How Is Your Garden? 07.07.2023

So, what is coming up in your garden??  That’s a question that I’ve heard being asked in a number of different settings this past week.  In this season of year, when people get together, they tend to talk about their gardening exploits.  As much interest as there may be in the “how to’s” of gardening (wire cages, A frames, mound planting, plastic sheeting vs. mulch, etc) what people are really most interested in knowing is, “What is coming up in your garden?”  You see gardening isn’t so much about technique, though that can be interesting to compare different ways people do things, but gardening is really about fruit or produce.

 This is such a wonderful time of year because we, at the Nelson household, are starting to enjoy the benefit of our plots at the Community Garden. In the last couple weeks, we’ve eaten lettuce and spinach from our garden.  Within the past week we’ve harvested our first zucchinis.  Yes, lock your car while you’re at church, because as the joke goes, it’s zucchini season!! 😊

This year in our garden, we’ve planted the basics; lettuce, spinach, zucchini, beans, peas, kale (not my idea), tomatoes, squash, carrots, beets, kohlrabi (again, not my idea), and just a few other basics.  Things are looking really good in the garden.  In fact, all the garden plots are looking good.  With the moisture we’ve received, it could be / should be a great year.  

Because we’ve planted the above-mentioned seeds in the soil of the garden, that is what we expect to harvest, lettuce, spinach, beans, peas, kale, tomatoes, squash, carrots, beets, kohlrabi, etc.  Of course, there are plenty of weeds coming up too, so we have to do the work of weeding the garden.  But things are looking good for a bountiful harvest over the next few weeks and month.  

So, the question becomes, how are things looking in the garden of my soul??  How are things looking in the “Discipleship” garden of my life?  You see, as Jesus tells us in the Parable of the Sower in Matthew, Mark, and Luke, our hearts and minds are like soil, and the type or quality of the soil will determine, in part, the quality of the growth that takes place in our lives.  Another story in the Bible speaks of the fact that a good tree bears good fruit and a bad tree bears bad fruit.  Again, the question being quietly asked is, “What kind of fruit am I bearing in the way I’m living my life and my faith?”  

And of course, in Paul’s letter to the Galatians, he tells the Jesus followers that how one lives is important.  In other words, our behaviors, actions, attitudes, etc. will impact our faith and the witness we bear for Jesus.  Paul writes that God isn’t surprised by our lives because, “You reap what you sow.”  Galatians 6:7. In other words, the seeds you plant in the soil of your life, and the seeds and plants that you nurture, that is what you will sow…or harvest.  If you sow love and hope, you’ll reap love and hope.  If you sow anger and deception, you’ll reap anger and deception.  That’s just how it works.  

Like a friend of mine has suggested, I wish bacon came from a seed…but it doesn’t.  So, I can’t expect bacon to be harvested in my garden.  In the same way, wishful thinking won’t bring personal or appropriate faith qualities to develop in our lives.  Only by planting those seeds and nurturing them, will the fruit of the spirit come forth.  

So, the question remains…what is coming up in your garden?  That’s a great question to ask yourself.  It’s a great question to talk with a trusted friend about so they can help you examine and evaluate the “fruit” in your life.  The life of faith really is meant to be lived in community.  That is where we find strength and encouragement.  But that is also where we find accountability and honesty as we continue to plant, nurture, and harvest fruit, spiritual fruit, in our lives.  What does God want to see grow in your life?  Make sure those seeds are being planted and nurtured in the good soil of your soul. 

With all this fruit and produce talk, I’m getting hungry.  I guess I’ll go gnaw on a kohlrabi.  I hear it’s good for me!!

Pastor Keith

Who Is Pulling You? 06.30.2023

So, who is pulling you forward in life??  No, the question isn’t who’s pushing you around?  Who is pulling you forward?  Who is going slightly ahead of you but also going with you?  Who is helping to stretch you?  Who is helping you grow on this journey of life?  This can be an important question to ask ourselves on our journey of faith, because really, this is a discipleship question.  

What got me asking this question of myself are some recent experiences I’ve had with my dog Sophie.  As many of you know, Sophie is a 6-year-old Golden Retriever.  She’s well into middle age, but she still has a good amount of energy and is full of life especially when it comes to chasing squirrels or going in a direction she wants to go in.  I can remember the days when Sophie was a puppy and when we went for our walks together I’d have to walk pretty slow so she could keep up.  Then I could sort of jog with her, except she’d have to stop all the time to smell something.  But now…now when we go for our morning walk, she usually goes with my pace, yet there are clearly times that she is leading the way and pulling me along; and sometimes pulling really hard!!

