Author: Rev. Dr. John A. Dalles
By God’s Side: February 10, 2021
Weekly Inspirational Reflections from the Reverend Dr. John A. Dalles
February 10, 2021: A Fond Farewell
I am writing this final By God’s Side article to you. Therefore, it is a kind of fond farewell — not goodbye, because I know that God is always doing remarkable things to keep the people of God connected one to another.
I want you to know that, while I can no longer be your pastor, I will always be your friend. I hope this means that you will let me know, from time to time, how things are going with you. I promise that I will do the same. This is no ordinary stroll we are taking.
There was a series of Christian education films created some years ago that was called Begin with Goodbye. The film helped study groups think about the reality that every beginning will have an ending. This is part of life. The important thing is that leg of the journey which we travel together.
Two years ago, you welcomed Judy, Mom, and me with great enthusiasm and joy. I felt exactly the same way. It was a tremendous honor to be arriving to serve you, to share in ministry together, and to anticipate what God had planned for you, next.
We did some things that could have been predicted or anticipated. But no one would have been able to predict a global pandemic and the necessary precautions that ensued. These things happened. Better than saying that they happened, let us also give thanks that, with God’s providence, we have found creative ways to respond to them, and to stay faithful to the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Sunday is Valentine’s Day. I plan to send you a “valentine” of sorts in my sermon. Between now and then, I will be keeping you in my prayers. And after Sunday, my prayers for you will continue, even though I will be elsewhere. My next call is not yet known, but the One who does the calling knows it. May you trust all your tomorrows to God, even as I do.
Thank you and God bless you all, now and always.
“The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you. The LORD lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.” — Numbers 6:24–26
The Reverend Dr. John A. Dalles
Interim Senior Pastor, Shadyside Presbyterian Church
About Dr. Dalles
Read more about Dr. Dalles.
Watch a brief video introducing a series of conversations with Dr. Dalles.
About By God’s Side
Shadyside Presbyterian Church publishes By God’s Side, a weekly series of inspirational reflections from the Reverend Dr. John A. Dalles, to support you in your spiritual journey. These pastoral messages appear in the blog section of the church website each week. (Our weekly e-newsletter includes an excerpt to remind you to read along with us regularly; click here to subscribe to the e-newsletter if you do not already receive it.) We hope this regular feature will help you to draw closer to God’s side in your life of faith.
Read more reflections by Dr. Dalles from By God’s Side.
By God’s Side: February 3, 2021
Weekly Inspirational Reflections from the Reverend Dr. John A. Dalles
February 3, 2021: The Best Path
If you know that comedy film called Rat Race, then you will know that sometimes some people can be trusted in giving you directions, and at other times, they cannot.
The situation is simple. Two women who are in the race come across a quaint countrified woman, played by Kathy Bates, who is the only person they can see to ask for directions. Bags of nuts and cages of squirrels surround her. That should have been their first indication that maybe this was not the person to ask.
Nevertheless, they do. The Squirrel Lady tries to get them to buy one of her squirrels. Somewhat impatiently, they refuse. Then they ask again for directions.
As you who have seen the movie know, and those who have not seen it might guess, the directions are not reliable. Quite the opposite. In fact, they take the two women down a dusty lane that suddenly goes steeply downhill — and then catapults their car over the edge of a cliff. There is no turning back. Their fate is sealed.
Just as they are out there with nothing but thin air below them, they see a big, hand-painted sign that announces in bold letters, “You Should Have Bought a Squirrel!”
Sometimes we consult the wrong sources when we are trying to decide the right path in life. When we do, we may end up with a situation that is nutty or squirrelly. Please remember, that will never happen with God. We can always trust God to provide the best pathway for our life. How do I know that? Because, the Bible tells us so:
“The LORD says, ‘I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.’ ” — Psalm 32:8
The Reverend Dr. John A. Dalles
Interim Senior Pastor, Shadyside Presbyterian Church
About Dr. Dalles
Read more about Dr. Dalles.
Watch a brief video introducing a series of conversations with Dr. Dalles.
About By God’s Side
Shadyside Presbyterian Church publishes By God’s Side, a weekly series of inspirational reflections from the Reverend Dr. John A. Dalles, to support you in your spiritual journey. These pastoral messages appear in the blog section of the church website each week. (Our weekly e-newsletter includes an excerpt to remind you to read along with us regularly; click here to subscribe to the e-newsletter if you do not already receive it.) We hope this regular feature will help you to draw closer to God’s side in your life of faith.
