Pastor's Message

Dear Friends,

            Luke 7:36-50 contains one of the most intriguing episodes in the New Testament.  It contains the Christian faith in capsule form.  Like an opal, the deeper you look into it the more levels and depths are to be seen.  A quick glance and the beauty of it is apparent.  In the story there are three figures – Jesus, Simon the Pharisee and a woman.  The three pair off as the story goes on so that we watch Jesus and Simon, Simon and the woman, Jesus and the woman and we learn from each encounter. 

            Consider Jesus and Simon, we find in them very different ideas about the nature of the community of faith, the family of God, or, for us, the church.  From the start of his ministry Jesus gathered people into a family.  So had the Pharisees. For Jesus, though, the family was inclusive – “Whosoever will – let them come.”  The Pharisees were exclusive.  Simon knew about “This kind of woman” – not one of “our kind.”  “Do you see this woman?” Jesus said to Simon.  Yet Jesus knew that poor Simon could not see the woman.  Simon was for family feelings but was short-sighted about the size of the family tree.  He tried to see her but could see only his own labels – she is a sinner, outcast, embarrassment, radical.  She doesn’t belong.  Simon was a door-slammer. 

            There is a difference between a church and a club.  Private clubs frequently attempt to limit membership, to set any standards they wish.  But the church is no club.  It is God’s family on earth; every human being is a part of that family by birth.  The church is a gathering place for those who acknowledge themselves as part of that family.  God made the church to be home for all of God’s children.  We who call ourselves “members” are the doorkeepers.  Simon was a door slammer.  Jesus was a door opener. 

Consider the woman for a moment.  Once she was through the door what did she do?  Once she got into the church how did she act?  She is extravagantly generous.  There are many conjectures about what might be the current value of her flask of ointment. 

            William Barclay tells that women in Israel at that time carried small vials of costly perfume around their necks in what was called “an alabaster.”  They were purported to be wedding gifts and worth a great deal, but worth even more from a sentimental value.  Whether that were the case or not, Jesus was certainly drawn to her by her gracious act.  It was so much like what he would do!  He valued reckless generosity.  The flask, the flask – the beautifully, extravagant, spontaneous act of self-giving. 

            Now to Jesus, he loved them both.  He loves the Simons just as he loves the great givers.  The difference is that the woman was looking for love.  Simon was not.  The broken flask is the symbol for all time of love poured out.

            Yet the hand of Jesus, extended to lift a “sinner,” is a more powerful symbol yet.  She was capable of love.  Jesus was the source of love.  That hand – reaching – made her love complete.  May all who come seeking at the Westmont UMC find Jesus in the outstretched hand of our greeting, in the embrace of our welcome, and in the humility by which we recognize that all sinners are saved by the grace of God through Jesus Christ. 

Think about this and I will see you in church.

Pastor Kevin

New Sermon Series

“Moses and the People of God”

Many of the most beloved Bible stories revolve around Moses – the baby in the basket, the burning bush, the plagues, the parting of the Red Sea, the Ten Commandments, and so many more.  Moses is the towering figure of the Old Testament.  The words of Deuteronomy 34:10-12 perhaps capture his life best.  “Since then, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face…For no one has ever shown the mighty power or performed the awesome deeds that Moses did in the sight of all Israel.”  Moses and the events surrounding his life also play a large role in understanding the teachings of Jesus Christ and the advent of Christianity and the Church.  Moses’ relationship and interaction with the LORD offers us keen insights into the nature, ways and will of God, while his shortcomings, struggles, faithfulness and courage help us understand our lives and struggles; inspiring us to follow in his steps. 

            In September and October we will take a closer look at the great stories of Moses and seeking to understand why they hold such meaning and relevance for us today.  Please plan to join us for this in depth look at Moses.

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