Tag Archives: Episcopal Church

Forgive, seriously (Sermon) September 14, 2014

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Sermon – September 14, 2014

The Rev. Rebecca S. Myers, CSW

St. John’s Episcopal Church, Corbin, KY

Fourteenth Sunday After Pentecost (Proper 19) Track 1

Peter came and said to Jesus, “Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times.”  Matthew 18:21-22

 Please be seated.

Well, when we hear this, don’t we just want to respond incredulously, “Seriously, Jesus?”  Aren’t some things just unforgiveable?

Earlier this week, we remembered the events of September 11, 2001, now 13 years ago!  Can it be so long ago?  The images are seared in our memory, aren’t they?  You mean we must forgive such evil?  The writer for our Forward Day by Day wrote, “The terrorists who flew the planes on 9/11 forced us to confront the power of evil and challenged us to find a way to respond with forgiveness.” (Forward Day by Day, Vol. 80, No. 3, pg 44)

Seriously?

Last evening, I made a new Facebook friend.  The profile photo shows a younger version of this man who turned 57 yesterday.  In his profile photo, he looks about 5 or six and seems to be perched on his father’s lap.  The father is looking straight out at us…with piercing eyes, a 60sslicked hairdo, gorgeous suit with pretty, thin blue tie and an almost smile on his face.  The epitome of the good-looking early 60s man.  Six years later, the father was murdered on the streets of Detroit.  The boy was only 11 years old, left fatherless.

But that 11-year old boy wrote a letter to the judge in his father’s murder trial, pleading that the judge not sentence his father’s killer to death.  Having lost his own father, this 11-year old boy did not want any other child to go through the same experience of losing their father.

Seriously?

Some things seem unforgiveable and our faith and followship of Jesus Christ demand forgiveness.  Every Sunday, we say the prayer Jesus taught us to say, “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.”  Often we remember that Jesus hung on a cross, dying a most horrible death of torture, betrayed by his own community, yet asking God to forgive his killers.

But still, we want to live in the “eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth” where everyone ends up blind and toothless world.

Why does Jesus demand extreme forgiveness and how in the world can we forgive?

Seriously, forgiveness is good for us, spiritually, emotionally and physically, according to the Mayo Clinic’s “Healthy Adult” website. (http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/adult-health/in-depth/forgiveness/art-20047692?pg=1) When we can’t forgive, the wrong done to us overtakes us.  We spend lots of brain space to remember what happened, living it over and over.  We spend plenty of emotional energy hanging on to our anger and bitterness.  Not forgiving means we miss what’s happening in our lives today.  We also cut off new and helpful relationships.

Forgiveness, according to the Mayo Clinic site can bring us the following benefits:

  • Healthier relationships
  • Greater spiritual and psychological well-being
  • Less anxiety, stress and hostility
  • Lower blood pressure
  • Fewer symptoms of depression
  • Lower risk of alcohol and substance abuse

Seriously, forgiveness acknowledges our humanity.  None of us are perfect.  We have all done things to hurt ourselves and to hurt others. We are all in need of forgiveness.  Not forgiving means we live as if we could be perfect and as if we are not human, which is ultimately cruel.  Forgiveness means we live with compassion and humility.  That’s what the 11-year-old boy knew – compassion.

Seriously, forgiveness acknowledges our deep understanding of the heart of God.  Time after time, Jesus told stories about how God searches for us when we are lost; how God rejoices when we are found; how God opens wide God’s arms to embrace us when we return.  In other words, God’s forgiveness of us never ends.  There is nothing we can do to separate us from the love of God, Paul writes.  God’s heart of love is rooted in forgiveness, because forgiveness sets us free, both when we forgive and when we know we are forgiven for what we do.

But how can we forgive?

First of all, forgiveness is not forgetting.  People must still face the consequences of their actions.  And if the one who wronged us has not acknowledged that wrong, nor repented of it, they may not be the best people for us to be around.  Remember, we are clear-eyed and wise.  We can forgive and remember.

Sister Joan Chittister, a Roman Catholic Benedictine nun, has written a book of reflections on forgiveness, God’s Tender Mercy: Reflections on Forgiveness (Twenty-Third Publications).  I found an excerpt online, which I think explains a lot about forgiveness.

“A young woman, the [ancient monastic] story goes, who is heavy with child and terrified of being executed for dishonoring the family name, accuses a revered old monk, who prayed daily at the city gates, of assaulting her and fathering the child. The people confronted the old man with the accusation. But the old man’s only response to the frenzy of the crowd was a laconic, “Is that so?” As he gazed into space and went on fingering his beads, the townspeople became even more infuriated and drove the culprit out of town.

