Go. And Do.

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Lent Devotions from Church Street UMC

Tuesday, March 26, 2024

By Steve Richardson

Go. And Do.

Read: Luke 10:29-37

“Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?” He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”

These days, with all the turmoil happening across the world, there are times I just want to hunker down and hide inside a bubble. Everything seems safer that way.

But when looking at Biblical examples of Jesus, Paul, Peter and other God-led role models, self-preservation was nowhere near the top of their lists of priorities. In fact, self-preservation wasn’t even on their lists at all.

Maybe it’s amid social and cultural commotion that God looks to us to contend with it, and to use such times as opportunities to be God’s agents for peacemaking, advancing justice and building community.

At crossroads of hesitancy in my life, sometimes I’ve been nudged by a snippet of wisdom from St. Thomas Aquinas: “If the highest aim of a captain were to preserve his ship, he would keep it in port forever.” Like ships are made for sailing, we as God’s people need to be out in the tumultuous world sharing and living lives reflective of God’s grace and love. 

Granted, Lent is a time for introspection and reflection. This might imply that Lent is a time to pause or retreat, to moor our ship in a sheltered harbor for a few weeks. Likely, though, the full richness of the transformational power of Lent can be best realized when we augment the season by applying our resources and talents to building God’s kingdom, by giving of ourselves to God’s work, by venturing out into a troubled world with acts of kindness, mercy and justice. 

Prayer

God of fervor, God of opportunities, forgive our hesitancies to respond when action is needed, especially in service to others. Instill in us a passion for going and doing in Jesus’ name. Call us and use us to be conveyors of your Holy Spirit throughout all your creation, especially when everything seems turned upside-down! Amen.

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The Presence of God

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Lent Devotions from Church Street UMC

Monday, March 25, 2024

By Laura Still

The Presence of God

Read: Psalm 139:7-12

Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?

If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths you are there. If I take the wings of the morning, if I fly to the furthermost depths of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me,” even then the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.

Lent is traditionally viewed as a time a self-denial, as a time when we focus on the dark side of ourselves and try to improve our faith practices through exercises in self-discipline, fasting, study and prayer. It is a time we are meant to move closer to God, but another way to improve our relationship with our Lord is to seek joy—the joy of being loved by God.

One of the joyful things about teaching children is the questions they ask, even the ones that are meant to sidetrack the lesson plan. In a recent discussion of our lesson, which was about the baptism of Jesus, the kids managed to turn the conversation to the omnipresence of God—not that they used that particular phrase. They wanted to know, if God was everywhere, was He here in the room? Was He also out in the hallway? Could He be in the closet? Or in the trash can even? I replied ‘Yes’ to every question, and seeing a certain look in some of their eyes, I went on to say, “I don’t care where you are thinking of, no matter how weird or inappropriate you think it is, God is there. There is no place you can go that God cannot be. He is everywhere, because nothing is impossible for God.”

After that I managed to get them back to our lesson, but their questions are never unwelcome. They always give me the feeling that God wants me to think about something, because I hear echoes of these questions as I go through the week, remembering times I have felt distant from God’s presence, when I have tried to hide myself in the darkness, and forget that God is with me no matter how lonely or confused I am feeling. Whatever is troubling me, God is listening and present, constant and steadfast in his love. I may not see a dove descending or hear a voice from the heavens, but I do hear God speaking in the voices of the children, reminding me I too am his beloved child.

Prayer

Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Amen. (Psalm 139:23-24)

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Look Around

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Lent Devotions from Church Street UMC

Sunday, March 24, 2024

By Rev. Tim Best, Senior Associate Pastor

Look Around

Read: Mark 11:1-11

“The king shall come when morning dawns and light triumphant breaks,

When beauty gilds the eastern hills and life to joy awakes.

And let the endless bliss begin by weary saints foretold,

When right shall triumph over wrong and truth shall be extolled.”

