Week of 03/05/23 - 03/11/23

Talking About Jesus

I have a confession to make. When it comes to talking about Jesus in places where you would think about having those conversations (at church, in a Bible Study setting, at camp, etc.) I am pretty comfortable with it. When it comes to talking about Jesus in other places? Well, let's just say I need some work. There can be a lot of snap judgments, lots of baggage, and lots of preconceived notions. Not unlike our story for this coming Sunday, the Woman at the Well. Yet, Jesus engages in conversation in places and with people where we wouldn't expect him to. Revealing more about who he is in all sorts of ways. He isn't afraid to go to the places we are afraid to go. To talk to the people that we are afraid to talk to. That's a good thing. Because even as a thirsty and road-weary traveler in a foreign land Jesus meets someone whom he talks more with about faith, life, the past, the future, and hope. Someone who hangs with him theologically and wants to know more. Someone whom he tells "I am he" (the Messiah) and that is not something he says very often. One who goes and tells her whole town about Jesus. She certainly didn't have a problem talking about Jesus. I hope to let her be my inspiration because there are so many people out there who are thirsty. Who want to know more and talk about Jesus. Not just hear our platitudes. They don't want to hear our salvation spiel. They want to challenge and dialogue and talk and be listened to. They want to be respected. May God fill our path with those sorts of people this week. Spirit give us words to speak and ears to hear. Have a good week!

Children's Ministry

This past Sunday we wondered about the parable of the Good Samaritan. Jesus told this story as a response when someone asked him "Who is my neighbor?" The story is a reminder that our neighbor might not be the person that we expect. Instead of looking at someone who looks like us or believes like we do, our neighbor is defined by the actions they take. Those who come close, who help, who risk, and who take care of us. Those are neighbors. We can be neighbors too! I wonder...who can you be a neighbor to this week?

This Sunday: We'll wonder about the house on the rock and the sand with Mrs. Carol at 10:00 am in the Orange room!

Junior High (Confirmation)

This past Sunday we looked at our Christian Family Tree! This was inspired by a question last Sunday about the different denominations. We were able to look at where quite a few denominations came from and talk a little about church history. We also read 1 Corinthians 12:12-14. Some people point to the number of different Christain churches as a sign of Christian dis-unity. Paul reminds us that there is diversity within the body of Christ, whether at the congregational level or within the whole church. What leads to dis-unity is when we let our doctrinal differences be the only determining factor for conversation or working together. This will be something that we as Christians will continue to think about and address in the future. What things matter? What differences are important? How can we look towards common things, especially when one side is steadfast in their "rightness"?



This Sunday: Tina is leading Confirmation in the Youth Room at 10:00 am!

High School (Recharge)

We had a Service Sunday where we went to ALDI to help stock the food pantry. Canned vegetables and fruit serve as staples in the menu choice that guests of the pantry get to choose from each week. By helping to make sure these valuable food items are in stock, we helped to support the ministry of the pantry. It was also nice to get a treat from Sonic on the way back as well!

This Sunday: Join Lanell in the couch room of the office building at 10:00 am for a Spiritual Sunday!

Upcoming Events

March 8th- Wednesday Night Lenten Service! Soup Supper at 5:45 pm. Service at 7:00 pm (Everyone)

March 12th- Worship at 8:30 am and 10:00 am. Sunday School, Confirmation, and Recharge at 10:00 am (Everyone)

March 15th- Wednesday Night Lenten Service! Soup Supper at 5:45 pm. Service at 7:00 pm (Everyone)

March 19th- Worship at 8:30 am and 10:00 am. Sunday School, Confirmation, and Recharge at 10:00 am (Everyone)