"...for His anger lasts only a moment...but His favor lasts a lifetime... weeping may remain for a night...but rejoicing comes in the morning..." (Psalm 30:5)  
 
"...and they didn't do as we had expected, but they gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us in keeping with God's will..." (2 Corinthians 8:5)  
 
"...when she heard about Jesus, she came up behind Him in the crowd, and touched His cloak, because she thought, 'If I just touch His clothes, I will be healed.' Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering..." (Mark 5:27-29)  

The Message
Grace and peace to you! As the sun shines brightly overhead this morning, may the Son of God shine profoundly deep inside each and every heart. What a privilege to share the thoughtful wisdom and the uplifting message of the Holy Bible on this great day!

May the Lord Jesus Christ dwell richly in you as you begin the day! The Scriptures this morning are truly remarkable. I'd like to take the time to share a few insights in passing as we gravitate toward the "heart of the matter" in the Lord's teaching for us today. The historical background of the Old Testament passage has been a huge surprise to many. The passage includes the following phrases:

• "...because of the Lord's great love, we are not consumed..." ...and...  
• "His compassions never fail" ...and...
• "great is your faithfulness"...

These words definitely affirm the Prophet Jeremiah's trust in the Lord God of Israel. The surprise lies in the fact that Jeremiah makes this affirmation during the total destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. The Prophet is present. He sees Solomon's temple destroyed, the temple priests being slaughtered on the altar, children being eaten by their parents because of terrible starvation. It was a horrible experience. It was the most disastrous event in the history of God's relationship with Israel, with the exception of the death of Christ on the cross.

Two verses from the New Testament helped me to make that amplification of my faith life... "...and we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose..." (Romans 8:28)

"...Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, Rejoice...let your gentleness be evident to all...the Lord is near...Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God...and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus..." (Philippians 4:4-7)

Before that, I praised God for the things that pleased me and made me feel happy, affirmed, and satisfied. On the other hand, when I was displeased, disappointed, and left out in the cold, I would mumble under my breath and curse my situation. I would feel abandoned by God...and of course...deny it. After all, why would God ever allow bad things to happen, especially to me. In my own way, I would literally chew God out, and question His love for me. After all, why do bad things happen to good people! I learned through the affirmation of the Prophet Jeremiah to praise God, not only in the "feel good" moments, but also, when I thought I was at the end of my rope...when I would normally "take the lower road" like everybody else, without a substantial faith principle, to speak to my situation.

When things are seemingly good and also pleasant I've learned to praise and thank the Lord. When things are seemingly bad, foreboding, and unpleasant, I still praise and thank the Lord. The reason for this is...I can't often see the larger picture involved.

As a person of faith, I trust that the Lord allows what happens as part of His perfect plan for my life and those around me, indeed, those that I pray for. I have learned that there is no failure with God. His wisdom is more than remarkable. In accord with this understanding of genuine faith, not mere religion, mind you, I'm often reminded by Psalm 30:5b, that: "...weeping may remain for a night... but rejoicing cometh in the morning..." Without a firm, tested faith life --- that is trying out this concept of what it means to live spiritually while participating fully in the reality of our daily lives --- we ride the "roller-coaster" of life emotionally that so many millions do, who, reject faith, living ignorantly in self-imposed darkness, or being confused about the difference between the trappings of religion, and then, genuine faith.

We note something in passing... Carrying this spiritual notion a bit further, the Apostle Paul expresses surprise regarding the Macedonian Christians who didn't do what he had expected (that is, falling short of what would be his way), but rather, gave themselves to place the Lord first in their lives and then to serve Paul and those who accompanied him. What an important consideration for those of us who follow Christ to place Jesus first, above all.

For several of us this would be a frightening challenge...to surprise our sisters and brothers of faith by our priority of pleasing Christ before all else. Imagine astounding our neighbors by our successful attempts to serve them, beyond the neighborly thing to do - sharing with others the story of our faith journey to arrive at a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Could we do that without sounding like a religious fanatic or like somebody who was mentally unbalanced? A truly frightening thing to consider - inviting our neighbors and friends to come to church with us...(God forbid!!!)

Is it possible in 2021 that we could develop a knack for doing this - keeping our church building and property in such great condition that all who pass by are greatly impressed by this expression of our respect for the Lord...(this is not a "dig" upon any particular congregation or property) - giving a tenth of our income to our local church and working as John Wesley used to do with each passing year to increase the percentage...(this is the real solid test to any person moving from "nominal participation" to the faith principle of the Scriptures).

