Day 1
Read Psalm 95:1-7. As the season of Advent approaches, we may wonder how we will proclaim "Joy to the World" with the backdrop of economic fear and uncertainty. Many people and institutions are revisiting their priorities for this season. Think and pray about what your priorities are and where you hope to find joy this season?
Day 2
What does JOY stand for? It can be an acronym to remind us of who our church belongs to:
Jesus first
Others second
Yourself last
According to these priorities, first and foremost, our church belongs to Jesus. Read Colossians 1:15-20. What is Jesus' relationship to our church?
Day 3
Second, our church belongs to others. Read Matthew 25:31-46. What is Jesus' relationship to others? Think about the ways that Peace already “gives itself away” to others. Pray about new ways that Peace can make others a priority by helping those that are overlooked, ignored, lost or lonely.
Day 4
Finally, our church belongs to us. Or does it? Read Galations 2:11-21 & 2 Corinthians 3:1-6. What is Jesus' relationship to each one of us? How does this relationship affect our priorities at Peace?
Day 5
Read 1 Thessalonians 3:6-13. Paul experienced great joy at hearing about this new church in Thessalonia and prays that God will continue to increase their love for each other and everyone else until it is overflowing. Do we want to be a church where God can work through us to bring overflowing love and joy to the world? Pray for Peace to be a place where Jesus is followed and others can see and experience hope rising in God’s world.
Questions: Why do people need the church?
Day 1
Read Ephesians 4:1-16. How many "ones" appear in verses 4-5? What point do you think these repeated words make? What relation might this have with ensuing verses, 7-16?
Connect verses 11-13 with these verses from 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, 12, and 13. What are the purposes of the God-given gifts to God’s people? What gift has God given you to offer in the community? In the world?
Day 2
Read John 17:20-23; John 13:34-35. In John 17, Jesus prayed for all followers to be unified. What impact does unity (or lack of unity) have on the congregation? On you personally? On the community and world around us? Pray this part of Jesus’ prayer today.
Day 3
Read Acts 2:42-47. How has your experience with Christian community compared to the community described in Acts 2? Is there a way that you could help to move your community to a deeper level? What one step might you take?
Day 4
Read Matthew 16:13-20. Last weekend we read Mark’s version of this story (Mark 8:27-30). What do you think Jesus meant by these terms: keys of the kingdom, binding, loosing? Why did Jesus tell his disciples not to spread the word that he was the Messiah (at that time)? Do you think that command is still in force?
Day 5
Read 1 John 1:1-10. Do you recognize the words from 1 John 1:8-9? Why is confession important for the life of the individual Christian? Why is confession important for the life of the community of faith? Write a prayer of confession that you can use today and for the next few weeks.
Read Ephesians 4:1-16. How many "ones" appear in verses 4-5? What point do you think these repeated words make? What relation might this have with ensuing verses, 7-16?
Connect verses 11-13 with these verses from 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, 12, and 13. What are the purposes of the God-given gifts to God’s people? What gift has God given you to offer in the community? In the world?
Day 2
Read John 17:20-23; John 13:34-35. In John 17, Jesus prayed for all followers to be unified. What impact does unity (or lack of unity) have on the congregation? On you personally? On the community and world around us? Pray this part of Jesus’ prayer today.
Day 3
Read Acts 2:42-47. How has your experience with Christian community compared to the community described in Acts 2? Is there a way that you could help to move your community to a deeper level? What one step might you take?
Day 4
Read Matthew 16:13-20. Last weekend we read Mark’s version of this story (Mark 8:27-30). What do you think Jesus meant by these terms: keys of the kingdom, binding, loosing? Why did Jesus tell his disciples not to spread the word that he was the Messiah (at that time)? Do you think that command is still in force?
Day 5
Read 1 John 1:1-10. Do you recognize the words from 1 John 1:8-9? Why is confession important for the life of the individual Christian? Why is confession important for the life of the community of faith? Write a prayer of confession that you can use today and for the next few weeks.
Questions: What was the message of Jesus?
Day 1
Read Matthew 5:1-12 and Luke 6: 21-24. Some believe these represent one sermon; others suggest the thoughts were common topics in Jesus' teachings. At the heart of these teachings is the truth that Jesus turns worldly perceptions upside down. Consider that true wealth, joy, fulfillment, peace, purpose, satisfaction…are found in relationship with Jesus. Do you seek fulfillment in the temporal, which is fleeting, or in the eternal? How do the words recorded in John 16:33 and 2 Corinthians 4:16-18; help us understand Jesus' words in Matthew and Luke? And yet, we mustn't simply spiritualize Jesus’ words, for they embrace our experiences today as well as look ahead to eternity. For example: we might experience physical or spiritual poverty, and Jesus is the one who meets us in our need and promises us his provision (Matthew 5:3; 6:25-33), and we are called to be Jesus to others (John 21:15-17). Ask Jesus to open your eyes to whom you should bless in his name today.
Day 2
Christ's Church: True Disciples -How does Jesus define true disciples in John 8:31? How would our churches be different if we lived this? In Jesus' conversation before John 8:31, he leads those with open hearts to understand who he is. To be disciples, we must know the one whom we follow. Read John 8:12,19b,23,54-58; the claims Jesus makes are ones only God can make. Notice again Jesus’ words in John 8:58, "before Abraham was, I am" (NRSV); now read Exodus 3:14. Spend quiet moments pondering what Jesus is saying. Jesus is God incarnate; he is the light of the world; he calls us to walk in his light. Praise and pray as you read 1 John 1:1-8. Ask the Spirit to help you walk with Jesus.
Day 3
Whose Values? Read James 2:1-10. What or who shapes your values? Do the light and love of Jesus make you yearn to be his hands and feet and heart and voice to others, or do you allow the world to instruct you about what is of great worth? Are you inclined to defer to those who are wealthy, powerful, and famous, to those who have great beauty or amazing athletic prowess, or do you respond to people as Jesus responds to them, seeing the dignity and worth of each individual? In the early church, and in our world today, these are real issues for Christians who desire to reflect the character of Jesus. Ask Jesus to mold your heart according to his eternal values.
Day 4
Setting the Standard Read James 2:1; how is Jesus described? Jesus manifests the glorious presence of God; he is truly Immanuel, and he sets the standard for our behavior and our love. Read John 13:34-35; Romans 15:5-7; Ephesians 5:1-2; and 1 John 4:9-12. Praise God we don’t have to love in our own strength (Romans 5:5; Philippians 4:13)! Nevertheless, loving others and treating them without partiality is not always easy. In the early church Jews and Greeks or a slave and his/her owner might find themselves worshiping together. What situations today might cause the same degree of unease? Ask Jesus to help you reflect his glorious presence in how you treat others.
Day 5
Hearts for the Poor- Apparently some in the early church were exploiting the poor; high interest rates and harsh treatment of debtors were common. As fellow members of the body of Christ, how should we respond to the needs of others? Read Deuteronomy 15:7-8; Proverbs 14:21,31; Micah 6:8; Luke 14:12-14; and Acts 2:43-47. Is there poverty that doesn’t involve financial need? (Consider physical, relational, spiritual, emotional…). Is your heart tender toward those who are in need? Pray that you have a compassionate heart.Tell Jesus you want to be compassionate.
Read Matthew 5:1-12 and Luke 6: 21-24. Some believe these represent one sermon; others suggest the thoughts were common topics in Jesus' teachings. At the heart of these teachings is the truth that Jesus turns worldly perceptions upside down. Consider that true wealth, joy, fulfillment, peace, purpose, satisfaction…are found in relationship with Jesus. Do you seek fulfillment in the temporal, which is fleeting, or in the eternal? How do the words recorded in John 16:33 and 2 Corinthians 4:16-18; help us understand Jesus' words in Matthew and Luke? And yet, we mustn't simply spiritualize Jesus’ words, for they embrace our experiences today as well as look ahead to eternity. For example: we might experience physical or spiritual poverty, and Jesus is the one who meets us in our need and promises us his provision (Matthew 5:3; 6:25-33), and we are called to be Jesus to others (John 21:15-17). Ask Jesus to open your eyes to whom you should bless in his name today.
Day 2
Christ's Church: True Disciples -How does Jesus define true disciples in John 8:31? How would our churches be different if we lived this? In Jesus' conversation before John 8:31, he leads those with open hearts to understand who he is. To be disciples, we must know the one whom we follow. Read John 8:12,19b,23,54-58; the claims Jesus makes are ones only God can make. Notice again Jesus’ words in John 8:58, "before Abraham was, I am" (NRSV); now read Exodus 3:14. Spend quiet moments pondering what Jesus is saying. Jesus is God incarnate; he is the light of the world; he calls us to walk in his light. Praise and pray as you read 1 John 1:1-8. Ask the Spirit to help you walk with Jesus.
Day 3
Whose Values? Read James 2:1-10. What or who shapes your values? Do the light and love of Jesus make you yearn to be his hands and feet and heart and voice to others, or do you allow the world to instruct you about what is of great worth? Are you inclined to defer to those who are wealthy, powerful, and famous, to those who have great beauty or amazing athletic prowess, or do you respond to people as Jesus responds to them, seeing the dignity and worth of each individual? In the early church, and in our world today, these are real issues for Christians who desire to reflect the character of Jesus. Ask Jesus to mold your heart according to his eternal values.
Day 4
Setting the Standard Read James 2:1; how is Jesus described? Jesus manifests the glorious presence of God; he is truly Immanuel, and he sets the standard for our behavior and our love. Read John 13:34-35; Romans 15:5-7; Ephesians 5:1-2; and 1 John 4:9-12. Praise God we don’t have to love in our own strength (Romans 5:5; Philippians 4:13)! Nevertheless, loving others and treating them without partiality is not always easy. In the early church Jews and Greeks or a slave and his/her owner might find themselves worshiping together. What situations today might cause the same degree of unease? Ask Jesus to help you reflect his glorious presence in how you treat others.
