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| Not Chicken? Think AgainDear Friends: At the Annual Conference (held in Redlands in mid-June) our Bishop, the Rev. Mary Ann Swenson, preached on this text: “Oh Jerusalem, Jerusalem... how often I have desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings...” (Luke 13:34) She acknowledged that chickens are thought to be foolish and fearful; that calling someone a “chicken” is understood to be an insult; that Chicken Little is the epitome of what we don't want to be or become. But she also pointed out that when Jesus choose an animal to symbolize his ministry, he did not choose an eagle, a leopard, or a lion. He chose a mother hen, spreading her wings to protect her precious chicks. The mother hen reference is offered by Jesus in a specific context. King Herod is, once again, threatening to kill Jesus. In Luke 13:32, Jesus refers to King Herod as a fox. He says, “Go and tell that fox for me (that I am still doing my work).” If Herod is the fox, then certainly Jesus, the target of all Herod’s scheming and plotting, is the chicken. And significantly, this chicken, though perhaps doomed, is not running around in a panic. This chicken is steadfastly spreading her wings and urging her children to seek shelter within. We have a choice, said Bishop Swenson. We can live our lives by licking our chops, or we can live our lives as one prepared to die protecting the chicks. We can live like Herod: violent, fearful, selfish, demanding. Or we can live like Jesus: calm in the face of threats, purposeful, clearly vulnerable, yet bravely thinking first of those who need our help and protection. Herod is not gone from our world, she said. And, as long as we are willing to follow him, neither is Jesus. So, spread your wings; open your arms. Give your heart to Jesus, the one who gave himself for you. That was our Bishop’s invitation, and I pass it on to you. At the Annual Conference, I see long-time friends, receive encouragement, and gain new ideas for ministry. I was pleased to have Judi P. representing our church, Malea S. serving a specific function on behalf of the whole conference, Kelly F. and Dan K. representing certain ministries. This month, my travels will include going with the choir to Colorado, and accompanying Christina and her soccer team to a tournament in Hawaii. I will be away for only one Sunday in July. Mike Hicks will preach in my absence, and I know he will bring a helpful and inspiring message. God’s grace and peace be with you, Pastor April |
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