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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We Once Were Lost, But Now Are Found

Dear Fellow Children of God,

Sunday I lost my cell phone.  I remember (I think) putting my phone in my suit pocket before I left for church on Sunday morning.  When I returned home Sunday afternoon and reached to put the phone away, it was not in my pocket.  I called the phone hoping to hear the ring, but no luck.  I looked at home and at church, more than once.  My family looked for the phone.  The staff looked for my phone.  I called AT&T multiple times.  After a couple of days I gave up.  So, I bought a new phone on Tuesday and put “find my phone” on the phone as an “app”lication. 

I tell you that story because I want you to think about the parables Jesus told in Luke 15.  In verses 4-7 a Shepherd loses a lamb, and so he goes searching for the lamb until he finds it.  In verses 8-10 a woman loses a coin so she turns her house upside down looking for the coin until she finds it.  Jesus point is that the fervor shown in looking for the lamb and the coin shows how much effort God puts into looking for his children who have strayed.  God went so far as to send His Son!  His Son loves us so much He gave His life!  I was totally focused on looking for my lost phone.  God in heaven has put more effort into finding sinners, into finding us.  WHAT LOVE!

I read those stories to someone in jail last week.  It is not uncommon for people in jail to think their sins are so bad that God has given up on them.  The truth is that God cares so much that He spares no effort in looking for those who have run from him.  He did not even spare His own Son!

I pray that great love  which causes God to search for you causes you to find joy in staying home with Him.

A Child of God, Found by God’s own Son,

Pastor Jonathan

P.S.    When I returned home after purchasing the new phone on Tuesday, I put the new phone on the cedar chest in my office where I keep my keys and wallet and charge my phone.  THERE WAS MY OLD PHONE ON THE CEDAR CHEST!  Kathy said, “But I looked there, more than once!”  I did too. 

Judy told me at the office today, “If you want to find your old phone, go buy a new one!”  I guess she was right!

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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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ST. JOHN NEWS

SPECIAL OFFERING – ST. JOHN AMC VBS – A group of 7 St. John members are traveling to Northway, AK, to present VBS to the community June 6-10.  They have asked for our prayers.  In addition, we will have an opportunity after worship on May 22 to help defray the costs of travel and materials for this group which is sharing the Gospel of Jesus on behalf of St. John.

WEDNESDAY WORSHIP –Wednesday worship continues this week at 6:30 p.m.  The goal for Wednesday worship is to provide an alternate opportunity for those who can’t make Sunday worship, and to provide extra opportunities for time with the Lord and His people for people who nevertheless can attend on Sundays. 

            Wednesday worship is focusing on the readings for the coming Sunday, but the theme and sermon are different from Sunday.  Come and join us for “An Evening with the Lord and His People.”

SPECIAL MISSION PRESENTATION – On June 5, Rev. Dr. Jensen Seyenkulo will preach and tell us about mission work among the Kuwaa people of Western Africa.  A special offering will be received.

THE COMMUNITY PICNIC will be held at St. John on Saturday, June 11.  We will host a picnic after the Colony days parade and use this opportunity to invite the community to St. John and to this year’s VBS.

            We need help and sign up sheets are on the counter in the narthex.  We could use help in the following areas.

·         Set up

·         Cooking

·         Clean up

·         Donation of salad, side dishes, and desserts.

Please sign up where you can help.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL volunteers needed.  VBS will be held at St. John June 20-24.  Please sign up in the narthex to help share the Gospel with the children of St. John and our community.

CAR USE REQUESTED FOR VISITING PASTOR  Pastor Denny Neels and his wife Sue are visiting Alaska again June 17-27.  He thought he had the use of a vehicle arranged, but that situation changed.  Pastor Neels was Pastor in Homer for 16 years.  If you can help please call me on my cell phone and let me know.

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DID YOU KNOW THAT MUCH INFORMATION ABOUT ST. JOHN is available on our church website?  On our web page you can find sermons, newsletters, and these weekly devotions.  The link is:  http://www.st-john-lutheran.org/ 

In fact, IF YOU WANT TO RECEIVE YOUR MONTHLY CHURCH NEWSLETTER BY E-MAIL please e-mail Judy Stahancyk and let her know.  If you receive the newsletter by e-mail it saves printing, postage, and time compiling the newsletter.  Also, you receive the monthly newsletter more quickly!!

Thoughts from . . . THE PASTOR'S WIFE!

Dear Fellow Children of God,

On mother’s day, instead of asking for a gift, my wife gave a gift to our children in writing.  This week my e-mail is entitled “Thoughts from the Pastors’ Wife – Mothers’ Day.” 

