Sermon: Two Boys Who Belong To God

1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26; Luke 2:41-52

We don't have very many stories of children in the scriptures, and yet this morning, the lectionary has given us these two. They seemed to be linked, particularly by the similarity of the closing verses. "The boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the Lord and the people; and "Jesus increased in wisdom and in years and in divine and human favor."

Their stories seem to be parallel in some other ways too. They grew up in Jewish families that were very faithful. Samuel's parents went every year to Shiloh to worship and make sacrifices. Jesus' family journeyed to Jerusalem at the time of Passover each year. They were both brought up in the faith.

Remember the story of Samuel's mother, Hannah, who was barren. One one of their journeys to Shiloh, she prayed earnestly to God that if God would give her a son, she would return him to the Lord. And so when he was weaned, Hanny brought him to the temple so that he could serve God there with the old priest Eli. We read this morning that she continued to sew his special clothing each year and take it to him, as a sign of her love and care for him.

We must also remember that Jesus' mother, Mary, was told that she would have a child who would be holy, the son of God even though she was not married, and that nothing was impossible with God. And Mary replied that she was God's servant - that she was willing to do whatever God asked of her.

But in our story of Jesus at 12 years old, it sounds like Jesus may understand this calling even more than his mother does. It seems like we always had questions about when Jesus knew who he was, but this passage gives us some hints that he understood a lot at age 12. He brings his questions to the scholars in the temple, and he impresses them with his answers to their questions.

His parents are naturally worried when they discover that he is not with their traveling companions, and they search frantically. But, Jesus is just matter-of-fact about the whole thing. He was not worried -- he knew where he was supposed to be. And yet the story say she went with them and was obedient.

I think that we have trouble thinking of Jesus as being just like any kid, learning from his experiences. And yet, this story is very much like what happens to every person when we realize that we can make our own decisions, when we separate from our parents. Each of you can probably remember a time like that that was a sort of defining moment. I think for me one of those moments had to do with making the decision to continue taking piano lessons and practicing when most of my friends were quitting music. It was definitely a decision I made on my own. Now, I cannot imagine my life without music.

You know about those moments, and if you are a parent, you have probably seen them in your children. Mary and Joseph see that Jesus knows himself in a new way. And even though he goes back with them and is obedient to them, I wonder if things don't shift for their family at that point.

So both these boys are born for a purpose. Hannah and Mary, in their own way and in their own time, release them to God's service. Both of our stories center around the temple, and in the lives of both Samuel and Jesus, the temple becomes a central place.

These stories of their boyhood set the stage for their lives and ministry. As they grow physically, they both grow more and more into the will and purpose of God. And both boys will live completely under God's providential care. Samuel did not belong to himself or to his parents - Samuel belonged to God. Jesus did not belong to himself or to his parents - Jesus belonged completely to God.

These stories of two boys who belonged to God teach us a lot about ourselves and our children. Paul writes - you are not your own, you were bought with a price. We live in a culture that says we must be in control of our lives - we must be our own person! But, are we ever really in control? Or should we really want to be? Wouldn't it be better if God was in control, and if we could trust in God enough to truly want that?

And the truth is that our children really do not belong to us either. They belong to God. Hannah and Mary teach us that! There is a moment in our baptism of infants with the parents give the baby to the pastor, and we have the privilege of placing the water on their head. In that act, the parents symbolically give their child to God and to the church. And we promise to pray for the child and help nurture that child in the faith.

(Unlike Samuel who was left with Eli the priest, San and I can give the children back to the parents to be raised at home!)

These stories also remind us that we have responsibilities to our children, and also that we can learn from them. Jesus was asking the scholars questions, and they were letting him ask questions! Questions are great! But then they were listening to his answers too and were amazed at his understanding. So let us listen to our young people; let us let them teach us; let us honor their theology and their understanding of the faith.

And let us continue to have young people involved in every part of the life of our church. Samuel was ministering before the Lord, and he had official duties. We love it when we see our children and youth helping in worship - acolytes, crucifers, readers, musicians, and so on.

We are also reminded that all of us are growing throughout our lives. Our life as disciples of Jesus is ongoing. We just do not arrive at some point where we can say, well that is done! No, we are forever being formed into Christ's image. It is a lifelong process. And here we are in the midst of a community that will care about us and help us.

In Samuel and Jesus we are reminded once again that we are children of God, claimed by God, dedicated to God. We are reminded once again of our true identity.

