Pain, Place, Purpose

"He shall be called a Nazarene."
Matt. 2:23b

This is a continuation of the series through Matthew. The sermon is available through download, rss feed (podcast), or you can click here to stream it off the web.

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The Meaning of Family

"And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, 'Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven in my brother, and sister, and mother.'"
Matt. 12:49-50

This is a continuation of the series through Matthew. The sermon is available through download, rss feed (podcast), or you can click here to stream it off the web.

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The Visit of the Wise Men

"When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy;"
Matt. 2:10

This is a continuation of the series through Matthew. The sermon is available through download, rss feed (podcast), or you can click here to stream it off the web.

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The Pearl of Great Price

"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it."
Matt. 13:45-46

This is a continuation of the series through Matthew. The sermon is available through download, rss feed (podcast), or you can click here to stream it off the web.

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On the News Tonight!

Dear Calvary family – a quick note to encourage those of you in town to watch channel 9 news tonight – They are running a story on Gabe Rodreick and our Christmas Concert next Friday.  Our concert is a benefit for this wonderful young man……the story should run at 9:45PM.  Blessings to all

Pastor Jeff

Happy Thanksgiving!

Dear Calvary family and friends! I write to wish you all a very meaningful Thanksgiving this year.  I am reminded of a famous quote by Meister Eckhart; “If the only prayer you ever pray is ‘Thank You’, that will suffice”. We all have much for which to utter those gracious and humble words….even in uncertain and difficult times like these….

 

On a related note I want to say I struggled mightily on Sunday in trying to do justice to Jesus’ words on the kingdom of God found in Matthew 13.  As you know Jesus called the professional class of religious leaders in his day “blind guides”.  Sometimes I feel like one myself.  I have sought to uncover what he said was “hidden from the learned and the wise” and have come to believe that that which is hidden, is so, because we tend to overlook the obvious and the everyday.  Sometimes I make difficult what is really not that hard to understand.  The “buried treasure” and “pearl of great price” for which everything is sold to obtain are the relationships in our lives; with the Lord, our loved ones, our neighbors and friends.  Of course, however, one of the challenges of the parables center around asking ourselves with whom and why we are in meaningful relationship and with whom and for what reasons we are not. Who occupies our “everydays”? or “a lot of days?” or at least “some of our days”?  Who are we branches and birds (mustard seed parable) with and for?

 

My favorite image of the kingdom of God is the great banquet (Thanksgiving feast!)  Jesus sends workers out to invite the “poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame” because he wanted his “house full”.  He invites those for whom the “house of God” (the Temple) was not hospitable to or welcoming of…..in fact hostile towards.  I wonder who I really don’t care too much about?  The hostility of indifference……..

 

That famous comedian Phyllis Diller on commenting about Thanksgiving said; “My cooking is so bad my kids thought Thanksgiving was to commemorate Pearl Harbor”.

Whether fabulous or just ok I hope your share meaningful time with those you love this week.  And one of my prayers is that we come to love more of those who do not yet love due to a lack of relationship.  Let us fill our “houses” and for sure let us work to fill our Lord’s!  I am but one on the journey with you, glad and joyful that Jesus eats with sinners…..Happy eating everyone!

 

Pastor Jeff

 

 

 

Sometimes a Branch, Sometimes a Bird

"The kingdom of heaven is like man who sowed good seed in his field;"
Matt. 13:24b

This is a continuation of the series through Matthew. The sermon is available through download, rss feed (podcast), or you can click here to stream it off the web.

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A Tree and Its Fruit

". . .for a tree is known by its fruit."
Matt. 12:33b

This is a continuation of the series through Matthew. The sermon is available through download, rss feed (podcast), or you can click here to stream it off the web.

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True friend

Hello All! I came across a quote in my studies today that I thought was particularly good.  It is from William Arthur Ward.  I share it with you as encouragement and challenge!

“A true friend knows your weaknesses but shows you your strengths; feels your fears but fortifies your faith; sees your anxieties but frees your spirit; recognizes your disabilities but emphasizes your possibilities.”  Hope you have a wonderful day – thank you for your friendship!

Pastor Jeff

Plundering the Strong Man's House

"Or how can one enter a strong man's house and plunder his goods unless he first binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house. He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad."
~Matt. 12:29-30


This is a continuation of the series through Matthew. The sermon is available through download, rss feed (podcast), or you can click here, to stream it off the web.

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More Than A Sparrow

"Of how much more value then is a man than a sheep? Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath."
~ Matt. 12:12

This is a continuation of the series through Matthew. The sermon is available through download, rss feed (podcast), or you can click here to stream it off the web.

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Wisdom's Autumn Harvest

"At that time Jesus answered and said, 'I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes.'"
~ Matt. 11:25

This is a continuation of the series through Matthew. The sermon is available through download, rss feed (podcast), or you can click here to stream it off the web.

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Finders Keepers, Losers Weepers

"Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."
~Matt. 10:39

This is a continuation of the series through Matthew. The sermon is available through download, rss feed (podcast), or you can click here to stream it off the web.

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Autumn Assurance

Greetings friends and family! The other night Randi and I were walking home and the full moon was rising over the Mississippi.  It is always a grand sight indeed.  We were leaving our neighbors down the street.  He makes his living as a financial guru and was especially nervous given the realities that our nation has been confronted with. (His short answer to my question regarding how we got in this mess was that without proper regulations greed took over) In my somewhat philosophical way, and not really understanding the complexities of the financial markets, I assured him that regardless of what happened the moon would still rise the next day.  It got me thinking….

