Sermon: The Heart of Christianity, Luke 12:10-17

       

Luke 12:10-17

What is the heart of Christianity? This is a fundamentally important question, which Christians must always go back to. The heart of Christianity is Jesus Christ, and the great gift of eternal life and ultimate healing he brings us. Jesus Christ, eternal, and truly God, came into this world as a human being to save humanity from its sin. Jesus came into our world on the biggest rescue mission ever. This was utterly and entirely at the initiative of God. Jesus found and saved us. We did not save ourselves. We did not find Jesus. Jesus found us. God deserves the glory for our salvation.  We do not. God’s decision was outside humanity’s control. If you read the gospel accounts, a basic fact of Jesus becomes perfectly clear: Jesus cannot be controlled.

Throughout the gospel accounts Jesus resists efforts to intimidate, manipulate, bribe, or in any way dissuade him from his life-giving mission. The effort to pull him off course began in the wilderness with the voice of Satan, and finished upon the cross at Golgotha. Both efforts failed to suppress or contain the life giving word of God.

 In today’s Gospel lesson we  read about one of  the  many  confrontations Jesus had with the religious authorities. Today we read about the  indignant leader of the synagogue, angry at Jesus for healing a woman on the Sabbath. This man surely knew his Torah well, and had a clear, concrete, idea of right and wrong.  He was a religious expert who knew what the law clearly said—or so he thought. He was so confident that he had no problem using faith as a weapon. Jesus not only exposes the man’s hypocrisy, but ,through our Lord’s healing actions, also reveals the true nature of the Sabbath. He proclaims this same truth with words in Mark 2:27-28: “ The Sabbath was made for humankind, and not humankind for the Sabbath; so the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath.” The Sabbath is a gift from God to humanity. It is a gift which comes from where all true gifts come—from the heart of God. Jesus is the Lord of the Sabbath because he himself is the greatest gift God has given to the world. But the religious authorities lost sight of the true purpose of the Sabbath and did not recognize its Lord when he was standing face to face with them.  As we read today’s lesson it is very easy to shake our heads over such blindness.

It may be easy to  shake our heads, but how often in the history of  the Church, have Christians lost sight of the true purpose of the Sabbath, and the mission of its Lord? How often has church life been defined by stringent rules and regulations which have nothing to do with God’s Law, but are the inventions of human beings?

I once new a man who grew up in a very strict church environment, where Sabbath was meticulously observed.  This not only included time spent at church, but the time afterward. No playing or entertainment was allowed. On a scorching hot day, he and his siblings were allowed to go swimming to cool off, but only with the understanding that they were not to have any fun. Fun was forbidden!  Unfortunately, the impression that Christianity is fundamentally about rules and regulations has not gone away easily. Many non-Christians, and Christians, in fact, believe that the adherence to a strict moral code is the heart of Christianity. Christianity, to many, is a dreary, heavy, depressing, no-fun religion. But this is not true. Jesus Christ, and the Grace and healing he gives, is the heart of the Christian Faith. Living by Grace means living in the liberation given by and through Jesus Christ.

Sadly, many have turned  from the Gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ, the Lord of the Sabbath. We live in a place and time where honouring the Sabbath is rare. The Sabbath has, to use the words of Isaiah, been “trampled” on in modern society, as people use God’s Holy day to pursue their own interests.

“ Hold on a second”, some might exclaim, “ didn’t Jesus say that the Sabbath was made for humankind?” “Doesn’t that mean we can do what we like?”

Clearly, we need to be very careful about how we interpret these words of our Lord. That the Sabbath was made for humankind, does not mean that humans should do what they like with it. Rather the Sabbath is the special space in which God’s glorious and gracious gift to humanity is to be received.  We need look no further than the woman in today’s gospel lesson  for a role model of proper Sabbath observance. This woman , who had had struggled with a serious disability for eighteen years, was called over by Jesus. She answered the call and went to him. When she went, Jesus healed her, set her free, from her ailment. To be set free means to live in the light of eternal life, which shines perpetually. Being set free does not necessarily mean physical healing, but it means spiritual liberation from the bondage of sin from which we cannot free ourselves—a bondage which causes us to be turned in on ourselves, and be less than who we were created to be. Jesus gives that liberation, and it is a totally free gift! To celebrate the Sabbath is to celebrate that gift. That gift comes to us especially through hearing the Word proclaimed, and through receiving the sacraments. But we must also know that God’s gracious gifts extend beyond the walls of the church. God’s Sabbath gifts reach us everywhere. Sabbath keeping is truly marked by an attitude of gratitude.