“Morning Song,” a hymn by John Brownlie, 1907

My first memory of attending a parade was the annual “Jubilee” in mid July in my hometown. I remember the convertibles and the fire trucks filled with smiling people throwing candy. It was a celebration! 

That’s what parades are supposed to be all about. Palm Sunday begins with a celebratory parade. Once Jesus arrives in the heart of the city he goes to the temple. While there, Mark tells us he “looked around.” Every Palm Sunday we focus upon the grand entrance into Jerusalem. We dress our children up and give them palm branches, and sometimes tambourines, and have them march around the church. We shout “Hosanna” and “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.” 

Do we look around? As we begin this Holy Week let us take time. Let us look around. We look at the story of each day of this week. We look at the ways Christ’s Lordship seeks to transform and renew our lives. When Christ looks around your life, what does he see? When you look around our church, what, and who, do you see? Keep your eyes open this week. Look around and see where it is that God is leading.

Prayer

Gracious and loving Lord, as you journeyed to the temple, journey with us this week. Open our eyes and our hearts that we can see and hear where you are speaking and leading in our lives. Give us the courage to follow you through this week and show us how to live with the same love, humility, and compassion that you displayed in your trial and passion. Amen.

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Bread for Life, Bread of Life

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Lent Devotions from Church Street UMC

Sunday, March 17, 2024

By Suzanne Matheny

Bread for Life, Bread of Life

Read: 1 John 3:17-18 (NRSV)

“How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help? Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action.”

I grew up next door to my beloved grandfather, enjoying the bounty from his vegetable gardens, fruit trees and chickens. Our meals were satisfying and are a favorite today. Gratefully, I have never known hunger. However, our world is in a global crisis with 828 million people (10% of world population) going to bed hungry, accompanied by death rates exceeding those from AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis combined. Fortunately, there are programs, such as United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) or Feeding America, to address these issues.* Yet as I reflect, my wealth of food juxtaposed to this reality is sobering. How can I help?

God commands us to feed the hungry. Jesus demonstrated that when he fed the hungry crowd (miracle of 5 loaves and 2 fishes). Subsequently, Jesus included spiritual sustenance. (“I am the Bread of Life.”) Centuries later, Ghandi said, “There are people in the world so hungry that God cannot appear to them except in the form of food.” How best, then, do I/we deliver God’s love in the form of life-sustaining food that also opens the door to the light of the Bread of Life?

Prayer

Merciful God, we are blessed with well-stocked grocery stores and meals set before us. As we receive this nourishment, deepen our awareness and compassion for those who suffer from hunger. Increase our understanding of the circumstances. Use our minds and bodies to work for remedies where we can. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

*UMCOR: https://umcmission.org/advance-project/982920/

*Feeding America: https://www.feedingamerica.org/hunger-in-america

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Boon Companions

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Lent Devotions from Church Street UMC

Sunday, March 10, 2024

By Dan Kelley

Boon Companions

Read: Matthew 25:21

One summer in the early 2000s my wife Julia and I toured Civil War battlefields of the Western Theatre. We had started in Chattanooga at the Chickamauga Battlefield and were heading toward Florence, Alabama on US highway 72 to see Brice Cross Roads and Shiloh Battlefields. Just west of Tuscumbia we saw a large green highway sign that read “Key Underwood Memorial Coon Dog Cemetery”. We had to see that. So we turned onto Alabama 247 and went 12 miles to Coon Dog Cemetery Road. 

There among the dusty redtop Freedom Hills was a small green oasis that used to be a hunting camp. We were greeted by a tall stone column of two coon dogs treeing a raccoon. We learned that Key Underwood had loved hunting in these woods with his dog Troop. When Troop had died in 1937, Key had buried him here as a memorial to their 15 years together. He placed an old chimney stone on the grave on which he scratched “Troop was a joy to hunt with”. Other bereaved hunters followed his example, when their beloved dogs died, to bury them and mark their graves.