Years later, the woman, exhausted by her guilt and wanting to relieve her burden and make restitution, finally admitted that it was her young lover, not the old monk, who fathered the child. In fear for his life as well as her own, she had lied about the attack. Stricken with compunction, the townspeople rushed to the hermitage in the hills where the old man was still saying his prayers and leading his simple life. “The girl has admitted that you did not assault her,” the people shouted. “What are you going to do about that?” But all the old monk answered was, “Is that so?” and went right on fingering his beads.”  http://oblatesosbbelmont.org/2010/11/19/the-secret-of-forgiveness/

You see, Sister Chittister explains, “The fact is [,] that there is nothing to forgive in life if and when we manage to create an interior life that has more to do with what we are than with what other people do to us. What we are inside ourselves determines how we react to others — no matter what they do.”  When we are grounded in our faith, knowing deeply our humanity, knowing we are loved and forgiven by God, we are not pulled into the whirlwind of reacting to others around us.

Sister Chittister concludes, “Forgiveness is a gift that says two things. First, I am just as weak as everyone else in the human race and I know it. And, second, my inner life is too rich to be destroyed by anything outside of it.”

So forgive 77 times.  Forgive from the heart so that you may have abundant life…so that you may have joy… so that you may have peace…so that you may live in the love of God.

Seriously….

Amen

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

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.

This Sunday (July 6) at St. John’s

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 And they blessed Rebekah and said to her, “May you, our sister, become thousands of myriads; may your offspring gain possession of the gates of their foes.”  Genesis 24:60

Of course I have always listened to these stories about Rebecca since I was named after her.  In my 2012 pilgrimage to the Holy Land, I actually visited the site commemorated as Rebecca’s tomb.  This site is revered by Muslims and Christians.  Rebecca’s tomb is inside a mosque and women must totally cover themselves up.  I had to wear a brown sheet-like garment over my clothing.

Me covered up and with an odd look at Rebecca's tomb in the Mosque at Hebron.

Me covered up and with an odd look at Rebecca’s tomb in the Mosque at Hebron.

Just last week, we read about Abraham nearly sacrificing Isaac. This week Isaac is grown and needs a wife. He finds one in Rebecca. As Rebecca leaves her family, they bless her.

Isn’t that what we all want from our friends and family…their blessing? We hope the choices we make meet with our family’s blessing and love. It’s a wonderful and joyous gift…one that doesn’t always happen. But one thing is sure, God’s blessing is always available to us!

Blessings to you as you finish your week!

Love, Rebecca+

Bulletin 7-6-2014

Happy 4th of July!

On this 4th of July, take time to read some important documents.  Read the Declaration of Independence or the 4th of July speech of Frederick Douglass, challenging the empty rhetoric of the promises in the founding documents of the United States.  Read the Iroquois Confederacy document, written in the 15th century, which influenced the writers of the Declaration and the Constitution.  Think of our life in Christ and whether these founding documents further the Kingdom of God or not.

Rebecca’s Schedule: Next week, Rebecca will be in Corbin on Thursday, July 10, and her Sabbath day will be Friday, July 11.  You can get a message to me by calling the church office at 606-528-1659 or priest-in-charge@stjohnscorbin.org.

Happy 50th Anniversary to Jerry and Barbara Hollifield, July 3.   Jerry and Barbara were married at St. John’s Church.  Flowers have been sent from the church and a card will be available to sign at the Sunday service.

Eucharist at Christian Care Communities: Join Rebecca this Sunday afternoon as she celebrates Eucharist at Christian Care Communities.  Elmer Parlier will be playing guitar.  The service is 30-45 minutes and the residents would appreciate your attendance.

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 13:1-9, 18-23.

KCEOC Lunch Program:  The KCEOC Summer Youth Lunch Program is distributing lunch Monday through Friday, 11:20-11:35am in our parking lot.  Youth 18 and under are eligible for this free lunch.  Youth are enjoying sitting in our park eating their lunch.  Monday through Thursday is a cold lunch of sandwich, fruit or vegetable, juice, and milk.  Friday is a hot lunch.  Please continue to get the word out.

Corbin Alumni Concert: The Corbin Alumni Band will be performing in the park on Saturday, July 12th.  Bring a lawn chair and join us for an evening of fellowship and music

DOK: Daughters of the King:meets the third Wednesday of each month at 4:30pm.  The next meeting is July 16.  Anne Day Davis will conclude her presentation on oils of the Bible

Grow Appalachia:  The Vestry voted to move ahead with this project.  As we continue to work on this project, let the members of Vestry know your questions.  Their website ishttp://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.

