Cindy and I attended a concert at Ft. Myer last night. We have attended a
number of functions there over the years from concerts, to funerals, to
receptions. Driving onto the grounds, my memories were stirred by thoughts of
previous trips, particularly as I looked over the walls to see the seemingly
endless rows of headstones in the adjacent Arlington National Cemetery. We
parked near the Old Chapel, where again, I have officiated at several funeral
services, then walked or driven through the gate behind the horse-drawn carriage
conveying the casket to the gravesite. My purpose in being on the grounds of
that old fort last night was for entertainment, but I could not escape the
solemn history and significance of that hallowed ground.
My experience
last night was not necessarily uncommon, for often we find ourselves focused for
a particular purpose, only to be distracted by something more significant. The
concert was great, but as I drove away last night, my thoughts were less on the
music and more on the sacrificial service of others.
In some respects,
that is the story of our lives, or at least a significant chapter along the
way. One thing leads to another, and another, and another, and... We go in a
particular direction, only to find a detour, sometimes of our choosing, and
sometimes, chosen for us. I believe that God is at work in these detours, not
necessarily causing them, but working in the midst of them. The prophet Isaiah
encourages an often rebellious people to recognize God's hand at work in the
experiences of life as he writes in Isaiah 30:21, "Whether you turn to the right or to the
left, your ears will hear a voice
behind you, saying, “This is the way;
walk in it." I can't say that I have heard an audible voice in these
moments, but I can say that there certainly have been times when I have
identified God's guiding hand in these detours. The key seems to be a
willingness to listen, to be aware of God's presence...to be open at the
juxtaposition of life's signposts and allow the Spirit to lead.
Speaking of unexpected detours, Max inadvertently sent my notes before I
finished them as he jumped into my lap, accidentally hitting "send" before I
completed the message. He sends his apologies and in doing so reminds us all
that even in the smallest of details, there is often the unexpected. Whatever
changes, distractions, or surprises await you today, trust God to be at work. I
hope to see you Sunday.
Jim Abernathy
Friday, June 24, 2016
Friday, June 17, 2016
The Murky Waters of Human Confusion
I
am often asked to help navigate the murky waters of human confusion. When
questions of "why" and "how" are found in the same sentence with the Almighty, I
rarely offer an answer that is completely satisfying, either to the one who
inquires, or to myself. There is obviously something empowering in the
confidence of an indisputable answer, but the complexity of our modern world,
and the relationship we share by faith with the Creator God, often positions us
in a place of mystery. This doesn't imply that truth is negotiable nor does it
ultimately threaten faith. The writer of the book of Hebrews defines faith as,
"...the reality of what we hope for, the proof of what we don't see." (Hebrews
11:1, CEB) That's not exactly the irrefutable endorsement for the certainty we
crave, that black and white answer that sets everything in its proper place...or
is it?
Perhaps one by-product of the ever-changing landscape of human experience for the maturing Christian is the realization that finding answers may not be the greatest quest of this life's journey. Such a statement should not be seen as anti-intellectual or resignedly fatalistic. Wisdom, maturity, and persistence in personal and corporate learning are laudable traits in scripture, bestowed by the Creator. Questions stirred by frustration, wonder, or confusion are therefore sparks that enable conversation that move us along this pathway of faith. Embracing the incarnate love of God at work in Jesus, the Christ, whose death and resurrection are the centerpiece of that "reality...we hope for," mentioned in Hebrews 11:1, allows us to wander through difficult questions that are ever before us.
Closely associated with the questions of "why" and "how" is the question of, "where," as in, "Where was God during...9/11, or the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School, or Mother Emanuel Church in Charleston, or the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, or when my father or mother or child, or grandchild died?" Perhaps the "where" is as important as the "why" or "how." Here again is the assurance of what we do not see. The record of scripture is replete with assurances of God's presence, often in the midst of uncertainty. The promise of Deuteronomy 31:6, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you," is echoed in the words of God in Hebrews 13:5, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." The promise then is not deliverance from every heartache or threat, but presence in the midst of heartache and threat, God's presence.
