Seeing the Face of Christ in our World--Saturday, March 31

1 John 3:16-18

¹⁶We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us — and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. ¹⁷How does God's love abide in anyone who has the world's goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help? ¹⁸Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action.

It seems to me that the Commissions at CTK are, each in their own way, an example of the kind of love defined in this passage. Collectively they offer their material possessions to others and respectfully help those in need with a truly loving spirit.

I have been a member of the Congregational Care Commission (Care Team) for a number of years.  Of all the different ways the Care Team serves and helps those in our congregation, I find that visiting with the homebound and serving them Holy Communion to be my niche. I see the face of Christ in their calm and assured expressions as they Commune.   Those to whom I serve Communion are always so thankful for my visit.  I know my visit is incidental to the fact that God is working through me for them.

Celia Huertas

For reflection:

How can sharing a moment of grace, such as administering communion, change our world?

What is the “niche” through which God can work in you?
The founder of World Vision once said, “May our hearts be broken by the things that break the heart of God.”  How does this sentiment tie into the reading for the day?

Seeing the Face of Christ in our World--Friday, March 30

 Luke 10:29-37

²⁹But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" ³⁰Jesus replied, "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. ³¹Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. ³²So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. ³³But a Samaritan while traveling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity. ³⁴He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. ³⁵The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, 'Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend.' ³⁶Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?" ³⁷He said, "The one who showed him mercy." Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise."

I had to do this twice.  I’ll try to explain as share my thoughts on this famous passage from the New Testament.

Who is my neighbor?  Do I see neighbors outside of the circle of my family and friends?

When I moved to Miami over 30 years ago, I like many other people, was turned off by the coldness and aggressiveness of the people who lived here.  I had never before lived in a place like this.  A place where drivers regularly ran red traffic signals, would give you the finger just for looking at them, where drivers often even refused to yield to ambulances.  The people on the street seemed cold and hard to talk to.  No one said hello as we walked down the streets of our neighborhood.  I did not want my family living in this environment and contemplated leaving.

But there were some times when people in Miami surprised me.  My car broke down in front of someone’s house at 9 or 10 at night and the homeowner came out of his house into the darkness and helped me, a total stranger, get the car started.

A coworker took it upon himself to invite me to his home several times and to play racquetball with him, while I was waiting for our house to be sold up north, so that I would not always be alone.

These acts of kindness went a long way toward changing my feelings toward Miami.

Who is my neighbor?  That’s a really good question.  But after reading the passage again, I realized that it is not the right question! 

According to Luke, a certain lawyer asked this same question.  He had correctly told Jesus that the greatest commandment was to Love God and to love your neighbor as yourself.  Now he asked Jesus this question.  It’s a reasonable question; a good question; one any of us might ask.

But Jesus turns everything UPSIDE DOWN like he does with so many things that seem like common wisdom to us. 

The question is not “Who is my neighbor?”

The question is: “To whom am I a Neighbor?”

We are to be like the Samaritan.  We are called to be a neighbor to others.  We are called to show compassion to those in need, even if they are not like us.  We are called to “Go and do likewise.”  This means a commitment to God and to God’s children (i.e. everyone).  We have to prepare to be like the Samaritan, we have to know before something happens that our calling is to stop and lend aid or compassion.  We are not called to pass by.

And what about those people who showed me compassion when I moved here?  Their kindness will not be forgotten.  They helped me when I needed to see kindness in this community but, perhaps more importantly, they also provided an example to me of how I should treat others.

Hank Fandrei

For Reflection:

What are some of the “acts of kindness” you offer, and you see being offered, in your day-to-day life? Be specific.

Many say that in the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus tells us how to be a neighbor, more than who the neighbor is.  How would you paraphrase the message he gives us regarding the “how?”

Hank asked us the same question that Jesus leaves us to ponder: “To whom am I a neighbor?”  How do you respond?

Seeing the Face of Christ in Our World--Thursday, March 29

Romans 12:9-18

⁹Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; ¹⁰love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. ¹¹Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. ¹²Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. ¹³Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers. ¹⁴Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. ¹⁵Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. ¹⁶Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. ¹⁷Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. ¹⁸If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

When I was the age of six and a half, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor and my father, being an active duty Coast Guard officer was one of the very first to take the counter attack into the Pacific at a small island called Guadalcanal.  Soon we were also at war with Germany.  Evil was personified in the face of Hideki Tojo and Adolph Hitler, the leaders of the nations of Japan and Germany.  Every form of communication to the people of the United States characterized the Japanese soldiers as bucktoothed slant eyed little monkeys and the German soldiers as cruel brutes goose stepping their way across the bodies of helpless civilians.  We were taught to hate both nations.

Ultimately, the Allies were able to defeat both nations but not before great desolation had been wrought on their cities and civilian populations.  However, in an unprecedented decision, the United States launched a program of immediate aid for the wretched defeated people of both nations, helping to rebuild their societies.  Retribution was directed only to the leaders of this great evil, but kindness and pity was directed to the suffering civilian populations.  Defeated Japanese and German soldiers were released to return to what remained of their homes.  Indeed, many American soldiers, that served as an occupying army involved with the rebuilding of the defeated nations, returned with wives from the former enemy counties.

Truly, this was a remarkable and noble instance of where pity and love replaced hate.  This has resulted in enduring friendship and peace between our nation and Japan and Germany even though we are competitors for markets and resources.