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.

 

 

Welcoming Jesus (Sermon) June 29, 2014

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Sermon – June 29, 2014
The Rev. Rebecca S. Myers, CSW
St. John’s Episcopal Church, Corbin, KY
Celebration of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Pride Month
Third Sunday After Pentecost (Track 1)

Jesus said, “Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me.” Matthew 10:40

Please be seated.

“How was your weekend?,” is a common question on a Monday morning in many workplaces. Usually we give a nondescript answer of , “It was fine,” but with some friends, we may go further.  “It was great, because I saw my family.”  “It was wonderful, because I just relaxed.”  “I got a lot done in the garden and it’s looking really nice.”  “Well, cleaning wasn’t all that fun, but at least the house looks better.”  The question seems innocuous and friendly; a good way to get into the week.

But for some, that question is scary.  For people who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender, they have to think about this and many other seemingly simple questions.  They must carefully pick their words.  In some places of work, they could be fired because of their sexual orientation.  Even when protected in their place of work, co-workers can shun them or put them down because they are LGBT.

Many of us hug when we say good-bye, especially when we are catching a train or a plane.  We give each other hearty hugs upon returning home.  You see it at transportation terminals all of the time, yet LGBT people must be very careful about this.  Is it okay to walk down the street holding hands?

And what about church?  So many religious groups reject people who are LGBT, even telling them they can change or easily deny themselves.  That being LGBT is not inherent to who they are, but an aberration of humanity.  And so some start on a life of hiding, trying to be something they are not.  Loving God, loving Jesus deeply and profoundly, sometimes called to religious service, they suffer.

Even when embracing who they are, coming to see themselves fully as loved and created by God, they can’t be sure that the faith community of their choice will welcome them.  In a church I belonged to, it appeared that LGBT people and couples were accepted, but when one couple wanted their photo for the church directory to portray them together as a couple, there was protest.  One of the men said, he never knew how much he could say about his life to others in the church, especially the young people, because he wasn’t sure the young person’s parent approved of him.

All of that hiding takes its toll.  The suicide rate for youth who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning is much higher than the norm.  People who are Lesbian and Gay form heterosexual marriages, hoping they might change…marriages that, while the two people truly love each other, often end in disaster.  People who are transgender find it difficult to get the medical care they need and the support needed to effectively transition.

While things are much better than they were even ten years ago, we continue to live in a society and a country that is unwelcoming and inhospitable to people who are LGBT.  For instance, I did not put in the newspaper that we were having this service.  I asked some of our members who are LGBT about whether to do this, because I don’t live as a person who is LGBT, so I can’t say totally what the dangers are here in this community or this region.  Ultimately, it seemed best to keep it quiet, but maybe I was wrong.

I informed Everlasting Arms of our service today, because I knew their faith understanding is different from ours.  You see, they are not here.  I thought of so many stories to tell you, but realized telling them would embarrass or make things difficult for some people.  I censored myself and what I am saying today. All of these little things are so painful.  As someone who is heterosexual, and fully understanding how heterosexism has been oppressive to people who are LGBT, I am sorry.  I hope I and I hope we at St. John’s can do better and lessen and stop the suffering.

Desmond Tutu says the most evil thing you can do is make a person think they are not a child of God.  Forcing people who are LGBT to hide tells them there is something wrong with the way they were created.

Jesus says, whoever welcomes the stranger, welcomes me.  There are no “buts.”  There are no qualifiers.  The passage doesn’t say, “Welcome the stranger, but only if….”

No, Jesus welcomed all and we are challenged to do the same.

In doing so, we truly are challenged.  As we talked about when we read the book, Radical Welcome, when we truly welcome as Christ did, our lives will be changed and may be reordered.  How was it to come into the sanctuary today with the rainbow paraments on the altar and the candles?  Being welcoming does not mean staying in control; it means being in partnership with those welcomed, creating something new in the process.  It means listening and hearing what the person, who before this time has been considered “other,” finds welcoming and hospitable.  It means trying to find a way for all of us to feel welcome.  It requires a new way to live together.

When we can truly welcome one another…when we can truly be hospitable, we bring the Kingdom of God right here and right now.

Amen

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

KCEOC Summer Lunch Program for Youth

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Kentucky Community Economic Opportunity Commission (KCEOC) is distributing lunch Monday through Friday from 11:25-11:40am, at St. John’s Community Park.  Youth ages 18 and under are served.  Monday through Thursday, a cold lunch of sandwich, fruit, chocolate milk and juice is served.  Friday is a hot lunch choice.  No registration; just show up!

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