Rev. Guthrie's Message:
How do you read the bible? I don’t mean in a technical sense, about when and where you read it. I mean
how
do you read it, as in how do you make sense of its message? Maybe you’ve never thought about it, or have taken it for granted that the words on the page are self-explanatory, without need for interpretation. But that’s not how language works: the same passage of scripture can, and often does, mean something different to different people. When we read the bible, looking for
the meaning
will not get us closer to the truth of scripture. We have to make a decision about how it is that God is speaking to us through the words of the bible. In the words of Paul in his letters to the Thessalonians, “Do not despise the words of prophets,
but test everything
; hold fast to what is good; abstain from every form of evil.” (1 Thessalonians 5:20-22)
How do we
test
everything? One of the ways is to ask whether or not our reading of scripture produces fruit. We read in the Gospel of Matthew:
Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.
You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles?
In the same way, every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit.
Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
Thus you will know them by their fruits. (Matthew 7:15-20)
There’s all sorts of stuff in the bible that comes from a different time and place, and that can be read to justify all sorts of actions. Someone can use scripture to justify things that are evil, like murder, or hatred of others. For instance, the bible was used to justify slavery, genocide, and segregation. This is why it’s so important to test our readings of scripture: do our understanding of God’s message in scripture produce the fruits of the spirit, or do they produce bad fruit?
This week it is especially important that we remember to pay attention to the effects of our readings on how we see the world. This past weekend, shortly before walking into Chabad of Poway, the shooter, a self-identified white nationalist, penned a manifest explaining why he was carrying out the attack. Within the manifesto (which, at this point, I feel no need to read, or to give voice to his hateful ideology) the bible was quoted, defending anti-semitism and the need to carry out acts of violence.
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As I said, it is possible to read the bible is pretty horrendous ways. Therefore, it is up to those of us who read scripture to guide our lives to test our readings in such a way that we produce the fruits of the spirit. This means testing what how we understand our readings in such a way that we grow in love. There are many ways to do this from engaging with commentaries and theologies, to listening to others who might understand scripture differently than us because of where they are. For instance, this week we should be aware of the ways in which our readings of scripture can be, perhaps inadvertently, anti-Jewish, and be willing to change how we understand scripture so as to produce love and acceptance, and not hate, bigotry, and violence.
Blessings,
Andrew
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Prayer Concerns:
NURSING HOME/HOMEBOUND: Bowman, M Charlene--Mulberry Brunger, Sally—Mulberry (324) Curtis, Marylou—Westminster (3404) England, Sue—The Springs (328) Fairfield, Charles—Signature Health Galloway, Marilyn—Creasy Springs (201 Hamilton, Gordon & Joyce--home Harvey, Barbara--home
Lynn, Vernetta—Five Star Residences Maris, Lucille—Westminster (3201) Mounts, Suzie—Elmcroft (124) Peters, Flo—Friendship House (320)
Prather, Ann--home Sharp, Wanda--Indianapolis Ward, Ralph—Five Star Residences (87) Ward, Ruby—son’s home Zarzour, Connie--home
CONGREGATIONAL REQUESTS: Nancy Eberhard – cancer; Jim Merimee family
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Church Women United
May Fellowship Breakfast
Greetings!
Friday, May 3, 2019 is May Fellowship celebration day at First Christian.
We will gather at 9:30 am in the basement of First Christian on the corner of 6th and North Street in Lafayette. Men are welcome too!
Breakfast will start at 9:30 with a $3.00 coverage, followed by a program on “Benefits of Certified Therapy Dog Visitation, with Tater Bean our guest.” It’s well-known (and scientifically proven) that interaction with a gentle, friendly pet has significant benefits.
Physical Health:
Lowers blood pressure
Diminishes overall physical pain
Improves cardiovascular health
Releases endorphins (oxytocin) that have a calming effect
The act of petting produces an automatic relaxation response, reducing the amount of medication some folks need
Mental Health:
Lifts spirits and lessens depression
Provides comfort
Decreases feelings of isolation and alienation
Reduces boredom
Encourages communication
Increases socialization
Creates motivation for the client to recover faster
Lowers anxiety
Reduces loneliness
Experience faster recovery times
A kind reminder Sheila Hooker will be outside after morning program to collect school kits and health kits for overseas.
Hope to see everyone there.
Lois Hartley
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CWF NEWS
The Faith Meets Fashion show will be held on Thursday, May 9, at 6 pm in the Fellowship Hall. Tickets will be on sale this Sunday and next in the narthex. They are $5.00 early or $7.00 at the door. The show is open to everyone.
