Every year on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, I reflect on his legacy and impact. It can be daunting when you look at King’s legacy and the social ills we continue to face today. I always state that we desperately need a leader like King today. And I am sure that the previous idea may sound cliché, and it is probably filled with escapism to avoid confronting the work at hand. But is it?

Reflecting on King’s legacy, I think of what could have been and what continues to feel out of reach.

Where would we be if America had taken King’s dream to heart? Where would we be if everyone had embraced King’s dream as their own? I know it seems far fetch, but why would Dr. King set forth such a dream knowing our shortcomings and even the limitations that existed during his time? His dream was a gift but also a challenge.

How do we dream? King’s famous speech seems like the last public dream we have heard. The one and only dream that seemed by in large about others and not an individual. We all may be conditioned to dream individualistically and not collectively for the benefit of oneself and not for the benefit of all humanity. However, that is the charge, the legacy, for us to consider one another and our collective good.

King challenged his generation and ours with his dream. He challenged us to not see ourselves as an island but as a part of the whole. It is an audacious dream, given our conditioning to dream as individuals and not as a collective. We were steeped in the illusion of scarcity then, which still permeates our minds today. King’s dream was a bright light shining in the dark spaces of our individualism. A light that often seems dim at times but is not needed. We need King’s dream to shine a light on our individualism like never before. A dream or beam of light that will galvanize us to see our neighbor as ourselves. A dream or beam of light that reminds us that:

“We are tied together in the single garment of destiny, caught in an inescapable network of mutuality. And whatever affects one directly affects all indirectly. For some strange reason I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be. This is the way God’s universe is made; this is the way it is structured.”

– Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

As a newly ordained minister, King’s words about “God’s universe” strike me deeply. I am keenly aware that much of Dr. King’s criticism, or accountability, was directed at the church. His clarion call to all clergy and believers was to start participating in God’s universe, not our own.

At the time, America prided itself on being a Christian nation, and in recent years you’ve heard that echoed quite a bit. But the blatant contradiction was never in what we said as a nation but in how our actions never aligned.

King’s dream came as a prophetic reminder that our words have repeatedly failed to align with our actions. Yet, the prophet never leaves us without hope. In King’s case, he left us with hope and a dream. What a gift to have both.

In a time where it may feel that King’s dream has been delayed or even denied, he still left us with hope and a dream of what could be. A hope that we can overcome our desire to control our brethren. That laws that govern people can be made by the people it governs. Hope that the police who patrol your neighborhood see your son and daughter as if they were their own. A hope that no matter how people identify themselves, they are never excluded from a table God had already made a space for them to be seated.

I personally dream and hope that the denomination I belong to, the Presbyterian Church (PCUSA), sees itself, its assets, gifts, and treasures, as a solution to society’s ills today. I hope and dream that the PCUSA will become a household name…not because of our creeds and polity. Not because of the grand edifices we have built. Not because of our missionary footprint abroad but because of our domestic courage to live into the dream Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. shined into the dark spaces of our hearts and minds almost 60 years ago.

Today, we can reflect that light. And let it shine into the dark spaces of our society. We can mirror what Christ had called us to do before MKL Jr.: affirm the human dignity in each other by loving our neighbor as ourselves.

May it be so with us, Amen.

Rev. Harlan Redmond, Outreach Chaplain

We are now in the liturgical season of Epiphany having entered it last Friday on what some traditions call Three Kings Day. It marks the visit of the “magi from the east” and the presentation of the three gifts to baby Jesus.

It is a story that I have come to appreciate. Part of the reason may be because it has taken on a life of its own and how we see it portrayed has evolved a bit from how the gospel writer Matthew details it. There are three gifts but we are not told how many magi. (In some Eastern traditions the traditional number is twelve, not three.) And they are referred to as magi – maybe better thought of as wise persons and not kings. And considering timing references in the account scholars tell us that the visit probably occurred months after Jesus was born and not at the manger.

But the main reason I find this event so interesting is because of the uniqueness of the visit. It is a bit like Melchizedek’s visit with Abram. Both encounters have cryptic dignified figures who make a passing appearance in scripture but impart an important, even a theologically critical, symbolism to the person being visited.

It is also interesting how this is the central piece of Matthew’s birth narrative. All the other details, except the birth in Bethlehem, we get from Luke’s Gospel. And while Luke’s story has an angel announce Jesus as the Messiah, the gifts of the magi symbolize the three-fold role of Jesus as prophet, priest and king.

So as interesting as those details are, there are three points that I ultimately value from this narrative.

First, the magi were foreigners. They were drawn to Jesus by a star that God had placed in the sky to lead them there. Are we open to either being led by God in our faith or to receiving the stranger who God has led to us?

