The Mustard Seed. Pastor Russell. Great Joy! P a s t o r s C o r n e r

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1 The Mustard Seed December 2014 P a s t o r s C o r n e r How would you define great joy? What would cause you to say I have great joy? What event would bring great joy to Wilmington and / or the street where you live? What would be the consequence of great joy permeating our lives? The scriptures give us a number of occasions of Great Joy that provide us with a measuring rod. When David anointed Solomon to be king the joy of the people was so great the earth seemed to split with their sound and those who wanted to usurp the throne feared (I Kings 1 particularly verse 40). On another occasion, during the reign of Hezekiah, joy was so prevalent that the Passover, a seven day feast, was observed for fourteen days. Such joy had not been known since the time of Solomon (II Chronicles 29 and 30 particularly 30: 21-27). The joy in Jerusalem at the dedication of the wall, expressed by two Thanksgiving Choirs, women, children, rulers and priests, was so great that it was heard afar off (Nehemiah 12: particularly 12: 43). What of the great joy of those who traveled a great distance over a long period of time when they arrived at their destination (Matthew 2:9-11). Imagine approaching a grave to honor the dead to discover that the one who died was not dead but alive. What inexplicable joy would be yours as it was for Mary and Mary Magdalene (Matthew 28: 5-8). Or, consider the disconsolate, grieving travelers on the road to Emmaus. Lost in their grief they failed to recognize the stranger who joined them on their walk. But, when their eyes were opened, what ecstasy, what joy was theirs (Luke 24:13-53 note particularly verses 52 and 53). Have you ever considered the effect of one faithful man on a city? Philip, one of those chosen to serve tables, went to the city of Samaria and preached Christ. The multitudes heeded Philip's words and great joy permeated the city (Acts 8: 4-8). When the people of God heard of those who were being converted as a result of the proclamation of the Gospel, they had great joy (Acts 15: 3). Great Joy! Or consider that Paul had great joy because another, Philemon, loved the brethren and was used of the Lord to refresh the hearts of the saints (Philemon 7). With all these examples of Great Joy let us now consider the angelic message to the shepherds. Have you ever ruminated on this Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.? What are tidings of great joy? How do mere words give you joy? What does the birth of a savior who is Christ the Lord have to do with fear? If these words are tidings of great Joy, does the earth split with the sound, do others hear afar off, is a whole city infected, or are you energized as Mary or as the travelers to Emmaus? The shepherds became energized. They left their flock and with haste went to Bethlehem and searched for the child. Having found the child they spread the glad tidings and glorified God (Luke 2: ). When you hear the words born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord, how do you respond? Does the good news of the coming of the King of Kings, our Savior, energize you with enthusiasm and awe (Acts 2: 40-47)? How do you influence your world? Are others refreshed by you? Do you influence others to the extent that the message you proclaim produces Great Joy? Do you think that the corporate joy of God's people here could cause the earth to split, or be heard afar off? As we reflect on the wonders of the Word made flesh and dwelling among us, let us pause and consider what joy should be ours. The Word took upon Himself flesh so that He could die and destroy him who had the power of death, even the devil. What joy should be ours for death has no more sting and those washed in the blood of the Lamb have life everlasting. Therefore rejoice in the Lord, always. Again, I say rejoice. Pastor Russell

2 P a g e 2 T h e M u s t a r d S e e d 1st Sunday in Advent - Sunday, November 30, nd Sunday in Advent - Sunday, December 7, 2014 NE Brass Band Concert - 3:00 pm 3rd Sunday in Advent - Sunday, December 14, 2014 Christmas Caroling-Save the date, more details following 4th Sunday in Advent - Sunday, December 21, 2014 Potluck Luncheon following Service Christmas Eve - Wednesday, December 24, 2014 Candlelight Service - 7:00 & 11:00 pm Sunday, December 28, 2014 No Sunday School December 21 or 28 Church Theme Ambassadors for Christ All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

