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Reflections

Welcome to the JCPC Daily Reflections Blog. Reflections are daily devotionals authored by JCPC pastors, staff and members and provide insight, guidance and comfort to help you make it through each day. If you’d like to receive Reflections each day via email,  provide your email address.

Wednesday, September 02 2020

He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

- Micah 6:8, NRSV

 

Recently, I heard an excellent sermon on YouTube by Princeton seminary president Craig Barnes. (www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=DoLBnYqDNW4) He focused on the words above, particularly the phrase ". . . to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God." In the Bible, justice is always about setting things right - the way God meant them to be. According to Micah, from God's perspective justice must be done with kindness and humility. From my experience, talking about justice is hard and doing justice is even harder. However, doing these the most effective way (God's way) also includes how we do them -- with kindness and humility.

 

I realize that when we have experienced injustice ourselves or we see it done to others, it hurts and it can make us angry -- that is both understandable and very human. But if our ultimate goal is to actually bring about justice, then kindness and humility are required. Conversely, if we are seeking justice, but express that in ways that are unkind or even arrogant, we may prevent the very thing we're trying to accomplish. Again, I realize this is very hard to do. It takes a certain amount of maturity, restraint, and an awareness of the larger goal. I also believe it takes a certain amount of grace and strength that comes from God.

 

Jesus compares it to "turning the other cheek" after being struck in the face. After his arrest, Jesus even modeled this for us. Someone who modeled this for us in our day in time was the late John Lewis. He spent his whole life advocating for justice -- particularly for those who needed it most. Lewis learned this as a young man from Martin Luther King, Jr. King learned it from Jesus and Gandhi. After Lewis' recent death, there were many stories and videos of Lewis throughout his years of service in the Congress. He was not afraid to get into "good trouble" as he called it, in order to bring about needed change. But he always did this with kindness and humility. May we all learn from his example.

 

Prayer for Today

Thank you, God, for caring about justice in our world. Help us to work for your justice with kindness and humility. In the strong name of Christ we pray. Amen.

Posted by: AT 12:10 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Tuesday, September 01 2020

For many of us the words of Psalm 23 are a part of our life experiences. When do you recall learning this Psalm or hearing the words? Who read it to you? This translation from Eugene Peterson may bring this familiar Psalm into a new place with the words he uses to share the message and prayer.

 

Psalm 23 (The Message)
God, my shepherd! I don't need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction. Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I'm not afraid when you walk at my side. Your trusty shepherd's crook makes me feel secure. You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies. You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing. Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life. I'm back home in the house of God for the rest of my life.

 

As we move into the sixth month of experiencing a pandemic here, how do these words have new meaning for you? I know that many of us are navigating new territory, making difficult decisions and experiencing hard situations.

 

These words from David Burroughs, president of Passport, Inc., brought new insights for me about this Psalm. "When I speak this Psalm aloud, I feel protected and cared for. I breathe deeply, trusting God knows our needs and will literally keep us alive by leading us to safety, rest, and water. God knows our days and sustains us. But there is an important role that we play - we have to decide to follow the shepherd. This means that we won't always know where we are going, and probably won't always be happy with our current direction. But if we can let go of the lead and simply follow, God will guide us, helping us get to where we need to be."

 

As the challenges our church faces impact my role on our staff, I pray for God's leading for where I need to be. Hear these words and music from a Presbyterian Church in Maryland as we continue to reflect on the words of Psalm 23 and our current prayers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70whGbrrj8k

 

Prayer for Today

Great Shepherd, help me to let go of the lead for a bit and to actively follow where you lead me. I trust you, God, to care of me and lead me to the right place, down the right path, in the right time. Amen.

Posted by: AT 12:06 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Monday, August 31 2020

When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and elders, to whom they reported everything God had done through them. 

- Acts 15:4, NIV

 

Last week I shared that we are resuming Session updates by passing along important decisions and information from the meetings. The August 24 meeting was a continuation of the previous August 17 meeting's agenda. Because of the length of the last meeting and the Session's desire to give its full attention to what is a very difficult decision that involves our staff, the Session wanted a separate meeting to discern God's will for Johns Creek Presbyterian Church in these important matters.

 

Your Session met for this Called Meeting via "Zoom" teleconferencing. The purpose was to continue a review of the proposed Contingency and Long-range Personnel plans recommended by the Personal Committee and the Stewardship Ministry Team. Due to the nature of the material which affected personnel, the Session voted to go into executive session. Guests who were pertinent to the discussion were then invited to attend the closed session.

