Read Luke 13: 31-35
Stand Up and Keep Going
31At that time some Pharisees came to Jesus and said to him, "Leave this place and go somewhere else. Herod wants to kill you."
32He replied, "Go tell that fox, 'I will drive out demons and heal people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal.' 33In any case, I must keep going today and tomorrow and the next day—for surely no prophet can die outside Jerusalem!
34"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! 35Look, your house is left to you desolate. I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.'
Jesus must have felt the need to complete the tasks God had laid out before him. He knew his time was short, with many things to complete before the end. He told those who were trying to make him leave that he had to keep going, and was not going to be intimidated by threats from Herod.
What about us today? Are we intimidated by people who want to keep us quiet when we speak of Jesus and the salvation offered to us? Do we tell them we have to keep going, that we have a goal to complete? Or, do we quiet down, and let the crowd speak for us, and slink off and complain that we weren’t allowed to tell our story. We have to stand up and keep going, today, and tomorrow and the next day, so we can be included with those who are blessed as Christians who come and speak and act in the name of the Lord.
Prayer: Lord, keep me strong in your name, so I may tell your story through my thoughts and actions. Amen
Carol Ruth DeVore, Charter Affiliate Member COR
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Saturday, February 27, 2010
“Observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us…”
Read Phillipians 3:17 – 4:1
“Observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us…”
Phillipians 3:17 (NAS)
“Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk, according to the pattern you have in us...for our citizenship is in heaven…”
The author of the Letter to the Phillipians, is exhorting all to follow the example that he has set with the warning that destruction is the end result for choosing to set ones mind on earthly things. Since our citizenship is in heaven, I have had to reflect on what this means for me in my life still here on Earth. While Jesus was alive he said often that the Kingdom of God is at hand. Therefore this certainly does not mean that Heaven is to be thought of as some place to which we go after our death, although Paul does allude to this.
Living in the Kingdom then means living as Jesus described and did…showing mercy, showing love to a neighbor that includes the Samaritan…the outcast and the marginal. When I am in community with those outside my usual group of friends, work colleagues, and get to know those in the homeless population that are participating as equals in our worship, who are sharing their gifts as well as their failures, I am acutely aware that I am “living in the kingdom,” a kingdom that is indeed at hand, a kingdom that is inclusive, that shows radical hospitality as Jesus did by dining with those considered unclean and to be avoided. And I am gifted with a reciprocal love and the realization that we are all alike, regardless of our outer garments, our station in life. We are there all being transformed as we are empowered and empower one another with the most radical change agent possible….love that knows no boundaries.
Mary J. Wade (Birmingham, AL)
Prayer:
God of love, God of Truth, open me and enable me to walk as you have demonstrated through the words and life of the Christ, so that I may truly live in the Kingdom here on Earth. Amen.
“Observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us…”
Phillipians 3:17 (NAS)
“Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk, according to the pattern you have in us...for our citizenship is in heaven…”
The author of the Letter to the Phillipians, is exhorting all to follow the example that he has set with the warning that destruction is the end result for choosing to set ones mind on earthly things. Since our citizenship is in heaven, I have had to reflect on what this means for me in my life still here on Earth. While Jesus was alive he said often that the Kingdom of God is at hand. Therefore this certainly does not mean that Heaven is to be thought of as some place to which we go after our death, although Paul does allude to this.
Living in the Kingdom then means living as Jesus described and did…showing mercy, showing love to a neighbor that includes the Samaritan…the outcast and the marginal. When I am in community with those outside my usual group of friends, work colleagues, and get to know those in the homeless population that are participating as equals in our worship, who are sharing their gifts as well as their failures, I am acutely aware that I am “living in the kingdom,” a kingdom that is indeed at hand, a kingdom that is inclusive, that shows radical hospitality as Jesus did by dining with those considered unclean and to be avoided. And I am gifted with a reciprocal love and the realization that we are all alike, regardless of our outer garments, our station in life. We are there all being transformed as we are empowered and empower one another with the most radical change agent possible….love that knows no boundaries.
