Tag: faith

“The Lord is Risen!”

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 There is no service of worship more characteristically “Moravian” than those based upon our Easter Morning Liturgy. Indeed, so central is it that Moravians often self-identify as “Easter people,” not because they believe they have any special claim to the promise of resurrection, but rather because the celebration of God’s raising of Jesus from the dead embodies the core of our faith and hope. How stirring it is to be among a congregation when the pastor’s profession: “The Lord is risen!” is answered by massed voices responding “The Lord is risen indeed!” I cherish childhood memories of Easter Dawn services outside of Home Moravian Church in Winston-Salem, NC where over ten thousand persons voiced those words. 

 Yet as moving as such collective affirmations of faith are, they are no substitute for our individual experience of relationship with God through the risen Christ. An account of an exchange between Moravian Bishop August Spangenberg and a young John Wesley during the height of a violent storm at sea on the voyage to America brings the matter into sharp focus. Spangenberg asked Wesley, “Do you know Jesus Christ?” Wesley replied, “I know he is Savior of the world.” “True,” said Spangenberg, “but do you know that he has saved you?” It is one thing to profess the Lord is risen in a crowd on Easter morning; it is quite another to profess it at home with just as much hope, joy, and faith in the midst of this present storm. Yet that is the challenge – and the gift – of these times. Alone or in small family groups we have the time to ponder what we really believe and to make it our own. 

 It is worth remembering that according to the Gospel of John, Mary Magdalene was alone when the miracle of the Resurrection was revealed to her. Though she testified to the other disciples regarding what she had seen, they had to go and see for themselves. Though we traditionally celebrate Easter together, the truth at its heart must be discovered and owned by each of us individually. That truth – that the light shines in the darkness and the darkness shall not overcome it; that the power of death, sin, and separation has been broken by God; that hope shall prevail over despair – is not diminished by our inability to gather together. Rather it becomes all the more necessary and compelling. 

 As I write, the flowers spring from the ground, the trees bud and bloom, and life in the natural world goes on. So too, Easter will come. We will celebrate the best we can on the day of Resurrection – remote from one another in body yet close in spirit and heart. Even if there is no one else to hear it, even if unuttered, I invite you to lift your heart to God on Easter morning and know that the Lord is risen indeed!

Easter Blessing to You All,
Pastor Derek

Built Together With Christ

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“What brought us together, what joined our hearts? The pardon which Jesus, our
High Priest, imparts; ‘tis this which cements the Disciples of Christ, who are into
one by the Spirit baptized.” Hymn # 675

Jesus as Good Shepherd

The Home Moravian Church sanctuary is illuminated by 10 stained glass windows.

Christ calls us into covenant relationship with God and each other. It is he who builds us together into his church. Those who are faithful to the Lord shape their lives and world-view in response to God’s grace. It is a response characterized by faith, love, and hope.

Two years ago, while spending Thanksgiving with my family in Winston-Salem, NC, I encountered tangible expressions of Moravian faith, love, and hope in the bell tower and attic of Home Moravian Church. We were there with my cousin, the congregation’s administrative assistant, to lift weights powering the church’s clock and chimes back to the top of the tower. While engaged in that task, she disclosed that recently one of the supporting ropes had parted and allowed the suspended weight to fall several stories onto the ceiling of the narthex. The 18th century Moravians had anticipated this eventuality and placed hay and other shock absorbing materials under the weights.

When the rope failed, as they knew it eventually might, no damage was done. Similar foresight by early 20th century Moravians was demonstrated when the sanctuary’s stained-glass windows had to be repaired. Present day members found carefully packed replacement panes of glass in the church’s attic where they had been since the windows’ installation in 1913.

The depth of these Moravians’ faith in God, hope for the future, and the love demonstrated by such foresight touched me emotionally and spiritually. Generations ago they had anticipated the presence of those who would follow them and prepared a place for them to join hearts together in worship of the Savior. As I descended from the clock and bell tower I passed through the sanctuary where I paused to enjoy the late afternoon sun warmly illuminating the interior.

As I contemplated a window depicting Christ as the Good Shepherd, it occurred to me that what we build together with Christ often lasts far longer and is more satisfying than any purely personal achievement. Those who came before us built worship spaces which continue to express eloquently their faith in God, hope for the future, and love for fellow believers. As we express gratitude for the faithful actions of those who preceded us, may we resolve to bless others by “paying it forward.”

Being A Covenant Community Of Faith

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“We in one covenant are joined, and one in Jesus are…”
– Hymn 527, Moravian Book of Worship

A covenant is an agreement which brings about a relationship of commitment between God and God’s people and among members of a faith community. Biblical covenants always begin with God’s action on behalf of humanity and then articulate tangible ways persons of faith can and should respond to God’s freely given, unmerited favor – i.e. to God’s “grace.”

