Pastor Andrew's Midweek Reflection

By Andrew Scanlan-Holmes 21 Mar, 2024
As Jesus said all this, several people believed in him. So Jesus spoke to the Judaeans who had believed in him ‘If you remain in my word,’ he said, ‘you really will be my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.’ ‘We are Abraham’s descendants!’ they replied. ‘We’ve never been anyone’s slaves! How can you say that “You’ll become free”?’ ‘I’m telling you the solemn truth,’ Jesus replied. ‘Everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin. 35 The slave doesn’t live in the house forever; the son lives there forever. 36 So, you see, if the son makes you free, you will be truly free.’ The speech given by United States Senator Robert F. Kennedy on April 4, 1968, in Indianapolis is deeply rooted in a pivotal moment of American history. This speech occurred spontaneously several hours after the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., a defining event that shook the nation. Kennedy's address to the gathered crowd was not planned; it was an impromptu response to the tragic news that had just unfolded. Despite the lack of organization, the gathering culminated with a unified singing of ‘We Shall Overcome’, an anthem of the civil rights movement symbolizing hope and resilience in the face of adversity. The speech referenced a verse from St John’s gospel, ‘The truth will set you free,’ which resonates profoundly through Christian teachings and emphasizes liberation from various forms of bondage—sin, slavery, law, death, injustice, debt, and tyranny. This message is as relevant today as it was then, highlighting that truth is the pathway to freedom. In a world rife with tyranny and slavery, which are sustained by lies and deceit, truth and freedom are inseparably linked. Kennedy's speech suggested that Jesus offered what many in Israel desired, freedom beyond their expectations. This offer was met with resistance from those who believed they were already free as descendants of Abraham. The speech posed a critical question: what is the truth, and how can it liberate us? In John’s gospel, Jesus is portrayed as the embodiment of truth—a truth that culminates in his crucifixion, an act of love that reveals divine glory. However, Kennedy's speech did not delve into how Jesus' death leads to freedom from sin; it left this contemplation open for interpretation. Yet it is a reminder that while the path to freedom is fraught with challenges, perseverance and unity in truth can lead to overcoming these obstacles. Shalom to you, my friend. Pastor Andrew
By Andrew Scanlan-Holmes 13 Mar, 2024
The writer of Psalm 14 laments that there is no one in the world who does good. Being a Christian and trying to follow the high calling of Christ can feel very isolating at times. When I watch the news, it seems to be filled with tragedy, wickedness, and, in some cases, downright evil. Most of the time, I feel as if newscasters are only spinning a tale intended to manipulat me. I sympathize, no… I empathize with the psalmist’s words. Everyone has proved faithless; all alike have turned bad; there is none who does good; no, not one. (Psalm 14:3) Of course, this feeling of being alone and wanting to see a world without evil and tragic suffering results from a false perception. The prophet Elijah felt isolated and alone, too! He cried out to God in anguish, “The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.” (1 Kings 19:10) Elijah felt alone and isolated in his zeal for the Lord. He felt threatened by the enemies of the Lord. And yet God told Elijah that there were 7000 in Israel who still revered the God of Israel. He was not alone at all… and God was with him. The people of Israel were defeated by Babylon, a nation that seemed to devour every people and land it chose to subdue. In exile, the people of Israel cried out, “How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever??” (Psalm 13: 1) But the Lord does not forget us... even though we feel alone... even though we may feel isolated among a people who have forgotten their creator. Far from it! God is always working out our redemption from our enemies, whether they be spiritual, societal, or natural oppressors. We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28) Isaiah writes of a deliverance coming for the exiled Hebrew people through a victor from the east. Who roused this conqueror? Why it is the Lord, the first and last, the Alpha and Omega! Listen to God speak words of assurance to His people. Do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. (Isaiah 41:10) I know that Christianity is sometimes guilty of over-spiritualizing messages in the Bible. Surely, it is true that the battle belongs to the Lord. We know that that battle is in the heart, but this battle against evil is not only a spiritual battle against evil inclinations. It is a battle waged in our real world with all its problems, tyranny, brutality, and want. Our hope is not only in a happy ever after in heaven. Our hope is now, even though we do not yet see what God is doing. We trust that God is with us and God will deliver. He is our help and very present in times of trouble. May the peace that comes through trust in God comfort and strengthen you. Pastor Andrew
By Andrew Scanlan-Holmes 06 Mar, 2024
As a teenager growing up in the town I lived in, West Yorkshire, I had access to some beautiful moorland countryside and the wonderful Yorkshire Dales. Nowadays, as I did when I was younger, I like to take time away from the city to walk and enjoy the peace nature can offer in so many places. I appreciate being beside water or roaming through trails in woodlands, but I also find some of the more rugged places have a sort of peace and tranquility that can rarely be found elsewhere. In this Lenten period, it is good to find time when you can be alone with God in a different setting and take yourself to a place that can help you think about your life more meaningfully. One of the things that fascinates me about living here in Indiana is how human intervention has opened up the possibilities for this type of exercise and activity. Areas that were once wholly unsuitable or inaccessible have been ‘reclaimed’ to become places of retreat for people like me who enjoy the guided walk of a pathway or trail. It is a reminder of our Christian life, as the first Letter of Peter states, ‘You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people