“The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Philip, he said to him, “Follow me.”

Philip, like Andrew and Peter, was from the town of Bethsaida. Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”

“Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” Nathanael asked.  “Come and see,” said Philip.

When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him,“Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.”

“How do you know me?” Nathanael asked.

Jesus answered, “I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you.”

Then Nathanael declared, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel.”

Jesus said, “You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You will see greater things than that.” ⁵¹ He then added, “Very truly I tell you, youwill see ‘heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on’the Son of Man.”  John 1:43-51 (NIV)

 “Knowing Versus Believing”

Of the 150 psalms the psalmist wrote, for me, this one ranks up there in the top 10!  It’s an amazing and powerful psalm that speaks poignantly of our relationship with God.  If you ever wonder about that relationship this is a good place to come and gain clarity.

In this particular psalm our relationship with our Creator is summed up in a word: “yada’.”  Yada’ is a rich word in biblical Hebrew, covering a whole range of meanings – from simple recognition to intimate sexual relationship. In Genesis 4, we read that Adam “knew (yada’) his wife Eve, and she conceived and bore Cain” (Genesis 4:1).

The close relationship between the psalmist and God is not only emphasized in the language of “I” and “thou” in Psalm 139, but also in the repetition of the verbal root yada’ (to know), which occurs seven times (1, 2, 4, 6, 14, and twice in 23). 

Some form of this word occurs sixty times in the Psalter, emphasizing that the concept of “knowledge” is a critical element of meaningful relationship.  We are to know God, just as God knows us. As the psalmist says, “It was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb” (13).

From the words of this psalm it is clear that God knows us inside & out. God knows “where we live” because God is our life!  The question for us is “How well do we know God?”

Our gospel lesson helps us answer this question. Like Nathanael, we hold beliefs about God (and other things) without really knowing God. What’s the difference in “believing” and “knowing?”  For help with answering this question we’ve called in my friend and teacher, Wayne Dyer.”  Here’s what Dr. Dyer has to say about the distinctions between these two ideas:

“1. Beliefs are handed to you. Knowings come from within. This means that a belief has doubt attached to it. A knowing has no doubt because it comes from within, from your direct experience.

2. A second characteristic that distinguishes a belief from a knowing is that beliefs will let you down in a crisis. Knowings never let you down. The reason that a belief is something that you cannot rely upon in a crisis is because of the doubt that is attached to it. And so it isn’t reliable, whereas anything that you absolutely know—for example, how to ride a bicycle or how to swim—when a crisis comes along you will not be let down.

3. A third characteristic that distinguishes beliefs from knowings is that your beliefs are mental exercises. Your knowings are physical exercises. Your beliefs are located in the mental realm as thoughts that you constantly reinforce. These are strictly mental exercises that you constantly practice until they become your reality. That is, a reality based upon the doubt that is attached to these beliefs.

You may believe that people shouldn’t wear jewelry in their nose. These kinds of beliefs will influence your conduct and cause you to judge others, until you change your belief and perhaps search out a nose piercer.

knowings are located in the physical domain, even though they originated in the mental. When you know something, it is a part of your total being, originating in the mental and residing in your complete being. That which you absolutely known with certainty—such as how to dance the mambo or ice skate or swim or ride a bicycle—is a part of your cellular being. It resides so deeply within you that it is in the cells of your humanity. That which you once only believed because it was given to you by some external person has now been transformed into a knowing. You may also have some beliefs within you that you actually treat as knowings. These include those beliefs that are so strongly ingrained that they act like knowings within you. Some of these entrenched beliefs may be judged by you to be knowings, but they really are not.

For example, you may believe that you have no talent for art, but somewhere deep inside of your consciousness there exists a tiny smidgen of doubt about whether it is really true were you to actually apply yourself in a new way. When you know something, it becomes your physical reality, and you act on this knowing at all times. When you merely believe something, whether it be a negative or a positive, you have a tiny, tiny bit of doubt connected to it, and that doubt becomes your reality. Beliefs are mental. Knowings are physical, though they originate as mental beliefs.

