Joe Babajan (above, left), a Journey alum, joined us tonight for pizza and the lesson. Joe is on his way to Camp Pendleton (CA) where he is a helicopter pilot for the Marines.
Thanks to Joe Babajan for visiting his old Journey stomping grounds tonight. Just like 7 years ago, Joe was an active contributor tonight to the discussion, a sometimes heated debate over what it means to be a saint. We finally agreed that we are all members of the communion of saints, and wrote comments of praise and encouragement on cards taped to our backs.
The collage above not only represents different kinds of relationships, it is the result of relationships (and collaboration) among members of Journey, who created it tonight. (Click the image to see a larger, more detailed version.) Our meeting tonight was highly informative, with some of us learning for the first time what a "bromance" is. Definitely a modern relationship!
We were also glad to have two new visitors tonight - Miles Washington, a 7th grade trumpeter from Creve Couer, Missouri, and Leigh Kesper, a sophomore at EHS. Bromances may come and go, but as Jesus pointed out to the Pharisees (see below), marriage is holy and sacred.
Mark 10:2-14
Some Pharisees came, and to test him they asked, ‘Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?’ He answered them, ‘What did Moses command you?’ They said, ‘Moses allowed a man to write a certificate of dismissal and to divorce her.’ But Jesus said to them, ‘Because of your hardness of heart he wrote this commandment for you. But from the beginning of creation, “God made them male and female.”
“For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife,* and the two shall become one flesh.” So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.’
Then in the house the disciples asked him again about this matter. He said to them, ‘Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her; and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.’
Ryan Gueldener, new member of Journey, gets a front row seat for photo at Annie's as Journey meets for the first time this fall. Photo/Tom Atwood
Just remember, after the pizza tonight (and before the frozen yoghurt), we talked about the great commandment(s) in Jesus' answer to the lawyer's question in Matthew 22. These two commandments--love God; love your neighbor--will guide us this year as we discuss the readings from week to week. How can we love God with all our heart? What do we need to do? And how can we love our neighbor? What on Earth does that really mean? Matthew 22: 37-40 He said to him, ‘ “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.” On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.’
Lauren Wethers and Ellen Atwood get a little (very little) exercise on the way to Annie's. Photo/Tom Atwood
Of course the journey never really ends, but at St. Andrew's, Journey ended for the year Sunday afternoon with a picnic at the Winston Brown Recreation Complex near the Watershed Nature Preserve. The weather was perfect, the grill was sizzling and Ellen's homemade chocolate chip cookies were the best batch she has ever baked, she claims. It was great fun, and we'll see you all in the fall, when the Journey begins again. Photos by Tom Atwood (click images to enlarge)
At the Journey meeting last Sunday at St. Andrew's, we talked about Paul's letter encouraging the Thessalonians to "pray without ceasing," and to give thanks "in all circumstances." So, we came up with a list, a long list, of what we are thankful for: the good things, and the not so good things in our lives. Using sticky notes, members of Journey wrote down specific challenges and specific blessings they are thankful for, and then arranged them on the wall of the Undercroft in the shape of a cross. We stood around the cross and gave thanks.
The list of blessings and challenges that makes up the cross is interesting. Below are just some of the challenges in the lives of Journey members that we prayed about:
Knowing what the future holds Grandfather's cancer Grades Weight Death School Relationships Understanding God Temptation Accepting deaths Sickness Job market Gas prices Recession Puberty Moving Economy Identity Academic ability My hair Parents Going to college Breaking bad habits Pressure Fake friends Losing people
Next week, I'll post a list of some of the good things in the lives of Journey members that we also gave thanks for around that cross. To see the complete list, drop in at the Undercroft and take a look at our sticky-note cross.
