Thanks for Serving, 6-21-2011

Dear Fellow Children of God,

Vacation Bible School is being held at St. John this week.  Over 100 children are in attendance learning about the love of God under the theme, “Big Jungle Adventure.”  Every day children laugh and sing, run and play, and hopefully grow in the knowledge of God’s love for them in Jesus.

Among those attending are many children who are not members of St. John.  That is one our hopes when we advertize our VBS in the community.  Some of those children from the community are attending as students.  Some of the older children are actually helping to lead and teach the younger students.  Today I asked one of those visitors which church she attended.  When she told me which church I asked when her church was offering Vacation Bible School.  Her answer was, “We aren’t holding Vacation Bible School this year, there are not enough Volunteers.” 

Finding volunteers IS a growing challenge as people’s lives get busier and as people have more options for their time and service.  That makes those who are volunteering this week at St. John special blessings to God’s work at St. John, and special blessings to the children who are learning about Jesus.  Do you know the time, the energy, the commitment, even the sacrifice it takes to help and lead VBS?  Actually, all volunteering to help people in God’s name is a sacrifice of faith.

Jesus calls Christians to such service.  26 . . . whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave-- 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."  (Matthew 20:26-27)  When we serve others we are responding to the call of our Lord who served us to the point of death so we might live.  In fact, Jesus calls us to such sacrificial service especially for children.

46 An argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest. 47 Jesus, knowing their thoughts, took a little child and had him stand beside him. 48 Then he said to them, "Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For he who is least among you all-- he is the greatest."  (Luke 9:46-48)

That sounds like a Vacation Bible School volunteer to me.

THANK YOU, everyone who gives of their time to serve God.  SPECIAL THANKS to all this year’s VBS volunteers!!!!  You are a real blessing as we seek to share Jesus with his children!

A Child of God, Called to Serve by our Servant Savior,

Pastor Jonathan

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ABOUT ‘THOUGHTS FROM THE PASTOR’ -   I am sending these e-mail messages, hopefully weekly, to all St. John members and friends whose e-mails I have.  (I am always adding new names of friends and members – in case you are just receiving this e-mail for the first time.)  However, if you don’t want to receive this e-mail, please let me know, and I’ll gladly leave your name off my list for this message. . . Or, if you know someone who would like to receive one of these e-mails, please send me their e-mail address.

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A Holiday Thought About Rest, 6-30

Dear Fellow Children of God,

This coming Sunday, July 3, is part of the long 2011 4^th of July holiday which most Americans will celebrate in some way.   Holiday’s are intended to be a time of rest and celebration, so I find it especially appropriate that Jesus’ words from Matthew 11:28 in the assigned Gospel lesson for this Sunday talk about rest.  "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

We are told that people today are busier than ever.  Many seem to be always tired.  So, where do we go for rest?  What we will hear in worship Sunday is that Jesus says, “Come to ME . . . and I will give you rest.”

Since the 4^th of July celebrates our county’s birthday, this holiday is also a time of national remembrance and celebration.  The tune “Taps” is a military song played at the end of the day, and also played at military funerals.  When national celebrations happen at cemeteries this song is often played.  This 4^th of July, having read Matthew 11:28, I encourage you to consider the words of this song and prayer.

Day is done, gone the sun
From the lakes, from the hills, from the sky
All is well, safely rest
God is near.

Fading light dims the sight
And a star gems the sky, gleaming bright
From afar, drawing near
Falls the night.

Thanks and praise for our days
Neath the sun, neath the stars, neath the sky
As we go, this we know
God is near.

May God bless your holiday celebration with a time of relaxation, and the peace of Jesus.

A Child of God, And an American Resting in Jesus,

Pastor Jonathan

P.S.  Perhaps this rendition will help with this meditation. (You might have to close the advertisements.)  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38wx8C7VmB4

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ABOUT ‘THOUGHTS FROM THE PASTOR’ -   I am sending these e-mail messages, hopefully weekly, to all St. John members and friends whose e-mails I have.  (I am always adding new names of friends and members – in case you are just receiving this e-mail for the first time.)  However, if you don’t want to receive this e-mail, please let me know, and I’ll gladly leave your name off my list for this message. . . Or, if you know someone who would like to receive one of these e-mails, please send me their e-mail address.