Mary J. Wade (Birmingham, AL)
Prayer:
God of love, God of Truth, open me and enable me to walk as you have demonstrated through the words and life of the Christ, so that I may truly live in the Kingdom here on Earth. Amen.
Friday, February 26, 2010
What Should We Fear?
What Should We Fear?
Read Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18
After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision:
"Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.
God said in these early writings : "I am a shield for you.” Wesley noted emphatically that God said “ I am a shield to you, present with you, (and) actually defending you.”
When I considered this: that God himself is a shield that secures us from destructive evils, a shield ready to protect us, and a shield that surrounds us. - then this assurance should silence all our perplexing fears.
What do we fear today? Being without health care? We also fear attacks by terrorists or criminals. We fear losing our wealth to identity theft, unemployment , rising utility bills, inflation and not having enough money to retire. Some of us fear religious fanatics. Others fear political fanatics. Some of us fear right talk radio while others of us fear left wing talk radio.
We fear global warming, the disappearing countryside and pollution. We fear losing our children to Internet predators and we fear losing our freedom to the mega corporations .
We still fear those who are different from us. If God in his graciousness is ready to stand beside us, then how are we to treat the others who exist along side us in these days of seeming chaos?
Kay Phillips
God, thank you for protecting us Let us share your love and safety with those around us.
When we feel afraid, remembering God’s promise and helping us can bring us peace.
God overcomes our fears.
Read Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18
After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision:
"Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.
God said in these early writings : "I am a shield for you.” Wesley noted emphatically that God said “ I am a shield to you, present with you, (and) actually defending you.”
When I considered this: that God himself is a shield that secures us from destructive evils, a shield ready to protect us, and a shield that surrounds us. - then this assurance should silence all our perplexing fears.
What do we fear today? Being without health care? We also fear attacks by terrorists or criminals. We fear losing our wealth to identity theft, unemployment , rising utility bills, inflation and not having enough money to retire. Some of us fear religious fanatics. Others fear political fanatics. Some of us fear right talk radio while others of us fear left wing talk radio.
We fear global warming, the disappearing countryside and pollution. We fear losing our children to Internet predators and we fear losing our freedom to the mega corporations .
We still fear those who are different from us. If God in his graciousness is ready to stand beside us, then how are we to treat the others who exist along side us in these days of seeming chaos?
Kay Phillips
God, thank you for protecting us Let us share your love and safety with those around us.
When we feel afraid, remembering God’s promise and helping us can bring us peace.
God overcomes our fears.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Remembering why we come into the house of the Lord
Read Psalm 27
Key Verse:
“One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek:
That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,
To gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple.”
Psalm 27:4
One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek:
Changes at work, working more hours than ever before, having more responsibilities, more duties – something new every day it seems. Busy, busy, busy!!
Less time at home with my family which has grown to include an almost two year old, beautiful, very, very busy grandchild. I am tired and weary by the end of the day.
It has been an extremely cold and dreary winter. I woke up several weeks ago on Sunday morning, tired and moody. I wanted to stay home and sleep and rest and basically do nothing that day. But, I knew I had to go to church because of my commitment to the children’s ministry.
As I began to get ready for church, I felt as though God was speaking to me. “Are you coming to My house because you have to be with the kids? Is this a duty visit? Remember when you could not wait to run into My house to spend time with Me?
"Come, I will meet you there”.
I went that morning seeking God and expecting to experience His presence with my brother and sister believers. The Lord is my light; He is my salvation! How could I have gotten so distracted and busy that I forgot what a privilege it is to be able to go to the House of the Lord – to feed upon His Word, to get strength from His Spirit, and be transformed by the mystical power of Holy Communion.
PRAYER:
Dear God, forgive me for coming to your house for any reason other than the hope of finding YOU there! Help me Lord to regain my “first love”. Amen
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Seek God above everything else, for when you find Him, you cannot help but be transformed unto love.
