IN THOSE DAYS.....IN THESE DAYS

There is something so normal, so comforting and so divine about the three words that begin the story of our Lord’s birth - “In those days...”. In those days of Caesar Augustus, and censuses, governors and villages God chose to fulfill his promise to send to the world what was needed to bring humanity back to wholeness – Jesus.
The story of our savior’s birth does not begin “Once upon a time” as if it were some sort of fantasy beyond the realm of human experience or human hope. It does not speak of imaginary places, events, or things that could only forever be imaginary. Rather it begins with a statement of fact. In history, at a point all creation can point to as real-- in a real culture, a real situation, and a real world torn by the effects of sin — at just the right time God’s own son was born.
It might be better if it had started with “ Once upon a time.”. We could just sit back and enjoy the details, the drama, and the story as it is often presented in our media. We could pretend that Christmas is all sweet and nice with presents, parties and trees aglow with lights. If Christmas is only pretend then we can set aside dealing with the issues it raises, like world problems, poverty, human suffering, human sin, mangers, soldiers, violence and simple human vulnerability before the evil of the world, the devil and our own human hearts. With a fantasy Christmas we can settle for a fantasy Jesus and rationalize away all about God’s love for us as something only for children, to be set aside for more immediate things, like consumerism, when we become adults. But it doesn’t begin that way.
In those days God acted and when we face that fact we cannot read what follows without being challenged to the depths of our beings. We see that this same God, who became flesh and dwelt among us in the mystery and grace of the first Christmas, died and rose again on Easter, and who reigns now and forever is also the one we turn to “in these days” where we need the comfort of a saviour as urgently as that first Christmas so long ago.
The power of Christmas is that into these days God still is savior at a time when the events of these days have so clearly challenged all our fantasies about our society, our security, our economy and yes, our false and comfortable fantasies about God. Jesus came not to provide empty holidays but a whole heart. He came in a manger to challenge us to see our own poverty of life and faith so that we might cherish, with wonder, that he has come to be our strength in the struggles of everyday life.
At Concordia each day is one in which I see the power of Christmas, not as fantasy but as reality. In these days, of wars, recessions, lost jobs, exams, family deaths, personal trials, broken hearts and broken lives Jesus is real. It is in knowing the nearness of a loving God that we can stop, with shepherds, wisemen, Mary, Joseph and the angels of heaven, to marvel at such love, so powerful, and so strong, in those days and all the days to come. God’s blessings this Christmas season 2011.

