Category Archives: Worship Resources

An Acceptable Call?

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This is the sixth entry in the UCCDM Lenten Devotional 2016 series.  This devotional reflection comes from Kevin Pettit.  His bio can be found on the Board of Directors page.  This devotional reflects the views of the author and not the views of UCCDM.

“From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we know him no longer in that way.  So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!  All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us.  So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.  For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:16 – 21)

The first few verses of this lectionary reading, taken from Second Corinthians 5, is an oblique reference to how everyone is more than just a body.  It states that even though Christ is no longer present in the human body of Jesus, the Spirit of Christ is still alive and is available to everyone.  For this reason, Paul states, if anyone is in Christ (or, embraces and follows the spirit of Christ), this person has taken on a new character and has become a new person in Christ.

In my youth, I was taught that this meant that by believing in the truths contained in our Bible, and by “accepting the Lord Jesus”, people become Christians and, as a consequence, can expect everlasting life (unlike others who do not “accept our Lord”).  While it is possible to read the Holy Scriptures and come to this conclusion, starting in my later teens I began to see this way of understanding our Holy Bible as insufficient.  Over the course of many years, I began to see the process of becoming one of Paul’s “new creations” differently:  I now understand that one embraces the Spirit of Christ, not so much by simply adopting a system of beliefs (orthodox or otherwise), but by living a life modeled on what one understands of the life of the human named Jesus.  This is considerably more difficult and demands much more action than merely a change of one’s beliefs. Everyone is called to embrace the Spirit of Christ and become ambassadors for Christ, even those who don’t call themselves “Christian”!

This belief was challenged by my survival of a automobile accident through which I acquired a severe Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).  This injury put me into a coma and semiconscious state for about 2 months.  I couldn’t speak for a few months, or walk for half a year; however, my 17-year recovery has gone well enough that I have relearned how to care for and express myself. I can sing again and, though I was told the quality of my teaching was “insufficient” for my continued employment as a professor at an elite liberal arts college, I have been able to attend and graduate from the Iliff School of Theology and begin my mission of helping faith communities of any nature to learn to invite, embrace, include, and empower people who might live with disabilities.  I have started a faith-based organization called Faith4All.

However, despite my successes, in all honesty I must admit that I continue to live with a disability that is manifested primarily through memory impairments, as well as by executive function and organizational challenges.  Because of these disabilities, attempting to attain recognition as an ambassador for Christ has been difficult for me. According to the Christian Bible (Leviticus 21:16 – 24), which many believers consider to be the word of God, a person who is challenged by disability as much as I am is not eligible to become a minister or representative of God.  Even in my own progressive denomination, I am unable to become attain commissioning because I have been unable to attain paid employment as a minister.  I believe the only path for my commissioning will be by my receiving a call from Faith4All, the organization that I founded.  This requires the advancement of the efforts of Faith4All which I’ve found to be slowed because of my disabilities.

However, I continue to hear the loud call of Christ’s Spirit and am undeterred!  I hope that all readers of this reflection can consider this message and reflect the call to make all churches strive for the inclusion of all people.

Prayer: Oh Divine One, who welcomes the efforts of all the ambassadors of Christ who follow the guidance of your Spirit, please help me learn to also accept the efforts of all those who follow the guidance of your Spirit, in order to assist in your construction of a new world!

 

Renewed Strength and Faith

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This is the fifth entry in the UCCDM Lenten Devotional 2016 series. This devotional reflection comes from Dr. Nadyne Guzmán. Her bio can be found on the Board of Directors Page. This devotional reflects the views of the author and not the views of UCCDM.

