Sunday, September 24, 2023
Sermon Text for September 24, 2023 - "Fixing the Circle, Part 2"
“Fixing the Circle, Part 2”
September 24, 2023
Dear brothers and sisters, grace and peace be to you from God our Father, and from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.
I was really encouraged by what we, by the grace of God, were able to accomplish at our Pretzel Festival booth yesterday, and I want to offer my personal thank you to everyone who came to staff the booth, helped haul water and materials, helped lead the kids’ craft, which was especially popular this year; sewed the quilts, which we’re going to be raffling off today; and who donated money for buying water and ice. And, we’re not done yet – we’re back at it again this afternoon, and we’re looking forward to another awesome great day! If you haven’t stopped by to see us at Veterans Park yet, come on down! We’re over by the Armed Forces flags at what’s probably the best-smelling corner of the park, next to a candle seller and across from what seem to be the most popular pretzels – the line’s probably already gathering about a mile long like it was all day yesterday! I’ve actually got our application in hand for next year already, and as soon as Council approves, we’re going to get it in ASAP to make sure we get the same spot, since, as I’ve been calling it, we have “prime real estate” right where we are. Now, especially since where we’re at is a high traffic area in general, it definitely seemed like not only were there a lot more people at the Festival than last year, but a lot more people stopped at our booth. In fact, talking about our kids’ craft, someone said that it seemed like there was more action over at the kids’ table than there was up front – to which I say, praise God! As a matter of fact, those of you who are working the booth this afternoon, please make sure you encourage all families with kids to go to the craft table to make a bracelet – to see the joy the kids have been having while they make their bracelets and having fun together has been rewarding itself.
One thing that happened was we not only were able to get the word out about our Fall Dinner and DAMAC concert coming up in November, but this year we sold more cookbooks than we did last year. Which means people still have a hunger for good home-cooked meals, and goodness knows we’ve had some excellent cooks in our church’s history!
But not only that, this year, we also started passing out small pocket Bibles, like the Gideons give away, and like in this picture. Those are actually almost gone after yesterday, which is encouraging, because it shows people still have a hunger for God’s Word. As a matter of fact, to put in an early plea: if any of you have small pocket Bibles that you want to give away, we’ll start collecting them now, to give away next year, since, again, they went fast like our cookbooks did. Which, again, shows that, especially with the ongoing problems of this day and age, people are hungry to hear some good news. And that’s ultimately our job, that’s why we’re here – to tell people good news. To let people know some real good news, that God loves us, and all people. He sent Jesus to die and rise again both to have our sins be forgiven, and to demonstrate His extreme love for us. We’re to tell people that, no matter what they’ve done, no matter what kind of life they’ve led, even no matter what others may think of them, God loves, forgives, and accepts them. He also promises to give a new life and new direction to everyone who asks Him for a change and guidance.
But in order to make sure that this good news is heard clearly, and we tell it clearly, there are things we have to be mindful of and change about ourselves. We are the medium through which the message is communicated, and our overall attitude toward life and other people can either make the good news easy or hard to hear. Much of the reason I have been writing out my sermons for the past couple of years is to make sure that what I have to say is clear and easily heard, without any room for doubt or ambiguity. I also have been wanting to make sure I say clearly what needs to be said for the sake of encouraging us as individual Christians, as well as our church family, to move forward from where we have been. And, unfortunately, the place where we have been as a society, and at times as individuals, has been one of negativity and a desire for vengeance. Politics have divided us even further than before, with the response to the covid pandemic, the economic and social fallout further driving a wedge between already-existing divisions, and creating even more anger, hatred, and suspicion between groups. Furthermore, the current political and social climate justifies vengeance and anger by calling it either a desire for justice, rights, or restoration of values. We have become both easily inflamed and easily offended. And, what has happened is we have become more easily prone to anger.
