Author: Fred Redekop

Good afternoon,

" When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter,

              ' Simon , son of John, do you love me more than these ? '

              ' Yes Lord ', he said, ' You know I love you .'

                Jesus said, ' Feed my lambs. '

                Again Jesus said, ' Simon, son John , do you love me ? '

                Simon answered, ' Yes Lord, you know that I love you .'

                Jesus said, ' Take care of  my sheep .'

                The third time he asked him, ' Simon, , son of John, do  you love me ?

           Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him a third time, ' Do you love me ? '

                He said, ' You know all these things , you know that I love you.'

                Jesus said, ' Feed my sheep. '

                                                                                       John 15: 15-17  

This is a story after the Resurrection and before Jesus goes back to heaven. And it happens just after a meal. I find it good that the disciples and Jesus are eating so much. They eat after the big catch of fish, at the dinner at Emmaus, the Last supper , and here again near the end of John's gospel. A resurrected man needs to eat . I wonder if one of the disciples was the chief cook, or maybe it was one of the women who came form Galilee, or maybe it was Jesus. Eating together is good, and we are feeling that right now because we cannot eat together.

Jesus asks his good friend if he loves him, three times . By the third time , Peter gets annoyed. Jesus asks Peter three times because Peter denied that he knew Jesus three times. This meal happened a few weeks after Peter's denial. Peter must have felt bad at what he did and said, but he now sees the resurrected Jesus, and he believes in the story. He does love Jesus, but Jesus asks him three times, so Peter might learn a lesson ? Maybe he wants the other disciples to hear the transformation of Peter. Jesus wants them to know that Peter will provide leadership after he leaves.

After we get on the other side of the pandemic, what kind of leader will I be ? It should be as transforming to me, as Peter. He was overwhelmed by the arrest, death and resurrection of Jesus, just as I am overwhelmed living through this pandemic. Pray for me to be open to a new reality in Christ Jesus, as we continue to live through this, together.

Poem by Mary Oliver (   ( 1935-2019 )

The Gift

Be still, my soul , and steadfast.

Earth and heaven both are still watching

through time is draining from the clock

and your walk, that was confident and quick,

has become slow.  

So, be slow if you must, but let

the heart still play its true part.

Love still as once you loved, deeply

and without patience. Let God and the world

know you are grateful.

That the gift has been given.

Shalom and strength for your life and faith.

Fred

Good afternoon,

" Remember this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion , for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all need, you will abound in every good work . As it is written, " They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever [ Psalm 112:9].  "

       Second Corinthians 10: 6-9

The six Sundays following the Resurrection are known as the six Sundays of Easter. During this time, we are invited to read the book of Acts. It is about the first 20-30 years of the movement known as the " People of the Way " . We now call it the Church, in English. The invitation of the Resurrection is for us to be the Easter people of the world . The rising from the dead of Jesus Christ has transformed the world, and we should live as transformed people of the Way !

Here in this letter to the Corinthian Church, Paul is trying to inspire the members to be as generous as the people in Macedonia ( in Northern Greece ) to give money to the poor in Jerusalem. The church in Macedonia was less wealthy than the people of Corinth. Paul is in charge of collecting money from all over, to give to the saints of Jerusalem. They are suffering. It is about the economy of the church.

I invite you to continue to give to the local church. You can send a check to Box 249, Milverton N0K 1M0, or email Karen at pooletreasurer@gmail.com to do an e-transfer. Other charities are hurting too, as people/donors are out of work . MCC has had to lay off staff, and close all their Thrift stores ( the stores raise $9 million a year for their work. ). How will Mennonite Disaster Service respond to this enormous disaster ? There are local social service agencies that are also needing resources and money.

We are joyful that Christ is risen. Christ is risen indeed ! So, in this way of thinking , give what you can joyfully. Make a phone call. Send a card. Do a "facetime". Wave to your neighbour. Honk at a tractor, do a thumbs up at a garbage truck , salute a nurse/doctor or thank a feed mill 18-wheeler. Do all of this with great joy.

