Surrendering to the One True Superhero

I was never really a big fan of the Marvel Superhero Comic Book series, although several of the guys in my neighborhood were voracious readers of the franchise. In fact, one of them was a talented artist and even created his own storylines.

As for me, I preferred to watch the exploits of these superheroes on television, first the reruns of Superman and later the wildly popular Batman series, which aired as many as three times a week in primetime in the mid-1960s.

We would watch the episodes each evening and then talk about them on the bus as we traveled to school the following day. Even though we were only in elementary school, we knew that these programs were pure fantasy, and even a little bit silly. Still, it was fun to imagine what it would be like to have super powers.

Now that we are adults, we occasionally live our lives as if we were superhuman, extending ourselves in a variety of ways. We do this with good intentions, often in the context of trying to help others, but ultimately, we realize that we are not superheroes and we have no special powers. The reality is that there are some things — many things — in life that we cannot overcome. 

Despite this realization, we know that we have an advocate in Jesus, and as we read in Philippians 4:13, “[we] can do all things through Christ who strengthens [us].” Exactly how and when this applies to our life is hard to say, but we know that through him, anything is possible.

This gives us hope, even in the most dire of circumstances, and it also teaches us, as the legendary hymn, “Jesus Loves Me,” so clearly states, “We are weak, but he is strong.” 

It is here that we encounter an irony in our faith. When we surrender to him instead of foolishly trying to do things that are clearly beyond our realm, we actually become stronger and wiser.

Proverbs 9:10 offers another irony when it states that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” When we fear the Lord, we actually become more courageous.

This is why it is so important to proclaim Jesus as our Lord and Savior, to commit ourselves to him, and to foster a lifelong relationship, through which he can guide and counsel, provide and protect.

Superheroes are fun, but they are pure fantasy. The God we serve is real, alive, and everlasting. Let us take comfort, gain wisdom, and build strength in our relationship with him, and let us invite others to covenant with him so that they, too, will have greater comfort and clarity in this world and greater affirmation and assurance in the world to come in our Father’s Heavenly Kingdom.

Until We Meet Again, Be Blessed! – Pastor John

Worth a Visit

Life in ministry brings all sorts of responsibilities — one of the most important of which is visitation. Whether someone is housebound, hospitalized, in an assisted-living facility, grieving, or imprisoned, pastors are expected to visit, encourage, provide companionship, and lift up others through scripture and prayer.

These types of visitation are often bittersweet. While it is a joy to connect with those who are hurting, lonely, or struggling in some other way, it is difficult to see them facing these types of hardships.

Recently, I set aside some time to address these needs. It began with a funeral service for a member of my former church. It was an honor to share a tribute to this faithful servant while providing some comfort and even some levity for his grieving family and friends. 

My next stop was an assisted-living facility where I stopped in to see three members of our church. Each visit lasted about 45 minutes. I was blessed to offer words of comfort, and I could see that each person appreciated the companionship because so often they spend hours, even days, alone in their room. In between my various stops, I encountered a couple walking together down a hallway. I tried not to eavesdrop as I followed behind, but I could tell from their conversation that each had lost a spouse and that both really enjoyed each other’s company.

Also that week, I stopped in to see a church member who had been hospitalized. Fortunately, it was not a life-threatening situation, but it was enough to cause some concern. Once again, the individual greatly appreciated the visit and seemed gratified to know that someone cared.

How does all of this relate to our faith journey? Well, Jesus made it clear that we are all called to reach out to the least among us. For it is there that we will truly find him. That is not meant in a judgmental way, but simply an acknowledgement of an individual’s circumstances. 

Here’s what Jesus said about the situation in the Gospel of Matthew: “Now when the Human One comes in his majesty and all his angels are with him, he will sit on his majestic throne. All the nations will be gathered in front of him. He will separate them from each other, just as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right side. But the goats he will put on his left. “Then the king will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who will receive good things from my Father. Inherit the kingdom that was prepared for you before the world began. I was hungry and you gave me food to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger and you welcomed me. I was naked and you gave me clothes to wear. I was sick and you took care of me. I was in prison and you visited me.’ “Then those who are righteous will reply to him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you a drink? When did we see you as a stranger and welcome you, or naked and give you clothes to wear? When did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ “Then the king will reply to them, ‘I assure you that when you have done it for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you have done it for me.’”

Let us never forget those who live on the margins — the downtrodden, the desperate. They may not look or sound like us. Their background may be completely different from ours, but they are children of God, and when we reach out to them, we will also encounter our Lord in all of his glory and splendor.