PRAYER FOCUS: Remembering why we come into the house of the Lord
Sharon Parsons
Key Verse:
“One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek:
That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,
To gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple.”
Psalm 27:4
One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek:
Changes at work, working more hours than ever before, having more responsibilities, more duties – something new every day it seems. Busy, busy, busy!!
Less time at home with my family which has grown to include an almost two year old, beautiful, very, very busy grandchild. I am tired and weary by the end of the day.
It has been an extremely cold and dreary winter. I woke up several weeks ago on Sunday morning, tired and moody. I wanted to stay home and sleep and rest and basically do nothing that day. But, I knew I had to go to church because of my commitment to the children’s ministry.
As I began to get ready for church, I felt as though God was speaking to me. “Are you coming to My house because you have to be with the kids? Is this a duty visit? Remember when you could not wait to run into My house to spend time with Me?
"Come, I will meet you there”.
I went that morning seeking God and expecting to experience His presence with my brother and sister believers. The Lord is my light; He is my salvation! How could I have gotten so distracted and busy that I forgot what a privilege it is to be able to go to the House of the Lord – to feed upon His Word, to get strength from His Spirit, and be transformed by the mystical power of Holy Communion.
PRAYER:
Dear God, forgive me for coming to your house for any reason other than the hope of finding YOU there! Help me Lord to regain my “first love”. Amen
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Seek God above everything else, for when you find Him, you cannot help but be transformed unto love.
PRAYER FOCUS: Remembering why we come into the house of the Lord
Sharon Parsons
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
We will stand firm against the temptations the devil places before us.
Read Scripture Luke 4: 1-13
Key Verse: Luke 4: 13 “The devil retreated temporarily, lying in wait for another opportunity.”
Jesus had been tempted three times by the devil. Each time Jesus was able to overcome the temptation. Finally, after the third time of tempting Jesus, the devil departed (retreated) but had plans to come back at another time.
We face very similar situations in our Christian journeys. Time after time we are faced with choices. We can either give in to the temptation, or we can stand firm in our commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Verse 13 says that the devil retreated temporarily. By that we know that Jesus continually had to be strong. We too must continually be strong. How can we do this in the face of so many temptations that come our way? We can stay in “the word.” We can read our Bibles and pray. We can stay in a community of faith, living beside fellow Christians who can give us encouragement as we travel along together.
We know that the temptations we face will not completely go away. But we can be like Jesus, and refuse to give in to them.
Prayer:
O God, we know that you are close by us to help us when temptation comes our way. Help us as we travel on our Christian journeys.
Though for the Day: We will stand firm against the temptations the devil places before us.
Nancy D. Higgs,
Member of the Mildred Taylor Sunday School Class
Key Verse: Luke 4: 13 “The devil retreated temporarily, lying in wait for another opportunity.”
Jesus had been tempted three times by the devil. Each time Jesus was able to overcome the temptation. Finally, after the third time of tempting Jesus, the devil departed (retreated) but had plans to come back at another time.
We face very similar situations in our Christian journeys. Time after time we are faced with choices. We can either give in to the temptation, or we can stand firm in our commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Verse 13 says that the devil retreated temporarily. By that we know that Jesus continually had to be strong. We too must continually be strong. How can we do this in the face of so many temptations that come our way? We can stay in “the word.” We can read our Bibles and pray. We can stay in a community of faith, living beside fellow Christians who can give us encouragement as we travel along together.
We know that the temptations we face will not completely go away. But we can be like Jesus, and refuse to give in to them.
Prayer:
O God, we know that you are close by us to help us when temptation comes our way. Help us as we travel on our Christian journeys.
Though for the Day: We will stand firm against the temptations the devil places before us.
Nancy D. Higgs,
Member of the Mildred Taylor Sunday School Class
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Trust God for help in Times of Trouble
Read Romans 10:8b-13
Key Verse: Verse 13: “Everyone who calls, “Help. God gives help.”
Trust God for help in Times of Trouble
Our scripture verse tells us that God is ready to help us. We just need to trust in God for help This is hard to do. We want to take control and be in charge and do it ourselves.
