Date: 08 May 2000
Time: 02:46:27
There has always been a lot of talk about love, more talk than action. Real love is bold and active. Real love is depicted in Jesus laying down his life for others.
The best depiction of love in our day is the love of a mother. Elian Gonzales' mother laid down her life for her son, risking all for his freedom.
I read recently of the 34 year old woman who went back to a local community college for an art course. The professor informed the class that the project they had completed on the first day of class had to be re submitted as it was to be included in a larger book for the final grade.
The woman said to the professor, "May I do another project. I no longer have the first one I did."
"Where is your first project?"asked the professor.
The 34 year old woman responded, "It is on my mother's refrigerator."
We never outgrow our need for love, especially that self giving love of a mother.
Fred in LA
Date: 08 May 2000
Time: 16:28:18
How true Fred!
I want to lift up this Scripture and the Gospel in light of Mother's Day, however, I am very mindful of a couple of women who have just buried their mothers over the past couple of months and two families who lost a son and a daughter. Suggestions? Rev.WWM
Date: 08 May 2000
Time: 19:22:59
I'm always a bit wary of Mother's Day. I think of how it comes across to those who have had a miscarriage, or who can't have children, or are single, or choose not to have kids, or have lost a mother, or are estranged from their mother/children, etc.
I don't want to take away from the honor due mothers (and they are not honored nearly enough), but I prefer to talk more about families or the Christian community or all of those people who nurture us in the faith.
Our service will focus on this theme of nurture. It happens to be the Sunday we will receive a special offering for a chapel at the women's prison as well as Christian Ed recognition Sunday. And on top of that, we will use an interfaith prayer for the Festival of the Family that is intended as a united witness against hatred (Fred Phelps will be picketing churhces in our area this Sunday...)
The text from I John, which speaks of what love requires, seems to fit well with all of this.
Early in the week thoughts from Iowa...
Dave
Date: 08 May 2000
Time: 19:58:38
Vs. 19-21 have caught my attention with the business of 'condeming' hearts. All the commentators I've read so far say this is John's most unclear writing. The NJB uses 'feelings' (conscience?) instead of 'hearts' which leads me to wonder if John was addressing lingering guilt and sense of inadequacy among the believers. Lord knows there are enough timid, fearful and self-condeming folks in the church now. How might this preach to encourage some healthy self-respect, if not outright boldness among God's people? Joe in Zion
Date: 08 May 2000
Time: 23:47:31
Hereis a possible Mother's Day text. We have this idea about how strong a mother's love is. I don't have the exact quote with me but I think it is from Rich Melheim to the effect that every parent is willing to di for their children but are we willing to live for them?
Not only is Jesus willing to die for us, but he is willing to live for us to. The trade has been made. Are we willing to live for Jesus?
Jonesy
Date: 09 May 2000
Time: 00:43:07
Laying down our lives for one another. Wow. It trips easily off the tongue, but to actually live it? In a culture that calls to us to look out for #1, how does this make any sense? And at what point does living for others become "unhealthy;" or is that thepoint of the gospel, that self-sacrifice may be counter-cultural but is necessary?
I'm also looking for advice. I want to preach on this reading, but this Sunday, in addition to being Mother's Day, is that last Sunday I will be in my parish before beginning maternity leave. Should I make reference to that in the sermon itself or should I be focussed only on the reading and only say something baout my leaving (temporarily) at the end of the service?
Heather
Date: 09 May 2000
Time: 01:27:13
Dear Heather:
How wonderful to be having a child now, and to be able to preach on Mother's Day. Seems to me that it would be appropriate to speak about your leave during your sermon. You haven't said what your focus is on, but I'm sure you can work your own situation into it. If this is your first child, you can certainly talk about mothering role models that are in your thoughts as you take this time to prepare for motherhood, etc.
During my few years of preaching, I've learned that I don't like to make myself the focus of the sermon, but often an anecdote from my life helps tell the gospel story. I also happen to think it is good for our congregations, most of whom are familiar with male voices and imagery (I heard a lot of sports imagery in sermons when I was growing up!), to hear your voice and your experiences. It is good for them to hear about birth, labor, pregnancy, nursing, etc. when it helps to explain nurture or sacrifice or love.
