Whirling Out of Control

Readings for Bread for you Journey Thursday September 24, 2009 selected and led by Kari Keyl

First Reading: Mark 9:38-41


38 (After Jesus’ disciples had a “failure” episode, where they could not heal someone, followed by Jesus’ prediction that bigtime suffering and death was coming soon, and they couldn’t begin to wrap their minds around it, here’s what happened next…) John said, "Teacher, we saw a man using your name to force demons out of people. But he wasn't one of us, and we told him to stop." 39Jesus said to his disciples:

Don't stop him! No one who works miracles in my name will soon turn and say something bad about me. 40Anyone who isn't against us is for us. 41And anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name, just because you belong to me, will surely be rewarded.

(Contemporary English Version)

Prayer: O God, we know what it’s like when the pieces of our lives aren’t fitting together quite right, not like we expected at all. And sometimes it seems like we’re the only ones who are messed up, like others are finding the success we so want. Walk beside us, God. Open our eyes to see how we can make sense of the messes. Show us that we do have choices… and the first one is to choose you… even as you have already chosen us. In your name we pray… amen.

Second Reading: Numbers 11:4-6, 10-16, 24-29

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Numbers%2011:4-6,%2010-16,%2024-29&version=MSG

Prayer: God, it’s great to find humor in the antics of your people of old! Of course, we do the same whining all the time, whether it’s out loud or just inside our angry, resentful selves. Listen to us, God, like you listened patiently to Moses. Give us clarity, that we might know how to share our burdens, with you and with others. Help us see the many, many ways that your Spirit is hyper-active all around us! And inside of us, too. In your name we pray… amen.

Reading: A Magnetic Thing

"Listening is a magnetic and strange thing, a creative force. The friends who listen to us are the ones we move toward. When we are listened to, it creates us, makes us unfold and expand."

by Karl Menninger, as quoted by inward/outward at www.inwardoutward.org/?p=1155

Prayer: Listening One among us, draw us to you. Help us relax, unfold, and expand, in your empowering presence. Teach us to listen to others whose lives seem to be out of control, that we might be for them the friend that you are to us. In your name we pray… amen.

Humility and Service

September 17, 2009
Led by Heidi Jakoby

First Reflection:

Mark 9:30-37 (The Message)

30-32Leaving there, they went through Galilee. He didn't want anyone to know their whereabouts, for he wanted to teach his disciples. He told them, "The Son of Man is about to be betrayed to some people who want nothing to do with God. They will murder him. Three days after his murder, he will rise, alive." They didn't know what he was talking about, but were afraid to ask him about it.

So You Want First Place?
33They came to Capernaum. When he was safe at home, he asked them, "What were you discussing on the road?"
34The silence was deafening—they had been arguing with one another over who among them was greatest.
35He sat down and summoned the Twelve. "So you want first place? Then take the last place. Be the servant of all."
36-37He put a child in the middle of the room. Then, cradling the little one in his arms, he said, "Whoever embraces one of these children as I do embraces me, and far more than me—God who sent me."

Prayer:
O God, our teacher adn guide, you draw us to yourself and welcome us as beloved children. Help us to lay aside all envy and selfish ambition, that we may walk in your ways of wisdom and understanding as servants of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen (from Bread for the Day 2009)

Second Reflection:
Micah 6:8 (The Message)

8But he's already made it plain how to live, what to do,
what God is looking for in men and women.
It's quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor,
be compassionate and loyal in your love,
And don't take yourself too seriously—
take God seriously.

Prayer: Let us pray. Patient and loving God, you ask a lot of us in calling us to be servants in the world, but you also give us teh ability to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with you. Thank you for your Spirit that guides us in figuring all of this out, and for your Son, Jesus Christ, who surrounds us with your love and forgiveness.  Amen (Jesus Justice Jazz 2009 ELCA Youth Gathering final 15 prayer)

Third Reflection:
ELCA NEWS SERVICE July 24, 2009New Orleans Mayor Welcomes, Praises ELCA Youth Gathering Effort 09-162-JB

NEW ORLEANS (ELCA) -- Praising the "miracle" of the Youth Gathering of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), the mayor of New Orleans, C. Ray Nagin, issued a proclamation declaring July 24 "A Special Day of Honor" on the ELCA and the gathering's volunteers for contributing to the city's recovery.

Nagin hosted a news conference at Joseph Brown Park in New Orleans East, an area of the city devastated by severe flooding following the collapse of levees in the wake of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Some 200 volunteers, including the Rev. Mark S. Hanson, ELCA presiding bishop, worked in summer heat to clear brush and debris in the park.

They are part of some 37,000 Lutheran teenagers, adult leaders and other volunteers who are here July 22-26 for the 2009 Youth Gathering. "Jesus Justice Jazz" is the theme of activities at the convention center and the Louisiana Superdome. Participants are fanning out across the area to nearly 200 community service sites.

'Thank you. Thank you. Thank you," Nagin began in his remarks to the volunteers.