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Accepting Difficult Tasks

Dear Fellow Children of God,

Do you ever wonder “if the hassle is worth it?”  Last night I umpired a Little League baseball game. I’ve umpired for a number of years because I enjoy the game and because my kids needed umpires when they played and I coached.

But last night I made a controversial call.  You might think, “What’s the big deal?  It’s baseball, right?  ‘Kill the ump’ is part of the game.”  It was extra innings, so it was a close game.  A young man hit the ball, ran to first, and the ball to the first-baseman was thrown up the line so there was going to be a collision between the runner and the first baseman.  The runner put up his hand and hit the glove hand of the fielder.  According to the rules I could have ruled it incidental contact because of where the ball was thrown, or I could have ruled it runner interference because the runner hit the fielder.  Basically, I decided I was ruling on the motivation of the runner as I saw it.  Was he cheating or was the contact incidental.  I decided not to think the worst of the player, and ruled him safe, not out because of interference.  Of course one team was happy I ‘made the right call,’ and parents on the other side were showing me they had video of the play ‘I missed.’  Either way I ruled someone would have been mad.  I tried to do what was right.  (As I rolled over the play in my head at home last night, I now  think I might have made the opposite call.  But, calls need to be made on the spot.)

So, if I made a mistake, should I continue umpiring and subject others to my mistakes?  Or, if I made the right call, I thought “Why put myself through the hassle?”   

The same thing happens in God’s church.  Taking a leadership position means making decisions.  Often the reason those decisions need to be made is that there are different opinions.  When a leader makes a decision it is sure someone will be disappointed.  Sometimes people volunteer for a job in a servant position, and there does not seem to be enough help.  So, volunteering to serve carries a cost.  I know that God’s children ask themselves at times, “Why put myself through the hassle?” 

However, all these thoughts can help me consider what our Lord endured for us.  Peter wrote,

21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. 22 "He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth." 23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.  (1 Peter 2:21-24, see also 2 Corinthians 5:15)

Jesus went through untold injustice so that he could love and forgive and save us.  He might have asked, “Why put myself through the hassle?”  Where would that leave us?  Without Jesus being willing to suffer injustice we would be lost.  1 Peter also says we should expect the same.  “21 to this you were called, because Christ suffered for you.”  There are times that when we try to serve and put our Christian faith to work there is a cost.  Remember, “to this you were called.”  If Christ served me, I want to serve Him.  My cost will never equal what He endured.

Serving as a baseball umpire is a small hassle, life brings many others our way.  “Why put myself through the hassle?”  I know no one is perfect, myself included.  And, the kids need umpires.  So, I’ll keep serving.  How about you?

A Child of God, Blessed to serve the One who served me,

Pastor Jonathan

P.S.  This year’s Colony Days Community Picnic and parade entry may have been our best ever.  The weather was great and there were a lot of people at the picnic.  THANKS to all who helped!  Here are some pictures.  https://picasaweb.google.com/jonrock53/CommunityPicnicAndParadeColonyDays2011PalmerAK?authkey=Gv1sRgCJaR1PzvoK_RrQE&feat=directlink

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ABOUT ‘THOUGHTS FROM THE PASTOR’ -   I am sending these e-mail messages, hopefully weekly, to all St. John members and friends whose e-mails I have.  (I am always adding new names of friends and members – in case you are just receiving this e-mail for the first time.)  However, if you don’t want to receive this e-mail, please let me know, and I’ll gladly leave your name off my list for this message. . . Or, if you know someone who would like to receive one of these e-mails, please send me their e-mail address.

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Needed Strength for Weary People

Dear Fellow Children of God,

In worship last night [Wednesday] I asked the question, ‘Have you seen the commercials for energy drinks, or energy products?’  It seems people are tired and weary these days from all the demands of life.  So now there are more products than ever to give energy. (I’m sticking to my cup of coffee!!)

How about you?  Do you ever feel weary, inadequate, overwhelmed?  Does your faith in God grow weak at times?  This week my mind has been focused on the Pentecost event and God’s gift of the Holy Spirit.  Jesus promised the disciples, 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."  The Holy Spirit is God’s source of faith, and strength, and comfort for His children – God’s source of energy for us. 

