Feb. 2006

Touchstone - February 2006

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February 22, 2006

The lectionary text for this week is tedious in its repetition and structure, but dramatic in its impact and implications! In 2 Kings 2:1-12, Elijah--the great prophet of Israel--ascends into heaven while Elisha--his younger successor--looks on. There is literally a passing of the mantle--Elisha asks for a portion of Elijah's prophetic spirit, that is, God's Spirit, and Elisha receives that spirit, revealed to the reader by Elisha's ability to part the waters of the Jordan with Elijah's mantle on his return to Jericho. Such stories confirm Elijah's relationship with God--legend and miracle are a part of how great prophets are placed in context for readers and communities. Enoch is the only other Hebrew Bible figure who is taken up to God without having to die first!

The physical movement and drama of the story ask us to consider our own mantle and what we in the church are passing on to those who keep us company. Certainly in our own congregation we are handing on a history of inclusiveness and struggle--the Women's movement, the Vietnam War, the Civil Rights struggles of our country and the Open and Affirming process have all brought their share of drama and change to this congregation. Marlene and I continue to work to nurture healing and mutual respect as part of our ministry here. Sometimes opening our hearts and minds with our faith can lead to sharp disagreements and divisions that take time and effort to heal. We feel God calls all of us to continue to develop healthy, mature relationships as part of a faith journey.

In the sermon "Passing the Mantle" this week we will consider what Elijah gives and what Elisha receives and compare that with our own faith experience here in church. Come join us for worship at 10:00 a.m. in the Chapel.

On Saturday of this week, February 25th, there is a teacher meeting for church school teachers working with Kindergarten through Ninth grade in the Co-Pastor's office from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Also, the Dinner Club of the church is meeting at the Sitar Restaurant, 618 East Colorado at 6:30 p.m. for a time of kinship and sharing; all are welcome to attend! On Sunday, after worship in the parlors, we will have a Shrove Sunday Celebration...the youth will make a pancake brunch and sell it to us to raise money for their trip to the Western Regional Youth Event in Colorado in June. We will also crown a King and Queen of Mardi Gras, have a cake walk and offer games and crafts for all ages. Join us from 11:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. On Monday the 27th, Church Council will meet at 7:00 p.m. and on Wednesday March 1st we will join our sisters and brothers at the Altadena Community Church (UCC) for our joint Ash Wednesday service. The Youth will gather at Everest on Lake Ave. (near the Altadena church) at 5:15 p.m. and then head to the service after dinner. Grades 3 through 6 will meet at the Altadena church at 5:30 p.m. for some class time and snack before worship. The service itself begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall, and afterwards participants are invited to walk the Labyrinth that is set up there. Call our church office (626) 795-0696 if you have questions!

February 17, 2006

By the second chapter of Mark's Gospel (Mark 2:1-12), Jesus has already established himself as a healer and people clamor to be near him for healing. In this Sunday's narrative, there is another account of a healing and a controversy about Jesus' authority. Jesus' healings are stirring people up because he doesn't just heal people; he also forgives their sins. Certain people are beginning to ask, "Under whose authority is he doing these things?" Jesus provokes this controversy by his actions and his words. He forces them and he forces us to decide who he is for us and where his authority comes from.

Another aspect of the story that I am always drawn to is the paralyzed man who is carried in by four friends. What must that have been like to be brought to Jesus by others? Do we identify more with the paralytic or the friends? A rich story to ponder this week in preparation for worship together.

Upcoming Church Events: Our Lamplighters Group extends an invitation to everyone to attend a potluck dinner and game night in the church parlors this Saturday, Feb. 18th. The evening will begin at 6 p.m. Come join this group for an informal evening together!

Coming up this week is the Progressive Christians Uniting Dinner at the University Club on Monday, Feb. 20th. Please speak to Marlene Pomeroy if you want more info. Also, our Church Growth Groups are meeting Tuesday Feb. 21st at 7 p.m. to further consider how we can be more welcoming to people who wish to find a church home. All are welcome for this ongoing discussion. Also, please remember that the Church Office will be closed Monday Feb. 20th in observance of President's Day.

The Rev. Marlene W. Pomeroy

February 9, 2006

The older we get, the less excited we seem to get about anything. Isn't that true? As we go through life and experience the ups and downs, there seem to be fewer and fewer occasions for real excitement. So it is surprising to read in this week's gospel lesson in Mark (1:40-45) of the person who is healed and cannot contain their joy! The intensity of that faith experience and the ensuing account of how it is shared nearly leaps off the page. The writers of Mark are conveying something of their own experience of Jesus--one so powerful and related to God that any reader or hearer cannot contain their enthusiasm!

How does our own church experience match up here? What can we celebrate--literally jump for joy about--in our own faith community? In a sermon entitled "Listen To This!" we will consider what we can share about our experience here in church and how important that excitement is to our own faith development. Come and join us for worship in the Chapel this Sunday at 10:00 a.m.

After worship our youth leaders and advisors will have a planning meeting at 11:30 a.m. to go over registration for the Western Regional Youth Event and plan upcoming outings for our youth. We will meet in the co-pastors' office. On Tuesday February 14th we meet for our Common Ministry dinner and meetings beginning at 6:00 p.m. in the parlors. On Thursday February 16th the Bell choir has rehearsal at 7:00 p.m. in the choir room and on Saturday February 18th the Lamplighters are hosting a game night in the church parlors at 6:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome! Bring a dish to share and a game to play--puzzles will be set up on tables for the non-gaming folks! For more information call Nina in the church office at (626) 795-0696.

February 2, 2006

Mark 1:29-39

I seem to recall that there was a time in my life that I could not be reached and I could not reach others. Now, with cell phones and e-mail, people can pursue me almost anytime. And people often expect that if they send an e-mail that I am at the computer ready to respond. Pursuit. When I look at early Bible texts, such as Mark's text today, I am reminded of a time in history when people waited. They waited for their food to simmer and cook slowly. They waited to hear news that had to travel by foot. They waited for important visitors to arrive. I imagine they must have been patient people but then I read the Gospel of Mark and it seems full of urgency. Things happen "immediately," and the early chapters of this Gospel are a "frenzy of activity" (Seasons of the Spirit curriculum). Jesus is baptized, the disciples are chosen, and they are teaching and casting out unclean spirits immediately. Jesus is pursued with a vengeance in this text as people press him to heal them, eat with them, and lead them. It must have been overwhelming at times because we see in verse 35 that Jesus got up before the sun rose and went out by himself to pray.

As we read this text in preparation for worship together on Sunday, perhaps it calls us to reflect on who we are pursuing and who is pursuing us. What are the demands on our life that call us? What is the pace of our lives and who sets the pace? If we are to be ministers of the Gospel we need to find the rhythm that works for us.

Upcoming events: This Saturday at 10:00 a.m. in the youth lounge on the second floor, we will have a follow-up to our Uganda project. Please see the flyer in the newsletter and join us on Saturday. This Sunday we welcome the Jazz Trio to our worship and we will celebrate the sacrament of Communion. After worship the youth will provide us with lunch in the parlors (suggested donation is at least $5) and then we'll gather for our Winter Business Meeting. We will install new officers, vote on a 2006 budget and vote on the proposal to end the equity sharing housing agreement between the pastors and the church. We hope all church members and friends will plan to be present for the important work of our church this Sunday.

The Rev. Marlene W. Pomeroy