"You're welcome!" the volunteers responded.

Aug. 29 is the fourth anniversary of the hurricane, Nagin said. "Four years of watching miracle after miracle. God is good!" the mayor said.

"All the time!" the volunteers responded. The mayor and the volunteers repeated the phrases in reverse.

"I can tell you so many stories about how this city has overcome so many different challenges. When the devil was the most busy, God stepped in and did miracle after miracle. Today I'm looking at another miracle," the mayor told the volunteers.

Nagin noted the significant presence of the Youth Gathering participants, adult chaperones and volunteers throughout the city this week. "We have had so many volunteers to come from around the country and around the world, but for some reason your presence here is different, special and takes everything to the next level," he noted.

About 80 percent of the city's residents have returned since Katrina, the mayor said, adding there's some $20 billion worth of construction activity currently in the city.

Hanson thanked the mayor for the recognition, but said, "We have not come to call attention to ourselves. We have come to do God's work with our hands. We have come not to shine light on us, but to learn from the people of New Orleans. I want to say on behalf of the people of ELCA, thank you to you, thank you to the people of New Orleans for being our teachers."

Hanson said the ELCA had made a commitment for the 2009 Youth Gathering to be in New Orleans before Katrina. After the storm and destruction, Hanson said it was clear "God was calling us to keep that commitment, and so we are here."

He also offered special thanks to ELCA members in New Orleans and southeastern Louisiana for their tireless work and for "being the presence of the Lutheran Church" here. Hanson said the ELCA is "committed to standing with (ELCA members in Louisiana) and the people of the city for the continued recovery that lies ahead."

Hanson presented the same backpacks the youth received to the mayor and Cynthia Willard-Lewis, a New Orleans city council member who represents New Orleans East.

"This is a remarkable group of people," said Heidi Hagstrom, director, ELCA Youth Gathering to Nagin. "They are remarkable because your citizens are remarkable." Hagstrom noted that 30,000 people had registered for the gathering in the first 24 hours of registration. "That is an expression to you of how important we think your city is to the history of our country, and how much we take seriously our call to stand with you in the midst of all your struggles," she said.

On July 25 the ELCA, with local partners, will host a free health fair in City Park for residents. Free immunizations will be offered to students, and blood pressure and diabetes screening will be offered to adults. The ELCA will also host reading fairs in five locations in the city to promote literacy. Books will given to school-age children. (Information about the 2009 Youth Gathering is at http://www.ELCA.org/gathering on the ELCA Web Site.

ELCA News Blog: http://www.elca.org/news/blog)

Prayer: Bring us, O Lord into such relationship with you that our whole lives might honor and serve you. Bless our words and deeds that all may know the love we have found in you. Amen (ELCA 2004 Devotional guide for Congregational Councils and Committees by Stanley Meyer)

Identity, yours, others, and Jesus?

Reflections and Prayers from September 10, 2009
Led by Heidi Jakoby

First Reflection:


Mark 8:27-37 (The Message)

27Jesus and his disciples headed out for the villages around Caesarea Philippi. As they walked, he asked, "Who do the people say I am?"

28"Some say 'John the Baptizer,'" they said. "Others say 'Elijah.' Still others say 'one of the prophets.'"

29He then asked, "And you—what are you saying about me? Who am I?"

Peter gave the answer: "You are the Christ, the Messiah."

30-32Jesus warned them to keep it quiet, not to breathe a word of it to anyone. He then began explaining things to them: "It is necessary that the Son of Man proceed to an ordeal of suffering, be tried and found guilty by the elders, high priests, and religion scholars, be killed, and after three days rise up alive." He said this simply and clearly so they couldn't miss it.

32-33But Peter grabbed him in protest. Turning and seeing his disciples wavering, wondering what to believe, Jesus confronted Peter. "Peter, get out of my way! Satan, get lost! You have no idea how God works."

34-37Calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, "Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You're not in the driver's seat; I am. Don't run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I'll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to saving yourself, your true self. What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you? What could you ever trade your soul for?

Prayer: O God, through suffering and rejection you bring forth our salvation, and by the glory of the cross you transform our lives. Grant that for the sake of the gospel we may rebuke the lure of evil, take up our cross, and follow your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen (Bread for the Day 2009 Augsburg Fortress)

Second Reflection:

Chapter 56: Make a Decision: Tigger or Eeyore

OK. So which one are you? And why? If you’d like to be more of a Tigger, how might you go about that?

From the Last Lecture by Randy Pausch

Check out the full lecture and listen for this reference about one hour in. There are more details in the book. Think about how the entire lecture relates to the reading from Mark.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji5_MqicxSo

Prayer: Blessed are you, O Lord, as you provide for your people in surprising ways. When we face difficulties and dangers, or directions and answers that unsettle us, open our eyes to see you making all things new through Jesus Christ. Amen (Bread for the Day 2009 Augsburg Fortress)

Third Reflection:

From The Velveteen Principles by Toni Raiten-D’Antonio
To Be Real in a World of Objects

“As I peeked over my magazine I became strangely jealous. Here she was, at the end of her life, physically debilitated and struggling. But she was not shy or embarrassed. Instead, she exuded a peaceful sense of certainty about who she was and her inherent value. It was clear that her husband adored her and cherished every moment they spent together. I considered his tattoo and thought of the time when he was young and probably quite obsessed with pretty women. And who knows, maybe his wife was once the girl who had fulfilled his fantasy. But in the moment I witnessed, what he loved was the true and essential person inside the body, the invisible beauty he may not have seen in younger years.”

