This week's news

Hi all,

It may not be a lot of news this week, but the sermon blog is cooperating once more and so I put up tomorrow's sermon. The link to the sermon blog is on the left side of this page.

The people from Luther Memorial did a great job with their yard sale this weekend at the Forest Hill community center. No word yet on how much money was raised. The remaining unsold items were donated to Appalachian Helping Hands, and boy, do they need all the help they can get right now. Thanx!

Last week's Synod Assembly was great. I was surprised and happy to see how much more organized and well-run it was than the assemblies we had in Upstate New York. The hotel and conference center were amazing. I was on the Credentials Committee, and got to meet new people and even ran into one of my colleagues from Upstate NY, someone who had served in Verona before me. Fred Beaver went to the Assembly as a guest from Luther Memorial, and I believe he got something out of the experience that he can bring back home with him. Next year we need to try to send someone from Luther Memorial as Voting Members.

Yestreday Jeff Neas, Jeff LaFollette, and Aaron Ottinger spent a few hours working in the cemetery at Salem repairing headstones. Thanx, guys!

I'll put up another post within the week. May you all have a week blessed by God's grace and compassion in all that happens.

Pr. J

This week's news

Hi all,

I have finally - almost - caught up on my work. The end of Lent and Holy Week and Easter always put me far behind where I want to be in terms of getting things done. The ecumenical Easter Sunrise service was a great experience. I met a lot of good people and I think our parish made a good impression on the community. A number of people told me it was the best sunrise service Parrottsville has had in a long time. A link to my sermon for that service is at the left side of this page as "Pastor's Sermons".

Don't forget that Youth Day is coming fast on May 17 as well as the Conference Youth Day at St. James and the Night of Italian Splendor at Salem, both on May 9!

I have begun attending a Conference pericope group at Our Savior in Johnson City on Wednesdays. This means I will not have office hours on Wednesdays and so my schedule is changing. I will be in the office Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 10 a.m. to noon. Next week is an exception to that rule, since I will be attending the ELCMA annual assembly in Morristown for continuing education. Also by way on continuing ed this week I'm reading a book by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, "On Life After Death." This is a short one a shouldn't take this slow reader long to finish. Also, I plan to attend the annual Yost Lectures at Southern Seminary on May 14 for even more continuing ed.

Keep your calendars up to date!

Every Monday: Pastor's Day Off.

Every Wednesday, 6:30 p.m.: Choir Practice at Salem.


April 25, Saturday, 6 p.m.: Cub Scouts Blue and Gold ceremony at Salem.

April 26, Sunday, 7 p.m.: Opening the Book of Faith at Salem (#5 in a 7-part series.)

April 27-29, Monday-Wednesday: ELCMA Annual Assembly at Good Shepherd in Morristown

May 2, Saturday 9 a.m.-noon: Holston Heritage Conference Spirng Assembly at Faith Lutheran in Bristol.

May 3, Sunday: Rachel's Day.

May 3, Sunday, 7 p.m.: Opening the Book of Faith at Salem (#6 in a 7-part series.)

May 9, Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m.: Conference Youth Day at St. James; our Youth Group is providing outdoor activities!

May 9, Saturday, 4:30 p.m.-?: Night of Italian Splendor at Salem! Youth begins cooking at 4:30. Seatings at 5:45, 6:30, and 7:15.

May 10, Sunday 7 p.m.: Opening the Book of Faith at Salem (#7 in a 7-part series.)

May 12, Tuesday, 9:30 a.m.: Conference Ministerium at Holy Trinity in Kingsport.

May 14, Thursday, Yost Lectures and Alumni Day at Southern Seminary.

May 17, Sunday: Youth Day at both our churches! The Youth Group leads the service and Brittany Coggins preaches.

May 18-24, Monday-Sunday: Pastor's Spring Vacation!

May 21, Thursday: Pastor's anniversary (20 years).

May 23, Saturday: Work Day at Luther Memorial.

May 23, Saturday, 6:30 p.m.: Natalie Neas' shower at Salem.

