Worship Preview: July 25th

Sermon Title:

"Does Prayer Work?"

by Dr. Gaddy

Scriptures:

Luke 11: 1-4, 9-13

He was praying in a certain place, and after he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.’ He said to them, ‘When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone indebted to us. And do not bring us to the time of trial.’

‘So I say to you, Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for a fish, will give a snake instead of a fish? Or if the child asks for an egg, will give a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!’

TRACKS: A Vacation Meditation

July, 19, 2010
Orange Beach, FL


For well over two decades, a trip to a beach was considered a part of what was designated as a "vacation" for me--whether for relaxation, sermon planning, to complete a writing project, or a mixture of these and other purposes. During the last 15 years, the beach visited has been a point somewhere along the Gulf Shore. Walking on the beach is like breathing fresh air.

An early morning walk on the beach can be therapy for many ailments as well as inspiration for a day or a year. My favorite way to write and plan is to work a while inside at a desk and to walk a while outside on a beach, repeating the process several times each day. The chemistry is magical. Even when down or depressed, while enjoying a walk on the beach ideas come more easily, words flow more lucidly, and plans take on greater clarity.

Sights on the beach stay in my mind and feed my soul for a long time--

• the first golden-orange rays of a great bright sphere just edging over a horizon, then hiding behind a distant hotel before lifting higher to a spot squeezed between cloud banks that pickup its rays and fling them across the ocean like fireworks shooting across a night time sky, and finally softly and silently rising toward the peak from which it gives us a whole sky filled with warm, life-giving light;
  
• a walk along that line where sand and water meet at the fullest stretch of an incoming wave, watching the suddenly soaked sand dry quickly as the wave recedes carrying with it a variety of shells that did not find their habitat in the sand, enjoying the thrill of the sight of two sting rays rushing toward the beach as if they would lift right out of the water before turning sharply in the water to head to greater depths before making another run at the shore, delighting in the haunting sounds of sea gulls soaring overhead while looking aghast at other birds dive-bombing into the water in search of a fish for a meal, awe-struck staring at three dolphins gracefully making their way through the water, appreciatively observing a crane or pelican strutting down the beach before awkwardly lifting into the air, smiling as a large school of tiny fish sweep into the front of a wave and then scurry away from the shore for safety.
  

I remember the dark blue water of Orange Beach which sometimes blends with turquoise streams defining beauty. I recall strong but placid water stilling surging emotions. I never will forget the fear induced by churning, wild water in the Gulf on the morning before Katrina came roaring ashore.

But this year is different, different from all of that. Sea gulls are scarce. The lush sand and soothing sounds of waves lapping at the shore have been replaced by deep ruts of sand bearing the imprints of large machines, trucks, and jeeps the sounds of which are louder than the waves. The panorama of water reaching as far as one can see has been replaced by water splashing against oil tanks, ships skimming oil, and barges carrying equipment. Sun bathers are few in number, but workers in orange work-suits are plentiful--not working, but serving as public relation agents for the BP oil company.

Yesterday I got excited because I saw a crane. Today excitement came from seeing three fish near the shore--three. Watching for oil-created tar balls along the beach has replaced looking for the perfect shaped shell.

What has happened? What have we done? What all have we killed?

Oh, I know it was a mistake. Drilling for oil in the Gulf makes us less dependent on Middle East oil and creates jobs for workers that feed families and pay taxes. It is a complex situation. But, I keep thinking about creation. Who speaks for God's creation? Who is an advocate for the dolphins?

Jewish Scriptures tell us that the earth and all that is within it belong to God, though God entrusted the care of it all to us. No wonder the Christian Scriptures tell us that not to protect the waters, fish, sting rays, pelicans, and cranes as well as the wetlands and beaches is a sin. I understand as never before the Apostle Paul’s comment about a creation that groans for redemption.

Suddenly my gratitude for the life and beauty of this Gulf turned into repentance for the ugliness and death we have inflicted on it.

