"Going Forth on the Fourth"
Something we never want to discourage and never want to ignore is our passion for the problem. There are times in our lives when the passion for the problem is the most important thing and calling it out to others is our most important task.
There is a place for protest. There is a time to stand up and be counted. There are moments when the best we can be is the worst that we are. When something is intolerably wrong we have to say it. When there is a broken promise or when something runs counter to our sense of goodness or mercy or when people are being hurt or cheated and no one seems to care, we stand up to that and find our passion for the problem.
Patriotism calls for dissent. We can't be a good citizen without raising question with the powers that be. Democracy calls for protest and civil disobedience. Sometimes the only way to point out a problem is to act out a protest.
The revolution that formed our nation was based on the premise that "taxation without representation is tyranny"; and it is.
The reformation that formed our protestant tradition was based on the premise of "the priesthood of all believers"; and that is as correct today as it was when Martin Luther first stood up to the religious authorities in the 15th Century.
A passion for the problem has to be matched with a proclivity to repair it. I will think about that and add that part of the sermon on Friday.
What do you think about the passion for the problem and how it leads to a proclivity to solve it? What are the problems you have a passion to identify today in our world, in our nation, and in our city?
If you have thoughts on this subject write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to have others read your response click on the "comments" box below.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Charles Schuster
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Monday's thoughts on Sunday's sermon
"Going Forth on the Fourth"
This is something I have wanted to explore for a long, long time. How do we maintain the tradition of the revolution in a time when we are no longer consumed by the need to revolt?
What was the passion of the past that has a claim on us today? It was a revolt then. What do we need to revolt from today and how do we best revolt?
We live in a time of individualism and that kind of response is appropriate in some circumstances. However, revolution without organization leads to chaos without catharsis.
The revolutionary passion we nurture must be followed with organization and structure.
When Jesus finally acted on his call to ministry, and after he had formed his disciples into a group and they followed him, he organized. He sent them out and he sent them out with instruction.
Sunday, on the Fourth of July we will tap into the passion that formed the nation and we will take a look at the organization and structure necessary to keep the passion alive.
How do you define what made our nation at its birth? What was the source of the passion? Was it recalcitrance to authority? Was it driven by the need to define itself as a new experiment? How does that speak to us today?
What do you think?
If you have thoughts about this write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to have others read your thoughts click on the comments box below.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Charles Schuster
This is something I have wanted to explore for a long, long time. How do we maintain the tradition of the revolution in a time when we are no longer consumed by the need to revolt?
What was the passion of the past that has a claim on us today? It was a revolt then. What do we need to revolt from today and how do we best revolt?
We live in a time of individualism and that kind of response is appropriate in some circumstances. However, revolution without organization leads to chaos without catharsis.
The revolutionary passion we nurture must be followed with organization and structure.
When Jesus finally acted on his call to ministry, and after he had formed his disciples into a group and they followed him, he organized. He sent them out and he sent them out with instruction.
Sunday, on the Fourth of July we will tap into the passion that formed the nation and we will take a look at the organization and structure necessary to keep the passion alive.
How do you define what made our nation at its birth? What was the source of the passion? Was it recalcitrance to authority? Was it driven by the need to define itself as a new experiment? How does that speak to us today?
What do you think?
If you have thoughts about this write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to have others read your thoughts click on the comments box below.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Charles Schuster
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Sermon on June 27th
We have witnessed Joel Kershaw's growth as a pastor of our church and as the pastor to the youth in our church. There is always a question in my mind when a congregation notes the growth of a pastor if growth is exactly what happens. It could be our pastors grow spiritually and professionally and it could be that the growth we may have noted has more to do with the fact that we got to know them. Maybe we were the ones who grew.
I have been a colleague to Joel for the time he has been with us. I knew his father, Ross, as a respected colleague. Getting to know Joel and Abby has been a rare privilege. Being an interested supporter of them when their son, Jack was born and hearing rather pessimistic predictions as to what Jack would be able to do with the birth defects he came into the world with was hard to take. Watching how Joel and Abby took the bad news and transformed it into something positive and watching how Jack exceeded all the predictions with a spirit and spunk that will forever be an inspiration made me proud to be associated with them.
When Paul was born it seemed a fitting blessing and a rounding out of the family. It meant Jack would have another life-long advocate and it is evident the Paul will make his own place in the world.
Often the two little boys are in the church with their father and often they will come into my office to visit. They rummage through my desk looking for batteries. Their parents have removed the batteries from some of the louder and more repetitive toys. First Church is the only church I've served that often has two children and two dogs present. The Kershaw boys and Joann's dog, Acorn, and Ray Miller's dog, Calvin, are a part of the church staff. I will miss Jack and Paul almost as much as I will miss their father and mother.
