“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult.” Psalm 46:1-3
It is written that people often define their lives by some major event or experience. This is especially true for a life-shaping disaster. I know that you’ll agree that this is happening to us—and the rest of the world, with the onslaught of the coronavirus.
It seems almost impossible that this is happening, and certainly in my lifetime I’ve never seen anything like it. It reminds us of 9/11, and some of us have experienced other disasters. Yet, COVID-19 seems different in so many ways.
I was in a conference call today via an online application called Zoom with other COPA (Communities Organized for Relational Power in Action,) leaders led by our very own Mayra Bernabe, to talk about what is happening in our local institutions. We shared how people are panicking, hoarding food and supplies, and basically freaking out as they shelter in place. Now that all the schools are closed, parents are trying their best to maintain order in the home, and lack of childcare is an issue. Some who are financially secure feel like they will get by okay, but others, especially families in poverty with little financial reserves, face inescapable suffering ahead. Plus, we know the virus causes many deaths. We’re not at the end of this crisis.
Sheltering in place is absolutely the right thing for us to be doing now as we attempt to “flatten the curve,” and lessen the impact of the disease on the population. But I’ll be honest; it feels totally weird. Sure, some industries are exempt, and for good reason, including food production, emergency responders, hospitals, etc., but the rest of us must now physically and socially distant ourselves from everyone—six feet minimum!—unless it’s a close family member. And that’s hard.
Besides fear, we can feel lonely, isolated, and overwhelmed. When we listen to the news, we feel bombarded by conflicting reports and panic.
What’s a believer to do? We must turn to God. We must turn to God. As the Scripture says, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” There aren’t many guarantees in life, but “what is guaranteed is that when we trust in God, God will be with us. God never meant for us to be alone, ever. God is with us in the worst and in the best of times. Even in death, God promises to meet us on the other side.”
I pray we reorder our priorities, take stock, and prepare to live as Christ taught us in this new world. Won’t you join me?
It’s said that Mark Twain once said this about the Bible:[i] “I have no problem with those parts of the Bible I don’t understand. It’s those parts of the Bible I do understand that give me fits.” This passage certainly belongs to this category:
Here’s another old saying that deserves a second look: ‘Eye for eye, tooth for tooth.’ Is that going to get us anywhere?
Here’s what I propose: ‘Don’t hit back at all.’ If someone strikes you, stand there and take it. If someone drags you into court and sues for the shirt off your back, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it.
And if someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously. Matthew 5:38-42, The Message
Do you believe in an eye for eye, tooth for tooth? Jesus said to love your enemies, turn the other cheek, to throw out retribution and punishment, and take up a servant life in everything we do. But I’m not sure if it’s doable! Jesus, are you sure you meant what you said? How can we turn our other cheek?
Sadly, even we Christians seem to mess this one up.
One day a truck driver stopped at a restaurant for dinner and ordered a steak.[iii] Before he could eat it, in walked a motorcycle gang, with dirty leather jackets and long, unkempt hair. They took the man’s steak, cut it into six pieces, and ate it. The driver said nothing. He simply paid the bill and walked out.
One of the gang members said, “That man couldn’t talk. He didn’t say a word.” Another one said, “He couldn’t fight, either; he didn’t lift a hand.” A waiter added, “I would say that he couldn’t drive either. On his way out of the parking lot, he ran over six motorcycles.”
Something in us loves that story, because we like retaliation.[iv] But that’s not the only thing. The flip side of the coin has to do with forgiveness. Can God, will God, really forgive murderers?
I’ll be honest. I don’t know a lot of folks currently in prison, or those who have been incarcerated in state or federal prison. It’s just not my usual crowd. On the other hand, I’ve known attorneys who convict people, and those that defend them. I’ve met a guard who works in Soledad prison south of Salinas who’s a parent of one of our music kids, and I’ve even met a few judges who decide what punishment the convicted will receive.
