Smallest Detail Can Make All the Difference; Acts 6:1-7

 

Rev. George Miller

May 4, 2025

Acts 6:1-7

 

Sometimes the smallest detail makes all the difference. The right spice that takes a dish from “meh” to “wow!”

 

The piano key ushering in the Holy Spirit.  A flower planted by the church’s front door. 

 

Here we are in Acts. Christ is resurrected; togetherness is key. 

 

In Chapter 4 the people are acting as ONE, sharing the Good News and their resources, making sure no one is without.

 

Things are so new, so exciting, like a garden in spring.  They are flourishing; love growing.

 

With all this positivity comes reality- the disciples can only care for a part of the people.

 

The issue is brought to their attention.  The disciples listen; they hear, they discern.

 

They come to a well-thought, wise decision-

 

let’s invite others to do the hands-on aspect of ministry, so we can focus on the spiritual and pastoral care components.

 

Such a smart move!

 

Listening to the new rhythms this moment is making.  No one goes without; no one is burned out. 

 

Folk do what they can.  No task is considered better than another- all things done in the name of The Resurrection, seen as holy and sacred.

 

They look for folk to embrace this opportunity rooted in God’s Spirit, rich with Christ’s insight and compassion.

 

Ministry is shared, people satisfied.  The church grows and blossoms joyfully.

 

We witness such simple truths- Church is not a place to wield power or control, but to share in the Call of Christ.

 

Growth of the Garden brings growing pains. New needs are not signs of failure, but life, with new, living opportunities.

 

It is good when new needs create new opportunities.

 

Church grows not by perfection, but by paying attention.

 

Togetherness is how to move through uncomfortable moments and challenges.

 

When it comes to times that could divide, garden-through them with respect, creativity, and empowerment.

 

Here is where detail makes the difference- they call Nicolaus, a prostyle of Antioch. 

 

5 words used for Nicolaus, 5 words that tell a whole story.

 

Nicolaus means “Victory of the People.”  Wonderful choice if you want someone to care for the community.

 

Nicolaus comes from Antioch, a huge, thriving, metropolitan city full of arts and education, every store you can imagine with Targets on each corner. 

 

Nicolaus comes from a place with every kind of person, every kind of cuisine, every kind of “entertainment,” with every kind of god you could choose to worship.

 

Nicolaus is a big city boy.  He’s also a proselyte.

 

This means that he was born and lived as a Gentile, worshipping a different god, or no god at all.

 

Somehow he learned about the God of Isreal who desires integrity, solidarity, and grace. 

 

He attended synagogue, studied scripture, converted to Judaism, is circumcised, became Kosher, and follows the Law.

 

Now Nicolaus is a follower of Christ.  He is not just believing, but doing.

 

When the disciples select Nicolaus they are doing something groundbreaking.

 

They select someone who years ago would have been seen and treated as an outsider. 

 

By calling Nicolaus forward they are saying- “We see you.”

 

“We see all of you- who you are, where you came from, all that you’ve done.  In our hearts we know that you are worthy of serving alongside us, as equals.”

 

This moment in history is magnificent-

 

Nicolaus embodies the bold  building up of the church.

 

How the church is becoming more globalized.

 

The church is welcoming newcomers, those who are different; trusting and empowering them to do the same things the elders do.

 

This is huge.

 

The church could have stayed “with their own”, sticking with only the familiar.  Instead they chose to grow, welcome, and expand God’s table.

 

Nicolaus- have a seat and serve.  Phebe- have a seat and be a deacon. The eunuch from Ethiopia- have a seat and let’s discuss scripture.

 

You in the pews of St. Lucas- have a seat and let’s praise God together.

 

The smallest detail can make all the difference. 

 

The inclusion of Nicolaus made all the difference.  And we are all the better for it.  

 

Let us say “Amen.”

Resurrection As Togetherness; Luke 24:13-35

 

Rev. George Miller

April 27, 2025

Luke 24:13-35

 

Once upon a time in a land of oranges and alligators lived Suzanne, a person as unique as a unicorn.  With a raspy voice and dry wit, she was known for always wearing a red hat.

