April 17th Weekly Word

Sprouting Up

A couple weeks ago, I referenced here the dry spell we've had over the last few months. During that time, some of the grass in our backyard withered, leaving unseemly patches of dirt here and there. A couple showers did make their way to our area during that stretch, and I was determined not to waste the opportunity. So I rushed out before the rain arrived to throw down some grass seed.

Each morning thereafter I would inspect the yard, hoping to see the grass pushing through the soil – but nothing came. After about the third week, I figured the seed had all died, and there was no reason to hope anymore that anything would sprout. So I decided to wait until rainy season to sow more seed.

Several weeks passed, and the rain came a few more times. Then one day I got a text from Ginger: "YOUR GRASS SEED IS SPROUTING!" When I got home, I rushed into the backyard, and sure enough, we had seedlings coming up in several places – and this after nearly two months of remaining fallow.

We were probably more excited than the event warranted; I mean after all it's only grass. But I think it was the unexpected nature of it. We thought it was dead. And dead always stays dead.

Or does it? This question comes to the fore as we move through Holy Week. Does death have the final word? As Christians, we know that it doesn't. But sometimes it feels otherwise. Sometimes death, sorrow and darkness seem to have won the day – even as it must have seemed to the disciples during Jesus' arrest, trial and crucifixion.

But as we walk through various valleys and seasons of dryness, there are at least two things we must remember as God's people:

1) The Lord walks with us through our hardships.

2) Sunday is coming and with it, new life.

Blessings

Fr. Darin+

April 10th Weekly Word

Walking Apostle

Over a year ago, Ginger planted an Iris in the backyard by the house, and the other day it finally bloomed. I’ve never seen a flower quite like it. As she rushed outside to get some photos, she told me it’s a called a Walking Iris or otherwise known as an Apostle Plant. It was dubbed the former because as its stems mature, they bend to the ground and take root, appearing to "walk" across the land. Even more interesting to me was the origin of the second name, which it acquired because of the belief that the plant wouldn’t flower until it had 12 or more leaves – corresponding to the 12 apostles.

Put these names together and we have the Walking Apostle. I kind of like that because it’s an appropriate descriptor of those who followed Christ. During his three-year ministry, Jesus and his disciples are estimated to have walked 3,125 miles! Now that’s a lot of steps. In fact, it’s roughly the distance from Orlando to Vancouver, British Columbia.

When reading the Gospels, it’s easy to miss the long distances that Jesus and company covered. For the most part, the Gospel writers don’t tell us the time it took because they assumed their readers understood what travel was like in the area. For instance, the narration of Jesus’ final journey to Jerusalem from Capernaum doesn't explicitly state that this was a 125 mile trek over winding paths through Samaria, Jericho, and Bethany.

We're also left to assume (if we know anything about long distance hikes) that a journey like this would inevitably include sore and blistered feet, hot dusty days, chilly nights sleeping on the hard ground among many other challenges.

But what it also meant for the disciples was fellowship – long stretches of uninterrupted fellowship with each other and, of course, with Jesus. Yes, they had the opportunity to hear Jesus’ teaching and witness his miracles, but during these long journeys together, they also got to know him and each other very well. Fellowship, you see, was key when it came to following Jesus – it still is.

John, the beloved disciple - one of the 12 who walked the roads with Jesus, said: “That which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ."

To put it another way, fellowship with Jesus also entails fellowship with the Father and with each other.

The book of Hebrews exhorts us toward this when it says: “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

Friends, as we get closer to Jerusalem on our journey with Jesus toward the cross in this last week of Lent, may our fellowship draw us closer to him and to one another.

Blessings

Fr. Darin+

April 3rd Weekly Word

Racoons and Rainbows

We had quite the downpour the other day.

Afterwards, as we looked out the sliding glass door, Ginger noticed a rainbow on the horizon. Then her eyes zeroed in on two silhouettes sitting at the top of a tree in the woods just past our backyard. Upon closer inspection, we realized they were raccoons.

It's nothing new for a racoon to frequent that tree (much to our hound's chagrin). But to see two sitting in the glow of a rainbow seemed quite special. So Ginger grabbed the camera and started snapping.

I'm not sure why they were up there together. They both appeared to be juveniles, so maybe it was a couple of cubs from the same litter just reveling in the freshly fallen rain.

If so, I can relate. I often revel myself when the rain comes, especially when it ends the dominion of a long dry spell in dramatic fashion like it did that afternoon. It rained so hard that puddles formed in the grass – and this, after weeks of a dusty brown backyard that had only just hours earlier crunched under our feet.