Friends, this week we enter a new year, a new decade. AS we consider how we might enter this year, let us consider these words from Colossians that point us to how we might live because we belong to God:

"As God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you must also forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which you indeed were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly, teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing hymns, psalms, and spiritual songs to God. And whatever you do in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, given thanks to God the Father through him." Amen.

-Judy Skaggs, Associate Pastor at University Presbyterian Church

Street Youth Ministry Celebrates Christmas!

Every Tuesday, UPC hosts a Bible Study for Street Youth Ministry. This ministry was begun by Terry Cole, member of Covenant Presbyterian Church in Austin. He recently sent an update, describing how he and street-dependent youth celebrated the holiday.

Please visit Terry's blog to learn more about this incredible ministry. Here's what Terry has to say about Christmas Celebrations this year!

Wednesday -- Gingerbread House Therapy

For 2 days, about 20 youth and I worked to build a gingerbread mansion out of graham crackers, cookies, cereal, marshmallows and lots of candy. It was an amazing building complete with landscaping. While we built it, we explored feelings about the future. The youth made a story to go with it. They imagined it to be a green and sustainable building. And it acted as a home for traveling kids from all over. Additionally, they had a solution for the strife between themselves and community. Read their story and see more pictures on my blog.


Friday -- Christmas Stockings on the Street

This year I got an amazing present from Bags of Grace ministry. They prepared and gave 100 large red stockings. Each contained a hand-made scarf and hat, a signed Christmas card, a bag of toiletries, and some candy. Some youth said "No" to receiving these at first, but then sheepishly would grin and say, "Sure!" One said, "This is the only Christmas I've had in three years." One said, "The bag is nice, but the real gift is this card that someone wrote to me."


Tuesday: Christmas Party

We had 35 youth come to our first ever Christmas party this year! Wow! It was mayhem, but I manged to get them to sing Christmas carols! We watched a funny video of the 12 crazy days of Christmas and then shared ideas on the real meaning of Christmas. I gave a mini-message: "We are each are favored by God, chosen by God, and unconditionally loved by God. Even though we run away from God, he pursues after us, never ceasing to love us." These youth have few models for unconditional love, so I brought up an image they are familiar with: the love of a dog for its owner. "Imagine a big warm dog with paws on your shoulders, licking your face and lying on your lap. This is sort of what it feels like to stop running from God and let his love cover us." Then we watched a brief video which brought home the idea of "God With Us." It challenged them to wonder if the greatest gift we can give anyone this Christmas might be giving ourselves to God.

We enjoyed sausage wraps, cookies, oranges, eggnog and cokes. Everyone received gifts, all of which were donated to SYM by people like you. I handed out flashlights and radios powered by hand cranks instead of batteries. I handed out bags with Bibles and devotionals. I handed out wash clothes and tee-shirts and socks. I handed out tiny decorated rosemary trees so that any youth could have a Christmas tree if they wanted. I handed out a Christmas book. I gave out oranges and bags of candy. I gave out more stockings, including to one girl who just got an apartments. "Now I have a stocking to hang in my house!"

We finished by watching the gospel according to Charles Schulz, "A Charlie Brown Christmas." After the party, many stayed to help clean-up. They were so overwhelmed by the generosity of those who support me in ministry toward them. One youth stopped by for counseling and gave me a huge hug, a first for him.

Austin Agape and University Presbyterian Church are grateful for this ministry!

Praying for Military Families

We pray for families this week who have lost loved ones in war-torn nations around the world. We also want to be prayerful for citizens of those countries who have lost loved ones. Let's be mindful of soldiers everywhere, and let's renew our call toward peace.

This week, these soldiers died in Afghanistan. . .

Andrew Nutthall, age 30, Canadian Army
Tommy Brown, age not reported, British Army
Omar Roebuck, age 23, Moreno Valley, California
Christopher Roney, age 23, British Army
Michael David Pritchard, age 22, British Army
Serge Kropov, age 21, Hawley, Pennsylvania


Loving God, hold the families of these fallen service persons in your strong, comforting and healing arms. In the name of your compassionate son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

How is Your Break?

Our students are on holiday break from university life. It's time to celebrate Christmas and have some time for relaxation with family and friends before gearing up for the spring semester. Here's what some are doing these few days.

What have you enjoyed about your break and Christmas this year?

This year, i have enjoyed spending alot of my time with my family and seeing people who I haven't seen in a long time! I have also enjoyed being able to lounge alot and lead a very low-stress life that includes lying on the couch and walking my dog.

Yay Christmas!
-Alyssa Nipp, Junior


I've enjoyed being home! Seeing my friends and family again after being away for so long just felt so great. Though the snow was pretty cool too!

