2 Samuel 6: 1-5, 12b-23
Here is a link to the reading:
http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=114077923
Our Scripture reading for worship is David dancing before the ark as it is brought back to Jerusalem. David is so filled with praise and worship that he loses any self-consciousness and is completely God-conscious. His wife, Michal, seems embarrassed, maybe even offended, by his lack of decorum. Tell me what you think!
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts and insights.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Saturday, May 30, 2009
It's Pentecost!! Happy Birthday Church!!
Acts 2:1-21 tells the story of coming of the Holy Spirit.
When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. 2And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. 4All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.
5Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. 6And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. 7Amazed and astonished, they asked, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? 9Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, 11Cretans and Arabs—in our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power.” 12All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” 13But others sneered and said, “They are filled with new wine.”
14But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them, “Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say. 15Indeed, these are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only nine o”clock in the morning. 16No, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel: 17‘In the last days it will be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. 18Even upon my slaves, both men and women, in those days I will pour out my Spirit; and they shall prophesy. 19And I will show portents in the heaven above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and smoky mist. 20The sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the coming of the Lord’s great and glorious day. 21Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.’
When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. 2And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. 4All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.
5Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. 6And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. 7Amazed and astonished, they asked, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? 9Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, 11Cretans and Arabs—in our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power.” 12All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” 13But others sneered and said, “They are filled with new wine.”
14But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them, “Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say. 15Indeed, these are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only nine o”clock in the morning. 16No, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel: 17‘In the last days it will be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. 18Even upon my slaves, both men and women, in those days I will pour out my Spirit; and they shall prophesy. 19And I will show portents in the heaven above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and smoky mist. 20The sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the coming of the Lord’s great and glorious day. 21Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.’
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Soul Cafe
Our text is the same as last week: Matthew 5:13-16. Last Sunday our focus was on being salt. This Sunday our focus is light. 
13 "You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot. 14 "You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. 15 No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven."
13 "You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot. 14 "You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. 15 No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven."
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Soul Cafe
Sunday's Worship Text: Acts 8:26-40
26Then an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Get up and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” (This is a wilderness road.) 27So he got up and went. Now there was an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official of the Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, in charge of her entire treasury. He had come to Jerusalem to worship 28and was returning home; seated in his chariot, he was reading the prophet Isaiah. 29Then the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over to this chariot and join it.” 30So Philip ran up to it and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah. He asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” 31He replied, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to get in and sit beside him. 32Now the passage of the scripture that he was reading was this: “Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter, and like a lamb silent before its shearer, so he does not open his mouth. 33In his humiliation justice was denied him. Who can describe his generation? For his life is taken away from the earth.” 34The eunuch asked Philip, “About whom, may I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?” 35Then Philip began to speak, and starting with this scripture, he proclaimed to him the good news about Jesus. 36As they were going along the road, they came to some water; and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water! What is to prevent me from being baptized?” 38He commanded the chariot to stop, and both of them, Philip and the eunuch, went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. 39When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away; the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing. 40But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he was passing through the region, he proclaimed the good news to all the towns until he came to Caesarea.
26Then an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Get up and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” (This is a wilderness road.) 27So he got up and went. Now there was an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official of the Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, in charge of her entire treasury. He had come to Jerusalem to worship 28and was returning home; seated in his chariot, he was reading the prophet Isaiah. 29Then the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over to this chariot and join it.” 30So Philip ran up to it and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah. He asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” 31He replied, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to get in and sit beside him. 32Now the passage of the scripture that he was reading was this: “Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter, and like a lamb silent before its shearer, so he does not open his mouth. 33In his humiliation justice was denied him. Who can describe his generation? For his life is taken away from the earth.” 34The eunuch asked Philip, “About whom, may I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?” 35Then Philip began to speak, and starting with this scripture, he proclaimed to him the good news about Jesus. 36As they were going along the road, they came to some water; and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water! What is to prevent me from being baptized?” 38He commanded the chariot to stop, and both of them, Philip and the eunuch, went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. 39When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away; the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing. 40But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he was passing through the region, he proclaimed the good news to all the towns until he came to Caesarea.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Last Supper Drama
A LIVE DRAMATIZATION
OF
LEONARDO DA VINCI’S FAMOUS PAINTING
Holy Week will not be complete without a visit to the Upper Room
Thursday, April 9th, 2009 • 7:30 pm
First United Methodist Church
First United Methodist Church
205 N. Pine Street • Bunnell, Florida
A love offering will be received. Nursery will be available.
