October 2019
Making Room - Rev. Jane Esterline
In the Gospels, especially Luke, stories of Jesus eating with all sort of people (sinners and saints) are abundant. Eating with Jesus changed lives and continues to change lives. Those wonderful disciples were eating their Passover meal with Jesus while planning their futures; they assumed victory and restoration was just around the corner. They had no idea the pain and disappointment of the cross was the true path to victory and restoration.
Jesus tried to warn them, during meals on the hill side, around the table, after a long walk, and over camp fires. But they tended to hear what they wanted to hear, just like we do, and this is the beginning of resurrection. So, Jesus teaches the resurrection miracle of making room, because he knew we all need to change our seats, adapt for new ways, develop new traditions that will be re-developed by the next generation, and thus need to learn to make room for the unexpected in church and in our lives as we make room for Jesus.
In the 17th century, St. Alphonsus Rodriguez, a humble Jesuit brother, worked as a porter, or doorkeeper, at the Jesuit College of Majorca, in Spain. His job was to greet all students, faculty and visitors who rapped on the great wooden door, welcoming them as if they were Jesus himself. Upon hearing someone knocking on the door, he would say, ‘I’m coming, Lord!’
When we heard Luke 14 on a Sunday morning this summer, I presented Jesus’ model of sacred hospitality through the lens author Christine Pohl’s. Making Room is the title of her book on the history of biblical hospitality. Out of Jesus profound and generous welcome came the rule of St. Benedict and his new religious order in the 6th century. Their primary witness was the Latin phrase: Hospes venit Christus venit. Translated: ‘the guest comes, Christ comes.’
The core of making room for the other is similar to changing pews in worship – it is hard to do something new. It is hard to work with each other, beyond differences, and find common ground. It is difficult to try something new at church. It can be awkward to invite another opinion into the decision making process. But in so doing, we not only find Jesus, but we make room for Jesus who routinely changes the place settings at Table so everyone finds a place.
In the words of Frederick Beuchner, ‘Jesus is apt to come, into the very midst of life at its most real and at inescapable moments. Not in a blaze of unearthly light, not in the midst of a sermon (yes, I heard that), not in the throes of some kind of religious vision, but at supper time, or walking along a road. He never approached from on high, but always in the midst, in the midst of people, in the midst of real life and in the midst of questions that real life asks.’
As we approach our season of re-evaluating stewardship may we include being stewards of making room for all of God’s beloved.
God’s Peace, God’s Presence, Jane
DAY CAMP OPEN HOUSE - GAMES, ZIP LINE, FOOD TRUCKS - October 13, 11:00 am - 4 pm.
The community is invited to try out the Day Camp, a ministry of the church, zip line and challenge courses for a small fee. Face painting, snacks, and games will also be available. Information on doing a company or church retreat with Day Day will be available. The purpose of our Day Camp is to bring God’s beautiful nature into our formation as disciples of Jesus.
Support Groups - Caregiver Support Group with Alzheimer’s Association and Grief Recovery Group
led by Rev. Dave Fetterman and Rev. Jane Esterline
Wednesdays at 7:00 pm - 8:15 pm, in the library, October 23 to November 20
Thursdays, first Thursday of the month - call the church for the active schedule.
FALL DUST UP - Saturday, November 2 from 9:00 to Noon
Worship and Music Committee is sponsoring an enjoyable morning dusting, polishing, flipping pew cushions, and a good hearted dust up in the sanctuary. Many hands make for light work and lots of smiles. Thank you!
All Saints Day Celebration
Sunday November 3, we will celebrate those souls who were members of the congregation and passed into the Light of God’s Glory this year. White carnations for family members will be provided. Please bring a flower, or bouquet in remembrance of someone you know who has passed into eternal life. An opportunity during prayers of the people will be provided to say every name being remembered.
Finance and Stewardship
As a congregation, we are entering a time of discerning what we will contribute monetarily in the coming year. The practice of exercising financial stewardship is a spiritual discipline and the decision of what amount to give is a very personal one. Based on what we have received through God’s love and the grace of Jesus Christ, we are encouraged to give back out of thanksgiving for what God has done and as a sign of faithfulness and commitment to be a part of what God has planned for our church. As we look forward to the future of PCPC, please prayerfully consider your ability to further contribute your financial treasures and talents to support our mission in Christ. In the name of Jesus our Lord, Finance & Stewardship Committee
Wednesday afternoon Bible study - 1:00 -2:00
N.T. Wright is our guide through 1 Corinthians. After walking through the Gospel of Mark our ecumenical Bible study decided to journey with Paul through Corinth. Study guides are available. We sit at an open table so feel free to join us in the library on the main floor.