Fifth Sunday After Pentecost July 4-5, 2020
Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ at Hope Lutheran Church,
I had the blessing last weekend of being able to take a quick trip to the Keys with my youngest daughter, Christina, in order to visit our second-born daughter, Katherine, and her family, including almost-two-year-old Marisol. While we have been blessed over these months with phone calls and facetiming, to actually see her little self in person, splashing in their backyard pool, dancing to kiddie videos, singing songs, and reading stories was a gift that defies description. Sol is a little bit of sunshine in my life and I am deeply grateful for those moments we could share together. I know many of us are feeling the pinch of sheltering in place. I think most of us had hoped that things would be getting better with regard to Covid 19 in our country and community, and that’s simply not been the case. The need for continued physical distancing is real and we will continue to enforce and encourage safest practices to keep our church family and our community healthy and protected to the best of our ability. This weekend, as we celebrate the birthday of our nation, I pray you will all continue to look for the opportunities in your life where God is blessing you and speaking to you, so that you might be encouraged to share his love with others. God promises to be with us-Jesus said so! God is in the midst of wherever we are, in whatever we are doing, and God continues to bless and offer hope and comfort and strength now and in the days to come. One of the gifts he has given us as Americans is this beautiful country in which we live. It isn’t perfect-it will never be perfect. There are many things we need to do and can do to provide a safe haven and freedom for all who live here, as our Statue of Liberty proclaims. Yes, there are things that have been overlooked for far too long and things that need to change. That’s true for all human institutions. And yet, there is much for which we can be grateful, much to celebrate, and much to build upon that has begun. May God continue to bless you, our nation, and the world. A blessed Fourth of July celebration to you all! In Christ’s love, Pr. Jen+
Fifth Sunday After Pentecost July 4-5, 2020
PRAYER OF THE DAY Let us pray: You are great, O God, and greatly to be praised. You have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you. Grant that we may believe in you, call upon you, know you, and serve you, through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
READING Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 Jesus chides people who find fault with both his ministry and that of John the Baptist. He thanks God that wisdom and intelligence are not needed to receive what God has to offer. [Jesus spoke to the crowd saying:] 16 “To what will I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to one another, 17 ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we wailed, and you did not mourn.’ 18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon’; 19 the Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.” 25 At that time Jesus said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; 26 yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. 27 All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. 28 “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
HOMILY I’m exhausted … I’m stressed to the limit … I’m bone-tired … I feel drained … I’m running on fumes … I’m on the edge of burnout. I am sick and tired of feeling sick and tired. I am tired of sheltering in place. I miss seeing my friends. I hate wearing a mask-I hate seeing all the hate…Have you ever heard yourself or someone else say those words? At one time or another, most of us have been there. And these past months have really exaggerated those things!
~~~And then we come to church. Welcome! Welcome to this church, — this place for tired, weary people. In our text for today, Jesus gives a clear invitation and a promise: “Come to me, you who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” This weekend we’ve been celebrating America. With freedom and justice in our consciousness and conscience, I’ve been thinking about the Lady Liberty statue in New York Harbor with that inscription from Emma Lazarus: “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” Those words echo Jesus’ invitation: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy-laden.”
~~~We may come to church for many different reasons. Maybe you’ve come to worship today because your parents or grandparents taught you to go. Maybe you’re here to enjoy the music, or to see other ppl from a distance, the singing, the cross. But we also know that too many of us come here stressed and worried, troubled and tired. I once asked a wise friend, “What can we do when we face trouble after trouble and we’re feeling overwhelmed?” She said, “Breathe!” (EXHALE)
~~~We all need to exhale the anxieties, worries and stress of our life, and wait for Jesus’ promise to work its way, to inhale its way, into our insides. It’s a kind of photosynthesis for the soul. We can exhale the carbons, the toxins; inhale the spiritual oxygen. It’s no accident that the name for Spirit in Scripture in Hebrew is ruach-can be translated as breath. Wind. Spirit. Breathing in the Spirit of God and exhaling the things that weigh us down.