For more information call the Church Office
(386) 437-3258
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Holy Week Happenings
Greetings!
I just wanted to post all the special events and happenings this week. I hope you will participate in as many as you are able... pray for those involved in presenting, planning, and preparing for them... and have a BLESSED Holy Week!
Tonight: SoulCafe is at 5:45p.m. We will have a light supper and discuss Mark 16:1-8. Since the Genesis Sunday School Class is out at the fairgrounds making fabulous lemonade and funnel cakes - there is no choir practice or Kid's Club this week.
Thursday: The Last Supper Drama will be presented at 7:30 p.m. This is a wonderful drama and communion service. Please come and invite a friend. It is free, though a love offering will be received. Also, a nursery will be available for infants and pre-K children.
Friday: We do not offer a Good Friday service. However, both Flagler Beach and Palm Coast United Methodist churches do.
I just wanted to post all the special events and happenings this week. I hope you will participate in as many as you are able... pray for those involved in presenting, planning, and preparing for them... and have a BLESSED Holy Week!
Tonight: SoulCafe is at 5:45p.m. We will have a light supper and discuss Mark 16:1-8. Since the Genesis Sunday School Class is out at the fairgrounds making fabulous lemonade and funnel cakes - there is no choir practice or Kid's Club this week.
Thursday: The Last Supper Drama will be presented at 7:30 p.m. This is a wonderful drama and communion service. Please come and invite a friend. It is free, though a love offering will be received. Also, a nursery will be available for infants and pre-K children.
Friday: We do not offer a Good Friday service. However, both Flagler Beach and Palm Coast United Methodist churches do.
- Flagler Beach UMC – 7:00 pm
- Palm Coast UMC – 7:30 pm
Saturday: Our N.I.C.E. (Kid's) Club is hosting an Easter Egg Coloring Party and Easter Egg Hunt at the church at 2:00p.m. Everyone (all ages) are invited to join the fun. Bring 6 hard-boiled eggs and color them at the church - or just come and enjoy the fun and laughter.
Easter Sunday:
- Community Sunrise Services at Craig Flagler Palms Cemetery – 6:45 a.m. (Rev. Beth participating) and Veteran’s Park (Flagler Beach) – 7:00 a.m.
- Easter Sunday Worship – 11:00 a.m. Bring flowers for our “Living” Cross!! Also, we will be receiving new members! It will be a time for Resurrection Praise!
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Soul Cafe
Tomorrow is Palm and Passion Sunday. We will be hearing a reading of Jesus' entrance into Jerusalem from the Gospel of Mark 11:1-11 (http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=105865511 ) and a liturgical interpretation of the events of what we now call "Holy Week." I encourage you to read the "Passion" narrative from the gospel of Mark which would be chapters 14 and 15.
Our service will also include a number of hymns and songs that speak of Jesus' final week and our response. It is typically a very meaningful service.
I look forward to worshiping with you tomorrow!
Our service will also include a number of hymns and songs that speak of Jesus' final week and our response. It is typically a very meaningful service.
I look forward to worshiping with you tomorrow!
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Soul Cafe
Oops! Please forgive me for not posting this earlier this week... YIKES!
Our text for this week is John 12:20-33:
Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honor. “Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say—‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” The crowd standing there heard it and said that it was thunder. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not for mine. Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” He said this to indicate the kind of death he was to die.
Our text for this week is John 12:20-33:
Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honor. “Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say—‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” The crowd standing there heard it and said that it was thunder. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not for mine. Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” He said this to indicate the kind of death he was to die.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Soul Cafe
The text for this Sunday is John 3:14-21...
