March 11: "Seasons of the Soil" (4th Sunday in Lent)

THE WORD IN THE GOSPEL  Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23

That day Jesus went out of the house and sat down beside the lake. Such large crowds gathered around him that he climbed into a boat and sat down. The whole crowd was standing on the shore.

He told them this parable: “A farmer went out to scatter seed. As he was scattering seed, some fell on the path, and birds came and ate it. Other seed fell on rocky ground where the soil was shallow. They sprouted immediately because the soil wasn’t deep. But when the sun came up, it scorched the plants, and they dried up because they had no roots. Other seed fell among thorny plants. The thorny plants grew and choked them. Other seed fell on good soil and bore fruit, in one case a yield of one hundred to one, in another case a yield of sixty to one, and in another case a yield of thirty to one. Everyone who has ears should pay attention.”

Jesus continued, “Consider this parable of the farmer. Whenever people hear the word about the kingdom and don’t understand it, the evil one comes and carries off what was planted in their hearts. This is the seed that was sown on the path. As for the seed that was spread on rocky ground, this refers to people who hear the word and immediately receive it joyfully. Because they have no roots, they last for only a little while. When they experience distress or abuse because of the word, they immediately fall away. As for the seed that was spread among thorny plants, this refers to those who hear the word, but the worries of this life and the false appeal of wealth choke the word, and it bears no fruit. As for what was planted on good soil, this refers to those who hear and understand, and bear fruit and produce—in one case a yield of one hundred to one, in another case a yield of sixty to one, and in another case a yield of thirty to one.”

MESSAGE     “Seasons of the Soil”

I had an interesting experience recently. About 12 years ago, I read a book that I absolutely loved. The book was “A Walk in the Woods” by Bill Bryson. It’s the story of Bryson’s attempt to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail, even though he had never done any kind of long-distance hiking before. The story is filled with Bryson’s wonderful humor, but also with danger and tenderness. I just loved it.

Then, last year, I decided to read the book again. And I was so surprised! I still enjoyed it, but not the way I did the first time I read it. Some of the parts I found funny the first time weren’t so funny the second time around. And some minor things in the story that I hadn’t really paid attention to the first time were very moving the second time. The first reading made me feel happy, but the second reading left me emotionally drained.

So what had happened? It was the same book. I was the same person. Why did I react so differently 12 years later. What had changed?

March 4: "Extravagance" (3rd Sunday in Lent)

THE WORD IN THE GOSPEL  Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32

All the tax collectors and sinners were gathering around Jesus to listen to him. The Pharisees and legal experts were grumbling, saying, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” So Jesus told them this parable: A certain man had two sons. The younger son said to his father, "Father, give me my share of the inheritance."

Then the father divided his estate between them. Soon afterward, the younger son gathered everything together and took a trip to a land far away. There, he wasted his wealth through extravagant living.

When he had used up his resources, a severe food shortage arose in that country and he began to be in need. He hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. He longed to eat his fill from what the pigs ate, but no one gave him anything. When he came to his senses, he said, "How many of my father’s hired hands have more than enough food, but I’m starving to death! I will get up and go to my father, and say to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I no longer deserve to be called your son. Take me on as one of your hired hands.'"

So he got up and went to his father. While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was moved with compassion. His father ran to him, hugged him, and kissed him. Then his son said, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I no longer deserve to be called your son."

But the father said to his servants, "Quickly, bring out the best robe and put it on him! Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet! Fetch the fattened calf and slaughter it. We must celebrate with feasting because this son of mine was dead and has come back to life! He was lost and is found!"

And they began to celebrate. Now his older son was in the field. Coming in from the field, he approached the house and heard music and dancing. He called one of the servants and asked what was going on. The servant replied, "Your brother has arrived, and your father has slaughtered the fattened calf because he received his son back safe and sound."

Then the older son was furious and didn’t want to enter in, but his father came out and begged him. He answered his father, "Look, I’ve served you all these years, and I never disobeyed your instruction. Yet you’ve never given me as much as a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours returned, after gobbling up your estate on prostitutes, you slaughtered the fattened calf for him."


Then his father said, "Son, you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad because this brother of yours was dead and is alive. He was lost and is found."

MESSAGE     “Extravagance”

Today, we are celebrating holy communion, so I only have time for a short sermon. Can I have an Amen?

I’d like you to take a moment to imagine something that you might consider extravagant.

I did a Google search, and I found some things you might agree are pretty extravagant.

How about a yacht that has seven suites, movie theater, a gymnasium, an infinity pool, and a helipad? For a mere $200 million.

How about a Reclining Zero Gravity Massaging Chair for $4,000? 

How about a Three-Strand Natural Pearl Necklace that sold for $1.4 million?