Over the years, I’ve known children who’ve lost a family member or parent to incarceration, leaving them without that person in their life. Sometimes that’s not all bad, but most of the time it’s a disaster. Having someone you love go to prison can rip a family apart, even though yes, the criminal, in most cases deserves the punishment.
I’ll confess that I can only guess how it feels to be caught up in the criminal justice system—on either the victim or the perpetrator’s side—and what it means to be sentenced to prison. Either way sounds really bad, and I know there’s a lot of pain involved.
Here at Watsonville First United Methodist Church, we try to help this process in a small way by working with the Superior Court of Santa Cruz County as part of an alternative payment system. Folks from the court who owe fines are referred to us to work off the money by volunteering at our facility, under my supervision.
However, getting a traffic ticket and having to pay a fee, is different than spending time in a state or federal penitentiary. A lot different. Sure, I’ve seen plenty of TV shows and read murder mysteries about crime, but that’s not the same thing as actually having a close relationship with someone who is currently in jail. Maybe you know more than I do.
So you may wonder, how does this pertain to us? Why should we care?
You and I know that ordinary citizens are likely to take part in the processes of government in one of two ways during our lifetimes: either as a voter or when summoned to serve as a juror in a trial court.[v]
The right to a trial by jury is an important safeguard for all Americans.[vi] It is guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which states that “the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury of the state and district wherein the crime shall have been committed.” … The juror’s role is to listen to all the evidence and to impartially decide the case.
This summer, I received an official looking letter in the mail, which contained a jury summons from the Office of the Jury Commissioner to appear for jury duty in Monterey County (where our home is located.) That wasn’t so unusual. I’m usually asked every two years or so to do my civic duty and appear in court to help decide a case. It’s one of the hassles and privileges of citizenship, although in the past I’ve always been booted off the jury panel in the process. I guess no attorney wants to try to guess how a pastor/lawyer/mom like me is going to decide a case. But I’m privileged to offer to serve.
What surprised me about the summons this time was that I was in Group No. 12. Usually in my experience a typical panel of jurors is around 100 or so people. But to call twelve panels meant something big was coming up on the court trial calendar.
Then I read the paper.
Do any of you recall the tragic story of 13-year-old Christina Williams of Marina, who vanished without a trace from her family’s home back in 1998? My daughter Lydia was nine-years-old at the time, and in the third grade. That crime really upset both of us, as it did the rest of the community. I remember that she and I prayed together for Christina and her family every night before Lydia went to bed for months. Despite a massive search, nobody knew what had happened until later that year when her remains were found in nearby Fort Ord.
But the killer had vanished.
Finally in 2017, there was a breakthrough in the case. Federal DNA evidence linked the crime to a man named Charles Holifield. He’s an incarcerated, convicted kidnapper and serial rapist. Christina’s alleged killer had been found.
Fast forward to last month, and after earlier court proceedings, Holifield’s case was formally set for trial this August, the same week I was to report for jury duty.[vii] And the newspapers said that the District Attorney’s office was pursuing the death penalty, which meant that I would probably (a.) be stuck at court all day to get through that many jurors, and (b.) be called upon to decide whether or not Holifield should be put to death, if I was chosen for the jury.
And this possibility blew me away.
On one hand, if anyone deserves the death penalty, I think that if the evidence lines up, Charles Holifield sure does. The murder of little Christina was a horrible tragedy. On one occasion I saw her mother driving around in a car, crying her eyes out. Her father repeatedly pleaded on TV for the little girl’s return. And I know their family was torn apart. Many, many people, including my daughter, were terrified.
But could I support a capital conviction, even in this kind of case?
First, I knew I didn’t want to be a juror on the trial for a number of reasons, including the fact that it would take weeks if not months to present all the evidence. I’ve got too much work to do around here for that. But I discovered another reason. I realized that I just didn’t want to be on a jury to convict someone—anyone—of the death penalty.
I was ready to appear for jury duty, but it turns out that Charles Holifield’s criminal trial was postponed for a year, so I was excused. (Thank God.)
