St. John's UCC

Howdy St. John’s!

On Thursday, July 21st, at 6 pm, I am excited to come to y’all to talk about my experiences in the Philippines. As a young adult I spent one year there as a missionary. As a young adult I worked in a center called “Kalauman” which means “from where you draw hope”. The center’s main focus was and still is to support children and their families from the slums. This center cares for their physical, emotional, spiritual and educational well-being that one day the kids are able to support themselves to find a way out of the slums and poverty. But they are not only working with the children. For best and long term results Kalauman learned that they need to work with the families as well. Educational Programs for parents, communal networking and health support guarantees the success of the program.
Working and living with the kids and their families in the slums was one of the most life-changing experiences for me. It changed my path. Even after 20 years I am still drawing from this experience. You would think that people have a hard time believing in God while facing the challenges of poverty, mal-nourishment and violence. And yet I learned and experienced a vivid excited faith for God who loves and provides, who is a friend and supporter in their lives. Not only my life has changed as a young woman, my faith has changed as well.
Kalauman became a center “from where I draw hope” as well. Their ability to integrate every person from all walks of life, to become a center of hope, support and exchange is one big reason why their program is so successful. Many children I worked with 20 years ago I see on Facebook having children, having good jobs and have been able to overcome the spiral of poverty.
This project faces its challenges right now. The ground their campus is on belongs to the University. After 35 years they now need to claim those grounds back due to their own expansions. Now Kalauman has to raise $129,000 for their new center. Global Ministries is involved in encouraging congregations to donate money for the good cause. I am joining them by coming to you, sharing some experiences and eating Philippino food together. Come, and enjoy a great evening. Let’s help to raise funds for Kalauman so that Kalauman can draw hope from us!

This is a project worth supporting! You will not only listen to funny and informative stories, you are also invited to enjoy good Philippino food!

Blessings
Rev. Mirjam Haas-Melchior

I had the nicest sermon planned out for this Sunday. It tied in beautifully with today’s passage of the Good Samaritan. It would have been about a neighborhood up in arms because the women’s center wants to build a low incoming housing unit in the area. The kids of these battered women would have attended the nice middle class elementary school. I would have compared the women that were beaten by their men to the poor fellow in the ditch that Jesus is talking about. I would have compared various neighbors in their rejection with the priest and the Levite. Their refusal to help comes from a similar place. It would have been a nice, challenging sermon.

But I am not going to talk about that today. It has been almost a month ago that 49 LGBT persons were shot dead in Orlando. Now this week happened: Tuesday morning in Baton Rouge, Louisiana: Alton B. Sterling was shot while being arrested. Wednesday evening in Falcon Heights, Minnesota: Philando Castile was shot during a traffic stop. Thursday night five Dallas police officers, Lorne Ahrens, Michael Krol, Michael J. Smith, Brent Thompson and Patrick Zamarripa, were killed by a sniper.

Jesus tells the story of the Good Samaritan in response to the question: “Who is my neighbor?” That is still a very valid question in our day and age and so I want to take Jesus’s lead in telling the story as if it were meant for us, because it is:

A person was mugged in the street and is lying in the ditch, badly wounded. It just so happens that we are talking about a young black man in his early twenties. Now by chance a well-intentioned white person happens to come down that road. Do you even stop your car? After all, this fellow is probably a gang member. Maybe there are still more bad guys around. One of his kind will come and help him for sure, sooner or a later. You may slow down. But the odds are you are not going to stop.

A person was mugged in the street and is lying in the ditch, badly wounded. She is all dressed up: short skirt and high heels. Chin bone and chest give away that this woman was born a man. Here pulls up a minivan with a soccer mom with the kids in the car, doing the right thing for her family. Will you stop? She and her husband are working hard to keep their marriage strong and raise their kids with good values. She wants her kids to be normal, raise a family similar to the one they have now. Being exposed to this trans person would confuse or even scare the precious little ones and mommy herself would be very uncomfortable. The good mother hits the pedal and presses on.

A person was mugged in the street and is lying in the ditch, badly wounded. His uniform is soaked in his own blood. This police officer was certainly trying to do the right thing and keep this community safe. Along comes a young black man in his twenties. Seeing the officer in the ditch he has flashbacks of that horrible night when his nephews were caught in the crossfire and shot by police a few years ago. It feels like yesterday. Actually seeing this bleeding officer it feels like right now. What if they find me bent over his dying body? I better make a run.

A person was mugged in the street and is lying in the ditch, badly wounded. He just came back from the mosque, his stomach full after breaking the Ramadan fast. His long beard is drenched in his own blood. A good Christian man comes by while he is doing a food drive in the neighborhood. You know we need to help those less fortunate than ourselves. We collect canned goods for children in need in our own neighborhood and we send Christmas presents to those kids in Africa with their big teary eyes. I would really like to help that guy in the ditch, because I am a very loving and caring person. But honestly I can do more good by collecting some more cans from my neighbors. And by the way: It was people like him who blew up the World Trade Center and keep killing our Soldiers in the Middle East. Why do we need Muslims in our neighborhood anyway?

