Sermon 19 July: To be a Pilgrim

Psalm 27

"From one ancestor God made all nations to inhabit the whole earth . . . so that they would search for God and perhaps grope for God and find God, though indeed God is not far from each one of us." ~ Acts 17:26-27

As many of you will remember, back in the spring – so long ago! I undertook some study leave: Two different courses in February and April. The first was all about transformation through conflict – a strange concept, but one which gave me some very helpful and interesting insights, and the second one was about being a pilgrim: a traveller moving from one place to another; either physically or spiritually. It was about travelling to the Holy Land – Palestine / Israel; but it was also about travelling within yourself to discover more about God: for we are all pilgrims, even though we will not all travel to the Holy Land. 

Some of the journeys we make are completely life-changing: as we make discoveries, or encounter new things, new people, new places, new situations our view of the world changes; our place in the world changes; and who we are changes as we encounter God in the most unexpected corners of life.

During the course, Ruth our speaker, told us about a journey she had made to Jerusalem and the holy places, with a group of total strangers. She quoted from the book she had written. She took us with her, not into Jerusalem and Bethlehem and Galilee, but rather into an encounter with God. And although we did not travel out of the conference room in Edinburgh – we felt that we had journeyed long and hard during those four days, Ruth used some interesting and often challenging quotes through the different sessions.

“A pilgrim is open to where the Spirit leads...even if that’s uncomfortable...”

The words of the Psalm remind us of this:

It describes times, places and situations which are frightening and difficult- but assures those who listen that in all these things – God is there.

And the psalmist responds, by praising God!

Thus when we too journey into the unknown we are reminded that:

“A pilgrim has the opportunity to brush against the presence of the Divine.”

Being in God’s presence – in the presence of the divine can happen in so many different ways: up on a mountaintop, down by the sea, in the beauty of a new born child, in the holiness of holding the hand of a beloved one who struggles.

And, for me in recent times, in the holy moments of grief and death.

In all of these different times and places, I am sure each of you has your own story to tell, your own experience of discovering God, when you least expected it, for,

“What you expect to happen on a spiritual journey will not happen.”

The psalmist concludes his journey into difficulty and out the other side with a pilgrim statement:

Trust in the Lord. Have faith and do not despair. Trust in the Lord.

So we too travel;

through sickness and health;

through success and failure;

through hard times and good, knowing that it may be hard or painful or confusing or distressing, but in it all, we are never alone.

For God travels the road with us, sending other pilgrim travellers to shine the light, and share the load

Press On, Claim your Prize! sermon for 5th July

Isaiah 40: 28-31
Philippians 3: 10-14

“Do you not know? Have you not heard?”
In our scriptures lie many truths; many visions and inspiring words, that can offer us wisdom, insight and hope.

Last week, those of you who were in the marquee may remember me talking about Paul’s letters, and his trait of using the phrase – “And finally...” which is not always a final statement, but more often than not does highlight a particular point or insight.
So it is also with Isaiah, who uses the phrase “Have you not heard?” on more than one occasion to remind people of God’s love, mercy and compassion.

Here we hear, following “have you not heard...” that God is tireless; that God can keep going whatever the circumstances, and, that those who call on God, may find that they too are tireless, they too can find strength they did not know they had.
For to put trust and hope in God, is to tap into extraordinary strength and power.
It is a great promise!
It is our great hope.

And then also back to Philippians, this week to an earlier chapter, still with the same message, the same sense of hope and assurance that comes from knowing Jesus in our lives.

Many years ago, when I was first interviewed when I applied to go into ministry, one of the questions I was asked was if you could preach on any verse in the bible, what would it be?
I hadn’t been forewarned of the question, so I came out with one of a number of verses I knew well – “I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenwards in Christ Jesus” – it is a verse that has given me much strength over the years; reminding me that it is God who calls; reminding me that the strength I have comes not from anything I can do, but from the one whom I serve – God: Father, Son and Spirit. And reminding me most of all, that ultimately the prize for faithful living is beyond all, it is out of this world. It is a heavenly prize.