Some may wonder, ‘But, I often feel weak.  Do I have this gift of the Holy Spirit?”  Actually, if you ask that question you have faith that shows God’s Spirit is working in you.  We may not experience the excitement of tongues of fire, or speech in other tongues that we read about in Acts 2.  But, according to Peter in that Pentecost event God gives the Spirit in a simple act of promise from the Lord. 

38 Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 

I may not always feel personally strong.  I cannot always trust my experience.  But, God’s Spirit is given by God’s promise. 

God wants all to know His love in Jesus and be saved.  He calls us to believe in Jesus and to share Jesus.  But, knowing the weakness and failure of our obedience and response to His love, knowing the weakness and failure of our faith, God strengthens us to believe and serve by His Spirit.  If you have been baptized, if you have heard God’s Word, the power of the Holy Spirit is alive in you.

Perhaps you would like to pray with me the prayer I prayed from my devotion this morning. . .

Father, let Your Spirit come upon us with power to fill us with His gifts.  May He make our hearts pleasing to you through faith in Jesus, and ready to do your will.  We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one god, forever and ever.  Amen!

A Child of God, Strengthened by the Gift of God’s Holy Spirit,

Pastor Jonathan

P.S.  Monday I took those associated with the Kuwaa African Mission fishing on the Little Susitna.  We only caught 1 king salmon, about a 20 pounder.  But here are the pictures.  https://picasaweb.google.com/jonrock53/FirstSalmonTrip2011?authkey=Gv1sRgCKzGqcDI4b3xxgE&feat=directlink

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ABOUT ‘THOUGHTS FROM THE PASTOR’ -   I am sending these e-mail messages, hopefully weekly, to all St. John members and friends whose e-mails I have.  (I am always adding new names of friends and members – in case you are just receiving this e-mail for the first time.)  However, if you don’t want to receive this e-mail, please let me know, and I’ll gladly leave your name off my list for this message. . . Or, if you know someone who would like to receive one of these e-mails, please send me their e-mail address.

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Don't Worry - Pray

Dear Fellow Children of God,

Sometimes I realize that it takes more than just one ‘tap on the shoulder’ to get my attention.  (Maybe it really does take a 2 x 4)  How about you?  Anyway, I have recently had a number of ‘taps’ that point me to the strength and peace with which God gifts us in prayer.

·         Saturday as I was at the wedding reception for Dylan and Lauren Larson I heard my wife quote something she read that points to worry and prayer.  Kathy had read what another mother had written, “Every morning I give my kids to the Lord in prayer.  But by the afternoon I end up taking them back again.”  Hmmm.  Sound familiar?

·         Today in morning devotions I read a quote from C.S. Lewis.  Paraphrasing what this wise English Christian said, I read, “Don’t think anything is too small to bring to God in prayer.  If you are thinking about it, pray about it.”  Good advice.

·         Today I read a devotional e-mail from friend and seminary president, Dale Meyer.  He talked about holidays and dealing with the problems of life.  “Holidays often let us put problems in the background but the day after…ah, the day those problems can come back with a vengeance.”

How do you deal with life’s nagging and persistent problems and worries?  I know that one of the reasons for worries is that I / we often trust ourselves, rather than God.  So, when problems arise that are bigger than our wisdom or strength, what do we do now?  . . .  As I read Dr. Meyer’s devotion, the words of Philippians 4:6-7 came to mind.  6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Yes, I am sure God was working to get my attention.  God does call us to peace, even when the world seems to bring only trouble.  When “in everything” we “present our requests to God” He really does answer our prayers in His love and wisdom.  God has taken care of our eternity in Jesus.  Certainly he is able to take care of this life’s concerns. 

I pray Philippians 4:7 for you, and for myself.  7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

A Child of God, Finding Peace in Christ Jesus,

Pastor Jonathan

P.S.  I have also heard the following proverb.  “Don’t cross your fingers . . . fold your hands.”

