How Money Works
Sermon Series on “Making Money Work for God and You”
Scripture Psalm 92: 1- 5 read responsively and Luke 12:22-34
Preached by Linda Jo Peters ~ June 14, 2009
Unity Presbyterian Church ~ Terre Haute, Indiana

INTRODUCTION TO SCRIPTURE
The beginning of this Psalm celebrates through music all of God’s gifts.
Psalm 92 read responsively
1It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to your name, O Most High;
2to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night,
3to the music of the lute and the harp, to the melody of the lyre.
4For you, O Lord, have made me glad by your work; at the works of your hands I sing for joy.
5How great are your works, O Lord! Your thoughts are very deep!

As we begin this series on making money work for God and you, I thought it would be best to consider how money works. But there is proverbial wisdom about money:
When you have money, you worry about keeping it.
When you don’t have money, you worry about getting it.
Jesus understood our tendency to worry about resources. So here is his wisdom about money and worry.

Luke 12:22-34
22He said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear. 23For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. 24Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! 25And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? 26If then you are not able to do so small a thing as that, why do you worry about the rest? 27Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. 28But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith! 29And do not keep striving for what you are to eat and what you are to drink, and do not keep worrying. 30For it is the nations of the world that strive after all these things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31Instead, strive for his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. 32“Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33Sell your possessions, and give alms. Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

SERMON
For those reading this message at home:
The children’s time will demonstrate how money works by using a physics experiment. Sand is poured into a jar first and then small stones and finally large stones will not fit into the jar. But if the large stones are put in first, the small stones and sand will fit. The large stones will represent: shelter, food and health care.

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” One of the first things we need to remember about money is that it is only a means to an end. That is why Paul did not write to Timothy “Money is the root of all evil.” Instead he wrote, “The love of money is the root of all evil.”[1] Money works best for God and for you, if it is only seen as a tool like a shovel for working in the garden. I love to watch HGTV in particular “Property Virgins” and “Clean Sweep” because they’re not just about real-estate but offer a close look at human behavior and values. Our families have both traditions about money and events in our lives impact our understanding of money. For example I am a baby boomer, which means my culture says live for today for tomorrow if may all be gone, most of my friends’ parents had lived through WWII and their culture had a pent-up desire for possessions. But my parents had lived through the Great Depression and no matter what Tom Brokaw says they are not the same generation! They had a passion for saving and making do. When I was in junior high my mother wanted to teach me about the value of money. So she gave me a significant allowance with the understanding that I would be buying school supplies and clothes, and entertainment for myself. But when I started buying gifts for family and friends she ended that experiment. She want me to learn about budgeting and saving, not about generosity of which she felt I had an abundance! What are your families’ wisdom or lack there of that you still live by?

Do you know how you perceive money? A squished dollar bill is still a dollar bill.

Does your possession of money make you feel secure, wealthy, happy or important?

Here is a story by Scott Gay that helps understand how money works:
It was a quiet day in a little Southern town. Nothing much was happening. The place looked deserted. Times were tough, and everybody was in debt. Suddenly, a rich tourist shows up. He enters the town's only hotel, lays a $100 bill on the reception counter as a sort of deposit, then goes to inspect the rooms upstairs to select one for a quiet visit.

The proprietor quickly takes the $100 bill and runs to pay his debt to the butcher.
The butcher takes the $100 bill and runs to pay his debt to the pig grower.
The pig grower takes the $100 bill and runs to pay his debt to the supplier of his feed.
The supplier at the feed store takes the $100 bill and runs to pay his loan to the bank.
The banker runs back to the hotel with the $100 bill and pays off a balance to the proprietor for some meeting rooms he'd rented the month before.
The proprietor thanks him and puts the $100 bill back on the counter.
Just then, the rich tourist comes down after inspecting the rooms.
He says things in the town are too quiet, and he thinks he'll head down the road.
He picks up the $100 bill and leaves town.
No one earned anything; however, everyone in town is now without debt and looks to the future with great optimism. An important aspect of how money works best is in its circulation.

If I stick a dollar in the ground, it will still be a dollar when I did it up. But money can grow through earned interest. But God has an interesting restriction on earning interest. Check out Exodus 22:25 -27
If you lend money to my people, to the poor among you, you shall not deal with them as a creditor; you shall not exact interest from them. 26If you take your neighbor’s cloak in pawn, you shall restore it before the sun goes down; 27for it may be your neighbor’s only clothing to use as cover; in what else shall that person sleep? And if your neighbor cries out to me, I will listen, for I am compassionate. (NRSV)

Interest is fine, if people can afford the interest. Sound advice from our Lord, too bad the banks were not following this wisdom. But interest is part of commerce and can be charged on those who can afford to compensate their lender. In such a situation money does grow. Let’s say you have $500 in the bank and you are earning 4% annually compounded annually. At the end of the year you would have $520, the next year instead of earning $20 you would earn $20.80. An additional 80 cents does not seem like much but after ten years with your initial investment of $500 you would have $740.12.

With God as your financial adviser you can be both generous and wise about your finances.
Money is a tool that believers can use to grow God’s kingdom as well as their own lives.
This evening Tom Logan will share how he has grown the Kingdom of God in those who volunteer to travel with him to work on the shallow well program to the hundreds of thousands of Africans who have been blessed by their efforts. In the meantime with the same sound business practices he uses for the shallow well program, he has grown financially healthy.

The Grahams are a retired couple just wondering how can they continue to contribute to God’s kingdom and they decided to use their skills in sharpening scissors, knifes and other tools and giving a percentage to a church or other non-for-profit organization. How is God calling you to grow the kingdom of God?

Next Sunday my sermon will be “Save, Share, Spend.” Here is your homework. During this week consider where your last income went. Write it down, if you can remember. Then pray that God will reveal how he wants you to use your next income. Amen.

[1] I Timonthy 6:10

Save, Share, Spend
Sermon Series on “Making Money Work for God and You”
Scripture: Psalm 9: 9-20 read responsively and Acts 4:32-35
Preached by Linda Jo Peters ~ June 21, 2009 Celebrating the Gifts of Men
Unity Presbyterian Church ~ Terre Haute, Indiana

INTRODUCTION TO SCRIPTURE
Psalm 9 read responsively
As do many psalms the word Selah is used several times in this psalm.
Selah (Hebrew: סלה‎) is difficult to translate concisely. Selah is probably either a musical mark indicating a rest or an instruction on the reading of the text, something like "stop and listen"... Selah notes a break in the song and as such is similar in purpose to “Amen” in that it stresses the importance of the preceding passage. Alternatively, Selah may mean "forever", as it does in some places in the liturgy.
This song of praise is written at the celebration of God’s saving activity.[1]
Matthew Henry writes:
David excites and engages himself to praise God. . . If we would praise God acceptably, we must praise him in sincerity, with our hearts, and not only with our lips, and be lively and fervent in the duty, with our whole heart. When we give thanks for some () particular mercy we should take occasion () to remember former mercies and so to show forth all his marvelous works. Holy joy is the life of thankful praise.[2]
So stop and listen for David’s “holy joy” and consider your own joy.