4. The fourth distinction between a belief and a knowing is that a belief will restrict you, while a knowing will empower you. The reason a belief restricts you is that there is doubt attached to it, and, therefore, when you go to act upon it, you do so sort of tenuously, and so there’s a restriction, whereas a knowing, something that you absolutely know that you can rely upon, will empower you. It’s the difference between knowing about God and knowing God. Knowing about God is a belief. Knowing God is a knowing. And knowing about God usually means that you have some reservations—I’m not quite sure about all of this higher power stuff and I’m not quite sure about whether I do have a higher self. Whereas when you’ve learned to experience it—and that’s what these keys to higher awareness are designed to do—then you absolutely know God, not just know about God.

5. The fifth and final characteristic that distinguishes a belief from a knowing is that your beliefs are all transitory, while your knowings are eternal. Just think about some of the beliefs that you have today and how they’ve shifted over the years. Remember how many people were shocked to see men wearing long hair and earrings? I can remember working in a high school in the inner city of Detroit, and a young man came in with his hair real long and with earrings on, and they expelled him from the school and told him to go home and get a haircut and to stop dressing like a sissy.

Today, the very same people who suspended him are wearing those same kinds of jewelry and have their hair quite a bit longer than they did in those days. And now you watch on Sunday afternoons the National Football League, and, in the interviews, you see these big, burly mastodons of masculinity with their long hair and their earrings protruding from their helmets.

So our beliefs about things are very transitory and they’re shifting all the time. But what you know is there with you forever.”

(This is an excerpt from Dr. Dyer’s program,”Freedom Through Higher Awareness.”) 

In our Gospel lesson from John we see clearly that Nathanael came to Jesus with a belief (“can anything good come from Nazareth?”  He followed Jesus with a knowing “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel.”  May this be the path of faith we all follow as we follow Jesus … moving from “believing” to truly “knowing” the depth and breadth of our relationship with God and with each other.

Hear God’s promise from the prophets of old and from the writer of the Book of Hebrews:

“I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the LORD. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me with all their heart.”  Jer. 24:7

“No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest.”  Heb. 8:11

Living Faith: We come to really “know” God one step at a time, one breath at a time, one day at a time, one tear at a time, one miracle at a time.  As Christians we also come to know God through our relationship with Jesus. This week, or over the next couple of weeks, take time to read the Gospel of Mark this week and see how much it transforms your knowledge of God.

Peace

• Ministry
• Building/Facilities
• Community Outreach
• Inclusivity

All of Imani’s Faith Teams will get together for brunch on Saturday, February 11th at 11:30 am. Following our Saturday Prayer Meeting at the Imani Worship Center on C-View Street, we will go back to Calvary UMC for the Rally. We will break bread and share what is going on in each of teams and tell about our future plans.

Even if you are not a member of one of our Faith Teams, you are invited! One of them might tell you about an opportunity in which you can help.

For more information about the Faith Teams Rally or about the work of any of our Teams, please see Rev. Annie.

“The voice of the LORD twists the oaks

“At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” Mark 1:9-11 (NIV)

“Hearing the Voice of the Lord”

When was the last time you heard the voice of the Lord and you were sure it was God’s voice? This may sound like a strange question, and maybe it is. Yet, our theology teaches that we can and do hear from God. We believe in a God who “speaks,” in fact we believe our God spoke everything that is into existence. I can’t think of a better time to hear from God than the beginning of a new year. So, what’s getting in the way of you hearing the voice of God as you seek to discern or co-create what 2012 has in store for you?