That storm really lifted my spirit. Now that might sound strange, but I think it makes sense because dry spells can be rough – on every level. Beyond physical droughts, we’ve all experienced other kinds of dry spells too. Maybe in the areas of relationships, creativity or work, we've struggled without feeling any inspiration or life. Harder still, perhaps, are the periods of spiritual dryness when we don't feel the Lord's presence and wonder where he is.

I’ve been there, with a soul that’s felt wilted, crackly and parched. It’s a challenging road to walk, but life’s adversities, trials and sorrows sometimes force us down that dusty road.

But the purpose of Lent teaches us something about these times of dryness. Lent, after all, is a season when we intentionally step into a desert of sorts. And why do we do this? Probably for a number of reasons, but I think one of the most important is so that our desires can be directed more fully toward God.

In John's Gospel, Jesus beckons those who are spiritually thirsty to come to him so that he can provide a living water that always satisfies.

Friends, we don't often know the purpose of the deserts in our lives as they happen. But through them, I believe God wants to increase our thirst for him.

Would you take a few minutes this week to meditate on the excerpt below from this Sunday's Old Testament reading? As you do, allow God to remind you that he'll meet you in your desert with the living water of his very presence.

Fr. Darin+

I will make a way in the wilderness

and rivers in the desert.

The wild animals will honor me,

the jackals and the ostriches;

for I give water in the wilderness,

rivers in the desert,

to give drink to my chosen people,

the people whom I formed for myself

so that they might declare my praise.

(Isaiah 43:19-21)

March 27th Weekly Word

Past Places

There’s a historical park not far from where we live called Fort Christmas. The site includes a full-scale replica of the military fort that was established there in the 1830s. It also features a number of restored houses and farm areas that showcase rural Florida life in the decades between the1870s and 1930s. It was a fun little excursion for our family, and I especially enjoyed exploring the houses and imagining what life was like more than a century ago.

Our daughter, on the other hand, was not so keen on entering the old structures. Perhaps it was because they were dim inside. Maybe it was the fact that they were unfamiliar to her. They certainly don’t have the look of the buildings that she’s used to entering. But in any case, it made me think that pushing into the past can be an unnerving thing – especially when it’s our own past.

As we’ve discovered the last few weeks, Lent is about walking with Jesus in the desert. That experience is intended to lead to repentance, which draws us into a closer relationship with the Lord. But repentance always means self-reflection because in order to repent, we need to recognize those areas in our lives that stifle fellowship with God. And during this kind of contemplation, the Lord will often lead us into our own past.

He does so because he might want to address the dim places or patterns of unconfessed sin in our hearts. Or perhaps it’s the old clutter of unforgiveness toward someone who hurt us. Maybe it’s a wound or sorrow in our souls for which we need healing.

Whatever it might be, Jesus wants to take us there so that he can do what only he can do – bring restoration.

The truth is that it might be scary to enter those places. But friends, we can trust that the Lord will be with us as we invite him in to renovate our hearts.

Would you take some time to do that this week? Maybe start with a prayer like the one below. Then take a few minutes to wait quietly in God's presence. He’s eager to meet you where you are.

O blessed Father, you are the one who leads us to true repentance. Look with compassion on me and reveal the areas in my life that I need to turn over to you. May you surface whatever I’ve experienced in the past that’s stifling my relationship with you in the present. If needed, guide me to a brother or sister in Christ who can walk with me through this process. And in your great mercy, soften my heart that I may turn to you and receive whatever I need to foster unobstructed fellowship with you – whether it be forgiveness, reconciliation or inner healing. All this we pray through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Fr. Darin+

March 20th Weekly Word

Falling Down

At almost two-years-old, our daughter, Haleth, is already playing soccer. Okay, she’s kicking the ball, but she has quite a kick for her age. Last week she and I were outside passing the ball back and forth in a grassy area just down the street. On the way back, I decided to try some fancy footwork ahead of Haleth and Ginger on the sidewalk. As I did, I accidentally stepped on the ball and fell pretty hard onto the concrete.

Although a bit scuffed up, I was fine. But as I lay there, I turned to my left and noticed that my neighbor was outside watching me. The whole thing felt so absurd that I started laughing. Then my daughter said, “Dada fall down,” which only served to amplify the humor of the moment.

We’re almost halfway through Lent, and I want you to know that I take this season seriously. It’s a time to turn our hearts toward the Lord in repentance and fasting, allowing him to bring to our attention those areas in our life where our faltering might be stifling our relationship with him.