Day 5
Hearts for the Poor- Apparently some in the early church were exploiting the poor; high interest rates and harsh treatment of debtors were common. As fellow members of the body of Christ, how should we respond to the needs of others? Read Deuteronomy 15:7-8; Proverbs 14:21,31; Micah 6:8; Luke 14:12-14; and Acts 2:43-47. Is there poverty that doesn’t involve financial need? (Consider physical, relational, spiritual, emotional…). Is your heart tender toward those who are in need? Pray that you have a compassionate heart.Tell Jesus you want to be compassionate.
The Way of Generosity: Responding to God's Generosity
Day 1
Consider how God, in Christ, gives to us as you read Romans 5:8; Ephesians 3:17b-21; and 1 John 4:9-10. Do we trust God's love enough to come to God with hands and hearts wide open? In the passage from 2 Corinthians this week we read that Paul writes to the believers in Corinth and encourages them to give to the Jerusalem church, which is suffering persecution and is in great need. He teaches about sacrificial giving by using Jesus and the Macedonian churches as examples. Read 2 Corinthians 9:6-15. Pray you will understand and embrace the concept of sowing generously, and that you will see the privilege, joy, and benefit of giving from God's perspective. Pray the Spirit will lead you into an understanding of how you can live this out today. Read Hebrews 12:1-3 and run the race with joy.
Day 2
Tithing is the Scriptural standard for giving (Read Malachi 3:6-12), but if our hands are wide open, there is no limit to what God can move us to give and then do in and through us as we share what God places in our hands. And it doesn’t always begin with abundance - Read 1 Kings 17:7-16; Matthew 6:1-4; Luke 21:1-4; Mark 12: 41-44. (In these texts we see also a beautiful example of the phrase, "not equal gifts, but equal sacrifice." ) Prayerfully ponder giving or doing something outrageously, hilariously generous (anonymously, if possible). Allow the Lord to flood your heart with the joy of giving. Pray the lyrics: "We give Thee but Thine own, whate'er the gift may be; all that we have is Thine alone, a trust, O Lord, from Thee."
Day 3
Living Generously-Our motivation: We are to love the Lord and others wholeheartedly, and Jesus explains that that we are to love as he loves us, which means we are not only to love wholeheartedly but also sacrificially. The command is clear, but what might motivate us to live with open hearts and hands? It is not to earn salvation, for we are saved by grace. Read Psalm 100:1-5; Isaiah 58:10-11; John 15:9-12; Acts 20:35; and 2 Corinthians 1:20; 5:14-15; 8:1-5,9. Do words like gratitude, trust, God's promises, love, and joy come to mind?
Day 4
For God's Purpose, Mission, and Pleasure: Over a century ago, a speaker at a missionary convention, whose name has been forgotten, said, "Most people are not satisfied with the permanent output of their lives. Nothing can wholly satisfy the life of Christ within His followers except the adoption of Christ's purposes toward the world. Fame, pleasure, and riches are (nothing) in contrast with the boundless and abiding joy of working with God for the fulfillment of His eternal plans" (quoted in The Parables by Gary Inrig, p. 91; 1991, Discovery House Pub.). Read Luke 9:24-25; John 13:34-35; Acts 1:8; and 1 Timothy 6:17-19. Think about God's priorities; pray you will use what has been entrusted to you to live into God's mission.
Day 5
Our God, Who Blesses Us: Read 1 Kings 17:1-16. Did the widow become wealthy, or did she simply have enough? God also blesses us abundantly, but the best blessings are not material; consider the joy of being allowed to see more of God's glory and know more of Jesus' sweet presence in our lives. Read and pray Ephesians 1:17-19a; 3:14-21. Now ponder 2 Samuel 24:24; 2 Corinthians 9:7-11; Hebrews 13:5-8; and Isaac Watts' lyrics: "Were the whole realm of nature mine, that were an offering far too small; love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all."
Consider how God, in Christ, gives to us as you read Romans 5:8; Ephesians 3:17b-21; and 1 John 4:9-10. Do we trust God's love enough to come to God with hands and hearts wide open? In the passage from 2 Corinthians this week we read that Paul writes to the believers in Corinth and encourages them to give to the Jerusalem church, which is suffering persecution and is in great need. He teaches about sacrificial giving by using Jesus and the Macedonian churches as examples. Read 2 Corinthians 9:6-15. Pray you will understand and embrace the concept of sowing generously, and that you will see the privilege, joy, and benefit of giving from God's perspective. Pray the Spirit will lead you into an understanding of how you can live this out today. Read Hebrews 12:1-3 and run the race with joy.
Day 2
Tithing is the Scriptural standard for giving (Read Malachi 3:6-12), but if our hands are wide open, there is no limit to what God can move us to give and then do in and through us as we share what God places in our hands. And it doesn’t always begin with abundance - Read 1 Kings 17:7-16; Matthew 6:1-4; Luke 21:1-4; Mark 12: 41-44. (In these texts we see also a beautiful example of the phrase, "not equal gifts, but equal sacrifice." ) Prayerfully ponder giving or doing something outrageously, hilariously generous (anonymously, if possible). Allow the Lord to flood your heart with the joy of giving. Pray the lyrics: "We give Thee but Thine own, whate'er the gift may be; all that we have is Thine alone, a trust, O Lord, from Thee."
Day 3
Living Generously-Our motivation: We are to love the Lord and others wholeheartedly, and Jesus explains that that we are to love as he loves us, which means we are not only to love wholeheartedly but also sacrificially. The command is clear, but what might motivate us to live with open hearts and hands? It is not to earn salvation, for we are saved by grace. Read Psalm 100:1-5; Isaiah 58:10-11; John 15:9-12; Acts 20:35; and 2 Corinthians 1:20; 5:14-15; 8:1-5,9. Do words like gratitude, trust, God's promises, love, and joy come to mind?
Day 4
For God's Purpose, Mission, and Pleasure: Over a century ago, a speaker at a missionary convention, whose name has been forgotten, said, "Most people are not satisfied with the permanent output of their lives. Nothing can wholly satisfy the life of Christ within His followers except the adoption of Christ's purposes toward the world. Fame, pleasure, and riches are (nothing) in contrast with the boundless and abiding joy of working with God for the fulfillment of His eternal plans" (quoted in The Parables by Gary Inrig, p. 91; 1991, Discovery House Pub.). Read Luke 9:24-25; John 13:34-35; Acts 1:8; and 1 Timothy 6:17-19. Think about God's priorities; pray you will use what has been entrusted to you to live into God's mission.
Day 5
Our God, Who Blesses Us: Read 1 Kings 17:1-16. Did the widow become wealthy, or did she simply have enough? God also blesses us abundantly, but the best blessings are not material; consider the joy of being allowed to see more of God's glory and know more of Jesus' sweet presence in our lives. Read and pray Ephesians 1:17-19a; 3:14-21. Now ponder 2 Samuel 24:24; 2 Corinthians 9:7-11; Hebrews 13:5-8; and Isaac Watts' lyrics: "Were the whole realm of nature mine, that were an offering far too small; love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all."
Overview of Proposed Constitutional Revisions
The last revision of the constitution of Peace Lutheran Church occurred in 1992. Since that time, the needs and ministry goals of this congregation and the requirements of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America have changed. Because much of the language and congregational structure of the existing constitution reflected the needs, requirements and ministry goals of a predecessor church body and outdated patterns of ministry in this congregation, the leadership team charged the Constitution Review Team to undertake the process of reviewing and revising the current constitution of Peace Lutheran Church with the following goals in mind:
· To streamline the constitution and make it easier to use and adhere to its requirements. The committee and the Leadership Team have found that many elements of the older constitution were better left as bylaws or continuing resolutions because they covered aspects of the congregation’s life that change frequently. Bylaws and continuing resolutions are easier to change than the constitution and are more appropriate venues from transitory issues and procedures. Many of the policies and procedures that could and will change would be more appropriately included in a Policy and Procedures Manual because they do not touch upon crucial matters of doctrine or good order in the life of the church.
· To create a constitution that will not go out of date: This means removing some specific language and replacing it with more general, flexible language. For example, the current constitution states that a congregational meeting was to be held on the last Sunday of Easter. The proposed constitution requires that such meetings be held regularly and recommends that the meeting be held in May.
· To create a constitution that reflects the values and patterns of ministry of Peace Lutheran Church: The proposed constitution reflects this congregation’s current practice of ministries forming and dissolving according to the interest, calling and ministry needs the congregation and its members while preserving all the structures which are necessary for the life of a congregation of the ECLA.
· To bring Peace Lutheran Church’s constitution into conformity with the constitutional requirements of the ELCA for all its member congregations. The ELCA periodically updates its constitution due to legal decisions or changes in the polity of the church and requires that these changes be taken into account in the constitutions of its member synods and congregations.
The changes listed on this page should not be considered as an exhaustive list of the changes that are proposed to the constitution. Rather, they are an overview of the principles that guided the revisions, and examples which illuminate the principles which guided our work.
Draft Constitution of Peace Lutheran Church (pdf)
Please feel free to leave comments on the proposed changes here or send them to churchoffice@plchurch.org.
· To streamline the constitution and make it easier to use and adhere to its requirements. The committee and the Leadership Team have found that many elements of the older constitution were better left as bylaws or continuing resolutions because they covered aspects of the congregation’s life that change frequently. Bylaws and continuing resolutions are easier to change than the constitution and are more appropriate venues from transitory issues and procedures. Many of the policies and procedures that could and will change would be more appropriately included in a Policy and Procedures Manual because they do not touch upon crucial matters of doctrine or good order in the life of the church.