But I’m still considering what I would do and what I believe. I’m wondering if together you and I might be able to learn more about the ethical and biblical issues involved with the death penalty if we thought about it together, here at church.
And that’s how the idea for this sermon was born.
What would I say in court if forced to explain my position to a judge? I realized that I didn’t really know all that much about it, except that it grossed me out. If I was called upon as a juror, I wanted to be able to articulate what I believe before I got there. I wanted the facts, so I did some searching online: “Cut This: The Death Penalty,”
The death penalty is admittedly a very tough subject, whether you’re for it, against it, or neutral. Maybe you’re like me, and want to think about it in terms of your faith. We’re Christians. We seek to live by three simple rules. Do no harm. Do good. And stay in love with God. I wonder, what would Jesus do when it comes to the death penalty anyway? People argue about the answer.
Exodus 20 verse 13 says, “You shall not murder.” Pretty clear cut, right? But not so fast.
As one writer puts it, it’s complicated.[ix] Yes, the 10 Commandments prohibit murder, as we know. But there are plenty of other bible verses particularly in the Old Testament, which state that those who violate the law will be put to death! Yet, it’s significant that Cain, Moses and David were all capital criminals who were not executed. But many others were. I’ve seen a list of 100 Bible verses that pertain to the death penalty, one way or the other.[x] Arguments are made that Scripture both mandates and prohibits capital punishment, depending on your viewpoint.
Although on average American’s support for the death penalty in 2016 was the lowest it’s been in over four decades at 48%, there’s been an uptick to according to the Pew Research Center to 54%.[xi] This coincides with the current administration, which makes sense.
I’m guessing we’ve got views on all sides of the issue here at church. But what I want to consider are the arguments against the death penalty. Are they really convincing? Here’re the basics.
First, as we saw in our video this morning, life imprisonment costs less than death penalty cases. That’s a reality. California’s Legislative Analyst’s office estimates that California would save $150 million a year if it replaced the death penalty with a sentence of life without parole.[xii]
Here’s another one. Killing should not be punishment for killing, just as we don’t burn the house of an arsonist, or sexually assault a rapist.[xiii] At least in this country.
The countries in the world that use the death penalty the most?[xiv] China, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and the United States are among the 10 countries that annually execute the most people. Contrast that with 140 countries including nearly all of Europe, Central and South America, Mexico and Canada, who have abolished the death penalty in law or practice.[xv]
Fact. Since 1973, over 150 people have been released from death row in the US with evidence of their innocence.[xvi] States with the death penalty have higher murder rates than states that do not, although some dispute these statistics.
Will released death row inmates threaten our safety? Not with life sentences, which have been used in California since the 70s.
Is the death penalty fairly applied to everyone? No way. Money and race are key factors. That’s pretty obvious.
Does the death penalty offer justice to victims’ families? Arguably no. Families of murder victims undergo severe trauma and loss which no one should minimize.[xvii] But executions do not help family members heal their wounds. The extended process prolongs the agony.
I can tell you what cinched it for me.
The United Methodist Church—like many other major religions—is clearly against the death penalty on religious grounds. Here’s what our national church says, at paragraph Sect. 164.G of the 2016 Book of Discipline, Social Principles. And the amazing thing is that Methodists have stated this belief publically since their historic 1956 General Conference.[xviii]
According to our church, and I quote:[xix] “We believe the death penalty denies the power of Christ to redeem, restore and transform all human beings. The United Methodist Church is deeply concerned about crime throughout the world and the value of any life taken by a murder or homicide.
We believe all human life is sacred and created by God and therefore, we must see all human life as significant and valuable. When governments implement the death penalty (capital punishment), then the life of the convicted person is devalued and all possibility of change in that person’s life ends.
We believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ and that the possibility of reconciliation with Christ comes through repentance. This gift of reconciliation is offered to all individuals without exception and gives all life new dignity and sacredness.
For this reason, we oppose the death penalty (capital punishment) and urge its elimination from all criminal codes.”