~~~Jesus understood this need. He knew the importance of rest — time for replenishing his soul. People were often crowding around him; they wanted what he offered — healing, forgiveness, courage, hope, life. A theologian said, “The amazing thing about Jesus was his compassion. He never turned anyone away.” But after days of teaching and healing, when he felt his energy waning, Jesus would steal away to a lonely place to pray, to “rest.” In the text today, Jesus is giving us an invitation from his own practice: “Come to me … and I will give you rest.”
~~~We’ve heard the text. Now let’s do what it says! Let’s take some silence, some time to rest, and allow Jesus’ words to sink into our insides. I invite you to get comfortable, close your eyes, and let’s take a moment to rest together as we meditate on Jesus’ words. Exhale the stress; inhale the goodness. In this time of silence, hear Jesus say to you. “Come to me … and I will give you rest.” (silence)
~~~What happens in the silence? If we can quiet our chattering minds and be still, gifts are given that we cannot give ourselves. Jesus gives us some hints about the gifts. Listen again: “Come to me … and rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me. … For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
~~~A yoke is a harness, like the yoke over the shoulders of an ox. It shares the load, divides the burden. But Jesus’ yoke is not restrictive; it provides a useful structure. His yoke is easy. It’s really a gift, a practice that harnesses for us a pathway to newness, aliveness as Jesus walks with us, sharing what burdens our hearts. “Learn from this gift, this way that I offer you,” Jesus says. “My burden is light.” Gifts come in the silence, when our heart is open.
~~~One of the gifts is Sabbath time. Jesus is a Jew; he knows about Sabbath time. Sabbath provides the spacious context for Jesus’ invitation. He’s echoing one of the Ten Commandments: “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” Sabbath is a gift, a day of rest. This rest is more than sleep; it’s rejuvenation, restoration, re-connection to our life force, to full aliveness. In the creation story, God worked six days, and then God rested on the seventh day. If it was good enough for God, it’s good enough for us. A chance for Being rather than doing. Evelyn Underhill says that we spend our lives conjugating three verbs: to have, to want and to do. But the essential verb is to be. Being restful means living in the present moment, not regretting the past or feeling anxious about the future. Sabbath rest, if we practice it, infuses us with attention to the present moment Being mindful. Attend to the present moment; it’s where God shows up — God’s energy, God’s peace. In his invitation, Jesus is offering Sabbath rest, and this rest is the pathway to renewed aliveness.
~~~Another gift Jesus offers is release — the opportunity to let go of stresses and pressures, to release the inner obstacles that block us. Like Queen Elsa sings in the movie Frozen: “Let it go, let it go.” Whatever dilemma, problem or anxiety is clogging our insides, “let it go.” In the silence, this time of rest, we can put our anxieties aside for a bit. They don’t disappear, but taking a break or even releasing those worries can give you a mini-vacation and a break for the things weighing you down. Let it go. For fullness of life to develop, emptiness is essential. Let it go. Jesus invites us to breathe and to release-to let things go.
~~~Additionally, in Jesus’ invitation is the gift of the inner wellspring: living water. When we can let it go, we’re removing the debris from the wellspring, the Baptismal life, that wants to flow freely, to give us fullness of life. That wellspring flows with goodness; it’s the source of our aliveness. If we do our part in releasing the stresses, then calm energy, aliveness, can emerge, and it will even gush. Jesus tells us, “I have come that you might have abundant life” — fullness of life (John 10:10). Not existence, not half-life, but aliveness, fullness of life. This life force the Spirit, comes to us from the inner wellspring — “that of God in every person,” as the Quakers say. But to get to our true self, we have to let it go — let go of our stuff, and get back to the source, the well. When we go to the wellspring and take it in, we may receive the gift of energy for our work in the world. Imagine your energy as an amount in a pouch. You keep digging into it and giving it out-well, eventually, without it being replenished, you hit the bottom of the pouch and there’s nothing left. Pausing, refocusing, returning to the living water that is Jesus and his Spirit allows for the overflowing refilling of our energies to fulfill our purpose.
