​Daily Lectionary Readings for Year A

Matthew 12:15-21

I am no expert on healthcare, that's for sure.  I am thankful for the healthcare plan that originates from the Michigan Conference and is paid for by the church.  The healthcare plan provides preventative measures to try to keep me from getting sick.  It also provides peace of mind in case something major happens to me or Will.  

I don't like calling the insurance company.  It usually ends with them explaining I need to go to their website, register, receive a temporary password that must be changed within 15 minutes, and download "Form BRDPLC." The form must be completed in blue ink, all capital letters and not typed, but use black ink to add my Group Number, and use my non-dominant hand to write clearly my Enrollee ID.  I am told I must include a proper date of service and 11-digit diagnosis code (do not include the first three digits) to their shipping (not receiving) office between the hours of 2 and 3 am via fax or by placing it in a green envelope they sent me in 2011 and slip it under their door, backing away slowly.  At least that's how I hear it.  :)

So, when crowds of people follow Jesus and he takes the time to cure them, all of them, it is hard not to find hope in this One sent by God.  The Messiah is known by his healing and his compassion.

I do not know all of the ways people can receive care if they do not have a healthcare plan.  I am sure that it is a source of great distress and worry.  This morning might be a good time to sit and think and pray about the ways Jesus offers healing and compassion as we are charged with caring for one another.

Peace,
Dean

Daily Lectionary Readings for Year A

Genesis 33:1-17

The morning has come after a long, sleepless night.  Jacob has been restless and worrying about what will happen when he meets his brother Esau.  Maybe you have been worrying, too.  The anxiety can be intense in the midst of an unresolved conflict.  Perhaps you have been thinking about someone or something that has caused you to dread a pending confrontation.  Maybe you are absolutely sure how it will go when the day comes to meet face to face.  Jacob was convinced his brother would kill him and destroy his family.  But there was no turning back now.  The day had finally come.  With the sunrise this matter would be settled, one way or another.

To Jacob's utter amazement, Esau did not come to harm his brother.  Instead, he hugged him and kissed him and wept upon his neck in joy of connecting again.  I imagine you could have knocked Jacob over with a feather, he was so shocked.  All of those years of worry.  All of that time lost.  For what?  God had blessed Esau.  He had moved past the anger of losing his inheritance long ago.  All he wanted was to see his brother again.  All he wanted to do was walk alongside Jacob and journey for a while.  

Can you feel what Jacob might have felt?  Relief, grace, reconnection.  He took his family and his flock and allowed them to rest in a place he called Succoth.  The Jewish Feast of the Tabernacle, or Succoth, is celebrated this year from October 2-9.  Mayim Bialik, one of the stars of the television show The Big Bang Theory, explains the significance of these days.  It is essential to remember the feeling of forgiveness and grace.  God will see us through.

Peace,
Dean

Daily Lectionary Readings for Year A

Genesis 33:1-17

Do you remember a couple of weeks ago when we read and reflected on Jacob stealing his brother Esau's inheritance?  Jacob took off running for his life.  Esau was furious.  Jacob escaped to live with his kin in a foreign land.  I started writing all the things that happened to Jacob during this time but it might be easier to say life got complicated.  Jacob worked as a shepherd, growing the wealth of his uncle/father-of-both-of-his-wives (I said it was complicated).  But now, the day of reckoning has come.  Esau is on his way with 400 men.  This was it.  There would be no escaping his fate.  He could run no longer.  Jacob had to resolve this conflict.

Have you been there?  Have you had someone or something you dreaded confronting, fearing you would be harmed and worrying sick about what could happen?  If so, you probably feel it in your stomach right now.  One way or another the conflict would be resolved.  Esau and 400 men are within sight.  It's hard to breathe.

Jacob comes up with a plan.  He will cool down the temperature by giving his brother gifts.  He makes as big a show of it as he can, sending drove after drove after drove of livestock.  He makes sure Esau knows these are gifts from his brother, and that he is coming to meet him.  And then he sits through the night, hoping and praying the gifts make the difference.  But still, fearing the worst.  