Wow. Even Pope Francis… has changed Catholic Church teaching on the death penalty, saying it can never be sanctioned because it “attacks” the inherent dignity of all humans.[xx]
It reminds me of the story of several convicts who were in a prison library one day, flipping through a merchandise catalog.[xxi] On one of the pages there was the picture of a lovely home. One of the prisoners said, “Man, I sure wish I could give my mother a house like that to live in.” Another prisoner pointed to the nice car that was pictured in front of the house and said, “No, I’d rather give my ma a car like that, so she could come to see me once in a while.”
Then the two men noticed their friend, Bill, just staring blankly at the magazine, so they asked him to say what he would like to give his mother. After thinking for a few minutes, he looked at them with tears in his eyes and said, in a sorrowful tone, “I wish I could give my mother a more honorable son.” That young man was grieving about the fact that his dishonorable life and actions had dishonored his mother.
No we’re not all of a like mind on the death penalty. But I can tell you what Jesus said.
“Here’s another old saying that deserves a second look: ‘Eye for eye, tooth for tooth.’ Is that going to get us anywhere? Here’s what I propose: ‘Don’t hit back at all.’ If someone strikes you, stand there and take it. If someone drags you into court and sues for the shirt off your back, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it. And if someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously.”[xxii]
You realize of course that Jesus was the ultimate wrongfully convicted (so-called) criminal. He died on a cross to save our sins. “Christians are well aware of the atoning power of blood, believing that Christ’s blood—shed at his execution on the cross—spares us from the spiritual “death penalty” that our sins would otherwise merit.”[xxiii]
To me, it’s better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.[xxiv]
I pray we give it a try. Do justice. Have mercy. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
[i] James Merritt, “Going the Second Mile,” page 1, retrieved online from www.esermons.com, August 25, 2018.
[ii] Matthew 5:38, Eugene H. Peterson, The Message.
[iii] Based on Bill Bouknight, “No Retaliation,” page 1, online ibid.
A new Safe Sanctuary Policy was approved by our Leadership Circle on April 2, 2017. What a wonderful way to express our faith in Jesus Christ! Here is the entire document:
Scriptural Context:
Exodus 22:21 “You shall not wrong or oppress a resident alien, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt.”
Leviticus 19:33-34 “When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt.”
Deuteronomy 10:17-19 “For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who is not partial and takes no bribe, who executes justice for the orphan and the widow, and who loves the strangers, providing them food and clothing. You shall also love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.”
Isaiah 1:17 “… learn to do good; seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow.”
Matthew 25:31-46 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will put the sheep at his right hand and the goats at the left.
Then the king will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’
Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’
And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’
Then he will say to those at his left hand, ‘You that are accursed, depart from me into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not give me clothing, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’
Then they also will answer, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not take care of you?’ Then he will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
Luke 10:25-28 “Just then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he said, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the law? What do you read there?” He answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” And he said to him, “You have given the right answer; do this, and you will live.””
1 Corinthians 12:26 “If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it.”
Hebrews 13:2 “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.”
Historical & Current Factors:
“Human migration is as old as human history. Individuals, families, tribes, and nations have been on the move since the days of Abraham and Sarah and before. Throughout the centuries, political and economic factors, including wars; health and environmental challenges; and racism, xenophobia, and religious discrimination have at times uprooted people and at others lured them to new venues across deserts, rivers, continents, oceans, and national and ethnic boundaries.” umc.org/what-we-believe
“All of us are called to love our neighbor—all our neighbors. Generations of immigrants have made this country great with their ideas, hard work, resilience, and traditions. We must resist the inclination to allow grief and despair to turn us against one another, or to blame an entire community for the actions of a few individuals.” (Testimony by Bishop Minerva Carcaño before the Subcommittee on Immigration and Border Security, Committee on the Judiciary of the U.S. House of Representatives, April 19, 2016.)
