Scriptures for a Time Like This; Exodus 16

Today we wander into the wilderness with Moses and our ancestors. A miracle takes place- God supplies them with bread from heaven and an abundance of quail. Now, there are different ways to read scripture- some folk take everything literally (as a fact), others take everything seriously but not literally (as a truth), others do a combination of the two (balancing mystery with reality).

How you decide to approach today's reading is up to you, but here is what I'd like to say- IT IS TRUE. My personal testimony is that somehow, some way God finds ways to care for us.

We can say that God does this through mystical magical acts, or that God does it through people, organizations, coincidence etc. Or maybe all theses ways combined, but I believe God does it.

A recent example is the generosity that poured in to fill The Shepherd's Pantry for the next 3 months. Here we are, in a Corona-filled Wilderness and somehow, some way, our Pantry became filled to the brim! It started with a challenge from community members Bolton Winpenny/James Booth and expanded into national participation and has increased to on-line gifts from people who've never stepped foot into Emmanuel.

Call it divine intervention, call it human action, call into community interaction, I call it GOD. How the pantry shelves got filled is not a fact I feel called to focus on, but it is a truth I wish to celebrate.

Just as our Israelite ancestors experienced bread from heaven in their time of need, so has The Shepherd's Pantry clients who depend on Emmanuel UCC.

For that, let us say "Amen!"

With love, Pastor George

Scriptures For a Time Like This; Exodus 16

Dear Sisters and Brothers In Christ,

Today's scripture is Exodus 16- the "manna" of heaven that rains down upon the Israelites in the wilderness.  Like the Red Sea crossing, it is a story long beloved and believed by the faithful; a testimony to the generosity of God, the abundance of creation, and that miracles do happen.

Miracles are beautiful to behold.  Miracles are like a metaphysical "muscle."  The more one experiences miracles, the more one looks for miracles; the more one sees miracles, the more one experiences miracles.

Sometimes God uses us to bring a miracle of "manna" upon another.  Today was a perfect experience.  
After The Shepherd's Pantry ended, we had about 50 pounds of left-over potatoes. Not knowing what to do, it was decided to bring them to The New Testament Mission on Sebring Parkway/Lemon.

We drove to the Mission, came up to their kitchen and offered the potatoes.  Michelle, the cook, came outside, all excited.  "Just 30 seconds ago I was telling the crew that we had everything ready for dinner, but we just needed potatoes, and right after I said that, you popped your head in the window!"

What a wonderful experience; what a miracle to behold!  Thanks to everyone's generosity, not only did we feed over 100 families at The Shepherd's Pantry, but we helped feed a large number of community members downtown who are currently without a home.

Little Miracles do indeed happen every day!

Be blessed, Pastor George
www.euccfl.org

Scriptures For A Time Like This #8; Exodus 14

Dear Beloved Community- Blessed Easter! Christ has risen!
Today's reading is the cinematic Exodus 14- the glorious parting of the Red Sea.  This scripture has stood the test of time and inspired millions of people throughout millennia.
Why?  Because it speaks about a powerful truth so many of the faithful know and have personally experienced- when our back is against the walls of water, when danger is in pursuit, when it seems like there is absolutely no way out, when fear and trembling and in-fighting takes over- God is still able to act, to do, to surprise...and to get us to the other side.  
But note this- it took action from Moses to make it happen. It took action and profound bravery from the people to take that first step through the parted sea.
Was it easy?  Heck no!  Were there terrified people, muddy sandals, broken cart wheels, cries of fear and what was left behind?  Yes.  But through God, with God, and with one another, the people made it through even when death and destruction were a sure thing.
Friends and family- WE WILL get through. It's not going to be easy, it will be scary, there will be mud and brokenness and tears, but with God, through God, we will make it through these Red Sea waters and come out on the other side.  Amen!  Love, Pastor George

Scriptures for a Time Like This #7; April 6, 2020

Greetings Beloved Community. Today's reading comes from Exodus 12:29-32. It's the painful story of the 10th plague that hits Egypt, killing the firstborn. It's a complicated reading that leaves many questions.

One way to view this reading is as an allegory- a tale that tells us of the unfortunate consequences that can happen when leaders lead with ego, human life is not respected, fear is allowed to oppress others, and a nation's workforce is not seen as important as the work. What we witness in Exodus is how nature suffers, agriculture suffers, animals suffer, healthy bodies suffer, the economy suffers and innocent children suffer as well.

It seems that we are experiencing this right now. Our youngest and most innocent are being affected by the Corona pandemic, as well as how we are responding (or not responding) to it. Their lives will forever be changed and shaped by this moment.

I pray we find ways to watch over our young and our youth and keep them as safe as we can from the pain that's being manifested.

In peace and love, Pastor George