At the time of John, the people were living in a dark world. They were occupied by Rome and their living conditions were difficult. John’s words offered the hope that there would be light in the midst of their darkness

Worship this week:

Saturday – 5:00 p.m.  Worship in the chapel with Holy Communion

Sunday – 8:30 a.m.  Traditional Worship with Holy Communion

9:30 a.m. Sunday School and Fellowship

10:30 a.m. Sunday School Christmas Program

Devotions for this week:

The Light Shines in the Darkness   December 17, 2017

SHARE:   What was a high point of your day? What was a low point?

 READ: Read the following daily readings to deepen your understanding

Sunday, John 1:1-18, Word Made Flesh

Monday, Luke 2:1-20, Birth of Jesus

Tuesday, Luke 1:26-38, Birth of Jesus Foretold

Wednesday, Matthew 2:1-12, Wise Men

Thursday, Luke 2:21-32, Jesus Is Presented in the Temple

Friday, Luke 2:33-40, Jesus Is Presented in the Temple

Saturday, Luke 2:41-52, The Boy Jesus in the Temple

TALK:  Consider some of these ideas:

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1)

It all starts with a Word. Light. Promise. Savior. This is the One for whom we have waited. Our long-suffering hopes are about to be fulfilled. God created with a word, and then God’s Word became flesh.

• What is the most amazing thing you have ever created?
• What is the most important word or words you have ever spoken?
• How is Jesus God’s Word? What does that mean?

 PRAY: Loving parent, you have given us the immeasurable gift of the Word made flesh. May his light abide within us as we strain with anticipation toward the fulfillment of your promise in this holy season. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 BLESS:  May God bless you with a single word. Amen.

Isaiah offers a word of invitation, and also a word of challenge. God’s Word must be spoken with tenderness and love, with power and justice, with thought and meaning. Will you let God’s words change your  world for the better?

Worship this week:

Saturday – 5:00 p.m. in the chapel

Sunday – 8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship

9:30 a.m. Sunday School and Fellowship

10:30 a.m. Contemporary Worship

Devotions for this week:

The Word will Accomplish God’s Purpose  December 10,  2017

 SHARE:   What was a high point of your day? What was a low point?

 READ: Read the following daily readings to deepen your understanding

Sunday, Isaiah 55:1-11, Word Accomplishes God’s Purpose

Monday, Isaiah 40:1-11, God’s People Are Comforted

Tuesday, Isaiah 53:2-12, The Suffering Servant

Wednesday, Isaiah 57:14-21, A Promise of Help and Healing

Thursday, Isaiah 59:1-8, Injustice and Oppression to Be Punished

Friday, Isaiah 61:1-11, The Good News of Deliverance

Saturday, Isaiah 65:17-25, The Glorious New Creation

TALK:  Consider some of these ideas:

So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and succeed in the thing for which I sent it. (Isaiah 55:11)

• What kinds of words do you speak?
• Are your words angry, gentle, spiteful, generous, bitter, meaningful?
• What do your words say about you?
• Just how powerful are words?

  PRAY: Spoken God, your word is life. Teach us to use it wisely and powerfully for the fulfilling of your will on earth. In the name of Jesus our Lord, Amen.

 BLESS:  May God bless your words going out and coming in. Amen.

 

Everyone has the experience of despair and suffering at one time or another.  But God does promise new beginnings and God delivers the breath of life.  Join us for worship as we hear that word of new beginnings.

Worship with Holy Communion this week:

Saturday – 5:00 p.m. in the chapel

Sunday – 8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship

9:30 a.m. Sunday School and Fellowship

10:30 a.m. Contemporary Worship

Ezekiel and the Valley of Dry Bones – December 3, 2017

 SHARE:   What was a high point of your day? What was a low point?

 READ: Read the following daily readings to deepen your understanding

Sunday, Ezekiel 37:1-14, Ezekiel: Valley of Dry Bones

Monday, Ezekiel 1:1-14, The Vision of the Chariot

Tuesday, Ezekiel 1:15-28, The Vision of the Chariot

Wednesday, Ezekiel 2:1-3:11, The Vision of the Scroll

Thursday, Ezekiel 40:1-19, The Vision of the New Temple

Friday, Ezekiel 40:20-37, The Vision of the New Temple

Saturday, Ezekiel 40:38-47, The Vision of the New Temple

 TALK:  Consider some of these ideas:

9Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, mortal, and say to the breath: Thus says the Lord God: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live.” (Ezekiel 37:9)

Yet another prophet promises God’s deliverance for the exiled nation of Israel. How much longer can hey take it? Ezekiel’s vision must certainly be an illustration of a people desperate for life-giving breath.

 What vital part of you is dead or dying?

• How do you see the state of God’s people?
• What needs to happen for that part of you to be brought back to life?
• Why is there reason to hope?

PRAY: God of promise, you have never abandoned us. Strengthen our resolve and fortify our faith in the face of despair, that we might live to sing your praises another day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 BLESS:  May God breathe new life into you. Amen.

We are called to faithful living wherever we find ourselves, seeking to be a blessing to those around us regardless of the current circumstances.

Worship this week:

Saturday – 5:00 pm in the chapel

Sunday – 8:30 am Traditional Worship

9:30 am Sunday School and Fellowship

10:30 am Contemporary worship

Devotions for this week:

Jeremiah’s Letter to Exiles  — Jeremiah 29:1, 4-14
November 26, 2017

SHARE:   What was a high point of your day? What was a low point?

READ: Read the following daily readings to deepen your understanding

Sunday, Jeremiah 29:1, 4-14, Jeremiah’s Letter to Exiles

Monday, Jeremiah 1:4-19, Jeremiah’s Call

Tuesday, Jeremiah 2:1-8, God Pleads with Israel to Repent

Wednesday, Jeremiah 3:1-5, Unfaithful Israel

Thursday, Jeremiah 30:1-9, Restoration Promised for Israel and Judah

Friday, Jeremiah 31:1-6, The Joyful Return of the Exiles

Saturday, Jeremiah 31:31-37, A New Covenant

TALK:  Consider some of these ideas:

For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. 1Then when you call upon me and come and pray to me, I will hear you.

(Jeremiah 29:11-12)

Jeremiah has the difficult task of trying to comfort a nation brought low by exile. God still means to bless them—but they must be patient.

• Tell of a time your faith was shaken. What happened?
• Where is your faith now?
• Wonder: Has God ever gone back on a promise?

 PRAY: Holy Lord, in the darkest of times, your promises remain. Give us hope when we are tempted to despair, and keep the reminders of your mercy ever before us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

 BLESS:  May God grant you unshakable faith. Amen.