Archive for Pastor’s Weekly Message

Teach me

Life Students,

This week, Peter asks Jesus, “When a sibling wrongs me, how many times must I forgive? Seven times?” Jesus gives him – and us – the answer: “Seventy times seven.”

Mmm. Mmm. Mmm. A tall order.

We human beings rub up against each other. And that friction can cause hard feelings. Jesus tells us, “The truth is, whatever you declare bound on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you declare loosed on earth will be loosed in heaven.” In other words, work it out or carry it with you. Another tall order.

Forgiveness does not mean forgetting. Forgetting can lead to repeating. What relationships in your life have derailed and need to be put back on track – reconciled and repaired? What do you need to let go of so that your vibration is harmonious in a discordant world?

Let’s have a look as we continue riding the rails of faith with Peter this Fifth Sunday in Lent at 10 am on 1130 Balclutha, Zoom, or Livestream. Maybe we can learn something. Extend an invitation.

Learning alongside you,
Rev. Michael Cronin

I’m fixed upon it

Faith-filled Friends,

In the song, Some Enchanted Evening from South Pacific, Emile de Becque sings about seeing a stranger across a crowded room and knowing she is the one, finishing with the lyric, “Once you have found her, never let her go. Once you have found her, never let her go!” It’s a lovely sentiment, but as much as we might not want to, eventually, we have to let people go. In the book The Measure by Nikki Erlich, people open their front door to find a small wooden box waiting for them. This box holds their fate inside: the answer to the exact number of years they will live. The story unfolds as the characters’ decisions and fates interweave with one another. A Chat ‘n Chew Book Group member said, “You can make choices, but you can’t determine the outcomes.”

At this week’s stop on the rails of faith with Peter, we arrive at Matthew 16:21-23. Jesus is explaining what is in the future, and Peter rebukes him. Jesus utters the famous, “Get thee behind me, Satan!”

Peter has found a teacher and friend, a beloved. He wants to hold on to the lives they have built. Jesus has laid his faith, and Peter does not want to let go. I know that feeling – knowing that a beloved would pass, a relationship would change. Wanting to hold on; fearing the loss of what is and facing the unknown. Wanting to avoid the pain and suffering. It’s highly likely that you have too. How do we find hope for the moments when our world unravels and we feel lost in our faith?

I look forward to seeing you Sunday at 10 am on Balclutha, Zoom, or Livestream as we look at what we can be “fixed upon.” Invite a friend along for the ride!

Yours,
Rev. Michael Cronin

Praise the mount

Faithful Ones,

Happy February 29, 2024! Here we are in Leap Year, riding the rails of faith with Peter and his Wandering Heart during Lent. It seems appropriate that last week our Scripture story focused on stepping out on faith – taking the leap.

Charles F. Glassman writes in his book, Brain Drain – The Breakthrough That Will Change Your Life, “Today, I plan to take the leap. No matter that my heart beats a little fast, my knees feel a bit shaky, or my voice quivers. Today, I plan to take the leap that will launch me on the right path.” In taking a leap of faith, we can have profound revelations.

This week, we make a stop in Caesarea Philippi. In Matthew 16:13-20, Jesus asks Peter, “Who do you say I am?” Peter proclaims that Jesus is the Messiah. It is his statement of faith. What is yours? Has it changed?

The UCC states, “Whoever you are, wherever you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.” Is that true?

I look forward to seeing you Sunday at 10 am on Balclutha, Zoom, or Livestream. Invite a friend along for the ride!

With love,
Rev. Michael Cronin

P.S. If you want to learn about Leap Year, visit https://www.pbs.org/newshour/science/why-do-leap-years-have-366-days

Rescue me from danger

Dearhearts,

Have you ever been in a situation when you think you’ve got it all under control and then chaos ensues? Have you ever had the rug pulled out from under you, resulting in devastation? Have you ever cried out, “GOD HELP ME!” or had your faith shaken that you question God’s presence?

I have.

This week, as our Wandering Heart focuses on the lyric “Rescue me from danger” from the hymn Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing, we will continue riding on the rails of our faith with Peter. In Luke 14:22-33, we hear Peter’s doubts and his rescue from drowning in the stormy lake by Jesus’ hand. That hand is always reaching out to us, be it calm or storm.