Distractions! Noise! You name it, and that’s what gets in the way of us hearing the voice of God. God knows there are more distractions that can interfere with our reception of God’s voice in our own lives and heart than can be numbered. If you’re not being distracted by someone or something out in the world, there’s no doubt you’re being bombarded by the ceaseless (and at times senseless) noise in your own head and heart. Just try to sit still for ten minutes to listen for God’s voice and see what happens. It could be scary, if it weren’t for the fact that there is One Who stands with us and gives us all the time we need to move into a space (within and without) where we can listen and actually hear God’s voice.

In the two lectionary readings, from the Psalms and the Gospel of Mark, we’re given examples of how to move through, or move with, the distractions that can keep us from hearing God’s voice. In the case of Psalm 29 we’re reading a Psalm that is an adaptation of a song that was sung in worship of the Canaanite deity Baal (the fertility, rain, thunderstorm god). The Israelites took this (distraction) song and made it a hymn to the God they understood to be the One Who made and sustains everything. In their case, the distraction actually became a means of connecting with the voice, and glory, of God.

In the text from Mark 1 we see Jesus being baptized, an experience which ended with him hearing the voice of God. What was the distraction? In Matthew’s account of Jesus’ baptism John the Baptizer could have been the distraction. It was John who said to Jesus, “You come for me to baptize you?! You should be baptizing me!” (Paraphrased) Jesus knew what his call was at this moment and he was obedient to this call, which meant overcoming a potential distraction from John the Baptizer. This is how he brought glory to God throughout his life and ministry … moving past distractions.

In 2012 what do you need to do to really hear the voice of God, beyond the distractions and noise that would prevent us from doing so? What environments, people, books, music, practices, places, whatever usher you into the Presence (of God) in such a way that you know you can/will hear from God if you only allow yourself to get and be there? Let’s make a commitment to ourselves now  to be in these places/situations every chance we get in 2012 … hopefully daily. As we do, I’m sure we’ll leave our times of listening for God’s voice knowing we are pleasing to God and ready to give glory to God’s name through our daily living.

Peace

Living Faith: This week take the time to get clear on three methods (spiritual/life practices) that usher you into the Presence and allow you to really hear God’s voice. Take the time to use as least two of these practices this week. God has something to say to you and you surely don’t want to miss out on hearing it!

“Speak to My Heart” Faith Evans

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
(Matthew 25:37-40)

“2012: The Year of the Lord’s Return”

Thanks to the lectionary we began our New Year with the end in mind. Not just the end of the New Year but the end of time. Our text from the Gospel of Matthew offers us the last words of Jesus’ last discourse, and they are a description of the end of time or the “Day of Judgment,” and what a description they are!

The first thing I noted about the images presented here is the sense of surprise that’s expressed by both those who “get it right” and those who (for lack of a better term) find themselves on “the short end of the judgment stick.” I have no doubt this will be the case for many when this fateful day does arrive. It’s kind of comforting to know that despite all those among us who swear up and down they know about the day, the hour and even who will be judged worthy of eternal life and eternal damnation our God is a God of surprises to the very end. And what a surprise is presented here.

Jesus says that when we stand before the judgment seat we won’t be asked about our church attendance, nor our prayer practices, or the lack thereof. He doesn’t say there will be a list of our sexual misadventures or our political affiliations. No! What will matter on that day is how we chose to treat those around us who are left out, or in need, for a variety of reasons … lack, homelessness, poverty, illness and imprisonment. He presses his point by saying that the way we treat these folks ultimately says something very important about our relationship with him. In essence he says, “The way you treat these folks is the way you treat me.”

As I read and reread this text the phrase that came to me is “we must see Jesus in others if we are to be Jesus for others.” What this means is that in order to bring healing to another’s life we must first be willing to see healing in them, this is what Jesus did. The carpenter from Nazareth chose to look beyond the gore, the gloom, the grit and grime present in folks’ lives and see all the way to God’s glory present in each of them. These included those who were ill, the outcasts of society, those in high places as well as his closest companions, the disciples. He accepted, and capitalized on the fact, that the good (the God) that was in him was also present in every person he met, no matter where they found themselves in life. In this closing message in Matthew he says if we are to experience heaven (the Kindom of God) we must be willing to do the same.