Second, the magi brought a message that challenged the status quo. They told Herod, the then- reigning king of the Jews that there was another king. I doubt the magi could have foreseen either the disturbance this caused Harod “and all Jerusalem with him,” or the horrible consequences of Herod trying to hold onto power this would cause in the following slaughter of the innocents.

Finally, God did not leave them at Jesus’ cradle and was faithful to these foreigners. God guided them through a dream and they returned to their country taking the experience with them. Having met Jesus, where is God sending each of us out into the world?

So a happy season of Epiphany to all of you, and may we each, in our own way, be “wise people” as we seek and respond to meeting Jesus.

Peace,

Elder Steve Salyards

And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.

Matthew 2:12

Happy New Year!

This year, I am feeling more hope than I have for several years now. But New Year’s Day turned into a weekend, which was just confusing enough to remind me that while some things feel “normal,” we will do best to resist trying to return to the past, and instead take confidence in God’s road ahead.

I am seeing signs of normalcy that are reassuring. At one church that was hit hard by COVID, one of their three music groups has returned to lead in worship. Churches that have been without pastors throughout 2022 are seeing progress: one has just called a new pastor, one is deciding among a short list, and a church that looked like they were headed for closure has stabilized and learned to continue without a pastor. For us Japanese, this was the first year since 2020 when we weren’t worrying about where to find mochi, which must be eaten on New Year’s Day. Even the fact that the Rose Parade holds to their traditional “Never on Sunday” rule (a throwback to old Christendom days, when Sundays were held to be sacred—remember that?) shows that some things haven’t changed. And thank God that while we have had some rain, it isn’t raining on our parade!

But there are adjustments. At any given church, communion may still be served with the little COVID packets, and a few or many folks wear masks (and given the high incidence of various illnesses, masks are recommended indoors, for the protection of others, as much as for the protection of the wearer).

Most churches are livestreaming their worship services—which meant that even though Filipino Community United Presbyterian Church in Azusa met on New Year’s Eve, we could wish a happy new year to friends in the Philippines, for whom 2023 had already begun. And between FCUPC’s Saturday worship and Rose Parade traditions, what might have all happened on January 1 became a three-day celebration!

Now these adjustments can be disorienting. Folks still struggle to open those COVID communion kits without spilling juice on themselves. At any given event, there is at least one person getting over a cold (or worse). At FCUPC, we joked about how we had to keep telling ourselves “it’s Saturday” even while we were doing our normal Sunday morning activities. And on Sunday morning, I kept thinking I should turn on the TV to watch the Rose Parade as I cooked for New Year’s. On a deeper level, several people near and far passed away on New Year’s Eve, reminding us of the many loved ones we have lost in the past year.

But there are signs of the new that are most welcome. On January 16^th, Wendy Gist will begin her work as the new Immigrant Accompaniment Organizer! She is incredibly well-qualified, with experience as a mission co-worker in Nicaragua and mission enabler for both our presbytery and San Fernando. Wendy worked closely with Kristi Van Nostran, and has always helped with advocacy and church education work on immigration and other mission priorities. Wendy will continue with her current work, which means she will be almost full-time with us. As the senior staff member on our staff, Wendy’s commitment, faithfulness, and effectiveness is well-known, even as she continues to stay current with the ever-changing landscape of immigration policy. Thanks be to God!

Then, on February 1^st, Bruce Reyes-Chow will begin a three-month bridge pastorate with FCUPC in Azusa. You might recognize Bruce, who was our WinterFest plenary speaker two years ago, and is a former GA moderator, the first Filipino moderator and at the time the youngest. Bruce continues to be an innovator and faith leader for many. Bruce’s goal with FCUPC is to work with the church to discern and develop a mission plan for the next chapter of their ministry in Azusa, as they consider new pastoral leadership after the retirement of Pastor Rollie Baybay. Though Bruce will be part-time, he has offered to do something with the presbytery. We welcome Bruce for his time with us, and commit to limit our demands on him (Bruce has a pretty severe case of long COVID, and continues to struggle with fatigue).

And yesterday, Rev. Harlan Redmond served communion for the first time for Interwoven. People have told Harlan that there were people weeping at his ordination service on December 18^th, but it was yesterday’s worship at Interwoven that gave me hope, feeling the joy of the members, hearing Harlan’s message which as usual offered new perspectives, and giving thanks to God for bringing us new leaders and friends into this old Presbyterian family.

As we live into the hope that God provides for 2023, we know there will be stumbles along the way. As I heard from Harlan’s message (and as I considered Herod’s murderous response to Christ’s birth), we cannot become paralyzed with fear that mistakes will be made, nor that resistance will rise up against Christ’s actions on behalf of God’s people. We will live with faith that imperfect as we are, broken as the world is, God is yet in charge, and God asks us to take the risk of being obedient, that we may be agents of God’s will.