And finally...
Have you not heard?
Do you not know?

God – our God can overcome all things – if we are able to accept it
We can do anything; achieve everything; through God’s strength and power.

For Isaiah, it was the hope of something away in the future – he was a prophet – God gave him a vision of things to come, of possibilities, and Isaiah was charged with turning that vision into words that would stand the test of time, and bring meaning to future generations.
Thus we have the image of the eagle, rising high above; the most majestic of birds, the very word conjures up power and might in our minds; all because of Isaiah’s vision all those thousands of years ago.
We do not think of the eagle as a fragile or weak animal; we think rather of a magnificent bird of prey; indefatigable, powerful with no equal amongst the other birds.

Both Isaiah and Paul were blessed with the gift of visioning and interpreting; a gift that came straight from God; a gift that enabled them to see the world through God’s eyes – even for a short time. And through that vision to inspire others; to lead, to guide, to chastise and admonish if necessary, but to move those who listened, those who read – those who still read from where they were, to where they could be.

That is exciting news!
Have you not heard?
God calls us!
Press on then... press on and win the prize that God calls you to.
For with God – everything is possible!

Tribute to Dad

He taught us well

Respect and humour

Love and curiosity

Equality, not that we knew what that was - just that everyone should do and learn the same. That we should all achieve our best, be our best, seek out the best.

He showed kindness and grace

He was sharp witted and quick tempered

Good with his hands, he crafted beds and boxes, shelves and cupboards

He restored bikes, and fixed our broken toys 

He taught us to swim in the sea, to love each other, to never take ourselves too seriously - laughter was never far away. 

Growing up, we would sit together at the table, us doing homework, dad working late into the night with work he'd brought home. 

Our holidays, our family meals were filled with laughter and noise and wit. 

He and mum have shown us life is all its wonder, their devotion to each other has been a shining example to us, his children, and to our children. 

His faith seemed unassailable. 

And he taught us of it, leaving each of us to find our own way into the world, our own ways of expressing life and eternity. 

In full health he was a towering strength for the family

He took such delight in his grandchildren, and was so proud of them. 

Always, he wanted to know what they'd done, where they were, what their plans were, his love was unstoppable. 

As his health began to fail,  he fought every step of the way. Determined that for as long as possible he would carry on as usual.

He achieved all he wanted to achieve. 

He showed us how to be. 

His grandson, George, who now lives in Canada, wrote of his granddad:

"Whether you knew it or not, you taught me the importance of being a gentleman. You were an amazing man, kind and patient. You will forever be in my heart, mind and spirit,

Rest in peace granddad"

J Bernard Marginson

22 July 1932 - 4 June 2015 

Assembly Thoughts

 

It is only Tuesday but it feels already that we've been deliberating long and hard.

I have noticed a strange atmosphere this year - there feels to be fewer folks really engaging in the debate; there seems to be  reluctance to stand up and be counted. 

Saturday, we made a momentous decision, which will send ripples across our church and beyond. And later in the week, we will begin the process of discussing the solemnisation of marriage - what will that bring? 

Today, as we discussed social justice, and education and politics, and nuclear arms and our response to Israel Palestine the gathering was almost subdued... fewer points discussed; fewer amendments and addenda.... the hall waits with baited breath, for the next seismic shift.

Where will it take us?

What will we see?

How will we respond? 

When we return to our parishes and presbyteries we report our diligence - that we attended, that we took our part, that we engaged with the work of the church across the world. 

and what then?

 how do we, how do I respond and take that message, that hope, that engagement and make of it something beautiful, exciting and new. It's only Tuesday - but already the questions are piling up! 

B.E.E Reflections....

