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Sermon - June 28th, 2009
Open Your Heart
Rev. Gwen Drake
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 6:1-12
Prayer of Preparation: We give thanks, O God of sacred stories, for the witness of your word today. Through Scripture you challenge our assumptions, increase our awareness, nurture our imaginations, and touch our feelings. Bless the hearing of the word today. Speak to us and grant that by the power of your Spirit we may be hearers and doers of your word. Amen.
Some Thoughts on Annual Conference:
Out of 23 years of Annual Conferences I missed only one and a half of them, although there were a few where I was distracted by some personal issues. Nevertheless, that’s a lot of hours of sitting and listening at Annual Conferences. But I think this is the first one I’ve been at when my Mom wasn’t there, and she retired 23 years ago. Now she has dedication!
This year felt special to me. Maybe it was because it was shorter….two and a half intense and full days and we got everything done, thanks be to God! I think also, it was because I went knowing that change is going to have to happen because of the Annual Conferences finances—the economy is hitting everyone—and I was wondering—are we going to deal with it, or not? And I came away feeling like we are dealing with it. Or, at the very least addressing it straight on!
It’s not unlike the Apostle Paul speaking to the church in Corinth. He said, “As we work together…do not accept the grace of God in vain…now is the acceptable time, now is the day of salvation…. There are no obstacles we are putting in your way...” In other words, I think he was telling the church in Corinth to go for it!
Dialogue
Gwen: I think the way Paul said it was “open wide your hearts.” But he also guilted the church of Corinth a bit. Did you hear that? He said, “Look what we (we here is Paul and his co-workers) have done, everything in everyway, we have gone to hell and back for you (I’m not quoting him word for word, here). So the least you can do,” Paul said, “Is open your hearts also, because our heart is wide open to you.”
Mary: Hmm… I see what you mean… Paul endured a lot that we don’t endure like beatings, imprisonments, riots. He was treated like an imposter, as someone who was dying and punished and sorrowful.”
Gwen: Life is hard for us, too, but not same way, that’s for sure. However, there are a lot of people treating the church as if it was dying…even people in the church. And I think that’s what the Bishop was trying to tell us…we are NOT ready to die yet! Like Paul, I’m sure the Bishop and Kate our D.S. and Scott Harkness, you know, the people leading us, are having sleepless nights, have an incredible amount of patience, kindness, and I definitely heard speeches with truth-telling. And the Bishop is not ready to give up on us.
Mary: And neither is God! But some churches need to get out of survival mode, that’s for sure. We aren’t in survival mode, I don’t think, here at Hillsboro UMC. Do you?
Gwen: No, not at all. We are in forging ahead mode!!!! Get out there mode!!! But sometimes it would help us to do what the Bishop said in his “State of the Conference” address.
Mary: You mean, when he put on those sunglasses?
Gwen: Yeah, did you bring some sunglasses with you?
Mary: Yes, I did. What do you think of these? And these? Try these!
Anyway, the Bishop said, we need to look at our church through the eyes of our children, and our youth, and our young adults. That’s kind of hard for some of us to do, I think. We don’t know how. The Bishop told us we do that by asking them to help us see the church like they do. We talk to them! Wow! Novel idea! But for us who have been in the church forever, it’s hard. Because we might find out that they like things we don’t like or they do not like things that we love. Oh my, is it hard to hear things like that—let alone change!!! Maybe the Bishop should have put on some blinders to show us, who are part of the “old guard” that we don’t realize we wear blinders most of the time.
Mary: Right, the Bishop was saying, we can’t transform the world until we first transform ourselves.
Gwen: Gosh, I think it’s a lot harder to transform ourselves than it is to go out and say to the world, you need to be transformed. Didn’t Jesus say something like that too?
Mary: Oh, you mean take the log out of your own eye before you look at the splinter in another.
Gwen: Yes, that one… Well, I think we have our work cut out for us!
Mary: I am sure glad God is still at work! God is so patient with us, thank you, God.
Gwen: So, are you willing to transform yourself for the transformation of the world?
Mary: Yes, I am! Are you?
Gwen: With God’s help, a lot of help, yes, I am! (Turning to the congregation.) Can we do it?
Everyone (hopefully): Yes, we can!
Gracious and holy God, we are a church and a people and individuals who are still under construction and we are so grateful that you are at work in us and in the world. Help us to truly be your people and your church. Help us to discern your will and your yearning for us. Guide us, speak to us clearly, help us to listen and know what you want for us, and then help us to act on it and be the church that you want us to be.
You have heard our concerns and our joys. We rejoice with those who rejoice and we feel with those who are hurting and in need of your strength and peace and healing. Help us to know what to say and do—help us to be helpful!
Oh holy God, the world is in need, great need, for peace, for healing, for the basics of shelter, food and safety. If we have the means, inspire us to give of ourselves, dedicate ourselves, help us to know how to put ourselves in the offering as we respond to your unconditional love, your unfolding grace, and your yearning for peace in the world.
In the name of Jesus we pray….Our Father….