Sunday, June 27th will be the last time we will have Joel with us. His appointment at the United Methodist Church in Brighten begins July 1. I know we will want to wish them well and I know how much they are appreciated.
How will we get along without Abby's pies and cookies? How will we handle the transition to the new pastor, Meg Ryan?
It is an interesting, fearful, exciting, sad, joyful, and good time at our church.
See you Sunday
Charles Schuster
I have been a colleague to Joel for the time he has been with us. I knew his father, Ross, as a respected colleague. Getting to know Joel and Abby has been a rare privilege. Being an interested supporter of them when their son, Jack was born and hearing rather pessimistic predictions as to what Jack would be able to do with the birth defects he came into the world with was hard to take. Watching how Joel and Abby took the bad news and transformed it into something positive and watching how Jack exceeded all the predictions with a spirit and spunk that will forever be an inspiration made me proud to be associated with them.
When Paul was born it seemed a fitting blessing and a rounding out of the family. It meant Jack would have another life-long advocate and it is evident the Paul will make his own place in the world.
Often the two little boys are in the church with their father and often they will come into my office to visit. They rummage through my desk looking for batteries. Their parents have removed the batteries from some of the louder and more repetitive toys. First Church is the only church I've served that often has two children and two dogs present. The Kershaw boys and Joann's dog, Acorn, and Ray Miller's dog, Calvin, are a part of the church staff. I will miss Jack and Paul almost as much as I will miss their father and mother.
Sunday, June 27th will be the last time we will have Joel with us. His appointment at the United Methodist Church in Brighten begins July 1. I know we will want to wish them well and I know how much they are appreciated.
How will we get along without Abby's pies and cookies? How will we handle the transition to the new pastor, Meg Ryan?
It is an interesting, fearful, exciting, sad, joyful, and good time at our church.
See you Sunday
Charles Schuster
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Tuesday's thoughts on Sunday's Sermon
SHOULD PARENTS WHO EAT GREEN GRAPES GROW CHILDREN? That's the title coming from the 18th chapter of Ezekiel. The green grapes referred to here are not the sweet ones we buy in the grocery store but grapes that are not yet ripened and therefore are sour.
The message will focus on what goes into fatherhood/parenthood/grandparenthood. It is not easy being a 'parent.' The role changes from one age to another.
The question I pose for you is, "What goes into being the kind of father/mother/grandparent that God would have us be? What are the problems associated with this? Who have been persons who have modeled this for us in our lives?
Ray Miller
Please email me at raymil35@gmail.com
The message will focus on what goes into fatherhood/parenthood/grandparenthood. It is not easy being a 'parent.' The role changes from one age to another.
The question I pose for you is, "What goes into being the kind of father/mother/grandparent that God would have us be? What are the problems associated with this? Who have been persons who have modeled this for us in our lives?
Ray Miller
Please email me at raymil35@gmail.com
Friday, June 11, 2010
Friday's thoughts on Sunday's sermon
"Blessed are you when you are persecuted in my name", Jesus said, "for your reward is great in heaven."
How do we feel bless while we are being persecuted?
Three things.
1. Let's face it; life is tough
2. Let's pace it; nothing is forever. Even the pain won't last
3. Let's grace it; we can suffer for what is right when we know there is a sense of ultimate truth on our side.
These are the points to the sermon so far.
What do you think?
How can we tolerate the difficulty of life if not face it, pace it, and grace it?
If you have thoughts on this write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net.
If you are willing to have others read your thoughts click on the "comments" box below.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Charles Schuster
How do we feel bless while we are being persecuted?
Three things.
1. Let's face it; life is tough
2. Let's pace it; nothing is forever. Even the pain won't last
3. Let's grace it; we can suffer for what is right when we know there is a sense of ultimate truth on our side.
These are the points to the sermon so far.
What do you think?
How can we tolerate the difficulty of life if not face it, pace it, and grace it?
If you have thoughts on this write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net.
If you are willing to have others read your thoughts click on the "comments" box below.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Charles Schuster
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Wednesday's thoughts on Sunday's sermon
"Heaven Help Us"
Sermon for Sunday June 13th
There is a very odd idea in Matthew 5:11-12
This is what it says:
Jesus said, "Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven."
What is this?
How can we feel blessed when people insult us or when they persecute us or when they say lies about us because of our belief in Jesus?
How can we feel lucky when things aren't going our way?
How can we be happy with that?
I don't like people to say bad things about me especially if the things being said are untrue and I don't know anyone who does.
What could make me feel blessed about being treated poorly?
The sermon will take a look at what it means to be persecuted for what is right. It will have us think about what it means to do what is right and pay a price for having done it.
