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Good morning!
We're so glad you decided to join us today!
When we meet in person, we share any joys and concerns we might have together. Think about the past week. What prayer requests do you have? If you feel comfortable, you can share them as a comment on this post. When you are ready, use the prayer below, Pope Francis' Prayer for Peace, to get started.
Lord God of peace, hear our prayer!
We have tried so many times and over so many years to resolve our conflicts by our own powers and by the force of our arms. How many moments of hostility and darkness have we experienced; how much blood has been shed; how many lives have been shattered; how many hopes have been buried… But our efforts have been in vain. Now, Lord, come to our aid! Grant us peace, teach us peace; guide our steps in the way of peace. Open our eyes and our hearts, and give us the courage to say: "Never again war!"; "With war everything is lost". Instill in our hearts the courage to take concrete steps to achieve peace. Lord, God of Abraham, God of the Prophets, God of Love, you created us and you call us to live as brothers and sisters. Give us the strength daily to be instruments of peace; enable us to see everyone who crosses our path as our brother or sister. Make us sensitive to the plea of our citizens who entreat us to turn our weapons of war into implements of peace, our trepidation into confident trust, and our quarreling into forgiveness. Keep alive within us the flame of hope, so that with patience and perseverance we may opt for dialogue and reconciliation. In this way may peace triumph at last, and may the words "division", "hatred" and "war" be banished from the heart of every man and woman. Lord, defuse the violence of our tongues and our hands. Renew our hearts and minds, so that the word which always brings us together will be "brother", and our way of life will always be that of: Shalom, Peace, Salaam! Amen.
Today's lesson is on John 1:1-14.
Lesson Context
The Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke are called synoptic because of their similar perspectives on recounting the life and ministry of Jesus. John's gospel is quite different, as the writer stresses Jesus' divine identity as both the son of God and messiah. The introduction to this gospel emphasizes the eternality of the Word of God. The Word appears a lot throughout today's passage. The Greek word being translated as Word is logos, where we get our English word logic. Literally, logos translates as word, reason, or plan. Pagan philosophers used this to explain how their gods interacted with the cosmos and created order. When we read passages containing the Word in scripture, we usually think of Jesus Christ. However, in some writings (see here), a distinction is made between Jesus the person, and the Christ. Jesus was the incarnated human being who stood on the Earth. The Christ, the Messiah, is the eternal part. Our book says that the gospel of John was likely written by Jesus' disciple John during the second half of the first century. This is the "disciple whom Jesus loved," (John 21:20). The same person is also given credit for writing 1, 2, and 3 John, and Revelation. He seems to have had a broad audience, of both Jews and Gentiles.
1. The Eternal Word
The gospel begins with a parallel of Genesis: In the beginning. This highlights that God is eternal, beyond our concepts of space and time. Also, the Word is eternal. God the Father and the Word are of the same nature, but are two distinct persons. Genesis tells how God created by his word. John applies the idea to the work of the eternal Word in him making all things. The Word is the source of life, and through the Word, all things came into existence. The Word is creative and personal. The Word did not simply create life. The substance of life is more than physical, because eternal life is in the Word. The Word brought light into the world, contrasting with the world's darkness. We can think about this as part of the creation story in Genesis. But John is talking about spiritual light in contrast to darkness. Our book says that the darkness might refer specifically to people who have resisted the Word, or more generally to the status of the world as a whole. Either way, the important thing is that the darkness has not overcome the scope of God's light.
2. The Human Witness
The human witness was a man sent by God - John the Baptist. He served as a prophet. He testified about the coming of the light into the world.
3. The True Light
John the Baptist proclaimed the coming of the true light. True emphasizes the light's authentic nature as being from God. This light was revealed to everyone. The world did not recognize the Word through which it was made. The Jewish people did not receive his message. This could fulfill the prophet Isaiah: "despised and rejected," (Isaiah 53:3). The text says that to anyone who believed, "he gave the right to become children of God." Our book says the underlying Greek text translated as right can also be translated as power. God gives the power for believers to claim the right to a new identity. Only through faith in the word of truth can a person be born into the family of God.
4. The Only Son
Until verse 14, we aren't told anything more than that the Word is eternal, and is coming. But then, the Word became flesh. This identifies the eternal, preexistent Word as the Son of God -- Jesus Christ. The Word of God became human and entered his creation. This reality is the central component of the Incarnation. This is the doctrine that describes the Word of God becoming a human man in Jesus Christ. In Jesus Christ, the Word made his dwelling within creation. John is alluding to God's presence, his dwelling place, in the tabernacle in the camp of ancient Israel. John includes himself among those who have seen the glory of the Incarnate Word of God. The glory observed by John could only be ascribed to God the Father. The incarnate Son was able to show this because he was the unique and only Son of God. 