Poem from Mary Oliver

The World I Live In

I have refused to live

locked in the orderly house

     of reasons and proofs.

The world I live in and believe in

is wider than that . And anyway,

    what's wrong with Maybe ?

You wouldn't believe what once or

 twice I have seen. I'll just

    Tell you this:

only if there angels in your head will you

     ever, possibly , see one.

Salaam and strength for our journey in life and faith

Good morning,

Easter Sunday

Christ is Risen . Christ is Risen Indeed !!!!!

The women have come around the tomb. The tomb is empty. They meet angels, and Jesus. They do not recognize him right away. Someone thought he was a gardener. They see the linen cloths in the tomb. The disciples come running later. Jesus then pops up while they are meeting in the evening. Thomas is not there, and he will not believe until he sees his hands. The world has been turned upside down for the the people who mean so much to Jesus.

By the next week, there are more sightings. On the road to Emmaus, Jesus breaks bread. After at night of no fish caught, Jesus tells them to put the nets on the other side, and they catch… 153 fish, and then he makes breakfast for them. Jesus hangs around for 40 days, and then he is again gone, not to hell ( like on the Saturday ), but back home to heaven. What will they do now ? God does not leave them alone, but sends the Great Spirit to help them tell the " good news "

The disciples and the women continue to tell people. They can perform miracles, and they invite people to follow the teachings of Jesus . They go from Jerusalem to Tyre, to Antioch, to Damascus , to Babylon, to Ephesus,  to Corinth , to Rome and to …. Poole today.

We must care for each other, listen to each other, and speak to each other about the Risen Jesus, through word and deed.

May the Lord bless you,

                  and keep you,

                     on this Easter Sunday

                               2020

                         it is like no other

                                   like it always is for

                                               us,  believers

                                                    a new day

           to live

              to believe

                  to trust

                         in Jesus Christ.

AMEN   AMEN  AMEN .

Fred

Good afternoon,

The In-between Saturday

The Apostle's Creed

 I believe in God, the Father Almighty,

        creator of heaven and earth.

 I believe in Jesus Christ, God's Son, our Lord

        who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,

           born of the Virgin Mary,

           suffered under Pontius Pilate,

           was crucified , died and was buried ;

       he descended to the dead.

       On the third day he rose again;

       he ascended into heaven,

       he is seated at the right hand of the Father,

       and he will come again to judge the living and the dead.

 I believe in the Holy Spirit,

       the holy catholic church,

       the communion of saints,

       the forgiveness of sins,

       the resurrection of the body,

       and the life everlasting.

This creed is in the back of our blue hymnal, but we do not recite it very often. We say the Lord's Prayer ( if only I could remember it all the time ) every Sunday. The creed is an old one. It comes from the earliest part of the church's history, late fourth century . It took the church, the eastern and western parts, a long time to agree on the words. The church was all over the Empire, speaking different languages and having different understandings of God, Jesus and Holy Spirit. It is hard to put all what you believe into a few words that we can all agree on.

" He descended to the dead. " After Jesus died, he went down to the depths of darkness, hell, and stayed for three days ( it depends how you count ). We know nothing more about what this time was like for Jesus, and for the world during those three days. On earth, after Jesus died, the temple curtain was torn, the rocks cracked open and people were raised from their graves. The early church believed that Jesus went down to the place of the dead, to liberate the good people from eternity.

But how did the disciples live in the in-between time ? They were terrified, hiding behind doors, waiting to be arrested. Their leader, mentor and saviour was gone, and what  were they going to do now. Joseph and Nicodemus, buried the body on the same day. The women prepared the spices, so that they could give Jesus a decent and faithful burial.

What are we doing, in the in-between time, as we sit at home, wait and wonder what the world will look like in May, June and beyond ? The disciples were afraid. We do not know what the future of our jobs or the life of the church might look like. How are you afraid ? Have you told God about your fears ?

