Snow Day

Did you ever see the movie, Snow Day that came out in 2000? It follows a bunch of kids and teenagers who live by the mantra, "Anything can happen on a snow day."  These sparkling days do seem to have that magic.

Snow makes everything look fresh and pretty as it is falling.  It creates a crisp quiet that makes everything look new.  Even our sad, broken street lamp.

Even our Scriptures reference the purity of snow.  Isaiah 1:18 reads:

 Come now, let us argue it out,

   says the Lord:
though your sins are like scarlet,
   they shall be like snow;
though they are red like crimson,
   they shall become like wool.

Are you feeling beaten down?  Does it seem the weight of the world is on your shoulders?  Do you carry the guilt of your sins like scarlet?  The promise of God's love is that through the grace we are given in Christ our sins are forgiven, washed clean--we are pure as new fallen snow-clothed in Christ. 

It's hard to imagine the truth of this promise.  It is hard to let go and accept the forgiveness that is freely given to us.  Each morning that dawns is a new opportunity to live as Christ would have us live.  Perhaps, in the quiet of this day, you might look out your window and once again be reminded of the love and patience of our creator.  Perhaps you might be inspired to hit refresh and explore your faith anew.     

Anything can happen on a snow day. 

God Is Good

Today the clouded sky takes on a pale lavender hue with the rising sun.  Stark winter branches against a leaden backdrop.  My son is playing quietly in the next room, still in pajamas with tousled hair and sleepy jacks in his eyes.

It isn't often, but every now and again my morning routine sparks memories of the final days of my pregnancy almost four years ago.  My health went downhill very rapidly and for some inexplicable reason showers seemed to be the only thing that would bring my tired, heavy, and aching body comfort.  I would stand in the steam three or four times a day--all hours, even in the darkest moments of the night.

These memories remind me of my blessings.  These memories remind me to thank God for my life--for indeed I could have lost it had we not gone to the doctor when we did. And I may never have seen my family grow, or our lives turn down different paths these last  few years.  These quiet moments--sometimes the only ones I get in the course of a day--remind me to give thanks for the blond boy who gets taller by the second.  Who pulls all the cushions off the couch and begs for a piece of Daddy's beef jerky for dinner.   I am reminded to appreciate my spouse, who never left my side in those days, who brought his scrubs home from the hospital and even now occasionally pulls them out from the dresser drawer.

Life can be stressful.  It can be complicated and messy, just plain hard. For everyone--even a pastor. Even for us sometimes it can be difficult to say,"God is good!"  But this morning I was reminded to say, "all the time."

Present Promise

After my sermon on Sunday, multiple people asked if I could make it available for everyone so I am sharing it here.  You can also listen to it on Covenant's website.  I have removed last names of children and youth before posting. 

Luke 2: 22-40

“Present Promise”

 

This story of Jesus’ life is one that can often be overlooked.  Nestled here between Jesus’ birth narrative and the Epiphany which brings us to the story of the Magi, is Jesus’ first introduction into the community of faith for which he and his family are a part.  While Mary and Joseph’s situation is clearly very different from other young Jewish families, they faithfully maintain the law and come to the temple to offer a sacrifice and participate in purification rituals. 

I confess that I often get caught up in the last verses of this text and bypass the particulars of verses 22-39.  I get distracted by verse 40—“The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.” Because wouldn’t you know, the following verses of Luke skip ahead to Jesus’ time in the temple at age 12!  What does it mean that he became strong and filled with wisdom?  How did he do that, what happened in those twelve years of his childhood?   Did he learn to walk faster than the other babies?  Did he throw tantrums at three when he didn’t get his way?  Did counting come naturally to him or did he struggle as other children to learn? When did he begin to work alongside his father in carpentry?  Did he enjoy playing with his siblings?   It’s funny because, sometimes we get so caught up in the future of our children, our teens, our own selves, and even our church—that we miss out on what is being offered in the present. 

