January 4 Greetings

5b5a54b5-5044-4f5b-9c33-dc78de049cb4 image

January 4 Greetings

True story. The problems that the church is having, both here and around the world, is not a shock to me. This pandemic, its ravaging wake of illness and death, the political ramifications, and the lack of clarity we are still mucking through today as a church is not surprising to me. Why, you ask? Because I have studied the Scriptures. It doesn’t matter what particular issues humanity is facing—whether it be plague, war, or just the age-old search for identity—humans will have conflict, power issues will emerge and divisions will form. How do I know this? Because I have studied the Bible.

The internal struggles we’ve had at Emmanuel in dealing with the virus and keeping people safe; the wave of people who have left our church—these are not shocking events. How can I state this? Because the majority of the letters in the New Testament contain both words of encouragement and a ton of correction for the church. Since her birth, the church has had common troubles around being unified, consistent and loving.

Even our little Prescott and Prescott Valley area, over the last 15 years or so, has witnessed large well-known churches splitting, and some even closing over various issues. Some churches have seen hundreds of members leave, some of them to form new churches because they were dissatisfied with their former church. Buildings and edifices have been erected, and then abandoned, with other churches eventually taking over those facilities. All of these struggles have occurred within about a 25 mile radius. Put a different name on it and a new sign up; that won’t help the core issue: which is based within humanity itself.

I share this information as an invitation to studying the Word. There is no one way to study the Bible or faith-based topics in general. The phrase “Bible study” does not need to be intimidating or even academic in its approach. There are so many avenues, materials, videos and Bible translations that help both the raw beginner and the most advanced student of the Scriptures. I have been personally blessed to utilize a variety of resources for my own spiritual growth over the years. I continue to seek out more sources of inspiration, to stay alive and fresh, trying to stay in-tune as the Spirit of God moves throughout the earth.

As Jim Rebholtz shared last Sunday in worship, Emmanuel’s Bible studies, which used to number 15, has dwindled down to 3. Obviously COVID and its effects have wreaked havoc on all of our gatherings. So our Faith Formation team would like to extend an invitation for you to consider re-starting former Bible studies, as well as to explore starting some new ideas. Please stay open-minded about the format—these can be groups that gather for only 6 weeks, and then they’re done. Or, they can be groups that meet once a month for 6 months or a year. They can meet anywhere: at the church, in your home, on Zoom, or at the library, etc.

I would be happy to help find the appropriate materials for your group idea—whether it be DVDs, study booklets, journals, etc.

There are two Bible study ideas that I would like to share (some Emmanuel folks are already interested):

Theology at the Movies This weekly or bi-weekly group would watch a select list of movies on their own, and then gather regularly to discuss what Biblical themes, spirituality and redemptive topics and characters they discovered in the films. There are plenty of guidebooks to help this study along. One need not be a Bible expert to facilitate this group, or to participate!
Lutheran Guide to Advocate for LGBTQIA+ People in Church and Society This group will explore the available ELCA based materials that will help to educate and guide our church into being a more actively engaged and welcoming member of the LGTBQ community.

Please let me know if you’re interested in either of those ideas. Please also contact me if you have questions or other ideas to consider. If you would like to be further trained to facilitate a group/study, we can address that as well. Our hope is to launch at least three more studies in the next few months!

Studying the Word will draw you into a closer relationship with our Creator, help you see things from the “Big Picture”, and inspire you to love your neighbor. May we use our time wisely and continue to be receptive to spiritual growth and wisdom. Let’s dive into the adventure of following Christ together, and see where the Word of God takes us!

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Hebrews 4:12

Here's a picture of Lilyan exploring and sledding in the long-awaited snow of New Year's Day!

Peace in Christ,

Pr. Adam

Faith Formation Director,

Emmanuel Lutheran Church

Prescott Valley, AZ

Sunday Fellowship Returns Between Services

Volunteers needed to prepare and serve coffee and finger foods. No food handlers certificate needed. Sign up on the sheet in Narthex or call Sally Newcomb (928-772-0634)

Food Bank Sunday is Extended

This month's donations will be taken to the PV Food Bank on Monday, January 10; if you missed Sunday, please drop your donation off by Sunday, January 9.

Looking for Multimedia Volunteers

If you'd like to help bring our Sunday worship to our church family and beyond, click here to contact Kimberly.

You'll begin where you're most comfortable and be trained in all areas of interest.