Oh how I go on. Sorry!
Pam in San Bernardino peejaymo@prodigy.net
Date: 09 May 2000
Time: 03:18:59
5,8,2000
Praise the Lord for mothers that don't abort their unborn children for the sake of convenience, or status, or career advancement. My eighteen-year-old unmarried daughter called me last night to tell me not that she was pregnant, but that she was going to "have a baby." No I'm not especially pleased that she chose to conceive a child out of wedlock, but I am rejoicing that she will not take the "easy way out and have an abortion." I pray that she give up her cigarettes, late hours, and extremely loud music for the sake of her baby. Ah, motherhood! I salute those women who choose to give birth and then make the sacrifices of time and effort to raise those children. How strange we decry the horror of killing 6 million (as well we should) Jews in Germany but mostly keep quiet or rationalize away our responsibility as millions of the unborn are murdered on the alter of "choice." What will God say of us, the preachers, who have said nothing, done nothing, or supported the slaughter of the innocents by supporting the politically correct "choice?" How can we laud motherhood and yet allow abortion to run rampant in our nation? When will we stopped being swayed by the popular culture and preach God's hard but valuable truths? My sermon will concentrate on Jesus mother - on how she pondered in her heart the wonders of God which were revealed to her - on how she submitted to God to do God's will and have a baby out of wedlock. Oh the wonder of her faith - to risk rejection of her espoused, to risk stoning, to risk the scorn of her friends and family. Obedience to God had a price for Mary, but look at the reward she reaped. Is not obedience worth the sacrifice? Every mother sacrifices something of herself to have a child and to raise that child. Mothers who make the choice for life are to be saluted. Could be mothers who have chosen abortion need our prayers not our scorn and our ridicule. We need to pray that one mistake would not be followed by two or three or four. Mothers do indeed lay down their lives in so many ways for their children. Would you pray with me for my daughter and all other expectant mothers that God would bless them and keep them and help them not to waver in their decision to have their baby?
Dale in KS
Date: 09 May 2000
Time: 11:50:47
This story is from Deaconsil site, if anyone is interested. One of the most powerful stories I have ever read about the selfless love of a parent for a child is the following true story, which is ever so appropriate on this Mother's Day. The author says: I was 19 years old, and I was being taken to a concentration camp with a large group of other Jews. It was clear that we were destined to die. There was another group of Jews who had passes and these were going to remain in the ghetto. As I passed by her, at the last possible moment and without being noticed by the Nazi officers, my mother handed me her card and took my place in the line. And although it was more than 50 years ago, I will never forget her last words to me and her good-bye look. "I have lived long enough. You have to survive because you are so young," she said. And I never saw her again. Most kids are born only once. I was given birth twice - by the same mother. (1)
Date: 09 May 2000
Time: 11:55:02
Heather, I think it's quite ok to incorporate you experience of future motherhood into the service. They already are aware of what is happening and it will make it more personal. Be sensitive though in case there has been anyone who has had a miscarriage etc.
Rosie
Date: 09 May 2000
Time: 12:01:29
Re sad/hurtful experiences of motherhood. I usually make sure if I am talking about the positive side of mothers that not all people have had good experiences. With respect to miscarriages deaths etc. I incorporate these things in my prayers of thanksgiving, intercession and confession. Rosie
Date: 09 May 2000
Time: 12:01:44
Re sad/hurtful experiences of motherhood. I usually make sure if I am talking about the positive side of mothers that not all people have had good experiences. With respect to miscarriages deaths etc. I incorporate these things in my prayers of thanksgiving, intercession and confession. Rosie
Date: 09 May 2000
Time: 13:34:41
I appreciate your comments thus far... but I still need help! Ever since I met my husband (whose primary abuser was his mother), Mother's Day as been a difficult Sunday for me preaching-wise. After sitting thru so many years and watching his knuckles go white as he gripped my hand listening the the "portrait of a good mother" or heard the virtues of motherhood extolled. The fact that we have now been trying to have a baby for over a year and are still not parents or pregnant adds another hard element to this "celebration" for me. I want to be true to the spirit of the day while not reinjuring those already in pain. I like this text and know that there is healing in the love of Christ, which both my husband and I know and have experienced. Any help you can offer will be appreciated. God bless you all (& it's good to be back) -- RevAmy
Date: 09 May 2000
Time: 15:18:55
3:17 How does God's love abide in anyone who has the world's goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help?
