August 27, 2017 - Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost - A Church Built on Pebbles or Small Stones

Photo by Debi Stromberg

Exodus 3:5 - "Do not come any closer," the LORD warned. "Take off your sandals, for you are standing on holy ground."

This verse was not part of today's readings but will be read next week. However it came to mind as the congregation said our farewell and god speed to Pastor Michelle because of the special nature of that one moment and how easy it could be to miss.

How long would it take for Moses to observe the bush was burning (a normal occurrence) but was not being consumed (something unique is happening? I'm not sure I would have watched long enough to observe what was truly happening as opposed to what I expected was happning. How often are we oblivious to what goes on around us?

Part of Sunday worship is to focus attention on what we could be aware of in our lives. Obviously this is not unique to worship. There are ceremonies, parties, rites of passage in many parts of our lives - all intended to draw our thoughts and memories to particular moments.

Pastor Michelle's sermon on today's Gospel Lesson centered around the question Jesus asked the disciples in today's gospel starting with Matthew 16:13 and Peter's revelatory response:

Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" And they said, "Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." 

He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God

And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.

I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."

Then he sternly ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.

Attention needs to be focused on this passage that is particular people understand as Peter being designated by Jesus to be the foundation or head of the church. The text, the way I read it, doesn't necessarily support that interpretation. First clue is the translation of rock. The name Jesus gives Peter in Greek is petros, meaning a pebble or small stone, not petra, meaning a massive rock or bedrock.

The next clue is the order Jesus gives not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah, followed in the very next passage by Jesus rebuking Peter saying, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things."

Finally there is the "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven" Shouldn't this be an inclusive rather than exclusive gift. I take all this as evidence that Jesus is not talking about Peter as a man. Jesus does not desire the church to be built on Jesus or Peter as individual men. Instead Jesus is referring to God's revelation to Peter.

Another subject of the sermon was the larger events that happened this week, namely the eclipse and the flooding coming out of the category 5 hurricane Harvey in Texas. Obviously there was much concern about those living through the terrible hurricane and floods, the amount of time they will be impacted and what they will have to do to recover.

About the eclipse she talked about how some viewed it as something spiritual in the way it made an impression on their souls and hearts.

When the sun's rays were blacked out by the moon on Monday there were many who felt a sense of awe at the shimmering light they experienced, and some sort of breakthrough because of that different light.


Photo by Debi Stromberg

Back to Sunday again, there was a German-themed party after worship for Pastor Michelle's final service. The party was planned by congregation members and the food and festivities were wonderful 

Christa played accordion and piano and the congregation sang some German songs. Tom and Katie danced and were dressed in German costume.

People enjoyed the grilled bratwurst, sauerkraut, potato salad, root beer (of course!) and the variety of desserts that were available.

Many volunteers handled various aspects of the planning and preparation and everyone did their part to insure everyone felt welcomed, appreciated and enjoyed themselves.