Tag Archives: Moses

Seeing with our eyes, but not crossing over (Sermon) October 26, 2014

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Sermon – October 26, 2014

The Rev. Rebecca S. Myers, CSW

St. John’s Episcopal Church, Corbin, KY

Twentieth Sunday After Pentecost (Proper 25) Track 1

The LORD said to him, “This is the land of which I swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, saying, `I will give it to your descendants’; I have let you see it with your eyes, but you shall not cross over there.” Deuteronomy 34:4

 Please be seated.

Recently, my children, Scot and Carrie and I had the opportunity to tell someone how much they meant to us and how they affected our lives.  It was my second husband, Fred’s, birthday and his wife Daphne asked for people to send photos and memories to Fred to celebrate his birthday.  Fred is in treatment for some pretty serious cancer and Daphne thought the memories and photos would be fun for Fred.

So often in life we do the best we can, don’t we?  Sometimes we know when we are doing something that someone appreciates and other times, we never know.  I know there are many ways that my life is different because Fred was so supportive of the things I wanted to do in life.  Even though we divorced, I am grateful for the part he played in my life.  I am also grateful for the ways he was a father to my two children.

How wonderful to see the words my children wrote on Fred’s Facebook page.  Scot wrote:

“Thank you for everything that you have done for me. Thank you for all of the trips to the crazy places that I never wanted to go to, but I was always glad I went. Thanks for the trips down to the 7 Eleven where I could NEVER make up my mind. Thank you for letting me play poker before it was the cool thing to do. Thank you for bringing me on the camping trip to find the next place to have the next 4th fest. And especially thanks for stepping up and being my father when you didn’t have to!”

Carrie wrote:  “You chose to be a father to Scot Brown and I; you helped raise us and loved us and hold us in your heart. I’m sure there were times we didn’t make it easy for you, but you didn’t let go. I remember you telling me that I was so good at science and math that I better find a career in it. And look at me now  I teach science! You helped shuttle me around to dance recitals, choir recitals, band practices, parades, and events. … I’ve tagged you in photos that I could find to help you remember all you’ve done and how much more you have left to do! Hope it’s a wonderful year full of love, health, and peace!”

To see what my children remembered and what meant so much to them…what helped them grow into the people they are today… was heartwarming for me, reminding me that we can never tell how our interactions shape the future.  Many times we never hear words as clear as those of my children to their stepfather.  Sometimes we never know.

Today in Deuteronomy, we hear how God showed Moses the Promised Land.  God called Moses to stand up to the oppressive enslavers of the Israelites, leading the people from slavery into freedom.  Then God called Moses to lead the people in the wilderness for 40 years, until new generations could be born, who could see the vision of freedom and live into the vision of freedom, not as a reaction to having been enslaved, but as an embodiment of trust in God who was with them the whole way.

But Moses was not going to lead the people into the Promised Land.  Remember how the people were wandering in the wilderness and started to complain because they had no water?  Remember how they wanted to go back to their oppressors, rather than be without water?  Well, in Numbers Chapter 20, God tells Moses God will provide water for the people.   In verse 8, God says, “Take the staff and assemble the congregation, you and your brother Aaron, and command the rock before their eyes to yield its water.”

So Moses and Aaron gather everyone together before the rock and in verse 10, Moses says, “Listen, you rebels, shall we bring water for you out of this rock?”  Then Moses strikes the rock twice.  Plenty of water comes out.  But do you see what Moses did?  Moses did not say that God would provide the water.  Moses acted like he and Aaron were going to provide the water when he said, “shall we….”  Moses confirmed his own actions by striking the rock, rather than obeying God’s instructions to command the rock to release its water.  Moses did not trust God or God’s words and did this his own way.

As a result, in verse 12, God tells Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not trust in me, to show my holiness before the eyes of the Israelites, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land that I have given them.”  Now, it’s nearly 40 years later and God lets Moses look upon the Promised Land, but reminds him he shall not go into the Promised Land.

And that is so true of how we are called to live our lives.  We live them in today, yet we must be ever mindful that our actions today carry on and into places we will never see.  We may be tempted to live only in the now…only in the short term…only find valuable those things whose results we can see right here and right now.

But that’s not what God requires of us.

Today is pledge Sunday when we turn in our pledges in the offering plate…when we, with God’s help and direction, say how much of what God has given to us, we will return to God for God’s work through the community of St. John’s Episcopal church.

Look at the church….  Even physically in what we can see and touch.  Who sat in that pew you were sitting in?  Someone sat there many years ago…many years before you were born, even.  Their gifts of time, talent and dollars made sure that pew is here for you today.  They could not imagine, sitting there when they did, how the church would look today or what the church would be doing today.  They could not see you…had no vision of you.  Yet, they gave, so St. John’s would be here for you.

Like Moses, we are asked to do our part…to use our talents, dollars and skills in God’s service…to lead people through the wilderness, if God asks.  This is our call…to do as much as God asks of us, knowing God may let us see it with our eyes, but not cross over there.