Read more reflections by Dr. Dalles from By God’s Side.
Farewell Letter to Congregation from Dr. Dalles
A Parting Message from Our Interim Minister
Dear friends,
After two wonderful years as your interim minister and head of staff, I will be leaving on Sunday, February 14. The Human Resources Committee and the Pastor Nominating Committee have recommended, and Session has approved, that my contract with the congregation not be renewed when I have completed my second year with you on that date.
What a privilege it has been to share the journey of faith with you. I count it among my deepest joys. Even in sad times, what a blessing it has been to support each other in these moments. Our lives have been interwoven in the fabric of faithful service to our Lord and Savior. I thank you. And Judy and Mom add their thanks to my own.
If we could take a snapshot of the congregation in February of 2019 and hold it alongside today, we would see a church we recognize, but also a church that has been much transformed. The responses we have acted upon due to the pandemic, and all the measures we have initiated to meet this highly unusual situation — indeed, all that we have accomplished together — took optimism and dedication, in which you generously shared. Two years ago, none of us could have predicted Zoom meetings, or the livestreaming of worship. I am sure, just as we have done these things, so, too, they will continue into the future, for the worship and praise of our Living Lord. This is God’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes.
Between now and mid-February will be the “Season of Farewell.” We will be sharing with you as we always have, but aware it will be a series of “lasts.” Our farewell Sunday is February 14. That day, by way of our livestreaming of worship, I will extend our love and thanks to you. After that day, we will continue to hold you in our prayers and ever be the friends to you that we have been. What we will not be is pastor and pastor’s family. Someone yet unknown, who will be called as your next minister, will fulfill those roles. Give your new minister the same support and encouragement you have given to me.
Some of you have asked: Where will you be next? The answer is, I do not yet know, although I am exploring a number of possibilities. All through the Bible, God’s people are called to be ready to go where God is leading them; and with those many examples as our guide, we will say yes to what God has envisioned as the next chapter in our lives. We will miss you deeply. Shadyside Presbyterian Church will ever be written upon our hearts and held in our prayers.
Love and blessings, now and always,
Reverend Dr. John A. Dalles
Interim Senior Pastor and Head of Staff
Further Reading
By God’s Side: January 27, 2021
Weekly Inspirational Reflections from the Reverend Dr. John A. Dalles
January 27, 2021: Regretfulness
Thank you all for your very kind and thoughtful messages and phone calls regarding our days dwindling down to a precious few, as the song lyrics go. As many of you have expressed, so, too, we wish that our time of farewell could be in person – that we could have a chance to visit with you “in 3-D,” and reminisce about the times we have shared together in these past two years. However, because of the COVID-19 concerns, we will not be able to do that.
We could put ourselves in a mood of regretfulness. But that would not be very Biblical. Moreover, it is not overly grammatical either, since spell check does not recognize the word “regretfulness.” If you type it in Microsoft Word, it shows up with a red line underneath; a warning to avoid using it.
Avoid regretfulness? That is good thing.
God works in mysterious ways, His wonders to perform. We may see glimpses of them now, or understand them more fully in the future. Either way, we know that God is working His purpose out, not only as year succeeds to year, but also as day succeeds to day.
Over the next several weeks, what will you be doing? I will be doing things like boxing up the books in my office, and making sure that the church staff has whatever it needs from me before I go. I also will be holding you in my heart and in my prayers, as I do.
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:6-7
The Reverend Dr. John A. Dalles
Interim Senior Pastor, Shadyside Presbyterian Church
About Dr. Dalles
Read more about Dr. Dalles.
Watch a brief video introducing a series of conversations with Dr. Dalles.
About By God’s Side
Shadyside Presbyterian Church publishes By God’s Side, a weekly series of inspirational reflections from the Reverend Dr. John A. Dalles, to support you in your spiritual journey. These pastoral messages appear in the blog section of the church website each week. (Our weekly e-newsletter includes an excerpt to remind you to read along with us regularly; click here to subscribe to the e-newsletter if you do not already receive it.) We hope this regular feature will help you to draw closer to God’s side in your life of faith.
Read more reflections by Dr. Dalles from By God’s Side.
By God’s Side: January 20, 2021
Weekly Inspirational Reflections from the Reverend Dr. John A. Dalles
January 20, 2021: Trust in the Lord
By now, the word is out. After two wonderful years of the joy of serving you as your interim senior minister and head of staff, I will be concluding my service among you on Sunday, February 14. The Session, at the recommendation of the Human Resources Committee and the Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC), has determined not to renew my contract, because the PNC’s candidate is mostly likely on the near horizon.