I readily admit the challenge presented us in the great mysteries of faith. The questions of "why," "how," and "where" are legitimate in the context of our human stories. They cannot be easily explained or simply brushed over with the shallow axioms of religious-speak. But hope, the reality of the unseen, the example of God's love in the incarnation of Christ, and the promised presence of God empower next step living, even in the murky waters of human confusion. For today, that is enough.
I look forward to sharing together with you in worship this Sunday.
Jim Abernathy
Perhaps one by-product of the ever-changing landscape of human experience for the maturing Christian is the realization that finding answers may not be the greatest quest of this life's journey. Such a statement should not be seen as anti-intellectual or resignedly fatalistic. Wisdom, maturity, and persistence in personal and corporate learning are laudable traits in scripture, bestowed by the Creator. Questions stirred by frustration, wonder, or confusion are therefore sparks that enable conversation that move us along this pathway of faith. Embracing the incarnate love of God at work in Jesus, the Christ, whose death and resurrection are the centerpiece of that "reality...we hope for," mentioned in Hebrews 11:1, allows us to wander through difficult questions that are ever before us.
Closely associated with the questions of "why" and "how" is the question of, "where," as in, "Where was God during...9/11, or the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School, or Mother Emanuel Church in Charleston, or the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, or when my father or mother or child, or grandchild died?" Perhaps the "where" is as important as the "why" or "how." Here again is the assurance of what we do not see. The record of scripture is replete with assurances of God's presence, often in the midst of uncertainty. The promise of Deuteronomy 31:6, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you," is echoed in the words of God in Hebrews 13:5, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." The promise then is not deliverance from every heartache or threat, but presence in the midst of heartache and threat, God's presence.
I readily admit the challenge presented us in the great mysteries of faith. The questions of "why," "how," and "where" are legitimate in the context of our human stories. They cannot be easily explained or simply brushed over with the shallow axioms of religious-speak. But hope, the reality of the unseen, the example of God's love in the incarnation of Christ, and the promised presence of God empower next step living, even in the murky waters of human confusion. For today, that is enough.
I look forward to sharing together with you in worship this Sunday.
Jim Abernathy
Thursday, June 9, 2016
"Where Have You Been, Young Man?"
"Where have you been, young man?" she said. "We've been waiting for you a long
time." No, this wasn't the exasperated tone of a mother upset because her child
was late for dinner again, nor was it the impatient complaint of a teacher,
standing in the hallway just outside the bathroom waiting for rowdy boys to join
the rest of the class. This was the voice of a delivery nurse wrapping our
newborn son, Clayton, in a blanket moments after his birth. She knew our story
of delayed hopes and set-aside dreams in trying to have a child. Most couples
don't wait thirteen years to have a baby after marriage, but our journey was a
bit different. We had wanted a child for some time, had worked with specialists
for several years, and struggled through the heartbreaking loss of a child a few
years before, so by the time he arrived, just after 2 p.m. on June 9, 1994, it
seemed to anxious parents, and one labor and delivery nurse, that he was long
overdue.
Though we had been waiting a long time to be parents, Clayton actually arrived on his due date, a fact that Cindy takes pride in since being on time is a character trait she reveres. From that moment on, however, our lives changed. Now, twenty-two years later, through ups and downs, accomplishments and struggles, it all seems as if it happened just yesterday...the long years of waiting have given way to the blur of quickly passing years. We were warned about such things. We smiled and quietly scoffed at those "veteran" parents and grandparents who warned us to enjoy every moment because each day and month and year would rapidly accelerate, leaving us wondering how we, and he, could change so quickly. From blankets and a bassinette, to toy trains and a basketball, to a university diploma and now a job in a distant city, I cant figure out where these 8,036 days have gone. I do know that in those nearly 193,000 hours, the blessings have far outweighed the challenges and I find myself humbly acknowledging my unworthiness to have shared in such a gift. The time, but so much more so, the relationship, has taught me great lessons of life I may not have learned any other way. Yet again, a role I was called to embrace and bring blessing to, has embraced and brought blessing to me. Isn't it funny how life often seems to work that way...anticipation gives way to reality, and calling gives way to blessing.