The sermon will also look at what it means to hold onto an idea of heaven; or some state of place or mind that has a reward built in. If we know there is something coming to us that is good we can endure anything that comes to us that is unfair or bad. Is that what is meant by this text?
Do you think about heaven while having a hard time on earth? Have you had to pay a price for doing the right thing and you knew it was right and you suffered for it but you knew there were rewards beyond the suffering?
Sunday we will think about the worst of times and the best of times. If you have thoughts about this complex matter I'd appreciate your ideas. Write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to have others read your thoughts click on the "comments" box below. I look forward to hearing from you.
Charles Schuster
Sermon for Sunday June 13th
There is a very odd idea in Matthew 5:11-12
This is what it says:
Jesus said, "Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven."
What is this?
How can we feel blessed when people insult us or when they persecute us or when they say lies about us because of our belief in Jesus?
How can we feel lucky when things aren't going our way?
How can we be happy with that?
I don't like people to say bad things about me especially if the things being said are untrue and I don't know anyone who does.
What could make me feel blessed about being treated poorly?
The sermon will take a look at what it means to be persecuted for what is right. It will have us think about what it means to do what is right and pay a price for having done it.
The sermon will also look at what it means to hold onto an idea of heaven; or some state of place or mind that has a reward built in. If we know there is something coming to us that is good we can endure anything that comes to us that is unfair or bad. Is that what is meant by this text?
Do you think about heaven while having a hard time on earth? Have you had to pay a price for doing the right thing and you knew it was right and you suffered for it but you knew there were rewards beyond the suffering?
Sunday we will think about the worst of times and the best of times. If you have thoughts about this complex matter I'd appreciate your ideas. Write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to have others read your thoughts click on the "comments" box below. I look forward to hearing from you.
Charles Schuster
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Monday's thoughts on Sunday's sermon
"Heaven Help Us"
Sermon for June 13th
Sunday, June 6th the sermon was about hell. It posed the questions? Do we believe in hell? Where in hell are we? Did Jesus believe in hell? Who told Jesus to go to hell?
We need to take a look at the other side of the question. Is there heaven? Are we sent to some reward after we die? What is heaven like? Is it the best we know on earth or better?
Is there anything after death? How do we live our lives if we don't believe in heaven after death? How do we live our lives if we do believe in heaven after we die? Certainly these are important questions. They address what motivates us and how we respond to the things that happen to us.
Will we be reunited with our loved ones after death? Will we be the way we were when we were young? or old? or will it matter?
Heaven help us takes a look at our disposition and our destination.
What do you think about this? If you have thoughts or questions write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to have others read your ideas click on the box below marked "comments".
I look forward to hearing from you.
Charles Schuster
Sermon for June 13th
Sunday, June 6th the sermon was about hell. It posed the questions? Do we believe in hell? Where in hell are we? Did Jesus believe in hell? Who told Jesus to go to hell?
We need to take a look at the other side of the question. Is there heaven? Are we sent to some reward after we die? What is heaven like? Is it the best we know on earth or better?
Is there anything after death? How do we live our lives if we don't believe in heaven after death? How do we live our lives if we do believe in heaven after we die? Certainly these are important questions. They address what motivates us and how we respond to the things that happen to us.
Will we be reunited with our loved ones after death? Will we be the way we were when we were young? or old? or will it matter?
Heaven help us takes a look at our disposition and our destination.
What do you think about this? If you have thoughts or questions write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to have others read your ideas click on the box below marked "comments".
I look forward to hearing from you.
Charles Schuster
Friday, June 4, 2010
Friday's Thoughts on Sunday's sermon
"Who Told Jesus to Go to Hell?"
What is hell? Where do we find it? How do we relate to it? Do we have a judging God who consigns people to hell if they have lived a bad life? What did Jesus think of hell?
The sermon has three points and it is a search for hell and an attempt to answer the question, "Who told Jesus to go to hell?"
1. Hell can be a place. In Jerusalem there was a place where it was rumored there had been child sacrifice in the past. There are places like that today. Dachau is one. Columbine High School is another. The Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon from 9-11 is such a place. Jesus is in those places.
2. Problems with people can be hell. Relationships can take a destructive turn and we can make each other miserable and can interact in such a way that we are in hell with each other. Jesus is in those relationships trying to help us find a way out.
3. Punishment is always been suspected as the eventual outcome of life lived poorly. No one knows for sure but many people believe God is a loving God and not a judging God. Is there a state of mind, or a place, or a sense of eternal punishment after death? It gives us comfort in knowing that there is some kind of ultimate justice and those who have been unjust will be dealt with. We also believe in forgiveness and we hear that Jesus came for lost sheep and to bring God "to the least of these". If there is punishment after death in a fiery hell Jesus is there.
Who told Jesus to go to hell?