But not all faltering is like this. Sometimes it's just part of what it means to be human. Maybe we tried something new, and it flopped. Maybe we fudged on our Lenten fast. Or perhaps we made a mistake, and it caused a mess of things. In these cases (and others), I’d like to imagine God picking us up, dusting us off, and laughing with us at some of the absurdities in life.

Friends, God delights in us to the degree that he sent his Son to die on our behalf. With that in mind, be kind to yourself. And maybe take a few minutes to listen to this song with the same exhortation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYiM-sOC6nE

Fr. Darin+

March 14th Weekly Word

Boundaries of Beauty

Hound dogs can really get you with their sad, pitiful eyes. That’s how Sofi, our American FoxHound, looked at me this morning. So, I decided to take her for a longer walk than usual. As we hiked the grass trails near our house, I noticed the sunlight brightening the blooms on my right side – and to the left, the dark water of the canal that runs through our neighborhood (see photo). As Sofi and I strolled between water and flowers, these three words popped into my mind: boundaries of beauty.

All paths have boundaries. If there were nothing to mark our path, we would be lost.

God’s path is like this as well. His righteousness, as expounded in Scripture, guides us for our own safety so that we won’t wander in lostness and ways that could put us in peril. Some view these boundaries as stifling, but that’s not how Scripture presents them.

In Psalm 119, David writes: “I delight in the way of your decrees as much as in all riches.”

David recognized the value of God’s way, and he delighted in it. And in Psalm 19 he says: “The precepts of the Lord are right, making the heart glad; the command of the Lord is radiant, making the eyes light up.”

That does not sound stifling to me but beautiful. And part of the beauty of God’s Word is that it helps keep us on his path, which leads to a deeper relationship with him. As we traverse these first weeks of Lent, may we walk closer with Christ along the path that he has marked out for us with beautiful boundaries.

Fr. Darin+

March 7th Weekly Word

For Valentine's Day I bought Ginger orchids – her favorite flower. After displaying them, she put them in a container and set them on the windowsill in the kitchen. Since then, a caterpillar took up residence and spun itself into a cocoon on one of the leaves (see photo). Not sure where this little guy came from, but we’re thinking it moved to the orchids from an herb she bought recently which she also had placed on the sill.

Of course, caterpillars, cocoons and butterflies are often used as a metaphor for transformation. But I had never heard of it applied to Lent before until my wife mentioned the parallel this morning. Thinking about it for a bit, I realized what a great point that is.

In our readings for Lent, we walk with our Lord through the desert and eventually in Holy Week to the cross where he died. All of this happened according to the Father’s plan so as to triumph over Satan, sin and death. And the pinnacle of Jesus’ passion was the resurrection – the greatest transformation the world has ever known – one that took him from death to life.

As we reflect on this, I think it’s helpful to remember that our Lenten efforts are not arbitrary simply in terms of what we decide to fast or the disciplines we decide to enact. Rather they are meant to be tied to Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. And we prepare not for the sake of self-discipline or to earn anything, but rather our fasting is meant as a means of connection to the Lord through the Spirit whereby we experience his presence as we take up our cross and follow him.

If we allow him, I believe the Holy Spirit will take what we offer regarding our Lenten devotion and use it to weave our hearts into a cocoon of sorts. The point, of course, is not to stay there but rather through his Spirit to experience the transforming resurrection power of our Lord. In the desert (and in the cocoon) then, there is purpose and a destination that is more glorious than we can imagine, both in this life, in terms of what God is working out in us, and in the one to come where we will be transformed into the glorious likeness of Christ.

May that be an encouraging thought as we begin this journey of Lent together.

Blessings,

Fr. Darin+

Priest-in-charge

Feb 28th Weekly Word

In a busy world it’s easy to take nature for granted, isn’t it? But I think it’s good to sometimes stop and remind ourselves of the wonder of it all. Take for instance the sun. The sun is a star that generates energy through nuclear fusion in its core. This process creates heat and light that travels to Earth. And as such, it is the source of heat and light rather than a reflection of the light (as we see in the moon).

Having said that, in a more ultimate sense even the sun is a reflection. Why? Because it reflects God’s glory. He created it and designed it to provide for us what we need to sustain life. But not just as functionality. Rather he uses it to delight us with a beauty that points back to him.

I’m thinking specifically of sunrises and sunsets. Not much compares to the beauty of the sun lighting up the horizon with its illuminating display of color, beams and brilliance. It’s as if the sky were God’s own canvas, the place where he demonstrates his creativity and presence every morning and evening simply to delight those who slow down long enough to enjoy it and recognize it for what it is.