I’m sure we all recognize there are many different “forces” in the world around us.  Some forces seek to make us better human beings.  Other forces tend to distract us, pulling our attention away from where it needs to be, and getting us off track from the direction we really want to go.   That’s why having a positive influence that is seeking to help us grow in a good way (pulling us forward), is so important.

I Thessalonians 5:11 says, “Therefore, encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing.”    Proverbs 27:17 says “Iron sharpens iron.”  In other words, I believe the message that both these passages are getting at is that it is good to have someone in our lives who pulls us along in a positive direction.  It is good to have someone helping us become a better person…and a better disciple of Jesus.  Plus, we should also be investing in people around us, helping others become better people and better followers of Jesus.  

I’ll admit there are times on my morning walks that I want to slack off a bit or go in a different direction.  But my coach…my morning-walk buddy…my Golden Retriever reminds me that my real goal is to keep this body of mine as healthy as possible and to stay in shape.  Thus, slacking off my “pace” isn’t what I really want to do.  So, Sophie pulls me forward and keeps me going, even on occasion trying to get me to move a little faster – “Come on… you can do it, Keith!”

So, seriously...who is pulling you forward in this journey of life?  Who is helping you/me become the person you/I want to be?  Who is helping us to become the disciple we want to be? If you have someone that fits that role, give thanks to God for that person…and thank them too!  If you don’t have someone in that role, maybe your prayer should be, “God, send someone to pull me forward.”

Serving Together,

Pastor Keith

Children and Sea Monsters... 06.23.2023

I love children!!  I love the energy they have.  I love the curiosity they have.  I love the big hearts that they often display.  I love the fun nature and imagination that often fills their minds and daily lives.  I love their honesty and the directness that they can often speak with.  There is a note in my office that I have laminated and keep quite visible.  It was given to me a few years ago by a child in our congregation and it reflects the directness of a child.  The note says, “God loves you no matter what. PS, so you are loved!” I love that note.  I read it often, especially on the difficult days of ministry!  Yes, God loves me no matter what…So I am loved!  And so are you!!  AMEN!!

Well, another note has recently been given to me that just might get laminated.  The background story is that part of this year’s Vacation Bible School, Becky had different prayer or activity stations set up around the Gathering Area and the office area.  One of the stations was by my office door.  Children and parents were invited to leave me a note or a word of thanks.  (Becky, that was so kind of you…and kids and parents, your words of thanks and encouragement were all so great.)  

One note in particular caught my attention and made me laugh…but it also made me pause.  In a child’s handwriting the note simply said, “Thank you for not being a sea monster.”  Now, it is hard to know for sure what is going through a child’s mind when they write something like that, but I take it to mean, “Thanks for not being a scary person.”  

One of my brief but clear memories from my childhood is that of standing at the back of the little country church our family attended, and looking up at this tall, tall person wearing a long black robe.  My impression was that he was really old, though he was probably around my age now.  I believe his name was Rev. Pray.  He was the pastor of our little country church.  This isn’t a scary or fear-filled memory, but I remember feeling so awed and that he wasn’t particularly approachable for someone like me, a child, a little boy.  It’s not that he did or said anything to scare me, it’s just the impression I had in that moment.  

This memory has impacted my ministry in that I have always wanted children to sense that I was approachable and that I wasn’t some big scary creature…like a sea monster.  I remember as a child that whenever there was a nighttime thunderstorm, I dreamed about dinosaurs stomping around outside our house wanting to step on me. I’m sure that’s how my little brain made sense of the scariness of big thunder.  It did frighten me!  Who knows, maybe this child had recently heard a story about some big scary sea monster that was still on his mind.  I’m just glad to know he doesn’t think of me as a sea monster.  

So, why do I stay involved in doing the Children’s Moment during worship?  Why do I bend down when offering a child the elements of communion?  Why do I often squat down or get down on a knee when talking to a little child?   Why do I sometimes slip into the Sunday School rooms during the Sunday School hour, just to say “Hi” to the children and teachers?  Why have I been known to dress up in silly costumes for VBS or some other children’s program?  Why have I been known to get on a dunk tank?  It’s because I want children, and adults too, to know that I am not a sea monster.  I don’t want to be that scary person in a child’s life that they feel they can’t approach or ask a question of, no matter what that question might be.  Not being a sea monster…for me, I’ll take that as a win!!  To the child that wrote that note…Thank you for making me smile.  And thank you for letting me be your friend and your pastor.  

