| Dear Church Family:
On Sunday we continued the sermon series based on Adam Hamilton’s newest book, “Why Did Jesus Have to Die?” This program includes a study that will run on Mondays at 1 pm, both on Zoom and in-person here at the church. Those study sessions began on March 2nd at 1 pm and go through March. It’s not too late to get started on it!
Adam Hamilton’s book is an exploration of a question vital to our faith understanding. Scripture never fully answers the question about how Jesus’ death saves–or why exactly, he had to die to accomplish that salvation. Rejecting the notion that God needed Jesus to die, Hamilton instead encourages us to ask what Jesus’ death means to us. How does it atone for our sins? What does “atonement” or at-one-ment with God mean to you?
Yesterday we explored 2 theories of the atonement: Jesus as the Word of God, and Recapitulation. On Sunday we explore the very uncomfortable notion that Jesus, by his death, bore the punishment that humanity deserves; and in turn offers us forgiveness and salvation through his suffering. The theological term for this theory is penal substitutionary atonement. “Penal” basically means punishment. Hence, our prisons are referred to as being part of the penal system or the penal code. Although this is the primary theory of atonement in evangelical faith communities, it not one that is emphasized in our Congregational tradition.
Adam Hamilton: “The emphasis on God’s wrath in penal substitution raises questions for some.” He goes on to note that the great Anglican scholar NT Wright notes, “We have taken John 3:16, ‘God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son,’ and what people have heard is is that God so hated the world that he killed his only begotten son.” We need to explore this notion which is so contrary to the gospel message. Can this theory still be useful to us, even if we thoroughly reject the basic premise of a vengeful and wrathful God?
We are planning another community supper on March 8th, this time to benefit the Island Community Center. Many fine programs operate under the auspices of ICC and we are eager to get to know more about them. Our deacons are planning a supper of baked beans, hot dogs, coleslaw and brownies. It will be a fun evening and another way to partner with our community. Join us, and let Sue Bayley if you can bring a pan of brownies.
We have been gathering outside the church Thursdays as a Stand-Out for peace. Right now it is all the more important to promote peaceful dialogue as an alternative to armed conflict. Our time together on Thursdays also represents a prayer for safety for all who are in harm’s way during the time of war. That includes civilians in jeopardy in the Middle East, and certainly our military members. The time for the gathering is at 3 pm. We stand with our “Do Justice and Love Kindness” banner, and other signs that encourage peace, loving kindness, and a movement away from violence and intolerance. We will be there again this week, and in the weeks to come! Bring a friend and be part of this witness.
Last, shout outs and thanks: Thanks to Barbara and Alan Chesney for their terrific “Island Story” on Feb. 22, exploring the early African American presence on Deer Isle. We appreciate all they are doing to keep our historic records fresh and useful! Let me know if you would like a copy of their presentation. Thanks to Sue Bayley for thoughtfully providing the cake which celebrated our tech team. Our choir and Edie led us in a new song yesterday. The John Bell piece, “The Summons,” which was a great addition to our Communion observance. Thanks to all for all you do. We are a small church with big hearts and somehow we always get the job done.
See you in church,
Pastor Kim
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