It is important that the gospel of Luke witnesses to this faithful event in the life of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus.  It is a bold reminder of Jesus’ heritage in the Jewish faith.  I also find that it is important that the two individuals who encounter the family in the temple are called upon by name—one male, Simeon—who has waited all his life to see the Savior and now in his old age is witness to his coming.  Also, an elderly female—Anna, a widow who just happens to be present in the temple and finds herself sharing the news of this baby with anyone who will listen.  

The birth of any child brings great responsibility and commitment—but can you imagine being the parents of the Son of God!? Everyone thinks their baby is special—but this brings it to a whole new level. And isn’t it amazing that here, in this community of faith, Mary and Joseph receive guidance and wisdom from the elderly in their faith community.  Simeon is honest with Mary, even though his witness is hard to hear.  According to William Arnold, “He represents [what happens around] the birth of every child—a wider company of people with hopes and fears for the future. Some will watch from afar and some will become involved and engaged with parents and children.  They love enough to share the joys but also honest caring words for what may lie ahead in difficult times.” 

I can’t help but think that the interest and care with which Mary and Joseph received, would have been a comfort to these new parents—and perhaps solidified relationships that would carry into their lives as they raised Jesus.  Perhaps, beyond his family who would have lived close by and helped to raise Jesus (as was the custom of the time), people in the community, faithful Jews, would also have taken interest and guided Jesus and his parents along the way. 

I’ve been thinking a lot about our children and our teenagers at Covenant lately…. It is my job after all.  But, it occurs to me that while some members of the congregation know them personally, a majority of folks in the congregation will witness to them only in groups—“The Children” and “The Youth” without individual identities shining.

 I know there is a lot of excitement surrounding them, and a deep and abiding hope that our church will nurture them in the faith. You have witnessed to that in your vision statement, in your mission study, in conversations and discussions about the future of Covenant and how best support ministries that guide them.  My challenge to you today is that YOU find a way to come alongside them, find a way to engage them in positive ways that have a direct impact on their spiritual life.   

I won’t be able to list them all, it would take all day, but I thought today I would provide some introductions to you—so that you might be able to call a child or a teen by name and recognize their PRESENT PROMISE—not just your hope and belief that they are the future of the church, but that they are the NOW of our church. 

You see many of our children in worship on Sunday, they are active in Christ connections, Children’s Sundays, and most recently the Christmas Eve Nativity. 

You may know Grace best of all, as granddaughter of Bob and Dusty, beloved daughter of Jonathan.  But, what you may not know is that Grace has the capability to turn any moment into an opportunity to strike Cam Newton’s “dab” pose.  Her competitive nature is greatly outshined by her compassion to her friends. 

Grace’s new brother Ethan enjoys his time at the microphone but he is also watching everything we do-and asked great questions about Communion this summer. 

Macy & Natalie  are not just great swimmers—they are excellent helpers.  They delivered flyers about the concert series this summer.  Macy is always nurturing and generous with Kemper and Natalie, a 6^th grader, helped with our nativity last weekend. 

Devon has a small obsession with bananas.  He also loves to hide downstairs before Christ Connections starts, so that his friends search for him when they come into the room.  When I first started here, Devon had no desire to be up front, but since then he has become a natural at holding the Hunger offering bags and an integral part of Children’s Sunday worship. 

Kaylee  is a budding pianist.  She willingly played her first public concert for US on December 17 when she led the congregation gathered in the fellowship hall in carols.  She did beautifully. She is a dedicated big sister to Joshua and Lily who are often close to her side. 

Alan is one of our oldest children, he dressed quite the part as King Herod in the nativity. But more importantly, Alan designed our 10:30 AM Christmas Eve Bulletin this year.   Alan’s younger sister Christine is quiet but thoughtful, extremely excited to have a new kitten at home, and great friends with Kaylee.  I love that they always bring their Deep Blue bibles to church.

Mason shared his artistic talents with us last year on Christmas Eve.  He lives into his role of big brother well, always guiding little Samantha up front for Children’s time. 

Lenah, a college freshmen has taken VBS photos for two years.   Noelah and Sarah always look out for young Micah, and I see great babysitters in my own future! Noelah will be our very first acolyte next Sunday.  Sarah, a sixth grader, along with Bass, have been some of the best helpers for VBS I have ever seen. 

