Thoughts from Pastor Peg

 

 


June 15, 2016
 
I was anticipating a busy week, so I asked a colleague to preach on Sunday, knowing there would be little time to prepare. then there was a death, and I'll come back from conference to officiate the funeral.  Then today there was another death, and I'm in hte midst of more funeral preparations.  I'm missing quite a few of the business sessions of the conference, and representing our church poorly, but the presence of death reorganizes priorities.  there is nothing more important than the privilege of comforting a grieving family.  There is nothing more important than being at a death bed to help usher a person from one life to the next.  There is nothing more important than finding the right words to honor a life that is gone.
There's also nothing more important than making memories with our family.  All the preaching in the world doesn't substitute for a loving example of God's grace.  I can read the daily proceedings of the conference and talk with those who were there to find out what happened, but I can't leave the details of a memorial service to chance.  I am grateful for all those stepping in to complete those details.  Thanks be to God.
June 5, 2016
I can hear them,but I can't see them.  
I've heard people talking about the 17 year locusts and what a nuisance they are, but we don't have any in Galion.  At church, I hear them in the woods.  I don't know whether the noise is mating, munching or dying - or all three.  It's all around, but no sign of the voracious little beasts.  They provide fodder for contemplation.  Their lives exist for the purpose of being born once in 17 years to stay alive long enough to lay eggs for the next generation.  That's it.  They don't seem to have any other purpose.  We are assured by people who study ecosystems that every life form has its purpose.  We are assured that there is a purpose for everything in creation.  But why would God create anything whose only purpose is to procreate?  
I am reminded that there are people, too, whose lives seem purposeless.  But what I call useless, God calls holy.  I guess I'll have to wait till heaven to ask God about the cicadas.


Rev. Peggy L. Welch
Ontario United Methodist Church

Rejoice in the Lord always.  And again I say rejoice.
Psalm 34:1

May 25, 2016

We recently had guests from India who were in a cold climate for the first time. When asked what was most surprising, one said: "The colors of the leaves on the trees. They look so artificial." He was referring to the dark red leaves and the bright neon yellow green. Those are both signs of new leaves that haven't had their fill of chlorophyll yet and need to mature to become the normal green of trees. Of course he had never seen that, because trees in India don't lose all their leaves.
Suddenly, I was seeing neon green trees everywhere, after never noticing them before. For some folks, God's presence is like that - they never notice it until someone else points it out. I have to remember to point out God's presence when I think it's most obvious, because others might not be seeing it.

May 18, 2016

The last few weeks have been difficult for our church members. We've had dozens of folks hospitalized or ill. It has seemed ironic to see all the signs of new life as I drive from hospital to hospital. Trees are leafing out and blooming. Everywhere is the color green.
Then suddenly it was clear to me that this is a sign of hope, not only for the earth, but for those who have been so ill. Just when all seems dark and dismal, the earth springs forth the promise of God's unfailing love and provision. We can count on the promise of new life, renewed life, in this life, and the next. Thanks be to God.

April 20, 2016

"Wipe out that little churchy thing"
That's what I overheard in the church office. It was a church member speaking of an icon on the computer that needed to be removed to install a new piece of software.
However, it made me think about the huge number of people who have wiped out all 'churchy' things from their lives.
I don't know what I would do without the 'churchy' things. What would I do without the friendship of like-minded people? Where would I be stimulated by deep and meaningful conversations if it weren't at church?
How would I get new knowledge of God?
Where would I find people who hold me accountable for my spiritual life?
"Churchy" stuff is very important to me, and always will be. Thank God for the 'churchy' stuff in my life.

April 15, 2016
I've started this blog three times with three different ideas.  Each time,I was interrupted and couldn't remember where I was headed with the blog, so I started over.  Often life is what happens when we're planning something else.  Years ago, I began adding to my daily 'to do' list the things I actually accomplished during interruptions.  Otherwise, I would look at my list at the end of the day or the week and feel I had acccomplished nothing.  Today, only one thing on my list will have been accomplished - this blog (because I refuse to give up).
However, the interruptions resulted in all of the flower beds being mulched at church, the cemetery cleaned, the church windows washed, the tables and chairs wiped down and more.
A teacher and ten students from Pioneer Career School were here for their annual service day and those teenagers did twice as much work in half the time we thought they could.  Thanks be to God for their energy and community spirit!  

 April, 4, 2016
Some weeks ago a school age boy asked me "What do you have to do to get baptized around here?"  My response was that you just have to tell me you love Jesus and know he loves you and we'll schedule it, but I'll talk with your grandmother first.  (He lives with Grandma).  So, yesterday I spoke with Grandma and she's eager for both grandsons to be baptized.  I asked them and they're both ready, so we scheduled it for next Sunday.  Then I gave them a pamphlet on baptism and they fought over who would get to read it first.  (They are still brothers, after all, not saints.)
I love baptizing infants because I love babies, but there's something really exciting about baptizing someone who is making the decision for himself.  It's a confirmation of the Holy Spirit working in that person's life.  Please join me in praying this week for all our children.
Confessions of faith are the fruit of all we do in the church.  Thanks be to God.

March 15
We have had overwhelming response to the sermon series that just finished yesterday.  I don't know how to interpret that.Many people mention the sermon outline sheets we've been using. Others liked the content, either Job or the topic of suffering.If you are one of those persons who was touched by the series on suffering, please let me know what was most meaningful to you.Quite a few people have asked what's next, and I do have a plan, but would like to tailor it to people's needs, so if you have a topic r book of the Bible you'd like to hear about, also let me know.
I listen for where God wants us to go as a congregation, and plan my preaching accordingly, but often, God speaks to me through the stated needs of people.I look forward to hearing from you.

March 9

March 8th was the International Day of the Woman.  I actually didn't know such a thing existed till I saw it on Facebook.  This year marks the 60th anniversary of ordination for women in the United Methodist Church.  So, I've been thinking about women who have been formational in my spiritual life.  It's often easier to think of male biblical figures who have been formational.  There were more of them and there's more about each of them than there is about biblical women. But I've been considering what little we do know about those first century women -  the kind of women Paul was talking about in the greetings sections of his letters: Lydia, Priscilla, Nympha, Eunice and Lois.  All we know is that Lydia was a businesswoman who helped finance the early disciples and their ministry.  Eunice and Lois were Timothy's relatives who helped disciple him into the faith.  Priscilla was inseparable from her husband Aquilla, with whom she was partners in ministry and equally well-regarded by Paul as church leaders.  I haven't a clue who Nympha was, but plan to do some research and find out. In an age when women didn't own property and had no say in community or religious affairs, the early Christians had some very strong women who were encouraged by Paul and others to use their gifts.  I celebrate these women, and the men who encouraged them!

