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,
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
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,
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,
Friday, June 11, 2010
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!
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!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
What does it mean to say that we are an Easter People?
One way to explore identity is to explore heritage. Tonight we begin a 12 week course examining Judaism.
Christianity and Islam are faiths, or "systems of beliefs," that embrace diverse communities and ethnic groups throughout the world. Although Judaism also adheres to particular beliefs and practices, many Jews would nevertheless consider the designation of Judaism as a "religion" (or only a religion) as far too narrow or confining categorization.
So... religion or ethnic identity? What is Judaism? Join us at 6:00 in the library on Wednesdays this summer to explore answers!
Grace and Peace,
One way to explore identity is to explore heritage. Tonight we begin a 12 week course examining Judaism.
Christianity and Islam are faiths, or "systems of beliefs," that embrace diverse communities and ethnic groups throughout the world. Although Judaism also adheres to particular beliefs and practices, many Jews would nevertheless consider the designation of Judaism as a "religion" (or only a religion) as far too narrow or confining categorization.
So... religion or ethnic identity? What is Judaism? Join us at 6:00 in the library on Wednesdays this summer to explore answers!
Grace and Peace,
Monday, May 17, 2010
Pentecost Sunday is approaching. What does it mean to be filled with the power of the Holy Spirit?
Here is an interesting idea from Howard Snyder:
"So the Church is not to be understood primarily as a means to the end of transforming society. This would be to trample over the uniqueness and infinite worth to God of the Christian community. Besides, the amazing and profound fact is that the Church most transforms society when it is itself growing and being perfected in the love of Christ." - From The Community of the King by Howard A. Snyder
As a community, we best serve God by sincerely pursuing our own spiritual perfection. Go figure...
Here is an interesting idea from Howard Snyder:
"So the Church is not to be understood primarily as a means to the end of transforming society. This would be to trample over the uniqueness and infinite worth to God of the Christian community. Besides, the amazing and profound fact is that the Church most transforms society when it is itself growing and being perfected in the love of Christ." - From The Community of the King by Howard A. Snyder
As a community, we best serve God by sincerely pursuing our own spiritual perfection. Go figure...
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
We are an Easter People! Which of course is a bit different than simply being an Easter person....
"Let him who is not in community beware of being alone. Into the community you were called, the call was not meant for you alone; in the community of the called you bear your cross, you struggle, you pray. You are not alone, even in death, and on the Last Day you will be only one mamber of the great congregation of Jesus Christ. If you scorn the fellowship of the brethren, you reject the call of Jesus Christ, and thus your solitude can only be hurtful to you." - From Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Watch out for one another out there!
"Let him who is not in community beware of being alone. Into the community you were called, the call was not meant for you alone; in the community of the called you bear your cross, you struggle, you pray. You are not alone, even in death, and on the Last Day you will be only one mamber of the great congregation of Jesus Christ. If you scorn the fellowship of the brethren, you reject the call of Jesus Christ, and thus your solitude can only be hurtful to you." - From Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Watch out for one another out there!
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
The Easter Task Before Us
"Only eternal life can feed one who is destined for eternal life." - From The God Who Comes by Carlo Carretto
It isn't enough to simply do good deeds in society, although these are certainly often blessed by God. We are part of something much bigger. We are part of eternity now. Are we participating in the creation of God's kingdom here on earth as it is in heaven, or are we simply doing nice things?
We are an Easter people!
Grace and Peace,
It isn't enough to simply do good deeds in society, although these are certainly often blessed by God. We are part of something much bigger. We are part of eternity now. Are we participating in the creation of God's kingdom here on earth as it is in heaven, or are we simply doing nice things?
We are an Easter people!
Grace and Peace,
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