worship preview for 1/3/10

As I write this, a new year is mere hours from being born.  2009 will move into history as 2010 arrives.  As this changing of the calendar is celebrated globally, I find myself reflecting on our invitation as people of faith to experience something more significant than a new year.  In Christ, we find a God who joyfully calls out, "Happy new life!"  My hope and prayer for all of us as we cross this annual threshold is that we might experience the newness of life that is ours in Christ.

 

This Sunday, as we gather in worship, we will reflect on a central aspect of the good news we've been given, that in Christ, we have a promise of life and light that can never, ever be extinguished.  We will hear the opening words of John's gospel and invite God to impress those words more deeply into our hearts and minds:  "¹In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ²He was with God in the beginning.  ³Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. ⁴In him was life, and that life was the light of all. ⁵The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not overcome it."

 

As you prepare for worship, I would encourage you to re-read these verses several times.  You might even try memorizing them!  They form a wonderful summary of the gospel of Christ.  You might also think of some specific ways that you have experienced the truth of verses 4 and 5.  How have you experienced the light of Christ in your life?  Can you think of times when you were in the midst of darkness but discovered the light of Christ was still there?  What hope do these words give you as you move into the future?

 

Please remember that we will have one service this Sunday at 10 am.  I look forward to seeing you then.

 

--Bryan

Birthday Party

It's a birthday party and you're invited!   The honor of your presence is requested at a birthday party for   Jesus   On Sunday, December 27, 2009 at 10:00 am   Jesus is God's gift to the world. Come and celebrate as we open that gift together.We'll have birthday cake, balloons and festive decorations. Party guests will be given an opportunity to share reflections on how Jesus has been a gift to them.

 

"Advent Conspiracy" ??

Take a look at this video!  What do you think?

Advent Conspiacy Video

worship preview

One of the titles Christians ascribe to Jesus is Prince of Peace. It is taken from a prophecy in Isaiah 9:6 where that title, along with Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, and Everlasting Father is used in description of a veryspecial child who would be born into our world. 

 

Isaiah wrote those words over 500 years before Christ and we as Christians believe that the prophecy has been fulfilled. The Prince of Peace arrived.  And yet, over 2000 years later, our world still waits for true and lasting peace to arrive as well.  Despite the gift of the Christ child, our world continues to be born by strife. 

 

Reflecting on that reality, a Christian writer named Addison Leitch observed, "Our trouble is we want the peace without the Prince."  The world persists in its belief that peace somehow can be achieved apart from Christ.  And yet, as the apostle Paul states in his letter to the Ephesians, "Christ is our peace" (2:14).  Not Christ, will bring peace but Christ IS our peace.  He himself is peace.  

 

This Sunday, we will explore more deeply the gospel promise about peace.  We will do that by reflecting on a couple of Scriptures:  Luke 2:1-14 and Ephesians 2:14-18. 

 

In the Lukan passage, angels proclaim to shepherds outside of Bethlehem: "glory to God in the highest and on earth, peace among those with whom God is pleased.  Peace is proclaimed as a divine gift in the arrival of Jesus.  In Ephesians, Paul explains the peace process God used in more detail. That passage is included below.

 

To prepare for worship, please read these passages and reflect on these questions:  why do we seek peace without the Prince?  what makes such a search fruitless?  in what ways is it true that Christ is the Prince of Peace even in a world so torn by violence?  what is the source of the peace we have in Christ?  what do these passages challenge us to do?

 

Please also be in prayer for our service as we move ever closer to the celebration of Christ's birth.

 

Ephesians 2:14-18 (New International Version)

 ¹⁴For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, ¹⁵by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, ¹⁶and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. ¹⁷He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. ¹⁸For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.

 

 

Boxing NIght 2009

Don't forget Boxing Night! Our annual Boxing Night clothing drive for the homeless begins on the day after Christmas. The senior high youth will be spending the night in the church parking lot on Saturday, December 26 to help raise awareness of the plight of the homeless.

