OUR TIMES ARE IN THY HAND

OUR TIMES ARE IN THY HAND

Design for Christian Living - Part I

Psalm 121; Romans 4:1-5, 13-17

Sermon by The Rev. Dr. John A. Dalles

March 8, 2020

I enjoy reading about how people divide their time.  “Mr. and Mrs. Such-and-such divide their time between Pittsburgh and Naples, Florida…”  or some similar places.  No, that is not what I mean.  I mean specifically how they choose to use every God-given day.  How they fill the hours.  What they have to do and what they want to do, as a day unfolds.  Or put it another way.  If you were to divide up your time into categories, I wonder how much time you spend on work, on recreation, on acts of kindness, of sleeping, of eating, and the like?

I did a bit of research and this comes from the Wall Street Journal with a bit of clarification from the Pew Research Foundation, so these are what we would call fairly reliable sources.  What do they tell us about how people divide their time?  In a typical week, the average American spends …

-        -  15 1/2 hours awake

-         - And 8 ½ hours sleeping

Of those 15 ½ hours when they are awake…  How would you suppose they spend their time?  Here is what the research indicates:

-       -  52 minutes [nearly an hour] commuting

-         - 9.3 hours working

-         - 7.2 hours at play; that is, discretionary time…  Leisure and sports, and recreation and exercise; including almost 4 hours per day… you guessed it…watching TV, and 1 hour and 8 minutes eating.

Which, if you are good at adding these things up in your head, already makes an average day filled with more than 24 hours. So far we are up to more like 26 hours in a day.  How that is even possible, I do not know.  And did you notice?  We did not figure in these things:

-         Time spent in some kind of activity on behalf of others – we might call it volunteer work, or acts of compassion.

-         Time spent in worship and prayer and private devotions.

I know that all of you are like the children of Lake Woebegone – that is, all of you are above average.  So your results will vary.  At some point this week, it might be an interesting and worthwhile venture, to figure out what those results might be.  How you are using your time.  Especially those 7.2 hours of discretionary time.  And then – in keeping with our New Testament scripture of the morning, ask yourself.  Faith.  Where does that fit in?  According to the Letter to the Romans, faith fits into that part of our day for which we do not receive wages, or a salary, or financial remuneration.  As the apostle Paul says:

4 Now to one who works, wages are not reckoned as a gift but as something due.

And faith is something different, altogether.  Faith is complete trust or confidence in someone or something.  Faith is a strong belief in God, in the doctrines of religion, based on spiritual apprehension, rather than proof.  Faith is a conscious choice to depend upon God, day in and day out.  Faith means looking at life with the attitude: “Our times are in Thy hand”, as Dr. Kerr says it in our beloved Shadyside Presbyterian Church Anniversary Hymn.  When we take that thought and run with it, the average hours of the day take on a new meaning altogether. 

Faith fits, whether we are waking or sleeping.

The University of Virginia’s collection of Jefferson papers comprises some 3,650 items.  Most are original documents or contemporary transcripts made by secretaries and family members.  Of the total, 1610 are by Jefferson’s own hand.  Including the drawings for the Library Rotunda which is the centerpiece of the University Campus (which Jefferson also designed).  You can go to the University and see it.  In all of its un-matched neo Classical splendor.  But before it was a reality, before it was there in brick and stone, it was an idea.  A plan.  A drawing.  A design.  The builders had to live into that plan to make it a reality.  We have to live into God’s plan for our lives, in order for us to be the people God designed us to be. 

We have been made to live for Christ, in Christ, and representing Christ to others.  There is a plan for our lives, which we are living in to.  It is as if the blueprint exists, but now we are building according to that design.  We could call it our “Design for Christian living.”

During this season of Lent, we who follow Christ seek to re-design our lives along the pattern that Jesus has prepared.  In order to do that, we share in action of learning, of wellness, and of self-denial

We die to the old self.  We put on the new identity – designed in God’s image.  A tremendous amount of love, care, thought, and energy has been spent on that design, already.  God initiated it.  God supports it.   By the power of the Holy Spirit, we are becoming what God has planned us to be.  When I say this, I mean “we” as in each one of us; and I also mean “we” as in all of us, together. 

