Just Yesterday

15 years!!! When I was twenty, fifteen years seemed like an eternity. Now, at 59, it seems like just yesterday. Just yesterday, Cindy, Clayton, and I began a journey with you at Westwood Baptist Church. In partnership with you and the Lord, we embraced the call to Northern Virginia to serve a people we did not know in a place we had never lived. You welcomed us warmly on August 19, 2001, and helped us quickly feel part of the community. Tragedy marked our early days as we struggled through 9/11 together, and then just ten days later, the unexpected death of my father. The burdens we all carried through those days forged an appreciation for the community we shared through faith in the living Christ. Together, we leaned on the everlasting arms that enveloped our fear, grief, and continuing transition.

Just yesterday, Clayton was 7, I had dark hair (and more of it!!), and Cindy...well Cindy was then as she is now, or as folks tell me when they see a seminary picture of the two of us together from thirty-five years ago, "Cindy hasn't changed a bit!" Now Clayton is twenty-two and living on his own in Louisville, Ky. Cindy is still as beautiful as ever, and I, well, I am looking more "mature" these days. And you...well, our church family has changed in many ways over this fifteen years. Some of our folks have come and gone through relocation and retirement. Some have gotten more involved while others have stepped aside. And some have gone to be with the Lord. We have laughed together, cried together, ministered together, questioned, challenged, and affirmed our faith together. We have worked side by side in ministry and mission, seeking to share Christ's love with the world around us.

Just yesterday, (literally) at the potluck dinner in Whitten Hall, many of you voiced words of appreciation for what we have shared together over these last fifteen years. Cindy and I were humbled by your kind and loving words, further reminding us of the importance of the relationship we share within our Westwood community. Thanks to everyone who led and shared in this experience.

Just yesterday, God called us to share this journey together as pastor and people. Over fifteen years there have been moments of joy and celebration, moments of disappointment and heartache...moments of welcome and good-bye. Through it all, God has been and continues to be at work.  Just yesterday, I humbly but confidently followed God's call to be pastor of Westwood Baptist Church. Today, I am honored to continue that work in partnership with the Lord and you. May the same One who brought us together, just yesterday, continue to guide our steps together.

Jim Abernathy 

Grace

Grace is a gift we receive in coming to faith in Christ.  The apostle Paul speaks of grace as a gift of God in Ephesians 2:8. We are unworthy of such grace, yet God offers it freely in love. But is grace simply something we embrace and claim for ourselves, or is there another application of this wondrous gift?  J. Brent Bill, in his book "Life Lessons From a Bad Quaker: A Humble Stumble Toward Simplicity and Grace," says that grace isn't just a gift we receive, but also one we share. In other words, touched by the grace of God that transforms my life, I am then to reach out to others, extending that same grace that can transform existing relationships, build bridges to new relationships, and help redeem and bring healing to broken hearts and lives. 

The Third verse of Ira Wilson's great hymn text, "Make Me a Blessing,"  conveys this truth. "He writes, "Give as 'twas given to you in your need, love as the Master loved you; Be to the helpless a helper indeed, unto your mission be true."  Perhaps you have not thought of extending grace as a mission. Look around you...perhaps it is time for you and me to truly embrace this mission; blessed to be a blessing.

We got off to a great start with our August Sundays last week. This Sunday, Jeff Brown will bring special music and we will also have a quartet. Sofia Bryant will be baptized, we will share in a conversation about the power of perseverance, and I will bring a message from Hebrews 12:1-3 entitled, "Keep Your Eyes on the Prize."  Join us at 9:30 a.m. for worship and then stay for fellowship time in Whitten Hall immediately after. Invite someone to join you.  I look forward to seeing you there!

Jim Abernathy

August Sundays at Westwood

Redskins game, soccer practice, band practice, doctor's appointment, breakfast with a friend, school, start of vacation, holiday parade, Black Friday shopping...these are just a few of the things we get up early to prepare for and get to. The list is certainly not exhaustive for there may be many other things you like to do or have to do along the way that require an earlier start. How about Sunday morning worship???

During the month of August, we move our worship services to 9:30 a.m. Now, for many of you, that is just 15 minutes before Sunday School usually starts (though I am aware that is just a suggestion for most of us). For those, however, who only come to worship, it requires an hour and a half earlier start. I know also that Sunday mornings follow Saturday nights and the busyness of our social calendars and for some, that means Sunday morning can be a catch-up for sleep, and yes, there are a few among us who truly have limitations in the morning that challenge early commitments. But for most of us, Sunday morning worship is a choice, a decision we make to gather in community with others to worship the living God. August brings change to our schedule, but also opportunity for meaningful worship in a format less formal, perhaps more interactive, followed by meaningful fellowship. Some of you will be traveling during this month. I pray your time away will be refreshing and blessed and we look forward to welcoming you back on your return. But if you are in town over these next four Sundays, I also pray that you will adjust your schedule and join your Westwood family. If you have friends or family visiting from out of town, bring them along, then head out to enjoy a full day, exploring the treasures of our area.