Pastor Keith

The Rest of the Story 06.02.2023

Growing up in the Nelson household, we learned very quickly that when Paul Harvey came on the radio, it was time to be quiet.  The radio was the center of attention until we heard Paul Harvey say “Good day” in the way only he could.  Once those words were spoken, other conversations could continue.  But what I remember the most about Paul Harvey was not his news and commentary, but his other broadcast, “The Rest of the Story.”  

The “Rest of the Story” broadcasts ran from May of 1976 until the time of Paul Harvey’s death in 2009.  These programs featured the telling of stories about some person, some moment in history, or some item that most people thought they knew all about.  However, the “Rest of the Story” broadcast always found the untold story that few people knew.  In fact, the way the stories were told, the listener tended to jump to conclusions and make assumptions that generally were incorrect.  The beauty of “The Rest of the Story” was that of being reminded there is so much we don’t know about people and even moments in time, that is until we start asking questions and being open to new information.  

There’s a wonderful story in the Bible that reflects this same truth and reveals the power of and the need for people to ask questions.  The story is found in the Old Testament, in Joshua 22.  Joshua has led the Hebrew people into the Promised Land.  They’ve fought many battles and the time has come for the tribes to each settle into the territories that have been assigned to them to live.  Most of the tribes received an allotment of land on the west side of the Jordan River.  However, there were several tribes that asked for and received land on the east side of the Jordan River.

What the story tells us is that the tribes that were heading to the east side of the Jordan River stopped, just before crossing the river, and they built a huge altar.  The tribes and leaders on the west side of the Jordan River noticed the large altar and made an assumption, that those tribes going to live on the east side of the Jordan River had already abandoned God and were worshipping another god.  The tribes on the west side of the Jordan River gathered together, formed an army, and as the story says, “Prepared to go to war” against their relatives who built the towering altar.

However, before any attack and battle took place, the leaders of the East Jordan tribes went to the leaders of the West Jordan tribes and said, “How could you break faith with God?  How could you turn away from God and build an altar in rebellion?”  Joshua 22:16.  The response from the West Jordan tribes was (I’m paraphrasing here…) “What are you talking about??”  They go on to explain they built the large altar as a reminder for the West River Tribes that they are connected with the East River Tribes.  The intended message was “We are connected” and “God is our God together.”

Rather than this altar being about separation and differences, it was really about connection and togetherness.  But this meaning was only discovered by asking questions and listening carefully.  And now you know the rest of the story about the large altar built by the Jordan River.

This story from the Old Testament is really a great story for our world today.  It seems that nowadays people are so quick to jump to conclusions without asking any questions or getting more information.  I’m guilty of that from time to time.   May this story from God’s word be a reminder to us all that asking questions and getting the rest of the story is really a good thing.  In fact, just like in this story, asking good questions just might be a God-honoring thing.  

If you find yourself questioning a persons beliefs or motives, rather than starting a fight (like almost happened in Joshua’s story) instead, ask a question.  “Tell me more?  How did you come to believe or feel this way?”  Then listen carefully.  If we all take the time to do that, we too just might learn “The rest of the story.”

Pastor Keith

Happy Birthday! 05.26.2023

Happy Birthday to who….  Happy Birthday to who…  Happy Birthday dear….  So, who are we singing Happy Birthday to??  Well, that would be to you and me…and the Episcopal church just a block over.  It would be to the UCC Church and First Lutheran, Holy Family Catholic Church, Life Church, all of which are just a stone’s throw away.  And we’d also be singing to all the Christian Churches and Faith Communities here in Mitchell, the region, the state, the nation, and all around the globe.  Yep, Happy Birthday to US!!

Yes, we’re singing Happy Birthday to the Church because that is what Pentecost Sunday is often referred to as, the birthday of the Church.  Why??  Because it was on Pentecost that the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples, and the followers that were with them in the upper room, and the Holy Spirit, the power of God filled them and sent them out into the world, bringing the Good News of God’s presence and God’s love to all.  