The Sabbath is a gift from the Lord who has given the greatest gift of all. All Christians are called to proclaim this good news. How are you going to do? How are your going to get the message across in your time and place? Perhaps one good place to start is by refuting the popular stereotype of Sabbath keeping, and the popular and convenient stereotypes of contemporary culture. Lutherans are known for the politeness. But there is nothing rude about gently challenging popular and inaccurate perceptions. The best way to do that is by sharing your own faith story, and about what Sabbath has meant, and continues to mean, to you. All Christians are called to share the good news of Jesus Christ, so that others will  also be transformed by it!  So let us go forth today proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ!  Now may the peace which surpasses all understanding guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Why Greed Isn't Good: Sermon, Pentecost 10

August 1: Pentecost 10

 Luke 12:13-21

It would not be an overgeneralization to say that money is a significant source of worry for most Canadians. A recent Reuters survey found that 65 percent of Canadians regularly lost sleep over finances during the last year. As these folks were tossing and turning their heads were filled with worry about paying off debt, not having enough for retirement, or an emergency fund.

The wealthy or extremely wealthy are not out of the woods as far as worry goes either. The financial crisis which swept across the US almost two years ago demonstrated how precarious the economy can be. Fortunes can be won, but fortunes can also be lost, and with the loss of fortune go the loss of identity, self esteem, and reputation.  It would not be an overgeneralization to say that more money you have, the more money you have to worry about.

          In today’s gospel lesson, Jesus is confronted by a worried man. We don’t know much about him, but we do know that he was worried about money or material wealth. He was worried about his  inheritance, worried that he would not receive his share--that his brother was withholding what should rightfully belong to him. So the man enlisted the aid of Jesus to get him what he thought he deserved.

There are many today like that young man. How many people turn to Jesus in order to get the money they think they deserve? How many television evangelists have come and gone promising that if you turn to Jesus you will get wealthy beyond your wildest dreams? This is called the success gospel, and it is very popular. But as we read today, Jesus affirms that he is not what many would like him to be—the  cosmic candy man, who dispenses goodies at the behest of the pious. 

Instead of complying with the man’s request,  Jesus issues an admonishment: “ Be on your guard against all kinds of greed!” All kinds of greed has been a  constant throughout human history. What is greed? Greed is defined as an excessive desire to possess wealth or goods.  In the 1986 film, the fictional character Gordon Gekko, a corporate raider, proudly proclaimed that “Greed is Good”. It is a sad reality that much operation in the financial world follows this ethic, and it is a fundamentally truth that greed has infected human relationships at all levels—from the  ruthless cigar chomping corporate raider to the  sulking child who deprives his little sister of a chocolate cookie out of an insatiable desire to stuff himself with another. Greed comes in many different forms—greed for money, greed for power, greed for control over another.

But  the ethic of greed is based upon a faulty premise, a flawed starting point. This is the point of the parable we hear in today’s gospel lesson. In this lesson, Jesus does not use an exaggerated example to  illustrate the end point of greed.  He doesn’t  provide an example so far removed from common experience that we could never possibly relate to the motivation of its main character. Rather he uses the  example of a  rich farmer. And as we read what Jesus tells about his behavior, we might, if we are truly honest with ourselves, even say that this man was  prudent—that we might under the same circumstances do the  exact same thing. In fact, what this wealthy man does, is exactly what many people do—invest, and save, with the hope  of living off their fortunes.  So what is the problem? Well, first of all, Jesus isn’t speaking here about prudence and wisely setting aside resources for the future. He is, rather, speaking about idol making. The fortunes which many have amassed have become that in which they place ultimate trust. Their fortunes become, for them, god. Herein lies the root sin of greediness. As Paul points out in today’s epistle reading, greed is idolatry. Greed turns money and possessions into gods. Greed must therefore be condemned by the true God who  issued the first Commandment: “ You shall have no other gods.”

Since the wage of sin is death, a death sentence has been pronounced upon all greediness. You will nowhere encounter a more succinct  description of where greed ultimately leads than that given in today’s Old Testament reading from Ecclesiastes. This comes from the section of the Old Testament referred to as wisdom, and for good reason. In these pages of scripture you will encounter Holy fundamental wisdom concerning the human condition. The teacher of the lesson set out to see the end point of all human accumulation, and what he discovered was not a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, but emptiness. All of that work, all of that effort put into gathering was an effort put forth in vain.  He concludes by asking, “ What do mortals get from all the toil and strain with which they toil under the sun? For all their days are full of pain, and their work is a vexation; even at night their minds do not rest.”  Death has been called the great leveler, and for good reason. In death, accumulated material  wealth means nothing. Even the best adorned casket cannot  erase that stark reality.

It is quite evident that the young man to whom Jesus speaks in today’s gospel lesson does not have a rested mind, and surely experienced much vexation But he is not left without hope. Jesus tells him plainly what it truly means to be rich. To truly be rich is to be rich toward God.

What exactly  does it mean to be rich toward God? The first thing we need to know about being rich toward God, is understanding where our wealth comes from, and what true wealth is. Being truly wealthy is living in the reality of God’s great gift of eternal life. This is the only enduring source of wealth we can ever enjoy. But it is not something we have earned, acquired, or own—it is a gift which comes to us through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is given to us in baptism.