February 22, 2016

Easter is so early this year that we are only one month away from our annual Easter Eggstravaganza.  We're talking about who will fill the eggs and who will hide them.  Then there are the boiled eggs the kids get to dye.  
Boiled eggs are a great symbol for Easter, and for the Trinity.  Understanding God in three persons is a hard concept for adults as well as kids and a boiled egg makes a good visual.  I like to take the egg apart and ask kids - is the shell a whole egg?  Is the yolk a whole egg?  Is the white a whole egg? It takes all three parts to make a hard boiled egg and all three have the same DNA.  It's all egg.  Just as it takes Father, Son and Holy Spirit, all three to have a complete understanding of God.  But even though they have the same DNA, the yolk is not the white, which is not the shell which is not the yolk.  The three parts of the egg are one, but different.  God the Creator is not the Holy Spirit, which is not the Savior.  All three are different yet the same.  And that's just one of the mysteries of faith.

 

February 6, 2016

I have a young friend who asks REAAAALY good questions - tough, too. His latest is "why can't we go back and do the really fun things again?" I asked him if he means he would like to time travel and he said he would, but that still wouldn't be the same thing, since he would already be a different person by the time he went back. (I said this is a REALLY bright young man, didn't I? And no, it isn't my six year old grandson)
He's right, of course. You can't step in the same river twice, say the philosophers. The river has changed and so have you.
We talked a bit about Madeleine L'Engle's book "A Wrinkle in Time". I recommend it. But of course it wasn't until a day later that I had the perfect answer for him - and me.
We can't go back and relive a joyful event because God is always preparing some new joy for us. We're to look forward, not back, and be ready to receive new delights. At every age and stage in life God has new joys prepared for us right around the corner. Thanks be to God.

January 31, 2016

I sat in the sunshine today.  It's funny how easy it is to forget that warm breezes and sweet smells exist when we're shoveling snow and trying to stay on our feet walking across a frozen parking lot.  By next week, when I'm back from vacation, I'll have forgotten today's sunshine.
How similar that is to forgetting the warmth of God's presence when we're in the midst of trauma or tragedy, or even just daily irritations.  It's easy to forget that the sun is still shining somewhere when it isn't shining on us, easy to forget that God's love is present when we don't feel it.  
Unlike the sunshine, God's presence is always available.  The sun travels away from us, but it is we who travel away from God.  And it is we who must return.  

 January 5, 2016

This time of year I'm always pondering why some folks are regular church attenders and others aren't. It's such a let down from the excitement of Christmas Eve to the "low attendance Sunday" right afterward. Even so, there are often some new faces among the regulars the first Sunday after Christmas. Sometimes it's people who have made a New Year's resolution to attend church more regularly. Others have gone to church Christmas Eve and remembered what a powerful influence it is for good in their lives. I don't really know why people DON'T attend, but I know several reasons why we DO. Of course, I believe in attending church to worship God in fulfillment of God's commandment. Of course, it helps me to grow spiritually. Of course, being among others working at being faithful disciples helps my spiritual journey.One of the sweetest expressions of the power of worship was quoted on a plaque hanging in the entry of Boardman United Methodist Church. "I come here frequently to find myself. It's so easy to get lost in the world." May we all find ourselves in this new year, 2016.

Nov 9

I just received a news release from the United Methodist bishop for Central and Southern Europe responding to the terrorist attacks in Paris. He says, "As people who follow Christ, we promote an open, democratic and plural society. We do not condone the tendencies of nationalist radicalization in the States of Europe. As United Methodists we understand ourselves as part of the worldwide Body of Christ. In the face of violence, we are called to be peacemakers."
I'm not aware of "nationalist radicalism" in Europe since World War II. We all know what happened then. Radicalism of any stripe is rarely a useful response. My first response to the events in Paris was to pray for the victims, and there are many. We need also to pray for the terrorists - for a change of heart. That's so much harder, especially when they have left so much anger and fear in their wake. Naysayers will tell me they won't change. Probably. But for sure nothing will change if I don't pray. Meanwhile, the ripples of fear and tragedy are spreading just as they did after 9/11. Let's pray for ALL who suffer the effects of these

 October 28, 2015

Appalling! That's the only word for it. The rash of recent false bomb threats in our local schools is simply appalling.  Inspiring horror, dismay, or disgust" is the dictionary meaning for the word and those certainly apply. But I was thinking about the word "pall".  a "PALL" is a blanket over a casket or a dark cloud of smoke.  I think this is appropriate for the situation, which has cast a pall over parents who worry about their kids, school staff who face this possibility every day, and kids who wonder if their school day is going to be disrupted.  At best, it's a disruption.  At worst, it's a tragedy, and in-between is the possibility that we will become so inured to these events that we might not take a real one seriously.  We've been chatting about why kids would do this and have figured out that a) they don't think they will get caught, b) they don't take the consequences seriously, and c) some kids will do anything for attention.  As Pam Dille says, "Kids have a lot more technology at their disposal today, but it hasn't made them any smarter than their great grandparents who tipped over outhouses.  The consequences are just more severe." She's right, technology gives us access to more information, but it doesn't impart common sense, morals or decency.  I'm talking to all the kids I know about the consequences of rash actions.  I hope you are, too.

October 19

My Aunt Margie died this past week. She was 95 years young. She was the sort of amazing homemaker who warmed her plates before she served dinner.
For more than thirty years, she led a team of women at her church who made braille copies of books of the Bible. The national headquarters would let them know which books they needed and how many copies. Each week they would gather to work together, to share their lives, and to spread God's word. I met a couple of her team members at the funeral home. They were all in their eighties and nineties when she was active, and now the work continues with other 80 and 90 year olds.
It takes a lot of love to do a ministry that serves people you've never met and never will meet. Or maybe it takes faithfulness, or gratitude to God.
Whatever it takes, OUMC has it going on.  Our mission projects are as limitless as the faithfulness or our members. Thanks be to God.