Strolling Through the 60s, a musical program by Jeffrey Goodspeed and Barry Kemble, will be presented on Thursday, June 6, at 6 pm in the Fellowship Hall. It will feature tunes from that decade. All are welcome.
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THANK YOU
CWF wishes to thank everyone who helped with the Spring Rummage SalE. All of those who volunteered, donated, shopped and remembered us in their prayers. Approximately $1,020 was raised.
A big shout out to the coffee and donuts fellowship folks on the "Catch" team who welcome us every Sunday morning: Paul and Letcher Floyd, Susie and Dave Kelsey, Carolyn Kanehe, Matthew Stewart, Gaye and Dan Hilgediek, Jill and Dave Howell, Sue Dismore and Dave Schluttenhofer. Coffee and donuts are available from 8:30ish-11:00ish in the Parlor . There is also coffee offered in the Narthex to go or stay and visit for a bit. Please feel free to enjoy both areas on Sunday morning.
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If you have a graduate graduating please contact the church office at 765-742-4058 so we can recognize their accomplishment!
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MAY ACTIVITIES
May 5th Game Night at Pizza King (Veteran's Memorial & 18th St.)
4:30-6pm Pizza provided just bring money for a drink and a friend.
May 12th No Mtg HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!
May 19th Lunch & Trivia at Buffalo Wild Wings (South) 11:30am
May 26th Meeting in the youth room to plan summer activities.
Lunch provided! (11:30am)
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COMMUNITY VBS
JUNE 9, 10 & 11
5:30-6PM DINNER - 6-8PM VBS
Parables of Jesus
Sign up at the Gathering Place by June 2nd or you can register at Central Presbyterian on June 9th. There are four downtown churches joining together for VBS. We are rotating who host each year. We hosted last year this year it will be held at Central Presbyterian Church (31 N. 7th St.). Next year it will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church. We also have an adult "VBS" that will be led by each of our Pastors with coffee and cookies. Last year was a success. Even if you don't have children/grandchildren come for dinner and the adult discussion.
It is open to all faiths and ages!
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Alexis Bradshaw and her family would like to invite the congregation to her high school graduation open house. It will be held at the American Legion (1801 S. 9th St., Lafayette) on June 9th from 2-6pm. There will be food, a DJ and outside activities. Please RSVP Donna Adams at 765-490-5837. Alexis plans to go into the Navy on June 19th and will leave for training in Great Lakes, IL. Due to her restrictions on what she can have or take with her to training monetary gifts and prayers will be appreciated.
We wish Alexis the best and thank her for wanting to serve our country.
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After April 30th, 2019 all church mail should be addressed to First Christian Church, 329 N. 6th Street, Lafayette, IN 47901 . The post office box will no longer be in effect after that date.
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May Muggers
Steve & Carolyn Henry
Deacon Schedule
May 5th
8am Service
Team Leader: Quil Standiford
Serving: Joan Standiford
Serving: Don Lindstrom
Serving: Randy Harrington
Serving: Daryl Killian
Set Up & Clean Up: Joan Standiford & Don Lindstrom
10:15am Service
Team Leader: Donna Adams
Serving: Carolyn Weedon
Serving: Crystal Cover
Serving: Linda Brammell
Serving: Richard Brammell
Set Up & Clean Up: All Available
May 12th
8am Service
Team Leader: Quil Standiford
Serving; Joan Standiford
Serving: Don Lindstrom
Serving: Randy Harrington
Serving: Daryl Killian
Set Up & Clean Up: Randy Harrington & Daryl Killian
10:15am Service
Team Leader: Dave Schluttenhofer
Serving: Robin Sturgeon
Serving: Larry Sturgeon
Serving: Kathy Kremer
Serving: Gery Kremer
Set Up & Clean Up: All Available
May 19th
8am Service
Team Leader: Quil Standiford
Serving: Joan Standiford
Serving: Dawn Ramey
Serving: Randy Harrington
Serving: Daryl Killian
Set Up & Clean Up: Joan Standiford & Dawn Ramey
10:15am Service
Team Leader: Kathy Stirlen
Serving: Paula Floyd
Serving: Letcher Floyd
Serving: Greg Smith
Serving: Josh Tully
Set Up & Clean Up: All Available
May 26th
8am Service
Team Leader: Quil Standiford
Serving: Joan Standiford
Serving: Dawn Ramey
Serving: Randy Harrington
Serving: Daryl Killian
Set Up & Clean Up: Randy Harrington & Daryl Killian
10:15am Service
Team Leader: Sandie Hauser
Serving: Dee Chitty
Serving: Harriet Beeler
Serving: Roberta Pilotte
Serving: Mike Nelson
Set Up & Clean Up: All Available
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