There were over 300 dogs buried there. To qualify they needed to be AKC recognized breeds; Redbones, Black and Tans, English Blueticks or Redticks, or Treeing Walkers. Or they needed to be Southern hunting hounds; Black Mouth Curs, Plott Hounds, Catahoulas, or Mountain Curs. And they had to have 3 witnesses that had seen them tree a coon singularly. They were not just any dogs but coon dogs. working dogs who were varmint hunters and protectors of crops and livelihoods. No poodles or lapdogs.

Many had marble or limestone headstones that were professionally carved. They listed their AKC or UKC registration and the trophies they won. Some were local champions, some were State Champions, some were National Champions, and a few were World Champions at their craft. Famous Amos was buried there. He was Ralston Purina’s “Dog of the Year” in 1984. 

While the marble headstones show the pride of the owners, the metal markers that had  welded messages or the wooden markers that had wood burned messages showed the love and companionship that was shared by the hunter and his dog.  One of my favorite was a 4 x 4 post with a dog collar and tag nailed to it. It said, “Old Blue, he weren’t the best but he was the best I ever had”.

Key Underwood reminded me of all the companions that had helped me on my spiritual journey; those who had taught me, encouraged me, and worked with me. Not all were champions but all were of a recognizable breed: loving, compassionate, and full of the Holy Spirit. And there were at least three witnesses to their ability to keep sin at bay.

In this Lenten season, as we remember what Our Lord and Savior has already done for us, let us remember those that have helped us on our way learning to follow His example.

Prayer

Dear Lord of Mercy Divine, Thank for your sacrifice, for sending your Holy Spirit to us, and for the many faithful companions you have placed in our lives to help us return to you. Help us to be good companions to others of your children that we may help them on their journey home. Amen.

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Little Acts of Lent

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Lent Devotions from Church Street UMC

Sunday, March 3, 2024

By Dona Bunch

Little Acts of Lent

Read: Zechariah 4:6

Each little act of love matters. The day of big things is coming, but until then, we are not to neglect the day of small things. Zechariah’s words again ring true: “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts”.

When I was a child, my church had little coin holders for kids during Lent. Each week we put a dime of our allowance in the slot instead of spending it on candy or other treats. We were learning the spiritual discipline of Lent.

Lent is one of the “big” religious seasons of the year. As  Christmas celebrates the birth of Christ, Lent acknowledges His death and ultimate resurrection. What is a bigger event than resurrection?

To commemorate this season, Christian churches use the practice of fasting,  sacrifice, and denial as participatory actions.  Because Lent is so big, we feel our observation should be equally huge. I often have trouble deciding on something big enough to be worthy of the cross. Sacrificing coffee or chocolate doesn’t do it,  and fasting is just beyond me.  

I was reading an article by a novelist who spoke of eschewing the “bigness” of best sellers and tv appearances and all things that authors dream about in favor of the small, daily acts that eventually turn an idea into a printed book. She sang the praises of  going small.

It struck me that maybe the “bigness” of Lent was what made me so tentative. Maybe I could focus on actions and sacrifices that were smaller but still  meaningful. 

After all, Jesus was the ultimate minimalist. He cared nothing for material things and encouraged others to think similarly. He was the  very model of small, individual acts of service. So, what if we gave up  the grand gesture for the small act? 

  • We could give up self-ness for otherness. We could help someone who’s suffering by providing for their needs, be it food or the comfort of a friend.
  • We could give up our love of the physical – new clothes, that new Apple watch – for meaning without cost, maybe family time or calls to loved ones far away.
  • We could give up the pain we’ve been holding from past experiences and recapture the peace that’s been lost.
  • We could give up noise for solitude and quiet – like  walking without a podcast or taking a break from scrolling and tv.

Ultimately, we would be giving up “bigness” for the small miracles, the quiet moments of prayer, silence, reflection, and service  that draw us ever closer to the heart of God. And when we’re renewed and refreshed, the bigness of Easter might move us even more.

