Monthly Archives: April 2024

Unknown's avatar Rev. David J. Schreffler 5:50 am on April 24, 2024  

April 24, 2024 – The Coffee Shop Devotions: Clover Vertica Starbucks Reserve® Sun-Dried Ethiopia Kayon Mountain Farm

April 24, 2024 – The Coffee Shop Devotions: Clover Vertica Starbucks Reserve® Sun-Dried Ethiopia Kayon Mountain Farm

“When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. And he sent messengers ahead of him. On their way they entered a village of the Samaritans to prepare for his arrival, but they did not receive him because his face was set toward Jerusalem. When his disciples James and John saw this, they said, “Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?” But he turned and rebuked them. Then they went on to another village.” Luke 9:51-56

Kayon Mountain Farm. Kayon translates to “goal,” a mantra for these extraordinarily driven farmers who take great care in the name of remarkable coffee. They employ extensive pruning and use half of their land for shade trees. Managing each and every step of the coffee’s journey, their passion shows throughout the process—all the way to directly exporting, which allows them to ensure their vision for each cup. With flavors of lavender and lemon, this one is no exception. A testament to the power of ambition.”

This is how my local coffee establishment website explains this offering of coffee. When the name of the drink is three times longer than the name of the franchise that offers it, I begin to wonder about the people who name the drinks. But they have a particular goal in mind – to confuse people so much with the fancy name that you think you are drinking someone unique and special. And maybe you are. That is their goal, I think.

Thank goodness Jesus had the goal to continue his ministry all the way to and into Jerusalem. Even though he knew the consequences, even though he knew that Jerusalem was the city who “killed the prophets and stoned those sent to it”, he set his face and his mind to heading into the political maelstrom that was to come. No matter the cost, Jesus knew his mission and died for the sake of all humanity.

Next time you sit down to a good old fashion cup of Clover Vertica Sun- Dried Ethiopia Kayon Mountain Farm Coffee, remember Jesus – his name is much shorter and accomplished more for you than that single cup of coffee.

Pastor Dave

Unknown's avatar Rev. David J. Schreffler 6:49 am on April 23, 2024  

April 23, 2024 – The Coffee Shop Devotions: Pistachio Cream Cold Brew

April 23, 2024 – The Coffee Shop Devotions: Pistachio Cream Cold Brew

“From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see all these things, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” Matthew 24:32-35

“Then he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came looking for fruit on it and found none. So he said to the man working the vineyard, ‘See here! For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and still I find none. Cut it down! Why should it be wasting the soil?’ He replied, ‘Sir, let it alone for one more year, until I dig around it and put manure on it. If it bears fruit next year, well and good, but if not, you can cut it down.’” Luke 13:6-9

When I think about coffee and the hope that I might get a jolt from my drink, I honestly do not think of a “cold brew sweetened with vanilla syrup, topped with a silky, pistachio cream cold foam and finished with salted brown-buttery sprinkles for a sweet treat to start any winter day.” In what world does someone come up with a “Pistachio Cream”. I eat pistachios from a bag – I do not milk a pistachio tree. And who actually thought pistachio cream would taste good. It all leaves me feeling barren.

The parable of the barren fig tree from Luke’s Gospel is one of my favorites. In my mind it is one of the best biblical descriptions of grace – unmerited, prodigal love. As the parable stands there is always another chance to bear fruit – chance after chance after chance. It never ends. Jesus is always going to dig around our roots and heap blessings into our lives until we come to our senses and realize how much G-d loves us – how much G-d has been fertilizing our lives all along.

Now is the time my friends – to grasp onto and cling upon Jesus’ Amazing Grace.

Pastor Dave