-Merrit Martin, Junior



I think that the best part of this christmas season has been the anything but ordinary circumstances that have lent themselves to yield a breath-taking view. What I am referring to is that about 3 months ago, my dad lost his job and subsequently, our Christmas spending was cut drastically. Even birthday spending for Benjamin and myself was cut too. This experience has opened my eyes to see the true gifts that God has blessed us with: Friends, family, and a lot of love. This experience has really shown me the true side of Christmas. We are brought together not so have the silent but existing competition of who can spend the most and make everyone else feel bad for not spending more. It is about sharing what we do have and enjoying it with others. We are to give ourselves... not meaningless gifts that just show out of touch we are. We are to share love, compassion, kindness... some of the parts that sum to the light of Christ... the babe in a manger.

-Timothy Pierce, Junior


Let's see. I think my favorite thing about Christmas this year was seeing all of my family and friends (from Houston). I was so busy this semester, I didn't go home at all and it was great to see them all again, as well as relax. I also really enjoyed all of the good food! Such a feast reminds me of dinner on Sundays. :)
Hope you and everyone else are having a great break!

-Catherine Faig, Sophomore

Christmas Eve Services!

Last evening, we had two meaningful Christmas Eve services at UPC. We had some cookies and cider together in the afternoon, and then our first service involved an impromtu pageant with the kids. Children dressed up as Biblical characters as we told the Christmas story. Then at 11pm we joined together in a service with communion. Here are some delightful pictures from the evening! Merry Christmas!

Inconspicuous. . .

Here is a meaningful poem by U.A. Fanthorpe. He captures how the significant incarnation meets us in seemingly insignificant places. . .






“BC:AD”

This was the moment when Before
Turned into After, and the future's
Uninvented timekeepers presented arms.

This was the moment when nothing
Happened. Only dull peace
Sprawled boringly over the earth.

This was the moment when even energetic Romans
Could find nothing better to do
Than counting heads in remote provinces.

And this was the moment
When a few farm workers and three
Members of an obscure Persian sect
Walked haphazard by starlight straight
Into the kingdom of heaven.

- U.A. Fanthorpe

U.P.L.I.F.T. Christmas Party!

Our congregation participates in a vibrant ministry every Tuesday morning. It's called U.P.L.I.F.T - University Presbyterians Living in Faith Together. At 9:30am, residents in Austin and surrounding areas come to receive assistance with rent or utility bills. The Bill Murray Friendship Fund financially supports this ministry. Though we are blessed to give to those who come on Tuesday mornings, the clients give us so much when they arrive. We are strengthened as we have the opportunity to know them and learn from them. We give thanks that we can bless one another.

Yesterday U.P.L.I.F.T hosted a Christmas Party! In addition to help with rent and utilities, clients were able to choose Christmas gifts as well. Here are some pictures of the wonderful event!















Merry Christmas!

Sermon: Breathing In Advent

Micah 5:2-5

Here we are on the 4th Sunday in Advent, the last Sunday before Christmas bursts upon us. For many of us, the spiritual meaning of this season competes with the fatigue and the stress that so often accompany the days leading up to Christmas. Some have called this period the spin cycle of the year. I heard a person this week use yet another metaphor. He said that he felt as though he were in a funnel with the pressures of the season constricting and pressing in on him even to the point that breathing itself becomes difficult. So today let's pause and draw in a deep breath. Keying off our reading from the prophet Micah, let's fill our lungs with the hopeful message proclaimed by the prophet.

As we begin to inhale the prophet's hope, notice a couple of key features about the hope of which Micah speaks. In the first place, the hope that inspired the prophets is one that arises out of devastation, disappointment, and suffering. The hope that we inhaled this morning is not the sentimental, false hope of pretending that everything is okay. Rather, biblical hope arises and endures even - and especially - when there is little evidence to support it.

Certainly this was the case for the prophet Micah. His message of a future hope came at a time when the nation was in crisis and on the verge of collapse. Jerusalem was under siege. Ruler after ruler had disappointed the people's hopes. The religious establishment was corrupt and cared only about their own prosperity. The economic life of the nation preyed on the poor and exploited laborers. Yet it was in this time of gathering doom that Micah proclaimed that a new and better day was to come.

