The Sacraments

The following are notes I'm using tonight to lead the CLM class.

A. What is a Sacrament? 

 The word sacrament comes from a Latin word that means pledge or oath. In this case, it is a pledge from God of God’s continued presence in our lives. In the sacraments, God works invisibly in us, quickening, strengthening and confirming our faith. It emphasizes God’s actions in and through the sacrament.

As United Methodists (along with most protestants) we have two rituals we call sacraments – baptism and communion. Just FYI, the Catholic church practices seven sacraments – baptism, confirmation, eucharist, reconciliation (confession), anointing of the sick, holy orders, and matrimony. We call sacraments those that it is believed Christ instituted explicitly. If you look at the list, you will see that our faith includes all of the others, but not as sacraments.

B. Methodism and the Sacraments

Remember, the Methodist denomination did not begin as a new denomination. It was begun by Wesley as a way to bring Anglican parishioners to a deeper faith. In the book Sacraments and Discipleship by Mark W. Stamm, the author writes that Wesley was working against two barriers to deeper discipleship:

1. Structural – the Anglican church was set up in Parishes – the Parish system was designed for a rural church and didn’t fit the needs of the working poor who lived in the emerging industrial centers. Wesley and Methodist preachers met the people where they were and when they could be there – even in fields.
2. Theological – There was a Calvinistic belief of unconditional election – God has already chosen who will be saved (and who will be condemned) and that the person cannot change this pre-election. Wesley believed that everyone should hear the Gospel in order to repent and believe.

Wesley gathered new and existing believers into disciplined, supportive communities called societies and classes The only requirement for admission into these groups was to desire to seek the work of God. Wesley believed that discipleship and faith were not private matters and that a community was required.

In the classes, “they helped one another embody the terms of their baptismal covenant. They also committed themselves to receive Communion as often as they could.” Understand that the sacraments were not usually part of the classes – these were led by lay people – but were a way to live out the sacraments.

Another quote by Stamm: “According to a Wesleyan understanding of the church, sacramental practice is (and should be) a the living center of communities where people watch over one another in love, communities where people under that the church’s primary task is disciple making, communities where people seek to become the body of Christ in mission.”

It’s important to remember that for Wesley, the sacraments were not ends in themselves, but were a means to an end, and that end is love – love God with all we are, and love our neighbors as ourselves (also from Stamm).

C. Grace and the Sacraments (much of this is from an article on UMC Resources) For John Wesley and for the Anglican church of which he was a part, the sacraments were instituted as a means of grace. We’ve talked about the means of grace before – According to Wesley, these are “outward signs, words, or actions ordained by God, and appointed for this end, to be the ordinary channels whereby God might convey to us, preventing (or prevenient), justifying, or sanctifying grace.”

And a quick review of the three “types” of grace…

1. Prevenient grace (or the grace that comes before) is part of baptism – bringing us into the body of Christ – God at work initiating us into a relationship with Godself.
2. Justifying grace – the grace of responding to God into relationship – is also part of baptism. We are cleansed from sin and brought into relationship.
3. And that leads to sanctifying grace – the work of the Holy Spirit to bring us to perfection. How does that work? Wesley doesn’t try to explain it – we just trust in God’s promises that it does.

In the article, the author quotes Stamm: “Jesus’ command was to ‘do this’ in the sacrament of Holy Communion. Experiencing God’s grace during this sacrament is a matter of trust. Luke 24: “Christ is made known to us in the breaking of the bread; the risen Christ shows up in the eucharist. You can’t control the risen Christ – just follow him"

The grace in communion moves Christians to act on their faith. We just talked about that when we were exploring the Methodist outlook on the sacraments. Remember that those actions are motivated by grace – it is grace that reaches towards us in communion – it is grace that moves us to reach out towards others. Love divine.

One other thing about grace and sacraments – “grace given in sacraments is not irresistible; God’s work there can be frustrated and even blocked by human rebellion, stubbornness, and apathy.” We have free will, and we can ignore grace.

Perspectives: Church and Herald

 

Where the Road Goes

In the book Voices of Advent, Matthew Skinner writes about what it would have been like for Joseph, with so many unasked and unanswered questions. And yet Joseph followed God anyway.