Josiah Koenig: Nov. 1, 2011 Chapel

Grace mercy and peace from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Our sermon text this morning is from the book of Hebrews chapter 10:11 – 25 and reads as follows:
11 Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. 12 But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God. 13 Since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool, 14 because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy. 15 The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. First he says: 16 “This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts and I will write them on their minds.” 17 Then he adds: “Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.” 18 And where these have been forgiven, there is no longer any sacrifice for sin. 19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.25 Let us not give up meeting together , as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Here ends the reading.
How many of you enjoy watching baseball? My dad loves baseball. Maybe it’s because he is American, I don’t know. When I ask people their opinion about baseball the most common answer I hear is that it is “boring”. Well my dad says baseball is exciting. He told me once that it is exciting because “baseball is a game of inches”: you hit an inch of a ball with an inch of a bat, sometimes you just catch the ball with the top inch of your glove, and you are tagged out as you dive just inches before the home plate. If you miss the ball or the plate by an inch you can lose the ball game. The same is true with life and sin. Sin can be described as missing the mark, the mark of God’s law. The scriptures say that if we break any one of the commandments, even the least of them, we are guilty of breaking them all. If we miss the mark by just a little we are judged guilty and we are condemned.
In today’s text the writer to the Hebrews exhorts us to hold unswervingly to the hope we profess.
So how are we doing? Have we kept on target with god’s laws or have we missed the mark?
Have we held unswervingly to the gospel?
Well, let’s look at the text.
The writer of Hebrews addresses the Jewish converts to Christianity who are familiar with the Old Testament and who are tempted to revert back to Judaism.
In the Old testament God gave sacrificial laws to the Jews which were continually practiced even up to the time of this book’s composition.
The writer explains that “day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices”.
Then the writer says something shocking; he says that the sacrifices “can never take away sin”
Why were the Jews doing them then? Why did God give these sacrificial laws in the first place?
The writer answers these questions earlier in chapter 10 when he says “3but those sacrifices are an annual reminder of sins, 4 because it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.”
So these sacrifices were a reminder of sin and could not take away sin.
So great, we’ve got a reminder of sin, but that doesn’t help us have a right relationship with God does it.
The writer continues: “12 but when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God”
Where the Jewish priests offered continual sacrifices standing up, Jesus – the priest, offered one sacrifice sat down “because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.” That is Christians; you and I.
Christ offered one sacrifice, for all sins forever. “24 and where these have been forgiven there is no longer any sacrifice for sin.”
There’s a logic to this isn’t there? Why are continual sacrifices for sin necessary if one sacrifice has forgiven sin? Earlier in the chapter the writer states that Jesus “sets aside the first to establish the second” referring to the Old covenant of sacrificial laws that didn’t save and New covenant in Christ’s blood, shed for you. The final, true sacrifice for sins. And Jesus says on his cross “it is finished”.
So Jesus has saved us, now what? What do we do while we wait for Jesus’ enemies to be made his footstool in the second coming? Well we do good works. Jesus commands us to love God and love our neighbour, to make disciples and to baptize them.
The writer gives us 5 “let us statements,” which he preludes with a “therefore” statement.
“Therefore” means: because of everything that precedes before this – “Therefore... since [Christ has forgiven our sins] ... let us”
Therefore... since... let us.
22. ... Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.
23. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.
24. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
25. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Pastor Garry refers to these verses as the “lettuce chapter”
So how do we hold unswervingly to the hope we profess? The hope we profess is that Christ has saved us from sin, death and the devil. And we can hold unswervingly to this hope by continually being reminded by the word of God that we are forgiven. Christ is our only hope in life for salvation. We cling to the cross because he is faithful to give us the forgiveness he has promised.
We can also hold unswervingly by studying God’s word, through prayer and acts of service. These strengthen our faith and understanding of Christ’s promises and help us to trust in him even more.
Now I return to my earlier question: How are we doing? Have we been doing these things? Have we been holding unswervingly to the hope we profess? No, we have not. And I can say that because God has said it. Through the psalmist he says: “there is no one who does good, not even one.” (Ps 14:3) and the apostle Paul writes, “for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God”
We are so in bondage to sin and so tempted by the world it is impossible to hold unswervingly to God. There are many who would try to wrench us away from the Gospel of Christ by their philosophies and slander. And the worries and temptations of this life choke out our hope and drive us to sin and away from God.
God knows this, and that is why your salvation does not depend on you. Like the Jewish priests, our sacrifices – our good works do not save us. But the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ that once and forever took away sin does save us. “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us”. You are forgiven – Christ died for you.
Therefore, since, Christ has forgiven our sins let us draw near to God, let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, let us spur each other on toward love and good deeds, lets us continue to meet together to hear the word and to encourage each other that Christ has forgiven us and that he will come again. Let us do these good works not because they save us, but because of Christ’s love! We love because he first loved us.
So, “let us hold unswervingly to the hope that we profess” because Jesus is faithful even though we are not. And Jesus proved his faithfulness on the cross. Amen. And now may the peace of Christ which surpasses all understanding keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Choir Tour 2011

There are times when our choir overlaps a lot with our chapel worship. Music is such a wonderful part of the Christian life. After the great English Tour of last year our 2011 choir set out to the wilds of British Columbia. We started at Grande Prairie, then Prince George, Williams Lake, back to Hinton and then to the home concert at Glory Lutheran Church. Choirs are special entities. The tears and close friendships expressed at the closing concert reflected a year when the choir really lived, at times, a community of faith and caring. Next year the choir welcomes back Dr. John Hooper as conductor. Dr. Berg is going on a much earned sabbatical year. She will be missed, especiallly in our chapel. Enjoy a few pictures.

PS: Some silliness is still part of the choir. The top picture are those who have sung 3 years with Dr. Berg.

Thanks to : Mike our Coach Driver; the manager of the Hinton Hotel who gave us cookies for being her best behaved group ever; the many members of the congregations we were hosted by and all who made this trip possible.

HOW DO YOU SAY GOOD-BYE?

Text: 2 Corinthians 13:11: FINALLY, BROTHERS, GOOD-BY. AIM FOR PERFECTION, LISTEN TO MY APPEAL, BE OF ONE MIND, LIVE IN PEACE. AND THE GOD OF LOVE AND PEACE WILL BE WITH YOU. MAY THE GRACE OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST AND THE LOVE OF GOD AND THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE HOLY SPIRIT BE WITH YOU ALL.

