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| Matthew
9:35- 10-: 8
Our text is most appropriate for a day when we honour those who have participated in the educational life of our Church. In just a few verses, the writer of Matthew has outlined the educational ministry of the Church- not just this Church, but any Church. The passage begins with Jesus going to the cities and villages, and proclaiming the good news. Unlike the dogmatic religious authorities, with their doom and gloom message, Jesus proclaimed good news. For too long a period, the Church has been guilty of proclaiming along lists of no-nos. People don’t need more negative input into their lives. People need to hear the good news. Jesus proclaimed the good news because, as the scripture says, “he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” (Matt. 9: 36) Talk to almost any student or adult in today’s world, and someplace in the conversation something will be said about the hectic nature of life. We are faced with deadlines, travel time, work that has to be done at home, and an endless line of frustrations that makes life complicated and stressful. We need some good news! We find ourselves in just the situation about which Jesus spoke, “the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” Seeing this situation, in the very next verses Jesus addresses the need by going out and selecting 12 people to be his followers. Twelve people who would go and proclaim the message that he taught them. Thus, the foundation was broadened, and more workers were able to proclaim the good news to more people. That is still the major reason for the existence of the Church, and the organizational pattern for the Church's message. Of equal importance, it seems to me, is the manner in which this passage concludes. Jesus does not ask his followers to do more than they are capable. He does not say to the twelve, go out and convert the world. On the contrary, Jesus is very sensible. He gives them a message they can accomplish. He said, “don’t go to the Gentiles or the Samaritans, stay right here in Israel and speak to those who have not heard.” Churches need to hear that message. Often, I see Church people labouring with a guilt complex because they are not able to be involved overseas, or in some desperate place of need. The message of Jesus is: begin to work, right where you live; the place this Church is needed most is right here in Squamish. In this respect, the United Church of Canada is a unique organization. The basic unit of the United Church is the local congregation. The key to success begins right in the town where your Church is located. Beyond that, the United Church has a regional ministry. Our presbytery is involved in work beyond the boundaries here. We in Squamish cannot do the ministry of First Church on Hastings Street, or University Hill United at U.B.C. But we can help- and do- with material, food, money and elected delegates. Ministry to many of society's unfortunates and advocating on their behalf is the ministry of Presbytery, along with providing and maintaining camps like Camp Fircom, Campus ministry and other emphases greater than the work of any one Church. Beyond the regional Church is the area Church, in our case the B.C. Conference. Here, concerns provincial-wise are attended to. By delegate vote, by personnel support, income and committee emphasis, province-wide issues are dealt with and supported. It is part of our ministry, even if not our primary emphasis. Our finances, prayers and volunteer efforts make it possible. Lastly, there is the National Church, which deals with issues and ministry emphases concerning the nation, and beyond that cooperatively the world through Councils of Churches and ecumenical ventures, associations and foreign workers. We are part of all of that. That is how our Church works. That is why we have a Mission and Service ministry emphasis, and why we ask for your support. So, you see, it is very appropriate that we honour today those who are ministering in the area of Christian Education. We want our children, youth and adults to learn that God loves them. We want our people to know that because God loves them and wants the best for each person, we are a community that seeks to respond to God, out of gratitude for the love and forgiveness we have received. If we proclaim and live the love of Christ, we do not need to dwell on the evils of society and the failure of humans to measure up. That is apparent whenever we compare our lives to that of Jesus. We do not need to slave away proclaiming how bad Squamish is, and what should be done. Our task is to say to the people of this area, dear friends, you are important. You are a unique talent and God has made available a means whereby you can know you are loved and accepted, and when you know that, you simply respond. When you follow Jesus as Lord, you become a fulfilled person. We want our Church to be composed of happy, loving people. When love is greater than criticism; when love is deeper than likes or dislikes; when love is so strong people commit their time and their means THEN the Church will grow and change the entire community around it. Go, said Jesus, proclaim the good news, the Kingdom of God has come near. That’s the message. There is no magic or mystique to it. It is simply ordinary folks, like you and me, living what we believe; serving where we are able; testifying when appropriate; constantly learning, and always loving. The advertisement is out- in the bulletin, in the "Chief," on television. It simply says: to proclaim the good news of Jesus; love, joy and acceptance- help wanted! Dr. Doug
Lobb.
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