You may not have witnessed the calm with which Riley assisted her mom with crafts at our event on December 17 but she was wonderful! It was a chaotic table, but Riley’s guidance was certainly felt.

I have had such positive experiences with some of our college students and teens over the years.  You may not be aware that I served on Presbytery youth council with several of your college students: Reinfred , Scott, Rhee, Emily, Zoe, Matthew, Steadman, Grant, Alex & Ellyn  all served on youth council while I served as an adult. You heard that right, all three siblings, Matthew, Alex, and Ellyn have served our Presbytery as well as brothers Colin and Scott.  Colin, Reinfred, and Matthew have also worked in Camp Peaks with JoAnn McElmurray.   In fact, knowing these young adults was a huge part of my decision to serve as your associate pastor, because I had been so impressed by their leadership and love of this church.  Matthew & Emily were both on my search committee and Sophie Williams served on Kyle’s.   Reinfred served on the Mission Study team as well.   These young people are so thoughtful, and articulate, and faithful, I just can’t tell you what you are missing if you do not get to know them. Emma and Zoe had us in stitches at the College Christmas party reminiscing about their childhood here.  Lindsey  who has faced so much wrote an amazing Advent devotion on Love this year that brought tears to my eyes as I read about the love so apparent between her and her siblings.

Sixteen confirmands came through last year.  Sixteen!  Each of them wrote thoughtful statements of faith that also fit their personalities and presented them in small groups to the session.  There are so many amazing youth in this church, I cannot touch on them all…but a few highlights for you to consider.

Ellyn, as I mentioned before, serves on youth council in her “spare” time, which doesn’t exist because she is a swimmer.  She designed our 8:00 PM bulletin for Christmas this year.  She loves Montreat and radiates kindness to everyone she meets.

Olivia  & Cicely —quite a pair—often sing for us on special occasions.  They, along with sister Ingrid , did a beautiful rendition of Silent Night on Christmas Eve.  What you likely do not know is that they adopted an angel tree child this year on behalf of the youth group and went shopping after ringing bells for the Salvation Army. 

Emma J.and Emma Z.—two recent confirmands also rang bells for the Salvation Army this year with Lynn McGhee.  Just lovely young women. 

Andria  is a 9^th grader this year. You may know her as queen of the energizer. What’s more, she has recently joined the choir. Andria and Gavin both took time out of the first days of the summer break to help with Camp Peaks at Splash Valley last summer.

  One of Andria’s dear friends is Corinne , also a 9^th grader. Corinne, alongside several other youth was integral in leading the children for the PCC Christmas Party this year. 

Jacqui's  fun-loving spirit makes me laugh often.  Her first request to me last spring was that we please, please have a lock-in this year.  It’s on the calendar. 

Brothers, Joey and Stephen, regularly serve as ushers and greeters on the 3^rd Sunday of the month.  Joey came to the youth Christmas Party after writing a paper all day long and built one of the most solid ginger bread houses I have ever seen. 

Nick  is a faithful Christ Connections, worship, and youth group attendee.  Nick can be quiet but he is considerate.  I will never forget my first Sunday here, Nick must have been in 4^th or 5^th grade at the time, he brought me a gift after worship. 

Nick and Brendan  helped with the PCC party and also spent significant time perfecting their ginger bread houses at the Christmas Party.

Many of you witnessed Fiona's testimony during our season of generosity in worship.  So poised and ready to tell you how the many adults in this congregation have already influenced her faith. 

Charlotte is witty and creative.  I’ve watched her enthusiasm around writing skits and leading in worship and she reminds me of myself at her age. 

