November 2024
Welcome to November friends!
Can I just tell you why I like to watch the Food Network Baking
Championships? Because they keep the holidays in order! I know
you know what I’m getting at – you go anywhere these days, and
you see back to school sales right after kids have gotten out for the
summer. You see sales on dorm “must have’s” in June. You see
Christmas decorations before Thanksgiving (well before Halloween
too), Thanksgiving decorations before Halloween, and sales on our
New Year’s resolution to get organized storage solutions even
before Christmas is over. On these baking shows you get summer
picnic competitions in the summer. We see Halloween competitions
before Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving competitions before Christmas.
And Christmas competitions before the competitions for the best New Year’s Day brunch.
It's properly Presbyterian – decent, and IN ORDER!
Our society, and many others, teach us in so many ways, that being first is best? It makes sense, right? Play sports? Everyone aims for first place. All of my music training was geared around getting first chair, playing the first part. Are you a runner? You must cross the finish line first! Ever take a standardized test? We must get the highest score! Business and advertising use this adrenaline focused drive to put out the next season’s specialty merchandise before the competition does. It’s all about the money. But not the baking shows! They don’t get ahead of themselves.
Here's the thing though. Many of those “get there first” competition models when we are young, or beginners at a thing, are really just rewards to keep practicing, keep learning, stick to it. Then somewhere in the midst of all, whatever the subject we find that we love it. Then, being first stops being the only goal, if it is ever the goal at all anymore. We learn to love the hard work, the enjoyment that comes from being good at a craft or specialty or a skill. We learn to appreciate the hard work that others have done and we learn that being first isn’t so splashy. Instead of the adrenaline rush a beginner or intermediate gets when they’re first, we learn to love the hard work
Remember too, I love to talk. Give me a call.
Blessings,
Pastor Deb
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September 2024
Dear friends,
The Heidelberg Catechism is a teaching tool for Christians, written in the mid-1500's and takes the form of question and answer. The question “What is your only comfort in life and in death?” is correctly answered, “That I am not my own, but belong—body and soul, in life and in death— to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ”.
Our denomination, the PC(USA), is one of the church denominations in northern America that honors this particular catechism, along with many other documents that have been built upon it over the years. The concept of belonging then has long been a central theological concept in the Bible that we champion. We all know how it feels to belong, either because we long for it, or because we already know the joy of really feeling as if we live a life of one who belongs.
I thought I already understood how and where I was connected to people, to history, to myself, to God. But on my recent trip to Sweden, my first trip to visit my mother's relatives on their family farm, I was re-schooled on the subject. I was not just lightly touched by the great soft hand of welcome, I was unforgivingly blanketed and drawn into the womb of family across 400 years of belonging to the land and to each other. The “old house” where we stayed is the same home where my great-grandfather and my grandfather lived, and where my younger cousin Erik now lives. The people I am related to, that still live on that land, go back to the 1600's. I am the 10th generation of THAT. It's one thing to know that in my mind, but it's another to feel that deeply. The photo on my office door is a photo of generations 9, 10, 11 and 12 represented standing in front of the old house. The same house many other groups of family have stood in front of in many other old photos.
The connections that were made in Sweden are represented in these photos.
We are connected through our relationships to one another, even through relationships to people long gone and yet to come. This is the basic truth that God sees. God cannot imagine one of us without all of us. What connections can you give thanks for today?
Blessings,
Pastor Deb
“For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another.” (Romans 12:4-5)
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March 2024
Welcome to the month of March!
My mom and I took some UK friends to Filoli early in February, to see the beautiful gardens and grounds. Other than a few hearty daffodils pushing their way above ground (which we loved!), there were very few green growing things to see. While that made the visit a little less exciting, seeing that brave bright growth in the midst of the dark not-yet of the rest of the garden, was also a great reminder of the coming rebirth and new life that daffodils have come to represent.
Often the first to peek their green shoots above ground, they are able to bring the first signs of brightness after a cold dark winter. Daffodils are an early reminder of nature’s promise of light after darkness, and hope in the midst of gloom.
In the church year we are just beginning the season of Lent. It is a time of following Jesus through the wilderness of temptation as we look at our own lives to see what temptations live in us and call us away from God. In the early church the season of Lent was a time of preparation for baptism on Easter, so often Lent is seen as a time of great cleansing. Whether your Lenten practice focuses on a new discipline of prayer, scripture
reading and reflection, or walks in nature, I hope you are able to grow closer to God during this time.
As we look ahead to the first day of spring, moving our clocks ahead and experiencing more daylight, Palm
Sunday and Easter, may the month of March bring you expectations of the coming of Christ.
