Surveying the Landscape
The first week of Lent
As we prepare for our Lenten conversation on the temptations of White Christian Nationalism, it is necessary for us to begin with a reflection on how we may approach.
Whenever we discuss temptation, sin, and evil, it is so very easy to look outward and cast judgment. I can ignore the plank in my eye and chastise another for the splinter in his eye. I can even deceive myself entirely and proclaim that I am pure and good, and that all of the temptation, sin, and evil can be found over there (just point a finger at anyone other than me!). There are times when it is faithful and loving to call attention to the sin of another and to call power to repent, but it does seem that the right course and faithful action always begins with prayerful reflection about oneself.
We look inward with humility to listen and search for the ways that this temptation or judgment may already be at work within us. This whole conversation about White Christian Nationalism is a conversation about control and the power to keep it, and who among us does not appreciate and has not grasped for more control in this life? This interior work allows us to remember that we are all imperfect. It will lead us to become familiar with the challenge and difficulty of repentance and repair. Finally. if I am not able or willing to consider the ways that I have given in to temptation and sinned and harmed another; if I am not willing to repent, how am I at all to hope that another may change?
So we begin with humility and compassion. We will proceed with this pair, too. A look inward. Into our hearts and our homes.
The temptation comes to all of us.
We begin with humility and compassion.
One of the themes that runs through the temptations here is “control.” Control over the elements for satisfaction (stone to bread), control over the kingdoms for power and pleasure, and control over God for protection and immortality (and perhaps control over change if there is any merit in my humble suggestion that there is a fourth temptation of self-deception). In each of these, Christ is tempted with controlling the world to change it, bend it, and will it to satisfy his hungers and ego, instead of offering Christself in humility to accept, love, and serve.
White Christian Nationalism is a false gospel that would find its origins if Jesus were to come out from the wilderness having said “Yes” to every single temptation from the devil. Throughout Lent, we will engage how this false gospel is a temptation to Christ’s Church in America today - not that we may point to others and judge and condemn, but that we may understand the power of the temptation, discern what is faithful and good, and move with grace into this landscape. But we begin with a humble and prayerful reflection on the temptation to control that we have encountered and perhaps given ourselves over to. And with humility and compassion, we proceed.
Peace,
Rev. Chris McCreight
Transcript and Video of the Sermon, “Surveying the Landscape”
This Sunday’s scripture: Matthew 4: 1 - 4
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Pastoral Care and Conversation can be scheduled Monday through Thursday by calling the office, emailing Rev. Chris, or using the app here. Rev. Chris is glad to meet with you online, over the phone, at the office, a coffee shop, a bar, or at your home.
Community Events
Bread and Soup returns to Hiram College as part of the Bissell Symposium, reviving a long-standing campus tradition that brings the community together around a simple, shared meal. The cost is $8 per person. Payment is accepted by cash or student meal swipes only.
Whether you’re continuing a tradition or experiencing it for the first time, Bread and Soup offers a welcoming space to gather, connect, and enjoy a piece of Hiram’s history.
A special Event
Following Bread and Soup, the college will host a screening of the documentary, “Join or Die”
What’s your story?
Friday @ 7pm in the Fellowship Hall
Whether it's the religious holidays of Lent or Ramadan, or the increasingly urgent call of "Spring Cleaning," this is a time filled with invitations to remove the obstacles and barriers between us and others that we may come together.
What is in need of reconciling? What does it look like to be reconciled? The joy, the hardship, the wisdom, the grace and the laughter of it all - it's all welcome.
Come join friends and neighbors from your village for an evening. Come prepared with a story to share (5-7 minutes) and/or come prepared to listen to the stories of others. This is just one of the ways that we cultivate community.
The church will provide some refreshments and hot beverages. You are more than welcome to BYOB.
Maple tapping - days & times dependent on weather (see below)
If you would like to join, or have questions, please contact Rev. Chris
From Zack Fox:
I wanted to provide details about the project if you are hoping to help with tapping or collections.
For tapping, we will need people to bring rubber mallets and cordless drills with a clean, sharp 5/16" drill bit, if possible.
Days and times for collections are dependent on weather and schedule availabilities, so decisions will usually be made the previous day. The work involves carrying buckets of sap through the woods, usually with muddy conditions, so please come dressed appropriately.
If you plan to join us, the sugarbush is on Norton Rd, north of Hiram. You can park on the north side of the road, in between the entrance and the Masters house.
The link below is a map that shows the parking location, as well as the trails we follow for collections. You can keep it on your phone to help with finding the trails while you're in the woods.
Don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns you have. We're looking forward to another great season!
https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1g2TKJX7vP5dBF5XxB7ELOHipnN7DIHc&usp=sharing
Zack Fox ’21 (he/him)
Sustainability Coordinator, Hiram College
Land Stewardship Manager, Hiram College Field Stations
Hiram College Events - open to the public
Reading and discussion with author Jonathan Gleason
Wednesday, February 25, 5pm, Kennedy Center Ballroom
Jonathan Gleason is the author of Field Guide to Falling Ill, a collection of essays exploring the human lives behind the corporate, legal, and cultural practices that shape medicine. Meghan O’Rourke selected the “layered, reflective, and unusually poised debut” as the inaugural winner of the Yale Nonfiction Book Prize. A 2023 Elizabeth George Grant Recipient and 2024 Granum Foundation finalist, Gleason’s work has also appeared in the Best American Essays (2024), The Sun Magazine, New England Review, and Kenyon Review. He teaches creative writing at the University of Chicago.
Hiram College's Events Calendar has full listings of campus events, many of which are open to the public.