· To create a constitution that will not go out of date: This means removing some specific language and replacing it with more general, flexible language. For example, the current constitution states that a congregational meeting was to be held on the last Sunday of Easter. The proposed constitution requires that such meetings be held regularly and recommends that the meeting be held in May.
· To create a constitution that reflects the values and patterns of ministry of Peace Lutheran Church: The proposed constitution reflects this congregation’s current practice of ministries forming and dissolving according to the interest, calling and ministry needs the congregation and its members while preserving all the structures which are necessary for the life of a congregation of the ECLA.
· To bring Peace Lutheran Church’s constitution into conformity with the constitutional requirements of the ELCA for all its member congregations. The ELCA periodically updates its constitution due to legal decisions or changes in the polity of the church and requires that these changes be taken into account in the constitutions of its member synods and congregations.
The changes listed on this page should not be considered as an exhaustive list of the changes that are proposed to the constitution. Rather, they are an overview of the principles that guided the revisions, and examples which illuminate the principles which guided our work.
Draft Constitution of Peace Lutheran Church (pdf)
Please feel free to leave comments on the proposed changes here or send them to churchoffice@plchurch.org.
The Way of Generosity: Opening Our Lives
Day 1
Read Deuteronomy 15:7-11 and 2 Corinthians 8:1-7. Picture the compassion and generosity in the words "open your hand wide" (Deuteronomy 15:8). The needs around us these days are certainly overwhelming: natural disasters, wars, disease, economic crises, homelessness, hunger—the list goes on. Do these events and world conditions simply immobilize us or do we respond with our hands open wide? David Jeremiah writes, "What are our few dollars, small faith, and simple prayers in the face of such needs? (yet) The sweetest taste you will ever have is offering what is in your hand to God and watching Him multiply it and make a difference" (Turning Points, 2008, Vol. 10, #8, p45). Pray that the Spirit will move you to open your hands, open your heart, fill you with compassion, and make you generous in sharing your life with those in need—here in Hollymead, Charlottesville, Southwestern Virginia and, perhaps, even in far away places like Mississippi, Haiti, Honduras. Prayerfully consider the gifts God has generously given you—are you open to the possibilities?
Day 2
Read Joshua 24:14-15. What was Joshua's challenge to the Israelites as they entered the Promised Land? Recall again the events of the Exodus—how God provided for His people. Did they ever waver in their trust? Joshua tells the people to choose between gods and GOD, who has faithfully provided for them. We, too, must make choices about in whom or what we put our trust. Yesterday, we read Deuteronomy 15:7-11 and 2 Corinthians 8:1-7. Revisit these passages and then continue in 2 Corinthians chapter 8, verses 8-11 as well as chapter 9:6-15; note how God provides for, challenges, promises, and blesses the people. Pray for the Spirit's guidance; trusting God, pray for courage to share your life with others.
Day 3
Often we run after happiness and find it elusive, but God's Word promises us that we can live joyfully, even if our circumstances are not "happy." Have you thought about the difference between happiness and joy? Consider that one has to do with the people in our lives, our possessions and achievements (externals) and the other with the work of the Spirit within us—the "joy of our salvation". Read John 15:9-12; 2 Corinthians 8:1-2; Galatians 5:22; and 1 Peter 1:8-9. Pray that you will be filled with the abundant joy that only the Lord can give—filled to overflowing--sharing this joy with others.
Day 4
Jesus shows us what God's love looks like. As you reflect on Jesus, do you see God's relentless, immeasurable love; outrageous generosity; tender compassion; sacrificial service? Consider how we are to reflect these qualities as you read Ephesians 5:2 and Colossians 1:9-14; 2:6-7. Meditate on van Dyke's lyrics: "Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee, God of glory, Lord of love; hearts unfold like flowers before Thee, opening to the sun above." Pray you will joyfully reflect God's love to others.
Day 5
Paul tells the Corinthians that the Macedonians gave themselves to the Lord. What does this mean? Read Romans 12:1; 2 Corinthians 8:5,9; and Philippians 1:21a. On what are your heart and life centered? What are the riches Christ laid aside, and what riches are ours because of his grace (2 Corinthians 8:9)? Sing or pray Havergal's lyrics: "Take my life and let it be consecrated Lord, to Thee…Take my love, my Lord, I pour at Thy feet its treasure store; take myself, and I will be ever, only all for Thee." With open hands and open hearts, "serve the Lord with gladness."
Read Deuteronomy 15:7-11 and 2 Corinthians 8:1-7. Picture the compassion and generosity in the words "open your hand wide" (Deuteronomy 15:8). The needs around us these days are certainly overwhelming: natural disasters, wars, disease, economic crises, homelessness, hunger—the list goes on. Do these events and world conditions simply immobilize us or do we respond with our hands open wide? David Jeremiah writes, "What are our few dollars, small faith, and simple prayers in the face of such needs? (yet) The sweetest taste you will ever have is offering what is in your hand to God and watching Him multiply it and make a difference" (Turning Points, 2008, Vol. 10, #8, p45). Pray that the Spirit will move you to open your hands, open your heart, fill you with compassion, and make you generous in sharing your life with those in need—here in Hollymead, Charlottesville, Southwestern Virginia and, perhaps, even in far away places like Mississippi, Haiti, Honduras. Prayerfully consider the gifts God has generously given you—are you open to the possibilities?
Day 2
Read Joshua 24:14-15. What was Joshua's challenge to the Israelites as they entered the Promised Land? Recall again the events of the Exodus—how God provided for His people. Did they ever waver in their trust? Joshua tells the people to choose between gods and GOD, who has faithfully provided for them. We, too, must make choices about in whom or what we put our trust. Yesterday, we read Deuteronomy 15:7-11 and 2 Corinthians 8:1-7. Revisit these passages and then continue in 2 Corinthians chapter 8, verses 8-11 as well as chapter 9:6-15; note how God provides for, challenges, promises, and blesses the people. Pray for the Spirit's guidance; trusting God, pray for courage to share your life with others.
Day 3
Often we run after happiness and find it elusive, but God's Word promises us that we can live joyfully, even if our circumstances are not "happy." Have you thought about the difference between happiness and joy? Consider that one has to do with the people in our lives, our possessions and achievements (externals) and the other with the work of the Spirit within us—the "joy of our salvation". Read John 15:9-12; 2 Corinthians 8:1-2; Galatians 5:22; and 1 Peter 1:8-9. Pray that you will be filled with the abundant joy that only the Lord can give—filled to overflowing--sharing this joy with others.
Day 4
Jesus shows us what God's love looks like. As you reflect on Jesus, do you see God's relentless, immeasurable love; outrageous generosity; tender compassion; sacrificial service? Consider how we are to reflect these qualities as you read Ephesians 5:2 and Colossians 1:9-14; 2:6-7. Meditate on van Dyke's lyrics: "Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee, God of glory, Lord of love; hearts unfold like flowers before Thee, opening to the sun above." Pray you will joyfully reflect God's love to others.
Day 5
Paul tells the Corinthians that the Macedonians gave themselves to the Lord. What does this mean? Read Romans 12:1; 2 Corinthians 8:5,9; and Philippians 1:21a. On what are your heart and life centered? What are the riches Christ laid aside, and what riches are ours because of his grace (2 Corinthians 8:9)? Sing or pray Havergal's lyrics: "Take my life and let it be consecrated Lord, to Thee…Take my love, my Lord, I pour at Thy feet its treasure store; take myself, and I will be ever, only all for Thee." With open hands and open hearts, "serve the Lord with gladness."
The Way of Generosity: The Generosity of God
Day 1
In worship this weekend we sang, "O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder consider all the works thy hands hath made…." Does that include us? Do we really consider ourselves wonderfully made and truly belonging to God? Ponder your relationship with the Lord, who is both Creator and Redeemer, as you read and reflect on Psalm 24:1 and 1 Corinthians 6:19-20.
Day 2
Read Genesis 1:1-2:4a; Psalm 8:1-9; and 139:1-18,23-24. Some of the creation narratives are expressed poetically; did you hear the rhythms of God's grace in the poetry or music of the pictures of creation? We have spoken of God's power and glory made manifest in creation. Do you also see God's intimate love and grace? Consider how perfectly God suits creation to the needs of humans. Ponder the tenderness of God's grace and love (Psalm 8:5; 139:13-14). Worship God as you respond to God's love, glory, and grace.
Day 3
Read 1 Chronicles 29:14-17 and Matthew 25:14-30. David expresses that giving to God is a matter of the heart. Do you trust God's intentions; do you believe that God knows what will bring you the most joy, the surest security, and the greatest blessing? Do you trust enough to risk taking God at God's word or do you see God as the servant with one talent saw him (Matthew 25:24-25)?
Day 4
Do you think in terms of "mine" as you survey all that is around you (my home, my yard, my car, my money…)? How do we move toward the realization that God is owner of everything, and we are simply those who manage or care for it on God's behalf? Read Psalm 24:1 and Matthew 25:14-30. For those hearing Jesus tell the parable, the setting was familiar: wealthy landowners often left their estates or property in the hands of trusted servants. If we view things as belonging to God instead of as "mine", how might we react? Do we manage wisely the life and resources, which have been entrusted to us? Do we ever squander or hoard them? Think on this and pray honestly.
Day 5
How much time do we spend longing for what we do not have as opposed to delighting in what God has put into our hands to manage as faithful stewards? Do we serve the Master and delight in pleasing him, or do we seek to please ourselves and treat God as the one who serves us? Consider what a privilege and responsibility it is to serve the King of kings and Lord of lords; and we serve as beloved children and heirs (Romans 8:15-17)! Read Matthew 6:25-34. What do the words of Jesus have to say to us in these days of fear and anxiety over jobs, finances, investments, and pensions
In worship this weekend we sang, "O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder consider all the works thy hands hath made…." Does that include us? Do we really consider ourselves wonderfully made and truly belonging to God? Ponder your relationship with the Lord, who is both Creator and Redeemer, as you read and reflect on Psalm 24:1 and 1 Corinthians 6:19-20.
