May 2006
Buffalo Mennonite Church - Pastor's Blog | Jun 2006 | Apr 2006
A Call for Environmental Stewardship
May 28, 2006, 11:56 PM | Stewardship | Permalink
canyonstream
The entire universe – not just people – speaks eloquently of the Creator (Psalm 19).  God’s realm includes trees, lakes, rivers, and wetlands.  Indeed, God’s kingdom includes all components of our planet — rocks (geosphere), air (atmospheres), water (hydrosphere), and biota (ecosphere).  According to God’s design, these components are interelated and sensitive to a change in one or the other.

Nature also praises and gives glory to God.  Creation extols the glory of God (Psalms 19 and 96).  We are reaffirmed that the Lord blesses us and keeps us (Psalm 104; Numbers 6:24-26).

Despite such clear messages concerning the Creation, there seems to be confusion, ambivalence, neglect and biblical ignorance among Christians. 
The need for fresh attention to the whole of the Bible’s perspective on the created order – the Earth, land, air, soil, water, animals, food, the environment – is urgent.  We are thankful for the beginning that has been made but a lot more needs to happen in order to meet the challenges now and into the future.
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A Kingdom Perspective of Creation
May 20, 2006, 11:50 PM | Creation | Permalink
rockycoast
The Book of Genesis makes it clear that God in Creation ordered the world, setting boundaries and that this ordered world is a good.  Creation brought forth a cosmos from chaos (Gen. 1:2).  The Psalms frequently affirm that the Earth was founded by God and that it declares God’s glory (Psalms 19; Romans 1:20).  Seemingly destructive forces like the oceans will not cross their appointed boundaries and the Earth will not be moved (Psalms 74:12-17).

This assertion about the goodness of God’s created world, leads to the second fundamental tenet of Israelite faith: God as Creator is sovereign over what has been created. “ The world stands firm; it cannot be shaken.  Your throne stands firm from of old; from eternity You have existed.” (Psalms 93:1b,2).  This verse illustrates two Biblical precepts that run parallel to each other: (1) the orderliness of Creation and (2) God’s lordship over Creation.  Order in the universe and God’s lordship go hand in hand.  This is also apparent in Psalms 74:12-17.

We Are Only Sojourners.  God as Creator also implies that what God created belongs to God.  Everything is part of His kingdom.  Psalm 24:1-2, is perhaps, the most familiar passage establishing God’s ownership of Creation: “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein; for he has founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the rivers.”   God’s ownership of Creation is, in turn, basic to the biblical concepts of justice.  This is exemplified in the Jubilee legislation – laws calling for land redistribution.
 
“But the land shall not be sold in perpetuity, for the land is mine; for you are strangers and sojourners with me.  And in all the country you possess, you shall grant a redemption of the land.”  (Leviticus 25:23-24).

People may use God’s land, but they do not own it.

The Bible, then, depicts for us the Kingdom perspective of Creation – God as creator who brings about an orderliness which is good.  God relates to the whole Creation as its sovereign and owner (Deuteronomy 10:14; Psalm 24:1;  1 Cor. 10:26).  Creation in turn relies upon God for its continuation and gives water and food to all creatures (Psalm 104; Acts 14:17).
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Hope for the Valley
May 06, 2006, 12:13 AM | Healing and Hope | Permalink
svhoh
One of the families in our church used to own a house and hardware store in the Danville area. For over five years they were trying to sell their property in order move to Union County. Their place in Danville was beautiful, but for some reason, it just would not sell - they went through several real estate agents and even sold the hardware store through a public sale. Despite a lot of hard effort, each offer would only go so far and then fall through. Needless to say, they grew frustrated and discouraged. No one could seem to figure out why on earth their property wouldn't sell..

In the midst of their hardship, this couple begin to thing that perhaps God had a purpose behind it all, and so the church began to pray that His will be done. The family seemed to let go of everything - as difficult as that really is - and surrender their home to God.

Now that we look back it is amazing .. within a year of the church's prayer, a Christian-based drug-rehab and homeless shelter called House of Hope bought it. All kinds of terrific, dedicated people came together and helped get the zoning approved and paperwork taken care. The property seemed perfect for their ministry. Now, a year later, Pastor John Mumper is directing the house and brings to the table years of ministry and counseling experience. We're hoping believers in this region connect with SVHOH and help them reach out to the region. To me, this is the gospel.

Check out the Susquehanna Valley House of Hope and support them in prayer.
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MennoFest and "Invisible Children"
May 01, 2006, 08:30 PM | Outreach | Permalink
invisiblechildren
Some young adults in our church are planning the 2nd annual "Menno-Fest," an outdoor music festival to be held in June 2006.  Sound a bit like the 60's?  Well, it is  - but only in some ways.  But there's no alcohol, drugs, sex, and free-love.  The Christian punk and rock bands grind away and the kids worship part of the time and just enjoy the scene.  The decibel level and genre of music doesn't exactly appeal to me, but the youth who are planning this event sure do. 

They want to use MennoFest to increase our local community's awareness of the horrible abuse made to child soldiers and victims of social decay in northern Uganda.  The "invisible children" project nspired them and frankly, I hope it takes off for them.

These young people hunger for righteousness and justice in the world and their passion is a refreshing challenge to the churches in North America to practice what they are preaching.   Young people don't want to hear about "prosperity" gospels or how Jesus is going to bring them the "power" and "riches."  They're suspicious of these things and I tip my hat to them for it.

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