 

Suzanne loved her red hat; she wore it everywhere- Aldi’s, theatre, church.  Some judged her; she did not care. She adored her red hat and folks loved her.

 

One day she had an idea- what if, on Easter, everyone wore a hat?  Wouldn’t that be lovely!

 

Like Wisdom at the front door, she invited all to participate; a $1 she’d donate to the Pantry.

 

People showed up- white hats, funny hats, Cuban hats, bows, ribbons, and money was raised to feed the hungry.

 

People had so much fun that Suzanne did this every year, until one day she traveled far up North to a place called Ohio, and to the sorrow of all, she never came back…

 

The citizens of oranges and alligators were sad.  But a woman with golden hair said she would oversee the Easter Hat tradition in honor of Sue, and the people were happy…

 

…even though they would always be a little bit sad because no more would they see the unique Suzzanne in her red hat or hear her raspy voice.

 

But the news of Easter Hats traveled to a magical gateway in the west, a place known for dandelions and trivia nights, and another church was given the chance to wear hats.

 

And hats they wore! From cheerful fasteners, to hats from The Homeland to hats given as gifts, and funny hats with long green strands.

 

Even though no one knew it, the legacy of Suzanne, the unique unicorn from the land of orange groves lived on….

 

…Relationships.  This is the word that today’s scripture stirs within my soul.  The importance and value of relationships in the Good News narrative.

 

Like Suzanne inviting others to participate in her joy, or Donavan inviting us to be part of BWorks ministry.

 

What we witness today is how relational the Resurrection is.

 

We’re on the road with Cleopas and his partner, between the mystery of Jerusalem and their dining room table.

 

The two are sharing chisme (gossip) about all they heard about Jesus, those who tried to stop him; his appearance to Mary, Joanna, and others.

 

Notice the motif- they are on a journey, a path, between here and there.  If this were 1880 Sappington, they could be traveling by wagon. 

 

Or 1983 Sunset Hills and they’re running on Denny Road listening to Walkmans.

 

Or it’s 2024, Cleopas and his companion are on a Civil Rights bike trip from Selma to Montgomery.  Or the summer of 25 and they’re with the Youth journeying to Back Bay.

 

In all these scenarios, there is a commonality- they are in transition and in it together. 

 

It’s not just Cleopas; it’s not just his companion.  It is the 2 of them talking about more than just themselves.  They are discussing their community, reflecting upon what Jesus went through. 

 

They talk as a collective- “We had hoped”, “some women of our group”, “they came back and told us.”

 

Imagine this being Bill, Adam, and Donovan biking in Birmingham.  Or Sara, Mia, and Marisol on the bus to Biloxi.

 

A journey, communicating, remembering, together.

 

This is when the Resurrected Christ appears; when they gather at table; break bread, realizing that Jesus is with them; their hearts burning.

 

Instead of keeping it to themselves they rush to the others to share the great Good News:  the dead-ends of the world did not detour Christ!

 

But through the breaking of bread and the sharing of stories, all that Jesus was, is and has done remains here and now on Earth.

 

As Cleopas and companion tell their tale, Christ stands with them and says “Peace be with you; be brave.  Let’s eat!” 

 

Christ speaks, shares scripture, recalls how repentance and forgiveness are ways in which God’s will is done on earth.

 

Relationships.  This is one word that today’s scripture celebrates- the importance of relationships in Luke’s telling of The Good News.

 

Since beginning our bike-ride through Luke, there have been nothing but relationships.

 

Zechariah and Elizabeth; Elizabeth and Mary; Mary and Joseph. 

 

Hear how relational Luke lays out the Jesus journey-Shepherds and angels; Simeon and Anna.  John baptizing, Jesus calling disciples. 

 

Mother-in-laws being healed; 5,000 being fed.  Martha and Mary working and learning in their home; Zaccheus scurrying up a tree to be seen.

 

So relational; person to person. Rarely do we hear about Jesus being absent of anyone else.

 

When he is alone, it is intentional- to recharge his battery (5:16), contemplate big decisions (6:12), or prepare for his next lesson (9:18).

 

Still, there is a sense of relationship as Jesus communes with his Father, seeking out God’s will for the community.