who God has set apart so that you may declare the goodness of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once, you were not a people – now you are the people of God; once you had not obtained forgiveness, you have received mercy.” (1 Peter 2:9-10). By His grace, God has reclaimed you from the inaccessible barren wastelands of your past life and renamed you as part of his chosen people, and he is constantly at work within you to help reshape and redirect your life. It is a lifelong process as we continuously seek to resist the pressure to go our own way. Yet, thanks be to God, though we must play our part; the final victory is not down to us but to him. So why not take time this Lent to ask yourself in what way is God still trying to reclaim, reshape, and redirect you? Are there areas where the old nature is holding back his purpose? Let this Lent be a time for God’s reclamation process to work in your life. Perhaps this can be your prayer. Loving God, I give you praise and thanks for the way you have been at work in my life: the way you have offered me a new beginning, a new identity, and a new sense of purpose, constantly working within me to reclaim, refashion, and redeem me. Remind me that despite my weakness, you are able to take and use me far beyond my expectations. Amen. Shalom to you, Pastor Andrew
By Andrew Scanlan-Holmes 28 Feb, 2024
I don’t know if it is just me, but I sense there is a very real and growing problem with many of the elected members of the government on both sides of the political spectrum and others in the media and even in some churches and church leaders determining the truth from lies. I am thankful that, for the most part, this country's courts and legal system are still focused on ‘the truth’ and, when necessary, holding everyone accountable for their words and actions. For example, I draw hope in the fact that some of the people who have made outrageous claims about the 2020 election in the corridors of power, the news and current affairs programs, and on social media and in print, have enough respect for the rule of law that when stood in a courtroom they finally admit that there is no substantial, verifiable evidence to back up their falsehoods and deceptions. Social media and internet companies are spending millions of dollars on devising ways to try and sort fact from fiction when it comes to posts on their online platforms in order that we might be given a more straightforward and reliable answer to our need to know what is going on in the world around us. So, it is troubling to read that some of those people who own social media companies are deliberately dismantling the processes and policies that provide this safeguard. If this continues, we will struggle to determine what is true and what is ‘fake news.’ During Lent, we read about John the Baptist, who is incarcerated by Herod, sending some of his disciples to go and question Jesus about what he had heard Jesus was doing. Was it true, were these stories real, or was it Fake News? Were the extraordinary tales of healings and miracles true, or just a good PR spin on an otherwise normal event? Was Jesus really the Messiah, the one whose coming was foretold and whom Israel was eager to receive? Note how Jesus replies to the question. He doesn’t rely on words alone but points the disciples to the outcome of his presence, “The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.” Jesus was echoing the words of Hebrew scripture from the prophets but was also saying that the evidence is clear to those who care to look. Indeed, the actions sometimes speak louder than the words used. That is true today as well, and not just in terms of the news of the day but in relation to our own lives and witness. It is often easy to say that we follow the teachings of Jesus and seek to be good Christians, but do our actions back that up? Is the evidence there to support our claims, or do we betray our authentic selves by saying one thing and doing another? Sadly, it is all too true of politicians and others that what they claim to be their position on something, or their belief, is shown to be just hollow words as they are seen to act in totally the opposite way. Yet we, too, can be guilty of the same thing. What is definitely not ‘Fake News’ are the claims and dependability of Jesus to back up words with action. As we continue through Lent and through this time of self-examination to uncover the issues that may cloud our lives, we can be certain of the love of Christ that seeks to forgive our foolish ways and our self-deception so that we may find the real truth to living. Perhaps this could be your prayer this week? Loving God, as I acknowledge your presence in this prayer, I acknowledge that there are times when I am not the person you want me to be; I am not the person I long to be. Help me to order my life better so that my words and actions may always be acceptable in your sight. Amen. Shalom to you, Pastor Andrew
By Andrew Scanlan-Holmes 21 Feb, 2024
I am sure, like me, you have heard it said that what is spoken of you by others at your funeral should be told to you on your birthday. I know there have been many occasions when I have sat with families to plan a funeral. A relative has said, “I hope they (the deceased) knew how much they meant to me/us.” A statement like that has much to unpack, but I understand its sentiment. Sometimes, only when we find that someone or something is taken from us can we truly discover the value they, or it, had in our lives. Linda Ellis captures some of this in her poem ‘The Dash,’ Here is a verse from it. He noted that first came the date of birth and spoke the following date with tears, but he said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years. At Roberts Park, we are about to embark on an exercise like the words said in a eulogy about the deceased at a funeral. We will discuss all the positive things we like about Roberts Park and some remarkable people in the church family. It is a process called ‘Asset Mapping,’ we need to do this as part of our preparation to apply for some large grants to help us maintain and update the building and our facilities. Everyone reading this is invited to share this fantastic opportunity to celebrate what is good about Roberts Park and its people. Take a few minutes and jot down the answers to these three questions in an email to me at the church. aholmes@robertsparkumc.org