I too have always had a hard time in preaching about mother's day. But a presby pastor friend told me the short story of an ancestor of his, Anna Marie Reeves Jarvis. I found the longer version on the web and it has helped me see a new light for preaching this Sunday, one in which I can include my mother.
The early beginnings of Mother’s Day were more in line with this weeks 1 John reading. Early mothers' days sought to recognize not only maternal love and support but also the power of mothers to effect social change and peace.
The one considered to be the "Mother of Mother's Day" Anna Marie Reeves Jarvis organized mothers to action.
or if that doesn't work
http://womenshistory.about.com/education/womenhistory/msubmom
then click “A Mother’s Day Tribute” then click on Anna Marie Reeves Jarvis, the Mother of Mothers Day
Anna Marie Jarvis hoped that these mother's would have a day when they were remembered as mothers for their contributions to society. Her daughter accomplished the day of rememberance, only later to see it taken over by commercialism, something she thought cheapened the day.
hope this helps others too
clw in co
Date: 09 May 2000
Time: 20:24:08
Heather, congratulations! Of course, you will need to incorporate some of your story into the sermon for it is your last before maternity leave. However, you might also speak of God's love and how we can all allow the Spirit of god's love to grow within us. For we have to be ever mindful of those who are grieving the loss of miscarriages, children, relationships, mothers, etc.
Amy, I realize from your story that more than ever, we need to kkeep this Sunday as a healing time as we lift up the gospel. We can't choose our earthly parents, they make mistakes and all we can do is to learn from the mistakes of others. But God is a parent who is steadfast, the good shepherd who takes in those who are wandering and lost. In God's flock we can find peace, comfort, rest and healing.
It is difficult to preach on God as "Mother" in many of our congregations - they hear the language and then can't get beyond it to hear the message. But God as nurturer, care-giver, giver of life is not reserved for the female imagary. Maybe, it is best to keep focused on how we are ALL called to love each other, care for each other, be life-giving for others, specially those who are greiving, lonely and in pain. The good shepherd gathers us all together and willing to lay down his life for us. Are we not called to do the same for others?
I have many images running through my head and I am not sure where I will go with it. But I do want to connect the gospel and the epistle reading. Suggestions?
Rev. WWM
Date: 10 May 2000
Time: 13:30:19
Heather, With Rosies caveats in mind, how could you NOT talk about your joy, concerns, hopes over impending motherhood. Your last Sunday in the pulpit on Mother's day! What timing! Your congregation will be disappointed if you don't share this with them.
Dale, Being the father of another unwed teen mother(now 19 but barely 17 at the surprize birth), I often get mad enough at her to bite nails. The bad decisions didn't end with getting pregnant. She is now living without benefit of marriage with a boyfriend(not the father) who is ten years her senior and was not completely divorced when they took up with each other. When I get so angry at her many lapses, I pick up Katie, a two year old wonderment, with a face full of sunshine and a heart bursting with joy, and i think of my daughter, "At least she didn't abort, and maybe the rest will work out with time and prayer". Keep praying.
Amy, and others who know motherhood is not always as Hallmark cards say, I once preached on "Christian Mothering", that aspect being nurture of the soul which many of us lucky ones got from our biological mothers but some got from teachers, aunts and grandmothers, or even fathers. Jesus' desire to take Jerusalem under his wing,as a hen does her chicks is one of several examples I brought out of the nurture instinct which is not always exclusively feminine. I then asked the congregation to recall who brought them into and nurtured them in the faith, and to give thanks for these Christian mothers, whoever they were.I even suggested they should honor them with a card, call, or dinner out, just as they would their biological mothers. It seemed to me to get around the accidents of biology to the real worthies.