In today’s epistle reading, St Paul reminds the Colossian Christians about  what true wealth means. He reminds them that they are raised with Christ, and being raised with Christ means a radical reordering of values and priorities. It means setting their minds on things that are above, not on earthly things. Paul is not telling them not to enjoy God’s physical gifts, or to enjoy what is offered in the physical world. To believe this is to misinterpret his message and to downgrade God beautiful creation. Rather he is telling them not to treat earthly things as idols. Therefore he admonishes them to put to death the idolatrous pull to the earthly—to put to death fornication, which is sex outside of marriage, put to death impurity, put to death evil desires and greed. With these things must go anger, malice, wrath, slander,  abusive language,  and lying. For these things are all remnants of the earthly way of doing things, all built on an orientation which does not see beyond the physical and trusts ultimately in that which is earthly. But this is the way of vanity.

Christ brings transformation, and a new self and a new orientation to reality, and a new way of thinking which is in accordance with our creator. With this new knowledge comes a new attitude toward possessions, toward saving, toward giving. With this new knowledge we are capable of seeing at length what we would otherwise be incapable of even getting a glimpse at—the eternal. With the eternal perspective in mind we need not toss and turn at night about our investments. With the eternal perspective in mind, we can share freely, knowing that we are guided by a higher vision and purpose. With the eternal perspective in mind we can be who we have been called to be, the ambassadors of Christ to a world which desperately needs to be transformed by His word.  Jesus has fed us and sustains us. We in turn are called to be rich toward God, and being rich toward God means being rich toward those whom he loves, and whom he loves are all people.  Jesus calls us to be bold in this love. So let us always and everywhere pray for the strength to be so. Now, may the peace  which surpasses all understanding guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Sermon: Pentecost 9, Luke 11:1-13

                                                                            Pentecost 9: Luke 11:1-13

We are approaching the middle of summer and things have, in the lives, of many, slowed down. Vacations are taken, more time is afforded for relaxation, and necessary revitalization. Summer has traditionally been a time to take much needed rest; for we live in what seems to be an increasingly busy world. Work and careers occupy a significant amount of attention. It has been commented by some sociologists that for  the average twenty-first century North American  working adult, career has become the primary mode of identification. In other words, a person has become less likely to identify themselves as a mother, father, sister, brother, husband, wife as they are a physician, lawyer, teacher, realtor or computer programmer. As we have become increasingly identified with what we do, other important aspects of our lives have been defined by busyness and activity. How many families are defined increasingly by enrollment in programs. How much family life has been defined by schedules? How many single people find themselves moving from activity to activity to avoid loneliness and to stay active. To do what we are doing her today is becoming increasingly counter-cultural.

            To honour the  Sabbath, and to come together to worship God as a community is to cut against the grain of what this culture and society is telling us, which is to stay busy.  But in all of this business how easy it is for the Christian to lose sight of the fundamental truth, she or he holds to. In all of this business how easy it is for the Christian to forget who is ultimately in charge. How easy  and tempting it is to forget prayer. Prayer is absolutely fundamental to the life of a Christian, yet how often  prayer is neglected? How often Christians view prayer as something to get over with, or something that has to be done—alongside mowing the lawn, taking out the garbage, or walking the dog? How sad it is that Christians view prayer as a work which we undertake to keep God happy, kind of like doing your homework just to make sure your parents don’t get angry. How very sad. But this sad reality, is, when we are truly honest with ourselves, a reality for most Christians during their walk of faith.

We must remember that while the Christian is justified before the eyes of God--that is made right in the eyes of God--the Christian is also a sinner who rebels against God. And in the mind of a sinner, prayer, is, at best, a way of keeping God placated —a way of making sure God isn’t angry.  But this has nothing to do with reverence. This is all about appeasement. When the angry God is kept away, the sinner can be in charge, and get on with things. At worst  the sinner conceives of prayer as a  silly waste of time, which gets in the way of other important activities.

But to the saint,  who is justified in the eyes of God, prayer is  a lifeline, prayer is food for the soul, prayer is foundational, and is not simply the business of pastors, as some would like and wish to think. All Christians stand equally before a good and gracious God, and no priestly mediator is required. All Christians are priests and fit to speak to God directly, and to hear God directly. But some don’t feel this way. Some feel unworthy  and too sinful to come to God in prayer.  Martin Luther spoke extensively on this topic; for before the Gospel had been revealed to him, Luther himself felt this way, much of the time.  Luther’s pastoral advice is clear: “If you want to be cured of sin, you must not run away from God, but you must run to Him and pray more confidently than you would if bodily need had overtaken you. God is not hostile to sinners but only to unbelievers, that is, to those who do not recognize and lament their sin and seek help against it from God but in their own presumption want to purify themselves, do not want to be in need of His grace, and do not want to let Him be a God who gives to everyone and takes nothing in return.” 

Another problem some encounter with prayer is the feeling that only prayers of adoration and praise are acceptable to God—and that anything else is dishonorable and disrespectful. But if we scan through our Bibles, especially, the Psalms, we see that laments, or prayers of complaint, are perfectly acceptable forms.   We have heard that in the passion narrative. Jesus quoted Psalm 22 on the cross with the words  with which may of you are familiar: “ Father, why have you forsaken me?”

Sometimes we have to ask the tough questions of God over and over and over, before we are given a clear answer. Persistence, like complaint, is not something we should shy away from; for to truly love God is to be totally honest with God. In today’s Old Testament reading we hear about Abraham literally bargaining with God, how bold and audacious is that? He actually managed to get God to change His mind.  But Jesus tells us, “ Ask and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you.: Sometimes we have to knock with some persistence, bang, as a matter of fact, for that door to be open.

Deep in our hearts we all hunger for the door to be open, to be connected to God at fundamental level. The impulse to pray comes from deep within our souls, deep within hungry souls which need to be fed with the food of God. The disciples of Jesus were a hungry bunch who encountered in Jesus, a person the likes of which they had never encountered before.. They would never have encountered someone whose life was so utterly dedicated to obeying the heavenly will of the Father. And a central part of that obedience was a life of prayer. Today’s gospel lesson begins with Jesus praying, and in the prayer life of Jesus the disciples would have witnessed the close and intimate encounter between Jesus and his Father. Seeing that encounter would  have stirred the hunger which filled their hearts—their hunger for God.  Then they asked him, asked him how to be feed some of that soul nourishing food. They asked Jesus to show them how to pray. And  that is exactly what he did—he taught them the prayer and gave them the food. The prayer he taught those disciples has come down to us. It is known as the Lord’s prayer. We say it every Sunday. Most of us have memorized it. Unfortunately some only recite it, without a sense for its greatness.

Martin Luther never tired of speaking about the Lord’s prayer “ The Lord’s Prayer,” he said, “ is a prayer above all prayers, the greatest of all prayers, which has been taught by the greatest master of all, in which all spiritual and bodily trouble is comprehended and which is the strongest consolation in all temptations, tribulations, and in the last hour.”  In this hurry up, and busy world, the Lord’s prayer brings us into communion with God in a very special way; for it is the way which God himself intended. And God intended us to come to him with our deepest needs—not as shy, humble, applicants—but as bold door knockers. When we acknowledge that God is our holy heavenly father whose name is hallowed, and bid that his kingdom come in its fullness, we can  state, “ Give us today our daily bread,” without even saying please. No please is required for the deliverance  from temptation and evil, either. How bold is that?  It may seem bold, but this is what God has commanded us to do, to pray to him with bold confidence, because that is the kind of relationship God wants to have with us-- one in which we can approach him, without being afraid and without doubt. Martin Luther was big on prayer, especially spontaneous prayer. However, he valued the Lord’s Prayer above all prayers we ourselves can offer. Luther writes, “ He puts into our mouths the very manner and matter of the prayer which He wants to offer, that we may see how heartily He is concerned about our need and may never doubt that this prayer is pleasing to Him and will certainly be answered. This is surely a great advantage the Lord’s prayer has over all other prayers which we may compose ourselves. For in them, the conscience might ever be in doubt and say: I have prayed, but who knows How it pleases Him or whether I have hit upon the proper proportions and manner? Therefore no nobler prayer can be found on earth than the Lord’s prayer, which we pray daily; for it is clear testimony that God loves to hear. We should not surrender it for the riches of the world.”

Indeed, not for the riches of the world should one word of the Lord’s prayer be surrendered; for in it we find evidence of God’s love for us. God wants the best for us. When  we sincerely ask God for what we need, we will not be disappointed. Our Lord tells us today, that when we ask for a fish, we will not be given a snake. When the world, which is filled with evil people, knows how to give good gifts, how much greater will the gifts of a good God be?

Some people have a hard time with prayer, because they feel unworthy, or that God must be too busy for them. Believing that prayer is just for holy people, they shy away from prayer, pray minimally, or don’t pray at all. The idea that you are not good enough to pray is a Satanic lie intended to keep you away from this life giving relationship—a relationship built on bold trust.  A few years ago the Canadian government, recognizing the poor physical condition many Canadians found themselves in developed a program to encourage physical exercise. It was called Participaction.  The motto of  Participaction was  “ Don’t just think about it, do it, do it, do it.” I think this motto also applies very well to prayer life. Get those prayer muscles limber and working.  Let us do as Jesus has taught us to do—take our needs to our heavenly Father in bold trust and confidence. When we pray in bold trust and confidence, God receives us as God has made us—as His precious children. Now may the peace which surpasses all understanding guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Sermon: Pentecost 8, Luke 10:1-11

Perhaps nowhere in scripture are we given such a clear and comprehensive summary of the work of Jesus Christ than we are given in today’s epistle reading.  To the question “ Who is Jesus?” Paul gives the unequivocal answer: Jesus is the image of the invisible God. He is the firstborn of all creation. He is the head of the body, which is the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn of the dead. In Him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell. Through Jesus Christ, our sins have been forgiven. Through Jesus Christ, we, who were once estranged, have been reconciled to God. Through Jesus Christ, the Gospel, the good news, has been proclaimed to every creature.  Through Jesus Christ, God has transformed our weeping into a joy and has promised us eternal life. Jesus Christ is the foundation of our lives, and the hope upon which every hope rests. We hear this  truth proclaimed to us each week though the Word. We taste this promise proclaimed to us through the sacrament of Holy Communion. We read this promise spoken to us in our devotional reading.

