Wow! Are you enjoying the ride? I must say, the content of the messages (according to lectionary) have been linked together so wonderfully. Lets recap a bit:
Recently we have heard how baptism forms our identity in Christ. Then, as we receive the Holy Spirit, we also receive spiritual gifts in which we are to use wisely with passion. Following that, we hear how Jesus spoke of prophecy being fulfilled TODAY and how we are to be making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world TODAY! This past Sunday we recounted the story of expectation those in Jesus' hometown had of him. Then we were challenged to be who God would have us be, and how that may not fall into expectations others have of us.
Coming up, Feb. 7th, Tina Berardi, Certified Lay Speaker will give a message on Luke 5:1-11. It is in this scripture after an amazing catch of fish in the deep waters, Jesus calls Peter to follow him and be fishers of men! There is a process that Jesus takes Peter through in this text that helps him embark on a journey in finding who God would have him be, a fisher of men. We are "Goin' Deeper!"
Join us as we rejoice in God's unconditional love and sacrifice of His Son through Holy Communion.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Who are you?
Excellent message in worship this past Sunday given by Pastor Myers. Based on the text Luke 4:14-21, Jesus returned to his hometown, read from the prophet Isaiah and stated the prophecy is fulfilled in their hearing of the words. He has come to preach the good news to the poor. He is sent to pardon the prisoners and restore sight to the blind and set the burdened and battered free and announce, 'This is God's year to act!' (The Message)
Now is the time to be the church. TODAY is when we need to be doing the work Jesus did, and calls us to do. Be the messengers TODAY!
Of course, there are obstacles along our way...
We will hear the crowds reaction to Jesus' statement coming up this Sunday, January 31, in Luke 4:21-30. This encounter with citizens of his hometown remind us of the price we sometimes have to pay for living a life of faithfulness to God. They knew Jesus as Joseph's son. A son of a carpenter. A youngster who played with our kids. This is who He was in the eyes of the hearers. The idea of him being the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy was ludicrous! Does he live up to their expectations of who they say he is or risk disappointing them to the point of anger in order to be faithful to who God says he is?
Who are you?
Stay tuned...
Now is the time to be the church. TODAY is when we need to be doing the work Jesus did, and calls us to do. Be the messengers TODAY!
Of course, there are obstacles along our way...
We will hear the crowds reaction to Jesus' statement coming up this Sunday, January 31, in Luke 4:21-30. This encounter with citizens of his hometown remind us of the price we sometimes have to pay for living a life of faithfulness to God. They knew Jesus as Joseph's son. A son of a carpenter. A youngster who played with our kids. This is who He was in the eyes of the hearers. The idea of him being the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy was ludicrous! Does he live up to their expectations of who they say he is or risk disappointing them to the point of anger in order to be faithful to who God says he is?
Who are you?
Stay tuned...
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Gifts of the Spirit
Last week we took a look at Jesus' baptism and the encouraging words that were given Jesus by His Father. We were encouraged to remember our own baptism, our own identity with Christ as son's and daughters of God. We heard the words, "Come touch the water. Go touch the world" as we left the sanctuary.
It is the Holy Spirit that lives within each one of us (through our baptism) guiding us each in a different way to "touch" the world. We are each created uniquely by God to first love Him. Out of that love, He graces us with spiritual gifts that when used according to His purpose can transform the world.
This Sunday's scripture comes from I Corinthians 12:1-11. This text explains how through the Holy Spirit we are each given spiritual gifts. Though we may have different gifts, they all come from the same Holy Spirit.
Come and hear the Good News and be blessed by God's word. Scott Welsh, Local Lay Speaker, will be delivering the message.
It is the Holy Spirit that lives within each one of us (through our baptism) guiding us each in a different way to "touch" the world. We are each created uniquely by God to first love Him. Out of that love, He graces us with spiritual gifts that when used according to His purpose can transform the world.