And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. “Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Those who believe in him are not condemned; but those who do not believe are condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.”
This passage comes in the middle of a conversation Jesus is having with Nicodemus... you may want check out the verses before this. It is a pretty dense and heavy passage when you look at the whole thing and not just "pull out" John 3:16-17 as is so often done...
Can't wait to hear from you!
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Covered-Dish Dinner This Sunday!
This Sunday, March 15th, there is a covered-dish dinner after worship. And of course these Sundays are great times to invite a friend!
See you tomorrow!
See you tomorrow!
Friday, March 13, 2009
Soul Cafe
This Sunday our text is from the Gospel of John, Chapter 2, verses 13-22:
The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple he found people selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and the money changers seated at their tables. Making a whip of cords, he drove all of them out of the temple, both the sheep and the cattle. He also poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. He told those who were selling the doves, “Take these things out of here! Stop making my Father’s house a marketplace!” His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will consume me.” The Jews then said to him, “What sign can you show us for doing this?” Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” The Jews then said, “This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and will you raise it up in three days?” But he was speaking of the temple of his body. After he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this; and they believed the scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken.
Jesus is REALLY angry! Angry that this place of prayer and worship has become more of a market place. It seems the sacrifices to be offered have become more important than the One they are offered to. Making the sale has become more important than making the sacrifice. So Jesus is pissed!
Have you been that angry lately? Was it over something minor - like a traffic jam or someone else's perceived incompetence? Or was it over something more important? An injustice or abuse?
Monday, March 2, 2009
Psalm of the Week
The idea: Live with the psalm for the week: read it daily or at least a few times during the week; share any insights, revelations, words of challenge or comfort you receive; share your thoughts with others - either here or Sunday morning during our time of sharing praises and concerns during worship.
Psalm 22:23-31
Psalm 22:23-31
You who fear the Lord, praise him! All you offspring of Jacob, glorify him; stand in awe of him, all you offspring of Israel! For he did not despise or abhor the affliction of the afflicted; he did not hide his face from me, but heard when I cried to him. From you comes my praise in the great congregation; my vows I will pay before those who fear him. The poor shall eat and be satisfied; those who seek him shall praise the Lord. May your hearts live forever! All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord; and all the families of the nations shall worship before him. For dominion belongs to the Lord, and he rules over the nations. To him, indeed, shall all who sleep in the earth bow down; before him shall bow all who go down to the dust, and I shall live for him. Posterity will serve him; future generations will be told about the Lord, and proclaim his deliverance to a people yet unborn, saying that he has done it.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Soul Cafe
Sunday is Transfiguration Sunday. There will be two readings:
Mark 9:2-9
and
2 Kings 2:1-12
Share your thoughts... connections... wonderings...
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Psalm for the Week
The idea: Live with the psalm for the week: read it daily or at least a few times during the week; share any insights, revelations, words of challenge or comfort you receive; share your thoughts with others - either here or Sunday morning during our time of sharing praises and concerns during worship.
Psalm 50:1-6
(Note: This is not all of Psalm 50)
The mighty one, God the Lord, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting. Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines forth. Our God comes and does not keep silence, before him is a devouring fire, and a mighty tempest all around him. He calls to the heavens above and to the earth, that he may judge his people: “Gather to me my faithful ones, who made a covenant with me by sacrifice!” The heavens declare his righteousness, for God himself is judge. Selah
Psalm 50:1-6
(Note: This is not all of Psalm 50)
The mighty one, God the Lord, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting. Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines forth. Our God comes and does not keep silence, before him is a devouring fire, and a mighty tempest all around him. He calls to the heavens above and to the earth, that he may judge his people: “Gather to me my faithful ones, who made a covenant with me by sacrifice!” The heavens declare his righteousness, for God himself is judge. Selah
Friday, February 13, 2009
Soul Cafe
OOPS!! I'm late getting this posted...
Here is the preaching text for Sunday along with a link to get you there.
Thanks for you thoughts and comments!