More on Boxing Night

worship preview

One of the things I've noticed about Michigan living is that sunny days never get taken for granted.  The year my family moved to Michigan from southern California the sun came out three days in the month of November.  I remember thinking, "I'm not going to make it if this continues.  I need a break from the gloomy weather." 

I think that same reasoning was behind the decision of Church leaders to make the third Sunday in Advent the Joy Sunday.  Advent is a time for introspection and repentance, a time to do some internal housecleaning to prepare for the birth of Christ.  Such work is necesary, but hard.  Spiritual weariness can set in.  And so it was decided to insert this Sunday of joy to refresh us as we move toward Christmas.

 

This Sunday, we will take a look at this reality called joy.  And we'll do so by pondering a couple of Scriptures:  Luke 1:46-55 and Matthew 1:18-25. In the first passage, Mary rejoices at the news of her pregancy.  As you read through this passage, identify the reasons Mary gives for being so joyful.  While rejoicing at her news, Mary also makes it clear that some folks won't find the arrival of Christ to be a joyful occasion.  Which folks does she mention ?  In the Matthew passage, Joseph also is being invited into the joy of Christ's birth, but his reaction seems less joyful than Mary's.  Why is that the case?  What issues does Joseph wrestle with?  Although joy isn't implicitly stated in this passage, where might it be present in the story? 

 

I would encourage you to think through these questions as well:  is there a difference between having fun and having joy?  Between being happy and being joyful?  What are the differences?  Where does Jesus fit into the notion of joy? 

 

Please be in prayer as we approach this Sunday.  May it be a time of growing closer to God in Christ and experiencing the joy that He offers.

 

--Bryan 

Winter Dinner Series - Faith and Science

Science and faith often seem to be at odds. 
Biblical accounts of creation sometimes don’t seem to line up with what scientists are discovering. Does science disprove the existence of God, or does it provide evidence that God exists? Are we wonderful creations made in the image of God, or are we merely the accidental result of eons of evolutionary processes?
How does a person of faith interpret both the Bible and science as they seek to explain what we are, how we got here, and what our purpose is? What are some of the ethical implications of recent scientific discoveries?
These are some of the questions that will be explored in our six-week Winter Dinner Series, Faith and Science, led by Bryan Smith and Beth Delaney. The series will be held on Wednesday nights beginning on January 6, 2010. 
Dinner starts at 5:45 with classes for all ages beginning at 6:30. The evening concludes at 7:30.

Celebrate Christmas Around The World

On Wednesday December 16, come celebrate the birth of our Savior through traditions from around the world, 5:45-7:30pm. Tickets are $5 for children 10 and under, $7 for everyone else. Advance ticket purchase only. Tickets will be on sale beginning Sunday, December 6^th. Invite your friends!

Enjoy food, crafts, stories, music, and more.

worship preview

The Detroit News recently had an article that offered advice on how to dress for office Christmas parties.  The general advice was to dress conservatively.  It noted that for women, wearing low cut blouses and short skirts undermines the image of professionalism and can damage hope for career advancement.    In a story he includes in his gospel, Matthew tells of a man who was invited not to an office party, but to a wedding banquet.  Unfortunately for him, the man wasn't dressed appropriately and suffered consequences far worse than a career setback.  Matthew includes this story not because he is a fashionista, but a Christian teacher and evangelist.  His hope is that the story will encourage us to think not about what we wear to parties but about how we respond to the gospel of life.   We will be taking a look at this story this Sunday.  It is found in Matthew 22:11-13 and is included below.  As you read the story, you might ask, "why does the king respond so forcefully in this story?"  "what can we imply about the guest based on how he shows up for this feast?"  "what is the point of this story?"  "what does this story say to us 2000 years later?"  "what in particular does this story say to you?"   We will also be celebrating the Lord's Supper this Sunday.  Taking time to read and reflect on this passage would be a great way to prepare for worship.   In Christ,   --Bryan   Matthew 22:11-13   11"when the king came in to see the guests he had invited to his son's wedding feast, he noticed a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes. 12'Friend,' he asked, 'how did you get in here without wedding clothes?' The man was speechless.  13"Then the king told the attendants, 'Tie him hand and foot, and throw him outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'

Holiday Worship Schedule

Sunday, December 20, 6:00 pm

Longest Night Service

A service of hope and healing.