And so, pardon me if my mind returns today across twenty-two years of memories to the words of a young woman I'd never met before that June afternoon. "Where have you been young man? We've been waiting for you a long time." Yes, we had been...now, we still are...with great appreciation for what has been and great anticipation for what will yet be. Happy birthday, Clayton! Thanks be to God!
Amen.
Jim Abernathy
Though we had been waiting a long time to be parents, Clayton actually arrived on his due date, a fact that Cindy takes pride in since being on time is a character trait she reveres. From that moment on, however, our lives changed. Now, twenty-two years later, through ups and downs, accomplishments and struggles, it all seems as if it happened just yesterday...the long years of waiting have given way to the blur of quickly passing years. We were warned about such things. We smiled and quietly scoffed at those "veteran" parents and grandparents who warned us to enjoy every moment because each day and month and year would rapidly accelerate, leaving us wondering how we, and he, could change so quickly. From blankets and a bassinette, to toy trains and a basketball, to a university diploma and now a job in a distant city, I cant figure out where these 8,036 days have gone. I do know that in those nearly 193,000 hours, the blessings have far outweighed the challenges and I find myself humbly acknowledging my unworthiness to have shared in such a gift. The time, but so much more so, the relationship, has taught me great lessons of life I may not have learned any other way. Yet again, a role I was called to embrace and bring blessing to, has embraced and brought blessing to me. Isn't it funny how life often seems to work that way...anticipation gives way to reality, and calling gives way to blessing.
And so, pardon me if my mind returns today across twenty-two years of memories to the words of a young woman I'd never met before that June afternoon. "Where have you been young man? We've been waiting for you a long time." Yes, we had been...now, we still are...with great appreciation for what has been and great anticipation for what will yet be. Happy birthday, Clayton! Thanks be to God!
Amen.
Jim Abernathy
Friday, June 3, 2016
Ministry Fair
Last year, a study group looking at the structure of Westwood recommended
that we participate in a ministry fair to highlight the various ministries of
Westwood. The purpose was two-fold, to focus attention on the many and varied
ways we minister to church and community, and to make folks aware of particular
opportunities of service they might want to be involved in. Becca Larson, and a
team appointed by the Visioning Council, has led our efforts in preparation for
this event to occur this Sunday morning. We will begin with coffee, doughnuts,
and fellowship in the narthex at 9:30, then move to the sanctuary at 9:50 where
I will share a few words about our shared commitment to service and ministry in
Jesus' name, then move to Whitten Hall at 10 to walk among the various ministry
displays. The ministry fair will take the place of adult and youth Sunday School
for this week and provide an opportunity for us to consider together the way we
minister and the opportunities before us to serve and share as part of the
Westwood family. Preschool and children's Sunday School will be held at its
regular place and time. Please join us for this time of fellowship and ministry
as we celebrate God's hand at work in the many and varied ministry opportunities
at Westwood.
In addition to the Ministry Fair this Sunday, the handbells will be playing in worship, we will observe communion, and I will bring a message based on Galatians 1:11-24, entitled, "Because of Me." I look forward to sharing with you in the ministry fair and the worship of our Lord.
Jim Abernathy
In addition to the Ministry Fair this Sunday, the handbells will be playing in worship, we will observe communion, and I will bring a message based on Galatians 1:11-24, entitled, "Because of Me." I look forward to sharing with you in the ministry fair and the worship of our Lord.
Jim Abernathy
Friday, May 27, 2016
Sacrifice
How does one gauge the quality of another's sacrifice? Certainly children in
healthy relationships with their parents will come to appreciate the sacrifices
their parents make for them, particularly when those children grow to have
children of their own. Friends might talk about the faithfulness of other
friends who give of themselves is support of each other, willingly making
sacrifices in the name of friendship. But what of those we will never meet,
those men and women whose service to their country secures the freedom we so
often taken for granted? How does one evaluate such sacrifice?