Sunday, 15 February, 2009: 2 Kings 5:1-14
http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=101540184
Here is the preaching text for Sunday along with a link to get you there.
Thanks for you thoughts and comments!
Sunday, 15 February, 2009: 2 Kings 5:1-14
http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=101540184
Monday, February 9, 2009
Psalm for the Week
The idea: Live with the psalm for the week: read it daily or at least a few times during the week; share any insights, revelations, words of challenge or comfort you receive; share your thoughts with others - either here or Sunday morning during our time of sharing praises and concerns during worship.
Psalm 30 (Contemporary English Version)
I will praise you, Lord! You saved me from the grave and kept my enemies from celebrating my death. I prayed to you, Lord God, and you healed me, saving me from death and the grave. Your faithful people, Lord, will praise you with songs and honor your holy name. Your anger lasts a little while, but your kindness lasts for a lifetime. At night we may cry, but when morning comes we will celebrate. I was carefree and thought, "I'll never be shaken!" You, Lord, were my friend, and you made me strong as a mighty mountain. But when you hid your face, I was crushed. I prayed to you, Lord, and in my prayer I said, “What good will it do you if I am in the grave? Once I have turned to dust, how can I praise you or tell how loyal you are? Have pity, Lord! Help!" You have turned my sorrow into joyful dancing. No longer am I sad and wearing sackcloth. [a] I thank you from my heart, and I will never stop singing your praises, my Lord and my God.
Footnotes:
[a] sackcloth: A rough, dark-colored cloth made from goat or camel hair and used to make grain sacks. It was worn in times of trouble or sorrow.
Psalm 30 (Contemporary English Version)
I will praise you, Lord! You saved me from the grave and kept my enemies from celebrating my death. I prayed to you, Lord God, and you healed me, saving me from death and the grave. Your faithful people, Lord, will praise you with songs and honor your holy name. Your anger lasts a little while, but your kindness lasts for a lifetime. At night we may cry, but when morning comes we will celebrate. I was carefree and thought, "I'll never be shaken!" You, Lord, were my friend, and you made me strong as a mighty mountain. But when you hid your face, I was crushed. I prayed to you, Lord, and in my prayer I said, “What good will it do you if I am in the grave? Once I have turned to dust, how can I praise you or tell how loyal you are? Have pity, Lord! Help!" You have turned my sorrow into joyful dancing. No longer am I sad and wearing sackcloth. [a] I thank you from my heart, and I will never stop singing your praises, my Lord and my God.
Footnotes:
[a] sackcloth: A rough, dark-colored cloth made from goat or camel hair and used to make grain sacks. It was worn in times of trouble or sorrow.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Soul Cafe
OOPS!! I'm late getting this posted...
I will be using two of the lectionary readings (I think...)
for Sunday, 8 February, 2009:
Isaiah 40:21-31 http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=100854334
Isaiah 40:21-31 http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=100854334
and
Mark 1:29-39 http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=100854150
(I have added a link to each text so you can read them online.)
Share your thoughts, ideas, connections...
Monday, February 2, 2009
A word of thanks...
I just wanted to say "thank you" to my church family and friends for your prayers and expressions of kindness during our season of loss. The last 12 months have seen significant losses in our family. Through it all, we have been sustained by the love and presence of God, and by how that presence is made real through all of you.
From us to all of you... Thank You!
From us to all of you... Thank You!
Beth, Charles, Gregory and Sharon
Psalm of the Week
Psalm 147:1-11, 20c
The idea: Live with the psalm for the week: read it daily or at least a few times during the week; share any insights, revelations, words of challenge or comfort you receive; share your thoughts with others - either here or Sunday morning during our time of sharing praises and concerns during worship.
Praise the Lord! How good it is to sing praises to our God; for he is gracious, and a song of praise is fitting.
The Lord builds up Jerusalem; he gathers the outcasts of Israel. He heals the brokenhearted, and binds up their wounds. He determines the number of the stars; he gives to all of them their names. Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure. The Lord lifts up the downtrodden; he casts the wicked to the ground. Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; make melody to our God on the lyre. He covers the heavens with clouds, prepares rain for the earth, makes grass grow on the hills. He gives to the animals their food, and to the young ravens when they cry. His delight is not in the strength of the horse, nor his pleasure in the speed of a runner; but the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love.