Welton

Worship Preview: Sunday, June 20th (Fourth Sunday of Pentecost)

The Psalms

Psalm 37: 3-9 and Psalm 145: 15 - 16

The Lesson

Romans 8: 18 - 25

Sermon: A Lesson of the Desert
(Dr. Deborah Chandler will be preaching)

Worship Preview: Sunday, June 13 (3rd Sunday after Pentecost)

Scripture Lesson

Ephesians 3:7-13

Sermon Title

"Making Known the Wisdom of God"

Art: "The Pentecost" by Alexander Sadoyan -- born in 1954 in Yerevan, Armenia

Worship Preview: Sunday, June 6 (2nd Sunday after Pentecost)

Scripture Lessons

I Kings 17:8-13

Galatians 1:11-16b

Luke 7:11-17

Sermon Title

I Don't Know What to Say

Sermon Preview: "I will be exploring the nature of the Gospel as revealed through experiences with which I do not identify or understand."

Responding to the Oil Spill: A Spiritual Practice

Click here to read Rev. Gregg's latest Patheos post, "Responding to the Oil Spill: A Spiritual Practice."

LPB: Church & Bayou State

The LPB special featuring Dr. Gaddy ("Church & Bayou State: Religion in Louisiana") will be rebroadcast today, Sunday, May 30 at 3 p.m.

Also, you can click here to view the full program online at your convenience.

Worship Preview: Sunday, May 30 (Ascension Sunday)

The Scripture Lessons

Genesis 11: 1, 4, 7-8

Acts 2:1-2, 4

John 14:17, 25-27

The Sermon Title

The Gift of God's Spirit, Human Community, and Social Chaos: We Cannot Miss This!

Notes on Photograph: Pentecost art work from First Presbyterian Church of Berkeley, CA; Raymond Yee (photographer)

Patheos: 100 words on the Holy Spirit

Click here to read Rev. Gregg's response to the question "How is the Holy Spirit at work in the world today?"...in 100 words or less.

Worship Preview: Sunday, May 16 (Ascension Sunday)

Scripture Lessons

John 16:5-7

Acts 1:1-10

Sermon Title

"Blessed Absence"

Art: "Ascension" -- a mural of Christ ascending to heaven found on a graffiti wall in Bristol, England in 2003; painter unidentified: Skip the Budgie, photographer.

Mother God

Click here to read Rev. Gregg's latest Patheos blog for Mother's Day on referring to the Trinity as "Mother, Child, and Womb" as a supplement to the traditional masculine formula of "Father, Son, and Spirit."

Worship Preview: May 9, 2010 (6th Sunday in Eastertide)

The Gospel Lesson

John 5:1-9

The Sermon Title

"Want and Will"

TRACKS: Amtrak’s ACELA Express between D.C. and New York City (literally on “tracks”)

It felt like a punch to the stomach, though the hurt was in my heart and the damage was to my spirit.

The awesome sweep of the 44 marble steps ascending to the entrance to the majestic United States Supreme Court building take visitors to the entrance to the Grand Hall from which there is access to the legendary court room. Over the entry to the marvelous bronze doors at the entrance to the building appear the words “Equal Justice Under Law”—a statement that conveys the promise of our democracy and system of law. That entrance has been an idyllic metaphor for the American way of life as much as a functional way to get inside the building. For 75 years, scores of people from all walks of life have stepped through that entrance inspirited by the promise of finding equality and justice inside.

No more! As of today “court watchers,” visitors, and “seekers of justice” will be ushered to another entrance to the High Court—over to the side of the historic doorway, off center from the historic and hallowed promise of justice for all.

Why the change? You guessed it—security, better crowd control. The metaphors of democracy have been hit hard since terrorists bombed the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon in Washington D.C., and caused the downing of an airliner in Pennsylvania. First Pennsylvania Avenue was closed to traffic in front of the White House. Later access to the United States Capitol building was restricted. Entrance to the center of our government can now be found in an underground visitors’ center. But it never occurred to me that a day would come when the entrance to the Supreme Court would be moved to a side door.