Day 2
Read Genesis 1:1-2:4a; Psalm 8:1-9; and 139:1-18,23-24. Some of the creation narratives are expressed poetically; did you hear the rhythms of God's grace in the poetry or music of the pictures of creation? We have spoken of God's power and glory made manifest in creation. Do you also see God's intimate love and grace? Consider how perfectly God suits creation to the needs of humans. Ponder the tenderness of God's grace and love (Psalm 8:5; 139:13-14). Worship God as you respond to God's love, glory, and grace.
Day 3
Read 1 Chronicles 29:14-17 and Matthew 25:14-30. David expresses that giving to God is a matter of the heart. Do you trust God's intentions; do you believe that God knows what will bring you the most joy, the surest security, and the greatest blessing? Do you trust enough to risk taking God at God's word or do you see God as the servant with one talent saw him (Matthew 25:24-25)?
Day 4
Do you think in terms of "mine" as you survey all that is around you (my home, my yard, my car, my money…)? How do we move toward the realization that God is owner of everything, and we are simply those who manage or care for it on God's behalf? Read Psalm 24:1 and Matthew 25:14-30. For those hearing Jesus tell the parable, the setting was familiar: wealthy landowners often left their estates or property in the hands of trusted servants. If we view things as belonging to God instead of as "mine", how might we react? Do we manage wisely the life and resources, which have been entrusted to us? Do we ever squander or hoard them? Think on this and pray honestly.
Day 5
How much time do we spend longing for what we do not have as opposed to delighting in what God has put into our hands to manage as faithful stewards? Do we serve the Master and delight in pleasing him, or do we seek to please ourselves and treat God as the one who serves us? Consider what a privilege and responsibility it is to serve the King of kings and Lord of lords; and we serve as beloved children and heirs (Romans 8:15-17)! Read Matthew 6:25-34. What do the words of Jesus have to say to us in these days of fear and anxiety over jobs, finances, investments, and pensions
Practicing the Faith: The Feet of a Servant
Day 1
Read Micah 6:1-8. What in our way of life makes it challenging to "do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God"? How can we move as a fellowship and as individuals to a posture that reflects the teaching of scripture on mercy and justice?
Day 2
Read John 15:9-17. What does it mean to love one another as Jesus has loved us? Is love a feeling or a way of doing things? What do Jesus' ministry and passion have to tell us about the meaning of this passage?
Day 3
Read Matthew 25:31-40. Are we listening as a fellowship to this parable? Who are the "least of these" around us? What acts of mercy is God putting on your heart?
Day 4
Read 1 Corinthians 1:18-31. What part does fear of social embarrassment play in preventing us from living out the call to servanthood? Are we afraid of being "fools for Jesus"? How can we encourage, support, and learn from each other in this aspect of discipleship?
Day 5
Read Isaiah 61:1-4. In what ways are all of us the oppressed, the brokenhearted, and the captives? How can we act on God's call for justice and mercy in a way that includes all people, yet does not deny the differences in experience between individuals and communities?
Read Micah 6:1-8. What in our way of life makes it challenging to "do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God"? How can we move as a fellowship and as individuals to a posture that reflects the teaching of scripture on mercy and justice?
Day 2
Read John 15:9-17. What does it mean to love one another as Jesus has loved us? Is love a feeling or a way of doing things? What do Jesus' ministry and passion have to tell us about the meaning of this passage?
Day 3
Read Matthew 25:31-40. Are we listening as a fellowship to this parable? Who are the "least of these" around us? What acts of mercy is God putting on your heart?
Day 4
Read 1 Corinthians 1:18-31. What part does fear of social embarrassment play in preventing us from living out the call to servanthood? Are we afraid of being "fools for Jesus"? How can we encourage, support, and learn from each other in this aspect of discipleship?
Day 5
Read Isaiah 61:1-4. In what ways are all of us the oppressed, the brokenhearted, and the captives? How can we act on God's call for justice and mercy in a way that includes all people, yet does not deny the differences in experience between individuals and communities?
Practicing the Faith: A Voice to Speak the Good News
Day 1
Read 2 Timothy 1:1-7. What people helped you to come to faith in Jesus Christ? How did they speak the good news to you? Give thanks to God for their role in your life.
Day 2
Read John 4:5-29. What positive and negative associations do you have with the word "evangelism?" How do you think you came to have these thoughts? How does the Samaritan woman serve as an "evangelist" for her community?
Day 3
Read Matthew 28:16-20. Kelly Fryer asks us to reflect on these questions: What is "the point" of your congregation? Getting people in the doors? Or sending them out? How can you tell?
Day 4
Read Acts 17:16-34. How does Paul help the Athenians to see the presence of God among them? Who in your circle do you think needs to hear that God has and can make all things new? Pray that you may be available to God’s call to speak a word of hope.
Day 5
Read John 9:13-33. What would you tell someone about what you have seen and heard? How have the life, death, resurrection and teachings of Jesus changed your life?
Read 2 Timothy 1:1-7. What people helped you to come to faith in Jesus Christ? How did they speak the good news to you? Give thanks to God for their role in your life.
Day 2
Read John 4:5-29. What positive and negative associations do you have with the word "evangelism?" How do you think you came to have these thoughts? How does the Samaritan woman serve as an "evangelist" for her community?
Day 3
Read Matthew 28:16-20. Kelly Fryer asks us to reflect on these questions: What is "the point" of your congregation? Getting people in the doors? Or sending them out? How can you tell?
Day 4
Read Acts 17:16-34. How does Paul help the Athenians to see the presence of God among them? Who in your circle do you think needs to hear that God has and can make all things new? Pray that you may be available to God’s call to speak a word of hope.
Day 5
Read John 9:13-33. What would you tell someone about what you have seen and heard? How have the life, death, resurrection and teachings of Jesus changed your life?
Practicing the Faith – Having Knees for Prayer
Day 1
Read again the scripture we studied in worship this week. Luke 11: 1-3. Jesus gives us a model of prayer - what instructions do you see in these verses? Which of these do you need to implement? Now read Philippians 4: 4-7. What do you hear from the words of Paul regarding prayer?
Day 2
Someone once wrote that each of us is created with a God-shaped hole and that we will never be truly satisfied until we fill that space up with him. Unfortunately, many of us fill up on Snickers Bars! What do you turn to instead of God when you are feeling empty? (Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World)
God longs to have fellowship with us. Read the following verses and describe the metaphor Scripture uses to describe the intimate relationship we can have with God:
John 15:5
Romans 8: 15-16
2 Corinthians 11:2
Day 3
God Is Near -Read Psalm 145:17-18. David tells us that God is righteous, loving, and near. Who will know/recognize God's nearness? What does it mean to call on God "in truth"? Do we, do you, ever pray insincerely by praying to sound good or righteous or by praying without thought of what you are saying? God isn't impressed with lofty words or thoughtless rote; God longs for us to be honest in our prayers. God knows us intimately, and our honesty honors and recognizes that knowledge in our relationship with God. Read Matthew 6:5-8; Luke 18:9-14; and John 4:23-24. Tell the Spirit you want to be really honest with God today. Be still before God; then share your heart.
Day 4
Praise is an Aspect of Prayer -In Psalm 145, David begins and ends his prayer with words of praise and exaltation; in fact, the entire Psalm is a celebration of God's goodness. In the reading from Philippians, and in the prayer Jesus taught us, we are instructed to acknowledge the sacredness of God's name (Read Matthew 6:9). Is praise part of your prayer relationship with God? Praise helps us focus our eyes on the One who loves us infinitely. Consider spending time praising God every day this week. One way to begin making a habit of praise is to pray aloud a psalm each day; Psalms 145-150 work well for this.
Day 5
Think About God's Love…Jesus is about to die; the cross is only hours away, and Jesus prays. Read John 17 slowly and prayerfully. Jesus prays for God to be glorified. He prays for our protection, that we will love each other and embrace God's words of truth. He prays we will take the good news of God's love to the world and live God’s love in the world. Read John 13:34-35. We aren’t simply to love others as we love ourselves. What is to be the measure of our love? How does the world see Jesus? Take time to pray through all or part of John 17. Pray with an open heart. Then pray for whomever God puts on your heart; pray for the grace to love with Jesus' love.
Read again the scripture we studied in worship this week. Luke 11: 1-3. Jesus gives us a model of prayer - what instructions do you see in these verses? Which of these do you need to implement? Now read Philippians 4: 4-7. What do you hear from the words of Paul regarding prayer?
Day 2
Someone once wrote that each of us is created with a God-shaped hole and that we will never be truly satisfied until we fill that space up with him. Unfortunately, many of us fill up on Snickers Bars! What do you turn to instead of God when you are feeling empty? (Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World)
God longs to have fellowship with us. Read the following verses and describe the metaphor Scripture uses to describe the intimate relationship we can have with God:
John 15:5
Romans 8: 15-16
2 Corinthians 11:2
Day 3
God Is Near -Read Psalm 145:17-18. David tells us that God is righteous, loving, and near. Who will know/recognize God's nearness? What does it mean to call on God "in truth"? Do we, do you, ever pray insincerely by praying to sound good or righteous or by praying without thought of what you are saying? God isn't impressed with lofty words or thoughtless rote; God longs for us to be honest in our prayers. God knows us intimately, and our honesty honors and recognizes that knowledge in our relationship with God. Read Matthew 6:5-8; Luke 18:9-14; and John 4:23-24. Tell the Spirit you want to be really honest with God today. Be still before God; then share your heart.
