Joomla!

 

Walter Brueggemann, Old Testament scholar and author, is credited with giving new life to the study of the forms of Scripture.  His work with the Psalms and the Prophets has opened new understandings and contributed fresh ideas.  The use of "lament" by the authors of the Bible is one of his areas of expertise.  Because of him we are better able to express our own griefs and discomfort not only to others around us but also to God.  Brueggemann has brought us back to the words and expressions that are raw and open when used by the biblical writers in prayers and poetry.  With his deeper understanding he has freed us to express our own laments when we cry out for help.

The call to worship this morning begins with words from Psalm 133.  It holds up the unity we seek as brothers and sisters in Christ.  As a gathered family of God, we run the risk that any family faces of disagreements and hard feelings.  The Pastoral Nominating Committee is to be commended for its cooperative spirit and its unified goals as it guides this congregation in a search for a new pastor.  Continue to pray for their good work as the process nears the end.  Jesus has said (Mark 3:35) that whoever does the will of God is his sister and his brother.  May we sense that we are one in the Spirit as we worship God today.

This morning our service celebrates "Trinity Sunday," the day in the Church Year cycle that focuses on the three-in-one relationship of God.  Traditionally the Trinity has been called the "Father, Son, and Holy Spirit."  These are terms rooted in Scripture.  In more recent years we have heard the Trinity called by names that describe the work rather than the person of God: for example, "Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer."  Perhaps you have heard other combinations of names for the Trinity.  It is good to try to describe a variety of ways to understand our relationship to God.  We can enrich our beliefs as well as our trust as we continue searching for ways to know God better.  God wants to know us intimately, and encourages us to ask questions and seek answers in faith.  It is a lifelong path that God leads us on.

We have the joy this morning of welcoming new members.  For some this morning represents a change in membership from one denomination to another, but for six of our new members this morning is a step in their trip into adulthood.  These six have been studying together in preparation for the confirmation of their baptisms.  As infants they received the sign of the covenant as water was sprinkled on their heads.  Their parents and the congregation promised to teach them about God and God's love in Jesus Christ.  Now they are ready to accept the promises of God for themselves.  They take on the responsibility to continue learning and growing in the grace of God through the work of the Holy Spirit.  Take time to give thanks with them for this sign of maturity in their faith-walk with God and us.

The difference between a metaphor and a simile is the word like.  A metaphor is a comparison that says one thing is another; Christ is Living Water.  A simile states that one thing is like another; we are like trees planted by the river.  Today we look at how similar a child of God is to a living tree that is well-watered by a flowing stream.  Our roots go deep to find the water needed for life.  Our branches reach upward towards the sun.  With sunlight and water a tree can grow leaves, can reproduce, and can weather the cold Michigan winters.  This is true for any tree--a fruit tree, an ornamental tree, a shade tree, and a climbing tree.  How many similarities can you find between you and the trees of the earth?

Today we celebrate the gifts and talents of the musicians God has given this congregation. We will hear several groups sign praise for God. Instrumentalists are joining in the celebration with their unique contributions. As much as possible we make our worship musical this morning. In the midst of the music we set aside time to thank all those who served in the education program since September. Some of our educators are also our musicians. Hear the Word of God weaving its way through all the words and music in this service and leave with thankful hearts for the presence of God's Spirit as we bless not only God but ourselves in service.

Metaphors are comparisons--one thing is another thing. Often the two things being compared are not alike on the surface. The challenge is to see how they are alike. I might say, "My brother is a bear." Obviously he is not; he is a human being. One interpretation might be that he is tall and impressive; another might be that he is a teddy bear and very easy to hug; a third could be that he attacks when provoked. Unless you know my brother, you won't know which is the best explanation. When Jesus says, "I am the Good Shepard," he is using a metaphor. Knowing Jesus will help us discern what the basis for comparison is. We search for the truth in the metaphor and then live out that truth in our lives.

Alleluia! Christ is risen!  He is risen indeed! Alleluia!  We greet one another today with this traditional affirmation of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Easter is the high point of all the Lord's Days for the whole year.  Resurrection Day is the reason why we worship on the first day of the week, a custom begun in the church after Jesus' ascension to heaven.  Each Sunday is a commemoration and celebration of the resurrection of Christ.  As we leave here today, we receive the blessing from God recorded in Revelation 1:4-- Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.  To him who has loved us and freed us from our sins by his blood and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father--to him be glory and power forever and ever!  Amen.

Palm Sunday or Passion Sunday? What do you call this day on the church calendar that holds so much meaning for Christians around the world and through the centuries? Palm Sunday--a day of celebration. The King is coming--Hosanna! Passion Sunday--a day of sober remembering that Good Friday is coming at the end of the week. Hail King of the Jews--crucifixion! Today is the beginning of what is called "Holy Week." We come with our mixed emotions about the week ahead. We also come with the assurance that in seven days we do truly celebrate the reign of Christ who lived, died, was buried, and rose again to rule in glory and majesty. Praise God for this week!