Life is difficult. We face many problems today, financial, health, family.
Take a good look at your life today, see where you can live more simply. Look around you and see who needs help. Can you be that person God is sending to help someone. Spend some time these 40 days of Lent reading the scriptures and praying.
God is ready, willing, and able to help you. Ask God today for help.
A beautiful old hymn entitled, “Trust and Obey” comes to my mind. One of the verses says, “Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share, but our toil he doth richly repay, not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross, but is blest if we trust and obey. Trust and obey, for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.” (p. 467 United Methodist Hymnal words by John Sammis, Music by Daniel Towner)
Try trusting , God is ready to help.
Prayer: O God, we trust you for help in times of trouble. Be with us as we call on your name.
Thought for the Day: Trust God for all things.
Nancy DeVore Higgs, Charter Member of COR
Key Verse: Verse 13: “Everyone who calls, “Help. God gives help.”
Trust God for help in Times of Trouble
Our scripture verse tells us that God is ready to help us. We just need to trust in God for help This is hard to do. We want to take control and be in charge and do it ourselves.
Life is difficult. We face many problems today, financial, health, family.
Take a good look at your life today, see where you can live more simply. Look around you and see who needs help. Can you be that person God is sending to help someone. Spend some time these 40 days of Lent reading the scriptures and praying.
God is ready, willing, and able to help you. Ask God today for help.
A beautiful old hymn entitled, “Trust and Obey” comes to my mind. One of the verses says, “Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share, but our toil he doth richly repay, not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross, but is blest if we trust and obey. Trust and obey, for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.” (p. 467 United Methodist Hymnal words by John Sammis, Music by Daniel Towner)
Try trusting , God is ready to help.
Prayer: O God, we trust you for help in times of trouble. Be with us as we call on your name.
Thought for the Day: Trust God for all things.
Nancy DeVore Higgs, Charter Member of COR
Monday, February 22, 2010
A Refuge in A Scary Place
Psalm 71:1-14
In you, O LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame.
Rescue me and deliver me in your righteousness; turn your ear to me and save me.
Be my rock of refuge, to which I can always go;
give the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress.
Deliver me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of evil and cruel men.
For you have been my hope, O Sovereign LORD, my confidence since my youth.
From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother's womb.
I will ever praise you. I have become like a portent to many, but you are my strong refuge.
My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long.
Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone.
For my enemies speak against me; those who wait to kill me conspire together.
They say, "God has forsaken him; pursue him and seize him,
for no one will rescue him." Be not far from me, O God; come quickly, O my God, to help me.
May my accusers perish in shame; may those who want to harm me be covered with scorn and disgrace.
But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more.
Key Verses: In you, O LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame.
Rescue me and deliver me in your righteousness; turn your ear to me and save me.
But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more.
A Refuge in A Scary Place
The world is a scary place most of the time. I have friends just this week who are grieving the loss of a 3 month old baby, suffering from injuries in a terrible car wreck and waiting by the hospital bed of their 11 year old son to hear good news that he will recover. Everyone needs a place of refuge and hope. The key verses from Psalms remind us that the Lord is our refuge and to remember that we always have hope.
Prayer: Praise to you, our Lord, for a place of refuge in a scary world. Thank you for giving us hope.
Beth Ann Higgs, founding member and Church webmaster
In you, O LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame.
Rescue me and deliver me in your righteousness; turn your ear to me and save me.
Be my rock of refuge, to which I can always go;
give the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress.
Deliver me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of evil and cruel men.
For you have been my hope, O Sovereign LORD, my confidence since my youth.
From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother's womb.
I will ever praise you. I have become like a portent to many, but you are my strong refuge.
My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long.
Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone.
For my enemies speak against me; those who wait to kill me conspire together.
They say, "God has forsaken him; pursue him and seize him,
for no one will rescue him." Be not far from me, O God; come quickly, O my God, to help me.
May my accusers perish in shame; may those who want to harm me be covered with scorn and disgrace.
