Pastor's Blog - La Mesa Central Congregational Church

Solid Ground in Turbulent Times

You’ve probably heard the sarcastic but too close-to-the-truth saying, Nothing is certain in life except death and taxes. And yet, as we head into a new year, I imagine that we are all looking for some sense of certainty and clarity regarding the future; some solid ground on which we can stand to steady and guide us through the fog, frustration and fears that the year 2024 inevitably holds as we continue to hear about or experience disease and disaster or war and global warming, just to name a few issues that may keep us up at night.

In times of uncertainty, some people look for confidence in their finances, surmising that even if they don’t know what’s going on, at least they’ve got money in the bank. Others lean into their friendships and family connections, hoping that whatever comes, we’ll get through it together. Many others pour themselves into politics and activism seeking security in working to shape the future toward a better outcome – at least their preferred vision of what that looks like. Still, others find hope and meaning in service projects and in caring for their neighbors in need or a planet under duress. Finally, distraction and addiction through entertainment and substance abuse find their way into many of our lives as coping methods for the tenuousness and possible terror of the shadowy future.

Apocalyptic image with a clock and person

The End Is Near...Or, Is It?

At the beginning of Matthew chapter 24, Jesus predicts the destruction of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem. His disciples are understandably shocked and disturbed and ask Jesus the pressing question, “When will this happen…?” But they don’t stop there, they go on to ask the question that has burned in the minds of the faithful throughout the centuries since Jesus' death, resurrection and ascension, “what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?”

We can imagine that for Jews living in Israel under Roman occupation at the time of Christ, the utter destruction of the temple¹ could easily be considered a clear sign that the end was imminent. Jesus’ prediction was fulfilled, as the Jewish Temple was indeed destroyed by the Romans in A.D. 70. And yet, here we are nearly two thousand years later still pondering and sometimes predicting the return of Christ and the end of the world as we know it, to borrow a line from the 80’s band, R.E.M.

Beyond Summer Reading

After months of rain, cold, and gloomy weather, sunny, summer days are finally upon us. I know a few of you enjoy the cool, cloudy days, but I think I speak for most of us when I say, Thank you, Jesus, for the sunshine!

Looking forward to a vacation, or at least a bit slower pace to our days, our thoughts turn to various forms of relaxation. For many of us, this includes a summer reading list, and there is no shortage of suggestions in magazines, newspapers and newsfeeds this time of year. If this is you, as you compile your summer reading list, don't overlook the ultimate treasure trove of wisdom and inspiration—the Bible. Whether you are a person of faith or simply curious about the world's most influential book, including the Bible in your summer reading can unlock a realm of profound insights and timeless narratives.

I will Build My Church

The beginning of the school year and the onset of fall may put us in mind to reconsider our priorities, refocus on our purpose and get reacquainted with our routines. Even if we have the privilege of being retired, the changing of the seasons affords an opportunity for reflection on our life’s direction and purpose. In that spirit, it seems to me to be a good time to reflect as well on the direction and purpose of our life together as Central Congregational Church.

In Matthew chapter 16, we find Jesus with his disciples in the city of Caesarea Philippi in the northern part of Israel – a strategic outpost of the Roman Empire, to the point of the title, Caesar, being appended to the original name of the city. It is not an accident that it is in this location that Jesus questions his disciples as to what the word on the street is about who Jesus really is, as by then Jesus’ teaching and miracles had gained him widespread notoriety.

After the disciples report on what they’ve heard about Jesus through the local gossip – including that Jesus is the reincarnation of John the Baptist, Elijah or Jeremiah – Jesus more pointedly asks his closest followers, “But what about you?... Who do you say that I am?” At which point the Apostle Peter unsurprisingly speaks out boldly for the whole group by declaring that Jesus is “the Messiah, the Son of the living God”. Then, after noting that Peter and the disciples didn’t come to this accurate conclusion by their own wisdom but rather by revelation from God, Jesus makes a bold and revolutionary pronouncement. In the very shadow of the Roman Empire, Jesus affirms that he is indeed the Son of God – which also makes him the rightful ruler, not Caesar – and that upon Peter’s confession of this fact and Jesus’ followers continued confession of his Lordship throughout the centuries, he will build his church, “and the gates of hell will not overcome it”.

Ten Years and Counting

At the end of 2012 and into the beginning of 2013, after ten years of fruitful ministry, growing fellowship and meaningful outreach, our time at our previous church was coming to a rather unexpected end. I was the worship leader and the Associate Pastor for a small but growing congregation near what was then Qualcomm Stadium, and when it became clear that a change was coming, Rhonda and I found ourselves in a rather anxious state of Limbo. We knew it was time to move on, but we had no clear sense of where God was moving us to.

As we began to pray and explore options, the opportunity to interview for the pastorate at a church north of LA, in Agoura Hills, presented itself. At first, this seemed like an ideal possibility, as Agoura Hills is just twenty minutes south of Ventura, where Rhonda and I grew up, and where much of our family still lives. However, after dinner and a question-and-answer time with the church's leadership and their spouses, it became clear to them – and later to us – that after twenty years in the area, we were not ready to sever our San Diego roots.

During this time of searching and uncertainty, I was driving with my good friend, Don Brennan, through La Mesa and we happened to pass by Central Congregational Church. Though I had certainly driven by the church multiple times, I had never noticed it. Don had recently installed a new sound system for CCC, and knowing both the church’s situation and ours, casually mentioned, You should be the pastor of that church.

Solid Ground in Turbulent Times

The End Is Near...Or, Is It?

Beyond Summer Reading

I will Build My Church

Ten Years and Counting

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