Skinner writes:

[Obedience to God] involves says, "I don't know what this road is going to be like or if my journey will be easy or agonizing, but I'm going to walk it." Sometimes we know - or we think we know - the destination where a road will take us, but nonetheless the journey from point A to point B is usually much less clear.

Each year I teach a series of classes for those seeking certification as Certified Lay Ministers. They start, and sometimes even finish, the class series not knowing where God is calling them to go or what God is calling them to do. I think that is OK. We don't have to know; we just have to follow the next right step.

Skinner writes, "You don't have to have it all figured out before you begin. You don't have to know the solutions. Just take the next best step. It's a long road."

New Year. New Beginning

I've posted this before, but it is a good way (for me) to think about starting a new year. I hope your new year is blessed and joyful.

Finish every day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt have crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow (and 2026) is a new day (or year); begin it well and serenely and with too high a spirit to be cumbered with your old nonsense. This day (or year) is all that is good and fair. It is too dear, with its hopes and invitations, to waste a moment on yesterdays. (Ralph Waldo Emerson with parenthetical additions by me).

Merry Christmas!

 

Book Review: Voices of Advent

Information about the book

Voices of Advent: The Bible's Insights for a Season of Hope by Matthew L. Skinner. Abingdon Press, Nashville, TN. 2025. Cokesbury Amazon

Summary

From Amazon: In Voices of Advent, Matthew L. Skinner leads readers through biblical texts and explores how they shape our lives and Christmas celebrations. We listen as Jesus promises to return to us in the future, to John the Baptist as he prepares the way for the Messiah, to the faithful people and poets who anticipate the magnificence of Jesus’s birth, and to the angels and visionaries who praise God when Christmas dawns. Listen carefully to the Bible’s various perspectives that shape our preparations for Christmas; you’ll hear hope in all of them. Voices of Advent helps readers experience Advent not only as the start of the Christian Church Year, but also as the powerful overture that sets the tone for the incredible story of Jesus

Also available are a Leader Guide and DVD.

Impressions

The book contains an Introduction, four chapters (outlined above in the blurb from Amazon), and an Afterward. Each chapter explores at least two or three scriptures. The chapters begins with an introduction and then a focus on each passage.

I read this book because my church was using it as an Advent study. I couldn't attend the study, but decided to participate in my own way by reading the book. I found it to be insightful and well-written, and I would recommend it.

Posts about book

Skinner Voices

 

In Darkness

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness-on them light has shined. You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder.  For the yoke of their burden and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. (Isaiah  9:2-4)

Several years ago, when our boys were still young, we took a day trip to Carter Caves. Josh was still young enough that he rode in a carrier on Steve’s back. While we were there, we went on a tour of one of the caves. The tour guide admonished us to be very careful – don’t touch the walls because the mineral deposits – the stalactites and stalagmites – are very fragile. And be careful; the floor can be slick if it is wet. And, hey, let me show you what darkness is really like when I TURN OFF ALL THE LIGHTS IN THE CAVE.

We live in a world that can sometimes be dark. There are dangerous obstacles around us that can make our journeys hard to navigate. Surrounding us are parts of the world that can be broken or even shattered. And we are holding on with love to the people who are around us – those for whom we are responsible. Those who we love more than we love ourselves.  The world can be a dark and scary place.  It’s no wonder we need God.

For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders, and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  Great will be his authority, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. (Isaiah 9:6-7)

Please don’t forget that when the world seems the darkest, when the ground underneath your feet is slick and unsteady, when everything seems fragile and frightening, and even when you worry about those you love, remember that a child has been born into your world. That child, the Prince of Peace, is so great a light that you can see your way. In that great light, you can see the presence of God. 

Don’t forget.

Prayer: Loving God, thank you for the light. Open our eyes to your presence so that we realize we are not in darkness.  Help us to remember. Amen.

Kim Matthews 

Advent in Scripture, Week 4

Centering Prayer
O God, our God, my God, you are Emmanuel. You are with us. Be with me now, and open my heart to hear your message. Amen.

Please Read
Matthew 1:18-25

Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be pregnant from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to divorce her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins."
All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: "Look, the virgin shall become pregnant and give birth to a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel," which means, "God is with us."  When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus.