But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more.
Key Verses: In you, O LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame.
Rescue me and deliver me in your righteousness; turn your ear to me and save me.
But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more.
A Refuge in A Scary Place
The world is a scary place most of the time. I have friends just this week who are grieving the loss of a 3 month old baby, suffering from injuries in a terrible car wreck and waiting by the hospital bed of their 11 year old son to hear good news that he will recover. Everyone needs a place of refuge and hope. The key verses from Psalms remind us that the Lord is our refuge and to remember that we always have hope.
Prayer: Praise to you, our Lord, for a place of refuge in a scary world. Thank you for giving us hope.
Beth Ann Higgs, founding member and Church webmaster
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Give Generously to God and Community
Read this Scripture: Deut. 26: 1-11
Key Verse: Verse 10 “Celebrate all the good things that God has given you and your family; you and the Levite and the foreigner who lives with you. “
The Message: Give Generously to God and Community
All of us can remember that our family tree has the fruit of abuse and battery, even cruel and savage slavery. Yet we know that God has listened to our voice and with a strong hand has brought us to this place and this time.
God is our covenant friend that has been gracious to us all our years. God has given us life and reason, and placed us in a world filled with glory.
May this season of Lent be a period for us to recapture a new gratitude and generosity for the gifts our covenant God has blessed us with, and out of that remembering, be transformed to give of ourselves generously to the community of life.
Prayer: Thank you God for all that you have done for us. Make us to be as generous and gracious as you. Amen
Lawton Higgs, Sr., founding pastor
Key Verse: Verse 10 “Celebrate all the good things that God has given you and your family; you and the Levite and the foreigner who lives with you. “
The Message: Give Generously to God and Community
All of us can remember that our family tree has the fruit of abuse and battery, even cruel and savage slavery. Yet we know that God has listened to our voice and with a strong hand has brought us to this place and this time.
God is our covenant friend that has been gracious to us all our years. God has given us life and reason, and placed us in a world filled with glory.
May this season of Lent be a period for us to recapture a new gratitude and generosity for the gifts our covenant God has blessed us with, and out of that remembering, be transformed to give of ourselves generously to the community of life.
Prayer: Thank you God for all that you have done for us. Make us to be as generous and gracious as you. Amen
Lawton Higgs, Sr., founding pastor
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Lord let me be a steward
All my life I felt that God never paid any attention. I was a good person I was active in church,I help people when I could and often made sacrifices for others. Many times I felt looked over and un appreciated. I left a many of jobs for the same reason. Alot of times I was miserable because I was spiritually self-centered. Through the grace of God I was able to attend a summit for the homeless. Being practically homeless and I had no job. I began to put all my efforts to ending homelessness and promoting housing for those who could not afford housing I began to speak against injustice and for the rights that were do to all. Soon situations in my life began to change ,peace became my companion . I felt great !
Out of the blue God put a good man in my life He offered me a house and a job to pay my bills. Our treasures are stored in heaven yet he rewards us openly.
Prayer: Lord let me be a steward.
Victor Beard, Member of the Coalition for the Homeless at COR
Out of the blue God put a good man in my life He offered me a house and a job to pay my bills. Our treasures are stored in heaven yet he rewards us openly.
Prayer: Lord let me be a steward.
Victor Beard, Member of the Coalition for the Homeless at COR
Friday, February 19, 2010
The Essential Thought is Mercy
Read this Scripture: Psalms 51: 1-17
The Essential Thought is Mercy
Have mercy on me oh God. According to your steadfast love, according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgression for I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me.
Mercy is not simply feeling compassion but it exists when something is done to alleviate the pain and suffering of our sisters and brothers. Mercy moves the merciful to bestow mercy. Merciful means “full of mercy.” A fountain of mercy that is always ready to reconcile our difference in respect for each other. The merciful person is full of love and one who lives with the love of God and hopefully trust in each other. Having a feeling of sorrow over someone’s bad situations not the mercy described in Psalms 51: 1-17. Mercy is more than just a feeling, it begins with a simple recognition that someone is hurting and it is up to us as stewards to do something about the pain/hurt.
