This Sunday, December 3, is the beginning of Advent! The sanctuary has been decorated so let's dive into this wonderful season together! Our text is from Mark 13:24-37—it's an intense text about the return of Jesus which can seem out of place during this joyful time of year, but we'll unpack it and see how it fits into the Advent season.
We are called to be stewards of God's creation, stewards of the Church, even stewards of one another. It's a very special responsibility God has given to us, but thankfully, God, too, has gifted us with so many abilities and blessings that help us to fulfill our duty. The Holy Spirit is certainly calling us to all sorts of new missional endeavors: how can we be stewards in uncharted territory for the Church?
No matter where we find ourselves as a church or as individual believers, we have been called to be stewards of God’s creation. Therefore, the call to commit our time, talent and treasure to help build the kingdom of God here on Earth remains unchanged. In fact, the argument can be made that now, more than ever, is the time when we need bold faith and generosity to construct a bold new vision of the Church.
This Sunday, November 5, we'll be celebrating "All Saints Day." We'll be looking at a text from 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. You will also have the opportunity to light a candle for a loved one who has passed away. We'll be celebrating the Lord's Supper, so if you are worshiping from home, be sure to have some bread and wine/juice on hand. The ancestors will be with us—as they always are!
This Sunday, October 22, we will celebrating the sacrament of baptism for Marcie Hettenbach and her daughter, Amy Barton! t's going to be an beautiful day, for sure! It's always a special time to share in widening the family of believers—and to make promises to help one another on our respective faith journeys. Interestingly, we'll be exploring the topic of "election" —a somewhat obscure theological view supported by John Calvin. This topic deals with the perplexing question as to why some people come to the faith and others don't. Our texts will be from Psalm 139:1-18, and John 15:12-17.
This Sunday, October 15, we'll be joined by Grace Presbyterian Church for worship together! Grace's praise team will be offering some new songs for us, and it will be wonderful to praise God together. Our scripture lesson is from Mark 10:13-16 (Jesus welcomes the children). In our service, we'll be discussing the questions, "what is a priority in your life?" "what do you make time for?" "what is really important to you?"
Our scripture lesson this coming Sunday is from Luke 7:11-17; Jesus brings a widow's son back to life. It's a beautiful story full of compassion. I have noticed Jesus involves himself in yet another "holy interruption” (it's actually one of many). Have you ever experienced a "holy interruption"?
Later today, I'm flying home for two weeks to be with my family. Last year you all blessed me with a two-month leave of absence after having learning that my father had a difficult health diagnosis. I'm happy to report that he is doing well—after a few decades of heart issues, there are few options left for treatment, but his meds are working and he loves boating/fishing on Lake Erie nearly everyday. We are having a family reunion this weekend and then visiting the other side of the family next week. I'm excited to see everyone!
This coming Sunday, August 20, we'll be unpacking Luke 22:24-30. This is the text when the disciples argue among themselves as to who is the greatest disciple. We'll focus in on our call to service as Christians—and that it's ok to play second fiddle. In fact, it's a gift to make room for others! We'll have the opportunity to remember our baptisms, too.
Tomorrow, Wednesday, July 19, I'll begin some vacation time; I'll return on Sunday, August 4. Thankfully, we have a great session who are available to provide support while I'm away. We also have a deep bench of preachers to lead worship as well. Jim Guida will be leading worship this Sunday—July 23; Jim will be focusing on Romans 8:14-25. Jackie Sneed will lead our service on July 30. I'll be back to lead our special worship service on August 6 featuring new songs led by Matthew Black (he'll also be playing a concert at 4 p.m. later in the day for our Presbytery; a free taco bar will follow the concert. If you are interested in attending, please let me know ASAP).
Summer always seems like an appropriate time to spend some time considering Sabbath, rest, recreation, and this unique calling in our lives to be more than simply busy bees. How do we slow down to make room for the Spirit in our lives? In a culture that glorifies endless work and tight schedules, how do we honor the fourth commandment in the 21st Century?