Questions to Consider

• When the angel appears to Joseph, the angel says, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife.” What do you think Joseph was afraid of?
• As we read this passage, we see that Joseph was a righteous  and considerate man. How hard would it have been for him to do what the angel asked him to do?
• Is God calling you to do something that makes your afraid or that you think would be too hard to do?  How will you respond to God?
• What does it mean to you that the name of the son is to be Emmanuel, meaning “God is with us”?

Closing Prayer
O God, sometimes we are afraid. Help us to respond as Joseph did, with courage in our fear and strength in our worry. In your son’s name, Amen.

Pay Attention

 

Inspired by Romans 13:11-14

Pay attention.

Don't be so focused on yourself that you miss it.

Miss what is going on.

Sleep and miss God.

The alarm may sound soon,

waking us up.

The night may be over soon,

and day touches us.

Dawn breaks upon us.

God is at work,

Perfecting us, perfecting salvation.

Don't waste a minute,

don't waste any moment of the light.

Get up,

and dress yourself in Christ.

Waste no time.

Liturgy for the Fourth Sunday of Advent

Theme and Scripture 

Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19: God is a God of restoration and forgiveness. 

 

Call to Worship 

Leader: O God, our God, so much about our lives needs to be restored. Sometimes the darkness feels overwhelming. 

People: Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved. 

Leader: We come together today in worship, to sing our praise, to open our hearts. 

People: Restore us, O God; hear our praise, renew our hearts. 

Leader: We bring our offerings, we sing of the coming of the Lord. 

People: Restore us, O God; inhabit our worship and give us life. 

All: Restore us, O God. 

 

Prayer of Confession 

Heavenly creator, sustaining Lord, we fail to see the need of our neighbors or to hear their crying, to know their tears. Sometimes all they feel from us is our scorn or our indifference. We welcome Jesus into this sanctuary, and hope he will inhabit our lives. Help us to confess our sins. Forgive our indifference and our complacency. May your presence in our lives change our hearts. Give us life.  In your son's name, Amen. 

 

Offertory Prayer 

Loving God, may these gifts we offer today be gifts of restoration, shining your light into dark places. Accept these gifts and make them be for your children food, water, shelter, health, and signs of your love of them. Amen. 

Advent in Scripture, Week 3

Centering Prayer 

O God, our God, my God, you are our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Amen. ( inspired by Psalm 46)

Please Read

Luke 1:46b-55

"My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowly state of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name; indeed, his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.  He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty. He has come to the aid of his child Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever."

Isaiah 35:3-7

Strengthen the weak hands and make firm the feeble knees.  Say to those who are of a fearful heart, "Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God. He will come with vengeance, with terrible recompense. He will come and save you."  Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be opened; then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy. For waters shall break forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert; the burning sand shall become a pool and the thirsty ground springs of water; the haunt of jackals shall become a swamp; the grass shall become reeds and rushes.

Questions to Consider

• The passage from Luke is known as Mary’s Magnificat. Imagine Mary singing it as she realizes what is happening in her life. What reality of the world around her does she declare needs the intervention of God?
• What does this tell us that God values in her world (and our world)?
• In a world with people desperate for the presence of God, as described in Isaiah 35, how can we say to the fearful, “Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God.”

Closing Prayer

O God, if you are with us, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Thank you for surrounding us with your love. Amen.    (inspired by Psalm 46)

Taught to Love

Please read 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12

Now concerning love of the brothers and sisters, you do not need to have anyone write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another, and indeed you do love all the brothers and sisters throughout Macedonia. (I Thessalonians 4:9-10)

I often think about being a parent.  My husband and I have two adult sons, and even though they are 31 and 29 years old, we will always be their parents. They are so different from each other, but they are both loving and kind men. We’re proud of them and blessed by them. 

How do children learn how to love? I hope our sons learned love by being loved by us, and by witnessing how the adults in their lives loved each other. I think about children who have experienced Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) such as child abuse, neglect, violence, or an unstable home, and the potential outcome of these experiences, such as negative impacts on brain development, health, and an inability to form lasting relationships. 

I am struck by what Paul wrote to the Church in Thessalonica: “you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another.” Imagine that. Taught to love by God. Paul could have written this about us. We – you and I - have been taught by God to love one another. God created us, God sent Jesus to us to teach us about life and love. God offers us grace and forgiveness – love, made concrete. We know how to love because God loves us. 

