Change of Appointment in July 2013

My Dear Friends of Good Samaritan Church,

Starting July 1, 2013, I will begin a new appointment.  Bishop Sally Dyck's representative for the Chicago Northwestern District, the Rev. Zaki Zaki, asked me to consider serving as the pastor of Trinity United Methodist Church in Wilmette, Illinois.  After prayer and discernment, I agreed to go. 

I did not come to the decision to leave Good Samaritan Church lightly.  Ultimately, God has called me to be an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church, and in our denomination the clergy are deployed by the bishop.   

I have truly enjoyed these past 6 years of ministry with you.  We have formed genuine partnerships for worship, nurture, and mission.  We have worked together in a spirit of cooperation and Christian love.  You are kind-hearted, faithful people, and you generously share your time, treasure, and talent for the glory of God.  Taking leave of you will not be easy for me. 

A few notes about my next appointment...Trinity Church is just north of Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston and only 1/2 mile from beautiful Lake Michigan, near Gillson Park and the Baha'i Temple.  Founded in 1874, the church gathers on Sundays for 2 worship services, offers a variety of classes for children and adults, and extends Christ's love in hands-on local and international mission.

My last Sunday with you will be June 9, due to a trip I had previously planned with my family to the Atlantic Provinces in Canada for the last weeks of June.   

In the days ahead, I will be praying for you and for your next pastor.  The Staff Parish Relations Committee will be meeting with Elgin District Superintendent, the Rev. Oscar Carrasco, about the next pastoral appointment. 

As I anticipate this change and even after I move, you will remain in my heart, for love never ends.  I will always give thanks to God when I think of you.  You are truly unforgettable.  Thank you for sharing Christ's love with me over the years, and for allowing me the privilege of being your pastor. 

Above all, I would urge you to continue in your mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.  In this and in every endeavor, may the Lord bless and keep you. 

Prayer after Boston Bombings 2013

Like you, I am deeply saddened by the deadly bombings in Boston.  I lived in Boston during
seminary, and I was a spectator at the centennial Boston Marathon in 1996.  I remember wildly cheering for the runners with the crowd lining the street.  The sound was even more raucous for the wheelchair racers.

How heartbreaking it is to see that it was spectators who bore the brunt of the blasts.  So far, three people have been killed, including an 8-year-old boy, and over 170 people injured.  This tragedy touches the hearts of the nation and the world, and mine.  My dear friend Maia was on Boyston St., watching the race at Mile 24.75, and thank God she is safe.  Still, I am moved to pray for those whom I do not know.     

Almighty God,

we look to you for comfort and hope

after the bombings in Boston.

We pray for the victims, for their families and communities.

In a flash of evil, the world can seem to turn upside down.

Safe public places and good-natured sport

become scenes of violence, confusion, and tragedy.

But you, O Lord, you hold us in the palm of your hand.

Even in times of trouble, you are with us.

Give your peace to those whose lives have been shaken.

Bless the first-responders and caregivers and uphold them.

As hard as it is, we even pray

for those who carried out this cowardly scheme,

not to ignore the gravity of their deeds,

but so that in your mercy,

even they may be redeemed by your truth and justice;

for we pray in the name of Jesus Christ,

who was wounded for our sake

and brings healing through his glorious resurrection.  Amen.

 

 

After You Believe Series 2013

What do you do with yourself between baptism and your funeral?  It’s easy to become preoccupied with getting into heaven.  But the real question is: "How are you going to live in the here and now?"

Starting Easter Sunday, Pastor Brian will be preaching a new series of sermons called “After You Believe,” exploring themes from N.T. Wright’s book by the same title. 

 

Life as a Christian is not a checklist of do’s and don’ts or a quest to follow your heart wherever it may lead.  Instead, the Bible calls for a transformation of character that takes us beyond our pursuit of money, sex, and power into a virtuous state of living that allows us to fulfill the intent of our Creator.  Find new purpose and clarity for your life. 

March 31  “After You Believe” (John 20:1-2, 6-7, 11-18)
April 7       “A New Heart & New Spirit” (Ezekiel 36:26-27)
April 14     “Priests & Rulers” (Revelation 1:5-6; 3:21)
April 21     “The Coming Kingdom” (Matthew 6:25, 33)
April 28     “Faith, Hope, & Love” (1 Corinthians 13:11-13)
May 5        “Spiritual Fruit” (Galatians 5:22-23)
May 12      “The Circle of Life” (Ephesians 4:1-6)

Pastor Brian's Easter Letter 2013

As I write, it’s one of those snowy days in March.  They say that if March comes in like a lion (cold and windy), it will go out like a lamb (fair and mild). 