3 P a g e 3 What is Reproof? Written by Dianne James II Timothy 3: 16, All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. I have found that reproof is a difficult word to define. Some would say it is scolding or rebuke. But on further searching I have come to understand reproof as a little more than a definition. It seems more like pointing a person in the right direction, using the Bible as your compass. From The Daily Bible Series by William Barclay in The Letters to Timothy, Titus and Philemon, it says The Scriptures are valuable for reproof. It does not mean that the Scriptures are valuable for finding fault: what is meant is that they are valuable for convincing a man of the error of his ways and pointing him on the right path. I don t know about you, but there have been times in my life when I have gone down the wrong path. I wish someone had told me some of the things I was doing wrong. My parents were good people, but they were not learned in the Bible. They Believed and encouraged me to continue with the church, but they did not have Godly counsel. That is a part of reproof, being directed with Godly counsel. It is very important in the church to reprove and be the recipient of reproof when we need it. Very often we are not even aware that we have strayed off the path. That is where our church family becomes so important. They know us and can see that maybe our thinking has changed, or our words have become callous and hurtful. Perhaps we should be showing mercy, but instead we are judging others. It is important to use reproof in our church when necessary. It keeps us strong in God s Word and on the right path. It is also important to reprove with a gentle and meek manner. We do not want to appear proud or all knowing. Without reproof we will be as the world is, just going on to get along, accepting bad behavior so we don t offend someone. I have relied on my church family to direct me in the right ways, to look at everything with a God filter. How does what I do now have an impact on the Kingdom of God? I have not always appreciated reproof at that moment- but on reflection I am always glad to have my eyes opened and to look at a situation in a different light. It has always directed me to reflect on my actions or words. Below are a few places where reproof is used in the Bible and how reproving can be useful. Proverbs 9:8 - Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you, Reprove a wise man and he will love you. Proverbs 13:18 - Poverty and shame will come to him who neglects discipline, But he who regards reproof will be honored. Proverbs 15:31 - He whose ear listens to the life-giving reproof Will dwell among the wise. Matthew 18:15 - "If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother. Proverbs 15:32 - He who neglects discipline despises himself, But he who listens to reproof acquires understanding. Ephesians 4:15 - but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head Christ Hebrews 3:13 - But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called "Today," so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. Proverbs 15:10 - Grievous punishment is for him who forsakes the way; He who hates reproof will die. - See more at: Reproof#sthash.s5ZVdo1Z.dpuf In Service to His Church, John Kunze, Helen Palmer, Karen TenDyke, Pastor Russ, Nina Miranda, Hartwig Schmidt, Dianne James & Ruth Reed

4 P a g e 4 T h e M u s t a r d S e e d This month the Missions Committee is highlighting Margaret Leavister with International Student Ministries at UMass Lowell. Here are a few prayer concerns from Margaret: 1) Hasan, the student from Iraq whom she has mentioned before, who attended one of her English classes last year. Over coffee, after she had ended the class, he openly shared some big doubts he and some of his muslim friends have been having concerning their Isalmic beliefs, these doubts usually brought about in comparing Muslim culture to American culture. A week later, he began seriously worrying about his family back home, as they had to flee to Baghdad to escape the ISIS fighters trying to take over Iraq. 2) Kamali, a student from Pakistan, who started coming to an English class because of Hasan s recommendation. Kamali really enjoyed coming once to church with us, and having lunch at our house afterwards where we had some great conversation about Christianity. 3) There are two more women who joined the Bible study I have for Chinese students wives. One is Julia, who had more spiritual questions than about any other woman in that study before! Not only did Julia become a Christian in a shorter time than most Chinese people I ve know, but, she soon started attending the local Chinese church, where her husband then became a Christian, too! The other is Caixia, actually herself a student in computer science. She s really enjoyed things like the prayer time, when I pray for requests such as her looking for an inexpensive care for her to get around in. And Grace, the woman who has hosted this Bible study in her home for over five years, will be moving soon to SC with her husband, where he got a job relating to the doctorate degree he received, so please pray for them, and their daughter Hannah. Soon after Grace became a Christian, the spiritual gift of hospitality that God gave her has shone like the lovely dinner candles, as she invites so many Chinese women to her house, for the Bible study where she always puts out tea, goodies, etc., and, she s always inviting others over just for meals, with which her good-cook husband likes to stir up some of his good dishes, also! 4) Please pray for my increasingly limited support needs. 5) Lastly, please pray for those international students whom I ll meet at the orientation, as they start at UMass Lowell this year, that God will again open the hearts of those He knows are seeking Him, and that I ll begin by simply showing His love to them, and just befriending them through English classes, bringing them to church and to our home, as well as just listening to their concerns and cares in their own personal lives. Because, no matter what changes happen in this world so full of unexpected, difficult changes, these internationals need to realize, as we do, that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever! (Hebrews 13:8) Here at ISI, we re counting our blessings as we spur forward into a new Academic Year and our next season of ministry. Thank you for all your heart-felt prayers and generous support of ISI over the last Academic Year! With your help, here s what we were able to accomplish from July 1, 2013-June30, Introduce 65,355 international students to the ministry of ISI Cultivate relationships with 24,168 students Disciple 4,324 students Estimate that 9,348 international students have made decisions for Christ Witness 865 become reproducers of their faith both in the US and overseas! Additionally, your contributions have helped ISI close our Fiscal Year in the black for the 10th year in a row! Praise the Lord for His blessing and provision for this ministry! Please be in prayer for Margaret as she ministers to the international students at UMass Lowell. We rejoice with her and hold her up in prayer to share the love of God with those around her. Missions Committee, Lavern Forrest, Marcia Armstrong, Louise Jenkins, Cheryl Diorio

5 The Congregational Church 220 Middlesex Ave Wilmington, MA Moved? Please update your address with the Church Office. Thank you. M u s t a r d S e e d N e w s l e t t e r Pastor: Russell Kent Secretary: Heidi Kumm Music Director: Lydia Okumura Sexton: Don Armstrong January Newsletter Deadline December 24, 2014 Office Hours Mon-Thurs - 9:00-3:00 pm Phone: office@wilcong.org The Mustard Seed - A publication of The Congregational Church in Wilmington, 220 Middlesex Avenue, Wilmington, MA Editor: Heidi Kumm. The Mustard Seed is published monthly, excluding the month of August, to keep members and friends informed of programs of the church and to report news about the congregation. Deadline for copy: Third Wednesday of the month