With Scripture passages scribbled on scraps of paper and smuggled into prison, Chinese Christians imprisoned for their faith are memorizing the entire Bible. "Even though they can take the paper away, they can’t take what’s hidden in your heart,” a woman who had been imprisoned said, according to the Christian Post. 

On a recent trip to China, pastor Wayne Cordeiro of New Hope Christian Fellowship in Honolulu, Hawaii, held a leadership training where he learned about these Christian’s love for Scripture. Out of the 22 attendees to the training, 18 of them had been imprisoned for their faith...At the beginning of the lesson, he realized that they only had 15 Bibles for the 22 participants. But it didn’t matter. When he asked the audience to turn to 2 Peter 1, he noticed that one lady handed her Bible to the woman next to her. Cordeiro realized that she had memorized the whole book. “When it was done, I went over to her at a break and said, ‘You recited the whole chapter,’” he said. “In prison, you have much time in prison,” she replied. Although the prison guards confiscate any Christian material, people still smuggle in small scraps of paper with Scripture, then memorize them as quickly as they can.

Taken from ChristianHeadlines.com,

based on an article in the Christian Post

Originally, I set out to find a story or an anecdote this week on the power of memorizing Bible verses. This is such an important and formative activity, especially for families and young children, but the article above spoke about so much more — I had to include it.

Last week I attended a local conference on discipleship, and one of the things I learned was that disciples – those who commit to following Jesus – sacrifice for their faith. We may never be imprisoned for what we believe, but how often is Jesus calling us out of our comfort zones to try something new or to go somewhere different, and we don't answer because we're so comfortable?

As Christians, we aren't forced to worship, pray, or study the Bible, but neither are we forbidden to do these things (as others around the world are). We get to do them, so why would we not avail ourselves of the opportunities God has put before us? After all, we don't follow Jesus by standing still.

See you for Bible Study, Worship, and everything in between!

Cantor Kurt R. Schmidt

All members are invited to remain after worship this Sunday for the monthly meeting of the Congregation Council. Following the call to order and devotions, each meeting includes a Member Forum, which is your opportunity to ask questions or bring forward concerns you want the council to address.

Join Pastor David Dangerfield for worship on Sunday mornings as we explore this powerful prayer and grow in our walk with Jesus!

For sermon notes, visit the Worship page of our website.

5:30 pm – Potluck Supper (bring what you can, if you can)

6:00 pm – Bible Study (also on Zoom – login information here)

7:00 pm – Prayer at the End of the Day (also on Facebook Live)

For more information, the study schedule, and Zoom login information, visit the Study page of our website.

A reminder of two national and international giving opportunities during this Lenten season:

THANK YOU to all those who participated (perhaps begrudgingly) in our community painting activity after worship on Sunday morning. If I (Kurt) didn't believe in the power of art therapy for healing spirits that are weary and worn, I wouldn't be urging people to participate so passionately.

Sunday, March 27th is our Easter Painting Workshop ($30 per person). This is your opportunity to let your creativity fly and paint three different canvases, one of which will be "on loan" to Zion during the Easter season as part of our Narthex decor. All supplies included. To RSVP, contact Cantor Kurt Schmidt.

As we return to a "new normal," the council is aware that preventive policies that were in place can now be lifted, including our temporary hiatus of post-worship Coffee Fellowship on Sundays.

In order to reinstate this important component of our hospitality ministry, we need a team of at least three (3) individuals to take charge of scheduling, weekly set-up and clean-up (including making the coffee), and keeping the sanctuary kitchenette stocked and cleaned. This is not another responsibility that can or should fall to our council members and/or paid staff (e.g. Kurt).

Some additional notes: There are budget funds to provide for the necessities (cups, sugar, coffee, etc.) so the "team" need not bear any additional financial burden. Also, in reinstating this, it is important to remember to "keep it simple." Coffee Fellowship isn't lunch. In order for more people to participate in hosting, we need to keep a reasonable cost in mind so that hosting is not cost prohibitive. Finally, the "team" will need to discuss and be mindful of those who may need dairy-free, gluten-free, and/or sugar-free options available each week.