The Journey

During this Advent season we will be taking a journey during worship based on a book called “The Journey, Walking the Road to Bethlehem”, by Adam Hamilton.  Each week will explore a different story from the Bible and the journey those people had to undertake as they lived their lives journeying towards the birth of Jesus.  We will not only learn about Mary, Joseph and Elizabeth but we will learn about the surroundings they inhabited as they began this journey.  My hope is that each of us will be encouraged to take our own journey during worship to be reminded of or learn the true meaning of Christmas. 

As Adam Hamilton so bluntly shares in his book of reflections, “Christmas today seems like an orgy of overindulgence. Many Americans go into debt to make sure their children have "enough" under the tree at Christmas and then watch as their kids become weary after opening so many presents. We find ourselves with a "Christmas hangover" when the credit card bills arrive. Somehow we miss out on the true message and joy of Christmas (Hamilton, Adam (2011). The Journey: A Season of Reflections (Kindle Locations 106-109). Abingdon Press. Kindle Edition.)

Often in the rush of Christmas schedules and busyness we let that meaning of Christmas fall to the wayside, overtaken by Christmas parties, family obligations and unfortunately lots of stress.  So as we take this journey this Advent season lets be sure to slow down occasionally and focus on the birth of our savior Jesus. 

You can check out Adam's book through the link below.

Peace and Blessings to you during this special time of year.

Pastor David Machon

 http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=9781426714252

Are Our Roots Deep

I have been asking the congregation I serve to consider their level of faith and how that faith frees up or hinders their relationship with God and others.  As we explored 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 in worship I asked them about their ability to find delight in the law of the Lord.  Why should God trust us with His message?  How are we qualified?  And how are we letting people know about our faith.  Are the roots of our faith being nourished and have they dug in deep making their own personal faith strong? 

I encouraged them to speak boldly about their faith and demonstrate that faith through their actions.  And at times that may mean that they must "tell it like it is" when it comes to potential conflict.  Often the easier route is to avoid conflict and allow things to carry on as always.  To be fearless in speaking out for example, when the abuse of power is taking place within the Christian community will not be easy but is necessary for the development of true community. 

I encouraged personal integrity and referenced Paul who said that "he and his companions were not flatterers, nor greedy, nor seeking hone, despite the fact that as leaders they might have claimed honor (vv-6-7). 

I encouraged them to focus on pleasing God rather than humans.

I encouraged them to be willing to share their own struggles, doubts and uncertainties with each other as part of this Christian Community.  And by doing do they will grow in their faith as they learn from each other. 

I wonder if anyone was listening? 

Sitting in the quiteness of the moment...

As I opened Facebook this morning I was welcomed with the following update from Re-Member, the agency the Ecumenical Youth Group worked with this summer on our mission trip.

“Currently 16 degrees here in Pine Ridge. Take a moment to think of the families who have a warmer floor this morning thanks to your skirting efforts this summer.”

Looking back on my time at Pine Ridge and my experiences with bed bugs, heat and long car rides with three teenagers I am quickly reminded that the trip was not about me. The mission trip was about doing what God called me to do and that was helping the people of Pine Ridge. I think of Minerva and her family having a warmer home because of how God used me to be part of skirting her trailer and I am blessed.

As we begin the journey towards the end of 2011 and we review our accomplishments over the past year I share the following prayer that was also discovered on Facebook. Short, to the point and my point of view very powerful. Take a moment to do what the prayer suggests.

Sit in the quietness of the moment
Look back with gratitude
Look forward with hope
Give thanks in all circumstances

Blessings and Peace,

David

A Labyrinth Journey

Have you ever walked through a prayer labyrinth? I have had the opportunity to walk through several prayer labyrinths and though I always feel a bit awkward at the beginning, but by the time I reach the middle, walking in prayer the whole time, I feel a connection with God that is different than when I am just sitting. It is an active prayer, a time of prayer where you may feel awkward but proceed through the labyrinth anyway, praying as you go. Once I reach the middle I often take a moment to be still and listen quietly and then eventually head back out of the labyrinth. Each journey has been different, my prayers specific to what I was experiencing in life at that time.

