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Next Sunday, we will be worshipping at the Washington County Fair at 11 am.
Prelude: Ron Dobscha
ANNOUNCEMENTS: CALL TO WORSHIP: Jesus is before all things. He holds all things together. All that we see and that we cannot see was made and made for our Lord Jesus. By the blood of his cross, all things are reconciled. Even when we were once alienated and hostile to Him, we find reconciliation in His body. Jesus will present us holy and blameless, above reproach before God. If we remain in faith, we will be welcomed into the glory that is His. Let us worship today the one who does this incredible work out of His great love for His people. INVOCATION:
* Hymn “My Faith Looks Up to Thee” # 829
* PRAYER OF CONFESSION: (Unison) Father, we have failed to love You as we should. We have failed to love others as we love ourselves. We have chosen wrong when we know what is right. We have rejected Your rule and submitted ourselves to lesser kingdoms. Restore us O Lord and teach us Your way. Give us undivided hearts, that we may fear Your name. Then we will praise You, O God, with all that is in us, and glorify Your name forever. Amen *Time of silent prayer *Assurance of Pardon *Response – Gloria Patri #581 *Passing of the peace Children’s Chat Prayer for Illumination Scripture reading: Nehemiah 9: 5b – 6 Debbie Durila Sermon Text: Colossians 1: 15 - 23 *Hymn “What a Fellowship, What a Joy Divine” # 837 *Apostles Creed Presentation of our tithes and offering Offertory *Doxology *Prayer of dedication Concerns and Celebrations Prayers of the People The Lord’s Prayer INVITATION TO THE LORD’S TABLE *“Let us Break Bread Together” #525 Communion “Alleluia” (see insert) INVOCATION *Hymn “A Hymn of Joy we Sing” (see insert) *Benediction Postlude: Ron Dobscha
Birthdays: None this week
No service next week so I am including all birthdays for that week. Billie Wilson, Mike Hildebrand, Doug Ward, Grant Molinaro Anniversaries: Don & Karen Hanes 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 them, then return them to You. Remember!!! No service here at North Buffalo next Sunday. Service is at 11am at the fair in the Nadene Gardner tent. Transportation can be had if needed.
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, Betty Fisher, Tim Knabensue, Norma Jean Kelso, The McFeely’s, Chuck Kapaika, Doug Ward, Nellie Baker, Kayla Horner, Ed Stavovy, Tommy Ann Sanders ( 5 yr.old), Tom Blackhurst, Ron Westfall, Helen Wagner, Randy Pitre, Margaret Danna, Eli Taylor, Mason Adams
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Good morning!
We're so glad you decided to join us today!
Next week, we will be at the Washington County Agricultural Fair for the 11 am church service.
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, use this prayer to get started.
God of grace, we pray for those who are suffering and in pain today. We pray especially for those around the world who, in addition to the normal difficulties of life, have chosen to follow Christ, even though it means persecution and violence for them. Strengthen them and encourage them by your word. For we ask it in Christ’s name. Amen.
This week's lesson is on 1 Thessalonians 2:13 - 3:5.
Lesson context
Scholars believe the epistle that we call 1 Thessalonians was the first of the 27 New Testament books to have been written. Although the Gospels record events that happened earlier, they were probably written at least a decade after this letter. Thessalonica was (and is) a Macedonian port city where Paul founded a church during his second missionary journey. His visit was controversial (Acts 17:1-9). The commotion Paul stirred up was so intense that he had to escape by night. (17:10). The city was on an important trade route and prospered as a result. Those of Greek, Roman and Jewish heritage constituted its population. Paul and Silas had entered the synagogue in Thessalonica and argued from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Messiah. They ultimately persuaded some Jews and many Gentiles (Acts 17:1-4). Other Jews in the city became envious of Paul and Silas’ success. They persuaded the governing authorities to persecute the residents who believed in Christ. While the church in Thessalonica grew, it continued to face challenges in terms of persecution. Paul wrote this letter to comfort and encourage the believers in their trials.