Until We Meet Again, Be Blessed! – Pastor John

—

Oak Chapel UMC

4203 West Old Lincoln Way

Wooster, OH 44691

330-264-2537

www.oakchapelumc.com

Serving God and Community

Strangers in the Night

One never knows who or what might be encountered in a church parking lot, especially after dark.

Here at Oak Chapel United Methodist, which sits at the confluence of two busy roadways, we’ve had crows, cats, and all kinds of other critters, but we’ve also had visits from a wide range of people who use our lot as a rest stop, a meeting place, an outdoor walking venue, and who knows what else.

Just last night, following our Maundy Thursday service, we noticed an unfamiliar car idling in the lot right around dusk. One of our church members approached the vehicle and asked what the driver was up to. He said he was low on gas and wanted to know if he could use our lot to stay overnight and get some sleep in his car.

Part of his story didn’t add up. If he was low on gas, why was he wasting his valuable fuel by allowing the car to run? Our church member, a kind, caring, and compassionate individual, suggested that I go out and speak to the occupant, and so I did. 

The man inside was really downtrodden. He was 64 years old — just one year younger than me — but at a very different place in life. He had a variety of health issues, including respiratory challenges that led to him have a tracheotomy in his neck. He even asked me if God still cared about him.

I was really conflicted. I had to look out for the welfare of the church and the safety of our members, so I was reluctant to have him spend the entire night in our parking lot. On the other hand, was it really that big of a deal, and what harm would he cause?

Still, I felt it might be best to ask him to find another place to stay, so I told him that the local sheriff and the state highway patrol often drive through our lot at all hours of the day and night, which was true. I handed him two $5 bills so that he could get some gas and maybe a fast-food meal, but I also decided that I couldn’t simply send him on his way, so I handed him my card with my contact information. 

Then I recalled that haunting passage from the second chapter of James, which states, “What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food.  If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?  In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”

I felt like someone had just shot a hole in my faith. But it was too late. He was already gone. I can only hope that he will keep my card handy and call on me once again for help. This time, I won’t let him, or my Lord, down.

Such is the quandary we face, discerning between good works and personal safety. As disciples of Christ we want to extend ourselves, and reach out to the “least of our brethren.” At the same time, we need to have some common sense and take precautions where health and safety are concerned.

I don’t know how this story will end. Will he call me back, or will I never hear from him again? Time will tell, but in the meantime, I pray to God that he watches over this man and guides me to the proper course of action next time.

Until We Meet Again, Be Blessed! – Pastor John

What Happens When Something Spills?

We’ve all heard the old saying, “Don’t cry over spilled milk.” What it means essentially, is that there’s no reason to be upset about something that has already happened and cannot be changed.

Ha! Easier said than done. There are countless examples in life when we spill something — literally or figuratively — and fret about it for hours, days, even weeks.

The other day as I was preparing to enter the church, trying to carry too many things at one time, my little plastic container of Eclipse gum tumbled to the asphalt and spilled half the contents onto the parking lot.

Not only was I disappointed at having lost a handful of gum contents, I was upset with myself for trying to carry too many things at one time. I should have been more careful.

It is, indeed, frustrating, when we spill something, especially when it could have been prevented by being a little more cautious.

There is one area, however, where we need to be especially careful, and that is in regard to that which spills from our mouths, specifically the words we use. Sometimes, we react emotionally to certain situations and say things we later regret. Other times, we hold back, reflect on the situation, and develop a more measured, diplomatic response. In almost every case, it is wise for us to opt for the later rather than the former.

The Book of James, Chapter 3, offers some stern but very wise advice in regard to the things we say.

“When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. ⁴Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, ⁸ but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.”

How fitting and relevant a passage for the state of affairs in our nation today. We greatly value our right to Freedom of Speech, but with that right comes a great responsibility. The things we say can inspire, but they can also inflict great pain. We need look no further than the incident at this year’s Academy Awards ceremony to see just how volatile our words can be.

As faithful disciples of Christ, we have a right and a responsibility to speak what we believe is the truth, but we can do so in a way that is measured and not malicious. In that way, what we say will be much more palatable and have a much greater impact on the recipient.

Until We Meet Again, Be Blessed! – Pastor John

Fool for Christ

“Everybody plays the fool sometimes; there’s no exception to the rule.” So goes a line from a one-hit wonder from The Main Ingredient in 1972.

Indeed, we’ve all found ourselves looking or sounding foolish at one time or another. No one wants to be in that situation, but it’s part of life.

