Rev. Dr. Douglas K. Showalter Scripture: Acts 2:1-8,14-17 First Congregational Church of Falmouth, MA of the UCC May 23, 2010 Copyright 2010
|
|
- Laureen Stephens
- 6 years ago
- Views:
Transcription
1 Rev. Dr. Douglas K. Showalter Scripture: Acts 2:1-8,14-17 First Congregational Church of Falmouth, MA of the UCC May 23, 2010 Copyright 2010 The Spirit Wind of God THIS MORNING I will begin by asking you a question: AWhen you think of God, what images come to your mind?@ --Do you think of God as a divine being, who resides in heaven--somewhere above the clouds? --Do you think of God as one who watches over us humans on earth? As the familiar hymn says: God's eye is on the sparrow, and I know God watches me. --Do you think of God as eternal, omniscient, and all-powerful? As another familiar hymn says: Immortal, invisible, God only wise, in light inaccessible hid from our eyes. All of these descriptions of God have their value. But they also have a problem. The problem is, that they don't go far enough. If you think about it, you=ll realize, that all these images portray God as a being who is distant and passive. They portray God as a spectator of human life, not an active participant and guiding influence in our lives. I AM REMINDED HERE of a story told about two young English girls, who were taken to visit the British Museum in London at the turn of the 20 th century. There, in a gallery, they discovered a massive painting of England=s Queen Victoria, seated on her royal throne. The Queen looked majestic in her sparkling jeweled crown, and her ermine and blue velvet dress, which flowed down onto the floor, all around her. With great dignity, the Queen held the scepter of royal authority in her hand, and her face gazed out, impassively, over the museum's gallery. Looking up at this picture, one young girl wrinkled up her nose and asked: "What does the Queen do?" To that, the other girl replied: "Oh, don't be silly. The Queen doesn't do anything. She just sits there and reigns!" IS THAT HOW WE OFTEN think and talk about God? As though God just sits up there in heaven, and reigns? We say that God resides in heaven. But do we also look to see where God is actively involved on earth, in the present? A seminary professor I once knew, made this point. As he said: All Christians should realize, that God is a local phone call. If we don't
2 Page 2 of 6 know God's grace walking around in blue jeans and tee-shirts, then we don't know God's grace. God is not a pious abstraction. Rather, our God is real and present with us--even in the small and seemingly ordinary events of our daily lives. NOW, IT=S OFTEN SAID that God watches over us humans on earth. That=s an important Christian belief. But consider this. When we humans are suffering, combating evil, or struggling to make a tough decision in our lives, don't we want a God who will do more, than just passively watch us from a distance? It's one thing to watch and feel compassion for sparrows as they fall. It's quite another thing to be there with those sparrows: catching them, mending their broken wings, and guiding them to safety. We humans need a God who does more than just watch us from afar. WE SAY THAT GOD is eternal, omniscient, and all-powerful. We say those things, but do we really believe, that God acts very much in our world? For example: When our bodies are healed, we thank modern medicine. But do we also thank God, for God's healing touch in our lives? When circumstances in our lives turn out well, do we thank God for playing some role in that? Or, do we credit our blessings to just a streak of good luck, or a set of favorable coincidences. A RELIGIOUS PHILOSOPHY called Deism teaches, that God created our world to be like a great clock. Once the mainspring was wound up at the beginning of time, God simply abandoned our world. Thus, as the centuries tick by, our world continues to run under its own power, without any support or guidance from God, who=s long been absent. In Deism=s way of looking at things, there have been no actions of God in our world since it was created, thus no divine ministry or resurrection of Jesus. In sharp contrast to such an absent God, Christianity affirms, that God is present and actively involved in our lives. Some modern Christians come close to Deism in the actual practice of their faith. They may call God all powerful. They may even sing favorite hymns like: Our God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come. But those Christians actually live their lives, as though God is almost always absent. Some of you may remember Joannie Fuller, a beloved member of our church,
