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 December

The word Advent means "coming" or "arrival." During Advent we celebrate the birth of Jesus the Christ in his first Advent, and we anticipate his return as Christ the King. Without a doubt there is something magical about this time of the liturgical year that is filled with waiting and longing and hoping. This year, during our waiting time, we will examine THE STORY of our faith while engaging several children's story books written about some of our Christmas traditions. So make plans to be with us as we consider the legends of the Christmas tree, the Christmas stocking, and others. 

In addition, you may wish to prepare for worship by reflecting on the readings provided in our Advent devotional by Henry Nouwen, Wait for the Lord. May the following prayer written by John Bell bless you along the way. 

You keep us waiting.

You, the God of all time,

want us to wait

for the right time in which to discover

who we are, where we are to go,

who will be with us, and what we must do.

So thank you…for the waiting time.

You keep us looking.

You, the God of all space,

want us to look in the right and wrong places

for signs of hope,

for people who are hopeless,

for visions of a better world which will appear

among the disappointments of the world we know.

So thank you…for the looking time.

You keep us loving.

You, the God whose name is love,

want us to be like you—

to love the loveless and the unlovely and the unloveable;

and, most difficult of all,

to love ourselves.

So thank you…for the loving time.

And in all this,

you keep us.

Through hard questions with no easy answers;

through failing where we hoped to succeed

and making an impact where we felt we were useless;

through the patience and the dreams and the love of others;

and through Jesus Christ and his Spirit,

you keep us.

So thank you…for the keeping time,

and for now,

and for ever,

Amen.

I look forward to accompanying you on the journey through Advent. 

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