MCC of Albuquerque » suffering

National Coming Out Day

Neil Macernie — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 11:34:59 +0000

Monday, October 11th at 7:00 PM
Candlelight Vigil at Morningside Park (map)
Add Yourself to the Facebook Event (click here)

Rev. Judith Maynard will join Albuquerque Pride as one of the key speakers for this event. National Coming Out Day is an internationally-observed civil awareness day for coming out and discussing gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersexed and questioning (LGBTIQ) issues. Come join our LGBTIQ communities and our allies at Morningside Park in Albuquerque on Monday, October 11th at 7:00 PM for a candlelight vigil.

In light of the recent suicides and bullying of our LGBTIQ youth, it is important for us to encourage all people, of all sexual orientations, to “take your next step” in living openly and powerfully on this October 11th.

We encourage you, on this day, to wear clothing and jewelry that utilizes gay pride symbols and colors. Our goal is to raise awareness of the LGBTIQ community among the general populace in an effort to give a familiar face to our LGBTIQ rights movement.

Fellowship of Suffering

Rev. Judith Maynard — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 10:02:48 +0000

Instead of wallowing in his trails and sorrows, Paul encourages the Christians in Corinth to comfort one another in their sufferings, even as God has comforted them in their time of need. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

We don’t have to walk in the same shoes of suffering in order to comfort, but those who’ve been there can offer great consolation to others. Paul alludes to ‘the fellowship of sharing in (Christ’s) suffering’ Philippians 3:10.

The fellowship of suffering is a club with a steep entrance fee. Yet it is no exclusive clique. Many of us are inducted despite our best efforts to stay out. Once you’re in, though, no one can comfort you like a fellow member. This ability to help fellow sufferers adds great dignity and meaning to our anguish. In Christ, we never suffer for no reason.

Yes, your life has meaning. Your steps have led you down a road of hardships, yet through the power of God, you’ve survived. Your faith has been stretched. You have a new understanding of life. You know what’s really important.

You’ve weathered the storm. Now it’s your turn to help others through their tempests; to share the comfort that Jesus ministered to you.

God has plans for your life, far greater than you can imagine. Embrace God, embrace life, be a testimony of God’s unfailing love. Choose to trust God on the rainy days as well as when the sun is shining. The love and joy God gives you will shine through the clouds and draw others to the source of your hope.

Our church offers a shelter during a time of storm as we minister to those who are suffering. Pray that God will continue to bless our efforts as we continue to comfort others with Jesus’ love.

Without Warning…

Rev. Judith Maynard — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:00:19 +0000

A mother was stopped at her son’s bedroom door with a warning on a new door hanger. It was a cartoon drawing of a dog with nails dug deep into the carpet as it held on for dear life, with teeth clinched and eyes bugged out as half of its body was sucked into an upright vacuum cleaner. Encased in a circle with a big line drawn through it with bold lettering were the words, NO VACUUMING!!

One might expect that on a teenagers door, but not a pre-schooler. But this mom knew all too well why her son had an aversion to vacuum cleaners.

It was a cold, icky winter day and she needed to clean out the car for upcoming guests. Instead of freezing in her driveway, she decided to go to a nearby car wash and use their super duper vacuum cleaner. With her three year old rescuing toys from the back seat, saving them from certain death, she maneuvered the hose to the back seat and they met in the middle. In an instant the super duper hose sucked up one of her son’s brand new gloves right off his hand. She knew she was in trouble, not only because he loved his knew gloves, but she had teased him and jokingly threaten to suck up his toys if he didn’t pick them up. Not only that, the fear on his face told her he thought he was not only going a glove, but might just lose a hand to the super suction.

She laughed, he cried and the vacuum quit as time and money ran out. In desperation and guilt, she found the dirt trap, opened the door and sifted through the crud until she found the glove covered in filth. Eventually the glove went into the wash and disappointment was replaced with a smile. Saved by the wash!

There are times in life when we are just living life, minding our own business and in a split second we get sucked up by the vacuum of despair, disappointment , or defeat. Without warning we’re tossed around like a whirlwind and covered in the grime of frustration and begin wallowing in self-pity. But there is hope and a way to be rescued from the calamites of life. Allow God to dig you out, dust you off and wash you clean in God’s love. The stains of guilt will disappear as we become purer than snow. Cleaned and ready to begin a fresh start. Saved by the wash!

Keep Your Eyes on Jesus

Rev. Judith Maynard — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 12:00:15 +0000

Prayers warriors. You may have heard of them. You may even be one. Usually, a person will have a close friend who is a prayer warrior they call upon when they are making a difficult decision on a spiritual issue in their life. They are desperately needed because obstacle and struggles come your way as Satan tries to discourage, wear you down, or basically get you to change your decision. He and his troops clock in hours and hours of overtime. His tactics may come in the form of doubt or second guessing, an immediate financial disaster, peer pressure, and even sometimes physical and emotional stress. Sometimes, only a miracle will get you through this process.

The disciples needed a miracle as they battled a raging storm. Fear paralyzed their souls. Fear was their only thought, for as the waves crashed against their boat, death was inevitable as they so desperately tried to save their vessel from sinking.

Then suddenly, they had another fear to worry about…a ghost! But, they soon hear the Teacher’s voice say, Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid. (Matthew 14:27), but in all the turmoil, they were not convinced it was Jesus. Peter yelled out above the crashing waves, Lord, it is you, command me to come to you on the water. Jesus replied, Come.

Peter let go of his fears to be with Jesus and once again, Jesus performed a miracle as he and Peter walked on the troubled waters. But when Peter took his eyes off the Savior and began concentrating on the threatening waves, he began to sink. Once again, Jesus saved him and together they walked to the boat, where wide eyed disciples watched and waited. Jesus spoke and immediately the fierce wind stopped, the pounding waves calmed and the disciples were reminded of what walking with Jesus really meant.

Our journeys are no different – and Jesus in the same yesterday, today and forever. He can perform miracles as we walk on the waters of fear, doubt, loneliness, illness, and other monumental waves that crash in our lives, trying to drown us.

We are not alone in this journey. If we pray and keep our eyes on Jesus he reaches out, takes our hand, and calms the storms in our lives.

Words From the Pastor

Rev. Judith Maynard — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 05:03:33 +0000

It is easy to experience anxiety and worry in these stressful times. Many families are facing financial challenges in this tough economy. Others have major health issues. Some of our loved ones are serving in the armed forces in places of conflict. We worry about the safety of our children. The list goes on.

Scripture tells us “Cast all your anxiety on God, because God cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7

Next time you are anxious and worried stop for a moment and begin to think about all the blessings in your life. Focus on what is going right in your life. Think about a time in which you or a loved one experienced a miracle from God. As you think about your blessings, thank God. Trust that God will sustain and comfort you.

I hope to see you this Sunday for worship and celebration.

Peace and love,

Pastor Judy

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