This Sunday's scripture comes from I Corinthians 12:1-11. This text explains how through the Holy Spirit we are each given spiritual gifts. Though we may have different gifts, they all come from the same Holy Spirit.
Come and hear the Good News and be blessed by God's word. Scott Welsh, Local Lay Speaker, will be delivering the message.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Words of Baptism
Sunday, Jan. 10th, we will be taking a look at Luke 3:15-17, 21-22. This scripture documents Jesus' baptism. It was written by Luke, a companion of Paul the apostle. Luke describes the Holy Spirit descending in bodily form as a dove, and voice from heaven is heard. It is this voice of encouragement that still speaks to us today, that we can share with each other.
Come join us this Sunday as we remember our baptism, claim our identity as children of God, and be empowered with the Holy Spirit to be sent out to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world!
Can't wait to see you there!
Peace,
Tina
Come join us this Sunday as we remember our baptism, claim our identity as children of God, and be empowered with the Holy Spirit to be sent out to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world!
Can't wait to see you there!
Peace,
Tina
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Epiphany Sunday
Sunday, January 3, we will be celebrating Epiphany. Epiphany is the day we remember the Wise Mens' arrival to see Jesus after his birth. They were given a bright shining star to follow. Today, we celebrate the gift of Jesus as our light to illuminate our paths. Let us follow Him.
Join us as we feast together at His communion table and rejoice in God's awesome love for us.
Communion is open to all
Join us as we feast together at His communion table and rejoice in God's awesome love for us.
Communion is open to all
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Christmas Eve Services
Join us Thursday, December 24th to celebrate the birth of Christ!
Our first service will be held at 7pm. Come enjoy a special program presented by the children of Rockport. This worship service is family oriented and will be enjoyed by all!
We will also offer a more traditional service at 10pm which will include special music by some of our gifted members.
Both services will end with the lighting of candles as we close. This we do to celebrate the True Light that came into the world over 2000 years ago. It is symbolic of how the light of Christ born within us pierces through the darkness of this world still today.
"The Light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not overcome it." John 1:5
Praise be to God!
Merry Christmas!
Our first service will be held at 7pm. Come enjoy a special program presented by the children of Rockport. This worship service is family oriented and will be enjoyed by all!
We will also offer a more traditional service at 10pm which will include special music by some of our gifted members.
Both services will end with the lighting of candles as we close. This we do to celebrate the True Light that came into the world over 2000 years ago. It is symbolic of how the light of Christ born within us pierces through the darkness of this world still today.
"The Light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not overcome it." John 1:5
Praise be to God!
Merry Christmas!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
The Meaning of Advent
Advent, the season of waiting and preparing for Christ's coming, begins four Sundays before Christmas. In our community this has become a period of in-creasing good cheer, when we decorate our streets and houses, entertain one another, bake special cakes, and exchange special greetings. The pace quickens day by day, as we approach Christmas day, the fulfillment of our preparations and festivity.
Christians, wanting to prepare themselves in other ways, too, for the observance of Christmas, have reached back into the past to find the meaning of this season of Advent. Advent means coming. It is a time not only for remembering the coming of Christ in Bethlehem, but also for seeking to recognize Christ when he comes to us now. For Jesus lives in our own times and in our own lives. Yet, too often he is a stranger to us, and we fail to recognize him; we are not prepared.
How do you prepare to know Christ well enough to recognize Him in your midst?
Peace to you this season,
Tina
Christians, wanting to prepare themselves in other ways, too, for the observance of Christmas, have reached back into the past to find the meaning of this season of Advent. Advent means coming. It is a time not only for remembering the coming of Christ in Bethlehem, but also for seeking to recognize Christ when he comes to us now. For Jesus lives in our own times and in our own lives. Yet, too often he is a stranger to us, and we fail to recognize him; we are not prepared.
How do you prepare to know Christ well enough to recognize Him in your midst?
Peace to you this season,
Tina
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