Category Archives: Rev. Rebecca’s Reflections

The Obligation of Love (Sermon) September 7, 2014

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Sermon – September 7, 2014

The Rev. Rebecca S. Myers, CSW

St. John’s Episcopal Church, Corbin, KY

Thirteenth Sunday After Pentecost (Proper 18) Track 1

Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.  Romans 13:8

Please be seated.

I don’t know about you, but I have thought a lot about love over the years.  When I was 13, a church youth newspaper printed my thoughts about love.  It was a contest of sorts and I remember receiving a check in the mail for a few dollars.  My favorite popular song at that time was, “Love Can Make You Happy.”

Our popular culture gives us plenty of messages about love, but it’s mostly about romantic love and even distorted love.

In our lessons today, we hear a lot about love…about the love of God.  Paul, in his letter to the Romans, emphasizes our sole obligation to each other – to love one another.  The Greek word used is Agape.  According to one commentary, Agape is actively doing what God prefers.  This is not about how we feel, it is about how we behave…. This is NOT about how we feel, it is about how we BEHAVE.

We are reflections of God’s love for us.  God showed us Agape, in that God came to live among us.  God, through his son, Jesus Christ, died the most horrible death at our hands.  Yet, instead of revenge, God raised Jesus Christ from the dead.  God continued to show love and interest in us, despite our unworthiness and despite our rejection.  Agape is acting in ways that promote another’s good…that promote another’s welfare.

Open your Book of Common Prayer to page 305.  Let’s read the second paragraph on that page:

Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself?

That’s what Agape is.  That’s what Paul says is our Christian obligation.

But make no mistake, this is not romantic love.  This is not conditional love – you do this for me and I’ll do that for you.  This is clear-eyed love.  This is love freely given, even when we reject it.

For example, look at our Exodus passage.  Now, most of us don’t live on farms anymore, so it might be hard to hear the details regarding the slaughter and eating of the lamb.  But even before the Israelites are freed from their oppressors, God is telling them to remember God’s love in action in freeing them from their oppressors.

Throughout this beginning part of Exodus, we continually hear God telling Moses and Aaron to go to Pharaoh and demand that the Israelites be freed.  “Let my people go,” is the cry.  Now God, I believe, loves Pharaoh AND God is realistic about Pharaoh.  God gives Pharaoh so many chances to take the love actions.  Yet, God says in Exodus 7:14, “Pharaoh’s heart is hardened; he refuses to let the people go.”  God gives Pharaoh chance after chance to be loving to the Israelites…to not oppress them.  Yet with each time Pharaoh rejects God’s demand, Pharaoh and the Egyptians face tougher and tougher consequences.

God’s love of Pharaoh isn’t like the sweet love we so often see reflected in our culture.  This is clear-eyed love.  And just like Pharaoh, we get the chance to be guided by God…to be guided by the way God wants us to live  — love in action.  And just like God, we are smart and shrewd, wise and discerning about the reality of ourselves and of our fellow human beings.

We can work for the good of the people involved with ISIS and we are wise to the facts about the violence and evil they perpetuate.  I’m not sure I can exactly articulate how to work for their good, but it is the way we Christians are called to live.  Working for the good – active loving of the other AND knowing they are hard hearted and must face the consequences of that hard heartedness.

This agape love is challenging and hard, because our emotions pull us.  Also, our either/or thinking.  I must either love ISIS or hate ISIS.  But as Christians, we live in a both/and world.

Look at the parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15:11-32.  “Father, give me the share of the property that will belong to me,” says the father’s youngest son.  Now, you know the father knew what was going to happen, but the father does as the youngest son asks.  The father doesn’t try to stop the son.  The father doesn’t lecture to the son.  And the father does not rescue the son, either.  The father lets the son leave, lets the son squander his inheritance – all that the father had to give to him.  The son must face the consequences of his actions and his choices.  The son ends up feeding pigs.  We read, “He would have gladly filled himself with the pods that the pigs were eating; and no one gave him anything.”  (Luke 15:16)

Finally, the youngest son decides that living as a hired hand working for his father would be preferable to the life he is living.  We read, “He came to himself….”  He decides to go to his father, to own up to what he has done.  “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands.” (Luke 15:18-19)

And we are totally unprepared for his father’s response.  “But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him.”  (Luke 15:20)  God gives us guidance and direction and ultimately lets us choose the way we will go.  And God knows that we humans make unwise choices and reject God.  God knows this about us.  God lets us “make our own beds and lie in them” as the saying goes.  Yet, when we want to return…when we come to ourselves…God runs to meet us and embraces us.

That’s the love Paul is speaking about…the love that God wants us to show each other.  The clear-eyed, firmly set in reality kind of love, that works for our own good, despite our own bad behavior.  That works for the good of others, despite their own bad behavior.

And so today in our Gospel, we are given specific instructions about acting in love when another church member sins against us.  We are to go to that person and talk to them directly.  If the person cannot hear us, then we take two to three others with us and talk directly.  If the person still cannot hear us, then we take the issue to the church community.  If the person still does not listen, there are consequences.  The person cannot be part of the community any longer.  Many chances and opportunities are given to the person.  And the person has choices to make, with consequences.  Tough, clear-eyed love.

