Celebrating the New Year in the Jewish tradition is not just a celebration of new beginnings. The New Year (Rosh ha-Shana) is considered the yearly day of judgment. The main theme projects God as king and judge of all mankind.

Our two most celebrated days recognize God's presence here on earth at Christmas and his sacrifice overcome at Easter. How does the theme of judgment impact how the Jewish people see their relationship with God? We recognize the theme of judgment but do not give it the same emphasis. What do we, as Christians, lose by not spending as much time thinking about God's judgment upon us all?

Tonight in the library we will be taking a look at the entire Jewish calendar and the way it defines jewish identity.

God's blessings be upon you,

We do not want to accept responsibility or blame for discord. We find it painful to acknowledge our own guilt. We postpone, wait for someone else to make the first move, or pray the discord will go away.

Jesus says in Matthew 5:21-24, "You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, 'You shall not murder'; and 'whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.' But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say 'You fool,' you will be liable to the hell of fire. So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift."

Tonight in our Disciple Bible study we will be reading accounts of Jacob reconciling with his father-in-law, Laban. We will also look at his reconciliation with his brother, Esau.

Be at Peace!

Turning to God in moments of need - praying - has definite biblical roots and was performed by both private individuals and public figures. Prayer, however, was not the standard means of worshipping God in the Hebrew Bible. Worship was primarily centered around the act of sacrifice. What major act or procedure does our worship revolve around today? What brings revelation or meaning to you in a typical time of worship?

Tonight's small group study will discuss Jewish Worship - Prayer and the Synagogue. I hope you'll be able to join us!

Blessings,

Tonight in our Disciple Bible study we will be talking about family conflicts and the presence of God. We will be reading about Jacob's journey from problems with his brother growing up to new problems finding a wife as an adult.

Genesis 28:16 - Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, "Surely the Lord is in this place; and I did not know it."

When have you missed a message from God because you were unaware of his presence? When has conflict revealed something of God to you?

Learn from that experience and then don't forget to share it with someone else!

Blessings,

Writing from the North Alabama conference this week means many United Methodist pastors are preparing for their last sermons in one church and their first sermon in a new church the following week.

Some will leave feeling quite pleased with the job they have done and others will leave feeling disappointed. I came across this quote and thought of the second group.

"God will know how to draw glory even from our faults. Not to be downcast after committing a fault is one of the marks of true sanctity." - Dom Augustin Guillerand

In all we do, let us do it for God.

Have a blessed summer!