One sabbath he was going through the grainfields; and as they made their way his disciples began to pluck heads of grain. The Pharisees said to him, “Look, why are they doing what is not lawful on the sabbath?” And he said to them, “Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry and in need of food? He entered the house of God, when Abiathar was high priest, and ate the bread of the Presence, which it is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and he gave some to his companions.” Then he said to them, “The sabbath was made for humankind, and not humankind for the sabbath; so the Son of Man is lord even of the sabbath.”

Again he entered the synagogue, and a man was there who had a withered hand. They watched him to see whether he would cure him on the sabbath, so that they might accuse him. And he said to the man who had the withered hand, “Come forward.” Then he said to them, “Is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the sabbath, to save life or to kill?” But they were silent. He looked around at them with anger; he was grieved at their hardness of heart and said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was restored. The Pharisees went out and immediately conspired with the Herodians against him, how to destroy him. Mark 2:23-3:6

It’s been a quiet week at Crown and Cactus Lutheran Church, that little congregation over between Mesa and Gilbert and Chandler. There was some drop off in attendance last Sunday because of the Memorial Day Weekend. A number of folks had taken advantage of the nice weather to head for the beaches or the mountains, and their absence was notable. But these are the Sundays that some folks actually enjoy–they like it that they don’t have to worry about a seat in the sanctuary, and some lingered over their treats during fellowship time. Stacey Thorson was glad to see some more donations come in for VBS and she and Leah Martin enlisted the help of some to get the boxes carried over to the Sunday School area. Stacey is really excited about VBS getting started next Monday. Preregistrations are up and she has a feeling that some kids will just show up. 

William and Kris Brady were among those who were absent from worship–they’d gone to San Diego for the weekend with their children. They hadn’t been anywhere for months and were looking forward to going to the zoo, touring Balboa Park, and eating at some seaside restaurants. They’d gone on the Harbour Tour on Saturday, had a great meal at the Fish Market, and then just walked along the beach. As they strolled their daughter, Becky, asked, “Where are we going to church tomorrow?”

William and Kris were both stunned. They hadn’t even been thinking about church–all they had in mind for Sunday morning was the hotel buffet. But Becky was serious. She said, “We always go to church. I thought it was what Christians did on Sunday. Brad says in the youth group that worship is what identifies us from pagans–it’s the way people know that we have faith–and we don’t even have to say a word. Or is that only when we’re in town?” 

Kris just said that she hadn’t brought any clothes for church, but that didn’t impress Becky at all. The walk continued in silence until Carl spotted an ice cream place and they all stopped for double dip cones. As they sat eating their ice cream, William followed up on Becky’s question by saying to Kris, “You know, Becky has a point. Our kids have gotten used to every Sunday worship. For you and me this is something new. For years, in fact, until Carl and Becky were born we didn’t go to church at all. So they’re used to it.” He asked Becky, “Why did you suggest that we worship tomorrow? What does it mean to you?”

She thought a moment and said, “Oh I know, kids aren’t supposed to like church, but I do. I like being with Brad and Lacey in Sunday School. We talk about important stuff, things we don’t mention in school. And I like being with my friends from other schools. It’s a time to connect and just talk about stuff. It’s like family for me.”

Kris said, “But none of them will be there tomorrow. We’ll be strangers. You won’t know anyone.”

Becky said, “Oh, I know. But I think it would be fun to see how people in another place worship. And I guess it has become a habit for me.” She smiled, “I guess I’m not like other kids…and really it’s your fault. You’re the ones who got me hooked on church.”

Kris and William just looked at each other. This was a real surprise to them. They’d actually expected that their children would be glad not to go to worship. William said, “Okay, tell you what. When we get back to the room I’ll check out some places we could go and find out the times of services.”

Back at their hotel, a bit worn out from a long day, they lounged about watching some television and getting ready for bed. William got on his phone and checked worship times and places. There were a few churches, and actually a couple that said they were ELCA. One was called St. Peter’s By the Sea, and it wasn’t too far away…there was one worship service at 9:30 a.m. Kris was happy about that–they could have a relaxing breakfast and get there in plenty of time. And after church they could drive up to La Jolla and look at the seals. 