So, each week, we gather as God’s community.  To the best of our ability, we confess our sins to God.  We pass the peace and greet each other.  We come to the table and eat the meal of love given to us by Jesus our Savior.

“Owe no one anything, except to love one another….” (Romans 13:8)

Amen

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This Sunday (September 7) at St. John’s

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Hallelujah!
Sing to the LORD a new song; *
sing his praise in the congregation of the faithful.Psalm 149:1

Confirmation classes have begun.  Bruce Cory and I have worked on a 5-session course for those wanting to be confirmed in the Episcopal Church.  In the first session, we tell our spiritual autobiography.  We share how we’ve come to St. John’s.

The session is so powerful.  It is powerful to think about your own life in these terms and it is powerful to share that with others.  I learn new things about my own life, both from looking at my story and also by hearing others’ stories.

There were a couple of things I found exciting from our recent sessions.  I was reminded how much of our spiritual journeys require others to support us and to teach us.  In addition, I heard how our search and longing for God is something we are born with.  I heard over and over how friendly, warm and welcoming St. John’s is and how much that means to people.

And with these new members, we will sing a new song.  Their faith and who they are will shape the song we will sing to the Lord.

Blessings as you finish your week!

Love, Rebecca

Bulletin 09-07-2014

Rebecca’s Schedule: Rebecca will be at St. Agnes’ House this week, Monday through Thursday. Her Sabbath Day(s) will be Friday, September 12. You can get a message to her by calling the church office at 606-528-1659 or priest-in-charge@stjohnscorbin.org.

Adult Forum: The Adult Forum is reviewing and discussing the 39 Articles of Faith, pages 867-876 in the Book of Common Prayer through September 28.

Godly Play offered for children.  All children are invited to participate in this special program of spiritual development.

St. Philip’s, Harrodsburg, requests our prayers and presence at the service of Celebration of a New Ministry for the Reverend Peter Doddema as Rector, Sunday, September 7, 4pm.

Godly Play Teachers needed.  Godly Play teachers are needed.  Training is provided.  This is a wonderful program of spiritual development for children and we’d like to keep it going in the parish.  Please let Rebecca know if you are willing to be trained and serve as a teacher for a period of approximately 1 month.

Daughters of the King meets the third Wednesday of each month at 4:30pm.  The next meeting is September 17.  If you have special prayer requests or would like to join this prayer ministry, please contact Shelia Phillips.

Some men of the parish are discussing forming a chapter of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew. To learn more about the Brotherhood, speak to Bruce Cory. You can also learn more from http://www.brotherhoodofstandrew.org/about.php

Interested in being a member of St. John’s?  If you have been baptized in another faith tradition, and want to be a member of The Episcopal Church and St. John’s Church, plan to attend confirmation classes this fall.  There will be 5 classes offered Wednesday evenings September 3, 10, 17, 24, and October 1, 6:30-7:30pm.  If you are interested, please let Rebecca know. If you have already been confirmed in another faith tradition and would like to be a member of St. John’s, let Rebecca know, so you can be received into the church.  If you are interested in baptism, also let her know.  Baptisms, receptions, and confirmations will be done when the Bishop visits on October 19.

Confirmation classes are being held every Wednesday through October 1 from 6:30-8pm.  All are invited.  This week’s session will be theological tenets of the church.

Computer and Furnace Needed: The furnace located in the sacristy, which heats part of the social hall and hallways must be replaced prior to this winter.  Cost is $2,250 for a furnace that will also be more energy efficient.  We’ll also need to replace two more furnaces over the next two years:  one that heats the parish hall and one that heats the rectory.  Our computer also needs replaced and $600 will get us a new one plus the needed software.  Donations for these two items can be put in the boxes back on the shelves in the parish hall.

Columbarium Niche: The Vestry has voted to donate a niche in the Columbarium to the family of Deacon Dane.  A bronze plaque needs to be purchased to mark the niche.  The cost is $208.   If you would like to donate to the cost of this plaque, please let Gay Nell know.

Grow Appalachia!  The Vestry has voted to move ahead to become a Grow Appalachia site for 2015.  Please talk to the Vestry about your ideas, questions, and concerns.  The Grow Appalachia website is http://www.berea.edu/grow-appalachia/

The Grow Appalachia Committee will meet after church on Sunday, September 7. 

Flowers for the altar: Donations for flowers for the altar are accepted for any Sunday of the year. Please place your donation in the envelope, marking whether they are in honor of or in memory of someone.

Hymn Selection Group If you’d like to choose hymns for services, join this group.  You will choose hymns for an upcoming service and then meet with the entire group to confirm the final selections.  See Billy Hibbitts if you are interested.

Would you like to write Prayers of the People?  If you are interested in writing these prayers (there are resources that can help with this task), please let Rebecca know by phone or email priest-in-charge@stjohnscorbin.org.

United Thank Offering.  Remember to get your box for your thank offerings for this ministry of The Episcopal Church.  The next collection will be in the fall.

Are you interested in assisting with the Sunday service?  Readers, Eucharistic Ministers, Crucifers, Altar Guild Members and choir members are all important for each Sunday service.  If you’re interested in serving, please let Rebecca know by phone 859-429-1659 or priest-in-charge@stjohnscorbin.org.