3 Page 3 of 6 who passed away years ago. Joannie was the mother of Nancy Porter. One day, Joannie came into my office with a gift. It was a maroon teeshirt, which bore two quotations, which almost looked like graffiti written on a wall. The first quotation said: GOD IS DEAD!--signed NIETZSCHE,[the 19 th century German Philosopher]. And below it, the second quotation said: NIETZSCHE IS DEAD!--signed GOD. As Christians, we may act as though God is dead or completely absent from our lives in our modern day. But we must remember, that our acts do not make it so. In factb-as our faith teaches us--our God is vitally active in our world today, and as close to us, as the very breath we breathe. IN RECENT WEEKS, have you had an opportunity to spend some time out-ofdoors? One day recently, I just stood outside and exulted in some of the beautiful weather May has brought. I enjoyed the warmth of the sun, and rejoiced in the blowing wind which tugged at my clothes, tossed my hair, and made my skin and soul feel so very fresh and alive. I love the wind. I stood watching, as blossoming plants and tree branches bent and swayed with the wind. That wind also brought to mind, summers past, when wind-filled sails sent sail boats coursing across blue ocean waters, which gurgled and foamed in their wakes. IN ANCIENT HEBREW the word for "spirit" also means "wind." To my mind, that was no accident. For as the ancient Hebrews knew, the Spirit of God, really is like the wind. --Like the wind, God's Spirit is invisible and all around us. --Like the wind, God's Holy Spirit is an active power in our world, which never stands still. --Like the wind, God's Spirit is a creative force, which repeatedly stirs and guides our lives, with a new sense of freshness and vitality. THE IMAGE OF GOD as wind is an important one. For it serves as a corrective to all those other images of God, which tend to portray God as only passive and distant from our lives here on earth. B-For, like the wind, God's Spirit keeps our lives from becoming dull and uneventful. --Like the wind, God's Holy Spirit cannot be contained in just one place; nor is it always predictable. --Like the wind, God's Spirit often carries us humans forward, and
4 Page 4 of 6 empowers us, to venture forth and accomplish new things for God. Let's consider a few of the images of God's Spirit as wind, which appear in out Bible. FOR EXAMPLE, according to the first creation story in the Bible: in the beginning of all things, the earth was a formless void, and darkness covered the face of the deep. Yet, like a wind, the Spirit of God hovered over those waters. We can imagine those dark, primeval waters, stirred by God's Spirit Wind. Pushed by the wind, we can imagine those waters, first rippling, then swelling, then frothing into tall waves--until finally the dry land appeared, on the third day of Creation. ACCORDING TO THE IMAGERY in Genesis= second creation story, at the time of creation, God also bent down beside a stream bed, to gather up handfuls of clay. After fashioning that clay into a figure, God blew God=s own breath into the figure=s nostrils, so it would live. Thus, as that second creation story suggests, it was essentially the gift of God's Spirit Wind, which gave us humans life. ALSO, AT THE TIME OF THE EXODUS, God's Spirit Wind caused the sea waters to part, so the Hebrew people could walk across dry land, and be delivered from their terrible slavery in Egypt. ALSO ON THE DAY OF PENTECOST, which we and Christian churches around our world are celebrating today, God's Spirit Wind filled the house in Jerusalem, where the followers of the resurrected Jesus had gathered. Before Jesus= death, he promised his followers, that God's Holy Spirit would soon come upon them. And so it was. As you heard in our scripture reading this morning, from the book of Acts: the house where the disciples and other followers of Jesus were, was suddenly filled with a sound. It was a sound, like the rush of a violent wind from heaven. And, the result of that Spirit Wind experience, was that those followers were both stirred and given power, to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout their world. In the words of the ancient Hebrew prophet Joel, God declares...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. [Acts 2:17] And so it was, and has been, ever since that day, of the first Christian Pentecost.