14 ‘For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them; 15 to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. 16The one who had received the five talents went off at once and traded with them, and made five more talents. 17In the same way, the one who had the two talents made two more talents. 18But the one who had received the one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money. 19After a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. 20Then the one who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five more talents, saying, “Master, you handed over to me five talents; see, I have made five more talents.” 21His master said to him, “Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.” 22And the one with the two talents also came forward, saying, “Master, you handed over to me two talents; see, I have made two more talents.” 23His master said to him, “Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.” 24Then the one who had received the one talent also came forward, saying, “Master, I knew that you were a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed; 25 so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.” 26But his master replied, “You wicked and lazy slave! You knew, did you, that I reap where I did not sow, and gather where I did not scatter? 27Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received what was my own with interest. 28So take the talent from him, and give it to the one with the ten talents. 29For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. 30As for this worthless slave, throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
The first Journey meeting of the new school year ended at Annie's Frozen Custard Sunday night, where proceeds from sales went to help Faith-in-Action Edwardsville/Glen Carbon. Photo/Tom Atwood
Ellen Atwood makes the supreme sacrifice--eating frozen custard--to help FIA. Photo/Tom Atwood
Olivia Hopkins and Lauren Wethers enjoy the first Sunday evening of fall. Photo/Tom Atwood
Adam Douglas, James Sauerman, and Heather Douglas all smiles at Annie's.Photo/Tom Atwood
Evie Kupsky, Chris Oltman, Harrison Wethers, and Olivia Hopkins pose for a snapshot. Photo/Tom Atwood
Scott Stewart waves hello to his fans at Annie's. Photo/Tom Atwood
Tonight in Journey we talked about belonging. Why is it important? Where do I belong? Where do I feel the most connected?
In today's gospel reading, Jesus talks about preparing a "place" for his disciples. He says he is "the way, the truth, and the life." What does that mean? And where is this place he is preparing? Do we belong there as children of God?
Where do I belong?
To help sort this out, the assignment tonight was to create a shield, kind of like a family crest, that illustrates where we most feel like we belong today (see image above). Some written responses are included below:
I most belong at my house. It is where love is all around. When my mom and dad are mad, they still love me. It is great. --James Sauermann
I feel most accepted at school. I feel that way because I'm always in class with a friend. --Chris Oltman
I feel like I belong at home with my mom and dad the most. This is because they love and support me. I also have known them the longest and I'm most comfortable & I'm not afraid to be myself around them. --Ellen Atwood
Family is where I belong because I feel safe. --Scott Stewart
I feel like I belong with my friends because I know they will accept me unconditionally. --John Stewart
I feel I belong to my hometown the most. I have spent 16 years in this town, and I am quite attached to it. I always feel at home when I am in Edwardsville. It is comfortable and familiar to me. --Devon Dudding
I feel I belong at home, because I will always be loved and accepted, and they love me. --Zach Banning I belong most to a place that accepts me for who I am, but helps me when I am in trouble, and teaches me to be better in every area of my life. --Michael Oltman
I think that being with my mum and dad is where I belong the most. The reason is because I feel loved when I am with them, and I can tell them all things that bother me in life. --Adam Douglas
The group I most belong to is everyone on Earth. The entire human race is with whom I belong. To help and heal the sick and enrich the lives of those around me. --Aaron Huggins
After reading the story of the disciples' encounter with Jesus on the road to Emmaus, members of Journey were asked to identify signs and symbols of the risen life of Jesus in that scripture, as well as in Acts 2:36-47. One of the main symbols, of course, was bread: the disciples' eyes being opened as Jesus broke bread with them. But there were other signs as well: the angel at the empty tomb, baptism, fellowship. The assignment tonight was to shape dough into symbols of the risen life and bake it. Then, with cameras in hand, two groups searched St. Andrew's for photographic evidence of images of the risen life in and around the church itself. Images of angels, water, flowers, sunlight, bread. Above, you see some of the photographs that were taken tonight by group leaders John Stewart and Ellen Atwood.
Thanks to Cindy Oltman and Rachel Tompkins for helping with this project, which ended in the parish hall, filled with the smell of freshly baked bread, and a supper of bread and grapes.
Shanice Rice This Easter I am especially grateful for Jesus coming into my heart and saving me, and my family loving me the way they have.
Chase Hopkins This Easter I am especially grateful for the opportunities I have been given.
Ellen Atwood This Easter I am especially grateful for eating chocolate and cookies! (But really) I am grateful for Jesus and his strength to endure all of the pain and hatred that was bestowed upon him during his crucifixion so that he could give everyone the chance to be forgiven from their sin.