Thomas Paine, 18th century writer and American revolutionary, said, "Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must undergo the fatigue of supporting it". You and I are fortunate today because many have been willing to undergo the fatigue of supporting the cause of freedom. Memorial Day weekend gives us pause to stop in the busyness of our lives and remember the sacrifices of others, many whose names and stories we will never know. The inscription on the tomb of the unknown soldier at Arlington Cemetery reads, "Here rests in honored glory an American soldier known only to God." We cannot know the names of so many whose sacrifices are part of the fabric of our nation, but we can, particularly on this weekend, give thanks for those who have given so much. Let us be faithful to honor such sacrifice.
If you have guests visiting on this holiday weekend, bring them with you to worship this Sunday. In the spirit of the holiday weekend, dress more casually for Sunday, perhaps wearing the colors of our nation as we remember the significance of sacrifice and service. Cindy and Olga will be playing duets on piano and organ, Pat and Dina will be sharing special music, you will have an opportunity to express appreciation for the sacrifice and service of others, and I will bring a message entitled, "A Soldier Under Authority," based on Luke 7:1-10. I look forward to seeing you as we gather to honor the Lord this Sunday.
Jim
P.S. You may still join us tomorrow at Quantico National Cemetery at 9 a.m. to help clean and prepare the cemetery for Memorial Day events...just one way to honor and give thanks for the sacrifice and service of others.
Thomas Paine, 18th century writer and American revolutionary, said, "Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must undergo the fatigue of supporting it". You and I are fortunate today because many have been willing to undergo the fatigue of supporting the cause of freedom. Memorial Day weekend gives us pause to stop in the busyness of our lives and remember the sacrifices of others, many whose names and stories we will never know. The inscription on the tomb of the unknown soldier at Arlington Cemetery reads, "Here rests in honored glory an American soldier known only to God." We cannot know the names of so many whose sacrifices are part of the fabric of our nation, but we can, particularly on this weekend, give thanks for those who have given so much. Let us be faithful to honor such sacrifice.
If you have guests visiting on this holiday weekend, bring them with you to worship this Sunday. In the spirit of the holiday weekend, dress more casually for Sunday, perhaps wearing the colors of our nation as we remember the significance of sacrifice and service. Cindy and Olga will be playing duets on piano and organ, Pat and Dina will be sharing special music, you will have an opportunity to express appreciation for the sacrifice and service of others, and I will bring a message entitled, "A Soldier Under Authority," based on Luke 7:1-10. I look forward to seeing you as we gather to honor the Lord this Sunday.
Jim
P.S. You may still join us tomorrow at Quantico National Cemetery at 9 a.m. to help clean and prepare the cemetery for Memorial Day events...just one way to honor and give thanks for the sacrifice and service of others.
Friday, May 20, 2016
Happy Birthday to You!
In his 1959 children's book, "Happy Birthday to You," Theodore Seuss
Geisel, otherwise known as Dr. Seuss, weaves a wonderful tale of celebration as
the main character, the Birthday Bird, takes the reader on a fantastical
journey. The book assumes that the reader is the one with the birthday and he
or she is treated to a colorful array of gifts, food, and activities meant to
celebrate his or her special day. In his inimitable style, Dr. Seuss offers
profound truth in the midst of this whimsical tale as he writes, "Today you
are you! That is truer than true! There is no one alive who is you-er than
you!"
Birthdays have a way of calling attention to the uniqueness of each person. The details of one's birth often highlight this uniqueness, from the date, time, and place of birth, to one's doctor, parents, siblings, and on and on we could go. One's birthday is a special moment that calls one to embrace the Birthday Bird's words; "There is no one alive who is you-er than you!"
Friday, May 20, one of our oldest members turns 94, and that bears remembering! Helen Hill will celebrate her birthday on Friday and be honored as a unique child of God. Helen is a great story teller whose narrative often centers around her family, her faith, her church, and her many years as a military wife. I always enjoy Helen's stories and the twinkle in her eye that often accompanies her humor and candor. She is a treasure to her family, friends, and church and is a shining example of the wonderful way the Creator fashions each one of us. And so, Helen, "Today you are you! That is truer than true! There is no one alive who is you-er than you." Amen, and God bless you on this special day.