Ted Holtzman

For reflection:

Where do you see expressions of compassion and aid on the world stage today?

How does your faith inform your appreciation for diverse nations and ways of life?

Paul says, “(So) far as it depends upon you, live peaceably with all.”  What can you do to promote peaceful living?

Seeing the Face of Christ in Our World--Wednesday, March 28

Deuteronomy 16:9-12

⁹You shall count seven weeks; begin to count the seven weeks from the time the sickle is first put to the standing grain. ¹⁰Then you shall keep the festival of weeks to the LORD your God, contributing a freewill offering in proportion to the blessing that you have received from the LORD your God. ¹¹Rejoice before the LORD your God — you and your sons and your daughters, your male and female slaves, the Levites resident in your towns, as well as the strangers, the orphans, and the widows who are among you — at the place that the LORD your God will choose as a dwelling for his name. 

¹²Remember that you were a slave in Egypt, and diligently observe these statutes.

The Feast of Weeks, also called “Pentecost,” was a harvest festival celebrated with the “first fruits” of the crops. God’s people were commanded to give gifts “in proportion” to the agricultural blessings that they had received from God’s hand. These gifts or first fruits were given in reliance on God’s providence and in recognition of the fact that God owns the whole harvest. Similarly, Christians are called to give “in proportion” or “according to what one has, not according to what [one] does not have,” for God makes us “rich in every way so that we can be generous on every occasion.”


I recall as a young child every Friday night my Dad stopped by the bank on the way home from work.  After greeting the family and pouring himself a cold glass of water, ice tea, or whatever, he always opened his wallet and counted out a percentage of his income and then immediately carried it to his bedroom.  Mom and Dad had a plastic box with a cross on it on their dresser where Dad always put their “proportional” offering.  All of their charitable donations came from that box…for church, March of Dimes, American Cancer Fund, etc.  Life was financially tight growing up, there were 5 children and Mom did not work.  Mom always baked, canned, and sewed all our clothes to make ends meet.  Mom used her gifts in cooking and crafts to give back to the Lord by volunteering in preparing meals for church events, sewing clothes for needy children, and making quilts for Lutheran World Relief as well.  Mom and Dad always said, “God first!”  This memory has stayed with me and my siblings.  All of us have kept the practice of giving to God first by using our individual gifts in our own ways.
God does not discriminate against the gifts that he gives us.  No matter what gifts God gave us, we should give back a proportion of the gifts.  When giving God’s gifts back, God’s love returns to us in personal experiences through church services, our church activities, and our church family.
Donna Hennessy

For reflection:

What are some early memories that taught you lessons about giving and generosity?

How are faith and giving connected?

If you were to describe the impact of giving in one’s life to a child, what would you say?

Seeing the Face of Christ in Our Workplace--Tuesday, March 27

James 3:5-12

⁵So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great exploits. How great a forest is set ablaze by a small fire! ⁶And the tongue is a fire. The tongue is placed among our members as a world of iniquity; it stains the whole body, sets on fire the cycle of nature, and is itself set on fire by hell. ⁷For every species of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by the human species, ⁸but no one can tame the tongue — a restless evil, full of deadly poison. ⁹With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse those who are made in the likeness of God. ¹⁰From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this ought not to be so. ¹¹Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and brackish water? ¹²Can a fig tree, my brothers and sisters, yield olives, or a grapevine figs? No more can salt water yield fresh.

The message is simple.  The implementation is difficult at best.  We must take care with the words we speak and how we say them.  We must be sure the message we send is the message we want received.  What one person perceives as a joke may be received in a hurtful way.  Tone of voice can convey a powerful message.  Words – once spoken – cannot be pulled back.  Words we never get tired of hearing are words of kindness and consideration – Please, Thank you, How kind of you.  No one wants to hear in words or tone-of-voice a “you dummy” attitude. 

I am reminded of a story – Nail in the Fence.  It came to me several years ago over the internet.  There once was a little boy (or girl) who had a bad temper.  His father gave him a bag of nails and told him that every time he lost his temper, he must hammer a nail into the back of the fence.  The first day the boy had driven 37 nails into the fence.  Over the next few weeks, as he learned to control his anger, the number of nails hammered daily gradually dwindled down.  He discovered it was easier to hold his temper than to drive those nails into the fence.  Finally the day came when the boy didn’t lose his temper at all.  He told his father about it and the father suggested that the boy now pull out one nail for each day that he was able to hold his temper.  The days passed and the young boy was finally able to tell his father that all the nails were gone.  The father took his son by the hand and led him to the fence.  The father said, “You have done well, my son, but look at the holes in the fence.  The fence will never be the same.  When you say things in anger, they leave a scar just like this one.  You can cut a man with a knife.  It won’t matter how many times you say I’m sorry, the wound is still there.  A verbal wound is as bad as a physical one.  Friends are very rare jewels, indeed.  They make you smile and encourage you to succeed.  They lend an ear, they share words of praise and they always want to open their hearts to us.” 

Kathy Hibbs

For reflection:

Why are words so powerful?

What are some of the techniques you use to keep from uttering words that you might later regret…and how does your faith factor into this equation?

How have you been hurt by the words of others…and how have you hurt others through your words?