9The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.
10And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.
11Sing praises to the Lord, who dwells in Zion. Declare his deeds among the peoples.
12For he who avenges blood is mindful of them; he does not forget the cry of the afflicted.
13Be gracious to me, O Lord. See what I suffer from those who hate me; you are the one who lifts me up from the gates of death,
14so that I may recount all your praises, and, in the gates of daughter Zion, rejoice in your deliverance.
15The nations have sunk in the pit that they made; in the net that they hid has their own foot been caught.
16The Lord has made himself known, he has executed judgment; the wicked are snared in the work of their own hands. Higgaion. Selah
17The wicked shall depart to Sheol, all the nations that forget God.
18For the needy shall not always be forgotten, nor the hope of the poor perish forever.
19Rise up, O Lord! Do not let mortals prevail; let the nations be judged before you.
20Put them in fear, O Lord; let the nations know that they are only human. Selah

Acts 4:32-35

Luke in his telling of the life of the early church, gives us a vision of sharing that is the heart of the gospel. What was it like to live in such a community of faith?

32Now the company of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common. 33With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. 34There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. 35They laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. 36There was a Levite, a native of Cyprus, Joseph, to whom the apostles gave the name Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”). 37He sold a field that belonged to him, then brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

SERMON
Years ago I found a children’s book that I think was called Save, Share, Spend. I used it’s concepts to help children understand good stewardship.
Now financial advisor Nathan Dungan has written an informative guide called Share, Save, Spend[3] that attempts to teach healthy financial decision making to our possession-crazed kids and adults. Did you know that those 18 and under spend $150 billion in the U.S. annually? Dungan’s main theory is that children/youth/adults need to get a handle on their own value system rather then let what they value be dictated by advertising or some vain attempt to keep up with the proverbial “Jones.” Dungan notes that the fastest-growing segment of those filing for bankruptcy are people under 25. As a nation, we need to turn this trend on its head and become a nation of savers and people willing and able to share.

As we continue this series on “Making Money Work for God and You? I will be providing resource for you to take home and use or discuss with your family. Several are now on the bulletin board. Take what you can use or share with family or friends.

There are several financial wizards encouraging us to become debt free. Many are Christian brothers and sisters who see our debt as a spiritual battleground. The story of the early church is an ideal community where everyone works hard and shares their efforts with each other as a healthy family system would do. But we know that the very next story after the generosity of Barnabas is of a man named Anani'as with his wife Sapphi'ra. They sold a piece of property and kept back some of the proceeds, but they wanted credit as if they had given all the proceeds to the apostles. They wanted to have their cake and eat it too. The end result was death. It is a harsh story, but we are living in a harsh reality. As believers we need to make choices that give life not death.


I believe it begins with gratification. To gratify is to satisfy a want or a need. Often gratification gives pleasure. It can be a delight or an indulgence.

Saving is delaying gratification. Sharing is broadening gratification. Spending is immediate gratification. Debt is being gratified now by killing one’s future. Learning to delay gratification and broadening gratification and enjoying immediate gratification based only on cash in hand requires a change of heart, mind and spirit. It is a life long learning process.

Let’s begin with delaying gratification by saving. The best way to develop this practice is to save for a fairly short term goal. Like having a child save for an ex-box, bicycle or i-pod. Adam Hamilton is Senior Pastor of UMC of the Resurrection in Kansas confesses to his passion for the newest phone. When the iPhone came out, he was infected with the need to gratify his desire. He already had a new phone, but kept rationalizing why he should be it. He resitsts for most of the evening and then goes back to the story just before it closes at midnight. But the strangest thing happens. His credit card, which he knew was just fine, was rejected. The salesperson offered to try another card, but Hamilton said, “No, Thanks.” It felt like a “God moment.”[4] He does not recommend relying on a God moment happening, but when they do, we need to wake up and change our behavior. Impulse buy is destructive to our financial wellbeing as well as our spiritual wellbeing. Try waiting just 24hrs before purchasing anything that is based on an impulse. Instead when you feel the urge to buy something without thought, or to gratify a desire, ask God to lead you away from temptation and wait in the Lord. Then take the money you would have spent and put it in a piggy bank or savings account.

To broaden our gratification we share what we have. When we are so busy focused on what we don’t have or what we think we need, our whole attention is limited to ourselves or our family. When we think about sharing, we have to broaden our focus beyond ourselves. This open us to new possibilities. Have you ever heard a person look into their closet and say they have nothing to wear, and yet there is no room for one more article of clothing to be stored in the closet? Perhaps that person was even you. Time to thank God for all you have been given, and then give half of those close away! And not just the worn and stain ones. Giving away a suit or dress or shoes that you realize, you really do value, will change your whole perspective on what you do have. This can be done with anything we collect until there is no room for one more. You will discover the freedom that less is indeed more and what you have is valuable.

Now what about time to spend? No credit card shopping unless it is ALL paid for when the bill comes at the end of the month. Before you go shopping, write down what you want and need and prioritize what is most important. Pay attention to what is triggering an emotional response rather that a reasoned decision. Nothing you spend money on can fill the void in our lives. Only a personal relationship with God can fill the void. Only by loving God and loving others can we truly be one with God. There is nothing we can buy for ourselves or others that will fill our hearts with love. So Save, Share, Spend and most of all love one another. Amen.
[1] See: www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selah
[2] Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible Unabridged Volume III Job to Song of Solomon “Psalm IX”, published in 1706.

[3] See: http://www.sharesavespend.com/
[4] Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity by Adam Hamilton, Abingdon Press, 2009, p. 11

Money and Power
June 28 Sermon Series on “Making Money Work for God and You”
Scripture Psalm 29 read responsively and Ecclesiastes 5:10-20
Preached by Linda Jo Peters ~ June 28, 2009
Unity Presbyterian Church ~ Terre Haute, Indiana

INTRODUCTION TO SCRIPTURE
Psalm 29: Power refers broadly to any ability to effect change or exert control over either things people, or objects. The psalmist knows the source of all power is God. Though I will read the odd verses and you the even at the last line join me in the response “May the Lord bless his people with peace!”

1Ascribe to the Lord, O heavenly beings, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
2Ascribe to the Lord the glory of his name; worship the Lord in holy splendor.
3The voice of the Lord is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the Lord, over mighty waters.
4The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is full of majesty.
5The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars; the Lord breaks the cedars of Lebanon.
6He makes Lebanon skip like a calf, and Sirion like a young wild ox.
7The voice of the Lord flashes forth flames of fire.
8The voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness; the Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.
9The voice of the Lord causes the oaks to whirl, and strips the forest bare; and in his temple all say, “Glory!”
10The Lord sits enthroned over the flood; the Lord sits enthroned as king forever.
11May the Lord give strength to his people!
May the Lord bless his people with peace!

Ecclesiastes 5:10-20
From the wisdom of Solomon, who knew wealth and power, we hear a message of caution that all is temporal and will not last.