As one who tries to avoid embarrassment at all costs, I am especially sensitive about playing the fool, but it happens, and there’s not much we can do about it.

When it comes to our faith, however, there is something we can do about it, and we can look at it two ways. The Old Testament Book of Proverbs is filled with admonitions about foolishness.

For example, Proverbs 12:16 states that “fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook the insult.” We might look at this passage as a way of saying, “take the high road at every opportunity.” Someone might insult us, and we may be taken aback by their words, but we can quickly regroup and choose to either ignore or disregard what they said. In the long run, we show wisdom and even gain the admiration of others by keeping silent in certain situations.

Proverbs 13:20 says, “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.” This is another way of saying, “be wary of the company you keep.” Our parents told us, and we, in turn, tell our children that an individual will be highly influenced by the people with which we associate. “Be careful; don’t be fooled!”

Proverbs 18:2 addresses the foolishness of stubbornness with this passage, “fools find no pleasure in understanding, but delight in airing their own opinions.” We all know at least one person like this — people who only care about their perspective and refuse to listen to another’s point of view. Clearly, this person would qualify as a fool.

Proverbs 29:11 offers valuable instruction, especially in today’s world with these words, “fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.” It’s another way of saying that volatile situations can be diffused when “cooler heads prevail.”

There are many other passages in Proverbs that speak to the folly of foolishness, but there is at least one passage in the New Testament that advises us to become a fool for our faith. Specifically, I Corinthians 4:10 in which Paul makes the argument that serving Christ requires a level of commitment, a complete surrender of self that runs counter to the generally accepted ways of “Me first” in this world. This includes sacrifice, self-denial, and giving up all that we have to follow Him.

Most of us don’t reach that level of “foolishness,” of faithfulness, but we can certainly be aware of the fact that His call to us often requires that we put the needs of others ahead of our own and that we make Him Lord of all.

Today is April Fool’s Day — not a Holy Day be any means, but still a day to reflect on both the danger and the wisdom of being a fool.

Be careful not to fall victim to the pranks of another, but let us all be willing, through our complete commitment of faith, to be a fool for Christ.

Until We Meet Again, Be Blessed! – Pastor John

Adjusting to our Blind Spots

With the many enormous advances in automobile technology, why do we still have blind spots when we try to change lanes? Surely, our brilliant automotive engineers could have come up with something to overcome that.

Some say that if the sideview mirrors are properly adjusted, there are no blind spots; but most people arrange their mirrors incorrectly, thus creating a blind spot. If that source is correct, they must be referring to me because just last week, I almost collided with a car in the left lane, even though I thought it was clear of any traffic. 

The young lady in the light blue car, hit her horn, but kindly made no visible gestures with her hands in my direction as I hurriedly swerved back into my original lane.

Another source stated that nearly all vehicles have a blind spot, regardless of the design. That made me feel a little bit better, but I had to acknowledge that if I had collided with the young lady in the blue car, it would have been my fault.

I raise this issue about blind spots because I believe we all have them. Our biases and prejudices, whether they be innate or learned behavior, can be problematic at the very least and dangerous if not adjusted.

The Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 7, Verses 3 through 5, provides invaluable advice with this familiar passage…

“Why do you see the splinter that’s in your brother’s or sister’s eye, but don’t notice the log in your own eye? How can you say to your brother or sister, ‘Let me take the splinter out of your eye,’ when there’s a log in your eye? You deceive yourself! First take the log out of your eye, and then you’ll see clearly to take the splinter out of your brother’s or sister’s eye.” 

Just like the blind spot on the roadway, our nation and our world are becoming increasingly dangerous because of blind spots — not so much that we have them, but that we are unwilling to do anything to adjust them. In fact, quite the opposite is occurring. We are digging deeper and deeper into our own dogma and failing to listen to the point of view of others. What this leads to is essentially a lack of communication as we talk past each other while failing to at least listen and process their point of view.

While it is important to hold steadfast to our spiritual beliefs, we must take time to acknowledge the viewpoints of others, even if we wind up disagreeing. There are certain beliefs about which we do not compromise, but there are others about which we can find common ground.

So, before we dismiss and ultimately destroy one another, let’s reach out and consider the experience of others, while showing the grace and mercy, the love and compassion that our Lord showed us. 

After all, we are all children of God, who reminds us in the 22^nd chapter of Matthew: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your being, and with all your mind…and love your neighbor as you love yourself.” 