If you’d like to see a picture of what this “seeing Jesus and being Jesus” can look like I invite you to visit The Forgiveness Project. Here you will be given a glimpse into the amazing story of Azim Khamisa. I pray none of us are called to go through the pain and grief he has experienced. I also pray that we may follow his example and seek to “overcome evil with good,” or as Jesus puts it “do for me by doing for one of the least of these.”

Let’s pray:

Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury,pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen

Living Faith: This week I invite you to experience at least one opportunity to “see Jesus in and be Jesus for” someone you may know or come across. A personal example from my own life: I’m aware of someone who is in jail that has been a part of our community and it’s my intention to visit him before this week has ended. I look forward to hearing your testimony after you embody God’s grace for “one of the least of these.”

Peace

People Need the Lord

If you can’t make it to Imani MCC to worship one Sunday, please download the Worship Bulletin here and pray for us during the service.

• Sunday, February 19, 2012
• Sunday, February 12, 2012
• Sunday, February 5, 2012

• Sunday, January 29, 2012
• Sunday, January 22, 2012
• Sunday, January 15, 2011
• Sunday, January 8, 2012
• Sunday, January 1, 2012

Join us for our Annual Watch Night Service at 9:30 pm on December 31st. It will be a prayerful time of preparing our hearts to live consecrated lives in 2012.

Because this has been such a busy, busy year around here for many of us, we think it’s appropriate that we “let our hair down” as we end the year. In order to do this, we’d like for you to join us at 9:30 pm (instead of 10:30) on New Year’s Eve. Please bring desserts and your favorite games, and we’ll just eat, drink, and play games until 11:30 at which time we’ll move to the Chapel for our Prayer Service. We hope to see you on December 31st!

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Luke 2:8-12 (NIV)

“On the surface Luke’s birth narrative can seem placid, charming and even romantic. But beneath the soothing surface we can glimpse some harsh political and social realities. The reason why Jesus came to be born in Bethlehem was an imperial decree ordering a census of all the peoples subject to the Roman Empire. Because there was no room in the usual lodging places, the child was born in a cave or perhaps part of a house reserved for animals. The newborn was placed in a trough from which animals ate. The first human witnesses to the child were shepherds, regarded in some religious circles as liars and social outcasts.” (Daniel J. Harrington, America: The National Catholic Weekly)

Jesus entered this world in the most unlikely place at a time of extreme uncertainty for his family, his clan and his entire people. In the midst of complete uncertainty he was born, grew up and ministered in ways that changed not only those around him but the entire world. As we observe Advent 2011 it is our intention, in these uncertain times we live in, to experience a faith that anchors us in God’s faithfulness.

Join us this Sunday, Christmas Day, at 10:00, as we remember that first Christmas Day.

To donate to Imani MCC’s Building Fund or the General Ministry Fund, look for the “Donate” buttons on the right side of the web page. Of course, we accept in-person contributions at every worship experience at Imani.

“…give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV)

May each and every day be a day of thanksgiving and praise.

Peace,
Rev. Phil

“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” I John 3:1a

As we celebrate 14 years of faithful ministry we also celebrate the realization that we are all God’s children and that nothing can ever change this fact.

Adams Gift by Jimmy Creech

Our faith in the God who shaped us in love, and shared the depth of this love in Christ, and pours that love into our hearts through the Spirit confirms our status as God’s children. Join us November 19th and 20th as we claim, celebrate and share our birthright, our blessings, and our living as God’s beloved children.

Anniversary Events

• We will go bowling together at the Village Bowl (330 North Hardee Street Durham) on Saturday, November 19th.
• Our Anniversary Sunday, November 20th, will feature Jimmy Creech, a former Methodist pastor and author of Adam’s Gift: A Memoir of a Pastor’s Calling to Defy the Church’s Persecution of Lesbians and Gays. Because of the crowd, we will worship downstairs in the Fellowship Hall at CUMC.
• Of course, we will have our Anniversary Luncheon at Golden Corral (3800 North Roxboro Street Durham) following the worship service.

