PRAYER
OF THE DAY
God of the ages, you call the church to keep watch in the world and to discern the signs of the times. Grant us the wisdom which your Spirit bestows, that
with courage we may proclaim your prophetic word, and complete the work that you have set before us; through your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
International Commission on English in the Liturgy, Inc.
|
 MENU for May 24
Creamy Mozzarella Chicken Pasta
Rice
Green Beans
Assorted Desserts
Salad Bar
Rolls
Tea, Lemonade, Water
$8.00
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
WEDNESDAY, MAY 24
For any of us that did not grow up in a Pentecostal tradition the idea that God would be present in a "shaking" is a bit terrifying or at least uncomfortable. W
hen we think of God's presence we might think of a warm quilt wrapped around us on a cold night, or the touch of a hand from a loved one or a soft breeze on a spring day. But here in Acts it says that within the place where they prayed there was great shaking as the Holy Spirit filled them all and they were given boldness! Us non-Pentecostal types might also wonder what the role of healing plays in these stories from Acts. Is it a display of power? And whose power? Or is there another purpose here? The disciples are not bold because of the power they hold, certainly not worldly power, quite the contrary. Being bold in the faith is more than standing on a street corner quoting scripture. It is more than declaring Christ as Lord in a public setting. It is also the giving and receiving of unconditional forgiveness, it is sitting by someone who offends you, it is allowing yourself to be vulnerable in front of your family of faith. Come to worship this week and rest in God's presence and find new ways of being bold.
|
MESSAGE:
"Why does God heal?"
PREACHING: Erika Funk
SCRIPTURE: Acts 4:23-31
After they were released, they went to their friends
and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. When they heard it, they raised their voices together to God and said, "Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth, the sea, and everything in them, it is you who said by the Holy Spirit through our ancestor David, your servant:
'Why did the Gentiles rage,
and the peoples imagine vain things?
The kings of the earth took their stand,
and the rulers have gathered together
against the Lord and against his Messiah.'
For in this city, in fact, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. And now, Lord, look at their threats, and grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus." When they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God with boldness.
|
|
|
|
|
|