Pastor Barry

Advocates in the Spirit

Another Sunday, another “bases loaded!” Using our Spring and Summer pastime sport to illustrate this coming Sunday is fitting as we have (at least) three wonderful occasions to celebrate:

1. The 50th Year of the United Methodist Church
2. Pentecost Sunday
3. Our local church heritage at both Locks Memorial and Kedron

You can decide which “base” you would place each on. Wherever, we want to “bring them ALL home!”

There are at least 19 Wesleyan denominations in the USA. Largest of these is US the UMC at about 8.7 million. There are 29 million Methodist members throughout the world in 108 countries. We are a presence most everywhere to bear witness to the Gospel, the grace of God upon us, “warm hearts, trained minds, extended hands to help.”

And Pentecost reminds us of the indwelling Holy Spirit, our Advocate, the Lord Jesus bestows on us to renew us along our spiritual path. John Wesley had the Holy Spirit empower him to spread the Methodist movement in spite of his previous failures as a missionary and as a despondent, beaten down Christian!

And here we are today off Almaville Road and Rocky Fork Road continuing to offer the Gospel in word and deed following both old and new ways of sharing what previous generations in these two congregations have done since the early 1800s!

A lot to be thankful for, a lot to look forward to! Bases loaded? Step up to the plate and help bring all of our historic, spiritual blessings home in worship this Sunday!

Pastor Barry

Chaplain Rob

Transparency

Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord. – Lamentations 3:40

I took a course in seminary and the professor told us that we could ask him anything we wanted, that his life was an open book. He would answer any question about anything. I didn’t believe him, but as the semester went on, I witnessed transparency in this man unlike anything I’d ever witnessed before.

It can be difficult to be real and open and honest, but if I want to continue growing and learning and being open to the awesome things God is doing, I have to at all costs keep myself accountable and let others know exactly where I am, what I’m feeling, what I’m concerned about; in short, just where I am emotionally.

When I don’t do that, that’s where the journey into isolation begins for me, and I head off into an unhealthy emotional state.

I want to be honest and exhibit integrity at all times. I want to be someone that others can trust and turn to knowing there will be no judgment. And I want others to come to me in the same way.

What keeps us from this transparency in life? I know one thing that hinders transparency is pride. Satan has used this since Adam and Eve to put a wedge between man and God. That’s why we have to put on the whole armor of God.

Our battles are spiritual. Don’t let pride get in the way of God’s call for you to live a transparent life.

Eyes so transparent that through them the soul is seen. – Theophile Gautier

Blessings,

Chaplin Rob

Pastor Barry

Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day has deep roots in Christian Faith and originated as a day of recognition by a Methodist mother and daughter, Ann and Anna Jarvis, in 19th century America. And to this year of 2018 we have almost a century and a half of publicly honoring the great persons we call “mother.”

And the list might go on a bit since grandmothers, sisters, aunts, cousins and friends have often been AS mothers to many of us. After my grandfather died in 1961 my grandmother came to live with us. She lived with us until her death in 1976. I was blessed to have her as a “second mother.” She also was indeed my widowed mother’s strongest advocate and best confidante.

If we step out of the pews this Sunday and let people give witness to the women in their lives we would go way into the night! And sure enough….mothers (and others like them) would go into the church kitchens to fix us supper while the testimonies went on!

From the Blessed Mother Mary to a 20th century Saint in Mother Teresa, no age nor generation has been without the influence of the personal characteristics of Proverbs 31:10-31 and Ephesians 6:1-3. And add to that all the scriptures which uphold the command to love, we are left to marvel at how God blesses us with relationships which endure to the end.

“God couldn’t be everywhere all the time so God gave us mothers,” is not theologically correct but tells a welcome truth we have experienced!

Come celebrate your mother and her kind this Sunday! And why not continue that celebrating and honoring from here on out!

Blessings!

Pastor Barry

Chaplain Rob

Grandfather’s Notes

Recently I have been transcribing notes that my grandfather (deceased) left in some of his journals that he kept throughout his life.  A couple of days ago I came across this list that he wrote in December 1950.  I wanted to offer it to you for a thought for the day.   I hope it inspires you as it has inspired me.

45 Life Lessons

  1. Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good.

