tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69791483274220901932024-03-27T16:53:45.252-07:00And God Showed Up. . .To listen. To notice. To "dwell with another person." These are more important than just casual ramblings or niceties, they are essential to the way we live out God's calling. I invite you to come along and consider, "Where have you seen God at work today?"Rev. Dr. Derek Marottahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08287294668420558583noreply@blogger.comBlogger486125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6979148327422090193.post-58805653154722563842024-03-27T08:46:00.000-07:002024-03-27T08:46:10.705-07:00I Wonder--March 27Last night Bethesda had the opportunity to care for their community. We served our community in faith and in love by providing food to any needy individual who came to the church until we ran out of food. <div><br /></div><div>It was a night of community building and communal ministry. And I wonder if it was also a night of worship? <div><br /></div><div>James K.A. Smith says this: </div><div><br /></div><div>"<i>Worship that restores us is worship that restories us</i>." (You might want to read that again.... it is not misspelled). </div><div><br /></div><div>As we met with members of our community last night and as we listened to them we heard stories of their lives that they felt comfortable sharing with us. We heard stories that they were comfortable sharing--and we never pressed them for any details. </div><div><br /></div><div>We heard stories about their families. Stories about their Easter plans. We heard stories about teenagers just learning to drive and stories filled with the hope that families would come together around the Easter table.</div><div><br /></div><div>We heard stories about the how Jesus would bless the community on Resurrection Sunday but that particular stories was interspersed with stories about the loss of work and the struggles of health and the struggles to make ends meet. </div><div><br /></div><div>As I listened to so many stories that were shared with me, and heard the accounts of stories that were shared from other church members, I worked if together, in our act of service, were we not worshipping God? Was this act of worship not something that was re-shaping the story of Bethesda, and the people of Bethesda, who gathered in the parking lot and offered a word of encouragement and blessing to their neighbors? </div><div><br /></div><div>We know that stories come in all shapes and sizes, perhaps as you listen to one today, it might become an act of worship that changes you because it is an act of worship. Take some time today in Holy Week to share one today. </div><div> </div></div>Rev. Dr. Derek Marottahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08287294668420558583noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6979148327422090193.post-17210858841134025422024-03-19T10:03:00.000-07:002024-03-19T10:03:59.633-07:00I Wonder--March 19Many aspect of our Christian faith are just the way that they are. The practices of faith resemble what tradition taught us that they were and they are. <div><br /></div><div>But sometimes, when we linger around Christ, when we watch, and wonder, and study God's word, the Lord might just break through and ask us to look at things from a different perspective that challenges us to grow and widen our faith and gaze. <div><br /></div><div>As an example, let me tell you a story from this year's confirmation class. </div><div><br /></div><div>To set up the story, let me also say that I have used this process three times in confirmation. </div><div><br /></div><div>Previously I have handed out the same exercise and asked the students, and their mentors, to consider "The Church." I want them to 'build a church.' They are asked to make certain decisions and choices and then talk about why and how they made those choices. From there we enter into a group discussion about what a church looks like and how 'The Church' is formed and established and sustained. </div><div><br /></div><div>The process is straightforward and I have never had any issue with it... until I handed the assignment out this last time and one of the students remembered the passage of scripture that talks about how Jesus lives in our hearts. This student wondered: if Jesus lives in their hearts, and if Jesus walks with them everywhere they go, then does it not stand to reason that the church is not a building, but isn't the church 'me?' Am I not the church, this person reasoned? </div><div><br /></div><div>Now while you might roll your eyes at the teenage logic that was presented. The student was correct. </div><div><br /></div><div>The church is not a building. Frankly building-centric logic is what got the Pharisees into trouble with Jesus and His message. Since God lives in each of us, and God walks with us each day, wherever we commune with God can be, and should be, an active place of worship where we are molded and shaped by God. </div><div><br /></div><div>From a teenage question came a meaningful pause for the group. And the adults who sat among the students felt the pause grow in us as we noticed that God was breaking in.</div><div><br /></div><div>Some things in our faith are just the way that they are. But there are also places in our faith to draw close to God and wonder if more is possible? I wonder if you can find something today in your faith and in your relationship with God that can be broadened and expanded? What might God be telling and showing you? </div></div>Rev. Dr. Derek Marottahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08287294668420558583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6979148327422090193.post-2128503341258664332024-03-14T08:02:00.000-07:002024-03-14T08:02:19.213-07:00I Wonder--March 14In our Christian faith there is always room to expand and grow as we spend more and more time with the Lord. We can add a spiritual discipline to our life at any point--and God invites us to do so. We can read the Bible differently. Study the Word using a new translation or begin a new devotional practice. <div><br /></div><div>Lent is not the only time that God invites us to try something different. <div><br /></div><div>This sense of experimentation has been on display in the life of the confirmands here at Bethesda. As I have listened to them, I have heard them consider how they might augment or change how they practice their faith. In some moments they double-down on what they believe. . . but in others, I see their brows scrunch and they wonder... is this the time to try something different. Either way, their experimentation has been positive and healthy and enriching. </div><div><br /></div><div>From places of wonder and experimentation God can do great things. But we must have the courage to wonder what is God asking us to become. </div><div><br /></div><div>Consider these two examples as demonstrations that trying something new can have dramatic results: </div><div><br /></div><div>Georges Perec wrote an entire book without using the most common letter in the French alphabet: e. His book went on to become one of the most celebrated experimental works in modern literature. </div><div><br /></div><div>The painter Yves Klein decided to limit his palette to one color. This let him to discover a shade of blue no one had ever seen before. The shade itself was seen by many as effectively becoming the art itself, and was later named "International Klein Blue." </div><div><br /></div><div>These are just two examples of people experimenting and trying something