Burning Hearts
Stories
Contents
"Burning Hearts" by Peter Andrew Smith
"Gospel of Salvation" by John Fitzgerald
Burning Hearts
by Peter Andrew Smith
Luke 24:13-35
Heather lined the basketball up with the net. She took a deep breath and made her shot. The ball was high and missed. She tried again. This time the ball hit the backboard and went toward the corner. Heather sighed and let the ball bounce away. This is useless. I can’t make a basket no matter how much I try. She made her way over to the bench in the empty community center gymnasium and slumped down.
“I shouldn’t even bother to try out for the team,” she muttered. “I’m useless and uncoordinated.”
“No,” said a voice from the side. “You just need more practice.”
Heather looked up to see the custodian holding her a push broom.
“Sorry, Mrs. Pelley, I didn’t think there was anyone else here.” Heather started to gather up her things. “I’ll get going.”
Mrs. Pelley shook her head. “You don’t need to go. What you need to do is lift your left hand a bit more before you shoot.”
“Huh?”
“You’re having trouble sinking baskets because your form is off,” Mrs. Pelley said. “No reason you shouldn’t try out for the team.”
“It wouldn’t make any difference.” Heather hung her head. “I’m hopeless.”
Mrs. Pelley sat beside her. “I’ve never in my sixty years met anyone who was hopeless.”
“I can’t do anything right.”
“You’re here and you’re trying to get better. That says to me that you’re not hopeless.” Mrs. Pelley cleared her throat. “So why do you want to try out for the team? To go on the trips?”
“I’m good at dribbling and I know most of the plays. I just can’t shoot.” Heather looked up at her. “I love playing basketball.
“Why do you love basketball?”
“With Dad gone home is tense and school stresses me out but when I’m out on the court on the playground it’s like none of that matters. I feel like I can do anything and that I’m connected to something bigger than myself.”
Mrs. Pelley smiled. “It’s almost religious, isn’t it?”
“Huh?”
“You feel like you’re finally the person you should be and when you are in what they call the zone it seems like everything makes sense and you’re body, mind, and spirit are all working together.”
Heather stared at the janitor. “I’ve never heard anyone talk about basketball like that before.”
“It could happen in basketball or some other sport or maybe in art or music. It’s the way in which you bring yourself together and reach beyond yourself to connect with God and let yourself be filled with excitement and enthusiasm.” Mrs. Pelley smiled. “Why do you think so many sports people thank Jesus when they win?”
“I always assumed it was because they’re happy to be successful.”
“I’m sure they are but more than that the experience of playing sports can bring us closer to God and helps us see what God wants in the world too. When you are part of a team the color of your skin doesn’t matter and everyone works together. When you play you are working for a goal you could never achieve by yourself. ” Mrs’ Pelley looked up at the basketball net. “In my mind that is what God wants from us in life.”
Heather scrunched up her face. “You really have thought about this haven’t you?”
“When you see me in church with my eyes closed I’m not sleeping you know.” Mrs. Pelley winked.“Most people think of God being in church but remember the disciples found Jesus on the road as they were walking home. Having him with them made their hearts burn with excitement and the Bible says they ran back to tell everyone that they had seen the Lord.”
“I don’t see what that has to do with playing basketball.”
“Don’t assume that God is only in that building we go to on Sunday. Look for God in what you do and realize that God is with you at home, at school, and even on the basketball court.” Mrs. Pelley went over and picked up the discarded basketball. “Keep your eyes open and you might be surprised at how spiritual everyday things can be. Who knows you might even discover how to be a better Christian as a result.”
Heather rubbed her chin. “I guess that makes sense.”
“How about you shoot and I give you some pointers?” Mrs. Pelley threw the ball to her.
Heather stood up and took her place at the top of the key in front of the net. “Okay.”
Mrs. Pelley smiled and together they used their minds and bodies to practise not only shooting baskets but on supporting and encouraging each other to use the gifts that God had blessed them with in life.
Peter Andrew Smith is an ordained minister in the United Church of Canada currently serving St. James United Church in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. He is the author of All Things are Ready (CSS) a book of lectionary based communion prayers and a number of stories and articles, which can be found listed at www.peterandrewsmith.com.
* * *
Gospel of Salvation
by John Fitzgerald
Acts 2:14a, 22-32
A tour group came to the famous Westminister Abby church in London, England. The tour guide told folks about saints who once had been part of this church. The speech included interesting details concerning a rich heritage which this congregation had inherited. After a long dissertation about the glorious past, one person could no longer stand it. She said to the guide, “I appreciate hearing all about spiritual giants who have made this a great church in previous years -- however there is a question which enters my mind. Has anyone been saved in this church within the past year?”
Our friend on the tour has an important point -- we can be very proud of our church tradition -- but what really counts is this present moment. If individual lives are not being transformed by the saving power of Christ Jesus -- right now -- then the purpose of a church is missed. Unfortunately, too many local congregations are rooted in the past without regard to what Jesus is doing this last day of April 2017.