Join us!

“Joshua told the people, ‘Consecrate yourselves,
for tomorrow the LORD will do amazing things among you.’”
Joshua 3:5 (NIV)

Retreat Intention/Purpose: It is our deepest, most reverent intention to be ushered by Spirit into a place within ourselves and within this faith community called Imani MCC that allows us to move to the next phase, the next level, of ministry God is calling us to, that place where God does amazing things among, in, through and as us … and to do so easily, effortlessly, elegantly and under Grace.

Dear Faith Partner,

I pray this message finds you well and full of faith in God’s irresistible love and grace. I also pray that as we move into this autumn season that, just as the trees are releasing their leaves, you are releasing all that is unnecessary or stands in the way of you experiencing and expressing the fullness of joy that is Christ’s promise to us.

This “little letter” is sent as a follow-up to our All Church Retreat on October 8th. It’s my attempt at keeping you aware of what’s going on at Imani. I pray it fulfills its purpose.

Since we were together on October 8th, I’ve had a chance to get away for a week of vacation. During that time away I settled into a space that allowed me to ask some important questions about who we are and what we’re about at Imani MCC. One answer that has come to me is this: Imani’s mission/purpose is found in its name, “Imani” which means “faith,” and this is what we’re about … Making and maintaining a place where people come to move more fully into their own faith in God’s irresistible love. More to come! Much, much more to come on this.

We accomplished quite a bit in the few hours that we were together on October 8th. One of the most important things we talked about was the re-institution of our Faith Teams (formally Working Groups) as we prepare to “cross over.” Our Faith Teams are responsible for making sure we live up to our vision and fulfill our mission in four strategic areas of ministry: 1) Ministry, 2) Outreach, 3) Inclusivity, and 4) Building/Facilities. If you aren’t a member of a Faith Team, please prayerfully consider where you might serve.

As a part of our preparing to move (as in move stuff from one building to another) and to move forward (as into God’s glorious future for Imani) it was decided the Faith Teams will meet briefly on Sunday, October 30th, following worship. The purpose of these meetings will be to set a date for the next meeting of the teams.

Another important part of this day will be our beginning to physically prepare for our move to the C-View ministry facility. It’s our intention to actually begin sorting through and packing things we plan on taking with us to the new facility. I hope you can join us for this labor of love. (We’ll go to lunch together and then tackle this task.)

Well, that’s it for now. Be looking for more from me on these matters in the coming days.

Grace and peace,
Rev. Phil Mathews
Pastor
Imani MCC

ImaniMCC Faith Teams

• Ministry
• Building/Facilities
• Community Outreach
• Inclusivity

Maple Court Veterans Transitional Housing Project

Maple Court, located in Durham, provides 24 units of transitional housing to homeless veterans from eastern and central North Carolina. Veterans can remain in the program for up to 2 years.

Operated in conjunction with the local VA Medical Center, this program provides veterans with all the services required to attain and maintain self-sufficiency in the community. Services are provided by both community providers and the VA.

Services include case management, life skills training, job readiness and placement assistance, mental health and substance abuse care, medical care, and assistance with securing permanent housing.

While at Maple Court, veterans work on improving their life skills, establishing a stable income, addressing health and mental health concerns, refraining from the use of drugs and/or alcohol, and obtaining permanent housing.

This week, our Wednesday Evening Bible Study group will take food items to the veterans at Maple Court. If you have items you can donate, please bring them to the church early this week. Call Rev. Phil for details.