~~~Jesus is our role model- he was a contemplative and an activist. He was often going off to pray, to re-connect to the wellspring. Then he would head back to his ministry of compassion, justice, equality, nonviolence. This pattern is the model for all of us. We all have our personal callings for specific work that continues the mission of Jesus. But we can’t do it without daily attention to our inner life, getting back to the wellspring. Jesus is still teaching us this wisdom, handing us the gifts — Sabbath, release, wellspring, energy for mission. All for the purpose of abundant life, for us and those we serve. Come to me, Jesus says — to my way, my practice. I will give you rest. This rest is better than sleep; it’s rest for the soul. He’s echoing Psalm 23: “The Lord is my shepherd. … God leads me beside still waters. God restores my soul.” Restores my deepest self!
~~~ When we get to the place of genuine rest, we re-connect with the inner wellspring, the source of life, abundant life. Let’s call it aliveness that gushes-the Holy Spirit who fills us to overflowing. The Holy Spirit who fills you as you breathe in, restoring, freeing, and energizing you and all of us for our common mission to be led by the Spirit to serve God and share Christ’s love with all. Come to me, Jesus says, and find life-giving rest. Amen.
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION Called into unity with one another and the whole creation, let us pray for our shared world. A brief silence.
We pray for the church. Sustain us as we share your word. Embrace us as we struggle to find our common ground. Lift up leaders with powerful and prophetic voices. Free us from stagnant faith. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
We pray for the well-being of creation. Protect the air, water, and land from abuse and pollution. Free us from apathy in our care of creation and direct us toward sustainable living. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
We pray for the nations especially the United States and Canada, celebrating their nationhood. Guide leaders in developing just policies and guide difficult conversations. Free us from patriotism that hinders relationship-building. Lead us to expansive love for our neighbor. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
We pray for all in need. For all who are tired, feeling despair, sick, or oppressed…. Take their yoke upon you and ease their burdens. Give your consolation and free us from all that keeps us bound. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
We pray for this congregation. Bless pastors, deacons, and congregational leaders. Energize volunteers, church administrators, and those who maintain our building. Shine in this place that we might notice the ways your love transforms our lives. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
We give thanks for those who have died in faith. Welcome them into your eternal rest and comfort us in our grief until we are joined with them in new life. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Receive these prayers, O God, and those too deep for words; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
OUR FATHER…
BLESSING Almighty God, the Father, + the Son, and the Holy Spirit be with us now and always. Amen.
DISMISSAL We go in peace. Christ is with us as together we are led by your Spirit to serve you and share your love with all people. Thanks be to God!!
Hope Lutheran Church-Gulf Cove
14200 Hopewell Ave, Port Charlotte, FL 33981
Church phone: 941-697-2345
Email: hopeluthern@comcast.net
Pr. Jen Schaefer-cell-813-391-2027
Pr. Jen’s email: hopeluthern1@comcast.net
HOPE HAPPENINGS
We welcome all who worship with us today. Please complete one of the visitor cards at our guest table. If you would like to make Hope your church home, please speak to Pastor Jen. Everyone is welcome at Hope Lutheran Church.
Next Week’s Readings: Isaiah 55:10-13; Romans 8:1-11; Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
The July thru September Word in Season Devotionals are available on the narthex table.
Attendance last week Income Information
Saturday 14 FY 2020 Actual thru June $72,919.79
Sunday 8:30 14 FY 2020 Budget thru June $76,583.41
Sunday 10:00 24 FY 2019 Actual thru June $74,581.41
LAY SERVANTS Altar Guild – Barb & Larry Brady Ushers – Alan Beicht & Larry Brady
PRAYER LIST Please call the church office or email Pr. Jen with any prayer requests you may have so they may be shared with the congregation.
Please continue to hold in prayer:
Laura Everill, daughter of Phyllis and Tom Agness, residing in a healthcare facility
Walter Crowley, husband of Kathryn and father of Ginger Toomire recovering from pneumonia
Pr Cheryll, Karl, and Nick Kaukis who mourn the death of Chris, beloved son and brother
Peter Schwenke, uncle of Lorraine Maass in need of healing
Sue and Windell Spisak as they mourn the death of Paul.