Praise the Lord!
The New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
The idea: Live with the psalm for the week: read it daily or at least a few times during the week; share any insights, revelations, words of challenge or comfort you receive; share your thoughts with others - either here or Sunday morning during our time of sharing praises and concerns during worship.
Praise the Lord! How good it is to sing praises to our God; for he is gracious, and a song of praise is fitting.
The Lord builds up Jerusalem; he gathers the outcasts of Israel. He heals the brokenhearted, and binds up their wounds. He determines the number of the stars; he gives to all of them their names. Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure. The Lord lifts up the downtrodden; he casts the wicked to the ground. Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; make melody to our God on the lyre. He covers the heavens with clouds, prepares rain for the earth, makes grass grow on the hills. He gives to the animals their food, and to the young ravens when they cry. His delight is not in the strength of the horse, nor his pleasure in the speed of a runner; but the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love.
Praise the Lord!
The New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Psalm for the Week
Psalm 111
The idea: Live with the psalm for the week: read it daily or at least a few times during the week; share any insights, revelations, words of challenge or comfort you receive; share your thoughts with others - either here or Sunday morning during our time of sharing praises and concerns during worship.
Praise the Lord! I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation.
Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them.
Full of honor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures forever.
He has gained renown by his wonderful deeds; the Lord is gracious and merciful.
He provides food for those who fear him; he is ever mindful of his covenant.
He has shown his people the power of his works, in giving them the heritage of the nations.
The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy.
They are established forever and ever, to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.
He sent redemption to his people; he has commanded his covenant forever. Holy and awesome is his name.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever.
The idea: Live with the psalm for the week: read it daily or at least a few times during the week; share any insights, revelations, words of challenge or comfort you receive; share your thoughts with others - either here or Sunday morning during our time of sharing praises and concerns during worship.
Praise the Lord! I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation.
Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them.
Full of honor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures forever.
He has gained renown by his wonderful deeds; the Lord is gracious and merciful.
He provides food for those who fear him; he is ever mindful of his covenant.
He has shown his people the power of his works, in giving them the heritage of the nations.
The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy.
They are established forever and ever, to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.
He sent redemption to his people; he has commanded his covenant forever. Holy and awesome is his name.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Monday, January 19, 2009
Psalm for the Week
The idea: Live with the psalm for the week: read it daily or at least a few times during the week; share any insights, revelations, words of challenge or comfort you receive; share your thoughts with others - either here or Sunday morning during our time of sharing praises and concerns during worship.
Psalm 62
For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall never be shaken. How long will you assail a person, will you batter your victim, all of you, as you would a leaning wall, a tottering fence? Their only plan is to bring down a person of prominence. They take pleasure in falsehood; they bless with their mouths, but inwardly they curse. Selah
For God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. On God rests my deliverance and my honor; my mighty rock, my refuge is in God. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Selah
Those of low estate are but a breath, those of high estate are a delusion; in the balances they go up; they are together lighter than a breath. Put no confidence in extortion, and set no vain hopes on robbery; if riches increase, do not set your heart on them. Once God has spoken; twice have I heard this: that power belongs to God, and steadfast love belongs to you, O Lord. For you repay to all according to their work.
The New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Psalm 62
For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall never be shaken. How long will you assail a person, will you batter your victim, all of you, as you would a leaning wall, a tottering fence? Their only plan is to bring down a person of prominence. They take pleasure in falsehood; they bless with their mouths, but inwardly they curse. Selah
For God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. On God rests my deliverance and my honor; my mighty rock, my refuge is in God. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Selah
Those of low estate are but a breath, those of high estate are a delusion; in the balances they go up; they are together lighter than a breath. Put no confidence in extortion, and set no vain hopes on robbery; if riches increase, do not set your heart on them. Once God has spoken; twice have I heard this: that power belongs to God, and steadfast love belongs to you, O Lord. For you repay to all according to their work.