“O God, you are my God, I seek you, my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.  So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory.  Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you.  So I will bless you as long as I live; I will lift up my hands and call on your name.  My soul is satisfied as with a rich feast, and my mouth praises you with joyful lips when I think of you on my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I sing for joy.  My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.”  (Psalm 63: 1 – 8)

As I read this passage, what comes to my mind is how many times I have experienced this amazing experience of loving God — of having my body, mind, and spirit be filled up with the joy and awe of knowing I am part of this wondrous Mystery.  However, what I have to admit is that there have been many times in my life when the struggles with the limitations of my body and mind have taken me to a point of incredible frustration.  Then there have been the times when I have succumbed to deep depression and accompanying despair.  In those times life feels just too hard to bear, and daily tasks seem impossible.  That’s when I forget the joy of my connection to God and the constant Presence that has always upheld me, even in my darkest hours.

I know I’m not alone in this.  I’ve talked with many others who struggle with physical and/or neurological disabilities and/or mental illness.  And it’s not just the internal struggle or the endeavor to get through the seemingly small tasks of life — it’s the estrangement from family, friends, and even strangers who just don’t understand and who cast judgment without grace.

Many of us admit that it’s all too easy to slip into self-pity and to forget that God’s steadfast love is always present.  And when we remind each other that our challenges are also our blessings — that they have helped us become even more compassionate with others who carry their own struggles with life — we help each other remember to give thanks for the steadfast love of our Creator whose right hand upholds us in all things.  And through this common understanding I find myself praising God once again, feeling renewed strength and faith, and allowing the One Love to fill me once again to overflowing.

Prayer:  Dear and precious Creator, help me remember each day to be ever mindful of your steadfast love, of my interconnection with those who understand and those who do not, and of your Presence in Grace that sustains us all as One.

Imitation

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This is the third entry in the UCCDM Lenten Devotional 2016 series. This devotional reflection comes from Dr. Jimmy Watson Pastor if Immanuel UCC in Ferguson, Missouri.. This devotional reflects the views of the author and not the views of UCCDM.

“Brothers and sisters, join in imitating me, and observe those who live according to the example you have in us.” (Philippians 3:17)

These days we talk much about privilege. White, male, heterosexual privilege. The privilege of wealth, height, and beauty. The list is long and yet not long enough to include my 20-year-old stepdaughter who was born with mental disabilities, including finding a spot on the autism spectrum. Megan’s only privilege is that she will live most, if not all, of her life in close proximity to her family. She will never, however, enjoy the privileges of meaningful work or marriage and raising children. For Megan, the operative word is “limitation” rather than “imitation.”

Most of us seek to imitate those who have been successful in one way or another, even when we do not have the same privileged starting point. We want to imitate those with successful careers or those who have significant talents, even when the odds are stacked against us because of our family of origin, limited resources, or lack of acumen or natural abilities.

Megan’s attempts to imitate those who are an example of how to live is limited to very simple tasks such as sweeping floors, wiping off countertops, and making her bed in the morning—tasks that give her enormous satisfaction and a taste of wholeness.

While most people would not consider imitating those with physical and mental limitations, I have learned in my brief stint as Megan’s stepparent that she sets an example for the rest of us in ways that the privileged are hesitant to admit: utter humility without a speck of pomposity, no desire to leave a heavy carbon footprint on the environment, a childlike curiosity that knows no limitations, and finally, an unconditional love for her family, friends, and caretakers with a default setting of forgiveness.

There is no arrogance, materialism, close-mindedness, or grudges in Megan’s world. It is a world of wonder, love, and simplicity. Knowing her has been a true privilege.

Prayer—Dear God, we might be limited in who we are called to imitate, so we give thanks for those souls who offer us examples of how to be human in ways that never crossed our privileged minds. Amen.

 

No Demon

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This is the fourth entry in the UCCDM Lenten Devotional 2016 series. This devotional reflection comes from Mr. Robert Kates member of Cathedral of Hope, UCC in Dallas, TX and student at Brite Divinity School, working on a ThM in Pastoral Care. This devotional reflects the views of the author and not the views of UCCDM.