This saying is more of a cultural proverb than a reliable prediction.  It implies a sense of balance between good and bad weather.  In Scripture, the Old Testament prophet Isaiah doesn’t call for a balance of good and bad, but a new creation from God altogether:

“Look!  I’m creating a new heaven and a new earth…

Be glad and rejoice forever in what I’m creating.”
― Isaiah 65:17-18

With the approach of Easter, we rejoice that Isaiah’s prediction became true in Jesus Christ.  Jesus predicted his death and resurrection several times.  In the Apostle’s Creed we proclaim:

“He was crucified, died, and was buried. 

The third day he rose from the dead,

He ascended into heaven

and is seated at the right hand of the Father.”

The resurrection of Jesus initiates the new creation that Isaiah predicted, replacing a tortured creation marked with suffering, poverty, sorrow, hardship and death.  

The new creation, however, is a world in which predators and prey like the lion and the lamb live in peace together, a world in which there is no more crying and no more dying.  It is a world in which each person’s God-given worth and potential is fulfilled.  Death is no longer the end.  Christ dies to bring forth new life.

Easter is a reminder to us that God intends not a balance between good and evil, but the sublime victory of good over evil.  Therefore, whether March be like a lion or a lamb, let us have the joy of Easter. 

Holy Week 2013

Maundy Thursday, March 28 @ 7:00 p.m.
(includes the Lord's Supper and a Foot-washing option)

+ FOOT-WASHING is an invitation to the Word (John 13:1-17), an imitation of the servanthood of Jesus.  It is a specific response to the new commandment Jesus gives his disciples to love one another (John 13:34-35), a gesture of love and care for one another the example of Jesus.  If you choose to participate you may come forward, sit the chair and remove your shoes.  The person ahead of you will wash and dry your feet.  After you put on your shoes, you will wash the feet of the next person.  Foot-washing is a simple sign-act so there will be no soap and no scrubbing.

 

+ LORD'S SUPPER was instituted by Jesus on the night before his crucifixion, according to Matthew, Mark, and Luke.  It should not be called the "Last Supper," since Christ commanded his disciples to continue the practice "in remembrance of me."  Indeed, the risen Christ was recognized in the breaking of the bread in Emmaus, and he is present with us in the Sacrament of Holy Communion.  The early church continued to practice this means of grace when they gathered each week, in recognition of Christ's ongoing presence with them and in anticipation of his coming kingdom.   

 

 

Good Friday, March 29 @ 7:00 p.m.

(in the Shadow of the Cross)

+ TENEBRAE is from the Latin word for "shadow."  During this service, we will extinguish candles as we hear the events leading to the death and burial of Jesus Christ.  In the shadow of the cross, we leave in darkness and silence, in reverence for Christ's sacrifice for us and his burial.

Pastor Brian will also share a message on one of Jesus' last words from the cross: "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."

 

Almighty God,
your Son Jesus Christ was lifted high upon the cross
so that he might draw the whole world to himself. 
Grant that we who glory in his death for our salvation,
may also glory in his call to take up our cross and follow him;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

 

A Carbon Fast for Lent 2013

I've never liked the idea of giving up chocolate for Lent.  Not just because I like chocolate a lot, but also because I never understood why forgoing such a simple pleasure would lead me to greater spiritual maturity.

 

A few weeks ago I saw an article about some people who were doing a low-carbon fast for Lent.  I was intrigued.  "This sounds like a way I can fast during Lent and still have my chocolate," I thought.

With signs of climate change intensifying, I am interested in ways to be a better steward of God's creation.  Reflecting on my impact on the earth and taking action to "do no harm" (or at least less harm) is a way to grow spiritually in my relationship with God and neighbor. 

I'd like to invite you to join me in a carbon fast for Lent this year.  Some of the ideas include:

• turning down the thermostat one degree
• unplugging "vampire" appliances which draw electricity even when not in use
• taking resuable cloth bags to the store as an alternative to paper or plastic bags
• running the dishwasher only when full.

For a downloadable daily guide for a low-carbon fast, click the link (40+ Days with a Lighter Carbon Footprint).

Forgiveness: A Path to Peace 2013

Forgiveness is essential.  Long-term relationships, families, friends, co-workers, and society cannot be sustained without forgiveness. 

Jesus both offers God's forgiveness to us and instructs us to forgive one another. But it isn't always so easy.  What is it that makes us so unforgiving of ourselves and of each other?