So, with this news, from today until then, we can anticipate twenty-five more days of shared ministry. That is about half as long as the season of Lent lasts; and in fact, the season of Lent will begin the same week as my departure.
In a short time, I will have more to say about that, in my last By God’s Side article. Nevertheless, for now, I would like to share just a few words about trust. Because, in this season and in every time and season, our faithful attitude is one of trust.
Today, I am reminded of the disciples, asleep in the boat, when Jesus came walking toward them on the water. The always-impetuous Peter said to the Lord that if it was really Him, bid him come to Him on the water. And, for a moment, Peter was able to do that, without sinking — until he looked down at the waves, instead of at Christ.
How we move through a day or a succession of days is either filled with power or filled with fear. It all depends on where we are looking. When you are uncertain, when you are intimidated, when the waters that stretch before you frighten you, look to Christ. Be confident in the Lord, every moment. As Proverbs tells us:
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.” — Proverbs 3:5–6
The Reverend Dr. John A. Dalles
Interim Senior Pastor, Shadyside Presbyterian Church
About Dr. Dalles
Read more about Dr. Dalles.
Watch a brief video introducing a series of conversations with Dr. Dalles.
About By God’s Side
Shadyside Presbyterian Church publishes By God’s Side, a weekly series of inspirational reflections from the Reverend Dr. John A. Dalles, to support you in your spiritual journey. These pastoral messages appear in the blog section of the church website each week. (Our weekly e-newsletter includes an excerpt to remind you to read along with us regularly; click here to subscribe to the e-newsletter if you do not already receive it.) We hope this regular feature will help you to draw closer to God’s side in your life of faith.
Read more reflections by Dr. Dalles from By God’s Side.
By God’s Side: January 13, 2021
Weekly Inspirational Reflections from the Reverend Dr. John A. Dalles
January 13, 2021: June in January
There is an old popular song called “It’s June in January,” the premise of which is that, when you are in love, the seasons may come and go, but the climate is great, no matter what. I like that sentiment, and perhaps you do, too.
When we find ourselves in mid-January, we are not going to come across the gorgeous wildflowers that surround us in the woods and fields in the spring and summertime. Winter has its own charms, but those who enjoy the trillium and violets look for their charms in vain, this time of year.
Even so, remember that God is doing something good for those wildflowers now — preparing them, as they wait and rest, for their days of fully opened blossoms and joyous color. Yes, even when the ground is frozen or blanketed with snow, the power of the Almighty is working toward that day when we will see those flowers in bloom, and rejoice.
Maybe you have a touch too much of a January mood right now. I hope not. However, that happens to us all. When it does, it is good, and right, and faithful, for us to envision what will be. God is at work, caring for you. God is at work, preparing you. God is at work, so that you will become what God knows you can become. God loves you into the future, day by day.
So, do not be discouraged. Remember that God loves you. Make it your plan to think along these lines, as you echo the lyrics of that old song: “The night is cold, the trees are bare; but I can feel the scent of roses in the air.”
“If God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, He will certainly care for you.” — Matthew 6:30 (New Living Translation)
The Reverend Dr. John A. Dalles
Interim Senior Pastor, Shadyside Presbyterian Church
About Dr. Dalles
Read more about Dr. Dalles.
Watch a brief video introducing a series of conversations with Dr. Dalles.
About By God’s Side
Shadyside Presbyterian Church publishes By God’s Side, a weekly series of inspirational reflections from the Reverend Dr. John A. Dalles, to support you in your spiritual journey. These pastoral messages appear in the blog section of the church website each week. (Our weekly e-newsletter includes an excerpt to remind you to read along with us regularly; click here to subscribe to the e-newsletter if you do not already receive it.) We hope this regular feature will help you to draw closer to God’s side in your life of faith.
Read more reflections by Dr. Dalles from By God’s Side.
By God’s Side: January 6, 2021
Weekly Inspirational Reflections from the Reverend Dr. John A. Dalles
January 6, 2021
The visit of the Magi is the centerpiece of this day we celebrate – the day of Epiphany. We envision elegantly and exotically dressed gentlemen on camels, with boxes resembling Fabergé eggs, traveling over hill and dale, guided by a star. So often these elements of Epiphany get moved over to Christmas celebrations. It is good, nonetheless, to let Epiphany stand on its own.
