We had a lovely 2-hour paddle on the Petaluma River, launching from the Lakeville Landing Marina, and heading towards Petaluma on our Eddyline kayaks. The river is wide there and deep enough, even though it was nearly low tide. The highlight was sighting a bald eagle being harassed by another bird. The eagle settled on a log and gave us the opportunity to snap a few photos. We enjoyed calm water with little wind during our morning trip. Mini-trips like this always raise the question, “why don’t we do this more often.”

Lakeville Landing Marina

The landing is between the mouth of the Petaluma River and the City of Petaluma, about 4 miles southeast of Petaluma. There have been some amenities added to the marina, formerly named Gilardi’s Lakeville Marina and best known to locals as the launch at the old Papa’s Taverna. What we most appreciated was the clean bathroom and the hose for washing off our boats. You can launch from the cement drive going into the river or use the rickety pier. At low tide, the driveway was mucky. Watch your step, whichever option you choose. They charge $3 cash per boat (no credit card). There’s even a sauna and bathhouse, called Sundrop. Community sessions there give shared access to a sauna, cold plunge, outdoor shower, and lounge areas. There’s a building going up. Maybe an expansion for Sundrop. A restaurant would be nice.

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Here’s a photo I took in 2021 of Hog Island and Duck Island from Pt Reyes National Seashore.

Standing barefoot on Tomales Bay’s mucky western shoreline, with tidal mud oozing between my toes, I suddenly knew: I had found the Bay Area’s perfect camping experience.

That morning, my family and some friends — four adults and four young kids in all — had driven to a boat ramp on the east side of the bay, loaded up four kayaks with gear and launched onto the water.

Our destination: an isolated beach on the scrubby and undeveloped western side of Tomales Bay in Point Reyes National Seashore, accessible only by boat. It’s a long stretch of steep cliffs and pocket coves where dispersed camping is allowed — if you’re willing to paddle in and search for a suitable spot. Camping there is one of the Bay Area’s unique overnight adventures…

https://www.sfchronicle.com/outdoors/article/point-reyes-kayak-camping-20323232.php

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More of my sermons on my Youtube channel.

Matthew 7:13-23

¹³ “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. ¹⁴ For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.

¹⁵ “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. ¹⁶ You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? ¹⁷ So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. ¹⁸ A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. ¹⁹ Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. ²⁰ Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.

²¹ “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. ²² On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ ²³ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’

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Well, here we are with a new president and a new Congress. We have a state Legislature and Senate. We have new county supervisors and a new mayor.
We did our part. We voted.

But are we done? Is it our job now to sit back and watch? do we just go about our business now and hope that those people we put in office will take it from here and will do the right things?

I believe that for the church of Jesus Christ in this place, our job has just begun.
How Should Christians Engage in Governing?

Sermon by Dave Weidlich, Grace Community Church San Francisco, Jan 26, 2025. Scripture reading by Wilma Weidlich.

“This is the allure of Christian nationalism: the idea that voting Christians into power to legislate according to God’s will would solve society’s problems. But history shows that it’s not that simple.” – Dave Weidlich

Scripture Readings

Romans 13:1 (NIV):
”Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.”

1 Timothy 2:1–2 (NIV):
”I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”

Ephesians 6:11-18 NIV

11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

Recommended Reading:
Jesus and the Powers: Christian Political Witness in an Age of Totalitarian Terror and Dysfunctional Democracies, by N. T. Wright (Author), Michael F. Bird (Author) (on Amazon)

“What happens when the powers listen? If you want to change the game, you need skin in the game. Building for the kingdom requires creating relationships, alliances, advocacy, and ministries. You need to be in the room where it happens.” – Wright & Bird

More Sermons:

Peace on Earth – Luke 2:1-14 – Dec 22, 2024
What Are You Expecting? Isaiah 9:6-7 – Dec 8, 2024
Grateful for the Years – Psalm 90 – Nov 24, 2024
Joy in Times of Trouble (video) – Philippians 4:4-9, 2011

Grace Community Church San Francisco meets Sundays, 11:15 am
at the Miraloma Park Improvement Clubhouse,
350 O’Shaughnessy Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94127.
Contact Me for more info.

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Philippians 4:4-9

⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵ Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

⁸ Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. ⁹ Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

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Luke 2:1-14 NIV

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. ² (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) ³ And everyone went to their own town to register.

⁴ So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. ⁵ He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. ⁶ While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, ⁷ and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

⁸ And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. ⁹ An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ¹⁰ But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. ¹¹ Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. ¹² This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

¹³ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

I heard the bells on Christmas day
Their old familiar carols play;
In music sweet the tones repeat,
“There’s peace on earth, good will to men.”

I thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along th’ unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

And in despair I bowed my head:
“There is no peace on earth,” I said,
“For hate is strong, and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.”

