Blogging toward Sunday

The Lectionary readings for Sunday include John 17:6-20 and Acts 1:15-17, 21-26.

In the liturgical calendar, Advent allows us time to prepare for Christmas; Lent allows us time to prepare for Easter; but what about Pentecost? The church is born with the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and that is what we will be celebrating in just one more Sunday on May 27th. Is there time to prepare? Is there a reason to do so?

As you read the text from the Gospel of John keep in mind that this excerpt comes from Jesus' High Priestly Prayer. He is about to leave his disciples for his trek to the cross. Yet, he stops to pray to his Abba Father for those whom he loves dearly. Read through the prayer and then consider the following:

1. For what does Jesus pray?
2. What do you find most interesting about Jesus' petition?
3. Imagine that you are about to leave someone you love dearly and won't likely see again. What would your prayer for him/her be? How is your prayer different or the same as Jesus'?

In the reading from The Acts of the Apostles, Jesus has just ascended into heaven. Now the disciples must stop gazing toward the sky and take care of business. Read the passage carefully and then consider the following:

1. What is the decision that must be made?
2. Who is making the decision?
3. What is the process of discernment that is being played out here?
4. Regarding important decisions, what is your "process" for acting wisely?

We are less that two weeks away from Pentecost. That doesn't leave a lot of time to prepare. As you journey toward worship this week, prayerfully consider how you might need to "ready" your heart and mind for the blessed coming of the Holy Spirit.

As always, I look forward to seeing you in worship on Sunday.
Shalom,
Glenda

Blogging toward Sunday

For Sunday, May 13th, the Lectionary readings include I John 5:1-6 and John 15:9-17

This passage of the Gospel of John is a continuation of the story we read during worship last Sunday concerning Jesus, the True Vine. As a result, some key words are in this text as well; words like "abide" and "bear fruit." While there are similar themes, verses 9-17 focuses more on "love," a pattern that begins in verse 9: "As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love."  Then Jesus goes on to say, "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you." Some form of the word "love" is used 9 times in these few short verses. Why might that be? Could it be that we need to hear the word repeated again and again because, as fallen human beings, we have such a difficult time putting this verb into action?

For your first reading, begin with verse 1 of John 15 and then read through verse 17. (This will provide a better perspective on the overall teaching). On this first reading, what jumped off the page for you? What word or words caught your attention? 

Read through verses 9-17 once more and consider the following as you prepare for worship on Sunday:

1. Jesus calls his disciples "friends." What does it mean to be a friend of Jesus?
2. What does it mean to be chosen by Jesus?
3. What are differences between a servant and a friend?
4. What should be the result of being loved by Jesus?
5. Where is "love in action" needed today?
6. How might you share the love of Jesus with someone this week?

May your week's journey bring you into God's house of prayer and worship once again.
Shalom,
Glenda

Blogging toward Sunday

The Lectionary readings for Sunday, May 6th include Acts 8:26-40 and John 15:1-8.

We are approaching the 5th Sunday of Easter. The Season of Easter allows us to consider, over a period of weeks, the ways in which the Resurrection effects our life of faith. In light of this season of hope, read through John 15:1-8. Prayerfully consider what word God might have for you. You might wish to jot down your thoughts and questions. Now, in preparation for a second reading, try to imagine yourself as a branch in the vine of Christ. Prayerfully ask God to reveal to you what is in need of pruning so that you might be more fruitful in your Christian life. Read through the passage and meditate upon God's response. As you complete your time of meditation, ask God to help you accept with a humble and grateful heart whatever "pruning" might be in order.

As you prepare for worship on Sunday, consider the following:

1. Who is the True Vine and who is the Vinegrower?
2. Who are the branches?
3. What is done to the branch to make it bear more fruit?
4. Do you think pruning is painful? 
5. How many times is the word "abide" (or its synonym) used in this text?
6. What does it mean to bear fruit?
7. Is abiding in Christ an individual or a community experience? Is it both?

I look forward to seeing you in worship on Sunday. I hope you are having a lovely and "fruitful" week of living the Christian life wherever God has planted you.

Shalom,
Glenda

Blogging toward Sunday

The Lectionary readings for Sunday include Acts 4:5-12 and John 10:11-18.

The Gospel reading is a very familiar story. How often we have heard Jesus referred to as the "Good Shepherd." It is a name he uses for himself here, saying that he lays down his life for his sheep, for us. What amazing love is this! 

Take some time to read Jesus' words using the practice of lectio divina. In this ancient spiritual practice, the idea is to allow the words to become a part of your heart and soul. In order to allow the Holy Spirit to speak, read the text slowly through the first time. Note what speaks to you in a special way. Then, read the text a second time and ask yourself: Is there something to which I need to pay more attention? Finally, read it once more. Is there some area in your life to which God seems to be speaking directly? If so, note this and offer whatever it is up to the Good Shepherd.

After allowing time and space to receive God's word for you, consider the following questions as you prepare for worship on Sunday:

1. Herein, how many times does Jesus use some form of the phrase "lay down his/my life"?
2. What might be the significance of the repeated use of the phrase?
3. What do you imagine the life of a shepherd to be like?
4. In this story, who are the hired hands?
5. What role does the wolf play?
6. Who are the "other sheep" of whom Jesus speaks?