You know the Pentecost story as Acts 2:1-4 (CEB) tells us, “When Pentecost Day arrived, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound from heaven like the howling of a fierce wind filled the entire house where they were sitting.  They saw what seemed to be individual flames of fire alighting on each one of them.  They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages as the Spirit enabled them to speak.”

Isn’t it interesting that at most birthday celebrations we light candles that are atop the cake.  It would be interesting to know how that tradition started and what the symbolism is.  However, with the birthday of the Church, we don’t light candles, we celebrate people being lit afire with the presence, power, and love of God.  Acts 2 tells the story of “flames” coming upon the disciples, and the rest of the book of Acts is about how they took Good News and the power of God out into the world, with that message ultimately even coming to a place like Mitchell, South Dakota.  How amazing is that!!??

It is interesting to me as a United Methodist (influenced by John Wesley) that Aldersgate Day – May 24th, the day that John Wesley was empowered by the Holy Spirit and finally felt the love of God, is so close to Pentecost Sunday.  Truly, Wesley’s Aldersgate experience was his personal Pentecost.  It was after this moment that Wesley truly touched the world with the fire of faith that was burning within him.  

This Sunday, May 28, we celebrate Pentecost Sunday.  As I mentioned last Sunday, the tradition is that people wear red to church on Pentecost Sunday, the red represents flames.  So, again, come join us for worship…and wear something red!!  Let’s truly celebrate the birthday of the church!!

But my real hope about Pentecost Sunday is that this wouldn’t simply be a time to celebrate and look to the past and the fact that the Church is another year older.  No, my real hope is that Pentecost would be a reminder that we are an empowered and a “sent” people – sent into the world with Good News, with God’s love, and with God’s power.  Our current day is truly a time in which we need to once again experience and share the power, the joy, the hope, and the love of that first Pentecost.  

At birthday celebrations we don’t just celebrate the year that is past, there is also a sense of hoping and dreaming of what will be in the year to come.  May this be our focus too, as we celebrate the birthday of the Church.  Pentecost isn’t about the year past…it’s about the God’s Spirit at work in the year to come!!!  May we make the Holy Spirit be evident in who we are, in how we live, and in how we follow Jesus!!  Happy Birthday Church!!!

Pastor Keith

Mother's Love 05.19.2023

Spring has sprung…the grass is riz…     I’m sure there are many of you who can complete that little saying!  I grew up hearing those words several times each spring and…I’m sure I’ve said it a time or two myself over the past 40+ years of my adult life.  Spring is such a great time of year, the flowers, the grass turning green, the trees budding and leafing out, the geese flying north, the temperatures warming up, baby bunnies, etc.  We all like these signs of new life in our midst.  This year we get a fun view of spring’s new life because a robin has built a nest in the tree in our front yard.  The nest isn’t high up in the tree, it’s rather low so we can see the nest and the momma sitting on the nest. 

So, today (Thursday) it was time to mow the lawn.  I started mowing the front yard and I noticed that momma robin stayed on her nest the whole time…but she kept a pretty careful eye on me.  When I got close to the nest, I totally ignored her and the nest, I didn’t stop to look and just kept on doing my thing, walking back and forth across the lawn pushing a noisy machine.  When I got to the other side of the tree, I noticed that momma robin even turned around on the nest so she could keep a careful watch on me.  I wonder how anxious that momma was when I kept getting closer and closer to her nest, yet she stayed in place protecting those eggs…caring for her young.  

That made me think of some other caring, protective, and loving moms.  On Ground Hogs Day in February two babies were born.  One here in the Mitchell community and another in Lincoln, Nebraska.  Both babies developed digestive issues and the doctors decided it was connected to the mother’s diet impacting the infant through breast milk.  So, what did both of these mothers do?  They both cut out dairy and soy, at the doctor’s recommendation.  

Now, you might think this sounds like no big deal.  Let me tell you, it is huge.  Yes, it might be easier now than it was a generation or two ago, but if you really look into the ingredients of things we normally eat every day, it often includes dairy and soy.  Why did these mothers so quickly alter their lifestyle??  Because of their love and protective care for their child.  

Even in my own life, when I was an infant, I hear that I was pretty fussy.  My mother took me to the doctor to figure out what was wrong.  It was determined that I was allergic to dairy and lots of other foods.  Mom took the time and effort to figure out what I could and couldn’t eat.  Mom and dad had to regularly travel to Wessington Springs to get goats milk for me to drink.  That is dedication, love, and parental commitment!