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
“God is not dead, nor does He sleep,
For Christ is here; His Spirit near
Brings peace on earth, good will to men.”

Listen: Casting Crowns – I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

Listen: I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day (Acapella) – Doxology

The Story Of Carols | “I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day”

More Sermons:

What Are You Expecting? Isaiah 9:6-7 – Dec 8, 2024
Grateful for the Years – Psalm 90 – Nov 24, 2024

Grace Community Church San Francisco meets Sundays, 11:15 am
at the Miraloma Park Improvement Clubhouse,
350 O’Shaughnessy Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94127.
Contact Me for more info.

The post Peace on Earth appeared first on Dave's Raves.

Sermon by Dave Weidlich, Grace Community Church San Francisco, Dec 8, 2024. Isaiah 9:6-7 read by Michael Kaskey.

Isaiah 9:6-7 (NIV)

For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given,
    and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
⁷ Of the greatness of his government and peace
    there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
    and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
    with justice and righteousness
    from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty
    will accomplish this.

Isaiah 53:4-6

Surely He has borne our griefs
And carried our sorrows;
Yet we esteemed Him stricken,
Smitten by God, and afflicted.
⁵ But He was wounded for our transgressions,
He was bruised for our iniquities;
The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,
And by His stripes we are healed.
⁶ All we like sheep have gone astray;
We have turned, every one, to his own way;
And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.

Isaiah 42:1-7

“Here is my servant, whom I uphold,
    my chosen one in whom I delight;
I will put my Spirit on him,
    and he will bring justice to the nations.
² He will not shout or cry out,
    or raise his voice in the streets.
³ A bruised reed he will not break,
    and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.
In faithfulness he will bring forth justice;
⁴     he will not falter or be discouraged
till he establishes justice on earth.
    In his teaching the islands will put their hope.”

⁵ This is what God the Lord says—
the Creator of the heavens, who stretches them out,
    who spreads out the earth with all that springs from it,
    who gives breath to its people,
    and life to those who walk on it:
⁶ “I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness;
    I will take hold of your hand.
I will keep you and will make you
    to be a covenant for the people
    and a light for the Gentiles,
⁷ to open eyes that are blind,
    to free captives from prison
    and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.

Advent Hymn: Come, Thou long-expected Jesus, Charles Wesley

Come, Thou long-expected Jesus,
Born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us,
Let us find our rest in Thee.

Israel’s strength and consolation,
Hope of all the earth Thou art;
Dear desire of every nation,
Joy of every longing heart.

Born Thy people to deliver,
Born a child and yet a King,
Born to reign in us forever,
Now Thy gracious kingdom bring.

By Thine own eternal Spirit,
Rule in all our hearts alone;
By Thine all-sufficient merit,
Raise us to Thy glorious throne.

Grace Community Church San Francisco meets Sundays, 11:15 am at the Miraloma Park Improvement Clubhouse, 350 O’Shaughnessy Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94127. Contact Me for more info.

Mt Davidson & Mt Sutro as seen from Bernal Heights Park, Dec 8, 2024 | San Francisco skyline

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Psalm 90

A prayer of Moses the man of God.
1 Lord, you have been our dwelling place
    
throughout all generations.

2 Before the mountains were born
    
or you brought forth the whole world,
    
from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
3 You turn people back to dust,
    
saying, “Return to dust, you mortals.”

4 A thousand years in your sight
    
are like a day that has just gone by,
    or like a watch in the night.

5 Yet you sweep people away in the sleep of death—
    
they are like the new grass of the morning:

6 In the morning it springs up new,
    
but by evening it is dry and withered.
7 We are consumed by your anger
    
and terrified by your indignation.

8 You have set our iniquities before you,
    
our secret sins in the light of your presence.

9 All our days pass away under your wrath;
    
we finish our years with a moan.

10 Our days may come to seventy years,
    
or eighty, if our strength endures;

yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow,
    
for they quickly pass, and we fly away.

11 If only we knew the power of your anger!
    
Your wrath is as great as the fear that is your due.

12 Teach us to number our days,
    
that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
13 Relent, Lord! How long will it be?
    
Have compassion on your servants.

14 Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love,
    
that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.

15 Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us,
    
for as many years as we have seen trouble.

16 May your deeds be shown to your servants,
    
your splendor to their children.
17 May the favor[a] of the Lord our God rest on us;
    
establish the work of our hands for us—
    
yes, establish the work of our hands.

