Prelude: Carol Smith
ANNOUNCEMENTS: CALL TO WORSHIP: L. We were all at once without Christ. P. We were without hope, without God in the world. L. But by the blood of Christ, we have been brought near. P. We are citizens of heaven with all the saints, having access to the Father through the Spirit. L. Worship today the one who restores our hope, our, the Lord Jesus. INVOCATION:
* Hymn “Take My Life” # 697
* PRAYER OF CONFESSION: (Unison) Almighty and most merciful Father, we are thankful that Your mercy is higher than the heavens, wider than our wanderings, deeper than all our sin. Forgive our careless attitudes toward Your purposes, our refusal to relieve the suffering of others, our envy of those who have more than we have, our obsession with creating a life of constant pleasure, our indifference to the treasures of heaven, our neglect of Your wise and gracious law. Help us to change our way of life so that we may desire what is good, love what You love, and do what You command, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen *Time of silent prayer *Assurance of Pardon *Response – Gloria Patri #581 *Passing of the peace Children’s Chat Prayer for Illumination Scripture reading: Psalm 89: 20-37 Sermon Text: Ephesians 2: 11-22 *Hymn “I Love You, Lord” # 627 *Apostles Creed Presentation of our tithes and offering Offertory *Doxology *Prayer of dedication Concerns and Celebrations Prayers of the People The Lord’s Prayer *Hymn “Blest Be the Tie That Binds” # 306 *Benediction Postlude: Carol Smith
Birthdays:
Evelyn Herschell, Hope Diedier & Holly Harr, Ben Hathaway, Betty Fisher, Bill Stough Anniversaries: July none this week Sympathies: None Remember our food collection, and Jesus said, “You give them something to eat”. Please let Betty Fisher know of anyone within the community that may be in need at this time. Our 250th Anniversary plans are coming together. If interested in any of our committees or if you have photos or anything that pertains to the anniversary, Please bring it to church so we can document. Once again--- If you have anything you would like posted in our joys and concerns, please let Diana know.
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Good morning!
We're so glad you decided to join us today!
When we meet in person, we take some time to share our weeks, and any prayer requests we have. If you have a prayer request, please add it to this post as a comment. When you are ready, use the prayer below (source) to get started.
Dear Lord,
We come here together to walk in harmony with your presence, Lord God. May we also walk in harmony with each other in our words and thoughts. Bind us together with your love and peace, Father, so that together we may learn, grow, and give glory to your name. Open your word and guide us towards a church, a family that longs for your presence and one another. Thank you for the gift of fellowship that you invite and encourage us to partake in. In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen.
Psalm 119 is the longest single chapter in the Bible. A major theme is the persecution and affliction of God’s people is a major theme. Another prominent theme is the profound truth that the Word of God is all-sufficient. There are eight different terms referring to the Word of God throughout the psalm: law, testimonies, precepts, statutes, commandments, judgments, word, and ordinances. In almost every verse, the Word of God is mentioned. Psalm 119 affirms not only the character of the Scriptures, but it affirms that God’s Word reflects the very character of God Himself: Righteousness, Trustworthiness, Truthfulness, Faithfulness, Unchangeableness, Eternality, Light. Another message of this psalm is that we are to live a lifestyle that demonstrates obedience to the Lord. Our God is a god of order.
The psalm opens with two beatitudes. “Blessed” are those whose ways are blameless, who live according to God’s law, who keep His statutes and seek Him with all their heart. Lessons we learn from this psalm are: The Word of God is sufficient to make us wise, train us in righteousness, and equip us for every good work. Scriptures are a reflection of God’s nature, from them we learn that we can trust His character, His plan and purposes for mankind. Blessed indeed are we if our delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law we meditate day and night.
Conclusion
The psalmist did not simply obey the rules. He enjoyed a relationship with God. The Law was not just a set of rules but a guide to a meaningful life. God's Law contains the secrets of spiritual growth for the people of Israel and, to a certain extent, for Christians as well. A life of obedience should not be burdensome but joyful. Faithful persons are required to free themselves from fear, prejudice, anger, greed, lust, and other vices. One of the principal causes of social discord in modern societies is the loss of trust in others and their honorable intentions. Psalm 119 and others like it open the door to the possibility of mutual trust. This stance of informed, reasonable trust begins with trust in God as the creator and educator, who draws anyone willing into a meaningful life.