Prayer

Precious God, help us to recognize the bigness of your sacrifice, and show us ways that our small, human acts can express our devotion and love to You. Amen.

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Examen

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Lent Devotions from Church Street UMC

Sunday, February 25, 2024

By Nancy Carmon

Examen

Read: Psalm 51:10-12

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” 

Recently while reading in my devotion guide I discovered a faith practice that I plan to use during Lent. It is called the Prayer of Examen. It is a prayer of reflecting on the events of the day in the presence of God. This style of prayer was originally developed in the 15th century by St. Ignatius of Loyola and typically includes five steps: rest, request, reflect, reconcile, and renew. 

Rest — take some time to rest in gratitude for today’s gifts including the presence of God. 

Request — give thanks for the Holy Spirit and invite the Holy Spirit’s presence during your prayer time. 

Reflect — as you review the interactions with others and your thoughts of the day, think about whether you were moving towards or away from God.  

Reconcile — identify where you need to change in your relationships and interactions with God and others. 

Renew — look forward to tomorrow and ask for God’s guidance. 

Pray — Restore in me an open heart and renew my delight in your presence. Sustain me through the day and night by the power of your Holy Spirit.

Perhaps this Prayer of Examen might be your Lenten practice this year.

Prayer

Restore in me an open heart and renew my delight in your presence. Sustain me through the day and night by the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.

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Teach Me, O Lord

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Lent Devotions from Church Street UMC

Sunday, February 18, 2024

By Rev. Catherine Nance

Teach Me, O Lord

Read: Psalm 25:9

“He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.”

Here we are. First Sunday of Lent. For some of us it may feel like a do-over or a restart. It was just seven weeks ago that we made resolutions and promises and set goals. Things we were going to change. Things we were going to do better. Be better in 2024.

Maybe today, we tell ourselves those same things. Really going to do it this time. 

There is nothing wrong with setting goals at the start of a new year. However, using the season of Lent as a second chance calendar for self-improvement is … well, missing the mark. That is what happens when we start with ourselves. What do I need to improve? What do I want to change? Instead of starting with Self, the Psalmist begins with God. To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, in you I trust. Make me to know your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth. The emphasis and focus is on God. Not me. I am still the recipient of grace and teaching and truth, but it is God’s grace. God’s teaching. God’s grace. God’s goodness. 

Before I make a list of things I want to do or give up during Lent, I will make time to pray. What is it that God desires for me this Lenten season? 

Prayer

Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long. Amen. (Psalm 25:5)

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Weekly Prayer – February 14, 2024

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Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of February 14, 2024

Written by Steve Richardson

God in heaven and in our midst, source of agape love, in your graciousness hear our prayers. 

The ancient writer said you created us in your image, God. Even though we might question what that means about your physical appearance, we’re confident about one trait of your image: You, the God of love, infused in each of us the innate ability to love. Jesus affirmed this in his straightforward command: “Love one another.”  He never would have told us this so succinctly if we were not capable of doing so.  

So, Lord, help us learn ways to better reflect this facet of your sacred image. Sometimes it is hard to love, especially when our self-interests take over. Other times, it’s easy to just step aside, taking no initiative at all when love is needed. Forgive us, God, when we fail to live as people imitating your image of love. Accept our repentance, particularly on this Ash Wednesday. Through your merciful compassion, revive us with new hope and energy to be ever-more obedient to Jesus’ charge: “Love one another.” 

Also as Jesus taught, we plea that your kingdom comes, that your will is done, among us on this Earth as you have already done in heaven. Sometimes we casually presume that only you can make this happen. Help us acknowledge that we, too, have roles and purposes in your kingdom coming. Again, keep us mindful that Jesus told us how: “Love one another.” 