On the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, a great crowd met him. Just then a man from the crowd shouted, ‘Teacher, I beg you to look at my son; he is my only child. Suddenly a spirit seizes him, and all at once he shrieks. It throws him into convulsions until he foams at the mouth; it mauls him and will scarcely leave him. I begged your disciples to cast it out, but they could not.’ Jesus answered, ‘You faithless and perverse generation, how much longer must I be with you and bear with you? Bring your son here.’ While he was coming, the demon dashed him to the ground in convulsions. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, healed the boy, and gave him back to his father. And all were astounded at the greatness of God. Luke 9:37 – 43a.

Today we continue to relearn Epilepsy, this disease that inhibits life experiences, frightens strangers, and can cause death. The author of Luke, writes in the context of their time. When someone fell on the ground convulsing and foaming at the mouth, they were obviously possessed by a demon. No wonder Jesus’ disciples could not cast out the boy’s ‘demon.’

Today we realize the boy had no demon. He had Epilepsy. And perhaps the boy stopped convulsing when Jesus prayed over him, being cured or not. There is still no cure for this disease. I truly want to believe Jesus cured the boy. For I agree with Luke 9:43, “And all were astounded at the greatness of God.” God still amazes every day.

Through the advancement of our God given intellect, scientists and physicians have created drug therapies for Epilepsy that can lessen its outwards affects, resulting in less harm and stigma placed on those effected.

Unfortunately today, some people still consider convulsions and foaming at the mouth, as being possessed by a demon. Some even refuse modern medical care to treat this disease.

Jesus’ disciples could not cast out the demon, however nearly two thousand years later, our human abilities to bring comfort and remission of this disease to those less fortunate has excelled. Perhaps not like Jesus, our efforts cannot cure as yet. However I do believe that someday a cure will be found. “…for [through] God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26

Fear Not

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This is the second entry in the UCCDM Lenten Devotional 2016 series. This devotional reflection comes from Mr. JR Jasper. This devotional reflects the views of the author and not the views of UCCDM.

“After these things, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.”  Genesis 15:1

Whenever, I come across the words, “Be not afraid” or “Fear Not” in scripture, I know that something dramatic has happened or will happen in the next verse or two.  Maybe wars will cease, mountains will move, or the sea will part and violent winds will calm  Usually God is welcoming someone into a covenant. At the very least, I can always count on an important life lesson.

These never ending lessons are in abundant supply as I live and work through Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia, a group of inherited degenerative disorders.  These rare disorders are marked by progressive weakness and severe spasticity.  Imagine my fear when I awoke several years ago and was unable to walk or stand for several weeks.  I could only crawl.  I became very afraid as I envisioned a reality of crawling through the rest of my life.  Helplessness was not only my emotion, but it became my shield.

The church folks tried to comfort me by offering payer guides and holy water, but I was having none of it.  As I spent time adjusting to my new reality of being an African American man in the rural south who’s primary mode of movement was crawling, I also needed to learn how to become a practitioner of faith, bringing my fears before the alter as my only offering.  Eventually I did learn to walk again with the assistance of a brilliant physical therapist and a walker, but I’m still learning as I move through the many insurance claims, denial letters, and reimbursement check.  I am learning to be humbled by my own limitations and grateful for the generosity of family and friends. My biggest lesson has been the new found covenant with God that encourages me to be not afraid and fear not.  I now look forward to moving through each new day however He sees fit.

Prayer:  Lord help me to remember that after these things, our reward shall be great.

UCCDM Lenten Devotional- What Are Ashes For?

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This is the first entry in the UCCDM Lenten Devotional 2016 series. This devotional reflection comes from Dr. Kevin Pettit for Ash Wednesday. His bio cam be found on the Board of Directors page.

