetest Sound." The main character in the story is King Ruben. It goes something like this. The king asked his royal subjects, "What is the sweetest melody of all?" Early the next morning they gathered all sorts of musicians. The sound awoke the king and all morning he listened to their tunes. But, after listening to all of them he could not tell which was the sweetest sound. Finally, one subject suggested they all play together. It was so noisy the king couldn’t think. About that moment a woman, dressed in her Sunday best, pushed to the front of the crowd and stepped forward. "O, king," she said, "I have the answer to your question." The king was surprised since she had no instrument. "Why didn’t you come earlier?" he asked. She replied, "I had to wait until the setting of the sun." The musicians were still playing and the king told them all to stop. The woman then took two candles and placed them on the king’s balcony rail. She lit them just as the sun continued to set. The flames glowed in the evening darkness. She then lifted her voice and said, "Blessed art thou, O Lord, Our God, King of the universe, who sanctified us with the commandments and commanded us to kindle the Sabbath lights." She then said, "He who has an ear, let him hear." Everyone was completely still. "What is that?" asked the king." He could not hear a sound. The woman then replied, "What you hear is the sound of rest, the sweetest melody of all." Jesus said, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." This is also the sweetest sound any of us can hear. Keith Wagner, True Freedom Listening to God is a world beyond problems and solutions. It is a world that is so much bigger than that, a vision that offers infinite inspiration to keep going. You have light in even the darkest situation. Being yoked to God is an experience unlike any other. Jesus would know. Recognizing the presence of God along the journey of life, allows us to rest. Rest One man challenged another to an all-day wood chopping contest. The challenger worked very hard, stopping only for a brief lunch break. The other man had a leisurely lunch and took several breaks during the day. At the end of the day, the challenger was surprised and annoyed to find that the other fellow had chopped substantially more wood than he had. "I don't get it," he said. "Every time I checked, you were taking a rest, yet you chopped more wood than I did." "But you didn't notice," said the winning woodsman, "that I was sharpening my ax when I sat down to rest." www.Sermons.com Finally, God reminds us to honor the sabbath and to keep it holy. Worship: Time to Cool Down In the early days of automobiles, it was common for eating and drinking places to be built on the tops of long hills. I know that near where I grew up on the old Island Highway, there is a restaurant called the Malahat Chalet - still located at the top of the longest grade between Nanaimo and Victoria. It was not located there for the view, nor were most of the others you can still find around North America at the tops of hills and mountains. These locations were for the convenience of people who needed to stop and let their overheated radiators cool down. That is one of the functions of Worship for many of us - a time for rest and refreshment - when we let our overheated radiators cool down. Richard J Fairchild, Come Unto Me - For My Burden Is Easy 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is lig Song. Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling. UMH 348 Prayers of the People Gracious God, in Jesus, we are invited to come to you with our burdens, with the wearying concerns of our lives. Hear us now as we pray for the world around us. Our national news is filled with stories of violence and harm. We live in a world in which many are in danger, and many seem unmoved by that fact. Change our moral consciousness Lord to one in which safety and preservation of life is our most important concern. May we each look deep into your Word, Lord, to find the ethic we will live by and work for your kingdom to come. We pray for the sick or suffering people in our world and our community. We pray for your grace to be found in the unwanted diagnosis or med- ical news; may your love saturate the grief that news brings. For those who suffer from pain and discomfort, we pray that you will ease their suffering and give them fresh hope in the face of illness. Lord, we ask that you look upon our relationships and families and strengthen them. Build up our marriages, reinforce our friendships, and bless the ties that bind us. Enable us to be the parents, grandparents, sons, and daughters you have called us to be. Bless our families — whether they are families of blood or choice. And we ask that you guide this church into new life and health. Teach us each to live in such a way that the power of God working in us is evident to all. May all that we do as a church community and all that we do as individuals glorify you. Amen. (Presbyterian Outlook, Tara Bulger) Lord’s Prayer Stewardship Moment A Beautiful Doxology Early one morning some years ago, Robert Raines got into his car and started driving through the mountains. There was no one on the road (at that time) as the mountains were quietly beginning a new day. The beautiful colors of autumn were splashed all over the trees. It was a magnificent and glorious sight as the early morning sun glistened upon the wonders of the mountains and the valleys below. And then it happened… Robert Raines saw one of the most beautiful things he had ever witnessed in his life. Right there at the very edge of that great mountain peak and facing the gorgeous valley below… was a young man in his early twenties with a trumpet pressed to his lips. And, do you know what he was playing? With his lungs expanded fully and releasing all of the energy in his soul, he was playing the Doxology on his trumpet! Praise God from whom all blessings flow Praise Him all creatures here below Praise Him above ye heavenly host Praise, Father, Son and Holy Ghost! The point is clear: With all the stresses and problems in this life, still the truth is: - We have so many doxologies to sing, - So much to be grateful for, - So many blessings to count. The point is: Life is more than a grueling endurance test. Life is more than a survival game. Life is more than a coping competition. So, you see… it’s not enough to just escape the stress. It’s not enough to just endure the stress. Thank God… there is another option… James W. Moore, Collected Sermons,www.Sermons.com Offertory Prayer God of compassion and mercy, you claim each one of us as your children. Like a parent, you are joyful when we find joy and your heart aches when we fall, fail, or feel less than the beloved heirs to the kingdom you meant us to be. The yoke the Bible describes doesn’t burden us but reminds us that you yearn for us to be a church, a community, that supports, steadies, and sustains when life makes us weary. The gifts we give this day we give in gratitude for this yoke that helps us finish the race in faithfulness. Bless our giving and its use, we pray in Christ’s name. Amen. (Matt 11:16-19, 25-30) (United Methodist Board of Discipleship) Announcements Joys and Concerns Benediction May you be strengthened for the week ahead by the joy we have shared this day. May the words of hope resonate the whole weeklong. May you live for the glory of God. And may the triune God surround us with love and care our whole lives long. Amen. (Presbyterian Outlook, Tara Bulger)