Prayer:
Mother, father and holy God, we beg you to hear our plea and understand our pain. We pray for peach and love for every individual. We must did deep in our own soul so that we do not, in our moments to feel good, dear God, become self-centered in the work we do for the good of others. We pray for a society that will embrace the “toiling majority,” that we live with us each and every day. We thank you Lord Jesus for your everlasting love.
Thought for Today:
Where are we called to serve?
Mary Jones, Lay Leader
The Essential Thought is Mercy
Have mercy on me oh God. According to your steadfast love, according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgression for I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me.
Mercy is not simply feeling compassion but it exists when something is done to alleviate the pain and suffering of our sisters and brothers. Mercy moves the merciful to bestow mercy. Merciful means “full of mercy.” A fountain of mercy that is always ready to reconcile our difference in respect for each other. The merciful person is full of love and one who lives with the love of God and hopefully trust in each other. Having a feeling of sorrow over someone’s bad situations not the mercy described in Psalms 51: 1-17. Mercy is more than just a feeling, it begins with a simple recognition that someone is hurting and it is up to us as stewards to do something about the pain/hurt.
Prayer:
Mother, father and holy God, we beg you to hear our plea and understand our pain. We pray for peach and love for every individual. We must did deep in our own soul so that we do not, in our moments to feel good, dear God, become self-centered in the work we do for the good of others. We pray for a society that will embrace the “toiling majority,” that we live with us each and every day. We thank you Lord Jesus for your everlasting love.
Thought for Today:
Where are we called to serve?
Mary Jones, Lay Leader
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Will You Be God’s Friend?
Read 2 Corinthians 5: 20b-6:10
Key Verse: “…Become friends with God, he is already friends with you”
2 Corinthians 5: 21
The Message: Will You Be God’s Friend?
Are you involved in the social networking on computers called Facebook? If you want to include more people, you invite friends to join you on your Facebook by asking them to “Be your friend.” You can have a Facebook account free by signing up and you can invite others to join you by simply asking them.
Our scripture today asks us to get involved in life by telling others about Jesus Christ and what he has done for us. It says that we are Christ’s representatives. It says that our job is to tell others!
As we participate in Lent this year I hope that you will be about making friends for Jesus Christ. Who have you told about Jesus lately?
Prayer: Dear God, Help us to be about making friends for Jesus Christ. Amen
Thought for the Day: Tell someone about Jesus Christ’s love today.
From a Mildred Taylor Sunday School Class Member
Key Verse: “…Become friends with God, he is already friends with you”
2 Corinthians 5: 21
The Message: Will You Be God’s Friend?
Are you involved in the social networking on computers called Facebook? If you want to include more people, you invite friends to join you on your Facebook by asking them to “Be your friend.” You can have a Facebook account free by signing up and you can invite others to join you by simply asking them.
Our scripture today asks us to get involved in life by telling others about Jesus Christ and what he has done for us. It says that we are Christ’s representatives. It says that our job is to tell others!
As we participate in Lent this year I hope that you will be about making friends for Jesus Christ. Who have you told about Jesus lately?
Prayer: Dear God, Help us to be about making friends for Jesus Christ. Amen
Thought for the Day: Tell someone about Jesus Christ’s love today.
From a Mildred Taylor Sunday School Class Member
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Ash Wednesday Devotional - Let’s Get Serious
Read this Scripture: Joel 2: 1-2, 12-17
Key Verse: Verse 14:” And round up everyone in the country; Get them into God’s Sanctuary for a SERIOUS prayer to God.”
The Message Devotional: Let’s Get Serious
Today is Ash Wednesday, beginning a 40 day period in the Christian church called Lent. It is a time of searching, a time of prayer, a time of looking at your life in relation to God’s miracle of resurrection, Easter Day.