We will celebrate Latino/Latina Heritage Month  at our service on September 28.  If you’d like to read one of the lessons, please see me.  In preparation, you can practice the Lord’s Prayer in Spanish:

 Padre nuestro que estás en el cielo,

santificado sea tu Nombre,

venga tu reino,

hágase tu voluntad,

en la tierra como en el cielo.

Danos hoy nuestro pan de cada día.

Perdona nuestras ofensas,

como también nosotros perdonamos

a los que nos ofenden.

No nos dejes caer en tentación

y líbranos del mal.

Porque tuyo es el reino,

tuyo es el poder,

y tuya es la gloria,

ahora y por siempre. Amén.

Serving Our Neighbors – See baskets in the parlor.

  • Everlasting Arm, Corbin’s shelter for people who are homeless, is in need of men’s and women’s razors, gloves, deodorant and socks.
  • The Food Pantry at Corbin Presbyterian Church is always in need of nonperishable food items.  Vegetables are especially appreciated.
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I AM who I AM (sermon) August 31, 2014

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Sermon – August 31, 2014
The Rev. Rebecca S. Myers, CSW
St. John’s Episcopal Church, Corbin, KY
Twelfth Sunday After Pentecost (Proper 17) Track 1

God said to Moses, “I AM Who I AM.” Exodus 3:14

Please be seated.

I know you’ve heard me talk about my mother’s parents, who lived in upstate New York.  Fulton was the name of the town.  We’d go there every summer, often one way by bus.  It was a very long ride before Interstate 81 was built.  But I’d be so excited about seeing my grandparents, that I would hardly sleep the night before.

Now in those days, we weren’t allowed to watch TV during the day, unless you were sick.  Oh, maybe Captain Kangaroo in the morning, but that was it.  TV watching began at about 5pm and there were always cartoons on.  At my grandparents’ house, Popeye cartoons came on in the afternoon.  I’m Popeye the Sailor Man, the cartoons would start with a very distinctive song, ending with a Toot!  The song was from the 1930s and includes the lines:

I’m Popeye the Sailor Man.

I’m Popeye the Sailor Man.

I yam what’s I yam,

And that’s all what’s I am.

I’m Popeye the Sailor Man.

Today, we here God tell Moses, I AM who I AM.  I’m not meaning to imply that God is Popeye.  But to look at the simplicity and truth in this statement made to Moses.  Who are you in the burning bush, God?  Who are you, talking to me and asking me to challenge all-powerful Pharoah?  Who are you asking me to lead the Israelites out of bondage?  Who are you speaking the vision of the promised land?  What is your name?  What god are you?

Remember, the beliefs were that there were many gods, so Moses is asking, which one are you?  The people will want to know.  And God simply says, I AM who I AM.  God is who God is, nothing more, nothing less…God is.

This past week, I spent two days in staff training with the rest of the Diocesan staff.  As you know, some of the staff have been in the Diocese and working for the Diocese for 20 years or more.  And some, like me, are very new.  We needed to come together, get to know each other better and work out how we will work together and how we can best serve the Diocese.

Bishop Hahn led much of the first day.  He used the book, Strengths Finder 2.0 by Tom Rath.  Mr. Rath and Donald Clifton were tired of hearing about what was wrong with people.  They’d also discovered that “people have several times more potential for growth when they invest energy in developing their strengths instead of correcting their deficiencies.”  (p. i).

Using the Gallup organization’s 40-year study of human strengths, Mr. Rath and Mr. Clifton came up with 34 of the most common strengths people possess.  Strengths Finder includes these.  You get a code in the book, which allows you to go online and take a test, which then gives you your top five strengths.  The book explains each strength, gives some examples, lists ideas for actions you can take to best use this strength, and lists some ideas for how to work with others who have this strength.

Each of us on staff did this online assessment and sent the results to Bishop Hahn.  At the training, we did various things with the information.  One of the things we did in a small group was to figure out who should be part of a team to solve an issue.  We were asked to consider what strengths would be helpful in that scenario and who we’d choose amongst the staff to address that problem.

In many ways, throughout the first day, we were affirming the “I am who I am.”  For just as God is who God is, so we, made in God’s image, are who we are.  We are who we are….

Now, we could use this as an excuse for all sorts of bad behavior, saying, “Well, that’s just the way I am.”  But I don’t think that’s what God wants for us.  I think God wants us to be just who we are…to know who we are.  To bring our best, to bring our God-given strengths into the world.  None of us is God.  None of us has all 34 strengths identified by Mr. Rath and Mr. Clifton as our top five.  We do need each other.

We need each other and our different strengths, our differing strengths, in order to accomplish God’s work.

One of the projects that emerged from the 2-day training is to look at our jobs and see if we are in the right place.  Do our strengths match the tasks we are assigned to do?

And that’s what God is asking us to do.  To look clearly at ourselves.  To know the strengths and talents God has given us.  To align our lives with those strengths and talents, so we can do God’s work.  And so we can also know our limitations and our need for each other.

And so we can be ready to see the burning bush…to stand on holy ground…to hear God speaking to us…to be sent to Pharoah…and to free ourselves and each other.

Amen

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This Sunday (August 31) at St. John’s

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Search for the LORD and his strength; continually seek his face.  Psalm 105:4

This Sunday, we’ll hear how Moses meets the LORD, the great I AM.  Moses sees a bush that is burning, but is not consumed.  Rather than running away, he’s curious and takes a closer look.  This Psalm encourages us to do the same…to take a closer look…to continually search for the LORD.