 

Why am I telling you all of this?  Because a community of faith is important for all ages.  And not just to prepare the younger generations to be adults (although that is a part of it) but to provide a space for Christians to be Christians RIGHT NOW—whether they are nine or ninety-eight.  The church may be one of the few places left in the world that does not need to be segregated by age…. Although to be honest we are doing a pretty good job of that.  Friends, we need each other.  We need each other to be faithful.  We need to continue to let the little Kemper’s and Samantha’s weave around our legs at lemonade and cookies.  We need the Grace’s and the Ethan’s to learn alongside the Riley’s and the Alan’s of our church, so that they can model for one another what faithfulness can look like in a peer.  We need these children to watch their own parents in worship, so that they begin to have a sense of the sacredness of that time together.  And we all need to be reminded that sacred does not mean that there is no room for wiggling or whispering in the pews. We need our teenagers to participate in worship in new, innovative ways—we can learn so much through their eyes.   Parents of children and parents of youth should be able to greet one another and rely on each other through the various seasons of life.  I would hope that when Grace and Ethan reach college age, Christy and Jonathan will know they can call upon Allison and Steve Anama.  I would hope that when Kemper begins Kindergarten I can call Amy Ridenour and say, “what was it like your first day?”  Maybe one day Ashley Monk and I can have lunch and imagine what life will be like with an empty nest…. It won’t be long before the Ramsburg’s are calling the Williams’ and asking what 7^th grade was like for Nick and how did they handle all those faith questions that came from confirmation? And it won’t be long before the McMillen’s, the McGhee’s and the Wulff’s are attending more weddings than graduations. And you know what—they might be calling upon one of you to ask what these seasons were like in your life!  Maybe they will reach out to Charlie and Ethel or Jerry and Judi to say, what was your experience like when you retired or when your children first moved away? How did your faith change after your family was grown?  How did you stay involved once your children were in college?  Or maybe even more important—how did you stay involved in the church with young children to raise or teenagers that wouldn’t get out of bed!?   And if you feel that these people sitting next to you in the pews are only your friends for Sunday morning, then you are missing the point of a community of faith entirely.  There is no reason why Angie Miller and Sarah Baumgardner cannot fellowship over sewing with Ethel Simmons and Susan Foard!  I can’t think of one reason that would prevent the men of this congregation, from Ed Mahler to Walter Jones from attending the men’s Bible study on a Saturday Morning and going for a walk together in the afternoon. 

The community of faith is the key to nurturing us my friends!  Simeon and Anna knew it—they were both spending their time in the temple with the faithful.  Mary and Joseph knew it—it was about more than just the law—which remember Jesus came to fulfill—it was about the signs and symbols of their faith that those actions represented, a fellowship in which they could more fully grow in God. 

We are on to something here at Covenant.  We must continue to live into the present promise that we have.  The life of faith is meant to be lived communally…. It is meant to be built on relationships with one another.  I anticipate a year filled with fellowship, study, worship, outreach, and prayer in 2018.  Investing in relationships in this place will bring you more fully into a strong relationship with Christ and one another.  It can strengthen your life in so many ways—not only in your faith, but in your family life, your professional life, your social life.  Let’s stop compartmentalizing and segregating and invest in one another.  And then perhaps, like young Jesus, we will soon discover that we too are growing in strength and wisdom, finding favor with God.  Amen.

 

 

 

 

 

12 Days of Christmas

You know that ridiculously long Christmas song.... the one that always ends with a partridge in a pear tree?  Now that I have it stuck in your mind again--just in time for Christmas songs to stop on the radio--let me remind you of the twelve days of Christmas.  They actually take us into the new year, the twelve days of Christmas are actually after December 25.  So, you technically have twelve more days before the tree has to come down, before the carols have to stop, before the sugar consumption gets cut back.  For us at Covenant, it means twelve more days to focus on the true meaning of Christmas.  We return to celebrate the events immediately after Christ's birth narrative--his presentation at the temple and the visit of the magi.   

I wonder if you might come along side me and spend each of these twelve days reflecting on Christ's birth and the grace he brings into our lives.  That we might be intentional in word and deed over the next few days,  devoted in contemplation, in action, in prayer.   Consider it an early resolution. 

Day 1: Forget the empty boxes scattered all around.  Remember that it is not for everyone that happiness abounds.  For some this season holds the darkest and coldest nights as they mourn the loss of ones they once held tight. 