Joyce, sister in law of Elaine Dougan, recovering from brain cancer surgery
Arthur St. Amand and Joanne, in need of God’s healing touch
John Greene, Millie’s husband , recovering from surgery
Fred Schaible, Eileen’s husband and Pr. Jen’s dad, in hospice care
Al D’Agostino, brother in law of Alan Beicht who is diagnosed with cancer
Suzette, Katie McClay’s friend who is recovering after colon cancer surgery,
Norm Balint, Roberta’s husband, who is recovering heart procedures
Lindsey, Cyndi Carley’s daughter who is in need of healing
Florence, Bob Kostrowsky’s aunt who is recovering in New Jersey
Lois, Lorraine Maass’ friend, in need of God’s healing presence
Kaye Miller, friend of Elaine Dougan, needing God’s comfort and healing
Chery Burke who is in need of healing
Lindsey, asking for God’s protection
Sandy Johnson who is in need of healing.
Those who are in need or ill in any way, those who are lonely, those who are frightened, those
who grieve, those caring for those who are ill, those who are victimized by racism
NEW AT HOPE:
HOPE’S LOVE PANTRY. Big thank you to Linda Kraigenow who donated and initiated our new Hope’s Love Pantry. If anyone would like to donate nonperishable goods for our pantry please put items on the shelves of our pantry located on the walkway to the left of the main entrance. Also, please let people in our area who may be in need, know that they may take some food from our pantry. No need to sign up. It is anonymous, no questions asked.
NEW FM RADIO STATION. Anyone can now listen to worship in their vehicles by tuning into FM Radio station 88.3. The 8:30 AM parking lot service will be broadcast on FM Radio 88.3. In the near future both the Saturday evening 5:30 PM and Sunday morning 10:00 AM services will also be broadcast on our FM Radio station.
HYMN REQUESTS If there are any particular hymns that you would like to hear at worship, please submit the names to Pastor Jen at hopeluthern1@comcast.net. If our licensing agreement permits, look forward to hearing them soon.
HOPES AND DREAMS FOR HOPE – If you have a suggestion for a Hope or Dream for Hope Lutheran Church, Pastor Jen and your council would love to hear it. Please feel free to place any Hope or Dream in the mailbox in the hallway leading to the Fellowship Hall. All requests will be kept confidential and you will receive a timely response.
BIBLES AND BAGELS (or muffins or individually wrapped goodies) Please join us Mondays from 10:00 – 11:00 AM for Bible Study and sharing in the Fellowship Hall. Physical Distancing and sharing in Scripture and discussion are blessings we can share together!! All are welcome!!
PSALMS IN CONVERSATION AND OTHER THINGS is a beginning – to connect with and pray with and for each other and the larger community. If you are willing to begin this conversation with Pastor Cheryll, contact her at cheryll.kaukis@gmail.com
KIWANIS SHOES FOR KIDS PROJECT The Kiwanis Shoes for Kids project will continue through July 26th. Please bring all new tennis shoes to church and place in the bin in the narthex. If you prefer, we will purchase tennis shoes for you if you make a donation to Hope Lutheran. Thank you!
BLOOD DRIVE : The Suncoast Blood Drive Mobile Unit will be in our parking lot on July 19th between 9:30AM & 1:00 PM. Sign up sheet are available in the narthex.
MASKS NEEDED! Our homemade supply of masks is dwindling-and we are truly in need of a large supply as a stockpile for the months to come. Please-if you are making masks at home, please consider sharing with our congregation since they are disappearing from the basket at a fast rate. Science has proven that the fabric masks are more effective than paper-and more versatile. So, if you are making masks, or have made them in the past, please remember Hope Lutheran Church and consider sharing masks with us. If you are in need of fabric, we have a supply we can share with you. Thanks in advance for your generosity!!!!
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