February 25: "Who is My Neighbor?" (2nd Sunday in Lent)

THE WORD IN THE GOSPEL  Luke 10:25-37

A legal expert stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he said, “what must I do to gain eternal life?”

Jesus replied, “What is written in the Law? How do you interpret it?”

He responded, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and love your neighbor as yourself.”

Jesus said to him, “You have answered correctly. Do this and you will live.”

But the legal expert wanted to prove that he was right, so he said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

Jesus replied, “A man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho. He encountered thieves, who stripped him naked, beat him up, and left him near death.

“Now it just so happened that a priest was also going down the same road. When he saw the injured man, he crossed over to the other side of the road and went on his way.

“Likewise, a Levite came by that spot, saw the injured man, and crossed over to the other side of the road and went on his way.

“A Samaritan, who was on a journey, came to where the man was. But when he saw him, he was moved with compassion. The Samaritan went to him and bandaged his wounds, tending them with oil and wine. Then he placed the wounded man on his own donkey, took him to an inn, and took care of him.

“The next day, he took two full days’ worth of wages and gave them to the innkeeper. He said, ‘Take care of him, and when I return, I will pay you back for any additional costs.’

Jesus said to the legal expert: “What do you think? Which one of these three was a neighbor to the man who encountered thieves?”

Then the legal expert said, “The one who demonstrated mercy toward him.”

Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”

MESSAGE     “Who is My Neighbor?”

What do you think of when you hear the term, the good Samaritan?

In our society, people use the phrase “good Samaritan” to mean “charitable do-gooders.” We see the term “Samaritan” used in hospital names, such as Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Suffern NY or Good Samaritan Medical Center in West Islip, Long Island.

There’s an organization in Great Britain called “The Samaritans” that is dedicated to providing support, a 24-hour hotline, and other resources aimed at preventing suicide.

Samaritan’s Purse is an international evangelical Christian organization that provides spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world, including victims of war, poverty, natural disasters, disease, and famine, all with the purpose of sharing God’s love.

In Australia, there’s an organization called the Good Samaritan Donkey Sanctuary, which offers shelter, food, refuge and care for abandoned, neglected, mistreated or ill donkeys. It also offers a home for donkeys whose owners are no longer able to care for them.

February 18: "Lose Something?" (1st Sunday in Lent)

THE WORD IN THE GOSPEL  Luke 15:3-10

Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, “This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.”

So he told them this parable: “Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.

“Or what woman having ten silver coins, if she loses one of them, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? When she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

MESSAGE     “Lose Something?”

Welcome to Lent! For many people, Lent is a time when you give something up, like chocolate or the internet or Facebook. For other people, Lent is a time when you take something on, such as a spiritual practice like meditation, or a specific behavior like being more patient with others.

Did you know that the Christian season of Lent did not really develop until after the 4^th century? For the first 400-some-odd years of Christian history, there was no season of Lent.

But when people did start to observe a special season before Easter, it was for the purpose of preparing individuals to receive baptism, which was celebrated on Easter Sunday. Back then, and for a good part of church history, preparation for baptism was a drawn-out process, sometimes lasting as long as two years. That final period before Easter, which came to be known as the season of Lent, was the final push for people to prepare to be baptized and to make the vows of baptism. It was an intense time of spiritual discipline, learning, and penitence.

In other words, the church wanted these people to know what they were getting into before they took those vows, before they pledged their lives to Christ and to the church, before they set their feet on an intentionally Christian journey of following the ways of Christ every day.

February 4: "Belonging"

THE WORD IN THE GOSPEL  Mark 1:29-39

After leaving the synagogue, Jesus, James, and John went home with Simon and Andrew. Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed, sick with a fever, and they told Jesus about her at once. He went to her, took her by the hand, and raised her up. The fever left her, and she served them.

That evening, at sunset, people brought to Jesus those who were sick or demon-possessed. The whole town gathered near the door. He healed many who were sick with all kinds of diseases, and he threw out many demons. But he didn’t let the demons speak, because they recognized him.

Early in the morning, well before sunrise, Jesus rose and went to a deserted place where he could be alone in prayer. Simon and those with him tracked him down. When they found him, they told him, “Everyone’s looking for you!”

He replied, “Let’s head in the other direction, to the nearby villages, so that I can preach there too. That’s why I’ve come.” He traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and throwing out demons.

MESSAGE     “Belonging”

Because our worship service is so full this morning, and because we’ll be celebrating communion, this will be a short sermon. Can I have an amen??

As I was working on this sermon, which, of course, I’ve called “Belonging,” I was browsing Google for images for the PowerPoint. And I came across this one website that offered a package deal for a bundle of slick, professional images, videos, banners, bumper stickers, you name it, all based on the theme of “You Belong Here.”

Yes, for just $49.99, I could order this package and be ready to announce to everyone, by means of flashy images and videos and Facebook and Instagram posts, that “You Belong Here.”