In 1942, over 127,000 United States citizens of Japanese ancestry were relocated to internment camps because of the fear that they would act as spies or saboteurs for the Japanese government.
United Methodist pastor Rev. Mert M. Lampson of the Watsonville Methodist Church, along with other local clergy and individuals, vehemently opposed the anti-Japanese hysteria in a public way. In letters to the Register-Pajaronian Newspaper printed in March, 1943, they resolved to block a proposed order designed to keep the Japanese for an extended period in the camps. Over their objection, the order ultimately was enacted, but their strong support of the Japanese was notable. (“Liberty Lost … Lessons in Loyalty,” April 27, 2002 Re-enactment of the 1942 evacuation, Commemorative Program.)
“The courage to speak out for civil rights and against racial intolerance by [these clergy and others] is especially remarkable in view of the fact that American battle casualties were mounting many losses from central coast towns.” (“Liberty Lost … Lessons in Loyalty,” ibid.)
Immigrants have built this country and continue to sustain it, working for the benefit of us all –whether by picking our crops, putting food on our tables, building our roads and homes, tending to the needs of our children and elderly parents, and inspiring our congregations.
However, every day, many of our immigrant brothers and sisters are deported. Children live in constant fear that at the end of the school day, they will find that their parents have been deported. Immigrants are subject to arbitrary detention, and denied due process.
It is critical that as people of faith, we work toward community wholeness. We hold true that God loves the immigrant in our church and community, and we care deeply for each and every child of God, no matter where they are from or what language they speak.
Today, we reaffirm that as United Methodists, we believe in “Open Minds, Open Hearts, and Open Doors.”
The United Methodist Church believes that “migrants should be given due process and access to adequate legal representation. Due to these raids and the ensuing detentions and deportations that follow them, families have been ripped apart and the migrant community has been forced to live in a constant state of fear.” (Book of Resolutions, ¶ 3281 “Welcoming the Migrant to the United States”)
Resolution:
We, the Watsonville First United Methodist Church hereby resolve to:
1. Openly declare our church a Safe Sanctuary, where immigrants, refugees, and sojourners, including children, youth, and the elderly, may experience the abiding love of God through Jesus Christ, and fellowship within our community of faith.
2. Affirm the actions of United Methodist Bishop Rev. Minerva Carcaño in expressing her deep and abiding faith in Jesus Christ in support of all immigrants, her bold leadership both here and around the world, and her vision for our California-Nevada Annual Conference to be welcoming to all people.
3. Continue our work with other member organizations, leaders and community groups to actively support COPA’s (Communities Organized for Relational Power in Action,) “Know Your Rights, Know Your Neighbor,” immigration campaign, including implementing its 3 key components: workshops in immigrant parishes, civic academies, and research actions with public officials.
4. Pledge to conduct our ministry of the gospel in supportive ways that encourage our members, visitors, friends, neighbors, other churches and community leaders and other organizations and entities, to promote immigration policies and procedures that are humane, fair, and based on the equal worth of all people, regardless of their countries of origin.
5. Be a church where immigrants, refugees, and sojourners who are in our community may find a spiritual home, and receive welcome, radical hospitality, peace, reconciliation, and the healing presence of the Holy Spirit.
6. Offer to support immigrants to the best of our ability as we work to support their integration and settlement into new, safe communities, and provide learning of and leading to local resources that provide help, legal aid, and advocacy for their needs and issues.
7. Pursue peace on earth through justice-making efforts to end suffering here, and throughout the world, and help stabilize local communities whose residents experience pressure to leave their homeland.
8. Continue to provide compassion for and solidarity with the poor, the marginalized, and the oppressed.
9. Support immigrant rights to gainful employment, social and political freedom, cultural affirmation, legal rights and equal protection under the law, and the exercise of human rights, so people do not become so desperate that they abandon their loved ones, their culture, and all that is familiar to them, in search of a better, safer life.
10. Support the rights of all LGBTQI immigrants and others in all our policies and programs, and help end discriminatory practices, beliefs and prejudices against them.