Once again, it is easy to justify anger. It is also more easy to become angry because we are programmed, as human beings, to fight back when we feel hurt. We also easily hold on to grudges, because they make us feel good about ourselves. It gives us a sense of power and control to be able to feel superior towards someone by holding a grudge against them. Unfortunately, even though it is easy to do so, like any sort of addiction, it eventually eats away at us and causes us to die slowly inside. This is why Jesus uses the specific image of torture in today’s Gospel reading, because even though anger may give us a temporary good feeling, it is ultimately torture. We may not realize it, but every time we act on anger, hatred, or a desire for vengeance, we’re torturing ourselves, and making ourselves suffer. Constant anger causes our heart rate to elevate, both wearing away at our heart vessels and the lining of our hearts, putting us at greater risk for strokes, among other things. But more spiritually, it makes us approach other people with suspicion and prejudice, causing us to judge and dismiss others without seeking to understand, and causing us to want to fight and argue, rather than seek relationships. And what this also does for us spiritually is damages our relationship with God: by being angry, we assume God is also angry at the same people we are, and hates the same people we do.
But to avoid being consumed and dying such a slow spiritual death, there is a way out. Right here, right now, we can repent of all those things we have done, and all those thoughts we have had, which have kept us trapped in anger and negativity. We can ask God to forgive us, and help us to forgive others, look at life and other people in a new and positive way, and be in a position to want to help rather than harm. In order to move forward, we have to let go of all the things we have been angry about. We have to let go of all the grudges and resentments we’ve been holding against others. We also have to recognize, and remind ourselves, that God is a God of unconditional love: He has accepted us for who we are, forgiven us for all the ways we have hurt ourselves and each other, and has done this for everyone, even those we may not think deserve His love and acceptance. Most of all, we have to let go of any overall attitude of anger, vengeance, or reaction, and embrace the opportunity God is giving us to be content with the life He has given us, be positive about where He is leading us, seek out connections with the people God has put in our lives, and learn from what our experiences may be.
To get back to what we were talking about before, with being able to tell people good news, once again, our attitude determines how clearly that good news is heard. And if we Christians are known for being angry and reactionary against things, then that good news won’t be heard clearly. A faith that is based on anger, and expresses itself in a desire for vengeance, or in reacting against whatever is happening, is ultimately ineffective in witnessing to true Christianity. As Christians, we do not seek vengeance against each other, or against groups of people. We also do not seek to oppose, debate, or “correct” people, but to seek out relationships and common ground. As Paul encourages us in today’s Second Reading, we are to recognize that even though we may be diverse in our thoughts and practices as Christians, we are still Christians, and all belong in the same family of the same God. We may not realize it, but we Christians carry a tremendous amount of influence, and people are still watching what we do and listening to what we have to say. We therefore ought to watch our conduct towards others, especially those with whom we may have disagreements, whether in personal interactions, or on social media. In all interactions, we are to exercise graciousness, compassion, mercy, and sympathy. As Christians, we are in a position to change our culture, and the world around us, more than before. And we can do so by using the spiritual power we have been given to help forgive and reconcile. We can imagine ourselves as being in the same position of power as Joseph in today’s First Reading: he not only possessed earthly power as a ruler of Egypt, but he also possessed spiritual power as a follower of God. He could have chosen to condemn and destroy his brothers for what they did to him, but instead he chose to forgive them, and to recognize that what they did ultimately turned out for the best, because he was able to help save them from hunger during a famine. In doing so, he used the authority to act on behalf of God in a way that God intended. He did so acting towards them in kindness, reflecting God’s kindness. As Paul further encourages us to remember, whether in this life or the next, we are the Lord’s. And as the Lord’s, we are who He is. We are in a position of greater authority than before – let us use this authority wisely, for God’s purposes alone.
Now may the peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Tuesday, September 19, 2023
Community Thanksgiving Service, Sunday, November 19th, 4:00 P.M.
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Monday, September 18, 2023
Sunday, September 17, 2023
Sermon Text for September 17, 2023 - "Fixing the Circle, Part 1"
“Fixing the Circle, Part 1”
September 17, 2023
Dear brothers and sisters, grace and peace be to you from God our Father, and from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.