January 28: "Authority"

THE WORD IN THE GOSPEL  Mark 1:21-28

Jesus and his followers went into Capernaum. Immediately on the Sabbath Jesus entered the synagogue and started teaching. The people were amazed by his teaching, for he was teaching them with authority, not like the legal experts. Suddenly, there in the synagogue, a person with an evil spirit screamed, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are. You are the holy one from God.”

“Silence!” Jesus said, speaking harshly to the demon. “Come out of him!” The unclean spirit shook him and screamed, then it came out.

Everyone was shaken and questioned among themselves, “What’s this? A new teaching with authority! He even commands unclean spirits and they obey him!” Right away the news about him spread throughout the entire region of Galilee.

MESSAGE     “Authority”

We have a problem in this country. (Wait . . . )

Oh, I thought for sure someone would say, “Just one?”

Yes, we have a lot of problems in this country, but this morning I’m thinking of one in particular. We have a problem . . . with authority.

The problem is that we have too many authorities. Too many authorities with too many different opinions. Too many authorities whose opinions contradict each other.

Just look at the issue of vaccinating children. There are some authorities who firmly believe that vaccination is an unnecessary risk. But then there are other authorities who argue strongly that the risk is very small, and every child should be vaccinated.

And what about all the people who claim to be authorities in financial matters? Some of them think the answer to our country’s economic problems is to raise taxes on the wealthy. But others think that the answer lies in cutting what they see as unnecessary services to people on the other end of the economic ladder.

There’s no shortage of experts and authorities in our society and in our government who want to tell us exactly what we should be doing, because, after all, they are authorities, and they know best.

January 21: "How to Win Friends and Influence People"

THE WORD IN THE GOSPEL  Mark 1:14-20

After John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee announcing God’s good news, saying, “Now is the time! Here comes God’s kingdom! Change your hearts and lives, and trust this good news!”

As Jesus passed alongside the Galilee Sea, he saw two brothers, Simon and Andrew, throwing fishing nets into the sea, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” he said, “and I’ll show you how to fish for people.” Right away, they left their nets and followed him. After going a little farther, he saw James and John, Zebedee’s sons, in their boat repairing the fishing nets. At that very moment he called them. They followed him, leaving their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired workers.

MESSAGE     “How to Win Friends and Influence People”

When I was growing up in southern New Jersey, one of the things my mother liked to do was take me on drives. We explored most of south Jersey, and I saw a lot of interesting things along the way. We drove through the Pine Barrens, and to Ocean City and Cape May. I remember seeing Garden State Racetrack and downtown Camden, and the Navy Shipyards at the Delaware River waterfront. I remember seeing different churches and schools and shopping centers.

But there was this one place we’d drive by that always fascinated me. It was a fancy, sprawling building in Cherry Hill and the sign out front said, “Dale Carnegie Institute.” I had no idea what it was. I thought it was a college or something. But then one day, I noticed a book at the local bookstore, “How to Make Friends and Influence People,” by Dale Carnegie.

January 14, 2018: "Can Anything Good Come From . . ."

THE WORD IN THE GOSPEL  John 1:43-51

The next day Jesus wanted to go into Galilee, and he found Philip. Jesus said to him, “Follow me.” Philip was from Bethsaida, the hometown of Andrew and Peter.

Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law and the Prophets: Jesus, Joseph’s son, from Nazareth.”

Nathanael responded, “Can anything from Nazareth be good?”

Philip said, “Come and see.”

Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said about him, “Here is a genuine Israelite in whom there is no deceit.”

Nathanael asked him, “How do you know me?”

Jesus answered, “Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree.”

Nathanael replied, “Rabbi, you are God’s Son. You are the king of Israel.”

Jesus answered, “Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than these! I assure you that you will see heaven open and God’s angels going up to heaven and down to earth on the Human One.”

MESSAGE    

Most of you know by now that I prefer it when things are thoughtfully and meticulously planned out. Most weeks, I have my sermon written or at least planned out by Wednesday or Thursday. I usually spend Monday and Tuesday thinking about the scripture readings for the week and by mid-week, I have a good idea of where I’m going to go and what I think God wants me to say.

But every now and then, something will happen to upset that careful program of sermon and worship prep. Sometimes, after my sermon is all neatly wrapped up in a nice little package, ready to deliver on Sunday morning, there will be some kind of natural disaster or human tragedy – some kind of event that I feel I have to address, and so I shift gears late in the week.

That’s what happened this week. I had a nice little message about following Jesus all ready to share with you. But then, on Thursday, something happened that I cannot ignore, especially since today is Human Relations Sunday.

January 7, 2018: "Star Gazing"

THE WORD IN THE GOSPEL  Matthew 2:1-12

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in the territory of Judea during the rule of King Herod, magi came from the east to Jerusalem. They asked, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We’ve seen his star in the east, and we’ve come to honor him.”