October 10

Last week I decided to reread an old favorite – The Giver by Lois Lowry.  I went on to read the whole trilogy.  I thendiscovered a Lois Lowry book I hadn’t read: Number the Stars.  Perhaps it was my recent experience encountering refugees in Germany that caused the book to have such a profound effect on me.  Number the Stars is the story of two girls in Denmark during World War II – one Jewish, the other Christian.  More than that, it’s the story of tiny, heroic Denmark, whose citizens rescued nearly all the Jews in their land, more than 7,000.  They sheltered and fed them and hid them until they could be transported to safety in Sweden.  Then, for two years during the Nazi occupation of Denmark, its citizens cared for the homes of their Jewish neighbors, watering plants, dusting, sweepingfloors.  Who among us would do the same?  Imagine this happening today.  Those homes would be looted or occupied.  But if proof of Christianity lies in loving actions, those Danes of the mid-twentieth century truly lived out their beliefs.  In an ironical twist, it’s Germans who are now sheltering refugees.  I see God at work.

September 16

I drove my car this morning.  That feels unusual because I haven't driven it in over a week while I've been on vacation.  I also didn't do email, watch Netflix, visit Facebook, use my cell phone, cook or do laundry.  These are things I normally do daily.  Some are productive habits, others less so.  In just eight days some of my habits were broken and replaced.  That tells me I'm much less aggressive about tackling spiritual imperfections than I could be.  If I can get rid of an old habit or develop a new one in just a week, I could easily be better shaped by God much faster than I usually think is possible.  So why don't I?  I'm reminded of the title of a book "Lord, I Have Sinned, But I Have Several Excellent Excuses".

September 13

I am writing this time from a hotel in frankfurt germany using a mobile device. Very awkward so it will be brief. I have been to germany many times but always to visit friends and family, so this is my first stay in a german hotel.
I have not yet reflected on this week's experiences. Once I do, I will probably have much to blog about. Tonight, just a small thought. At the wedding we attended there was a small difference in thevows. They didn't just say "I do". They each said "I will, with the help of God". Of course it takes God's help to make a happymarriage! I will add that phrase to the weddings I perform!

 

August 10

There are lessons I seem to have to learn over and over and over.  Recently, Ash and I were in Columbus on business and decided to find an Ethiopian restaurant.  We both like Injera and Doro Wat - two of the most common Ethiopian dishes.
Since there was a restaurant on our way, we stopped by.  I was a bit dismayed by the outward appearance of the place.  It was a simple, cement block building with nothing on the outside that was welcoming.  I almost told Ash to keep driving and we would go find a Bob Evans.  I had to step around a pole and over a pothole to go inside and was regretting the decision to stay.
Then Ash opened the door for me and I saw a simple cash counter ahead with a private dining room beyond.  To our right was a small dining room with about eight tables.  A woman was sweeping an already immaculate floor.  A television quietly played Ethiopian music videos in the cleanest restaurant I've ever seen.  (During the time we were there, the woman came back and swept the tile floor every time customers left.)
The colors were subtle, the ethnic accents attractive and the food was delicious.  The elegant hostess spoke unaccented English and was very attentive.  Once again, I had to learn not to judge a book by its cover.
I know sometimes  people look at the outward appearance of a church and make assumptions.  I wonder what assumptions they make about our church and whether those assumptions match what they find inside.  I can't imagine anyone could know from the outside what an incredibly warm reception they would find on the inside of Ontario UMC.
 

 August 1

 
We spent an hour in the airplane on the ground Friday, waiting to leave Atlanta to fly back to Columbus after our Florida vacation.  My daughters-in-law, granddaughter and I waited patiently as the pilot announced the maintenance crew was coming on board to replace a missing "exit" light.  [We think this is similar to stealing road signs]  The maintenance crew didn't have the right replacement part, and we waited another half hour.  When the additional wait was announced, the woman in back of me loudly demanded free beer.  The flight crew handed out cups of water, and the woman shouted that she wanted a cold beer.
Meanwhile, our one year old granddaughter walked up and down the aisle of the plane saying hello to each person and charming them.  She provided entertainment and a delightful memory for us.  Scripture says to give thanks in all circumstances.  Little Miss Corrie was able to do what a grown woman's impatience and drunkenness would have prevented.  Thanks be to God for little children who lead the way.

 

July 20

White Queen Anne's Lace, purple phlox, orange day lilies, blue chicory, yellow black eyed Susans.  The ditches and roadsides are filled with the evidence of God's creative power.  The varieties of colors, textures, heights and shapes of wildflowers amazes me.  How can anyone see and not worship the God of all creation who creates beauty for our pleasure?  
It is momentary pleasure at best.  I've tried picking them, and most of those ditch flowers don't last more than a day.  They curl up and die after a brief moment of glory.  It's a reminder to me to enjoy life NOW, not wait for the perfect circumstances or perfect time, or for vacation.  Seize the day!

 

July 15

This past week, my five year old grandson asked me the meaning of a very ugly, vulgar word.  I was shocked that he had even heard this word, since I'm sure neither of his parents have ever used it.  I did define the word for him, then told him that it's a word no one in our family would ever use because it is meant to hurt a group of people.
I started remembering a book titled "Words that hurt, words that heal".  It was popular in my previous profession many years ago.  That book is the antithesis of "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me."  
Words DO hurt.  I've always tried to use whatever label is current, but it gets increasingly harder to be current the older I get.  The reason is that as soon as a new, innocuous label is coined, someone starts using it pejoratively.  If they didn't, we could use the same label forever with no problem.  
I'm thinking that maybe the key to staying current is not to use labels at all.  What if we just call people "people"?  What if it didn't matter, truly didn't matter, that the story I'm telling is about people of a certain race, skin color, physical size, or economic group.  Does it matter?  I'm thinking people is a great word.  It's an especially fine substitute for the word Joseph was asking about.