Day 2: As you scrape the last leftovers from plastic Tupperware dishes, remember you have plenty of what so many long for in wishes.  For some the holidays do not mean a bounteous feast, take some time to consider, when did you last feed the least?

Day 3:  When you take down those empty stockings from your mantle and fire place, take some time to give thanks, for the warmth of your bright space.  

Day 4: And if your fire is roaring, before you add another log--might you stop and pray for someone who is seeking shelter from the chill and fog.  

Day 5: You wind your way through crowds, making returns with gift receipts.  Do you remember the first gifts of the season--as wise men knelt at a baby's feet?  

Day 6: Nothing like a party to ring in the new year, drawing friends and loved ones to cheer.  Before you make that simple toast to health, and light, and love--stop for just a moment and give thanks for the gifts from above. 

Day 7:  How is it that the prince of peace, who calls for the lion to lie with the lamb, finds himself still praying for wars to cease centuries after the resurrection of the great I AM. As you set yourself high goals, for the new year to begin, set your mind to pray that true peace on earth might set in. 

Day 8: As you settle in at night, before you shift to turn out the light--won't you bind yourself to a new quest... perhaps the thing you need most this year, is just a little more rest. 

Day 9: And speaking of rest, Sabbath rest is best.  God made us to be in Community, to worship to study, to pray.  When you're mapping out your weekly routine, come be a part of the body of Christ, before you go out to meet the fray. 

Day 10: Before you throw those cards away--season's greetings and thoughtful art--pray for the souls who sent each one, and for blessings of peace on each heart. 

Day 11: Perhaps in the course of this great year--your heart can grow three sizes... find yourself much like the Grinch, let go of your judgments and disguises.
 

Day 12: And when everything finds itself packed away, the greenery and trimmings stripped down--be easy on yourselves beloved, and gentle with all who you meet about town. For this is how we spread the joy and good news of that great star--there is no reason that until next year, good will toward men should be barred. 

Peace and love, forgiveness--it's a wonderful Christmas Time. 

Blessings,
Loren

PEACE ON EARTH

-Hanson-

Do you know the reason for the season?
How the heavens came down to the earth
Bringing hope for all who will receive it
A sacrifice that forever changed the world

And the shepherds and kings
They would sing out rejoicing
And they fell to their knees
When they heard the angel's voices

Singing peace on earth
Good will towards men
There's a newborn king
Born in Bethlehem

Do you know the reason for the season?
A star that's shown for all who will believe
A holy child swaddled in a manger
A love that no man ever could conceive

And the shepherds and kings
They would sing out rejoicing
And they fell to their knees
When they heard the angel's voices

Singing peace on earth
Good will towards men
There's a newborn king
Born in Bethlehem

All the stories tell
How they followed the star
On the first Noel
On the first Noel

Peace on earth
Good will towards men
There's a newborn king
Born in Bethlehem

Do you know the reason for the season?

Generous In Every Way: Part III

“In the end, though, maybe we must all give up trying to pay back the people in this world who sustain our lives. In the end, maybe it's wiser to surrender before the miraculous scope of human generosity and to just keep saying thank you, forever and sincerely, for as long as we have voices.”
― Elizabeth Gilbert, Eat, pray, love: one woman's search for everything

At Covenant we dare to believe that the more we give the more we receive.  As we discern how we can be generous in our own lives, we will reap the rewards of a faithful life filled with deeper meaning in which we see God's Spirit working in and through us. 

Our final reflection comes from church elder and chair of both The Learning Ministry Team and the Congregational Nominating Committee, lifelong Presbyterian and parent of one awesome third grader, Laura Jane Ramsburg. Thank you for your enthusiasm and faithfulness, Laura Jane!

 

 

When Scott and I started attending Covenant in 2002, we knew what we were looking for in a church: a strong music program that drew from older and newer traditions, preaching that made scripture relevant to daily life, welcoming members, and a well-structured Sunday service (we are Presbyterians, after all). We found that Covenant was a good choice for Sunday morning—that was all we wanted, and this church provided it for us. Over time, we realized that Covenant had more to give. We got involved with music programs on Wednesday nights; I attended a Woman to Woman event; Scott joined a Christ Connections class.