Prayer
Father God, our Creator, you have fashioned us and continue to shape us into the image of Christ. Help us to understand to whatever degree we can your gracious movements in your creation, your care for all things, your love for us, and your desire that we grow in wisdom. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Questions for Discussion
Benediction
Next week's lesson will be on Psalm 130.
Prelude: Rob Dobscha
ANNOUNCEMENTS: VBS CELEBRATION CALL TO WORSHIP: Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Happy are those to whom the LORD imputes no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit. Therefore let all who are faithful offer prayers to You, O God. You are a hiding place for me; You preserve me from trouble; You surround me with glad cries of deliverance. Be glad in the LORD and rejoice; shout for joy! Let us worship the LORD our God! INVOCATION
* Hymn “There’s a Sweet, Sweet Spirit # 408
* PRAYER OF CONFESSION: (Unison) O Lord, we have sinned, and we need Your forgiveness. Our desires and our affections are bent and broken. We hunger for that which will never satisfy, and we love that which leads us away from You. Forgive us, Lord, for we come to You with broken and contrite hearts. Form us according to Your nature and make us more like You, that we may glorify You and enjoy You forever. In Jesus’ Name We pray. AMEN *Time of silent prayer *Assurance of Pardon *Response – Gloria Patri #581 *Passing of the peace Children’s Chat Prayer for Illumination Scripture reading: Psalm 24 Kirkland Cipoletti Sermon Text: Luke 15: 11-32 *Hymn “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” # 834 *Apostles Creed Presentation of our tithes and offering Offertory *Doxology *Prayer of dedication Concerns and Celebrations Prayers of the People The Lord’s Prayer *Hymn “Just a Closer Walk With Thee” # 835 *Benediction Postlude: Rob Dobscha
Birthdays: Marlene Huffman
Remember our food collection, and Jesus said, “You give them something to eat”. Please let Betty Fisher know of anyone within the community that may be in need at this time. VBS will be part of the regular church service today. Session will meet Monday night at 7 pm. Missionary meeting Tuesday at 9:30 am. Women on Wednesday (WOW) will meet on Wednesday at 9:30 am. Our 250th Anniversary plans are coming together. If interested in any of our committees or if you have photos or anything that pertains to the anniversary. Please bring it to church so we can document. Once again--- If you have anything you would like posted in our joys and concerns, please let Diana know.
Good morning!
We're so glad you chose to join us today!
When we meet together, we take time to share any joys or concerns we may have. If you have any prayer requests, you can add them as a comment to this post. When you are ready, use the prayer below to get started.
Loving Lord and Father, help me to feel Your closeness each day, especially in any times of troubles. Amen
This week's lesson is on Psalm 71:12-21.
Psalm 71 is part of a long string of prayers that express the hope that God will help those who trust in him. This section of Psalms addresses the suffering of either individual or Israel as a people in lament after lament. These psalms call God's attention to the humans' need for a continuing relationship or rescue. And the psalms remind the people of Israel of their constant need for self-examination, repentance and hopeful action. While this poem is a lament, we can also speak of it as a prayer. Psalm 71 interweaves requests and expressions of trust in God's righteousness and reliability throughout life. Verses 10-11: For my enemies have spoken against me; And those who watch for my life have consulted together, Saying, “God has forsaken him: Pursue and seize him, for there is no one to deliver.” These describe the insults of the psalmist's critics and enemies. They slandered not only the psalmist but also God, whom they accused of abandoning the faithful. The psalmist's real experiences are revealed in general terms, without naming names, so we are invited to consider our own experience as we consider the psalmist's troubles and he responded in faith.