Tim Stafford: 
”What does it mean to “number our days”? Moses, to whom this deep, austere psalm was credited, spent decades as a shepherd. A shepherd’s use of mathematics is rudimentary: he counts his sheep to ensure that none goes missing. Unless he counts, and counts carefully, he cannot be sure that he has kept his sheep well. So we are to number our days in this long, brief life, to ensure that none goes missing—that we do not squander the gift of God, through carelessness letting days or weeks or years slip away unnoticed, without profit. That, it seems to me, is just what many people nowadays would like to do with old age: to let it slip away unnoticed. The Psalmist’s view is different. The fundamental mathematics of “numbering our days” is that old age is good, good even if hard. It is good because it is part of life as God made it. It is good because God is in it. Not a day should be missed.”

Stafford, Tim. As Our Years Increase: Loving, Caring, Preparing, A Guide . Franklin Park Press. Kindle Edition.

Grace Community Church San Francisco meets Sundays, 11:15 am at the Miraloma Park Improvement Clubhouse, 350 O’Shaughnessy Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94127. Contact Me for more info.

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Those who had the foresight or the luck of buying or inheriting a home decades ago, say, “What’s the crisis?” But for those who are working and trying to buy a home in 2024, the crisis is very real and it only gets worse. If interest rates go up, homes get less affordable. If interest rates go down, homes get less affordable. States try to reduce regulations, but face opposition and delays at the local level. NIMBYs and YIMBYs face off in planning meetings and city council meetings. A few neighbors, with time on their hands, wield extraordinary veto power over granny units and developments, frustrating builders, planners and developers, forcing delays and driving up prices.

Read More: Why Does It Cost So Much to Live in California?

A new book, by Jerusalem Demsas explains how we got here. It’s not as simple as selfish NIMBYs (who support new housing in theory, but oppose the latest new house: Not In My Back Yard) vs. YIMBYs (Yes In My Back Yard). As Demsas writes in an article in the Atlantic, “

Pointing out that a billionaire is trying to thwart the construction of townhouses in his affluent neighborhood is useful, but even more useful is understanding why he might succeed…NIMBYs are a sideshow. A democracy will always have people with different values. The problem is that the game is rigged in their favor.

The Labyrinthine Rules That Created a Housing Crisis, By Jerusalem Demsas

The Article:

Zoning ordinances and other land-use regulations or zoning ordinances reach far beyond the surface-level goal of preserving health and safety. Instead, they reveal a legal regime stealthily enforcing an archaic set of aesthetic and moral preferences. Preferences that flourished out of a desire to separate Americans by race have evolved into a labyrinthine, exclusionary, and localized system that is at the core of the housing crisis—and very few people know about it.

In America, we’ve delegated the power over how our land is used to the local level, and seeded the process with various veto points. We’ve done this under the misguided assumption that decentralization will make the process more democratic. In reality, this system has resulted in stasis and sclerosis, empowering small numbers of unrepresentative people and organizations to determine what our towns and cities look like and preventing our democratically elected representatives from planning for the future…

Read More

The Book:

A rigorously reported anthology on how local politics have fueled a generation-defining national emergency. An Atlantic Edition, featuring long-form journalism by Atlantic writers, drawn from contemporary articles or classic storytelling from the magazine’s 167-year archive. In this precise collection, Atlantic staff writer Jerusalem Demsas turns her expertise and keen eye to the housing shortage, one of our country’s most dire yet widely misunderstood public frustrations. Demsas examines how local democracies have become coconspirators in the anti-development aspirations of the very few, at the hefty expense of the many. These essays identify the inefficiencies and irrationalities of contemporary land-use politics and the stages they play out on, offering readers a refreshing and accessible guide to a generational crisis.

More on the Book

Petaluma’s Exclusionary Housing Policies

Exclusionary Effect of Petaluma Growth Controls: https://petalumahistorian.com/the-exclusionary-effect-of-petalumas-growth-controls/

The ‘New Redlining’ Is Deciding Who Lives in Your Neighborhood: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/19/opinion/biden-zoning-social-justice.html?unlocked_article_code=1.bk4.rkRT.0hd3GCCKKJFb&smid=url-share

US Justice Department Initiative to combat redlining: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-announces-new-initiative-combat-redlining

Read More: Why Does It Cost So Much to Live in California?

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It’s a good thing to count our blessings… But there’s a step beyond that God challenges us to take. That is to give thanks and praise to God even in the storms of life.

Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:7–10 (NIV84):

To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Paul encounters this “thorn.” Is his thorn a physical handicap or disorder? External pressure? Financial? We can only guess. Leaving it vague allows us to read our own infirmities into it.

Paul’s First Response:

1. Prayer. Lord take this thorn away! This thorn is from the devil. It is holding me back from doing your work. 3x he prayed.
2. God’s Answer: “my grace is sufficient for you.” I.E., This thorn is useful. Essential.
3. Change in Paul’s perspective. Same mission. Same “thorn.”
“I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecution’s, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

(graphic created by ChatGPT/Dall-E)

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