Conclusion
Our book's conclusion talks about the importance of in-person work in a church. This might be meeting for fellowship, praying for them in the hospital, or visiting families with newborns. The lesson's author connects physical presence of church members to God's embodied presence in the incarnation. God's children are tasked with extending his love to others. The lesson's author places a lot of importance on using physical presence to show God's love. They ask the question: "How will you love others by your presence in the days to come?" I think it is also important to consider how to love others without being physically present.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you demonstrated your love for us when you sent your Son to live among us and be our light. Help us be attentive to the light of your Son. Show us how we might reflect that light to our community. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Questions for Discussion
Benediction
Today's benediction is from the Good News Translation. 
Next week's lesson is on John 4:46-54.
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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 joys and concerns. Consider the past week. What prayer requests do you have? If you would like, you can share them as a comment to this post. When you are ready, use the prayer below, from St. Therese of Lisieux and St. Theresa of Avila, (source) to get started.
May today there be peace within.
May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith. May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you May you be confident knowing you are a child of God. Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us.
Today's lesson is on Isaiah 51:1-8.
Good morning!
We're so glad you decided to join us today!
When we meet in person, we take time to share how our weeks have been, and any prayer requests we might have. Consider your past week, and any joys or concerns you might have. If you feel comfortable, you can share them as a comment on this post. When you are ready, use the prayer below (source) to get started.
Almighty Lord God, give us true faith, and make that faith grow in us day by day. Also give us hope and love, so that we may serve our neighbors according to your will; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
This week's lesson is on Isaiah 49:18-23.
The first readers of the prophecy in today’s text understood it as concerning a return from Babylon, for Isaiah had earlier given the dire prophecy about being taken into exile there. (Isaiah 39:6-7) When Babylon fell, the Jews would return to Judah and Jerusalem. At that time Jerusalem would be rebuilt, and the foundation of the temple laid.
Jerusalem lost its inhabitants when Babylonians destroyed the city in 586 BC. Jeremiah wrote that there were only 832 who were taken from the city at that time compared with 10,000 who had been taken earlier. Those who remained had endured the deprivations and starvation that occurred during the siege. This small remnant was taken away to join others already in Babylon. The city was a desolate ruin for almost 50 years. On the night in 539 BC that soldiers of Darius the Mede captured Babylon, King Belshazzar was having a gigantic banquet that featured the vessels from the temple in Jerusalem. They were startled when fingers appeared and begun to write on the wall. Daniel was finally called to interpret the message. The last part of the message was that the kingdom was given over to the Medes and Persians that night. The Babylonian empire came to an end following its capture by the Persians and Medes under Cyrus. There was a decree that all the captive peoples could return to their homelands and that they were to take their gods with them. The Jews were allowed to take the items from their temple. The first wave of exiles returned in 538 BC. It is assumed that the 50,000 people who returned first went to Jerusalem and then they scattered to find their ancestral homes throughout Judah. The previous lesson ended with Isaiah 49:13 and great Joy was predicted to be expressed. Gentiles in all directions would rejoice as the Lord comforted his people. Isaiah prophesied that a virgin would conceive and bear a son. That passage is cited in Matthew as fulfilled in the birth of Jesus. The fulfillment was 700 years away. That same child would grow up to fulfill many other prophecies of Isaiah, not least the prophetic expectations linked to a person referred to as the suffering servant. The servant is understood to be the Son of God. The mood changed from exuberance to a lamentation that the Lord has forgotten his people and Jerusalem. The Lord asked rhetorically whether a woman can forget the child she gave birth to and nursed. The Lord could not forget the people of Zion. God had promised a return, and he also said that Jerusalem and the cities of Judah would be rebuilt. The call to lift up your eyes is a call to a new posture, one of hope rather than desperation. Upon obeying the command, Lady Zion would look around and see her children. In contrast to the mourning clothing Zion had been wearing, the Lord promised that she would have reason to dress like bride, turning towards joy instead of sorrow. The appropriate attire for a bridal city is a thriving human population. Those who returned would be Zion’s ornamentation, the source and sign of her newfound joy. The growth in the Jewish population during the captivity was significant. It is reminiscent of the growth