Our attention has been all but overwhelmed of late by financial news, with myriad reports of disaster, both actual and predicted. It is so difficult to sort out what is important, what prudent actions we might be advised to do, how not to panic in the face of so much unsettling information.

“Do not be afraid.” That’s what Jesus says, over and over.

In Matthew’s gospel, Jesus says “do not be afraid,” four times.

To the disciples during a storm (14:27); to Peter, James and John during the Transfiguration (17:7); to the women outside the empty tomb (28:10). When he sends disciples out to teach, preach and heal, he says, “Have no fear” (10:25). “Do not be afraid,” Jesus says, reminding those he is sending out of the One whose eye is on the sparrow. “You are of more value than many sparrows” (10:31)

Much of the current crisis has been created by folks who did not prudently figure out how to value what they were buying, or selling, or insuring.

The “real world” places real burden and responsibilities on us. We have homes, businesses, mortgages, credit cards, tuitions… and much of that may seem threatened in this moment.

Keep Jesus’ voice, Jesus’ words close at hand, and close to heart. Do not be afraid. The storm will pass, the cloud will disperse, and Jesus will be there, shining. He knows who you are, and you are precious beyond measure in his sight.

Pr. Parsons

This message is an adaption of “Pilgrim Preaching: Reading for preachers”

October 5: Isaiah 5:1-7; Philippians 3:4b-14; Matthew 21:33-46

October 12: Isaiah 25:1-9; Philippians 4:1-9; Matthew 22:1-14

October 19: Isaiah 45:1-7; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10; Matthew 22:15-22

October 26: Jeremiah 31:31-34; Romans 3:19-28; John 8:31-36

On Saturday, October 18th at 7:00 p.m., Prospect Hill Senior Services Center is hosting an evening of Cabaret in the Caroline Erskine Social Hall. There will be a live band from the Brooklyn Conservatory, and performances by the Prospect Hill Chorus and their director, Renee Manning. Ms. Manning is a gifted performer - the evening promises to be a real treat. There is a $5 suggested donation, which includes the show, beverages and hors d’oeuvres.

We are more than half-way there! The Capital Campaign Committee reports that, as of September 30th, pledges and donations have been received totaling $80,000. We are over 50% of the way toward realizing our campaign goal of $150,000.

We are working toward a goal of 100% participation.100% participation.100% participation.100% participation. Nearly 30% of the church has pledged to date. Please keep the committee in your prayers as they work to realize our goal of funding major renovations in the church to prepare for the celebration of our 150th anniversary in 2009.

Ruth Gerlitz, a life-long member of this congregation, died in Christ on September 19th in Iowa, where she moved to be close to her daughter, Judy, and her family. There will be a memorial service on Saturday, October 18th, at 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary. The family will host a luncheon in the Caroline Erskine Social hall immediately afterwards, and extend an invitation to the congregation to join with them in remembering one of our great matriarchs. Please plan to attend this very special event in the life of the church.

Pr. Parsons

August & September 2008 [ Received Tuesday, September 30, 2008 ]

Change, loss, grief, fear of the unknown. Autumn seems to bring forth these things. For many, hurricanes have created such, and we hold you in our prayers during this time. But it can also be this for children as they begin school, perhaps with new friends, old friends having departed, this is quite common for missionarychildren going to school overseas where their playmates and school friends from within or without the culture they are in are constantly changing as they grow older, go to other schools and perhaps other countries, even their own. It is never easy for them.

This fall [our son] Kristian began school at a Montessori school; Malagasy and expatriate children playing, learning and napping together. While Barbara was at the National Synod Meeting of the Lutheran Church of Madagascar with church leadership elections and all the uncertainty that comes with that, I was helping get Kristian acclimated to his new surroundings and teachers. The first week was rough, with each day spending less and less time there until I only dropped him off and picked him up. As you can imagine the first day he was fine, I was always present, but the second day when I stepped out for a moment at the encouragement of teachers, he became frightened, for the visible sign of his dad was gone, when I came back he was fine. The third day he knew I would be gone for a bit but was still nervous but by the end of the week he was good to go.

A Malagasy friend also went through this experience with his daughter and we both shared the sense that all would be fine once our children knew that we did indeed come back. Kristian would say every time I came back, “Dad, you came back,” as though it was a surprise, but now he just says, “Dad, you’re back,” as does my friend’s daughter and most parents’ children. The second week his daughter didn’t cry when he left; she knows he’ll be back. So does Kristian. But it’s hard for any of us who want the visible presence of one we rely on, yet it is precisely God’s invisible presence that we have to trust in, that God is always with us.

Jesus promised, “Lo I am with you always.” Promise made, a promise kept. It’s important between God and us, parents and children, and all of us that we keep promises, as they are too easily broken. Grieving is necessary, loss happens, change and the unfamiliarity are always around us, but our Lord is with us through it all and will sustain us in the times that seem the most turbulent and difficult, and often I find, though it sounds trite, that clouds can have silver linings when we’re open to God’s work in these times.

Barbara, as I said, was at the Synod meetings this month. A Malagasy asked me, “Who do you want to win the church elections?” I said who wins doesn’t matter to me; “I will work with whomever the people elect and God chooses. But I’m sure it matters to you.” He said yes, as the leader is the one who would influence what changes the church made, for they would look to him for guidance. Change is scary; who leads has a mighty burden on their head that they don’t lead poorly, selfishly, unwisely scaring others… I think of Solomon with good leadership skills when he asked God for the wisdom to lead. May we all ask God for that guidance in all we do: from helping others, caring for children or those in need, to electing those we would have lead justly and wisely, that all children have the opportunity for proper education.

Blessings and peace in Christ from THE HINDERLIES
Antananarivo, Madagascar

P.S. to the people of St. John-St. Matthew Emmanuel: Thanks so much for your prayers and support. See you in the summer of 2009.