Thanksgiving (2:13-16)
Paul tells the Thessalonian Christians that he thanks God continually that they accepted Paul and Silas’s message as the the word of God, which it is. Today we identify the Bible as the word of God, as it is as well. That is, we acknowledge that it has a divine origin. However, the 27 books of the New Testament had not yet been written when Paul began his missionary journeys. Instead, Paul’s oral testimony was God’s word to them. Paul notes that the word of God is “at work in you who believe.” Vital to their salvation and sanctification was not simply their belief in the message but also their response to that message. His original hearers, recognizing the supernatural origin of his message, responded fittingly. Paul acknowledges that the choice to follow Christ has brought them suffering, which might have been a cause for discouragement. Instead, Paul encourages them by relating that, in suffering, they were following “in the exact footsteps of the churches of God in Judea,” who were persecuted by their own people just as these Christians were being persecuted by theirs. Not only that, but Jesus was put to death, and before that, the prophets were killed for speaking the word of God. Paul and Silas were also driven out. Paul’s point is that suffering for hearing, believing and speaking the word of God is not the exception but the rule. Therefore, it should give them assurance, comfort and encouragement to know they are not alone. A small group of Jewish leaders had orchestrated the death of Jesus, just as a small group of Jewish leaders had incited the people of Thessalonica and influenced the local officials to persecute the new believers, ultimately leading to Paul and Silas’ nighttime escape. Paul writes that this opposition to God and to anyone who hinders their agenda makes them culpable. By doing so, they “heap up their sins to the limit.” Therefore, Paul says, the wrath of God has come upon them — which may include future punishment but mainly refers to what was happening at that time.
Encouragement (2:17-3:5)
Paul and his companions had to escape the mob violence and leave the church at Thessalonica, but that did not mean they forgot about the people of that church. His stay was little more than two weeks, which was very short compared to the time he often spent with churches. Therefore, he had an intense desire to return. In fact, Paul writes that he wanted to return again and again, but Satan prevented it. It is unclear exactly how that happened, but some have speculated that the missionaries fell ill while others believe the city leaders may have forbidden them from entering the city. Paul’s teaching did not always yield an abundant harvest of new believers, but despite opposition he and his companions did have many successes. The people that came to believe through their ministry would be their hope, their joy and their crown before Jesus when he returns, and Paul writes that he counts the Thessalonians among them. According to the book of Acts, Paul and Silas then traveled 45 miles to Berea, but they were forced out of that town as well. The Jews who had opposed them in Thessalonica went as far as to follow them there and to stir up opposition. Therefore, Paul and his companions traveled south to Athens, accompanied by an escort of new Berean Christians who offered protection along the way. It seems that Paul, who formerly persecuted and threatened Christians, is now being pursued in the same way. When they could not stand to think about the new Christians in Thessalonica being left alone without anyone to nurture and encourage them in their faith, Paul sent Timothy instead. Timothy could also carry Paul’s correspondence to the people. Paul often trusted Timothy with special tasks. It was not Paul’s first choice, but it was the best he could do under the circumstances. Paul reminds them again that trials and persecution are to be expected for those who follow Christ. However, he also knows that Christians who suffer severe trials before their faith has had a chance to take root and deepen may find it difficult not to give up and turn back. Satan had been hindering him so much through the efforts of the Jewish leaders in Thessalonica that he feared what they might be doing to the Christians who remained there. He wanted to learn how they were standing up against such opposition, which is another reason why he sent Timothy there. 
Conclusion
Suffering is part of the Christian life. But sometimes, we fall into the habit of dealing with suffering alone. We think we need to just grit our teeth and bear it. While God does call us to endure suffering, God does not ask us to suffer alone. Paul talks more about suffering for Christ than anyone else in the New Testament. Yet his solution was not telling people to buck up but to encourage them. Because the church is Christ’s body, we share in each other’s sufferings (1 Corinthians 12:26). By encouraging one another, we can help bear the burdens of our brothers and sisters in Christ (Galatians 6:2). We will also keep sufferings from becoming temptations, leading one another away from following Christ.
Prayer
Father, help us to seek and comfort the discouraged in our midst. Let their burdens be ours as well. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Questions for discussion
Benediction
Next week's lesson will be on 1 John 3:1-10.
Good morning!
We're so glad you decided to join us today!
When we meet together, we take time to share any joys or concerns we have. This is a wonderful time of fellowship for those of us in person. We invite you to join us! If you have a prayer request that you would like to add, please post a comment on this post. When you are ready, use the prayer below (source) to get started.
Holy God, Creator of Life,
you call us out of our dark places, offering us the grace of new life. When we see nothing but hopelessness, you surprise us with the breath of your spirit. Call us out of our complacency and routines, set us free from our self-imposed bonds, and fill us with your spirit of life, compassion, and peace, In the name of Jesus, your anointed one, we pray. Amen.
This week's lesson is on Psalm 130.
Lesson Context
Psalm 130 is part of a larger set, usually called the Psalms of Ascents, consisting of Psalms 120 - 134. Together, the psalms address a wide range of concerns and moods. They allow the worshipping community to express anxiety and hope, fear and trust, sorrow and joy. The worshippers can bring their entire lives to God, share their lives with each other, and eagerly await God's transforming work. The Psalms of Ascents may have functioned together as songs for pilgrims entering the Jerusalem temple in the period following the Babylonian exile. Our book says Psalm 130 in particular may have been part of a night vigil, waiting for the dawn. The psalm seems like a very condensed lament. It begins with a cry to God, as most laments do. It differs from some psalms of lament by being briefer and jumping to praise without much preparation. It ends with supreme confidence in God's saving work.