I’m really proud of our St. Andrew church family. I’m not just saying that because I’m your pastor, but I genuinely am proud of us, everything we’ve gone through, and everything which, by the grace of God, we’ve been able to accomplish as a church family. I know I’ve probably never said it much before, and I probably should definitely say it more often, especially since it would greatly help our morale to hear it more often, so I wish to apologize for not saying so as often as I should have. What’s especially helped me realize this has been talking to a number of people around the community and other places, and being able to talk about everything we’ve already got planned now that the summer break is over: we just had a wonderful Rally Day and Youth Sunday last week; we’re looking forward to being able to reach people in a special way at the Pretzel Festival this weekend; we’re going to be taking our youth and possibly other special guests on a trip to Tom’s Maze in October; we’re going to be welcoming back DAMAC in November, as well as having a lock-in for the youth. And, most importantly, we have our Fall Dinner coming up on November 4th, which is not only a tradition we ourselves been particularly proud of, but which many others look forward to year after year. In fact, many of us probably have gotten asked throughout the year if we’re going to do it again. As I talked about a couple of weeks ago, the fact that we are a small town church, with a multi-generational family makeup with several committed families, are ready and eager to offer friendship and support to everyone in our church family, and have a traditional yet flexible worship style, are all things that remain appealing, and relevant, to many people today. So, we really do have a lot to be proud of for ourselves, to celebrate and continue to be, and especially keep on being who we are, because who we are is special enough. And, if we continue to build on these strengths and special qualities we have, we will continue to be in a position to grow upward from where we’ve been.
And in order for us to grow, we are to be a place where people can feel welcome, comfortable, and accepted. And in order for that to take place, there is to be an atmosphere of genuine welcoming, support, and acceptance, which can mainly be created through letting people know they are welcomed in right away, valued as part of our church family, and have everything they wish to contribute be celebrated and fully utilized. And this comes from helping people to feel safe as part of our church family – where people can feel embraced and protected by us. Unfortunately, there are certain things which can disrupt this ambition, especially gossip. Gossip and misinformation can cause much hurt and misunderstanding. Without knowing the situation involved, and simply guessing, there can be a lot of damage done to reputations. It can break family and friendship circles, which is why today’s Sermon is titled “Fixing the Circle” – since harsh words, rumors, and talebearing can break apart relationships if left unchecked. Gossip is usually an inevitable part of the culture in small towns such as ours, but in order for us to be a welcoming church family, we are to be mindful of how we act towards each other, and towards potential new members of our church family, which at this point can easily be anyone in our community.
As it happens, Martin Luther offers a simple example for how to be able to be an antidote to gossip and rumors. In his Small Catechism, Luther explains the Eighth Commandment, “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” in this way: “We should fear and love God so that we do not deceitfully misrepresent, betray, slander, or defame (or lie about) our neighbors, but defend them, speak well of them, and put the best construction on everything.” In every situation, especially those involving our neighbor, we are to apply the law of love. We are to seek true understanding of what is happening, and to know the facts before making any sort of assumptions or statements. We are also to put the best construction on our neighbor’s actions, because, although we may not fully understand our neighbor’s motives, he or she is still doing both what he or she knows to be best and is able to do. It is not our job to police behavior, nor is it our job to insist on conformity in appearance or adherence to what we believe rules ought to be. That is why Paul emphasizes in our Second Reading from Romans that all the commandments can be summed up simply as “Love your neighbor as yourself.” The commandments are meant to provide us with the best relationships: we love and respect God by worshipping Him as the one true God, honoring His Name, and spending time with Him regularly. A good and healthy relationship with God then leads to us seeking healthy relationships with each other: looking out for each other’s health and well-being, protecting each other’s livelihoods and reputations, and making sure our neighbors keep everything of value that is rightfully theirs. We have a responsibility to each other, just as Jesus has a responsibility to us. In fact, that is what the hymn we sang earlier, “Trust and Obey,” really means: to be happy in Jesus means to follow His example. And the example He has provided us is one of care and concern for each other, just as He does for us. Jesus cares about our reputations, and wants us to be safe with Him, which is why He accepts us for who we are. He then wants us to do the same to others – to accept others for who they are, and to have them feel safe with us.
All that being said, as Ezekiel admonishes us in today’s First Reading, if we do know of someone, especially someone in our families or close circle of friends, who is engaging in behavior or habits that are genuinely and visibly causing harm to themselves, their well-being, their families, or their relationships, then we do have the right to step in and intervene. This is a part of having responsibility to each other, and expressing it in a helpful way. But, again, this is only to be done where real and obvious harm or hurt is taking place, and multiple people are involved and affected. It is also, according to the example Jesus lays out in today’s Gospel Reading, to be done in a genuine manner of concern one-on-one, as confidentially and privately as possible, involving only those who can exercise the same sort of loving approach. We are not to put ourselves in the position of judge in those cases, or assume some sort of moral superiority, but instead as equal family members and friends who have shared in the same struggle. Yes, we are trying to confront sin. But we can even say that this is the real definition of sin is not simply breaking or disobeying laws or commandments, but causing great harm to ourselves or others. When we confess that we have sinned against God and each other in thought, word, and deed, we are confessing those things which we have done to either cause harm or wish harm on ourselves or others. As we confess, we are also to resolve to amend our ways and behaviors, especially to have how we behave towards others reflect the example of Jesus.