Faith fits, whether we are working or playing.  Out times are in Thy hand.  In the time that someone or something else has authority over us.  In other words, when we are working.  When we have to answer to someone else, in order to be paid for what we are doing.  Can faith find a place in the workplace?  Of course it can.

You may work somewhere where you are prohibited from speaking about your faith, directly.  I understand that.  I have talked with teachers in the public school who have that kind of a restriction on their speech.  But I know that those particular public school teachers demonstrate every day, faith filled living. If they can speak a word of encouragement along the lines of Jesus Christ, they do.  If they can show kindness as he showed it. They show it.  If they can by acts of nurturing and care, sooth what is troubling their students, they do so.  If they can provide food for thought, they do that.  I would guess that most of their students have figured it out, that something makes them tick that is different from people who do not have a living faith.  One of the popular hymns says they’ll know we are Christians by our love.  Yes, it is true.  Another popular saying is that you may be the only bible that someone ever reads.  Again, yes.  Correct.  Faith in action can speak volumes without saying a word.  Faith can find a place in the workplace.

My friend Al was a top executive for a Fortune 500 company.  He was also a deeply devoted Presbyterian.  He and I had the joy of teaching Sunday school together for some years.  At one point we were teaching on the 8^th century prophets, which can be a challenging – although compelling – task.  He mentioned to me that from his earliest work day onward, he did something that I admire and that you might wish to emulate.  He kept, in his upper desk drawer, a reminder of what he would and would not do, as he conducted his work life along the lines of Jesus Christ.  It was way before that popular saying, “What would Jesus do?”, but it was exactly that.  When confronted with a decision, when working with colleagues or supervising others, when making important decisions that would result in the company’s success.  He had that reminder list. 

I have often thought that he didn’t really need it, since he lived his faith in a way that makes me glad to have known him.  But there was his reminder of faith, his simple but profoundly practical list of what he would and should do, as a follower of Jesus Christ in a workplace that was as secular as any giant corporation can be.  Can faith find a place in the workplace?  Of course it can, and it should.  Faith fits, when we are working.

What about when we are playing?  Can faith find a place in our discretionary time?  You know beforehand how I am going to answer that. You expect a minster to say, “Yes, it can”. So having said that, I will then say: The question is whether it does.  How much does your Christian faith enter your conversation?  Inform what you read, and watch?  Prompt what you choose to do when you have a choice in the matter?  This is a question of the stewardship of your time. 

You can use your discretionary time however you may wish.  If you want to take up safe-cracking and go on a crime spree; that is up to you.  I know that is an extreme example, of bad stewardship, but there is something of a sliding scale between that, and sainthood, and one of the goals of the Christian life is to be moving away from a misspent life, toward what is lasing, and true, and good and meaningful, and Christ-like.  A fancy theological word for that is sanctification, which comes as you can tell, from the same word as saint.  We are all saints of God in that we have given our lives to Jesus Christ.  We have said with our lips in front of the congregation:

-         Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior.

-         I trust him.

-         I intend to be his disciple, obey his word and show his love.

-         I promise to give of myself in every way, and to seek the fellowship of the church whoever I may be…

Every Presbyterian says that, when we join a Presbyterian Church.  In other words, we place our time in God’s hands.

One of the reasons we come to worship is to ask ourselves how are we doing with that?  Trust me, this is not a guilt trip.  This is a cheerful reminder from someone who cares about you, a suggestion to check and see if you are feeling right about the ways in which you spend your – what was it ? 7.2 hours per day when you can do exactly as you please, and precisely what you want.  Ask yourself: Am I spending it as God would please?  Faith fits, whether we are working or playing.  Out discretionary times are in Thy hand.