On the heels of these insults, verse 12 responds to the enemies not by returning their insults but by asking for God's presence. The psalmist asserted the enemies' accusations were baseless and false and that God would prove their error and vindicate their victim. The verse's two requests are closely related. First, God's nearness allows him to save the psalmist. Coming quickly emphasizes God's nearness and his desires to respond to the prayerful request for help. This standard appeal for God's merciful presence depends on two prior ideas. First, God has shown himself to be a helper as defined by his being the one who provides needed aid unobtainable from anyone else. Second, humans often experience the need for God's aid as urgent , not as a pleasant future desire but as a present need. God's relative speed in responding to such pleas is less about a timeline than about attentiveness and care. The psalmist assumed that God wants to help in ways that bring hope-not from afar and not with needless delay. God is the one who shifts the power from the evildoers to the psalmist who has been mistreated. This change of fortune is entirely in God's hands. This verse turns back to those people (or the attitudes they represent) and asks God to change those who want to harm me by exposing their sins to public scrutiny. This would lead to everyone else recognizing the injustice and cruelty of the enemies' words and deeds. The language of shame does not refer only to individuals' internal feelings but to their status in society. Part of the pursuit of justice in the Old Testament involved ensuring that society does not reward evil behavior. The prayers of the faithful do not personalize attacks on evil people, but they do ask for God's help in real life interpersonal struggles. This verse asks God to somehow turn the enemies' wishes for the psalmist back on them. It does not ask for their physical harm but seeks their exposure as evildoers. Verses 14-16 work together as a vow of praise in direct contrast to the enemies' insults. The faithful person commits to a life of celebration of God's gracious deeds. That commitment implies a willingness to look for evidence of grace and reasons for hope in all aspects of life. This expresses the poet's desire for steady confidence in God's promises. The statement is also commitment to God and a bid for favor. The faithful person's desire is always to live in hopefulness, even when events and feelings challenge that attitude. Humans do not praise God for his sake, since God neither requires flattery nor needs to be informed about our lives. We praise God as an act of truth telling and orientation to reality. This praise happens primarily in a community of like minded people who encourage each other to see the joyful world God seeks to create for humanity. The commitment is to a lifetime of praise, whether in the midst of trouble or peace. God's deeds are so numerous that humans should spend time enumerating them while also realizing our inability to finish the list. The psalmist joins the community of the faithful at prayer in the place where Israel could gather for prayer. The one praying does not enter timidly, fearful of God's rejection or indifference, but confidently drawing on God's strength. While in the presence of God in the worshiping community, the psalmist will carry out the commitment to fair and loyal treatment for all. Since God's righteousness will be the subject of each individual's prayer, the whole community of faith will praise God's pursuit of justice and join in it themselves. The psalms shift its imagery from prayer to learning. It turns to God as a teacher. The learning process begins early and operates through the many dimensions of life. Some learning may occur in school, but that environment is only part of the whole. Learning occurs everywhere, just as long as the person pays attention to life's experiences and receives proper guidance from wise teachers. The elderly psalmist reflects on a life of learning from the days of his youth. When we declare God's marvelous deeds we are talking about creation and salvation. It can refer to the liberating plagues in Egypt, relief in an invasion or repeated acts of deliverance. The marvels also include the sustenance of the creation itself. The psalmist did not advocate mouthing empty phrases but instead expressed a deep respect for the many ways in which God works in the world. The wonders in question are diverse and deep, and we must think carefully about what each of them implies about humanity's place in God's creation. That process of thinking is precisely what the psalmist celebrates. God has gradually taught the lessons of life to an attentive pupil, but those lessons never end. The psalmist's education began in youth and continues in old age. He seeks wisdom and ask God never to forsake the role of teacher, not because the writer believes God might do so, but because it is valuable to express the human desire for God's presence during all phases of life. He wants to become wise in part so that he can teach the next generation as well. Some people could be said to have done great things, but by questionable means. God's righteousness permeates all his actions; every incredible act of creation or recreation, of love and mercy or justice, is done perfectly by the Lord. Unlike human beings, God does not waste time on trivialities but works for the good in all things. God's righteousness becomes tangible in ways that humans can identify and understand. No one else in heaven or on earth can bring about the good outcomes righteousness people experience everyday. God allows the faithful person to experience troubles, since much learning can occur under difficult circumstances. But God can also bring a person back to life, in this case figuratively. A person's trials may seem to resemble death itself, but God can revive even the dead. Suffering cannot have the last word because God has the power to restore a person's life again and bring that person out of whatever depth he or she experiences. The psalmist expects God to increase the praying person's honor rather than allowing him or her to suffer social isolation and disgrace. This is not the request of a boastful or already successful person for even more power.. Rather, this is the hope of an oppressed, downtrodden person to receive honor due to all human beings who trust in God. This hope is rooted in God's character. The prayer asks God to reverse the painful situation that the psalmist experienced because of the slander of the enemies. The Psalmist will find peace of mind at last. This request provides a fitting ending for the reading. The terrible present, with its rivalries among human beings and its moral struggles, gives way at the end to a world of healthy, ordered social relationships and deep spiritual engagement. Fitting, this prayer and others like it conclude by either praising God or promising to praise God.
