e-vo for April 21

Dearest e-votees,

So I have decided that starting with the next e-vo I will be posting them on Mondays and Thursdays.  Sorry for the smushy start into a posting rhythm.  

As always, if you have questions, comments or responses to an e-vo they are welcome.  Please feel free to mail me at:  pastormessiahnh@gmail.com.

Have a blessed day.

Peace,

Karl

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Last Sunday's text, John 20:19-31 about the encounter with "doubting" Thomas, was referred to at seminary at the intern Sunday text.  That is because the supervising pastors would quite often take the Sunday after Easter off and the homiletical responsibilities would fall to the intern.

Last Sunday we had the pleasure of our bishop, James Hazelwood, provide a message so I was granted a virtual Sunday off for which I am grateful.

There is work to do in the church.  There is work to do IN the church.  The church hasn't been all it has been called to be.  Scandals, personality cults, fiefdoms, power games, hypocrisy, gatekeeping and the like delight the devil and hamper the reign of God work we are called to share.

In the church, within and through her members, there is work to do.  We have been called, redeemed, sanctified, equipped and released to do ministry to those who darken our doors and those who live in the dark fringes--feeding the hungry, comforting the afflicted, ministering to the sick and dying, preaching release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, visiting those in prison, clothing the naked (see Mathew 25 and also Luke 4:18 (which is Jesus reading out of Isaiah 61:1)).  We are called to look beyond ourselves and outside our church walls to do the work that is granted to us through baptism and a life of discipleship.

Sometimes we have to get out of the way to let  other people rise to the occasion and do what we can't or won't--and maybe even in a better way than we could have imagined.  Intern Sunday is an opportunity for a new voice to be given central place.  "Doubting" Thomas gives us a glimpse into a different and perhaps more authentic way to struggle with the incredible claims of Easter.  Perhaps the people who usually do things are detained or constrained by COVID-19 and God is calling you to step up and step out.  What do you think?

The initial move of the faithful is always one of repentance.  We turn from what we have let fester IN the church.  We turn away from ourselves towards God and those made in God's image.  We trust that God has made a way and will lead us faithfully into the work and ministry that has been ordained for us.  How about it?  Up for some repentance?

Jesus, disrupt our brokenness and our plans.  Heal us and equip us and send us out.  Amen.