We can’t always see God’s movement and actions.  We become busy getting things done.  We become perplexed.  Sometimes, our busyness and our cares drown out the voice of God.  Maybe that’s why God has to show up to Moses in the burning bush.  The Psalm offers an alternative…continually and in all things, search for God…seek God’s face…seek God’s guidance…rely on God’s strength.

Blessings as you finish your week and enter this holiday weekend….

Love, Rebecca+

Bulletin 08-31-2014

Pow Wow Water Distribution, Saturday, August 31, 10am – 4pm
St. John’s is once again distributing water to guests at the pow-wow at Ken and Shelia Phillip’s place, 4116 Cumberland Falls Highway, Corbin.  Come help us distribute water or help work the gate or come enjoy the music and singing and food.  Cost to enter is $5.00.  Kids Pony Rides & Petting zoo, too.  Pony rides are $3.00 each.  Gates open Saturday at 10am and Sunday at noon.

Rebecca’s Schedule:Rebecca’s schedule is changing.  St. John’s will have Rebecca 50% of her time.  She will spend one week in Corbin and one week at St. Agnes’ House, with every Sunday in Corbin.  Rebecca will be in Corbin Tuesday through Thursday this week.  Her Sabbath days will be Friday and Saturday.  You can get a message to her by calling the church office at 606-528-1659 or priest-in-charge@stjohnscorbin.org.

Adult Forum: The Adult Forum is reviewing and discussing the 39 Articles of Faith, pages 867-876 in the Book of Common Prayer through September 28.

Godly Play offered for children.  All children are invited to participate in this special program of spiritual development.

Godly Play Teachers needed.  Godly Play teachers are needed.  Training is provided.  This is a wonderful program of spiritual development for children and we’d like to keep it going in the parish.  Please let Rebecca know if you are willing to be trained and serve as a teacher for a period of approximately 1 month.

Interested in being a member of St. John’s?  If you have been baptized in another faith tradition, and want to be a member of The Episcopal Church and St. John’s Church, plan to attend confirmation classes this fall.  There will be 5 classes offered Wednesday evenings September 3, 10, 17, 24, and October 1, 6:30-7:30pm.  If you are interested, please let Rebecca know. If you have already been confirmed in another faith tradition and would like to be a member of St. John’s, let Rebecca know, so you can be received into the church.  If you are interested in baptism, also let her know.  Baptisms, receptions, and confirmations will be done when the Bishop visits on October 19.

Confirmation classes are being held every Wednesday through October 1 from 6:30-8pm.  All are invited.  This week’s session will be creating your spiritual autobiography.

Celebration of a New Ministry: St. Philip’s, Harrodsburg, requests our prayers and presence at the service of Celebration of a New Ministry for the Reverend Peter Doddema as Rector, Sunday, September 7, 4pm.

Daughters of the King Fall Retreat, September 18-20, Cathedral Domain.  Register by September 4.  Registration forms are on the bulletin board by the kitchen.

Computer and Furnace Needed: The furnace located in the sacristy, which heats part of the social hall and hallways must be replaced prior to this winter.  Cost is $2,250 for a furnace that will also be more energy efficient.  We’ll also need to replace two more furnaces over the next two years:  one that heats the parish hall and one that heats the rectory.  Our computer also needs replaced and $600 will get us a new one plus the needed software.  Donations for these two items can be put in the boxes back on the shelves in the parish hall.

Columbarium Niche: The Vestry has voted to donate a niche in the Columbarium to the family of Deacon Dane.  A bronze plaque needs to be purchased to mark the niche.  The cost is $208.   If you would like to donate to the cost of this plaque, please let Gay Nell know.

Grow Appalachia!  The Vestry has voted to move ahead to become a Grow Appalachia site for 2015.  Please talk to the Vestry about your ideas, questions, and concerns.  The Grow Appalachia website is http://www.berea.edu/grow-appalachia/

The Grow Appalachia Committee will meet after church on Sunday, September 7. 

Flowers for the altar: Donations for flowers for the altar are accepted for any Sunday of the year. Please place your donation in the envelope, marking whether they are in honor of or in memory of someone.

Hymn Selection Group If you’d like to choose hymns for services, join this group.  You will choose hymns for an upcoming service and then meet with the entire group to confirm the final selections.  See Billy Hibbitts if you are interested.

Would you like to write Prayers of the People?  If you are interested in writing these prayers (there are resources that can help with this task), please let Rebecca know by phone or email priest-in-charge@stjohnscorbin.org.

United Thank Offering.  Remember to get your box for your thank offerings for this ministry of The Episcopal Church.  The next collection will be in the fall. 

Are you interested in assisting with the Sunday service?  Readers, Eucharistic Ministers, Crucifers, Altar Guild Members and choir members are all important for each Sunday service.  If you’re interested in serving, please let Rebecca know by phone 859-429-1659 or priest-in-charge@stjohnscorbin.org.

Serving Our Neighbors – See baskets in the parlor.