I hear the question being asked "How can we grow our church fellowship?" The answer from one of the greatest church stewardship leaders was...invite the people you think would be great, effective members of your church to supper at your home... [...such frightening thoughts...] Go ahead, church people...surprise your church leaders...!!! 

I can understand the pitfall of folks who deeply desire personal healing, and then, when they think they are trusting God, they become disappointed. When healing doesn't come, they go on their way.

I prefer those who accept their circumstances and proceed to know that God is good and, if He so chooses, they will recover from infirmity. If they must go the route of suffering, and its eventuality, they do so willingly. The story of suffering and pain is still the ultimate mystery for me after all these years of pastoral service.

Nonetheless, I am totally moved by the healing of this woman. I'm amazed at her conviction that Jesus would heal her, and then considering the masses around Jesus, all she'd need to do is to touch His garment to be healed. As mentioned before, I am captivated by the narrative. There's not a bone in my body that doesn't believe that this encounter took place.

I get a powerful feeling from reading this passage that encourages me in my walk and opens my mind and heart to accept the healing power of Jesus to heal that part of each of us that needs wholeness. Jesus' comment, when she does so, haunts me...with all the thousands crowding around Him...He asks... "Who touched me?" The text relates in regard to this awareness: "...at once Jesus realized that power had gone out from Him..." What a statement by Mark... "Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering..." I love that sentence.

It's so good to be uplifted by the power of the Word. May Jesus heal each one of us this day and those following. Great is Thy faithfulness! May the Lord bless each of us to know that there is a healing power in the Lord that goes beyond all reason and understanding. Trust in Him. He is worthy.
Cordially, Tom​

From Rev Sue Ann Yarbrough
Dear Friends, 
I am so grateful to see communities beginning to open up again. Yes, lots of precautions are in place, and that certainly makes sense. Please continue to take good care. Thank you for the wonderful work that you do, and when your community is ready for a Bible study, a small group meeting, or a worship service, please let me know. I look forward to hearing from you!

Most of us who enjoy shopping and looking at nice things probably have had moments like my friend experienced, so these two parables are fairly easy to relate to. We know the excitement of finding something we believe to be perfect, or as my mother would say, something that is " just the ticket!"
​
However, we must remember that these are parables. Jesus is not giving us instructions about shopping or buying real estate. I believe he is talking about the pearls of great price that are our souls. Jesus is encouraging us to get focused, and take note of what really is of value. He is also telling us to get rid of anything that is of lesser value. After all, what could possibly be of more value than our souls? What could possibly compare? 

Prayer
Holy God, you who are closer to us than our own breath, forgive us when we become so distracted that we forget you. Forgive us when we forget ourselves, and when we forget that our souls are a sacred temple where we can meet you every day. Sometimes we treat ourselves rather shabbily, when we should be creating an inner temple worthy of your presence. Yet, you are always right with us, regardless. We thank you for your abiding presence. May we all come together, and begin creating a living temple of beauty and peace now. 
Amen   
 --
Rev. Sue Ann Yarbrough, Associate Pastor
San Lorenzo Community Church, United Church of Christ
www.slzchurch.org 
www.hearthpsalms.blogspot.com 

From Rev Sue Ann Yarbrough

Hello Everyone, 
I pray this email finds you, your families, and your communities healthy and in good spirits. Blessings as we move into the first day of summer. Let us pray that this drought will let up soon. Let us pray for farmers and all of those who tend to the land and harvest our food. I am also praying that your communities are beginning to open up for worship services and other activities. Do let me know!

Also, please keep in mind that I offer a weekly Christian Meditation session via Zoom every Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. Drop me a note if you would like the link. I share a reading; we then sit in communal silence for 25 minutes, and then have a short discussion afterwards. We generally finish in under an hour. Our intention is to make room in our hearts and minds for Christ. Christ is always present, but sometimes our mental and/or emotional distractions keep us from the peace that Jesus offers.

Meditation
Psalm 145 is a Psalm of praise, attributed to David whose reign flourished in 1000 BCE. I often forget how ancient the Psalms are. I have recently learned that the name David can be translated as Beloved One. That means that we could all address one another as David, but then, that would quickly get confusing. Still, I love the idea of everyone going about their day, addressing all they meet as the Beloved One. We can, at least, do that in our hearts. 

I am ordained United Church of Christ, and we do not hear much royalty language in our current liturgy. Some of this is probably because we are deeply rooted in the Congregationalists who fled to this country to flee the reign of English royalty. However, if King David did write this Psalm (or someone in his court), he is expressing humility as he refers to God as the true king., the One that he serves. The One to whom all creation must bow. Hopefully, not out of fear, but because God is so completely beyond our comprehension. 