Think about the meeting between the brothers that is coming.  What would you do to prepare for something that makes you afraid?  How have you handled very difficult confrontations?  What do you expect Esau, who has been seeking revenge for so long, to do?  The music team offered a beautiful song in worship yesterday, Abide With Me.  I wonder if this song would be comforting for any filled with fear?  We have a long night to think it over.

Peace,
Dean

Daily Lectionary Readings for Year A

Pastor Banza had big news to share.  He became a grandfather for the first time!  Pastor Banza was glowing with pride and joy.  I asked him if there were customs that his culture followed at the birth of a child.  He said yes, first-time grandparents are visited by the community.  The people bring flour and sprinkle it on the grandparent's head, symbolizing that now they were aged, wise, and graying.  He smiled as he imagined this new life of loving a grandchild.

Psalm 139 and Isaiah 44 have references to the ways that God forms us in the womb, and gives us all that we need to be blessings upon the world.  Have you ever held a newborn baby in your arms and imagined what the child might do and how that child might live out its days?  Endless possibilities.  Endless blessings.

All this made me curious.  What are some other customs from around the world for newborn babies?  I found an article from 2017 from the magazine "The Bump."  Did you know baby names in Germany must be approved?  Or, that babies in Bali are seen as divine, and their feet cannot touch the ground for 210 days?  And, every baby born in Finland receives "the ultimate care package from the state, filled with baby necessities like clothes, diapers, bedding, bibs and a first aid kit, all in a cardboard box that can do double duty as a crib."

What would you do to bless a newborn baby? 

Pregnancy and childbirth may be a universal experience, but each culture celebrates baby’s arrival in its own way. Check out these fascinating, time-honored traditions from every corner of the globe.
Birth Traditions in Turkey
To celebrate the new baby and get milk flowing, mothers drink a traditional beverage called lohusa serbeti (“postpartum sherbet”). It’s made with water, sugar, cloves, cinnamon and red food coloring, and is first served to the new mom in the hospital. There are no baby showers in Turkey—celebrations are postponed until after the little one is born. Mom and baby stay home for 20 days after the delivery, and friends stop by and also sip serbeti. Once 20 days have passed, mother and baby visit the homes of gift givers, where they receive a handkerchief filled with candy (for a good-natured baby) and an egg (for a healthy one). Their hosts also rub flour on baby’s eyebrows and hairline to give him a long life.
Birth Traditions in Latin America
To help ease them into motherhood, moms observe la cuarentena (“quarantine”)—a 40-day period when they recuperate from labor by abstaining from sex, physical activity and spicy foods. To let them rest and focus on caring for their infant, female relatives and friends pitch in with household responsibilities like cooking, cleaning and taking care of other children. (We could get down with that!) And because the new mother’s body is considered vulnerable, she has to wrap her belly in a cloth girdle or sash called a faja, and keep her head and neck covered as well.
Birth Traditions in Germany


Sorry, Blue Ivy and Apple, but your names wouldn’t fly in Germany. Parents have to stick to a list of accepted names approved by the government when filling out a birth certificate. If the moniker’s not on the list, they have to make a strong case for why the state should make an exception. Names that are objects (like Apple) or surnames are never allowed, and you must be able to tell the baby’s gender by his or her first name. Also off limits: names that can negatively affect baby’s well-being (for example, Apple). If your proposed name is rejected by the Standesamt, the office of vital statistics, you have to submit another one, and pay a fee each time. That explains why conventional names (Marie, Sophia, Maximilian and Alexander are high on the list these days) accounted for 97 percent of baby names last year.
Birth Traditions in EcuadorLike Latin America’s cuarentena, mothers here are nurtured with a similar custom called la dieta.” In rural areas, a father gives his wife a shirt that’s damp with his sweat after a hard day’s work while she’s in labor, which folklore says will give her strength. (It’s also common for parents to talk to baby inside mom’s belly and ask her for an easy delivery.) After the birth, mom and baby are carefully shielded from sunlight, even inside the house, where a canopy is hung over the bed. At the end of *la dieta, moms are given a bath with herbs, perfume and a cup of milk or three rose petals to mark their re-entry into the everyday world.


