Trinity United Methodist Church Newsletter

Transcription

1 Trinity United Methodist Church Newsletter 2084 Wilson Pike Franklin, TN Pastor Dennis Meaker: August 17, 2016 Understanding the Old Testament Moses and the Exodus 7 Then the LORD said, I have observed the misery of my people who are in Egypt; I have heard their cry on account of their taskmasters. Indeed, I know their sufferings, 8 and I have come down to deliver them from the Egyptians Exodus 3:7-8 If asked to describe the overriding theme for the Bible many people would probably emphasize the theme that God loves the world and its people. Without a doubt, many texts in scripture support that interpretation. Yet God s love as portrayed in scripture is complex. It is not an abstract idea but a concept given substance in action and driven by a powerful sense of justice. That sense of justice was alluded to in the stories of Noah and Sodom and Gomorrah but for me, in a very unsatisfactory way. Here in Exodus we see the nature of God s love blended with God s sense of Justice. God has heard the cries of the people of Israel because of the oppression by the Egyptians and has come down to deliver the people from slavery. From this point forward the reader of the Old Testament will find references to the Exodus phrased in this manner: Once we were slaves, but God heard our cries and freed us. Indeed, the Apostle Paul offers much the same formula: Once we were slaves to sin, but God heard our cries and freed us through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. See, e.g. Romans 6: From this point forward there are also repeated reminders that God hears the cries of those we oppress. The people of Israel translated their experience of God freeing them from slavery to a theology predicated on the concept that God is a God of Justice and will act to stop the oppression of others, even if the oppression takes place by those who worship God. From this point forward the people of Israel see the world through the lens of the Exodus and the proclamation, Once we were slaves but God heard our cries and delivered us. The call of Moses also sets a pattern followed throughout the rest of scripture. Moses is not some demigod capable of battling armies with his bare fists. Moses is revealed to us as flawed and insecure, possibly one who cannot speak without stuttering. He is also a fugitive murderer. Like Abraham and Jacob before him, he seems an unlikely pick for an agent, or prophet of God. But, as we will see time and again throughout scripture, God chooses the most unlikely persons as prophets. I encourage you to take a few moments this week and re-read Chapter 3 of Exodus and enjoy the unintentionally humorous exchange between Moses and God as God patiently works to overcome each of Moses objections. The story of Exodus is too long and dramatic to cover in a newsletter article, and I encourage you to reread it. But one event of the story deserves mention because it is often referenced throughout the rest of the Old Testament. The last of the Ten Plagues of Egypt was the death of the firstborn of every family. Although

2 the killing of the firstborn is often attributed to the Angel of Death, scripture reflects that it was God who executed the firstborn. See e.g. Exodus 12:27. But, the homes of the People of Israel were passed over because they were marked with the sign of God. It is in Exodus that the Passover Feast is first described and it is the celebration of the Passover that has marked the unity of the Jewish people for over four thousand years. Finally, it is important to note that, although Moses was the human leader of the Exodus, the theological understanding of the People of Israel is that God led the people from Egypt. God was present as a Pillar of Cloud by Day and a Pillar of Fire by night. Exodus 13:21. The visible presence of God was with the people from the moment they began the Exodus to the time that they entered the Promised Land. Very Special Music This Sunday Our worship this Sunday will be enriched by the musical gifts of the Nashville Singers. Hope to see everyone in worship. Preacher, What Does the Bible Say about? From the time I came to Trinity I have stated on numerous occasions that I am willing to consider a sermon, or sermon series, on any subject that is of concern. I want to reaffirm that offer since it s been a while since I have stated it. If there is a subject upon which you would like me to preach I will consider it. If I do not think it appropriate for a sermon I will explain why. It might also be appropriate to address some issues as part of a Newsletter article or series or as part of the Sunday School curriculum. But, if at all possible, I will seek to speak to these issues that are of interest on Sunday morning. One purpose of worship is to contemplate our relationship with God and if something is bothering you it is likely bothering others as well. New Disciple Bible Study Disciple Bible Study is a powerful experience that can open the bible up for the participants. I would be willing to begin a new class this September if at least seven people desired to undertake the 34 week study. I could do this study on Monday or Tuesday nights between 7 and 9. If participants would prefer to meet on a week day that could also be arranged. In years past I have also taught Disciple Bible Study between 7 and 9 AM Sunday mornings. If you are interested please contact me at the Church. If you desire additional information for yourself or to give to a friend I have some explanatory booklets available. Thursday Morning Bible Study The Thursday Morning Bible Study Group has voted to take a break for the summer. We will begin again on August 25 th at 10:00 AM. At that time we will start a study of Philippians. Prayer Ministry The following persons are part of the prayer ministry at Trinity UMC: Elva Beard Larry Eastwood Leslie Eastwood 2