Day 4
Praise is an Aspect of Prayer -In Psalm 145, David begins and ends his prayer with words of praise and exaltation; in fact, the entire Psalm is a celebration of God's goodness. In the reading from Philippians, and in the prayer Jesus taught us, we are instructed to acknowledge the sacredness of God's name (Read Matthew 6:9). Is praise part of your prayer relationship with God? Praise helps us focus our eyes on the One who loves us infinitely. Consider spending time praising God every day this week. One way to begin making a habit of praise is to pray aloud a psalm each day; Psalms 145-150 work well for this.
Day 5
Think About God's Love…Jesus is about to die; the cross is only hours away, and Jesus prays. Read John 17 slowly and prayerfully. Jesus prays for God to be glorified. He prays for our protection, that we will love each other and embrace God's words of truth. He prays we will take the good news of God's love to the world and live God’s love in the world. Read John 13:34-35. We aren’t simply to love others as we love ourselves. What is to be the measure of our love? How does the world see Jesus? Take time to pray through all or part of John 17. Pray with an open heart. Then pray for whomever God puts on your heart; pray for the grace to love with Jesus' love.
Practicing the Faith: Arms of Love
God is love, and God sent Jesus to provide the love and acceptance we yearn for. So powerful is his love that nothing can separate us from it.
Contrary to popular media love is not an emotion or feeling. It is a choice and action. Love becomes a decision that is not necessarily motivated by positive feelings but by our own experience of God's love and our willingness to pass that on.
When we accept the love God offers us in Jesus and allow him to live within us then we are able to demonstrate authentic love. When our words and actions say to others, "You are loved! You are accepted!" we point the way to Jesus and let others experience the love of God through us.
Day 1:
Read Romans 13: 8-14
Today begin at home. In your family setting try to put into practice: 1) love of neighbor as yourself; 2) love does not wrong your neighbor and 3) the golden rule.
Day 2:
Referring to Day 1: How would you say you did in your intentional love of family? Who in your family is difficult to love? How could you purposely love them this week? Pray that God's spirit will help, guide and lead you.
Day 3:
Read 1 John 4: 7-21, 2 Corinthians 5: 1-2
As you read these New Testament passages consider that God is the source of all love. As God abides in us his love is perfected in us. Fear is cast away when God's love fills us up. What is your own unique expression of love for Him? Tell God your deepest needs and thank him for his unconditional love.
Day 4:
Read Ephesians 3: 14-19
"Bow your knees before the Father" – have you ever tried to change your posture as you pray to God? Consider giving this a try today. As you pop into your child's room tonight slip down to your knees at their bedside and pray with her/him to the God of love.
Day 5:
Consider how you might serve others? Regardless of what you might think of their worthiness or circumstances are there people in our area that need a no strings attached kind of love? Loving your neighbor is easy here at Peace. Check out the Food Bank items needed this month and donate. Sign up to serve the monthly Salvation Army Soup Kitchen dinner service. Buy stamps and cards for the Fluvanna Women's Correctional Facility. Contact the local Bridge Ministry and partner with them to help men become productive citizens of our community. Join a youngster at Hollymead School with the upcoming reading buddies hour. Help others in the local community garden effort in downtown Charlottesville. Detailed information about these and many more opportunities to love our neighbors can be found: in "The Spirit of Peace" - a weekly informational sheet handed out before worship; visit www.plchurch.org; and by browsing through the welcome center at Peace.
Contrary to popular media love is not an emotion or feeling. It is a choice and action. Love becomes a decision that is not necessarily motivated by positive feelings but by our own experience of God's love and our willingness to pass that on.
When we accept the love God offers us in Jesus and allow him to live within us then we are able to demonstrate authentic love. When our words and actions say to others, "You are loved! You are accepted!" we point the way to Jesus and let others experience the love of God through us.
Day 1:
Read Romans 13: 8-14
Today begin at home. In your family setting try to put into practice: 1) love of neighbor as yourself; 2) love does not wrong your neighbor and 3) the golden rule.
Day 2:
Referring to Day 1: How would you say you did in your intentional love of family? Who in your family is difficult to love? How could you purposely love them this week? Pray that God's spirit will help, guide and lead you.
Day 3:
Read 1 John 4: 7-21, 2 Corinthians 5: 1-2
As you read these New Testament passages consider that God is the source of all love. As God abides in us his love is perfected in us. Fear is cast away when God's love fills us up. What is your own unique expression of love for Him? Tell God your deepest needs and thank him for his unconditional love.
Day 4:
Read Ephesians 3: 14-19
"Bow your knees before the Father" – have you ever tried to change your posture as you pray to God? Consider giving this a try today. As you pop into your child's room tonight slip down to your knees at their bedside and pray with her/him to the God of love.
Day 5:
Consider how you might serve others? Regardless of what you might think of their worthiness or circumstances are there people in our area that need a no strings attached kind of love? Loving your neighbor is easy here at Peace. Check out the Food Bank items needed this month and donate. Sign up to serve the monthly Salvation Army Soup Kitchen dinner service. Buy stamps and cards for the Fluvanna Women's Correctional Facility. Contact the local Bridge Ministry and partner with them to help men become productive citizens of our community. Join a youngster at Hollymead School with the upcoming reading buddies hour. Help others in the local community garden effort in downtown Charlottesville. Detailed information about these and many more opportunities to love our neighbors can be found: in "The Spirit of Peace" - a weekly informational sheet handed out before worship; visit www.plchurch.org; and by browsing through the welcome center at Peace.
Practicing the Faith: A Heart for Christ Alone
We've begun a new series on practicing the faith. Following Jesus is a way of life. In the words of the apostle Paul, it is about Christ being formed in us. This is the work of the Holy Spirit in us. Ever since the Christian church was established, Christians have "practiced the faith." They have practiced spiritual disciplines that put them in a position to love God and to love their neighbor. That is the purpose of spiritual disciplines: they help us to develop an intimacy with God and a fitness for service.
This Fall we are getting back to the basics with the marks of discipleship. This week we consider the most important mark, a heart for Christ alone. This mark often involves realignment of our priorities. We move from fitting Jesus into our agenda to being shaped by Jesus' agenda, from trusting in our plans and abilities to placing all our trust in Jesus. A heart for Christ alone transforms our lives as we relinquish our selfish pursuits and offer our whole selves into the service of Jesus.
Day 1:
Jesus' words in Luke 14:26-27 provide a glimpse into why being a disciple challenges the status quo. Read various translations to see how different words are used to try and convey the challenge of being a disciple:
You cannot be my disciple, unless you love me more than you love your father and mother, your wife and children, and your brothers and sisters. You cannot come with me unless you love me more than you love your own life. You cannot be my disciple unless you carry your own cross and come with me. (CEV)
Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. (NSRV)
Anyone who comes to me but refuses to let go of father, mother, spouse, children, brothers, sisters—yes, even one's own self!—can't be my disciple. Anyone who won't shoulder his own cross and follow behind me can't be my disciple. (The Message)
Day 2:
We begin this series by considering what it means to have a heart for Christ alone. Re-read Luke 14:26-27. How does this reading help explain what it means to have a heart for Christ alone? Consider how this might be challenging for you.
Day 3:
As Pastor John pointed out in his sermon, practicing faith in the burbs has it's own challenges. Jesus' call to follow him is a call that challenges the values of suburban life: the values of consumerism, comfort, security, and individualism. Read Matthew 16:21-26. How does this reading challenge you where you live?
Day 4:
Glenn McDonald says that a heart for Christ alone is the first mark of a disciple and its priority cannot be negotiated. However, we don't always travel a linear path in our faith walk. Consider one area of your life where you have substantially surrendered yourself to the leadership of Christ? What is one area where you continue to struggle?
Day 5:
Read Matthew 11:25-30. We may struggle with practicing the marks of discipleship, but is it really meant to be that way?
Dear Jesus,
Why do we linger, why do we wait;
We carry on without You.
You've always been here, but still we hesitate;
You have much in store for us,
if only we would come unto You.
Amen.
Resources:
The Disciple Making Church by Glenn McDonald
The Heart of Christianity by Marcus Borg
The Spirit of the Disciplines by Dallas Willard
www.biblegateway.com
This Fall we are getting back to the basics with the marks of discipleship. This week we consider the most important mark, a heart for Christ alone. This mark often involves realignment of our priorities. We move from fitting Jesus into our agenda to being shaped by Jesus' agenda, from trusting in our plans and abilities to placing all our trust in Jesus. A heart for Christ alone transforms our lives as we relinquish our selfish pursuits and offer our whole selves into the service of Jesus.
Day 1:
Jesus' words in Luke 14:26-27 provide a glimpse into why being a disciple challenges the status quo. Read various translations to see how different words are used to try and convey the challenge of being a disciple:
You cannot be my disciple, unless you love me more than you love your father and mother, your wife and children, and your brothers and sisters. You cannot come with me unless you love me more than you love your own life. You cannot be my disciple unless you carry your own cross and come with me. (CEV)
Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. (NSRV)
Anyone who comes to me but refuses to let go of father, mother, spouse, children, brothers, sisters—yes, even one's own self!—can't be my disciple. Anyone who won't shoulder his own cross and follow behind me can't be my disciple. (The Message)
Day 2:
We begin this series by considering what it means to have a heart for Christ alone. Re-read Luke 14:26-27. How does this reading help explain what it means to have a heart for Christ alone? Consider how this might be challenging for you.
Day 3:
As Pastor John pointed out in his sermon, practicing faith in the burbs has it's own challenges. Jesus' call to follow him is a call that challenges the values of suburban life: the values of consumerism, comfort, security, and individualism. Read Matthew 16:21-26. How does this reading challenge you where you live?
Day 4:
Glenn McDonald says that a heart for Christ alone is the first mark of a disciple and its priority cannot be negotiated. However, we don't always travel a linear path in our faith walk. Consider one area of your life where you have substantially surrendered yourself to the leadership of Christ? What is one area where you continue to struggle?