I look at my wife, Nancy, and I think of all that she sacrificed in pregnancy and also in her past and present role as a mother. There is a bond that we guys, and fathers, don’t fully understand.  And yes, I learned the value of the words of a friend from many years ago, “Never get between Momma bear and her cubs.” ☺  

Anyway, watching this momma robin display her instinct and strong commitment to her forth-coming young, it made me think about and give thanks for the many mothers in my life (and in the world) that have, and continue, to make such a big difference in this world.  I know Mother’s Day was a week ago, so I’m a week late with this reflection.  But then again, mamma robin reminded me of the firm commitment that is a daily part of being a mother.  Even in the noise and chaos of the world, momma’s keep doing their thing – mothers keep on caring for, protecting, and loving their young…no matter what their age is.  Thanks Mom!  Thanks Nancy!  Thanks Eileen!  Thanks, moms, for living out your love as best you are able.  You all do need a word of “thanks” more than just one day a year!

Pastor Keith

The Seeds We Plant 05.05.2023

Yesterday I traveled south to Parkston to make a visit.  As I was driving along, I saw it…farmers out in the fields.  I’m sure they were happy.  One was tilling.  Another one was seeding.  It was fun to see the fieldwork being done and it brought back many memories.  You see, I always enjoyed the field work side of farming.  Taking care of the livestock…not so much!  That wasn’t my thing.  But the field work…that I enjoyed.  

Growing up on the farm, I loved sitting on the tractor and pulling the disk behind.  To me it was mesmerizing to watch the dark soil being turned over, knowing I was helping prepare for the next crop to be grown.  I felt like I was accomplishing something as I made my way back and forth across the field.

However, there were a number of lessons learned from my disking days.  One of those lessons was that the soil conditions could change as I made my way from one end of the field to the other.  There were the wet spots.  If water was still standing, I knew to avoid it and not to press my luck by seeing how close to the water I could disk or drive.  Then there might be gumbo.  This was pretty rare and could be hard to spot, but if I payed attention there was a bit of a color change in the soil.  However, once in the gumbo, it was important to raise the disk up and get out of that area…quickly or you’d be stuck…and stuck really bad.  

There was also the hard-packed soil, or the gravely soil, and even good-sized rocks that hadn’t been there the year before, that had to be avoided, but ultimately dealt with.  Yes, I did have to pay attention as I made my way across the field or things could go very wrong. 

Now I realize farming techniques have changed from when I was growing up, but some aspects are still the same.  Tilling was just the beginning of the field work.  There was also fertilizer, crop rotation, weed control, and even fallow consideration.  In other words, there is a lot that goes into the preparations or planning before seeds are ever planted.  

So, in this season of planting the fields of our region, the question I really want to ask is this, what are you and I doing in preparation for the planting of seeds in the fields of our own lives.  The season of the church year that will be here in just a few weeks, Pentecost, is often viewed as a season of growth.  So, what are we doing to prepare our hearts and minds now for the season of growth that will soon arrive? 

What are we doing to stir the soil within us? Are there any “gumbo” spots we tend to get mired down in?  How about gravely dry spots?  If so, what are we doing about it to make the soil more productive?  How about rocks?  Are there any big rocks that have surfaced in our lives that need to be dealt with to make soil preparation easier?  What fertilizer or nutrients are needed within to ensure a healthy start to the seeds that God is planting?  

Actually, these kinds of questions are valuable and appropriate any time of the year, but seeing the farmers out in their fields is a good reminder for all of us to consider the field work for our own faith journey.  God is continually planting seeds in our lives, but the question becomes are the fields of our heart, mind, and spirit ready to receive that seed.  

So, what are the seeds we each sense God might be scattering in the soil of our hearts?  What are we doing to encourage the growth of those seeds?  And of course, remember, the goal is not just the growth.  The real goal is for those seeds to bear fruit in our lives.  That is the goal of farming…and that is God’s greater goal too.  Seeds bearing fruit in our lives and in this world.
Pastor Keith

Treasures 04.28.2023

Almost every morning I have a similar routine.  I get up, spend a bit of time in prayer, I do some stretches, I run 3 miles, then I take Sophie, our golden retriever for a walk n’ stop.  I say walk n’ stop because that is pretty much what it is.  We walk a bit but then Sophie smells something that gets her full attention, so she stops to investigate further…which means I have to stop too.  Some walks are better than others.  But at least we both do get some fresh air and exercise.