Prayer for the In-Between Time

 But now, God’s Message,

    the God who made you in the first place, Jacob,

    the One who got you started, Israel:

“Don’t be afraid, I’ve redeemed you.

    I’ve called your name. You’re mine.

When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you.

    When you’re in rough waters, you will not go down.

When you’re between a rock and a hard place,

    it won’t be a dead end—

Because I am God, your personal God,

    The Holy of Israel, your Saviour.

I paid a huge price for you:

    all of Egypt, with rich Cush and Seba thrown in!

That’s how much you mean to me!

    That’s how much I love you!

I’d sell off the whole world to get you back,

    trade the creation just for you.                   Isaiah 43:1-4    ( from The Message )

Hope and blessing into our life and faith.

Fred

Good morning,

Good Friday of Holy Week

Today's communion service can be found on Poole's website.

" Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve. And Judas went to the chief priests and officers of the  temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus. "  Luke 22:3-4

" For I tell you I will not eat again until it finds fulfillment in the Kingdom of God. " — the Last Supper

"  Jesus answered, " I tell you Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times. " — the Last Supper.

" When he rose from prayer, he went back to the disciples , he found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow. "  Luke 22:45

" Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them, ' The one I kiss is the man, arrest him.' Going at once to Jesus, Judas said. 'Greetings Rabbi', and kissed him."

           Matthew 26:48

"  Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, 'Are you not going to answer ? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you.' But Jesus remained silent .

       Matthew 26:62-63

" Then they spit in his face and struck him with their fists. Others slapped him and said, ' Prophesy to us, Messiah. Who hit you ?'"  Matthew 26:67-68

" So, they bound Jesus, led him away and handed him over to Pilate. ' Are you the king of the Jews ?', asked Pilate. ' You have said so', said Jesus. " aren't you going to answer ? See how many things  they are accusing you of .' But Jesus still made no reply. Pilate was amazed . "   Mark 15:1,2,4

" Wanting to satisfy the crowd. Pilate released Barabbas to them. He had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified."  Mark 15:15

" 'Father,  forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing…. Truly I tell you , today you will be with me in paradise ….. Father, into your hands I commit my spirit'. When he said this, he breathed his last. " Luke 23:34, 43,46

" With Pilate's permission, Joseph of Arimathea came and took the body away. He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who had earlier visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds ."   John 19:38-39

Fill in the stories of the crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth.     Reflect……remember…..and renew.

Be well and be safe today.

Fred

Good afternoon,

 ( We are planning to have virtual communion during our Good Friday service  tomorrow at 10 am. Please phone the people who do not have internet to have them prepare their own bread and cup, so we can participate together. )

Thursday of Holy Week   ( Maundy Thursday )

" Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus,  whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. Mary took a pound of costly perfume , made of pure nard, anointed Jesus' feet, wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of perfume."  John 12:1-3 ( RSV )

I have chosen a different Gospel for each day of the first four days of Holy Week. Today is an intimate act done to Jesus in John. Jesus knows the family of Martha, Mary and Lazarus very well. They seem to be good friends . They live near Jerusalem. Martha is a worker, Mary a reflective person and Lazarus has been raised from the dead. Jesus' best friends , the disciples, are also lounging at the meal.

The family invited Jesus for dinner, a little lamb, hummus, bread and wild herbs. His friends here must have realized that there was tension among Jesus' followers. After the meal, Mary gets up, takes a jar of perfume and puts the fragrant oil on Jesus' feet. She wipes his feet with her hair.

How did Jesus feel about a woman touching his feet ? And then, taking her long hair, and wiping his feet dry ? She might have broken the Jewish code of conduct in many ways. I believe it to be a highly intimate act of love and devotion. What did Martha and Lazarus think about this ? We know what Judas thought about it, " She is wasting money on this act.", he said.