Starting February 17, this new 4-week series and Bible study will explore an important aspect of life we confront as human beings.  It will be an honest, realistic look at how to seek, extend and accept forgiveness.

Feb. 17
God's Answer to Our Sin
Psalm 32:1-5

Feb. 24
For Better, For Worse
Colossians 3:12-15

Mar. 3
Seven Times Seventy
Matthew 18:21-22

Mar. 10
Forgiving Family
Genesis 50:15-21

Join a 4-week Bible study on Monday evenings at 6:30 p.m. (starting Feb. 18) and Thursday mornings at 11:15 a.m. (starting Feb 21).  To get your copy of Adam Hamilton's book Forgiveness: Finding Peace Through Letting Go, contact Rev. Smith, Karen Jeschke, or the Church Office (Phone #630-543-3725).

Five Marks of Baptism 2013

As a new year begins, we ask: “What will 2013 be like?”  One way this year can be better than last year is by remembering your Baptism. 

Baptism is more than a one-time ritual.  It is a distinctive way of life.  When you are baptized, you are initiated into the life made possible through Jesus Christ.  Imagine how 2013 could be different if these five marks of Baptism were more evident in your life:

+Dying to Sin means rejecting the things that are harmful, such as harsh criticisms and negative attitudes, drug and alcohol abuse, selfish desire and indifference to the needs of others. 

+Newness of Life means we are given another chance.  Christ forgives our sins and calls us to forgive others.

+Union with Christ means growing closer to Christ, depending on his love and teaching, and becoming more like Christ. 

+Receiving the Holy Spirit means being empowered by Christ and letting his Spirit produce the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

+Incorporation into Christ’s Church is belonging to a community of love and forgiveness that reaches out to the world as a sign of God’s reign. 

Remember Your Baptism more deeply in 2013 and be thankful every day. 

Two Christmas Events 2012

(#1) Sunday, December 23 

3:00 p.m.
Community Sing-Along

Open to the public.  A simple time of singing festive songs of the holiday.  All voices welcome!  Stay for cookies. 

   

(#2) Monday, December 24
7:00 p.m.
Christmas Eve Worship
A night of Candles, Carols, the Christmas story, and Commuion for all. 
"Glory to God and peace on earth!"

GOOD SAMARITAN

United Methodist Church

960 W. Army Trail Blvd.  Addison, IL 60101

Phone: 630-543-3725

 

Pastor Brian's Christmas Letter 2012

What do we mean when we say “Merry Christmas?”  The word merry is an archaic word that means giving pleasure, full of delight.  Images of life in Merry Old England come to mind: a cozy home, a pot of tea, and a Sunday roast.  But there is more. 

Some powerful social ideals come from the Middle Ages such as equality and freedom (in contrast to the oppressive feudal system), health and harmony with nature (in contrast to the Black Plague), singing and dancing (in contrast to the outlawing of Christmas and other festivals in 1614). 

A sense of merriment is captured in Peter Jackson’s new film based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s, The Hobbit.  The home of Bilbo Baggins (a hobbit) in the Shire is cozy and well-stocked with scrumptious foods, and the dwarves visiting Bilbo sing songs around the fireplace.  And yet food and drink are not enough.  The dwarves have been forced out of their homeland, which is now under occupation of the powerful dragon Smaug.  The Hobbit is the adventure of a hobbit and 13 dwarves setting their face toward the Lonely Mountain to defeat the dragon and reclaim the dwarves’ homeland.  

In the Christmas story of Jesus Christ, his parents Mary and Joseph set their face toward Joseph’s hometown of Bethlehem, just beyond the holy mountain upon which Jerusalem sits.  In the story, a poor couple is chosen to raise the Son of God, working-class shepherds are treated as honored guests, a smelly stable seems cozy, the animals seem to revere the newborn King, and a choir of angels sings “Glory to God and peace on earth” (Luke 2:14).  No ordinary child, Jesus is the light of the world. 

The Christmas story is good news for a world that desperately needs it.  This year, amid ongoing war and a slow recovery from recession, we have been stunned by monster storms and mass murders in movie theaters and schools.  We still need the good news of a Savior who is the Prince of Peace.  

So let us eat, drink, and be merry, knowing that there is more. 

Hear the story of our Savior, and plan to give a generous Christmas offering (10% will be designated for United Methodist missionary Janet Lahr Lewis working for peace and justice among Christians, Jews, and Muslims in the Holy Land.  See Janet's missionary profile for more info).  Your gift will help to make the land where Jesus was born a more peaceful place.  Wouldn't that be pleasant and delightful?

 

Glory to God and peace on earth!   

Merry Christmas!