 

The first item discussed was a proposed Contingency Plan which involved: 1) the temporary furlough of some of our support staff; 2) a 10% percent reduction on salary applied to our non-ordained staff not affected by the furlough, and 3) a 10% requested "give back" of salary from our ordained pastors. This plan would be implemented in the event of unforeseen, extreme circumstances affecting the church finances. The Contingency Plan was moved, presented and discussed. The motion to approve the plan passed.

 

The Session then considered a proposed Long-range Plan. The plan recommended a change in the Director of Christian Education (DCE) position to be reclassified as a part-time position. The DCE position would also be re-titled and updated with a new job description which better addresses our church's present mission and needs.

 

The plan also proposed the dissolution of the Associate Pastor for Congregational Care position. This would result in the ending of the pastoral relationship with the Rev. Neal Kuhlhorst, presently serving in the position. (Rev. Kuhlhorst will still serve as the Director of JCPC Counseling Center.) This change will require congregational approval prior to a proposed January 1, 2021 implementation date. The plan was moved, discussed and approved. Again, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at (pat@apearson.com)

 

Prayer for Today

Gracious God, as we face difficult times and hard decisions, we pray your comfort for all of those who may be affected by these changes. In the name of Christ we pray. Amen.

Posted by: AT 11:55 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Wednesday, August 26 2020

How good and pleasant it is when brothers and sisters live together in unity!

- Psalm 133:1, NIV

 

For my daily devotionals , I am rereading Dietrich Bonhoeffer's brief classic, Life Together. The words above are how he begins the book. In times as uncertain as these, I find myself drawn to the classics of our faith. In addition to reading scripture, I sense a need to return to the foundations in order to stay grounded in these turbulent times.

 

For those of you who may not be familiar with Bonhoeffer, he was a German pastor and a brilliant theologian who was imprisoned under Hitler during World War II. A few weeks before Hitler took his own life, orders came down from Himmler for Bonhoeffer to be executed. After conducting a worship service in prison on April 8, 1945, the prison guards came to take him away for his execution. His last words to a fellow prisoner were these: "This is the end, but for me it is the beginning of life."

 

As I reread Bonhoeffer's words slowly, deeply, a few pages at a time -- I find them speaking to me during these troubling times. The following is a prayer Bonhoeffer created and prayed, which I am praying each day. May it enrich you in your prayer life!

 

 

Prayer for Today

 

In me there is darkness,

but with you there is light,

I am lonely, but you do not leave me.

I am feeble in heart, but you do not leave me.

I am restless, but with you there is peace.

In me there is bitterness, but with you there is patience;

Your ways are past understanding, but

You know the way for me.

Lord Jesus Christ

You were poor

and in misery, a captive and forsaken as I am.

You know all our distress;

You abide with me

when all others have deserted me;

You do not forget me, but seek me.

You will that I should know you and turn to you.

Lord, I hear your call and follow you;

Help me.

Amen.

Posted by: AT 11:51 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Tuesday, August 25 2020

As we continue to navigate uncertainty, hard questions, new routines, and big decisions I wanted to share a familiar passage in Matthew 5. Eugene Peterson in his translation of this passage reminded me of my calling in the midst of the difficult circumstances happening around me.

 

Jesus said, "Let me tell you why you are here. You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth... Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand - shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:13-16, The Message)

 

This passage in the Message version of the Bible always brings Jesus' words to me in a new way. I hope that you heard something new in this passage too. As you go through your day, find ways that you can be generous with your life. Open up to others. I know that when I do this, others are more willing to open up to me and deeper relationships happen.

 

Take a moment to think about those you are called to love... shine a light... share in leadership this week. Be God's salt-seasoning and light-bearers, it's both a gift and a calling.

 

Prayer for Today

Gracious God, Thank you for the gifts of salt and light in our lives. Help us to be open to the ways you will use us today to share your love with the world. In Christ's Name, Amen.

Posted by: AT 12:29 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Monday, August 24 2020

When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and elders, to whom they reported everything God had done through them. 

