God loves?

It's been said by a few theologians over the years that the essential, miraculous, seemingly incredulous claim by Christian faith is not that God exists, but that God loves. The idea that God loves is powerful, and is also more difficult than the simple idea that God exists.  

That what exists is created, and that the creating force is other than what the force creates, is interesting.  But that idea can be kept at a distance, as an intuition or a conclusion, as an inference or a wish. One can posit that and go about one's business, merely intrigued.  But let's say that the creating force is a Creator (a singularity, in a way known only to itself). And let's then say that the Creator we imagine has intention, is inclined, somehow knows its (his/her/their) creation.  And let's then say that the Creator's inclination continues through time. And let's then say that the Creator's continuing inclination is for good (as the Creator knows 'good' to be) for its creation. And then let's say that that good-inclined Creator relates to and for its creation--not just as one big creation, but to and for particular things that are created. And then (!), let's say that just as there's a correlation and connection among all created things, there is a correlation and connection possible between created things and their Creator - particular to the things created. Enter now the question of conscious humans knowing, in some measure, that Creator (our Creator) - and knowing our Creator's inclination toward (and desire for) our good.  Ah . . . there's the idea that God loves.  

"That's all well and good," you say, "but as nice as that might be, that's a long chain of reasoning to get there and a long chain of ideas could break down at any point."  Yes, it could.  The central affirmation of faith (as understood in Biblical tradition, and particularly as we ponder the stories of Jesus) is fragile.  But there is also a long line of witness to it, unbroken and not fragile - not deluded, but clear and careful and courageous, and impacted by the Love it points to.  

I experience what I call love from many places at many times. But I also sense a Love beyond - inclined toward good, though all things. And I'm not alone in that. I sense that Love in personal experience, in careful words of trustworthy others, in super-human displays of sacrifice for good that seem transparent to a bit of power from beyond them, in scripture and music and prayer and sermon and church, in reason and art and thought and more.  And did I say prayer?

This possibility is the basic miracle claimed by faith. We're not alone, and the One to whom and with whom we have traces of relations - loves.  

Ok, then.  Now Jesus begins to make sense.  

Ever notice how the number three keeps popping up in intriguing ways? From religious beliefs to cultural customs and even in the rhythm of music, "three" has a knack for capturing our attention and weaving its magic. I’ve been thinking about the number three a lot now that our daughter just turned that age. It has always been a special number for me and I find it has sway over many aspects of our lives. 

Religion: The Divine Trio
Religions around the world often give a nod to the power of three. Think about Hinduism's Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva – they cover creation, preservation, and destruction, all in one divine trio. Christianity joins in with the Holy Trinity, featuring the Creator, Christ, and the Holy Spirit, symbolizing unity. It's like "three" has a hotline to the cosmic truths.

Culture: Third Time's the Charm
Our culture also loves the number three. We've all heard that "third time's the charm," right? It's like an unwritten rule that the third attempt holds a special place in our hearts. And let's not forget about those three wishes we all secretly want. In China, they go all out with "three" in weddings and New Year's celebrations, believing it brings luck and zest.

Music: Grooving in Threes
In the world of music, "three" is a rhythm master. Composers love to play around with threes – think classical sonata movements that build tension, develop it, and then hit you with a resolution. Pop music thrives on three-beat patterns that make your foot tap automatically. And the harmony in music? Yeah, that's the magic of three or more notes coming together to create melodies and harmonies that make your heart dance.

The Triple Threat: Where Spirituality, Customs, and Melody Collide
When you look at the trifecta of religion, culture, and music, you see how "three" is like the secret ingredient that ties it all together. It's a universal code that brings a touch of cosmic flair to our lives, no matter where we're from or what era we're in.

So, whether you find peace in a holy trinity, latch on to cultural customs, or get lost in the rhythm of melodies, remember that the charm of "three" is real. It's this unspoken connection that reminds us how everything – from the divine to the everyday – is beautifully intertwined, and "three" is there to make sure we never forget it.

…we have a concert series at Pinnacle. 

1. Awe-inspiring space. We have one of the most gorgeous and breathtaking sanctuaries in town! I haven't yet met a person who, when entering our sanctuary, does not stop and gasps in amazement.

2. The acoustics are perfectly suited for music. A solo voice can fill the space entirely. A solo instrument like violin does not require any amplification. A drum will resonate no matter how soft or hard you hit it. Large choirs and orchestras give goose bumps and a sense of unmatched sonic fulfillment. 

3. The state-of-the-art pipe organ - equally stunning as a work of art and as a musical instrument. It was created to be multifaceted - to be equally powerful as a solo instrument, as well as a source of sound support and perfect blend for choral, chamber and orchestral music. 

4. Pinnacle Sanctuary was created with music performances in mind - we have backstage, tunnel, movable table and chairs on the chancel, separate entrances for large groups, theater lighting, and many more features to accommodate the needs of groups that come to perform here. This season we will be exploring other spaces on our campus as well: we will invite you to experience more intimate chamber music concerts at our Chapel and festive celebrations outside on our Sanctuary Patio. 