Birth Traditions in JapanMost Japanese women aim to deliver their baby sans painkillers, an ancient belief that stems from the Buddhist belief that labor pains must be endured as a test to prepare for the difficulties of motherhood. That also means most women won’t even consider an epidural, even if their doctor recommends it. Fathers aren’t allowed in the delivery room unless they’ve taken a prenatal class with the mom. After baby arrives, the new mom traditionally stays at her parents home for at least a month, and rests in bed for 21 days to recuperate and bond with baby, while family members pitch in with chores. During this period, friends visit and eat the celebratory red rice and red bean dish osekihan. And while crying babies aren’t exactly encouraged stateside, it’s the opposite in Japan, where crying contests, nakizumo, are held to see which baby cries first. The Japanese believe that babies who cry loud and often are healthier and will grow much faster.


Birth Traditions in the Dominican RepublicWho needs a sonogram to show whether it’s a boy or girl? Families here still practice a folkloric custom where a spoon, knife and fork are placed under three different chairs, and the mom-to-be chooses one to sit on. The spoon means a girl, the knife a boy and the fork means the gender is undetermined. Another tradition says being pregnant with a boy makes a woman’s hair thick and shiny, while a girl does the opposite.


Birth Traditions in BaliIn this Hindu country, an important birthing tradition is burying the placenta, which is believed to be alive and almost like a twin sibling of the newborn. During the elaborate ceremony, the placenta is cleaned, put in a sealed container, wrapped in white cloth and then buried outside of the home. As for the babies, they’re treated like gods. Seen as divine beings descended from heaven, their feet can’t touch the ground for 210 days. When they finally do, it symbolizes their crossing over to our earthly realm.


Birth Traditions in the NetherlandsThough home births have been trending in the US, Holland takes the cake for the highest number of home births in the Western world. The Dutch embrace natural childbirth, and their medical system reflects that—most expectant moms see a midwife and only visit an ob-gyn for high-risk pregnancies or complications. All pregnant women are required to pick up a kraampakket that includes all of the medical supplies needed for a home birth. To announce baby’s birth, parents place a stuffed stork in a window facing the street so it looks like the stork just flew in make the delivery. When guests visit, the couple serves a traditional snack called *beschuit met muisjes” (“biscuits with mice”). Not to worry—the “mice” are mini licorice pieces covered in pink for girls and blue for boys.


Birth Traditions in BrazilNew moms here miss out on a lot of the fun. Instead of being showered with gifts when baby is born, it’s the opposite in Brazil—when guests come to see mother and child in the hospital, she gives them a basket of presents instead. They’re small items like candy and souvenirs, and she includes a note from baby thanking friends and family for visiting. Parents also dress newborns in red, which is considered good luck and keeps evil spirits away.


Birth Traditions in GuyanaIn this South American country, mothers mark their calendars for the ninth day after baby’s birth—that’s when they celebrate the little one’s arrival with family and friends, who bring sweets and gifts, including money and gold bangle bracelets for baby. It’s also the day when moms take their first post-birth bath. During this celebration, some mothers burn the placenta to symbolize the physical separation of mother and child.


Birth Traditions in FinlandSince the 1930s, new moms in Finland have received the ultimate care package from the state, filled with baby necessities like clothes, diapers, bedding, bibs and a first aid kit, all in a cardboard box that can do double duty as a crib. Mothers have the option to take a cash grant instead, but the majority opt for the starter kit, which is worth a lot more. Originally created for low-income families to give all babies an equal start in life, Finland’s freebie package became available to all moms in 1949. The government’s plan seems to be working, since the country has one of the lowest infant mortality rates in the world.


