Breakfast on the Beach

Feed my sheep. Tend my flock.

Jesus (John 21:15)

Even after the resurrection, the shame of the betrayal stayed with him. He had been called by Jesus to become a fisher of men and women. He had been called by Jesus to build his church. But all he felt capable of doing was to return to his nets and boat, to run from Jesus' call, a call that reminded him of his failure to support the man he loved and to stand by him in a time of trial.

For Peter, Jesus had special instructions. He was to "tend his flock [...] and feed his sheep." Three times Jesus asked Peter, "Do you love me?" Three times, Peter grieved by his past and pained by the question, answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." Three times, through word and deed, Jesus releases Peter from his shame and reminds him of his call: "Feed my sheep. Tend my flock."

Too often, we allow past mistakes and failures to get in the way of Jesus' love and his call. We fail to realize that God uses all things to shape and equip us to heed his call. Jesus reached into Peter's pain and brokenness on the beach that day. He fed him. He forgave him. He called him. Just as he feeds, forgives and calls us. Don't let anything in your past keep you from heeding God's call. Jesus through his death and resurrection has released you from bondage and sets you free to serve.

To be able to feed others requires integration of our whole selves. It calls for generativity born of forgiveness of self and others as we learn from our past mistakes and reclaim who we are in Christ. Only then can we fully relate to others in their need and failure.

Only then can we tend and feed.

Holy Habit: Pondering Incarnation

"The Word became flesh and blood and moved into the neighborhood" (John 1:14, The Message).

Incarnation remains a difficult lesson to learn. Even after the resurrection, Peter returned to his nets, bound by the shame of his denial. But Jesus came into our neighborhoods that we might have life. And he met Peter in his brokenness, forgiving him and charging him to "tend his flock and feed his sheep." Our call is to bear Jesus' incarnation into the world, meeting people in their brokenness, offering them not only healing, but also extending God's call to serve.

This week, take some time to prayerfully ponder the Prologue of John. Read through John 1:1-18 in several translations. Grapple with God's call to you in light of the reality that "the Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood." Then spend some time pondering Gregory of Nyssa's challenge that sin happens whenever we refuse to keep growing. How is God calling you to grow? How are you to practice incarnation and embody Jesus?

Prayer for the Journey

Christ our friend,

You ask for our love,

In spite of our betrayal.

Give us courage to embrace forgiveness,

Know you again,

And trust in ourselves. Amen.

All Desires Known

Loudonville First Presbyterian Church Farmer's Market Changes

The First Presbyterian Church in Loudonville has held a Farmer's Market on Saturday mornings, from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend, for the past seven years.

In the spring of 2008, the church leaders had a vision of how the church could contribute to our community. We had the land to plant a summer garden and a parking lot where we could sell the produce, so the Farmer's Market began.

Space was offered to anyone wanting to participate with the request that they return 10% of their earnings to the Church. 100% of this money, plus all the money the church members earned was given to local community needs. Many vendors were involved over the years and helped to make the Farmer's Market a success. Several vendors remained with us every summer; brought us good ideas, and helped us so many ways.  To every one of you we offer a sincere "thank you".

The blessings we were given were more than we ever imagined. Over the past seven years, we have received and returned to the community $68, 819.00.

A complete list of recipients is available at the church; our goals were to help the hungry (Meals-on-Wheels, Helping Hand); those in need (Community Help Mission, Agape Fund); children (Loudonville Schools, Pleasant Hill Outdoor Center, Royal Family Kid's Camp); other local causes, as well as national and world missions.

We thank all the faithful people who came week after week to support our cause. Our sincere appreciation goes out to each and every one of you. Much joy, many laughs, and friendships were shared over these seven years. We could not have done it without your support.

The church members want to bring attention to the Farmer's Market committee consisting of: Carl and Janet Ayers, Jon and Paula Cooperrider, Tom and Karen Dilgard, and John and Kari Krabill. Their hard work, long hours, dedication, and strong belief in helping others are inspirational. To them we also say "thank you".

In 2015, our circumstances have changed and the Farmer's Market will change as well. First Presbyterian Church will no longer participate on a weekly basis. We have offered the space to any vendor who wants to sell on Saturday mornings.

As in the past, 10% of their earnings will go to the church and 100 % of these funds will be then be given to agencies helping local people. Our current plan is to participate in the July 4th celebration, selling ice cream and other products at our Main Street parking lot.

In the meantime, we will stay alert and watch for God to open another door. Who know what tomorrow will bring?  

God's Blessings,

The First Presbyterian Church, Loudonville, Ohio