Before Pentecost, the disciples exemplified a balanced approach to prayer and preparation. Their method of selecting a new Apostle showcased a thoughtful and orderly approach, aligning with best practices in management and planning. And yet they were thoroughly committed to prayer. That made the difference.
When we consider Jesus’ invitation throughout the Gospels and in Acts to receive the refreshment of the Holy Spirit and become witnesses to everyone everywhere, it is disheartening that many expressions of Christianity today are characterized by legalism, judgmentalism, or head-in-the-clouds religiosity. Many people are weary of this kind of Churchianity and long for the refreshing work of the Spirit.
That’s why the image of bubbly spring water from the Spirit of Jesus resonates with so many of us. When the church bell rings on Sunday morning, it’s like we are saying with the Samaritan woman, “Give us some of the water Jesus, baptize us with your Spirit. That’s what I need.” Many of us are wounded, even wounded by the church, or have walked in darkness and need the light. We need a home with spiritual refreshment.
That’s what this church is for us—a precious place where we can imbibe the bubbly water of the Spirit. When we drink of that Spirit’s water, the fruit of the Spirit grows, which is love, and love becomes our language for life—the very love of God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Here are a Few Quotes I offered in my sermon message this past week
Van Morrison
In the Garden
The streets are always wet with rain
After a summer shower when I saw you standin'
In the garden in the garden wet with rain
You wiped the teardrops from your eye in sorrow
As we watched the petals fall down to the ground
And as I sat beside you I felt the
Great sadness that day in the garden
And then one day you came back home
You were a creature all in rapture
You had the key to your soul
And you did open that day you came back to the garden
The olden summer breeze was blowin' on your face
The light of God was shinin' on your countenance divine
And you were a violet color as you
Sat beside your father and your mother in the garden
The summer breeze was blowin' on your face
Within your violet you treasure your summery words
And as the shiver from my neck down to my spine
Ignited me in daylight and nature in the garden
And you went into a trance
Your childlike vision became so fine
And we heard the bells inside the church
We loved so much
And felt the presence of the youth of
Eternal summers in the garden
And as it touched your cheeks so lightly
Born again you were and blushed
And we touched each other lightly
And we felt the presence of the Christ
Within in our hearts
In the garden
And I turned to you and I said
No guru, no method, no teacher
Just you and I and nature
And the father in the garden
Listen no guru, no method, no teacher
Just you and I and nature
And the Father and the
Son and the Holy Ghost
In the garden, wet with rain
No guru, no method, no teacher
Just you and I and nature and the Father
And the Son and the Holy Ghost
In the garden, in the garden, wet with rain
No guru, no method, no teacher
Just you and I and nature
And the Father in the garden
J.R.R. Tolkien
Fellowship of the Ring
"The house, like a living thing, seemed to breathe with life”
“Tom Bombadil’s voice filled the rooms with song as if the house itself were an instrument in his masterful hands."
"Wide wooden boards made up the floor, polished and gleaming, as if washed by water from the river."
This past week at our worship at Summerland Church, we welcomed Bruce Main, the founder of Urban Promise, along with ten incredible fellows from various African nations. Their presence brought a vibrant, inspiring energy that enriched our worship experience.
Bruce Main, known for his passionate commitment to youth and community development, delivered a powerful message that resonated with all of us. His words, steeped in love and dedication, reminded us of the significant impact loving care for youth can have on transforming communities. Hearing him share was uplifting and motivating.
The highlight of the service, however, was the soul-stirring music from the ten Urban Promise International fellows. These fellows, hailing from across Africa, shared their talents and cultural heritage through song, filling the sanctuary with indescribable joy. Their harmonious and powerful voices seemed to transcend language, reminding us of the universal power of worship and praise.
It was a moving display of global unity and fellowship, as our congregation joined voices with our brothers and sisters from Africa. The experience was a vivid illustration of how faith connects us across continents, cultures, and experiences. We were not only spectators but participants in a divine exchange of encouragement and hope.
Having Bruce Main and the Urban Promise International fellows with us was a reminder of the joy that comes from shared faith.
Steve Jacobsen, the interim pastor at Summerland Presbyterian Church, tossed me the ball during last Sunday's worship. A single thought crossed my mind: “Don’t drop it!” I soon realized I wasn’t alone in this sentiment. Dropping the ball wouldn't be disastrous—grace abounds at Summerland Church—but I always strive to “do my best,” a pledge I took to heart as I regularly recited the Scout Oath, which still guides me today.
Another cornerstone of my life is the personal mission statement I crafted in college under the mentorship of a professor. He challenged us to condense our life's purpose into a single page and then just one sentence. Here’s my lifelong commitment, refined only slightly over the years:
“My life's purpose is to joyfully serve Jesus Christ as his loving disciple, using my gifts to foster growth, civility, and compassion, thus cultivating a culture of care and spiritual health that helps both communities and individuals flourish.”
Throughout my ministry, I have embodied this mission through three key activities: engaging deeply with the community, encouraging caring fellowship, and advancing thoughtful scholarship. Interestingly, these are themes that will be present in worship for the next three Sundays at Summerland Church.
Community Engagement: On May 5th, we welcome Bruce Main, founder of Urban Promise. Bruce's dynamic approach to urban youth ministry is inspirational, and his visit promises to be enriching. He will introduce us to international graduate students who are studying his community organizing model and applying these insights to their ministries back home.
Caring Fellowship: On Mother’s Day, May 12th, I’ll expand on the themes introduced in Steve Jacobsen’s last sermon, emphasizing our church as A Home for Spiritual Refreshment.
Thoughtful Scholarship: On Pentecost Sunday, May 19th, we are honored to host Kim Battle-Walters Denu, Provost of Westmont College. Kim embodies a commitment to Christian scholarship that enriches the church and society. Her leadership at Westmont is helping to nurture thoughtful Christian scholarship in a vibrant faith community.
I am deeply grateful for our guests who will join us in the weeks of May and excited for the start of my service as Summerland's pastor. It has been a profound joy for Cindy and me to worship in this church for nearly a year. I am now humbled and honored to carry the ball as pastor, and welcome you to join any Sunday.
Here's my grandson with his game ball from his first game of baseball this season.