  • Everlasting Arm, Corbin’s shelter for people who are homeless, is in need of men’s and women’s razors, gloves, deodorant and socks.
  • The Food Pantry at Corbin Presbyterian Church is always in need of nonperishable food items.  Vegetables are especially appreciated.
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Following Jesus (sermon) August 24, 2014

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Sermon – August 24, 2014
The Rev. Rebecca S. Myers, CSW
St. John’s Episcopal Church, Corbin, KY
Eleventh Sunday After Pentecost (Proper 16) Track 1

 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Matthew 16:15

Please be seated.

The region of Caesarea Philippi where our Gospel occurs is beautiful.  It’s about 30 miles north of Capernaum and the Sea of Galilee where Jesus and his disciples spent quite a bit of time according to Matthew.  It is about as far north as you can get in modern day Israel.

What is special about this spot are the springs.  The day I was there, the springs rushed out of the ground and were full and clear and cold.  The rushing water was the dominant sound.  These springs form the Jordan River, which feeds the Sea of Galilee, flowing out through the desert to the Dead Sea, which has no exit. The mighty Jordan River where John the Baptist conducted baptisms, including Jesus’ baptism.    The mighty Jordan River, symbol of the crossing from life to death.  It all starts at Caesarea Philippi.

The ruler Philip, son of Herod the Great, built a palace on a cliff above the site. In a secluded spot away from the rushing springs, he built a worship space to the Roman gods, especially Pan.  The cliff face is full of niches where altars would have been to the various gods.

It is here, in the midst of the altars and niches to the Roman gods, that Jesus issues his altar call.  “Who do you say that I am?” he asks.   He’s asking who the disciples will follow.  They are free to return to the gods of the area or the Roman gods.  They have a choice.  Will they follow the Roman gods or will they follow Jesus?

This invitation by Jesus, this altar call, is issued again and again in our scriptures.  Who do you say that I am?  Who will you follow?

As the Israelites are getting ready to cross this Jordan River into the land God promised them, Joshua, guided by God, issues this same choice in Joshua 24:15

‘Now if you are unwilling to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served in the region beyond the River or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.’ Joshua 24:15

 This is the choice we are continually asked to make.  Who do you say that I am?  Whom will you serve?  And we sing with gusto the Asian Indian hymn,

I have decided to follow Jesus
No turning back, no turning back.

But here’s the thing… every day and many times each day, we are asked to make the choice!  Because following Jesus affects every area of our lives.  How do we spend our time each day?  Does it reflect our following of Jesus?  How do we take care of ourselves?  Does it reflect our following of Jesus?  How do we relate to our neighbors?  Does it reflect our following Jesus?  What kind of work do we do?  How do we spend our money?  What do we return to God?  Many times each day, the question comes….Who do you say that I am?  Whom will you follow?

And what does following Jesus entail?

I remember Matthew 25:31-46.  Lord, when did we see you hungry, thirsty, naked, sick or in prison?  And Jesus responds that whenever you see someone in need, you have seen Christ and must respond accordingly.

I remember Jesus’ response to the Pharisees who tried to trip him up in Matthew 22:34-40,

‘Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?’ He said to him, ‘ “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.’

I remember the simple verse from Micah 6:8:

He has told you, O mortal, what is good;
   and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,
   and to walk humbly with your God?

And we struggle with what it means to follow Jesus.  As you know, people contact me when they are in need and I have a discretionary fund available to give people assistance.  But what is the right amount?  I’ve bought $15 Kroger cards and handed them out to people, but sometimes people need more.

I look at the world…at Ferguson, MO, just the latest place to confirm that racism is alive and well and destroys all of us.  I remember the history of Corbin, the gathering of the African-Americans on the trains to Chicago and the burning of their homes…of the “get out of town by sundown” signs that were up until 1989, and I wonder have we repented of that?  Is there more we need to do to atone for that?

I think of the upcoming pow wow and the land we stand on …land that was taken from the native peoples, who were marched to death to what is now Oklahoma on the Trail of Tears. And given that, what does following Jesus, and obeying God look like in response to that evil act?

I think of the Episcopalians who came in 1906, the railroad company families, who founded St. John’s, who most likely helped the resources of coal and lumber to be taken from the land with little regard for the people who lived on the land.  I think of the resulting, pervasive and stubborn poverty, and I wonder are we doing enough to atone for our legacy?

I have decided to follow Jesus and we come to the foot of the altar.  Yet, how are we doing in loving our neighbor, in responding to those in need, in doing justice, loving kindness and walking humbly with God?

We do our best…we try to do better… and we gather each week as St. John’s Corbin, as the body of Christ.  We ask for God’s mercy and forgiveness.  And Jesus calls us to this table and feeds us.  Feeds us with bread and wine…feeds us with his presence, right here, right now, so that we like Peter can answer Jesus, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

Amen

This Sunday (August 24) at St. John’s

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Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God– what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2

Do you know what God’s Will is for you in your life?  Isn’t hard to figure that out sometimes.  At times, the way seems so clear.  God’s voice is loud and we know exactly what to do next.  At other times, we feel so confused.  Paul’s letter to the Romans provides a key to our confusion.  We are not to be conformed to this world.  This world’s standards and what our society thinks is important or “the good life” are different from God’s guidance and way of life.

Throughout the Bible, we read of the importance of economic justice, of God’s priority for the poor.  Yet, those are the values our world often presents us.  Trying to buck the trends and priorities created by our broken humanity is hard.  It requires being nonconforming.  It requires a transformation and change in our minds.  That’s what’s required for us to discern what is the will of God, the good, the acceptable and the perfect….

