The Messenger - April 2, 2009

Pastor's Ponderings
by Rev. Neal Neuenchwander

April 2, 2009

The Christian's "North Star"

If you've ever taken even the slightest interest in Astronomy, then you've probably learned to recognize at least two constellations: Orion (the "Hunter"-- most visible in winter months), and Ursa Major (the "Big Dipper"--most visible in the Spring). Both of these constellations are easy to find, and both of them can help us find so many other things. On a clear night, at least 7 major constellations (and 5 signs of the zodiac) can be found by tracing arcs from Orion. And the North Star, which sailors used to cross vast, uncharted seas, can be found by tracing a simple arc from the Big Dipper. Actually, every star you see (and many that you can't) is charted by astronomers based upon its angle from the North Star. And every star you can see appears to rotate around that star as the night goes on.

In Christian Theology, Calvary is our North Star. Everything that we know of God, and everything we understand about ourselves rotates about this seminal event. Without Calvary, there is no Easter for us to celebrate. Without Calvary, there is redemption for us to claim. And without Calvary, there is no hope of reconciliation with people who have wronged us and those whom we have wronged. When it comes to the skyscape of redemption, Calvary is the center of it all.

Our church will provide two chances to reorient your own spiritual compass around Calvary in the month ahead. The first chance is a concert to be held during worship on Palm Sunday (April 5). The second chance is a Passover Seder Presentation to be held in McDonald Hall on Tuesday, April 7.

On Palm Sunday, our Chancel Choir will present the "Stabat Mater," a stirring modern rendition of an ancient medieval poem that invites us to "stand with Mary" at the cross. Much like the Brahm's Requiem that we heard 2 years ago, many parts of this composition have the lyric sweep and power of opera. But the composer of this work, Karl Jenkins, supplements that tradition with a distinctly modern touch, including a wonderful array of catchy rhythms. When listening to those sections, I thought of everything from galloping horses to rap. But the central focus of this work is suffering -- the depth of Mary's suffering, the meaning of our suffering, and the power of Jesus' suffering on the cross. This consistent focus brings a very moving message in the end.

On Tuesday, April 7, the "Jews for Jesus" organization will present "Christ in the Passover," a distinctly Christian observance of the traditional Jewish Seder. This presentation will include all the traditional elements of a Seder--lamb, horseradish, matzo, eggs, charoseth, and "bitter herbs." And each of these classic elements will be interpreted through the life and death of Christ at Calvary. You'll have a chance to taste a number of these elements. But the Christological meaning of these elements will make their varied flavors so much more profound. Thus, we'll close this presentation with communion and a celebration of God's grace to us.

Whether we're traveling through the oceans or the many challenges of this life, it's easy to get lost. It's easy to lose sight of our spiritual "North Star." But it's also easy to reclaim it through contemplation on the death of Christ at Calvary. We hope you'll join us for this effort in Holy Week.

Neal

Calendar
Week of April 2, 2009

• Friday

  8:30 am
  Tennis breakfast at Carrows
• 7:30 pm
  Youth Hang-out

• Sunday

  9:30 am
  Palm Sunday - Lenton Music

• Monday

  6:30 pm
  Youth Praise Band (Tim Gray)
• 7:00 pm
  Women's Bible Study (Kim Neuenschwander)

• Tuesday

  7:00 pm
  "Christ in the Passover" presented by Jews for Jesus in McDonald Hall

• Wednesday

  7:00 am
  Breakfast Club Bible Study at Carrow's (Bob Erbacker)
• 1:00 pm
  Women's Bible Study (Kim Neuenschwander)
• 2:30 pm
  Beachcomber Beta Group
• 4:30 pm
  Cherub Choir (Emily Anderson)
• 4:30 pm
  Gospel Gang (Lesley Sirianni)
• 5:30 pm
  Kings Chorus (Lesley Sirianni)
• 6:30 pm
  SonLight Singers (Lesley Sirianni)
• 6:30 pm
  Jr. High Fellowship (Todd Bender)
• 7:00 pm
  Prayer Group
• 7:00 pm
  Chapel Bells (Nan Roberts)

• Thursday

  11:30 am
  Forever Young Luncheon
• 7:30 pm
  Chancel Choir

Looking Ahead

• April 12
  Easter Services at 9:00 am and 11:00 am

Editor's Corner

Celebrate the Journey to the Cross

Sunday, April 5, 2009; 9:30 a.m.

Experience Holy Week in profound beauty as the Chancel Choir and orchestra of the First Presbyterian Church of San Pedro under the direction of Allan Robert Petker presents

Stabat Mater is a 13th-century Roman Catholic poem attributed to Jacopone da Todi. Its title is an abbreviation of the first line, Stabat Mater dolorosa (“The sorrowful mother was standing.”) This text, one of the most powerful and immedate of medieval poems, meditates on the suffering of Mary, Jesus’ mother, during the crucifixion.

A freewill offering will be taken. Childcare is provided.

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