Until We Meet Again, Be Blessed! – Pastor John

Faith Often Calls for Clear Thinking, Quick Action

It was a rainy, foggy morning in March of 1974, just three months before our high school graduation. My friends and I were on our way to the bus stop, chatting about who knows what, when we came upon a frightening sight.

One of our classmates laid motionless on the asphalt pavement. We had no idea what happened, but quickly learned that moments earlier, she had been struck by a car, which then sped away and left for her dead.

My friends and I, being typical teenagers, were at a loss as to what to do. This was long before the option to call 911 and even longer before cell phones. We paused briefly as her friends huddled around her. Not knowing what to do, we continued on to the bus stop. We were shaken by the incident, but too immature to know how to respond. I felt especially bad, knowing that we should have done something, even though it looked like there was nothing that could have been done.

A couple of hours later, during a change of classes, I saw the girl who had been hit by the car. I’m sure I looked as though I had just seen a ghost, probably because I thought I had. In reality, she had only suffered a glancing blow, and it was her head hitting the pavement that caused her to lose consciousness. 

At that point, I didn’t know what to say or do, so I did what many awkward high school students would do — I turned and walked the other way. Of course, this made me feel even worse. Not only did I fail to take action the first time, but when given the opportunity to express some words of comfort, I cowardly walked away.

That incident took place nearly 50 years ago, and I am still haunted by it, but if there was a silver lining, it was the fact that I learned a very important lesson — a call to action if you will.

The Book of James has some stern words regarding this dilemma. In Chapter 2, Verses 14-17, we read this familiar passage: “What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled,’ without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”

I felt somewhat dead inside on that day. I don’t know what I could have done, but I should have done something. Clearly, I should not have walked way, but I did — twice. 

Fortunately, from this experience, I am far more inclined to provide tangible assistance and not just say, “Go in peace.” It may sound nice, but it is actually a very hollow response. 

I didn’t know this classmate very well, but that’s no excuse. God doesn’t instruct us to reach out only to those we know. Instead, he encourages us to reach out to strangers, even enemies. I try to keep that in the forefront of my mind these days so I will be ready the next time I encounter a similar situation.

After all, Jesus could have walked away from us, but he didn’t. Praise be to God, that he saw our life-or-death situation, and chose to step in and save us.

Until We Meet Again, Be Blessed! – Pastor John

Opportunities to Re-Engage with the Word of God 

Now that we are becoming a little more comfortable gathering together in small groups, I would like to make a pitch for Christian Education at Oak Chapel. We currently have two Sunday School classes and one Bible study, but we hope to expand our offerings in the coming months.

On Sunday morning, all are welcome to study God’s Word and its application in today’s world in the adult Sunday School class that meets in the Sing-Mar Room from 9:30-10:15 a.m. While the current study follows a book by Phillip Yancey about Grace, you don’t have to be there every week to benefit from the discussion. In fact, each week provides a new topic and a different opportunity for an engaging discussion.  

Also on Sunday morning, our young adults are participating in a study about Bible Basics, led by Rich and Cyndi Boyer. These take place on the second and fourth Sundays of the month. This class, which meets later in the morning (11:30 a.m.) following the worship service, probes basic Biblical concepts at the grassroots level, and provides easy access, whether you have studied Scripture for many years or are relatively new to the process. Either way, there is no reason to be intimidated or anxious. We all have new things to learn, and we are all respectful of each other’s faith journey, regardless of how far along it may be.

In addition to our Sunday morning fare, we have other interesting opportunities. Pam Domer leads a study every Monday morning from 9:30 -10:45 a.m., and all are welcome to attend. Currently the group is studying the Book of Acts, which has many insightful applications to our current faith journey. We are still meeting via Zoom, but we are hoping to gather in person sometime this spring, and we still have plenty of room for anyone who wishes to join.  

The newest option, which will be led by Bruce Bloch, is titled “God’s Chosen People: A Zero Sum Result.” In this provocative study, we will probe questions regarding God’s chosen people and ask whether we err in distinguishing between the Old and New Testaments. This study may begin in our regular Sunday School hour and possibly progress from there, or be scheduled for a different time. Either way, all are welcome.

Of course, we are intent on providing a regular Sunday School class for children. We have people willing to lead the class. All we need are the children. Perhaps you can help by encouraging young people in your family or your neighborhood to join us.

Most of us are acquainted with Scripture, but many have a rather limited understanding. These studies provide opportunities for all of us to grow together in knowledge and in faith in a welcoming, non-threatening environment. Be assured that there is no judgment when it comes to our Biblical IQ. We are here to support one another and to expand our awareness of God’s Holy Word. Please consider joining the group that appeals most to you…and think about bringing a friend. 