Blessings as you finish your week!

Love, Rebecca+

Sunday’s Bulletin

Rebecca’s Schedule: Next week, Rebecca will be in Corbin on Friday, August 29, and her Sabbath day will be Tuesday, August 26.  You can get a message to Rebecca by calling the church office at 606-528-1659 or priest-in-charge@stjohnscorbin.org.

Adult Forum: This summer and early fall, we will discuss a portion of the Gospel of Matthew.   We will follow our Gospel lectionary, discussing the following week’s Gospel – Matthew 8:15-20.

Godly Play classes for children will begin next week, August 31.  We also need adults to conduct these classes, beginning in November.  If you are interested in being trained and conducting the classes for a few weeks to a month, please let Rebecca know.

We will once again be distributing water at the Pow Wow on Ken and Shelia’s property on Saturday, August 30.  If you’d be willing to donate for the water and ice and/or take a shift handing out water, let Rebecca know.

Pot Luck Sunday:  Next Sunday, August 31, is our monthly pot luck.  Bring a dish or drink to share.  And all are welcome!  Plan to fellowship with each other.

Interested in being a member of St. John’s?  If you have been baptized in another faith tradition, and want to be a member of The Episcopal Church and St. John’s Church, plan to attend confirmation classes this fall.  There will be 5 classes offered, most likely beginning in September.  If you are interested, please let Rebecca know.  If you have already been confirmed in another faith tradition and would like to be a member of St. John’s, let Rebecca know, so you can be received into the church.  If you are interested in baptism, also let her know.  Baptisms, receptions, and confirmations will be done when the Bishop visits.

Computer and Furnace Needed: The furnace located in the sacristy, which heats part of the social hall and hallways must be replaced prior to this winter.  Cost is $2,250 for a furnace that will also be more energy efficient.  We’ll also need to replace two more furnaces over the next two years:  one that heats the parish hall and one that heats the rectory.  Our computer also needs replaced and $600 will get us a new one plus the needed software.  Donations for these two items can be put in the boxes back on the shelves in the parish hall.

Columbarium Niche: The Vestry has voted to donate a niche in the Columbarium to the family of Deacon Dane.  A bronze plaque needs to be purchased to mark the niche.  The cost is $208.   If you would like to donate to the cost of this plaque, please let Gay Nell know.

Grow Appalachia!  The Vestry has voted to move ahead to become a Grow Appalachia site for 2015.  Please talk to the Vestry about your ideas, questions, and concerns.  The Grow Appalachia website is http://www.berea.edu/grow-appalachia/

Flowers for the altar: Donations for flowers for the altar are accepted for any Sunday of the year. Please place your donation in the envelope, marking whether they are in honor of or in memory of someone.

Hymn Selection Group If you’d like to choose hymns for services, join this group.  You will choose hymns for an upcoming service and then meet with the entire group to confirm the final selections.  See Billy Hibbitts if you are interested.

Would you like to write Prayers of the People?  If you are interested in writing these prayers (there are resources that can help with this task), please let Rebecca know by phone or email priest-in-charge@stjohnscorbin.org.

United Thank Offering.  Remember to get your box for your thank offerings for this ministry of The Episcopal Church.  The next collection will be in the fall. 

Are you interested in assisting with the Sunday service?  Readers, Eucharistic Ministers, Crucifers, Altar Guild Members and choir members are all important for each Sunday service.  If you’re interested in serving, please let Rebecca know by phone 859-429-1659 or priest-in-charge@stjohnscorbin.org.

Serving Our Neighbors – See baskets in the parlor.

  • Everlasting Arms, Corbin’s shelter for people who are homeless, is in need of men’s and women’s razors, gloves, deodorant and socks.
  • The Food Pantry at Corbin Presbyterian Church is always in need of nonperishable food items.  Vegetables are especially appreciated.
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This Sunday (August 17, 2014) at St. John’s

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This Sunday’s service will be at 10:00am at Rotary Park pavilion, 224 Wilson Street —

From Master Street, turn on Ford St (by hometown bank).  The park is at the end of Ford Street.  You’ll need to take a left and immediate right and go along the park to the pavilion.  Parking is in a lot on the left across from the playground.

 We will worship with Corbin Presbyterian and First Baptist Church.  

A pot luck will be held after the service.  St. John’s is asked to provide drinks and a dish to share.  If you can, bring a gallon jug of your favorite drink.  Fried chicken will be provided.

Then Jesus answered her, ‘Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.’ And her daughter was healed instantly.  Matthew 15:28

One of the exciting events for me at St. John’s this week was the meeting regarding the Grow Appalachia Project.  A number of members (Paula and Linda Bain, TJ and Jason Jackson-Beams, Gay Nell Conley, Bruce Cory, Anne Day Davis, Irene Isaacs, Elmer Parlier, Dura Anne Price and Mary Swinford) gathered to begin talking about the project and how we want to participate.

There was lots of good thinking and discussion.  We learned we had lots of different visions about the project.  Some of us thought we’d have one big community garden.  Others thought we’d just offer plots that individuals or families would garden.  Some of us wanted to see 10-20 plots, while others wanted to start small with 6 plots.  Some of us thought people could have gardens in their backyards, while others wanted to start just with the plots in our park.