In Church of the Reconciler we will gather for a time of prayer and “putting on of the ashes". Kevin, our pastor, will remind us of our commitment to live a life of service and prayer and place on our foreheads the sign of the cross from ashes.
My first experience of receiving the Ash Wednesday ashes was in Joppa. We were there in the St. Peter Roman Catholic Church on a trip to the Holy Land. Our entire group was worshipping in the huge cathedral and everyone lined up down the central isle heading for the alter toward the priest leading the service. I had not grown up with this ritual, but was moved by the beauty of the service. I got in line with everyone else to receive the ashes. I was not denied. From then on I have always included this SERIOUS part of worship to my 40 days of Lenten worship. As Joel reminds us in verse 14 of Chapter 2, we need to “round up everyone and come together for a SERIOUS time of prayer to God.”
Prayer: O God, help us to celebrate Lent this year in a SERIOUS manner of prayer.
Guide us in these 40 days as we contemplate the life of Jesus Christ, his teachings, and his resurrection.
Thought for the Day: As Christian people, help us to gather for a SERIOUS Lenten prayer.
Nancy DeVore Higgs
Beginning today, we will have a devotional each day for Lent from Reconciler people.
Todays's is by Nancy DeVore Higgs, one of the founding members of Church of the Reconciler; a Sunday School teacher and member of the Board of Stewards, wife of founding pastor and mother of current pastor.
Key Verse: Verse 14:” And round up everyone in the country; Get them into God’s Sanctuary for a SERIOUS prayer to God.”
The Message Devotional: Let’s Get Serious
Today is Ash Wednesday, beginning a 40 day period in the Christian church called Lent. It is a time of searching, a time of prayer, a time of looking at your life in relation to God’s miracle of resurrection, Easter Day.
In Church of the Reconciler we will gather for a time of prayer and “putting on of the ashes". Kevin, our pastor, will remind us of our commitment to live a life of service and prayer and place on our foreheads the sign of the cross from ashes.
My first experience of receiving the Ash Wednesday ashes was in Joppa. We were there in the St. Peter Roman Catholic Church on a trip to the Holy Land. Our entire group was worshipping in the huge cathedral and everyone lined up down the central isle heading for the alter toward the priest leading the service. I had not grown up with this ritual, but was moved by the beauty of the service. I got in line with everyone else to receive the ashes. I was not denied. From then on I have always included this SERIOUS part of worship to my 40 days of Lenten worship. As Joel reminds us in verse 14 of Chapter 2, we need to “round up everyone and come together for a SERIOUS time of prayer to God.”
Prayer: O God, help us to celebrate Lent this year in a SERIOUS manner of prayer.
Guide us in these 40 days as we contemplate the life of Jesus Christ, his teachings, and his resurrection.
Thought for the Day: As Christian people, help us to gather for a SERIOUS Lenten prayer.
Nancy DeVore Higgs
Beginning today, we will have a devotional each day for Lent from Reconciler people.
Todays's is by Nancy DeVore Higgs, one of the founding members of Church of the Reconciler; a Sunday School teacher and member of the Board of Stewards, wife of founding pastor and mother of current pastor.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Memorial Service for Homeless Who Died in the Cold - Thursday 2/11 - 10:30 AM
The memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the Church of the Reconciler (corner of 2nd Ave North and 14th Street) for Lisa Coburn, 51, who died in a tent Jan. 19 at a homeless camp, and Jimmy "Pops" Smith, who was in his 70s, who died in his van on Feb. 6. "We are calling for clergy to join us ... to show that the lives of homeless people are valuable and precious," said Rachael Martin, assistant pastor.
The regular CAC subcommittee meeting on homelessness will take place at Church of the Reconciler as we accompany the homeless and other advocates--this time for a real funeral. It is one thing to hold a mock funeral, as we did for the 10 Year Plan in October; but quite another to have to hold a real one for people whose deaths would most probably have been prevented if the long-delayed plan had been implemented.