Faith fits – even when a day seems to have more than 26 hours, and here is not enough time to accomplish what we wanted to.  No matter how busy you may be – there is time for God.  No matter how full the day is – there is a time to pause and pray.  Or if you cannot pause, to pray as you go.  Today, you may be feeling over-stressed.  You do not have enough time.  Trust me, you have enough time.  Just enough to put it all in God’s hand.  Keep Jesus before you.  You nothing lack, for you are his, and he is yours, forever.  Amen.

This is an original sermon by The Rev. D. John A. Dalles, Interim Senior Minister and Head of Staff of Shadyside Presbyterian Church, Pittsburgh, PA .  It was delivered on the date indicated in the text. You are encouraged to read it and reflect upon it.  Please keep in mind that the sermon is Copyright © 2020 John A. Dalles.  Permission from the author is required to reproduce it in any fashion.  

Coronavirus Precautions and Suggestions - Shadyside Presbyterian Church

Coronavirus Precautions and Suggestions

With reports about the spread of the coronavirus (or COVID-19), we want you to know your health and well-being is of utmost concern.  We are doing all we can to stay current with public health guidelines, to follow best practices for hygiene, and exercising an abundance of caution in responding to this situation.  Here is information that may be helpful to you:

* Worshipers are always encouraged to participate, or not, according to their comfort level.

* If you wish, Instead of shaking hands or embracing, consider verbal greeting, a nod, or smile.

* At Vespers communion, the minsters use hand purifier just beforehand.  If you prefer to receive a blessing rather than partake of the elements, simply cross your arms over your chest.

* Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or handkerchief when coughing or sneezing.

* Wash your hands frequently with warm water, for 20 seconds (about as long as it takes to sing one verse of “Happy Birthday to You”). The friction is as important as the soap and water, to prevent the spread of germs.  Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers if soap and warm water are not available

* Reduce unnecessary touch, especially to your face, and contact, to avoid placing yourself or others at greater risk.

* Please, stay home when you are sick.

* Remember when you are not in worship on Sunday mornings, you can worship with the church via the live at 11 a.m worship webcast found at Live Worship Webcast  

* If you stay home from worship or other events due to illness, please find ways to be in touch through social media, emails and phone calls.

We are constantly motoring reports with regard to the coronavirus, and will update this information as deemed appropriate.

Please keep in mind that there are no confirmed cases of coronavirus in Allegheny country. We are monitoring reports from the CDC, as well as steps other organizations are taking around the region and will continue to update you as new information becomes available.

Design for Christian Living - Sermon Series During Lent 2020

Design for Living - Sermon Series During Lent 2020

We have been made to live for Christ, in Christ, and representing Christ to others.

There is a plan for our lives, which we are living in to.  It is as if the blueprint exists, but now we are building according to that design.  We could call it our “Design for Christian Living.”

During this season of Lent, we who follow Christ seek to re-design our lives along the pattern that Jesus has prepared.  In order to do that, we share in action of learning, of wellness, and of self-denial

We die to the old self.

We put on the new identity – designed in God’s image.

A tremendous amount of love, care, thought, and energy has been spent on that design, already.  God initiated it.  God supports it. 

By the power of the Holy Spirit, we are becoming what God has planned us to be.

When I say this, I mean “we” as in each one of us; and I also mean “we” as in all of us, together. 

As the Sundays in Lent continue, please look for sermons and additional thoughts on the subject of "Design for Christian Living" each week..

175 Years of Presbyterian World Mission

Did you know...
We are celebrating 175 years of Presbyterian World Mission this year?

You can read a fascinating history of Presbyterian World Mission, here:

175 Years of Presbyterian World Mission

And another excellent article on the World Mission emphasis of our Presbyterian Church, here:

"Better Together"

"The story of Presbyterian mission is a long and beautiful one, for Presbyterians have been establishing and faithfully supporting mission societies since the 1790s. In 1813, the Female Missionary Society supported a traveling missionary, and the Female Domestic Missionary Society was formed three years later at Second Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia.  By 1831, the Synod of Pittsburgh formed the Western Foreign Missionary Society. Finally, in 1837—exactly 175 years ago—the General Assembly agreed, at Pittsburgh’s urging, to assume the responsibilities of the society and its 44 missionaries, creating the Board of Foreign Missions. Missionaries went into the world to preach, teach, heal, and plant churches in places like Brazil, Congo, Egypt, and China."