new, something unheard of, and their efforts changed their community. </div><div><br /></div><div>So I wonder, what practice of your faith could you do differently, could you try? What might reshape you? It might be something you try just for a week or even a season. . . who knows the effect could end up reshaping your faith and your relationship with the Lord. </div></div>Rev. Dr. Derek Marottahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08287294668420558583noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6979148327422090193.post-64620837295586245002024-03-12T09:01:00.000-07:002024-03-12T09:01:05.832-07:00I Wonder--March 12Imagine with me a great runner. . . They are fast. Strong. Agile. For years they honed their form. When this person runs, their arms and legs flow smoothly. Their heart pumps fresh blood throughout their body. Their lungs send plenty of oxygen to their organs. <div><br /></div><div>Running for this person is graceful. Smooth. It is elegant. They seem to glide when they run. It is as if their feet do not even touch the earth. . . They fly. </div><div><br /></div><div>Now imagine it is the day of an important race. </div><div><br /></div><div>After years of faithful, diligent, practice, this runner comes to the starting blocks. They are locked in; ready to run and ready to perform. They blast out of the blocks establishing themselves in the lead of the race. They move to the front of the pack gaining a commanding lead when all of a sudden they crash to the ground like a sack of potatoes. </div><div><br /></div><div>The other runners pass them. But the runner is not deterred. They return to their feet to begin again. But this time the runner is bloodied, bruised, and broken. They stumble; they cannot regain their footing and finish dead last. </div><div><br /></div><div>So I wonder, is our runner whose story we just imagined a bad runner? Of course not. . . They just had a bad race. </div><div><br /></div><div>If that runner was part of your family, and if you cared for that person, you would comfort them. You would tend to their wounds and offer them words of encouragement and remind them that there would be another race that they could win. You might help them train and encourage them to put this bad memory behind them. You might say, "press on toward the goal."</div><div> </div><div>And I would do the same. </div><div><br /></div><div>So the question for today is: do you live this way when someone in the Body of Christ falls down on the track of life, cuts their knees, bruises their soul, and finishes in last place for the day? Or do you remind them that they failed epically and offer them little if any grace when that is truly all they want and need in the moment? </div><div><br /></div><div>In the Christian faith God asks us to practice what the gospel teaches knowing that we will not perfect our faith. But each day, we hope and we believe in what is possible. . . and as we do, we offer grace to those who fail. </div>Rev. Dr. Derek Marottahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08287294668420558583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6979148327422090193.post-82339637562420031792024-02-28T06:35:00.000-08:002024-02-28T06:35:48.172-08:00I Wonder--February 28Have you ever stopped to consider what God's answers to prayer sound like in your life? <div><br /></div><div>Consider them with me for a moment. . . We come to God for a variety of reasons. This is why space needs to be created when we pray to be still. In the stillness of our hearts, we find room to let our hearts express what is deeply occurring there. Prayer is communing with God on many levels. </div><div><br /></div><div>But have you stopped to consider God's response. . . what does it look like and what could it should like? </div><div><br /></div><div>Lauren Winner once said these words: </div><div><br /></div><div>"<i>Most women are 'sure to remember exactly what the OB or nurse or midwife said--positive or negative.' I wonder what Jesus heard His father say in the garden. Whatever it was let Jesus go on.</i>"</div><div><br /></div><div>Think about that idea for a moment. In the garden Jesus pours His heart out to His Heavenly Father. We know that Jesus asks that the cup pass from His lips on more than one occasion. None of the gospels record what God in heaven said to His Son. But whatever it was, however that response took shape, it gave Jesus the resolve to continue toward the cross undeterred. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">God spoke to His Son and the Son heard it clearly. </div><div><br /></div><div>You see, I believe, God always answers our prayers. The challenge that we must face is are we willing to linger long enough to hear the answer. </div><div><br /></div><div>I wonder today if you, among a busy and perhaps painful day, can find some room to just stay where God is and listen to hear what God's answer sounds like? </div>Rev. Dr. Derek Marottahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08287294668420558583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6979148327422090193.post-3867986054505641232024-02-13T11:09:00.000-08:002024-02-13T11:09:38.036-08:00I Wonder--February 13Today has a few names for us in the church... Fat Tuesday. Mardi Gras. Shrove Tuesday. Each has a meaning that is significant to the person. For me today is "Tuesday... the last day before Ash Wednesday." Tomorrow I begin Lent with Bethesda. <div><br /></div><div>As we begin together I found a particular parable presented to me twice. Since the Lord showed it to me in two places, I believe that I am supposed to share it with you as we get ready for the change in liturgical season. </div><div><br /></div><div>So here goes: </div><div><br /></div><div><i>There was a young man who had gone into the desert to pursue the holy life. After a year or two of fasting, praying, and meditating on the Word, he began to feel that his rule of life is not rigorous enough, so he goes to his teacher and asks for a more stringent discipline. The teacher replies, "Simply do this: go back to your cave, pray, as you usually pray, fast, as you usually fast, sleep when you are tired."</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>The student, disappointed by this less than scrupulous response, goes to a second teacher, and again ask for a more stringent rule. The second teacher says, "Go back to your cave, pray, as you usually pray, eat when you are hungry, drink, when you are thirsty, sleep when you are tired." Frustrated, the man goes to a third teacher, who tells him," Just go back to your cave."</i></div><div><br /></div><div>The point, is that you can't simply pursue God in the desert; you must also begin to pursue yourself wherever you are. You cannot fast, if you have not first notice that you were hungry; your hunger is what the cave can teach you.