There are so many reasons not to help. Life is complicated. Answering the question: “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus yells NO IT’S NOT COMPLICATED! Your neighbor is the person lying in the ditch!

Every day people shoot each other dead. The main reason is fear. Fear what would happen if I were to stop and help that person in the ditch. Making the world a better place involves taking risks. If we allow fear to put a lid on love we will just continue to blow each other up.

In 1963 Martin Luther king said, “Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. Hate multiplies hate, violence multiplies violence, and toughness multiplies toughness in a descending spiral of destruction.”
Amen.

(In collaboration with the Rev. Mirjam Haas-Melchior)

Dude, did we have fun a the Surf Shack. The tunes are still being hummed in cars all over Fort Bend County and the Shaka hand gesture which can really mean anything positive is the new handshake. 41 children had a whole week of Bible stories, music, snacks, games and crafts. 20 volunteers kept things running smoothly. Thanks to everybody who made our Vacation Bible School 2016 so fun!

The Fourth of July is often interpreted as a breakup story: Abusive mother Britain hurting her children in the colonies. Eventually the kids hit puberty, become rebellious and as soon as they find the willpower and strength they move out. The Declaration of Independence lists a host of grievances, abuses and usurpations of power. Having listed all the wrongs they had to endure our forefathers “solemnly publish and declare, that these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States”

But guess what: Moving out of your parents’ house after graduation does not disconnect you from them emotionally or culturally. They are still relatives. You still relate to them. Case in point “My Country ‘Tis of Thee” still uses the same tune as “God Save the Queen”. You cannot not relate to family. You may become rebellious and cut them off but that only cements the relationship. The Declaration of Independence naturally addresses “our Brittish brethren”.

Israel’s forefathers share a similar story where Abram and Lot go separate ways. Genesis 13 lists a host of grievances, abuses and usurpations of power. Having listed all the wrongs his shepherds had to endure Abram said to Lot, “Separate yourself from me. If you take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if you take the right hand, then I will go to the left.”

Despite their physical and economic – political if you will – separation Abram and Lot remained together it what the Bible calls “covenant”. The mutual bonds of a covenantal relationship do not go away just because you declare independence and create your own nation. Our forefathers wrote the Declaration of Independence showing “a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.”

The goal of the Declaration of Independence is to remain well connected to the world community: to share reason and power and passion with them, to strengthen the covenant of humanity. Like Abram we are going to be over here on this pasture but we will join the world community in all its major organizations and stay the closest and strongest ally of “our Brittish brethren”. May this 240 year old document continue to inspire us to show “a decent respect to the opinions of mankind”.

This year’s Vacation Bible School is all about water. We will transform our church into an ocean of excitement as Surfers and Lifeguards glide through surfer–themed music, crafts, recreation, Bible stories, and more! It will run from June 27 through July 1, from 9 am to 12 noon.

The story on Wednesday will be Jesus’s Baptism. That is where the book of worship reminds us of the deep wells from which our faith springs:
“We thank you, God, for the gift of creation called forth by your saving Word. Before the world had shape and form, your Spirit moved over the waters. Out of the waters of the deep, you formed the firmament and brought forth the earth to sustain all life.
In the time of Noah, you washed the earth with the waters of the flood, and your ark of salvation bore a new beginning.
In the time of Moses, your people Israel passed through the Red Sea waters from slavery to freedom and crossed the flowing Jordan to enter the promised land.
In the fullness of time, you sent Jesus Christ, who was nurtured in the water of Mary’s womb.
Jesus was baptized by John in the water of the Jordan, became living water to a woman at the Samaritan well, washed the feet of the disciples, and sent them forth to baptize all the nations by water and the Holy Spirit.”

How do you keep the excitement of your Baptism alive?

The General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ issued a statement mourning the loss of those murdered, calling for prayers for their families, and expressing horror and frustration over how commonplace this kind of tragedy has become. The incident happened early Sunday morning June 12, when a gunman killed 50 people and injured at least 50 more in a crowded gay nightclub in downtown Orlando, in what law enforcement is calling an act of terrorism.

For us in the Greater Houston Area it becomes evermore important to support the Houston Pride Week. When terror strikes America rallies together and stands up united. The Houston LGBT Pride Celebration® is still scheduled for Saturday, June 25, 2016 in Downtown Houston. Pride Houston® will be honoring those who lost their lives in Orlando, FL — and around the world in our fight for equality — prior to the start of the Houston Pride Parade®.

Here is the text of Rev. Dorhauer’s complete statement:

“The United Church of Christ mourns the tragic loss in the aftermath of what is now believed to be the largest mass shooting in the U.S. We are mindful of the many family members whose grief will be deep, and will linger for some time. We lift every one of them up in prayer.