Address to the Lord
The phrase out of the depths might be a shorter form of the phrase, "the depths of the waters." The Hebrew word translated depths only occurs in instances of the watery deep. These were frequently used as an image of danger or chaos. (for example: Ezekiel 27:34, Psalm 69:2, Exodus 15:5) Additionally, there is a metaphorical link between the depths, and Sheol, the place of the dead, which was far from God's presence. The psalmist speaks as though from the gates of death. This points to the many sorts of problems humans may face, including our mortality and proneness to sickness, as well as the hostile attitudes of wicked people or the irresistible power of some historical or natural events. The depths may take many forms. The psalmist addresses God in hopes of being heard and saved. The repetition in the first two verses is a poetic device of synonymous parallelism. It reinforces the importance the psalmist places on receiving God's full attention. This psalm (and others where God is called upon to listen to lament) expect that God desires to listen to sincere requests for help and will respond with speed and compassion. However, we need to remember that God's timing is not our own, and a perceived lack of an answer from God does not mean he has not heard or has no intention of acting. The psalmist affirms God's mercy. God could obsess over human sin. If God decided to tally sins, no person could be counted as righteous. A God who rigorously punished all evil immediately would leave no space for human survival. But a God who ignored evildoing altogether would cause great harm to humanity. The God of Israel, however, engages with human beings to reform their lives. God's mercy toward sinners inspires them to honor him more. Forgiveness creates a new path. Divine gentleness with the people inspires awe in part because it seems so different from human inclinations toward one another. The Hebrew word translated whole being can be more concisely translated as "soul." But the Hebrew word has a more robust meaning than we might consider in English. The ancient Israelites did not believe in a soul that merely inhabited a body (like Greek thinking). Instead of a divide between body and soul, the Israelites thought of the human being as an integrated whole. The soul was the animating force, the piece of the body that made a person alive. The integration of body and soul remains central to Christianity, which rests on the hope of our bodily resurrection rather than the immortality of a disembodied spirit or soul. The repetition of, "more than watchmen wait for the morning," is for rhythmical purposes, similar to repetition in our hymns. Just as nighttime sentries eagerly await the dawn and the relative safety of daytime, so does the one praying wait for a new day in which God will act.
Address to Israel
In the last two verses, the psalm shifts focus from an individual psalmist to the whole community. In ancient Israel, redemption was a term often applied to the purchase of slaves to free them. The language is prevalent in texts describing God's liberation of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. Here, the oppression is of human sin in all its forms. The psalm anticipates God acting to free Israel from sin's power.This redemption is the ultimate fulfillment of God's ancient covenant with the ancestors. The ending of the psalm is an expression of deep trust in God. It moves from readers focusing on the individual to God's care for the whole people. In God's great mercy lies hope for Israel and everyone within it. There is a tight connection between the individual's experience and the community's proclamation. The people of Israel were the community whom God rescued from evil in all its manifestations. The people announced and celebrated the good news that such deliverance had occurred and they sought more of it. This understanding also applies to the church, the community grafted into Israel. We also experience, both as individuals and as a community, the power of God's forgiveness, which we imitate in our dealings with others. 
Conclusion
Psalm 130 speaks to faith that involves waiting for God's grace to make itself known. During such a time, the person may doubt God's ability or willingness to save, question the integrity of other human beings, and even lose self-respect. Waiting for salvation challenges every fiber of a person's being. Yet, that challenge itself strengthens faith in the long run. As this psalm makes clear, trust in God does not come without some doubts. Biblical faith is not a Pollyanna attitude about life. It is realistic and honest about hardship. But it does not remain there. The depths that we face become opportunities for grace. Learning the discipline of waiting is part of learning to live with God and all others who are also awaiting God's help. This psalm exposes an important truth about human beings: our profound need and desire for God's presence. Worship in community reminds us of God's might acts. May we, in our darkest moments and in the grasp of the sins that don't want to let us go, cry out to our God and heed the call to hope in his saving works.
Prayer
O God, who hears the cries of broken people and sees our tear-stained faces, who sutures broken hearts and shattered relationships, hear every cry from the depths of us as well. Do not forget us in our day of distress, and help us not forget to be thankful when you have rescued us with one of the many methods at your disposal. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
Questions for Discussion
Benediction
Next week's lesson will be on 1 Thessalonians 2:13-3:5.
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.
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.
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