10The lover of money will not be satisfied with money; nor the lover of wealth, with gain. This also is vanity. 11When goods increase, those who eat them increase; and what gain has their owner but to see them with his eyes? 12Sweet is the sleep of laborers, whether they eat little or much; but the (excess) of the rich will not let them sleep. 13There is a grievous ill that I have seen under the sun: riches were kept by their owners to their hurt, 14and those riches were lost in a bad venture; though they are parents of children, they have nothing in their hands. 15As they came from their mother’s womb, so they shall go again, naked as they came; they shall take nothing for their toil, which they may carry away with their hands. 16This also is a grievous ill: just as they came, so shall they go; and what gain do they have from toiling for the wind? 17Besides, all their days they eat in darkness, in much vexation and sickness and resentment.
18This is what I have seen to be good: it is fitting to eat and drink and find enjoyment in all the toil with which one toils under the sun the few days of the life God gives us[1]; for this is our lot. 19Likewise all to whom God gives wealth and possessions and whom he enables to enjoy them, and to accept their lot and find enjoyment in their toil—this is the gift of God. 20For they will scarcely brood over the days of their lives, because God keeps them occupied with the joy of their hearts.


SERMON
Money seems to have the ability to generate power. Not just the power to run a car of furnace but the power to control events and people. The proverbial saying that “Money talks,” means that those without money or as much money become voiceless – powerless. But we know that is not the whole story. We let money have power over us.

The Reverend Jason Kirk is the fictional pastor of the Clyde's Corner Church in a parable by Thomas H. Troeger. The founder of Clyde's Corner, Cedric Clyde was a successful farmer at the turn of the last century. To show his thanks to God, he paid for the building of the local church. Just before Cedric died, he donated to the church a lot of furniture for the parlor and one item for the raised chancel behind the pulpit: "a giant red horsehair couch whose rich color Cedric fancied would brighten the front of the church." The huge couch featured massive curved arms and dark mahogany legs, each carved like the claw of a lion. Time passed, and that couch became the subject of a bitter debate between members of the Clyde family who wanted to keep the couch where it was and newer members who thought the couch did not belong in the sanctuary. It became a power struggle that threatened to destroy the church. The tug of war in sues. This battle between generations, education or wealth is as old as Cain and Able. Is creating division God’s purpose for money and power? I doubt it, since God works to bring people together to bind us to God and one another.

Every so often, we re-discover that power shared can move mountains. It has been exciting to see the Iranian people step out in faith that they are not powerless. We pray that they are successful in claiming their voice. We remember Tiananmen Square in 1989 and where money and power silenced the people’s voice.

At the very beginning of this series on making money work for God and you, I said that money is only a tool. It can buy weapons or bread. It can be used to create jobs or destroy jobs so that the power of money is vested in a fewer and fewer people. My challenge today is to help you claim the power you have to make a difference in this world by pooling your resources with others. This is God’s purpose for money and power. To bring us together to do what we cannot do alone. One person standing in front of a tank is dramatic but a million people can stop even a tank! So instead of a tug of war, God wants us to pull together for the same goal, like fishermen. Who said that? That he wanted to make us fishers of men – Jesus to Peter.
So with money and power are you playing the game of a tug of war with at work or in your family, even hear at church? Do you want to learn to fish instead? Solomon tells us, “There is a grievous ill that I have seen under the sun: riches were kept by their owners to their hurt.” (verse 13) Greed focuses all our energy on taking from others and keeping it. God has a far better plan – Solomon writes:
This is what I have seen to be good: it is fitting to eat and drink and find enjoyment in all the toil with which one toils under the sun the few days of the life God gives us work. (verse 18)
In other words, work together, enjoy one another, relish life and share what you have. Money has no power over you to diminish your life, unless you let it. This is true if you have a million dollars invested or not even two cents to rub together.

Let’s just look at the statistics of people living in poverty in the United States

There are roughly 37 million people living in poverty in the United States; that's one in every eight Americans. Poverty crosses every barrier—age, race, gender, and family situation—but most Americans in poverty are children, elderly, or people unable to work due to illness or disability.
The poverty rate for children is higher than for any other age group, with nearly 22 percent of all children in this country living in poverty.[2]

Do these people have power? Yes, but do they know they have power, probably not, because their power is not found in their money but their numbers, their shared experiences, their wisdom about what is really important. Being poor teaches you very quickly what you really value. Christians have that same power base. We know we are sinners, but we are forgiven and in this there is great wealth and power to change lives. So brothers and sisters let us work together to make a difference in this world and celebrate the power we have been given through Jesus the Christ. Amen.
[1] See Luke 12:19
[2] Poverty in the United States is cyclical in nature with roughly 12% to 17% living below the federal poverty line at any given point in time, and roughly 40% falling below the poverty line at some point within a 10 year time span. Most Americans (58.5%) will spend at least one year below the poverty line at some point between ages 25 and 75. There remains some controversy over whether the official poverty threshold over- or understates poverty.
In general the United States has some of the highest relative poverty rates among industrialized countries, reflecting both the high median income and high degree of inequality. In terms of pre-transfer absolute poverty rates, in 2000 the United States ranked tenth among sixteen developed countries, though it should be noted that 2000 was a 'trough' year and subsequently absolute poverty rates have increased.. The US does considerably worse in post-transfer absolute poverty rates.
Those under the age of 18 were the most likely to be impoverished. In 2006, the poverty rate for minors in the United States was the highest in the industrialized world, with 21.9% of all minors and 30% of African American minors living below the poverty threshold. Moreover, the standard of living for those in the bottom 10% was lower in the U.S. than other developed nations except the United Kingdom, which has the lowest standard of living for impoverished children in the developed world. According to a 2008 report released by the Carsey Institute at the University of New Hampshire, on average, rates of child poverty are persistently higher in rural parts of the country relative to suburban areas and share similar rates with many central cities.
from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poverty_in_the_United_States

“Making Money Work for God and You”
Scripture Psalm 89 and John 6:1-13
Preached by Linda Jo Peters, July 5, 2009
Unity Presbyterian Church ~ Terre Haute, Indiana
Celebration of Our Lord’s Supper

INTRODUCTION TO SCRIPTURE
Psalm 89 sung as Psalter #209 “My Song Forever Shall Record”

John 6:1-13
The story of feeding the five-thousand plus is recorded in all four gospels. It is a treasured miracle story of our faith. John however caution against making the miracle the focus. John has little sympathy for the crowds who follow because of the miracles. They will reach wrong conclusion by trying to make Jesus king. They fail to see the miracle as a sign of something even greater to be found in this man named Jesus.
The rest of the chapter will expand the bread image, so that the real meaning of the event is that it was a symbol that Jesus offers the true bread; the true bread that will be broken and shared in the bread and wine of the Eucharist. As the healing of the blind man in John 9 points to Jesus as the light of the world; and the raising of Lazarus in John 11 points to Jesus as the resurrection; so in the meal share on this hill: Jesus is declaring, ‘I am the bread of life.’[1]

After this Jesus went to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, also called the Sea of Tiberias. 2A large crowd kept following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing for the sick. 3Jesus went up the mountain and sat down there with his disciples. 4Now the Passover, the festival of the Jews, was near. 5When he looked up and saw a large crowd coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread for these people to eat?” 6He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he was going to do. 7Philip answered him, “Six months’ wages would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little.” 8One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, 9“There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But what are they among so many people?” 10Jesus said, “Make the people sit down.” Now there was a great deal of grass in the place; so they sat down, about five thousand in all. 11Then Jesus took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated; so also the fish, as much as they wanted. 12When they were satisfied, he told his disciples, “Gather up the fragments left over, so that nothing may be lost.” 13So they gathered them up, and from the fragments of the five barley loaves, left by those who had eaten, they filled twelve baskets.