Unexpected gifts. Rare treasures. Heroic effort. Wise planning. And divine guidance. All of these are elements of Epiphany.
Paying attention to something greater than you. Paying attention to what is happening all round. Paying attention to dreams. Epiphany could not happen without these things.
Nowadays, the culture around us has appropriated the word “epiphany.” They use it in the same way that cartoonists use light bulbs – that “ah ha!” moment of insight. “I had an epiphany” is a kind of magnified “Eureka!”, “I should have known!”, or “I could have had a V-8!”
In the realm of belief, it is more. The Epiphany has at its center the Lord Jesus Christ. Epiphany is about realizing that He is a King over other kings and earthly powers (whether good kings, like the Magi who honored him, or those nasty kings like old Herod, who sought to destroy him). He has power over even the course of the stars in the heavens. And He is worthy of all worship and praise.
Without Jesus, the Magi would have been condemned to a life of eternal wandering but not finding, of seeking but not seeing. You know those kinds of feelings. So do not let it happen to you. Let God’s star guide you to the place where Jesus is. There, worship and adore Him. And you will have your own Epiphany.
The Reverend Dr. John A. Dalles
Interim Senior Pastor, Shadyside Presbyterian Church
About Dr. Dalles
Read more about Dr. Dalles.
Watch a brief video introducing a series of conversations with Dr. Dalles.
About By God’s Side
Shadyside Presbyterian Church publishes By God’s Side, a weekly series of inspirational reflections from the Reverend Dr. John A. Dalles, to support you in your spiritual journey. These pastoral messages appear in the blog section of the church website each week. (Our weekly e-newsletter includes an excerpt to remind you to read along with us regularly; click here to subscribe to the e-newsletter if you do not already receive it.) We hope this regular feature will help you to draw closer to God’s side in your life of faith.
Read more reflections by Dr. Dalles from By God’s Side.
By God’s Side: December 30, 2020
Weekly Inspirational Reflections from the Reverend Dr. John A. Dalles
December 30, 2020
Here we are at the last Wednesday of the year. The days have dwindled down to a precious few, as the song lyric says. So what do you have planned for celebrating the New Year?
I am guessing that you are marking the end of 2020 and the start of 2021 in a way that is different from your usual New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day practices. Recently, I was reminded that, the past two New Years, we celebrated by going to dinner with dear, long-time friends. We will not be able to do that this year, due to the pandemic. You have probably made similar adjustments to your usual practice, and will miss not being able to do what you enjoy doing.
That comes with a measure of sadness. But don’t let the sadness prevent you from taking a moment to be grateful for what this past year has brought you. In a year when there were many things that we could not do, we did things we might not have done otherwise: time spent sheltering together, when we might have been apart; learning new skills, such as how to Zoom, instead of being with someone in the same room; learning how to cope with the unexpected, and how to be as agile as possible when conditions change.
There may have been that one phone call that filled your heart with joy; that place in your yard or down the street that took on a new significance because you were staying close to home instead of going farther afield; that book you read; that song you sang; that craft you perfected; that quiet time you didn’t know you had. Find a moment to give a prayer of gratitude for these kinds of things.
And yes, we hope that 2021 will hold many new joys, anticipated and unexpected. Do more than hope; entrust the unfolding days to the Lord. Give this coming year to Him, before it begins. Say, “This year is Yours, God; we rely upon Your grace day by day.” And perhaps you can say (or, if you are of the right generation, sing) that beloved prayer of St. Richard of Chichester:
Thanks be to Thee, my Lord Jesus Christ,
For all the benefits Thou hast given me,
For all the pains and insults Thou hast borne for me.
O most merciful Redeemer, friend and brother,
May I see Thee more clearly,
Love Thee more dearly,
And follow Thee more nearly,
Day by day.
Amen.
The Reverend Dr. John A. Dalles
Interim Senior Pastor, Shadyside Presbyterian Church
About Dr. Dalles
Read more about Dr. Dalles.
Watch a brief video introducing a series of conversations with Dr. Dalles.
About By God’s Side
Shadyside Presbyterian Church publishes By God’s Side, a weekly series of inspirational reflections from the Reverend Dr. John A. Dalles, to support you in your spiritual journey. These pastoral messages appear in the blog section of the church website each week. (Our weekly e-newsletter includes an excerpt to remind you to read along with us regularly; click here to subscribe to the e-newsletter if you do not already receive it.) We hope this regular feature will help you to draw closer to God’s side in your life of faith.