5. Outreach. By offering diverse musical experiences the series attracts a diverse audience. We offer light-hearted Phantom of the Organ and a Bluegrass music concert this season; more thought-provoking Veterans Day Tribute, MLK concert and Requiem on Good Friday; large scale sonic experiences like our most popular Celebration of Christmas. 

6. Collaboration. We connect with and support our local professional organizations like Phoenix Symphony, Phoenix Boys Choir, Phoenix Brass Collective or Arizona Musicfest, as well as local professional musicians who join our Pinnacle ensembles. We also invite national artists to share their art with us. 

7. Connection. Music has the power like no other to evoke emotions and create a sense of connection. Concerts in our stunning sanctuary allow audiences to experience music in a space that can enhance the emotional and spiritual impact of it.

8. Support for the arts and artists. We contribute to the promotion and appreciation of the arts within our community. We provide a space where artists can showcase their skills and share their passion with a wider audience.

9. Education. We care about sharing our passion for music with others, and we offer music workshops and host national music conferences. 

10. Last but not least, FREE concerts to the community. As a Christian organization we want people of all walks of life to come through our doors and experience quality art. It is the ultimate expression of a welcoming mission statement of Pinnacle Presbyterian Church. All our concerts are free of charge, with the exception of the concerts we host by Phoenix Symphony and Arizona Musicfest. 

Our 2023/2024 has been finalized, our beautiful brochure is in the making, and will be shortly in your mail and on our website pinnacleconcerts.com. Stay tuned to learn what we have in store for you this year. On behalf of all the artists, volunteers, staff, supporters and patrons, I would like to heartily invite you to consider joining us for 19 outstanding events this season!

Recently I read an article in the New York Times about a pot of soup. Annie Rauwerda started cooking the soup the first week of June and she hasn’t stopped. “It’s a perpetual stew; Ms. Rauwerda and her friends eat most of it, leaving just a small amount of broth and other ingredients in the pot before they replenish it. They have repeated that cycle for over a month now.” Word got out about the perpetual stew and attendance and participation continues to grow each day. Hundreds of people show up contributing ingredients to be used in subsequent days and the perpetual stew continues to be shared. The article (linked above) paints a rich and wonderful story of community, connection, and the power of gathering as a transformational experience.

The concept of a perpetual stew is not new. On the website she created for her iteration of the stew, Ms. Rauwerda quotes from Wikipedia: “a perpetual stew, also known as forever soup, hunter’s pot or hunter’s stew, is a pot into which whatever foodstuffs one can find is placed and cooked. The pot is never or rarely emptied all the way, and ingredients and liquid are replenished as necessary. Such foods can continue cooking for decades or longer, if properly maintained. The concept is often a common element in descriptions of medieval inns. Foods prepared in a perpetual stew have been described as being flavorful due to the manner in which the ingredients blend together." 

One of the hot topics in the Church world right now is the growing concern about how churches might bring more people into the community. We don’t always phrase it that way – we usually focus less on community and more on empty pews. But perhaps we need to shift our perspective and ask ourselves what we (not just at Pinnacle, but throughout the larger Church) are doing to live the gospel and celebrate Jesus. Another way to ask – why should people come to church? I do think the answer lies in community. Jesus gathered people around meals. He shared scripture with them and they with one another. He asked challenging questions and engaged people in how they see the world. He healed, loved, and cared for people. Living in community with one another, they experienced transformation.

Jesus still works the same way today! When we share our lives, and we share scripture, and we share prayer, and even when we laugh, cry, eat, play, and work together, there’s something even greater that happens in that connection. And people notice. And when they notice, they want to be a part of it. They’re drawn in and they bring themselves … and they bring their “ingredients” to add to the mix and they bring their “cups” ready to be filled.

Some of you are aware of my interest in American government. It is probably no surprise that I love to visit Washington, D.C. The last time I visited I stayed at a hostel in walking distance to the National Mall. D.C. has a lot to offer, especially for a political nerd like myself. Surprisingly, the highlight of my trip was staying at the hostel I booked just a day before. After finding my bunk bed (in a dark room with 20 other bunk beds and strangers sleeping), I made my way upstairs to the communal kitchen area. I was greeted by some of the other travelers and invited to have a seat at the table. There were about ten of us crowded around this large wooden beat-up table. Some were couples and others were solo travelers. A mix of native-born and foreigners with heavy accents. As I took my seat at the table, I was immediately offered food that the group was sharing. We spent the next long while sharing our experiences and learning about one another. To this day, this seemingly uneventful experience, a simple conversation around a table, remains one of my most treasured memories. 

Our preacher at the Montreat Youth Conference shared a phrase coined from the Celtic tradition, caol ait kweel awtch, a term meaning “thin place”. Rev. Dr. Mark Roberts shares, “A thin place is a place where the boundary between heaven and earth is especially thin. It’s a place where we can sense the divine more readily.” I encountered a thin place during my experience at that D.C. hostel. A group of diverse strangers from around the world sharing a meal, receiving and extending hospitality. Before they knew my name or anything about me, I was welcomed a seat at the table. 

Where in your life have you experienced a thin place?