Conclusion
This psalm, like others, portrays God as the head teacher in the school of life. The attentive student enters enthusiastically into the lessons even when they are difficult, even when they involve real suffering. When other people seem bent on our destruction, when everything we attempt fails, or when our most cherished plans crumble into the dust, even then, there is hope. Hope is possible because this life does not fully belong to human beings, and whatever evil we may dream of, carry out, or merely tolerate will not prevail in the end. God reigns in life. He works steadily for the good, building a world in which love prevails over hate. Hardships can teach us hope because we trust the teacher to provide valuable learning that will transform our lives and lead to a better situation. As the good teacher, God cares deeply about the welfare of his students and leads us at a pace at which we can successfully proceed toward the ultimate goal, a life of goodness and peace before him. A more righteous world begins by improving our use of language as people of faith . We refuse to join in the fearful, hateful barrage of words that does so much damage. Instead, we fill the air with praise for God's justice and mercy, as the psalm does. Better words lead to better actions and better relationships. Hope spreads from life to life to create a new world. The social alienation and pain caused by human greed, pride and envy will give way to social harmony wrought by mutual love and full of praiseworthy actions. May God grant us this comfort and bring his kingdom to earth as it is in Heaven.
Prayer
O God, our teacher, help us to learn to read the signs of your grace everywhere, to add up the evidence of your mercy and subtract the fears that overwhelm us so easily. Write on our hearts the words of joyful expectation you have opened to us, We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
Questions for discussions
Benediction
Next week's lesson is on Psalm 119:73-80.
Prelude: Rob Dobscha
ANNOUNCEMENTS: CALL TO WORSHIP: Our Lord Jesus is a light that shines so brightly that no darkness can enter in. Jesus calls us, his people, ”the light of the world!” So even in the darkest of days, the perfect light of Jesus shines forth, through us, for the world to see. Our lives are to reflect our Savior Jesus. When we live like Jesus, others will glorify our Father in Heaven. And so shall we as we come to worship. Come now to worship and glorify our God. INVOCATION
* Hymn “This is my Father’s World” # 370
* PRAYER OF CONFESSION: (Unison) Heavenly Father, You created us to be Your image bearers on earth. That when the world sees the Children of God, they would know the Father. And yet, we often take this calling too lightly. We aren’t mindful of our speech and actions. We speak things we shouldn’t and do things we shouldn’t all while ignoring the things we should say and should do. Lord, forgive us for wanting to hide the light of Jesus in bowls so that no-one can see Him. Forgive us for our role in limiting the glory that should be given to our Father. Make us mindful of Your calling on our lives and create in us hearts that desire to fully submit to You. AMEN. *Time of silent prayer *Assurance of Pardon *Response – Gloria Patri #581 *Passing of the peace Children’s Chat Prayer for Illumination Scripture reading: Matthew 5: 13-16 Sermon Text: Proverbs 12: 18, 16:24, 18:6-7 *Hymn “We Gather Together” # 336 *Apostles Creed Presentation of our tithes and offering Offertory *Doxology *Prayer of dedication Concerns and Celebrations Prayers of the People The Lord’s Prayer *Hymn “O Beautiful for Spacious Skies” #338 *Benediction Postlude: Rob Dobscha
Birthdays: Rosemary Cole
Anniversaries: Mike & Linda Hilderbrand Sympathies: To Family of Marjorie Beaumariage Remember our food collection, and Jesus said, “You give them something to eat”. Please let Betty Fisher know of anyone within the community that may be in need at this time. VBS STARTS TOMORROW!!!! 6 to 8 pm See Lois Miller or Mary Hathaway for details. VBS will be part of the regular church service next Sunday at 11:15 am. Our 250th Anniversary plans are coming together. If interested in any of our committees or if you have photos or anything that pertains to the anniversary, please bring it to church so we can document. Once again, if you have anything you would like posted in our joys and concerns, please let Diana Donaldson know.
Good morning!
We're so glad you decided to join us today!
When we meet in person, we share our joys and concerns with each other. If you have prayer requests to share, you can add them to the comments on this post. When you are ready, you may use the prayer below to get started:
God, there are times when we experience pain and loss, times when we cry out and wonder if anyone is listening. We go through illness and trauma, doubt and grief. But when we lay our burdens before you, the situation continues and the pain persists.