Thursday, December 24

4:00 pm

Celebration of the Christmas Story

Children and youth are invited to participate
in a joyful retelling of the birth of Christ

7:00 and 9:00 pm

Christmas Eve Service 

Carols, Candlelight and Communion

Sunday, December 27

10:00 am Worship

Sunday, January 3

10:00 am Worship

This Week at Geneva

Here’s What’s Happening At Geneva

You may sign up for any of the following programs by replying to this e-mail or contacting the person listed in the announcement or by phoning the church office at 734-459-0013. Access the Geneva activity calendar anytime by logging onto the Geneva web site at genevachurch.org and clicking on the “calendar” button.

Decorate Geneva for Christmas

Everyone is invited to stay after church November 29 for a light lunch and to decorate the church for Advent and for Christmas. There will be a $2 donation requested for each person 5 on up. Please let us know if you are coming so we will have enough food on hand. Contact the church office at cindysue32@sbcglobal.net or Donna Gray atdgrayce@sbcglobal.net.

  

Adopt-an-Angel

Geneva is participating with the Plymouth Salvation Army Adopt-an-Angel program. Please stop by the table in the Gathering Space to adopt your angel. They are in need of toys, clothing and food gift cards. The donations need to be at Geneva by December 6th. Donations may be dropped off in the church office.

Lunch Bunch News

The Lunch Bunch program for December will be lunch at the American Harvest Restaurant of the Culinary Arts Department of Schoolcraft College! If you are interested and available for lunch at 12:00pm on December 9th, (car pool from church at 11:30), please call Ralph or Bevis Richardson at 734-981-0290. It is important that you sign up because we need to call ahead for reservations).

Celebrate Christmas Around The World

On Wednesday December 16, come celebrate the birth of our Savior through traditions from around the world, 5:45-7:30pm. Tickets are $5 for children 10 and under, $7 for everyone else.  Advance ticket purchase only.  Invite your friends!

Enjoy food, crafts, stories, music, and more. 

Help is needed!  See the poster in the Gathering Space to see where you might share your gifts to make this evening special for everyone.  

Longest Night Service, Sunday, December 20, 6pm

If you or someone you love is facing this Christmas with a sense of sorrow or loss, or if you want to be a healing presence for those who are, join us on Sunday, December 20 at 6pmfor our Longest Night Service – a service of healing for those who are wounded, comfort for those who mourn, and hope for those who despair.

Advent Devontional

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

 

As I'm sure you are aware, Advents begins next Sunday, November 29th. It is ironic that this season of reflection, prayer and preparation to celebrate the birth of Christ begins the Sunday after Black Friday. Christ came to bring Good News, not to the Market and its merchants, but to the poor, the oppressed, the broken and needy of the world. He came not to bring prosperity to the market economy, but to usher in a new kind of economy -- an economy based on the principles of abundance, mercy, compassion, generosity and love.

 

Just as there was no room for Jesus in the inn at Bethlehem, there is no room for Him today in the world's economy. How can we, in the midst of a Market-driven celebration of Christmas, honor the occasion of Christ's birth in a way that is a reflection of His principles and ideals? It's not easy, and it gets harder every year.To help us, Jonathan Wilson Hartgrove, founder of The New Monasticism, has created an Advent Devotional that  uses Scripture, stories, web sites and provocative questions to help us think through our priorities and principles as we preapre for Christmas. This devotional is free, and is appropriate for individual use, or, even better, for use with a partner or in a group. You can download it from this site:http://www..tikkun.org/fmd/files/christmas_2009.pdf, or, if you prefer, I will have hard copies available this Sunday on the table in the Gathering Space.