I understand the need for security. I have felt fear in this center of power in the “free world.” I have felt the same kind of fear in Monroe as recently as last weekend while listening to a conversation in which 3 of the people present shifted their conversation about guns to their aspirations to get rid of President Obama by any means necessary. I am aware of the smoking bomb that—Thank God!—did not explode in Times Square. I am not unaware that the presence of terrorists among us demands thoughtful preparation and defense measures. However, when security interests become so powerful as to compromise liberty and alter the values of democracy, hate has triumphed over civility at home, and terrorists have won the day from abroad.

I don’t want to be unreasonable, but I also do not want to lose democracy. Hate mongers have altered the way of life for peace lovers. A loss of the basic symbols of our nation prepares the way for still greater losses.

Today, I am sad. My tears are not for myself, but for my country!

PRAYER

Holy, liberating God, you have instructed us to stand fast in freedom. Forgive us for elevating security over liberty. Show us how we can protect ourselves best by aggressively demonstrating commitment to our highest values—values like liberty—and responsibly participating in our government to advance democracy. Amen.

Worship Preview: April 28th (5th Sunday in Eastertide)

Scripture Lesson

John 13:34-35

Sermon Title

A New Universe

Our Big, Bad Interfaith Wedding: A Happy Ending

Click here to read the essay Rev. Gregg and Magin LaSov Gregg wrote for Patheos about their interfaith wedding -- and why Carl, a Christian minister, want to raise their hypothetical children as Jews. Read on, my friends, read on.

Freedom of Religion = Freedom of Speech

Click here to read Rev. Gregg's

latest post for Patheos on

"Freedom of Religion = Freedom of Speech."

Worship Preview for April 25 (4th Sunday in Eastertide)

Scripture Lesson:

Mark 16:1-7

Sermon Title:

"An Ineffable Mystery"

TRACKS: Washington, D.C.

Dorothy Height died early this morning at age 98. The nation lost a great citizen and all freedom loving people lost a friend. When the civil rights movement in this nation began in the 1960’s, Dr. Height already had 30 years of experience working for fairness and equality among all people. As a child—a teenager—she marched against lynching in an environment in which she could have been lynched. Her passion for equal rights continued through 33 years of service on the national board of the YWCA and 40 years on the board of the National Council of Negro Women, the headquarters of which almost overlays the spot where slaves were once traded in the shadow of the United States Capitol.

As Congressman John Lewis has pointed out, Dr. Height spent much of her life dealing with intense male chauvinism in both the black and white communities. But she never was stopped by such discrimination. Indeed, she became an icon of liberation for both black and white women.

Though seldom mentioned in the headlines that described the civil rights movement in this nation, Dr. Height was involved in almost every step forward within that movement. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. knew, respected, and counted on this woman. When he delivered his infamous “I Have a Dream” speech from the Lincoln Memorial, Dorothy Height was the only woman on the platform beside the gospel singer Mahalia Jackson.

One of the advantages of my work in D.C. is the opportunity it provides to be close to history and the people who have made and are making history. On several occasions I have been at events where Dr. Height was present. Most recently, I saw her just outside the East Room of the White House prior to the president’s signing of hate crimes legislation. True to her reputation for beautiful clothes and a striking hat, she sat in her wheelchair smiling.

Every time I saw Dorothy Height, I made my way to her side simply to say “thank you” to her. That last time I saw her was no exception. As I stood beside her that day, someone snapped a picture. But, I don’t know who did it. I would love to have that picture standing by this giant shero who worked to see that all people are free and toward the end of her life acknowledged that the work of civil rights is not over. However, I have the memory that cannot get lost.

This morning NPR’s Morning Edition ended its coverage of Dorothy Height’s death with words directed to young people but loaded with wisdom for all of us. She stressed the importance of young people getting organized to serve others observing that when people work for something bigger than themselves, there is no way they can help but grow.

“Lift every voice and sing . . . .”

Prayer

O God, thank you for the gift of Dorothy Height and others who have strengthened our freedom when we did not know to do as much for ourselves. Have been blessed by her life and work, let us now carry on the responsibility which was her life and is her legacy. Amen.

What's Sex Got To Do With It (Christianity, that is)?

"What's Sex Got To Do With It (Christianity, that is)?

... in 100 words or less."