 

The times when Jesus is tragically alone- the temptation, the prayer on Mount Olives, and that long, lonely Saturday in the tomb, they serve as a means of showing us just how important relationships are.

 

In Luke, Jesus is relational, so the Resurrection becomes a celebration of relationships- how they form, how they continue, make pathways for integrity, solidarity, and grace.

 

From Suzanne with her red hat to BWorks in which bikes are revived to bless others, to our Youth rehabbing homes and connecting with an often overlooked circle of people.

 

What a beautiful legacy to plant, allowing love to grow.

 

Regardless if you are in a land of alligators or dandelions, no matter what path we are on-

 

there’s something so powerful, special when Resurrection is shared in a community of hope, a circle of love,

 

hearts burning with beauty; transformation taking place.

 

For that, let us say “Amen.”

Being...

 

Rev. George Miller

April 20, 2025

Luke 24:1-12; 36-45

 

Being.

 

The Resurrection is about being; being present; being in the “here”; in the “now.”

 

The Resurrection is about letting go of that which no longer works or is dead, allowing the chance for transformation to come along, offering new life in unexpected ways.

 

Being.  As in “Thy will be done, on Earth.”

 

Here we are- men and women; women and men.  People of the Resurrection gathered.

 

Do you remember?  Do you remember how we were there in the Garden when all God wanted was to walk with us in the cool afternoon breeze?

 

Do you remember being under the stars with Abraham when God said- “Be brave”?

 

Do we recall God telling Mary to not be afraid; when Jesus was born and lived a full life of food and drink, walking and weeping, using all the same senses as we?

 

Since Christmas, we have journeyed with Jesus, stood by him with the male disciples and female benefactors.

 

Listening to what Jesus had to say; watching the wholeness and healing taking place.

 

Sitting and sharing meals that welcomed the High Holy and the Sacred Everyday;

 

those who thought they were better than all and those who knew they had made tragic mistakes, simply wanting to experience their own renaissance.

 

Everyone just wanting to…be.

 

Last week we stood amongst the people as we welcomed Jesus into the city, waving palms and shouting joyfully.

 

We shared a last meal, heard the words of a man rejected, abused, and silenced by those in power.

 

The tomb was sealed; the light dimmed; we scattered as if we no longer had the ability to remember.

 

Then we waited;

for days we waited.

 

…And now the Good News-

Alongside Mary Magdlene, Joanna, the mother of James, and so many other women, we wander to the place marked with death, and we discover…

 

The stone has been rolled away; the tomb is empty.  And though scared and afraid, we are called to “Remember.”

 

Remember all that Jesus said; remember the promise made and trust that Jesus is among the living.

 

This Good News joyfully continues as we stand with the men who witness how Christ lives amongst them.

 

The men, just as scared and afraid as the women, are told “Do not be afraid- be brave!”

 

Their minds are opened to the scriptures, and they remember.

 

This glorious Easter morning we too stand with the women, we stand with the men, and we also remember.

 

We remember the ways of Heaven; the ways of Heaven here on earth that Jesus taught us about.

 

We remember his teachings of Fathers who welcome the loss and give grace to the angry.

 

We remember the woman who generously gave to Jesus when others would rather judge.

 

We remember how Jesus fully embodied what it meant to be a human, and what it means to live as if heaven is here, on earth.

 

Jesus showed all how to make God’s will be done right here, right now.

 

And it’s all so simple- Love God with all your being.

 

Love those around you the same as you would want to be loved.

 

The one who God resurrected is the One who came into the world innocent and vulnerable, who was a light of revelation and catalyst for eternal transformation.

 

The wonder and joy of Easter is knowing that heaven does not have to be yearned for, but can actually be here on Earth as long as we live and breath and stand with God together.

 

Being.

 

Resurrection is about being; being present in the “here”, being in the “now.”

 

Resurrection is about letting go of that which no longer works or is dead.

 

Resurrection is allowing transformation to come along, offering new life in unexpected ways.

 

Being. 

 

As in “Thy will be done, on Earth.”

 

For that, let us say “Amen.”

Thy Will Be Done On EARTH. Palm Sunday Message; Luke 19:29-44

 

Rev. George Miller

April 23, 2025

Luke 19:29-44

 

Here we are, a pivotal point, when Jesus enters the city; a man who is bravely ready to face whatever is ahead.