 

What are we sure of? What can we really count on?  Where do we place our trust?  I was also reminded of the power of the question found in Psalm 8 that is quoted in the book of Hebrews; “When I look at thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars which thou hast established; what is man that thou art mindful of him, and the son of man that thou dost care for him?”  The author of Hebrews connects this question with the purpose of the incarnation or the coming of Jesus into our world. Basically he/she states; in order to existentially understand human pain and suffering and thereby become a high priest who is able to help in such times….. and to liberate us from the bondage of the fear of death.  I have no idea what will happen to our banks or markets or retirement accounts.  But what I do have an idea about is that there is somewhere else that calls for and invites our hopes and investments.  Jesus called it the Kingdom of God.  For me that is most easily understood as a relational culture that is far different than the culture of empire; (most prominently displayed these days as greed and selfishness)  Trust and seek Him and his kingdom and you will be able to sleep at night!  Invest your money and energies in others and you will have a family of brothers and sisters from around the world….and there will be enough!

 

On another note; isn’t this a fabulous time of year?  “Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower!” (Albert Camus)  I hope that you and yours will take the time to drink in the colors and smells and temperature drops of Fall.  Take the time to watch the leaves turn!  Eat some pumpkin pie.  Buy a mum. Look at the stars through branches becoming bare. Tell someone that the moon will rise again and that your life is in the hands of the One who created it all. Drop someone a card with a photo of some corn stalk on the front (or whatever photo is on it!) Go for a walk. Invite someone over for a cup of coffee or glass of wine.  As Mike Tice the former Viking coach once said; “Enjoy the season!”

 

Please consider visiting us in worship as we are journeying together through the gospel of Matthew if you haven’t been here in awhile.  We would be honored! 

Blessings…….I am but one on the journey with you.

Pastor Jeff

Your Journey

"I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves."
~Matthew 10:16

This is a continuation of the series of Matthew. The sermon is available through download, rss feed (podcast), or you can click here to stream it off the web.

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Daughter

"Take heart, daughter," he said, "your faith has healed you."
~Matt. 9:22

This is a continuation of the series of Matthew. The sermon is available through download, rss feed (podcast), or you can click here to stream it off the web.

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Your Sins are Forgiven!

When the crowd saw this, they were filled with awe; and they praised God, who had given such authority to men.
~Matthew 9:8

This is a continuation of the series of Matthew. The sermon is available through download, rss feed (podcast), or you can click here to stream it off the web.

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Summers last Wadi Eschol

Greetings all.  For those of you in town I would like to invite you to our last Wadi Eschol of the summer season.  We will be meeting at Merlins Rest Irish Pub on 36^th Ave and East Lake Street tomorrow (Wednesday) from 7:30pm-9:00PM.  I will be sharing an introduction on the thought of Walter Rauschenbusch; a Baptist who became known as the Father of the Social Gospel.  Appetizers on Calvary, beverages on you! Hope you can come…..

Pastor Jeff

King, Rauschenbusch & Labor Day

Hello all you good folk! Hate to break the bad news but summer is over or nearly over.  I have always, like many of you I presume, thought of Labor Day as the conclusion to that season so beautifully expressed by the pen of Henry James; “’summer afternoon’, to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language!”  I hope your summer has been a blend of relaxation, exploration and enjoyment.  Hope too, that in some way either large or small both of our eyes have opened a bit more to truth and beauty and the causes of depravation and degradation so that we might enjoy more the world as it is and struggle together more effectively to better make it as it should be. 

 

One of my theological heroes has always been Walter Rauschenbusch (1861-1918) who worked among the poor and industrial workers of New York City at the dawn of the 20^th century and stood at the crossroads of the labor movement and the social gospel. (Labor Day became a national holiday in the 1880’s and its roots are deeply connected to New York City)  Rauschenbusch in fact became known as the Father of the Social Gospel and once said; “It is all very well for one to lean back on the Eternal and to draw from the silent reservoirs.  But what we get there is for use.  Personal sanctification must serve the Kingdom of God.” He also spoke strongly and passionately about the dignity and importance of human labor.  He was an optimist in life but died early at the age of 56 of cancer and his spirit had been broken by the brutal realities of WWI.

 

One of our nation’s most powerful and influential preachers/leaders said of Rauschenbusch; “His wrightings left an indelible imprint on my thinking”.  That leader was Dr. King. Today marks the 45^th anniversary of his famous I have a Dream proclamation from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. That certainly was a historical moment!  Today, I believe, we all get to live one more of them, rare as they are. Tonight is a first in our 230+ year history - the presidential nominee of one of the major political parties will give his acceptance speech and that nominee will be an African American. To all those who labored so hard and sacrificed so much this will be a mountain top experience in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. No matter one’s politics or preferences, no matter one’s philosophy of war or economics, together we can all take pride in this moment and realize again that much is still yet to be done and fought for to be won on the dual fronts of labor and race.

 

I truly hope your summer was meaningful and that you will join us this Fall at Calvary in the “service of the Kingdom of God”.  I cheer you on for I am but one on the journey with you…….

Pastor Jeff

The Centurion & The Slave

"When Jesus heard this, he was astonished and said to those following him, 'I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.' "
~Matthew 8:10

This is a continuation of the series through Matthew. The sermon is available through download, rss feed (podcast), or you can click here to stream if off the web.