Click here to read Rev. Gregg's response

to the latest Patheos Theoblogger Challenge

Worship Preview: April 18th (3rd Sunday in Eastertide)

Scriptures:

Acts 9:1-6

John 21:4-14

Sermon Title: "Sightings"

Art: Caravaggio, "The Conversion of Saint Paul" (1600-1601)

Rev. Gregg's Letter to the Editor

Click here to read Rev. Gregg's letter to editor titled, "Prayer's Intention Not Public Acclaim" from today's local paper.

TRACKS: On a plane between Rochester and New York City

This morning I experienced an unexpected pleasure. When I boarded the shuttle bus to go to the airport, I found myself seated beside my good friend Dr. Sayyid M. Syeed, former head of the Islamic Society of North America. When I asked Sayyid about Dr. Ingrid Matson, a mutual friend, who is currently completing her term as president of ISNA, he told me that an election is underway to choose Ingrid’s successor. Then reminiscing began. Sayyid recalled the protest raised by Muslim clerics in the US when ISNA began electing its officers. “This is not Islam!” they protested, “This is not the way we do things.”

Sayyid described the ponderous conversations that had to go on, careful studies in the Q’ran, and meticulous efforts to distinguish between Islam as a religion and Islam as a culture. Democracy was not a part of Islamic culture, but it was not inconsistent with Islamic religion. The dialogue and the studies that accompanied them ultimately resulted in broad-based Muslim support for democratic elections to determine the officers of ISNA. But that was not the end of the matter. Next questions arose about the voters, specifically whether or not women should be allowed to vote. Again a process of study and conversation was launched. And, again democracy prevailed. Women could vote. But, then, a question arose about whether or not Muslim women could be elected as leaders of the organization. Once more—the same process unfolded and eventually concluded with the same result—democracy in action.

Sayyid was smiling broadly as he observed, “Just imagine; what it has taken some people generations to do, I have seen done in my lifetime!” Of course, this man was a major factor in facilitating such dramatic progress. I suggested to my friend that the insight embraced by his people also has an application in a different direction. Christianity is no more synonymous with democracy than Islam is with a specific form of government. Democracy is not a contradiction to Islam any more than a government other than democracy is a contradiction to Christianity. Indeed, most of my Christian predecessors have experienced a form of government other than democracy.

Sayyid and I exchanged compliments about the work each of us does, embraced, and said we would see each other soon. What great insight from a trusted friend on a morning in which, because of a series of late hours, it was difficult to get up and get started.

Prayer

O God, keep us alert to the application of your word in this world. Stop us from any movement to identify our faith with any one nation, one particular form of government, or one race of people. Thank you for all who study Holy Scriptures in a manner that provides insight for all of us that prohibits us from using religion as an excuse to not like people who are different from us or to conclude that ours is the only kind of government acceptable to you. Amen.

TRACKS: Rochester, New York

“Why do you not attend church?” That was the question recently posed to scores of Americans by The Barna Group, a conservative Christian research firm that tracks the place of faith in public life. “Because I have been hurt by the church or church people,” was the answer given by almost 4 out of 10 individuals who have no relationship with a church.

Here are surprising findings. 61% of the people who do not participate in a church consider themselves Christians. 53% of so-called “unchurched” people once had a relationship with a Christian congregation but moved away from the church. 37% of people out of the church say they left because of a painful experience within a church.

I find these figures sad and incriminating. That is just not what “good news” does to people. So, what are churches preaching and teaching? And how are churches behaving—in ways that inflict hurt rather than off consolation and healing? At what points of hurt in people’s lives are churches not connecting with compassion and help?

The Barna Group’s documentation of the demographics behind these numbers explodes typical assumptions. More women than men stay away from church. (Could that be the result of the way many churches treat women as second-class believers and members?) More boomers and their older friends stay out of church than do young people. (Is the church not dealing with the life-situational issues that accompany “growing up,” “finding a job,” “having a family,” “facing crises of transition” and “dealing with failure?”) More conservatives than liberals stay away from the church as do more white people than people of color. (“Is the church not nurturing the foundations of Christianity as well as pursuing its mandates for mission and change?”)