SERMON
There is no way around it, this is a story of abundance that began with scarcity. This is God’s finances. The disciples see what little they have and say it is impossible to feed this crowd. But when they trust him and give him the little they have, amazing resources are sound so that not only are they all well fed but there is an abundance of leftovers! It must have been a Presbyterian group.

On the first sermon in this series of Making Money Work for God and You, I gave you a homework assignment to write down where your last income went. Then I asked that you pray for God to reveal how he wants you to use your next source of income. The point of the assignment was to get you to pay attention to how you are using the tool called money. Are you saving, sharing and spending wisely, which was the focus of the second sermon and last week we considered the relationship between money and power. There is a great article about power
From Sojourners’ Magazine on the bulletin board called 'This is What Power Is' How I learned the real meaning of strength -- from the unlikeliest of people. by Alexie Torres-Fleming. She had grown up believing her father was powerless because of his poverty, alcoholism and race. He had washed urine off of elevator walls. But then her church organized a march through the Bronx to stop the crack –cocaine epidemic. About two-hundred people showed up but two weeks later the church was torched by drug dealers. When the reporters descended on her community they asked her what they were going to do and she said, march again. When they did there were 1200 people marching. She writes:
… on that day, this man, my father, taught me the greatest lesson about the poor and about power, because when I looked out at the crowd gathered to march, he was there. None of those people in suits that I worked with on Madison Avenue were there, but busloads of people from our community—single moms pushing their baby strollers, pregnant teenagers, young people, the elderly, immigrants, everyone that this nation’s paradigm of power had taught me to think of as powerless, including my daddy, the man who washed urine off of walls—they all came to this march. When I looked out at that sea of people, God said, “This is what power is.”

In God’s finances, you are never powerless. In God’s finances you have a whole community of brothers and sisters to help, to guide and to encourage. Worry will not put one penny in the bank, but diligence and trust in God’s direction for your life, will. I know, I can hear you say, “Now wait a minute! Money in the bank, no way – that is too concrete.” I am not talking about the prosperity gospel, where just because you believe in Jesus Christ everything in life will be perfect. This is about a change of heart, mind, soul and the life choices that go with it. You cannot have the mind of Christ and then go buy something you do not need! You cannot have the heart of Christ and walk by the suffering of another. You cannot have the soul of Christ and covet what others have. Everything changes when you accept Christ as your Lord and Savior. If you are a banker and a person comes in to explain that they lost their job and their new job will not support the mortgage payments they have. Because you have the heart of Christ you diligent study their finances and discover what they can afford to pay and you refinance the house. You do not increase the length of the loan, you change the interest charged, without the government breathing down your neck.

Is there still terrible poverty in this world? Yes! But restoration to life and abundance is always there within our reach if we are just willing to work together for a transformed world. Is there still evil in this world? Yes! But in God’s finances, in the midst of a violent and greed driven world, God sets out the best linen and the finest bread and the unsurpassed wine and says come to the table and be made new. Amen
[1] See:wwwstaff.murdoch.edu.au/~loader/MkPentecost8.htm from commentary by William Loader, Research Professor at Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia.

Best Laid Plans
Sermon Series on “Making Money Work for God and You”
Scripture Psalm 49:13-20 read responsively and Luke 12:13-21
Preached by Linda Jo Peters ~ July 12, 2009
Unity Presbyterian Church ~ Terre Haute, Indiana

introduction to Scripture
Psalm 49:13-20 read responsively
What is at work in these passages is not an expression of resentment of what others have, but a sober realization of what money does to people. Wealth is like insulation, it keeps us away from precisely the kind of lessons we need in order to deepen our souls. Wealth can shield us from the suffering of others, it can even isolate us from the very community God has created for us.

13Such is the fate of the foolhardy, the end of those who are pleased with their lot. Selah
14Like sheep they are appointed for Sheol; Death shall be their shepherd; straight to the grave they descend, and their form shall waste away; Sheol shall be their home.
15But God will ransom my soul from the power of Sheol, for he will receive me. Selah
16Do not be afraid when some become rich, when the wealth of their houses increases.
17For when they die they will carry nothing away; their wealth will not go down after them.
18Though in their lifetime they count themselves happy—for you are praised when you do well for yourself—
19they will go to the company of their ancestors, who will never again see the light.
20Mortals cannot abide in their pomp; they are like the animals that perish.

Luke 12:13-21
Rabbis were expected to arbitrate on matters of law, but Jesus is unwilling to play this role. His task is to reveal truth, not settle a fight over an inheritance. Jesus’ parable points to our sinful nature when it comes to consumption and brings out the powerful truth that real life is not found in what we have but in our relationship with God.

Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family inheritance with me.” 14But he said to him, “Friend, who set me to be a judge or arbitrator over you?” 15And he said to them, “Take care! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.” 16Then he told them a parable: “The land of a rich man produced abundantly. 17And he thought to himself, ‘What should I do, for I have no place to store my crops?’ 18Then he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 19And I will say to my soul, ‘Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.’ 20But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life is being demanded of you. And the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ 21So it is with those who store up treasures for themselves but are not rich toward God.”


