$17.00

You gotta love it when the Holy Spirit moves through the congregation. To have a budget shortfall of $44,352 is daunting. To have an additional $44,369 committed is phenomenal. Thank you for responding to God's Spirit as you determined what God was calling you to give to this church. This was not a single act or even the response of a committed few. To reach the additional $44,369 required the congregation. One person asked if we had staged the $17 overage. I just laughed. The only staging was done by God through our hearts.

Ministries are moving forward. God's vision in this church is thriving. Strong commitments to living out the vision in our church and into our community have been made.

Thanks be to God.

On the journey,
Alecia

Snakes and Other Slimy Things

Yesterday in church I spoke of an experience during my elementary years which a class bully threatened me with a live snake. Somehow at that young age I was smart enough to understand that if I allowed myself to be intimidated by him, I would face his power over me over and over again. He left me alone after the incident.

It's easy for me to recognize when I am on the receiving end of a slimy or disparaging comment. When I am at a good place, I can look for any nugget of truth that might be lurking within the comments. When I am not, I either brood over the words or verbally lash out.

I can't help but notice that sometimes I am the one holding the snake, trying to get my way. God help me when I try to manipulate those around me. Jesus' words in the Sermon on the Mount have caused me to stop and re-look at how I speak and work.

On the journey,
Alecia

Falling Into Place

Last week I fell. My fault when I look back on it. I was rushing. It was snowing. I was in my heeled boots because of an outdoor graveside later. Wet boot heels on tiled floors were never made to go together. I have been sore... and whiny for the last few days. The fall has made me appreciate my body, which I so often take for granted.

While I was sporting a heat wrap a couple of days ago I was thinking about the church. It is so easy to take the church body and our life together for granted. The building, the activities, the ministries, the worship, the staff-- each aspect offers so much to our spiritual lives. Even when the body is hurting, in this case financially, I find myself amazed at the depth of concern and response from the membership. I don't know why it surprises me. I have walked this journey with you for 10+ years. Thank you for your work and ministry here at the church.

Perhaps out of the pain of the journey we will be reminded of the amazing life together that we share in this place.

On the journey,
Alecia

Forgiveness

As I continue to reflect on the Beatitudes, I am struck at how these simple words have such an impact on my daily life. I almost hesitate to work on this week's service in more detail. It seems that each time I look at a specific Beatitude that I always need to practice what I preach at some point during the week.

This past week I have reflected on those people whom I have hurt-- with my words and with my actions. Whether intentional or not doesn't seem to matter as much as attempting to right the wrong. I spent time journaling about those folks whom I perceived have wronged me. In looking back sometimes the words and actions were intentional, while at other times, I over-reacted. I am quickly reminded how I am not God. I remember grievances. I still have scar tissue from hurts. And for me, forgiveness is not a one step process. I must be a slow learner.

I know in my heart when I release my unresolved anger it is always good and life-giving. Why I hesitate is beyond me.

On the journey,
Alecia

Anger Management

Sunday's scripture text on Matthew 5:21-26 certainly elicited a number of comments. One of the most wonderful gifts God has bestowed on human beings is emotions. Emotions are neither good nor bad. People place value judgments on emotions; however when one carefully examines them, there is a great deal to be learned and revealed. How we deal or fail to deal with our emotions is where we run into trouble. Good follow up questions might be:

1. How have you experienced broken relationships because of anger or angry outbursts?
2. How do you protect yourselves from angry outbursts?
3. Is there anyone that you need to make amends with because of anger?

Jesus said to Love God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength but did He really mean people too? The Sermon on the Mount certainly suggests that Jesus did call for us to care for one another.

The Sermon on the Mount is found in Matthew, chapters 5-7. There is a shorter version found in Luke as well. I like what Megan McKenna had to say,

This "kindgom" consists not in power and authority but in relationships among the children of God, this new family of Jesus.

Matthew often uses the term the kingdom of heavenwhich invokes the Spirit's truth as God sees it. When you read the Sermon on the Mount, we see how Jesus teaches the disciples, us, to live, as well as to develop specific types of relationships we choose to associate with on an everyday basis. If you read the first part of Matthew 5, you will notice that our brothers and sisters in Christ include the poor, the oppressed, the hurting, the powerless. How does this play out in your life?

I am grateful to journey with you as we walk through aspects of the Sermon on the Mount.

On the journey,
Alecia

The Perfect Christmas

The gift of the Advent Calendar has proven to be very life-giving. Every day I open a new door and I receive a small gift. I have been absolutely delighted with awaiting each new day. I can't help but wonder if in some small way we are to approach the Advent season with a sense of awe and excitement. Even my husband asks, "What's behind door number 7?" Something so simple yet powerful by how it directs my thoughts to God. While the truffle behind door number 4 was scrumptious, it was the shift in my starting my day with an expectancy that comes with the opening of a new door. What new doors will I encounter in my journey to Jesus?

I have reflected on the questions Mike Slaughter poses in his book, Christmas is Not Your Birthday. I hope they stir up within you the longing for this Christmas to reflect Christ:

1. What is your vision of a perfect Christmas? What imperfect circumstances will you face this year that will challenge your ability to celebrate Christmas fully?

2. How do you think Mary felt in the months and days leading up to Jesus' birth? How does her experience of the first Christmas influence the way you approach the holiday season?

3. How can you celebrate Jesus in the midst of your struggles? How can God use your struggles to help others in Christmas?

I love question number 2. We are far, far away from her experiences of joy, fear, goodness, ridicule and wonder. It's a good question to re-ground us in this most holy season.

Jacqueline Nelson passed on a wonderful website for those of you looking to give a gift with on-going meaning. Look at this website: www.kiva.org. I'm excited to give my children a gift from this website.

On the journey,
Alecia

The Church And Sandusky

I read an article online today that I found thought-provoking. The article is about Jerry Sandusky and the local church he attends, St. Paul's United Methodist in College Town, Pennsylvania. You might recall that Sandusky is the former Penn State assistant coach, who is accused of molesting eight boys. Sandusky and his wife have faithfully attended the United Methodist Church for 30 years.

http://www.hlntv.com/article/2011/11/23/penn-state-scandal-jerry-sandusky-church?tr=y&auid=9926075

I invite you to read the article and respond if you like.

On the journey,
Alecia