Last week several thousand American soldiers said goodbye to anxious spouses, children, and parents to head to Afghanistan as part of the President's call for a military surge. Such a surge in force, the President concluded, is necessary to address the threats in that part of the world. No one knows what the consequences of the surge will be. But we all know that resorting to arms has never been a solution to the long-term cycles of war and peace, attack and retaliation. In his massive work on the rise and fall of civilizations - twenty-eight of them now - historian Arnold Toynbee sees the beginning of every civilization rising in the triumph of war, and dissolving in the horror of siege. As soldiers continue to march off to war much as they have from the dawn of civilization, we cry, "How long. . .how long before that promised day when people will live secure and peace will extend to the ends of the earth?"

I received an e-mail this week from one of our members commenting on our Advent readings from Micah. The person expressed a sentiment that is widely shared. She wrote, "I am grappling with the passage of 700 years between the time of Micah and the coming of Christ. That's a really long time!. . .It amazes me that 2800 years later, we are still reflecting on his teachings. I'm glad that there are still some persons who are moved to follow them." It is amazing, isn't it, that in spite of the slowness, in spite of continuing evidence to the contrary, we are still moved by the prophets' hope that the world at hand is not the world that will always be.

For some of you, devastation, disappointment, and suffering feels up close and personal. Some of you have suffered painful losses, disappointments, depression, financial troubles, anxious concern for the welfare of those you love. So this morning, we draw in a collective breath of hope, the kind of hope that sustains us, especially in times of trouble, sickness, or suffering.

Yet another feature of the hope we inhale this morning is the surprising way in which hope is realized in our lives and world. Micah declares that the hope of the world will come from the village of Bethlehem, from one of the "little clans" of Judah. That phrase "little clans" also can be translated to mean least, insignificant, or lesser in social status and power. By associating hope with Bethlehem, the prophet turns our attention to the small, the quiet, the hidden ways that God is transforming the world. One of the great themes of scripture is that God chooses the least likely, the littlest, the ones of low status or the youngest to accomplish God's purpose.

Recall how Gideon declared himself to be from the weakest clan, the youngest in his family. Saul described his tribe as the "least" of those in Israel. The Lord chose David, the youngest, over his brothers. This theme finds expression again and again. We saw it in Luke's story of the visitation. Mary -young, unwed, poor - comes to a remote village to meet her older cousin Elizabeth. Elizabeth is the unlikely mother who became pregnant when she was way past childbearing years. Together these two unlikely agents of God's purpose rejoice over the hope that is taking flesh within them. Of course, the climactic expression of God working in surprising, unexpected ways comes in the announcement that the Messiah and Savior of the world is the baby lying in an animal's feeding trough.

Composer John Bell sets this theme of the unexpected aspect of God's ways in his Carol of the Epiphany. We heard this carol during our Lessons and Carols last Sunday. "I sought him dressed in finest clothes, where money talks and status grows; but power and wealth he never chose; it seemed he lived in poverty. I sought him in the safest place, remote from crime or cheap disgrace; but safety never knew his face: It seemed he lived in jeopardy. I sought him where the spotlights glare, where crowds collect and critics stare; but no one knew his presence there; it seemed he lived in obscurity."

I've enjoyed the Advent booklet prepared by the Deacons. Included in the booklet are several personal reflections. I was struck how the meaning of the season tended to come in small ways - in a faraway place, through an unexpected gesture of friendship. Perhaps in a surprising sequence of events had a certain beauty, laced with kindness. Breathing in Advent prepares us to look for God's activity in the world where it is least expected.

Now our taking a few moments to breathe in Advent has a larger purpose. We've been inhaling the hope which Advent proclaims so that we can exhale that hope as we move toward Christmas and beyond. After all, our faith is that the prophet's dream of a just ruler who brings peace to the world has indeed come and in the most unexpected, surprising way. He grew up to rule the world not as a Herod or Caesar rule. Rather he rules solely through the irrepressible power of suffering love, a love that is slowly but surely transforming the world. This is what someone has called "the great process of transformation being wrought by the creative energy of the triune God."

And friends, we are called to be participants of God's great process of transformation. Recall that when the risen Christ came to his fearful disciples, he breathed his life into theirs, gave them his peace, and sent them out to be ambassadors of peace, as a community breathing in hope and breathing out Christ's love to the world. That remains our mission today.

Are you ready? On the count of three: 1-2-3-b r e a t h e.

-San Williams, Senior Pastor at University Presbyterian Church

Gifts for This Season

This quote was sent in Sojourners Verse and Voice:

"Christmas gift suggestions: To your enemy, forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance. To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, a good example. To yourself, respect."