2.  When in doubt, just take the next small step.

  1. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
  1. Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
  1. Pay off your credit cards every month.
  1. You don’t have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
  1. Cry with someone. It’s more healing than crying alone.
  1. It’s OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
  1. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
  1. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
  1. Make peace with your past so it won’t screw up the present.
  1. It’s OK to let your children see you cry.
  1. Don’t compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
  1. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn’t be in it.
  1. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don’t worry; God never blinks.
  1. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
  1. Get rid of anything that isn’t useful, beautiful or joyful.
  1. Whatever doesn’t kill you really does make you stronger.
  1. It’s never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
  1. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don’t take no for an answer.
  1. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don’t save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
  1. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
  1. Be eccentric now. Don’t wait for old age to wear purple.
  1. The most important sex organ is the brain.
  1. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
  1. Frame every so-called disaster with these words ‘In five years, will this matter?’
  1. Always choose life.
  1. Forgive everyone everything.
  1. What other people think of you is none of your business.
  1. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
  1. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
  1. Don’t take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
  1. Believe in miracles.
  1. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn’t do.
  1. Don’t audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
  1. Growing old beats the alternative — dying young.
  1. Your children get only one childhood.
  1. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
  1. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
  1. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else’s, we’d grab ours back.
  1. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
  1. The best is yet to come…
  1. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
  1. Yield.
  1. Life isn’t tied with a bow, but it’s still a gift.”

Blessings,

Chaplin Rob

Chaplain Rob

George Burns | It’s Nice to be Anywhere

No man has power over the wind to contain it; so no one has power over the day of his death. – Ecclesiastes 8:8

When it comes to the length of your life, what do you consider long enough?

On March 9, 1996 comedian and actor George Burns passed away at the age of 100. He was still performing live comedy, until just a few years before his death. At his 98th birthday celebration, he addressed his guest in true “George Burns style”, saying “It’s nice to be here . . . at 98, it’s nice to be anywhere.”

At 98 years-old, George Burns considered every day a gift and he was right! Whether you’re twenty-two years old or ninety-two, life is precious and should never be taken for granted. None of us are born with a guaranteed number of days on this earth. We have no promise that we will be here tomorrow and should realize that each moment is priceless. In acknowledging each day as an irreplaceable gift, we will be more likely to make the most of the time that we are given.

Start each morning by thanking the Lord for the day He has given you. Then spend that day, as if you meant what you said. Remember that every moment is a gift.

When I was a boy the Dead Sea was only sick. – George Burns

Blessings,

Chaplin Rob

Pastor Barry

Love God…and One Another

As I write this from not-so-sunny S. California (57 degrees and overcast), I am still appreciative of the time away with family and catching up with friends who have moved West. I also am appreciative of our United Methodist connectional life that we can have Rev. Gayle Watson, friend AND former pastor at Locks and Kedron fill in for both Word and Sacrament. Preaching and Communion!

The scripture will sound familiar perhaps from last Sunday but it should be interesting to hear another’s words on these texts. God’s love expounded upon and our living it out can hardly grow old!

And our hymns and songs on the love of God and neighbor available in our hymnals are bountiful! I am eager to hear the worship as captured on CD when I return!

And the forecast for sunshine out West is picking up! Hope the same in both congregations!

God bless~~~see you soon!

Pastor Barry

Chaplain Rob

SEVEN HABITS THAT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE

Over the last few months I have had a number of individuals in my office with serious struggles. Most often they ask me “What do I need to do to change my life” Sometimes this change is due to troubles in marriage, troubles at work, or simple because the person is tired of being sick and tired. No matter what the issue I believe change comes when we start to develop positive habits in our daily lives. Below are 7 things I do every day to activate change in my spiritual , emotional, and physical life. I hope you will take a minute to read and begin to apply some of these to your lives.

1. Start taking care of yourself. If you don’t put a priority on your health and mental sanity, you will pay for it now and later. Not only will you be constantly overworked, exhausted, and stressed, but you’ll also suffer from the physical and emotional fallout that comes from not making yourself a priority.

2. Go to bed early and get a good night’s rest. Most Americans are severely sleep deprived. It’s no wonder they don’t have passion and purpose for life; they can barely keep their eyes open and their heads from nodding off! Refueling your sleep tank is important to being efficient during the day.

3. Make the most of your mornings. Getting your day off to a great start is one of the best ways to kick-start your productivity. Wake up a little earlier, and spend time building your faith by reading the Bible and praying. Start tackling a few items on your to-do list. Make a goal list for the week. Go for a walk around your neighborhood.

4. Set five small goals. Without goals, all your good intentions amount to nothing. You need concrete, realistic goals if you want to make traction in the right direction.

5. Break down your goals into bite-size pieces. Sometimes a big goal can seem overwhelming. Break down your big goals into monthly, then weekly chunks—things you can accomplish in fifteen to thirty minutes at a time. You’ll instantly transform your goals from daunting to doable.

6. Find an accountability partner. You can’t live life on purpose on your own. Find a friend or two who are willing to keep you on task. Set up regular check-ins, whether online, in person, or over the phone. Share ideas on how to practically engage in an accountability relationship.