We are counting down the days....this year...that seemed so daunting a few months ago...perhaps that 3 or 4 or 5 year program that seemed so long is now....in the next few days....finished. Goals have been reached, careers have been formed, friends have been made and over the next few weeks we will look around and find that someone we’ve stood side by side for the past few months or years is already gone—and we didn’t get a chance to say goodbye.

How do you say goodby: Like Arnold! Hastalavista baby, I’ll be back, See you around. It’s been a slice. How do we say goodbye? Because many of the people we have been friends with will go their own way–at least for the summer–and yes, some we may never see again.

I remembered my own time as student body president, back in the years when there were under a 100 students at Concordia. On the council were 3 others who I worked with during some very difficult days at this school. We were a team, we were friends and we were committed. Then all of a sudden one day we had our last meeting and we thought we would talk but we didn’t and they were gone. I haven’t seen any of them for 35 years. My buddy Leonard from Summerland who introduced me to Led Zepplin 2 is a church musician in California. Ann, I have heard, is an environmental lawyer in Victoria, and Paul works for a coop near Calgary. Paul stopped by with his son a few years back and it was strange–time dissolved and we were back–yes in the good old days and the connections were made again. The internet helps but we were not the online generation, at least then.

Saying goodbye is hard for us. Paul in our text had to say a lot of goodbyes to people with whom he would share faith, the power of Christ with and then move on without phones, tv’s email or any other contact other than a word he might write and take months or years to receive. I find our text today special. SHORT, SWEET AND TO THE POINT. Finally brothers. Good bye

Christians say goodbye because we know that sometimes God calls us to new places, new challenges, and new adventures, to changed lives and changed lands and this all involves making new connections within the body of Christ and moving from old ones, often dear ones. Saying goodbye is hard. To let go, to move sometimes is really hard but necessary. But there are things that cannot change as Paul points out: AIM FOR PERFECTION, BE OF ONE MIND, LIVE IN PEACE.

There is something different in the bond between the children of God. There is a bond, which space and time cannot change, and eternity will only enhance. Christians never really say goodbye, as in—I’ll never see you again, or have any connection with you again–for if nothing else–we will meet again in heaven when the one who has united us here, will gather us around his throne for an eternity of celebration of the lives God has given us in Jesus.

Goodbye is a different word for the children of God. The connections, though invisible, are powerful. Each time we worship, each time we kneel to receive the Lord’s supper, each time we remember the family our baptism has made us a part of we keep in touch with those who have knelt with us, prayed with us, cried with us, and laughed with us, and been touched by the gracious hand of God. Goodbye. But as we face those inevitable goodbyes Paul reminds us of an aspect of goodbye that Christians understand in ways that words cannot comprehend. AND THE GOD OF LOVE AND PEACE WILL BE WITH YOU.

Look in your Bible for God saying goodbye. Did you ever notice... God never says goodbye. He might be visibly apart for a while but the message of the resurrection is that God, through Jesus, through his word, his spirit, will never leave us: Listen to these words: I will not leave you as orphans. Lo, I am with you always even to the end of the age. I will never forsake you, my people. A great statement is made when Moses is saying goodbye to Joshua who would lead his people int the promised land: BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS, FOR YOU MUST GO WITH THIS PEOPLE INTO THE LAND THAT THE LORD SWORE TO THEIR FOREFATHERS TO GIVE THEM...THE LORD HIMSELF GOES BEFORE YOU AND WILL BE WITH YOU. HE WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU NOR FORSAKE YOU. DO NOT BE AFRAID; DO NOT BE DISCOURAGED.

Brothers and sisters in Jesus—in the next few days there will be a lot of goodbyes: to each other, to friends, for some, a way of life as a student, to Concordia, to special people and special memories. We part wishing good to those we leave, but as God’s people, and I think this is such a special gift of being part of a school and community such as this, we will never really say goodbye forever, but only for a time. We will never really be apart for we have a God who has been with us together in the past days, and he will go with us, and lead us, and hold us in the years ahead. Paul said it long ago....and we still do today. MAY THE GRACE OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST AND THE LOVE OF GOD AND THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE HOLY SPIRIT BE WITH YOU ALL. Amen Pastor Garry Dombrosky, April 13, 2011

Other Blogs

Matthew Hessing is going as a missionary to Columbia this summer. Follow his exploits on his blog: http://colombianjourney.wordpress.com/