Yet still, we are distracted—distracted by things which really ought not claim are attention the way they do. Keeping the better part front and centre has never, nor will it ever, be easy. The sinner within us is easily pulled off track and distracted. The sinner is so easily pulled off track because the sinner wants to be anywhere but on track, at least on the track of Jesus. The sinner has a self interested agenda of self-fulfillment, and finding it his or her own way, on his or her own terms.  There are all kinds of interesting philosophies out there which seem to hold promise, but really, in the final analysis promise only to distract us from true promise of the right path—the path of faith in Jesus Christ. There is a whole multitude of people who once professed faith in Jesus Christ who have turned away to explore other enticing options. Yes, there is a tremendous spiritual hunger in the western world, and in this city. There  countless books bought and read concerning the latest New Age philosophy.  But underlying this desire for deeper meaning is a predominant “anywhere but Jesus” attitude—at least the Jesus of Christianity. Some of you who peruse the local coffee shops along Dunbar may have noticed a poster advertising  instructions in Gnosticism. It’s a heresy, and it’s teachings are a vary serious distraction from the Gospel. But distractions don’t have to be that serious to become a problem.

In today’s gospel lesson we encounter the sisters Mary and Martha during a visit by Jesus. Martha is very busy, very busy taking care of a lot of different things. In fact, she is doing a lot of the work—in her mind all of the work. It is not difficult to picture her is it? Many can relate to her experience, relate to those times when many guests were over, and there just were not enough hands to do the work. Many can relate to those times when a very important guest was over and things had to be just so, just perfect—up to the standards of a modern Martha, Martha Stewart. How many times have we sought to make everything perfect, just so that we look good in the eyes of another—just so we can escape the bad ratings of judgmental people. Just imagine how Martha felt with Jesus there. The son of God himself, was sitting in her living room, and pleasing him must have seemed the most important thing in the world. But  in her desire to make that perfect meal—to please Jesus—she actually lost sight of him, was ignoring him, was shutting him out.  Her agenda really  wasn’t about pleasing Jesus at all. It was about looking good. She lost sight of what true devotion to Jesus meant. How easy that is to do. How easy is it to lose sight of Jesus. How easy it is for a church which has pledged devotion to Jesus, to forget about the mission of Jesus, and get caught up in a whole lot of detail and worry. So much precious time has been taken up in the contemporary church  by so much worry—so much distraction.

Last week, this congregation lost one of its pillars Betty Gjertsen. Betty  may be departed from our midst, but she leaved behind a powerful witness, a witness of devotion,  an understanding that Jesus is all we need. Betty understood the better part, and the better part is the naked promise of the empty cross, and the faith into which Christians are baptized. The Gospel is God’s Word made Flesh, the Good News, which penetrates the dark veil of past and contemporary reality. This better part speaks to you in the here and now, just as it spoke to Mary two thousand years ago. The better part makes everything right. No bad news can tear down this good news—the promise made to us through Jesus Christ. So regardless of the difficulties and challenges you may have faced, regardless of the tragedies which you may have endured, and the obstacles which might be in front of you, the promise made to you is everlasting, and cannot be revoked. So when the waters get rough, cling to the promise, when the earth moves and shakes, grab hold of  the promise. When the waters rise, hold your head high and keep your eyes fixed, fixed on that empty cross which stands in the distance. When we find ourselves distracted, we need to go back. We need to repent,  turn away from our self-defined agendas, and fix our vision on Jesus—for it is only through him that hope exists, and true love is made possible. Now, may the peace which surpasses all understanding guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.

DUNBAR LUTHERAN LOSES LONG-TIME MEMBER

It is with sadness that we announce that Betty Gjertsen, long time member of Dunbar Lutheran Church, died on Tuesday. Betty has been a member and enthusiastically involved with this congregation for more than fifty years. She loved her Lord dearly, and now rests peacefully in His arms. We will miss her greatly; yet,  we will cherish the great gift of faith which blossomed in her heart and which she shared so abundantly. Dunbar Lutheran will be hosting her memorial at Granville Chapel, located at 43rd and Granville, on Tuesday, July 20th. Pastor Thomas will be presiding.

Pentecost 6 Sermon

Pentecost 6: Luke 10:1-11

It has been commented by more than a few people that now is not an easy time to be the church in Canada. Dwindling numbers, divisive arguments, the dominance of a secular humanist ethic in western society have  dealt serious blows to an institution which once stood at the centre of society. Over the course of the last fifty years, the Christian church has slowly but surely been pushed to the periphery. For some, the drop in numbers, and the seeming irrelevance to popular culture is a cause for despair. For some in the mainline denominations it is an occasion for panic, a call to restructuring, and  a desperate search for a new and better method for drawing people back into the pew, of putting the Christian Church back at the centre of Canadian society. But I would invite those who are panicking and desperately searching to reconsider, to view things from a different perspective—the perspective of God’s mission, the perspective embodied in today’s gospel lesson. For it is in these words we hear God’s Word of reassurance. In these words we find direction.

