Pastor John’s
Office hours: Sunday, Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. -12 p.m.
---
Pastor John’s e-mail: jwgilmore@mchsi.com
to listen to Pastor John -March 2, 2008 Sermon
From the Pastor One of my favorite poems is Robert Frost’s poem “the Road Not Taken.” The poet’s brief story is deceptively simple. He came to a fork in the road. He chose to go on the road that seemed to be less used, “less traveled by.” And somehow the choice that he made that day, has taken on significance far greater than anyone might have supposed at the time. Jesus chose to ride into Jerusalem one day. It was not apparent to anyone present, as far as we can tell, that Jesus made a choice to take the road less traveled. They were too busy cheering and waving their palm branches to reflect on the fact that the beast that Jesus was riding on the royal road was not a royal military beast. And the road he had chosen did not lead to the palace, or even to the temple, as much as it led to a terrible place outside the city walls where he would lay down his life for his friends. Jesus chose to take the road less traveled, the road of sacrifice rather than the road of conquest and domination, the road of love for us rather than of security for himself. And that truly has made all the difference, as the poet said.
Thinking about Jesus and his decision to take a road less traveled causes me to think of those whom I know and have known who have made a similar decision. It is a decision of faith in Jesus Christ that leads us to choose the road less traveled, the road of service, or the road of love for others. In April we have scheduled our confirmation and commissioning service. It is one of my favorite worship services. It is a moving experience to witness our youth stand before us and to profess their belief, and their trust in Jesus Christ. For me, it is most touching to see the youth, many whom I have baptized, or have known for many years, reach this point of faith and affirm their choice to follow a loving God for themselves. For many it is a road less traveled, and becomes a road of service, and love for others. Many of our young people have been a part of our church family for many years. And I know that it is a moving time for them to witness to their growth also. This year we are privileged to have several youth who will be confirmed. I hope that you will plan to be a part of this important time of their lives.
Our April schedule is listed as follows:
April 6th Worship with Holy Communion
April 13th Morning Worship 10:15 Shepherds Sunday
April 20th Confirmation and Commissioning Service
April 27th Morning Worship 10:15AM
In the Risen Christ,
John