</div><div><br /></div><div>Lent is the opportunity to notice where you are and what God could be teaching you. </div><div><br /></div><div>So I wonder, what do you think God is going to teach you? And how are you preparing yourself to learn from the Lord this season? </div>Rev. Dr. Derek Marottahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08287294668420558583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6979148327422090193.post-52307196171016112252024-02-05T10:23:00.000-08:002024-02-05T10:23:52.354-08:00I Wonder--February 5The Church of Jesus is about to celebrate His Transfiguration once again this weekend. <div><br /></div><div>Together we will read the gospel account of the Lord taking Peter, James, and John up the mountain where He will be 'transfigured' before them. On that mountain Jesus' appearance on earth will be as close, I believe, as to how He appears in heaven before His Father. Those three disciples will then be confronted with a choice. </div><div><br /></div><div>While the choice is not presented in the text--it will live in their hearts for the rest of their lives. </div><div><br /></div><div>The choice is simple: what are they called to do, in response, to this revelation from God that takes place on that mountain top? Jesus did not bring them up the mountain, He did not reveal Himself to them, He did not show them Elijah or Moses, just for show or as a display of power solely. Christ invites us, and them, into a partnering relationship. </div><div><br /></div><div>As it has been said many times throughout history: we are in this together. </div><div><br /></div><div>In the book that I just finished reading it says it this way: </div><div><br /></div><div>"<i>Nothing begins with us. The more we pay attention, the more we begin to realize that all the work we ever do is a collaboration</i> [with God.]." </div><div><br /></div><div>The season of Lent, which begins on February 14th, is our season of witness and reflection. </div><div><br /></div><div>We witness to the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. We witness to what He is willing to endure on our behalf to restore us, and our relationship, to the Father. </div><div><br /></div><div>But we also participate, or collaborate as the quotation says, with Him in the spreading of the message of hope and evangelism that comes after the cross. The question for you to ponder today is are you willing to collaborate with Jesus in this work? Are you willing to travel up the mountain, witness what He shows you, and then work alongside of Him in your local community? </div><div> </div>Rev. Dr. Derek Marottahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08287294668420558583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6979148327422090193.post-84963566850305509672024-02-01T08:03:00.000-08:002024-02-01T08:03:31.733-08:00I Wonder--February 1I wonder if a ministry project ever truly ends? <div><br /></div><div>In October Bethesda distributed lunches to their children of their community for one week while the students were out of school. We will do this again in February. These are two specific weeks where a need is present. But once those weeks are concluded, does the project end? </div><div><br /></div><div>I have been considering this idea because I read something recently that sparked my curiosity. This is what I read: </div><div><br /></div><div>"<i>Re-reading even a well-understood paragraph or page can be revelatory. New meaning, deeper understandings, inspirations, and nuances arise and come into focus</i>." </div><div><br /></div><div>Think about the last time you re-read a significant passage of God's word, something that touched your heart previously. It still had resonance. Why? I suspect that the answer you would give is that the more frequently you re-read and re-examined something that held meaning and purpose to your heart, the more God brought it into focus for you. </div><div><br /></div><div>So then it stands to reason that if a mission and ministry project touches your heart then you are not truly done serving the Lord when it seems to end. Ministry does not end because the Lord continues to passionate touch your heart.</div><div><br /></div><div>Instead, practices of discernment asks us to regularly return to God and ask deeper questions. Practices of discernment asks us to wonder what further learning and consideration might God be inviting us into in our future. Who might we bring into the conversation? And what might partners such as they have to offer us? </div><div><br /></div><div>Even something at seems clear on the surface can still teach us more and more the longer we linger with the Lord on them... </div>Rev. Dr. Derek Marottahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08287294668420558583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6979148327422090193.post-60137707468590188742024-01-29T06:07:00.000-08:002024-01-29T06:07:39.015-08:00I Wonder--January 29Yesterday, in Sunday School we addressed one of those truly hard, challenging, concepts of our Christian walks that lives in the Sermon on the Mount. And while I would like to state that we 'solved' this one, we didn't. Frankly, no one since the Lord Jesus walked the earth has anyone truly been able to live up to the standard that Jesus taught in Matthew 7. But as Paul reminds us, we keep working at it diligently and we trust the Holy Spirit to help us (Phil. 2.12). <div><div><br /></div><div>But I value the conversation yesterday. I value the ability to think deeply. I value the vulnerability that it takes for men and women of the church to look at each other deeply and speak from their hearts . . . and as you know, I appreciate people willing to come alongside of me and: wonder about such things. </div><div><br /></div><div>In the book that I just finished I read these words which ring true to my heart: </div><div><br /></div><div>"<i>The ability to look deeply</i> [to wonder]</div><div><i>is the root of creativity. </i></div><div><i>To see past the ordinary and mundane</i></div><div><i>and get to what might otherwise be invisible.</i>"</div><div><br /></div><div>I believe that we are called by God to look deeply at ourselves, and at our community. We are called by God to notice what is easily noticeable and act--that is the easy part. A lot of people do that each and every day. A lot of churches do that every week. </div><div><br /></div><div>Yet at the same time we are also asked to stand beside God, look out into the community deeply, and wonder about what we are seeing. . . that is where transformation takes place. Long-lasting change takes place. </div></div><div><br /></div><div>Certainly the things that we are seeing and witnessing might mean one thing--and that one thing might be clear and direct. </div><div><br /></div><div>But what if it isn't? </div><div><br /></div><div>What if God is asking you and I to creatively linger in one spot. Gaze a little longer. Notice something mundane. Something that might be present the whole time but because no one else is looking at it, it is invisible to the vast majority of the church and community at-large? No one sees it. . . perhaps no one cares about it. </div><div><br /></div><div>I wonder what would happen to that thing, in the life of that one person (or persons), if we and God creatively spoke about whatever it was that we saw? </div>Rev. Dr. Derek Marottahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08287294668420558583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6979148327422090193.post-15392118026378170632024-01-25T08:45:00.000-08:002024-01-25T08:45:14.697-08:00I wonder--January 25Do you participate in the work of God in the community or are you a passive observer only? Is the mission of God too big for you or could you imagine yourself being part of what God is doing in the community--even in some small way?<div><br /></div><div>Another way of asking the question is: do you bring something of value to God and God's work to redeem the community? <div><br /></div><div>To consider this question let's keep thinking along the same lines as yesterday and <i>wonder</i> together. . . In the book, <i>The Creative Act: A Way of Being</i>, we read: </div><div><br /></div><div>"<i>We perceive, filter, and collect, data, then curate an experience for ourselves and others based on this information set. Whether we do this consciously or unconsciously, by the mere fact of being alive, we are active participants in the ongoing process of creation</i>."