The really fun thing about the walks with Sophie is seeing what the treasure is that she will find, and yes, there is always a treasure.  Sometimes it’s simply a stick that she finds.  One day it was a golf ball.  Another day it was a ratty glove.  Some days it’s a leaf or a piece of paper or cardboard lying beside the path that gets her attention. A while back it was a piece of “caution” ribbon from a construction site that she found – that was truly a prized possession.  One day it was one of my gloves that fell out of my pocket.  Being the dutiful retriever she proudly carried that glove all the way home to show Nancy.  She even ran pretty much all the way back to the house just so she could get that treasure home!!

Yes, one of the surprises for me on those morning walks is…what’s going to be Sophie’s treasure.  Then when she finds it or claims it, I find myself wondering what it was that made that item the treasure?  Who knows!  But it is a fun thing to see what her treasure will be.  

That got me thinking about my own journey through each day.  What’s the treasure that I found in recent days?  Or a more revealing question might be, am I even looking for a treasure as I go through my day?  The truth is sometimes I simply put my nose to the grindstone and just push through the day to get those immediate things checked off my “to do” list.  Treasure hunting isn’t on my mind at all.  

Yet, I wonder what a difference it would make in my journey through life if I approached each day with the attitude that somewhere…somewhere in the experience of this day there is a treasure just waiting to be found.  Would it open my eyes with greater wonder, would I look around and see more possibilities, and would I see the adventure in each moment?

Today as we each make our way through the day, and even the week that lies before us, I would challenge myself…and each of us to look for a treasure, something of value to take from each day.  Look for something unique that will somehow build meaning or value into your day and into your life.  Look for a treasure that will help you learn something new, grow in your faith, or just gain a greater appreciation for God, your faith, another person, the gift of life, etc. 

Sometimes the greatest life lessons are the simple ones…even ones learned from one’s pet, like our golden retriever.  Today, I’m going to look for a treasure to take home!!!  How about you??

Serving Together,

Pastor Keith

Thank you, God 04.21.2023

Have you ever had to deal with the reality of failure in your life?  I’m guessing that most of us would respond with a “Yes” when answering that question.  Certainly, I have dealt with failure in life, in ministry, in relationships, in parenting, etc.  But a second question to ask about those moments from our lives, which maybe can’t be asked or answered until a bit of time has passed, is, was it really a failure?  

What brings this thought to mind is an after-Easter story that I’m guessing most of us have heard or are at least familiar with.  It’s the story of a couple of disciples walking, on that first Easter morning, to one of their homes in the village of Emmaus.  

Grief and uncertainty hung heavy in the air as these two unnamed disciples walked along discussing what had happened during the past several days…maybe even discussing the past three years of following Jesus.  With heads hung low and keeping to themselves, they walked along…hurting, thinking, talking, processing.  They noticed another traveler along the way also heading toward Emmaus.  They likely nodded to each other.  Maybe “Shaloms” were spoken, but they walked on.  Finally, the stranger asked what the two disciples were discussing as they walked along?  

One of the disciples, who now is identified by the name Cleopas, responds by saying, “Are you the only one in Jerusalem who doesn’t know of the things that have happened there the past few days?”  And the new traveling companion says, “What Things?”

The reply is, “About Jesus of Nazareth, the great prophet, the great teacher, the great miracle worker.  The chief priests and leaders had him put to death on a cross.  Jesus had been our hope.  He was going to be the one to redeem Israel, or so we had all dreamed.  But then he died.  Though some women from our group went to the tomb this morning and it was empty.  They said they had a vision that proclaimed Jesus was alive.  But….” It was then that the third traveler spoke up and began to explain how the Messiah had to die.  

They arrived at Emmaus.  The disciples turned off the path to go home.  The other traveler appeared to keep on going.  They invited him to stay with them.  He accepted.  Then as they sat down to eat a meal their guest took bread, blessed it, and broke it.  It was then the two disciples realized it was Jesus who had been walking and talking with them all along.  They then realized that what Jesus had been telling them earlier was that what appeared to be failure, Jesus’ death, was actually an opportunity for God to do an amazing work, not just for Israel, but for all humanity.  Jesus was the redeemer, just not in the way they thought.  

