WORD for the Week for September 23, 2018
Eighteenth Sunday After Pentecost
COME & WORSHIP
Sabbath Beginnings - Sacred Journey - Traditional Worship
WORD for Sabbath Beginnings 8am
Scripture Text:   Matthew 20:29-34 (NRSV)

Worship Leader:  Rev. Dwight Haberman

Holy Communion : Our reading for the week is entitled “Growing in Grace-The Practice of Faith Development.” It is important to focus on and explore specific words. Some just seem to jump out. They all involve action and effort. Growing, Grace, Practice, Intentional, Development, Faith. Faith results from Practice (habits, rituals
and disciplines) all of which are intentional, planned, practiced so that they develop and become embodied in our way of living.  All of these provide the growth, change and spiritual maturity that we need to live in a demanding of often destructive environment. Faith development requires the same process as mastering a sport, an occupation, relationship, or hobby. That is our input, our effort. I did not forget the word Grace. It is the foundation of it all- the presence of God who moves in us to form us into the godly person we have been created to be.
HAUMC has an incredible number of groups, resources, worship opportunities to aid you in your spiritual journey. You are blessed with so many resources to assist you in your Growth is Grace.

WORD for Sacred Journey 8:30am

CORE for LYFE, Week 4 (Intentional Faith Development)
Reflection: Intentional Faith Development calls us to a love for God that spills over into desire for knowledge about and knowledge ­of God. If passionate worship is about discovering the fire that burns in our heart, intentional faith development is allowing that fire to be formed and developed so we become the people we were created to be. This week, Sacred Journey explores this concept through small-group conversations. As we share moments of development and purpose, we will see the common threads of our desire to learn the steps of the dance of faith.
 
Question for reflection: How has being part of a faith community nurtured or encouraged you as a learner? How do you honor your unique rhythms and practices of knowing God within the community setting?
 
WORD for Traditional Worship 10am
Scripture Text: Matthew 20:29-34 (NRSV)

Preaching:  Rev. Nate Melcher

Reflection: Jesus performs one final public healing miracle before entering Jerusalem and those on the road around him almost don't let him do it. What kind of disciples don't want their teacher to heal someone? Maybe the kind who are still working on their faith journey. A wise teacher once said the shape of life is "journey" and all one is responsible for is the next step. What is your next step? What have been the steps that got you here? What does being intentional look like when it comes to crafting and living out your faith? As we consider how we are intentional (or get intentional) about our faith development, we celebrate nine young people who are taking a next step by being confirmed. Come and rejoice in Confirmation Sunday, to be the body of Christ for young people on the journey!

For the Children and Their Parents/Guardians:   How often do you take the time to talk to your family about your feelings? Once a day? Once a week? Once a year when you go around the table at Thanksgiving to say what you're thankful for? Here's a challenge for 7 days - that's just one week - you can try with an adult you trust or even the whole family: Faith5. For five minutes, you 1. SHARE your highs and lows, 2. READ a Bible story (what's  your  favorite?), 3. TALK about the story, 4. PRAY together, and 5. BLESS one another. It's important to share your feelings and you may just make a habit out of it! Go to  http://faith5.org  to learn more.


WORSHIP BULLETIN ARCHIVE

The Bible In Your Hands

You're invited to "dig deeper." Here are a handful of resources:

Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church resources:
Worship Bulletins   | online archive of HAUMC worship bulletins
Sermon Recordings  | HAUMC Sacred Journey and Traditional Worship sermon recordings
Devotional Ministry  | HAUMC seasonal daily devotional ministry

Scripture exegesis and commentary resources:
Bible Gateway  | the Bible in hundreds of translations (NRSV, CEB, The Message, etc.)
BibleHub  | parse out the original Hebrew (OT) and Greek (NT)
Enter the Bible  | historical/cultural context for each book of the Bible from Luther Seminary
Oxford Biblical Studies  | historical/cultural context for each book of the Bible from Oxford
Working Preacher  | read and listen to lectionary commentary from Luther Seminary faculty

Art and Music resources:
Art in the Christian Tradition  | The Jean and Alexander Heard Divinity Library at Vanderbilt
Hymnary  | a resource for both modern and traditional worship music and hymns
Sing for Joy  | a worship music and hymn resource from St. Olaf College
511 Groveland Avenue, Minneapolis MN, 55403 | 612-871-5303
WORD for the Week offers people an opportunity to prepare their hearts and minds 
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WORD for the Week is a ministry of Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church. 


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