May 24, Sunday: Pr. Delmer Chilton preaches at both our congregations.

May 26, Tuesday, 11 a.m.: WELCA lunch at the Chocolate Cafe.

Peace be with you,

Pr. J

New sermon posted

Hi all,

I just posted my Passion Sunday sermon. Look for it at the Pastor's Sermons link on the left side of this page.

Peace,

Pr. J

New links!

Hi all,

I have posted some new links for those who want to do their own Bible studies on-line and in their own time. 2 links are for introductory level Bible studies in the Old and New Testaments, one is a link to resources for more advanced Bible study. These resources may be very helpful to you in your faith development, and are promoted on the Southeastern Synod website, but remember that not everything is to be found at just one or two websites! Hopefully these resources will be sufficient for the needs of the average parishioner. So, explore, have fun, learn, and grow.

Peace to all,

Pr. J

Easter origins

Hi all,

Steve has contributed some things about the origins of Easter for the blog. I'll pass them on to you. Happy reading.

Peace,

Pr. J



Christian Origins

Easter is the annual festival commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the principal feast of the Christian year. It is celebrated on a Sunday on varying dates between March 22 and April 25 and is therfore called a moveable feast. The dates of several other festivals, extending over a period between Septuagesima Sunday (the ninth Sunday before Easter) and the first Sunday of Advent, are fixed in relation to the date of Easter.

Connected with the observance of Easter are the 40-day penitential season of Lent, beginning on Ash Wednesday and concluding at midnight on Holy Saturday, the day before easter Sunday. Holy Week, commencing on Palm Sunday, including Good Friday, the day of the crucifixion, and terminating with Holy Saturday and the Octave of Easter, extending from Easter Sunday through the following Sunday. During the Octave of Easter in early Christian times, the newly baptized wore white garments, white being the liturgical color of Easter and signifying light, purity, and joy.

The Christian festival of Easter probably ambodies a number of converging traditions; most scholars emphasize the original relation of Easter to the Jewish festival of Passover, or Pesach, from which is derived Pasch, another name for Easter. The early Christians, mahy of whom were of Jewish origin, were brought up in the Hebrew tradition and regarded Easter as a new feature of the Passover festival, a commemoration of the advent of the Messiah as foretold by the prophets.

Pagan Origins

Easter, a Christian festival, embodies many pre-Christoan traditions. The origin of the name is unknown. Scholars, however, accepting the derivation proposed by the 8th-century English scholar St. Bede, believe it probably comes from Eastre, the Anglo-Saxon name of a Teutonic goddess of spring and fertility, to whom was dedicated a month corresponding to April. Her festival was celebrated on the day of the vernal equinox; traditions associated with the festival survive in the Easter rabbit, a symbol of fertility, and in colorled Easter eggs, originally painted with bright colors to represent the sunlight of spring, and used in Easter egg rolling contests or given as gifts.

Such festivals, and the stories and legends that explain their origin, were common in ancient religions. A Greek legend tells of the return of Persephone, daughter of Demeter, goddess of the earth, from the underworld to the light of day; her return symbolized to the ancient Greeks the resurrection of life in the spring after the desolation of winter. Many ancient peoples shared similart legends. The Phrygians believed that their omnipotent diety went to sleep at the time of the winter solstice, and the performed ceremonies with music and dancing at the spring equinox to awaken him.

The Christian festival of Easter probably embodies a number of converging traditions; most scholars emphasize the original relation of Easter to the Jewish festival of Passover, or Pesach, from which is derived Pasch, another name for easter. The early Christians, many of whom were of Jewish origin, were brought up in the Hebrew tradition and regarded Easter as a new feature of the Passover festival, a commemoration of the advent of the Messiah as foretold by the prophets.

New sermon posted

Hi all,

I just posted tomorrow's sermon over on the semron blog. Use the link for Pastor's Sermons on the left side of this page to get there.