 

July 6

I watched a flock of birds joy riding yesterday.  They would swoop one direction, then another.  This went on for at least twenty minutes, and they covered the same ground several times.  So, they weren't looking for food, or shelter - they were just out for the thrill of it, and appeared to be having a blast.  It was the day for Sabbath rest, and I pray that you, dear friend, did something just for the sheer joy of it  -  as did those birds.  We need times of Sabbath when we set all work aside and take time to truly enjoy God's creation.  There is much to see, do, and admire in God's creation, if we only take time for it.  May God bless you with eyes to see.
 

June 22

I'm looking forward to the Fourth of July parade this year in Ontario.  It was such great fun handing out water to thirsty people while advertising our Vacation Bible School.  Community service combined with advertising is a win-win.  I don't know how many people read the label, but hopefully they see our banner and remember where the water came from!  Join me in inviting kids to Climb Everest and meet Jesus, maybe for the first time! Though it is't till July, it's never too early to get something on the calendars of young families

June 15

Last night we joined friends at the Pioneer Mill in TIffin, Ohio. My husband, Ash, and I met in TIffin, in college. Pioneer Mill was one of our special date places. While we enjoyed a lovely night on the deck with two other couples, my mind kept returning to memories 38 years old. We had a favorite table that overlooked the mill stream and insured privacy for stolen kisses.
When our love was young, I wanted to spend as much time as possible with Ash. Conversations often lasted long into the night. It's the same with folks who have just fallen in love with Jesus for the first time. They can't get enough of him, the Bible, Christian fellowship and service. Watching young love reminds me of that which I had and can still have, whether it's with my husband or my Lord.
On our way out of the Mill, Ash held my hand. I think he was remembering, too!

 

June 8

Our neighbors got married yesterday. Their colors were orange and black. No, not Halloween. They are passionate about Harley Davidson motorcycles. All the gifts were motorcycle themed as were the decorations, cake, and all the clothing of the wedding party.

It's ok to buy gifts for people of passion, As I looked aroind, I wondered  whether anyone could identify my passions? I really only have two lasting passions. I've many short term interests, but they didn't last. My Lord and my family are my lasting passions. And, I guess it shows....I pray that it does.

June 3

I'm weary.  After lots of hospital calls and two Bible studies, some administrative work, etc., I'm ready for rest.  I'm sure I'll fall asleep easily tonight because today's activities were satisfying work that gives my life purpose and fulfills the call God has placed on my heart.
I often reflect on how much easier my worst days are in ministry than my best days were in my previous profession.
You don't have to be a minister to feel that way.  Anyone fulfilling their calling from God gets a sense of satisfaction even on tiring days.
Thanks be to God who always equips us for any good work to which we are called.

 

May 20

I revel in watching my grandchildren try out things for the first time.  I take delight in watching one year old Corrie's fascination with opening and closing cupboard doors.  I know I need to make that activity safe and successful for her by making sure there aren't dangerous toxins in the cupboards within her reach.  I know there is the danger that she will smash her little fingers, but it's an important skill and she must try.
Encouraging spiritual skills development is part of the work of ministry.  I get the same excitement out of watching someone pray out loud for the first time, or serve as liturgist, or chair a committee or lead a ministry.  When someone takes on a new challenge for the sake of the gospel it gives me chills because I know that it is both a personal success and the result of the equipping of the Holy Spirit.  There is a similar need for a safety net as well.  Just because someone is willing to try something new doesn't take away the responsibility we leaders have for making sure they have everything they need to do it well and feel a sense of meaning and purpose.  Thanks be to God for the spiritual journey.

 

May 14

THere's a quotation I love that is often attributed to one of the founders of Methodism - John or Charles Wesley.  "Catch on fire with enthusiasm and people will come from miles around to watch you burn."  I like that the quotation implies that when we are enthusiastic Christians we become so contagious that we are attractive.  
Recently, a pastor wrote about this quotation on his church website, and having a large following, thousands of people have now read this and seen it falsely attributed.
If anyone out there knows the source of this quote, I would love to have it, but Wesleyan scholars have researched it and can't find it.
This is a little example to me of the need to be ever so careful to attribute things correctly in my sermons (which are now on the web), and my blogs.  I am careful to research quotations and stories I don't want to believe or don't like,but when it's something positive said about someone or thing I do like, I just accept it.  I love hearing positive things about my friends.  This lesson is that I should be careful no matter what.  I still like the quotation,but will attribute it to "anonymous" until I learn more.  Don't believe everything you read, even when it reinforces already held beliefs.

 

May 5

We hosted three of the UC choir members this week after their concert.  All guys.  I know what to do with guys.  (I have brothers and sons.)  Show them the man cave, give them food, and get out of the room.  
This time, there was a pleasant surprise.  One of the young men is a senior biology major who has a minor in religion and a lot of questions.  As we drove home we had great conversation.
The choir's performance and manners were a sterling example of young adults today.  My conversation with one of them gave me great hope for the future of the church.  If it is to be in his hands and those of young people like him, there will be a resurgence of apologetics and faith. Thanks be to God.

April 28

Someone planted lilies in my garden when I wasn't looking.  I came back from leading a retreat weekend Sunday night and went straight to bed.  Monday morning I was inhaling coffee and looked out my kitchen window.  Without my glasses, all I could see was that there was a flash of red where there was nothing blooming when I left on Thursday.  Hours later, I looked again, and realized it was lilies.  It isn't the time for lilies right now.  It's still too early.  
Who would sneak into my garden and plant lilies while I was gone.  (I think I know the answer,but I really don't want to know for sure.)  I love surprises, and I love secrets.  Best of all are secret, surprising acts of love.  God provides them all the time, there's even a book written about them.  The title is "God Winks".  Like a splash of red in a barren flower bed, so are God's fingerprints evident ( when we've had enough coffee to wake up and see them).  I see God's fingerprints in a surprise visit from a friend, or a phone call at just the right time.  A rainbow, or an encouraging note can be an anonymous loving gift from God and it's always perfectly timed, even when it's out of season.  I don't really want to know who planted the lilies, because the ultimate source of that gift was the creator of the universe.  It was a God Wink.