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A note for my kids on Mother's Day

by Kathy Tobin Rockey on Saturday, May 7, 2011 at 11:22pm

I drove for 4 hours to Kenai today, watched Tim play baseball for 4 hours, and drove 4 hours back. I loved it. It was a great way to spend the day. I had a lot of time by myself to think about Tim graduating and leaving for college in a few short months, and to miss my own Mother.

 I hope my kids don’t think I need candy, or flowers, or a gift, or anything special tomorrow. For me, the gift is getting to be their Mother. I wasn’t very confident about my skills at the beginning, and I have sure made a lot of mistakes along the way. Jonathan had confidence in me , even though I wasn't so sure about it. Without his support and God's help, I hate to think how it might have turned out.

I did manage to teach 4 rowdy kids how to go to the potty (one of my favorite cards from Andy says thank you for all the things you taught me, especially that potty thing, it comes in handy every day!) and ride bicycles, and chew with their mouths closed (mostly) say prayers, do laundry, vacuum, drive, and make chocolate chip cookies. They learned about country music and barbecue and sweet tea. The boys know white socks do not go with dress clothes. We ate supper together most nights, had family devotions fairly often, went to church on Sunday, and read bedtime stories.

I fell short in the math department, and I am afraid I taught them to take on too many projects, not finish them, procrastinate, stay up late, and stash chocolate for emergencies.  And I am still struggling with that clean your room thing, myself. . I have prayed this prayer for them, nearly  every night...”For my children to have their gifts and talents revealed, to know the calling of God in their lives, to have doors opened to them, and to become all they were created to be. “ Amen!  

Somehow, probably mostly in spite of my parenting, they grew up to be much better than anything I could have ever imagined for them.  I like that they think I can make just about anything with my sewing machine, and they consult me with medical questions.  I like when they end phone conversations with “love you”. I like watching them do what they do well, and I am honored to be able to support them when things fall apart. My absolute favorite thing is hearing them laugh together.

I have been privileged to give some mothering to a number of kids who are not my own, too, and other folks have done that for mine. One of my favorite phone calls was a couple of years ago on Mothers’ Day from a young man who said “it took a lot of Mothers to raise me, and you were one of them” still makes me cry when I think about it.   

So, I have the gift already. It is four grown and nearly grown kids who know more than I could have possibly taught them, and who will be more than I ever dreamed for them. If they want to do anything for Mother’s Day, I hope it is not to praise me, I will just be embarrassed. Instead, they could keep on showing up on time, working hard, being honest, saying their prayers and  making me laugh.  OK, I wouldn’t mind if the dishwasher was emptied. And I hope they always remember, that no matter what happens, their Mother will still love them. 

My favorite bible verse is 3 John v 4. “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”  I am joyful, and blessed, and proud to be their Mother. Every day.

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A Child of God, Blessed by God with my Christian wife

Pastor Jonathan

P.S.    Kathy posted this for all on “Facebook.”  If you want, you may “ask to be our friends” on Facebook.

P.P.S.  Thank you, Kathy, for being my wife and mother to my children.  I love you.

P.P.P.S (whew)           After working in the yard, here is what Jake and I did Monday afternoon.

https://picasaweb.google.com/jonrock53/FirstDayOnTheWater2011JakeAndPoppy?authkey=Gv1sRgCLeQ0Kz_zemx5AE&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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Living in the HOPE of Jesus' Easter Victory

Dear Fellow Children of God,

In the last week two events reminded us we live in a world ravaged by sin.  First, a large series of deadly storms tore through the southeast region of our country, tragically leaving 337 people dead.  Then less than a week later the world’s most wanted terrorist was brought to justice, reawakening memories of the thousands of people he had killed and of the millions more who were affected by his violence.

Yet, it is May in Alaska.  The snow has left the floor of our valley.  Tulips are poking through the cold soil, braving the still frosty nights and bringing a promise of summer.  Buds are popping on the trees.  Lakes are no longer safe for ice fishing as the ice slowly melts.  Spring has arrived and summer approaches.  In spite of the real tragedy and sorrow of our world, the new life of spring gives hope.

This hope is not a mirage, but reflects the greater hope and joy that breaks into the midst of life’s real pain and struggle.  Easter Day has passed, but the victory of Easter continues.  Jesus has risen!  Jesus took the full penalty of our sin in His death on the cross, but He was stronger.  Jesus has risen!  While we continue to struggle with our sin and the pain in the world around us, Jesus has defeated our enemy and calls us to His victory.  So, we have real hope.

Paul tells us triumphantly, 55 "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?"  56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

The storms of life are real.  But we can face life’s storms in sure hope.  Jesus is risen! 

A Child of God, living in the hope of Jesus’ Easter victory,

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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