WORD for the Week
for February 9, 2020
Seventh Sunday after Christmas
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PERSEVERANCE IN PAIN
Are you in pain? Is someone in your family or circle of friends struggling? Wondering what to do when pain comes into our lives? How can we be helpful and supportive friends to people who are experiencing pain and suffering? How can we persist in the midst of our own pain?
There are no easy answers, but as we ponder the story of Job, we will learn more about resilience, compassion and God's great mercy.
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COME AND WORSHIP
Sabbath Beginnings – Sacred Journey – Traditional Worship
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WORD for Sabbath Beginnings
8am
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Worship Leader:
Rev. Dwight Haberman
Holy Communion
:
At times, I share some personal response to the text. Today, it comes from the reflection of Eugene Peterson in the introduction to his translation of Job in The Message.
- Much of my “suffering” is self-inflicted and I don’t have questions about that. Peterson says it is the undeserved suffering that leads to our anger and “why me”? Neither Peterson nor Job have a helpful answer.
- It lies, says Peterson, in the mystery of God, AND in that mystery we can be drawn into the "presence of God, into a state of worship, full of wonder, love, and praise”, and the dignity of suffering in God’s presence with us in our suffering.
- A final observation from Peterson: “Job also addresses the biblical protest against religion that has been reduced to simplistic explanations or 'answers'. Wisdom that is 'ever ancient, ever new.'" (paraphrased by Rev. Dwight Haberman)
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WORD for Sacred Journey
8:30am
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The Story:
Voices from Job What Kind of Friend are You?
Reflection:
Friends can make our day, challenge us, or be our rock during times of crisis. This week in Sacred Journey, we consider friendship in the book of Job with the second of three midrash conversations. What insight can we gain about perseverance and spiritual friendship? When empathy is needed, how do we stay connected without being triggered or tempted to solve a problem? And, what will we discover about the power of silent support? Invite your friends to worship with you at Sacred Journey, a space where the questions are treasured as much as the answers! All are welcome!
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WORD for Traditional Worship
10am
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Preaching:
Rev. Judy Zabel
Sermon Title:
"What kind of friend are you?"
Reflection:
What can we do when our friend or relative is in pain? Sometimes we feel helpless, unable to bring any comfort to those we love. To prepare for worship this Sunday, take a few moments to pray for those whom you know are in pain.
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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:
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
Working Preacher
| read and listen to lectionary commentary from Luther Seminary faculty
Art and Music resources:
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
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Do You Follow Us on Social Media?
Did you know...
Our
website haumc.org
and
Facebook page
are excellent resources for finding quick access to–and answers about–all of Hennepin Avenue UMC's upcoming events and groups?
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WORD for the Week offers people an opportunity to prepare their hearts and minds for worship.
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WORD for the Week is a ministry of Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church.
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