 The Pastor's Corner 
We know that none of the Ten Commandments were written for children--they  were written for adults. The fifth commandment tells us to Honor our Parents. Since I have limited time to talk about this on Sunday, I wanted to share something from the book, "Losing Moses on the Freeway" by Chris Hedges that I have been using in preparation for the series.
All parents, for better or worse, shape our lives. They condition our responses years after they are gone. Children who were loved, or not loved, who yearn for approval that was never sufficient...live out these yearnings as adults. The imprint of parents is unavoidable. It marks us into old age.
We all honor our parents, even parents we reject. For to honor our parents is to honor our essence, the root from which we sprung. Even the best parents have an oppressive power that must be broken. We must free ourselves from our parents to become fully formed individuals, in the process taking with us that which they gave us, and trying to fashion a distinct and seperate life. It is a life that must, in the end, replace the parents.
Reflecting on Hedges' writings has caused me to ponder the powerful forces that bond us together through our families. Our parents are not always with us. Some of us were raised by family members who were not our parents. These important individuals shaped us in similiar ways. I believe we are expected to honor those individuals as well. The commandment to honor our parents was the first social security program. Generations must care for each other, as the commandment promises, "if our days are to be long."
Frequently in the Bible we are called "children of God." Our understanding of God is also shaped by our early parental images. Did we grow up believing God was kind and loving? Or, did we come to believe that God is jealous and angry? As we become mature adults we have to fashion and own our distinct relationship with God. Our parents can only take us so far along that journey. One way we honor them is to live a life worthy of their love and sacrifice. The other way is to follow Jesus Christ and honor the sacrifice he made on our behalf.
James Brassard
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Worship Notes 
Sunday, February 11: The series on the Ten Commandments continues with the fifth commandment: Honoring Your Father and Mother. This commandment is the only one that comes with a promise: "so your life will be long." It is clear that this commandment was originally spoken to adults with older parents. The sermon will address what it means for adult children to honor their parents. There will be a short drama reinforcing the lesson at both services. The children's choir will be singing at the 11 am service, along with Chancel Choir. 
Ministry Quicklinks 
Global Warming Documentary
Newcomers Brunch Set for Sunday
