All the Gospels have a story of a woman who breaks out expensive ointment and either pours it on Jesus’ head or on his feet. The reaction in all cases is that this is over the top.
In John’s Gospel, which is our text for Sunday, the woman is Mary, the sister of Lazarus. Now of all the people who ought to react extravagantly to Jesus it is the sisters of Lazarus. Their brother was dead, and Jesus brought him back to life. Wonderful for the sisters, but not so much for Jesus. This miracle pushes the Pharisees and Chief Priests over the edge. They respond by plotting Jesus’ death.
In thanks, Martha serves a meal, and Mary takes out a pound of costly nard and anoints Jesus’ feet, wiping them with her hair. In this account, Judas is the disciple who complains that the “ointment could have been sold and the money given to the poor.” John makes clear that Judas has no concern for the poor. He was on the take from the money box. In the other gospels, others jump in to suggest that this is too good.
Have you ever been so thankful that you went overboard in expressing your appreciation? Right now, Connie and I are thankful for the birth of two grandchildren and lean into extravagance with them. Right now, they have enough clothes to cover them till age two.
My own grandparents were a contrast. My father’s father Paul died before I was born, his wife, Margaret, was austere. Life was not about celebration, but dedication and piety. She had 14 children so that might have been part of the issue. After church, there were hours of prayer on your knees at the parsonage. She was the grandmother who came once a year to stay with us for a month, damping any moments of hilarity with a stern look. I remember her giving me a dime once upon recognizing my good behavior. I understood that at the time that was a big deal for her. Even then though, five and dime stores did not have much for five or a dime.
The set of grandparents on my mother’s side were quite different, very gracious and generous and my mother, Myrene, learned from them. She remembered every birthday, with dollars, not dimes into their adulthood. She brought all of them individually to California. Then to celebrate her 90th birthday, they were all together on her dime, taking in the Rose Parade, theme parks, etc. The Zeitgeist of our time runs counter to generosity. People do not seem to be in a thankful mood. Time to cut, cut, cut and set up tariffs against neighbors. All of this comes with little rejoicing, even among the rich who will surely benefit most.
There is a great film about celebrating life entitled: Babbette’s Feast. It is about a 19th century pious community that my grandmother, Margaret, would have appreciated. A community is set up by a pastor, who wants to see some serious devotion in life. He has two daughters and denies their suitors, so that and after his death, the daughters continue the austerity of the community even as it dwindles and grows cranky.
Into the mix comes Babette, a chief from Paris who is escaping the counter revolution. She joins the community and serves as a cook for 14 years, preparing improved versions of the bland meals their piety demands. When Babette wins a lottery in Paris, she decides to prepare a dinner to celebrate the 100th anniversary of what would be the founding pastor’s birthday. Never-before-seen ingredients arrive, and preparations commence. The sisters and community worry that this will be “too good”. Their palates will be at war with their piety. At first, they say nothing, keeping up the stern nature of their lives, but the sumptuous delights, the depth of the kindness breaks down their hesitation and the feast elevates their spirits. Former disputes among members are washed away as the cuisine keeps coming. Their guest, Lorens, a former suitor, see the Grace of God pouring down on all those at the meal, no matter the journey they have taken, that Grace abides. Paul as he writes to the Philippians would heartily agree.
Prayer: Lord, may we see your Grace in our lives and respond with a generosity of our own. Amen.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor John Bunge
Speaking of generosity.
Your support of Faith and our outreach ministries is wonderful. We are emboldened to ask for your support of a Preschool Director and Site Supervisor. If you would like to give funds for a baby basket for Joy and a special gift for Jennifer as she spends the next four to six months on disability, just mark your offering envelope and we will present it to them.
UPCOMING REMINDERS
Wednesdays –
April 2 and 9: Wednesday soup suppers @ 5:00 p in the fireside room. We are focusing on Adam Hamilton book and video series the Gospel of Luke. You can buy his book on Luke – Jesus and the Outsiders, Outcasts and Outlaws on Amazon. Thank you for signing up for bringing soup.