Why is this important? God doesn’t just love us so that we will feel loved. God loves us because there are children in the world who don’t know what love is. There are people around us who are hungry – every day, all the time. There are brothers and sisters in our communities who are crying, suffering, mourning, fighting addiction, struggling to live. God loves us so that we will be loving. 

This fall, our Foundation hosted an Academy of Faith and Generosity. The main speaker, Ann Michel, told a story about her church. The Church owned and operated two homeless shelters.  Someone asked Ann if the church members were trying to convert the people who sought shelter to Christianity.  She said, “No, we’re trying to be Christians.”

How will you be a loving Christian today?

Prayer: Loving God, teach us to love so that we will share your love with everyone. Forgive us when we forget – when we offer judgment and scorn, and lead us to replace those with love.  In your son’s name, Amen.

Liturgy for the Third Sunday of Advent

Theme and Scripture

Isaiah 35:1-10, Psalm 146:5-10, Luke 1:46b-55, James 5:7-10, Matthew 11:2-11

God is at work in the world, and we are called to recognize God's presence and to follow God's lead, serving others.

Call to Worship

Leader: O God, our God, you are the God who opened a Holy Way for us, so that we can come into your presence.

People: Open our eyes, so that we can see you.

Leader: O God, you are the God who who made heaven and earth, who keeps faith forever.

People: Open our minds, so that we can follow you.

Leader: O God, Mary sung to you and magnified your name.

People: Open our ears, so that we can hear the singing.

Leader: O God, John asked if your son was the chosen one.

People: And Jesus answered, "Go tell John what you hear and see."

All: We come today to worship the God of all who have come before. Help us to hear and see what you have done.

A Modern Psalm (inspired by Psalm 146:5-10)

Blessed and joyful are we when we seek help from the Lord When we place our hope in God. God created all that is, all that was, all that will be. God keeps faith forever. God lifts up the oppressed, feeds the hungry, set the prisoners free. It is God who helps us to see, who lifts us up, who loves us. Thank God that God watches over the strangers, the outsiders, the orphans. Praise our God who surrounds the widows with love and encourages those who feel alone. The Lord will reign forever, for all generations. Thank God.

Offertory Prayer

Saving God, may the offerings we bring to you today help to make Mary's expectations come true. May these gifts fill the hungry, help the children, and shed mercy upon your world. Amen.

Benediction

Be patient, brothers and sisters, for the coming of the Lord. May your eyes be open to see the presence of God, and may your hearts be open to serve. Go from this place in expectation that God will walk with you and will lead you to the places you are needed.  Amen.

Advent in Scripture, Week 2

 On the Fridays in Advent, I'm posting an "Advent in Scripture" passage, looking at one or two of the Revised Common Lectionary passages for the coming Sunday, along with questions to consider and a couple of short prayers.  I pray you have a blessed Advent.  

Centering Prayer

O God, our God, my God, I have calmed and quieted myself. Open my spirit to hear your Word. Amen.  (Inspired by Psalm 131)

 

Please Read

Isaiah 11:6-10

The wolf shall live with the lamb; the leopard shall lie down with the kid; the calf and the lion will feed together, and a little child shall lead them.

The cow and the bear shall graze; their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.

The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder's den.

They will not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.

On that day the root of Jesse shall stand as a signal to the peoples; the nations shall inquire of him, and his dwelling shall be glorious.

 

Matthew 3:1-3

In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near." This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said, "The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight.'"

Questions to Consider

1. The kingdom described in Isaiah 6-10 sounds beautiful – the very description of peace. If  the Kingdom of God is now and not yet, do you believe the kingdom as described is possible?
2.  Slowly reread Isaiah 6-10 again. Imagine what is described. What gets in the way of this kind of peace?
3.  In Matthew, John the Baptist is calling for repentance. He says that the one coming is the one Isaiah described as the voice of one crying out to prepare the way of the Lord.” How can you prepare the way of the Lord so that the peace described in Isaiah 11 can come to be?

 

Closing Prayer

O God, it is hard for me to imagine peace. Forgive me when I am an obstacle to your work in the world, and help me to prepare a way for you. In your son’s name, Amen.