I don’t believe it is ever possible to emphasize enough the good of the good news. As Jesus himself said, his ministry and message are for those in need. How could a church be a church and devote its resources to any one else or allow its message and ministry to leave on people who participate in it hurt instead of help and healing?

Prayer

O God, forgive us if we ever turn the gospel into bad news rather than present the gospel as good news and/or shape the church as just another institution in which people get hurt rather than as a unique community devoted to loving and healing—with no exceptions. Amen

Worship Preview for April 11 (2nd Sunday in Eastertide)

The Scripture Lessons

Psalm 118:14-16, 28-29

John 20:19-20, 24-28

The Sermon Title

A Personal Easter

The Art: Caravaggio, "Saint Thomas Putting his Finger on Christ's Wound" (1602-1603). Note: Click on the painting to view a larger version.

An Unscheduled Easter

Click here to read Rev. Gregg's most recent post for Patheos on "An Unscheduled Easter."

Easter Letter from our Sister Congregation in Cuba

Note: The following is an Easter letter to Northminster Church from The Rev. Noel Fernandez, the Pastor Emeritus at Iglesia Bautista Enmanuel, our sister church in Ciego de Avila, Cuba. Immediately following Noel's letter is Dr. Gaddy's grateful letter in response.

Dear Northminster Church Family,

This week was a very blessed time among us. Easter, as usual, was celebrated beside the river on the roadway to Bolivia. Sisters and brothers from ten different congregations affiliated with the Fraternity of Baptist Churches of Cuba attended the celebration. Five persons from our church were baptized, also five from Colorado and three from Bolivia.

Ormara and I planned the service, which included participation from representatives of all the churches represented. As usual Eduardo preached a great sermon.

A delicious lunch was prepared by a group of men from Bolivia. The main dish was a Cuban “ajiaco,” but most of the participants had their own snack that was shared with others.

The many children present were more quiet than usual, but after the baptisms, all of them jumped into the water and…you may imagine the rest.

I was thinking of you and asking God to bless you, our family there, and the whole Northminster Church.

Easter is the most blessed season in the whole year.

Blessed Easter for all of you!

Noel

Dear Noel:

Your Easter letter was a wonderful gift. When I finished reading it, I felt like I had been by the river with all of you. I could hear the singing, see the pride on your face while Eduardo was preaching, experience the joy of the baptism followed by all the kids jumping into the water. I could smell the food and feel the warmness of the fellowship around the table. You described the whole experience in a manner that inspired me and caused gratitude to well up in my heart.

We had a good day at Northminster as well on Easter Sunday. We saw people in worship whom we had not seen before and some we had not seen in a long time. Our choir sang two pieces from Handel's Messiah and they sang with beauty and enthusiasm. A good spirit prevailed and worship was meaningful.

Your letter brought to mind the bond between two congregations and between numerous individuals that is made strong by our common faith and the joy of our celebrations of its highest moments and most meaningful events. Your writing enabled me to see you and sense the joy of putting my arms around you and Ormara and speaking of the pleasure that is uniquely ours to have enjoyed a partnership and a sense of family that have enriched life.

The holy presence with you was with us as well. We said our prayers together. We worshiped as a family. God's presence is unmistakable in our friendship. On Easter all that you had that we were missing was the great food and splashing water. But, the day is coming when we will share that again as well.

Joy and peace to you, dear friend. You are a constant source of inspiration and encouragement.

Welton

TRACKS: Monroe, Louisiana

“It sounded like you believe in resurrection.” The comment was as much a question as it was an observation. The words were noticeably laced with a twinge of surprise. After a week of Holy Week services, the host pastor was driving the guest speaker for the week to the airport.

Carlyle Marney was the guest minister about to depart for home. Personally, “Marney”—that’s what most people who knew him well called him—was one of my heroes and mentors. I suspect he may have been the most brilliant thinker ever produced by Baptists. Certainly he was one of the most honest and influential. Some people called him a “liberal,” but as is usually the case, no label fit perfectly; it depended on the subject being discussed.