Then there were a variety of tasks to accomplish — Making an 811 call to check for utilities, soil testing, planning the classes, networking with the various local farmer’s markets, discovering who in our neighborhood would be interested in having a garden, and creating forms to participate and expectations of participants.  The 811 call needs to happen before we can have our area tilled and a cover crop planted for the fall.

By the end of our meeting, we agreed to have 6 plots in our park for individuals and families.  We staked out the area.  I agreed to go with Irene Isaacs to see the Grow Appalachia project in London, which was one of the original projects.  It’s run by the Laurel County African American Heritage Center.  Wayne Riley is the Site Coordinator.

Mr Riley was so helpful and had much information to share — forms, running the classes, processes, and he agreed to come to our meeting on Wednesday to answer all of our questions.  He is willing to help us in any way he can.

There are many details to be worked out and this project requires great faith!  From our Gospel this Sunday, we know that persistence wins out.

Enjoy the photos from Grow Appalachia in London and come join us this Wednesday, August 20, from 5:00-6:30.  NOTE:  The Wednesday evening service will start at 6:30 this week.

This week I will be in Corbin on Friday.  My Sabbath Day will be Thursday.

Daughters of the King meets this Wednesday, August 20, 4pm.  All women are invited to become part of this prayer and support ministry of St. John’s.  Please see Shelia Phillips if you’d like to join.  If you have special prayer requests, also let her know.  We are fortunate to have this important ministry!

At the Center on Short Street, crops from the community garden are sold. Crops are also canned in the kitchen at the center. In addition to the community garden, the center's program supports people who have gardens at their own homes.

At the Center on Short Street, crops from the community garden are sold. Crops are also canned in the kitchen at the center. In addition to the community garden, the center’s program supports people who have gardens at their own homes.

Irene and Mr. Riley starting our tour.

Irene and Mr. Riley starting our tour.

Looking over towards the garden. Much of the crops are done for the summer. Fall crops will be planted soon.

Looking over towards the garden. Much of the crops are done for the summer. Fall crops will be planted soon.

View of the high tunnels.

View of the high tunnels.

Gallons of water feed the drip irrigation system.

Gallons of water feed the drip irrigation system.

High Tunnels allow planting to begin in March. They are using a drip irrigation system in the high tunnels.

High Tunnels allow planting to begin in March. They are using a drip irrigation system in the high tunnels.

Irene and Wayne Riley discussing the community garden.

Irene and Wayne Riley discussing the community garden.

The community garden's unique water system.

The community garden’s unique water system.

That white stuff between the rows is shredded paper -- keeps the weeds down.

That white stuff between the rows is shredded paper — keeps the weeds down.

The end of the bean crop in one of the "high tunnels"

The end of the bean crop in one of the “high tunnels”

 

 

This Sunday (August 10) at St. John’s

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Now Israel loved Joseph more than any other of his children, because he was the son of his old age; and he had made him a long robe with sleeves. Genesis 37:3

This Sunday we hear a portion of the story of Joseph.  I have always loved this story.  I’ve thought Joseph’s brothers were so mean to him, plotting to kill him, but ultimately selling him.  Yet, I’ve loved how it all turned out for the best..the horrible time Joseph had, ended up saving the people.

In seminary, I took a year of Hebrew and we read this story in Hebrew.  Then, I understood why Joseph’s brothers were so frustrated with him.  Joseph was a pain!  The long robe of many colors had sleeves that came down to the middle of his palms, which meant he could do no work in it.  In the Hebrew, you understand how Joesph annoyed his brothers, continually calling attention to himself.

At least his brothers did not kill him; however, selling him away seems a rather drastic measure to take.  What a heartache for Jacob.  And Joseph went through some very difficult times.  Yet, in the end he continued to love his brothers, despite their actions.  There was a joyful reunion.  Joseph saved many people during the years of famine, including his family.  May we be forgiving and loving like Joseph.

See you Sunday!

Love,

Rebecca

Bulletin 08-10-2014

Rebecca’s Schedule: Next week, Rebecca will be in Corbin on Wednesday, August 13, and her Sabbath day will be Friday, August 15.  You can get a message to Rebecca by calling the church office at 606-528-1659 or priest-in-charge@stjohnscorbin.org.

Welcome: Today we welcome Tyler J. Tetzlaf to the pulpit.  TJ received his Master’s of Divinity at Episcopal Divinity School in May of 2012.  TJ currently serves on the board for the Clark County Homeless Coalition and works for the Nonprofit “STRIDE” as a mentor to adults who are developmentally handicapped.  He lives in Winchester with his wife, Chana, who is Priest-in-Charge of Emanuel Church.

Service in Rotary Park, Sunday, August 17, 10am; pot luck following.  Next Sunday, we will worship at Rotary Park with members of Corbin Presbyterian and First Baptist.  Bring a dish to share for the pot luck afterwards.  Meat and drinks will be provided.

Adult Forum: This summer and early fall, we will discuss a portion of the Gospel of Matthew.   We will follow our Gospel lectionary, discussing the following week’s Gospel – Matthew 16:13-20.

We will once again be distributing water at the Pow Wow on Ken and Shelia’s property on Saturday, August 30.  If you’d be willing to donate for the water and ice and/or take a shift handing out water, let Rebecca know.