11. Welcome the immigrant, the newcomer, and recognize, embrace, and affirm all people, regardless of where they come from, as members of the family of God.
12. Affirm the right of all persons to equal opportunities for employment, access to housing, healthcare, education, and freedom from social discrimination.
13. Urge all our brothers and sisters to recognize the gifts, contributions, and struggles of those who are immigrants and to ensure justice for all as sacred children of God in Jesus Christ.
14. Affirm statements by Rev. Dr. Susan Henry-Crowe of the General Board of Church & Society of the United Methodist Church, umc-gbcs.org on February 17, 2017, as follows:
a. To the United States government: we call upon you to immediately cease arrests, detainment, and deportations of undocumented immigrants, including children, solely based upon their immigration status until a fair and comprehensive immigration reform is passed.
b. To people of faith: We affirm that all are created in the image of God and we are called to welcome immigrants into our congregations, provide care for those facing separation from their families, and advocate for policies that uphold the civil and human rights of all migrants.
c. To all who live in fear of detention, deportation, or separation from your family and community: you are valuable, deserving of opportunity, your contributions to society are important, and we will stand with you to advocate for justice.
15. And acknowledge the truth of this statement in our United Methodist Book of Resolutions: “To refuse to welcome migrants to this country – and to stand by in silence while families are separated, individual freedoms are ignored, and the migrant community in the United States is demonized by members of Congress and the media – is complicity to sin.” (¶ 3281 “Welcoming the Migrant to the United States.”)
Our Prayer:
Blessed are You, Lord Jesus Christ. You crossed every border between Divinity and humanity to make your home with us. Help us to welcome you in newcomers, migrants and refugees. Blessed are You, God of all nations. You bless our land richly with goods of creation and with people made in your image. Help us to be good stewards and peacemakers, who live as your children. Blessed are You, Holy Spirit. You work in the hearts of all to bring about harmony and goodwill. Strengthen us to welcome those from other lands, cultures, religions, that we may live in human solidarity and in hope. God of all people, grant us vision to see your presence in our midst, especially in our immigrant sisters and brothers. Give us courage to open the door to our neighbors and grace to build a society of justice. Amen.
(Source: Pax International Christi, a Catholic peace movement)
“Show me your paths and teach me to follow; guide me by your truth and instruct me. You keep me safe, and I always trust you.” Psalm 25:4-5
We were meeting in our Thursday night discipleship class, and the team was asked to create a newspaper headline about our church that might be printed today. (Discovery Activity from Charting a Course of Discipleship: A Workbook on Christian Discipleship.) We imagined that a reporter was coming to our church to find out what is happening. Yes, we’re Christians, but how are we living out our faith? The group came up with creative and interesting titles to describe our congregation today:
“A forward looking welcoming place for everyone!”
“Love your neighbor; we do!”
“Starting a new direction for all!”
“It’s all about love: come and see!”
How would you describe our church? We hope and pray you realize that God is calling you, just as God is leading this church, to ministry in new places with new people, as we fulfill our mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world, or in Spanish, hacer discípulos de Jesucristo para la transformación del mundo. Join us, and bring a friend!
“The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing….” Isaiah 35:1-2a
I don’t know about you, but I’m pretty sure that if it walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, you can be reasonably sure that it is—that’s right—a duck! And whether I sound like one or not, you can tell what we’re waiting for here at Watsonville First, as soon as you walk in the door.
It’s that special time of preparation, as we gear up for that silent night, holy night of Jesus’ birth. It is the ultimate season of anticipation, because there is so much to look forward to. And that sense of wonder is something we all could use a little more of.
It reminds me of the four-year-old, who was spending an afternoon with her grandmother, delivering Meals-on-Wheels to elderly shut-ins in the area. The little girl was intrigued by the various appliances of old age, particularly the canes, walkers, and wheelchairs.