</div><div><br /></div><div> If these words are correct (and I believe that they are); then we are participants in the process of ministry with God. The Lord is inviting us into partnership. And more than simple partnership, which would be a wonderful blessing for any of us, God might just be inviting us to co-labor with Him in the community to spread the redemptive work and mission. </div><div><br /></div><div>God might just ask us if we are willing to work side-by-side with Him in the local community.</div><div><br /></div><div>And while you and I might tempted to think that we are unworthy to stand beside Jesus and work alongside of him, we are all sent into the mission field by the Lord because He trusts us; He believes in us. For we all witness what is taking place around us in this world. Every second, of every day our eyes, ears, and our lives witness opportunities to share the love of Christ with another persons. </div></div><div><br /></div><div>I wonder.... who do you think opened your eyes, your ears, and your hearts to notice this in the first place? Perhaps it is the one who called you into partnership in the first place... </div><div><br /></div>Rev. Dr. Derek Marottahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08287294668420558583noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6979148327422090193.post-51826422906955398722024-01-24T06:33:00.000-08:002024-01-24T06:33:02.064-08:00I Wonder--January 24<p> For a while now I have seen a certain book at my local book store and it has caught my attention. Finally last week, I broke down and bought the book and I am so thankful that I did! The book's author is a famous music producer whose has worked on some of the most important rock albums for the last 40 years. </p><p>As with many great creative thinkers, the book does not follow a traditional format. There is a chapter that consists of a few pages followed by three lines of prose centered on a page or two. Then another short chapter followed by some more prose. This repeats throughout the entire book. But if you dare to open the book and consider with Rick is writing about, you will find a gold mine to consider. </p><p>In the first chapter, a chapter titled: "Everyone Is a Creator," he writes this: </p><p>"<i>To create is to bring something into existence that wasn't there before. It could be a conversation, the solution to a problem, a note to a friend, the rearrangement of furniture in a room, a new route home to avoid a traffic jam. . . Through the ordinary state of being, we're already creators in the most profound way, creating our experience and composing the world we perceive</i>." </p><p>While Rick is not write from a Christian theological perspective but one of a musical producer, I find it hard not to hear an entrance point into our community in his words. </p><p>We often think that to serve the Lord in our community has to be a big, large-scale, dynamic, vibrant project. It must be reproducible; it must shine. It must look good on social media and/or fit well on a flyer or some other form of media--and at times that is indeed necessary, I do confess. </p><p>But if Rick is right, if something as small as moving a chair closer to another person so that they can see that we truly do care, if that "creative act of furniture moving" is also an act of ministry, then I wonder what small thing God be asking you to do today? </p><p>For God see the world both in the macro and the micro. Jesus had the time to save the entire world, but He also had the time to sit by a well with an unwelcome woman and talk with her during the hottest part of the day when no one else had the time or the desire. </p><p>Maybe there is something creative that God is asking to you participate in right now? What does it look like and how much time does it take?</p>Rev. Dr. Derek Marottahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08287294668420558583noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6979148327422090193.post-30909459543832272662024-01-18T09:55:00.000-08:002024-01-18T09:55:45.608-08:00I Wonder--January 18Today I was listening to a new audiobook and something the author said caught my attention. She was speaking about the future and how we perceive it. The section in question that I was listening to was from the introduction and Jane wondered about how long it might take someone to read a new book.<div><br /></div><div>She went on to ask, 'what might happen if you gave yourself 10-years to read that book?' (For some of us, having 10-years to read a book might be freeing or helpful).</div><div><br /></div><div>Now while that seems like an excessive amount of time, consider Jane's rationale. She says: <div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(24, 24, 24); color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“<i>What matters is whether your brain perceives an abundance of time. So give it a try. Give yourself luxurious ten-year deadlines. You might be surprised at how much faster and more happily you do things you’d otherwise put off when you feel time-rich, and therefore more in control of your timeline</i>.”</span></span></div></div><div><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(24, 24, 24); color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: inherit;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(24, 24, 24);">Jane is not </span></span><span style="color: #181818;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(24, 24, 24);">writing</span></span><span style="color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> or considering ministry in the church or a faithful response to God's revelation. But what if she was?</span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span><span style="color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #181818;"><span style="background-color: white;">In ministry we are in the 'long game.' . . Perhaps the 10-years game. Results may come. And those results may take a long time--but they do come because they come in Christ Jesus. And Christ Jesus is faithful. </span></span></div><div><span style="color: #181818;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #181818;"><span style="background-color: white;">Why do we think, or why have we been lead to believe that the results have to come overnight? I wonder what might happen in your life and in your faith if you gave yourself the grace of time and received the grace of the Lord. </span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: inherit;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(24, 24, 24);"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: inherit;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(24, 24, 24);">Blessings</span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: inherit;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(24, 24, 24);">Derek</span></span></span></span></div>Rev. Dr. Derek Marottahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08287294668420558583noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6979148327422090193.post-56073638843967455612024-01-11T10:59:00.000-08:002024-01-11T10:59:31.541-08:00I Wonder--January 11We are now in the season of Epiphany. <div><br /></div><div>During this time of the church calendar the focus shifts from the joy of the Incarnation to the needed response to Christ's birth in the new year. For the next five weeks the church is asked to consider its response and how it will take the revelation of Christ into its local community--and ultimately the world. <div><br /></div><div>Quite simply we are tasked with evangelism--and it is not a passive call. </div><div><br /></div><div>As I think about this mandate from God and ask I consider the responsibility for the church, I remember the words Albert Outler wrote. He said: </div><div><br /></div><div>"<i>Give us a church, whose members believe and understand the gospel of God's healing love of Christ to hurting men and women. Give us a church that speaks and acts in consonance with its faith – not only to reconcile the world, but to turn it upside down! Give us a church of spirit-filled people in whose fellowship life speaks [of eternal] life, love to love, and faith and trust respond to God's grace. And we shall have a church whose witness in the world will not fail, and whose service to the world will transform it</i>."