Blessings,
Pastor Deb
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Pastor's Note
Reverend Debra McGuire
January 2024
Happy New Year everyone!
I hope you are able to begin this year with great feelings of hopefulness! Whether you have new year’s resolutions to Marie Kondo your apartment, your home, your sock drawer; or are going to exercise every day; or try to eat more healthy by eating something green everyday (even if on some days it’s only a green m&m); or if
you’re like me and don’t make new year’s resolutions because the disappointment of notmeeting my expectations is too great – wherever are on the new year’s resolution spectrum, thereseems to still be a great yearning for newness and change. We want to be re-freshed in some way.
The Bible doesn’t have a lot to say about your sock drawer or green m&m’s, but expecting newness and feeling hopeful are primary themes in our scriptures. God is always trying to reassure us that newness is coming, we have no reason to be afraid, we are not alone, and that anything is possible with God. Here are a few scripture passages to remind us that the refreshment we desire is always possible and present in our lives when we look to God. I’d love to hear your favorites too!
• Jeremiah 29:11
For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.
• Isaiah 43:18-19
For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.
• Psalm 32:8
The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.
• Isaiah 41:13
For I hold you by your right hand – I, the Lord your God. And I say to you, “Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.”
• In Luke 2:10 an angel said to the shepherds,
“Do not be afraid, for see, I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people.”
I look forward to an exciting year together as we celebrate the great joy that has been given to us in Christ.
Blessings,
Pastor Deb
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February 2024
Welcome to February, friends!
I have just finished writing newsletter announcements for some important dates at church during this month
of February. Be sure to see the full newsletter for these events.
✓ February 14, 5pm Ash Wednesday service with the imposition of ashes.
✓ February 18, Congregational meeting
✓ February 18, first Sunday in Lent
✓ February 20, Lenten class begins
This is also Black History Month. February 10 ushers in the Lunar New Year and the Year of the Dragon. And of course there is the sweet if not socially pressured holiday of Valentine’s Day.
There is one very special day in February this year, that doesn’t come around very often. This year is a Leap Year (which is what the photo here is supposed to bring to mind!). That means that Thursday, February 29 is a gift. A gift meant to make up for the loss of the other 5 hours, 48 minutes, and 56 seconds that it really takes for the earth to complete one orbit around the Sun. I found this article very engaging.
One entire day this year. Just think what that could mean? Do we get to pick our worst day and have a do-over? Do we get to pick our best day, and joyfully do that one again? Maybe we could have a Leap Party that day? I pity any poor children born on February 29, 2024 as they will join a cohort of people who always have over-explain when their birthday is.
I’m reminded of a conversation the Ruth group (Ruthies) had this month, about the concept of time. How we spend it, how we value it, how we judge how we spend it, why “productivity” has so much to do with commercial, financial production instead of valuing the product of a healthy imagination, a really good idea, a well-rested body and soul? I’m also reminded of Mary Oliver’s poem, The Summer Day, that ends with the line, “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” Of all of the ways, and of all of the possibilities available to you, what might you do with this gift of one full day?
Remember that God wants nothing more from you than you be happy and fulfilled, even as we live this full complicated life we have been given. As people of faith, we believe that the closer we are to God, the happier and more fulfilled we are. Imagine. One full day. Extra. How will you spend your day?
Maybe you’ll spend it on my patio?
Blessings,
Pastor Deb
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April 2024
As we continue in this Easter Season, I invite us to find ways to open to Christ’s love and healing for our mind, body and soul. So many places in the world right now are in the midst of brutal crises. We are likely already overwhelmed with news. Perhaps our imaginations take us to worst case scenarios even for our own country as we notice patterns of world leadership. What might begin as a healthy time of rest and distraction, has the potential to become radio silence if our break from the news becomes complete closure to anything outside of ourselves.
With Easter blessings,
Pastor Deb
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What a delight to welcome in April with the words Christ has risen! He is risen indeed! Except for that tricky April Fool’s Day, the month of April is known for the coming of springtime, flowers budding and opening, longer days, and in general, just a little more breathing room. In Chicago, Michigan Avenue will be full ofcolorful tulips all along the entire length of the Magnificent Mile.
The word “April” comes from the word “aperire” which means to open. In worship we start with a big breath taken in together, and exhale, landing ourselves “where our feet are.” At the first inhale, the chest opens, the shoulders rise – we’re in a posture of readiness. When you think of springtime, taking in a big breath of fresh air, what opens up in you? What are you ready for?
