Lectionary Planning for May 2010

May 9

Blessed Because We Are A Blessing

Psalm 67

When you look closely at the structure of this Psalm, there is the implication that we oversimplify our relationship with God when we simply believe God blesses us. In these verses, it is at the very lest implied that we are blessed, precisely because we are a blessing. Establishing justice equitably, it would seem, is an essential element in receiving blessing. I don't think this is God rewarding good behavior, as much as it is the reality of how the world works.

May 16

It Ain't About What It's About

Acts 16:16-34

This is a fantastic story, with all the drama of a modern movie. There's a fortune teller, demon possession, an exorcism, a flogging, people begin jailed, an earthquake, a conversion experience and a feast! Wow! It would be really easy to loose the message in the midst of the drama. Interestingly enough part of the message is exactly that: frequently what something seems to be about isn't what it's about. Hidden in this passage is the promise of God's response to and care of those who stand for God's ways.

May 23

Pentecost

As The Spirit Will

Acts 2:1-21

The thought of a God whose Spirit stirs things up, not to mention stir us up, leaves many of us uncomfortable. The thought of a God whose Spirit brings new life where once there had been none, seems to act outside of our contemporary, scientific realities. The thought a God whose Spirit is not interested in the status quo, with how things are, how things have been, or even how we want things to be, leaves most of us feeling unsettled, uneasy, and certainly uninspired. The problem is, even with all of our subtle attempt to domesticate the Spirit, we have Biblical (and I would argue practical real life) witness to the fact that the Spirit of God is unruly, unexpected, unconventional and unconcerned with what we what or how things have always been done.

May 30

To Tell the Truth

John 15:26 – 16:15

The show, “To Tell The Truth,” challenged a panel of four celebrities to correctly identify a described contestant's occupation. This central character was joined by two impostors who pretended to be that central character. For everything that they were worth, the two impostors truly seemed to believe they were who they claimed to be. The same thing happens in life, we often believe ourselves to be a certain kind of person, but ofter the truth belies us. The same can happen in being Christian. As a matter of fact, in these verses, Jesus seems to be telling us to expect it to happen. The good news is that there will be one who comes to stand beside us (the Paraclete) and guide us in the truth.

Youth Sunday!

Don't miss Youth Sunday! On May the 2nd our Youth will be leading our worship service. This is always a meaningful service as the young people of our church guide us in the worship of God.

Lectionary Planning April 2010

April 11 – Worthy To Suffer Dishonor - Acts 5:27-41

April 18 – Winners and Loosers – Psalm 8 and Ephesians 2:1-10

April 25 – More Than a Death Dirge – Psalm 23

Palm Sunday and Easter

March 28, 2010

The Passion and The Palms

Mark 11:1-10; Mark 15:1-15

The people in the crowd were happy enough to greet Jesus when he arrived in Jerusalem, when everybody was waving palms and shouting Hosannas. But then the wind shifted, then the mood changed, and the people forgot their first enthusiasm in the rush to see just how far Jesus could be made to fall. Then that seemed like the thing to do at the time…. And how often do we find it easier to go with the social flow? How often do we find our devotion to Jesus ebbing and flowing with what seems important at the moment, with what seems valuable and appropriate in the cultural climate of our times? How many times have our “Hosanna’s slid into “Crucify him’s”? Whether it’s greed in the company boardroom, or self serving political positioning, or priests and clergy who betray their trust and abuse their people, or all the thousand little dishonesties that crop up in the midst of daily life—how often it seems our “Hosanna’s” become “Crucify him.” “Crucify him” or “Hosanna.” The choice is ours to make.

April 4, 2010

EASTER

Please be sure to join us for the Easter Sunrise Service at 7am. It is a wonderful way to begin this joyous day as well celebrate the Resurrection!

Then, join us for our Easter Worship Service at 11am. This a celebratory service full of inspiring music and communion. We have been given a gift and on this Sunday we celebrate because our joy can no longer be contained!

Sunday, March 14 - Come Worship With Us

The message during worship on the 14th will be a little different, but exciting. In a message entitled, "Prodigal Notes," we will be looking at the story of the prodigal son from Luke 15:1-3,11b-32, but as we have done once before part of the message will be done in song. With songs written by James Taylor, Chris Rice and others - it promises to be a real blessing! This year we will also be adding a very unusual version of the Bible to our reflection: The Cotton Patch Gospel. Come and join us in worship. ALL ARE WELCOME!