We are grateful to President Obama for the swift action suspending HIPAA laws so that loved ones can be with their injured spouses and help make decisions about their care — an often overlooked right that many in the LGBT community cannot take for granted.

While it is too soon to speak about motives, the United Church of Christ nonetheless calls upon all leaders of religious and political bodies to end the constant rhetoric that demonizes same gender loving people. Our speech has consequences, and this is not the first time violence has been directed at the LGBT community with very tragic consequences. It is long past the time that we end this, including tolerating what amounts to hate speech and homophobia masquerading as religion. It is also long past the time that America enacts sane gun control legislation. Our souls and spirits cannot abide for long when this kind of tragedy is commonplace; and when no substantive action is taken in response to these mass shootings. Our grief, all too real, is not assuaged by what can be the redemptive act of doing all we can to reduce the likelihood of it ever happening again.”

You can download the most current Helper right here.

While I am writing this reflection the water of the Brazos river is still rising. It has not crested yet. More rain is in the forecast and our little neighborhood is land locked. We cannot go anywhere. The kids are outside playing on the street without worrying if cars are coming. Neighbors are on their bikes, scooters, ATVs, roaming around. Most of us are at the two entrances of our neighborhood, watching the water that surrounds us. 723 is no longer a street – it is a huge big lake. My kids and I are fascinated: we see worms, craw fish, frogs, … creatures coming out of the bayous are now right in front of us. Some say they even saw alligators. We see piles of fire ants creating living floating rafts, their eggs on top of the float to secure the next generation of fire ants. Spiders fleeing the waters to safer grounds…we are fascinated how God’s beautiful creation is taking care of situations like that. We walk through the waters, feeling the power of the current running along our legs (there were no ants or snakes!!) “This is the Brazos?” they ask? Yes. “Wow”, they say, ”the river really got out of its usual bed!” They get a little scared. “Are we safe?”

With the flood we experience both: the beauty of nature – how wonderful and smart God created the creatures with their strategies of survival. And at the same time we feel the danger – the power that we are not in control of this creation. That we are helpless figures in the game of nature’s powers.

In Genesis 2 God made us his keepers of his creation. Tilt and keep, work and preserve, enjoy and protect. A fine balance between humankind and nature. We don’t own the world, we don’t control nature. We are all part of a very sensitive network, living and breathing together, nature and human beings. This flood has brought a lot of destruction and I pray for all the people who are impacted by the flood. But I also learn something from it: we should start to wonder again like my kids, if we start being fascinated by the mystery and beauty of nature – as we did when we were kids – maybe the balance between tilting and keeping, working and preserving, enjoying and protecting God’s creation becomes more balanced again.

Tilt and keep!

Rev. Mirjam Haas-Melchior

This weekend we will remember those who lost their lives serving the people of the United States. In the sanctuary you will see a “Fallen Comrade Table”. This is a common tradition in Veterans’ organizations and at military functions. It is set in a special way:

The white tablecloth draped over the table represents the purity of their response to our country’s call to arms. The empty chair depicts an unknown face, representing no specific Soldier, Sailor, Airman, or Marine, but all who are not here with us. The table itself is round to show that our concern for them is never ending. The black napkin stands for the emptiness these warriors have left in the hearts of their families and friends. The single red rose reminds us of their families and loved ones. The red ribbon represents the love of our country, which inspired them to answer the nation’s call. The yellow candle and its yellow ribbon symbolize the everlasting hope for a joyous reunion with those yet accounted for. The slices of lemon on the bread plate remind us of their bitter fate. The salt upon the bread plate represent the tears of their families. The wine glass, turned upside down, reminds us that our distinguished comrades cannot be with us to drink a toast or join in the festivities of the day.

Please, take this weekend to say a prayer like the following one by the Rev. John Gundlach, former Minister for Military Chaplains in the UCC:
Gracious God, on this Memorial Day weekend, we remember and give thanks for those who have given their lives in the service of our country. When the need was greatest, they stepped forward and did their duty to defend the freedoms that we enjoy, and to win the same for others. O God, you yourself have taught us that no love is greater than that which gives itself for another. These honored dead gave the most precious gift they had, life itself, for loved ones and neighbors, for comrades and country – and for us. Help us to honor their memory by caring for the family members they have left behind, by ensuring that their wounded comrades are properly cared for, by being watchful caretakers of the freedoms for which they gave their lives, and by demanding that no other young men and women follow them to a soldier’s grave unless the reason is worthy and the cause is just. Holy One, help us to remember that freedom is not free. There are times when its cost is, indeed, dear. Never let us forget those who paid so terrible a price to ensure that freedom would be our legacy. Though their names may fade with the passing of generations, may we never forget what they have done. Help us to be worthy of their sacrifice, O God, help us to be worthy. Amen.