</div><div><br /></div><div>This past week, I asked the children here at Bethesda if the Christmas season was complete, and amidst jokes about snow marking the end of Christmas, we discovered that Christmas is not complete. It is not complete because we have the evangelistic responsibility placed before us by God to share the miracle with our community. </div><div><br /></div><div>The decorations may be put away, but the message should not also be put away. </div><div><br /></div><div>The Christmas season is not complete because you have the opportunity, and the call, to pass on what you learned and experienced from the Messiah. To paraphrase what Oulter was saying in the above quotation: we will transform the world because we witness to the power of God in our midst. </div><div><br /></div><div>I wonder if that is something that we as the Body of Christ will do during this Epiphany season? </div></div>Rev. Dr. Derek Marottahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08287294668420558583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6979148327422090193.post-36703109227441829072024-01-04T10:47:00.000-08:002024-01-04T10:47:10.978-08:00I Wonder--January 4One thing that I am not fond of is a New Year's resolutions. For most people these are promises that are not kept. The effort seems to be lacking. Certainly I want to 'do' better, 'be' better every day of my life as I am in Christ. So why wait until January to attempt to do anything about this? Should not our growth as Christians be a constant, consistent matter? <div><br /></div><div>I wonder if God asks us to continue progressing towards Him and His will in our lives? </div><div><br /></div><div>Writer Evelyn Underhill addresses my struggle in this way. She writes: </div><div><br /></div><div>"<i>Some people may seem to us to go to God by a moving staircase; where they can assist matters a bit by their own efforts, but much gets done for them, and progress does not cease. Some appear to be whisked past us in a lift; whilst we find ourselves on a steep flight of stairs, with a bend at the top, so that we cannot see how much farther we have to go. </i><i>But none of this really matters; what matters is the conviction that all are moving towards God, and, in that journey, accompanied, supported, checked, and fed by God.</i>"</div><div><br /></div><div>God asks each of us to practice our faith. He asks us to remember that He is always present and accessible to us--in the good and in the bad. </div><div><br /></div><div>Perhaps what Evelyn is talking about resonates in your heart and life? Perhaps the message in 2024 from God might be a reminder that He is there and wants to grow your relationship together. . . Maybe that is a resolution that we could actually keep. </div>Rev. Dr. Derek Marottahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08287294668420558583noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6979148327422090193.post-657325181285203732023-12-21T06:46:00.000-08:002023-12-21T06:46:45.146-08:00I Wonder--December 21Today I got an early start on some of my tasks, and as I worked I discovered a blessing. . . <div><br /></div><div>In a little while I have several deliveries to facilitate for the church. Donations of furniture and food are coming this way. But in order to get those items, I needed to clear out the leftover recycling from our most recent turkey giveaway. </div><div><br /></div><div>The old scout trailer was full of broken down boxes which needed to be run off to the recycling center. So, I put on a podcast and took three trips to McConnells to handle this task. It was during the second trip that I noticed the blessing.</div><div><br /></div><div>As I pulled the car up to the fellowship hall door to load up the last of the boxes, I saw the door to the Blessing Box hanging open. Now this happens from time to time. Some folks forget to close the door and/or latch it. When that happens normally I walk over and resolve the issue. But this time that was not going to work; I could not close the box. Something was sticking out. </div><div><br /></div><div>I was curious so I took an extra lap around the parking lot to investigate. Sticking out of the Blessing Box are two boxes of toys. Pulling away from the Box I thanked God and I began to wonder. . . </div><div><br /></div><div>Normally the Blessing Box is filled with food and toiletry items. We like to put practical things in there that can help the people of this community who are in need. Toys are not normally part of the plan. But at Christmas, when the need for Blessings is a bit greater and more pronounced, someone felt the Holy Spirit tug on their heart. </div><div><br /></div><div>And so someone, likely the next person who comes to the Blessing Box, will be given an additional Christmas gift--and that gift will likely bless a child from their family. </div><div><br /></div><div>There are just a couple days remaining in Advent. Christmas is Monday. I wonder who do you know who might need an extra Christmas blessing? What does that blessing look like for them, and is God offering you another chance to partner with Him in caring for someone else? </div><div> </div>Rev. Dr. Derek Marottahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08287294668420558583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6979148327422090193.post-40380870691330389782023-12-19T07:10:00.000-08:002023-12-19T07:10:28.028-08:00I Wonder--December 19So are you ready? Are all the gifts purchased and wrapped? Do they sit under the tree ready for Monday morning, or like us, do you have them neatly stacked on the hearth or some other common location in your home?<div><br /></div><div>The time is almost up. . . and that realization comes with a mixture of emotions. <div><br /></div><div>Today after lunch I will purchase a final gift for Emma that will sit nicely in her stocking. Then all my Christmas obligations will be handled. (And yes, that was a deliberate word choice). </div></div><div><br /></div><div>Christmas feels so obligatory; it feels like a beast to tame. I know that walking into the store to get Emma's final gift will be a test of patience. The hustle and bustle will press down around me and I will want to retreat to my audiobook and remove myself the community entirely. . . </div><div><br /></div><div>But is that what we are supposed to do? </div><div><br /></div><div>Does the Incarnation of Jesus, and the joy of Christmas, ask us to retreat? To pull back? Does Jesus ask us to roll our eyes or silently ridicule another person whose is causing us to alter our timing and pacing?