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Trading Places

"Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean."
~Matthew 8:2b

This is a continuation of the series through Matthew. The sermon is available through download, rss feed (podcast), or you can click here to stream if off the web.

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All Other Ground is Sinking Sand

"But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand (Matthew 7:26)."

This is a continuation of the series through Matthew. The sermon is available through download, rss feed (podcast), or you can click here to stream it off the web.

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Good Gifts

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you."

This is a continuation of the series through Matthew. The sermon is available through download, rss feed (podcast), or you can click here to stream it off the web.

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Judge Not

Continuation in the series of Matthew (Matthew 7:1-6). "Do not judge, or you too will be judged."

This is a continuation of the series through Matthew. The sermon is available through download, rss feed (podcast), or you can click here to stream it off the web.

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Of Broken Bodies and Bridges

Hello all you folks of good will!  Hope the dog days of summer are meaningful for you (I actually learned from one of the local meteorologists where the phrase “dog days” comes from – look it up sometime if your one of those folks who like to know things!) As many of you are aware, one of our dear young people here at Calvary has had a terrible swimming accident and is now fighting to recover and restore all the use of his body – many have prayed and shown great love but none more than his mom and dad.  We all are looking forward to his healing……..on a similar note of sorts – this Friday marks the anniversary of the collapse of the 35w Bridge here in Minneapolis.  If memory serves me 13 people were killed and many injured, some very severely. Their journey’s of full recovery continue…..

 

As people of faith I write simply to remind you that the scriptures are full of stories of grief and lament – an entire book is called Lamentations; “For these things I weep”…there is a certain fellow we all have heard of – Job -  and then of course there is our Lord who weeps at the loss of his friend and whose body his mother weeps over after the empire of his day determines he is too dangerous and must be silenced. These are but a few examples…  I have my own – as I am sure do you - and have been working while wearied by a blend of many things lately.  As a result – but not a justifiable excuse in the least – I belittled the belief and faith of those who believe that all of life’s happenings are directly related to God in my sermon on Sunday.  I clearly crossed a line and felt terrible later in the day.  All this just one week after preaching Matthew 7 – “Judge Not”……….  For this I apologize.

 

A friend of mine recently sent me a sermon by Walter Brueggemann who he knows is one of my favorite theologians.  In the sermon he states that the book of the prophet Isaiah chapter 1-39 is all about grief and loss and brokenness due to the greed and corruption and injustice of the city of Jerusalem – “a failed urban economy”.  He then says clearly that there is no hope unless you grieve….that we must enter it in order to find hope…(sometimes for a long time – the next section which is all about hope comes many years later (chapters 40-55)… 3 things about this hope – 1.) it is born in the words of God; “Fear Not” – Do not quit or give in – why? Because “I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine! When you pass through the waters I will be with you….there are futures yet to be entered” (43:1-2)  Brueggemann states that people who are afraid have no energy! He also says about hope that  it is found by challenging the false gods of the empire and their intimidation and seduction – they cannot give life or safety or joy – he calls the false gods of our society consumer militarism.  (we could add to the list) Then Isaiah reminds us of the heart of God – “It is I who have made you, I will bear, I will carry and I will save even to your old age when you turn gray” (hey wait a second I am gray!) Hope is found in the One who has true power!  and lastly he reminds us of the promise of newness that accompanies us when we “Depart the empire” (Isa. 52) in order to be a person of faith again – one who organizes their life around their true identity that is found in the departing….. and when we have been set free at last – “we shall go out in joy, be led in peace and the mountains and hills shall burst in song and the trees of the field will clap their hands!”

 

Grief and uncertainty are real and so is HOPE!  Brueggemann at nearly the end of his sermons states “God doesn’t need anymore critical, despairing, indifferent people – he needs dangerous people to help in bringing about newness! (our life vocation)  The new bridge here is just about finished.  Many have labored long and hard to see it happen.  There will be great celebrations and fan fare I am sure.  Gabe is laboring long and hard to move his hands and feet again and I know one day the mountains of Costa Rica will break out in song and the trees along Columbus Ave will clap their branches to see their son home!! And for you and I – here’s to living dangerously for Jesus!

 

I cheer you all on in the faith – for I am one on the journey with you………and I have hope!

Pastor Jeff

Prophets

Hello friends!  I hope this finds you fully engaged where you find yourself these days……engaged in the work of changing the world.  I know that sounds grandiose but it is true…..Listen to these words from Frederick Buechner; “There are all kinds of voices calling you to all different kinds of work, and the problem is to find out which is the voice of God rather than of society, say, or the Superego, or Self-Interest.  By and large a good rule for finding out is this.  The kind of work God usually calls you to is the kind of work (a) that you need to do and (b) that the world most needs to have done.  If you really get a kick out of your work, you’ve presumably met requirement (a), but if your work is writing TV deodorant commercials, the chances are you’ve missed requirement (b).  On the other hand, if your work is being a doctor in a leper colony, you have probably met requirement (b), but if most of the time you’re bored and depressed by it, the chances are you have not only bypassed (a) but probably aren’t healing your patients either.  The place God calls you is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.”     I also hope you are enjoying the “rhythm of stopping and finding rest” so that the beauty and abundance of God’s creation…..(yum! Strawberry season in Minnesota)….will bring you significant delight in these the days of summer!  I came across this poem in my studies today and pass it on as encouragement and challenge.  Please know that I am so glad we are on the path together.  My path will lead me home to Pennsylvania next week with my daughters to spend cherished time with my mother and sisters.  Randi’s path will lead her to Spain for study.  Keep us in your prayers please.  I hope to see you all this summer somewhere – for most of you that means in church!!!!!!!  J  Share his kingdom…….