7. Replace the TV or Internet surfing with productivity. Feel like you don’t have enough time? Well, you’re not alone. Most Americans feel like they are incredibly strapped for time. But the average American also watches four hours of television per day. If we all invested even half of that time into improving ourselves, working toward our goals, working out, getting more sleep, and so on, think about how much better we’d feel and how much more fulfilled we’d be in life!

No matter your age, your financial situation, your education, or your upbringing, you can live an exceptional life. You can say goodbye to survival mode and hello to a life that matters. A life that makes a difference. A life on purpose!!!

May God bless you in your endeavors today.

Chaplin Rob

Pastor Barry

Love Came Down At Easter And………

On April 29, 1945, American forces liberated the Dachau concentration camp where tens of thousands of Jews, Gypsies, and resistant Christians had perished at the hands of the Nazis. That same day, Adolph Hitler married Eva Braun and designated Admiral Karl Doenitz his successor in Germany’s shattered government.

Sunday April 29 marks 73 years since those dramatic events. Our scriptures to be read and preached from are in such marked contrast to any of those events. What happened then through the Allied nations was a victory of sorts for justice. Justice should be an expression of love, however. The Allied nations acted in justice such that love might be operative once again in a nation overcome by evil intent toward those in the minority, those perceived as “unacceptably different.”

In both the Gospel and Epistle of John the call to love as God has loved us is paramount for Christ followers. We know this but how difficult it is to sustain when our loyalties to other earthly kingdoms and desires take predominance! We need government, we need values and loyalties, but when they demonstrate attitudes the opposite of “loving neighbor and God” the path to destruction is likely to be taken.

To make love actual (and not merely romantic or when convenient to do) requires a community of the beloved PRACTICING week after week! And not just practicing but celebrating the examples and moments when we see and know that “God is love.”

Over time we might actually find that these practices, examples, and moments are as close as we will get to “Heaven on earth” or “thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

John 15:9 has Jesus’ words: “As the Father loves me , so I also love you. Remain in my love.” And I John 4:8 says that “Whoever is without love does not know God, for God is love.”

These April and May Sundays of our Easter celebrations are continual reminders that God is still working within us to bring about the Kingdom of God “in our midst” and to have a “foretaste of glory.”

With God’s loving help we will never have to bitterly relearn the lessons of WW II in our own age!

See you at worship this Fifth Sunday of Easter!

Pastor Barry

Chaplain Rob

Never Give In

What, then shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? – Romans 8:31

World War II ravaged through Europe for more than two years. The Axis forces looked invincible. England had suffered massive air raids by German forces in late 1940, and again in the spring of 1941.

On October 29, 1941, Great Britain’s Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, visited the Harrow School for boys, his alma mater-to speak to its students. What message did the times demand? What could Churchill say to these young men in the face of the Blitzkrieg that seized Europe, leveled London, and cast their lives and futures into a thick fog of uncertainty? His words were simple, moving, and unforgettable: “Never give in—never, never, never, never, never give in.”

Are you tired, have you grown weary from the “Blitzkrieg” in your life? There is hope at the cross for you. God is in the business of turning hopeless situations around.

Remember, Lazarus had been in a grave for four days, his family was in mourning when Jesus showed up and called him back from the place of the dead. God can make something of the ashes that we bring to Him—Isaiah 61:3 tells us that “He will give us beauty in exchange for ashes.” We need to stand firm in our faith and never give up or give in to the belief that He cannot redeem us or the situations we find ourselves in.

Perseverance—it’s born of faith, it’s nourished by hope and it’s a sure sign of strength of character. What role does it play in your Christian life?

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. – Galatians 6:9

The greatest glory in living lies not, in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.  – Nelson Mandela

May you find strength and peace today!

Blessings,

Chaplin Rob

Pastor Barry

Creation Care

Sure enough….our weather service is calling for RAIN this coming Sunday! Enough already?!

But….look at this week unfolding with sunshine, blooms, and grass to cut (?). And, looking back who hasn’t appreciated some of the Winter beauty and the gift of rain for crops, lakes, and streams. Fishing and boating anyone? Hiking and walking and playing anyone?

This Sunday’s worship reminds us that “the earth is the Lords, and the fullness thereof….” Psalm 24:1. We have been given a bountiful earth with forests and lakes, mountains and wilderness, land for planting and harvest. These gifts do provide for humanity, and God’s people, in response, commit to be good stewards of the gifts.

In worship we praise the Creator, Sustainer, and ultimately Redeemer of all that is. We will hear the scriptures and other voices commending to us to remember and be glad, to conserve and pass along to future generations.

So, our agricultural and rural heritage is to be celebrated this Sunday and our task to be good stewards is ever before us. Join together in praise and wonder!

Pastor Barry

Open hearts. Open Minds. Open doors.