 

April 21

One of my favorite signs of spring is workers doing cold patch repair to roads.  Not as pretty as daffodils, or as refreshing as warm breezes, but very welcome to my car's shock absorbers.
I don't know how permanent cold patch is.  The advertising claims it's foolproof and easy for quick home driveway repairs.  But I've noticed the same places seem to develop potholes every year.  It's a quick solution, but perhaps not a permanent one.  The only permanent solution seems to be to totally dig up the road and replace it with concrete - and that's way too expensive for roadways.  But not for souls.  
Holes in our spirits can be quickly filled with things that don't last - momentary pleasures.  But long-lasting solutions take time, energy and lots of prayer.  Often the holes have to be enlarged, ugly things revealed and excised, then slowly filled with the good stuff. The good stuff deepens our relationship with God - conversations with the almighty, service to others without counting the cost, worship, communion, forgiveness.
It's spring and the potholes are being filled.  How about yours?  How about mine?

 April 7

I had an egg hunt for my grandson last week. We start early because it's an activity he loves. I usually put pretzels or goldfish crackers in the plastic eggs, because he isn't allowed to have sugar.
Last week, he insisted that he could stay in the room while I hid the eggs. He said he would sit backwards on the couch and cover his eyes. That worked fine, till I turned around and he was peeping through his hands. As a grandmother, I tend to want to ignore misbehavior. I think he's so cute when he does these things that I don't want to correct him. I'm perfectly wiling to leave that to his parents. But I know he needs to learn ethical behavior, even when his misbehavior is adorable. So we had a time out before the hunt to think about what it means to resist temptation and why it's so important.
I love him just the way he is, but too much to leave him there. That's the way God loves us - just the way we are, and too much to leave us as we are. Thanks be to God.

March 27

I took a quiz about Lent this morning.  I was relieved when I got all the answers right.  The pastor is supposed to know these things.  But some of this stuff we didn't learn in seminary, like the question, "Why are eggs a symbol of Easter?"  Try it out yourself.  Which of the following is the correct answer or answers?
The answer is all of the above.  In addition to those, I like hard boiled eggs as a metaphor for the Trinity.  God is in three parts like the parts of an egg: yellow white and shell are like Father Son and Holy Spirit.  All three parts of an egg are the same, have the same DNA, yet they are different in appearance, function, nutrition, etc.  So it is with the Trinity - the same substance, yet different.  Thanks be to God for reminders of new life, the empty tomb, and the Trinity.  Easter blessings, Pastor Peg

 

March 17

Eggs, eggs, eggs.  As Easter approaches, my mind turns toward eggs.  There are the ones filled this week for our annual Easter Egg Hunt coming up on Palm Sunday.  There are eggs to be boiled to make my annual batch of pickled eggs for Easter.  I bought chocolate eggs to put in family Easter baskets.  Eggs are a great symbol of new life in spring, assuming, of course, that one DOESN'T boil them and they're fertile.  Chicks and ducklings are cute little images of new life this time of year.
Hard boiled eggs are a great metaphor for the trinity.  Egg white, yolk and shell are all different, but the same.  They have the same DNA, but different uses - just like the mystery of the trinity.  Father, son and holy spirit are one in three.  How can that be?  They are differentiated, but not different.
Omelets, egg salad, fried eggs, pickled eggs, deviled eggs....  This time of year, when thoughts turn to eggs, remember the one who designed them, who came and lived among us, and who continues to inspire us.  Our God is an awesome God.

 

March 7

I'm turning 60 in two weeks, and I'm very excited about it.  I'm going to have my first birthday party ever.  When I was a kid, we had cake for dinner, but no parties.  As an adult, I baked cakes and threw parties for my children, but parties were for the kids.  It occurred to me that I'd never had a party when I turned 40, after the fact.  Circumstances were awkward when I turned 50, so no party.  THIS YEAR, I'M CELEBRATING.  I'm celebrating the gift of life.  I'm celebrating MY life: full, rich with family and friends, blessed.  My husband's grandfather was a great model for celebrating life.  He would say that he couldn't believe how far he had come, how far God had brought him.  Then he would name all the ordinary, marvelous miracles in his life.  That's my plan for my celebration of life - to name all the miracles with which God has blessed me.  May you celebrate the gift of life as well.

 

Feb 23

Today, one of my kids completed a major milestone professionally.  I was more nervous than she, and I'm now more relieved.  And proud.  And filled with joy.
In my younger years, I don't remember ever being this pleased for someone else's success (well, maybe my husband's).  I wanted to be less competitive.  I SAID I valued being collaborative and collegial.  I wanted it to be true.  But I was hard driven and goal oriented, and one of my goals was to be the best.  The best homemaker, the best mother, the best wife, the best trainer, the best daughter-in-law, the best cookie maker, ad infinitum.
If someone else baked a better pie I wanted to improve on HER recipe so I could be better.
Now, I'm actually praying my daughter in law will be a better pastor than I, not only because that will advance the Kingdom of God (a good enough reason), but also because it will bring great joy to my heart.  Her accomplishments mean more to me now than my own.  That's true of lay persons in the church.  When one of them completes a successful new ministry, or launches a project, I'm joyous for the sake of the work, and of their ministry.
The older I get, the more that's true.  I wish I'd known how great this feeling is years ago.  I think this may be an alternative to the kind of competitiveness that leads to depression and even suicide.  I think it may be counter to the kind of cutthroat competition that gives many people impetus to cheat.  And it might be a solution to poor self image.
What if everyone gave their all for the sake of the work, rather than for self-aggrandizement?  What a world that would be!

 

 

January 5

Today I will be a substitute for another pastor at a graveside committal.  Substitute teachers have a difficult time, not knowing the students or the curriculum (and often are given a hard time by the students).  Being a substitute minister is quite different.  Though I don't know the deceased, I do know the order of worship for the committal, and I know how to comfort grieving people, even ones I've never met. So this isn't a hard task.
It's much harder being a substitute for God in some people's eyes.  Many years ago, the family member of someone who was dying said to me: "You're the closest thing to God we've got".  I wanted to say - "Then you're in big trouble".  Instead, I prayed.
It's a big mistake to substitute anyone or anything for God.  It's a big mistake to put unconditional trust or faith in any human being.  We're all fallible.  But as long as people sometimes put that kind of faith in me, I'll keep my doubts and fears to myself, and pray that I can live up to their trust.  Thanks be to God for answered prayers.