To know Jesus in a real and personal way is always the goal of any local church. Peter realized this in his preaching which is recorded in the Book of Acts. This biblical passage which serves as our scripture lesson follows what happened at Pentecost.
Pentecost as written about in Acts 2 when Christ’s Spirit descended upon masses of people gathered in Jerusalem. Every person in the crowded streets could hear testimony concerning Jesus spoken in their native tongue. The Holy Spirit ministered in a new and mighty way. Pentecost is often described as the birthday of Christ’s Church.
It is from this explosion of the Spirit of God that Peter stood up to give his testimony about Christ Jesus. The heart of what Jesus gave Peter to say is found in Acts 2:36-41. Peter begins with a witness that Jesus crucified and raised from the dead is God’s Messiah.
When people realized they had been part of causing the death of Christ they were cut to their heart. Folks responded with, “What shall we do?” Peter, realizing the opportunity, replies to this searching question with, “You must repent in the name of Jesus Christ to receive forgiveness of your sins.” This exhortation is followed up with “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.”
The crowds at this biblical day of Pentecost are much like America of 2017. Our nation is corrupt and filled with violence and sin. There can be no place to hide or run from the destruction of this day. Peace can be discovered only in the salvation of Christ the Lord. Only God’s Holy One can save this country and provide a solution to what troubles us.
It is up to the Body of Christ to proclaim salvation in Jesus as a way forward. Will the church take up this challenge? Or will we continue in ancestor worship? Jesus is willing to provide the forgiveness and healing our nation so desperately needs. It rests upon Christians to once again carry the Gospel of salvation. St. Paul has it right when he says in 2 Corinthians 6:2, “Now is the acceptable time, now is the day of salvation.”
John Fitzgerald lives in Leesburg, Ohio, with his wife Carolyn and has served as pastor at the Leesburg Friends Meeting for the past 27 years. Cornfield Cathedral (Fairway Press, 2013) is the second book authored by Pastor Fitzgerald. John has earned a Master's of Ministry Degree from the Earlham School of Religion in Richmond, Indiana.
*****************************************
StoryShare, April 30, 2017, issue.
Copyright 2017 by CSS Publishing Company, Inc., Lima, Ohio.
All rights reserved. Subscribers to the StoryShare service may print and use this material as it was intended in sermons, in worship and classroom settings, in brief devotions, in radio spots, and as newsletter fillers. No additional permission is required from the publisher for such use by subscribers only. Inquiries should be addressed to permissions@csspub.com or to Permissions, CSS Publishing Company, Inc., 5450 N. Dixie Highway, Lima, Ohio 45807.
"Burning Hearts" by Peter Andrew Smith
"Gospel of Salvation" by John Fitzgerald
Burning Hearts
by Peter Andrew Smith
Luke 24:13-35
Heather lined the basketball up with the net. She took a deep breath and made her shot. The ball was high and missed. She tried again. This time the ball hit the backboard and went toward the corner. Heather sighed and let the ball bounce away. This is useless. I can’t make a basket no matter how much I try. She made her way over to the bench in the empty community center gymnasium and slumped down.
“I shouldn’t even bother to try out for the team,” she muttered. “I’m useless and uncoordinated.”
“No,” said a voice from the side. “You just need more practice.”
Heather looked up to see the custodian holding her a push broom.
“Sorry, Mrs. Pelley, I didn’t think there was anyone else here.” Heather started to gather up her things. “I’ll get going.”
Mrs. Pelley shook her head. “You don’t need to go. What you need to do is lift your left hand a bit more before you shoot.”
“Huh?”
“You’re having trouble sinking baskets because your form is off,” Mrs. Pelley said. “No reason you shouldn’t try out for the team.”
“It wouldn’t make any difference.” Heather hung her head. “I’m hopeless.”
Mrs. Pelley sat beside her. “I’ve never in my sixty years met anyone who was hopeless.”
“I can’t do anything right.”
“You’re here and you’re trying to get better. That says to me that you’re not hopeless.” Mrs. Pelley cleared her throat. “So why do you want to try out for the team? To go on the trips?”
“I’m good at dribbling and I know most of the plays. I just can’t shoot.” Heather looked up at her. “I love playing basketball.
“Why do you love basketball?”
“With Dad gone home is tense and school stresses me out but when I’m out on the court on the playground it’s like none of that matters. I feel like I can do anything and that I’m connected to something bigger than myself.”
Mrs. Pelley smiled. “It’s almost religious, isn’t it?”
“Huh?”
“You feel like you’re finally the person you should be and when you are in what they call the zone it seems like everything makes sense and you’re body, mind, and spirit are all working together.”
Heather stared at the janitor. “I’ve never heard anyone talk about basketball like that before.”
“It could happen in basketball or some other sport or maybe in art or music. It’s the way in which you bring yourself together and reach beyond yourself to connect with God and let yourself be filled with excitement and enthusiasm.” Mrs. Pelley smiled. “Why do you think so many sports people thank Jesus when they win?”
“I always assumed it was because they’re happy to be successful.”