Obviously, Marney’s host for the week had the “liberal” label in mind when he offered his observation that hung in the air like a question—“Tonight,” he said to Marney, “It sounded like you believe in the resurrection.”

After a pause, Marney, now somewhat elderly, responded, “The closer I get to death, the more I believe in the resurrection.”

From the moment I heard that story from my friend who was Marney’s host for that week years ago, I understood the revered man’s comment. For me, it is a pertinent comment for Holy Saturday.

Some people believe in resurrection because they are supposed to, some because the Bible describes it, others because they think they have figured out a rational explanation for and defense of resurrection (which misses the whole point of the truth about resurrection), and still others because of a need to believe in resurrection.

I look forward to Easter Sunday as a day when we wrap all of our doubts and beliefs in a series of alleluias as we claim the promise that nothing can separate us from the love of God. But, for me, the waiting is as spiritually important as the celebrating. In such silence, anxiety, eagerness, disturbance, and expectation belief forms . . . or reforms.

Prayer

O God, for the journey through Lent and the challenges of Holy Week we give thanks even as with gratitude we look forward to tomorrow and a joyous celebration of a mystery that is essential to reality. Amen.

A Holy Saturday Spiritual Practice

Click here to read Rev. Gregg's post titled "A Spiritual Practice for Holy Saturday" for the Lenten blog series This Is My Fast.

Worship Preview: April 4th (Easter Sunday)

The Gospel Lesson

Luke 24:1-5

The Epistle Lesson

1 Corinthians 15:19-22

The Sermon Title

The Gospel of Life

Clean-up Day Pictures

Click here to see a slideshow of pictures from the Churchwide Clean-up Day on Saturday, March 27.

Why I Need the Resurrection

Click here to read Rev. Gregg's response to the Patheos Theoblogger Challenge: "Why I Need the Resurrection ... in 100 Words or Less."

This article will be the featured article on the Patheos Mainline Protestant Portal through the weekend.

Recent Pictures from Northminster's Homepage

Click on the picture to see a larger version.

The Top Ten Books that Influenced Me Theologically

Click here to read Rev. Gregg's most recent post for Patheos on "The Top Ten Books that Influenced Me Theologically." Consider sharing your own list.

Last Minute Lent

Rev. Gregg has been invited to be a regular blogger at Patheos.

Click here to read his first post on celebrating a "Last Minute Lent."

To learn more about the Patheos website, click here.

TRACKS: Tulsa, Oklahoma

Foolishness—what’s a good definition? Since this is one of those mornings with a 4:00 AM wake-up call after an evening that finally ended about 11:30 PM, I am tempted to define foolishness as living a life in which every week usually contains two or three days of 4:00 AM wake-up calls. But the pay-off of those early risings is getting to go home early, like today, or spending fewer nights while visiting several different cities. So, I turn to another definition of foolishness—one that either causes me to shake my head in disbelief or chuckle, if not laugh.

Sometime back a friend sent me a news story from a small town in Texas, Mr. Vernon, where Drummond’s Bar had begun construction on a new building aimed at increasing its business. A local Baptist Church started a campaign of petitions and prayers aimed at blocking the new bar from opening. A week before Drummond’s new building was to open, lightning struck the structure and it burned to the ground.

The church people in town felt a little cocky and a whole lot smug about what had happened until the owner of the bar sued the church, claiming the church was ultimately responsible for the fire destroying the building either through direct or indirect actions or other means. Quickly the church denied all responsibility, arguing that there was no connection between the bar’s destruction and the church’s action.

In court, after the judge looked over the paperwork on the case, the bewildered officer of the court commented, “I don’t know how I’m going to decide this, but it appears . . . we have a bar owner who believes in the power of prayer and an entire church congregation that does not!”

Prayer

O God, help us to distinguish between what the apostle Paul meant when he identified us as “fools for Christ” and what we are doing when we behave in a manner that is simply foolish. The former is a consequence of spiritual fidelity and the other is only an indication of personal or congregational stupidity. Grant us the wisdom to know the difference between those two lest we embarrass you as well as ourselves. Amen