‘Where are you, Lord?’ we ask. During those times, we cling to the hope that you are present and that you love us. Give us faith to trust in what we have learned about your abiding love — that your faith and mercy toward us is great, even when we do not feel it. We trust you today for all that we are going through now and for everything that lies ahead. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.
This week's lesson is on Lamentations 3:16-24.
Lesson context
The book of Lamentations is composed of five poems that describe the pain and suffering of the time when Jerusalem and the temple were destroyed in 586 BC. Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, invaded Judah, destroying the walls of the city, leveling the buildings and defiling and pillaging the temple. This was a key moment in the life of the Jewish people. Many died of starvation during the long siege or were killed in violent ways. Even the Davidic royal family was executed. Others were brutalized and taken captive. Throughout the book, the author voices the suffering and despair of the people. Many of us have experienced tragedy and hopelessness, but not many experience it on the scale that the author of Lamentations describes. Everything that the people of Judah had relied on, including the special relationship they had with God, seemed to have disappeared. In fact, it must have seemed that this was the end of the people God had established a covenant with centuries earlier. “The book of Lamentations was written by and for people who had survived an unimaginable trauma with personal, political, social, and theological dimensions,” writes Brennan Breed, associate professor of Old Testament at Columbia Theological Seminary. “Life suddenly felt chaotic, brutal, meaningless, and hopeless.” The first four chapters of Lamentations are acrostic poems. The first word of each stanza begins with a succeeding letter of the Hebrew alphabet. This provides a framework onto which the poet can express thoughts and images of almost unimaginable chaos and loss.
Remembering judgment (verses 16-20)
Our text begins in the midst of an extended reflection on how God has behaved like one of Judah’s vicious enemies, seemingly seeking the people’s annihilation (Lamentations 3:3-15, not in our printed text). The image is of extreme humiliation. God — through the actions of the Babylonian conquerors — has “broken my teeth with gravel.” The physical reality is that many have been thrown to the ground with enough force to break their teeth, but it points to a deeper and more lasting reality that the people have been brought low spiritually. The psalmist twice asks that God would break the teeth of his wicked enemies (Psalm 3:7 and 58:6). But it seems that Judah has now become God’s enemy, and God is punishing her so severely that it appears to be her destruction.
Broken teeth
When I was in junior high, my youth group hosted a lock-in. Someone had the “bright” idea of playing hide-and-seek in the basement — in pitch darkness. I was “it,” and as I blindly searched, a girl ran straight into me. The top of her head collided with my teeth. She got eight stitches, and I got frequent dentist appointments. Eating was painful, temporarily robbing meals of joy. Today my front two teeth are made of porcelain and gold. My experience gives me some physical insight into the pain described here, if not the utter humiliation. The people’s misery was not just broken or missing teeth, but also the loss of joy and nearly of hope as well. God had once granted them many good things to eat, but now their teeth — and spirits — were broken. As you continue with this lesson, consider the juxtaposition of this pain with the faithful declarations to come. The image of humiliation by God through the actions of the Babylonians continues. He has “trampled me in the dust.” Even if we believe that God is ultimately in control, that does not mean that God ordains every bad thing that happens to us. Looking back, the Jewish people did conclude that their suffering and captivity were a result of God’s judgment of their sin, as the poet makes clear in Lamentations. The devastation was so complete that the poet has no peace or wholeness (shalom). Not only have the people been reduced to poverty, but the poet says he has forgotten what prosperity is. All of the splendor the poet — as the representative of the people — had enjoyed is gone, and all that the poet had hoped to receive from the Lord has been wiped away. In other words, in this moment all the joy of the past is forgotten and all hope for the future is gone. The only thing that remains is the memory of affliction and the bitterness of loss. And as the poet’s memory flashes back to images of violence and loss, his outlook only continues to darken.