I recently returned from a mission trip to South Dakota, journeying on a different type of labyrinth they call a mission trip. Once you think about it they do have some similarities. Just like a labyrinth, on a mission trip you begin the trip a little uncertain about what lies ahead for you and the mission team. You journey together talking, laughing and experiencing new things on the way. Once you reach the work site, the center, you have the opportunity to serve God by serving others. While there you will be given the opportunity to be still and listen for God’s presence through prayer, Bible study, discussion and interaction with those we are serving. Then on the way back home you can reflect further on how you experienced God while serving, listening and honoring Him.

I guess when you really think about it our walk with God is like a labyrinth all of the time. We are all on a journey, waiting to get to the center and begin the journey back only to begin the journey once more.

Peace and Blessings to you,

David Machon

Life Labrynths

Have you ever walked through a prayer labyrinth? (See picture below) I have had the opportunity to walk through several prayer labyrinths and though I always feel a bit awkward at the beginning by the time I reach the middle, walking in prayer the whole time, I feel a connection with God that is different than when I am just sitting. It is an active prayer, a time of prayer where you may feel awkward but proceed through the labyrinth anyway, praying as you go. Once I reach the middle I often take a moment to be still and listen quietly and then eventually head back out of the labyrinth. Each journey has been different, my prayers specific to what I was experiencing in life at that time.

Starting this Friday I will be traveling to South Dakota, journeying on a different type of labyrinth they call a mission trip. Once you think about it they do have some similarities. Just like a labyrinth, on a mission trip you begin the trip a little uncertain about what lies ahead for you and the mission team. You journey together talking, laughing and experiencing new things on the way. Once you reach the work site, the center, you have the opportunity to serve God by serving others. While there you will be given the opportunity to be still and listen for God’s presence through prayer, Bible study, discussion and interaction with those we are serving. Then on the way back home you can reflect further on how you experienced God while serving, listening and honoring Him.

I guess when you really think about it our walk with God is like a labyrinth all of the time. We are all on a journey, waiting to get to the center and begin the journey back only to begin the journey once more. I can’t wait to tell you about the journey I have been on with the Ecumenical Youth Group. As with all of the mission trips I have been on in the past I expect that God will surprise and teach me something while on this journey.

Peace and Blessings to you,

David Machon

Good Friday Prayer Journey

This past Good Friday we provided the community an opportunity to explore the last words of Jesus through a series of contemplative prayer stations.  All stations were inspired by the material provided by Brian Kirk and his blog www.rethinkingyouthministry.com.  

Good Friday Guide

Ministers Article for Church Newsletter

Are you remembering to pray for First Christian Church as we consider the journey God is leading us towards?  I have asked the Elders to begin brainstorming with me about ways the congregation can begin working together to prayerfully develop an understanding of what is next in the life of our church.  There are many things we must do before the picture of what that future may look like comes into focus.

 One area I believe God is calling us to work on is the way we treat each other as the body of Christ present in this church.  Church should be a place where people feel safe and know that they are not going to be treated badly.  Unfortunately we know this is not often the case with most churches.  But we are told in all four of the gospels that “Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’  This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.”  With that in mind I will be encouraging the leaders of our church (Elders and Board) to begin summarizing what they believe are the expected congregational behaviors that we should find within the church? 

I would like to give an example of an Expected Behavior Covenant that Dr. Bill Tenny-Brittian has helped a church develop as he consulted with their congregation. 

 Discipleship Behaviors

1. We will treat each other with respect and compassion, speaking honestly and taking the time to listen to one another.
2. We will joyfully accept and embrace all people into our midst, practicing generosity of our time, our abilities, our financial gifts and our prayers for each other.
3. We will pursue agreement through honest interaction and then speak well of resulting decisions by the church and its leaders to build trust in fulfilling the united mission of the congregation.
4. We will practice peacemaking by following the teaching of Matthew 18:15-17.
5. We will be faithful in regular worship attendance, small group bible study and prayer, growing in spirit and grace, so that we experience the life transforming movement of God’s Spirit within us.
6. Leaders will model these behaviors of discipleship, being of one heart and soul, by continuing to grow in spirit and grace, inspiring others to come alongside.

As we look at creating our own covenant it make look similar or be radically different than this example.  Developing such a covenant within our church would be a first step in our journey towards being a transformational church that makes our vision and mission not only words on paper but something that is lived out as members of this church and the body of Christ. 

 Blessings and Peace to you!

 David Machon