Christian faith is based on covenants made between God and Abraham, Moses and David (the basis of Jewish faith) and the new covenant embodied in Jesus Christ. Whenever we celebrate the sacrament of Holy Communion, God reaffirms the foundational covenant of our Christian faith as we recall Jesus’ words to his disciples: “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this … in remembrance of me.” (1 Corinthians 11:25) These sacred words invite us into relationship with God and challenge us to commit our lives to Christ.

As the Rev. Kevin Frack observes, “Good intentions alone are not enough to build a healthy Christian community.” Our action must follow as faithful response to God’s action if we wish to experience the full blessings of the New Covenant. For this reason, the presiding pastor asks those joining the church to affirm their commitment to God and Christ’s church:

Do you in this faith turn away from sin, evil, and selfishness in your thoughts, words and actions; and do you intend to participate actively in Christ’s church, serving God all the days of your life?

An elaboration of how this commitment to follow Christ might be realized in one’s daily life can be found in The Moravian Covenant for Christian Living.  The church office has paper copies available.

Each year on or around September 16, Moravian Clergy gather for their annual “Covenanting Day.” It is a time for them to reaffirm their call, renew their vows of ordination and enjoy the blessings of fellowship which unites the church in service to Christ. Whether ordained or a layperson, each of us is called into committed relationship with God and each other through the establishment of covenant in the sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion.

I invite you to take a moment on Friday, September 16, to celebrate and renew your commitment to the covenant relationship that links you to God and other believers through Jesus Christ.

  • Pastor Derek French

 

Tithing as Testimony

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Tithing is a tangible expression of gratitude for God’s past blessings. It is a statement of trust in God’s future care. Tithing testifies to the centrality of faith and relationship with God in one’s life. To tithe is to dedicate the first tenth of one’s income to the work of the Lord. Because Jesus is no longer physically present we give to God by giving to institutions which carry out Christ’s work. Chief among these is the church – which scripture describes as the “body of Christ.” (Ephesians 1:22-23 and elsewhere)

St. Paul understands of the spiritual need of the believer to give and the blessings which generosity conveys to both recipients and givers still rings true:

The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work. As it is written, “He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.” He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity, which will produce thanksgiving to God through us; for the rendering of this ministry not only supplies the needs of the saints but also overflows with many thanksgivings to God. (2 Corinthians 9:6-12)

Our Joint Board trusts in the bounty of God and the miracle of generosity. We have selected The New Consecration Sunday Stewardship Program in order to present the biblical, spiritual perspective on giving and assist those who want to give unselfishly as an act of discipleship and worship. We encourage persons to progress towards intentional, proportional, systematic giving in response to the question: “What percentage of my income is God calling me to give?”

On Consecration Sunday, November 2nd we will ask worshippers to make their financial commitment to support East Hills Moravian Church’s ministries of worship, education, outreach, and mission through its general budget for the year 2015. All attending will have the opportunity to make their commitments as a voluntary, confidential act of worship. Afterwards we will gather in the Family Center to share a celebration brunch.

Sunday November 2: Consecration Sunday
One unity service worship at 9:30 am followed by brunch

Sundays, November 9, 16, 23, & 30:
Two worship services at 8:30 &11:00 am/ Sunday School at 9:45 am

– Pastor Derek French

Consecration Sunday is Coming November 5th

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Congregations approaching financial stewardship from a biblical perspective do not view money which Christians give to the church merely as a way to pay bills. Rather, they understand Christians’ financial contributions can be a significant means of growth in relationship with God – a tangible expression of one’s trust, gratitude, and commitment to the work of Christ’s church.

Our Joint Board has selected The New Consecration Sunday Stewardship Program in order to share the biblical and spiritual principles of generous giving. This program focuses on the need of the giver to give for his or her own spiritual development, rather than on the need of the church to receive.

Instead of treating persons like members of a social club who should pay dues, we will treat persons like followers of Jesus Christ, who want to give unselfishly as an act of discipleship. We encourage followers of Jesus to progress towards intentional, proportional, systematic giving in response to the question: “What percentage of my income is God calling me to give?”

On Consecration Sunday we will ask worshippers to make their financial commitment to support East Hills Moravian Church’s ministries of worship, education, outreach, and mission through its general budget. All attending will have the opportunity to voluntarily fill out an Estimate of Giving Card. During worship our guest leader will conduct a brief period of instruction and inspiration, climaxed by worshippers making their commitments as a confidential act of worship. The procedure is designed not to cause personal embarrassment should one choose not to fill out a card. We urge those who feel strongly opposed to completing a card to attend worship and listen to the message.

Since we will conduct no follow up visits to ask persons to complete their cards, we will make every effort to inform, inspire, and secure members’ commitment to attend Consecration Sunday worship at 9:30 a.m. on November 5th.

Thanks in advance for your enthusiastic participation in Consecration Sunday events.