that the Hebrews experience when they were in bondage in Egypt for 430 years. They went into Egypt as 70 people as the family of Jacob and left as a nation of two million people. Many of the exiles returning from exile had never seen Jerusalem with the temple standing. Although the temple would be rebuilt in Jerusalem the exiles in Babylon were dedicated to maintaining their faith while far from the center of worship. And some exiles stayed in Babylon, even when the way was opened to return to Judah. This paved the way for the rise of synagogues and religious leaders called rabbis. Jews scattered throughout the Mediterranean region during the second temple period taking their faith with them. This became highly important in the long term, when Gentiles would be welcomed into God’s family regardless of religious or ethnic background or geographical relationship to Jerusalem. The place where Zion’s children could live would turn out to be throughout the world, to its most remote locations. Zion is once again called to see. God’s beckoning to the nations and lifting up his banner to the peoples reveals that God will use foreign nations to accomplish his will for Zion. Language like lifting God’s hand and setting up his standard is used throughout Isaiah to emphasize how the Lord chose to communicate with foreigners to draw them to him and his will. We might think of the Magi reading the sky to learn of Jesus birth and where to go to praise him as an example of this. Then know that I am the Lord; those who hope in me will not be disappointed We need to obey him first by rejecting all others claim the same status. Following closely after this is living in accordance with God’s revealed laws, not choosing for ourselves what seems good or simply justification. And although knowing the Lord requires faith, he also supplies plenty of evidence to give us confidence in who he is. 
Conclusion
Jesus’ coming results in a change of fortune; though we were condemned, we are now promised eternal life when we choose to follow him as our Lord and Savior. (Romans 8:1-2). And this change of fortune results in a change of identity; we who were once far away are now part of God’s family. Essentially our address has changed from being in this world to residing in the kingdom of heaven. This Servant Song is one of great hope for Israel and all others. Though Isaiah’s audience couldn’t know, the redemption promised here goes well beyond an end to exile in Babylon. It encompasses an end to exile in sin. Though Jesus we have abundant life; he can be trusted with all our needs. Prayer Almighty God, we are thankful for the promises that you made to your people. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen Questions
Benediction
This week's benediction is from the King James Version. 
Next week's lesson will be on Isaiah 51:1-8.
Good morning!
We're so glad you decided to join us today!
When we meet together in person, we share our joys and concerns before we focus on our Sunday school lesson. Think about your needs and concerns right now, and if you like, you can share them in the comments.
Today’s lesson is on one of the so-called Servant Songs of the book of Isaiah. Christians throughout the centuries have seen these songs — and many other parts of Isaiah — as pointing to Jesus. The following prayer was posted on the Vanderbilt University lectionary website:
O God, you spoke your word and revealed your good news in Jesus, the Christ.
Fill all creation with that word again, so that by proclaiming your joyful promises to all nations
and singing of your glorious hope to all peoples, we may become one living body, your incarnate presence on the earth. Amen.
This week's lesson is on Isaiah 49:1-13.
Introduction
Often when we read scripture, we think we understand a particular passage. Then, as we experience new situations and challenges, we may read the same passage again and see another, deeper meaning. The passage for today is a great example of how a Bible passage spoke to its particular historical context and had its primary meaning for the people of that time. Then, centuries later, readers took another look at the same passage and found a secondary meaning that points to Jesus Christ. And in many Christians’ minds, this secondary meaning is so obvious that they can hardly imagine there is another other meaning to it.
Lesson context
Most scholars believe that the book of Isaiah is really the work of at least three different authors. They attribute chapters 1 through 39 to the prophet Isaiah and believe they were written before the Babylonian captivity. Chapters 40 through 55, known as Second Isaiah, were probably written near the end of the captivity and during the resettlement period. Chapters 56 through 66 were likely written to the former exiles who had begun the difficult work of rebuilding Jerusalem. The book of Isaiah includes four so-called “Servant Songs,” four prophetic poems from the second part of Isaiah about a servant that would care for justice, teach, suffer, restore Israel and be a light for the Gentiles. However, the servant theme extends beyond these four passages. In fact, it is an important theme from chapter 40 through 55, according to Old Testament professor Bo Lim. Lim believes that chapter 40 through 48 were written while the people of Judah were in captivity in Babylon but that chapters 49 through 55 were written after the first group of exiles returned to Jerusalem. This morning’s text is from the second “Servant Song.”
