We’re looking for a volunteer or volunteers who can use their computer to edit audio of the Sunday worship service for shut-ins and prepare the sermon for posting on the church’s website. I’ll help train anyone who’s willing to help.
Upper Room and the Widow's Mite
A few weeks ago I preached a sermon on Mark 12.28-34. Recently, The Upper Room Daily Devotional had a devotional covering the same passage that was an excellent testimony to the generosity the Holy Spirit calls forth from us. You can read it here. You can also sign up to receive The Upper Room by email.
Hanging of the Greens Complete
The “hanging of the greens” which is the technical, liturgical term for decorating the church for Christmas was competed today. The place looks great. Thanks to everyone who helped.
Loving ourselves so we can love our neighbor
A quote from Frederick Buechner:
“‘Love your neighbor as yourself,’ we’re told. Maybe before I can love my neighbor very effectively, I have to love me–not in the sense of a blind passion, but in the sense of looking after, of wishing well, of forgiving when necessary, of being my own friend.” (Beyond Words, page 251)
This is an important, often overlooked point. The way we take care of ourselves, look after ourselves, want what is best for ourselves, and forgive ourselves, these are indeed the ways we are to love our neighbors, but they require loving ourselves.
Laity Sunday Tomorrow
Jenny and I are looking forward to laity Sunday tomorrow. Mike Mason will be preaching.
Hanging of the Greens
It’s late notice, but we’ll be hanging the greens tomorrow at 4:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome.
A Covenant with all Creation
“The central point in the story of Noah and the ark … is the covenant established by God with ‘living things of every kind.’ Here is where God’s covenant promises first begin. And God’s covenant is established not just with people; it is a covenant with all creation.”
—Wesley Granberg-Michaelson, via Sojourners
If you’ve wondered why we started a recycling program at First; if you’ve wondered why the trustees are so excited about a more efficient heating and air-conditioning system; if you’ve wondered why we’re replacing light bulbs with more efficient fluorescent bulbs; the quote above is part of the answer. (Another answer is that the heating and air-conditioning system and the fluorescent light bulbs will save quite a bit of money. We’re trying, as a church, to be good stewards.) Going back even before Noah and the ark; God created all that is, called it good, and set us to the task of caring for it.
Pray for Strength
“Do not pray for easy lives; pray to be stronger. Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers; pray for powers equal to your tasks. Then the doing of your work shall be no miracle, but you yourself shall be a miracle. Every day you shall wonder at yourself, at the richness of life which has come to you by the grace of God.”
—Phillips Brooks, via Sojourners
Office Closed Today and Tomorrow
The church office will be closed today and tomorrow for the Thanksgiving holiday.
Wednesday Gathering as Regularly Scheduled
There will be a Wednesday Gathering tonight at 7:15.
Christmas Program
We are trying to get ready for the children’s Christmas program that will be a part of the Christmas Eve service and are looking for people who could help us make or find some animal costumes. Specifically we are looking for a donkey (shaggy & brown), a cow (white & red), a sheep (with curly horn), and a dove (or 2). As you might have guessed, we are going sing, “The Friendly Beasts.” Please call or email me at johnandjenny@gmail.com if you can help.
Front Doors have Arrived
The new doors for the front lobby have finally arrived. While they’re being installed, we’ll have the front sanctuary doors unlocked so you can get in. My apologies to Dave for doubting the existence of the Countryside Glass Company.