Day 5:
Read Matthew 11:25-30. We may struggle with practicing the marks of discipleship, but is it really meant to be that way?
Dear Jesus,
Why do we linger, why do we wait;
We carry on without You.
You've always been here, but still we hesitate;
You have much in store for us,
if only we would come unto You.
Amen.
Resources:
The Disciple Making Church by Glenn McDonald
The Heart of Christianity by Marcus Borg
The Spirit of the Disciplines by Dallas Willard
www.biblegateway.com
the book of faith
While we are talking the Bible, many other individuals, churches and organizations are talking the Bible as well. Are there ways we can talk the Bible together? The ELCA has started an initiative called The Book of Faith, Open Scripture. Join the Conversation.
"The Book of Faith initiative invites the whole church to become more fluent in the first language of faith, the language of Scripture, in order that we might live into our calling as a people renewed, enlivened, empowered and sent by the Word. This initiative is the work of the whole church. Each individual, each congregation, each synod, and each church-related organization is invited to participate and to help make the vision of the Book of Faith initiative a reality throughout the church. The first year of the Book of Faith initiative centers on inviting everyone to join the conversation, to make a commitment, and to become part of the initiative."
Check out this resource and let us know how you think we can participate.
"The Book of Faith initiative invites the whole church to become more fluent in the first language of faith, the language of Scripture, in order that we might live into our calling as a people renewed, enlivened, empowered and sent by the Word. This initiative is the work of the whole church. Each individual, each congregation, each synod, and each church-related organization is invited to participate and to help make the vision of the Book of Faith initiative a reality throughout the church. The first year of the Book of Faith initiative centers on inviting everyone to join the conversation, to make a commitment, and to become part of the initiative."
Check out this resource and let us know how you think we can participate.
we want to hear from you
The weekend of July 12 & 13 we'll be starting a new worship series, Talking the Bible: Having Words with God. This series will be focused on the Bible and will look at things like what it is, why it is, and how we approach it? The worship design team enjoyed so much the interaction and dialogue generated with the Can U Hear Me Now? series, that we'd like to keep the conversation going. This time we want to know how you interact with the Bible and what questions you have about it. You can post your words here.
intrafaith dialog
It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. - Ephesians 4:11-13
The weekend of June 7 & 8 we had an opportunity to exchange letters of encouragement with our sisters and brothers in Christ at St. Mark Lutheran Church and Grace & Glory Lutheran Church.
- Peace to Grace & Glory
- Grace & Glory to Peace
- Peace to St. Mark
- St. Mark to Peace
As with our interfaith justice and charity work, this intrafaith dialog is important in building up the body of Christ.
Peace to St. Mark
Grace and peace to you, brothers and sisters of St. Mark, from your sister congregation in Christ, Peace Lutheran Church.
We are thankful for the opportunity to participate in this exchange of letters between the three area ELCA congregations. We are thankful for the affirmation of our unity in Jesus Christ, and for the words of encouragement we can offer to one another as we faithfully journey along the paths of ministry that God has laid for us to follow. And, it is our joy to frequently see you along our journey—and to know that it is for God’s purpose that we journey together.
(We give thanks to God for the faithful people of this congregation, St Mark Church, who have gathered in times past to pray and worship, teach and learn, serve and share their gifts. We give thanks to God for the speaking and hearing of the Word in your midst. We give thanks for the people who show us the face of Christ, and for all the ways God has revealed and continues to reveal Himself to and through this congregation.)
Although our congregations have been involved in joint ministry over the years, we see this present time as a kairos moment, the Holy Spirit working to bring us together in God’s mission. And we are thankful for Pastor Bill Stewart’s role in our renewing relationships. (May we never fall into the thinking that we are in competition with each other but rather that we are in cooperation with each other in God’s mission, as God designs the Body of Christ to be interdependent, needing all of its gifts and members to function at its best.)
Fifty-four years ago, St Mark Lutheran Church was officially organized as a congregation of the Lutheran Church in America. From the very beginning you have been committed to ministry with college students, and have supported this ministry through the Lutheran Student Movement. Likewise from the beginning you have been a congregation that nurtures, develops and encourages leaders for the greater Lutheran church at the national and synod levels; in years past St Mark had even had 20-plus members in attendance at every Synod event.
You have also been known for your strong commitment to serve your community, through the preschool, serving dinners for the homeless through the Salvation Army, resettling refugees, supporting Habitat for Humanity and the foodbank, and more recently by your involvements in PACEM and IMPACT, even hosting the IMPACT office.
We give thanks to God for all the ways God has used your congregation for God’s mission in this community.
Along with these important ministries, there have been challenging times as well. Times of anxiety…times of conflict…and times of change. We are aware that over the last few years St Mark has been in a time of tension and transition. On the surface, one could look at the smaller membership numbers and conclude that the strength of the congregation has diminished. However, God does not look at the appearance of things, but at the heart. Through the eyes of God we can see how St. Mark has been sustained by God’s grace, and strengthened in faith and leadership for its future mission. (When we are weak, God’s power is most able to be demonstrated.)
In a way, you have been on a similar journey as the patriarch Abraham.
In the middle years of his life, Abraham was called by God to leave everything that is familiar, safe, and meaningful to him: his country, his people, his father’s household, and to trust God for the future.
It seems that in the Bible, whenever someone is invited to a life-changing experience with God, that person is confronted with the voice of God that says leave, leave it all, and follow me.
To Abraham, the voice speaks:
"Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.” (Genesis 12:1-2)
(To potential disciples, the voice of Jesus speaks: "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. - Mark 8:34-35)
Abraham is called to obey the voice and to trust the voice.
(Abraham trusted enough to leave home, but not enough to put his survival in the hands of God. At times Abraham tried to secure his own future, to help God out in fulfilling his promises—to bring God’s promise about by his own means and according to his own timing.)
Through his journey with God, Abraham learned that God had a plan for him. That even in his old years, God wanted to bless him so that through him all the people of the earth might be blessed.
A congregation like St. Mark might be tempted to look back over its history and think that its glory days belong in the past. But God demonstrates that God is the God of the present and the future.
As God speaks through the prophet Isaiah,
“Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. (Isa 43:18-19)
And so, in the midst of the people of St. Mark, a new vine is growing.
God is preparing for you new things to do. God will be leading you to new places.
God has been leading you on a journey to learn to rely on God and to trust in God in all things.
Over the last two years, you have begun refurbishing your building and grounds and have prepared to welcome a new pastor. These are the signs of the new things that God is stirring up for you. They represent that same renewed spirit of anticipation and hope that Abraham, Jesus and His disciples knew. The arrival of a new pastor will bring about a new time of discerning God’s call into God’s mission. What a joyful anticipation that is for you and for all of us as your co-laborers.
We celebrate this new adventure with you and we pray for you in the words with which the apostle Paul prayed for the Christians in Rome:
“May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 15:5-6)
Peace to Grace & Glory
Grace and Glory, June 8, 2008
Genesis 12:1-9
Grace and Peace to You Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
I bring you greetings from your sister congregation, Peace.
We rejoice with you as you travel on this journey of faith, which God has set before you.
As our forefather Abraham was commanded to leave everything he knew and all that was comfortable; so you too have heard the call of the Lord to leave what you knew and all that you found comfortable. With the command to Abraham came a promise - a promise to “make of you a great nation” and a promise of blessing. With God’s command to Grace and Glory, He also brings a promise- a promise of love and of His redeeming grace.
Seeding, planting, nurturing and growing a new church brings with it much excitement, as well as concern and doubt. Maybe you are thinking to yourself:
“Look at all of the people coming to worship with us….but will they keep coming?”
“I love the design of our new church…but we will be able to afford it?”
“Look at all of the things we are doing…but look at all the things we have left to do”
“We’ve built the physical building… now what do we do?”
Excitement and doubt. These are emotions which have been with us for a long time. Look at Abraham. Do you think he was excited when God told him that he would “make of you a great nation”? How about later in the story of Abraham and Sarah, when God told them that they were going to be parents in their “advanced age”? Do you think that there was some excitement? Do you think Abraham and Sarah might also have had some doubts? I know I would have had a lot of doubts and a lot of anxiety. How one reacts to doubt and anxiety can lead us on a variety of journeys. Some of these journeys can be very unpleasant. Abraham’s and Sarah’s doubt put them on a journey filled with impatience. Abraham tried to take matters into his own hands, not trusting in the God of promise. His impatience backfired and Abraham learned a valuable lesson. This is a lesson which has withstood the passage of time. This is the lesson of faith. Once faith was accepted and relied upon, Abraham and Sarah were sustained and able to continue on God’s journey, not their own, and to go and to grow in their faith.
Today, our hope is that you continue the faith of Abraham and Sarah. We pray for your congregation to continue to be open to what God has in store for you - for you as individuals and for you as a community of faith. We also pray for you to continue to build upon the mission which God has begun here in Fluvanna.
We come here today as part of your faith community. We join with you at the Lord’s Table, a feast which unites us all. We come here today to offer ourselves as partners in your faith journey and to rejoice with you that God is with us always. We remain your sister congregation and as such we are near – spiritually and physically. We are happy to help you at any time and you remain in our prayers as you continue to grow.
In closing, as Paul writes in Romans 15:5-6:
May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Amen
Grace & Glory to Peace
To all the members of Peace, I extend the peace and joy of Christian love and commitment from the members of Grace and Glory.
We feel a special kinship with Peace in a variety of ways. As you began worshipping in a Firehouse, we began in a fitness center. We were fortunate through God’s grace to grow and serve our respective communities. Both of our congregations have been served in their formative years by Pastor Stewart. Most importantly, our congregations share a common message – the Gospel, the good news about Jesus Christ and salvation.