The Birmingham News story, on page 1 of the Local News,Homeless advocates call for Birmingham to act on chronic homelessness in city, includes links to the 10-Year Plan and to the upcoming Homeless Summit. Part of the story is pasted below. It was gratifying to read more supportive than ignorant comments on the story, but they also showed how much public education still needs to be done.
The regular CAC subcommittee meeting on homelessness will take place at Church of the Reconciler as we accompany the homeless and other advocates--this time for a real funeral. It is one thing to hold a mock funeral, as we did for the 10 Year Plan in October; but quite another to have to hold a real one for people whose deaths would most probably have been prevented if the long-delayed plan had been implemented.
The Birmingham News story, on page 1 of the Local News,Homeless advocates call for Birmingham to act on chronic homelessness in city, includes links to the 10-Year Plan and to the upcoming Homeless Summit. Part of the story is pasted below. It was gratifying to read more supportive than ignorant comments on the story, but they also showed how much public education still needs to be done.
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
Weekly Update - February 3, 2010
Remember that this Saturday is our Leadership Retreat, and we very much need you to join us as we discuss and make plans for several of our ministries. We’ll meet from 9 am until noon, and we’ll have lunch for you when we finish. Please hit ‘reply’ and let me know whether or not you plan to attend, so I can make sure we have sufficient food.
The next date you need to put on your calendar, if you haven’t already, is April 23. That’s the night of our banquet. We had to move to a Friday night this year, so if you are able to help with set up on Friday, we’ll probably need some extra hands to replace the folks who will be at work. Stay tuned for announcements of planning meetings and ways you can help make this our most successful banquet ever.
This Thursday is Alabama Arise Lobby Day. We’ll have a full van of folks heading to Montgomery to join people from all over the state. Please be in prayer for a safe and effective trip for them.
Jim Walker is starting a new support program. After worship and our meal on Sunday, the church van will be going to Aldi each week for a shopping trip. The program is for those people who have found housing and have an income. We are not providing money for groceries, but are providing support and transportation, especially to folks who have recently found housing through the support of the church.
After many years of preparation, we have finally begun to find housing for many of the homeless people who are part of our ministry. We’ll soon have 20 people ready to move into apartments through the Shelter Plus housing program, and thanks in large part to the knowledge and efforts of Jim Walker, we are making headway in getting folks into public housing as well. We celebrate every time we are able to help someone get off the street and into a home, but that’s not the end of our relationship with that person. We help newly housed folks furnish their homes and provide whatever support we can to help make them successful in this endeavor. If you have any furniture, household goods, linens, or even food that will help a newly housed person settle into his or her home more comfortably, please call the church office.
Have a great week, and I hope to see you on Saturday.
Peace,
Marti
The next date you need to put on your calendar, if you haven’t already, is April 23. That’s the night of our banquet. We had to move to a Friday night this year, so if you are able to help with set up on Friday, we’ll probably need some extra hands to replace the folks who will be at work. Stay tuned for announcements of planning meetings and ways you can help make this our most successful banquet ever.
This Thursday is Alabama Arise Lobby Day. We’ll have a full van of folks heading to Montgomery to join people from all over the state. Please be in prayer for a safe and effective trip for them.
Jim Walker is starting a new support program. After worship and our meal on Sunday, the church van will be going to Aldi each week for a shopping trip. The program is for those people who have found housing and have an income. We are not providing money for groceries, but are providing support and transportation, especially to folks who have recently found housing through the support of the church.
After many years of preparation, we have finally begun to find housing for many of the homeless people who are part of our ministry. We’ll soon have 20 people ready to move into apartments through the Shelter Plus housing program, and thanks in large part to the knowledge and efforts of Jim Walker, we are making headway in getting folks into public housing as well. We celebrate every time we are able to help someone get off the street and into a home, but that’s not the end of our relationship with that person. We help newly housed folks furnish their homes and provide whatever support we can to help make them successful in this endeavor. If you have any furniture, household goods, linens, or even food that will help a newly housed person settle into his or her home more comfortably, please call the church office.
Have a great week, and I hope to see you on Saturday.
Peace,
Marti
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