The New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Flagler County Cold-Weather Shelter Coalition Hero: Rabbi Merrill Shapiro
Rabbi Shapiro of Temple Beth Shalom in Palm Coast, on behalf of the Flagler County Cold-Weather Shelter Coalition, was selected as one of "Jenny's Heroes" and was awarded a $3,000 grant for the Coalition!
The surprise announcement happened in our church office with Rabbi Shapiro talking on speakerphone with former talkshow host Jenny Jones. Also present were members of Temple Beth Shalom: Aaron and Gladys Weiss, Clair Soriea; Gwen Barath, Carla Traister, and new coalition volunteer Lee Wilman.
The best part is that the original grant amount was $1000 - but during the course of the phone call Jenny Jones kept increasing the scope of the award to a GRAND TOTAL OF $3000. The largest single item purchase will be a new computer to be used for Coalition volunteer organizing, access for guests at the shelter to find job oppotunities or to connect with family, and publicity and communications. For more information on "Jenny's Heroes" and the grant presented to Rabbi Shapiro on behalf of the Cold-Weather Shelter Coalition go to: http://www.jennysheroes.com/heroes_20090116_merrills.shtml
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Soul Cafe
Last Sunday we reaffirmed our Baptismal covenant - a dangerous covenant!! A covenant that involves "response-ability" on our part. Now this Sunday we get a story about what comes next... God calling! We hear the story of God calling young Samuel at a time when “the word of the Lord was rare” and “visions were not widespread.”
The text for Sunday, 18 January, 2009, is:
Check it out... post your thoughts!
The text for Sunday, 18 January, 2009, is:
1 Samuel 3.1-10
[also may include verse 11-20]
Check it out... post your thoughts!
Monday, January 12, 2009
Psalm for the Week
Tell me what you think... I thought it may be a good practice to share what the lectionary psalm is each Monday. We can live with the psalm for the week: read it daily or at least a few times during the week; share any insights, revelations, words of challenge or comfort you receive; share your thoughts with others - either here or Sunday morning during our time of sharing praises and concerns during worship.
And lo and behold - this week is one of my all-time favorites! Read on...
Psalm 139
O Lord, you have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from far away. You search out my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, O Lord, you know it completely. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is so high that I cannot attain it.
Where can I go from your spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, you are there. If I take the wings of the morning and settle at the farthest limits of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me fast. 1f I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light around me become night,” even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is as bright as the day, for darkness is as light to you.
For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I know very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes beheld my unformed substance. In your book were written all the days that were formed for me, when none of them as yet existed. How weighty to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! I try to count them—they are more than the sand; I come to the end—I am still with you.
O that you would kill the wicked, O God, and that the bloodthirsty would depart from me—those who speak of you maliciously, and lift themselves up against you for evil! Do I not hate those who hate you, O Lord? And do I not loathe those who rise up against you? I hate them with perfect hatred; I count them my enemies. Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
The New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
And lo and behold - this week is one of my all-time favorites! Read on...
Psalm 139
O Lord, you have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from far away. You search out my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, O Lord, you know it completely. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is so high that I cannot attain it.
Where can I go from your spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, you are there. If I take the wings of the morning and settle at the farthest limits of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me fast. 1f I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light around me become night,” even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is as bright as the day, for darkness is as light to you.
For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I know very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes beheld my unformed substance. In your book were written all the days that were formed for me, when none of them as yet existed. How weighty to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! I try to count them—they are more than the sand; I come to the end—I am still with you.
O that you would kill the wicked, O God, and that the bloodthirsty would depart from me—those who speak of you maliciously, and lift themselves up against you for evil! Do I not hate those who hate you, O Lord? And do I not loathe those who rise up against you? I hate them with perfect hatred; I count them my enemies. Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
The New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Soul Cafe
Here is the scripture reading for Sunday, January 11, 2009:
The Baptism of Jesus
Mark 1:4-11
Don't miss the "Reaffirmation of Our Baptism" service - a service I look forward to every year.
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