Pr. J

Some updates and Lenten trivia

Hi all,

First of all, an announcement about our upcoming Seder Service:

If you have not heard, we are asking that people sign up for the Maundy Thursday Seder Service so that we know how many to prepare for. The deadline is Palm Sunday. This is especially important since the Seder involves certain specific types of food used in the ritual, and we need to know how much to provide. Otherwise, bring your own dish to share. The actual Passover meal can be as simple as the soup and sandwich Lenten dinners we're having on Wednesday nights. And be prepared to go through the bulk of the Seder service BEFORE we eat, and to finish the Seder service AFTER we eat. Once the Seder is concluded we will go upstairs for the formal stripping of the altar.

Our Seder service will be a little abridged and adapted for use by a Christian gathering. The traditional Seder can last quite a long time, with guidelines for its length and actual enactment set forth in Jewish Law, the Halakha. We don't want to spend all night at the Seder, so we are abridging it somewhat.

We may serve wine or grape juice, either is appropriate for the three ritual cups that we will drink during the service; we may even serve both.

Next, an announcement about the Cub Scouts:

The Salem Church Council decided to let the Scouts use Salem's facility through the end of this year at least. So we are happy to announce that the Cub Scouts will start meeting at Salem today, and will meet every Thursday night at 6:30 pm, pending changes in Salem's schedule. Let's welcome the Scouts as our partners in mission in Parrottsville!

And finally, here's some Lenten trivia for you about the 4th Sunday in Lent:

The fourth and middle Sunday in Lent is traditionally known as Laetare Sunday. For those who feel the pronunciation is important, that's Laetare as in "LIE - tar - ay." That's "lie" as in telling one, "tar" which goes with feathers, and "ay" as in day (or as in "good day, ay! if you're Canadian). I'm sure my Classical Latin bias is showing here; I can tell you all about Latin diphthongs and the antepenultimate rule if you really have to know more about the pronunciation and the accent on the first syllable. In some circles the name is pronounced a little differently, either because people are using "Church Latin" (which all of us with a Classical bias detest!) or they are using one or another "English" pronunciation of the word. I'll stick to "LIE-tar-ay."

Laetare means "to rejoice" in Latin. The name comes from the first words of the introit (entrance psalm) for this Sunday in the old Latin mass, "Laetare Ierusalem," "Rejoice, O Jerusalem..." Its earliest documented use is the year 714.

Traditionally, Laetare Sunday has had other names, such as the Sunday of the Five Loaves, and Rose Sunday. This was becuase of the traditional Gospel reading for the day, in which Jesus took five loaves of bread and fed a multitude, and because this Sunday was the day on which the Pope would bless golden roses sent to European monarchs.

In the Anglican tradition Laetare Sunday also came to be called Mothering Sunday since it was the Sunday on which people sent their offerings to the local Cathedral, or "Mother Church." More recently it became known as Refreshment Sunday, indicating a break from one's Lenten fast is appropriate on this day.

We Lutherans no longer use the traditional lectionary - we use the Common Lectionary, nor do we bless golden roses to send to world leaders, nor do we send offerings to a "Mother Church," nor do we seem to have any awareness that we can take a break from our Lenten fast (and we aren't even sure we should have a Lenten fast), so all the names and uses for this Sunday have pretty much been forgotten by Lutherans - except at my old intern church where they hang on to everything liturgical.

So, even though Laetare is still a major part of the Roman Catholic and Anglican worship tradition, for most Lutherans the use of the word has fallen by the way side, one exception being my old intern church, St. Luke in Chicago.
Even so, it helps us to remember our roots in the greater church, and to be in touch with our tradition and history which has shaped us and made us what we are today.

One may find out more about Laetare at these websites or just enter the word laetare into your search engine:

http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/08737c.htm
http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O214-LaetareSunday.html
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,757379,00.html
http://www.fisheaters.com/customslent7.html
http://catholicism.about.com/od/holydaysandholidays/f/Laetare_Sunday.htm


Peace be with you always,

Pr. J

Mid-week Lenten worship

As long as we are not crowded I think I'll just keep the Mid-week worship at Salem Church downstairs in the fellowship hall after the meal if that's alright with everyone. That helps keep things simple. Otherwise, if there are too many of us, we will have to move upstairs.