I look forward to seeing you Sunday at 10 am on Balclutha, Zoom, or livestream. Invite a friend along for the ride!

Love,
Rev. Michael Cronin

Jesus sought me

Travelers on the Journey,

We have officially entered into Lent. The theme for the season is Wandering Heart. Wandering Heart focuses on the Lenten journey through the stories of Peter.

Like us, Peter is not perfect. Like us, he has a history. And like Peter, with all our foibles and follies, Jesus calls us to follow and join his ministry.

As we set out on this journey, I invite you to contemplate these questions (there might be a quiz 😉): What is the beginning of your faith story? When has God sought you out? Have you ever felt like your calling was pursuing—or chasing—you? Did you resist? Did you follow? There is also a link to the online devotional flipbook below (a few printed copies are available at church).

I look forward to seeing you at 1130 Balclutha, on Zoom, or on livestream on Sunday at 10 am. Invite a friend along for the ride!

With love,
Rev. Michael Cronin

Dazzling

Shining Stars,

It was so lovely to be back in your company again on Sunday. I pray this finds all well with you after these storms that have passed through. I read that San Francisco has had nearly five inches of rain over the past seven days; our normal is about one-and one-half. What was a barren brown has become verdant.

Just as the mountains and hillsides have transitioned from brown to green, we move from Epiphany into Lent. Our bridge is The Transfiguration, when Jesus goes to the mountaintop with Peter, James, and John, and they witness his transfiguration – his change to a more beautiful spiritual state. We are given a preview of the realm of God to come.

I look forward to seeing you on Sunday at 10 am on Balclutha, Zoom, or livestream. Invite a friend to shine with you before we enter into Lent and our penitential preparation for Easter.

Love,
Rev. Michael Cronin

Return of the Prodigal Pastor

Dear Ones,

I am officially returned from the three weeks interim time off. I thank you for your generosity of spirit that allowed for this. I am grateful for the preachers who stepped up and joined you in my absence. I heard stories. And Brent had fun filling you in with visuals of what I might be doing while away.

February is Black History Month, and I invite you to check out the section dedicated to historic interfaith black leaders who shaped America. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 14, with a joint bilingual service at CCSM. I hope you will consider attending as we enter into Lent together and follow Peter’s story and the Wandering Heart inspired by “Come Thou Fount”.

I look forward to seeing you Sunday at 10 am at 1130 Balclutha, in person, on Zoom, or livestream. Tell a friend!

With gratitude,
Rev. Michael Cronin

Transition Time Off, Week #3

Awesome Ones,

Once again, I want to thank you for this transitional time off. This Sunday we welcome Rev. Carol Barriger, familiar friend and family, retired Minister of Island United Church. I know Carol will offer a spirited reflection and gift to the congregation. Whether on 1130 Balclutha, Zoom, or livestream, please make your way to hear this amazing speaker.

Love,
Rev. Michael Cronin

P.S. If you have a pastoral need during my time away. please contact Rev. Jim Mitulski at (323) 578-4454 or [email protected].

Transitional Time Off, Week #2

Liberators,

Thank you, again, for this transitional time off. This Sunday we welcome our dear friend Rev. Jim Mitulski of the Congregational Church of the Peninsula. Many of you will remember him from his Interim Minister time here as IUCFC (you can blame him for me). Please read his bio below. Whether on 1130 Balclutha, Zoom, or livestream, please make your way to hear this amazing speaker. 

Keep marching in the Light of God,
Rev. Michael Cronin

P.S. If you have a pastoral need during my time away (January 9-30), please contact Rev. Jim Mitulski at (323) 578-4454 or [email protected].

Transitional Time Off

Followers,

I want to thank you for this transitional time off. This Sunday we welcome Rev. Álvaro Durán of the ICSM – the Latino Ministry of the Congregational Church of San Mateo. Originally from El Salvador, he is an amazing speaker and has an amazing story to share. Please read his bio below. Whether on 1130 Balclutha, Zoom, or livestream, please make your way to hear this amazing speaker. 

Love,
Rev. Michael Cronin

P.S. If you have a pastoral need during my time away (January 9-30), please contact Rev. Jim Mitulski at (323) 578-4454 or [email protected]