Thoughts
|
Doubly Blessed - May 2012 |
 |
 |
 |
|
Thursday, 26 April 2012 00:00 |
|
“They were surprised and amazed, saying, “Look, aren’t all the people who are speaking Galileans, every one of them? 8 How then can each of us hear them speaking in our native language?” (Acts 2:7-8). May 27 is Pentecost Sunday, the day set aside on the church calendar to celebrate the coming of God’s Holy Spirit; based on Acts 2:1-21, this was a day set aside for a spring harvest festival. In Jewish tradition it was the day set aside to celebrate God’s gifting of the Law. For Christians, we recognize Pentecost as the day God’s Spirit swept through the multinational crowd gathered in Jerusalem, enabling them to speak each other's languages, and to hear the first Christian sermon telling of prophecies fulfilled and God’s wonder-filled love. For western Christianity, Pentecost has become known as the birth of the Church. In America it is not uncommon to find a “Happy Birthday Church” cake being served during fellowship time.
Birthdays are a cause for celebration. It is a chance to give thanks to God for life, love, and relationships. My fortieth birthday was hard for me. My then 14 year old daughter, Cassie (the sage soul that she has always been), recognized this and organized a surprise party for me. Always the consummate planner, she invited guests to an internationally themed party. She told them to bring a dish to share reflecting their cultural heritage; and learn how to say, “Happy Birthday,” and “I love you,” in that language. Friends gathered were of German, Italian, Dutch, English and African descent. I felt doubly blessed. It was the perfect way to sweep me out of my “fortieth-funk,” reminding me of the pleasures of God’s love, and how wonderful it is to hear and say “I love you,” in many languages. I hope you will stop to recognize that your relationship with God through Jesus Christ makes you doubly blessed. Give thanks to God for the gift of the Holy Spirit in your life, blessing you with love and relationships that reflect the refreshing, ever-present, sweet Spirit of the risen Christ. May laughter, loving and faith be yours, Pastor Sue Grace and peace for the journey together, Pastor Sue
|
|
|
Thursday, 29 March 2012 00:00 |
|
“Day by day as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and gener-ous hearts, praising God and having the good will of all people.” (Acts 2:46-47a) The reality that Jesus’ followers encountered on that first Easter morning was astonishing, wonderful, even frightening. God had raised Jesus from the dead! Lives were transformed. New communities were formed. There was joyful witness and preaching about the Good News of new life in Christ-lives changed forever by the power and abiding presence of God with us, even from death into new life. The Good News of Easter is still a reality! Not only did God raise Jesus from the dead, but God continues to raise us to new life. Easter is not just one day on the calendar, it is a season; a proclamation that is to continue beyond one morning of worship and fellowship. Easter is a celebration of the reality of the power of God in our lives, as well as a season in the church. It is a season which shapes our way of life throughout the year. We are to be an “Easter people” every day, alive with joy and wonder, and awe at what God , through the Holy Spirit continues to do in the world and within us. Together we observed the season of Lent in some very special ways in the church. I hope you will be even more excited about worship and personal devotion to God in the Easter season. Come celebrate the renewing hope of Christ in your life. Grace and peace for the journey together, Pastor Sue
|
|
Monday, 27 February 2012 00:00 |
|
We are a wandering people. We continue our desire that God bring us home from our wilderness wandering; however, not unlike our Israelite ancestors, sometimes we take two steps forward and three steps back. Our intentions toward God are good, but . . . at times we easily follow God, and at others, we feel as if God is nowhere to be found. God brought his chosen people up out of the land of Egypt, broke their bonds of slavery, set them on a course to freedom, and yet they whined and complained. They doubted God’s provision and presence. But even in their wandering - physically and spiritually - God remained faithful to them, as he remains faithful to us. God showed them over and over again, that if they would just turn to him, their needs would be more than met, and there would be a great time of celebration. The same holds true for us. The Church has entered the season of Lent. As early as the mid-fourth century, Christians have observed a time of preparation before the Easter celebration. This year the Lenten season began on February 22, Ash Wednesday, and lasts for 40 days. The forty days of Lent recall the 40 day fast of Jesus in the wilderness after his baptism (Matthew 4:2, Luke 4:1-2) and Moses' 40 day fast on Mount Sinai (Exodus 34:28). Some people refer to it as 40 days wandering in the wilderness. It is a time of fasting, praying, and ministering to Christ through quiet acts of kindness or service, and a time of experiencing God’s faithfulness to us. Lent is a time of intentional contemplation, being aware of God’s movement in our wanderings and in the world. As such, each Sunday in Lent you will see, hear or experience something new in worship at 10:30. Blake and I and the worship committee have worked hard to “freshen” the components of worship, while remaining faithful to the tradition of reformed worship. The cross and Font are more prominent, a stunning visual display is in the narthex, individuals will share specific parts of their journey with Jesus, and more. Lent is also a time of simplicity and preparation, which easily gets lost in the busyness of work and family. During Lent, join us for worship on Wednesdays at 6:30 in the choir room in the Family Life Center. We offer a quiet mid-week time of refreshing through scripture reading, praying and singing. Mid-week worship is good for the body and soul. In Lent, we repeat our desire that God bring us home from our wandering. We remember that in the confusion that surrounds us and can fill us, we need the gift of God’s presence, wisdom and guidance. This Lenten season, wander on in to worship; better yet, be intentional about worship. Join us as together we journey through Lent. Grace and peace for the journey together, Pastor Sue
|
|
|
|
|
<< Start < Prev 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Next > End >>
|
|
Page 1 of 8 |
|
|
Pastor's Corner 