Truly, Jesus laid down his life for us. It was his choice to do so. As Flannery O'Conner notes so well: "What people don't realize is how much religion costs. They think faith is a big electric blanket when, of course, it is the cross." As we journey toward Sunday, give thanks for the sacrifice Jesus made on behalf of all of us, even though on our best days, we are still just sheep in need of a Good Shepherd!

Shalom,
Glenda

Blogging toward Sunday

The Lectionary readings for Sunday, April 22 include Acts 3:12-19 and Luke 24:36b-48.

We are in the 3rd week of the Easter Season and what lovely days we have been having here in Colonial Heights, VA. The lovely mornings are prime time for porch-sitting. The warm evenings again beckon us to notice the beauty of God's creation. In this season of Easter-time, perhaps one way that we can be more fully aware of resurrection in the life of Jesus is to keep on the look-out for resurrection all around us--in nature as well as in our own lives.

This week as you prepare for Sunday worship, take time to read both texts. You will have a fuller grasp of the passage from Acts if you begin reading at verse 1. Take time to read verses 1-19 one time through. Then, after a moment of reflection, read verses 12-19 again. In light of what is happening in the life of the early church, consider the following: 

1. How has Peter been changed?
2. What is the evidence of this change in Peter?
3. How is God named in this text?

Now, turn to the passage from Luke. Read through Luke 24:36b-48 once. After a moment of silent reflection, read through it again. Then answer the following:

1. What speaks to you in this reading?
2. About what would you like to know more?

It's interesting that our Easter gospel reading came from the Gospel of Mark; last Sunday's from the Gospel of John; this week's from the Gospel of Luke. How do the resurrection stories differ? How are they the same? What important perspective does each writer bring to the table?

As I reflect on this week's readings, I am intrigued by the way in which both Acts and Luke speak of the ancestors of the Jewish faith tradition. Surely Jesus' resurrection is a fulfillment of what had been written about in the past. I am interested in the way Peter has been changed from a disciple who denied Jesus to one who is speaking so boldly he is putting himself in danger now. No more hiding behind closed doors again for Peter.

As you journey toward Sunday, may these two questions keep you company: How have you been transformed by Jesus? How are you a witness for Christ in the world?

I look forward to seeing you in worship.

Shalom,
Glenda

Blogging toward Sunday

The Lectionary readings for Sunday, April 15th include Acts 4:32-35 and John 20:19-31.

Easter Sunday we gathered to hear the good news: Christ is risen. He is risen indeed. Next Sunday's reading from the Gospel of John occurs after Mary Magdalene has announced to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord." It is the evening of the same day and the disciples are hiding behind closed doors for fear of the Jews. Jesus appears in the midst of them saying, "Peace be with you."

Wikimedia Commons Image

A week later, again the disciples are in the house and again Jesus appears, offering Thomas the invitation to touch him so that Thomas may believe. Thereafter, in verses 30-31, the purpose of this gospel is provided: "Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name."

In preparation for worship on Sunday, take some time to read John 20:19-31. Ask God to open your eyes to see this familiar story in fresh, new ways. Perhaps you might like to have pen and paper handy to write down any new learning you receive. Read it through at least twice, allowing time to ponder the words carefully. 

Then consider the following:

1. Why are the disciples so fearful, even a week after the resurrection?
2. Why does Thomas ask not only to see but also to touch Jesus?
3. "Believing" is a major theme of John's Gospel. How is "believing" highlighted in this reading?
4. In your opinion, why is it easier for some to believe than others?
5. In light of what you already know about the disciples following Jesus' resurrection and ascension, how do they express their "belief" in the days to come?
6. How many times does Jesus offer the same greeting to the disciples?

I hope your journey toward Sunday has been enriched by spending time preparing your heart and mind. As always, I look forward to seeing you in worship. Until then, peace be with you!

Shalom,
Glenda

Blogging toward Sunday

The Lectionary Readings for Easter Sunday include Acts 10:34-43 and Mark 16:1-8.

We are in the midst of Holy Week. I hope that you are able to attend one or more of the services we have planned for the week: Maundy Thursday & Tenebrae Service on Thursday at 7:30 p.m., the Celtic Worship Service on Saturday at 5 p.m. (Harpist, Louise Daniel, will be joining us for this service) and, of course, Easter Worship, Sunday morning at 11:00. This Easter is particularly special in the life of our church because during worship we will have a Profession of Faith by our Confirmation candidate, a Reaffirmation of Faith by two adults, the Baptism of their three children, and we will celebrate Communion at the Table of our Lord. It is sure to be a wonderful Resurrection Day!

As you journey toward Sunday, I offer you the following poem written by Joyce Rupp. 

"Awaken Me"

Risen One,

come, meet me

in the garden of my life.

Lure me into elation.

Revive my silent hope.

Coax my dormant dreams.

Raise up my neglected gratitude.

Entice my tired enthusiasm.

Give life to my faltering relationships.

Roll back the stone of my indifference.

Unwrap the deadness in my spiritual life.

Impart heartiness in my work.

Risen One,

send me forth as a disciple of your unwavering love,

a messenger 

of your unlimited joy.

Resurrected One,

may I become

ever more convinced

that your presence lives on,

and on, and on,

and on.

Awaken me!

Awaken me!

Blessings on your Holy Week. I look forward to worshiping with you and celebrating the Resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ, this Easter morn.

Shalom,

Glenda