It also bears noting that Wallace and Phyllis Brinkley are celebrating 65 years of marriage this week. Their love and faithfulness to each other is a blessing to our community of faith. Congratulations Wallace and Phyllis! May God's loving hands continue to guide your steps.
Join us Sunday morning as we give thanks for the ministry of Andre Towner. A reception will be held for Andre and Shondelyn from 9:15-10 in the narthex and then we will be recognizing them in a special way during our morning worship service. We have been blessed by the Towner's over the last three and one-half years. Come and share your appreciation with them.
Whether you are 4, 34, 64, or 94, give thanks to God for the uniqueness of creation at work in you, and whenever your special day occurs..."Happy Birthday to You!"
Jim Abernathy
Birthdays have a way of calling attention to the uniqueness of each person. The details of one's birth often highlight this uniqueness, from the date, time, and place of birth, to one's doctor, parents, siblings, and on and on we could go. One's birthday is a special moment that calls one to embrace the Birthday Bird's words; "There is no one alive who is you-er than you!"
Friday, May 20, one of our oldest members turns 94, and that bears remembering! Helen Hill will celebrate her birthday on Friday and be honored as a unique child of God. Helen is a great story teller whose narrative often centers around her family, her faith, her church, and her many years as a military wife. I always enjoy Helen's stories and the twinkle in her eye that often accompanies her humor and candor. She is a treasure to her family, friends, and church and is a shining example of the wonderful way the Creator fashions each one of us. And so, Helen, "Today you are you! That is truer than true! There is no one alive who is you-er than you." Amen, and God bless you on this special day.
It also bears noting that Wallace and Phyllis Brinkley are celebrating 65 years of marriage this week. Their love and faithfulness to each other is a blessing to our community of faith. Congratulations Wallace and Phyllis! May God's loving hands continue to guide your steps.
Join us Sunday morning as we give thanks for the ministry of Andre Towner. A reception will be held for Andre and Shondelyn from 9:15-10 in the narthex and then we will be recognizing them in a special way during our morning worship service. We have been blessed by the Towner's over the last three and one-half years. Come and share your appreciation with them.
Whether you are 4, 34, 64, or 94, give thanks to God for the uniqueness of creation at work in you, and whenever your special day occurs..."Happy Birthday to You!"
Jim Abernathy
Friday, May 13, 2016
Baggage
The scene was enough to make any airline executive's heart skip a beat yesterday
as video surfaced of thousands of suitcases and other travel bags lined up in a
parking lot at Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix. A computer glitch in the TSA
system caused the unprecedented backlog of bags...by some estimates, more than
3000! That's a lot of baggage! One man, asked to assess his experience in the
midst of the confusion, said, "I've heard every swear word known to man in
the last fifteen minutes." Anger and frustration is understandable in such
a circumstance. We are righty concerned about how our baggage is handled.
Baggage is often defined as the container which holds clothing, books, or a variety of personal possessions one takes along, usually when traveling. The word baggage can also be used metaphorically to define other things we carry within our hearts and minds that speak to experiences of life that are often difficult, sometimes traumatic, and at times, unresolved. We often want to keep such "baggage" close, not wishing others to have access to that which we carefully guard. Like suitcases strewn across an airport parking lot, lost somewhere in transit in an eighteen wheeler, or packed onto another plane whose destination cannot easily be tracked, (all things the lost bags of Sky Harbor were subjected to) we struggle to hold onto and claim our own baggage and all that accompanies it.
I Peter 5:7 gives us sound advice in the midst of the burdens we hold close and those that seem just out of our reach. "Cast your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you." (NRSV) British pastor and scholar, J.B. Philiips, translates this verse, "You can throw the whole weight of your anxieties upon Him, for you are HIs personal concern." Sometimes this baggage we carry and struggle to control is quite heavy. 3000+ lost bags is a lot of baggage to carry. I would guess there were several TSA and airport personnel with sore backs in Phoenix this morning. Peter reminds us that our weariness can give way to God's comfort and peace as we let God help carry the burdens and heartaches of life that often seem so difficult to bear. Considering the baggage we each carry and seek to manage, learning to throw the whole weight of our anxieties upon God is a practice of faith we would do well to observe.