Until We Meet Again, Be Blessed! – Pastor John 

Reflect, Repent, Reconcile, and Reconnect This Lent

The older I get, the more I regret. Thoughtless words, careless actions, and bad decisions over the course of my lifetime cause me to wonder  why I didn’t exercise better judgment and greater forethought. Thank God for the gift of His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ! Where would we be without His grace and mercy?

Although we can’t take back what we’ve said or done, we can have it expunged by our Savior, whose blood cleanses our soul and purifies our spirit. During this solemn period of preparation, we have a unique opportunity to strengthen our faith by reconnecting with our God and rethinking the way we live our lives.

The first step in the process of reconciliation is the awareness of our sinful nature and the desire to be more obedient. We are invited to bring our sins to the foot of the cross and to repent with sincerity and transparency. This helps us to re-establish our relationship with the Lord and pursue the pathway to redemption.

During the Lenten season, we invite you to expand your commitment through prayerful reflection and worship. If you happened to miss our Ash Wednesday Service this week, you can view a pre-recorded version on our website. Then, on Sunday evening, we invite you to participate in the first of our five Lenten Services, during which we will gather at one of five area churches — Oak Chapel, Church of the Cross, Moreland, New Pittsburg, and Wooster — each week.

We will also have other opportunities for fellowship during Lent, including our monthly Retirees Breakfast on Monday (March 7 – 8 a.m.) and the United Methodist Men’s Breakfast next Saturday morning (March 12 – 7:30 a.m.) at Greenleaf Restaurant. In addition, Art & Soul meets Monday (March 7 – 7 p.m.) at the church, and Days for Girls gathers the following Tuesday (March 15 – 1 p.m.), also at the church. And don’t forget about choir. Our faithful ensemble rehearses on Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m., and there is still have plenty of room for more singers.

With the weather improving and the pandemic fading (we hope), let’s breathe new life into this great church. Active involvement not only serves the Lord, but it can also be a source of great joy for those who participate. I remain optimistic about the future of Oak Chapel because of people like you — loyal, dedicated, selfless, caring, compassionate, and so much more.

What we do throughout the Lenten season and in the months that follow will have a profound impact on the course and direction of our church. Let us join together with a renewed commitment to discipleship, and let us honor our ancestors who worked so diligently to ensure that our church would not only survive, but also thrive. 

It will take a period of time and a considerable amount of effort, but I believe in each of you, and I am confident that you will do everything in your power to guide this church into an exciting new era of service and stewardship.

Until We Meet Again, Be Blessed! – Pastor John

Ashes to Ashes, Death to Life

Our Lenten journey officially begins next week with the imposition of ashes on Ash Wednesday. I hope you will consider joining us for a brief, but meaningful service at
7 p.m. that evening.

This storied tradition of Ash Wednesday dates back centuries and reminds us that our life in this world will one day pass away, but our life in God’s Heavenly Kingdom will last forever.

This message is often hard to grasp, even for believers, but through Ash Wednesday we begin to realize that in order to have abundant life in the spirit, there must first be death to our sinful nature in the flesh. Jesus came into this world to conquer sin and death, but in order to do that, he first had to die on the cross so that he could be raised up in the spirit.

According to I Corinthians 15, if there is no death, then there is no resurrection, and if there is no resurrection, then our faith is futile because we have not been rescued from our sins and redeemed by his blood. But the good news comes to us beginning in Verse 20 of that chapter, which states, “Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man.   For as in Adam, all die, so
in Christ all will be made alive.”

“Then,” the passage continues, “the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death.” From that perspective, we might say that Ash Wednesday is the beginning of the end for the Grim Reaper and the beginning of abundant life for us.

In 1973, The Fifth Dimension released a song, titled, “Ashes to Ashes.” It was on the “B” side of one of their hits (I forget which one), but it was a catchy tune with some meaningful lyrics that relate to this discussion: “Ashes to Ashes, dust to dust, it will never be the same, but we’re all forgiven, we’re only living to leave the way we came.”

There is considerable truth to that riff from the standpoint that our mortal bodies will pass away and that we will never be the same, but the good news is that we’re all forgiven and basically living to leave the way we came — in other words, in the spirit.

So let us spend a few moments together on Ash Wednesday as we take stock of who we are now and how we will be transformed through the spirit so that we can all be reunited together as one and rejoice in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Until We Meet Again, Be Blessed! – Pastor John