– Pastor Derek French

A Unity Worship Service For World Communion Sunday

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Given the diversity of human personalities, perspectives, and priorities, unity in the secular world is often hard or impossible to achieve.  Yet, followers of Christ are already united with God and each other through their Savior.  Though from many different ethnic, national, and confessional backgrounds, Christians share a common identity and purpose with all others who have given their lives over to Jesus.  “There is one body (church) and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.” (Ephesians 4:4-6)

world communion sunday

Jesus taught that unity in diversity was a sign of the presence of the Holy Spirit working within believers to transform their self-understanding and interactions with each other.  He prayed, “I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one.  As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” (John 17:20-21)  Our demonstration of living in harmony with those different from ourselves is a powerful witness to the world of the possibilities for societal as well as personal transformation inherent in the Gospel (Jesus’ teaching, action, and person).

On Sunday, October 5th we will unite in one Unity Worship Service to be held at 9:30 am in the East Hills Moravian Church Sanctuary.  As we gather together as a single worshipping body we will join millions of other Christians worldwide in observing World Communion Sunday.  I urge you to attend and to make a special effort to reach out to members of the congregation whom you may not know as well as your close friends.  Let this be your witness to fellow worshippers and to the world as together we see to make Christ known.

– Pastor Derek French

“Worship The Lord, Your God”

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The realities of making a living and the often distressing struggles of human society have a way of eroding joy and hope. Without turning to God for spiritual refreshment, our souls are soon as parched as this year’s California countryside. To break such a spiritual drought we need the refreshing rain of God’s grace at regular intervals. A downpour here and there won’t quench our soul’s thirst.

The author of the book of Hebrews celebrates God’s forgiveness of sin through Christ’s life, teaching, death, and resurrection. He says we should enter the sanctuary for worship and “approach with a true heart in the full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience…”

Feelings of guilt after a long absence sometimes keep persons from coming back to church. This fear, guilt, or embarrassment which threatens to separate persons from Christ and other believers is what the author describes as “an evil conscience.” Don’t let an evil conscience keep you away from your church family. Don’t let it hinder your spiritual growth and relationship with God. The author then goes on to describe how God blesses Jesus’ followers as they gather for worship.

Worship builds Christian community and nurtures the faith of individual members. It offers opportunities to express our gratitude to God, to receive encouragement, and learn from the wisdom of countless believers, both past and present. We hear of God’s love for all persons; we reach out to those who are facing difficulties and share in others’ joy; and we “consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds.”(1) Such mutual support and exhortation allow
Christians to “hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering.”(2)

Worship is a weekly opportunity to deepen our faith as we come to a more mature understanding of our relationship with God. Especially in difficult times, it is important that followers of Jesus worship regularly “not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day (of the Lord) approaching.”(3)
_________________________________
1 (Hebrews 10:24)
2 (Hebrews 10:23)
3 (Hebrews 10:25)

– Pastor Derek French

The Case of Jan Hus

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jan hus moravian church

Jan Hus

Jan (John) Hus was a 15th century church reformer who was burned to death as a heretic on July 6, 1415, by order of the Council of Constance. In 1457, a number of Hus’ followers established the Moravian Church in its homeland of Bohemia. We will commemorate Hus’ martyrdom with a service of Holy Communion on Sunday, July 6.

Among factors leading to the Council’s condemnation of Hus, were differences between their view of the nature of the church and his. Officially, membership in the institutional church and participation in its sacraments was not only necessary for salvation but guaranteed it. Hus, who had observed and was troubled by widespread corruption and questionable morality among church leaders, believed participation in the institutional church was not the same thing as being part of Christ’s “true church.” Instead, Hus claimed that the church was like the net of fish in Jesus’ parable. Some in the church were saved; others were not.

Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a fishing net that was thrown into the water and caught fish of every kind. When the net was full, they dragged it up onto the shore, sat down, and sorted the good fish into crates, but threw the bad ones away. That is the way it will be at the end of the world. The angels will come and separate the wicked people from the righteous, throwing the wicked into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. (Matthew 13: 45-50)

Hus’ view challenged the power of the Roman Church. Doubtless there were those on the Council who simply wanted to preserve the church hierarchy’s position of privileged authority. With the benefit of hindsight however, impartial observers must also admit that the Council’s fears of church schism and social unrest were not unfounded. Radical followers of Hus launched the Hussite Wars of 1420-1431. Within a hundred years of Hus, the cohesiveness of the Western Church was fractured by the Protestant Reformation and European society was wracked by wars between Catholics and Protestants.

There is much to be learned from the case of Jan Hus. Sometimes it takes courageous prophetic
action to reverse entrenched corruption and injustice and make the church more faithful to Christ. Hus’ actions and those of other reformers won fresh appreciation for the authority of Scripture and increased roles for laypersons.

Yet, prophetic action was costly for reformers, church, and society. Unintended consequences
including schism and accompanying violence followed the reformers’ radical reinterpretation of the Christian life. Believers on both sides responded in ways which did not reflect the love of Christ. In 1999, Pope John Paul II expressed “deep regret for the cruel death inflicted on Hus.”

– Pastor Derek French