 

May God bless you as you prepare your hearts to receive Christ more deeply this Christmas.

 

Grace and peace,

 

Cindy Thomas

Worship Elder

Second Saturday Servants

A dozen volunteers from Geneva went to Gleaners warehouse in Taylor on Nov. 14.  We took several bags of food donations with us, worked to assemble 300 snack kits for hungry children and participated in an educational program and tour of the facilities.  If you enjoyed this activity and wish to volunteer more just visit the Gleaners web-site! 

Gleaners Web Site

worship preview

Getting from Tel Aviv back to Canton earlier this week required about 27 straight hours of traveling.  A little over 16 hours of that was spent flying across oceans and continents and  the rest sitting in three different airports.  As I write this, my mind and body continue to try to figure out exactly where I am and what time it is.    Despite the struggles associated with jet lag, the two week pilgrimage to the Holy Land was a fascinating, awe-inspiring trip.  I feel profoundly blessed to have visited the historical sites so central to our faith.  I look forward to sharing my journey with you in the hope that while this journey has ended, what I experienced will help us all to be more faithful and effective travelers in the on-going adventure of Christian discipleship.      At least that's my hope and desire!  And so this Sunday we will journey together in exploring the call of Christ that has been given to each of us.  We will take a look at two Scriptures:  Mark 1:14-20 and Hebrews 11:8-10, which are included below.  In each of these passages, some folks go on a journey of faith.  As you read the passages, you might ask yourself the following questions:  when in your past has God asked you to step out in faith?  how did it feel?  did you respond immediately as the disciples did or was it a more gradual assent?  can you sense where God is asking you to take a step of faith today?  what do these passages tell us about stepping out in faith?   Please be in prayer as we approach the privilege of worshiping God together.   In Christ,   Bryan   Mark 1:14-20 (New International Version) The Calling of the First Disciples  14After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. 15"The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!"  16As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 17"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." 18At once they left their nets and followed him.  19When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. 20Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.   Hebrews 11:8-10 (New International Version)  8By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. 9By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. 10For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.

This Week at Geneva

Here’s What’s Happening At Geneva

You may sign up for any of the following programs by replying to this e-mail or contacting the person listed in the announcement or by phoning the church office at 734-459-0013. Access the Geneva activity calendar anytime by logging onto the Geneva web site at genevachurch.org and clicking on the “calendar” button.

Second Saturday Servants, November 14, 12:00 – 4:00

We will meet at Gleaners’ warehouse in Taylor to learn about the mission of Gleaners to alleviate hunger, and we will also work for a few hours to help them sort and pack food to send to feed hungry people. Participants are invited to bring some food to contribute.  Sign up on the bulletin board where you will find complete instructions for this event. The Gleaners activity is appropriate for all ages but we ask that children be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Habitat for Humanity Apostles Build Project

Work is underway on the Apostles Build Rehab house at 37241 Vincent in Westland.  We have churches scheduled for Saturdays, but we are in need of volunteers for Tuesdays, and Thursdays and some Wednesdays. If you are available to work on this house please contact Chuck Hodge at chodge@comcast.net or 453-0291. We can accommodate 4 to 6 people per work day.  Please DO NOT show up at the site without registering first. He will let the volunteers know what kind of work to expect on the work day. 

Lunch Bunch

The Lunch Bunch meeting in November will be on Tuesday, November 17th. It is a program for seniors called “Safe, Sound and Secure”. This seminar takes place from 12-3pm at the Summit in Canton and includes a free lunch. Call Ralph or Bevis Richardson at 734-981-0290.