Remembering Louise and Ralph, Who Remembered Wekiva Presbyterian Church

Longtime Wekiva Presbyterian Church members will remember Ralph and Louise Humphrey, who joined this church in 1987, having moved to the Village on the Green from Leesburg at that time.  For many years, they were actively involved in the ongoing life of the congregation, in worship and other activities.  Ralph died in 2000 at age 90; Louise died in April of this year at the age of 98.  More recent members of the congregation probably never had an opportunity to know either of them.  It is, we think, appropriate to say a few words about Ralph and Louise, at this time.

Ralph Calvin Humphrey was born in Butler County, Pennsylvania, the son of J. Roy and Nellie Humphrey.  He was a 1937 graduate of Geneva College, in Beaver Falls, PA.  A longtime employee of the New Castle School District, Ralph taught metal shop at the senior high school.   Louise Studebaker Humphrey was the daughter of James J. and Jessie M. Gilfillan Studebaker.  She lived much of her life in New Castle, Pennsylvania, graduated with honors from high school in Tarentum, PA, and received a bachelor's degree from Westminster College, New Wilmington, a PC(USA) related college.  Louise was an elementary teacher of English, speech and drama for 38 years and a directing teacher for Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania.  She inspired and motivated her schoolchildren by her love for and interest in them, was active in various organizations of the Presbyterian Church, and served as an officer in the Woman's Club. 

Ralph and Louise had no children of their own.  They were not related to anyone else in the Wekiva Presbyterian congregation, or in Central Florida.  Louise was survived by nieces and nephews, all of whom live in the northeast. 

Ralph and Louise made a conscious choice to remember the ones they loved in their wills; Wekiva Presbyterian Church was among their loved ones.  After her death, the church learned that Louise and Ralph had made provision for the congregation they were so much a part of, as if we were one more of their nephews and nieces.  They directed that twenty per cent of their estate be given to Wekiva Presbyterian Church.

In December of 2000 a service in memory of Ralph occurred, and in April of this year a service in memory of Louise was held—each time, in Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania.  Today, we are remembering Ralph and Louise in Longwood, Florida—giving thanks for their lives, as well as their gracious generosity to those who will come after them in this place of worship, learning and service in Jesus’ name.

It may be that you are thinking about drawing up your own will.  May the example of Ralph and Louise Humphrey serve to inspire you, as you do.

The Three Acres Have Sold

In 2008, the congregation of Wekiva Presbyterian Church voted to sell the three acres on the far side of the Bank of America that were purchased from what was then Barnett Bank in the early 1990s;  the land was marketed with the concurrence of Central Florida Presbytery, in whose name the church holds all of its property, in trust.

On Wednesday, June 13, 2012, the closing took place. 

The process of selling the property was spearheaded by a committee appointed by the Session, led by our church member Gary Adams, with the help of church members Ken Moseley, Janet Everett and Bruce Rogers, with Dr. Dalles serving as the staff support person.  They have been working consistently since 2008; with changes in the economy, the marketing and sale of the land has taken longer than anyone anticipated.  Without Gary Adams' leadership, it is probable that the land would still be on the markt; the church is blessed because of his labor of love on our behalf.  The church was also greatly assisted by James Barks, an attorney in Sanford, who provided legal services for the church pro bono.  Jim is an active member of our sister PC (USA) congregation, Markham Woods Presbyterian Church. 

The new owners, who are franchisees of Primrose Schools, have already begun clearing the land, as you can see if you take a look at the property.  What was until Tuesday of this week a three acre woodland that perhaps had never been built upon, is now being prepared for the new educational child care complex, access driveway off of 434 and parking.  You can see some of what is happening from the road, or from the Bank of America drive up window lanes.