 

Prophets

I'm finding myself in a story 
larger than any I ever dreamed 
living alongside heroes 
I have never seen 

I've joined on the path 
of those whose faith 
has gone before 
Men and women, a countless score 

These characters are living 
with words to say 
that echo back 
a millennium or more 

Yet I am also learning 
I have another role to fill 
It is my voice, used for another 
whose story I must tell 

To the generations that follow 
that they must truly hear 
the message that has never changed 
"The Kingdom of God is near."

 

summer!

Greetings friends! Its been too long………hope this finds you well.  Henry James, the well known English novelist whose father was a theologian, once said; “ ‘Summer afternoon’; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language”.  I like those words and enjoy summer for so many reasons – not the least of which is the fact that it remains light well into the evening.  I find these late afternoon and early evening hours to be uniquely enriching whether walking down to our neighbors, working in our yard or watching our daughters compete on the soccer field.  Like many Minnesotans I take summer pretty serious due the shortness of the season………so I am hoping that you find ways this summer to both enjoy it and invest in those around you because of the “extended light”.  Jesus referred to himself as “the light of the world” according to John’s gospel - a reference I believe pointing to quality and revelation of the love of God for those literally and spiritually in the dark.  There is warmth in the light of summer and my image of Jesus centers around the warmth of his interaction with real people and the heat of his anger toward the religious and political leadership whom he felt did not have the regard of the people in their interests. Don’t you know some people who just don’t seem to care and others who just seem to radiate God’s warmth and light?  This call is extended to all the disciples in Jesus’ sermon on the mount when he refers to his followers as the “light of the world”.  A transfer of “nature” and invitation to maturity was being handed down in my opinion.  Last night at our first Wadi Eschol (meetings in neighborhood restaurants) Sarah Wehrenberg did just that – radiated the light of God’s grace in her life as did Steve Kramka and Jon Bergstrom at our men’s retreat and as do so many of you that I have the pleasure of interacting with.  I write to simply encourage you to keep at it!!  You make a difference!

 

I also think of summer as a season not just of the year but of life and want to think and believe it the season of my own life right now.  But truth be told we really never know.  I had lunch today with my old college roommate and he told me that in February he had 3 heart attacks!  And today I also received a phone call from our former minister of music LC Stevenson informing me that our old drummer –Robert Cox died this week of cancer.  Age wise both of these friends are and were in the summer of their lives.  Sooooo I remind you that tomorrow is promised to none of us.  Therefore remember what E.E. Cummings said; “Unbeing dead is not being alive!” So get out there! Let your light shine to the glory of God and for heavens sake (and your own) enjoy the extended hours of light!!

 

I am one on the journey with you,

Pastor Jeff

The Center

This is the continuation of the series through Matthew. The sermon is available through download, rss feed (podcast), or you can click here to stream it off the web.

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OUR Father

This is the continuation of the series through Matthew. The sermon is available through download, rss feed (podcast), or you can click here to stream it off the web.

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Mother's Day

This is Jodie Sellers preaching on Mother's Day. The sermon is available through download, rss feed (podcast), or you can click here to stream it off the web.

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Mother's Day!

Greetings friends on a beautiful Spring afternoon.  As you know this weekend we will recognize Mother’s Day on Sunday. I am certain that the card shops and florists are very busy!  It’s a wonderful time of course to reflect on our own mother’s and perhaps more importantly on the qualities of our own lives and maybe even how the Scriptures refer to God as one like a mother who “comforts her child”.  There sure is need for God’s comfort to be shared and experienced in this world…… and that reminds me that the Apostle Paul encourages us to “seek and pursue” opportunities to speak words of comfort. (I Cor. 14)

 

“Mother is the name for God in the lips and hearts of Children”.  This quote is from English novelist William Thackeray.  I find it to be a beautiful and warm statement.  The other day I was at my youngest daughter’s softball game.  Her team destroyed their opponents.  After the game however both teams exchanged cheers for the other and made those “locked hands tunnels” that the other team runs through. I said to a nearby parent; “The world would be a better place if it were run by 8^th grade girls”. He agreed.  Maybe they know something of God that adults too often forget….

 

One of the things I speak often about here at Calvary is the conflict between Jesus and the religious leaders of his day.  He calls them actors and a whole lot worse.  It appears as though they were full of themselves often and thought more highly of themselves than the common folk who they thought should serve them and their systems.  Well there is an old Spanish proverb that states; “An ounce of mother is worth a ton of priests”.  I think that Spanish Proverb person understood something!!  I know where I stand in the economy of God…..!

 

Being a mother of course is more than biology.  “A mother is a person who seeing there are only 4 pieces of pie for 5 people, promptly announces she never did care for pie”. (Tenneva Jordon) Mothers make everyday sacrifices in a mosaic of ways for their children.  I remember my generous mother, my children’s wonderful mother and all those of you who are mothers with deep gratitude today.  I cheer you on!  Yours is a uniquely holy calling.

 

Some of course did not receive the gift of a loving mother for whatever reason.  We do not judge but recognize the realities of our world.  To you especially but certainly to all of us I want to encourage you with this last word that comes from Psalm 27; “If my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will take me up!”   There is only one perfect parent!  “Your face, Lord, do I seek”….. one on the journey with you!

Pastor Jeff

 

 

125 Years of Righteous Deeds

This is the continuation of the series through Matthew. The sermon is available through download, rss feed (podcast), or you can click here to stream it off the web.

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Holocaust Remembrance Day & National Day of Prayer

Greetings friends.  Today is both The national Day of Prayer here in our country and a day of remembrance around the world – Yom HaShoah. (Holocaust Remembrance Day)  These two occasions do not typically fall together.  I just came from a pastor’s luncheon where a presentation was made about the church in America.  A lot of statistics were shared and we prayed together but no mention was made of the 1.5 million children burned in the fires of places like Auschwitz. I left saddened by this oversight and wondered if there was a correlation between the decline in church attendance in the United States and our theology.  Theologian J.B. Metz has declared that after Auschwitz, any Christian theology that proceeds as if Auschwitz didn’t happen and didn’t implicate Christians and Christianity in its wake needs to be rethought.  And on Sunday I quoted Orthodox Rabbi Irving Greenberg: “No statement, theological or otherwise, should be uttered that would not be credible in the presence of the burning children”.  The slaughter of the 6 million was clearly industrialized, organized and bureaucratized.  The drama of human brutality stagers the mind…….and I remind you that at the core of the prophetic tradition of scripture is mourning for the brokenness in our world.

 

The theme of our National Day of Prayer this year is; “Prayer! America’s Strength and Shield”  This is taken from Psalm 28:7 which reads “The Lord is my strength and shield, in whom my heart trusted and found help.”  Maybe its just me but something seems to be a drift here….something like Constantinian Christianity where state power and faith are married….  And the text declares that the Lord is our strength and shield not prayer.  And if we believed that in our country could the church standby largely quiet about the 1.7billion a day we spend as a nation on shields of defense?  Maybe I am missing something.

 

Teresa of Avila, a sixteenth century Carmelite nun said this; “I would not want any prayer that would not make the virtues grow within me.”  This Spaniard was the first female to be proclaimed Doctor of the Church – a title for outstanding theological teachers.  She was given this title in 1970 by Pope Paul VI.  Sometimes value comes recognized rather long after the fact!  But you and I, let us use this day, to speak to his “Majesty” (her reference for Jesus).  Let us find some time today to remember, to actually listen to the children – those burning in Auschwitz – and those living under our own roof or next door,  Let us prayer for our nation and our world for they are surely connected as are their destinies.  Let us pray that never again will children be sacrificed in the wars of bigotry and hatred for the “other”.  Let us prayer for the virtues to grow deep in the soil of our souls.  And let us pray that the Lord be our strength and shield.  I am but one on the journey with you --- Pastor Jeff

 

 

 

 

Simple But Not Simplistic

This is the continuation of the series through Matthew (Matthew 5:33-37). The sermon is available through download, rss feed (podcast), or you can click here to stream it off the web.


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Earth Day

Friends I share this poem entitled “A Sioux Prayer” which was translated by Chief Yellow Lark in 1887.  It is my attempt to wish you a meaningful Earth Day.

 

Oh, Great Spirit, whose voice I hear in the winds

Whose breath gives life to the world, hear me

I come to you as one of your many children

I am small and weak

I need your strength and wisdom

 

May I walk in beauty

Make my eyes ever behold the red and purple sunset.

Make my hands respect the things you have made

And my ears sharp to your voice.

Make me wise so that I may know the things you

Have taught your children.

 

The lessons you have written in every leaf and rock

Make me strong!

Not to be superior to my brothers,

but to fight my greatest enemy…myself

 

Make me ever ready to come to you with straight eyes,

So that when life fades as the fading sunset,

May my spirit come to you without shame.

 

On the journey with you….. – Pastor Jeff

Your Help & Ideas

Dear friends! “In the late seventies, the First Baptist Church of Minneapolis founded a Teaching Mission in the vicinity of 26^th Street and Blaisdell Avenue.  In 1883, it became the Calvary Baptist Church.  Since that time, hundreds of the finest people have entered its portals, contributing time, service and money to make it one of the most prominent and friendly churches in the state of Minnesota.”  This statement comes from the 75^th Anniversary brochure of Calvary. (May 1958)  I guess that makes us some of the “finest people”!!! (yes some of you who receive this from me have never even been here – but I consider you family anyway!)  Well its 50 years later now and Calvary will be turning 125 years young next month.  It takes a creative and courageous faith to start a church and we are indebted so much to those who sacrificed long ago.  Now I am asking you for your help.  I would greatly appreciate your “creative and courageous ideas” for Calvary as she moves into this significant year.  For those of you at Calvary please give me some feedback on what you would like to see at Calvary or as a part of our movement of people.  For my friends who aren’t here please give me some feedback on what you think is important for a church to be about and any ministries “out there” that inspire you to love God and neighbor in tangible ways.  By clarification please do not include any physical improvements to our facilities.  We have a plan for that – addition of a handicap ramp, improved parking lot, exterior lighting and signage and new windows in the day care center.  In addition to these improvements we need to pay off a $50,000 loan for the kitchen remodel of 5 years ago. ( I figured out the other day that 18,750 meals have been served out of the kitchen to the homeless in those 5 years and at least 2000 meals to neighborhood youth in the COOL after school program.)  Please if you would shoot me your ideals and dreams for Calvary.  I will be indebted to you!  Hope you have a fantastic week! On the journey with you – Pastor Jeff

Matthew 5:31-32

This is the continuation of the series through Matthew. The sermon is available through download, rss feed (podcast), or you can click here to stream it off the web.


