May 13, 2020
Hello, church!
Another week of sheltering in place, and another email from me. This week I’ve given you another chance to complete the servant profile form, and I hope that you will take the time to fill that out. I’ve also linked one of my favorite resources for you to explore, and it’s all free. Who doesn’t like free stuff?! Also, don’t forget about the town hall meeting coming up on the 17th at 2pm.
Peace,
Chess
Servant Profile
It’s not too late! Please, please, please fill out this very important servant profile form to let us know what areas you might be interested to volunteer your service. I promise it is a short and painless form that won’t take up a lot of your time. Thanks to those of you that already have and thanks in advance to those of you that are going to click on the link now and fill it out!
This week’s Memory Verse
“I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you.” – John 14:18
As Jesus prepared for the cross he did everything he could to reassure his disciples that he wasn’t going anywhere. It is difficult in the face of death to believe that death is not a finality, and as we experience so much death worldwide, this verse is a twofold reminder: first, that Jesus has not abandoned us to the horrors of death, and second, that death is not the end because Jesus is coming back to bring us into life eternal. It’s a short verse with a lot of power and hope.
Sunday Worship
For the past few weeks I have been including here the scriptures and discussion questions for the coming Sunday’s worship. I would like to add two prayers, a morning and evening prayer. These prayers are crafted around the themes found in the scripture readings and would be great on their own or tacked onto your own prayers. The value of creating a habit of praying these prayers each day is they allow you to immerse yourself even more fully into the themes of scripture.
Worship for May 17, 2020
Scriptures: Ps 66:8-20; John 14:15-21; Acts 17:22-31; 1 Pet 3:13-22
Question for Reflection: According to the psalmist, God brought the people through trials, tests, burdens, and pain to a spacious place of life, breath, and salvation. God heard their prayers and opened them to deliverance. Where have you felt such a spacious place? What story do you tell of the ways that God is blessing you? What story does your faith community tell of the ways in which God is blessing them?
Morning
I give thanks for the gift of life and breath Acts 17:25; 1 Pet. 3:13–16
that is mine today in Christ. Make me eager to do good and to resist evil, and grant me the wisdom to recognize the difference. Fill me with your assurance in all I say and do that I may share the hope that is within me in gentleness and reverence of Christ. Amen.
Evening
O God,Acts 17:28; Ps. 66:8–20;
in whom I live and move and have my being,1 Pet. 3:15
you hear me when I cry and listen to my prayer;
you set my feet on steady ground, you never leave me alone.
As I rest in you tonight, sanctify my heart in Christ,
and fill me with your strength,
that I may rise to love and serve you and greet another day. Amen.
The Christian Classics Ethereal Library
Today I’d like to share with you one of my favorite free resources, The Christian Classics Ethereal Library, which has collected a vast amount of Christian writings. The website gives you free access to early Christian writings (such as the Didache), early Christian authors (such as Augustine’s City of God), and even later works (such as the writings of John Calvin). You can browse the site by topic, genre, author, title, and even chronologically. It’s a great site for expanding your knowledge and resources relating to church history and biblical studies.
Kids’ Stuff
Now is a great time to talk with your kids about what church is—the community of Christ, not a particular building. This week’s craft gives you a way to do that. There is also just a fun dress up activity for the kids.
Who is the Church Craft and Instructions
Previous Links
Below are the links to resources I have mentioned in previous emails for your continued reference.
Phyllis Tickle’s, Divine Hours
The Way of the Heart, by Henri Nouwen
Awed to Heaven, Rooted in Earth , by Walter Brueggemann
The Spiritual Disciplines Handbook by Adele Ahlberg Calhoun
The Discernment of Spirits and workbook by Timothy Gallagher