Inner-City Chicago Mission Project

Brad Harry, son of Geneva member Gail Harry, and Brad’s wife, Michelle, have a vibrant mission in inner-city Chicago. This Thanksgiving they will be packing and distributing 1600 Boxes of Love. Each box contains gospel literature, a 10-12 pound turkey and all the trimmings for a Thanksgiving meal that can feed a family of six. The boxes are delivered to needy families around the city by various inner-city ministries and churches. The boxes cost $30 each. If you would like to sponsor one or more families, you can do so with a debit or credit card at www.give.ccci.org/give/2582439.

This Week at Geneva

Here’s What’s Happening At Geneva

You may sign up for any of the following programs by contacting the person listed in the announcement or by phoning the church office at 734-459-0013. Access the Geneva activity calendar anytime by logging onto the Geneva web site at genevachurch.org and clicking on the “calendar” button.

Interfaith Service Project

Geneva is participating in the first Interfaith Community Outreach Clothing Drive, uniting Plymouth-Canton's diverse faith and cultural communities as we come together for a common cause – helping our neighbors in need.  The clothing drive will run October 23 - November 6 with clothing dropped at various sites around the community, including Geneva. The drive will culminate November 19 with a free "shopping spree," to be held at the Crescent Academy, for anyone who has need. We need volunteers to help with sorting, transporting, display set up and take down, helping the shoppers, and clean-up. A list of donations requested and one for volunteers to sign up are on the bulletin board in the main hallway near the library. For more information, contact Dawn Christenson or Donna Gray.

Movie Night and Craft Weekend – Friday, November 6th at 7pm is the next movie night. After the movie, we will have a crafting and fellowship time until 11pm. The next day, November 7, we will be starting back up with crafting at 8am. We will have brunch at 10am. The crafting will end at 2pm. We are asking for a $5 donation for the brunch. If you have questions, please contact Cheryl Caldwell at 734-404-6463.

Quilting and Craft Day

At the Ladies’ Craft Day on November 7, we will also be having a guest from Augsburg Lutheran Church in Toledo, Ohio to talk to us about a potential service project involving quilts…

Come to the Women's Craft Sat Nov. 7th!  At 10:30 AM MaMa Marie's Quilt will be presented by Peggy Gould and Rochelle Krolak from Augsburg Lutheran Church Toledo, OH. Peggy started this program in memory of her mother, and to benefit the homeless. Anyone is welcome and no sewing skills needed. If you have questions contact Charlene Jones 734-981-3053 

Second Saturday Servants, November 14, 12:00 – 4:00

We will meet at Gleaners’ warehouse in Taylor to learn about the mission of Gleaners to alleviate hunger, and we will also work for a few hours to help them sort and pack food to send to feed hungry people. Participants are invited to bring some food to contribute.  Sign up on the bulletin board where you will find complete instructions for this event. The Gleaners activity is appropriate for all ages but we ask that children be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Habitat for Humanity Apostles Build Project

Work is underway on the Apostles Build Rehab house at 37241 Vincent in Westland.  We have churches scheduled for Saturdays, but we are in need of volunteers for Tuesdays, and Thursdays and some Wednesdays. If you are available to work on this house please contact Chuck Hodge at chodge@comcast.net or 453-0291. We can accommodate 4 to 6 people per work day.  Please DO NOT show up at the site without registering first. He will let the volunteers know what kind of work to expect on the work day. 

Lunch Bunch

The Lunch Bunch meeting in November will be on Tuesday, November 17th. It is a program for seniors called “Safe, Sound and Secure”. This seminar takes place from 12-3pm at the Summit in Canton and includes a free lunch. Call Ralph or Bevis Richardson at 734-981-0290.

Worship Preview

Dear Geneva Family,

This Sunday we are pleased to welcome The Rev. Mark Adams who will be our guest preacher. Rev. Adams is a mission co-worker with the Presbyterian Border Ministries in Agua Prieta, Mexico. He will be preaching a message entitled, Putting Flesh on God's Good News. In preparation for worship, please read Isaiah 61:1-4 and John 1:1-14, and ponder these questions:

What does it mean to you that the "Word became flesh"?

