Delivered September 14, 2008
by Pastor Marilyn Henderson
"While he was still speaking to the crowds, his mother and his brothers were standing outside, wanting to speak to him. Someone told him, 'Look, your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.' "
"But to the one who had told him this, Jesus replied, 'Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?' And pointing to his disciples, he said, 'Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.' "
Friday many of us helped John and Lorene celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. Would you two please stand up? Now, let's pretend that we don't know who belongs to John and Lorene's family. What would be the easiest way to find out who they are?
At their best, families display the loving strength of God's love as they learn to play and work and pray and laugh together. All the members of a family are learning - parents are learning to parent each of their children, children are learning how to love each other and their parents.
Last Sunday I mentioned that "The greatest miracle in the Bible was when Joshua told his son to stand still & he obeyed him." We all laughed because we know that most, if not all, children do not always obey their parents. We parents laughed because we have been on both sides of that issue; we all know that it is, unfortunately, human nature to want our own way. As a parent, my children's disobedience was at best frustrating and at worst catastrophic.
Parents are delighted by children who love them by obeying them! Parents' God-given task of raising children to be godly, whole and clear-thinking adults is made immeasurably more satisfactory when children obey. Obedience is an expression of love that brings joy to parents.
In the meantime, children learn that they are a part of a family, not the whole picture. They learn self-discipline by doing things whether they want to or not. They learn that sacrifice on their part is sometimes necessary for the good of family relationships. In return, children rest in the security of their parents' love, fully accepted and loved.
What does it take to become a part of God's family?
"For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother."
In chapters 14-17 John uses a type of refrain to reinforce the idea that God expects something from us when we are God's children.
"If you love Me, you will keep my commandments, you will obey my commandments" (14.15).
This is the "will of God."
And what are God's commandments? Jesus said that the greatest commandment is that we love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. And that we love our neighbour as ourselves.
In response to His family's request to speak with Him, Jesus is abundantly clear about a changed relationship with them and with His followers. Jesus does not sever his family ties. Jesus expands the definition of family within the new context of the kingdom of God. He steps into His role as God's Son and opens God's arms to whoever does the will of the Father, whoever obeys God's commandments.
Jesus says this in a number of different places:
Matt 7:21 Not everyone who says to me Lord, Lord will enter into the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my father in heaven.
Luke 11:27 Now it happened that, while he said these things, a certain woman from the crowd lifting her voice said to him: Blessed is the womb that bore you and the breasts you nursed at! 28 But he said: Rather, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it.
John 15:14 You are my friends if you do what I command you.
From the article on families and marriage in the Confession of Faith in a Mennonite Perspective:
"We believe that God intends human life to begin in families and to be blessed through families. Even more, God desires all people to become part of the church, God's family. As single and married members of the church family give and receive nurture and healing, Christian family relationships can grow toward the wholeness that God intends."
"We recognize that God has created human beings for relationship. God intends human life to be blessed through families, especially through the family of faith. All Christians are to take their place within the household of God, where members treat each other as brothers and sisters."
Not only are we included as members of God's family, we are to treat other members of God's family as we would treat our own biological families. We are to include them in our lives, not just have them over once for Sunday dinner. We are to share ourselves with them, pray with them, play with them, weep with them.
How does this translate into church life? For instance, we are to welcome people into this fellowship by not expecting them to figure things out by themselves. For instance, when a visitor comes, they should be greeted and given basic information such as where the washrooms are, Sunday School, finding a bulletin and song books, finding a seat and not expecting a quiet, solemn service. As people begin attending and participating, they need to be informed about things like fellowship meals, how those work and who can do what in getting those ready; when the annual business meeting is and expectations of the members; they should be invited to join a small group; they should know about the history of the congregation. The fact of the matter is, you folks have ways of doing things that new people need to learn in order to begin to feel a part of the congregation. There are many people who are not mind-readers and who do not intuitively know what to do in a new environment.
As I think of you folks, I can think of a few "heads-up" when I think of how you might welcome new church family members. First of all, most people will feel "new" for at least two years. So you need to continue to be aware the things I've already mentioned - greeting folks and giving them basic information; introducing new people to how you do things - fellowship meals, meetings, small groups, spring clean-up, women's group, etc. - will not be completely absorbed the first time they are explained.
Be aware that other congregations do not necessarily do things the way you do. This is not bad; it is just different. It may not be a bad idea to explain how you run fellowship meals when there are guests - meal first, desserts following. It might not hurt to explain the three-dessert rule.
It could be helpful to talk to new attenders about the relaxed and informal approach to worship, how children and others are included and present during the service.
Changing the subject a bit, it is important to respect each other's responsibilities in the congregation. For instance, if something needs to be done to the building or grounds, the Facilities Committee has agreed to be responsible for that. Please at least check with them (Murray Bunnett is the chair of that committee) before you do something. If you are concerned about something during worship, check with Helen, Carolyn or Sandra. If you are excited about teaching an adult Sunday School class, please talk to Carol, Sarah, Doreen or Sandra rather than deciding to sign up to teach for all the Sundays when you get to class. Going through the proper channels, as the congregation has decided to organize itself, shows respect and love for the congregation and for each other.
And what is the reward? What does all this get us?
From John 14.23:
"Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them."
Isn't that a wonderful idea? That God - God - wants to live with us, make a home with us? How amazing and wonderful!
But then - we know that, for God is here. God has been here. God will be here for God has made His home among us, along with the Son, Jesus. As we obey God in loving God, self and others, God lives in and among us, welcoming us all into God's family, into the Home of God's love.
Petitcodiac Mennonite Church