Chaplaincy Reflections is another blog from Chaplain Dombrosky sharing meditations on various issues: http://concordiachaplain.blogspot.com

Last Year the Concert Choir toured England: The blog address for the trip is
http://concordiagoesengland.blogspot.com

Community Chorus Blog: Http://concordiagoesvienna.blogspot.com

If you want to keep up with an alum family living in France:
http://wattsinfrance.tumblr.com

If you have an interest in Australia and campus ministry check out:
http://Sabbatical08.blogspot.com

Chapel Meditation on the Cross - March 28, 2011

Given in Chapel by Seminarian (4th Year) - Ian Wemyss Matthew 16:21-28

How many of us own a cross? Maybe it’s a painting, or jewelry, or a cross on the wall, or maybe, and you don’t have to show us, it’s a tattoo. Would you raise your hand if you own a cross. If we could time travel and bring the disciples out of the reading and into this auditorium and we each told them about the crosses we own they would think we were the craziest people on the planet. This morning we’re going to talk about the history of the cross, how shocking the words of Jesus must have been, and see what all of this has to do with us.

The cross and crucifixion became a popular method of execution about 500 years before Jesus was born and was used by the Persians, Macedonians, Romans, and others. It was generally regarded as the most shameful, disgraceful, and painful way to die and in Rome the victims were often stripped before being crucified and weren’t allowed to be buried afterwards. The word excruciating comes from the word crucify; as the only word that sufficiently described how terrible it was. When I think about crucifixion we typically think of Jesus and maybe the two men crucified with him but in reality countless people, definitely thousands and possibly tens of thousands of people were killed this way. Just 70 years before Jesus was born a man by the name of Crassus was in a fight against Spartacus and his troops. And when Crassus won the battle he had 6,000 of his enemies crucified along the side of a major highway stretching nearly 200 kilometers. That would like driving from here to Edson with crosses lining the highway entire way. When Jesus was around 11 years old the Romans did the same thing crucifying 2,000 rebels and putting them along the side of the highway.

The cross was something terrible, signifying the worst kind of shame and death, and everyone was familiar with it. There was no such thing as a beautiful or wonderful cross. People would never have put a cross up on their wall or worn one as jewelry. It would be like us giving someone a beautiful painting of a guillotine or giving your grandmother a golden pendant of an electric chair. The cross was all about death. So when Jesus tells his disciples to take up their cross that is the image that would have come to mind. Jesus was telling them they needed to be willing to suffer and die if they wanted to follow him.

Our reading says “From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things . . . and that he must be killed”. So he is already talking about suffering and death AND THEN he says “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me”. I don’t know about you but the sinful nature in me goes crazy at the idea of denying myself. We do not live in a culture of denying ourselves. When is the last time you saw a commercial where they said “Here’s our product but don’t buy it. You don’t need it. You already have enough.” We live in a culture of indulgence that tells us we need that product and we need it now: which is why we have internet shopping and drive through coffee shops, and banking, and drugstores. In my home town there’s even a drive through liquor store! Talk about indulgence stepping into the realm of addiction where it can start to hurt us. We don’t like to deny ourselves and we especially don’t want to deny ourselves it causes suffering.

How would we respond if we were asked to suffer or die for Jesus today? I think right now in North America a lot of Christians would say no; that’s not what I signed up for. I want to follow the Jesus who promises to bless me financially. I want to follow the Jesus who promises to comfort me and protect me. I don’t want to give anything up, change my life, suffer, or die. And the more we listen to our old sinful selves the more we turn away from Jesus and His words of life to us. Instead of denying ourselves we deny God; saying I don’t want to stand out, or be left out. I don’t want to be too Christian or churchy. If we were really honest I think some of us would say I love you God but I don’t want the cross. The ultimate example of someone denying themselves and taking up their cross is Jesus. If we look to the garden of Gethsemane there’s Jesus saying Father if there is any other way let this cup pass from me. But not as I will but Your will be done. (Mt26). And shortly after he says those words he makes his way to the cross and dies there. And because of his perfect life and death and resurrection the cross is transformed.

It’s still a symbol of death but even more it’s a sign of victory. That you and I are forgiven and have the sure hope of eternal life because Jesus lived and died and lives again. So when our service began this morning it was under the cross, and when someone is baptized they are sealed with the cross. It’s why Paul wrote; “Don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death; in order that just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life” (R6:3-4). Paul understood baptism as the ultimate act of self denial, where the old sinful self is crucified with Christ, and we are raised to a new life. A life where our sin is forgiven and nothing can separate us from God’s love. And so even though Paul death constantly, being arrested, beaten, flogged, and shipwrecked he was able to say “to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Php 1:21). Paul was prepared to suffer and die because he had complete confidence in Jesus as his Savior. That there was no one else on the planet he would rather follow.