What if this is a story for all of us?  Well, it is for all of us because Jesus’ death redeemed each of us.  But what if this story of presumed failure is really for each of us yet today.  When we experience failure, it just might be an opportunity for God’s transforming power to shine bright and bring about redemption or a new beginning in our lives.  That is what these disciples learned.  You see, God is able to redeem not only people…but situations, events, and moments for God’s greater purpose in the world.  Remember, it is our God who says, “My thoughts are not your thoughts…nor are your ways my ways.”  Isaiah 55:8

Our God is able to see things in a totally different way than we do.  God is able to take the failures of this life and transform them into something useful and even incredible for God’s purposes.  Yes, I am able to look back at some of the lowest points in my life and ministry where I felt I had failed, and now I can see how God was at work in those moments, using that experience to help create a better future.  

If anyone is feeling like you’re walking on the lonely and uncertain Emmaus Road, just remember, there is likely someone traveling with you who is able to take that seemingly moment of failure and turn it into something amazing…all for the glory of God!  Of course, that other one traveling with you is the living Jesus, the one who is able to turn failure into victory!!  Thank God for the Emmaus Road.  Thank God for redemption.  Thank God for turning darkness and failure into victory and new possibilities!

Learning Lovingkindness,

Pastor Keith

He Is Risen 04.14.2023

How was your Easter?  I hope it was a great day!  If you were with us on Easter morning for either of our worship services, either physically or virtually, then you experienced the presence of God and the joy of celebration.  The “Son has Risen” service featuring our youth, was a very powerful experience with music, a hands-on prayer project, and the energy of our youth helping to lead the service.  Our Traditional service at 10 am was filled with music, celebration, and the energy of a full church.  Both services focused on the triumphant hope of new life.  Yes, it was a great morning!! 

Of course, the main focus of Easter morning was celebrating our Risen Lord!  The Lord is Risen!  He is Risen Indeed!!  But as I look back it wasn’t until Monday that the true meaning of Easter sunk in for me.  So, now you are wondering what happened on Monday that out-shined Easter morning?  Well, it’s not so much that anything out-shined the other…it’s a matter of the deeper message of Easter becoming real within one’s soul.

Remember Monday, the day after Easter, the church office was closed to allow our staff to catch their breath after a very full and busy Lent and Holy Week (Thank You Staff for your tireless work!!).  So, on Monday morning I decided to tackle one of the projects that needed doing at our home.  I decided to rake the front yard.  This isn’t a job I really enjoy doing, but I could especially see that it needed to be done this year.  There had been some pretty big piles of snow in our front yard, and where those piles of snow had been the grass was all brown and yucky (technical lawn term ☺) and it was all matted down.  So, I got out the rake, and started in on the task.  

As I said, the grass still seemed to be in the brown hibernation phase.  However, as I raked I began to see something different…I began to see bits of green, meaning there was new growth coming.  Especially in the places where the grass had been totally matted flat on the ground, as I raked and loosened it up, I could see there was a lot of new life.  It was just waiting to be released from what was holding it back and holding it down.  The more I raked, the more the symbolism of what I was seeing sunk into my heart bringing to light my own personal Easter message – a message that proclaimed, “In the midst of death there is life!”  

Our world so often seems overly filled with death.  From the news magazines and sites I read to the news programs I listen to; it often seems that death is the center of attention or very close at hand in so many stories.  Plus, just from everything else going on globally, it seems there is so much despair and brokenness that permeates our world.  I have heard people describe feeling as if a dark heavy cloud is holding our world and our society captive, even to the point of feeling like it sucks the life out of things.  

But this is where Easter comes into our world in a powerful way.  Part of the imagery of the bright colors of Easter is that it is overcoming the dreariness of winter.  In the same way Jesus stepping out of the tomb alive, shakes up the dreariness, the darkness, and the despair of the world we live in.  Yes, sometimes it takes work on our part (raking) to push back the deadness to see the hope and the power of new life that is present, but it is there just waiting to be discovered. 

One of the great Easter passages in the Bible, I believe, is John 1:5.  John uses the imagery of light to describe Jesus.  The passage says, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overtake it.”  That is a great Easter message for our Day!!  Don’t let the heaviness in life hold you down.  Easter is about life coming forth from death.  New life is possible!!  Hope is always present because we are Easter People.  Happy Easter Everyone.  The Lord is risen!  He is RISEN INDEED!!!

Pastor Keith