- Oren Arnold
American editor and free-lance writer

Prayers for Street Youth Ministry

During Advent we collected new socks for Street Youth Ministry. Terry Cole, a member of Covenant Presbyterian Church, serves as a missionary to youth and young adults who live on the streets near campus. Each month, he sends a prayer newsletter. Here are some of the prayer celebrations and concerns that he highlights this month:





Answered Prayers:

"Jane" had her baby. Despite lots of social work, she was not prepared and was unable to keep the baby. However, both are healthy and the baby is safe. Praise for that. Jane has worked through at least part of the grieving for this event.
Helpers have begun to appear. I had a helper stuff the print newsletter this month and have another offering to do it in the future. I have two people offering administrative assistance. I have one helper offering to collect my thought together into a volunteer training program so that I can take prepared people with me to the streets in ministry.

"Luke" has stabilized again into a successful pattern of sobriety and work. He is making plans to manage his money much better this coming semester. He is looking forward to his classes in January.

My co-worker is taking treatments for his cancer and his attitude is wonderful. He's a real fighter. Continued prayers are needed for his full recovery. It's still a long road ahead.

Praise for this email system. Its use has been donated to the ministry. I hope that it will result in simpler management of the mailing lists. People can now sign themselves up and I can allow volunteers to administer the mailing list without using my personal email. The company is Vertical Response.



Prayers for Clients:

"Jason" has had significant issues with the justice system but has cleared his name and served his time. He returned to the street this summer and began coming to Bible study. He has seemed distant at times but very clearly has begun to form a relationship with Jesus. This holiday season he is having difficulty with how his family is treating him after incarceration. Pray for him to come to terms with the pain of his experiences and relationships.

"Billy" has huge issues with anger and alcohol. He has very few people who act as any type of support network for him. He recently confided in me how a step-family member used to abuse him. Pray that he can continue to work through the anger issues caused in his past and remain open to the possibility of the Gospel and its healing power.

There are many who seem to be turning more heavily toward alcohol. this month I think it goes with the pain of Christmas for them. Christmas is either a wonderful or terrible season. There seems to be little in between for the street youth. Pray for them to hear the Gospel story one more time during Christmas and for their ears and hearts to be open. Pray that I know how to safely and lovingly work with them, exactly where they are.

A client I worked closely with in drug counseling has been incarcerated in another state. Pray that in this time he will not only become clean but that someone will be there to continue to witness to him. His mother, who came down to Austin to be with her son, has also traveled to be nearer him. Pray for travel safety for her.


Prayers for the Ministry:

Pray that I will continue to have good vision for how to organize volunteers. Pray that I use time well to organize and train volunteers. Pray that it is enriching for the volunteers and makes more time for deeper and more direct ministry to the youth.

It is the peak of end of year fund raising. I don't know really where we are in terms that I usually share with you. In November, we actually had a break-even month. December is tougher because of end of year taxes and expenses. God has been good to SYM this year and will continue to provide. We need about 20 more regular donors, but I'll wait until January to figure out exactly what things look like.
One source of income this year is ending. We are losing a $1600/month because it's time has ended. It's nothing bad... the terms of the income source are just completed. This make one fund raising goal for 2010 clear: to replace this $1600/month. Pray for discernment and networking to the right people who can gladly and joyfully give to fill this need.

I would like to have better relationship and volunteer management skills..One of the best companies in the market for non-profits is right here in Austin, called Convio. Pray for a contact or relationship to develop such that they might donate their software services or help SYM in some way to become a great cultivator of community relationships.

I rarely feel in danger in any way. However, pray that I can continue to move safely among the street dependent and am given supernatural abilities to say and do the right things for His name's sake.

We are grateful to pray in partnership with this ministry.

The Advent Conspiracy

One of the difficulties during the season of Advent is how Christmas seems to push in upon it, particularly the aspects of consumerism that find their way into this season.

Time Magazine recently published an article about a group of Christians who are challenging American trends of consumerism during this season. Time calls this group the 'Advent Conspiracy.' The article mentions that many Christians initiate campaigns at this time of year to demand that greetings of "Merry Christmas" be given to them and others at stores. But the 'Advent Conspiracy' group of Christians criticizes these campaigns as attempts to allow consumerism to trump the true joy of Christmas.

You can read the article here.

What will you do to live Advent in expectation and hope? And then, how will you celebrate Christmas apart from consumerism?

Austin Agape Christmas Extravaganza!

As finals have come to a close, it's time to celebrate holidays and have an enjoyable break away from university life. We recently held our annual Christmas party at Marco's place. (Thanks for hosting, Marco!) Here are some pictures of our enjoyable evening together! (Also courtesy of Marco!)