SERMON
There are over 54,000 self-storage facilities in the US.[1] It is one of the fastest growing industries in the world. People are storing what they no longer have room to keep in their home. Or they store while they are moving. eBay sellers often use self –storage. Even when people become homeless they may have the ability to rent storage for their things but not enough funds for a place for themselves. Self-storage has also been used for illegal activities, but by in large the biggest push for self-storage is consumption. Consumption is not a bad thing in and of itself. When we consume on a mindless and emotional level though there can often be some rather nasty consequences. You could spend all day listing the ones we deal with now, such as an obesity epidemic among numerous other health problems (and) 2.5 trillion in credit card debt… The looming collision of rising gas prices and our way of life centered around everyone owning a car and every product traveling thousands of miles by 18-wheeler is particularly sobering example of the effects of consumption.[2]
As professor Vic Cox writes:
… the freedom to consume less may be more important than the freedom to consume more. … ( ) there is increasing scientific evidence that our consumption of natural resources is approaching or has exceeded the limits of sustainability, both in terms of the limits of supply and limits to absorbing the pollution that consumption creates, (or the storage needed to hold it all). The United States, with 4 percent of the world's population, accounts for 22 percent of just the world’s energy consumption.[3]
So it is not surprising that along with building “bigger barns,” many other Americans are learning to consume less. This is where Jesus’ story can speak to us today. As we have considered ways to make money work for God and you in this sermon series, we have discussed how being attentive to what we do with our money is a good place to begin. Does our use of money reflect our values? Can we see money as only a tool in our financial garden? Can we learn to balance between saving, sharing and spending that gives life and joy rather than worry and fear?
It has been the goal of this sermon series is to begin the discussion that you will continue in your families, at work or here at church in committees and small groups. An honest discussion about finances can be a vital tool for raising children who then become more aware of when spending is a good thing and enhances our lives and when it does not and how to make choices that are life giving. An honest discussion at work can lead to a better understanding of cash flow concerns and paycheck reliability. An honest discussion can lead to cost cutting measures such as: raising the temperature of the air-conditioning or cutting the number of bulletins but still listening to the needs of members, or even harder choices such as cutting staff hours but honoring their value to our community by providing more paid time off. Times of scarcity can teach lessons that prepare us for times of abundance. So too times of abundance can teach us lessons that prepare us for times of scarcity. That is the beauty of being in a diverse community such as ours. Sitting at the same table or in the same pew may be folks who do not know how they will pay their electric bill, while another is paying more in taxes than someone else makes in a year. God pushes us into one another so we can learn from one another. And the best lesson we can learn is that nothing is permanent but God’s love. Do you know where the title “Best Laid Plans” comes from? In the last two stanzas of “To A Mouse” by Robert Burns, 1785 – a line of which was used by John Steinbeck in the title of his book Best Laid Plans of Mice and Men, 1937. Burns poem is about his fall plowing of a field and overturning a mouse’s winter home. It is written in the strong braid Scots (or "broad Scots" in English). See if you can understand it:
In English
But Mouse, you are not alone,In proving foresight may be vain:The best laid schemes of mice and menGo often askew,And leaves us nothing but grief and pain,For promised joy!Still you are blest, compared with me!The present only touches you:But oh! I backward cast my eye,On prospects dreary!And forward, though I cannot see,I guess and fear!
In Scottish
But Mousie, thou are no thy-lane, In proving foresight may be vain: The best laid schemes o' Mice an' Men, Gang aft agley, An' lea'e us nought but grief an' pain, For promis'd joy!

Still, thou art blest, compar'd wi' me! The present only toucheth thee: But Och! I backward cast my e'e, On prospects drear! An' forward, tho' I canna see, I guess an' fear!


So neither mice nor men can guaranty their tomorrow. But making financial or spiritual choices by worrying about the past or fearing the future is not God’s will for our lives. We live in this moment. We can prepare for the future and we can learn form the past but ultimately it is how we live in the here and now that matter’s to God and to us. Sometimes our well being is reliant on the behavior of others and our winter homes are torn asunder. But God asks us to make choices, even in our darkest hour that give life. Go ahead and build a bigger barn or rent more self-storage units to hold all you possess, as long as what you own does not possess you. That if it is all gone tomorrow, you know you will still be a precious treasure to God, more priceless that gold!
The best laid plans are those that begin and end with trust in God. Three things will make all the difference in your financial life. Prayer, prayer and prayer. When you balancing your check book, thank God for the resources you have. Ask God how to use them wisely and trust God to guide your choices. When you are holding your paycheck, retirement benefit or a financial gift: thank God for entrusting you with these resources and ask God how to best use them this day. When the impulses comes to buy your way out of times of despair, pray for strength to resist. Wait just 24 hours. Confess when your choices have been poor or unhealthy. Ask God to forgive your weakness and strengthen your resolve to do better. Celebrate when you make good use of what God has given you. Invite God to the party! May you know how rich you are. When the day comes to give your life, release it with the joy that an even greater gift awaits you in Jesus Christ. Amen.

[1] See: Self Storage Association Facts and Trends 2009 report
[2] See: www.helium.com/items/652209-consumption-culture-in-todays-america by Micah Myers
[3] 93106 “U.S. Consumption Deserves Reappraisal” by VIC COX Vol. 12, No 5 November 19, 2001, University of California, Santa Barbara

You are a Dwelling Place for God
Jeremiah 23:1-6 read responsively and Ephesians 2:11-22
Preached by Linda Jo Peters ~July 19, 2009

INTRODUCTION TO SCRIPTURE
Jeremiah 23:1-6 read responsively
In Chapters 21-22, Jeremiah has made prophecies about four of the five last kings of Judah. Three of these he considers bad, for siding with foreigners. Rather than predicting the fate of the last one, Zedekiah, God now speaks through Jeremiah about an ideal future king. God blames Judah’s kings (“shepherds”) for scattering his “sheep”; they will be punished for such betrayal of God’s trust. But God will bring the people together again, to perfect safety, and will set good kings (“shepherds) over them. Their state will be as God originally intended: in the first creation story. Later prophets, living in more dark times of unfaithful kings, will recall this ideal rule and the promise of hope it gives to the future. This led to expecting a new era, when God would himself rule the faithful through the Messiah.

1Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! says the Lord. 2Therefore thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, concerning the shepherds who shepherd my people: It is you who have scattered my flock, and have driven them away, and you have not attended to them. So I will attend to you for your evil doings, says the Lord. 3Then I myself will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the lands where I have driven them, and I will bring them back to their fold, and they shall be fruitful and multiply.
4I will raise up shepherds over them who will shepherd them, and they shall not fear any longer, or be dismayed, nor shall any be missing, says the Lord.
5The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land.
6In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. And this is the name by which he will be called: “The Lord is our righteousness.”

Ephesians 2:11-22
Bill Loader is a research professor at Murdock University in Australia. He has an interesting take on Ephesians.
What we see here is the result of a daring process which usually meets with great controversy whenever it is attempted. It is the process of recognizing that sometimes what we have revered as infallible and irreversible may become destructive or discriminatory, including biblical commandments. The overriding, fence-bending, wall-toppling values come from the conviction that God loves all people, so that whatever degrades others as less loved by God has to be faced up to and put aside. A vision of peace, wholeness, puts people first. Standing in Paul's tradition the author sees God's initiative above all in the cross. Christ's offering both brought us to God, and abolished any basis of discrimination: we no longer need those laws as the basis of relating to God or relating to each other.[1] We have become the dwelling of God.

11So then, remember that at one time you Gentiles by birth, called “the uncircumcision” by those who are called “the circumcision” —a physical circumcision made in the flesh by human hands— 12remember that you were at that time without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
14For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us. 15He has abolished the law with its commandments and ordinances, that he might create in himself one new humanity in place of the two, thus making peace, 16and might reconcile both groups to God in one body through the cross, thus putting to death that hostility through it. 17So he came and proclaimed peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near; 18for through him both of us have access in one Spirit to the Father. 19So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, 20built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. 21In him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; 22in whom you also are built together spiritually into a dwelling place for God.