Sunday morning, we will celebrate Pentecost, remembering the Holy Spirit's presence at work in the early church that changed lives and gave evidence to the power of God at work in those who faithfully followed Jesus, the Christ. The color red is often associated with Pentecost so I encourage you to wear something red on Sunday as reminder to us all of the presence of God at work in and around us. Remember also that we continue to receive a love offering for Andre Towner whose last Sunday with us will be May 22. A reception will precede Sunday School on the 22nd from 9:15-10 a.m. in the narthex, so plan to come and let the Towner's know of your appreciation of and best wishes for them.
Finally, our 5th Sunday project for this month has been finalized. In recognition of Memorial Day and in honor of so many who have sacrificed so much in service to our nation, we will be working with the National Cemetery at Quantico to help prepare the grounds for Memorial Day Celebrations. We will join others on Saturday, May 28 at 9 a.m. to clean and prepare trails, place flags, and other tasks that will prepare this hallowed ground for Memorial Day remembrances. Please sign up at the welcome center so we can have an idea of how many would like to participate and for transportation needs.
I like the last phrase of J.B. Phillips' translation of I Peter 5:7; "...you are God's personal concern." Keep that in mind with the image of all that baggage strewn across the parking lot at Sky Harbor, and as you think about your own baggage strewn across the landscape of your life.
I look forward to seeing you in Red on Sunday.
Jim Abernathy
Baggage is often defined as the container which holds clothing, books, or a variety of personal possessions one takes along, usually when traveling. The word baggage can also be used metaphorically to define other things we carry within our hearts and minds that speak to experiences of life that are often difficult, sometimes traumatic, and at times, unresolved. We often want to keep such "baggage" close, not wishing others to have access to that which we carefully guard. Like suitcases strewn across an airport parking lot, lost somewhere in transit in an eighteen wheeler, or packed onto another plane whose destination cannot easily be tracked, (all things the lost bags of Sky Harbor were subjected to) we struggle to hold onto and claim our own baggage and all that accompanies it.
I Peter 5:7 gives us sound advice in the midst of the burdens we hold close and those that seem just out of our reach. "Cast your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you." (NRSV) British pastor and scholar, J.B. Philiips, translates this verse, "You can throw the whole weight of your anxieties upon Him, for you are HIs personal concern." Sometimes this baggage we carry and struggle to control is quite heavy. 3000+ lost bags is a lot of baggage to carry. I would guess there were several TSA and airport personnel with sore backs in Phoenix this morning. Peter reminds us that our weariness can give way to God's comfort and peace as we let God help carry the burdens and heartaches of life that often seem so difficult to bear. Considering the baggage we each carry and seek to manage, learning to throw the whole weight of our anxieties upon God is a practice of faith we would do well to observe.
Sunday morning, we will celebrate Pentecost, remembering the Holy Spirit's presence at work in the early church that changed lives and gave evidence to the power of God at work in those who faithfully followed Jesus, the Christ. The color red is often associated with Pentecost so I encourage you to wear something red on Sunday as reminder to us all of the presence of God at work in and around us. Remember also that we continue to receive a love offering for Andre Towner whose last Sunday with us will be May 22. A reception will precede Sunday School on the 22nd from 9:15-10 a.m. in the narthex, so plan to come and let the Towner's know of your appreciation of and best wishes for them.
Finally, our 5th Sunday project for this month has been finalized. In recognition of Memorial Day and in honor of so many who have sacrificed so much in service to our nation, we will be working with the National Cemetery at Quantico to help prepare the grounds for Memorial Day Celebrations. We will join others on Saturday, May 28 at 9 a.m. to clean and prepare trails, place flags, and other tasks that will prepare this hallowed ground for Memorial Day remembrances. Please sign up at the welcome center so we can have an idea of how many would like to participate and for transportation needs.
I like the last phrase of J.B. Phillips' translation of I Peter 5:7; "...you are God's personal concern." Keep that in mind with the image of all that baggage strewn across the parking lot at Sky Harbor, and as you think about your own baggage strewn across the landscape of your life.
I look forward to seeing you in Red on Sunday.
Jim Abernathy
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