In what ways is that good news?

How has the Word become flesh in your life personally?

What would it mean for the Word to become flesh, not only to you and in you, but also through you?

Also, in preparpation to make it to church at the right time, please remember that it's time to Fall Back! Daylight Savings Time ends at 2am on Sunday morning, so set your clocks back one hour before you go to bed on Saturday night.

Grace and peace,

Cindy Thomas

worship preview

Dear Saints: This coming Saturday, Halloween arrives and people of all ages will put on masks and costumes for an evening of fun. As soon as the trick-or-treating and the parties end, the masks will come off and be stored away. Masks like the ones worn on Halloween are put on and taken off in the course of an evening. But other masks we wear stay in place much longer--sometimes for an entire lifetime. We wear these masks not to have an evening of fun, but to hide our true selves behind what we consider to be a more acceptable facade. We are often afraid to let others see us for who we really are and we create personas that we think will protect us. In a Scripture reading we will be reading this Sunday, Jesus encourages us not to let social pressures keep us from being true to who we really are. He shares this encouragement in Luke 12:1-7. At this point in the gospel, some religious leaders known as Pharisees are pressuring disciples of Jesus to hide their true convictions about Jesus. The Pharisees are waging a campaign of intimidation to frighten the disciples into keeping silent about their faith. Jesus responds by telling his disciples (which includes us!) not to worry about such threats but to worry only about pleasing God. To prepare for worship, please read this passage, which is included below. As you read this passage you might ask yourself these questions: which masks do you wear in your life?, why are these masks worn? what do we get from wearing such masks? what, according to Jesus, is the danger of hiding our true selves? what does this passage challenge you to do? Please note that we will be celebrating communion tomorrow rather than November 1. I had asked the session to approve this change so I might celebrate communion with you prior to my Holy Land pilgrimage. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow. In Christ, Bryan 1when a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling on one another, Jesus began to speak first to his disciples, saying: "Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. 2There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. 3What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs. 4"I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. 5But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. 6Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies]">? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. 7Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

Bryan's Holy Land Pilgrimage

Dear Saints:

My family and I have been overwhelmed with the kindness and compassion of so many of you in the aftermath of my dad’s death.. I have greatly appreciated your thoughts, prayers, condolences, and articulations of the hope we share in Christ. Your caring has helped us all to move through this time of loss knowing that we were never alone. My gratitude to God for being the pastor of this church has grown even more in these past two weeks along with a sense of pride. What a joy to hear such wonderful reports of how worship was led in the two Sundays I was gone and for the way so many stepped forward in my absence to provide the ministries in this church. Thank you and bless you!

While I am trying to catch up on all the things that I missed while in California, I am also keenly aware that very shortly, I will be leaving again. As I hope you know, Next Wednesday Oct.28, I will begin a two-week pilgrimage to the Holy Land with a group of twenty pastors. This trip is being funded by a generous grand from the CF Foundation as a way to facilitate spiritual renewal for pastors. For me, this trip represents a chance to do much more than “see the sights” of the Holy Land; it’s a God-given opportunity to pursue a deeper connection with God, our ancestors in the faith, and colleagues in ministry. I trust that God will use this pilgrimage to benefit all of us.

In order to make this journey even more meaningful for all of us, I would like to issue a couple of invitations. First, I invite you to join me in spirit as I make my way through this experience. Each day my companions and I will be visiting a different location, and the focus of the reflection for that day will be based on a story from the life of Jesus that is connected with that location. I have attached to this e-mail the itinerary that we will be followingalong with the Scripture passages for our focus for the day. I would invite you to spend some time each day in prayer and reflection on these passages. You may want read and reflect in the manner of lectio divina, placing yourself in the story and allowing the Spirit to speak to you personally through the words.

