Glimpses of Humanity

What I like about the Terminator franchise are the ‘end of the world’ apocalyptic themes.  Not that I have much belief in this theology.  In fact, I find it contradicts my sense of a loving and forgiving God. But I do enjoy reflecting on how people see the world coming to some end.  Sometimes it’s some otherworldly presence that comes to invade.  But most of the time humanity plays an integral part in their own demise.  Most frequently we dip into Pandora’s box of technology or biology, foolishly putting ourselves into a creator’s role without the creator’s wisdom or authority.  Other times we just forget how to curb our own temptations toward self-destruction.  But it is interesting how we choose to view that future; and in its place, it’s like a roller coaster of emotion that I enjoy.

What does trouble me about these stories is when I realize that most people who write this way and view these movies are finding some sort of comfort in them; myself included.  I don’t think there is appreciation for a story unless it comes with some satisfying epiphany or process.  We like to learn something.  We like to have some emotional transformation.  We like to have our sense of the world challenged enough that we grow.  So what does it mean that this epiphany comes from stories about how the world will end?  What is it about this truly hopeless circumstance that makes people embrace it?  Do we get an unhealthy sense of righteousness from seeing the sins of ‘others’ end the world?  Could we really find some comfort in that end to our earthly existence?

Maybe it’s because these moments of doom offer glimpses of humanity at our best.  When all seems lost, we are saved by the very things that seemed to have doomed us in the beginning.  Our ability to love heals our wounds, our heart outlasts the evil, etc…  This could be true of the latest Terminator movie, which is where I started this thought.  It’s a good movie with a definite look and feel.  I recommend it to movie fans, especially action movie fans.  The film is well done and the thrills are real.  But what it doesn’t offer is anything new to this conversation about machines taking over the world.  And maybe that’s why it’s not completely satisfying.

-submitted by Pastor Darren

Open Yourself Up

Do you struggle to ‘hear’ God?  I do.  I may be sitting outside praying and feel a breeze and ask...  ‘God, what are you telling me - help me to listen and know.’  Other times I may feel a nudge or stirring in my heart and I may understand a little more.  Even with all of my uncertainties and questions, I do know that the more I spend quiet time with our God and open myself up to his presence, the more I see Him working in our world.  Open yourself up and listen for the quiet whisper or that strong wind.

- submitted by Sadie

God Is Guiding Us Through

One of my favorite parts of the Stations of the Cross evening, is walking the labyrinth that SMUMC outlines in their parking lot.  I remember this time reading one of the guidelines that said not to worry about getting lost or if you are going in the right direction - just continue on and you will make it to the center.  It occurred to me as I slowly meandered through the labyrinth - that this should be like our walk with God.  We don’t need to worry about the path because God is guiding us through.  Now if I can just remember that on a daily basis.

- submitted by EAS

God Treated Us To An Amazing Sunset

How appropriate on Good Friday for it to be dark and rainy all day long. I was a bit worried, though, about walking through the Stations of the Cross at our sister church, Santa Margarita UMC. This was an amazing experience last year and I was looking forward to an experience just as powerful as we were given the opportunity to take the journey of the last day of Jesus’ life. During the set up, there was a bit of rain, but by the time the evening started, the clouds had parted and God treated us to an amazing sunset. All around a very moving and powerful experience. To view pictures of some of the stations, click here.

- submitted by Elizabeth

Always Loved By Our God

What an amazing service and a treat to have three clergy deliver messages.  Pastor Craig’s comparison of Peter and Judas really hit home with me.  They both turned their back on Jesus, but Peter believed God would forgive him however, Judas did not and saw no way out except to take his own life.  How many times have you felt like you couldn’t be forgiven - or maybe you just don’t feel like you have anything to offer - or maybe your problems are too small for God?  Let’s remember to live like Peter - knowing that no matter how badly we mess up or how small we think we are - we are ALWAYS forgiven and ALWAYS loved by our God.

- submitted by Sadie