Sun. June 30, 2013 (Sharon Smith)

Sharon Smith spoke on Psalm 130, "Out of the depths." Sharon is active in Sanctuary, an organization which helps ministers co-journey with parishioners troubled by depression. One such person once said that at night it is dark--and it is also dark in his mind; when the sun comes up, it is still dark in his mind. In such times, God seems absent, and the sufferer lacks even the energy to pray. Sharon then examined Psalm 130, noting how the bible's "wisdom literature" portrays God being with someone suffering depression, etc. The "depths" (verse 1) can be very frightening (the same word is used in Ps. 69.1-2 for the frightening chaos of the depths of the Mediterranean Seas). Once this internal chaos is externalized and we are aware of it, how can we help? We might try to recall some dark depth we once experienced, remembering how it affected our world view. The Psalmist long ago bravely illustrated how to articulate a call to God for help. Verses 3-4 remind us that God does not keep track of our wrongs/difficulties, and that we are forgiven and understood. Sharon concluded with three practical ways we might help others:

1. go with them to see the doctor/counselor (sit in the waiting room, then be available to listen if listening is desired);
2. simply listen, not judgmentally, just be there; and
3. remind each other (verses 7-8) that God never gives up on us, God will be with us, redeem us.

[JEK]

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Sun. June 16, 2013 (Connie Siedler)

Connie Siedler used the water into wine miracle as a basis for her message on transformation. Connie noted that there are many wedding mishap stories, including this one where the host runs out of wine. This miracle account in John 2 shows Jesus as an agent of transformation, a frequent theme in John’s gospel. In this miracle, Jesus turned something good into something better, and also turned something into something it was not. When we encounter Jesus we can’t stay as we were, said Connie, we all need change. The discussion raised questions about the intent of this miracle, and questions about what Mary expected Jesus to do. Transformation is an ongoing challenge for all; to change from something good to something better, or to change something into something it was not.(HN)

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Sun. June 9, 2013 (Bruce Hiebert)

Dr. Bruce Hiebert spoke on the two accounts of the conversion of Saul to Paul. Stories such as these present nearly imponderable problems to careful readers, causing some people to give up altogether on Christianity, while others either ignore the discrepancies or hide behind fundamentalism. Bruce assured us that even though scripture offers very difficult problems to some minds (interested in comparing details), it also hints at solutions to those problems. Luke's story (Acts 9) is so typical of the author, being filled with miraculous happenings and crucial conversations with people like Ananias (before going to Jerusalem for further consultations), possibly because he thought they might appeal to his audience in the Roman Empire. By contrast, Paul's own account (Galatians 1) tells of no miracles (even though they might have given his story increased credibility to his readers) but instead portrays his faith journey as being lonely (influenced by nobody--especially nobody in Jerusalem). Instead, Paul seems to tell of the fulness of the truth dawning on him over a period of years as he carefully ponders--in isolation--Hebrew scriptures and the stories he had been hearing about Jesus.The beauty of having these two strongly differing accounts is that now, as in the first century, one of the stories just might speak more convincingly to people today, just as they possibly did centuries ago. Setting the questions of differing details aside, we know for certain that Paul somehow came to understand and believe that the teachings of Jesus were in fact correct, and from that transformation of his thinking, he was then able to further transform the teachings in radical ways, so that the good news could eventually be accepted by a non-Jewish world and begin to transform it. [JEK]

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Sun. June 2, 2013 (Ken Hawkley)

Ken Hawkley from Anabaptist Mennonite Seminary talked about the competition between the prophet Elijah and the 450 prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18). Ahab and his wife Jezebel worshipped Baal who was considered the god of all gods. Following a 3 year drought Elijah is the only prophet of Yahweh left and he gives the Israelites a challenge: If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, then follow him. The people Edwin Hintz Erika Hannan Summer Coffee Service Thanks to all who have provided the coffee and goodies so far. Please sign up on the list on the bulletin board at the back to help out. were silent. Elijah sets up a competition with the prophets of Baal: each will slaughter a bull and call down fire; the god who answers is indeed God. The Baal prophets do not succeed in calling forth fire. Elijah mocks them and pours water on his altar and prays. Fire of the Lord consumes the meat, the stones and the water. Ken noted that sacrifice needs a willing heart, a heart connected to Yahweh. Elijah was connected to Yahweh; he was willing to trust God and sacrifice everything. Elijah was willing to stick his neck out. Please see Hannelore if you have any questions. Mennonites are known for their good works, but not for sticking their necks out especially when there’s no guarantee of success. We come up with excuses. What do you want to stick your neck out for? (HN)

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