Identity of the Servant (verses 1-5)
One of the most debated questions surrounding Isaiah is the identity of the servant. To Christians, it seems obvious that the Servant Songs refer to Jesus and his ministry. However, when Isaiah prophesied these words, he was speaking to his historical context and not primarily looking hundreds of years into the future. That context, as pointed out above, is the end of the Babylonian exile and the restoration of the people of Judah. There are three major theories for the identity of the servant in its original context. First, the servant is identified as an individual, possibly Moses or Jonah or Jeremiah or Josiah or even the author of Second Isaiah himself. Second, many scholars identify the servant as a collective group, either the nation or a righteous remnant within the nation of Israel. In fact, Isaiah says in verse 3, “He said to me, ‘You are my servant, Israel.’” And third, some scholars see the servant as a “corporate personality,” according to Old Testament professor Dr. Claude Mariottini. By this theory, the servant is both an individual, such as the author himself, who also represents the whole nation. Probably the best known statement of this passage is, “Before I was born the Lord called me; from my mother’s womb he has spoken my name.” The message here is that God’s call was part of God’s plan — whether it is God’s call to Isaiah, God’s call to Israel or God’s call to Jesus. In Jesus’s case, the gospels make clear that God was involved even before Jesus was born. Our Sunday school lesson also points out that the servant is identified as Israel, but it suggests that is because Jesus is the true Israel. On the other hand, the lesson says, if it is referring to the nation of Israel, then the prophecy is fulfilled in the church, which carries the good news of Christ to the world.
The Lord’s Plan (verses 6-13)
Verse 6 calls for the restoration of the tribes of Jacob and those of Israel. By this time, it had been generations since the northern tribe of Israel had been conquered by the Assyrians assimilated with other groups. To bring those tribes back together would be a huge undertaking, one only the Lord could accomplish. The servant, Isaiah says, is not only to bring back the lost tribes, but he is to be a light for the Gentiles as well. Whether the servant refers to Israel, to Christ, or to both, God’s plan has always been to bring all people to God. Salvation is to reach throughout the earth. Even kings and princes will respond to him who was despised and abhorred by the nation, Isaiah says. Just as Israel as a nation was thought to be small and insignificant throughout most of its history, Jesus was also despised and rejected. So these words could refer to both. Many of the promises that Isaiah prophesies concerning the role of the servant for the captives who were returning from Babylon can also be seen in the life of Christ and in Christ’s work for people today. Here are a couple of examples from our passage: “I will keep you and make you … to say to the captives, ‘Come out,’ and to those in darkness, ‘Be free!’” God is our redeemer, and those who are oppressed can shed their fears because God has chosen to rescue them. “They will neither hunger nor thirst, nor will the desert heat or the sun beat down on them.” Isaiah’s original audience was concerned that God would protect them from literal hunger, thirst and other difficulties of the desert they had to cross, but Jesus also fed people literally and spiritually and talked about the living water that would quench their spiritual longing. Finally, Isaiah calls all of creation to shout for joy, to rejoice and to sing. This is the correct response when the Lord announces his intention to comfort his people and have compassion on the afflicted. 
Conclusion
At the right time, God sent Jesus to earth to offer salvation to all who accept him as Lord and Savior (Romans 5:6-8; Galatians 4:4-5). The call is to those who are in our families and communities and also in far distant villages we will never visit or even know exist. Our responsibility in the time of salvation is twofold: to proclaim the good news to all (Matthew 28:18-20) and to worship God with all creation. We are comforted, and we experience mercy. Therefore sing to God! And spread the good news throughout the earth.
Prayer
Lord, thank you for Isaiah’s prophecies and the ways that your Son, Jesus, fulfilled them. Make us people who call captives to freedom in Christ and whose faith in his care is unwavering. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Benediction
This week's benediction is from the God's Word translation. 
Next week's lesson will be on Isaiah 49:18-23.
Good morning!
Happy Pentecost! We're so glad you decided to join us today!
When we meet in person, we take time to share our joys and concerns. Take some time to think about the past week, and if you have any prayer requests. As you feel comfortable, you can share these as a comment to this post.
Today is Pentecost, which we think of as the birthday of the church. The Holy Spirit descended on the apostles, and they were able to speak to everyone present. When you are ready, use the prayer below, from the Presbyterian Mission Agency for Pentecost, to get started.
Living God, you sent the Holy Spirit to breathe life into your church. Let us no longer be captives to fear, but messengers of your saving love, so that all may be reconciled in you. Through Jesus Christ you have given us peace that the world cannot give. Let your Spirit of truth abide with us so that we may live in hope, grow in faith, and keep your commandments of love; in the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.