- Acts 15:4, NIV

 

In order to keep our JCPC church family better informed about the decisions of your Session, we are returning to the practice of sharing monthly highlights from our Session meetings. Feel free to contact me (pat@apearson.com) if you have any questions. Here is the August 20th Session Meeting Update:

           

  • A motion was passed to allow Session meetings and congregational meetings to be conducted by Zoom teleconferencing during this pandemic.
  • There will be a Drive-Thru Breakfast on the next Fifth Sunday (August 30) in which those attending the Drive-In service will receive a pre-packaged bagel and juice breakfast.
  • There will be a churchwide Zoom Wednesday Night Dinner on September 9.
  • A motion was passed to allow the youth to meet outside for fellowship using social-distancing and masks on the first and third Sunday of each month.
  • A motion passed to allow the Congregation Dor Tamid Synagogue to celebrate Rosh Hashanah in our West Parking lot using the JCPC sound and FM broadcast equipment for a special Drive-In service.
  • An in-depth discussion of COVID19 safety protocols for the Preschool led to a motion to delay the opening of the Preschool from September 3 to September 17. The motion did not pass, so the Preschool will plan to open September 3 using the safety protocols presented to the Session.
  • The revised budgeting process for 2021 was presented which included target goals for each Ministry Team. Feedback from each team will be accepted at the Session meeting in September.
  • Because of the extended length of the meeting, the contingency and long-term Personnel budgeting items on the agenda will be decided at a called Session meeting on August 24th.
 

Prayer for Today

O Lord, we give thanks for those called to serve your church by leading. Give them the wisdom to know what to do and the strength to do it. We pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Posted by: AT 12:26 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Friday, August 21 2020

"Jesus calls us; o'er the tumult of our life's wild, restless sea,

Day by day his voice is sounding, saying 'Christian, follow me.'"

- Cecil Frances Alexander (and the text to a familiar hymn)

 

I always thought the first bit was, "Jesus calls us over the tumult...", but if you look at the punctuation, it's actually just, "Jesus calls us." Then it goes on to say his voice is calling our every day, amidst our crazy lives, asking us to follow him.

 

Jesus calls us. It's a pretty simple statement, but really quite deep when you think about it. I've been reading a couple of books about the Apostles' Creed that Gray lent me, and one of them talks about how, when we say, "he descended into hell," we are talking about the fact that Jesus died and was without even the presence of God. The author then talks about how he himself also has felt the absence of God at times in his life. Have you ever felt a time in your life where despite praying and coming to church, you still felt like God was somehow absent? Have you tried to "self-medicate" by reading your Bible more or signing up for as many small groups and mission projects as you can?

 

I don't know about you but my life is littered with these periods of "absence". It's not that God gave up on me, or that I turned away from God. They are just periods of time where I felt disconnected from God in one way or another. I suspect many of us have been through this. Even in this apparent absence or silence from God, the words to this familiar hymn are loud and resounding: "Jesus calls us." Even when we feel disconnected, even when we feel that maybe we aren't doing enough and so that's why we feel the absence of God, Jesus is still calling us. And I like to think it's not a generic, form letter-like call. Rather, I think Jesus calls each one of us, individually, by name, and in a tone that we responded to well. How is Jesus calling you? How will you respond?

 

Prayer for Today

God amidst the tumult, thank you for calling me, across time and space, to follow you. Open my ears to your voice every day, and give me the wisdom to love you more than I love my own life and luxuries. Enlighten me to the path of service you have set before me and give me the courage to take the next step. Amen.

Posted by: AT 12:24 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Thursday, August 20 2020

We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us: prophecy, in proportion to faith; ministry, in ministering; the teacher, in teaching; the exhorter, in exhortation; the giver, in generosity; the leader, in diligence; the compassionate, in cheerfulness. 

-Romans 12:6-8 

 

Presbyterians have jokingly been called God's Frozen Chosen for years. We sort of laugh, sort of shrug, and sort of take pride in it. We aren't rowdy or rambunctious. We love everything to be "decent and in order." We are more afraid to dance and clap than most Baptists even. I still remember my pastor from my home church growing up delivering a sermon entitled, "enthusiastically Presbyterian." And he grew up Baptist, here in Georgia. But we can and should be just that! If you've ever heard me lead the Call to Worship and there's an exclamation point, you've heard me call for your enthusiasm.

 

This week, I was truly inspired. Our Christian Educator, Allison, charged our teachers and educators and administrators for the year and prayed for them. When she left the pulpit at the raised platform, we heard loudly from her car, "YAY, MOM!" Her 7 year old son was shouting his unbridled support. He was exhorting. When we read that list of the gifts of the Spirit, we Presbyterians sometimes celebrate teaching and preaching while glossing over the less decent and orderly ones like speaking in tongues, prophesying, and exhorting. But without them, we don't have a Dr King or a sister Mother Theresa or Dr. Billy Graham preaching justice or encouraging the people. And we don't have, "Yay, Mom!" shouted from Subarus.