5 Page 5 of 6 LAST SUNDAY in our church, we witnessed and celebrated, the Confirmation of five young adults in our church family. As those of you who were here then will recall, at the climactic moment in that service, hands were laid on the head of each Confirmand. At that time, I said the following prayer for each Confirmand, using his/her name. As I prayed: Strengthen, O Lord, this your servant...with your heavenly grace, that he/she may continue yours forever, and daily increase in her/him your Holy Spirit, until he/she comes into your everlasting kingdom. Amen. Through that special prayer, our congregation specifically asked God, to send God=s Holy Spirit into the life of each of our Confirmands. We asked that, so our ConfirmandsB-along with the rest of us--will be stirred and empowered to live their lives for Christ. As you can see, at the time of Confirmation, we reached out with faith, not to some impassive, distant God, but rather to our Spirit Wind God, who actively moves through our lives with love, guidance, and dreams and visions for the future. THIS MORNING we will conclude our worship service, by singing the hymn, Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness.@ That=s one of my favorite hymns. It was written in 1978 by a United Church of Christ minister. I think many of you will be pleased to know that this hymn will be included in our church=s new hymnal. That hymn, ASpirit, Spirit of Gentleness,@ is a very appropriate one to sing on this Pentecost Sunday. It=s appropriate, because it emphasizes the actions of God=s Spirit Wind to stir people=s hearts, and thus influence human history. Consider what the four verses of that hymn, say about God=s Spirit: The first verse begins: AYou moved on the waters; you called to the deep...@ It speaks of God=s Spirit at the time of the world=s creation. The second verse beings: AYou swept through the desert; you stung with the sand...@ It speaks of God=s Spirit at the time of the Exodus and when Moses received the 10 Commandments. The third verse begins: AYou sang in a stable, you cried from a hill...@ That verse speaks of God=s Spirit, at the time of Jesus= life and ministry, and at Pentecost. The final, fourth verse beings: AYou call from tomorrow, you break ancient schemes...@ That verse reminds us modern Christians, that--as in the past--god=s Spirit Wind is still in our world, and still
6 Page 6 of 6 moving through our lives, to guide us to a future, which is even better than the past. Today is Pentecost. Today is the birthday of the Christian Church. On this day, let us all notice whatever wind is outside, causing the plants and tree branches to sway. And, let us all pray, that God=s Spirit Wind will always be with us. As we journey through this world, may each of us always be filled, with a deep sense of God's abiding presence, and with God's active love, power, and guidance in our lives. Now let=s sing that hymn, ASpirit, Spirit of Gentleness.@
Hymn: Breathe on Me, Breath of God Book of Praise 389; Common Praise 649; Glory to God 286; New Century 292; United Methodist 420; Voices United 382
June 4, 2017 Fresh Winds Blowing Pentecost Intergenerational Worship Outline Intergenerational Worship Preparation: You may wish to invite the congregation to wear red to celebrate Pentecost. Bring enough
More informationtemple, one they can control or manipulate to give them what they think they want. But our God simply would not be tamed, would not be reduced.
12 I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own, but will speak whatever
More informationFIXER UPPER: III NEW LIFE! Karen F. Bunnell Elkton United Methodist Church May 20, Pentecost
FIXER UPPER: III NEW LIFE! Karen F. Bunnell Elkton United Methodist Church May 20, 2018 Pentecost Acts 2:1-21 John 15:26-27, 16:4b-15 Well, by now, after three weeks, you ve pretty much gotten the idea
More informationPENTECOST SUNDAY DOMINGO DE PENTECOSTÉS
PENTECOST SUNDAY DOMINGO DE PENTECOSTÉS MAY 20, 2018 OPENING HYMN O Holy Spirit, Enter In Christian Worship 184 2 CONFESSION OF SINS M: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
More informationPentecost 10am 24 May 2015
WELCOME TO KNOX CHURCH, DUNEDIN growing in courage to live the Jesus way Pentecost 10am 24 May 2015 Pre service played by Rhys Thorn & Grace Togneri Welcome Introit "Ubi Caritas" (Where charity and Love
More informationRev. Dr. Douglas K. Showalter Scripture: Psalm 74:12-17 First Congregational Church of Falmouth, MA of the UCC June 14, 2009 Copyright 2009
Rev. Dr. Douglas K. Showalter Scripture: Psalm 74:12-17 First Congregational Church of Falmouth, MA of the UCC June 14, 2009 Copyright 2009 In the Beginning God Created... THIS MORNING I will do some Bible
More informationDon t you just love the beauty of the words from the very beginning of the Bible?
1 Epiphany 1 B 2015 Breath, Wind, Spirit Genesis 1: 1-5, Psalm 29, Acts 19: 1-7, Mark 1: 4-11 Don t you just love the beauty of the words from the very beginning of the Bible? In the beginning, when God
More informationRecognize examples of the power of the Holy Spirit in Creation and in sustaining His creation.
Less sson 4 The Spirit in Creation A Christian astronomer was traveling cross-country by train, on his way to deliver a lecture. In his baggage was one of the first battery-powered scale models of the
More informationCELEBRATING THE HOLY SPIRIT IN OUR LIVES
CELEBRATING THE HOLY SPIRIT IN OUR LIVES The Spirit of God rests upon us; the Spirit of God consecrates us, the Spirit of God bids us to go forth in joy to proclaim the Good News of Jesus. Come, Holy Spirit,
More informationGiving me life Job 33:4 The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.