“I’m sure they are but more than that the experience of playing sports can bring us closer to God and helps us see what God wants in the world too. When you are part of a team the color of your skin doesn’t matter and everyone works together. When you play you are working for a goal you could never achieve by yourself. ” Mrs’ Pelley looked up at the basketball net. “In my mind that is what God wants from us in life.”
Heather scrunched up her face. “You really have thought about this haven’t you?”
“When you see me in church with my eyes closed I’m not sleeping you know.” Mrs. Pelley winked.“Most people think of God being in church but remember the disciples found Jesus on the road as they were walking home. Having him with them made their hearts burn with excitement and the Bible says they ran back to tell everyone that they had seen the Lord.”
“I don’t see what that has to do with playing basketball.”
“Don’t assume that God is only in that building we go to on Sunday. Look for God in what you do and realize that God is with you at home, at school, and even on the basketball court.” Mrs. Pelley went over and picked up the discarded basketball. “Keep your eyes open and you might be surprised at how spiritual everyday things can be. Who knows you might even discover how to be a better Christian as a result.”
Heather rubbed her chin. “I guess that makes sense.”
“How about you shoot and I give you some pointers?” Mrs. Pelley threw the ball to her.
Heather stood up and took her place at the top of the key in front of the net. “Okay.”
Mrs. Pelley smiled and together they used their minds and bodies to practise not only shooting baskets but on supporting and encouraging each other to use the gifts that God had blessed them with in life.
Peter Andrew Smith is an ordained minister in the United Church of Canada currently serving St. James United Church in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. He is the author of All Things are Ready (CSS) a book of lectionary based communion prayers and a number of stories and articles, which can be found listed at www.peterandrewsmith.com.
* * *
Gospel of Salvation
by John Fitzgerald
Acts 2:14a, 22-32
A tour group came to the famous Westminister Abby church in London, England. The tour guide told folks about saints who once had been part of this church. The speech included interesting details concerning a rich heritage which this congregation had inherited. After a long dissertation about the glorious past, one person could no longer stand it. She said to the guide, “I appreciate hearing all about spiritual giants who have made this a great church in previous years -- however there is a question which enters my mind. Has anyone been saved in this church within the past year?”
Our friend on the tour has an important point -- we can be very proud of our church tradition -- but what really counts is this present moment. If individual lives are not being transformed by the saving power of Christ Jesus -- right now -- then the purpose of a church is missed. Unfortunately, too many local congregations are rooted in the past without regard to what Jesus is doing this last day of April 2017.
To know Jesus in a real and personal way is always the goal of any local church. Peter realized this in his preaching which is recorded in the Book of Acts. This biblical passage which serves as our scripture lesson follows what happened at Pentecost.
Pentecost as written about in Acts 2 when Christ’s Spirit descended upon masses of people gathered in Jerusalem. Every person in the crowded streets could hear testimony concerning Jesus spoken in their native tongue. The Holy Spirit ministered in a new and mighty way. Pentecost is often described as the birthday of Christ’s Church.
It is from this explosion of the Spirit of God that Peter stood up to give his testimony about Christ Jesus. The heart of what Jesus gave Peter to say is found in Acts 2:36-41. Peter begins with a witness that Jesus crucified and raised from the dead is God’s Messiah.
When people realized they had been part of causing the death of Christ they were cut to their heart. Folks responded with, “What shall we do?” Peter, realizing the opportunity, replies to this searching question with, “You must repent in the name of Jesus Christ to receive forgiveness of your sins.” This exhortation is followed up with “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.”
The crowds at this biblical day of Pentecost are much like America of 2017. Our nation is corrupt and filled with violence and sin. There can be no place to hide or run from the destruction of this day. Peace can be discovered only in the salvation of Christ the Lord. Only God’s Holy One can save this country and provide a solution to what troubles us.
It is up to the Body of Christ to proclaim salvation in Jesus as a way forward. Will the church take up this challenge? Or will we continue in ancestor worship? Jesus is willing to provide the forgiveness and healing our nation so desperately needs. It rests upon Christians to once again carry the Gospel of salvation. St. Paul has it right when he says in 2 Corinthians 6:2, “Now is the acceptable time, now is the day of salvation.”
John Fitzgerald lives in Leesburg, Ohio, with his wife Carolyn and has served as pastor at the Leesburg Friends Meeting for the past 27 years. Cornfield Cathedral (Fairway Press, 2013) is the second book authored by Pastor Fitzgerald. John has earned a Master's of Ministry Degree from the Earlham School of Religion in Richmond, Indiana.
*****************************************
StoryShare, April 30, 2017, issue.
Copyright 2017 by CSS Publishing Company, Inc., Lima, Ohio.
All rights reserved. Subscribers to the StoryShare service may print and use this material as it was intended in sermons, in worship and classroom settings, in brief devotions, in radio spots, and as newsletter fillers. No additional permission is required from the publisher for such use by subscribers only. Inquiries should be addressed to permissions@csspub.com or to Permissions, CSS Publishing Company, Inc., 5450 N. Dixie Highway, Lima, Ohio 45807.