Amen

This Sunday (October 19) at St. John’s – Bishop Hahn will Visit

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Now if I have found favor in your sight, show me your ways, so that I may know you and find favor in your sight. Exodus 33:13

I love the story of Exodus.  Written thousands of years ago, I still see that human nature has not changed all that much.  God delivers the people from bondage and they just want to go back to being enslaved.  God shows up to Moses in a burning bush that does not burn up and all Moses can do is question God’s judgment.

And in the passage we’ll hear this Sunday, Moses is still trying to figure out who is the God.  Isn’t that so true of all of us.  We have some experiences that convince us that God exists and is present in our lives.  At other times, we have our doubts.  And here is one of the most faithful leaders chosen by God asking questions.

At least in the Episcopal Church, asking questions and expressing our doubts is considered a necessary part of our faith and our tradition.  Adult Forum is lots of fun, because we get to discuss these issues and hearing from fellow members is helpful.

So, come in your doubts and in your questioning for that is often the best path toward God.

Blessings as you finish your week!

Love, Rebecca+

Bishop Hahn visits this Sunday.  Join us for baptism, confirmation, reception and pot luck!

Bishop Hahn will be with us at Adult Forum.  He’ll preach at the service, as well as baptize, confirm, and receive new members.  After church, we’ll have our monthly pot luck.  Join us for this special day as we receive new members:

Annaliese Herzer – Baptism
Jason Beams-Jackson – confirmation
TJ Beams-Jackson – confirmation
Amber Hibbitts – Confirmation
James Partin – Reception
Tracey Herzer – Transfer
Camille Ruddick – Transfer

My Schedule
I will be at St. John’s Monday, October 20, and in Lexington on Tuesday, October 21.  My Sabbath Days will be Wednesday, October 22 – Friday, October 25, when I will be out of town.  You can get a message to me by calling the church office at 606-528-1659 or priest-in-charge@stjohnscorbin.org.

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

Adult Forum – The Adult Forum focus is Living with Money.  Next Sunday’s session will focus on Making Peace with Money.

The furnace located in the sacristy was replaced this week at a cost of just under $1,700.  About $1,200 was received so far.  We’ll need to replace two more furnaces over the next two years:  one that heats the parish hall and one that heats the rectory.  Donations for the furnace can be put in the box on the table in the parlor.

The Vestry has voted to donate $25 each month to Everlasting Arm Homeless Shelter. If you’d like to contribute, put your donations in the collection box by the guest register or mark your donation and put it in the collection plate.

Pot Luck Sunday:  This Sunday is our monthly pot luck.  Bring a dish or drink to share.  And all are welcome!  Plan to fellowship with each other.  Our pot luck schedule shifts in November to November 16, when we have our Annual Meeting.

 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 Diocesan Budget Committee will be at St. John’s on Wednesday, November 5, 7-8:30pm to talk about the 2015 Diocesan Budget.  Come meet the Committee, ask questions and learn where our collective dollars go.

Join Rebecca (next Sunday afternoon/this afternoon) as she celebrates Eucharist at Christian Care Communities.  Elmer Parlier will be playing the guitar.  The service begins at 2:30pm and is 30-45 minutes and the residents would appreciate your attendance.

Please prayerfully consider the gifts God has given you that you will give back to St. John’s for Christ’s ministry and mission during 2015.  Pledge cards should be returned by October 26 to prepare for our November 16 Annual Meeting and adoption of the 2015 budget.

Prayer of St Ignatius
God, Take and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, and my entire will – all that I have and call my own.
You have given it all to me;
To you, God, I return it.
Everything is yours; do with it what you will. Give me only your love and your grace.
That is enough for me.

Amen

Trunk or Treat, Friday, October 31.  We will be distributing candy from the church on Halloween evening.

All Saints Sunday, November 2.  We observe All Saints Day and will read the names of those saints close to us who have died.  To have the name of your loved one read at the service, please place it in the offering plate or leave a message on the church phone or email webmaster@stjohnscorbin.org by October 26.

The Diocesan Budget Committee will be at St. John’s Corbin, Wednesday evening, November 5, 7:00pm to talk about the 2015 Diocesan Budget.  Come learn how our joint contributions further God’s mission in the region.

Belk Charity Sales Day, Saturday, November 8, 6-10am.  We are selling tickets for $5.00 for this special event.  The church keeps the $5.00 and for each ticket, you receive $5.00 off an item.   We will also sell tickets on Thursday, October 2, 10am – 2pm.  If you can help, please contact June.

On November 9, we will honor our members who are veterans of the Armed Forces.  To have a name read at the service, please place it in the offering plate or leave a message on the church phone or email webmaster@stjohnscorbin.org by November 2.

Youth grades 10-12 are invited to Happening at Cathedral Domain from 6:30pm Friday, November 14 until Sunday, 5:00pm.  See Rebecca for more information.

 The Second Diocesan Ministry Fair will be held Saturday, November 15 at Emmanuel Church, Winchester, 8:30am – 4:30pm.  Keynote speaker is The Rev. Stuart Hoke, Th.D.  He will speak on the church’s role in addiction recovery.  Cost is $20.  Forms are on the bulletin board and online registration is at www.diolex.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.

 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 November 16. 

 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.

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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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