Today's lesson is on Isaiah 47:10-15. Before reading, keep in mind that in this passage, Isaiah is speaking to Babylon.
Good morning!
We're so glad you have chosen to join us today!
When we meet in person, we take some time to share our joys and concerns. If you have anything you would like to share, you can add a comment to this post. When you are ready, use the prayer below, from Xavier University, to get started. As this is Memorial Day weekend, the prayer relates to that.
Gracious God,
On this Memorial Day, we pray for those who courageously laid down their lives for the cause of freedom. May the examples of their sacrifice inspire in us the selfless love of Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Bless the families of our fallen troops, and fill their homes and their lives with Your strength and peace. In union with people of goodwill of every nation, embolden us to answer the call to work for peace and justice, and thus, seek an end to violence and conflict around the globe. We ask this through your name. Amen.
Today's lesson is on Galatians 5:16-26.
Good morning!
We're so happy you decided to join us today!
When we meet in person, we take some time to share our joys and concerns from the past week. Consider what your past week was like. If you have any prayer requests you would like to share, you can add them in the comments on this post. When you are ready, use the prayer below (source) to get started.
Father God, we gather here today under your care and protection. Thank you for your lovingkindness that never fails us. We thank you for those with us, that you would guide our thoughts and actions to bring you glory. Strengthen us and fill us with your peace. May we love and serve each other as Jesus has shown us. Fill us with the Holy Spirit to do your good work on earth. Amen.
Today's lesson is on Galatians 5:1-15.
Good morning!
We're so glad you decided to join us today!
When we meet together in person, we share our joys and concerns before we focus on our Sunday school lesson. Think about your needs and concerns right now, and if you like, you can share them in the comments.
Today’s lesson is on a section of Paul’s letter to the church in Galatia. It is part of Paul’s argument against the dangers of so-called Judaizers, who were teaching that Christians must continue to rely on the Old Testament law in order to be children of God, despite the fact that Christ had come. For us, it is a warning that, even though we want to live as godly lives as possible, we should not see adherence to rules as the foundation of our faith. That is only and always the result of faith in Christ and what God did for us through him. The following prayer, slightly edited, is from the website Knowing Jesus.
Heavenly Father, thank You that Jesus took the full punishment for our sins on the Cross. We are so thankful that our salvation is not based on the good things that we do to please You, but on the good work that Christ did on the Cross on our behalf. Keep us from trying to add to Christ's finished work on the Cross, but may weI live our lives in a manner that is pleasing to You, as we die to ourselves and live for Christ. In Jesus' name, Amen.
This week's lesson is on Galatians 3:18-29.
Good morning!
Happy Mother's Day! We're so glad you decided to join us today!
We are meeting together each morning in the Sunday School room, just off the sanctuary. If you feel comfortable, we would love to have you join us in person. When we meet, we share any joys or concerns from the past week to pray for. If you have anything you would like to share, please feel free to do so in the comment section of this post. When you are ready, use the prayer below (source) to get started.
Heavenly Father,
I speak this prayer to you now in gratitude and praise for the gift of mothers. My mother, those of my friends, relatives, those I’ll never know, all mothers. Thank you for the role they play in the family unit. Thank you for their teachings, their wisdom, their patience, and understanding. Thank you for the physical, emotional, and spiritual gifts they possess. I pray that you help mothers all across the world to be a blessing upon their children. Whether delivering affirmation or discipline, I pray that you help every word and action to be done in love. And I pray that children throughout the world would take time to honor their mothers, that you would show them how to uniquely do so. I pray that these mothers also act as a blessing beyond their households, reaching into their extended families, communities, churches, schools. I pray that the impact of motherhood is revered throughout society and that these women are acknowledged for their everyday impact on the world. May you guide each of them into fulfilling their purpose here on Earth. Amen.
Today's lesson is on Romans 8:18-30.
Good morning!
We're so glad you decided to join us today!
When we meet together in person, we take time to share our joys and concerns together. Take some time to think about your past week, and the prayer requests you might have. If you would like, you can share them with us as a comment on this post. When you are ready, get started with this prayer (from Xavier University).
Holy One, you are our comfort and strength
in times of sudden disaster, crisis, or chaos. Surround us now with your grace and peace through storm or earthquake, fire or flood. By your Spirit, lift up those who have fallen, sustain those who work to rescue or rebuild, and fill us with the hope of your new creation; through You, our rock and redeemer. Amen
Today's lesson is on Romans 6:1-14.
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