As you read the first part of Psalm 19 below, allow it to remind you of the glory of the created world and how it points back to the Creator. With this in mind, maybe even take a few minutes to step outside this evening, enjoy God’s handiwork in the sky, and give him thanks.

The heavens are telling the glory of God,
and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
Day to day pours forth speech,
and night to night declares knowledge.
There is no speech, nor are there words;
their voice is not heard;
yet their voice[b] goes out through all the earth
and their words to the end of the world.

In the heavens he has set a tent for the sun,
which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy,
and like a strong man runs its course with joy.
Its rising is from the end of the heavens
and its circuit to the end of them,
and nothing is hid from its heat.

Blessings,

Fr. Darin+

Priest-in-charge

Feb. 21st Weekly Word

Throughout the years, I’ve had spells where I’ve been on and off the wagon when it comes to running as an exercise. Recovering from illness took me out of it for a bit in January, but I’ve been back on more consistently in February. The thing is, getting back on is never easy; in fact, it takes a few weeks to start getting used to it again.

The other day I was out running and really struggling to do just that — get used to it. I was huffing and puffing, my legs hurt and I’m sure my face was beet red. At that moment, I looked over, and on the other side of the street, a little girl, maybe seven-years-old, was passing me on her electric scooter, glaring at me as she went with a stare that seemed to say: “you’re pathetic.”

I found it quite humbling and humorous at the same time. But it got me thinking about how we sometimes compare ourselves to others.

As you all know better than me, Christ Church has been around for a while and has had its fair share of struggles, as we still do. In the midst of that, it might be easy to look around and see a newer church zoom by with higher numbers, better facilities, more programs and more money.

But something hit me as I was reading the Old Testament lesson from the lectionary for this Sunday. The reading covers part of Joseph's story, which is so much about the providence of God. How God gave Joseph dreams and a vision of what he had for his life. But first he led him through all kinds of trials and challenges to prepare him for the ultimate role of being Pharaoh’s right hand man.

I think that’s what God does for us as well, either individually or as a church. He brings us through challenges, trials and difficulties to prepare us for what he has for us. Maybe we’re struggling in that race, but it’s helpful to remember that it's in the struggle that God forms and shapes us.

And let me be clear, I think God has good things for us. He wants to continue to use us to have an impact on this community, and maybe even in new ways that are beyond what we've imagined.

Our part is to stay faithful, stay the course, and stay on our knees — listening for his direction.

Blessings,

Fr. Darin+

Priest-in-charge

Feb. 14th Weekly Word

The Real Thing

Happy Valentine's Day, Christ Church!

My family and I decided to celebrate the day in a not so traditional manner by going to the zoo. From giraffes to monkeys to rhinos to meerkats to kangaroos, we saw many animals from all over the world. It was a fun time for making memories, especially since this was Haleth’s first visit to the zoo. So many of the animals she’s seen pictures of in her books, she finally got to experience in real life. And, of course, there is no comparison between the drawings or paintings or pictures that represent the animal — and the real thing. Whether it be animals or anything else, the real thing will always be more engaging, more interesting, more complex, more interactive and provoke more connection, feelings and response because… well, it’s the real thing.

As we enter the sixth week of Epiphany, we get the privilege of experiencing Jesus’ teaching firsthand in Luke’s version of the beatitudes. And in his words we encounter the real thing when it comes to a message from God. Later in Scripture, it’s apparent that the people recognize this because it says “the crowds were amazed at his teaching because he taught with authority, not like the scribes.”

In this part of his teaching, Jesus tells us about those who are blessed and those who are not – and, quite frankly, it flies in the face of the world and its values. But without a doubt, what he shares points to what is eternal, substantial and real over and against what is temporal, fading and ultimately false.

As Sunday approaches, let’s ask God to prepare us to experience afresh the teaching of our Lord in a way that turns our hearts to that which is real.

Blessings,

Fr. Darin+

Priest-in-charge

Feb. 7th Weekly Word

I remember the first time I visited Colorado and drove through Rocky Mountain National Park. It was a good thing someone else was driving because I couldn’t take my eyes off the surrounding beauty. The snow capped peaks that towered overhead; the clusters of firs, spruce and pine trees rising high in the air from the steeply angled ground; the rocky cliffs rolling down to the edge of the road, ornamented by an occasional mountain goat or two. It was stunning to be sure – awesome in a way that really lived up to the word because it actually left me in awe.

Throughout my years, I’ve seen other awe inspiring scenes as I’m sure you have as well. Reflecting on nature sometimes has me think about the God who created it. And mountains, of course, are only one facet of God’s glory. What about the delicate beauty of an orchid or sparrow? Or the complex ecosystems of a forest or wood? Or the vast expanse of the ocean or interstellar space.