Great leaders have a way of inspiring greatness among their followers. Alexander the Great was leading thousands of men in pursuit of an enemy and in 11 days they traveled over 400 miles. But during this pursuit they ran out of water and supplies and were on the brink of dehydration. At one point they came across a family who offered Alexander some water pouring it into a helmet. Alexander held the water in his hands and then looked around at the thousands of troops who were equally as thirsty, and returned the water without taking a drink. His troops were so encouraged by their leader who suffered with them that defying thirst and death they marched off with a renewed energy.

You and I have a leader who rises above all the others, a true champion, who doesn’t ask us to do anything he hasn’t already done himself. Jesus is the one who leads the way; demonstrating this incredible new life for us, going to the cross before us, and dying for us even while we were still sinners and enemies of the cross (Pp 3:18) Hebrews 12:2 says “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God”. Jesus loves us enough to step into creation, be rejected by the people he came to save, and not only carry his cross but be crucified on it. Not only has our old sinful self been crucified with Christ but we have been raised to new life with him. Paul writes “If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection” (R6:5).

The cross reminds us of Jesus’ death but it also reminds us of the victory he won there and the new life we have in him. Forgiveness and life are yours today because of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Jesus went to the cross for us, and now calls us to carry our crosses, as he leads us in victory in this life and the next. I don’t know if you and I will be called upon to die for Jesus; I do know that we have been called to live for him. (1The 2:12) May we do that with love and hope and joy. Amen.

The Beatitudes - Brittni Carey

Brittni Carey was asked to draw some bulletin covers during Epiphany based on the Beatitudes. She is a 3d year English Student from Calgary who is also the Editor of the Blue and White, our student newspaper.

2011 Mission Trip

It has been 9 years now since a small group of students wanted to do more with their Reading Week Break in February. By God's direction their desire to do some mission work ran parallel to a new ministry starting on the west coast --The B. C. Mission Boat Society. Usually a summer ministry the BC Mission Boat worked to place the first team of 12 students in Ahousat and the rest, as they say, is history.
Now, 9 years later, this student led, organized, financed, and faith driven ministry has developed into a vital part of the spiritual life of the Concordia Campus as well as the outreach of the B.C. Mission Boat Society. Skills have grown. We have become better at organization. The experiences of God's grace have become deeper and deeper.
From the original 12, the teams have sometimes been over 30 in number but the commitment to being God's servants has been the same each year. In 2011, 23 students left Edmonton, flew to Parksville for training and then outward to share their lives with communities. The goal is to support the Christians already in these communities, be servants and to care.
Kids camps, helping with funerals, visiting shut-ins, youth nights, and a myriad of other activities have added to the life of students leaving this university and stepping out, in faith, to be servants. Students have come back as changed people. Some have returned as staff on the Mission Boat. We even have one of the original 12 as a pastoral member of the board of the Mission Boat Society.
Thanks to the congregations, families, friends, and those who have supported the many fund raisers for making this ministry possible. And for your prayers....an abiding thanks.
Now we begin preparations for the 2012 Team.

Art: Sara Rolfes

A Little Bit of Hope - Based on John 3.16, God's love shines through sin, pain, and suffering to bring about faith, hope, and joy.
The Mount of Transfiguration - My interpretation of Matthew 17.1-9.
Moses and the Ten Commandments - My interpretation of Exodus 24.

And, a little bit about me...

I am a fourth year student, majoring in Religious Studies (Applied Emphasis) with a double minor in Parish Services and Education. I am a born and bred Albertan, having lived a little over half my life in Edmonton, and the remainder on an acreage just outside of Tofield. I have always loved art, and being able to share art with others is an amazing blessing.

Sara Rolfes

Welcome to Chapel Life at Concordia

The chapel is a key part of life at Concordia University College of Alberta. We gather each day to be strengthened in God's Grace and from the chapel we go to serve. Our chapel community is gifted in many ways and is involved in many ministries from the music in our chapel to working with communities along the west coast of British Columbia. I pray this blog will help us share some of that life with others. In Christ. Garry Dombrosky, Campus Chaplain