Remembering mercy (verses 21-24)
Suddenly the poet offers one of the very few words of hope in the entire book. Instead of continuing to dwell on his personal experiences of violence and loss, he remembers that “the faithful love of the Lord never ends” and “His mercies never cease.” For a few reasons, this is a more likely translation of verse 22 than the one used by the Sunday school lesson. The poet is remembering what he has been taught from his youth and what he clings to, even in this most traumatic moment. Despite what he has seen with his eyes, God’s love does not end and God’s mercy will not fail. According to the Sunday school lesson, the fact that the people were not destroyed is evidence of God’s continued love and mercy. But according to the alternative translation, it is simply because of their deeply held belief in God’s love and mercy that they will not abandon all hope. The poet continues by reminding himself and his people that God continues to show numerous instances of compassion for his people. Because of that, he trusts they might yet again experience divine mercy. Finally, the poet offers a brief prayer directed to God: “Great is your faithfulness.” Everything else he has said in this passage has been directed to himself or to his people, but these few words offer a hint that he still may connect with God. This is especially noteworthy since elsewhere in this chapter he seems to view the prospect of prayer as an impossibility. In the final verse of this passage, the poet begins by saying to himself, “The Lord is my portion.” Portion here refers to the plots of land that were distributed to the tribes of Israel once they entered and conquered the land God had promised them. It would seem that those land grants were meaningless now that a foreign power was in control. But the poet asserts that the Lord himself is his portion — that it is not the land but the Lord himself that is their primary possession. With that in mind, the poet concludes that he will wait for God to do whatever God will do. This section concludes with a note of hope, although the book of Lamentations begins and ends with cries of suffering, loss and even a sense of abandonment. That, indeed, is the tenor the poet sets throughout almost the entire book.
Conclusion
Lamentations 3:16-24 can be thought of as an exercise in remembering the whole truth. The text does not shy away from the ugly reality of the community’s suffering. Honest and vivid expression is given to the pain, disillusionment, and bitterness experienced by the poet and his people. This, however, is not the whole truth. Experience is important and sheds valuable light on reality, but it is not the only or final word. The poet balanced his experience with revelation Scriptures, prayers, and traditions he had learned since his youth. Though the tension created by their juxtaposition at times seems greater than our hearts can bear, the internal dialogue between our lived experience and the Spirit’s testimony in Scripture is essential to our arriving at the whole truth and to the survival of our hope. When enduring great trials and suffering, we cannot isolate ourselves in an echo chamber of despair. Never is it more crucial to participate in the worshipping community than when we are wrestling with intense doubts regarding God’s goodness and love. Many people of faith have survived harrowing experiences only to rebound from them with greater assurance of God’s love. We must not ignore their testimony. All of these form a great cloud of witnesses testifying that faith in God’s ceaseless love need not wither and die in the face of the world’s horrors. The secret to their resilient faith was that they trained their memories to recall not only the pain of their experiences but also the many pieces of evidence of God’s enduring love, both in their own lives and in the lives of believers who preceded them.
Prayer
Our Father, we thank you for the testimonies of the cloud of witnesses who remind us of your enduring love even in our darkest moments. May your Spirit awaken in us memories of your faithfulness and love to balance the memories of our heartbreak and pain. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Questions for discussion
Benediction
Next week's lesson will be on Psalm 71:12-21.
Prelude: Carol Smith
ANNOUNCEMENTS: CALL TO WORSHIP: What a friend we have in Jesus! ”A friend loves at all times” the Proverb teaches us. How wonderful it is to consider that our truest friend, Jesus loves us at all times. The Lord loves us and has made us to be true friends for one another. So we should love one another at all times. Let us worship today our greatest friend. The Lord Jesus who, out of this great love, laid down His life for ours. He alone is worthy to be worshiped, and we, His people will give Him the praise and worship due Him. INVOCATION:
* Hymn “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” # 465
* PRAYER OF CONFESSION: (Unison) Heavenly Father, You have shown such great love to us. You sympathize with us in our weakness, You bear our burdens with us, and You laid down Your life when we were perishing and didn’t love You in return. You’ve been a greater friend to us than we could ever deserve. And yet, we have not been loving friends to our neighbors. We withdraw from others, choose not to care, and ignore those neighbors even in some of their greatest moments of need. Forgive us for not responding to Your love for us and for not extending that love to others. Have mercy on us for these sins and the many that we haven’t mentioned. For we trust in our loving friend Jesus as the only means of our forgiveness. Amen .*Time of silent prayer *Assurance of Pardon *Response – Gloria Patri #581 *Passing of the peace Children’s Chat Prayer for Illumination Scripture reading: John 15: 9-17 Ruby Hathaway Sermon Text: Proverbs 13: 20, 17: 17, 29:5 *Hymn “Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness” # 291 *Apostles Creed Presentation of our tithes and offering Offertory *Doxology *Prayer of dedication Concerns and Celebrations Prayers of the People The Lord’s Prayer *Hymn “Abide With Me” # 836 *Benediction Postlude: Carol Smith
Birthdays: Lois Miller, Michael Neal, Bob Moore
Anniversaries: Dave & Ina Henderson Remember our food collection, and Jesus said, “You give them something to eat”. Please let Betty Fisher know of anyone within the community that may be in need at this time. Cruizin’ T – Town happening today, 3:00pm to 6:00pm. Location is Blaine Twp. Pavilion, Buffalo Creek Road. Across from Taylorstown Ball field. VBS is coming up in a couple weeks. See Lois Miller or Mary Hathaway for details. The date is July 8th thru 12th from 6 pm to 8 pm. VBS program will be part of regular service at 11:15 am. Our 250th Anniversary plans are coming together. If interested in any of our committees or if you have photos or anything that pertains to the anniversary, Please bring it to church so we can document. Please everyone be careful, but enjoy the long holiday celebrating the 4th of July. It is observed on Thursday this year but also you get Friday off.
