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

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