</div><div><br /></div><div>In that case, I wonder if any of us are truly ready for Christmas? Perhaps this final week before Christmas offers us a chance to encounter our community differently? Perhaps God is showing us an opportunity where we can extend the miracle of the incarnation into the life of another person. </div><div><br /></div><div>I wonder if this week, as you too venture back out to finish your preparations, I wonder if you will notice the people around you and ask God how he would have you care for them? </div>Rev. Dr. Derek Marottahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08287294668420558583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6979148327422090193.post-65209375612727187012023-12-13T11:49:00.000-08:002023-12-13T11:49:04.692-08:00I Wonder--December 13I had an interesting conversation today with some colleagues as we considered Zechariah that I want to share with you. <div><br /></div><div>As you know Zechariah was the father of John the Baptist. You also might remember that he was struck mute by God because he did not believe what the Angel of the Lord told him. For entirety of his wife Elizabeth's pregnancy, Zechariah is only able to communicate through written words and/or some form of sign-language or eye movement. </div><div><br /></div><div>He cannot speak. </div><div><br /></div><div>Imagine that. . . because you do not believe what God is doing in your life, you are unable to speak about it to anyone. You are forced to watch the proceedings from the margins. This silence creates a sense of space, or distance, for Zechariah I believe. </div><div><br /></div><div>If he chooses to process or consider what is happening in Elizabeth's life, or in the greater spiritual life of the world, he will do so differently from the rest of the community. </div><div><br /></div><div>Now we know that as soon as he announces that this child is to be named John, his voice returns and he is able to testify to God being at work in his life. His testimony is so powerful that it causes awe to be experienced by the members of his community. But as I think about Zechariah's prophecy, as it is recorded in Luke 1, I wonder how often do we share the priests predicament? </div><div><br /></div><div>How often do we stop believing in what God is doing around us, and by ceasing to believe, we are moved to the margins. We can only watch what is happening when the opportunity to partner with God is also present. We are invited to partner with the Lord! </div><div><br /></div><div>I suppose this Christmas the choice is yours also. . . I wonder if you will believe what God is doing around you? Will you speak about it and trust that what God has planned will change the community? Or will you live on the margin and let Christmas take a familiar pacing and path? </div><div><br /></div>Rev. Dr. Derek Marottahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08287294668420558583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6979148327422090193.post-40740640017682240992023-12-11T09:33:00.000-08:002023-12-11T09:33:05.783-08:00I wonder--December 11Getting ready for Christmas as the Body of Christ can wear you down. . . Now I know that is not news to anyone. It seems the closer to Christmas we come, the less peaceful we feel as people. But I wonder if that is not necessary a bad thing? <div><br /></div><div>In my morning devotional I read the following words: </div><div><br /></div><div>"<i>True peace comes when we see things clearly, see the whole story, not just the good parts. Jesus' birth did not deny the human experience but embraced it.</i>" </div><div><br /></div><div>As you know I think a lot about the role story-telling and story-sharing plays in our lives as the church. In my mind an authentic story is a wonderful tool (perhaps the best tool) for sharing God's presence and love with our community. A well-told story is just the narration of a particular slice of life--good and bad. </div><div><br /></div><div>A well-told story holds the tension of life in place for the moment. </div><div><br /></div><div>Things don't always work out the way that we plan. The prayers are not answered. But that does not mean that God is not listening to us or that God does not value our relationship. It just means the story did not turn out the way that we wanted. . . Yet we cannot forget that God is in the story the whole time. </div><div><br /></div><div>As the above quotation says, 'true peace' comes as we see things authentically and fully. The good and the bad. </div><div><br /></div><div>Perhaps right now you can think of someone who is seeing their story only through negative eyes or a negative lens. Do not deny their experience. . . Instead come alongside of them and join them in wondering, in looking at, the whole story. Perhaps God is closer than any of us imagine? </div><div><br /></div><div>Blessings</div><div>Derek</div>Rev. Dr. Derek Marottahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08287294668420558583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6979148327422090193.post-59006909213488289852023-11-29T11:19:00.000-08:002023-11-29T11:19:39.031-08:00I Wonder--November 29I wonder if you would pray with me for someone you have not met? <div><br /></div><div>Today I had my yearly physical with my doctor and it went very well. Heart, lungs, BP, etc. all were good. I enjoy seeing my doctor; he is a good friend to boot! As the appointment ended I was sent to the lab for my yearly blood work--this too was expected just ask my grumbling stomach (I was fasting and had not eaten yet). </div><div><br /></div><div>The young lady working the desk called me up to give blood. I went into the room and the normal small talk began. But then God walked into the room, sat down. . . </div><div><br /></div><div>The young lady asked me, "What do you do for a living?"</div><div><br /></div><div>"I am a preacher." I replied. Pausing I asked: "How can I help?" Her eyes widened. </div><div><br /></div><div>Then she told me her story. It was unremarkable; it was not tragic. But in her story she faced a choice--a moment of discernment that she was struggling with and she wondered where is God in that moment? And in her moment she did not know what to do or even where to turn. She had some faith, but she said she talk like Job standing before God. </div><div><br /></div><div>She asked me for a scripture and maybe (her words) a prayer. I offered her both. </div><div><br /></div><div>Then she drew my blood. </div><div><br /></div><div>We talked a bit more and I left and began the remainder of my day. </div><div><br /></div><div>But walking to my car I wondered: how often do we follow up with a promised statement? She asked me to pray for her; it was clear that she needed prayer. Had I done that? Had I kept my word? Would I continue to pray for her later in the day when I thought about the morning and the events at the doctor's office? </div><div><br /></div><div>Or would her need float away the further away from the office that I got? </div><div><br /></div><div>That is a temptation that we all face. We know we should pray; we should care for others. We should serve them as Christ has served us. But do we follow through with this most simple act of Christian faith and practice? </div><div><br /></div><div>So today, I wonder, will you pray for someone you do not know? Someone who does not know you? </div>Rev. Dr. Derek Marottahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08287294668420558583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6979148327422090193.post-81146687453572485492023-11-28T11:20:00.000-08:002023-11-28T11:20:27.262-08:00I Wonder--November 28I wonder how do we learn to work together? <div><br /></div><div>Now that is a loaded question with deep, complex, and personal, answers. Trying to answer this question too quickly will result in platitudes and niceties. Answering to quickly will lead us to answers that fit on Hallmark greeting cards or Instagram posts surrounded by various nature scenes. </div><div><br /></div><div>For the last month I have spent time thinking and considering this question as it surfaces at various points in life? </div><div><br /></div><div>How do we work together when we come before God to ask Him "Why?" . . . "Why did this have to happen?" Or more personally, "Why did you do this God?"