In my way of thinking it was God who told Jesus to be with us wherever we are and if we are in hell Jesus will be there with us.
What do you think about this?
If you have thoughts write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to have others read your thoughts click on the box below marked "comments". I look forward to hearing from you.
Charles Schuster
What is hell? Where do we find it? How do we relate to it? Do we have a judging God who consigns people to hell if they have lived a bad life? What did Jesus think of hell?
The sermon has three points and it is a search for hell and an attempt to answer the question, "Who told Jesus to go to hell?"
1. Hell can be a place. In Jerusalem there was a place where it was rumored there had been child sacrifice in the past. There are places like that today. Dachau is one. Columbine High School is another. The Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon from 9-11 is such a place. Jesus is in those places.
2. Problems with people can be hell. Relationships can take a destructive turn and we can make each other miserable and can interact in such a way that we are in hell with each other. Jesus is in those relationships trying to help us find a way out.
3. Punishment is always been suspected as the eventual outcome of life lived poorly. No one knows for sure but many people believe God is a loving God and not a judging God. Is there a state of mind, or a place, or a sense of eternal punishment after death? It gives us comfort in knowing that there is some kind of ultimate justice and those who have been unjust will be dealt with. We also believe in forgiveness and we hear that Jesus came for lost sheep and to bring God "to the least of these". If there is punishment after death in a fiery hell Jesus is there.
Who told Jesus to go to hell?
In my way of thinking it was God who told Jesus to be with us wherever we are and if we are in hell Jesus will be there with us.
What do you think about this?
If you have thoughts write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to have others read your thoughts click on the box below marked "comments". I look forward to hearing from you.
Charles Schuster
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Wednesday's thoughts about Sunday's sermon
Sermon for June 6th
"Who Told Jesus to Go To Hell?"
In the Apostles' Creed we find a phrase that has been used traditionally. It suggests of Jesus that, "He descended into hell". Some denominations have dropped that phrase. The United Methodist Church has put it in as a option. We don't repeat those words most of the time when we read the Apostles' Creed but it is something we could include.
Jesus descended into hell....
Interesting thought. When did he descended into hell? How did he do it? Who told him to do it? Where is hell?
In the first century there was a place the early church thought of as hell. It was the Valley of Hinnom and it was called Gehenna. It was a place where it was reputed to have been used in the ancient past for child sacrifice. It was a terrible place that was haunting. It was thought of a fiery.
The early church developed this idea of hell from the place called Gehanna and that idea has been picked up and employed to suggest an eternal punishment that is given when a life is lived in a way that deserves punishment.
I don't think Jesus believed God would will that people should spent eternity in hell; in a suffering state of agony. But the church has picked up the concept to suggest there is an ultimate judgment on the way we live our lives.
Are there places you might identify as so evil and frightening that it lives up to the image of hell? Where would such a place be and how do we handle those kinds of places?
Chucky Cheese restaurant closed its Aurora location after Nathan Dunlop killed all the employees in a massacre several decades ago. You might think of that place as a place that was evil. Dachau has that kind of mystique. I have been to Dachau Concentration Camp. It was haunting.
Do you know places that rise to the level of evil?
If so write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to let others read your thoughts click on the "comments" box below.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Charles Schuster
"Who Told Jesus to Go To Hell?"
In the Apostles' Creed we find a phrase that has been used traditionally. It suggests of Jesus that, "He descended into hell". Some denominations have dropped that phrase. The United Methodist Church has put it in as a option. We don't repeat those words most of the time when we read the Apostles' Creed but it is something we could include.
Jesus descended into hell....
Interesting thought. When did he descended into hell? How did he do it? Who told him to do it? Where is hell?
In the first century there was a place the early church thought of as hell. It was the Valley of Hinnom and it was called Gehenna. It was a place where it was reputed to have been used in the ancient past for child sacrifice. It was a terrible place that was haunting. It was thought of a fiery.
The early church developed this idea of hell from the place called Gehanna and that idea has been picked up and employed to suggest an eternal punishment that is given when a life is lived in a way that deserves punishment.
I don't think Jesus believed God would will that people should spent eternity in hell; in a suffering state of agony. But the church has picked up the concept to suggest there is an ultimate judgment on the way we live our lives.
Are there places you might identify as so evil and frightening that it lives up to the image of hell? Where would such a place be and how do we handle those kinds of places?
Chucky Cheese restaurant closed its Aurora location after Nathan Dunlop killed all the employees in a massacre several decades ago. You might think of that place as a place that was evil. Dachau has that kind of mystique. I have been to Dachau Concentration Camp. It was haunting.
Do you know places that rise to the level of evil?
If so write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to let others read your thoughts click on the "comments" box below.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Charles Schuster
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