3 Rachel Newman Kenneth Stevens Patricia Stevens Sam Richardson Judy Richardson Charles Wilson The members of the prayer ministry of Trinity United Methodist church covenant with one another to pray daily for: - Those concerns on the prayer list of the Church and for healing of body and spirit for all persons listed; - For each ministry of the church that each ministry would work to bring the Gospel to those within our community and most especially to bring the Gospel to those who have not yet accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior; - For all the members of the Trinity UMC community that they be led and enabled to live as the Body of Christ; - For our local community and all its needs, especially for those who are struggling with the burden of poverty; - For our nation and our world that God help lead the people of the world to live in peace with God s Kingdom. If you would like to be a part of this ministry (or if you have already spoken to me about it and were inadvertently left off the list) please let me know and I will see that you are added. Up-Coming Sermons August 21 st : Sermon: Clergy Robs and Clown Suits. How absurd for one sinner to stand before a room of sinners and declare, Thus sayeth the Lord God! My texts are Luke 13:10 17 and Jeremiah 1:4 10. August 28: Sermon: The Un-dinner Party. What do you do when you give a massive dinner party but nobody comes? My texts are Hebrews 13:1 8, and Luke 14: Worship Leaders August 21 Erin McKibben, Liturgist JoAnn Harper and Pat Moran, Greeters Larry Eastwood and Linda Robinson, Ushers August 28 Rachel Newman, Liturgist Dorise and Bill LeCates, Greeters Maurice and Joyce Edwards, Ushers A brief Administrative Council meeting will take place immediately after church this Sunday. The Finance Committee needs discussion and a vote on issues of Insurance and Maintenance. All church members are encouraged to attend this meeting. GraceWorks has a shortage on many items in our food pantry, and we need your help restocking it! Here is a list of some very critical items needed in our food pantry: Critical Needs: Canned green vegetables (not green

4 beans), Canned beans, Canned meat (not tuna), Cereal, Hamburger Helper type boxed meals, Soup. Please support this important ministry with your regular donations. The box is located beside the side door. Parents Night Out: Going forward, Parents Night Out will take place the first Friday of every month. However, the next event will be September 10 which is the second Friday. This is a one-time-only change from the first Friday. Please make your friends and neighbors aware of this opportunity. Hosts and Hostesses for First Sunday Lunch: Please see the sign-up sheet on the bulletin board. Please add your name to host this occasion for the coming months. The Nanette Crowell Companions in Christ Sunday School Class is both learning and enjoying a series of videos, narrated by Ray Vanderlann. The videos as well as the narration take place in ancient lands described in the Old Testament. We enjoy discussion about what we are learning and the application of the lessons to our lives. We enjoy fellowship beginning at 9:45 with our study beginning at 10:00. All are welcome to join us as we pursue Biblical truths and the application for our lives. Birthdays in August Mike Rohrig, Chuck McKibben, Stacy Bell, Lyndsay Stafford, Jan Bell, Charles Wilson, Dana Bauguess Happy Birthday to each of you! 4

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