Olivia Hopkins The other day during church I thought about how many wonderful people I am surrounded by. So this Easter I am most grateful for being blessed with such great family and friends.
John Stewart This Easter I am especially grateful for freedom, friends, and family.
Lauren Wethers This Easter I am especially grateful for having all of my family together. After last June, it made me realize that my parents and family won't be around forever, and I'll always be thankful that my family, especially my mom, is still around for awhile longer.
Becky Wolk This Easter I am especially grateful for my family.
Scott Stewart This Easter I am especially grateful for everything good.
by Lauren Wethers To me the cross represents not just the suffering of Jesus, but also the suffering of everyone. Kind of like the saying, 'a cross to bear.' Journey art by Lauren Wethers
To me the cross means alot. And it has taken me a long time to realize all that Jesus gave up for us. It shows the love he had for us, and how self-less he was. Because Jesus died on the cross I am here today, and I can believe in miracles.
Tonight in Journey we talked about the cross, and more specifically, about the paradox of God suffering: God entering the world, entering all that is in the world, including suffering.
What does Jesus' suffering and death on the cross mean to members of Journey? The answers will be posted here each day this week, starting with Shanice Rice, who visited Journey for the first time tonight.
by Shanice Rice To me, the cross means forgiveness of sins; knowing what Jesus went through to give me salvation. I can wake up each and every morning and know that Jesus suffered for me so that I can be forgiven, and live a better life.
by Donna Ireland Tom, as I briefly mentioned to you on Sunday, I took a look at the website and read the teens' thoughts. I still think of the words "brutally honest" in describing what I read. Maybe "expectations" should be a four-letter word. It is just so easy to become shackled by wanting the best, being the best, that enjoyment of life is just a fantasy. Life is a struggle, no doubt, and I know, as a teenager of long ago, that I had high -- too high -- expectations. I can't say that I had a lot of pressure from my parents; growing up in a family of six children left little time for any one of us to be singled out for special treament.
Kudos to you and your Journey young people for being bold and letting our parish family know the aches and concerns of our teens. It is sad enough when adults experience burn-out; that it might happen in the teen / young adult years is dreadful.
Life is not simple. I don't want to mislead you about that. Some people will try to break it down for you in terms of good and evil, right and wrong, black and white. I have found that things are usually on much more of a slope than that, especially as you are trying to find your way in the world.
When you were little, your mother and I urged you both to "be good." A good little boy, a good little girl. My advice for you now--as teenagers--is a little different. A little more complicated, but not much. I already know that you are good. Nothing you can do will change that. Goodness is in you, and everyone, because you are part of creation. God is in you. However, that doesn't mean you can't make mistakes. You are free to make mistakes. And the biggest mistake you can make is not to do something "bad," or to do something "wrong." Instead, the biggest mistake you can make (in my opinion) is to not see reality. What is reality? Read more...
An example of the darkness I see in the world today is violence. It seems that violence has to be the answer to everything. Big debates in foreign countries are solved by war. Many innocent men and women lose their lives each day to violence. I think that war is a barbaric way to solve problems, and that violence should not be the answer.
by Aaron Huggins An area of darkness in my life is my self-doubt. Things that get me thinking about the "what if's" in life. What if I get a bad grade? What if I mess up at my job and get fired? What if, what if, what if? I hope that God will help light the way through my self-doubts, and give me the confidence to succeed.
The most difficult part about being a teenager is stress and pressure. I feel a good pressure to do my best, but sometimes I feel that there is a bad pressure around me. A pressure to pass up opportunities to help solve issues that need to be addressed in our world, just because I don't want to break any rules. There have been a few small occasions in my life when doing the right thing means breaking the rules. In these situations I ask for help from God to help me compromise for the best results without getting in trouble. The only bad part is that sometimes I don't want to compromise...
I'm so excited about tonight's Journey meeting that I wrote a song for the occasion. Well, that's not exactly true. I wrote a song about today's scripture reading, the story of the man born blind as told in the Gospel of John. The song, originally titled "Jesus Spits," was inspired by a sermon Mother Bennett gave in 2005, describing how Jesus spat in the dust to make the mud he applied to the blind man's eyes. The man was healed, but since it was the Sabbath, some of the Pharisees were outraged. They were blind themselves to the light of God.