Thinking first of the building itself . If Roberts Park were too close tomorrow, I would miss … Think about all the events and meetings at Roberts Park. If Roberts Park were not here, I would miss … Think about the people you know at Roberts Park who contribute to the church's life by offering their time and talents to help the church in its work. E.g., we have several people who are skilled in writing grants. We have a professional graphic designer who knows how to set out print materials. We have an experienced editor who helps ensure that our communications are the best we can make them. We have an architect who knows about historical buildings and how they can be maintained and developed. We have attorneys who help us with our legal matters. There are … well, you get the idea. What ‘assets’ would be on your list? When you have done all that, pause and give thanks for all how Roberts Park and the people you know who attend the church have, or are, contributing to its Dash! Please know that I am praying for you and giving thanks for how you enrich the church's life. I genuinely mean it when I say I would like to hear from you and read what would be on your lists. Please send it to aholmes@robertsparkumc.org Shalom to you, Pastor Andrew
14 Feb, 2024
Yesterday, I made the mistake of running into CVS for a “quick” stop to pick up a few items. My first clue should have been the packed parking lot. Then, I entered and found myself winding my way around an absurd number of people crowded in the aisles. When I glanced over to the check-out area, I saw a ridiculously long line of folks there as well. One of the store workers was standing nearby, so I said to her, “Wow! You all are so busy today. What’s going on?” She replied to me, like it should have been obvious, “It’s the day before Valentine’s Day. This is what it’s always like.” Sure enough, as I looked back around, the story made more sense: People were crowding around the cards, the candy, even the flowers (did you know you can buy Valentine’s Day roses at CVS?). They all had somewhat-frantic looks on their faces. One guy over at the flowers looked completely lost. He turned to me and asked, “What do all these different colors of roses mean? Which one am I supposed to get?” I told him I have no idea about the meaning of rose colors, but I was pretty sure he couldn’t go wrong with red. Relieved, he grabbed his bouquet and headed to check out. I wasn’t there for anything related to the holiday. I just needed a few (everyday) items. Everyone else, though? They were there because they needed to be prepared for today. In a strange confluence of secular and sacred calendars, today is not only Valentine’s Day but also Ash Wednesday. And I wonder….. are we equally as concerned about being prepared for Ash Wednesday? This is the start of the holy season of Lent, a season set aside for self-examination, repentance, fasting, and preparation for Easter. Even though it may feel overshadowed by heart candy and roses, this “other holiday” today matters — we need this ritual of Ash Wednesday to bring us into Lent and remind us what it’s all about. I’m guessing none of us were frantically shopping for Ash Wednesday cards last night, but here’s the Good News: You don’t need anything special for this holiday. Just show up. Come and worship, receive the sign of ashes, and begin this Lenten season with intention. O God, maker of every thing and judge of all that you have made, from the dust of the earth you have formed us and from the dust of death you would raise us up. By the redemptive power of the cross, create in us clean hearts and put within us a new spirit, that we may repent of our sins and lead lives worth of your calling; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (prayer from The United Methodist Hymnal, #353) Grace and Peace, Pastor Mary
By Andrew Scanlan-Holmes 07 Feb, 2024
So, it's genetic, and I can do nothing about it. The herb cilantro (Coriandrum sativum), aka coriander, Chinese parsley, and Mexican parsley, smells and tastes like soap. A study by the genetic company 23andMe has shown that the OR6A2 gene is a “compelling candidate gene for detecting odors that give cilantro its divisive flavor.” For others, that is not the case. Coriander seeds are often dried and used as a citrusy spice, while the cilantro stems and leaves are utilized as a garnish for sauces and in every manner of the dish, but for me, it is soapy and ruins the flavor of a dish. Have you ever considered how much our bodies play in our spiritual life? How often do you value your physical body's pivotal role in your spiritual journey? What could your body teach you? In a well-known passage from Mark’s gospel that is often used to support the idea of specific food laws, Jesus says, ‘Listen to me, all of you, and understand: there is nothing outside a person that by going in can defile, but the things that come out are what defile.’ When he had left the crowd and entered the house, his disciples asked him about the parable. He said to them, ‘Then do you also fail to understand? Do you not see that whatever goes into a person from outside cannot defile, since it enters, not the heart but the stomach, and goes out into the sewer?’ (Thus, he declared all foods clean.) And he said, ‘It is what comes out of a person that defiles. For it is from within, from the human heart, that evil intentions come: fornication, theft, murder, adultery, avarice, wickedness, deceit, licentiousness, envy, slander, pride, folly. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.’ Mark 7:14-23 I may not be able to change how I taste cilantro, but I can change how I deal with ‘evil intentions, ’ as Jesus puts it. That’s because they are not so much triggered by external factors in food but from the internal attitude I hold and reveal through my words and actions. As Jesus says, ‘It is from within, from the human heart …’. How is your heart today? I invite you to take a moment and listen to your body in God's presence. Listen to your heart. What does that reveal to you? How might you seek to address the things that could be polluting your words or actions today? Perhaps this could be your prayer? Lord, help me know my intentions for my life today. May they always be good and wholesome intentions, not ones that harm me or others. Amen Shalom to you, my friend, Pastor Andrew
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