As years continued to go by and I got more engaged in Covenant’s mission, I started to see not just what Covenant could provide for me, but ways I could be helpful to my church. A background of grant writing and documentation were useful as we worked through the transitions from Bob and Dusty to Loren, to Carl, and now to Kyle. I’ve been honored to serve on nominating committees and the Vision Team. I have the joy of co-teaching senior high Sunday school and chairing the Learning Ministry Team.

Covenant has blessed me and my family with the astonishing variety of all it has to give. The programs and outreach are completely driven by the church’s members; having seen generosity in action, I want to be generous, too.

Laura Jane Ramsburg

Elder, class of 2017

Generous In Every Way, Part II

Paul urged those under his care in generosity.  He wrote to the Corinthians encouraging them to give an offering to the church in Jerusalem, "You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity."--2 Corinthians 9:11

Covenant is on the precipice of a new thing.  God is constantly at work in us through the Holy Spirit forming and shaping us for the future.  We are continually being called as Christ's hands and feet in the world.  Such service is fostered by our generosity of time, talents, and treasures. 

Receive these words below from member of the Diaconate, Karen Jackson. Thank you, Karen, for your creativity and your willingness to serve in many ways!

Why I'm in the Covenant Family

I grew up thinking about Jesus' words, "In my father's house there are many mansions..." As a child, I could just picture a huge house with bay windows and wraparound porches, and my view has changed very little over the years.  However, I've come to realize that, if I am anticipating the promised special treatment in Heaven, I'd be wise to start preparing for the gift while here on earth.

So...if I want a mansion in Heaven, how can I best prepare?  By dwelling in a house on earth that is God's--my chosen house of God, Covenant Presbyterian Church.  At Covenant, I feel His presence at every corner, from the weekly worship service to the various committees on which I serve to the community and world benevolences to which our members so freely give of their time, money, and talents.  I've been a faithful churchgoer all my life, but have never witnessed the degree of commitment to God's mission that I am privy to each time I step in the church door.  Best part is... it's not merely hard work for the purpose of fulfilling the church and God's mission, but labor mingled with pure joy.

Am I still dreaming of my Heavenly mansion? Absolutely, but have been blessed beyond measure by being a member of a wonderful church "house" and family while I wait--Covenant Presbyterian.

Karen Jackson

Generous In Every Way: Part I

In one of his writings, Franciscan priest Richard Rohr says this of God's generosity that comes to us as grace:

Grace is, quite literally, "for the taking." It is God eternally giving away God--for nothing--except for the giving itself.  It is the life energy that makes flowers bloom, animals lovingly raise their young, babies smile, and the planets remain in their orbits--for no good reason whatsoever--except love alone.

For the next few weeks I will have some guest writers on the blog.  Several members of Covenant Presbyterian Church have written about how they sense God's generous grace at Covenant as we recognize that God gives to us freely out of his deep love for us and all of human kind.  In light of God's grace then, how do we respond?  Generous in every way.  

This week's note comes from current Chair of the Diaconate, Jonathan Fiedler.  Thank you for your tireless efforts and support, Jonathan!

Dear Covenant Family,

Covenant has always shown me the value of giving back to our community and world.  This selflessness leads our church forward towards embodying Christ's mission.  It is this spiritual inspiration of altruism that draws me in.

But there is another personal factor.  After my car accident in 2001, my family and I were submerged with support in many forms.  The same is the case for my mother's bout with cancer in 2014 and father's cardiac scare in 2016.  This congregation lifted us up with unrelenting support.  Droves of others have been assisted and cared for during trying times.  We are blessed to belong to such a compassionate congregation.

The money and time that we donate to Covenant multiplies with the fruit that it bears.  The world news is not always uplifting, but the heart of Covenant's members and congregarional initiatives to feed the sheep are praise-worthy.

Always,

Jonathan