 

When we celebrate God's gifts of teachers each year, we do well to celebrate the exhorters and prophets. They're changing our world too. And we cannot forget that marchers and munchkins, protesters and peanut galleries have a place in God's Kingdom and receive that same gifting of the Spirit. We are called to give thanks for them and to join them. And as we enthusiastically disciple as Presbyterians, we should exhort and prophesy as the Spirit calls and gifts us to do so. And, "Yay, moms!" too.

 

Prayer for Today

Yay, God! Yay, Spirit! Thank you for the many gifts. Amen

Posted by: AT 12:19 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Wednesday, August 19 2020

How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity!  -Psalm 133:1, NIV

 

How wonderful, how beautiful, when brothers and sisters get along! 

- Psalm 133:1, The Message

 

As I've shared in recent sermons, I am rereading Eugene Peterson's classic book A Long Obedience in the Same Direction. In yesterday's devotional reading, Peterson focused on Psalm 133, which contains the words above. Using the same poignant language, he employed in writing The Message translation of the Bible, he wrote these insights about being a part of a community of faith:

 

  • No Christian is an only child.
  • The question is not "Am I going to be a part of a community of faith?" but "How am I going to live in this community of faith?"
  • Community is essential. Scripture knows nothing of the solitary Christian.
  • As we come to declare our love for God, we must face the unlovely and lovely fellow sinners whom God loves and commands us to love.
  • Living together in a way that evokes the glad song of Psalm 133 is one of the greatest and arduous tasks before Christ's people. Nothing requires more attention and energy. It is easier to do almost anything else.
  • Somewhere between there is community -- a place where each person is taken seriously, learns to trust others, depend on others, be compassionate with others, rejoice with others.
  • Our community with one another consist solely in what Christ has done to both of us. (quoting Dietrich Bonhoeffer)

Monday night I witnessed this pleasant beauty of sisters and brothers "getting along" when our Session met. It seems like every meeting we have now requires us to deal with the very complex issues of how to faithfully be the church in this time of pandemic. I believe our Session got along, not because we always agree on everything, (we don't) -- but because of our connection in Christ and our desire to be the community and body of Christ in this place. It was wonderful to behold!

 

Prayer for Today

Gracious God, you have called us together to be your community of faith. Help us this day to love each other as sisters and brothers in Christ - even when that is hard. We pray this in the strong name of Christ. Amen.

Posted by: AT 11:18 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Tuesday, August 18 2020

The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.

-Psalm 138:8

 

Have you ever considered that God only made you once? Most of you are familiar with artists and when they create something the first one is original, then when they see that their work is meaningful or connects with people, they are often asked to recreate it. You were created by God as an original with a purpose.

 

"Holy" is a word we may hear a lot in church, but what does it mean?

 

One simple definition is "set apart." This doesn't necessarily mean being physically separate. It can mean to be different in your deepest self, in your way of being. To be holy is to be designated for a sacred purpose, set apart to live a life that does not look like others.

 

Perhaps it means that we are to live lives that look different, that are set apart from what is ordinary or standard, to serve a sacred purpose.

 

What might it look like for you to live as a reflection of a holy God today?

 

We are living in a challenging time. The messages around us go against everything we know to be true and how we are called to fulfill our purpose in this world as God's creation and followers of Christ. At different seasons in my life, I have wrestled with my calling and purpose in this world. Situations that I encountered along the way have caused me to question and discern where I am needed to fulfill God's purpose for me. Once I became a parent, it was no longer just what is God's purpose and calling for me, but how do I fulfill that and take my responsibility to raise my son in this world seriously.

 

Finding the courage to do that can be difficult. What brave thing is God calling you to do today? As a unique creation of God, how can you fulfill your purpose in this world one step at a time, one choice at a time?

 

Prayer for Today

Creator God, Thank you for the gift of life and all the uniqueness it includes. Help us to find our purpose in this day and the courage to act in the way you have called us to live. In Christ's Name, Amen.

Posted by: AT 11:17 am   |  Permalink   |  Email

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10950 Bell Rd, Johns Creek, GA 30097
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