Have you ever heard of a meditation breathing exercise where you inhale while thinking one phrase – and exhale thinking a second phrase? Sometimes called a breath prayer, or breathing prayer, many will choose a phrase like “Help me rest; give me peace,” “Make clear my way, O Holy One,” “Out of darkness, into light,” “Fill me, Spirit, with your love,” or “I trust in the Lord; He renews my strength.” These prayers are usually a short line from scripture, and are repeated in order to focus our minds on God. These are not mindless words meant to empty our minds, but mindful words meant to deepen our prayers. Instead of thinking of this as a time-out, try thinking of this as a time-in.
May 2024
he reminded his disciples and others that when he was no longer with us in body, he would leave his spirit, the Spirit of God to be our advocate, our helper. According to one gospel account, from the Gospel of John, Jesus entered the locked room where his disciples were hiding and said to them, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” This gift, the Holy Spirit, is often referred to as a great thundering wind, or like tongues of fire giving
May the Holy Spirit bless you and yours,
Pastor Deb
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Cinco de Mayo, Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, Kentucky Derby, Armed Forces Day, National Day of Prayer – these are just some of the special days and holidays that are celebrated in May. The Christian Church calendar also celebrates a special holiday in May – the Day of Pentecost.
The day of Pentecost will be celebrated at Bethany on Sunday, May 19. Our scripture for the Sundays during the season of Easter help us remember the time after Jesus’ resurrection, when he appeared to many before his final resurrection. When Jesus returned after his death,
followers the words to speak. Sometimes it is thought of as something that carries our prayers to God, and brings God’s word to our hearts. What comes to mind when you think of the breath of God?
The place where I lived when I was in college, about an hour northwest of Chicago, was corn country. I lived
down the block from the Del Monte factory where they canned – yep, corn. In the life cycle of a corn stalk, there
is a time when the stalk grows a tall tassel. This helps the corn pollinate and reproduce. On the farm, everyone’s life would come to a stop, kids would miss school – because all hands were needed on deck, to de-tassel the corn.
In corn country, it was not uncommon to see fields and fields and fields of the copper topped corn stalks glistening in the sun, listing this way and that, as if the field was breathing. It was a sight to behold. Combine that with the smell in the air of a typical “Indian Summer” day and I was convinced I was in heaven. I could see the billowing copper colored tops of the fields, hear the rustle of the corn, touch the soft top of the tassels and feel the breeze on my skin. For me, even though the copper breeze takes place in early fall and not May, I find it is such a beautiful way to actually see the breath of God!
June 2024
As we enter the month of June, about half way through the year, a time for some, of new schedules, new family routines, it's always worth checking in.
If you've ever tried to change a habit, start something new, stop a bad habit, diet, save money, you know that changes are not easy. I for one, seem to find many ways to unconsciously sabotage something that I think I really want. It can be frustrating to struggle to change a habit even when we know that we want the change. I have been trying to reduce my media consumption. Social media is a trap sometimes because along with the people and news and interests that I would like to see, are all the surrounding flashes of other things that scroll by. Social media experts and psychologists have coined the term “doom scrolling.” Doom scrolling doesn't only happen on a computer screen. Putting oneself in the field of drama and trauma whether it's a favorite tv show where characters are always fighting and yelling, or watching too much news, or playing video games with death and destruction, loads up our nervous systems beyond their capacity.
Instead, we can engage in what has been called Hope Questing. (Yes, there's a game called Hope's Quest, where a character named Hope goes around finding all of the bad stuff that escaped from Pandora's box. That's not what I mean.) Hope questing is what happens when you find the best in something. Not just to be cheerful, not just to be happy, not just to pretend against all facts that something is good. But regular engagement in society where we allow ourselves to find what is hopeful in what is happening. Did you see that guy help that person? New hope for the kindness of people. Did you hear that kid stick up for their friend who was being bullied? New hope for the younger generation.
Here are three things that bring me hope this month:
The patio is open,
Pastor Deb
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Dear friends,
In January, the Sesame Street Character Elmo posted a question on his social media account: “Elmo is just checking in!” “How is everybody doing?” After over 110 million views, Elmo responded, “Wow! Elmo is glad he asked,” “Elmo learned that it is important to ask a friend how they are doing.” People from all walks of life responded, including President Biden, who wrote, “We have to be there for each other, offer our help to a neighbor in need, and above all else, ask for help when we need it.” Biden wrote, “Even though it's hard, you're never alone.” After millions of views, Sesame Street's official account replied with links to mental health resources.
PCUSA General Assembly
Our denomination looks to the future!