Secondly, I would be honored to take with me any prayer requests you might have so that I can offer them at the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem. This spiritual practice has been going on for eons and I invite you to be part of that tradition. You can e-mail me or send me a prayer request and I will collect them all and take them with me and pray over them as I place them in the Wall..

As I prepare for this pilgrimage is, I also want to share that we have been strongly encouraged by the trip leaders to see this trip as a spiritual as well as physical pilgrimage. Since pilgrimage implies leaving behind the familiar, we have been asked to leave our computers and usual means of communication at home. Thus, for the duration of the pilgrimage, you will not hear directly from me and I will not hear directly from you. But each day our leaders will provide an update by means of a blog. Please let me know if you would like to receive these updates and I will see that you get them.

Please keep me in your prayers over the next few days as I prepare for this adventure. Pray for me and my pilgrimage companions that this would be a transformative time and that our hearts would remain open to the work of His Spirit, that as we immerse ourselves in these physical surroundings, the Holy Spirit would immerse our hearts and minds in the living presence of Jesus.

In Christ,

Bryan

worship preview

I recently upgraded my cell phone.  After I finished filling out all the paper work, Katie, my sales rep., told me that I had three days to return the phone if I changed my mind.  That bit of information was appreciated.  It felt reassuring to know that my final decision didn't have to be made immediately but could be postponed a few days.     In contrast to what I was told by Katie, a man in an encounter with Jesus isn't given extra time to make a decision about something far more important than a cell phone.  This encounter is narrated in the gospel of Luke with these words:  "Jesus said to a man, 'Follow me.'  But the man replied, 'Lord, first let me go and bury my father.' Jesus said to him, 'Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.'"   This is certainly one of the harder sayings of Jesus.  This Sunday, we will ponder this teaching together to explore its meaning for us.  As you prepare for worship, you might ask yourself, "why does Jesus turn down the man's request for a delay in answering the call to discipleship?  what does 'let the dead bury the dead mean'?  what is your emotional reaction to this passage?  what might be an implication of this passage in your life?   I look forward to seeing what God has in store for us this Sunday as we worship together.   --Bryan

worship preview for Saturday and Sunday

In his Press Conference last night, President Obama acknowledged that many people remain skeptical of his national health plan.  His hope last night was to speak to the nation in a way that addressed the concerns, answered some questions, and reduced some of the skepticism swirling around his proposal.    This Sunday we will meet someone who was skeptical of an even larger plan.  The skeptic wasn't an insurer, a health care provider, or a patient, but a prophet.  In 1 Kings 19, this prophet, named Elijah, expresses skepticism over the viability of what might be called "God's national faith plan."  This plan was put in place on Mt. Sinai in the book of Exodus when God promised Israel He would be their God and they pledged to be His people.  The law was then given to Moses and the people promised to honor and worship God.  300 years later, Elijah looks around and sees only evidence that this plan has failed.   In our worship, we will again put ourselves in Elijah's shoes to explore the similarities between what he experienced then and what so many people are experiencing today.  In his disillusionment, fatigue, and hopelessness, Elijah embodies the struggle that many of us find ourselves in.  Reflecting on what Elijah was feeling and how God responded can give us insight, strength, and hope for our own struggles.   Please read I Kings 19:9-8 and ask yourself:  why do you think God asked Elijah the question he did?  what does Elijah's answer tell us about Elijah?  why does God respond the way he does with the wind, earthquake, and fire?  what is the significance of God speaking in the still whisper?  Can you think of times when you sensed God speaking to you in a similar way?  Why is hearing God in this way so difficult?    Please also be in prayer for our gatherings both on Saturday at 5:30 pm and Sunday morning at 10 am.   In Christ,   Bryan