Thankfully, because Jesus offered Himself as a sacrifice for our sins on the cross, and then rose again, all our sins are forgiven. Everything we have done to hurt ourselves and others has been erased, and we are able to start over again with new thoughts, new actions, and new ways of living towards others. As we embrace this new way of living and being, we are able to demonstrate the unique kind of family we are, and bring more people to a relationship with God. And as we do so, we will be able to love God and love others, and truly fulfill God’s law.
Now may the peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Tuesday, September 12, 2023
Pastor's Office Hours this Week and Coming Week
Wednesday, September 13th - 9:30 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.
Thursday, September 14th - 9:30 A.M. - 11:00 A.M.
Song of the Month for October - "Living Hope"
Starting October 8th, our Song of the Month will be "Living Hope." Feel free to check it out by visiting https://youtu.be/9f2FXxDVO6w?feature=shared.
Monthly Fellowship Dinner, Wednesday, September 20th, 6:30 P.M.
This month, we are gathering for food and friendship at Rob's Restaurant in Brookville on Wednesday, September 20th, at 6:30 P.M. Please let Pastor Jon know if you will be coming so we know how many to reserve for - also, feel free to invite your friends and neighbors. See you at Rob's!
Sunday, September 10, 2023
Tuesday, September 5, 2023
Annual Fall Dinner, Saturday, November 4th!
You are invited to our Annual Fall Dinner! This year, it will be on Saturday, November 4th, from 4:30 to 7:00 P.M. The menu includes your choice of either ham or chicken; mashed potatoes; green beans; cole slaw or applesauce; rolls; dessert; and a drink - all included in the ticket price! Tickets are $13 for adults; $7 for children 6-12; and free for children 5 and under. Please call Tom Izor at (937) 696-2226, or Ron Dale at (937) 902-5438 to reserve your tickets today. Spread the word, and invite your friends and neighbors!
Sunday, September 3, 2023
Sermon Text for September 3, 2023 - "Built on Jesus"
“Built on Jesus”
September 3, 2023
Dear brothers and sisters, grace and peace be to you from God our Father, and from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.
Coming up this December will mark twenty years since, by the grace of God, I was first ordained into the ministry of Word and Sacrament. And I would be lying if I said that those twenty years have been smooth sailing, without any major challenges, and have been free from stresses and changes. That’s definitely not been the case: as many of us are aware, various issues, many having to do with hot-button social topics or church governance, have created shifts in congregational alliances and denominational memberships. Changing demographic realities in certain areas have caused churches to look at new ways of reaching out to their communities. As certain church buildings have aged, realities of maintenance have caused new hardships, such as we experienced with our roof not long ago. Covid certainly created major changes in church attendance habits, and attitudes towards church in general; finances have created tensions and stresses, with some churches even questioning their future long-term existence. New insights into various issues have been gained and accepted; new approaches to different things have been adopted; new ways of reaching people, especially with a more relationships-based approach, as well as updated technology, are being used. And the challenge for churches has been how to adapt to the world as it is, while at the same time keeping true to who we are, and what our mission where we are is. However, I’d just as equally be lying if I said that there haven’t been some things that have remained the same. Thankfully, there is one thing that will always remain the same, and, despite all other changes, will remain unchanged. And the one important thing, above everything else, that will remain unchanged, and that we need to get back to, is this:
It’s all about Jesus. Even though we’ve heard it several times before, we still have to keep being reminded of it again and again. In our own existence, many things have changed: the language we worship in, the hymnals we use, the styles of songs we sing, the pastor leading worship up front, all of these have changed over time. But one thing has remained unchanged: Jesus is still our purpose, the reason why we’re here, and why we do what we do. We are here because we believe Jesus came, died, and rose again for us, and He is still here with us in power. He alone is in charge of this church, and it is His guidance and direction we follow. He alone is to be the inspiration for anything we undertake, because what we do, we are to do for the purpose of reaching out and bringing people to Him. We’re still in many ways emerging from the damage caused by the pandemic, and we’ve had a number of growing and learning experiences throughout the past couple of years. But now it’s time for us get back to what we’re really supposed to be all about: preaching Jesus, teaching about Jesus, showing Jesus, being like Jesus.