It’s all quite remarkable and wonderful. And if these wonders of God’s creation leave us in awe, what must it be like to stand in the presence of the God who has the imagination, skill and might to bring them into being?

I’d invite you to ponder that question as we approach the fifth week of Epiphany – because in our readings and sermon this Sunday we'll explore the life changing impact God's presence had on two people in Scripture.

Blessings,

Fr. Darin+

Priest-in-charge

Jan. 31st Weekly Word

I’m not the best with spatial details; in fact, I’ve often thought that I’d make a terrible detective. The truth is I could go into a room, meet with someone for an hour, then exit without being able to tell you even the wall or carpet color. For some reason, my mind isn’t interested in being attentive to those kinds of details because perhaps it’s dwelling on other things.

As we approach the fourth Sunday of Epiphany and the Presentation of our Lord, I want us to think about what it takes to be attentive to details beyond our physical surroundings. In our Gospel reading we’ll meet two people who were tuned in to the realities of the spiritual realm and, as a result, were blessed not only to see but also to discern the arrival of Christ, the Lord.

May God also give us eyes to see and the hearts to discern the presence of Jesus in our lives.

Blessings,

Fr. Darin+

Priest-in-charge

Jan. 24th Weekly Word

Before coming to Christ Church, I worked for an organization dedicated to making God’s Word available to all people in a language they clearly understand. Believe it or not, hundreds of people groups around the world still don’t have one verse of Scripture in their language. As part of my work, I went to Tanzania a number of years ago to attend a celebration with a language community whose first New Testament had just been published. Their joy was tangible in the form of singing, dancing and praising God. It was an awesome experience.

Since then, I’ve thought about their rejoicing and gratitude, and it led me to a bit of self reflection. Do I recognize what a blessing Scripture is? Do I rejoice at the prospect of hearing it at church or reading it in my own study?

Our Psalm (19) for this Sunday says that God’s Word is:

“More to be desired … than gold, more than much fine gold, sweeter far than honey, than honey in the comb.”

May God's Spirit give us such a desire for the Holy Scriptures because as that same Psalm declares, it is the Word which revives the soul, rejoices the heart, and gives light to the eyes.

Blessings,

Fr. Darin+

Priest-in-charge

Jan. 17th Weekly Word

Greetings, Christ Church!

So I've been thinking about prayer, especially after seeing a placard recently that read, “Pray Big.” If I’m honest, I’ve often been hesitant to heed this advice, not because I don’t think it’s good advice. I do. But in the back of my mind I’ve associated such “big prayers” with a form of Christianity that is more fixated on material blessings than I feel comfortable with.

Over the years, however, I’ve been coming to grips with the fact that God delights in big prayers because they demonstrate faith in the Lord who is eager to give good gifts. That’s not to say that these gifts have anything to do with the acquisition of worldly wealth. Rather they are gifts that point to the abundant life that God offers us in Christ Jesus. And they come in many different forms, including restored relationships, ministry opportunities, provision, spiritual gifts, etc. And as we’ll see from our Gospel reading this Sunday, not only is the Lord eager to give good gifts to his children, he often surprises us with the extravagance of these gifts.

As we approach this second Sunday in Epiphany, may we seek the Lord and pray big, being reminded of the words of Jesus: “Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”

Blessings,
Fr. Darin+

Priest-in-charge

Jan. 10th Weekly Word

Happy New Year, Christ Church!

I hope you had a great time celebrating our Lord’s birth and the new year. We certainly did – although it was not without its challenges. We traveled to Asheville to visit family, and it was a good time. But while there, I picked up a bug. When we got back, our daughter got sick and retained a fever for three days. I’ve fully recovered and she’s on the mend, but the experience had me reflect on some things.

It’s always difficult when your child is ill. Seeing them miserable tugs on a parent’s heart strings like little else can. As we experienced this over the last few days, I thought about the heart of God. His concern, love and care for us is deeper even than that of a loving parent to a child. His Word tells us as much in a number of places, but I want to share with you a passage from Isaiah 49:

Can a mother forget the baby at her breast

and have no compassion on the child she has borne?

Though she may forget,

I will not forget you!

See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands;

This is the kind of love that God has for his sons and daughters! And as those who are baptized believers, that is what we are – the children of God. As we approach the first Sunday after Epiphany, take some time to prepare your hearts to receive and experience the affirmation of God the Father to Jesus at his baptism when he said: “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased." Because as those who are in Christ, this is his declaration to us as well!

Blessings,
Fr. Darin+

Priest-in-charge