worship preview

One day I was walking across the church parking lot and noticed a hole the size of a silver dollar.  When I looked down into the hole, I saw that there was several feet of empty space beneath the top layer of ashphalt.  I immediately contacted Keith Mc Bain, our property elder, who erected a makeshift barrier around the damaged area.  Apparently some of the ground around the storm drain located in our lot has disappeared, causing the problem.  The barrier, of course, is to make sure that no cars put pressure on the site until it gets fixed.  The last thing we would want is for the ashphalt to give way and crumble as someone drives over it.  Hopefully within the next few days, workers will be able to fix the problem.   Ashphalt, of course, isn't the only reality that can crumble under pressure.  We humans can do that as well.  We might appear fine on the outside and yet, when pressure is applied, we can collapse internally into fear, anxiety, anger, and resentment.   A case in point is the prophet Elijah. In 1 Kings 19:1-8, we read of Elijah's collapse.  The pressure being put on him isn't a physical weight, but an emotional one applied by Jezebel, the queen of Israel.  In a fit of rage, Jezebel has sworn to kill Elijah and he responds by running away and asking God to end his life.   This Sunday we will ponder Elijah's predicament because all of us are under great pressure today.  And how we handle that pressure is crucially important.  My hope is that Elijah's example can show us how we might emerge from these stressful times blessed and restored by the grace of God.    To prepare for Sunday please read the Scripture in 1 Kings as well as Matthew 11:28-30.  The texts are included below.  As you read these passages, you might reflect on these questions:  what are the sources of stress in my life today?  what impact are these stresses having on me physically, spiritually, and emotionally?  what does Elijah's example have to teach me?  what would responding to Jesus' offer look like?   Please pray for our gathering that God might encounter us in His love and grace.    --Bryan   1 Kings 19: 1-8   1 Now Ahab told Jezebel everything Elijah had done and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. 2 So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah to say, "May the gods deal with me, be it ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I do not make your life like that of one of them."  3 Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, 4 while he himself went a day's journey into the desert. He came to a broom tree, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. "I have had enough, LORD," he said. "Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors." 5 Then he lay down under the tree and fell asleep.       All at once an angel touched him and said, "Get up and eat." 6 He looked around, and there by his head was a cake of bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again.  7 The angel of the LORD came back a second time and touched him and said, "Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you." 8 So he got up and ate and drank.   Matthew 11:28-30   28"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Amazing amazing amazing! Once again God showed up big time for our mission team. We finished up our final day of work today and I am so proud of our team. They truly allowed God to work thru them and never stopped. I have come to expect nothing less but it makes my heart soar when I see it.

Tonight we celebrated with a community BBQ. We invited the kids from kid club, parents, area residents... There were possibly 200 people joining us for a night of eating and music. What an awesome ending to a great week. The topper was our closing worship time. The youth work staff washed the group leaders feet and we in turn washed our kids' feet. It was a deeply emotional time as we all understood more deeply the grace and servanthood Jesus showed the disciples when He washed their feet. Upon finishing, we washed the feet of the staff and prayed with them. It was a wonderful way to end our week in philly.

We will sleep here tonight then head to a rafting trip and dinner with Dave and Kristal Smith and their kids tomorrow. We are all looking forward to the fun tomorrow and though we are physically leaving philly- this community will remain etched in our hearts.

God is awesome! Pray for safe rafting and travel.

Dan

Wow! What a day. We started different work sites today and were able to experience some much different mission situations. Bryan and TC's group which were previously with a group of young kids in the park, went to a salvation army church and fed an elderly group and a homeless group and then had a chance to visit with them and even play bingo with them! Courtney's group continued their ministry at a homeless shelter for families with children. I took my group to a new location- a salvation army day camp for children in need. We had the difficult task of accompanying them to a state park with a huge outdoor pool! We split up and helped supervise the groups while swimming! The kids loved having us play and spend time with them and tomorrow we will be with them again. We are all tired but continue to serve to the best of our abilities. Tonight we attended a wonderful worship service at a baptist church downtown. It was fun and an energizing evening! More tomorrow!

Dan