We have been through a lot. And there may be more trials ahead. But we are God’s people, and as we accept the call to be Christ’s hands and heart on earth, as we allow the Holy Spirit to guide us, and as we continue to trust God in spite of unexpected turns in the road ahead, we will be bearers of Christ’s light for this hurting world that has become a little too used to the darkness. Let us trust in God’s plan that we cannot understand, but may we see glimpses of God’s grace in our lives, and in the world.

I will be taking the second half of my sabbatical this month, so if you need anything, you can call Ally Lee at (626) 614-5964, or email presby@sangabpres.org and Ally or Sam Bang will respond. Cyndie Crowell returns as COM Chair as Sophia Eurich-Rascoe takes some well-deserved time off. I will be going to Israel January 13-30, but will see you at WinterFest starting February 1. Please pray for me in my rest and my travels, and I continue to be so grateful for the partners in ministry we have in San Gabriel Presbytery and throughout the Synod and denomination.

We have reason to hope, and I pray that God’s hope in us is realized as we live with faith and love— for God, for our neighbors, and for each other. As we continually seek out and encounter Christ in our lives, may we receive and follow God’s will for us.

Blessings for you and our churches throughout 2023,

Wendy

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness on them light has shined.

Isaiah 9:2

It’s been a little chilly lately, and the chill makes me think about that holy night when the baby Jesus was born, unprotected from the elements in a cow’s stall. And the fact that the light of the world was born in the quiet and darkness of night focuses our attention on the liminal nature of Christmas.

The word “liminal” is one of those terms loved by seminary types. It’s often used to describe that “in- between” state when we (or, in this case, the world) are at the threshold of major change. Certainly this is true of Christmas, as the birth of Jesus Christ was God’s best and last attempt to lead God’s people to reconciliation with God and with each other. But it’s interesting to reflect on the earlier use of the word, when the threshold was not major change, but perceptibility. The liminal nature of Christmas works both ways: Christmas is not just the inbreaking of God’s kingdom on this earth, but this revolutionary act was noticed by almost no one.

Christmas nowadays is a global marketing phenomenon and, for some, a moment to connect with family and friends and our hopes for a better world. But that first Christmas, for us Christians, was a rare moment when the barrier between heaven and earth was broken, and in the Christ child, humans were able to witness the Divine inhabiting and transforming our mortal state. (Another such moment was Good Friday, on the other end of Christ’s journey on earth.) And who witnessed it? Mary and Joseph, the angels who appeared to a few shepherds, and the animals who shared their stall with the holy family. Despite our aspirations to spread the gospel to all the world, Christianity grew out of a small minority of people living in a small, occupied state, not as a conquering empire.

And this is good news, I think. God often chooses small entry points into world history, and of course Christmas is the most dramatic example. If God can become one of us through a poor couple, displaced by geopolitical forces beyond their control, God can surely work today through small voices, little churches, and perhaps even more people who are displaced by geopolitical forces beyond their control. We seem to be crawling out of the pandemic, but there is no major declaration that it is over. Instead, we take one tentative step at a time out of the darkness, still uncertain and with heightened awareness to the dangers of illness and climate change, racism and poverty, war and hatred.

And yet we do see light—and we have the opportunity to reflect the light that we receive. On Saturday, Shepherd of the Valley Presbyterian Church presented a Messiah Sing-a-Long, sharing the news of Christ’s birth through beautiful music. Yesterday, Westminster Presbyterian in Pasadena was the beautiful setting and host for Harlan Redmond’s ordination, a service that brought together people from over a dozen Christian church traditions and at least a couple of folks who themselves are preparing for ministry—a moment when new ministry was celebrated and inspired, and people from many backgrounds and perspectives could come together and rejoice in our shared love for Christ and for our brother Harlan. Tonight, Claremont Presbyterian hosts the third talk in their series on “Indigenous Peoples/Native Realities” which not only enlightens us settlers on the Indigenous experience, but also offers insights on relations with the Creation and each other that are new or have been forgotten. And we are thrilled to have offered the Immigrant Accompaniment Organizer position to a very well- qualified person—we are not yet able to announce the name, so you’ll have to hear the good news in the new year!

I see Christ’s light shining through this presbytery; sometimes I feel shy to admit it because the dominant narrative of the world is so negative. And certainly there is much we need to be wary of (get your boosters and your flu shot, and don’t be afraid to wear your masks!), and much need that we must respond to. But it occurs to me that we are now the small group of folks who are witnessing God’s inbreaking into today’s world, and it is our job to share the good news to this land of deep darkness.

We know there is darkness, but out of darkness comes new life. Out of the darkness of trial comes compassion and the strengthening of the human spirit. Out of the darkness of space comes the warm and life-giving light of the sun. Out of the darkness of night and Mary’s womb comes the baby Jesus. May we give thanks for the darkness and the light, knowing that in all circumstances, God is with us. May we give thanks for the darkness and the light, and for the companions who take us through it all. May we give thanks for the darkness and the light and point this world to the new life present in both.