            Notice, first of all, what these words do not say. They do not say anything about church growth. They say nothing about financial strength or weakness. They say nothing about how to be relevant to  the dominant culture or how to be more popular to draw more people in. They say nothing about compromising or conceding to the surrounding society.

            Yes the specific words spoken by Jesus were directed to a specific people in a specific time and place, but the heart of those words is directed to us. What these words do give us, what they provide for us is a direction for mission-- Christ’s mission. And Christ’s mission will be a costly mission, because to follow Christ is to follow the path of costly discipleship, and a path of costly discipleship will, by its very definition, neither be easy or popular.  Jesus tells us this plainly. He tells us that the  “laborers are few”; he also tells us that he is sending his disciples as lambs into the midst of wolves”. Jesus gives his disciples a hard and realistic view of what discipleship entails, and nowhere in this does he mention  entertainment.

Many people today want that. They want  just to be entertained. So they move from church to church seeking a brand which will entertain them more.  Some congregations work hard at keeping people entertained because they know that when the product is no longer entertaining, people might leave—might go elsewhere.  Congregations focus on what will keep people amused, get and keep people in the building, and hope that somewhere in the process God’s Word will come across. But sisters and brothers. this is not the kind of discipleship to which Jesus calls us. Discipleship is  about proclaiming the Word of God in action, not conceding more and more to the “mc-culture” world we find ourselves in.  The Word of God is  Jesus Christ. We are called to proclaim that Word through who we are. We are called to do that in this time and place. We are called to do that individually and collectively. Whether you realize it or not, you have been sent. All Christians have been sent, sent to proclaim.

            And as we do that what we say will not be popular. The God we confess, the values we hold to will be attacked or belittled.  Out of fear of being labeled as a religious fanatic, we will be tempted to back off, and simply not say anything. Religion, some argue, is strictly a private matter, and ought not to be spoken about in polite company. So we are tempted to remain quiet. But silence speaks volumes as quietism prevails. Yes, how we speak is very important, how we proclaim is essential.  Self-righteous arrogance should never be a part of  our witness. A good piece of advice in this area was spoken by a famous theologian who said: “ Preach the Gospel wherever you go, if necessary use words.” In other words walk the walk when you talk the talk. But let us always and everywhere be prepared to confess out Lord.

How sad and pathetic it is that some Christians can more easily put on a sports Jersey and proclaim their loyalty to a professional sports team than proclaim Christ.  How tragic it is that Christians, historically have placed national and cultural loyalty above loyalty to Christ.  How truly  incomprehensible it is that Christians have worshipped money. How unbelievable it is that Christians look to secular teaching and ideologies for moral guidance rather than the plain teaching of scripture. But Paul tells us today—warns us, as a matter of fact, that God is not mocked. If we sow to our own flesh we will reap corruption from the flesh. In other words, if we invest our faith in the worldly—that which fades, diminishes and dies—it stands to reason that our souls will follow.

            Yes, the church is on the periphery, on the outside of this society—we cannot deny this anymore. But this is not a bad place. In fact it is a very good place, a very good place because when the church is relatively unpopular, it doesn’t have to worry about pleasing people.  When the church doesn’t have to worry about people pleasing, it can focus on God pleasing. When it is focused on God-pleasing it is focused on Christ’s mission. History proves this. When the church is at the centre. When the church  is accepted by the vast majority. When the church ceases to offend. When the church concedes and becomes indistinguishable from the surrounding culture, the church is in trouble—maybe not financially, maybe not in terms of popularity, but in the most important way of all---in the eyes of God.  Consider the following example, and its one I have referred to a few times. In Nazi Germany, the vast majority of protestant churchmen supported Adolf Hitler, either passively or actively. Bishops believed him to be a great conservative force in German life and society. Some thought otherwise. The Confessing church refused to go along, and its members suffered. But as we look back we realize that they were the ones who were standing up for Christ, and witnessing to the love of God in Word and Deed. But how tempting it must have been to go along with popular opinion at the time.  How tempting it is now—how tempting it is to water down the confession which has been passed down  us from the Aspotles.  How tempting it is to raise worldly goals above Christ’s missional call.

            But mission is not something we do. Mission is who we are. In this time and in this place we, as a congregation, are called into mission. So let us never cease in asking this question as a community and as individuals: What is our mission now? What is God calling us to in this community and in the world? Jesus tells us that the harvest is plentiful. The harvest of need in this community is plentiful. It may not seem that way but it is. We are, as you know, a small congregation, and small congregations can worry, worry about survival, worry about growth. But there is no need to worry; for Jesus tells us that our names are written in heaven. So let us not worry about all of those things the world tells us that we should be worrying about. Let us instead focus on what Jesus has told us to do. Because, in the final analysis, there is no choice. This congregation must do as it has been commanded to do, which is to proclaim the Kingdom of God in Word and deed, and do sot faithfully. Simply surviving for the sake of survival cannot be an option. Jesus provides no room for that.