Jesus says Mary understands what is about to happen , and is doing this to prepare his body for death and burial. Then, I presume that there was silence. They heard once again that Jesus was to die. Nothing more to say.

All four Gospel writers tell this story, in slightly different ways, but the intimacy of the act is there ? How would you describe your relationship with Jesus Christ today ? How would you talk about the personal and intimate way you follow Christ ?

Prayer for Maundy Thursday

Keep watch, dear Lord,

      with those who work, or watch,

      or weep this night,

      and give your angels charge

      over those who sleep.

Tend the sick , Lord Christ;

      give rest to the weary, bless the dying,

      soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted,

      shield the joyous ;

      and all for your love's sake. AMEN

                                        — Sing The Journey  #182

 Fred

April 7, 2020

Good afternoon,

Wednesday of Holy Week

" A dispute also arose among them to which one of them was to be regarded as the greatest. But Jesus said to them, " The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you, rather the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and leader like the one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves ? Is it not the one at the table ? But I am among you as the one who serves ."    Luke 22:24-27 ( RSV )

The disciples do not get it, and neither do I. The disciples have walked with Jesus for three years. He was teaching them through parables, miracles and scripture. This short episode takes place a few days before Jesus dies, and they still want the power of the group. I believe there were many discussions like this one between the disciples. And now they are afraid what will happen to Jesus. He said he was going to die, and they wondered what will happen to "us". The discussion about G.O.A.T., Greatest Of All Time, is appropriate when we are stressed or anxious. Of course the disciples want some assurances from Jesus. I wonder who was winning who was going to be the best, before Jesus stopped the conversation.

The world, including the church, have had political power struggles forever. Even now, politics gets in the way, when nations are trying to find our way through the Virus. The call is to serve one another. That is our calling as a church; no more politics allowed. The church must serve the community as the world changes forever in the middle of CoVid 19 .

" Nothing should go back to normal.

  Normal wasn't working.

  If we go back to the way things were,

  We will have lost the lesson.

  May we rise and do better.       ——- Anonymous ( 2020 )

The disciples needed to change, just like the church will be on new ground, on the other side of the pandemic. I do not know what it will look like over yonder. I do not get it, and what it all means yet, if ever. But, we must work together, just like the disciples of Jesus had to get over themselves to change the world in the name of Jesus.

Poem from Mary Oliver ( 1935-2019 )

The Poet Thinks About The Donkey

On the outskirts of Jerusalem

the donkey waited.

Not especially brave, or filled with understanding,

he stood and waited……

I hope, finally, he felt brave.

I hope, finally, he loved the man who rode so lightly upon him,

as he lifted one dusty hoof and stepped , as he had to, forward .

——–

Praying for understanding, wisdom and patience, together, forever.

Fred

Good afternoon,

Tuesday of Holy Week

" He sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury.  Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow came and put in two copper coins, which are worth a penny. Then he called his disciples and said to them, ' Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than those who are contributing to the treasury. For all of them have contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had , all she had to live on. "    Mark 12:41-44 ( RSV )

Mark is the earliest of the Gospels written. Matthew and Luke included many stories from Mark , and remembered other stories that they wrote down in their biography.  Luke also includes this story of the poor widow.

Jesus calls the disciples over, and says look at this. Look at all the people donating money. What did they see, before Jesus explained the situation ? What does it mean to give out of our abundance or from our poverty ? Some interpreters say that Jesus is calling out the system that forced a woman to give everything to feel secure in God's love. He was being compassionate to her that she had nothing left over.

As we live in this locked down state, what are you seeing? What is positive or negative about all of this ? What is Jesus calling us to see and do ?

Prayer from poet Mary Oliver:

Praying

It doesn't have to be

the blue iris, it could be

weeds in a vacant lot, or a few

small stones; just

pay attention , then patch

a few words together and don't try

to make them elaborate, this isn't

a contest but the doorway

into thanks and a silence in which

another voice may speak.

Compassion and grace as we walk together into life and faith.

Fred