Pastor Bunge will be in the office Tuesdays and Wednesdays in March and to April 9.
Confirmation Classes will resume Palm Sunday, April 13.
Time of Meditation – will take a break for Lent; begin again after Easter.
PANTRY -2nd & 4th Saturday; from 8 to 10:00 The pantry could use Pasta (any kind), dry beans and/or dry peas, macaroni & cheese.
WATERCOLOR PAINTING CLASS by our OWN MASTER WATERCOLORIST, HOLLY – to begin 2nd Week in April. All levels and ages. See signup in Narthex on Sunday for details. Or Call Connie, 951.514.1214 if interested.
QUILTING – Emily Smith’s Group (909.255.2452) has started anew and has completed 2 quilts which they shared with The San Bernardino Wellness Center. They are working on quilts for our graduating High School Seniors – Benet and Rachel.
• Pat Teeters fell again but is back home, doing better, hopes to be here
Sunday.
• Jan Wheeler is likewise unsteady and appreciates your prayers.
• Judy Martin is unsteady she is not able to come to church and appreciates
your prayers.
• Diane Watson fractured her foot and is in a walking cast.
• Kim Guervara is back home; her Mother Carol in Canada, is improving.
Cesar’s health is improving.
• Michael Shea has been back with us.
• Eloise Johnson continues well with her health issues.
• Jeanne Koening’s condition has not improved, the pain in her head is
unrelenting. Joe totaled their pickup and lost his license. Their daughter
Jessica is able to help.
• Bonnie Strack appreciates continued prayers for her son Brendan Simms,
who has suffered from a series of strokes.
PRAISE
• Kyle Hadley is making a solid though long recovery after eye surgery.
• Thanks to Pat Teeters! who cut multiple flowers for our prayer cards.
• Thanks to Prayer Card Artists – Linda D., Holly, Connie B
MARCH 30 WE CELEBRATED JAN-FEB-MAR HAPPY BIRTHDAY & ANNIVERSARIES
February 23 Karen & Nelson Hall
March 3 Ann & Michael Shea
BIRTHDAYS
JANUARY FEBRUARY
Jacque Kottmeier (Jan 10) Reese Mureaux (Feb 4)
Preston Koger (Jan 15) Declan Reese (Feb 4)
Melody Warner (Jan 22) Benet Reagan (Feb 7)
Caroline Mkanza (Jan 23) Janice Wheeler (Feb 7)
Heather Lewis (Feb 13)
MARCH
Diane Watson (Feb 13)
Brenda Batt (Mar 1) Mary Wambganss (Feb 21)
Dave Lund (Mar 2) Lisa Wendt (Feb 26)
Bonnie Strack (Mar 19)
Karen Hall (Mar 26)
UPCOMING FELLOWSHIP/OUTREACH DATES
APRIL
6 WELCA
13 PALM SUNDAY – Quiche, Fruit, Muffins
20 EASTER – Coffee & Treats in Narthex
(Bingo will resume on 3rd Sundays – 4th Sunday in June)
27 CONGREGATIONAL POTLUCK – sign up in Narthex on table
(Plan for POTLUCK LAST SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH)
MAY
4 WELCA
11 MOTHER’S DAY Celebration
18 PRESCHOOL TEACHER APPRECIATION – Robyn host
25 CONGREGATIONAL POTLUCK – signup in Narthex
JUNE
1 Celebration of Apr-May-Jun Birthdays & Anniversaries
8 WELCA
15 HAPPY FATHER’S DAY & GRADUATION CELEBRATIONS – Eloise host
22 BINGO resumes
BINGO has been a popular venue. We are asking you to go through your
“precious” to see if you can donate any items for prizes. Or when you’re
at a store and see candy or items on sale, thank you for thinking of us!
29 CONGREGATIONAL POTLUCK – sign up in Narthex
Thanks to all you have given shoes for Soles 4 Souls.
The box is still in the Narthex for continued donations.