When King Herod heard this, he was troubled, and everyone in Jerusalem was troubled with him. He gathered all the chief priests and the legal experts and asked them where the Christ was to be born. They said, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for this is what the prophet wrote:

“You, Bethlehem, land of Judah, by no means are you least among the rulers of Judah, because from you will come one who governs, who will shepherd my people Israel.”

Then Herod secretly called for the magi and found out from them the time when the star had first appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search carefully for the child. When you’ve found him, report to me so that I too may go and honor him.”

When they heard the king, they went; and look, the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stood over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were filled with joy. They entered the house and saw the child with Mary his mother. Falling to their knees, they honored him. Then they opened their treasure chests and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Because they were warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they went back to their own country by another route.

MESSAGE     “Star-gazing”

If you were at the Christmas Eve morning service, and saw our children’s pageant, you might remember that as the “mother” in the pageant told the Christmas story to her children, she mentioned that there are some differences between the way the story is told in the Bible, and the way we like to portray it in our Christmas carols and nativity scenes and pageants.

For instance, the Bible doesn’t say anything about animals in the stable, but we like to imagine that the baby Jesus was surrounded by gentle sheep and cattle.

Today’s story from the gospel of Matthew doesn’t say a word about three kings riding camels – all it says is that magi, or wise men, came from the east to Jerusalem. Neither does it say that it happened right after Jesus was born. And yet, we like to see those kings in our nativity scenes, and we love to sing the carol, “We Three Kings.”

But in fact, it seems pretty implausible that these magi arrived in Bethlehem so soon after Jesus was born. They had traveled many miles and stopped first in Jerusalem to ask people about this baby who was supposed to be King of the Jews. Most scholars believe that the magi visited Jesus when he was around two years old.

Christmas Eve 2017: "Keeping Christmas Well"

CHRISTMAS MESSAGE   “Keeping Christmas Well”

Well, we made it to Christmas. We made it through all the ugliness, hostilities, and violence of 2016. We made it through the messiness that we call life to this evening, this precious, sacred evening, when we can find refuge from all of that and rest in the soft candlelight, the soothing music, and the miraculous story of a baby’s birth.

And there has been a lot of messiness lately: the political mudslinging, the ongoing threat of terrorism, the horrendous acts of genocide and warfare around the world, and the loss of far too many of our young people to accidents, drugs, and violence.

It’s no wonder we come here tonight to find some peace for our souls, a moment’s rest for our bodies, and some comfort for our aching and fearful hearts.

If you’re like me, you take comfort in the symbols and rituals of Christmas, such as those beautiful carols, the lights, and the reading of the Christmas story.

I think that one of the most beloved symbols of Christmas is the nativity set: that lovely scene of Mary, Joseph, and the baby in the stable. We have a set here. You probably have one at home. 

In general, I like these nativity scenes, but there’s something about them that’s always bothered me. They are beautiful to look at, yes, and some of them are incredible works of art. But they are simply artistic representations that are designed to create a vision of tranquil peace and sublime beauty. And I’m afraid they’re not very realistic.

December 17: "Altering the Future?"

MESSAGE

Christmas is one week away! Whew! Are you starting to feel a little bit anxious? Are you afraid that there’s so much to do, or that you don’t have enough time, or you’ve forgotten something important?

There’s nothing like a big holiday to stoke our fears. Some people are afraid of getting together with some of their more argumentative relatives. Some children are afraid that they’re on Santa’s “naughty list” and won’t get any presents. Some people are afraid they forgot to get a present for someone.

But those are pretty mild compared to some of the things that are making other people very afraid. Some people are afraid they won’t have enough money to cover the bills this month, even without spending much on Christmas. Some people are afraid that this might be the last Christmas they can spend with their loved ones who are sick. And some people, like those who live in areas devastated by war or famine, are afraid that their families will be dead before the day is over.

December 10: "Nothing Like the Present"

MESSAGE

Finish this sentence: Christmas just isn’t Christmas without . . .

What are your favorite traditions that make Christmas special?

Treasured ornaments hanging on a beautiful tree? Heirloom decorations on the tabletop or mantle? Lots of shiny, wrapped presents under the tree? That big inflatable Santa on the front lawn?

What about cookies burning . . . I mean baking in the oven? Or a frantic, last-minute trip to Walmart to buy a present for someone you forgot? Or, how about watching the movie “A Christmas Story” at least twice on Christmas Day while still in your jammies?

For me, Christmas just isn’t Christmas without the hustle and bustle of Christmas Eve services. I love those services, and I love going home around midnight on Christmas Eve and relaxing in the afterglow of the carols and the candlelight and the fellowship, with my cats curled up beside me, looking at the lights on my tree.