Seeing the Face of Christ in Our Workplace--Monday, March 26

John 15:12-17

¹²This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. ¹³No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends. ¹⁴You are my friends if you do what I command you. ¹⁵I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. ¹⁶You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. ¹⁷I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another.

Jesus's command to love one another seems quite easy in some areas of our lives.  When we married, we committed to loving one another for as long as we lived.  We had fallen so in love that we couldn't imagine living without one another's love.  As for loving our families, we learned long ago to love them through the example they showed as parents.  Regarding our church family and friends, it has been easy to love them as it is the purpose of church community and friends.  Love seems quite easy when we get to choose whom we love and and to whom we dedicate our energies.  

As Jesus shares in this passage, He chose us.  Just as He chose us, so He also chooses those whom He wants us to love, asking us to share our skills and knowledge to bear better fruit for God.  It seems a great deal of the people Jesus chooses for us to love are in our place of work.  There are days when we both come home exhausted by our responsibilities  wondering whether we are doing enough to live out God's will in our lives.  This passage says that Jesus has shared with us everything that he heard from the Father.  So Jesus has given us all the tools we need to do His will, it is just up to us to learn from the Word and to put the Word to work in our everyday lives.    

Fer and Emily Guerra

For reflection:
When have you found it difficult to “love” someone in your workplace…and why?

What does it mean to you to be a “friend” of Jesus?

What tools has God given you to follow God’s will…and how effectively do you use those tools?        

Seeing the Face of Christ in Our Workplace--Sunday, March 25

Matthew 5:43-48

⁴³"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' ⁴⁴But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, ⁴⁵so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. ⁴⁶For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? ⁴⁷And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? ⁴⁸Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

How unimaginable it is to be perfect. and extremely difficult to try to be anywhere near perfect in anything.  To love your neighbor and brothers and sisters (family) is effortless, but to love your enemies is difficult.

Leviticus 19:18 gives the command, "Never seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord."  However, this gets very difficult when your character is being assaulted.  This is when Jesus keeps us from taking the law into our own hands by overcoming evil with good.

If you love your enemies and treat them well, you will truly show that Jesus is Lord of life.  This is possible only for those who give themselves to God because He can deliver people from natural selfishness.  We must trust the Holy Spirit to help us show love to those for whom we may not feel love.  If we strive to become perfect, we will someday be perfect.  To be perfect we live in the power of God.

Let mistreatment by others remind you to overcome their evil by love.  Love is not a sentiment, alone but a practical concern, blessings, prayer, and positive wishes for well being to friend and enemy alike.  Love is by choice, not circumstance.

Become Christ-like and forgive your enemies just as the ultimate forgiveness spoken by Christ as he was nailed on the cross, "Father, forgive them...."

Donna Wimmler

For reflection:

How have you seen grudges or a desire for revenge wreck havoc in your workplace?

What blessings flow from loving one’s enemies?

Donna writes: “Love is not a sentiment along, but a practical concern…”  What does this mean to you?

Seeing the Face of Christ in Our Workplace--Saturday, March 24

Philippians 4:8-9

⁸Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. ⁹Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

My first jobs offered me a peace only Christ can elucidate.  Selling door-to-door cookies, cosmetics, and calendars taught me that success is smiling at an unopened door when I know the residents are home.  Fast food taught me that under-filling and over-filling a small bag of fries is insulting to most people; it’s better to let them believe size matters.   Garage sales and flea markets taught me that early birds really do want to haggle over the worms, the rest come for the social banter.  At home, my father taught me that it is important to have someone ready with the pliers while fixing the sink, again.  My mother taught me how to forgive a poorly done simple job when I lost count of the number of laps she was swimming in a mile-long race.  Because of my mistake, she swam a mile and half, and she still won.

Savannah Howington

For reflection:

How do you reflect honor in your workplace?

What are the key lessons that you have “learned and received and heard” from others that help you through your day?

When you are faced with challenging situations at work, how do you draw upon God’s peace in the midst of conflict?

Seeing the Face of Christ in Our Workplace--Friday, March 23

Ephesians 3:16-21

¹⁶I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit, ¹⁷and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love. ¹⁸I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, ¹⁹and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. ²⁰Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, ²¹to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

During the years I've worked as a nurse in the hospitals, I've always received the most undesirable patients for my assignments.  I was working in the ICU unit in a hospital in Virginia. There would be days I would come to work and the girls would look at me and say "Boy, have we got a patient for you".  I would just smile and wait to hear about my new assignment. Sometimes I could smell the patient before I actually saw him. These patients were the undesirables of society. They could have been poor, homeless, addicted to alcohol or drugs, dirty, unkempt, smelly, have different types of drainage  from different places, dead bugs in places and at times had challenging personalities. Then there was the reason they were in the hospital.  But I cared for them all. One day one of my fellow nurses asked me how I did it. (I was assigned an unusually bad one that day.) I said "oh, it's easy." I just picture myself taking care of Jesus. When I see Jesus, all the smells and unpleasantness go away.  It's the least I can do for him after all he has done for me. I am filled with love and kindness when I take care of them. It is a privilege.  I love taking care of these patients. It may be the only love or kindness that has been shown to them in a long time.

Barbara Imbert

For reflection:

In what ways do your “roots in Christ” inform how you see your colleagues and/or customers?