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Liberation and Law

This is the continuation of the series through Matthew. The sermon is available through download, rss feed (podcast), or you can click here to stream it off the web.


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Greetings friends! I just got back to the office after attending the funeral service of my friends 21 year old daughter April.  She, along with two others, died in an accidental fire in off campus housing where she attended university.  While at the service, which was moving and beautiful and painful all together, I thought of T.S. Elliot’s landmark poem The Waste Land which has many images of death and rebirth that repeat throughout. I thought of it because of its opening line; “April is the cruelest month…”  During the service a poem was read that April wrote.  I share it with you today without comment because it doesn’t need any.  I wish you well this day.

Life is not a race, so take it slower

Hear the music before the song is over!

Have you ever watched kids on a merry go round?

Or listened to rain slapping the ground?

Ever followed a butterfly’s erratic flight?

Or gazed at the sun fading into the night?

You better slow down – don’t dance so fast

Time is short, the music won’t last.

Do you run through each day, on the fly

When you ask “How are you?” do you hear the reply?

When the day is done, do you lie your bed

With the next 100 chores running through your head?

You better slow down – don’t dance so fast

Time is short, the music won’t last.

Ever told your child “We’ll do it tomorrow”

And in your haste not see his sorrow?

Ever lost touch, let a friendship die,

Cause you never took the time to call and say “Hi”?

You better slow down – don’t dance so fast

Time is short, the music won’t last.

 

Be well my friends.  I am one on the journey with you…….

Pastor Jeff

Sermon 4-7-08

Sermon looking at the sermon on the mount in the book of Matthew. Stream

Dr.Kings Assassination

Greetings friends.  Tomorrow marks the 40^th anniversary of the assassination of our countries greatest modern day prophet; Dr. King.  As you may remember he was killed 1 year to the day after coming out against the Vietnam War while speaking at Riverside Church in New York.  In that speech he connected the dots and confronted what he called the giant triplets of evil; materialism, racism and militarism and said; “Some of us who have already begun to break the silence of the night have found that the calling to speak is often a vocation of agony, but we must speak.  We must speak with all the humility that is appropriate to our limited vision, but we must speak”.  Theologian Ched Meyers states that he believes King’s speech that day represents the most significant public oration in U.S. history.  Dr. King challenges all of us to take back the world from those “who possess power without compassion, might without morality and strength without sight.”  I hope you will join us tonight here at Calvary at 7PM as we gather to remember the silencing of this prophet.  Dr. Harry Boyte; former Field Secretary for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and Charles McDew; former Chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, both significant leaders in the Civil Rights Movement will be with us. I know that some of you receiving this can’t join us tonight.  But I hope all of us tomorrow can pause and reflect on the words found carved into a memorial stone beneath the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis.  On it read these words; “They said one to another, behold, here cometh the dreamer.  Let us slay him…and we shall see what will become of his dream” (From Genesis 37) What will become??   Hope to spend some meaningful time together for I am but one on the journey with you….

Pastor Jeff

SALT

This is the continuation of the series through Matthew. The sermon is available through download, rss feed (over on the right), or you can click here to stream it off the web.



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SANKOFA 2008

As many of you know, one of our own, Tanden is on the bus experienceing an intense route that revisits many of the key civil rights sites. To read more about his experience, there are two blogs:

• http://sankofa08.blogspot.com/


• http://areyoudunnyet.blogspot.com/

VINDICATION - The Easter Sunday Message

These are the links to access the Easter Sunday Message: VINDICATION. Click here to download and here to stream.

Good Friday Art by Bevie LeBrie

Bevie created this piece during the Good Friday service. There is a poem that is written on small pieces of paper in the center (and circumnavigating the center). The lyrics to the poem are below, as well as some comments and things to consider about this piece from the artist.

NO ONE IS IMMUNE, NO NOT ONE.

TO THE SICKNESS INVADING THE FLESH OF US ALL.

LIKE BARK INFESTED WITH TERMITES.

LIKE A HILL OVERRUN BY ANTS.

LIKE A SUNSET POLLUTED BY FUMES AND US IN OUR RAVES AND RANTS.

UNFAITHFUL TO THE FAITHFUL

ADDICTED TO THE GREED.

SHIELDS COVER BREAKABLE HEARTS

RAVAGING LUSTS WE FEED

HOW DO WE FIGHT THE CONSTANT INVASION OF FLESH AND SIN AND TEARS?

HOW DO WE BLOCK THE ARMY OF DARK AND SUFFOCATING FEARS?

HOW DO WE LOVE WHEN LOVE FEELS FRIGID; WHEN LOVE IS MET WITH PAIN IN ONES EYES?

HOW DO WE PRAY TO ONE WHO SEEMS SILENT TO SICKNESS AND TO THE ENEMY IN DISGUISE?

NOT ONE IS IMMUNE, NO NOT ONE. TO THE IMPURE WATER THAT QUENCHES THE SOUL.