</div><div><br /></div><div>How do we work together to teach the lessons of God's Word to children--some of whom are not listening and do not desire to listen? </div><div><br /></div><div>How do we work together as the Church when we see the hungry, the cold, the needy drive into our community and ask for help without actually hearing them say 'help?"</div><div><br /></div><div>How. . . How . . . How? </div><div><br /></div><div>We are conditioned to answer "How" questions in a certain way. In my experience, asking "How" means finding a solution and then implementing the solution repeatedly. But I want to resist that temptation. I want to resist trying to 'fix' anything that I define as broken. Instead, can we notice what the "How" question makes us address and wonder about? </div><div><br /></div><div>I read a story recently of a man who visited a L'Arche community. These communities, which exist all over the world, serve and support the needy--no matter how 'needy' is defined. </div><div><br /></div><div>This man spent a time with a group of folks who are handicapped. During his visit he would work alongside of them at a task that he never did before. To increase the challenge, this man did not speak the language of the people, and if that is not enough, one of the group members did not like others translating for their visitor. She believed that he would learn and understand words he never heard before, if he just listened. (fascinating I think). </div><div><br /></div><div>Interestingly enough, he did. He mirrored the work of others. He followed their nonverbal leading. He was gentle and allowed the other people in the room to have the place of authority and power. And at the end it was a wonderful experience. </div><div><br /></div><div>So to return to my question: how do we work together? . . . Perhaps if we follow the Lord silently, allow the nonverbal communication of the Holy Spirit to guide us, and trust that God places us in the exact right position or moment, we might learn something about working with God in the kingdom. </div><div><br /></div><div>I wonder, how might you respond to the question? How do we work together? </div>Rev. Dr. Derek Marottahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08287294668420558583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6979148327422090193.post-40014771362173127592023-11-15T06:02:00.000-08:002023-11-15T06:02:54.415-08:00I Wonder--November 15This morning as I was walking I listened to an interview with the famous cellist Yo-Yo Ma. His gentle words spoke deeply to my heart and caused me to wonder. . . <div><br /></div><div>The story he told was about Mr. Rogers--a man he had the privilege of meeting and working with. Once Mr. Rogers was in front of congress seeking funding for his television program. As a PC(USA) minister Fred was deeply familiar with God's Word and voice. Yet he was gentle and did not lash out when congress pushed him on topics. </div><div><br /></div><div>At an important moment in the hearing, when the tension was high, Mr. Rogers offered the congressmen and women a pair of Hebrew words which translated: "<i>Heal the world</i>." </div><div><br /></div><div>He did not provide any direct programming ideas and did not offer any solutions/platitudes (or even a rebuke to the leaders of congress who didn't 'get it.') about how he felt called to do this work. It was just simply his mission: Heal the World. </div><div><br /></div><div>We have a lot of opportunities in our days to practice what Mr. Rogers taught that day. While we know that God ultimately does the work necessary to heal the world, we are offered a place in partnership with the Lord. We are offered the chance to step outside of ourselves and be the hands and feet of Christ working with other people. </div><div><br /></div><div>But the choice is ours. God does not force His will upon us. We have the choice to respond to the call. The Holy Spirit is at work in our lives each day. The Spirit speaks to us; invites us. I wonder, will, and how, will you practice what Mr. Rogers taught? How will you serve to heal the world? </div>Rev. Dr. Derek Marottahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08287294668420558583noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6979148327422090193.post-14803053100055223972023-11-14T10:22:00.000-08:002023-11-14T10:22:22.782-08:00I Wonder--November 14<div>While I know that this week is going to be quite busy at Bethesda because of our turkey giveaway, the mindset that called us toward this mission project should be the same mindset that is at work in each of us as Christians. </div><div><br /></div><div>We did not have some special revelation from God; there was no voice from heaven announcing to us that we were solely called to support our community for our glory and pride. </div><div><br /></div><div>Rather as we spent time in God's Word together, and as we prayed, we heard, and we felt, God's call on our lives. God moved in our hearts and helped us to wonder. It is a similar sense of call that each member of the Body of Christ is offered by God. The Lord asks us to spend time in His Word; He asks us to meditate upon it. Then after spending time with God, and in Christ, we move out into our community. </div><div><br /></div><div>Majorie J. Thompson, in her book<i> Soul Feast</i>, wrote these words to support what this call looks like. She said: </div><div><br /></div><div>"<i>If the Word I hear Sunday morning or during my private prayer has no bearing on the way I relate to family, friends, and foe, or how I make decisions, spend my resources, and cast my vote, then my faith is [a] fantasy</i>."</div><div><br /></div><div>Again, we are called by the Lord to practice our faith. We can do that in large scale projects (like our turkey giveaway this week). We can also do it intentionally in seemingly small daily choices. God calls us to practice our faith not just on Sunday when we come to church, but God asks us to practice our faith in response to His revelation in our lives. </div><div><br /></div><div>I wonder how might God be asking you today to practice your faith? </div>Rev. Dr. Derek Marottahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08287294668420558583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6979148327422090193.post-61608087755508250952023-11-09T09:11:00.001-08:002023-11-09T09:11:06.014-08:00I Wonder--November 9This week I have spent some significant time reading and considering the work of Stanley Hauerwas. Specifically, I have been reading a longer essay that he wrote on a major social issue that we are facing as a culture. <div><br /></div><div>Now I am not going to comment on, or identify, the issue here. It is far too polarizing for an appropriate discussion in this space.