Rev. Sue Ann Yarbrough, Associate Pastor
San Lorenzo Community Church, United Church of Christ
www.slzchurch.org 
www.hearthpsalms.blogspot.com 

From Rev Dr Tom Nibbe
First I'd like to thank all who helped tidy up and clean our Holy Cross, Pacifica, church campus. A big thank you to you all.

THE SCRIPTURES
 "...I dry up the green tree and make the dry tree flourish..." (Ezekiel 17:24)
 
 "...how great are your works, Lord, how profound your thoughts..." (Psalm 92:5)
 
 "...so we make it our goal to please Him..." (2 Corinthians 5:6-17)
 
 "...from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view..." (2 Corinthians 5:16a)
 
 "...if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come..." (2 Corinthians 5:17a)
 
 "...He didn't say anything to them without using a parable..." (Mark 4:34a)

The Message
Recently, prior to all the graduation ceremonies in the Bay Area, I was handed a letter by a long-time friend, and as well, mom of a young lady, Karen, attending the University of California, Berkeley. I asked permission from mom to share it with you this morning...
 
Dear Mom,
Thank you very much for asking about my well-being and health. Thank God I'm not as heavy as I was when you saw me last. I started to lose a lot of weight after a strange eruption of the skin on my chest and abdominal areas. The doctor at the "free clinic" says it might be herpes, but I'll remain hopeful that it isn't that.
 
Anyway, on the other hand, my depression has taken a turn for the better after a new friend named Max, from Chicago, moved in with me in my one-bedroom apartment. It seemed kind of big to me anyway before. He's a real great guy and he promised he will help me out with the rent when he gets back on his feet again. He's cleaned up a lot since we met. He helps me out a lot.
 
He even used to attend church a lot before he got hooked on heroine about eight years ago, but he promises he'll quit. "Honest!", he says. I even loaded him some of the money you sent to help him pay for treatment to get off the stuff. He says he's "out patient". Sometimes he says funny things to me, but most of the time he's really cool...way beyond me most of the time...
 
Max has introduced me to a new religion. My feelings of guilt and shame have really decreased dramatically, because with our new found religion, we don't have to be hypocrites. It's much more consistent with our views as regards drugs, sex, and work.
 
The other night we were taking a walk in the Castro district when the police arrested us thinking we were some other people. It was really a new kind of experience spending my first night in jail---in SF. I met some really different kind of people who made me realize we'd better be more careful next time.
 
Meanwhile, as a result, I haven't been going out as much as before. My schedule is kind of loaded. I've decided to quit school and get a job to pay off some bills.
 
On my last visit to the doctor, he told me I may be able to earn enough money before the delivery to partially offset the cost of having my first baby. I hope my skin problem doesn't complicate things for me. At least, in the hospital, I won't have to put up with the cockroaches and the stench of my apartment.

Now, Mom, I know that all these experiences seem pretty far out, pretty bad, but I'm going to ask that you do something for me... I'm going to ask that you forget every single word I just wrote you... because not a word of it is true...
 
The actual reason I'm writing to you today is to let you know that I failed Organic Chemistry this past term. It's really tough at Berkeley. I also want to let you know that some things aren't really as bad as they seem to be. Please forgive me for leading you on, Mom. I know you'll understand and that I'll improve as I get used to this place.
 
Love always, Karen
 
 Poor Mom. All in all, after the initial shock, she took it well, and chuckled later as she handed the letter over to me.
 
 I thought it would be worthwhile to share the contents of the letter and to ask a worthwhile question...
 
What strategies have we developed within the context of our faith to share our failures and shortcomings with those whom we live with and those whom we love?

Thus, the Apostle writes in James 5:16, "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed...the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."
 
 None of us is perfect. We all fall short. (definition: to sin is "to fall short" [archery term: ancient]). We are for a lifetime --- hopeless sinners in the hands of a generous, loving God. Thank God that no perfect people are going to heaven, because... "there ain't no perfect people".  What an insight!
 
We are able to go to our loving, understanding pastor. We are able to share our deepest feelings with trusted friends within the context of our church fellowship (and yet we do it with a heart and a mind discerning friends worthy of our trust).
 
We are so blessed to be able to confess our sins each and every Sunday morning. It is a blessing. Through that portion of the liturgy (service format) we are healed, according to the Bible. For many years I didn't know that and I didn't feel that, but I do now. I thank God for that...and I thank God for the wisdom of Dr. Perls to affirm the biblical teaching in our present age.
 
