Pastor's Pen: Salt in the Street

Michael Palin, the Monty Python alum, has been traveling the world lately. Since 1998, he has been making documentaries of his wanderings. The travelogues are very human, highlighting the many characters that Palin meets on his trips. A few years ago, Palin shared the story of someone he met in Japan where he met a Mr. Watanabe.

Mr. Watanabe is the proprietor of a restaurant in Tokyo. Every morning, the man places three piles of salt in the street in front of his restaurant. Apparently, the practice dates back over a hundred years. When farmers would bring their cows to town, the cows would stop to lick the salt. The farmer, having extra time on his hands, would notice the restaurant. Thus, sales were increased. One hundred years ago, it was a clever marketing tool.

Today, in hyper-urban Tokyo, it is merely habit or a tradition. Call me crazy, but I think such traditions are a good thing. Traditions help us maintain connections to people and places long gone. They suggest that life is more than our moment in time. Most Americans don’t think much about tradition. We are wired to focus on the “new and improved.” Still, for one time a year, our minds turn to habits and patterns long established. During the Christmas season, we don’t mind sharing our lives with the past.

One tradition prevalent at this time of the year is attending worship. Some, who rarely come to a church service, will take the time to be here during the holidays. We hear ancient stories and sing old songs. We take comfort that our worship services look the same as the ones we attended when we were children. I would never trade the tradition of the holidays, but I wonder if we are missing something. Is it possible that we have fallen in love with the things of God, rather than God himself? In the poetry of Luke’s gospel, in the familiarity of Silent Night, and in the pageantry of the candlelight service, we sometimes forget the real purpose. God entered history, and nothing, not even death, could stop him. Our worship does not venerate the dead who remain safely dead. In fact, we worship a living God who claims our very lives. Discipleship is more than putting salt on the streets.

Pastor's Pen: We Gather Together

On January 24, 1597, the Dutch defeated Spanish occupiers at the Battle of Turnhout. With the victory Dutch Protestants could worship more openly, and they celebrated their religious freedom by borrowing a folk tune and adding new words: “We gather together to ask the Lord’s blessing.” Years later Dutch immigrants would bring the favorite song to America, but it wasn’t until 1903 that it appeared in church hymnals. With the themes of gratitude and God’s protection, the hymn became associated with our holiday of Thanksgiving. Today, most Americans associate it with that November day. In fact, it is rare that we sing it in any other season.

Although the hymn has no specific scriptural reference, the first words, “we gather together,” reminds me of Psalm 133:1: “How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!” Gathering together in worship is one of the most important acts of the community of faith. In times of stress, persecution or even illness, we learn what a blessing it is to gather together. It’s a blessing that too often we take for granted.

On November 24, 2009, the Presbytery of Philadelphia will be gathering together hosted by the Ardmore Presbyterian Church. That date is two days before Thanksgiving which has inspired some good-natured grumbling. Nonetheless, we are blessed to host. We have a wonderful opportunity to gather together. It is the easiest occasion that many of us will have to participate with the 137 congregations of our presbytery. We will worship, enjoy a meal, share stories, and be a church about God’s mission in the world. We will also gather together to present Nan Clarke for ordination as a minister of Word and Sacrament for our congregation. We will also welcome Sara Hodsden as minister in the Philadelphia Presbytery.

This Thanksgiving, we have been blessed to gather together. If you would like to participate in the presbytery meeting, contact Catherine Schreiner, Anne Foote, or the church office. Let’s give God thanks, and let’s not let an opportunity slip away.

Movie Night at APC: Nov 13

Save Friday night, November 13 to gather with others in the church family for a pizza supper (Fellowship Hall) and to view the movies “Horton Hears a Who” (9 yrs. and under) or “Holes” (10 yrs. and up). “Holes” is based on the teen adventure novel by Louis Sachar and stars Shia LaBeouf, Sigourney Weaver, Jon Voight and Patricia Arquette. The movie teaches valuable lessons about respect, team work and honesty.

KEENAGERS: "A Man Named Pearl"

KEENAGERS/DOUBLES & SINGLES LUNCHEON
& “A MAN NAMED PEARL”
Friday, October 23 at 12:15 pm (Fellowship Hall)

Enjoy lunch prepared by Jim Moore and a delightful 2008, highly acclaimed short film, “A Man Called Pearl” – a compelling documentary focusing on one genial man who reshaped his yard and unexpectedly reshaped the lives of hundreds of people. Pearl Fryar and his wife sought to buy a house in an all-white neighborhood in South Carolina where he eventually transformed his ordinary yard into a horticultural wonderland and this sharecropper’s son then became an internationally acclaimed artist and a celebrated cultural and spiritual icon of his impoverished town. This film is delightful, inspiring and totally irresistible. A free-will donation will be requested for the lunch.