SERMON
Unity, that’s our name. When we were planning to merge in 2000 numerous names came to the surface eventually they were narrowed to four: Highland, Unity, Harmony and Valley. I remember one member that would rather we had chosen United over Unity and complained that Unity sounded unfinished. I think he was right, because unity is never totally accomplished, either in individual churches or a denomination or certainly in the whole body of Christ. I love the ideal image of the early church that Luke writes about in Acts 4:32.
The whole congregation of believers was united as one—one heart, one mind! They didn't even claim ownership of their own possessions. No one said, "That's mine; you can't have it." They shared everything. (The Message)
That is such a powerful image of what we should be – United. It sounds so solid, like a rock. But Paul likes to turn those rocks over and make us see what comes out, because our true rock is Jesus the Christ, not the church. The ideal is what God has called us to be. The reality falls far short. Divided rather than united is often the norm. Divided over those who follow the law of the Torah and those who do not. Divided over women in leadership. Divided over living in the world or drawing away from the world. Divided over serving or not serving in the military.
Divided over ordination of Gay’s and Lesbians. Divided over blessing inter-racial marriage. Divided over pledging or not pledging. We are called to be United but instead we often bear a terrible witness to the world of being Divided, Divided, Divided, Divided. Madeline L’engel[2] compared the church to the comic opera The Bartered Bride.[3] Everyone wants the church to be made in their image, but we are called to be made in God’s image. God calls us into union with one another, and when that happens and we become united as one body then God comes to dwell with us.
The new state clerk of the General Assembly, Gradye Parsons says:
People on the fringes across the theological spectrum often feel estranged, hurt. It’s tough to hear their pain. I hope we keep working at creating a bigger church that they feel they can be a part of. We have to make people realize that we need everyone… You need all the parts to make the church work. Progressives need conservatives; people who are young need the old. You have to honor the integrity of what others believe, even if it’s not what you believe.[4]

Is this passage in Ephesians saying that the Biblical commandments are superseded by the great commandment to love? Does it take a diverse and often conflicted group of people to make up the body of Christ? These are tough questions to contemplate let alone live out in our common life.

In the Mission Yearbook for Prayer and Study for Wednesday, July 15, The Presbytery of New Hope in North Carolina was lifted up in prayer. Two congregations in the presbytery work together toward unity. Covenant Presbyterian Church a century-old African American congregation, and the Iglesia Presbyteriana Hispania of Durham-Chapel Hill Fellowship. Together they co-sponsored a one-week vacation Bible school. During VBS, members of all ages from both congregations attended classes and enjoyed arts and crafts and music. Both pastors, the Rev. Jimmie R. Hawkins and Rev. Ramirez-Eve, led classes. The relationship has continued with several of the Hispania youth participating in Covenant's summer camp. Together the pastors walked through a neighborhood and distributed Spanish-language pamphlets to Hispanic residents with information on congregational ministries. Pastor Hawkins drove two of the boys to camp each morning. One of the Hispania's five bands has helped to lead worship at Covenant. The music was enthusiastically received and followed by a standing ovation.There is a common call to worship that begins: “Come, Lord Jesus, Come.” It is an invitation for Jesus to come and make his home with us, to dwell with us. As when any guest is expected, there is some cleaning up that we need to do to provide for the in dwelling of God. We need to clean out our prejudice and hate and polish our lives until our love out shines everything. Jesus has asked us to welcome those who are strangers to us. The Prayer for that mission day speaks to our need for unity. Dear God, we come before you in humility and grace. We acknowledge our common humanity and the fact that we are brothers and sisters in Christ. We come before you, with hands open, hands in all the colors of your human rainbow. May we be led by the children of this world who play together without regard to race, class, or status. Bless us with your peace. In the name of Jesus the Christ. Amen.
[1] See: http://wwwstaff.murdoch.edu.au/~loader/BEpPentecost7.htm
[2] L'Engle was an Episcopalian and believed in universal salvation, writing that "All will be redeemed in God's fullness of time, all, not just the small portion of the population who have been given the grace to know and accept Christ. All the strayed and stolen sheep. All the little lost ones." As a result of her promotion of Christian universalism, many Christian bookstores refused to carry her books, which were also frequently banned from Christian schools and libraries. This is somewhat ironic, since some of her most secular critics attacked her work for being too religious. (from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madeleine_L'Engle#Bibliographic_overview)
[3] (Czech: Prodaná nevěsta, The Sold Fiancée) is a comic opera in three acts by the Czech composer Bedřich Smetana, to a libretto by Karel Sabina.
[4] from Presbyterians Today, interview with by Eva Stimson, July/August 2009, p.23

Sermon series on Health Care

The Church’s Role in Health Care
Begin Three Part Sermon Series on Health Care: A Tradition of Healing
INTRODUCTION TO SCRIPTURE
Matthew 25:34-40
Jesus’ life and the life the church is called to moves farther and farther to the margins as it unfolds. Jesus begins his ministry in the midst of a synagogue, reading the words of the prophet Isaiah (Luke 4:14-20) and proclaiming that the scripture is fulfilled in their midst. Yet, as he leaves this seat of importance, his ministry then unfolds in a way that not only brings him into contact with the outcasts (tax collectors and prostitutes) as a healer and teacher, but also as one with them in fellowship, they are welcome at His table. This journey finally brings Jesus to the fellowship of criminals who are rejected by the religious authorities and crucified by the empire (Luke 23:26-49). It is to them (the ridiculed and despised) that he makes his final promise: ‘Today you will be with me in heaven!’”[1] Our text for reflection on health care is unequivocally ethical in nature. Jesus is not concerned with right belief but right action. This is why the text is unequivocally ethical in nature. The parable is not concerned with right belief but right as followers of Jesus.

34Then the king will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; 35for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’ 37Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? 38And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? 39And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’ 40And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’

Acts 8:5-8
Jesus went to Samaria and met a woman at well. She evangelized her whole town. The ground had been prepared to hear the Gospel and what an amazing reaction to this good news when Philip arrived. Philip would never have left Jerusalem, even though Jesus had command them to go to the ends of the earth. It was the prod of persecution that sent him out into the world.

5Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah to them. 6The crowds with one accord listened eagerly to what was said by Philip, hearing and seeing the signs that he did, 7for unclean spirits, crying with loud shrieks, came out of many who were possessed; and many others who were paralyzed or lame were cured. 8So there was great joy in that city.

SERMON
First let me address the question, “Why in the world would you be preaching on health care?” Some may say that it is a political issue, and the church does not belong in politics. It is true that there are Christians and denominations that see the church’s life as separate from secular life. But that would not be most denominations and certainly not true for Presbyterians since a signer of the Declaration of Independence was a Presbyterian ministry. King George was quoted as calling our American revolution a Presbyterian revolt. But even in the Bible, speaking to power has been a charge of the faithful, particularly those called to the Prophetic ministry.

There is the long tradition in the church of healing and care of the suffering. Our denomination’s Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study chose the Micah passage as this year’s focus: “Do justice, love kindness, walk humbly with your God.”(6:8) The very word hospital comes from the same root word as hospitality – the Latin word hospes (host). Hospitality is an ancient call to care that goes back to Abraham and Sarah welcoming strangers who turn out to be messenger from God. It was the monastic movement in the 1300’s that saw their roll as care givers during the plague and these religious people were some of the few who would bury the dead. During the time of Calvin in Geneva, Switzerland the refugees fleeing persecution were welcomed and given whatever they needed. In the US care for the ill and all forms of compassionate ministry have grown from Jesus’ command to love one another. It has never been just about caring for our own family, neighborhood or one’s local community. Ever since Jesus answered the question, “Who is my neighbor?” with the parable about a good Samaritan, followers have sought to care for those Jesus cared about, anywhere there is need.