Imagine the great number of people in our area and our world who think they don't need the church and the fellowship of the church. When we look at the format of our Sunday morning worship and discern the wisdom of the components of the order, we discover, not only the sacred nature therein, but also the means for each of us to heal and be drawn into a life of wholeness and profound intimate fellowship.

From Rev Sue Ann Yarbrough

Dear Friends, 
I know some of you are experiencing many changes in your communities. May God give you the steadfastness you need to move through any lingering changes and challenges. A friend sent me a quote today that read, "Don't give up before you see the miracle!" That is good advice. Let us all keep going, and come together when we can. May we always celebrate God's love. Because of that love, we are never alone.

Grace and Peace to each of you, your families, and the communities you serve. 

My husband and I live just off of I 580, across from the Dunsmuir Ridge. This time of year the ridge turns gold and the grass will soon yellow as the heat increases. It is quintessential Northern California terrain. I love the tender green of spring, but I find the gold beautiful as well.

It is a system that has worked for generations. 

What I have noticed over the past couple of days is that there are three primary colors of these goats: white, brown, and black. Yet, few of the goats are a solid color. The three colors combine in a myriad of ways, and while I have not done a scientific study, there does not seem to be a repetition of any pattern. Some closely resemble another, but there always seems to be a difference. Maybe one has black ears, and another white. Perhaps the patterns on the body vary. I can't get close enough to see the eyes, but I suspect they may vary some as well. 

Prayer
Holy, Eternal Presence, we thank you for this world so full of change and diversity. May we learn to honor your good creation, and to treat all creatures with the dignity they deserve. Help us to tread lightly on this earth. Help us to not fear one another, but to reach out to one another as brothers and sisters. We are all one for we are all your children. May we learn to come together, and befriend one another on this journey through this world. May we use our words not to cause pain, but to create bridges. Help us to come together in love. Amen. 
--
Rev. Sue Ann Yarbrough, Associate Pastor
San Lorenzo Community Church, United Church of Christ
www.slzchurch.org 
www.hearthpsalms.blogspot.com 

From Rev Dr Tom Nibbe

Prayer
Lord God, We once again give you praise, in thanksgiving, for your wonderful gifts provided daily with abundant love: shelter, transport, food, clothing, medicines, good books, fellowship, and opportunities to help others in their needs. We are truly grateful. Still in the midst of pandemic, we are thankful you have brought us forth. Be with those who have suffered the loss of loved ones and those who have recovered from Covid. We pray for our world, our country, we pray for our state, and local communities. Guide us in our life in Christ Jesus and give us desire to reach out to others and provide for their needs. In Jesus' name. Amen.

The Message
Grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ! Amen! May this be a day of great blessing for you!
 
Our Gospel lesson for this Sunday is from the third chapter of Mark's gospel, wherein, Jesus says: "If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand...if a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand..."  
 
Abraham Lincoln debated with Senator Stephen Douglas in 1858 over the choice prospective states of the Union would have if allowed to be slave states. I would've loved to have been on hand for that series of seven debates in the State of Illinois. Lincoln eventually lost the election, but gained national attention for the first time. He had served a term in congress. Opposing the Mexican War, he lost after one term. He used the quote of Jesus in Mark 3:24-25 to make a point about the eventual outcome of the struggle over the expansion of slavery in the United States. The suggestion was that our country as known up to that time would be dissolved. Indeed, that almost happened, as a result of the beginning of the American Civil War.
 
It's little known that Abraham Lincoln read the Bible cover to cover a number of times, and, pretty much, knew the Bible well...well enough that studying his speeches as our president, we can easily assume that his use of language and understanding of human interaction, and morality, and government are directly influenced by the Bible...
 
That is as it should be.  
 
Lincoln's knowledge of the Bible influenced the course of his presidency, without directly imposing religion on others. The lesson we learn from history is that all too often through the years, and the ages, whenever a regime combines religion and government there is always great trouble, ending up in persecution, destruction, and disaster.
 
For that reason, a letter written to President Thomas Jefferson by the Danbury (Connecticut) Baptists in 1801-1802 seems so important in our understanding of the connection between our government and our faith concerns. The Congregationalists were giving the Baptists a rough time. It seemed the former group thought the Baptists didn't belong in their state, and needed to go elsewhere, or simply, cease and desist.  