P.P.S.  THANK YOU again to Members and Friends of St. John for the commemoration of my 20 years as pastor of St. John, and for the new fishing rod.  On the way back from Fairbanks I caught 5 grayling just east of Cantwell on my new rod.  Here are some pictures of the trip, including one ‘fish picture.’  https://picasaweb.google.com/jonrock53/FairbanksTripMay2011?authkey=Gv1sRgCKactsaMrbvH7QE&feat=directlink

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ABOUT ‘THOUGHTS FROM THE PASTOR’ -   I am sending these e-mail messages, hopefully weekly, to all St. John members and friends whose e-mails I have.  (I am always adding new names of friends and members – in case you are just receiving this e-mail for the first time.)  However, if you don’t want to receive this e-mail, please let me know, and I’ll gladly leave your name off my list for this message. . . Or, if you know someone who would like to receive one of these e-mails, please send me their e-mail address.

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Sharing Jesus (May 23)

Dear Fellow Children of God,

On Sunday night David Grosz and I led worship at the Palmer Correction Center.  During the meditation or Bible study the question was asked, “What is God’s plan for your life?”  Part of the reason that question was asked is that we studied John 17:11-19.  This section of Scripture is part of Jesus’ “High Priestly Prayer” which He prayed in the upper room the night before he died.  As He is speaking to His heavenly Father verse 18, Jesus prays, 18 As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.  Jesus’ prayer and plan for us is to bring God’s love to the world as He did.  God’s plan for each of us, and His plan for the church as a whole, is that His children share Jesus so that others in the world know His love for them.

I don’t know if you realize how many activities at St. John are planned at this time to share Jesus’ love with others, but we have a month full of outreach efforts ahead of us.

·         Last Sunday we took an offering for the St. John Mission team that will go north of Tok to Northway to lead Bible School June 6-10.  (You may still make a donation for this effort.)  This group will share God’s love with the children of this small Alaska town.

·         In worship on Sunday, June 5, Rev. Dr. Jenson Seyenkulo, a pastor from Aftrica, will tell us about efforts (by the Lutheran Church) among the Kuwaa people of Western Africa.

·         On June 11 St. John again hosts the community picnic on our eastern property.  With the help of funds from Thrivent we hope to feed people from Palmer after the Colony Days parade and invite them to worship and Vacation Bible School at St. John.  (Last year an estimated 500 people attended this picnic.)

·         Vacation Bible School will be offered at St. John June 20-24 as an effort, not only to share Jesus with the children of St. John, but also as an effort to reach children in our community with the good news of Jesus’ love.

You might be surprised to know, or maybe not so surprised, that the men in the prison worship knew ways that God was using them to share God’s love at the prison.  We also discussed that Jesus’ sacrificial and forgiving love is not always shared with words, but instead His love is often shared in actions.  That after all is what Jesus did.  God sent His Son, Jesus, to the world, and Jesus showed love in dying on the cross and rising again.  Jesus’ prayer for us and His plan for us is that we are sent into the world as He was sent. 

A Child of God, Sent to Share His love,

Pastor Jonathan

P.S.  Sunday God reached out to call another child to His family.  Here is a picture from the baptism of Fiona Greenwood.  https://picasaweb.google.com/jonrock53/May22StJohnBaptism20thAnniversaryForPastorJonathan?authkey=Gv1sRgCKLumJXB1crt3gE#5610183228478193394

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THANK YOU – Thanks you, members and friends of St. John, for the reception and gifts in remembrance of the 20^th anniversary of my installation as Pastor of St. John.  (I took the fishing pole with me to the Alaska Church Workers’ Conference in Fairbanks this week, in hopes of wetting the line in a Parks Highway stream.)

https://picasaweb.google.com/jonrock53/May22StJohnBaptism20thAnniversaryForPastorJonathan?authkey=Gv1sRgCKLumJXB1crt3gE#5610183374642238674

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ABOUT ‘THOUGHTS FROM THE PASTOR’ -   I am sending these e-mail messages, hopefully weekly, to all St. John members and friends whose e-mails I have.  (I am always adding new names of friends and members – in case you are just receiving this e-mail for the first time.)  However, if you don’t want to receive this e-mail, please let me know, and I’ll gladly leave your name off my list for this message. . . Or, if you know someone who would like to receive one of these e-mails, please send me their e-mail address.

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