RSVP to the church office. Friends welcome!

Pastor's Pen: Ministry to God's People

E. Stanley Ott is a part-time teaching pastor of the Vienna Presbyterian Church in Virginia and, he also founded the Vital Churches Institute to develop church leaders. He writes a devotional entitled Building One Another. Recently, he wrote a devotional entitled, "People," which is included at the end of this post.

On the one hand, Ott's father gives us a valuable lesson in humility. Our work and our efforts will not last. Someone will come behind us to continue our ministry. Programs will be fleeting. We should not think too greatly of ourselves. Only God's permanence lasts.

On the other hand, Rev. Ott does raise a wonderful point. Ministry is not about programs. We share God's love and grace with people. We teach and study the Scriptures with people. We share the cup and bread with people. God transforms us into a community of faith. We do not build institutions. By God's grace, we build up the body of Christ.

James

October 13, 2009
Vol. 8, No. 38 People

Dear Friend,

I remember vividly the time years ago when I proudly told my father of a number of successful programs I was leading. He said to me, “You do realize your programs won’t outlast you!”

I asked what he meant. He explained that one day other people would replace me as the leaders of the various endeavors I was now leading. They would have their own sense of priorities and vision and things would change.

For awhile that bothered me! Why put effort into something that the next person would change? Then I realized two things. First, as I moved on to lead other organizations I would bring my own vision to bear and it would be different from whomever I replaced.

More significantly, I realized that while the programs might not outlast me, the people would! The people whom I had encouraged in Christian faith and practice, the friendships of the heart that had emerged among us, the things that really count would endure.

I have been greatly encouraged by people in organizations I have led who were developed in Christian faith and leadership by my predecessors - and even more encouraged by the people of faith who were with me at some point in time who continue to love and serve our good Lord.

“For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed you are our glory and our joy.” I Thessalonians 2:19-20*

In the midst of all you are doing, are you developing people? Are you growing friendships? They will outlast everything else!

With joy - E. Stanley Ott
Copyright 2009 E. Stanley Ott
*Scripture from the NIV

BIBLE BUDDIES ARE BACK

Calling All 2nd Graders to be part of this fun learning event!

Sunday, October 25th from 5 to 7 p.m.

If you are a parent of a 2nd grader please mark your calendars for Sunday, October 25th. This is the day our 2nd graders receive their Bibles in worship. Prior to that day your child will receive an invitation from their high school “Bible Buddy” who will pair up with him/her for crafts, games, dinner and most importantly an individualized introduction to their new Bible on Sunday evening. (If you are new to APC and have a 2nd grader you’d like to have included, please contact Anne Foote at 610-642-6650, Ext. 13.)

Pastor's Pen: Ducks in a Row

Recently, I was reminded of an old friend of the family who passed away many years ago. He was a wonderful pastor. He became a mentor for Sara and a wonderful example for me. He was organized, and he believed in following process and procedures. Our friend had a phrase that he used all the time --“get all your ducks in a row.” In fact, I was thinking of him because someone had used those words.

Although the origin of the phrase is somewhat obscure, many believe that “ducks in a row” comes from the world of bowling. In one variation of the game, the pins are known as duckpins. Before each bowl, the players must ensure that the pins are set up appropriately - “ducks in a row.” The words have come to mean paying attention to detail and ensuring that things are in their proper place.

In the church, we have a word for “getting your ducks in a row.” We call it “stewardship.” As Christians, we believe that Jesus Christ is Lord. We have God to thank for our talents, our time, our money and our relationships. We should pay attention to God's priorities as we try to get the details right. Instead of hoarding our talents, we use them for the love of God and of neighbor. We spend time with those in need. We build good relationships. We use our money to support the church's worship and ministry. We plan and prepare.

Sometimes in my life, “getting your ducks in a row” seems more like “herding cats.” If we aren't careful, our stewardship can devolve into a chore or a stressful burden. We should take the time to realize that God is not dependent on our imperfect efforts. Instead, every opportunity to serve and to give is a loving response to the love given to us by God (1 John 4:19). We care about the details, “getting our ducks in a row,” because God has cared about us.