Birth Traditions in NigeriaBabies here receive a bundle of blessings. On the seventh day for a Yoruba girl and the ninth day for a boy, they’re given water (to have no enemies), palm oil (for a smooth, stress-free life), kola nut (for a long and healthy one) and salt and pepper (to keep things exciting and spicy). Postpartum care is called omugwo, a key component of which is baby’s first bath, given to him by his grandmother (or, if she’s unavailable, an aunt or close friend). This first washing symbolizes that the mother isn’t alone is raising her child, and that the community will always be there to help her. The grandmother’s other job is to help mom get back into pre-pregnancy shape with a routine that includes a belly-flattening massage with a towel dipped in hot water.
Published December 2017

​Daily Lectionary Readings for Year A

Ephesians 4:17-5:2

Someone once told me, "I don't remember all the meals I have eaten.  As a matter of fact, I probably couldn't tell you what I ate for lunch yesterday.  But I am healthy and fortified.  The nutrients of the food that I have eaten nourish my body and strengthen my muscles.  I know when I eat something bad for me - I usually don't feel very well.  I am grouchy and short-tempered.  I feel sluggish.  If I didn't eat regularly or well I would suffer. And, I know when I eat a balanced diet.  Those are the times I am energized and focused.   I can't remember the food that I have eaten, but I know that this food is keeping me alive."  

They continued.  "I don't remember all of the sermons I have heard.  I probably couldn't tell you three things about the sermon last Sunday.  I don't remember all of the verses of Scripture I have read or the studies I have participated in.  I don't remember the words from my last prayer.  But, I know that this regular rhythm of learning about God has filled me with good things.  The sermons have helped form me in Christ's likeness.  The Scripture has opened up places in my heart that had been closed.  My prayers have put me in touch with my Creator and have helped me in more ways than I can ever articulate.  When I miss worship, or neglect to study or pray, I feel it.  Something is missing in my life.  I lack focus, and I find myself acting in ways I wish I wouldn't act.  But when I worship, my heart feels full.  I have hope for our future.  I have a purpose in my life.  I have love for my neighbor."

Is this true for you?  What have you done during this pandemic to regularly worship?  What happens when you are engaged with worship, Scripture, and prayer?  What happens when you are disengaged?

Peace,
Dean

Daily Lectionary Readings for Year A

Psalm 142
Prayer for Deliverance from Persecutors
A Maskil of David. When he was in the cave. A Prayer.

On October 18, 2007, a tornado ripped through the small town of Williamston, Michigan.  I grabbed Will out of his crib and we all huddled together in the bathroom.  It sounded like a locomotive train was barreling through the house.  The sound echoed and amplified in the small cave-like bathroom.  It was dark and we had no idea what was happening.  This terrifying rumble lasted less than a minute.  When we stepped out of our shelter we found the destruction.  Trees were twisted, branches were scattered, homes were damaged, a few cars were crushed.  The tornado jumped over the parsonage.  You could clearly see the line that it traveled from the trail of destruction.

Psalm 142 has an introductory title.  It is a Maskil of David.  Maskil might refer to a type of song or poem.  The title continues.  It was written by David when he was in a cave.  It is a prayer.  Before reading the Psalm I thought about David as a shepherd.  I imagined that he would find shelter and rest in a cave as he watched over his sheep.  I thought that maybe this was a simple note of where David spent some quiet time.

But the Psalm is not about David's peace-filled daydreams.  Instead, he is sheltering in a storm.  In the Psalm, David cries out to God, his words echoing in a cave.  His thoughts raced as he imagined the traps his enemies set for him, in the darkness, beyond his sight.  The fear is amplified by his sense that he is all alone.  He does not feel that there are any who are there to help him, to pray for him, or to protect him.  All he has is this dark, echoing cave, and God.  