 

December 30

Pastor Peg is on vacation, so I though that I would share my thought as we close the chapter called 2014. It touches my heart the way our church family supports, feeds, and cares for the friends and neighbors from our community. We truly have open hearts. The Bible studies in our church have grown so big that a bigger room may be in order! How cool is that! Pastor Peg not only preaches and teaches, she shares her heart and her love! We are so blessed that she shepherds us toward a deeper faith and stronger walk with our Lord. We are so happy that we laugh together, never at someone. This was demonstrated recently during worship when a shower scene appeared by mistake during worship. (The wrong movie clip was cued!) We laughed with our wonderful pastor and loved her even more (if that is possible)! Pastor Peg has only been part of our family since July, but just ask anyone and they will talk of her thought provoking messages, her amazing voice that we hear often, and our love for her. Yes, it has been a very good year, and we are blessed!

December 17

My grandson has been driving me nuts singing the same song over and over again - and it's a repetitious one at that.  "Somebody call 9-1-1 there's a fire burning,better get low, and go - o,somebody call 9-1-1- there's a fire burning, better get low, and go- o."  Then he sings the phrase "fire burning" about a million times before he repeats the words above.  This can go on for half an hour until I'm ready to make him go sing it to the firemen who played it for them during fire safety week.  Despite my impatience with the song, I know its repetitious nature has taught Joseph exactly what to do in case of a fire.  Ask him and he'll sing "Get low and go - o"  Then he'll explain what that means.
Sometimes it seems as though God is repeating the same lesson with me over and over again.  Perhaps the repetition that it so helpful for a preschooler is necessary for me to learn new things, too.  Thanks be to God who is willing to repeat the same instructions over and over and over, until I finally get the message.

 

December 9

As I become more tech savvy (and it's all uphill for me), I find myself using social media more and snail mail less.  So it's a surprise to me that I still hang on to the practice of sending actual paper Christmas cards.
This year I'll send email letters to all the folks who stopped sending snail cards years ago, but there are hundreds of people I'll still hand write.  I've been wondering why.
Perhaps it has something to do with the magical mystery of touching something that far away friends have touched.  Or it has something to do with praying for each one as I sign the card.  Maybe it has something to do with the delight of opening cards and reading messages scrawled by people we haven't seen in years, but to whom we still feel connected through this outmoded media.
Or, perhaps it's simply nostalgia of the sort that makes me watch old Christmas movies while I write the cards (much easier since I can order up the movies on Netflix).
Despite postage costs and national scandals, and in danger of being called old fashioned, I shall continue to write to all those who write to me, that we might share this outmoded greeting and wish one another a happy Christmas, bright new year, and the warmth of friends across the years and miles.  And a Merry Christmas to you as well.

 

December 2

I met with a family yesterday to harvest memories before doing the funeral for their loved one.  As they told stories about him, it was clear that he was a man of deep faith and conviction who never questioned God.  As a result, his life was filled with fun and joy.  He was a practical joker who lived life to the fullest knowing his direction every day  - in this life and the next.  I love doing funerals for folks who are clearly destined for heaven.  it's so much harder to comfort the families of the others....

November 21

I made the mistake of going grocery shopping tonight, the Friday before Thanksgiving. Everyone was rushing to get turkeys at 50 cents/pound off.  The store was so crowded it was hard to get through aisles that are normally plenty wide.  Some aisles were impassable.  I began wandering - distracted from my task by all the people and noise.
Finally, I remembered to take out my 'to do' list and focus on why I was there.
This time of year I get easily distracted by the demands of home, family and church.  Sometimes nothing seems to be getting done because I've lost my focus.  Instead of a 'to do' list, I pull out my Bible and read again the story of the birth of the Christ Child found in the opening chapters of Luke.  Then I remember why we do what we do at this time of year. When I get my spiritual priorities straight, everything else seems easy.  "For my yoke is easy and my burden is light", says the Lord.  (Matthew 11: 29)

November 10
We have a new puppy. It sounded like a great idea, getting a dog.   But it's been twenty years since we trained a puppy.  We'd forgotten how much work it is, how often they have to be taken out, how much attention they need.  Oh, I'm not suggesting we get rid of Hans, and I'm not complaining.  (Well, just a little).
I was watching grandson Joseph with the pup.  Joseph has learned very quickly how to discipline Hans.  "No, Hans!  Down Hans!  No bite Hans!"  It was all negative.  He didn't praise him when he did the right thing, wasn't petting him.  He wasn't doing anything to form a relationship with Hans.  He was just criticizing.
Now, a puppy will follow you for a long time, even if not encouraged, but eventually the puppy becomes a grown dog and learns who is fun to be around and who isn't.
What does that mean for us as a church?  Are there times when new Christians or seekers are in our midst and all we do is share the "don'ts" without the joy of our salvation?  Yesterday my sermon was about obedience to God's law, and I hope it conveyed that the gift of the law is for our well-being, our protection.  God's gift of law, the Ten Commandments, is intended to help us form a society in which we can form real relationships and have the freedom to romp and play safely. That's what I need to teach Joseph about his relationship with Hans.

October 30

Once upon a time there were seven ladies, all quite above average in intellect and creativity, and blessed with the gift of fun.  They dressed in costume for Trunk or Treat, and provided a laugh or two or three.  Some were short enough to be believable as dwarves, others were, well, not.  As they marched down the hall, in anything but a straight line, singing"Hi ho", they made up words as they went, or just sang "Hi ho" endlessly.
I thought my sides would split, I laughed so hard.  I started to give them the words to the song, but realized it was much funnier as it was.
They were willing to appear foolish for Christ and did it in such a joyous spirit that it made the rest of us glad to be there, glad to be alive, glad to have a community of faith.  I Corinthians 4:10 says "We are fools for Christ".  May such fools abound.

Oct 10

Serenity Prayer: God grant me the grace to accept with serenity the things that cannot be changed.
Courage to change the things which should be changed,
and the Wisdom to distinguish the one from the other.
Living one day at a time, Enjoying one moment at a time,
Accepting hardships as a pathway to peace,
Taking, as Jesus did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it,
Trusting that You will make all things right, if I surrender to Your will,
So that I may be reasonably happy in this life,
And supremely happy with You forever in the next. Amen.