Continuing Prayer List
Chuck Dicks, Ricci Amos, Sandy Stone, Frank Huffman, Tom Westfall, Sarah Wilson, Carl Weber, Chuck Harton, Suzy Smith, Fred Wilkinson, Donna West, Marley Smith, Haley Diedier Bedillion, Helen Provenzano, Carol Pierce, Jim King, Mary Stoey, Johnny Yurko, Ron Poznic, Tim Knabensue, Betty Fisher, Norma Jean Kelso, The McFeely’s, Chuck Kapaika, Doug Ward, Nellie Baker, Kayla Horner, Tommy Ann Sanders ( 5 yr.old) Ed Stavovy (hip replacement)
Good morning!
We're so glad you decided to join us today!
When we meet together each week, we take some time to share our weeks. If you have any prayer requests to share, you can leave them in the comments on this post. When you are ready, use the prayer below (source) to get started.
O Father, we want to be your people. We want to live on mission for Jesus and his Kingdom. However, we get diverted and divided by all sorts of problems. We need your guidance, O God, through the Holy Spirit. We want to inspire new leaders by involving other disciples in ministry. We want to meet the needs of your people through tender care. We want our leaders to remain focused on their primary tasks that you have called them to fulfill. Help each of us, Lord Jesus, to see our need to be involved, to use our spiritual gifts, and to remain true to the calling you have given us. We pray this to your glory. Amen.
This week's lesson is on Acts 26:1-11.
Lesson Context
The book of Acts records the history of the very early church. A prominent part of the book is Saul's conversion from staunch opponent to follower of Christ after an encounter with the risen Lord. Saul converted to Christianity in about AD 34. He traveled around the Mediterranean area on three missionary journeys. Saul became known as Paul early in these journeys. Shortly after his third journey, he traveled down to Jerusalem, probably in about AD 58. There, he was sighted by his enemies who incited a riot to silence him. Paul's subsequent arrest undoubtedly saved his life. After another riot (or near riot), Paul used his Roman citizenship to avoid being flogged. An inquest and a murder plot ensued, so Paul was transferred under heavy guard to Caesarea Maritima for trial. (As an aside, this place still exists as Caesarea National Park, on the Mediterranean in Israel.) The trial was inconclusive, and Paul was held in prison for two years until Governor Festus replaced Felix. The change in leadership caused another trial, Paul's appeal to Caesar, high-level consultation, and appearance before King Herod Agrippa II. That is the immediate backdrop to today's lesson, which occurs about two years after Paul's initial arrest.