Now it is our time. Believers’ voices must not be silent. The message of Christ resounds with “go and do likewise.” Love the unlovable. Care for those who cannot care for themselves. Help one another carry a burden. We need to redirect the discussion from health insurance to access to good health care. Ultimately the church yearns for everyone to have access to good health care just as the church provides access to Jesus himself for everyone. Today we celebrate communion, where we demonstrate Christ’s hospitality. All are welcome at this table, those who have access to health care and those who do not. Those who yearn for Medicare for all and those who would just as soon see an end to the whole program, those who shout at town hall meetings and those who are afraid to go because of the shouters are all welcome at this table. So are all those who are struggling in the middle of these debates. Believers can be the voice that recalls that the discussion is about access to health care.

Here people wait in line for health care in Malawi. I can remember when Beck Loomis was a doctor at Embangweni hospital and she was considered well supplied because she had clean bandages and hydrogen peroxide! Our hearts are moved by the plight of these children of God and their lack of health care. We send money and missionaries to help. But are they any different than this group of people who came to a free clinic in Wise, VA. Some of them camped out for two days. Or the young man I meet this week who has insurance but was denied coverage through a five year legal battle. But the surgery he needs will cost $100,000. Like many of us, his insurance only pays 80% that leaves him with a $20,000 bill! Is this access to health care? Remember the people who that carried their friend to Jesus to be healed? They couldn’t reach because there was such crowd around him. So the friends climbed up to the roof and tore it apart and lowered the paralyzed man down. Now that is access to health care!
In the Congo a full operating room brings access to health care from your mission giving. In Hendersonville, Tennessee - Haven Free Clinic is supported by First Presbyterian Church.
By what the church does and where we put our resources, we have already witnessed to God’s call to care for the least of these. But if you think the church has the resources for all that is needed, think again. Our job is about transformation in people’s lives. We can be the table were diverse people gather to listen to one another and struggle together to solve problems. We are called to hold the Sauls, the Davids, the Hezekiahs and the Pilates of this world accountable to God’s call to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God. Speak out and get involved and pray, and pray, and pray! Two-thousand years ago, a woman was having female problems. She had spent her considerable fortune on health care. Now she was destitute and excluded from Temple worship because of her condition. She took a terrible risk and sought the healing power of touching the hem Jesus’ robe. She was healed. It was amazing! But she was still broke. Who healed her financial ruin? We don’t know the rest of the story. We can only hope her community helped her.

Political advocacy, mission work, fund raising are all legitimate responses to “do for the least of these” so that all will have access to more than just health care. All will have access to Jesus the Christ. Amen.

What is a Public Option?
A Community called to care
Three Part Sermon Series on Health Care: A Tradition of Healing
Scripture: Psalm 72:11- 20 (read responsively)
Deuteronomy 15: 6 – 11 and John 21: 15-17
Preached by Linda Jo Peters ~ September 13, 2009
Unity Presbyterian Church ~ Terre Haute, IN

INTRODUCTION TO SCRIPTURE
Psalm 72:11- 20 (read responsively)
Psalm 72 was probably written for the installation of a new king. It is not about a particular king but about the office and vocation of ruling a people. Leaders are expected to be instruments of God’s reign by bringing justice to all the people, protecting all the people and providing for the well-being of all the people. At the conclusion of the psalm please join me in the affirmation of “Amen and Amen.”
11May all kings fall down before him, all nations give him service.
12For he delivers the needy when they call, the poor and those who have no helper.
13He has pity on the weak and the needy, and saves the lives of the needy.
14From oppression and violence he redeems their life; and precious is their blood in his sight.
15Long may he live! May gold of Sheba be given to him. May prayer be made for him continually, and blessings invoked for him all day long.
16May there be abundance of grain in the land; may it wave on the tops of the mountains; may its fruit be like Lebanon; and may people blossom in the cities like the grass of the field.
17May his name endure forever, his fame continue as long as the sun. May all nations be blessed in him; may they pronounce him happy.
18Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things.
19Blessed be his glorious name forever; may his glory fill the whole earth.
Amen and Amen.

Deuteronomy 15: 6 – 11
The word “economy” comes from two Greek words that mean rules of the household. Deuteronomy 15 list rules of God’s household. They cover debts, indentured servants and sacrifice of animals. The year of remission was when all debts were forgiven. So you may not be willing to lend if the debt would be forgiven in a few months. The Deuteronomist reminds us that both the lender and the bower our living off the largess of God.

7If there is among you anyone in need, a member of your community in any of your towns within the land that the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hard-hearted or tight-fisted toward your needy neighbor. 8You should rather open your hand, willingly lending enough to meet the need, whatever it may be. 9Be careful that you do not entertain a mean thought, thinking, “The seventh year, the year of remission, is near,” and therefore view your needy neighbor with hostility and give nothing; your neighbor might cry to the Lord against you, and you would incur guilt. 10Give liberally and be ungrudging when you do so, for on this account the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in all that you undertake. 11Since there will never cease to be some in need on the earth, I therefore command you, “Open your hand to the poor and needy neighbor in your land.”

John 21: 15-17
I alluded to this passage last week as we considered the church’s role in health care. Have you ever talk to someone and felt the message was just not getting through? Most of you probably know that the Greeks had at least three words we translate as “love.” Eros is physical love, philo is friendship and agape is sacrificial or divine love. Jesus keeps asking Peter if he loves him sacrificially and Peter keeps replying that he should know that he is his friend.

15When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16A second time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17He said to him the third time, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” And he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.

SERMON
One of Jesus’ most common concerns for his disciples was that they not be afraid. Jesus knew that fear can keep us from action or listening to the truth. It is why I chose the second title of this series on health care as a question: “What is a Public Option?” As our nation has discussed health care the greatest amount of fear has been generate around a public option discussion. In Franklin D. Roosevelt’s inaugural address he spoke the legendary words, “We have nothing to fear but fear it self.” I always thought he spoke this after Pearl Harbor, to confront the fear of war, but he was speaking of the fear of financial ruin that was gripping this country. Rarely is the whole quote given. Which I think is worthy of our consideration during this health care discussion:
So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself – nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.[2]

As a servant of Jesus Christ, my job is to give good news and that begins with weaning people way from acting out of fear. Giving into our fears will strip us of our ability to face reality and make good decisions. “Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”[3] On the very night of his arrest, Jesus told his disciples not to be afraid. Human fears can so distort our vision and hearing that we cannot see or hear the message. If you can tell you are becoming anxious pay attention to the source of your fear.