The back story of the land is interesting, to say the least.  It was part of a development that was only partially completed, of which the next streets over, Briar Cliff Drive and Meadowfield Lane, are a part,  That small development was brought to completion as you see it now, many years ago.  In the early 90s the bank, sold most of the parcel that wraps around their branch office to our church, keeping a section of land that made the new three acres non-contiguous to the church's main property.  The agreement was that an easement would exist over that still-bank-owned sliver, once the church moved an existing retention pond.  Down the decades, as the bank was acquired and went from being local to regional to a national bank (first Barnett Bank, then Nations Bank, and currently Bank of America), it was difficult to discover who in their corporate structure might be able to offer permissions when the church sought, at various times, to perfect that easement.

Photos of that retention pond, which I have dubbed "Lake ..." follow:

 

It was in 2008 that, having more or less exhausted all other avenues, the Session and Deacons discussed and then recommended to the congregation that the church no longer keep this land, since it seemed unlikely that the church would ever be able to use it.  The congregation and the presbytery both concurred with this plan at that time.


Long time church members will recall that Ron Tyo and Don Blackadar were instrumental in our purchasing the property in the early 1990s; we are grateful to them for their efforts, as well as to all who helped to pay for the land by their donations (the church paid off the mortgage for that parcel of land in 1998).


For the second time in the past fifteen years that I have served as its pastor, Wekiva Presbyterian Church is essentially debt free.  For the first time in its young 35 years, the church has a sizeable endowment fund.  God has done marvelous things and it is wondrous in our eyes. 

All who have been involved in this process, from start to finish, richly deserve the congregation's thanks and appreciation, as do all who have prayed for the sale to occur. 

"Do You Ever Imagine Things?" Mr. Rogers Goes Viral

As many of you know, I admired Fred Rogers greatly, and continue to do so in these years since he has entered the Church Triumphant and is no longer among us. 

Fred was a remarkable Presbyterian pastor whose pulpit was the medium of television and whose congregation, via "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood", was as big as the globe.  I was so blessed to be numbered among his many friends and treasure his wise and caring influence in my life.  I am so grateful for the conversations we had over lunch or dinner, and the thoughtful letters he wrote (always handwritten) to our family, such as the one you see in the photo above. 

Fred is greatly missed by his friends and his fans all over the world, who saw in him the good neighbor that he was.   

I thought of Fred as we sang "A Mighty Fortress is Our God" this Tuesday in the meeting of Central Florida Presbytery's worship service.  Fred preached on Martin Luther's great hymn, during my Pittsburgh Theological Seminary doctoral graduation in 1994, at the East Liberty Presbyterian Church.  Whenever I hear the hymn, Fred's insights from that day, return anew. 

PBS has recently released a new video that is based upon Fred's positive impact on the world.    It is a montage of moments from his television show, featuring one of his own songs, in which he reminds us that we can grow many things in the garden of our minds.

It may bring a smile and perhaps a tear as well.  You can see it here:

Garden of Your Mind

June Meeting of Central Florida Presbytery

Central Florida Presbytery held its June meeting yesterday, and among the events of the day, we said farewell to the Rev. Dr. Paige M. McRight who is retiring as our Executive Presbyter.  When the committee in charge of marking this occasion sent out an email asking for contributions to a Memory Book, I wrote a hymn in honor of Paige, which we sang as the closing hymn of the worship service.  The commissioners and guests (of which there were more than 300) did a wonderful job of singing it, to the tune KELVINGROVE. 

I have posted the bulletin  here and the words in more easily read form in the previous post.  The organist at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church, Barbara, and the Director of Christian Education, Candy, did a great job of hunting down a copy of the tune so that the worshiping congregation would be ready and able to sing when the time came. 

You all know how much I love the good people at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church.  One of my happiest duties as a Presbyterian pastor was to have served as the chairperson for the merger commission for Grace Covenant and Conway Presbyterian Churches.  They are among the shining lights of our Central Florida Presbyterian congregations, and it is always a joy to be with them.  Here are a few other photos I made while at the Presbytery meeting: