Blogging toward Sunday

"St. Paul the Apostle" via Wikimedia Commons

This Sunday, May 8, 2016, we will gather to pray and to sing hymns to God. In addition, we will listen for a word from God. To prepare for worship, spend some time meditating on Acts 16:6-34. Familiarize yourself with the text very well because the sermon will be interactive in nature. That means, you will have an opportunity to participate in the sermon!

So come, let us gather, and let us worship for we are believers in the Most High God.

Grace & Peace,
Glenda

Blogging through May

Blogging through May

"Pentecost" via Google Images

In preparation for worship during the month of May, I hope you will set aside time to reflect on the Scripture readings for each Sunday. Personally, I am really looking forward to our Pentecost worship service May 24th. I hope you are, too!

For May 3, 2015: Using the spiritual practice of Lectio Divina, slowly and prayerfully read John 15:1-8. After a moment of silence, reflect on what touches you most about this passage. Read through the text a second time, followed by a moment of silence. Then ask yourself these questions: "Through this reading, what is God revealing to me about my own spiritual life? Is a change needed? If so, what?"

For May 10, 2015: Read John 15:9-17 at least two times, and reflect on what speaks to you from this passage of Scripture. Then consider the following:

1.  How do we abide in the Father’s love?
2. What is Jesus’ commandment to his followers?
3.  How is God’s grace made evident in this text?

In preparation for worship May 17, 2015: Read Acts 1:15-17, 21-26 and John 17:6-19. Keeping in mind that this is the Sunday before we celebrate Pentecost, reflect on the following:

1. From Acts, after Christ’s ascension, what “business” do the disciples take care of and how do they do it?
2. From John, in this prayer to his Abba Father, Jesus prays for his disciples. What requests does he make?

For May 24, 2015: Read Ezekiel 37:1-14 and Acts 2:1-21. This Sunday we celebrate Pentecost, the Birthday of the Church. As you prepare for worship, consider how you have witnessed the Holy Spirit working in your life, in the life of others, in the life of CHPC. Then, in a time of prayer and thanksgiving, ask God for eyes to see the Spirit working in ways, in people, and in places you might be overlooking.

For May 31, 2015: Read Psalm 29 and John 16:12-15. On this day the church celebrates Trinity Sunday. 

1. When you consider the doctrine of the Trinity, how do you imagine God as God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit? 
2. How might you explain the Triune nature of God to a child? 
3. Do you find yourself more comfortable with one person of the Trinity? If so, why?

As always, I look forward to being with you each Sunday to worship our Great and Holy God!

Shalom,

Glenda

Blogging through April

via Wikimedia Commons

As we journey through the Season of Easter, I hope that you will set aside some time to prepare for worship each week by reflecting on the appropriate texts and instructions that follow.

April 5, 2015

The Season of Lent has passed and it is time to celebrate! In preparation for worship, read Isaiah 25:6-9 and Mark 16:1-8. Likely you know in the liturgical calendar, Easter is not just one day—it’s a season—and the Season of Easter is 50 days long. As you consider this most wondrous time of the church year, what you might do in the next 50 days to keep the joy of the season alive in your heart, mind, and soul?

April 12, 2015

This marks our first celebration of Holy Humor Sunday. Take a moment to reflect on Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 and Psalm 2 and then consider the following:

1.    What do you learn about laughter from these texts?

2.    How many other verses can you find in the Bible that concern joy and laughter?

3.    How important is laughter in your life?

4.    Do you feel God calling you deeper joy in your faith journey? If so, how might you act upon this calling?

April 19, 2015

At a recent day retreat, our Music Director, Louise Daniel, provided an opportunity for us to consider that many of the songs we sing come directly from Scripture. Sunday, we will continue along this line of thinking with the theme for morning worship, “Sing the Word.” Louise will lead us in singing some wonderful music and I will preach a short homily. Come prepared to sing! In addition, this would be a perfect time to flip through our new hymnal and note your favorite hymns. Write them down and share your list with me so that we might sing them in upcoming services.

April 26, 2015

As part of CHPC’s goal to become designated as an Earth Care Congregation through the Presbyterian Church (USA), we will gather to celebrate Earth Day on April 26^th. The church will be filled with wonders of God’s creation and we will reflect in particular on how we eat as it impacts God’s creation in the face of a changing climate. In preparation for worship, read Matthew 14:13-21. In our day and time, do you think there can be enough food for everyone? If so, how might we might help in this endeavor? Then read Luke 24:36-43 and consider why Jesus asked for food to eat in this passage.  

Each and every Sunday, I look forward to worshiping with you but during the Season of Easter, it is even more joyful to sing, pray, and celebrate together as a worshiping community. And this year, April is filled with so many wonderful worship opportunities designed to continue the celebration. Make plans to attend each service and bring along a friend.

Shalom,

Glenda

Blogging through March

Photo via Google Images

In preparation for worship each week, please take time to read and reflect on the texts for each Sunday. In addition, during the Season of Lent, I hope you will be in prayer for the church and for your pastor and elders. It is good to be the church—in prayer—in worship—in life.

(Due to bad weather, church was canceled on March 1st.)

March 8, 2015  

Read Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 and Mark 8:31-38 and reflect on the following:

1. What is the covenant that God makes with Abraham?
2.  In the gospel reading, why does Jesus reprimand Peter?
3. Jesus asks his disciples to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow him. How do you practice self-denial for the sake of the gospel?

March 15, 2015

Read the story of Nicodemus in John 3:1-21.

1. How are the images of light and darkness played out in this text?
2. How might you describe “the Kingdom of God” to an unchurched person?
3. Are there parts of your life that you wish to hide from God?
4. Can you imagine what it would be like to live completely transparent to God’s piercing light?

March 22, 2015

Read Jeremiah 31:31-34 and John 12:20-33 and consider the following:

1. Using the metaphor of a seed, what is Jesus describing?
2. What in your life must die so that you may flourish?
3. What does the voice from heaven say?
4. Whom does Jesus wish to glorify in all that he says and does?

March 29, 2015

Read Mark 11:1-11.

1.  What are we celebrating on Palm Sunday?
2. What do the disciples get for Jesus?
3.  How do the people respond to Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem?
4. In less than a week, the people will respond differently. Why?

May the Lord bless you on your Lenten journey. I look forward to our time of worship each Sunday. Come along—and bring a friend.

Shalom,

Glenda

Blogging through February

As you prepare for worship each week, please set aside some time to read and reflect on the texts for the upcoming Sunday. In addition, during the Season of Lent, I hope you will spend some additional time in prayer for the church and for your pastor and elders. Then, as a loving, welcoming community, let us gather and give our Holy God all glory and honor and praise.  


February 1, 2015
Read Deuteronomy 18:15-20 and Mark 1:21-28 and consider the following:

1. Who do you imagine is the "new prophet" of whom God speaks in the Old Testament reading?
2. In the gospel reading, what "new" thing does Jesus do? 
3. How do the people respond?

February 8, 2015
Read Isaiah 40:21-31 and Mark 1:29-39. Then reflect on the following:

1. Take a few moments to make a list of God's qualities that are mentioned in the Old Testament reading. 
2. What quality resonates most with you? Why?
3. In the gospel reading we find Jesus hard at work. What is he doing that demonstrates his particular authority?
4. How do the people respond?

February 15, 2015

The readings for Sunday include 2 Kings 2:1-12 and Mark 9:2-9. After reading them, take a moment to reflect on any relationship you see between the two texts. Then consider what Jesus' transfiguration meant in the context in which it happened and what it might mean to you today.

February 22, 2015

Read Genesis 9:8-17 and Mark 1:9-15 and consider the following:

1. What covenant does God establish in the reading from Genesis?
2. How do you feel whenever you see this sign today?
3. The gospel reading concerns Jesus' baptism and temptation. What makes this text significant for this first Sunday in Lent?

I look forward to being with you in worship each Sunday. Come along and bring a friend!

Shalom,

Glenda

[Illustration via Google Images.]

Blogging through January

After completing the Advent Sermon Series, we return to the Lectionary as our guide. In preparation for worship each Sunday, be sure to refer back to this post each week and reflect on the readings and questions / comments. Then, let us gather on The Lord's Day to sing, pray, listen, and commune with our Holy and Loving God. 

Photo of Statue in Germany by Andreas Praefcke via Wikimedia Commons

January 11, 2015 

Read Genesis 1:1-5 along with Mark 1:4-11 and consider the following:

1. Do you notice a common theme between the two texts? If so, what?
2. How might you describe John the Baptist to someone who is un-churched?
3. How might you explain the importance of baptism to someone?

"Calling of Samuel" by Joshua Reynolds via Wikimedia Commons

January 18, 2015

Read 1 Samuel 3:1-10 and John 1:43-51. 

1. A theme common to the Old and New Testament readings is being called to do the work of our Abba Father. What does this mean to you?
2. What derogatory remark does Nathanael make about Jesus' potential?
3. What is the invitation Philip offers to Nathanael?

 Reinhardhauke via Wikimedia Commons

January 25, 2015

Read Jonah 3:1-5 along with Mark 1:14-20 then respond to the following:

1. What is the entirety of Jonah's "sermon" to Ninevah?
2. What happens as a result of Jonah's final obedience to God?
3. In the reading from the Gospel of Mark, Jesus begins his ministry in Galilee. What happens beforehand?
4. How might this be significant?