So without fear let us consider what is a public option for health care?
Among the many aspects of health care reform there a number of public plans that would look like Medicare or the health care of federal employees. Many people do not trust insurance companies to treat them fairly or approve their claims, offering coverage through a not for profit public plan would be attractive to many people. Economists also believe that competition from a public insurance option would help keep down health-care costs. But others see that the public plan would create unfair competition and might ultimately put insurance companies out of business. They are concerned that a public insurance program would control prices and shift costs onto people with private coverage. Some people legitimately worry that this would lead to only public insurance options. While others would just as soon that there was a single payer system. They believe that such a system would both eliminate wasteful spending from insurance companies which is estimated at 350 billion dollars

As the body of Christ we are a community called to care. A community called to care wants resources provided for everyone. Remember the birth of the office of Deacon came when leadership of the gentiles came to the apostles and complained that their widows and orphans were being neglected.[4] Deacons continue to encourage us to compassionate ministry for all people. Our own deacons have recognized that teacher do not have all the resources they need especially for students with limited income. Supporting their care of these students is one way we can follow our Deacons leadership.


Healing Touch
A service of healing
Three Part Sermon Series on Health Care: A Tradition of Healing
Scripture: Jeremiah 8:18-22 and Luke 22:47-54
Preached by Linda Jo Peters ~ September 27, 2009
Unity Presbyterian Church ~ Terre Haute, IN

INTRODUCTION TO SCRIPTURE
Jeremiah 8:18-22 (read responsively)
The prophet Jeremiah lived in the turbulent and dark last days of the independent kingdom of Judah. It is clear that the prevailing spirit of the people was one of fear, despair, and perceived abandonment. When we suffer, we may also identify with the people’s feelings of abandonment by God. The bleakness of the prophet’s lamentation here is startling, but it is important to remember that it is not the last word, for Jeremiah, for the people of Israel or for us. In chapter 29 the promise is given that God would restore them to Jerusalem, “for surely you know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, plans to give you a future with hope” (vs11).[5]

18My joy is gone, grief is upon me, my heart is sick.
19Hark, the cry of my poor people from far and wide in the land: “Is the Lord not in Zion? Is her King not in her?” (“Why have they provoked me to anger with their images, with their foreign idols?”)
20“The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.”
21For the hurt of my poor people I am hurt, I mourn, and dismay has taken hold of me.
22Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then has the health of my poor people not been restored?

Luke 22:47-53
This is the story of Jesus’ arrest. In the midst of this terrible crisis, Luke tells us a story of healing. In his darkest hour, betrayed by a friend, when righteous anger would have been very justified, Jesus, once again, chooses a different way. His response to hate, rage and violence is healing touch. As his disciples can we do any different?

47While he was still speaking, suddenly a crowd came, and the one called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him; 48but Jesus said to him, “Judas, is it with a kiss that you are betraying the Son of Man?” 49When those who were around him saw what was coming, they asked, “Lord, should we strike with the sword?” 50Then one of them struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his right ear. 51But Jesus said, “No more of this!” And he touched his ear and healed him. 52Then Jesus said to the chief priests, the officers of the temple police, and the elders who had come for him, “Have you come out with swords and clubs as if I were a bandit? 53When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness!”

SERMON
We have been on a journey together in this series on Health Care: A Tradition of Healing. First we looked at the church’s historic role in prophetic ministry that challenges any status quo that supports injustice. The church is called to be a voice for the voiceless. In following our Lord’s example, the church has also been a source of healing and care for those who are suffering. As such we are called to redirect the discussion from health insurance to access to good health care. Ultimately the church yearns for everyone to have access to good health care just as the church provides access to Jesus himself for everyone. We have listened to the various reasons people have a difference of opinion about the best response for providing good health care for everyone from a single payer system to a public option. I encouraged you to get involved with this political process as disciples of Christ by following two practices. First to be attentive to any fears this national discussion is generating in you. Being aware of fear’s destructive power in your life can free you to make good choices. And the second practice is to pray for God’s grace and wisdom. So last week’s worship service on prayer lead by the NISH group was very appropriate. Today we are considering healing touch that is necessary for all our health care.

We're all born with a great need for touch. To thrive, newborns must be fed touch as much as food. Studies in orphanages and hospitals repeatedly tell us that infants deprived of skin contact lose weight, become ill and even die. We know that premature babies given periods of touch therapy gain weight faster, cry less, and show more signs of relaxed pulse, respiration rate and muscle tension.[6]

The first sensory input in life comes from the sense of touch while the fetus is in the womb, and touch continues to be the primary means of experiencing the world through infancy and well into childhood, indeed playing a major sensory role throughout our lives.[7] The need for touch is one reason so many nursing homes value the place of pets for their residences. In the passing of the peace in worship, we deliberately reach out and touch one another, demonstrating the gift of peace found in touching one another.

So what does all this discussion have to do with the national health care debate? When was the last time you remember someone getting a massage in the hospital as a regular act of healing? Now think about having insurance companies pay for a regular massage of people suffering from connective tissue diseases, muscle spasms or atrophying, or people receiving chemo treatment. I can imagine the ranting over such a request when the opportunity to discuss end of life decisions with one’s physician became “death panels.” Healing touch needs to be part of our personal health care and valued by our national health care.

Though a study on distant prayer and the bedside use of music, imagery and touch therapy published in 2005 did not show a significant effect upon the primary clinical outcome observed in patients undergoing certain heart procedures… therapeutic effects were noted among secondary measures such as emotional distress of patients, re-hospitalization and death rates. The study marks the first time rigorous scientific protocols have been applied on a large scale to some of the world's most ancient healing traditions.[8] Was this a waste of money or was it an affirmation that healing touch seems to have a significant place in anyone’s healthy living.

In ancient Israel the fir trees of Gilead produced a sap that could be mixed with oil for a healing balm. It was not a quick fix, but took time and effort to create. As we have seen in the discussion on health care, solutions will not be quick fixes. When God asks the people through Jeremiah, “Is there no balm in Gilead?” It is a rhetorical question. Because of course there is a balm in Gilead, the resources that are needed are flowing through the trees. The affirmation in the spiritual given out of the suffering of the African slaves in America. There is a balm in Gilead, there is a balm right here in the US, and we just have to be willing to invest our energy and resources to provide the balm. In the book of Revelations we are given a picture of the Holy City, of heaven. John writes:

Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2through the middle of the street of the city. On either side of the river is the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, producing its fruit each month; and the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. (Revelations 22:1-2)

Till there is a new heaven and a new earth, the church is called to be instruments of healing through prayer and healing touch but also through advocacy. Amen.
[1] Stephen G. Ray Jr. Stephen G. Ray Jr. is Assistant Professor of Theology and Philosophy at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky. see: www.theafricanamericanlectionary.org
[2] March 4, 1933, as published in Samuel Rosenmand, ed., The Public Papers of Franklin D. Roosevelt, Volume Two: The Year of Crisis, 1933 (New York: Radndom House, 1938), 11-16.
[3] John 14:27b
[4] See Acts 6
[5] See: “ ‘A Balm in Gilead': Mental Health Care & The Church," Resources for Prophetic Worship, Speaking to North Carolina Justice Issues, North Carolina Council of Churches, 2007.
[6] See: library.adoption.com/articles/the-importance-of-touch.html
[7] The Importance of Touch, Tiffany Field, University of Miami School of Medicine and also see: www.touchfactor.net/Touch.htm
[8] The report from Duke, which appears in the July 16, 2005, issue of The Lancet, is based upon data from the Monitoring and Actualization of Noetic TRAinings (MANTRA) II study.