Click play above to hear me croak out this lively gospel number, which has since been renamed, "The Man Born Blind." ( To hear more music by Tom Atwood, click here. ) Lyrics and scripture below:
The Man Born Blind Lyrics by Tom Atwood
Jesus spits, spits in the dust, Spits on a Saturday. Jesus! Jesus spits, spits in the dust Spits on a Saturday. Jesus!
I once was lost But now I'm found Was blind but now I see
He takes his hands Mixes up the mud Puts it on the blind man's eyes He takes his hands Mixes up the mud Puts it on the blind man's eyes.
(Chorus)
Just as long as I'm in this world I'm the light of the world. Just as long as I'm in this world I am the light of the world.
Jesus told the blind man 'Wash your eyes' Wash them in light of God. Jesus told the blind man 'Wash your eyes' Wash them in the light of God.
I once was lost But now I'm found Was blind but now I see.
The blind man sees, He sees the light He was fixed by the love of God. The blind man sees, He sees the light, He was fixed by the love of God He was fixed by the love of God, etc
(Chorus)
The Pharisees came Shook their heads No healing on the Sabbath day! The Pharisees came Shook their heads No healing on the Sabbath day!
'Was this man blind? Who healed this man? Who did this job? Healing on the Sabbath day!' No healing on the Sabbath Healing on the Sabbath Healing on the Sabbath day!
(Chorus)
Wash your eyes! See the light! Wash your eyes! See the light!
We've been fixed by the love of God We've been fixed by the love of God We've been fixed by the love of God...
Journey Scripture John 9:1-41
(The Story of the Man Born Blind)
As he walked along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 His disciples asked him, ‘Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?’ 3 Jesus answered, ‘Neither this man nor his parents sinned; he was born blind so that God’s works might be revealed in him. 4 We* must work the works of him who sent me* while it is day; night is coming when no one can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.’ 6 When he had said this, he spat on the ground and made mud with the saliva and spread the mud on the man’s eyes, 7 saying to him, ‘Go, wash in the pool of Siloam’ (which means Sent). Then he went and washed and came back able to see. 8 The neighbours and those who had seen him before as a beggar began to ask, ‘Is this not the man who used to sit and beg?’ 9 Some were saying, ‘It is he.’ Others were saying, ‘No, but it is someone like him.’ He kept saying, ‘I am the man.’ 10 But they kept asking him, ‘Then how were your eyes opened?’ 11 He answered, ‘The man called Jesus made mud, spread it on my eyes, and said to me, “Go to Siloam and wash.” Then I went and washed and received my sight.’ 12 They said to him, ‘Where is he?’ He said, ‘I do not know.’ 13 They brought to the Pharisees the man who had formerly been blind. 14 Now it was a sabbath day when Jesus made the mud and opened his eyes. 15 Then the Pharisees also began to ask him how he had received his sight. He said to them, ‘He put mud on my eyes. Then I washed, and now I see.’ 16 Some of the Pharisees said, ‘This man is not from God, for he does not observe the sabbath.’ But others said, ‘How can a man who is a sinner perform such signs?’ And they were divided. 17 So they said again to the blind man, ‘What do you say about him? It was your eyes he opened.’ He said, ‘He is a prophet.’
18 The Jews did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight until they called the parents of the man who had received his sight 19 and asked them, ‘Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see?’ 20 His parents answered, ‘We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; 21 but we do not know how it is that now he sees, nor do we know who opened his eyes. Ask him; he is of age. He will speak for himself.’ 22 His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jews; for the Jews had already agreed that anyone who confessed Jesus* to be the Messiah* would be put out of the synagogue. 23 Therefore his parents said, ‘He is of age; ask him.’