How can love for Jesus “strengthen your inner being,” and propel you forward in tasks that would otherwise seem unsavory or undesirable?

What are, “the riches of Christ’s glory?” (v.16)

Seeing the Face of Christ in Our Workplace--Thursday, March 22

1 Corinthians 1:10-17

¹⁰Now I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you be in agreement and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same purpose. ¹¹For it has been reported to me by Chloe's people that there are quarrels among you, my brothers and sisters. ¹²What I mean is that each of you says, "I belong to Paul," or "I belong to Apollos," or "I belong to Cephas," or "I belong to Christ." ¹³Has Christ been divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? ¹⁴I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, ¹⁵so that no one can say that you were baptized in my name. ¹⁶(I did baptize also the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized anyone else.) ¹⁷For Christ did not send me to baptize but to proclaim the gospel, and not with eloquent wisdom, so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its power.

My favorite parts of this passage come in the last two verses.  First, the parenthetical admission – Paul forgets exactly who he baptized, which reminds us he is human.  In making this little admission in the heart of his imploring letter to the arguing factions of Corinth, he also strengthens his point.  Paul’s call to proclaim the gospel comes from God not from Paul, just as the gifts of wisdom and knowledge prevalent in the Corinthian community at the time, come from God.  Effective use of that wisdom can come from remembering the shared source; a concept that leads people away from inflexible judgment that doesn’t listen or accommodate the views of others, and toward a society where each person’s gifts piece together into a graceful whole.  Second, Paul reminds us in the final statement that grace does not stem from our own attempt to adhere to doctrine, but in responding to what has already been so powerfully accomplished for us on the cross.  Conflicts face us daily that challenge our response.  In my work in the Everglades, it’s easy to find grace in the expanse of sawgrass, mangroves and beautiful shallow seas that occupy our Miami backyard.  But there are moments when grace seems elusive – like in the “us” and “them” conflicts of Everglades protection and restoration, or in those difficult moments with others that appear here and there at work.  Conflict is often rooted in uncertainty about the future, particularly about outcomes resulting from the actions of people whose motives might seem so different from our own.  When we acknowledge the certainty that God embraces each and every one of us with the exact same (them=us!) incredible, gracious gift that far exceeds the depths of human wisdom – well then elusive turns into effusive and our hearts and minds can be united in this overwhelming grace.

Evelyn Gaiser

For reflection:

When have you felt like “a vessel” of God’s grace as Paul did—proclaiming the gospel rather drawing attention to yourself?

When have you seen the power of the gospel bring reconciliation among dissenting individuals or groups?

What gifts result from all being “of the same mind” and “same purpose?”

Seeing the Face of Christ in Our Workplace--Wednesday, March 21

Matthew 18:1-5

At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” ²He called a child, whom he put among them, ³and said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.⁴Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. ⁵Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.

I currently work as a teacher at an elementary parochial school, so there’s a lot of talk about God. We go to chapel every day. We say our prayers before snack. But work is work, and even in a position at a religious institution, seeing God in what I do isn’t always at the forefront of my mind. In fact, a lot of the time, my “to do” list is at the front of my mind. 1.)  Prepare next week’s lesson plans. 2.) Make photo copies for the math test. 3.) Laminate the work that needs to be hung outside. 4.) Prep for the science project that requires paint, glue, reusable jars, string….. that is often what I’m thinking about when I’m not in the middle of a lesson. Then, all of a sudden I’ll feel a tug on my sleeve to get my attention and just as I’m getting ready to feel frustrated that my mental list making has been interrupted, I feel two little arms wrap around my waist. No one has a question, no one’s tummy hurts, someone just wants to give me a hug. Someone giving me something I didn’t ask for, something unexpected. And in this moment I feel unconditional love for me simply because I am me. And that’s when I see God.

In serving them, I’m serving God. And when I think about work like that, it doesn’t make it feel so much like work.

Chrissy Ensley

For reflection:

When have you been “surprised by grace” in the workplace?

What gets in the way of maintaining a spiritual center when you are engaged in work?

In what ways are you serving God through your work?

Seeing the Face of Christ in Our Congregational Life--Tuesday, March 20

2 Corinthians 9:6-12

⁶The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. ⁷Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. ⁸And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work. ⁹As it is written, "He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures forever." ¹⁰He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. ¹¹You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity, which will produce thanksgiving to God through us; ¹²for the rendering of this ministry not only supplies the needs of the saints but also overflows with many thanksgivings to God.

2 Corinthians 9:6-12

How do we see the face of God in our congregation in this scripture passage?

God loves a cheerful giver and a grateful heart is the secret of a truly generous spirit. It has been our experience that Christ The King Lutheran Church always responds freely and with abundant generosity when there is a need.  Several years ago, there was an appeal to raise the money to replace the air conditioning unit in the fellowship hall.  CTK'ers gave abundantly!  Last year when it was apparent that we were very far behind in our budget, CTK'ers gave abundantly!  Each year at this time we designate a beneficiary of our Lenten denial offerings.  Year after year CTK'ers have given abundantly to these worthy recipients.  Throughout the year we give turkeys, toiletries, non-perishable food items, and even our own blood.  We give locally, nationally, and internationally.  We willingly give of our time, our talent and our treasure whenever needed or requested.  Our giving is not motivated by guilt or a sense of obligation.  Instead, it is our response to the love that God shows us so abundantly.  It is this generosity, given freely, that enables others to see God through us.  Being grateful at heart and generous of spirit is a choice. The congregation at Christ the King has made that choice and that is the joy felt every Sunday when we gather together for worship.