            On Pentecost Sunday, over two thousand years ago, Jesus, the risen and ascended Lord established his church on earth. To this Church he gave his gifts of Word and Sacraments, so that sins might be forgiven, eternal life given, so that lives have been transformed. You, sisters and brothers have been given that gift by Grace, and it comes to you through faith. Jesus  has given you such a  precious gift, but it is a gift which is meant to be shared through bold proclamation. Jesus has sent us out to do this, so let us do this, trusting in the Lord who has sent us. Now , may the peace which surpases all understanding, guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

CHIMES JUNE 2010: Online Version of the DELC Newsletter

From the Pastor
Going with the Times

Fashions come and go.  Take men’s hair cuts, for example. In the nineteen fifties short, “crew cut” hair was the norm for men and boys. Those who wanted to make a statement grew pompadours and sideburns. In the late sixties and seventies long hair was fashionable. In the eighties “mullets” became the rage (short on top, long at the back). In the nineties and beyond, no hair became the trend!  Men who appear in eighties style hair these days tend to get noticed, and perhaps even invite a few chuckles. This is because they haven’t gone “with the times” and adapted to the latest trends dictated by contemporary culture. It is true that, in the world of fashion, not keeping up with the latest style can be costly.

            Some have made the same observation about the Christian Church. Some see much about the Christian Church as “old fashioned” and out of step with the times. Some say that in order to attract a younger generation, the church needs to revise its teachings and practices to be more relevant—that the church change according to the dictates of contemporary culture and society.

            But sisters and brothers, this kind of thinking is nowhere to be found in Scripture! Yes, it is true that the Gospel (the Good News) is proclaimed in specific times and places. God’s Word speaks to specific people in languages  which they can understand.  This is why there is such a wide variety of worship style in  Christianity.  Christian music, for examples, ranges from Gregorian chants, Bach cantatas, old time gospel,  to more contemporary expressions like rap.  Some congregations have a lot of liturgy while some have little. Preachers are constantly challenged to bring relevance to their messages.

But this is not to say that the Christian Church ought to follow the lead of surrounding society! As Paul tells  the Colossians, “ Set your minds on the things that are above, not on things that are on earth, for you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.”( 3:2). Christians, given their true identities by Jesus Christ, are called to be beacons of light in a world of darkness. God has created the Church to proclaim the Gospel and to live it out in action. In doing so, communities in Christ will face much opposition. Some  people will, sadly, turn away. Panic can set in and, soon, church leaders begin to ask: “  What are we doing wrong?”  Under these circumstances, we need to be reminded of Paul’s words to the Corinthians: “ So we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all measure, because we look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen; for what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal.”( I Corinthians 4:16-18).  Yes, change can be necessary, good, and life-giving. But any  change within the church must be moved by the Word of God. It must be scripturally rooted and theologically justified. Simply “going with the times,”  cannot be our motive. Let us keep our hearts and minds on the eternal truth proclaimed to us, and be bold in proclaiming this truth to others!

           

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Thomas

From the President

Dear Friends in Christ of Dunbar Lutheran

How quickly the months have passed – it’s almost the end of June and only 6 months left in 2010.  Also – it is almost a full year since Pastor Thomas accepted our call to Dunbar .  On Sunday, June 13^th I was glad to report as Stewardship Chairman that out giving was about $6,000 over our budget for 2010 – up to June 8^th.  However, the not so good news is that while our giving is up, we still have a shortfall of $7,700.00 up to June 8^th.  Thanks to everyone who supports our church ministry and please don’t forget our church when you go on holidays or are away – our costs continue and we need your support and prayers.  As I mentioned last Sunday – our church is completely supported by the congregation – that is each and every person you see on Sunday morning.  We do not receive any financial assistance from the synod, government or any other agency.

Big news for Ute and I –we have bought a house in Ladner , BC .  It is a large, beautiful home on one acre of land.  Now I can have a big vegetable garden and a real fruit orchard.  The new property even has a small greenhouse.  It needs some work but I look forward to spending more time gardening and a little less time at work.  But Dunbar will always be our church home, and it’s less than 30 minutes from our new home in Ladner to church.

I am still working on the vacant lot with the City of Vancouver and the BC Land Registry and while it has been frustrating at times, I am determined to get it all done.   

I am really excited about our church stained glass windows – Richard has agreed to take over the job of coordinating this project.  Richard has experience with stained glass and I am sure he will be able to answer any questions you may have about any aspect of this.

Dunbar Lutheran church will again be hosting a Blüthner Concert on Saturday, June 26^th, 2010 at 7:30 p.m.  The cost to attend this concert is $25.00 for adults and $15.00 for students.  The pianist is 20 year old Devon Juner.  This concert will be the season closing recital.  All are welcome to come and enjoy this classic grand piano concert.  If you want more information, please talk to me. 

Our council is working well and is united in working for our Lord and Saviour.  I continue to be impressed with the support and kindness of our congregation and that God has given us all the opportunity to work and worship together.  God bless us all and Pastor Thomas as our shepherd at Dunbar and please continue to keep Craig and Sarah in our prayers.