LIKE DIRTY SNOW IN WINTER. LIKE GRAFFITI ON A WATERFALL.

LIKE HAIR IN THE SHOWER DRAIN, STRAINING UNBUFFERED WORDS ON THE WALL.

NO ONE IS IMMUNE, NO NOT YOU AND NOT ME.

NO ONE IS IMMUNE, ESCAPING THE UNCLEAN.

Comments and thoughts from Bevie:

As I was thinking about Good Friday I couldn't help but feel like Jeff when he said that he connects more with Good Friday than with Easter. Both in my own life and in the lives of friends and family--both believers and those who don't believe in Jesus, there is a common struggle. We are all so in need of forgiveness and we are capable of intense hurt toward others. The words of the poem I wrote on the painting stemmed from these thoughts--"no one is immune". Our eyes are closed and we need the reversal in our hearts, communities, nations--of our values, of our interests, of our selfishness, and of the way we pursue peace.

There's a lot of imagery and layers in the painting...the upside down cross and closed eye symbolize that reversal of thinking Jesus lives. The bars represent the bondage of our souls, of our minds, and also of the people who are oppressed. The contrast of white and black represents the contrast between our flesh and the evil in and around us and the truth and message that Christ lived and died for. The unfinished lines and messiness of the brush strokes reflects the chaos of our world the way we attempt to run it. The cross is in the center of all of this, covering some parts, and through others. It encompasses all of our struggle to see what Christ sees and live out the reversal of thinking that he died for.

The open eye began as a representation of people in pain and who have been exploited; but in my mind it's evolved to also represent those whose eyes are opened to the pain in the world and who are able to see the world as Jesus does--to the best of our human ability. The eye has deep emotion in it--which I've seen in those hurting and which I've felt for another hurting. I wonder what the image stirs in other people...

The beauty of art is that the meaning evolves from one to another. My interpretation is one piece, how it impacts another may be different. This reflects the alive nature of art...

March Madness

Hello Maundy Thursday friends. Hasn’t it been an amazing week – the 5^th anniversary of the invasion of Iraq, a candidate running for the presidency of our country making a major speech on the tragic 300 year history of race relations that still flows in our blood even if it does not always flow consciously in our brains and hearts, the collapse of a major financial institution, the official arrival of spring, the NCAA college basketball tournament start and of course the pilgrimage of Holy Week. On Palm Sunday I mentioned that the narrative preceding Jesus’ non violent siege of Jerusalem records an incident as he is leaving Jericho – two blind men cry out seeking sight- “Let our eyes be open!” I also mentioned that as Jesus approaches the city he weeps and states the reason; “the path of peace is hidden from your eyes”. He was often so very critical of those in leadership and called them “blind guides”. I don’t think Jesus’ days and ours are much different do you? What are we not seeing or refusing to see or are afraid to see? The anger in people of color? The 1.7 billion we spend each day on our defense budget? The greed of the financial institutions that invest our money? The donkey riding, foot washing Messiah who marches on Jerusalem from the east while Pilate and his massive show of force enter the city from the west? The crowds intoxicated on the nectar of nationalism crying out to be saved? I think it very clear that “salvation” (only once mentioned on the lips of Jesus) comes to Zacheaus also in Jericho when his eyes are opened and states; “half of what I have I will give to the poor and if I have cheated anyone I will repay them 4 times”. What am I not seeing? Who am I not seeing? These are the questions of Holy Week for me and I cry out for salvation.

March Madness begins today as basketball teams will be competing on the hardwood courts of our countries 4 regions. Pitt will be the next national champion!!! (I’m blind I know) I invite you to remember and reflect on a different madness – that Jesus was hung on the hardwood of a Roman cross outside the city in a garbage heap called Golgotha. If you are free and able I would love to have you come to our Good Friday service which begins at 8:00PM. If not I hope you will take some time to ponder its meaning for you and for us as a nation and as a global community. And oh yea remember what Mark Twain said about the arrival of Spring; “In Spring I have counted 136 different kinds of weather inside 24 hrs”. Its not really going to snow tonight is it…………..one on the journey with you. – Pastor Jeff

PAINTING:

HEALING A BLIND MAN
"I CAN SEE"

BY ALICE PATRICK

Hosanna!

The children and youth of Calvary Baptist Church marching and waving their palm branches to celebrate King Jesus' entry into Jerusalem. "Hosanna! Save us! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"

Kingdoms Clash

Matthew 21:1-17 is the text for Palm Sunday's Sermon. Due to some sound issues, a couple of minutes in the beginning of the sermon are missing. Click here to download and here to stream.

"The human dignity of those who have so little must be protected from the incompetence of the do-gooder."

Greetings friends on the first 50 degree spring day!!! Yea!!! I am feeling like I should be outside but wanted to shoot off a word of encouragement to you as we prepare to enter Holy Week this Sunday.

I just came back from attending the Westminster Town Hall Forum thanks to an invitation from a friend. We heard Jan Egeland, former U.N. Under-Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and currently Special Envoy for Conflict Resolution, speak about his perspective on the global family. Although he has seen human suffering at its worst, he called himself an optimist and shared a few stories of tremendous good news and global statistics indicating that things are getting better slowly for the poorest in many parts of our world. He also shared 10 things that he has learned through his work. I will share a few with you that you can use possibly as preface to your reflections regarding Palm Sunday, holy week, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter and what these mean for us today. They are worthy of reflection in all areas of our lives I suspect.