Prayer: O God, you inspire goodness and call us to holy living. In the cross of Christ you show us the perfect and ultimate harmony of faith and good works. Conform our lives to the ways of the cross today. Amen (Bread for the Day 2009 Augsburg Fortress)

wrangling with God when things aren't so good

led by Kari Henkelmann Keyl on Thursday, September 3, 2009

First Reflection: Mark 7:24-37  (Contemporary English Version)
24Jesus left and went to the region near the city of Tyre, where he stayed in someone's home. He did not want people to know he was there, but they found out anyway.
25A woman whose daughter had an evil spirit in her heard where Jesus was. And right away she came and knelt down at his feet. 26The woman was Greek and had been born in the part of Syria known as Phoenicia. She begged Jesus to force the demon out of her daughter. 27But Jesus said, "The children must first be fed! It isn't right to take away their food and feed it to dogs."     28The woman replied, "Lord, even dogs eat the crumbs that children drop from the table." 29Jesus answered, "That's true! You may go now. The demon has left your daughter." 30When the woman got back home, she found her child lying on the bed. The demon had gone.
31Jesus left the region around Tyre and went by way of Sidon toward Lake Galilee. He went through the land near the ten cities known as Decapolis.  32Some people brought to him a man who was deaf and could hardly talk. They begged Jesus just to touch him. 33After Jesus had taken him aside from the crowd, he stuck his fingers in the man's ears. Then he spit and put it on the man's tongue. 34Jesus looked up toward heaven, and with a groan he said, "Effatha!"  which means "Open up!" 35At once the man could hear, and he had no more trouble talking clearly. 36Jesus told the people not to say anything about what he had done. But the more he told them, the more they talked about it. 37They were completely amazed and said, "Everything he does is good! He even heals people who cannot hear or talk."

We pray...  O God, these stories of healing can remind us of the healing that we ourselves need. Heal our sadness and anger as we deal with loss. Heal our fearfulness as we deal with uncertainty. Heal our physical selves of the stresses and pains we carry.  Get your Spirit swirling with our spirits, that our relationships with you might find healing as well. In your name we pray… amen.


Second Reflection: Blessed by Simon and Garfunkel
listen at:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rf2kbdbuhiw

Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit.
Blessed is the lamb whose blood flows.
Blessed are the sat upon, spat upon, ratted on,
O lord, why have you forsaken me?
I got no place to go,
Ive walked around soho for the last night or so.
Ah, but it doesnt matter, no.

Blessed is the land and the kingdom.
Blessed is the man whose soul belongs to.
Blessed are the meth drinkers, pot sellers, illusion dwellers.
O lord, why have you forsaken me?
My words trickle down, like a wound
That I have no intention to heal.

Blessed are the stained glass, window pane glass.
Blessed is the church service makes me nervous
Blessed are the penny rookers, cheap hookers, groovy lookers.
O lord, why have you forsaken me?
I have tended my own garden
Much too long.

We pray...  God, thank you for songs like this that speak honestly of pain and feelings of abandonment. There’s so much of that in our world, God, and in our own lives. Help us to see what part you have in all that. Give us the permission we need to wrestle with you, to search with you and with each other. In your name we pray… amen.


Third Reflection: The Authority of Those Who Have Suffered  by Richard Rohr

(Context for the quote below: Richard Rohr has been talking about how true spiritual authority is the power to “author” life in others. And that’s what Jesus does when he feeds us his bread, the bread that not only becomes LIFE in us but becomes GOD in us. Our bodies become places where humanity and divinity coexist, and we then can “author” life in others.)

I cannot give up on Jesus. He puts flesh and Spirit together, which is the essential religious task. Jesus is such an easy one to believe, to follow, and to love. The genius of Jesus’ ministry is that he uses tragedy, suffering, sin, betrayal, and death itself to bring us to God. There are no dead ends for Jesus, which is the ultimate message of hope for humanity. Everything can be transmuted and everything can be used in the economy of grace. EVERYTHING! You could even say that Jesus makes the devil work for him, and for us, which is surely evil’s ultimate defeat.
(Adapted from The Authority of Those Who Have Suffered by Richard Rohr)

God, plant within us your own life. We need your energy, your compassion, your peaceful presence. Help us to see you, not as the one who has given us problems and pains, as if we are your chess pieces… but instead as the one who lives our pain with us, suffers with us, and leads us through our pain to find a deeper relationship with you. In your name we pray… amen