Our theme in worship over these four Sundays will be, "Connections: Stronger Together Than Apart." In gathering for worship and fellowship, the connections we make together, honor the Lord and strengthen our family of faith. So, set your alarm clock a little earlier, if necessary, and make whatever plans may be necessary to prepare for and get to Westwood at 9:30. I think you will be blessed, and I know you will be a blessing to others.

Gospel Forje, a bluegrass group featuring our own Ginger Beecher, will be with us this Sunday morning to provide special music. We will observe communion and I will bring a message entitled, "The Ties That Bind," based on Ecclesiastes 4:9-12. I look forward to seeing you at 9:30 this Sunday!

Jim Abernathy

P.S. Don't forget, "Westwood's Got Talent" is Sunday night at 7 p.m. in the sanctuary, with desert fellowship to follow. Join the fun and fellowship!

It's a Long Way to November

At this point, I must confess a weariness with our electoral process. I know, election day is still more than three months away, and yes, there are still thousands of attack ads, half-truths, and passionate hallway conversations to be endured. I understand the process and applaud the freedom that allows the unique brand of political discourse that seems to define our republic, but honestly, some days, one wonders if there isn't a better way. 

Over the last few weeks, in the Republican and Democratic conventions, much has been said about our nation's founders. Each party has it's own perspective on the original intent of their actions and the governing documents they produced. It seems to me, at times, we trivialize the great truths of these founding documents, as if they are best captured and interpreted only by certain individuals or political parties. Certainly, freedom allows for differing perspectives, but it does not give license to the berating, vindictive, even violent attacks that have come to characterize this campaign season. I understand the give and take of the political process and know that there have certainly been raucous, questionable strategies and actions in our nation's history. For the first time, however, in my recollection, the widespread assault on truth, decency, and integrity that both parties and candidates seem to have embraced, signals a disrespect for these truths we say we hold as self-evident. 

One might say today that disenchantment, anger, protectionism, and fear have colored our political perspectives. Each element, on its own, can be damaging to the process, but together they are cultivating an environment that has undermined the ability to govern. Already, we seem content to stand in our corners, point angry fingers across the wide chasms of our disagreements, assuming the worst about anyone whose opinion doesn't line up with our own. Such pride and arrogance is not only indicative of our political process, it is also taking root in our culture. As a result, it is so much easier to cast aside the "other" who is different for whatever reason and to continually narrow our focus to the point that no one is above reproach. 

In a democracy, perfection isn't a realistic characteristic of government, its leaders, or its people. Neither is lockstep conformity. Unless we are satisfied to retreat further into devastating isolation we are going to have to learn to sit down and work with people of different perspectives, faiths, races, and ethnicities, respecting them, affirming with our nation's founders, that "we hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness." 

It's a long way to November. We are told it will be a bumpy, dirty road leading to decision. Let us fight the temptation to join the cynical parade that simply accepts this as the "new normal," and expect something different...something more. It begins in your and my conversations...it continues in the perseverance of respect that allows for difference and difference of opinion...it continues in the unique freedom that binds us together, individually and corporately as citizens of this nation. And for those of us whose faith informs these thoughts and choices, let us pray for wisdom to think, speak, and choose wisely. 

Jim Abernathy

The Heat Is On!

The heat is on!  I believe that was the title of an old Eagle's song from the 70's. It's also the warning meteorologists are offering to millions of folks across the country this weekend. Air temperatures in our area are expected to be in the high nineties with heat indices from 105 to 110 degrees.  Seems like not that long ago we were complaining about the lingering cold temperatures of late spring.  I suppose the extremes command our attention, often challenging perspectives about convention.

The same could be said about the everyday experiences of life. Things happen along the way that we take for granted, but occasionally, something happens that grabs our attention...the ordinary becomes extraordinary. The result can bring a wide range of emotional reaction...anger, sorrow, joy, even fear. Some will play on these emotions for their own purposes and for their own gain. Keeping proper perspective is important if one is to deal with the ordinary and the extraordinary.

Jesus spoke in Matthew 6 about overcoming the emotions that often flare at the extremes of life. He said, "strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." The Message Translation puts it this way, "Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met." It would seem then, in the extremes of life, as well as the mundane, that focus is vital for the follower of Christ. Distractions are constant in this twenty-first century. So too is the promise of God's love. So, steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Everything else will take care of itself...even when the heat is on!

Our youth and adults will give their Impact report in morning worship this Sunday. So you will want to be present to hear their report and to encourage them. Hannah He will share special music, and I will bring a message entitled, "Road Construction...A Righteous Path," based on Psalm 85. Dress coolly, invite a friend, and let us steep our lives in meaningful worship and praise.