BEE Feeto in the centre of the labyrinth

 I have always remembered it was a random Friday Five that set us off... except, when I look back, it was actually a post by Teri about RGBP's 8th birthday... 
It was all about sharing birthday wishes - what we would wish for...

and I included a wish that we could have a Scottish Event.... like, but not the same as, the Big Events that happen on a cruise ship.

Immediately several people said YEAH!!!! 

So, began a wee adventure - chatting among some of the Scottish Gals

Chatting with Martha over the interweb... which also resulted in me becoming the Monday Prayer Gal! 

The Lindisfarne Group

We talked about the how, the when, the where, the who.... and so we created BEE - Big Event Scotland
On Friday 17th April - I was at Edinburgh Airport to meet Celeste
and a couple days after that a couple of the Canadian Gals - Karen 7 Jan also arrived. Meantime over that weekend, many other gals were gathering... in our capital city.

Setting out on the Pilgrim Way

On Tuesday 21st April we gathered, from Scotland and England, from the US and Canada - to listen and to share and to smile and to laugh.
Ruth Everhart was our presenter - taking us on a Pilgrim Journey - through the Holy Land and beyond.

We explored our own thoughts about what a pilgrim journey is all about
How do you journey without leaving home?

There were 19 of us, and everyone loved it; we entered into some pretty deep sharing too - the intensity of the days together, stripping back natural reserves and hesitancy. 
I had asked for some feedback, soundbites, comments from those who attended - I got this great email from Sue: 

 "It was such a wonderful time in every way. We were nurtured in mind, body, and spirit. We laughed and learned and felt the power of God's Spirit dancing in our midst." 

Working hard....

Following the four days in Edinburgh, there was an optional follow on - to become Pilgrims on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne.... 11 of the 19 made that journey - travelling by taxi and train and car, across a causeway that is covered twice per day by the tide. 

Here we were led by Rachel Poolman - RevGal extraordinaire and warden of the St Cuthbert's Centre on Holy Island. 
It was indeed a holy time.

The day passed so quickly - it was gone in a flash, but it was a good, good time. 

There was a funny story from Libby - about doing "The Things" - and according to those who attended - we did the Thing. and it was great! 

Sermon 3rd May - Gospel Life

Romans 1: 1-17

Faith, church and everything

Some twenty years ago, as I sat in a pew pondering what God was calling me to do I listened to my minister addressing us, the congregation as friends, his friends. I clearly remember pondering this form of address. “My friends...” “Friends, I want to tell you, explain this, talk about that...”

I wasn’t sure then about this way to talk from the pulpit.

It seemed strange to my ears and I could not decide if I liked it or not.

Some ten years ago as my probation was drawing to a close and I began to seek my first call I came across a man who also used that address, of friends, before addressing a group. He was the convener of a nominating committee, and it was he who eventually was to call me to my first charge.

The phrase still seemed a little incongruous to me; and it is not a form of address I have ever felt the need to use.

Why am I telling you this, you may wonder?!

Well my friends!

This is the first time I have really felt that phrase means something to me; and it is in part due to the historic use; part due to the apostle Paul and for the most part due to you.

For I truly feel you are my friends

I feel so very blessed to be your minister

I feel so very loved and supported and cared for by you.

The Epistles to churches – Romans, Ephesians, Galatians and all the rest, are letters of love and instruction and care. Letters from a pastor to his people. And, for many of those letters, Paul was writing to people he had never met, or had met only occasionally, yet his letters are addressed to friends.

They include instruction and encouragement, chastisement and praise, explanation and the story of Jesus – but they are all written with holy love from one to another, greeting each church as friends, brothers and sisters in Christ. They are not afraid of upsetting, nor are they worried about being correct.

The Gospel is the Gospel

It needs to be declared, shared and lived... and that is what Paul does.

 As he writes this letter to Rome, a church he has heard great things of, a church he yearns to see, but a church he is unlikely to visit, he wants to bring the gospel alive; he wants them to grasp it, know it – live it.