Most of all, may our hearts be filled with the hope that comes with Christmas, and may we live into that hope—in our churches and families, in our work and our play. I look forward to seeing Christ’s light shine through you, throughout 2023 and beyond. Merry Christmas!

In Christ’s love,

Wendy

Monte Vista Grove Homes, a retirement center in Pasadena, primarily for Presbyterian pastors and their spouses, has certainly been impacted by the Covid 19 virus pandemic since early 2020, but it has used this COVID time as a learning experience for the future of its residents. Plans went into motion at the beginning of this year to renovate the Dining Room and the Commons’ Fireplace Room   to meet the future needs of its residents requiring a more open floor plan. Additional areas of floor tile containing asbestos were found immediately. Therefore, a much larger portion of the building would need to be included in the renovation.

As the prolonged isolation broke, the residents were able to begin meeting again for their mid- day meal in Marwick Hall which has been set up for mealtime instead of large meetings. What a boon to the spirits of residents as they have been able to socialize again! Various classes and social groups began meeting again, as well. I am sure we all are now aware of the negative impact of extended isolation by now. It has been so inspiring to see how the faith of these wonderful residents has fortified them against the rigors of the isolation they went through and how they supported each other and looked out for each other then and now.

COVID-19 has prompted many changes over these last couple of years, and now the changes are still coming, but they are wonderful changes. MVGH has been hit, like everybody else, by difficulties in the supply chain and delays in permit application processing. The new Dining Hall and Commons area was originally planned to open sometime in October 2022. We are finally looking at a tentative opening date of January 11, 2023. We are presently still bound by Los Angeles and Pasadena Health Department rules and regulations in only allowing residents to eat in the dining area, but we are certainly hoping that things will change by January to allow visitors to join us in our new Dining Room and Commons area.

Time will tell on that one. But this is marvelous news! The residents are very excited as they wait with bated breath for this to happen. Included in this renovation is an outside patio dining area which did not previously exist.

Covid prompted the desire to give open-air eating areas with patio heaters for the winter months to allow for distance eating – something we had never thought about before.

I have included some pictures of the work in progress to give you an idea of the future. Pictures include looking at the patio renovation going on right now, as well as some of the inner dining room areas. The serving area includes new health protection for both residents and servers. The actual chairs and tables are due to arrive sometime this week – sorry no pictures on that.

Other renovations will continue areas of the property in an effort to extend outside socialization. That will begin after the Dining Room has been completed and is open for business. The Dining Room is a priority as the loss of most of that Common space has really had an impact. This means a return to business as usual, but a NEW business as usual, as so many things will never go back to just the way it was, but possibly a new and better way.

Diane M. Frasher, Chaplain

A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. The spirit of the LORD shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD. His delight shall be in the fear of the LORD.

Isaiah 11:1-3 (NRSVUE)

Each year, I look forward to returning to the familiar texts of Advent. These texts serve as a reminder of the journey so far and as an invitation to a new year and a new part of the path. Recently, I was describing how I think of our life of faith as a journey where we walk the same path again and again, but with each lap, we see new aspects of the path. Parts of the path are easier to traverse and other parts provide new challenges. Much like the stump, held fast by tree roots that have a long history of providing stability and nourishment, giving way to a new shoot, there is new growth that comes from well worn paths. We see new life from broken things that are mended.

My prayer this Advent is for the spirit of the Lord to rest on each of our leaders and communities. A spirit of wisdom, understanding, and discernment. A spirit of counsel, might, and courage. A spirit of knowledge and fear of the LORD that brings peace and joy rather than fear and shame. As the season inevitably becomes filled traditions and work, I pray that the well-worn paths lead you to new experiences of God’s Spirit at work in your life, at work in your congregations and communities, and at work in our world.

Today, I leave with you with a poem for your reflection on Isaiah 11:1-10.

Stump of Jesse

Slowly wasted. Left for dead. Hacked at the root. Broken.
The tree of Jesse wasted by wind and war.
Tiny green spring. Reflecting light. Hope.
Growing, flourishing.
Wisdom and understanding.
Counsel and might.
Knowledge and fear of the Lord rest upon it.
Unseeing eyes, unhearing ears judge with righteousness.
The poor, the meek receive their due.

The tiny spring a new world reveals.
Wolf and lamb, leopard and kid lie together.
A child leads the lion and the calf.
What is destructive no longer destroys.
What is arrogant bows.
What is irreverent bends toward the holy mountain.
All the earth is filled with the knowledge of God.

The root of Jesse made anew.
A signal for all the people.
Hope from brokenness.
Peace from destruction.
Life from death.

-Ally Lee (2016) 

Peace,

Ally Lee