Oct 6

I'm in the church on a Saturday, as usual, and it amazes me how many other people are here. The folks for Grace and Eggs will come in to set up their stuff for Sunday mornings.  Shirley is here cleaning.  She will also help a family coming from out of town for a funeral lunch after an interment in the cemetery next door.  Dot Blaney is rehearsing on the organ, and I began setting up the altar for World Communion Sunday.  I'll polish and rehearse my sermon before I leave today.  Amy Bryan is painting (again) in the Kingdom Kids theater.  Pam Dille was here setting up the coffee cart for refreshment time after worship.  I wonder how many people think church just happens?  Does anyone really know how much goes on?  I give thanks and praise to God who calls and equips saints to work behind the scenes to the glory of the kingdom.

 

We had a couple of young visitors in worship recently.  One of our gracious members got to know their family and arranged to bring them to Kingdom Kids and Worship.   These are kids who have never before known God’s love.  During worship, one little fella looked at the woman who brought them to church and whispered “Can we come here always?”  I don’t know what he was feeling and never will.  But his words are a reminder to me never to forget that it is an amazing privilege to be loved by the Creator of the Universe.  It is God who adopts the abandoned and loves the unloved, who forgives the unforgiven and remembers the forgotten.  We are the hands and feet God uses.  Thanks be to God.

  Sept 20
OUMC had a potluck supper for P B and J kids this week.  There was great attendance, and the kids were so well-behaved that I was really impressed. After a delicious dinner, the children went by grade to pick up school supplies donated by church members.  Each one was given a pillowcase hand made by our members.  They filled their pillowcases with items needed for the school year.
I wish you could see the faces of the first graders as they came back with their bright pillowcases full of new supplies.  They were absolutely glowing.  It made my day.  No, my week.  Maybe my month.  I pray that each time they use those supplies, they will remember that God loves them, and we do, too.

Sept 8

 I ate my lunch in the sunshine today.  The temperature was a cool 73 with lovely breezes, and the picnic table in the community garden called to me.  When I came back into the church, I noticed my arms were slightly pink.  I had only been out there for fifteen or twenty minutes,but the sun was much hotter than it felt.

Bad habits came creep up and surprise us in a similar fashion.  Just one chocolate covered almond turns into a handful, just one small fib leads to more, just surfing TV channels can turn into watching shows we shouldn't.
Just as I need to check my skin frequently to make sure I'm not burning in the sun, so I need to check my habits to make sure they aren't developing into sins.  Have a virtuous day today!

  August 4

I just returned a book to the church library. To the Ends of the Earth by T. Davis Bunn is a Christian work of historical fiction.  It isn't sappy.  It isn't boringly historical.  It isn't preachy.  It's a good work of fiction, but also paints a fairly accurate picture of politics in the early Christian church of the Byzantine Empire.  The Arian heresy and Roman politics are contrasted with faithful Christians and their churches.  There is, of course, a romance on the side.
Making theology and church structure interesting to read isn't easy to do authentically.  I'm glad Bunn was willing to do it well.

 July 28

I've been taking some retreat time lately.  I usually like to go away somewhere quiet for a few days.  Instead, I've been taking a few hours here and there.  Still, when I stop and quiet myself and take time to listen, God speaks.  God has been active in my imagination recently, and I can't wait to share new insights with others.  I'm energized when I imagine all the things God is ready to do in our lives.
I recommend taking retreat time.  Whether you can do that for a couple of hours, or a couple of days, it's a great source of renewal and restoration.  Psalm 46:10  "Be still andknow that I am God"

July 21

Last weekend was complicated and scary.  First, we had news that our daughter-in-law was in a car accident, then the next day her mother was injured in a collision.  There are two totalled cars, two insurance claims, one person on bed rest for a very long time, unexpected travel, and a sense of helplessness.  Meanwhile, we're getting ready for house guests and parties for a baptism and two anniversaries in the family. Sometimes life is a roller coaster ride: fast paced and full of ups and downs.
When I was much younger I would panic at half of what needs to be done in the next twenty four hours.  Now, I just glide through it all on a cloud of prayer.  It isn't that I've changed, just that my perception of what is important has.  It doesn't matter if the guest bathroom isn't as clean as I'd like it - it does matter if I don't begin the day with prayer.  It doesn't matter if I don't put fresh flowers in the guest room - it does matter if I don't acknowledge those flowers are a gift from God.  Amazingly, when my priorities are straight, I have sufficient strength and energy for everything that really needs to be done.  Matthew 28:20 says "Behold, I am with you till the end of time"..That's a reminder to me that all of my time belongs to God who created it, and me.  God is with me in this time and for all time - thanks be to God.

 July 14

Learning new things makes me feel younger, but it takes a lot longer than when I WAS young.  We’re using a lot more technology in church these days than I did just last year.  Soon we’ll have QR codes everywhere and the RSS feed hooked up, and a new computer for worship, with Propresenter software.  I’m scrambling just to learn what these things are, much less how to use them, but it feels ever so satisfying when I ‘get’ it. 

The Gospel message hasn’t changed.  Jesus Christ  is the light of the world.  The ways we use to communicate that message are changing, because people and culture have changed.  We no longer communicate the way we did 100 years ago, or even 50 years ago, or even 10 years ago.  So, we’re working on communicating the same life changing message for a new generation.  Thanks be to God.   “Isaiah 43:19  See, I am doing a new thing!   Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?  I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”

 July 7

Our grandson loved VBS, but we are really working hard to get him to NOT correct adults when he thinks they are wrong.  [He wanted to put the music leader in time out because she said the word stupid]  He put me in time out a couple of weeks ago.  I had to stand in the corner until he counted to ten, without wiggling, he said.  Well, I had to find out what would happen if I wiggled.  He told me in a very stern voice that he would have to begin all over again if I didn't stand still.  When I was released from the corner he asked me what I did that was wrong and made me promise not to do it again.  Simple, effective discipline.  Often we test God's rules.  Too bad no one puts us in the corner.

 June 27

On my way home from Bible study week, I was recalling the lively discussion we had about how God works in the world.  Specifically, we were talking about God’s plan for our lives.  Does God have a detailed plan for each of us and we have to figure it out?  Or does God have a plan, but we get to choose whether we follow it or not?  Or does God care more about who we are than what we do, and care more about the why of what we do than the what?  The unanimous conclusion was that God is like a loving parent, who teaches and sets boundaries for the child, but can’t (and won’t) make decisions for the adult.  We have to do it ourselves.  That means God, like loving parents of adults, has hopes for us, and dreams, and even foreknowledge of what we will choose, but doesn’t make the choices for us.  It also means God aches and is heartbroken when we make choices that harm ourselves or others.  We aren’t puppets dangling on God’s string, and we aren’t cast adrift when we come of age.  We are loved and let free.   Have a Son-filled day.