Jim Abernathy 

A Call to Prayer for Our Nation

The images are haunting...violent death becomes a familiar observance as cell phone cameras capture and transmit the carnage. In the past we have seen only the remnants, the aftermath of such violence in the form of a blanket-draped body, a blood-stained sidewalk, a discarded weapon. In the last 72 hours we have seen shots fired, bloody wounds, and death as they happen. From Louisiana to Minnesota to Texas, from cellphones to tablets to television screens, we have witnessed, almost as if we were standing beside or riding along with the principals involved as the violence and death played out. This is the reality of 21st century communication...access to the moment, wherever, whenever, whatever.  

How do we respond to what we see...to what we now witness? Some of us will turn away as if ignoring such brutality makes it disappear. Some of us will rush to judgement as if the narrow slice of what we see tells the whole story. Some of us will allow the anger and frustration to feed our already prejudiced perspectives, confirming what we believe we already know. What will you do with what you have seen?

Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." This isn't a hedge against the world that frees us from social and cultural responsibility. Rather, it is the empowerment of the Spirit of God that prepares us to engage this world with a strength and purpose beyond ourselves. 

It is easy to become desensitized to the violence and angry rhetoric that bombard us in many forms on a daily basis. It is tempting to give in to the fear and hatred that seems to sanction such violence. It is the calling of discipleship, however, to faithfully follow the way of Christ in reacting to such violence, anger, and devaluation of life. All lives matter, at least that is the message of incarnation. If we believe that to be true, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or political perspective should not devalue another in our eyes. Jesus defined "neighbor" in the broadest of terms, unbounded by prejudicial perspectives. Discipleship calls us to do the same.

Will you join me in a time of prayer for our nation? I would invite you to join me this Sunday morning at 9 in the sanctuary to ask for God's guidance and wisdom in these challenging days. We will pray for our leaders, the families and communities broken by this violence, and this nation, made up of many faces and perspectives. I ask you to vary your Sunday morning routine a bit, and in doing so, join brothers and sisters in Christ in this redemptive work of prayer. Our prayer time will conclude in time for Sunday School.

I believe that prayer is word and action. It is seeking God and then walking in the Christ way. Hatred and violence will not be impacted by people of faith unless we pray and live within the sound of God's voice. Let us, as Christ-followers, be faithful to the task. 

Jim Abernathy

P.S. If you are unable to join us at 9 a.m. Sunday morning, will you pause wherever you are and pray for our nation? Thanks for your consideration.

Freedom's Call

A blessed Saturday morning to you! Cindy and I just returned last night from Kentucky where we spent time helping Clayton get settled into his new apartment in Louisville. As often is the case in such things, it was an adventure, but we had a good and productive time! A new season of life has begun for our family and we are truly blessed.

This Independence Day weekend is a mixture of celebration and anxiety. We celebrate the 240th birthday of our nation, giving thanks for the privilege of living in this land of freedom, established through the faithfulness and perseverance of men and women, some, known to us through the stories of history, but so many more whose identities are unknown to us. Our citizenship bears the marks of their sacrifice and service, calling us today to be faithful stewards of liberty for generations to come. Indeed, there is much to celebrate.

But these are also anxious times in our nation and world. Social and political upheaval, threats of violence from within and without, and a growing intolerance for dialogue and respect for those whose opinions and beliefs are different than our own have positioned us in a most challenging place this Independence Day weekend.  There are no quick fixes or easy answers to these challenges. Like those gone before us, perseverance and faithfulness are necessary qualities in working toward meaningful change. There are voices of hatred and expedience, however, that call us to mindlessly react in kind to the violence and devaluation of life we are witnessing around the world. I appreciate and affirm the role of those who seek to defend and protect in the midst of such senseless violence and hate, but genuine and effective change will not come at the barrel of a gun, but only in the willingness of the human heart to acknowledge and respect our differences and to walk together in meaningful ways of mutual respect.

I am an American citizen, blessed to stand on the shoulders of generations of men and women gone before me who have persevered in the midst of great challenge. More importantly, I am a follower of Jesus Christ who calls me to a greater freedom that must not be limited by short-sighted intolerance and fear...mine or others. 

The apostle Paul wrote in Galatians 5:13, "My brothers and sisters, God called you to be free, but do not use your freedom as an excuse to do what pleases your sinful self. Serve each other with love." To take seriously the call of Christ, I believe freedom calls me as an individual, to begin right where I am to bridge those gaps of intolerance and hatred where I can...to serve others with the love of Christ. I need to do a much better job of that. The persistent love of Christ would have me do nothing less.

As we gather for worship tomorrow, we will express gratitude for our nation. There will be special music, a testimony from one of our church family who has a different perspective on citizenship as one who immigrated to this country several years ago, and I will bring a message from Galatians 5 which I referenced earlier in this article. We will also be observing the Lord's Supper. On this holiday weekend, dress casually, invite a friend or bring visiting family members along with you, and let us gather to worship and give thanks.

Jim Abernathy