1. Ambitious goals are needed and consistency in follow through is crucial. (The follow-through is one I really must work on!)
2. The wealthy must be more generous. The wealthiest nations give 0.18% to global relief and keep 99.82% for themselves. (How much do I give/How much do I keep for myself?)
3. Speak the truth always. (This is central to understanding the conflict between Jesus and the leaders of his day and a challenge that I must embrace without fear of the conflict or costs)
4. Spend more action on the neglected (remember the beatitudes are not attitudes they are actions!)
5. Be ruthlessly self critical in terms of the quality of our efforts. At this point he said something I will never forget; “The human dignity of those who have so little must be protected from the incompetence of the do-gooder.”

I reflect on this again today in light of the news regarding the governor of New York and the language used by the media in telling the story. He is referred to as “client #9”

We are not always capable of knowing the names of those we seek to help – but if we are capable and don’t take the time – if they are nothing more than “clients” I fear we have not protected their human dignity. The donkey riding, foot washing Jesus always did. He even knows my name and yours! Some things to think about. One on the journey with you – Pastor Jeff

Peace - by Bevie LaBrie

Peace

 

The Lillies of the Valley, the Daisies of the field;

Change with every season, sleep peacefully and yield.

My Child learn from these; Let my raindrops roll off of you.

My Child learn from these; rest be assured I’ve got my eyes on you.

 

Peace be still; Peace be still

 

How precious are your thoughts toward me if I should count the sum of them

How vast are the grains of sand, your thoughts toward me they outnumber them

My child learn from these; let the grains of sand sift through

My child learn from these; rest be assured I’ve got my eyes on you.

 

Peace be still; Peace be still

 

Why do I run why do I fight?

Why am I so scared of myself I want to hide?

Why do I run why do I fight?

Why am I so scared of myself I want to hide?

 

 If I were to dwell in the remotest part of the sea

Even there, your hand would guide me

I find rest in the rythmn of your mind

The waves of your ocean, speak to mine

They say…

 

Peace be still; Peace be still

Peace

Be still.

 

The Politics of Purity

Matthew 5:8,9: " Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God."

Click here to download or stream.

Brett Farve Retires

Good afternoon friends! Big news in the sports world today as we have learned that Brett Favre has retired after 17 years in the NFL - all I believe but 1 or 2 with the storied Green Bay Packers. I am sure there are a few purple fans today who are thrilled with the news because it gives the boys of fall here in MN a better chance at defeating their number 1 rivals across the river. But for lovers of the game, Mr. Favre’s leaving will itself leave a hole. Without question he was and will be remembered as one the greatest ever to play his position. Make no mistake – I have always enjoyed sports and am a fan though one might find me off the wagon from time to time. Sports are fun (Howard Cosell, as only he could say it, said “sports is the toy department of human life.”) and can be a natural and meaningful tool for building friendships that last a life time. BUT something has gone terribly wrong…. Yesterday Ben Roethlisberger of my beloved Pittsburgh Steelers received a new $102 million contract to play quarterback for the next 8 years! This is just an example of an entire cancer of misplaced values and priorities in our culture. It’s wrong and speaks volumes about who we are allowing ourselves to become. I remember watching the BBC documentary entitled “Why We Fight?” In fact we showed it here at Calvary. Simply, its about war. At the end the question of the title is asked and an answer is given; “Because not enough of us stand up and say ‘No’”. Its probably true that the grotesque amount of money being paid athletes by billionaire owners subsidized by the taxes of the common folk will not change until enough of us get up and turn off the TV and familiarize ourselves again with how Jesus defines greatness and where he calls us to place our priorities and the monies that follow those priorities. Something to think about anyway……..Thanks for the memories Mr. Favre….one on the journey with you…….Pastor Jeff

MERCY - MATTHEW 5:7

Click here to download the sermon, and here to stream it.

Happy Birthday Dad

Good morning friends! I remember my father on this his birthday. Dad would be 96 today if still living. He died however in 1992 at the age of 80 from a massive heart attack. He had heart disease for many years before that December day when he left this world. This morning as I was drinking my coffee and looking out my living room window I thought of this and the overnight thawing of the Mississippi River. Yesterday it was still mostly frozen but this morning it was mostly thawed and once again I could enjoy watching its flowing force! Ah Spring is close! As I thought of my father and that river I remembered Jesus’ words of frustration and warning to the disciples following the resurrection. In Mark’s gospel we read that Jesus rebuked them for their hardness of heart and lack of faith. He told them they had heart disease! (Pharaoh’s condition) It happens and can happen to any of us – our lives hardened by the realities and disappointments of life, hardened – closed – made cold – to the point we become apathetic and no longer engaged through a faith that believes change is possible or that we can make a difference in someone’s world. (a lie from the pit of hell) The work of the Spirit is to speak truth to and open our hearts, soften our hearts, warm our hearts – make them human again….Perhaps the best definition of salvation I can think of is that it is the recovery and restoration of our fallen distorted & disfigured humanity. Pope John Paul II said: “The worst prison would be a closed heart.” Brothers and sisters lets not spend our (birth) days in prison – in hiding, closed in on ourselves. Rather let us encourage one another in our common humanity and become thawed flowing forces for the Lord and the world that he loves!......... Happy birthday dad! Blessed week all…….one on the journey with you,

PJeff