Hans Gust

PLEASE REMEMBER YOUR OFFERING DURING VACATION TIME!

Traditionally, the summer months are financially difficult ones for congregations. This is because when folks go on vacation their offerings have a tendency to go with them. Please remember that while you are on vacation, the ministry of the church continues. Writing post-dated cheques in advance of your vacation is a way of ensuring that your regular offering is made.

--a reminder from the stewardship committee

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!     

The Wrong Diet for Your Husband to Be on. He might love it…….but read on!

Breakfast:

Large cup or coffee with heavy cream and white sugar. No fresh juice or fruit allowed.

At least two slices of white spongy toasted bread with butter, the more, the better.

Top it with jam bought in the store {don't read the label for ingredients content}

The more preservatives, the better.

In medium size plate, place four or more strips of bacon, “fried of course”, two scrambled eggs done with the bacon drippings, salt for sharper taste and don't forget to decorate it with lots of Ketchup. This will start him on his way to become overweight and high blood pressure.

Mid-morning snack:

A strong cup of black coffee with cream and white sugar. One slice of Black Forest cake or large muffin will do. Top it with whip cream. This is excellent for artery blockage.

If he feels a bit tired and wishes to sit in front of the TV set, please do not go against his wishes, the less he does, the sooner his arteries will clog and the sooner you will get rid of him!

Lunch:

Canned soup with preservatives and mono-sodium glutamate {excellent for the body, heart and arteries and may even be a good help for premature cancer} served with a sandwich made with that white spongy bread filled with over salted cured colds meat cuts and lots of mayonnaise. After lunch, encourage him to nap for at least an hour, that way the fat will accumulate in his body and he will become overweight sooner than planned. Heart arteries will plug faster.

Mid afternoon snack:

Give him all the cheese he desires, salted crackers and cold beer, the colder, the better. This will cause the fat to harden and become more difficult to digest it or to lose weight.

He can sit in front of the TV set again. Don't forget to give him a bowl of chips to munch while he watches television.

Dinner time:

An option of pork chops or steak at least an inch thick. Serve with a generous amount of mashed potatoes with butter, white gummy buns and lots of gravy made with left over bacon drippings. No salad allowed, the lack of fiber in his body will set the scenario for constipation and colon cancer?

Dessert:

Ice cream with cookies or a generous slice of that beautiful Black Forest cake topped with more ice cream or whip cream, excellent for diabetes. After such a tasty dinner, encourage him to watch the evening news, bring him a cup of coffee with all the trimmings or one more of those cold beers....

No walks or exercise permitted, this will speed up his illnesses and lead him to the land of no return before his time....

Almost forgot about that much needed bedtime snack....A good cup of hot chocolate with delicious whip cream and cookies is essential for his cholesterol especially at bedtime. Yes!

Now, if you really love your husband and want to be at his side for many years, prepare wholesome meals using a minimum of fats or oils, small amounts of red meat rather then large portions, more fish and poultry than pork, lots of fruit and vegetables, whole grain breads and pastries, no gravy or heavy sauces. Any kind of exercise at least three times a week, half to one hour walks a day, plenty of drinking water instead of black teas, beer black coffee or wine. But more than anything, give him your love and thank God for your husband. Good luck and may you both live long, healthy and happy live together.

Wishing you well. Gigi

PLANNERS NEEDED!  We are planning a block party, as part of a “rally weekend”, September 18-19. We envision this as a time for a great time and a great opportunity to outreach to the surrounding community. But we need to start early! Please speak to  Ute or Pastor Thomas if you are interested in helping

                                       

ON THE LIGHTER SIDE

Letters to the Pastor

Dear Pastor, I know God loves everybody but He never met my sister.

Yours sincerely, Arnold. Age 8, Nashville.

Dear Pastor, My father should be a minister. Every day he gives us a sermon about something.

Robert, Age 11, Anderson.

Dear Pastor, I'm sorry I can't leave more money in the plate, but my father didn't give me a raise in my allowance. Could you have a sermon about a raise in my allowance?

Love, Patty. Age 10, New Haven

Dear Pastor, My mother is very religious. She goes to play bingo at church every week even if she has a cold. Yours truly,

Annette. Age 9, Albany

Dear Pastor, I think a lot more people would come to your church if you moved it to Disneyland.

Loreen. Age 9. Tacoma

Dear Pastor, Please say a prayer for our Little League team. We need God's help or a new pitcher.

Thank you.

Alexander. Age 10, Raleigh

Dear Pastor, My father says I should learn the Ten Commandments. But I don't think I want to because we have enough rules already in my house.

Joshua. Age 10, South Pasadena

Dear Pastor, I liked your sermon on Sunday. Especially when it was finished.

Ralph, Age 11, Akron

June July service schedule:

         Readers:          Communion Servers:

June 27     ?                    Don Simpson

July 4 Marie Frick

July 11  Ute Gust               Hans Gust

July 18 Carmen Funk

July 25 Don Simpson          Don Simpson