Dry Bones

A common scripture reading for our time in church history is Ezekiel 37:1-10, the valley of the dry bones. It is a prophecy given to Ezekiel about the restoration of Israel after Jerusalem's fall, the scattering of the Hebrew people, and many lives lost. It is finally a word of hope after 36 chapters filled primarily of doom and gloom.

The reason it is used as a reading for churches today is that we seem to be surrounded by doom and gloom. With aging buildings, dwindling congregations, challenging financial times, and shifting societal realities, there is little good news often found for the church. But perhaps that's because we're looking for good news in all the wrong places. Buildings will come and go. People are fickle. And money, well in many ways it's just paper. God is where our hope is found not in buildings or people or finances. That's what we have to share with this shifting society, a sense of hope amidst all the hurting and uncertainty.

But to be honest it's hard work remembering that hope with all these difficulties and more. Last week I spent the afternoon with the bishop, the D.S., and the United Methodist clergy from Central Massachusetts. As we often do, we began with worship. A responsive litany used after the Ezekiel 37:1-10 reading really struck a cord with me. I hope it does with you as well.

How long, O God, does it take one congregation, one people, one way of doing things to die and another to be born? We cry out,
Can these bones live?

How long, O God, must we endure the aging process of our institutions, the shrinking of memberships, the closing of our church buildings and the drying up of our hopes? We cry out,
Can these bones live?

How long, O God, must our souls die with dying congregations before we begin to live into the promise of the resurrection for the whole world? We cry out,
Can these bones live?

Your Spirit is calling us. You breathe,
The Spirit of God is upon you.

Your people are calling. Your world awaits us. You nudge,
The Spirit of God is upon you.

We loose ourselves in a Good Friday world with only a distant glimpse of an Easter kingdom. We ask, "Why bother!" You persist,
The Spirit of God is upon you.

We listen for your voice calling to us and discover that it is louder and truer than all other voices. We are worthy because your Spirit dwells within us.
Yes, the Spirit of God is upon us. Thanks be to God. Amen.

You are the APPLE of God's eye

DSCF1534, originally uploaded by Faith United Parish.

Today two bushels of apples were given to people passing by on Main Street as part of the September Fitchburg First Thursday celebration. The apples were handed out to people walking and riding bike, motorcycles, cars, and trucks. Our Outreach committee made the decision to give something away without looking for a donation. It proved to be a great idea getting many smiles, thank you's, and even some God bless you's.

It's amazing isn't it that people are so accustomed to people wanting something...that everything must have some sort of a catch...that people were skeptical. It was just an apple after all. But people were impressed with the simple generosity. A couple of people even asked what time our Sunday worship service is.

This sort of an event is often termed servant evangelism. My question is what if Faith United Parish did this once a month? What if the buzz around town was about those crazy people from Faith United Parish who give stuff away and do kind things to others. Might people want to part of such a caring yet subversive community of believers. And might they not come to see Jesus Christ in whose name our generosity and love for everyone is found.

The Sports Page - Kobe

I don't often read the sports page. That will come as no surprise to those of you who know me. This morning as I went to recycle that section, I took notice of a great shot of a soccer match. Soccer was always my favorite sport to photograph back when I was a photographer for our high school newspaper and yearbook.

Then I realized I know that young man. The photo is of Kobe Addow (one of our recent confirmands) kicking the ball away from an opposing player while jumping about 3 feet in the air. It's quite a shot. Unfortunately the Sentinel and Enterprise doesn't post photos on their website. But if you happen to see a print copy today take a look at the Sports front page. Here's a like to the article. I'll post a copy of the photo and article on the church bulletin board.

Our church is blessed with youth with such a wide array of talents. Thank God for their energy and vitality...and for the gifts they bring us.

Upper Common Worship Service

DSCF1519, originally uploaded by Faith United Parish.

Could we have been more blessed this past Sunday?  Beautiful weather, wonderful music, and so many people all made our outdoor service on the Upper Common a great time.  I especially enjoyed meeting a couple of people who came just because they saw what was going on.

Today I saw one walking in front of the church.  I stopped him by saying hi and calling him by name.  He looked happy that I remembered him and his name.  As I told him it was good to see him, he responded with, "I'll see you on Sunday."  I don't know if he'll come or not.  But what a blessing to have made this connection with someone.

What more can we do to take the message of the Gospel to the streets?  How can we tell people God loves them and desires to be in relationship with them?