Paul Begins his Defense (verses 1-8)
Paul had spent 26 years as Christianity's chief proponent debating with authorities. He was practiced in defending his actions, countering personal attacks, and dividing his opposition. Paul's case was difficult for the civil authorities to deal with, somewhat like the case of Jesus 30 years earlier. The authorities were primarily interested in maintaining law and order. But how was order to be maintained when it involved bodily harm due to issues of personal religious belief and practice? Should they insert themselves into the dispute, or should they leave it up to the Jews and their religious authorities? Paul was aware of this tension, and he used his Roman citizenship as leverage in his defense on at least two occasions. Paul acts with deference to his judge. He says he will address the accusations of the Jews: (1) Paul had been causing divisions among the Jews, and (2) Paul had desecrated the Temple. King Agrippa's family was outwardly Jewish, so Paul expected the king to be familiar with Jewish customs. However, the family was more interested in loyalty to Rome. Paul explains all the ways that he was an excellent Pharisee. By talking about being raised in Jerusalem, he makes himself an insider. Paul knew what God promised to his ancestors -- the patriarchs: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This promise is the resurrection of the dead. Since what Paul is being accused of is part of Jewish belief, there is no wrongdoing -- at least from the viewpoint of the Pharisees' doctrine. What drew the ire of the Pharisees is Paul's claim that the resurrection of Jesus is the basis of the future resurrection of people. Paul tries to seek common ground with his audience. Paul could mean either a belief in general resurrection, or the resurrection specifically of Jesus. Certainly, his audience should believe that God can resurrect the dead.
Paul Summarizes his Error (verse 9-11)
Jesus of Nazareth was a way to identify one individual with a fairly common name. However, it was also a fulfillment of prophecy. Nazareth had a pretty poor reputation, so using "of Nazareth" probably had a negative, dismissive connotation. Our book says that Paul's opponents labeled him as, "a ringleader of the Nazarene sect." Believers, however, seems to have preferred to be known as "Christians" or "the Way." Our lesson text ends with Paul admitting all of the things he did to oppose the followers of Christ before his conversion. Paul's persecution of Christians was notorious, spreading at least as far as Damascus (225 miles from Jerusalem). Paul must have had some measure of responsibility in the deaths of some Christians as well. Our book says that beginning his defense with an admission of his bloody and oppressive details of his former way of life had a purpose. It allowed Paul to convince King Herod Agrippa II that a man who would admit doing such horrible things wouldn't be lying about anything else. Additionally, the king's father had persecuted Christians, and had blood on his hands.
Conclusion
All believers who have turned to God were once opposed to what God was doing. God desires to make peace, find reconciliation, and move forward in life's newness. We should seek reconciliation rather than victory. Paul, who once opposed Christ, wrote all those texts on reconciliation. Though Paul was ashamed of his past behavior, this did not hinder his ministry. Through it all, he followed the call of God to bring hte gospel to the ends of the Earth.
Prayer
Father in Heaven, we were once your enemies, but you sent Jesus to die for our sins. Make us skillful in communicating your reconciliation to others. Make us eager to make disciples rather than to win arguments. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.
Questions for Discussion
Benediction
Next week's lesson will be on Lamentations 3:16-24.
Due to the anticipated extreme heat, we held our joint picnic at Taylorstown Church.
Good morning!
We're so glad you chose to join us today!
This morning, we are at Taylorstown Church for our picnic!
When we meet in person, we take time to share our joys and concerns. If you have any prayer requests, please add them as a comment on this post. When you are ready, use the prayer below (source) to get started.
Heavenly Father, You are a good and righteous God Whose faithfulness continues from one generation to the next. Thank You for my great salvation. Thank You for the opportunity I have to work to Your praise and to love others with the love that You first gave to me. May I live to each day of my life as unto the Lord, and I ask that You would give me opportunities to minister, in love, to the Body of Christ. Thank You that nothing we do ever goes unnoticed by You. May my life be a daily witness and living sacrifice to Your grace and goodness. This I ask in Jesus' name, AMEN.
Today's lesson is on Hebrews 6:9-20.
"But hope is not a wish. ... Hope is trusting that no matter what pains or tragedies befall us, no matter what darkness envelopes us, no matter what grief we live with, that God is still here."
The Hard Work of Hope by Eliza C. Jeremko. We hope right in the middle of the hard. For God has called each and every one of us to the vocation of hope. We hope in the face of fears. We hope in the face of sorrows. We hope in the face of hardship. Every day, we keep going. Every day, we hope. Hope may be hard work, but as Apostle Paul reminds us, “hope does not disappoint us” (Romans 5:5).
Prayer
Father, we thank you for the certainty of your promises -- promises based on your Son's work on the cross. May this ever be a reminder to us that you will do the things you promised, even as we anticipate the return of Jesus. We pray this in his name. Amen.
Benediction
Next week's lesson will be on Acts 26:1-11.
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