What we especially believe about Jesus is that He is the way God does everything He promises. In today’s First Reading from Exodus, God says to Moses that He, God, has heard the cries of His people, who are in slavery in Egypt, and is putting a plan into action to bring them out and to their rightful home. What we see is that, as we’ve heard before, the God of the Old Testament is the same as the God of the New Testament: a God who is faithful, who keeps His promises. Which is what He means when He says He “remembers His covenant”: when He says He will do something, He’ll do it, no matter how impossible it may seem, and no matter what may stand in His way. He will overcome all obstacles, and everything else, to cause what He wants to happen to take place. He promised to free His people from their oppression, and that’s exactly what He did. In the same way, He promised to send someone to save the whole world from slavery to sin, the powers of evil, and eternal death. So He sent His Son to heal, cast out demons, and raise the dead, showing His victory over everything which would seem like it has power over everything, and showing Himself to be the ultimate power instead. If He can defeat death, there isn’t anything He can’t defeat. Now is the moment for us to cast aside everything else: our worries, fears, thoughts about what could go wrong, and instead believe in what Jesus can do, and gain new confidence from believing and trusting in Him.
Even though Jesus has been used to try to justify various causes or opinions on many sides of the political, theological, or moral spectrum, He actually stands above politics, or any other source of division. To try to use Him, or His words, as the basis for any partisan or sectarian conflict is to misuse Him and ignore what He’s for in the first place. His message and example is one of looking beyond any labels, divisions, or anything else. This means, as we follow and believe in Jesus, we are free from having to add anything else on to the message of Jesus, or putting extra qualifications on who can or can’t follow Jesus. Instead, we are free just to believe in Jesus as He is: our friend, brother, God, Savior, and King. He is not only our friend and Savior, He is the friend and Savior of everyone who believes in Him. He heals everyone who asks Him for a new life, habits, or direction. He helps everyone who comes to Him for answers. He accepts all those who accept Him as Lord and God. He also welcomes all those who, as Peter did, confess Him as Messiah, Christ, and Son of God. He also accepts the worship, praise, and prayer of everyone who calls on His Name, wherever and whenever it happens.
We’ve heard for years that believing in Jesus as Lord, God, and Savior means that we are saved for eternity, to live with Him forever. But there’s a lot more to it: Who you say Jesus is not only determines your eternal destiny, but what you live for in this life. The reason we come to church each week is hopefully far more than just to come see our friends, or sing a few inspiring songs. It is to worship Jesus, re-center and refocus ourselves in Jesus, and recommit ourselves to following Him and believing in Him throughout the week. The life we live, we live for Jesus, to be like Jesus, showing His love and compassion to all people, and doing so unconditionally, as Jesus does for us. In just a few minutes, we will be receiving Jesus Himself as He gives Himself to us in the bread and wine of Communion. And today, I want to invite all of you: as you come forward to the altar, pray to invite Jesus into your heart anew, and to accept Him as your Lord, God, and Savior once again. Pray for the power to believe in Him even more strongly than before, and for your faith to be unshakeable, committed, and enduring. Pray to receive His power to become more like Him, especially in how you act towards other people this week. Pray also to receive answers to anything you’re struggling with – believing that Jesus can overcome all the impossible.
Also, as we look forward to the coming Fall season, and, as the new year approaches, work to figure out what direction God is leading us in, now is a wonderful opportunity to show others what we’re really all about. Today’s world needs Jesus. More than ever, people need Jesus. Believing in Jesus also doesn’t require any special intellectual or theological training: it is simply trusting Him in your heart and believing He does for you what He promises. Jesus also even helps and saves all those who, for any reason, can’t say out loud or express any kind of visible faith in Him. Since Jesus has all this kind of power, it’s time for us to build our faith, and our church, on Him again. Now is the time for us to get back to what’s really important, why we’re here: it’s all about Jesus – and only Jesus.
Now may the peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.