Paul & Cindy Falkey

For reflection:

How is your faith transformed by your giving?

What is an example in which you were enriched by your great generosity?  Be specific.

Think of the person or people who have modeled the joy of giving for you, and the ways in which that modeling has happened…and offer a prayer of thanks for their powerful witness.

Seeing the Face of Christ in Our Congregational Life--Monday, March 19

Galatians 5:22-25

²²By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, ²³gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things. ²⁴And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. ²⁵If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit.

This passage brings tremendous comfort.  Certainly neither the Christ the King family nor the Deo family, has transcended the challenges and frustrations of life to bear only these Utopian fruit.   In our personal family life right now, we struggle most with patience, kindness, gentleness and self-control as we try to balance our family and work responsibilities.  All too often, the worm of exhaustion eats away where joy once flourished.

So where is the comfort? Borrowing a bit from Rob Bell, it is in knowing that love and all the other good “fruit” have already won. The bad, no matter how insidiously it creeps into our lives, cannot and will not overcome Christ’s perfect love.  The price for our failures whether past, present, or future has already been paid.  

While it seems an impossible struggle to reach the spiritual heights described in this passage, Christ has modeled the way for us.  So, we have something to shoot for. Even more he has given us the Spirit as a guide. When we are not able to show kindness and self-control, something is wrong and we know adjustments must be made.

We are so thankful that God created the sanctuary of our household and church families, where we can sort fruit together and work towards a perfect feast.

John and Liz Deo

For reflection:

Where are the “sanctuaries” in your life, where you can contemplate the health of your spiritual fruit?

What does it mean to “belong to Christ,” and how does it differentiate you from the ways of the world?

What are the fruits that you find the most difficult to nurture, and why? 

Seeing the Face of Christ in Our Congregational Life--Sunday, March 18

Deuteronomy 10:17-19

¹⁷For the LORD your God is God of gods and LORD of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who is not partial and takes no bribe, ¹⁸who executes justice for the orphan and the widow, and who loves the strangers, providing them food and clothing. ¹⁹You shall also love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.

As we can read in Deuteronomy, there is only one god, and He watches over all of us.  We are His children.  He particularly watches over and assists those in need.   As God shows His empathy and love for all, including strangers, so should we as a congregation love and help:

-          Those in need, through our outreach programs, helping to feed those who cannot afford to feed themselves, adding to the enjoyment of our foster children through Love in Action events, and offering to share our special programs with the entire community.

-          New attendees to our church, by making them feel comfortable and welcome.

-          Our pastors and fellow parishioners, by showing our respect and kindness through cooperation, fellowship, visits to those who are ill, and the planning of and participation in the many events offered by our church.

 In this way, we can truly prove ourselves to be children of God.

Carole Cholasta

For reflection:

What does the term “child of God” mean to you…and what does it imply for your life?

When have you had the experience of being a stranger?  Where did you encounter God in the midst of it?

What is your understanding of the meaning of “justice,” and what are some examples of how you execute it?

Seeing the Face of Christ in Our Congregational Life--Saturday, March 17

Matthew 5:14-16

¹⁴"You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. ¹⁵No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. ¹⁶In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

This verse in Mathew takes me back to nights long past spent staring into campfires. The lesson learned: A sure way for a promising hot coal to die is to leave the fire.

 In each Christian burns the light of God. Most Sundays, by worshiping together as a congregation we are given the opportunity to brighten someone’s week… or to have our week brightened. You see, for most of us, there are a few days when the internal light doesn’t shine so bright “before others;” some days our light doesn’t shine bright even to us. Those days should serve as a reminder of the continuing need for Christians to worship together, to come together to support and guide each other.

 If Mathew were alive today he might have written 5:14-16 more along these lines from Godspell:
You are the light of the world
You are the light of the world
But the tallest candlestick
Ain't much good without a wick
You've got to live right to be the light of the world

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzyHcAkCYHI

Bill Summers

For reflection:

Think of a time when your light was dim, and it was ignited by the presence of another.  How were you revived…and how did it feel?
How does your experience of community at CTK ignite your passions and your zeal for the Lord?

When have you been able to “shine your light” in another’s path?

Seeing the Face of Christ in Our Congregational Life-Friday, March 16

Romans 12:4-8

⁴For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, ⁵so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another. ⁶We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us: prophecy, in proportion to faith; ⁷ministry, in ministering; the teacher, in teaching; ⁸the exhorter, in exhortation; the giver, in generosity; the leader, in diligence; the compassionate, in cheerfulness.

For two years running I have helped guide, and have labored in, the Wonder of Christmas events.   In August and September, when plans are just beginning to take shape, the core leaders and I look at each other and wonder…how.  How are we going to accomplish all the decorating; how are we going to arrange the various featured events; how are we going to get the word out that the community is invited; the list goes on.  We begin with feelings of bewilderment, and quickly become overwhelmed.  But then, as the beautiful passage from Romans suggests, the body of Christ comes together, to join in the effort and function as one.  Some agree to work with sound equipment; others volunteer to host the snack table; creative minds come up with shows, plays, petting zoos and more; and helpers come out en masse to clean up after Christmas is over. 

