Rev. Zach

Exodus 16:2-15     Philippians 1:21-30     Matthew 20:1-16 What do you call a group of birds? A flock. What do you call a group of whales? A pod. What do you call a group of wolves? A pack. What do you call a group of sheep? A heard. What do you call a group of alligators? A congregation. What do you call a group of Presbyterians? That last one was a trick question. The answer is that it depends on the location. If we are gathered in our Sanctuary, then it’s the congregation at FPC. If we’re not, then we’re just the church, or followers of Jesus, or believers in God. I have one more question for you. Who is the head of the Presbyterian Church (USA)? Jesus Christ is the head of the Church, and we are part of the body of Christ. I say all of that to acknowledge that, particularly in our scripture readings today, location is an important part of understanding. Yet, at the same time, there are some truths that do not change no matter wher...

Exodus 15:1b-11, 20-21     Romans 14:1-12      Matthew 18:21-35 Whether you realize it or not, we have entered into a new season of ecumenical relationships in the church. Now, those of you who know about the Downtown Faith Alliance (DTFA) may be thinking about the “Sacred Space” that we provided during LCG’s recent “Park(ing) Day.” If you aren’t aware, that was an event where community members took over parking spaces downtown and made “miniature parks”. Ours (the DTFA) was a space for sacred rest with church pews from the Salvation Army, a prayer rug from the Islamic Center, a prayer journal from First UMC, and candles from FPC. Members of Temple shalom and Trinity CME also contributed time and resources to the space, and a member of Christ Church provided music. It was a well-received space, and we were awarded “best on a budget.” (John Calvin would be so proud.) While that was a very successful effort, there is yet a greater expre...

Exodus 12:1-14     Romans 13:8-14     Matthew 18:15-20 Wake up! So, says Paul to the church in Rome. It’s not that they were particularly drowsy, but he wanted them to be aware; to be alerted to the fact that salvation was so very near. He didn’t just want them to be physically awake. He wanted them to be “woke”. People say that often today in social media about a new-found awareness they may have about what is right and wrong in the world. It means they have experienced transformative “wake up call”, and they want others to share in that same transformation and knowledge. Maybe it’s about the injustice of systematic racism or unequal pay by gender or climate change. Whatever it is, the idea is that know that you have been “woke” you have to share that knowledge. You have to see who else you can wake up. Sometimes that’s easier said than done. Sometimes the new reality is rejected like an annoying alarm in the morning. I’m remin...

Exodus 3:1-15     Romans 12:9-21     Matthew 16:21-28 What an amazingly terrible week it has been as we continue to hear stories about the devastation in Texas. And yet, is it amazingly wonderful to hear story after story of the resilience of those in Texas. It is with no small amount of pride that we post stories and tell tales of the “ Cajun Navy ” and the new development of the all volunteer “ Texas Navy .” Still, I will admit feeling slightly overwhelmed by all the information about the needs resulting from this storm. It leaves me a little punch drunk, and my temptation is to focus on the tasks that already felt overwhelming before the storm. Of course, I want to jump in and help however I can, but as soon as I do I am confronted by my own limitations. I’m guessing that we’ve all felt that way from time to time, and I’ve asked a few friends to help me reflect on these types of experiences with you. They are going to share with yo...