Peace be with you,

Pr. J

New sermons blog and blog update

Hi all,

I have just created a new sermons-only blog and copied posts onto it from the main blog. You will find it here: http://prjsermons.blogspot.com/. You will also find it if you go to the main Salem blog and look for the link to Pastor's Sermons in the sidebar.

I have been having trouble creating links for the Luther Memorial blog. I think this has something to do with limitations Blogspot has placed on user accounts, something to the effect that you get one blog that can have links and the others don't. I may need to start a new user account and move the Luther Memorial blog there so it can have all the features that the Salem blog has. I also noticed that Blogspot has not notified me when people have posted comments, even though I thought I had enabled that feature. I'll work on it. Stay tuned.

Go in peace,

Pr. J

Book of Faith Initiative coming this spring!

Hi all,

Plan ahead for the spring now! This spring I will lead a seven-session course called "Opening the Book of Faith." This course is the first step for those using the "Book of Faith" program in local congregations.

"Opening the Book of Faith" is a invitation to experience the Bible as a book of faith. This course provides an introduction to the Bible and Lutheran perspectives that guide one's understanding of scripture. The user book explores four methods of Bible study, then applies each method to four scripture texts. Important communication tools, study principles, and discussion methods are unpacked for participants in a flexible, conversational format that encourages discussion, conversation, and sharing — setting a healthy foundation for a powerful Book of Faith experience.

We ask that participants contribute toward the cost of their user books. A $6.00 donation, or whatever you can afford, would go a long way toward covering the cost. Seven user books are on order now.

Please let the Church Office know asap if you plan to participate so we can order enough books - call 623-8086 or email salemchurch@wildblue.net.

A course kit is on order and will arrive in early March. We will announce a date for starting sessions once course materials arrive. Evening is the most likely time for sessions.

Plan ahead and join us for opening the book of faith!

Peace be with you,

Pr. J

ELCA Human Sexuality Issue

Hi all.

As you probably know by now, or will know soon, the Task Force for ELCA Studies on Sexuality has just this week released a proposed social statement and a document entitled "Report and Recommendation on Ministry Policies" with recommendations for implementing resolutions at the ELCA Church-wide Assembly.

From what I'm seeing so far at internet news sites the reaction to this from those who post comments on those news articles is not good. In fact, I'd say it is insulting. ELCA is trying to deal with a highly sensitive, and I would even say, emotionally explosive issue. And it is to some extent tangental to the issue of same gender marriage and rights that is being dealt with in the political arena. Up north I have seen tempers get very hot pretty fast on both sides of the issue, with all the accompanying dehumanization and vilification of one's opponent that one could want in any conflict coming from people on both sides of the problem. What ever happened to civility?

I am not going to address that issue tonight. (If you want to know what I'm up to that prevents me from speaking on the issue right now I'm in my church office playing mp3's - Frank Sinatra, The Carpenters, Abba, Vangelis, my daughter calls it all "old dead people music" - finishing my sermon, and trying to get things posted on this blog.)

I have downloaded both statements issued by the Task Force. They are in pdf format and they are available at this link if anyone wants to read them first hand: http://www.elca.org/What-We-Believe/Social-Issues/Social-Statements-in-Process/JTF-Human-Sexuality.aspx. The proposed social statement, "Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust", is over 1200 lines long, and the "Report and Recommendations on Ministry Policies" is over 800 lines long, and I haven't had time to read them through and analyze them. I will do that, but remember - I am a slow reader. (Its called dyslexia and ordination does not make it go away.)

So - BE PATIENT.

Meanwhile, all I will say is that I am maintaining my position of strict NEUTRALITY on the issue. I have kept this position for years, since I was in my last parish in New York. Do not forget that I am called to be a pastor to people on both sides of the issue.

I am willing to hear from the people of the parish about the issue if they have any thoughts on the matter. I know some do.

I may consider creating another blog for those members of the parish who wish to post their thoughts.

Meanwhile, hang in there while the church attempts to discern where the Holy Spirit is leading us.

Peace be with you,

Pr. J