I must admit that huddling in the windowless bathroom while a tornado hit was an opportunity for pointed prayer.  O God, keep us safe.  Help us in our time of need.  Watch over all who are afraid.  Many can also relate to David's sense of isolation and abandonment, to that fear that grows exponentially when you feel all alone.  We need to pay attention to that fear as this pandemic continues.  If you are feeling afraid and alone, pick up the phone.  Call somebody, anybody, and connect.  I promise you that people from the church will receive you with compassion and understanding.  Feeling alone and afraid is nothing to be ashamed of.  We can relate.  And, we can reflect how we have felt God's presence even in the midst of the storm.  We can witness to the ways God has saved us, and give God praise.

Finding connection and community in a time of trial can help us step out of our cave and into the light.  In Williamston, it was the incredible sight of neighbors pouring out into the street going door to door, checking to see if everyone was ok.  It was the sound, within an hour, of 100 chainsaws getting to work to clear away the destruction and help make room for recovery.  

Who are you going to call today?  You can simply say, "I'm calling from my cave.  How's it going out there?"  And the person will understand.  We need connection, and understanding, and someone to pray with.  We need someone to help us know that the light is shining and the storm has passed and it will be ok.  

Peace,
Dean

​Daily Lectionary Readings for Year A

Let's start off with singing.  
"Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light onto my path!"
Psalm 119 gives depth and context to the singing of this song.  God's Word - Scripture, the presence of Christ, signs and wonders - is the source of our strength when we are going through the challenges of life.  When we are afraid and are learning to walk in the dark God's Word lights our way.  So, sing this morning for your journey.  And, sing for those who are having trouble breathing.  Sing for those who are waiting for test results.  Sing for those who need strength.

I want to encourage you not only to sing this morning but also to read.  In Exodus 3 Moses encounters God in a burning bush that is not consumed by the fire.  Moses, a shepherd, can find God in the world because Moses is familiar with his surroundings.  

God continues to reach out to us in the midst of our living, in ways that we can notice if we are paying close attention.  So, my reading recommendation is a book by Barbara Brown Taylor, An Altar in the World.  Maybe the library has it, or you can order it sent to your house.  I downloaded it to my Kindle.  It's a good book for this time that has called us away from the ordinary so that we can ponder and be attuned to the ways that God is calling out to us.  

Peace,
Dean

​Daily Lectionary Readings for Year A

You are probably familiar with the story of Jesus washing the Disciple's feet.  If you attend the Maundy Thursday service during Holy Week, we often focus on this story.  Reread it today.  Read it through a couple of times.  A lot is going on.

I want to focus on perspective this morning.  I am imagining Jesus kneeling at the feet of his disciples with a basin of water and towel.  He was looking at the world from a new perspective.  Many had kneeled at his feet, asking for healing or giving thanks to God.  Now, Jesus moves from the head of the table to kneeling on the floor.  He looks at the world from a new perspective.

Jane Ellen does this when she speaks with children.  She tries to change her eye-level so that she can see the world through the perspective of a child.  It makes a difference.  Jane Ellen gains empathy, compassion, and a deeper understanding.  The child perceives their importance as their viewpoint is affirmed and celebrated.

Take a look at the attached photo.  The Joshua Task Force is working to look at the world through the eyes of the vulnerable.  What will be needed to keep people as safe as possible if we can open up for in-person worship?  We will need to wear masks to protect others.  We will need to wash our hands regularly.  And, we will need to keep six-feet apart.  We didn't have a tape measure to place the markers that Will cut out, so Eric Terry laid down on the ground to help us get a sense of what six-feet looks like.  It made us stop.  We laughed, and we pondered the stark reality of being beyond an arm's reach of one another.  We gained a new perspective on the dangers of this virus and the work we need to do together to keep one another safe.

So, maybe you can try to change your perspective today.  Figure out a new way to look at the world.  Climb a tree.  Or lay down in the grass.  (Bring your phone in case you can't get down from the tree or get up from the grass.)  Turn off the TV, or turn your chairs in another direction.  What can this new perspective teach you about the world?  What do you think Jesus learned when he knelt at the feet of his disciples?  What might the disciples have learned from looking at Jesus in a new way?  

Peace,
Dean