 

Jesus- the babe born in a manger; a child cradled by Simeon; the storyteller and Son Transfigured.

 

Jesus is at that moment, with feet firmly planted at the Mount of Olives.  He could decide to stay, run away, or courageously move forward.

 

Move forward he does; riding on a donkey.  As Jesus moves towards his destiny, the people remove their coats, shedding their outer selves. 

 

Not just the male disciples, but the female benefactors who would’ve been there, this Sussane, this Joanna, this Mary Magdelene who was always so faithful.

 

Each Gospels tells a different account.  Mark says folk spread leafy branches, shouting “Hosanna!  Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

 

Matthew states they cut tree branches, shouting “Hosanna to the Son of David!”

 

John tells us the crowd took branches from palm trees shouting “Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord- the King of Isreal!”

 

Luke hints at a more intimate affair.  Instead of leafy greens or clippings from palm trees, the disciples joyfully praise God-

 

“Blessed is the king; peace in heaven and glory in the highest heaven.”

 

It's as if Luke is wanting us to focus on the ways of heaven, the ways of God’s kingdom, the ways of peace.

 

When Jesus enters the city, he weeps.  Not little boo-hoos, or a single tear from his eye.  He sobs, his chest heaves, he feels sorrow in his womb, his bones.

 

He says “If only; if only you recognized and realized what made peace, things would be so much simpler.” 

 

Jesus weeps.  If only we realized what makes peace, life would be so much simpler.

 

St. Lucas- we are blessed.  We are blessed with smart, gifted individuals who know how to fix things, runs things.

 

There are those like PJ who know how to teach, energizing us about the Christmas story and Jesus’ last week.

 

PJ shared how she says the Lord’s Prayer.  It’s the same words, but with a pause-

 

“Our Father who art in heaven hallowed be thy name.  Thy kingdom come;

thy will be done on Earth.

…..as it is in heaven.”

 

PJ does this to emphasize her theology, how much of Jesus’ ministry is about making Heaven known here on earth.

 

This way of praying focuses on how we live, interact, love, how we find ways to make peace, do justice, embrace kindness right here, right now.

 

Praying “Thy will be done on Earth” adds an important layer to what it means and looks like to live as Christ’s follower. And it is not so hard.

 

Jesus spent his entire ministry telling us with words, stories, demonstrating with his body.

 

Jesus weeps, but he doesn’t have to; there are ways of peace, such as beholding, like Simeon, the holy in each child.

 

Welcoming youth to be part of worship, just as 12-year-old Jesus in the Temple, learning, listening, asking questions.

 

Those are simple ways to bring peace and participate in God’s will done on earth.

 

Seeing, actually seeing people, with all their flaws, bravely stretching out our hand, listening to what they say, offering words of comfort and support.

 

Recognizing those who are poor, hungry, not as someone to ignore but as blessed and worthy of being treated as such.

 

Finding ways to love your enemy but not giving them the OK to continue hurting you.

 

These are ways to bring peace and participate in God’s will done on earth.

 

Welcoming those of another faith, respecting the foreigner, realizing the work of women, eating with the outcast.

 

Seeing God in the shepherd who works in the field, the woman who sweeps, those who work the land.

 

Seeing God as the Daddy who runs and embraces, not just the child who was away but also the one who is angry and upset.

 

These are ways to bring peace and participate in God’s will done on earth.

 

From meals to meadows, shorelines to cities, Parables to intimate acts of healing, Jesus has shown all of us -

 

The ways to bring peace and participate in God’s will done on earth.

 

We do not have to die to experience Heaven; we can live and love, strive and thrive to find ways to make Heaven here on earth.

 

So while the world waves branches of palm and crowds shout “Hosanna!,”

 

While both male and female disciples sing out “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” ,

 

let us continue to find our ways to participate in making God’s will be done here on earth.

 

We till the ground, we remove that which has gotten in the way, we plant seeds.

 

We water, we prune, we weed, we make it so that “Love Lives Here.”

 

Why?  Because we have been transforming lives since 1880.  And the “why?’ is sitting right beside you.

 

Let us say “Amen.”