Thoughts & Meditations...
March, 2008
Dear Brothers & Sisters In Christ,
“Wake up! Wake up, I tell you!” We stumble out of our beds. It is still early. We are together, awaiting the disaster we feel sure will overtake us at any moment. It is a wonder we could sleep at all. Fear grips our hearts. Who is calling? Have they come for us already? How did they find us? Has another of our company betrayed us to the officials? Quickly, let us dress and prepare to meet our executioners.
But no. Those pounding on our doors are not the officials we had expected. No, it is the company of women who have been traveling with us. They are all excited and out of breath. Let them in so we can hush them. We cannot afford a commotion now. If we attract any attention our hideout may be discovered. Come in and for God’s sake be quiet!
“He’s not there! We went and we saw an angel and his body was not there!” Hold it, hold it. You are talking nonsense. You went to the tomb and found the stone rolled away? The Roman soldiers may have stolen his body. Calm down, you are getting hysterical.
“No, no, you don’t understand. We were told that he is not dead. We were told that he is alive, risen! That he will meet us all in Jerusalem.”
Jerusalem! What are you talking about? We are not about to go back to the place of the arrest and trial. We are asking for the same crucifixion if we do. You women are beside yourselves.
“I tell you, he is alive! He has risen, just as he told us he would. Don’t you remember what he said while he was with us?”
Yes, yes, now that you mention it. I do remember. He said that after three days he would rise again. We didn’t understand. Are you saying that he didn’t really die? We saw the blood and water flowing from his side. He was dead all right. No, you say he was dead and is now alive forever? How can this be?
“How can this be? Are not those the words which is mother exclaimed when she say Gabriel? Perhaps we too have seen the angel of the Lord. I don’t know what has happened. But my heart is burning and something deep inside says YES! HE IS ALIVE!”
Well, friends, I don’t know about you, but I’m going with Peter and John to the tomb. I want to see for myself. I’m going to the gathering place of the holy community. If Jesus is alive, surely he will appear where his followers are gathered. I am going to the Church on Easter to see for myself. My head says it’s impossible, but my heart is pounding with hope renewed. Please, Lord, let it be so. I BELIEVE, now grant me to see the truth of your Word. Let me be among those who breathlessly exclaim the message, “He is Alive! He is risen! Alleluia!!
Pastor Bob
February, 2008
Dear Brothers & Sisters In Christ,
Welcome to Lent. No kidding.
I say “no kidding” because not everyone thinks of Lent as a welcome experience. This is probably because for years, the focus of Lent was on self-denial, on “giving something up.” I know of a man who normally drinks about five cups of coffee a day. But each year he gives up coffee for the days of Lent. The first few days of Lent are miserable for him as he goes through caffeine withdrawal. Why would he say welcome to Lent? He does, though, because his devotion to God is real, and for him, giving up coffee helps him examine his commitment to Christ and meditate on the suffering and death of his Lord.
Acts of self-denial are appropriate when the sacrifice connects with Christian commitment. But there is another view of Lent: a time to prepare to celebrate the Resurrection. When we prepare to celebrate something, we often do housekeeping chores. If we are going to have a party at our house, we first spend some time cleaning the house. We lay in a supply of refreshments. We decorate. And when all is ready and the guests arrive, we celebrate. Preparing is never quite as much fun as celebrating, but it takes the preparation to make the celebration possible. Lent is like that -- a time for spiritual housecleaning, a time to dust off our faith, shine up our commitment, lay in a supply of thanks and decorate our lives with the joy of the Christian life. Then, when Easter comes, we know in our hearts what the celebrating is all about.
At MUMC, our Lenten opportunities for spiritual housecleaning will include:
Ash Wednesday Service (February 6th at 8:00 p.m.)
Friday Lenten Study at 10:00 a.m.– Feb. 8, 13, 22, 29 & Mar. 7, 14, 21)
Monday Lenten Study at 10:00 a.m. – Feb. 11, 18, 25 & Mar. 3, 10, 17)
Women’s Lenten Retreat at Grove Hall (Ocean Grove) on Feb.8-10
Men’s Lenten Weekend at Grove Hall (Ocean Grove) on Mar. 7-9
Lenten Film Series (Sundays at 6:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary)
“Jesus Christ Superstar” – February 10th
“The Greatest Story Ever Told” – February 17th
“Godspell” – February 24th
“Jesus Of Nazareth – Holy Week” – March 2nd
“The Execution of Jesus” – March 9th
“The Passion Of The Christ” – March 16th
Holy Week Services:
Palm Sunday Worship at 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. (Mar. 16)
Holy Thursday Worship at 8:00 p.m. (Mar. 20)
Good Friday Stations/Prayer/Meditation from noon to 6:00 p.m.
Please plan to worship with us during this holy season.
And welcome to Lent. No kidding.
Pastor Bob