At one house, grandmother found the little girl staring at a pair of false teeth soaking in a glass. As the grandmother braced herself for the inevitable barrage of questions, the four-year-old merely turned to her and whispered, “The tooth fairy will never believe this!”
And that’s the approach we’d like too, especially during this time of Advent, as we get ready for Christmas, and then the New Year 2015. Let us rejoice and give thanks to God for this exciting year of ministry, and the possibilities ahead. Let us be inspired as we make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. And let’s put the spiritual back into our lives, and make sure we celebrate what really matters.
How wonderful it is that God calls us, all of us, together for new and continuing ministries with new and continuing people! What a blessing.
“O sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth.” Psalm 96:1
There is story that dates back to at least the fifties and the “beat” generation about a really cool dude who happened to wander into a very dignified church one Sunday morning. He was met by the pastor after the service, and he grabbed the pastor’s hand, and he said, “Hey, daddy, I really dug it.”
The pastor said, “Uh, excuse me, young man, I’m afraid I don’t quite understand.” So the goateed guest said, “Listen, cat, it was cool, it was gone, man, it really blew my mind!”
This really shook the pastor, and he said, “Could you explain what you mean?” “Well, dad, what I mean is, I really went for what you had to say, so much that I put fifty pieces of bread in the collection plate!”
All of a sudden, the pastor’s face lit up and he said, “Crazy, man, crazy!”
Sometimes we forget how exciting church can be. Our congregation has been involved in serving our community and beyond, since it started on the banks of the Pajaro River in 1852. Part of our past includes making beautiful music. Here’s an article by Jane Borg, Hal Hyde and Marilyn Hyde about the following photo, which we hope will inspire you to join us, as we sing to the Lord a new song!
Our photo shows the Watsonville Methodist Sunday School Orchestra, organized in February 1905. In those times, “Sunday Schools” were very large, partly to encourage their meeting in outlying districts, especially during the winter. Overall Church membership was large and Methodists were very interested in music, so a group of this size could be organized. Some participants probably played in other Watsonville music groups, too, such as the high school orchestra, Watsonville City band, or women’s orchestra and band. In addition to church programs, orchestra members could have played in parades, given concerts at the “Opera House,” or performed at the downtown Watsonville Plaza bandstand.
At the time of this photo, the First United Methodist Church was located at the corner of Fourth Street (now West Beach Street) and Rodriguez Street, near downtown Watsonville and the city plaza. The orchestra probably practiced in the Sunday School rooms in the annex behind the church sanctuary.
This photo included Watsonville civic leader, H.A. Hyde (back row, last right), a Methodist and conductor of the Watsonville City band for many years. His descendants continue to worship with us today. Other early members of the church who could be identified are Mr. Clarence Perry, Mrs. Heron, Miss Dora Bliss, Miss Lucy Bliss, Mr. Fred Dempsey and Mr. Buckhart.
It’s time again to gear up for our Backpack Project!
Every fall when school starts, children ask the pastor, do you have an extra backpack? Do you have any paper, pencils or pens I can use? Many of the families in our community do not have the resources to buy what their families need for school, and unlike the old days, schools no longer can afford to supply their needs. That’s where our church comes in!
Last year we partnered with the Aptos Community United Methodist Church to collect over a $1,000 to fill 70 backpacks filled with school supplies for children and youth in our community. The list of supplies needed for school is long and detailed, including paper, glue, scissors, notebooks and binders. Once the money is collected, retired teacher Ruth Landmann (from Aptos UMC) contacts our local school district, and buys what the schools require.
After the giveaway last year, we also gave away additional backpacks to kids in need at Hall Elementary School (via Joan C.,) needy college students at Humboldt State University during “UndocuWeek of Awareness,” (via Stephane P.,) and a Tanzania school in Africa funded by Rotary International (via Tom A., Aptos UMC.)
Your generosity reached around the world!