July 2024
Dear friends,
Did you know that the Congress first declared July 4 to be a national holiday in 1870, almost 100 years after the declaration of independence? As a matter of fact, for the first 15-20 years after the declaration of independence was adopted, the declaration was highly controversial. Some thought the wording was too hard on Britain, and others thought the language was perfect. There was a deep partisan divide in our young country at the time. While you and I may be appalled at the deep divide in our country right now, I can’t help but wonder if our country has been through this before? Maybe citizens felt then as we do now. Many of us plan to watch the first Presidential debates of our next election this week. Many of us plan to stay as far away from that spectacle as possible. By the time you read this, the debates will have just ended, and you will be reckoning with the aftermath of yet another news cycle filled with angst and stress.
I invite us to remember that God has been engaged with humanity for all of history, and God will not forsake humanity now either. As we celebrate the freedom that is represented by our Independence Day holiday, I ask us to keep the faith that Americans will remain committed to the work of freedom in all of its forms for all people. As followers of Christ we remember the example he set for us to always lean toward love and justice and mercy. Our recent lectionary texts have been reminding us what the kingdom of God will be like. Let us lean into those texts as we celebrate the beautiful month of July.
And just for fun, here is a small list of major events that have taken place in our history, during the month of
July. Happy 4th, and Happy Summer!
• (1798) An Act of Congress creates the U.S. Marine Corps
• (1847) U.S. postage stamps went on sale for the first time
• (1862) The Bureau of Internal Revenue Service is established
• (1914) World War I began
• (1928) Sliced bread is invented! The Chillicothe Baking Company creates and markets sliced bread. It is the greatest invention since…. well since sliced bread!
• (1963) ZIP codes go into use.
• (1964) President Lyndon B. Johnson signs the Civil Rights Act of 1964 into law.
• (1969) In “one small step for Man, one giant step for Mankind”, Astronaut Neil Armstrong becomes the first person to walk on the moon.
• (1994) Jeff Bezos founds Amazon.com.
Blessings to you all!
Pastor Deb
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Myself and the current pastor of my family's church, where my grandfather was baptized.
Myself and a new friend Daniel, a friend of Chris and Steve's who lives in Stockholm.
My mother and Linnea, two of the five of her generation that are left.
My mom with my generation of cousins.
Myself in front of the “family apple tree” that my mom and the cousins planted in front of the old house, 9 years ago when mom visited last, a connection to the land.
Mom and a cousin connected to history by discovering old photos and letters.
Connected to God through the rainbow we saw over the farm.
These relatives of my mom's, (head slap) are mine also!
October 2024
Dear friends,
As I write this, we have just enjoyed a beautiful luncheon hosted
by our great deacons and we have begun our fall season of
church with the return of our chancel choir on Sunday mornings.
Our committees have been meeting and have great plans for us
for the coming months so stay tuned! Keep your calendars handy
as you read through this month’s newsletter.
During this time of such upheaval all around the globe we are
happy to begin October with two events highlighting unity. On October 6 we will be celebrating World Communion Sunday complete with samples of bread from all over the world. Symbolically sharing this simple meal with others around the world is a timely way to remember that our greatest command is to Love one another.
We have read recently in the book of James that our faith should motivate us to act. By launching our Peace & Global Witness Offering on October 6 as well, we have a chance to prayerfully act on behalf of those in need. Read more about that here.
October will also begin a two month study of the letter to the Hebrews. Unlike the book of James, whose author used the teachings of Jesus without actually mentioning Jesus much, the author of Hebrews invokes Jesus’ name often as he seeks to help the new followers of Christ understand who Christ is. The challenge that comes with the book of Hebrews is that many times the texts are used out of context to malign our Jewish brothers and sisters. Much of the language of Hebrews seems to imply that Christianity is better than, and has superseded the Jewish faith. We know now that it’s not that simple, and Christ was the fulfillment of, not the replacement for, all of the beauty and wisdom of the Old Testament and its teachings. I hope you can join us for this thoughtful series.
As always, I welcome your questions and conversations. Let’s talk.
Blessings,
Pastor Deb
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evident in something really fine; we learn to love the heart of the thing, the meaning shown, we learn to love something about the learning itself and the engagement with life that comes from being part of a team, a group, a project.
Remember from Ecclesiastes 3 “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens. As this beautiful season of fall, and the holidays that follow come upon us, let us not rush to get to the next thing. Let’s enjoy the smells, textures, sounds and visual joys that come with this season. Let us enjoy what is in front of us, knowing that that next thing will come when it is its time. Whatever you’re doing, enjoy it. Notice whatever beauty is present. Appreciate the people who are with you. Recognize God in the relationships. This is the season of busy and rushing. Resist! Here’s wishing you a slow holidays season.