When we gather together to unleash our gifts for ministry, the impact is enormous.  The larger community takes note, and God is glorified.  Further, when we work together toward a common goal, we experience joy.  Joy in discovering that our gifts are valued and appreciated; joy in serving beyond ourselves, and joy in laboring alongside fellow disciples of the body of Christ.

God’s work.  Our hands.  Go, to love and serve the Lord!

Pastor Katie

For reflection:

How have you discovered the gifts you have for ministry?  In what ways have you unleashed them?

What are some impediments to your using your gifts within the body of Christ?

In what ways are your gifts a witness to the larger community?

Seeing the Face of Christ in Our Congregational Life-Thursday, March 15

James 1:22-25

²²But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves. ²³For if any are hearers of the word and not doers, they are like those who look at themselves in a mirror; ²⁴for they look at themselves and, on going away, immediately forget what they were like. ²⁵But those who look into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and persevere, being not hearers who forget but doers who act — they will be blessed in their doing.

I feel very blessed and privileged each Sunday morning when my Husband, Don, so lovingly pulls me up the steps to the Choir Loft in my wheelchair, and places me in my spot where I sing with our magnificent Senior Choir. It’s my very own time that I get to quietly reflect before the service begins.

As I look out, it fills me with joy to see familiar faces sitting in their usual places, as well as new faces…perhaps new members, or some paying a visit. I also remember those faithful, and dedicated Saints from the past who once filled the same pews in their day, filled the offering plates, and gave of their time and talents, so that this place would be here for us today, and for the generations who will be here after we are gone. Many have now passed into their eternal life, and there are some who are now homebound, or cared for in nursing homes. We are babies, children, teens, young adults, middle agers and elderly.

Whatever the case, and whenever the time, the Glory is ALL for Him. Their Lord, my Lord, our Lord…the Three in One. God the Father of ALL creation, Jesus, His Son, our Savior, and the ever present Holy Spirit...Emmanuel…Christ with us, in Heaven, and on Earth.  Crown Him with Many Crowns! Always and Forever…Amen

Don & Louise Greenleaf

For reflection:

In which ministries do you feel called to participate at Christ The King?

In what ways do your activities at Christ The King connect you to people in the past, and people yet to be born?

When you are a “doer in the word” as James states, what are the images “in the mirror” that stay with you after you have engaged in some activity or ministry?  In other words, what are the long lasting impacts of your efforts…on you, and on the people you have served?

Seeing the Face of Christ in Our Congregational Life-Wednesday, March 14

Philippians 1:3-6

³I thank my God every time I remember you, ⁴constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, ⁵because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. ⁶I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ.

For years, as a Sunday School teacher, I had the privilege to see The Holy Spirit at work as a child grew in faith.  This was very humbling for me. As a science teacher in my secular life, I taught concepts based on provable fact. Faith is so abstract, so hard to explain and I always felt so ill equipped for the task of laying the foundation for a child’s walk with Christ. Yet, again and again so many of the children grasped these first seeds of faith with such conviction and enthusiasm that it can only be explained as Christ shining through!

Now that I am “older” (as my retina specialist recently pointed out) I have joined the Care Team.  Again, this is doing something I feel unprepared for and not totally comfortable with. As I have visited people in or just out of the hospital, or someone who is no longer able to leave their home anymore I am amazed at the joy expressed upon being able to receive news about life at Christ the King. The grace and patience with which I have seen extreme illness and infirmity handled can only be the sure and certain knowledge of Christ shining through their lives.

For me, the surest way to see Christ in our congregational life is to get involved in the ministries of our congregation. Stretching outside of my comfort zone has truly enriched my faith and helped me to grow.

Janine Armstrong

For reflection:

How do you express gratitude to God through your participation in congregational ministries?

In what ways have you been an instrument for passing the faith to another?

Describe an incident in which you felt you were a vessel of God’s grace and compassion.

Seeing the Face of Christ in Worship--Tuesday March 13th

Romans 8:26-28

²⁶Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. ²⁷And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. ²⁸We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.

Often when discussing things of a spiritual nature, words to express our understandings are hard to find, especially ones that encompass the true sentiments of what we are trying to communicate.  Often when a person is describing their faith or a faith experience I will hear, “Pastor, I just cannot put it into words”, yet the powerful nature of their encounter of God still comes across clearly.  Prayer is a two way conversation between God and us that often is beyond words, “but that the very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words.”  Worship is also a participatory relationship between God and us.  Through prayer, song, lessons, silence, offerings, forgiveness, confession, sacraments, and a number of other ways to participate in the active relationship we encounter with God.  Living into this knowledge of God’s activity in our daily lives, daily prayers, daily worship, helps us embody the “togetherness;” “oneness” we share with God in faith.  In the encounter of God, the acknowledgement of God’s presence with us, we can conclude with Paul, all the ways God is working for good with and through us. 

~ Pastor Kent

For reflection:

How is your week made different by participating in worship on Sunday morning?

What is it like to “rest in God,” and remain silent as you pray?

In which component of the worship service do you tend to have the most pronounced experience of God’s presence?

