“Weak Force” – An Installation Sermon by Tony Hoshaw

Yesterday, I was installed as Associate Pastor at First Presbyterian Church here in Ashland, Oregon. In addition, I had the privilege of hearing my good friend Tony Hoshaw preach at my installation. For those of you who have been following my ordination journey since the beginning, you’ll remember that my initial invitation of Tony to preach at my ordination is what set things in motion for my ordination to be cancelled in 2008 and led to my transfer from Kendall Presbytery to the Presbytery of San Francisco.

So it was as if things had come full circle, and it was great for Tony to be welcomed to preach at First Presbyterian Church yesterday and for him to join the celebration. Below you will find both the audio of his sermon, as well as the text. I appreciated his message and his challenge to me through the sermon, and I offer it to you here. The three texts for the sermon were Isaiah 56:1-8, Romans 15:1-6 and Mark 9:33-37 (you can look at the complete bulletin here).

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Purpose Statement:
I propose to preach that weak force, the rejection of the politics of self-preservation for a messianic politics of weakness, is the way of life of all those seeking to faithfully discharge the office of pastor. I preach this to the end that hearers will be just, that is, be weak and welcome the weak – as the messiah Jesus was weak and welcomed the weak.

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Children, Youth and a New Kind of Christianity Conference

I’m exactly 2 months into my first ordained call as Associate Pastor at First Presbyterian Church of Ashland. Starting just two weeks before Advent made for a busy beginning, in addition to…oh, getting ordained, having a baby and getting through Christmas and the holidays. Part of my responsibilities, that are different from previous church positions I’ve held, now include working with our children’s ministries program: coordinating Sunday School, VBS and all of the other things that go along with children’s ministry.

So when I heard about the Children, Youth and a New Kind of Christianity conference, I knew it was the place I needed to be in May. This is a brief description from the website:

Something is happening in the church. A new kind of Christianity is taking root and growing across the globe. New forms of ministry, worship, and community are emerging. Questions are being asked. And change is happening.

But amidst these changes and shifts, children and youth are being left behind. Innovative approaches to ministry with adults are emerging around the world, but little critical reflection and attention has been given to how to nurture young people within a new kind of Christianity.

It looks like it’s going to be a really great event, especially when Kenda Creasy Dean says this about the event: “This event sets the bar high: it’s got passion, purpose, and a line-up of theological luminaries who rarely share the same stage.”

The early bird registration ends on January 31 (the prices increases to $209 on February 1) – so save yourself a few bucks to spend on a beer at the conference, and register soon. It’d be great to hang out with you all. Anyone going already?

A Pie a Day Giveaway Blog Worth Reading

If you remember when I posted about preaching at First Presbyterian Church of Ashland back in October, I mentioned that someone baked me a mixed berry pie. And it was amazing. When Karen Amarotico gave the pie to me, she let me know that she’s actually baking a pie a day for a whole year and giving them to people. First of all, I think this is pretty amazing because I can’t imagine coming up with different pies and finding the time to bake one every day. And in the spirit of a wonderful life challenge like this, Karen is also blogging about the experience, the pies and the people at her blog A Pie a Day. This is how she describes her journey on the blog:

My name is Karen Amarotico and I have begun a year long adventure in pie baking. This journey began as an idea in the middle of the night. That idea is that I will express my gratitude to my friends, my family, and the universe through baking a pie of one kind or another every day for a year. Each day I will choose a “pie recipient.” That person could be a friend or neighbor who I know could use a pick-me-up… or maybe it will be someone that I don’t know yet… but who has come to my attention via this blog. It would be wonderful if you decide to join me on this adventure. You can do this by following along, sharing recipes, or leaving a comment. Whatever you decide to do, thanks for visiting! [link]

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Now you can watch the #letsordainadam Ordination Service

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