He calls them friends

And he offers them love

And we will visit with this letter again over the next few weeks...

Letters can seem a bit old fashioned

Hand writing is so passé!

(Who here remembers homework of pages and pages of practise letters and words?)

Paper, pen, words, legible hand writing... envelope, stamps, and a walk to  the post box... all take so much effort compared to typing a quick email and pressing send.

Or the even quicker, tapping a screen and sending a text

Yet – who here doesn’t experience a little smile when the envelope on the mat is not a typed, brown envelope, or printed statement?

An envelope with your name, written in ink, by someone’s hand is such a joy!

Whether it’s a thank you, or an invite, or news of family or friends – it is such a thrill!

When I began training for ministry a good friend who had not long been ordained advised me to get a pretty gift bag and put the nice letters and cards in it. She suggested that over the years there would be letters; and then there would be the harder times; the difficult days – that having those letters to hand would serve to lift the spirits and remind me (& her) of why we do these things.

She was right of course. I’m now onto my fourth or fifth bag; and I do look over those letters and remember the people, events and places in the words I read.

In my loft I have other letters too; from my grandma; from my various aunts; from friends in my teens, when the only way to communicate was by pen and paper. They too are full of love and joy and evoke memories...

This is the spirit of Paul’s letters too: sending love and joy; encouragement and support in the written word. He may not have been able to get there in person, but he could send them a message.

Letter writing may be becoming a lost art; but some things remain true come what may:

The gospel: Jesus Christ – son of God; who lived as a descendant of the great King David – revealed to the world by his death and resurrection

The faithful: people like those Romans in that first church; and people like you.

Living lives of faith, sharing God’s love in the actions of your every day; inspiring each other and inspiring me.

That faith connects us to God; and God takes our efforts and blesses them – this simple gospel – Jesus, Son of God carries great power, for through it we are saved, and through it we can claim the promises of God

The reading we heard today is just the beginning of a very long letter to the church in Rome; Paul begins by setting the stage: here I am; this is who Jesus is; this is God’s plan for God’s people.

I wish I could visit, but meantime here is an outline of everything you need to know:

I have complete confidence in this gospel: God’s power saves us (not anything we can do); God power is for all humanity; and the answer to everything is faith – beginning and end: faith.

The church – our church is built on faith, and everything else will follow: for with faith we know God and we live.

Gospel life: faith, church and everything

And that’s a promise we can live by.

Amen

There's a Woman in the Pulpit

Oh the frustration!
The Book...
 My book... the thing I worked on and wrote for, and played with and prayed over.... was at home.
And I, was  not.
So I would have to wait... four long days...
However, those four days were spent in the company of RevGals - the authors and subjects of the book. So I may have been a little impatient and frustrated, but I was in such good company, it made the waiting better - and I would simply need to be patient. Sharing in the love and sacrament of sharing and giving and loving; this was not life and death, it was life and life!

Patience... hmm, that's one of the topics
sacrament - yes that's one too
life and death - yep that too

This book contains the tears and laughter and hope and contemplations and reflections and prayers and ideas of women who are single and married and mothers and sisters and daughters and nieces and aunts and grandmothers and beautiful - so beautiful through and through.
These women all also happen to be - Revs... they call us minister, or priest, or vicar, or pastor, or Mother or Sister, or Reverend... and this is our story, our song, our spirit our joy.
 

Reading this book will change you; it will make you cry, and laugh out loud and think. And yes- of course I am biased. But last night and this morning as I read, the tears flowed, and my heart swelled and I was so PROUD, yes proud to be one of these RevGals, and honoured to be included in this book. Our book. My book. 
Read it
Love it
Share it
You will not regret it. 


It's available from Eden Christian Books in the UK 
http://www.eden.co.uk/shop/theres-a-woman-in-the-pulpit-4322483.html

And on Amazon and Kindle... 

There's a woman in the pulpit and that woman is me.