 June 16

We’re off to annual conference tomorrow.  I’m busy packing and planning, cooking and imagining the memories we’ll make.  This year, for the first time, our whole family will be there.   Our youngest son and his wife will be taking care of the grandkids while the other four adults attend sessions.  It should be a great time of sharing and renewing, and the first time we’ve spent a considerable amount of time together since Jay’s cancer diagnosis.  It will be busy, with business sessions all day long and worship in the evenings.  But in the rare times of rest, I plan to take in the beauty of the lake, and the beauty of our family.  As summer approaches, I pray you do the same

 June 10

Today I drove past a movie rental place.  The sign had two lines of print.  The top line said Son of God.  The bottom line said Robocop.    Of course, the sign was advertising two recent movies that are now available for rental.  I haven't seen either movie, yet.  But that juxtaposition of titles intrigued me.  Is the Son of God a Robocop?  Some people probably think Jesus is a kind of moral police.  Or has Robocop become the Son of God to many secular unchurched people?
For me, Jesus is more than a robot, he's my companion and friend as well as my Lord.  He's not a cop either, for though he instructs me in the way way to live, he expects me to make my own choices for good or ill.  Have a Son-filled day.

June 2

I just read an article titled “Martian Jesus”.  The author was writing about Ascension Sunday, when Jesus leaves the disciples and ascends to heaven.  He was imagining himself as one of them, asking Jesus to wait so he could ask more questions like:  “what do you think about the internet, genetics, plutonium, football, Harry Potter ?”  (paraphrased)
I don’t know that I would ask about those particular things, but I often joke that I have a long list of questions to ask God when I get to heaven.  Why is the mango seed so big?  What happens to lost socks?  More seriously…. What happens to lost souls?  Some questions are really not meant to be asked.  Some may not matter in heaven.   For many of my questions I have answers that work to the best of my current knowledge, but I’m looking forward to God’s answers – definitive answers.  Have a son-filled day.

May 30

Check email - done.  Check Facebook messages- done.  Check cell phone messages - done.  Check home phone messages - done.  Check pink slips - done.  Check for text messages - done.  Check web site for messages - done.
I celebrate the many ways we have to communicate with one another.  Exchange of information is faster and easier than it ever was.  It's now almost as fast and easy to communicate with one another as it has always been to communicate with God.  Why then, do people think praying is so hard? Just say whatever words come to mind.  God already knows our thoughts.  Saying them to God helps us to put them in order and often helps us to hear ourselves.  It's as simple as this prayer my four year old grandson prayed last week:  "Dear God, thanks for all the help.  You'll always be my best buddy.  Amen."

May 20

I was writing an email a while ago, and my fingers stumbled.  Instead of my usual signature, which reads: “Blessings, Peg”, I wrote “Blesswings, Peg”.   I left it that way.  On reflection, it seemed a good idea  to send blessings via wings,.  I started to imagine how that might happen: perhaps they’d be carried by a dove, or an angel, or just little words on the wings themselves, saying “health”, “safety”, “shelter”, “peace”.  Then I started figuring out the best way to signal that I’m sending blessings on wings:  would it say blessed wings, winged blessings, or just blesswings?  Haven’t quite figured that out yet, so I’ll just say I’m sending blessings to you on the wings of angels.  Have a great week!

May 17


What's your favorite sign of spring?  I love so much about this time of year, but my favorite this year is rather strange.  I am enjoying the smell of new mown grass - even though it makes me sneeze!
It's a fresh smell, but also a sign that the weather has been warm enough long enough for enough growth to need cutting.  After the winter we had, it's a really joyful thing to have entire weeks of weather warmer than freezing!  Usually, I don't complain about weather because scripture tells us there is a time for everything under heaven.  But this year I found myself grousing about endless winter.  Not anymore!  Now I'm once again grateful to God for the changing seasons of Ohio - even when it makes me sneeze!

April 24, 2014     Last week, I had a conversation with a woman who has been a practicing Christian all her life.  It has only been in her retirement years that she has begun to have a personal relationship with Jesus.  As we talked, her witness was inspiring to me as she shared that she wakes up each morning with a sense of joy.  Every day she asks the question: "What shall Jesus and I do together to make the world a better place?"  She looks for those opportunities, and relishes the chance to serve God every day.  Often, I get fatigued by the responsibilities of church, home and family.  Hearing this contagious Christian share her experience energized me.  I wonder if there is someone who needs to hear my witness today?

March 19, 2014     My husband, Ash, and I are doing devotions together during Lent.  We’re using a little book titled Names of God, from Zondervan.  I like the daily readings, but even more, I like the concept of thinking about ALL the biblical names for God.  It stretches my image of God, my understanding of God, my relationship with God. Some of the names are as familiar as my own name: Lamb of God, Immanuel, potter, El Shaddai.  But listen to this one: Owner of the Cattle on a Thousand Hills.  I pray that the owner of the cattle on a thousand hills will take pity on this oft-straying cow and lead her home.  May you be similarly led.

March 12, 2014     It's late, and my usual resources for getting to sleep aren't working.  Counting my blessings and going through hymns alphabetically just won't work tonight, the night of the time change.  So I  started talking with God about my day, and the people in it.  I especially gave thanks for our prayer leader this morning.  Kathy Strunk and I clearly received the same message from God, since each of us separately referred to the need to give thanks to God in all circumstances.  (This comes from 1 Thessalonians 5)

I'm sure many people read that and start looking for loopholes.  How can we possibly give thanks in ALL circumstances?  Surely that isn't possible after the grueling winter we've had, or the string of deaths in one particular family, or the loss of financial security, again, in another family.  The answer is that we must give thanks in ALL things in order to truly trust God to have our best interests in mind.  So in the midst of sleeplessness  due to an arthritic knee, I'll give thanks for the pain - and maybe then I can get back to sleep.  May you know your blessings, so you can count them,
Pastor Peg