As our congregations develop strategies to determine how we can most effectively bring that message to our communities, we struggle with questions to be answered and decisions to be made. We are faced with an increasingly diverse audience – young, old, a variety of races and ethnic groups, some with Lutheran background, others with non-Lutheran or no church background at all. All have needs, and we reach out as members of Christ’s body to meet those needs through the message of God’s grace.
In this regard, it is a positive sign to note the cooperative efforts among the three churches – St. Mark, Peace and Grace and Glory – to find ways in which we can join together in worship and ministry. The Easter Vigil service was an initial effort in that direction. Your participation, with the baptism of 4 new members of your congregation was certainly one of the high points of the service.
Your mission trips to Honduras and Togo have shown your strong faith in the Lord.
There are are also special situations in each of our congregations that present unique challenges to our members. Peace congregation is exploring the development of a new ministry in the in the Ruckersville area, and expanding facilities at the present location.
Grace and Glory has begun the process leading to the construction of its first church home. This is a major undertaking as we seek to balance needs with resources, hopes with realities.
Coming to grips with these issues can be a daunting task. At times doubts and uncertainties can erode confidence. But again, Peace and Grace and Glory have something in common with which to face the future – FAITH.
To put some clarity in what faith is, the Webster’s dictionary defines “faith” as the complete trust, confidence, or reliance in someone.
“Trust”, on the other hand, is a firm belief or confidence in the honesty, integrity, reliability, and justice of another person or thing. The words are not interchangeable, but can be considered so when describing different situations or relationships that we encounter in our lives.
The lessons today, coincidently, offer us some powerful examples of people of FAITH. In Romans, St. Paul speaking about faith, cites the example of the Old Testament patriarch Abraham who in spite of his advanced age, believed in God’s promises. To quote Romans, “He grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what He had promised.
In Matthew, a tax collector, who, when called by Jesus to “follow me” simply got up and did just that. Later in the same reading, we hear the examples of the ruler whose daughter had died and the woman who suffered for years with a hemorrhage. They too had faith that Jesus could and would use his healing power.
Psalm 50 says “call on me in the day of trouble and I will deliver you and you shall glorify me.”
In the world of the 21st century nothing seems to stay the same for very long. Change is the order of the day. Our congregations too, must adjust or adapt to meet the realities presented by their mission fields. But while the methods or forms of our ministry may change, the message remains constant – God’s grace for all – buoyed by our own faith in God’s word, and by our example, we can boldly proclaim that message whatever the future holds.
Your congregation has been a blessing to this community for many years, and we share your faith in God’s plan to share the good news.
St. Mark to Peace
LETTER OF ENCOURAGEMENT FROM THE CONGREGATION OF ST. MARK TO PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Grace, mercy and peace be to you from God our Father and from our Lord Jesus Christ, as well as from your brothers and sisters in Christ here at St. Mark in Charlottesville. We are writing to encourage you and offer our support in your many good works in Charlottesville and beyond, from those who share both your goals and your struggles.
Our congregations share much in common. In addition to being Lutherans in Charlottesville, our congregations have shared similar experiences.
Our common faith and inspiration through the Holy Spirit has inspired both of our congregations to become missional in purpose, being Christ’s presence in the community and the world. We honor your affirmation that “We believe we have been blessed by God to be a blessing to others”, and commend the many ways that your mission is manifest. Like St. Mark, the congregation of Peace is involved and contributing to the work of IMPACT and PACEM in helping the poor and disadvantaged in the Charlottesville region, and we see your commitment extending to global missions as well, as does our own, through your work with the ELCA Hunger Appeal, Christmas Miracle International and with mission work in Honduras and Togo.
We at St. Mark are encouraged by these demonstrations of your commitment to live lives of active faith in the world; we find much in common with your mission work both locally and worldwide, and feel that these are very parallel to much of our own social ministry. We give thanks for these manifestations of faith in action, and the blessing to the community that Peace Lutheran is offering in these ministries. We also feel that these works, along with our common faith background, draw us close together as a joint Lutheran faith community.
We also share common struggles. Both of our congregations have endured upheavals, changes of pastoral leadership, and personal struggles which seem beyond our control and can seem discouraging and disheartening to the mood of the community. We write to encourage you that you are not alone in experiencing these issues, and especially encourage you, as St. Paul did, to endure the sufferings that these challenges can bring.
St. Mark has gone through its own similar struggles both as a congregation and on the individual level, and we are able to encourage you in this because we have gone through a long transition in pastoral leadership and feel blessed that we anticipate new pastoral leadership to come to St. Mark. We have truly come to understand what St. Paul meant when he wrote to the Romans that “suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.”
We especially encourage you to have faith in each other as a congregation and as the body of Christ in the world, and to cherish the relationships, the worship and the ministry that you undertake together. Perhaps because of mutual suffering through challenging times, while you may feel discouraged at times, you can rejoice that together, you can bear each others burdens, and appreciate what each of you means and contributes to the whole of Peace Lutheran, and what your congregation can mean in the Charlottesville community and the world. Having endured similar challenges, while we have been tested and sometimes discouraged ourselves, we have found ourselves stronger in faith both individually and collectively, and know you can come to the same resolution, through prayer, mutual support and encouraging and supporting one another.
We therefore look forward to walking with you in the journey of faith, as fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, and as fellow Lutherans working in mutual ministry to the glory of God and the benefit of our neighbors and God’s children both near and far. We hope to hear of continuing good news from your good works and from the growth of your congregation, knowing that the grace of God can accomplish far more than our mere human efforts. How much may we expect God to bless our congregations, when we ask him to give us what we need, materially and spiritually, to do His will?
We praise God for your presence in the community, and we look forward to working with you in the vineyards of ministry in Charlottesville. Hopefully we will have more opportunity to meet and encourage one another face to face.
With love and encouragement of the Holy Spirit,
The congregation of St. Mark Lutheran Church, Charlottesville
signposts of God's love
During worship a couple of weekends ago, we learned about two signposts of God's love, one going on locally at the Bridge Ministry and another going on globally with the Honduras Mission Center plans. A couple of folks have just come back from a Building Goodness project in Pearlington, MS. Soon others will be leaving for a medical mission trip to Haiti. By the fall, we're hoping to coordinate and staff a Reading Buddy program for a local school.
We are learning that there are so many paths that we can take to "go in Christ" and one of the ways that Peace can facilitate God's work out there is to help folks figure out:
- what's going on?
- who's doing what?
- how can I get hooked up?
Toward that end, I'd like to start collecting information about the signposts of God's love that you are involved with, what opportunities to serve are available and how you can be a link between Peace and the signpost.
Some of the information I'd like to start collecting includes:
- organization/mission name
- description of organization/mission
- what are the opportunities to serve?
- how can you help hook someone up?
Leave a comment or send this info to me and we'll see where the signposts lead us.
We are learning that there are so many paths that we can take to "go in Christ" and one of the ways that Peace can facilitate God's work out there is to help folks figure out:
- what's going on?
- who's doing what?
- how can I get hooked up?
Toward that end, I'd like to start collecting information about the signposts of God's love that you are involved with, what opportunities to serve are available and how you can be a link between Peace and the signpost.
Some of the information I'd like to start collecting includes:
- organization/mission name
- description of organization/mission
- what are the opportunities to serve?
- how can you help hook someone up?
Leave a comment or send this info to me and we'll see where the signposts lead us.
In or Out?
Message recorded: 4/26/08 from the Can U Hear Me Now? series.
Speaker: David Hively
Scripture reference: Acts 10:1-22
more info @ plchurch.org
Speaker: David Hively
Scripture reference: Acts 10:1-22
more info @ plchurch.org
An Honest Message, an Honest Life
Message recorded: 4/19/08 from the Can U Hear Me Now? series.
Speaker: David Hively
Scripture reference: Mark 5:1-20
more info @ plchurch.org
Speaker: David Hively
Scripture reference: Mark 5:1-20
more info @ plchurch.org
week 3 devotions - can U hear me now?
An Honest Message, an Honest Life
Day 1: This week we are challenged to come before Christ and one another honestly and openly. What in the world does this look like you might ask yourself. A first step could be to pray to God and honestly tell Him who and what you really are. Tell God how sorry you are for all the times you turned your back on Him and thought you were in total control. This is an act of honesty before God is called repentance.
Several weeks ago we heard Pastor John tell us that the Holy Spirit had called him to personal repentance. But clearly it was to take place here, openly at Peace, so that others could have the opportunity to join the journey of coming before God honestly and openly as well. Wednesday evenings at 6:30 – 7:00pm is now the time of gathering honestly before God and before one another. Have you made this a priority item on your "to do" list?
Read Psalm 8: 1-9. Make a list of anything that you have done or said in the last few days that grieved God and receive His forgiveness.
Day 2: Practicing being real in front of God will help us to be honest in front of others. When people see us trading superiority for respect and certainty for acceptance and power for kindness they feel safe to approach us. This can lead to open and honest discussions about the struggles we've faced, the brokenness we’ve experienced and ultimately the trials we've come through. In sharing our vulnerability we will have a real impact.
Read Romans 15:7 & Philippians 2:4. Ask God to help you build bridges of relationships to those around you who need to know Him. Ask God today to help you become more caring, unselfish, and generous in your loving support of others and of their personal stories today.
Day 3: Why do we pretend? Why do we try to create an impression that we have it all together? Is it that we are afraid that when people learn who and what we really are that they will not accept us, not like us? Some of Jesus’ strongest words are for those who made a show of themselves, those who placed a lot of worth on power and position. Those who were more concerned with their own outer appearances and their own perceived superiority.
“When you stop being an imposter, only then can you become the person God created you to be.” Real Followers by Michael Slaughter.