In preparation for our Backpack Sunday (and the free giveaway) this year at our church on Sunday, August 17th after worship, volunteers will join the Aptos Community United Methodist Church, 221 Thunderbird Drive, to stuff the backpacks at 9:00 am, Saturday, August 9th. If you’d like to help please come! If you’d like to contribute funds, just remember to write Backpack Project on the memo line of your check, or if you are donating cash, please put it in an envelope labeled Backpack Project, and turn it into our church office or the offering plate on Sunday.
“Oh, God, here I am, your servant, your faithful servant: set me free for your service! I’m ready to offer the thanksgiving sacrifice and pray in the name of God. I’ll complete what I promised God I’d do, and I’ll do it in company with his people….” Psalm 116:13-18, The Message
Jesus taught us to serve. Serve your neighbor, change the world. It’s that simple. Ask yourself: Are you more interested in being served in church, or are you more interested in becoming a servant in the church? There’s a big difference.
I heard a story once about a group of young children, who were sitting in a circle with their teacher. She was going around asking each of them questions.
“Davy, what noise does a cow make?” He said, “It goes moo.” “Alice, what noise does a cat make?” “It goes meow,” she answered. “Jamie, what sound does a lamb make?” “It goes baa,” he said. “Jennifer, what sound does a mouse make?” Without hesitation she answered, “It goes click!”
And she’s right; that’s what a computer mouse does. That little girl is dealing with change, and she doesn’t even know it. Here at Watsonville First United Methodist church, we strive to face change head on. We look for opportunities to share our ministry with strangers, whatever it takes. We want to become servants of God in new ways.
This year, the hands of thousands across our nation will join together in service during Change the World weekend, May 17-18. And we will, too!
Many women do not have swaddling clothes with which to welcome their child into the world. Distributed by the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR,) Layette kits provide basic supplies for their baby’s needs. This year for Change the World Weekend, we are collecting the supplies needed for UMCOR Layette kits. This is a great opportunity for us to work together to help those in need. Are you ready to change the world?
For more details regarding the Layette kits we’ll be assembling, or to sew a Layette nightgown, call the church office for more details or find it online. We will collect the necessary supplies and then assemble the kits for UMCOR on Sunday, May 18th, and continue to collect supplies thereafter!
By the numbers, Watsonville First United Methodist Church // Primera Iglesia Metodista Unida de Watsonville, isn’t a large church. But in small groups we are mighty.
What does it take to have a thriving small group ministry?…
Check it out in the Pastor’s blog on the California-Nevada Annual Conference Website!
I don’t know about you, but I’ve heard it said that God answers prayer in four basic ways: yes, no, wait, or “you gotta be kidding!” Maybe that’s how it is for some of us, when we try to wrap our minds around the story of Jesus’ resurrection, after his horrible, violent death on a cross. You gotta be kidding!
Of course, that’s the power and mystery and joy of Easter all rolled into one, and it’s why Christians like us celebrate the way we do. We can’t explain it in scientific terms, but we’re okay with that because we know the truth of the gospel, that Jesus lives—Jesus lives in us.
That’s why we plan to celebrate big time, as we worship God on Easter Sunday, singing and ringing, praising and praying our joyful thanks for the wonderful gift of the living Christ. That’s why we color Easter eggs, and decorate our altar with lovely lilies. That’s why we do what we do on this special day to honor our Lord and Savior.
And it’s wonderful!
You see, Easter means there’s new life and hope and possibilities galore for even the most hardened, cynical, lost and lonely—which pretty much includes all of us at one time or the other. Even the pastor! As United Methodist preacher Billy D. Strayhorn puts it, “What we need to remember is that Jesus didn’t die on the Cross for the perfect. Jesus didn’t die for the Godly. Jesus didn’t die for the good. If so, none of us would have had a chance. Jesus died for the imperfect, ungodly, sinners like us.”
We welcome you to church this Sunday, and every other Sunday, too. Why? Because Christ is risen, Christ is risen indeed!
¿Hablas español? Busque abajo para la traducción en español.
![image[1]](http://watsonville1stumc.org/wp-content/uploads//2014/05/image1.png)