Joel 2:1-2, 12:17
1 Blow the trumpet in Zion; sound the alarm on my holy mountain! Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble,
for the day of the Lord is coming, it is near—
2 a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and thick darkness! Like blackness spread upon the mountains
a great and powerful army comes; their like has never been from of old, nor will be again after them in ages to come.
12 Yet even now, says the Lord, return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning;
13 rend your hearts and not your clothing. Return to the Lord, your God, for he is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and relents from punishing.
14 Who knows whether he will not turn and relent, and leave a blessing behind him, a grain offering and a drink offering for the Lord, your God?
15 Blow the trumpet in Zion; sanctify a fast; call a solemn assembly;
16 gather the people. Sanctify the congregation; assemble the aged; gather the children, even infants at the breast. Let the bridegroom leave his room, and the bride her canopy.
17 Between the vestibule and the altar let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep. Let them say, “Spare your people, O Lord, and do not make your heritage a mockery, a byword among the nations.Why should it be said among the peoples, ‘Where is their God?’”

Even though we live in a very different context than the author of the book of Joel, his call for repentance still sounds loudly in today’s world. For, indeed, is not our world today at least partly filled with gloom, clouds, and thick darkness? The similarity of the present times of difficulty to those described in the book of Joel account for the resonance of these Biblical texts. So, too, do we sense the need to withdraw somehow, reflect on our lives, and struggle with our call in this world just as Jesus did during his extended time of isolation that we commemorate during Lent. A time of penitential preparation – a time of self-examination, prayer, fasting, and works of love – in preparation for our remembrance of the betrayal and cross of Jesus, as well as the resurrection of the living Christ, will profit our spirits. We hope that your Lenten journey might be aided by these Reflections and the consideration of their meaning and import in our lives today.

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent which, in many churches, is commemorated by anointing one’s forehead with ashes as a reminder of one’s mortality. The crude and dark mess of these ashes – a form of matter similar to the eventual form that our bodies take after we die – is a fitting remembrance of disorder in our lives. But are not such scars of imperfection the very marks of our humanity?

While everyone’s particular set of challenges is unique – sometimes being as apparent as a missing limb and at other times being as hidden as diabetes – we each share more or less common challenges of body, mind, and spirit much like the ashes marking our foreheads at the beginning of Lent. However, even after washing ourselves clean of these ashes, we all need to learn to live productively with the imperfections that mark us as children of God.

To do this, we can set aside some time daily during this time of Lent to study and reflect upon the Bible or other sacred texts, reflect on our needs and struggles, our intentions and our actions, and our effect on family, friends, and all others. As we are called to embody Christ, we must take the time to consider how we might best promote the construction of the city of God. Such meditative times can serve to prepare our spirits for the work ahead.

Let us begin on this Lenten effort boldly and with strength!

UCCDM Lenten Devotional–Man Born Blind

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This is fifth in the UCCDM Lenten Devotional 2014 Series. This reflection for the fourth Sunday in Lent comes from Rev. Jeanne Tyler, Vice Chair of UCCDM. Her bio is available on the Board of Director’s page.

John 9:1-41

It is a tense time for Jesus and his followers. Jesus has enemies who seek his death. They are on his trail; waiting for him to make a mistake, say an inappropriate remark, or act badly.

Jesus is known as a healer. He has the power of healing and offers healing. As Jesus is escaping a murderous plot, he is presented with a man born blind. Jesus is asked a question we ask even today. Who messed up, this man or his parents? Who can we blame because somebody is responsible? Somebody is always responsible for perfection made human; which is to say not perfect. Blemished by whom and why we seek to find the culprit.

Jesus healed the man by making clay out of his spit and the dirt on the ground and placed the clay on the man’s eyes. He then told the man to go and wash his eyes in a pool of water away from Jesus. The man gained his sight and came back but did not recognize the healer.

This is in some way guerrilla theatre with sighted men not recognizing a healer and a man who gained sight also not recognizing the healer. Is this about our compulsive need to make judgments about human form and what passes judgment and what does not? Are we willing to accept one another as we are?

O Holy One, we come to You with our judgments about who is human and why l he/she matters in the universe. You help us name ourselves as human as the one born blind. Amen