"Lessons From The Wilderness"
June 14, 2020
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"Privilege, Slave, Prisoner"
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Genesis 37: 23 - 28
37
When Joseph reached his brothers, they stripped off Joseph’s long robe, 24 took him, and threw him into the cistern, an empty cistern with no water in it. 25 When they sat down to eat, they looked up and saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead, with camels carrying sweet resin, medicinal resin, and fragrant resin on their way down to Egypt. 26 Judah said to his brothers, “What do we gain if we kill our brother and hide his blood? 27 Come on, let’s sell him to the Ishmaelites. Let’s not harm him because he’s our brother; he’s family.” His brothers agreed. 28 When some Midianite traders passed by, they pulled Joseph up out of the cistern. They sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver, and they brought Joseph to Egypt.
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A Moment for Children
Parents, read over the lesson below and use it to stir conversation as a family!
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Have you ever had a day of bad luck?
A day where you didn't necessarily do anything wrong and you made good decisions but everything still seemed to go wrong? Spend some time as a family talking about that day! How did you respond when everything was going wrong?
Joseph
Joseph, who you read about in today's scripture had many hard days! He was one of twelve brothers. His brothers were always very jealous of him because their father favored Joseph, giving him a beautiful coat of many colors. You see, Joseph always did what he was asked and did it correctly. He was trustworthy, kind and a hard worker. Do these sound like reasons to dislike someone? No way! Joseph sounds like a great brother to have! Joseph's brothers decided one day to get rid of him and so they sold him as a slave. Joseph went on to serve as a slave and was then sent to prison even though he had never done anything wrong. He had some pretty
How did Joseph respond?
It would have been very easy for Joseph to make bad decisions because of his anger and hurt but instead, he stayed calm in every situation. Even though he was treated unfairly he remained honest, fair and always did the right thing, even when no one was watching.
God had a wonderful plan!
Joseph's honesty and hard work impressed the king of Egypt and so he brought him out of prison and made him a prince. One day Joseph's brothers came to Egypt looking for help, not realizing Joseph was the prince. The brothers were scared because they knew they had mistreated him but Joseph was so happy to see his brothers that he forgave them and brought them to Egypt to live.
Activity!
Remember Joseph's wonderful coat! Now that it's warm outside, dig through your coats from last winter and consider donating the ones you have outgrown. You can bring them to the church office on Monday (9-12 PM) or Wednesday (1-6 PM). When winter comes, we will make sure to get them to children in need of a warm coat!
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Prayer
Dear God, help me to be like Joseph when I have been mistreated. Help me to stay honest, kind and offer forgiveness. Amen.
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"Show You Care - Task of the week"
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Help us celebrate two members of our congregation with milestone birthdays this month! Louise Chambers turns 96 on June 15 and on June 20, Mickey Nash will celebrate her 92nd. Please remember these special ladies with a card, a note, an email or a phone call.
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If you know of any member concerns or needs, please
email Jim
or call the church office and leave a message.
Member Directory online...
We've changed the password! Check your June 14 personal email from Avondale for the password or
email Caroline
for it.
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Prayer Requests
Beth Cline; Paige Hamilton; Jacqueline Howells; Delia McCloskey; Carl, Dee Dee and Lilly McDonald; Floyd Privette; The Family of Michael Morales.
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"21 Day Racial Equity Challenge"
Are you looking for ways to listen and learn?
listening, connecting and praying!
For 21 days, do one action to further your understanding of power, privilege, supremacy, oppression, and equity.
Consider doing this on your own or as a group!
Visit the link below for a planning tool and list of recommendations.
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Your Avondale Pledge
Please see the mission corner, above for information about this weeks special offering!
For those of you who contribute to your pledge through the offering plate on Sunday, there are many opportunities to fulfill your commitment including, mailing a check,
PayPal
or a
one-time or reoccurring bank draft
. Drafts can be setup or changed at anytime. Please
contact Jacqueline
for more information.
Using the link below, you may contribute to your 2020 pledge or make a gift to the church.
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The Labyrinth is a sacred place set aside for you to reflect, pray, and worship God. The rhythm of walking empties the mind, relaxes the body and refreshes the spirit.
The Labyrinth can be walked in four stages, allowing you to walk with your body and rest your mind.
Remember:
Before walking the labyrinth take time in gratitude to be thankful for your life. Bless the people in your life. If there is a specific event or situation troubling you (like the coronavirus) bring it to mind and form a healing question if possible (such as why am I anxious about …).
Release:
Walking into the labyrinth quiet the mind, let go of the chatter and release any tension. Open your heart to feel whatever it might feel. Become aware of your breathing making sure you are taking slow deep breaths. Relax and move at your own pace.
Receive:
While standing or sitting in the center, use this space as a place of reflection. Pause and stay as long as you like. Open yourself to God. Listen to God’s small, inner voice. Use this time to pray and be honest with God about the things you need to say.
Return:
While walking out of the labyrinth, take the same path you followed to go in. Walking out experience the sense of well-being, healing, energy, and peace.
Prayers You Might Choose to Offer
"I place myself in your presence O God."
"Thank you God for ______. I praise your name because you _______."
"Lord search me and know me for you have created me. Give me the strength to serve you and to _____."
While exiting, offer words of praise and thanksgiving!
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