Read more reflections by Dr. Dalles from By God’s Side.
By God’s Side: December 23, 2020
Weekly Inspirational Reflections from the Reverend Dr. John A. Dalles
December 23, 2020
Tomorrow is Christmas Eve.
In my many years as an ordained minister, this year is only the second in which I was prevented from celebrating Christmas Eve with my congregation in our sanctuary in worship. The other happened when I was the associate minister of The First Presbyterian Church of South Bend, Indiana. That year, we had to cancel Christmas Eve at the last moment, not because of snow (which you might have supposed, with South Bend being in the lake effect region), but because the temperatures had plummeted so low that a statewide emergency had been declared. Essential workers were the only ones permitted on the roads. The greatest fear was that people might get where they were going, turn off their cars, and, when they returned, be prevented from starting them up, and therefore become stranded, due to the frigid weather. It was a major public safety issue.
So we celebrated Christmas Eve at home, as we are doing this year. No, it isn’t the cold that keeps us apart; it is the coronavirus. But the precautions are similar. It is a major public safety issue. Our concern for the well-being of others eclipses our heartfelt longing to be together.
Please know that as you mark this Christmas Eve in a very different way, worshiping online instead of in person, you are part of a great company of believers. Please trust that the Holy Spirit connects each one of us to every one of us, in ways that transcend social distancing and sheltering in place.
And as you do, remember that, as earth-changing as it was, the first Christmas came silently, and intimately, to Mary and Joseph, who were also sheltering in place. They are with you, and you are with them, in Spirit, as the wondrous Gift is given.
The Reverend Dr. John A. Dalles
Interim Senior Pastor, Shadyside Presbyterian Church
About Dr. Dalles
Read more about Dr. Dalles.
Watch a brief video introducing a series of conversations with Dr. Dalles.
About By God’s Side
Shadyside Presbyterian Church publishes By God’s Side, a weekly series of inspirational reflections from the Reverend Dr. John A. Dalles, to support you in your spiritual journey. These pastoral messages appear in the blog section of the church website each week. (Our weekly e-newsletter includes an excerpt to remind you to read along with us regularly; click here to subscribe to the e-newsletter if you do not already receive it.) We hope this regular feature will help you to draw closer to God’s side in your life of faith.
Read more reflections by Dr. Dalles from By God’s Side.
By God’s Side: December 16, 2020
Weekly Inspirational Reflections from the Reverend Dr. John A. Dalles
December 16, 2020
It is a funny thing about Christmas trees. They are new and different every year, but they hold memories of every Christmas tree that came before them.
You know how it is. You manage to get the lights on and working, and then you begin decorating. Each ornament triggers thoughts of people and places that are dear to you.
I am told that Martin Luther, the great Reformer, began the whole Christmas tree tradition. The story goes that he was outside on a snowy, star-filled night, and came across an evergreen tree that sparkled with a luminous wonder. He chopped it down, dragged it home, and put candles on its boughs to simulate the starlight. And people have been crooning “O Tannenbaum” ever since.
Look around. Christmas trees are everywhere, aren’t they? From the tree by your hearth, to the Horne’s Christmas tree downtown. They are freshly cut, or freshly unboxed from the attic. They have handmade heirloom ornaments, or brand new ornaments you found to carry out a particular decorative theme. They all signal something special is now among us. Something that takes our lives from the ordinary to the extraordinary. And we know that something is the Babe of Bethlehem.
The trees are all in His honor. The lights remind us that He is the light of the world. The ornaments’ golden glow, and pretty workmanship, and quiet beauty all speak of things that are everlasting, like an evergreen’s boughs. As we deck our halls, may we also deck our hearts with the love of Christ.
The Reverend Dr. John A. Dalles
Interim Senior Pastor, Shadyside Presbyterian Church
About Dr. Dalles
Read more about Dr. Dalles.
Watch a brief video introducing a series of conversations with Dr. Dalles.
About By God’s Side
Shadyside Presbyterian Church publishes By God’s Side, a weekly series of inspirational reflections from the Reverend Dr. John A. Dalles, to support you in your spiritual journey. These pastoral messages appear in the blog section of the church website each week. (Our weekly e-newsletter includes an excerpt to remind you to read along with us regularly; click here to subscribe to the e-newsletter if you do not already receive it.) We hope this regular feature will help you to draw closer to God’s side in your life of faith.
Read more reflections by Dr. Dalles from By God’s Side.