Yet circumstances of suffering and strife do exist that are out of our control. For these we pray with faith and hope that you instill peace in war-torn and conflict-laden areas; heal the physical and mental illnesses beyond scientists’ abilities to remedy; reveal passages for moving forward to people experiencing loss, separation and grief; rehabilitate lands shattered by natural disasters; restore social justice and equity for all your children; rouse mutual self-respect among all people; and lead all humankind to accept and adhere to the way of living espoused by our Savior: “Love one another.”    

Thank you for Church Street United Methodist Church, our base for our journeys through the Lenten season. Thank you for the wisdom and spiritual insights shared by members’ and pastors’ Lenten devotions. Thank you for clergy, staff, teachers and volunteers who forge paths for growth, learning, mission, fellowship and transformation. Thank you for reawakening our minds and hearts to your clear call: “Love one another.”      

Merciful God, please hear these needs and prayers of others in our church community. Surround each person with your loving embrace and comfort… 

We pray for ….

  • Our clergy and staff as they lead us through this Lenten Season.
  • For dear friends; a husband who is in ICU with infection and other concerns, and for his wife
  • One who continues to grieve for her husband while dealing with some family tensions
  • Comfort for those who grieve …. Many funerals this past week, this weekend, and next week
  • Victims of Israeli-Hamas war
  • Loved ones who are transitioning from ‘home alone’ to ‘assisted living’ 
  • Those for whom Valentine’s is a difficult day
  • The family of the deputy in Maryville and all affected by gun violence

We give thanks for ….

  • The birth of a baby boy!
  • The opportunity to provide an educational opportunity for our Holston Hispanic Ministry Team
  • Sunshine that lifts our spirits!
  • The one-hundredth birthday of a dear church member and friend!

We continue to pray for ……

  • Caregivers who feel they are alone.
  • A member who has brain tumor; may she feel God’s comfort and healing presence
  • Children who were recently hospitalized; prayers for continued strength and healing
  • Our youth and young adults who carry so much inside

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.

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Lenten Love

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Lent Devotions from Church Street UMC

Wednesday, February 14, 2024

By Bishop Debra Wallace-Padgett

Lenten Love

Read: Psalm 51: 1-17

This year we experience a calendar rarity as the U.S. Valentine’s Day and Western Christianity’s Ash Wednesday fall on the same day. (The last three times this happened were in 2018, 1945 and 1934). Though these two special observances are quite different in focus, they have a commonality. Both point toward love.

The legends and history around the origin of Valentine’s Day are manifold and the subject for another time. In short, contemporary societies across the globe associate this international holiday with romantic love.

On the other hand, Ash Wednesday emphasizes God’s love as it launches Lent, the six- and one-half weeks season of the Christian year that highlights Jesus’ life and ministry. Ash Wednesday and Lent have been observed in the Western Christian Church for centuries. This season highlighting human mortality, penance, and Jesus’ suffering culminates in the greatest expression of love the world has ever known- our Savior’s death on the cross. Three days later, on Easter Sunday, we observe Jesus’ Resurrection from the dead, the world-changing first century event that broke the power of sin and death.

In addition to reminding us of God’s amazing love for humanity, Ash Wednesday and Lent provide us with avenues to respond to Jesus’ actions on our behalf. Some people give up a favorite food during Lent, like chocolate or desserts. Others add actions to their lives such as serving at a food pantry or doing a daily good deed. The point in Lenten observances is not to earn God’s favor or to demonstrate how “holy” we are. Rather, Lenten practices are a way to express our gratitude for Jesus’ love in our lives.

The fourth verse of a great Issac Watts hymn beautifully states the why of observing Lent. “Were the whole realm of nature mine; That were an offering far too small; Love so amazing so divine; Demands my soul my life my all.” https://hymnary.org/hymn/UMH/298

February 14 is a day when we celebrate love. This year, with Ash Wednesday falling on Valentine’s Day, for Christians the emphasis expands to God’s love. How will you respond to God’s love this Lenten season?

It is a joy to serve as your bishop. Blessings!

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