Love and peace to all you mothers, tom in TN(USA)
Date: 11 May 2000
Time: 06:32:51
I, too, find it difficult to preach on Mother's Day. I am never sure how people with certain motherhood hurts respond when the focus is on motherhood. However, I think the theme of nurturing is a good one. Certainly, the images of God's nurture in the Scriptures is a powerful one. I once had a Rabbi mentor who told me that the word for compassion/mercy in the Old Testament (Rechmaim?) is literally translated "womb". Everytime a Jewish person cried out for God's mercy they were literally calling out as a child for God's womb. It reminds me of Jesus' experience with Jerusalem..."O Jerusalem...how often I would have gathered you as a Hen gathers her chicks." Again the nurturing theme fits. How this fits with the lectionary, I don't know. Unless the nurturing side of Jesus gives strength to idea of self- sacrifice...just some thoughts. Ross in Lake Arrowhead
Date: 11 May 2000
Time: 07:19:55
2 things that may be helpful-one is that the UMC calls this Sunday the Festival of the Christian Home. There is an excellent prayer in the UMC Book of Worship that helps us recall with joy those mothers who were positive role models, helps us thank those who weren't our mothers, but nurtured us as mothers anyway and fulfilled that role, and helps us pray for mothers who were unable or unwilling to be mother to their children. The 2nd thing is another concentration camp story -in which a mother was seperated from her baby who was to be murdered by gas. She fought the officer who was then trying to separate her from her baby and another lady watching, pushed them both out of the way and took mother and baby's place in the death line. A living example of Verse 16. Stan in TN
Date: 13 May 2000
Time: 05:13:13
All, Grace and peace. I too am struggling between needing to meet the cultural expectations of my congregation re: Mother's Day, my church's designation of the day as Christian Family Sunday, my congregation's experience this week and the texts.
This week was heavy. I have counselled a drug addicted mother while she baked bread for her retarded son "Because he really likes it", counselled a hurting woman abandonned as a child by her mother, counselled another woman who quit her job because she was spending too much time away from her children, visited with a step-mother of three lively children who hates motherhood, visited a mother whose husband is dying, buried a father whose ten year old daughter placed a flower on the casket with her Mom's arm holding her up, counselled a young, childless widow and rehearsed a couple just getting married tomorrow.
I am thinking about the relationship between Jesus the Good Shepherd, Mother's Day, Christian Family, and last weeks epistle reading about being the "children of God." Title: One Big, Happy Family -- who obviously have been suffering a lot of pain lately. So where do we locate the joy and grace in all that pain? How to focus upon the Shepherd who meets our every need? How to tie in Jesus and the Cross? Hmmmm. Just some late in the week musings. SW in N.ON.
Date: 14 May 2000
Time: 01:30:12
A friend sent this story to me the other day, and it works perfectly for my Mother's Day sermon on 1 John 3:16-24. Also something to think about with the Los Alamos fire currently ongoing.
GOD'S WINGS An article in National Geographic several years ago provided a penetrating picture of God's wings.
After a forest fire in Yellowstone National Park, forest rangers began their trek up a mountain to assess the inferno's damage.
One ranger found a bird literally petrified in ashes, perched statuesquely on the ground at the base of a tree.
Somewhat sickened by the eerie sight, he knocked over the bird with a stick. When he gently struck it, three tiny chicks scurried from under their dead mother's wings.
The loving mother, keenly aware of impending disaster, had carried her offspring to the base of the tree and had gathered them under her wings, instinctively knowing that the toxic smoke would rise. She could have flown to safety but refused to abandon her babies.
When the blaze had arrived and the heat had scorched her small body, the mother had remained steadfast. Because she had been willing to die, those under the cover of her wings would live.
"He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge." (Psalm 91:4)
Blessings to all of you. "Drop a Bible this Sunday!" My seminary friends and I came up with this phrase to say one another before preaching, since it sounded a little more appropriate than "Break a leg." :-) Hope the sermon illustration was helpful, for all those other last-minute sermon writers like myself. Peace, Desiree