</div><div><br /></div><div>Instead as I read Hauerwas, I was struck by how his answer to the problems our society is facing is community and community caregiving. In his work Hauerwas does not critique and rebuke either side of the issue alone. Rather he takes the reader on a journey through both sides of the argument and wonders if being a Christian might call us to practices of community-building rather than division?</div><div><br /></div><div>Division is what the community focuses on. They prefer to divide and categorize. Us/them language and practices are more common in the community that lives outside of the church. </div><div><br /></div><div>Now, certainly there is a place for judgment and correction as we read God's word and consider what God says to us. That is one of the basic messages that we find in the Bible. Time and again God's people are confronted with their poor choices and called to change their lives in response to God's self-revelation. </div><div><br /></div><div>But while we read, pray, and consider God and His voice, maybe we are invited to dwell with our community? Maybe as we think about how God asks each of us to live, we can abide with our neighbors, our community members. . . Maybe God wonders if we might dwell with them a little longer and as we dwell, perhaps we can offer them the care and support that we find in God's word? Care that was given to us once.</div><div><br /></div><div>It is easy to judge and divide when we look at the choices that our community members make. But I think God is pleased when we opt to abide with them and to care for them first. I wonder if that is how the gospel is shared authentically? </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Rev. Dr. Derek Marottahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08287294668420558583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6979148327422090193.post-67565396567212370942023-10-31T12:00:00.001-07:002023-10-31T12:00:02.530-07:00I Wonder--October 31At some point tonight, pallets of Christmas decorations will finally come out of their hiding. Shrink wrap will be cut away and boxes opened. Any last vestiges of Halloween candy, costumes, and decoration will go on clearance; room must be made for Christmas. <div><br /></div><div>Now I am one who loves Christmas and the joy that comes with the celebration of the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. But I wonder. . . have we not forgotten something? </div><div><br /></div><div>And no, I don't mean Thanksgiving (which is also important). By rushing past Halloween, and headlong into Christmas, perhaps we are missing what All Hallows Eve truly means. It is not about unlimited amounts of sugary candy and it is also not about haunted houses or smashing pumpkins on the street. That is what the culture has taught us. Instead, All Hallow's Eve (better known as Halloween) literally means "the day before All Saints Day"--which is November 1st. </div><div><br /></div><div>All Saints Day celebrates the lives of the saints of Jesus' church. It celebrates the known, and the unknown, those who served the Lord faithfully before entering into the Resurrection. November 1st is a time of memory and reflection. It is a time where the church comes together reflectively and considers the faithful of every time and place who served the Lord. </div><div><br /></div><div>On All Saints Day I will call to mind members of my family who have returned to be with God. I will remember the lessons that they taught me about faith. I will choose to remember. . . </div><div><br /></div><div>I will remember the church my grandparent's, Len and Carol, helped found in Cleveland and how I can still see grandpa's labelling in every church cabinet. I will remember singing around my grandmother's piano--sometimes in tune with her (often not) from her red hymnal. </div><div><br /></div><div>I will remember my father teaching me about the importance of church attendance and how my faith would grow if I listened. I will remember the Bible that he bought for JonMark when my son was first born. He told me to give it to him when JonMark was ready. </div><div><br /></div><div>I will remember my Nana, Adeline, talking to me about the saints of the Catholic church and how important her little parish in Pennsylvania was to her faith. And I will also remember how she whispered when she came to grandpa Frank's grave as he let him know that she was there and gently pulled the weeds out from around his stone.</div><div><br /></div><div>There are many others that I will remember. . . and I know it is a practice that the Lord will be with me in.</div><div><br /></div><div>Tomorrow is the day that we can intentionally remember the saints of our church. As you sneak a Reeses cup tomorrow, I wonder who might you remember? Maybe take some time on All Satins Day to practice remembering and see who God calls to your mind. </div>Rev. Dr. Derek Marottahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08287294668420558583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6979148327422090193.post-10616285511832605732023-10-30T08:31:00.000-07:002023-10-30T08:31:23.432-07:00I Wonder--October 30If the Church is not careful it can become too practically-based, or too praxis-oriented. In doing so, the church can move away from its primary calling to dwell in Christ. If we become too practical in our mission work, we could lose the theological underpinning and the call that motivated us to leave the church grounds and care for the community.<div><br /></div><div>From my perspective the temptation is real and we need to pause and consider how we move forward with Christ. <div><br /></div><div>I witnessed this temptation firsthand here at Bethesda recently in the number of mission programs that we began recently. Bags of food to our community, lunches to children who are out of school for a week, candy at Trunk or Treat, Grief Share support, we could become so focused on the practice of mission that we miss the Christ who walks with us into the community. We could miss the Christ who dwells. </div><div><br /></div><div>At Trunk or Treat I saw a familiar face come around the corner. This person, whose name I do not know, received several lunches from us during the second week of October. During that week, I walked to this family's door and handed them a couple brown bag lunches each morning. I handed them a full sack of food on one day. On the final day of the lunch program, we included an invitation to Trunk or Treat which was coming soon. (Seriously who does not like a little Halloween candy!) </div><div><br /></div><div>And this family came. </div><div><br /></div><div>Did they come for free candy or did they come because we displayed Christ's love for them? </div><div><br /></div><div>The only one who knows that answer for certain is God. </div><div><br /></div><div>This family and I made eye contact--but in a quiet way. They did not acknowledge me or anyone from the church who brought them food that week. But they did smile ever-so-subtly as their daughter came up for candy, a pumpkin, and a cross necklace. </div></div><div><br /></div><div>Stanley Hauerwas wrote: </div><div><br /></div><div>"<i>The most important social task of Christians is to be nothing less than a community capable of forming people with virtues sufficient to witness to God's truth in the world</i>." </div><div><br /></div><div>I wonder how often our social practices as a church, or your personal practices, seek to 'witness to God's truth in the world?' </div><div><br /></div><div>Maybe take some time and reflect with the Lord about this. . . </div>Rev. Dr. Derek Marottahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08287294668420558583noreply@blogger.com0