The next morning they drove to the church and found themselves at a small church very close to the cliffs overlooking the sea. It was beautiful. They were welcomed by greeters and by Pastor Bekki, a young woman who immediately reminded them of Lacey Zeiner. There weren’t a lot of people there, a mixed crowd of young and old, though there were enough children to make for a delightful kid’s talk that gave a hint of Pastor Bekki’s humor, vitality, and ability to connect. But her sermon blew them away. It was as though she was talking personally to each one there–she had no notes but the delivery was spectacular. William and Kris were spellbound–they didn’t get preaching like this at Crown and Cactus. She talked about the Holy Trinity and when she was done they had a sense that they had had a divine encounter.

Afterwards, as they drove up to La Jolla, Kris shared that during the fellowship time as they’d enjoyed pastries and coffee, a woman had told her that Pastor Bekki’s passion was improv, and that she occasionally performed in a local club. Becky said that she thought that this is how Lacey would preach if she were a pastor. William thanked Becky several times for pushing them to worship on vacation. He said, “Think what we would have missed if we hadn’t come…I think the Holy Spirit was working through you in a big way, Becky.”

In the meantime, the aforementioned Lacey Zeiner was getting ready for a rough encounter with some downtown Tempe business owners about the work she was doing with the young people on Mill Avenue. One of them had invited her to a meeting at the Tempe Library on Tuesday morning, and she spent Monday worrying about what she would face. She knew that they didn’t like the homeless youth hanging around the downtown area, but didn’t know what they had in mind for her.

When Tuesday came, she got there promptly at 10:00 and found a group of five men who had evidently been talking together before she came. She recognized a couple of them. One acted as leader and greeted her, thanking her for coming, and then he told her their grievance.

He said, “I know you’ve been hanging around this Austin fellow from AZHugs, who’s been violating city ordinances on a weekly basis for the last six months. You were seen at the rally outside the district court building on May 18 demanding that all charges against him be dropped. I don’t need to tell you that this Austin has been a thorn in our side. We’ve been trying to address the homeless situation in our own way, but it’s gotten worse since he’s starting feeding them every Sunday in the park.”

Lacey interrupted, “Yes I was at that rally. But what does that have to do with anything?”

One of the others spoke up, “Well you’re not feeding them on Sunday, but we’re very aware of what you are doing on Thursday nights. It’s our impression that your little gathering is getting larger all the time and we think you may be guilty of some fire code violations.”

Lacey knew where the conversation was going and was quick to answer, “Sir,” she said, “I’m meeting with young people who have been rejected by their families, gotten into drugs, and who are at the end of their ropes. I talk to them about love, treat them with compassion, and listen to their concerns. And they keep coming back.” She looked intently at them, one after another, and said, “I love them. Isn’t it better to show them God’s love than just turn our backs on them?”

They looked back at her with stony faces and said nothing. And Lacey got angry! She got up breathing fire, pushed back her chair, and said as she left, “I care about hurting people…and you should too. And I’m going to keep doing what I’m doing until you shut me down!” And with that she left! 

After she left the men sat for a moment. Then one said, “Well, I guess there’s nothing left for us to do but contact the city. They’ll know what to do. She’ll think differently once she gets presented with weekly citations.

Lacey drove home to her apartment in tears. She needed Brad’s affirmation and hugs! The next day she talked to Pr Baldridge about the encounter. He asked if she wanted him to get involved. She told him no. Not yet anyhow. She just needed to know if she had his blessing to keep on going!

He gave her a smile and a hug. He said, “Of course you have my blessing. I’m confident that the Spirit is in control of this mission. It’s going to be just fine. I seem to recall that Jesus had some folks who didn’t like what he was doing too.”

Lacey smiled, “Yes, he did, and they killed him! Not that I think that will happen to me! Times are a bit different now!

Pastor Baldridge gave a rueful grin, “Well, I hope so. Sometimes I’m not so sure.”

And that’s the word from Crown and Cactus Lutheran Church, where all the men are faithful, the women are committed, and the children are all growing in grace.