Read Matthew 23: 23-28. After reading this passage turn to God in prayer. Dear Lord, remove my selfish desires. Remove hypocrisy and judgment from me. Fill me with understanding and compassion and show me how to see others as you see them.
Day 4: Sharing our failures with others just isn't natural. Or is it? How often have you caught a glimpse of yourself in other people's stories? Have you ever caught yourself thinking "well, so I’m not the only one that has suffered or been downtrodden"?
Consider that God has called us to live in community for a purpose. A portion of what we have experienced is for a reason that transcends our present affliction. Sometimes that reason is revealed much later through the interpersonal relationships with others who are in the midst of the thing we have already passed through. At that time God calls us (whether we recognize it or not) to share their journey by relaying a bit of our past brokenness, openly and transparently. As we are honest and real we invite others to do the same. We can be ourselves and allow others to do the same. This does not require us to share every detail of our past but to honestly admit that we are not perfect, that we are seeking to re-direct our lives to reflect God's word and his purpose for us.
Day 5: Another week is almost over. If you haven't had a chance to slow down and be still and know that he is God do so now. Take a deep breath and in that simple act of breathing thank God for who he is. The God of love and light.
God calls us to love in two directions – to love Him and to love others. How are you doing at each? What obvious, practical thing can you do to share God's love with people? What is right within your reach? You can't get around it: Love is part of your life as a Christian. Sometimes you might be blind to clear opportunities to show love. Ask God to open your eyes. Invite God to increase both love for God and love for people. Ask God for courage to obey Him and to love others unconditionally.
week 2 devotions - can U hear me now?
Good News or Bad News?
Day 1: Last week we considered God’s call to get the Gospel message out, in particular to the next generation. We touched on how we do church together, and how that is perceived by others outside the church. We talked about an old message for a new generation.
Read Acts 2:42-47 to examine how the first followers of Christ, the early church, engaged in fellowship together. Make a list of the ministry activities they did. Note how and where and when they did them. How does your experience of Christian community compare to this description? Do you see the life of the early church reflected in the life of Peace as a community of believers?
Day 2: The early church sets an example of how new believers are joined into a community growing in Christ through fellowship, prayer, and teaching. How does the church collectively speak to a challenging and skeptical world needful of God’s unconditional love? What picture do we paint through our attitudes and actions?
Read Galatians 5:22-26. Paul speaks to the fruit of the Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit is evidence of Christ in us. The result of this fruit is to fulfill the intended purpose of the law – to love God and our neighbors. Which of these qualities do you want the Spirit to create in you?
Day 3: As Christians, we accept Christ as our Savior and our Redeemer. We are in the world, yet called to be different. Does that make us better than others?
Read Matthew 5:13-16. Jesus has left the crowds behind to focus his attention on teaching his closest disciples. He has just shard with them the Good News of what are called the Beatitudes, best known for their poetic form beginning "Blessed are…" -- the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers and the persecuted. Then Jesus teaches about Salt and Light. How might the Spirit act through you, to bring out the best in others? As a Christ-follower, how do we shine before others? Are you quiet, when you should speak? Do you go along with the crowd? Do you ignore the needs of others, tending to your own? When others see you, do they see the light? If they ask, do you reveal the source?
Day 4: We hear the undertone of judgment often associated with organized religion and look to guidance on how to avoid this trap. The 'J'-word most associated with Christianity would seem to be Judgment, not justice, not joy. Jesus speaks quite clearly to his followers about judging others.
Read Matthew 7:1-5 carefully. How does Jesus' admonition about judging resonate with you? Do you think that Jesus is teaching his disciples to abandon all critical thinking and discernment? Is there a more subtle message which we can apply to our lives?
Day 5: Reflect on the selected readings for this week. In what ways has reading this scripture changed how you view church? What might you do differently? We hear criticism that as a body, we sometimes come across to the unchurched and people seeking God's love as being both judgmental and hypocritical. The lyrics of a popular song, "If We Are The Body", by Casting Crowns, read: "A traveler is far away from home. He sheds his coat and quietly sinks into the back row. The weight of their judgmental glances tells him that his chances are better out on the road." How do you see opportunities at Peace to be salt, and light? The song concludes: "Jesus paid too high a price for us to pick and choose who should come. We are the body of Christ." Pray that through your attitudes and actions that you reflect the light of God’s unconditional love. Ask God for discernment, rather than judgment, that you bring out the best in yourself and others.
Good News or Bad News?
Message recorded: 4/12/08 from the Can U Hear Me Now? series.
Speaker: John Herman
Scripture reference: Matthew 5:13-16
more info @ plchurch.org
Speaker: John Herman
Scripture reference: Matthew 5:13-16
more info @ plchurch.org
week 1 devotions - can U hear me now?
An Old Message for a New Generation
Day 1
We just heard the Easter message of Christ's resurrection and we are filled with gratitude for God’s extravagant love for us. As we read in the scriptures, the last words Jesus spoke on earth were to his disciples, and they reflected the very heart of his mission. "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations….teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." (Matthew 28: 19-20) Today, as followers of Christ, we are called to pass on the good news of life in Christ to others as well.
Reflect on Matthew 28: 16-20, Luke 24: 36-53 and Acts 1: 3-9
Jesus' charge to go and make disciples is called the Great Commission, and it was directed to each of his followers. Prayerfully consider how you are fulfilling the Great Commission within your family, at work, or in your neighborhood.
Day 2
In worship this weekend we heard that "It's up to the current generation (older generation) to figure out how to pass on the faith to the next (younger) generation. It’s up to the insiders to learn how best to pass on the faith to the outsiders. To commit to do whatever needs to be done to help the next generation come to know God." And we also heard that we are living in a culture that is increasingly open to Jesus, yet people are increasingly suspicious and untrusting of Christians and the church. One of the ways we can change this trend is to ask ourselves if we are obeying Jesus' prayer to be in the world or whether we are living isolated lives in the Christian subculture. (Dan Kimball)
Read Matthew 9:36–38. What was Jesus’ response when he saw the crowds of people?
Read Luke 19:10. What does Jesus come to do?
Jesus described himself as coming to seek and save the lost, and he was confident that he had passed this passion on to his followers. The definition of seek demonstrates that this is an active word…to "look for" to "go toward" to "endeavor".
Who are you currently seeking?
Day 3
As missional people, we are not supposed to keep this abundance of life to ourselves. Like Jesus, we are to seek the lost. But this is so big. So, how do we do this?
1. With protection. Read John 17:15 What did Jesus pray for us?
2. With the power of the Holy Spirit. Read Luke 12: 8-11.
3. With reverence and respect. Read 1 Peter 3:13-16.
Day 4
We have read that we are to be missional people – to be "ambassadors" of Jesus in our communities, to serve, to build relationships in our culture. But what about our church, which is supposed to be the expression of Jesus and his body. What can we do here? What if we teach our church to be salt and light?
Read 2 Corinthians 5:11-20 and Colossians 4:5-6 and consider how our attitudes impact others, and how we could begin within these walls.
Day 5
We are called to go out, to pass on the story, to bridge the gap of generations, culture and communication. Pray this week that God will give you a heart for the Great Commission, and an open mind to walk in someone else’s shoes, to begin having these conversations. This week we learned that the Holy Spirit empowers us to tell others about Jesus and bring glory to God. We do this with our words and with our lives. Go back and read Acts 1:4-14 and John 17:1-11 and consider that in John 17, we have Jesus' prayer on the night before his crucifixion, and in Acts 1, we find Jesus’ followers in prayer before the outpouring of the Spirit on Pentecost. Pray for a fresh outpouring of the Spirit on your life.
Dear Church Letters
Dear Church,
"How the heck are you? Learned anything lately? Surviving all your international projects? On the brink of any crazy ideas? I hope, of course, that you and yours are well. Me? Well, I'm not exactly basking in the spiritual high life. I am not always fine these days. And unfortunately, it's not just me, Church. Many of my peers seem to be calling in sick as well." - Sarah Cunningham from Dear Church: Letters from a Disillusioned Generation
In our next worship series, Can U Hear Me Now?, we'll explore how different generations are choosing to interact with the church and why. One of the resources we'll be using is Sarah Cunningham's book, Dear Church: Letters from a Disillusioned Generation. She speaks from the twentysomething perspective and expresses her disillusionment with church stemming from things she's experienced at church like hypocrisy, exclusivity and lack of authenticity. She also admits that part of her disillusionment comes from her own preconceived ideas about what church should be and how that hasn't matched up with the reality that churches are communities of flawed individuals.
We invite you to share your Dear Church letter. What's your experience with church and how has that affected your relationship to the church? Do you have ideas about how the church can better communicate with and equip the next generation to live the faith? How can the church communicate more effectively across generations? What barriers does the church need to overcome? What's the church doing right?
We'll certainly use your letters as we plan this worship series and we may use excerpts in worship, adult education and/or devotional material. You can write your letter anonymously here by submitting a comment or you can e-mail your letter to kimxtom@yahoo.com or drop your letter off at the church office. Do you have friends or family disillusioned with church? Please ask them if they'd like to write a Dear Church letter.
Grumbling
Message recorded: 2/23/08
Speaker: John Herman
Scripture reference: Numbers 11:1-15
more info @ plchurch.org
Speaker: John Herman
Scripture reference: Numbers 11:1-15
more info @ plchurch.org
God Provides
Message recorded: 2/16/08
Speaker: David Hively
Scripture reference: Exodus 16:11-21
more info @ plchurch.org
Speaker: David Hively
Scripture reference: Exodus 16:11-21
more info @ plchurch.org
God's Grace
Message recorded: 1/05/08
Speaker: David Hively
Scripture reference: Luke 15:11-32
more info @ plchurch.org
Speaker: David Hively
Scripture reference: Luke 15:11-32
more info @ plchurch.org
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