Seeing the Face of Christ in Worship--Monday, March 12, 2012

Job 40:10

Deck yourself with majesty and dignity; clothe yourself with glory and splendor.

This is from The Daily Word produced by Unity Church, in a devotion from January 18th 2012.  It touched me and I hope it will touch others.  

--Melissa Albury-Fernandez

The title is The Christ Light Illuminates the Splendor of my Being

"The sun's rays catch the icy branch of a tree and suddenly the very ordinary becomes a thing of splendor.  In the same way, the Christ Light shines and illuminates the splendor of my being.

 I am a spiritual being in human expression.  My spiritual nature radiates through my humanity to reveal the beauty of the gifts I have to share.  I am loving and wise, compassionate and generous.  I am divine love expressing.

 Caught in the rays of the Christ Light, simple acts and words become a part of Spirit's transformative power.  Nothing is so ordinary that it will not become a thing of splendor when the Christ Light shines through it. "

For reflection:

How can our simple acts and words become aspects of worship?

“I am a spiritual being in human expression.”  How does God use you to bring glory to God’s name?

When were you last “awed” by a vision of beauty?  What was that vision, and what did it stir within you?

Seeing the Face of Christ in Worship--Sunday, March 11, 2012

Psalm 84

How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD of hosts! ²My soul longs, indeed it faints
for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God.
³Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, at your altars, O LORD of hosts, my King and my God.
⁴Happy are those who live in your house, ever singing your praise.
⁵Happy are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion.
⁶As they go through the valley of Baca they make it a place of springs; the early rain also covers it with pools. ⁷They go from strength to strength; the God of gods will be seen in Zion. ⁸O Lord GOD of hosts, hear my prayer; give ear, O God of Jacob!
⁹Behold our shield, O God; look on the face of your anointed. ¹⁰For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
than live in the tents of wickedness. ¹¹For the Lord GOD is a sun and shield; he bestows favor and honor. No good thing does the LORD withhold from those who walk uprightly.
¹²O LORD of hosts, happy is everyone who trusts in you.

I have a confession. When I received the task to write a devotional, I was not happy. I thought, “Don’t they know how busy I am? Don’t they know I’m trying to write my dissertation? When will I find the time for this?” etc. etc.  But then it dawned on me that there was probably a reason I was given this task and this specific bible passage. So when I finally took the time to sit down, read the passage and reflect on it, I couldn’t help but chuckle. What a wake-up call! Reading the passage reminded me of how it feels when God is at the center of my life. When I consistently spend time with Him, I feel great joy every day, in every aspect of my day, much like the author of this passage.

            Through my reflection on this passage, I’ve realized that I have let life get in the way of my relationship with God. In my busyness, I’ve neglected to spend time with Him. I’ve tried to control everything, rather than just resting back and realizing that God is in control. “Happy are those whose strength is in you…” Yes, I need to again put God at the center of my life. I am certain that once I do, life will once again seem less chaotic, less busy, despite the circumstances - “O Lord of hosts, happy is everyone who trusts in you.”

Christine Mounger

For reflection:

How does your “life gotten in the way” of your relationship with God?

If you were to draw a diagram of your life, what would be at the center?  What would be at the periphery?

What would need to change in order to get your priorities better in proper alignment?

Seeing the Face of Christ in Worship--Saturday, March 10, 2012

Colossians 3:1-4     

So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. ²Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth, ³for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. ⁴When Christ who is your life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory.

Psalm  47:1    

Shout unto God with the voice of triumph.   Shout unto God with the voice of singing.

What would the worship service be without music?

Surely there would be something lacking, a missing link, if you will,

to the spoken word.

 We are fortunate to be steeped in a rich musical heritage in the Lutheran

Church.  Just think of all the forms of music that takes place on Sunday

morning.  The prelude, hymns, anthems, Kyrie, offertory response,

communion music, the postlude, and much more.  All of this to enhance the

worship service.  Sometimes very quiet, sometimes quite stirring...but

always to the glory of God.

 I'm sure you will see and hear this during Holy Week.

The "Requiem" that the choir is preparing for Good Friday,

will surely be quite moving.

I'm certain that the face of God will be revealed through our

sacred music.

                                "Soli Deo Gloria"

Vivian Seidel

 For reflection:

How does music add to your experience of worship?

Which hymns transport you to a significant event, or person, or memory?

How do you give God, “glory?”

Seeing the Face of Christ in Worship--Friday, March 9, 2012

Psalm 95:1-7

O come, let us sing to the LORD; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!
²Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! ³For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods.
⁴In his hand are the depths of the earth; the heights of the mountains are his also.
⁵The sea is his, for he made it, and the dry land, which his hands have formed.
⁶O come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker!
⁷For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand.
O that today you would listen to his voice!

  

Somehow I most always reflect upon these words when I need comfort for something that has negatively impacted me…usually something sad, bad or makes me mad! But the reality is that I should look to the Lord all the time.  He has provided everything I need to live well.  And He provides for all that look for Him.  (And sometimes He is there even when we aren’t looking)  I love the “Footprints” story where there are only two feet. It was the Lord carrying me even when I wasn’t looking.  He carried me most recently as I have had to consider purchasing long term health care and what that really means…that is that I have to consider the number of birthdays I have left!  And am I REALLY prepared; what does God have in mind for me?

So this Psalm reminds me that God is always there, for everyone, forever.