Interested in being a member of St. John’s?  If you have been baptized in another faith tradition, and want to be a member of The Episcopal Church and St. John’s Church, plan to attend confirmation classes this fall.  There will be 5 classes offered, most likely beginning in September.  If you are interested, please let Rebecca know.  If you have already been confirmed in another faith tradition and would like to be a member of St. John’s, let Rebecca know, so you can be received into the church.  If you are interested in baptism, also let her know.  Baptisms, receptions, and confirmations will be done when the Bishop visits.

Computer and Furnace Needed: The furnace located in the sacristy, which heats part of the social hall and hallways must be replaced prior to this winter.  Cost is $2,250 for a furnace that will also be more energy efficient.  We’ll also need to replace two more furnaces over the next two years:  one that heats the parish hall and one that heats the rectory.  Our computer also needs replaced and $600 will get us a new one plus the needed software.  Donations for these two items can be put in the boxes back on the shelves in the parish hall.

Columbarium Niche: The Vestry has voted to donate a niche in the Columbarium to the family of Deacon Dane.  A bronze plaque needs to be purchased to mark the niche.  The cost is $208.   If you would like to donate to the cost of this plaque, please let Gay Nell know.

Whom will you serve? (Sermon) July 27, 2014, Evensong, Washington National Cathedral

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Sermon – July 27, 2014

The Rev. Rebecca S. Myers, CSW

Evensong, Washington National Cathedral

Proper 12, Year Two

Joshua 24:1-15

‘Now if you are unwilling to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served in the region beyond the River or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.’ Joshua 24:15

 Choice…We have so many choices in this country.  Years ago, my family hosted a young adult from Chile.  It was clear he was pretty well off.  His family had servants.  We took him to the grocery store and he was overwhelmed by the choices available.  Actually, sometimes I am too.  There was nothing like our grocery stores where he was from.  We have come to expect lots of choices and lots of freedom to choose in our lives.

Today in this reading, Joshua asks the Israelites to choose which God they will serve.  We hear a summary of the many wonderful things the LORD has done, including bringing them into the promised land.  The LORD has been faithful.  The LORD has fulfilled the promises made to the ancestors and that is clearly evident.  Joshua makes a good case for choosing The LORD.  Yet, The LORD has made it clear to Joshua that the people must choose for themselves.

How amazing that we have God who gives us the freedom of choice.  How amazing to have  God who trusts us to choose; God who’d rather have our freely given and chosen devotion and love, than a mandatory relationship.

And these many thousands of years later, the question rings out to us.  Whom will you choose to serve?

And once again, we have many choices…money, selfish desires, property.  Making the choice can be challenging and difficult.  And how can we know whom we are serving?  One way to know who I’m serving was taught to me long ago.  It was suggested I look at who could control my actions.

In my own life, 8 years ago, I had a job I absolutely loved.  I loved the work, the person I worked for, the organization I worked for, living in Washington, DC and I loved the salary.  Then I heard God calling me to go to seminary!  I cried and cried for about a week.  I wrestled with God.  “Please don’t make me leave this job I love and this place I love living,” I pleaded.  I faced a choice of serving God or serving my own gods of money, city, politics, and self will.

Now, I don’t believe God would have punished me if I had refused to go to seminary.  I experience God’s voice to me as consistent and inviting…Come this way…Follow me.  And in my life, choosing God has ended up being amazing and I was grateful for seminary and I am grateful to have been serving as a priest in Kentucky and I rejoice on this the anniversary of my ordination.  I rejoice and am grateful for having freely chosen to follow the LORD.

God is inviting us today to make a choice.  “Whom will you serve?”, God asks.  May we all join with Joshua in saying, “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

Amen

This Sunday (July 27) at St. John’s

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For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Romans 8:38-39

This Sunday we hear these comforting words and we breathe signs of relief.  So many questions assail us each day.  What is God asking me to do today?  Did I even think of God as I went through my day?  Did I pray enough, today?  Did I show God’s love today?

And so many “shoulds” plague us.  I should have treated people nicer today.  I should have looked up and seen the people around me today.  I should have said “I love you” more today.  I should have been more patient today.

All of the questions and all of the “shoulds” can wear us down and make us feel unworthy of respect, care and love…unworthy of God’s grace.  But then Paul’s words make clear the forgiveness we are freely given…unearned, undeserved… given solely because we are people created in the likeness and image of God.  Nothing, nothing we do or don’t do…not one thing can separate us from the love of God.  Not one thing.

Blessings as you finish your week!

Love, Rebecca+

Rebecca’s Schedule

I am writing this short piece from Washington, DC, where I have been attending the 2014 conference of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW).  I have heard wonderful speakers, including Episcopalian Brene Brown (check her out on the web!), and reconnected with old friends.

The next two weeks, I will be on vacation, spending time with my children and grandchildren.  I will return Sunday, August 10.    See last week’s post for information on how to contact The Rev. John Burkhart if you have a pastoral emergency and for other important announcements.

Pot Luck This Sunday!

Bring a dish to share!  Our friends from Everlasting Arms have decided not to join us any longer for pot luck.

Morning Prayer July 27 and August 3

Because I am away, there will be Morning Prayer this Sunday and next.  Bruce Cory will offer a reflection.