SCRIPTURE: Joshua 3
TEXT: THEME: INTRODUCTION The lectionary readings through Genesis, Exodus and Deuteronomy highlighted the Compassion of God for the family of Abraham and Sarah. Even before they were slave to Egypt, God initiated plans of love and compassion. Moses’ birth, adoption, and success in negotiating the release of God’s people, showed how powerful God is, in comparison to the rulers of Earth. God sees and knows of Israel’s suffering and initiates their liberation from oppression. They were spiritual but not religious, like those ‘nones’ of today. In 2021 the Pew Research Center identified a drop of those in the United States who identified themselves as Christian. Roughly 3 in ten adults considered themselves as ‘religiously unaffiliated’ and fewer than half of Americans pray every day, ‘Nones’ were turned off by the behavior of abuse in the church, churches that only ask for money and organized religion. Initiating their escape from slavery, and wandering for 40 years in the wilderness fostered Israel’s relationship with God. Israel has reconnected with their ancestral heritage, experienced their own stories with God, that has informed them about who they are, who God is and how they are to treat their neighbors. SCRIPTURE Moses died and Joshua is the new leader. He is not a negotiator like Moses, but was a military strategist and warrior. The style of the mission will change and be shaped by the capability and skill set of the new leader that is available. We each bring our own set of skills, talent, abilities and interest, to the God’s call of us. In each mission we participate in, we leave an imprint of who we are. It maybe that to God, participation in a mission is important, but it does not need to be done in the exact same way. Joshua has been shadowing Moses, but his talent, skill and leadership is different from Moses. If anything, this means that we don’t all need to be the same to participate in God’s mission, and that there are parts of mission that God will require different kind of skills from one season to another. We need to appreciate all and welcome all. The promise we have from God is “I will be with you …” so through us, we will be able to see God’s handiwork. For example, in the crossing of the Jordan River to get to the Promised land, they cross on dry ground but it is not a sea, but a river and the water flowing in one direction is dammed (not parted) causing it to overflow onto the banks while the people crossed on dry ground. Similar to the crossing of the Red Sea but different, under the leadership of Joshua, it is enough to prove that our same God is with Joshua. APPLICATION On this All-Saint’s Sunday we recognize the contributions of many among us who in their own way and style added their handiwork to the life of this church or who have left their mark on our lives. Here is illustrated in a Maui New article of the church in 1912. Saints are named in this article: The first building of the Wailuku Union Church was erected in the early part of 1867. Mr. Christopher H. Lewers, Mr. Edward H. Bailey and several others then living in Wailuku were interested in its erection, and assisted in the work. “The Friend” of a somewhat earlier date speaks of the work of the ladies of Wailuku in raising nearly $400 toward the new building. Rev. Thomas Gardner Thurston, was the first pastor of this Church. He was ordained in the Kaahumanu Church, and ministered to both English-speaking and Hawaiian congregations, beginning his work in the month of October, 1866 The Wailuku Union Church was organized, January 15th, 1867. Rev. W. P. Alexander was moderator of that council, Rev. S. E. Bishop, D. D., was the scribe. The papers of incorporation were issued the year before, on October 10th. on April 4th, 1880, Mr. Edward H. Bailey united with the Church; that from that date to the time of his death, on November 5th, 1910, he faithfully served the Church in many ways, and for a time was the only living member of the organization; on the first Sunday in November, 1905, the house of worship was opened after it has been closed for several years, and that at the request of many of the former attendants of the Church, Rev. Rowland B. Dodge, the Agent for the Hawaiian Board, for Maui County, was engaged to hold service. In December, 1910, the property of the Church was condemned by the County; land and buildings were appropriated for Government use. The work on the new edifice began in February, 1911. The Corner Stone was laid with fitting ceremonies on May 7th, 1911. The address on the occasion was delivered by Hon. Selden B. Kingsbury. The floor plan was first worked out by the Minister of the Church, and the result of the careful work of Mr. W. R. Patterson, who, from the very day the Board of Trustees of the Church accepted his liberal offer has put his whole heart into the work of the erection of a suitable building for the worship of the Church and congregation of which he has been a member since July 1st, 1911. The firm of Emory & Webb, of Honolulu, very generously reviewed the plans. Mr. Hugh Howell acted as consulting engineer, and has done faithful and efficient service. The furniture was selected by the Minister while in New York last winter. It was purchased through the firm of Alexander & Baldwin. Mr. R. E. Smith, the New York buyer, chose the color scheme for the windows assisting the maker, Mr. Charles E. Hogeman, in the selection of the designs. The stone for the Church was found on the fields of the Wailuku Sugar Company and in the Iao Valley. The cross was cut by Japanese workman out of a single stone from the land of Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Field in Iao. The asbestos shingles and ohia flooring were furnished by the firm of Lewers & Cooke; other materials by the Kahului Railroad Company. The many gifts to the Church from loving friends, the memorials make the building in every sense a true monument to the work of the early missionaries, their sons and daughters, and those who in noble lives. We join our names to this list of faithful saints who serve God through the ministry of this church. CONCLUSION “None’s” say they don’t go to church because the ones they have gone to are unpersuasive and unwelcoming towards their lifestyle. The church was not a ‘good fit’ for them. When we start to list the names of the Saints of this church, past as well as present, they are persuasive in the way they live their faith. And they are welcoming in the way they embraced us, reaching out to take our hand. A church that is a good fit is hard to find. But it is our Saints that make us a ‘good fit’ for just about anyone. God’s compassion continues through us.
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