As always, I look forward to being with you in worship. Until then, may each day and each week be filled with courage, wisdom, and blessing upon blessing. 

Shalom, 

Glenda

Blogging through November

"Fagus sylvatica JPG2a" by Jean-Pol GRANDMONT ; via Wikimedia Commons

We start the month of November by celebrating All Saints' Day. As we gather, we will remember loved ones who have gone before us upon whose shoulders we stand. Later in the month, on November 23rd, we will review the entire church calendar year in a "lessons and hymns" style service. Finally, November 30th marks the beginning of Advent. 

In preparation for worship throughout the month, take time to prepare by referring to this post each week. Reflect on the readings and questions or comments. Then, let us gather on The Lord’s Day to sing, pray, listen, and commune with our Holy and Loving God.

November 2, 2014

Read 1 John 3:1-3 and consider the following:

1. How is God's love made known to us in this text?
2. Because of this, what do we know?
3. In honor of All Saints' Day, recall those who have passed from this life to the next, who impacted your life in a meaningful way. Then spend some time in prayer, giving God thanks for their life and witness. 

November 9, 2014

Read Matthew 25:1-13.

1.    What strikes you as most important about this reading?

2.    In the parable, what is the Kingdom of God like?

3.    Why is it important to “keep awake”?

November 16, 2014

Read Matthew 25:14-30 using the spiritual practice of lectio divina. Read the text once and sit quietly, giving yourself time to absorb the parable. What is the context in which the story is told? Read the passage a second time and prayerfully consider what talents God has given you? Finally, read the text a third time. Then sit in prayerful silence, listening for what word the Holy Spirit might have for you today.

November 23, 2014

Christ the King Sunday marks the end of the church year. During the week reflect on how Christ is King of your life. In addition, spend some time in meditation. As you do, prayerfully consider how you might share the story of Jesus’ life and ministry with someone who has never heard about our Lord. Then join us for worship as we “tell the story” through Scripture and music.

November 30, 2014

Read Mark 13:24-37 and consider the following: 

1. Herein is a prophecy about the Son of Man. What is the prophecy? 
2. How does this story tie into the Season of Advent? 
3. In our spiritual lives, how can we “keep awake”?

One of the most important things we do as Christians is to gather on The Lord’s Day to worship our Triune God. Come, let us worship the Lord!

Shalom,

Glenda

Blogging through October

We start the month of October by celebrating World Communion Sunday. What a wonderful way to begin thinking about the coming fall harvest and God's great generosity. Throughout the month, take time to prepare for worship by referring to this post each week. Reflect on the readings and questions or comments. Then, let us gather on The Lord's Day to sing, pray, listen, and commune with our Holy and Loving God. 

October 5, 2014

World Communion Sunday (originally called World Wide Communion Sunday) is a gift of the Presbyterian Church to the larger ecumenical church. The first celebration occurred at Shadyside Presbyterian Church in Pittsburg, PA in 1933. Dr. Hugh Thompson Kerr, who presided over the first service, had this to say, several years later, "The concept spread very slowly at the start. People did not give it a whole lot of thought. It was during the Second World War that the spirit caught hold, because we were trying to hold the world together. World Wide Communion symbolized the effort to hold things together, in a spiritual sense. It emphasized that we are one in the Spirit and the Gospel of Jesus Christ." In preparation for this Sunday's worship, meditate on ways the very act of dining at The Lord's Table feeds you spiritually and brings you closer to people all over the globe. 

October 12, 2014

Read Matthew 22:1-14 and then consider the following:

1. In this text, what does Jesus say the kingdom of heaven is like?
2. Who are invited to the banquet?
3. What strikes you as most important about this reading?
4. About what would you like to know more?

October 19, 2014

Read Matthew 22:15-22.

1. What agenda do the Pharisees have in this reading?
2. Who joins them in their endeavor?
3. At the end of the day, what are the "things that are God's"?

October 26, 2014   ("Glory to God" Hymnal Dedication)

Read Exodus 15:20-21 and Revelation 19:1-8 and then consider the following:
Herein, songs are sung to worship God. Take a moment to reflect on other songs that are recorded in Scripture. In this day and time, what song do you sing to God? With words? With music? With your very life?

As always, I look forward to worshiping with you each Sunday morning. Come along, and bring a friend.

Shalom,

Glenda

Blogging through September

After completing the Sermon Series: Questions Jesus Asked, we return to the Lectionary as our guide through the ordinary days of Jesus' ministry. In preparation for worship each Sunday, be sure to refer back to this post each week and reflect on the readings and questions / comments. Then, let us gather on The Lord's Day to sing, pray, listen, and commune with our Holy and Loving God.  