Bethany Sands

For reflection:

When are the moments when you are most aware that God walks with you?

How does your activity of praise to God, impact your present…and your thoughts about the future?

Challenge yourself to set aside 10 minutes a day to engage in unadulterated praise.  It could be in your car; over a cup of coffee at your desk; while walking your dog, etc…set aside the pressing issues of the moment to immerse yourself in thanksgiving over the gifts of God.

Seeing the Face of Christ in Worship--Thursday, March 8, 2012

1 Corinthians 10:14-17

¹⁴Therefore, my dear friends, flee from the worship of idols. ¹⁵I speak as to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say. ¹⁶The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a sharing in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a sharing in the body of Christ? ¹⁷Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread.

Some years back, our family took a hiking vacation in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.  We stayed at the rustic Joe Dodge Lodge in Pinkham Notch, run by the Appalachian Mountain Club.  Accommodations were basic yet wonderful; the food was hearty, and of the variety that “sticks to your ribs.”  Mealtime was a highlight, not only because we worked up an appetite from all the outdoor activity, but also, because we sat at long tables with the other guests and ate “family style.”  Food was served in large dishes which we passed around and shared…and as we shared food, we shared conversation, laughter, and warm friendship.  All this—with people we had only just met.

When we gather around the communion table, whether kneeling to receive a wafer and small cup, or coming forward to dip a wafer into wine—I am reminded that we are all one family.  Like sharing food from a common serving dish, we share the powerful, mystical presence of Christ with each other…and we become one, with each other, and with Christ.  Like at Joe Dodge Lodge, we come from different places and go our different ways after we leave, but we are nevertheless united in Christ, the one bread who makes us one body in him.

Pastor Katie

For reflection:

What are some of the meals you have enjoyed, where you were reminded of your special connection with others around the table?

What are your thoughts and emotions as you approach the communion table in worship?

How can sharing communion with others break down barriers?

Seeing the Face of Christ in Worship--Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Psalm 148:1-7

Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD from the heavens; praise him in the heights!
²Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his host!
³Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you shining stars!
⁴Praise him, you highest heavens, and you waters above the heavens!
⁵Let them praise the name of the LORD, for he commanded and they were created.
⁶He established them forever and ever; he fixed their bounds, which cannot be passed.
⁷Praise the LORD from the earth, you sea monsters and all deeps,

Praise is expressing to God our appreciation and understanding of his worth.  It’s is saying thank you for each aspect of his divine nature.  Our inward attitude becomes outward expression.  When we praise God, we help ourselves by expanding our awareness of who his is.  In each psalm you read, look for an attribute or characteristic of God for which we can thank him.

In victory, Barak and Deborah sang praises to God.  Songs of praise focus our attention on God and give us an outlet for spiritual celebration, and remind us of God’s faithfulness and character.  We are grateful to God for Pat when we can realize the benefits—his Music Inside/Out concert is a celebration of praise to CTK. 

Psalm 149:3-5 also states: Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you shining stars!  Praise him, you highest heavens, and you waters above the heavens!  Let them praise the name of the Lord, for he commanded and they were created.  Although the Bible invites us to praise God, we often aren’t sure how to go about it.  By singing, dancing, or playing musical instruments, God enjoys his people.  We should enjoy praising him at CTK.

Robert Carter

For reflection:

How do you express praise to God?

What inner transformation occurs when you immerse yourself in praising God?

When praying, how can beginning with adoration and praise, inform our perspective in the rest of our prayer?

Seeing the Face of Christ in Our Families--Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Ephesians 4:14-16

¹⁴We must no longer be children, tossed to and fro and blown about by every wind of doctrine, by people's trickery, by their craftiness in deceitful scheming. ¹⁵But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, ¹⁶from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body's growth in building itself up in love.

My son, daughter-in-law and now grandson, come to CTK occasionally and it is always a great joy for me when they do. My daughter in law is Roman Catholic, her Dad attends mass every day. For as long as I can remember, she has stayed seated when my son and others in the row come forward for communion.

Last Sunday, she came to the communion rail. I do not know if she took communion, and I really should not or need to know. What I sensed, was that my daughter in law has seen that CTK practices open communion, and felt comfortable enough in our church environment, to come forward. For me, that was an example of Christ's ministry in our midst.

Karen Olmsted

For reflection:

When have you seen the love of Christ break down barriers?

In what ways are you growing in Christ this Lenten season?

What demands does the passage of Ephesians place on you…and in what ways does it reassure you?

Seeing the Face of Christ in Our Families--Monday, March 5, 2012

Hebrews 12:1-2

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, ²looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.

The message to my heart is that we must strive to find peace. We should break free of all that prevents feeling the peace of knowing Christ. As I reflect upon seeing Christ in the face of family, I would like to share a personal experience of what I call a God sign. My sister had a Christmas cactus which is a plant that blooms in December only. Her plant had never bloomed. My mother passed away in September a few years ago and the plant bloomed that week. It did not bloom again until our dad died two years later in July. My sister and I knew our parents were with the Lord.

Debbie Witherspoon

For reflection:

Who are the people that are part of your “great cloud of witnesses,” and why?

When have you experienced a “God sign,” and what was the significance of that sign for you?

How does the example of Jesus factor into your own ability to persevere and/or endure a challenging situation?