Basic Food Needs:

• Canned tuna or chicken, packed in water
• Canned stews and pasta with meat (easy on salt and fat)
• Canned fruits in light syrup, natural applesauce
• 100% juice in cans or boxes
• Canned vegetables, tomatoes, tomato sauce
• Soups with meat and/or beans (low salt and fat)
• Chicken/vegetable broth (easy on salt and fat)
• Cereals and cereal bars (easy on sugar and fat)
• Pasta, spaghetti, macaroni, noodles
• Packages of dry beans
• Rice
• Peanut butter
• Olive/Vegetable oil
• Onions & Garlic
• Spices
• Dried fruit
• Coffee, tea

The Shack by William P. Young

The Shack is a Christian novel by William P. Young, a former office manager and hotel night clerk, published in 2007. The novel was self-published but became a USA Today bestseller, having sold 1 million copies as of June 8, 2008. It was the #1 paperback trade fiction seller on the New York Times bestsellers list from June 2008 to early 2010.

One image that has held meaning for this faith community through the years is that of claiming and receiving the promises of God. As we continue a journey that started three years ago, and begin a new part of this journey together, and the realization of a long held dream, with Imani’s acquisition of its own space it is certainly a time of claiming God’s promises.

To prepare ourselves to move forward in faith together you’re invited to join in an All Church Retreat on Saturday, October 8th from 10 am to 5 pm. It will be a time of preparing to witness and experience the “amazing things God will do among us” in coming days. Please mark your calendar for this important event.

If you can’t make it to Imani MCC to worship one Sunday, please download the Worship Bulletin here and pray for us during the service.

• Christmas Sunday, December 25, 2011
• Sunday, December 18, 2011
• Sunday, December 11, 2011
• Sunday, December 4, 2011

• Sunday, November 27, 2011
• 14th Anniversary Sunday, November 20, 2011
• Sunday, November 13, 2011
• Sunday, November 6, 2011

• Sunday, October 30, 2011
• Sunday, October 23, 2011
• Sunday, October 16, 2011
• Sunday, October 9, 2011
• Sunday, October 2, 2011

• Pride Sunday, September 25, 2011
• Sunday, September 18, 2011
• Sunday, September 11, 2011
• Sunday, September 4, 2011

“By standing firm you will gain life.”
- Luke 21:19 (NIV)

“Staying with it – that’s what is required. Stay with it to the end. You won’t be sorry; you’ll be saved.”
- Luke 21:19 (TMG)

A Lesson in Waiting

Some of you are aware that, since early this year, we have been trying to obtain a permit for proceeding with renovations of the C-View Street ministry center. What you probably don’t know is that this process has been filled with one hurdle after another. It seemed that each time we thought we had complied with the City of Durham’s request for one thing or another, and that we’d get the permit, there was something else that was required! Well, it is with a joy-filled heart and a very grateful spirit that I am happy to tell you that WE HAVE THE PERMIT and the work is moving forward! Praises be to God!

If you go by the C-View Street property, you’ll see that construction materials are on the ground and work has indeed begun, again. In fact, today we’ll have the “footing inspection,” the first of several inspections the building will go through until completion of the work.

As usual, we ask that you keep this “labor of love” in your prayers, as well as those who will be laboring on our behalf, the construction workers.

If we’ve learned anything during the past eight months (and we have learned much) it’s how to be just a bit more patience and trusting. Once again, thank you God.

Click on flyer for a bigger, printable copy of it.

For over a decade, Imani MCC has meant so much to so many. In that time, many of you have had a hand in making Imani into a church where, through faith, all can experience and express God’s irresistible love through worship, word, oneness, wonder and witness. Come and help us celebrate those whose lives and ministry are woven into the tapestry that is Imani.

Phala is coordinating our Friends & Family Dinner. She writes, “I am the point of contact for food on this event and need to know what you intend to bring so we can avoid duplication. I will be bringing my famous potato salad. Please send an email to me with your information. Please bring all your family and friends. The celebration will be right after our normal services at Calvary. We also need volunteers to help set up/clean up and serve.”
“Thanks in advance for your help. I look forward to seeing you! ”

Phala