24 So for the second time they called the man who had been blind, and they said to him, ‘Give glory to God! We know that this man is a sinner.’ 25 He answered, ‘I do not know whether he is a sinner. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.’ 26 They said to him, ‘What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?’ 27 He answered them, ‘I have told you already, and you would not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become his disciples?’ 28 Then they reviled him, saying, ‘You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. 29 We know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where he comes from.’ 30 The man answered, ‘Here is an astonishing thing! You do not know where he comes from, and yet he opened my eyes. 31 We know that God does not listen to sinners, but he does listen to one who worships him and obeys his will. 32 Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a person born blind. 33 If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.’ 34 They answered him, ‘You were born entirely in sins, and are you trying to teach us?’ And they drove him out. 35 Jesus heard that they had driven him out, and when he found him, he said, ‘Do you believe in the Son of Man?’* 36 He answered, ‘And who is he, sir? Tell me, so that I may believe in him.’ 37 Jesus said to him, ‘You have seen him, and the one speaking with you is he.’ 38 He said, ‘Lord, I believe.’ And he worshipped him. 39 Jesus said, ‘I came into this world for judgement so that those who do not see may see, and those who do see may become blind.’ 40 Some of the Pharisees near him heard this and said to him, ‘Surely we are not blind, are we?’ 41 Jesus said to them, ‘If you were blind, you would not have sin. But now that you say, “We see”, your sin remains.'
Photos courtesy Virginia Bennett. (Click images to enlarge slideshow)
I was raised in the 2nd largest Lutheran Church (not Missouri Synod) in the country. It had 6000 baptized members. So my first impression of church/religion was something that awed me, made me feel as though this must be about something 'enormous'. A picture of the nave and sanctuary is in my office at church. I remember being so small that the top of the pews were taller than me, and walking with my mother down that aisle I remember the sun coming through the stained glass window behind the altar of the risen Christ and it was just overwhelming; breathtaking; something that affected me on a visceral level, but I could not explain.
I hated Sunday School and before that my mother always told me that when she could hear babies and small children screaming in the nursery she was sure I was the loudest.(read more...)
This is the first in a series of messages from members of Journey. The messages--short essays, really--are being written during Lent, and will be posted on this website. The messages are intended not only for parishioners at St. Andrew's, but for anyone on the planet with access to the Internet. The topics are random. However, one thing the writers (ages 11 - 18) have been asked to do is to think about where God fits in, regardless of the topic. Or, if God doesn't seem to fit in, to think about why not. Where is God?
The first messages are from Olivia Hopkins, Aaron Huggins, Devon Dudding, Ellen Atwood, and Zach Banning. Those who read these messages are encouraged to respond in the comments section below each essay. Our hope is to create a dialogue with the older (sorry!) members of St. Andrew's.
What Scares Me About the World Today... by Olivia Hopkins What scares me about the world today is losing my self, or being affected by others so much that I am drawn to that point. I find myself lost or flustered by the differences between myself and the people surrounding me at school. I mean some of those people at school are crazy, and I know that I will never be like them. But I'm scared that I will be affected by them.
How will I find myself? I will use God's help to guide me back to my inner self.
What St. Andrew's has meant in my life is a leg to stand on. St. Andrew's has been a place where I can feel safe and welcomed. It's a place where I can learn and have fun, worship, and just be with others like me. I can grow and come alive at St. Andrew's, and be with people who support and help. It's like being with a second family, with all the love and care of one, and it makes me feel truly happy.
The most difficult part about being a teenager today is the expectations. It is very difficult to balance the goals and responsibilities of friends, family, and school. I no longer have the comfort of always living in the moment. Slowly it seems that I must place my thoughts on the rapidly approaching future. With looming thoughts of college, it's hard to balance time with friends and family.
Many nights and weekends I have had to choose between what I want to do, and what I have to do to ensure my happiness in the future.
In my life, I am most grateful for my parents. They have always been there for me. My mom and dad have always provided me with everything I need. Clothes, food, and most importantly, opening me up to believing in God. Without my parents I would not be as close to God as I am right now. They did a really great job bringing me to church each Sunday. My life would be incomplete without God, and I have my parents to thank for completing it.
In my life I am most grateful for my laugh. Because I laugh at everything, and it is awesome. And it is contagious. Sometimes it annoys people, but some people like it. And, it is funny (and some people could really use a good laugh sometimes if they are bitter). It is great. And that is why I am grateful for my laugh.
Joe Babajan (above, left), a Journey alum, joined us tonight for pizza and the lesson. Joe is on his way to Camp Pendleton (CA) where he is a helicopter pilot for the Marines.
Photos/Tom Atwood
