I think this sign is a great representation of the last year. If someone would have come to me a year and a half ago and told me all that was going to take place in 2020 and 2021 I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t have believed them. At times it has been completely bonkers – upside down – tumultuous – like I’m living my life out of a washing machine.

The crazy part is that The Church in its long history – especially with the adaptation of seasons like Lent – really sought to get people to feel the way this sign feels. As you gave things up for Lent, as you sought to live out the reality of the crucifixion, as you attempted to align your life with that of this Jesus – in some ways you felt exactly as this sign indicates.

Jesus invites us to live out the upside-down life. Jesus invites us to walk a different walk than the people of this world are walking. Jesus invites us to take the road less traveled. Jesus invites us to walk the narrow path through the narrow gate. He invites us to live out the adventurous life of one who follows after the Shepherd who knows his name.

And as we follow – as we love people unconditionally – and as we forgive people who don’t deserve to be forgiven – and as we go through the painful times of our lives – and as we continue to live out a life of a long obedience of faith in the same direction, even in the upside down times, Jesus accompanies us. Jesus accompanies you. Jesus accompanies me. So even when it feels like I’m the guy on the sign, I can take solace in knowing that Jesus is right there with- me.

–Pastor Keenan Barber, 805-529-8422 x101

The State of the Church – A peak into our weekly Elder Meetings…

I wanted to spend a minute or two to give you an update about some of the things that are happening in the life of the church. As many of you know, we are a Presbyterian Church. Our church is led by a group of people who are the spiritual leaders of the church – elders. These elders are collectively called the Session. Our session at MPC meets regularly once a month on the second Tuesday of the month and when there are urgent time-sensitive issues to address. When we gather, we discern the vision of the church, pray for people who are in need of prayer, evaluate programs, steward the finances, discuss service opportunities, and share all things related to the leading a healthy church.

Over the last year, we have spent quite a bit of time together discerning how to lead through the ever-changing environment from the COVID-19 pandemic. When the expectations for church’s change or when the guidelines from the county or state are updated, we have attempted to let you know what that means for MPC and how our approach to the current environment shifts or adjusts.

These shifts in guidelines from the state and county have allowed for us to meet these last few weeks in the sanctuary each Sunday while still holding to some essential safety protocols – masks, social distancing, and 25% of the capacity of the room. It has also has led to rethinking the way in which we take communion, the manner in which we take the offering and any number of other small practices that have had to change to accommodate a more safe environment.

In last night’s meeting, we shared how elders were experiencing the Lenten season, creative and new approaches to the finances of the church, Easter service times (9:00am in the sanctuary and 11:00 outside), as well as prayed together for the Church. Additionally, we specifically addressed one part of our worship that has not returned to normal quite yet – singing.

Based on the recommendations from the CDC as well as the WHO, the practice of singing is not viewed as a safe practice… at this time. As such, after much discussion, prayer and discernment, the session voted to continue the practice of not singing in corporate worship – inside or outside. This is not a permanent decision as the guidelines and recommendations are being updated and changed all the time. As we are given new information that warrants further discussion as to singing in our church, we will not hesitate to have a specially-called session meeting to reconsider our position.

Our strong desire is to continue to lead the church in a way that keeps our congregation safe as well as attempting to allow for people to worship. If you have any questions about things that are happening in the life of the church, please feel free to reach out and discuss with me or with any of the 12 elders currently serving on session.

Peace.

Rev. Keenan Barber

The Wind

My kids and I went for a hike last week and the wind was howling. It made the hike a little bit more challenging but it also made the views much more rewarding. We were on one of those trails that I had been on before, but I had never noticed the ocean. I never noticed the ocean because it’s so far off that I usually can’t see it. But on this day, we could see it almost clear as day. The wind had blown out anything that might get in the way of seeing clearly the view in front of us.

In the Scriptures, the word for wind and the word for Spirit are many times the same word. So when the Spirit blows in – things happen. When the Spirit blows into our lives, there are two things that can happen at the same time.

The first thing that happens is that there are things that get moved around. For us on the trail, it was tumbleweeds and sand and other things. In our lives, it’s the details that get uprooted and can make it challenging to move forward. The Spirit reveals the things that are shakeable in our lives and the things that are unshakable.

I also think in moments where the Spirit is moving, there is a greater sense of vision and of clarity of what is down the road (not always, but sometimes). The Spirit has a way of getting rid of the inconsequential things so that we can see the things that are of consequence in our lives.

So as the Spirit blows on you afresh at the beginning of 2021, what is being revealed? What are the things that are inconsequential that God wants to remove? What are the bigger visions that God wants us to get a glimpse of? And as you have things removed and you have greater vision, may God reveal the great and amazing plans he has for you. And if that doesn’t seem to be happening, then start to pray that God would reveal through his Spirit more of his will for you. And don’t be surprised when the gusts of wind come blowing. Happy New Year!