Did that sense of destiny fuel the imagination of young Abe...Why did Lincoln later on provide us with such an amazing tribute to his mother? These thoughts have often caused me to ponder, and look forward to meeting Mrs. Lincoln in heaven. Perhaps she'll have answers for me...
 
It also causes me to vision for those I love...my daughters...younger members of my family in former years...certainly the little ones and teens I have walked with and taught in the faith...We sometimes worry about them and the decisions they make presently and will make along the way. Perhaps we can be part of God's plan for those we care about by having the same frame of mind and heart as Nancy Lincoln had for her son, Abraham. Whatever that vision was, decidedly, it was there...and it worked.
 
We're not called to run the show, Christian Church, but to provide the insight and wisdom to win the hearts and minds of those who rule and are governed. We have all the tools to live fully in God's truth and to use the gifts the Lord has given us to trust in His most perfect timing --- and to know that --- in the most dire, uncertain and scary moments, He is in control.
Cordially,Tom

It doesn't mean that Church isn't allowed to influence the thinking and believing of American government officials or its citizens. It makes the point of declaring that no particular religious group should directly control government or society, and yet, as President Lincoln did, powerfully and greatly, influence political decisions, bolster up society, and improve government...without controlling them.

Faith should influence decisions made in government according to that presidential doctrine, and yet, not demand it... For this reason, it's extremely important to make that distinction. We can worship and practice our faith as we see fit to do so, and yet, not think, that others must be forced to believe as we do. At the same time, President Jefferson wanted to encourage people of faith to make essential contributions to society and government...that was their job!
 
Evangelical?
 
But how does that affect an evangelical like myself. I want all persons to know Jesus. I'm not shy or ashamed to share His story of great compassion and salvation. The answer isn't in "having leverage" over those souls we desire to reach. I don't want to have legislative or legal power over them. What seems to be a direction for a person like me?
 
The answer is found in the verb infinitive, "to convince".
 
One question is --- Do others recognize Christ Jesus in my actions and my words? Saint Francis said, "Preach Christ...and sometimes speak about Him..." Be yourself as a human being...as a genuine person.
 
But...know your Scriptures. What about worship on a regular basis to uplift the spirit within?
 
How many of us are in a good solid Bible study these days? If you're not, why not? Do you know your Bible as well as Abraham Lincoln did?
 
Another question is --- Am I developing the skills to share Christ Jesus naturally, so that, when appropriate, I can provide just precisely what other dear souls need to come to terms with sinful behavior, despair, guilt, shame, defeat in life, and regret? 

Do I need to become another Billy Graham? No. Be yourself. Everybody else is taken. When you take it to heart, you will discover the evangelist within...
 
Does a person have to appear "holier than thou"? No. Be yourself.  A number of professional evangelists I am acquainted with need to discover the wisdom of the expression, "You can catch more bears with honey than with vinegar..."  
 
Develop the skill of being a delight to be with...  
 
However, that's not all...really get into worship and the Bible...
 
Vision
 
Sometimes, recurrently, I wonder about something. Abraham Lincoln once said, "All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel mother..."

From Rev Sue Ann Yarbrough

Her life became small and very large at the same time. Yes, she withdrew from the world, but she was really drawing closer to God. 

This is a good model for those of us in the third part of our lives. I know I periodically worry that my life is shrinking. Yet, as Julian's life has shown us, we can grow more deeply into God when external occupations and distractions diminish. I love the image of being clothed in Spirit now. I have always believed that when our physical lives come to an end, we dissolve into Spirit. We might as well start dressing up for it now!

If you, too, sometimes worry that your life may be shrinking, think of yourself as an anchorite - one who is keeping vigil for God. Maybe this is a good time to deepen your prayer practice. Remember, we are being clothed in Spirit, and God is holding us, much like Julian gently held that hazelnut so long ago. We are all a part of God's Everything. 
 
Prayer
Holy One, 
We thank you for all the voices of Wisdom and guidance that continue to surface in our lives. As our communities and churches begin to open, we offer our gratitude to you. May our openings provide safe places where people can come to talk, to listen, and to laugh. We thank you for new friendships that are forming, and for old friendships that have endured. Where there is a sense of loss, dear God, may we make room for your healing presence.

Holy One, we also pray for those places in the world that are still struggling under the burden of Covid. We pray that governments will work together to help heal our world, and that all of creation will know peace. 
We are grateful for all the ways you hold your creation, 
Amen
--
Rev. Sue Ann Yarbrough, Associate Pastor
San Lorenzo Community Church, United Church of Christ
www.slzchurch.org 
www.hearthpsalms.blogspot.com