September 9

Read Romans 13:8-14 and Matthew 18:15-20

1. From the Romans passage, what does Paul teach about fulfilling the law?
2. From his perspective, what time is it?
3. Turning to the gospel reading, reflect for a moment on verse 20. What happens in the midst of two or three gathered in Jesus' name?

September 14

Read Romans 14:1-12 and Matthew 18:21-35 

1. From Romans, what stands out for you as important about this reading? Why?
2. Turning to Matthew, who poses the question that Jesus answers with a parable?
3. What is the question?
4. How does Jesus' answer go against the grain of what we would expect?

September 21

Read Philippians 1:21-30 and Matthew 20:1-16

1. In his letter to the church of Philippi, what does Paul see as "gain"?
2. In the reading from Matthew, what does Jesus say the kingdom of heaven is like?
3. What is counter-intuitive about this parable?
4. How does the story end?

September 28

Read Philippians 2:1-13 and Matthew 21:23-32

1. In his letter to the church of Philippi, what does Paul urge the people to do?
2. How do you seek to "let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus"?
3. From the gospel reading, who questions Jesus' authority?
4. What meaning do you garner from the parable of the two sons?

As always, I look forward to our time of worship each Sunday. Come along and bring a friend!

Shalom,

Glenda

Blogging through August

Sunflowers in Israel

The summer sermon series, Questions Jesus Asked, continues through the month of August. Be sure to refer back to this post each week to help you prepare for worship. Then, let us gather on The Lord's Day, to sing, pray, listen, and commune with our wondrous Creator.

August 3: Do you want to get well?

Read John 5:1-18. 

1. On what day of the week does this miracle story occur? 
2. Why is this important?
3. What obstacles must the sick man overcome to be made well?

August 10: What are you looking for?

Read John 1:35-42.

1. What has happened in the Gospel of John immediately before this?
2. What role do the disciples play in spreading the word about Jesus?
3. How is this applicable to us today?
4. When you approach Jesus, what are you looking for?

August 17: So, can you not watch with me for one hour?

Using the spiritual practice of lectio divina, read Matthew 26:36-46 three times, allowing moments of silence between each reading. For the first reading, consider the historical context or setting. What is happening? To whom? For the second reading, reflect on what the text has to say to you. Finally, for the third reading, respond to this question: What difference does this text make today, for me in my own spiritual life?

August 24: My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

Read Matthew 27:45-56.

1. What specific details are offered in this reading and why do you think they are included?
2. What happened at the temple when Jesus breathed his last?
3. How did nature respond to the death of Jesus?
4. When, in your own life, have you felt forsaken by God?

August 31: Do you love me?

Read John 21:15-23.

1. What has happened in the recent past to damage Peter's relationship with Jesus?
2. How does Jesus model love for Peter in this story?
3. Take some time to meditate on this question throughout the week: How could Jesus commission us to do his work when it's quite obvious that we love so inadequately?

Finally, plan to join us and invite a friend for our annual "Blessing of the Hands" service, August 31st. We will conclude our summer sermon series being blessed and being sent to do the work God has given each one of us to do.

I hope to see you each Sunday! 

Shalom,

Glenda  

Blogging through July

Sea of Galilee

Our summer sermon series, "Questions Jesus Asked” is underway. In the coming weeks in preparation for worship, take some time to read the text/s and reflect on the statements or questions that are posed. Then, let us gather to sing, to pray, and to listen for the still, small voice of our Gracious and Holy God. 

July 6: Which is easier?

Read Mark 2:1-12.

1.       Now read the text again but this time try to “see” the setting in which this occurs. How do you imagine the scene?

2.       What did Jesus perceive in his spirit?

3.       How does Jesus refer to himself?

July 13: Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?

Read Mark 4:35-41.

1.       How do the disciples respond to the raging storm?

2.       How does Jesus respond?

3.       What message does this text hold for you personally at this time in your life?

July 20: Can you see anything?

Read Mark 8:22-26.

1.       What makes this healing story different from others?

2.       Has the man always been blind? How do you know?

3.       What is Jesus’ final instruction to the man?

July 27: Are you not of more value?

Read Matthew 6:25-34 three times using the spiritual practice of lectio divina.  Pause for a moment or two after each reading to prayerfully listen. Then consider the following:

1.       What is the message Jesus is trying to share with the people?

2.       What word does Jesus have for you today?  

3.       How might his words strengthen you on your spiritual journey?

As always I look forward to our time of worship each Sunday.  Come along---and bring a friend!

Shalom,

Glenda