Paradox...

It's been an odd summer. A good summer, but an odd summer, as I find myself again and again encountering the paradoxes of our faith. In our moments of deepest weakness, we come to know God's strength. To save our lives, we must lose them. Out of the hollow carved out in pain, therein lies the joy.   To grow up in Christ, we must become like children. To receive, we must give. To live, we must first die.

Such is our living of these paradoxes: when a congregation found themselves tossing beach balls to one another in worship as they delight themselves in the Lord; when a pastor finds himself in Egypt awed by the strength of God made known in the faith of a people who persevere in their weakness thereby allowing the mighty power of God to be made known; when a congregation chooses to close that new life might emerge in the place that has nurtured generations of their families.

There are many more examples that I could share--it's been a busy summer! Each one points to the love, faith and hope that shapes and sustains us as a presbytery. Perhaps the most tender are those examples where we feel like we have failed. Examples where, with all the prayer... all the effort... all the care... the situation still can't be turned around.

These are the situations that have brought me to my knees in prayer--prayer not shaped by words, but surrender; prayer that seeks to abide in the mystery we know to be God. Prayer that trusts even when there is no immediate answer.

My time in prayer has led me to reflect on the crucibles in my own life: those times when I have not been able to bypass the fire, but rather have been led by God through the fire. As I've reflected on my fiery furnaces, I've been reminded of how much I have learned through my failures and how much I've grown.

Often, God does not save us from life's trials. Rather, God uses them to shape us and form us according to his purpose. We live in a culture that has become expert at avoiding pain. Yet, those who seek to follow in the Way of Jesus know that trial, temptation, and even failure are part of the spiritual journey. The core paradox of our faith is that death precedes resurrection. It should not surprise us, therefore, that spiritual growth entails suffering, pain, and struggle. God uses our trials and temptations to tear down barriers to his love and invitation to life. The gift and burden of free will means that we must choose to embrace the pain, rather than run from it.  

One note of caution: Crucibles don't transform us. God transforms us. Our crucibles can, however, help us loosen our grip, free us trying to control the outcome, and bring us home to God and ourselves.

Blessings in your play and in your pain. God is present in both. As the Psalmist reminds us, "Delight yourself in the Lord and God will heal the desires of your heart" (37:4).

With blessings,

Debbie Rundlett
General Presbyter

Holy Habit: Allow God to "tell your story"

This next week, set aside some time to be with God in silence and solitude. Dwell in the presence of God. Abide and allow God to "tell your story."  

Listen with appreciation and curiosity for how God has used these moments to shape and form you. It takes courage to name our crucibles, even more to listen. Can you name the gift of failure? If appropriate, confess your agenda to God and ask God what in you must die in order for God's will to come forth.  

Offer yourself as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God--  

That is your spiritual act of worship.  

-Romans 12:1

A Simple Prayer

Lord, I am willing to receive what you give, release what you take, lack what you withhold, do what you require, and be whom you desire. Amen. --Spiritual Disciplines Handbook

UPDATE: West High Avenue in New Philadelphia is currently under construction, and a portion of that road will be closed to traffic the day of our specially-called meeting.   

• From the NORTH via I-77
• From the SOUTH via I-77

The Youth Director will implement the vision of the Christian Education Commission by developing high quality and engaging classes, groups, and events for all ages of children and youth.  Points of emphasis of this person would be engaging with families to encourage participation, helping our youth grow spiritually, and increasing participation in children and youth programs.  We desire a person with strong leadership skills who can teach others to be effective leaders. Musical gifts are a plus.  

For fuller job description please visit:

www.fpcmariettaoh.org/youth-director-search/

Director Search

501 Fourth St.

Marietta, OH 45750

or submit to:  personnel.fpcmarietta@suddenlinkmail.com