Thank you for Creating Genesis 1:2 The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. Psalms 104:30 When you
More information2. For a Leadership Retreat. 3. For Times of Discernment. 4. For Small Group Meetings (1) 5. For Small Group Meetings (2)
5 Devotions for the Local Church 1. To Open a Meeting 2. For a Leadership Retreat 3. For Times of Discernment 4. For Small Group Meetings (1) 5. For Small Group Meetings (2) Devotions: To Open or Close
More informationCopyright June 3-4, All Rights Reserved. Geist Christian Church
Copyright June 3-4, 2017. All Rights Reserved. Geist Christian Church Title: A Memorial Forever Date: June 3-4, 2017 Preaching: Senior Minister Randy Spleth Scripture: John 20:19-23 Text: Acts 2:1-21 E-mail:
More informationJPII Mission of the Redeemer n. 21
07. The Holy Spirit JPII Mission of the Redeemer n. 21 Through the action of the Holy Spirit the Good News takes shape in human minds and hearts and extends through history. In all of this it is the Holy
More informationPour Out the Spirit Upon All Flesh. Acts 2: Holy Spirit. The Advocate. That third part of the Trinitarian Formula. Big
Pour Out the Spirit Upon All Flesh Acts 2: 1-21 Holy Spirit. The Advocate. That third part of the Trinitarian Formula. Big Fancy Church words to describe something we really don t know much about! If we
More informationPierce keeps having the most terrible nightmares. My mom
Before me there were no created things, Only eternal, and I eternal last. All hope abandon, ye who enter in! DANTE ALIGHIERI, Inferno, Canto III Pierce keeps having the most terrible nightmares. My mom
More informationCHAPTER TWELVE THE HOLY SPIRIT
CHAPTER TWELVE THE HOLY SPIRIT (Catechism nn. 683-747) 133 The Spirit of YHWH Having expressed the Church s faith in God the Father (Catechism n. 198-421), and in Jesus (Catechism n.422-682), the Catechism
More informationThis pamphlet was produced by Leadership Ministries.
This pamphlet was produced by Leadership Ministries. If you would like to learn more about the resources that Leadership Ministries offers, visit us at: www.umcdiscipleship.org/leadership-resources This
More informationThe Red Sea and Desert Journey Exodus 14-16
Page1 The Red Sea and Desert Journey Exodus 14-16 Learning Objectives 1. The children will examine the story of the Israelites as they wandered through the desert and God parting the Red Sea. 2. The children
More informationFOCUS FAITH AND THE HOLY SPIRIT
FOCUS FAITH AND THE HOLY SPIRIT Ask yourself this: What in your life can you truly control? The antidote to fear is faith, and the soundtrack of faith is worship. We must hear Jesus and we must see Jesus.
More informationCONNECTED IN SPIRIT Corona del Mar Community Church, Congregational Rev. Mary Scifres May 20, 2018
CONNECTED IN SPIRIT Corona del Mar Community Church, Congregational Rev. Mary Scifres May 20, 2018 Acts 2:1-20 Pentecost Sunday In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was
More informationSea, Storm, Ship By the Reverend Chuck Williamson
Sea, Storm, Ship By the Reverend Chuck Williamson Mark 4:35-41 As I said, we are building our worship service around this passage in the gospel of Mark which tells of Jesus s stilling the storm. So you
More information2017 Worship Resource
Author The Rev. Dr. Eileen Lindner, senior pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Tenafly, New Jersey, selected excerpts from the Belhar Confession that are to be read as an affirmation of faith and weaves
More informationTHE GLORY OF THE LORD
1 THE GLORY OF THE LORD The Glory of the Lord that Ezekiel saw removed from Israel in Ezekiel 8:4, 9:3, 10:4, 10:18-19 and 11:22-23 will be removed again when the Bride of Christ and the rest of the saved
More informationA Night on the Sea Mark 4:35-41
A Night on the Sea Mark 4:35-41 In our verse-by-verse study of Mark's gospel, today we come to a new section that starts at Mark 4:35 and goes through Mark 5:43. We have the last few weeks looking at the
More informationPower, Purity and Proclamation! Scripture Reading 1 : Acts 2:1-4 NIV
Power, Purity and Proclamation! Scripture Reading 1 : Acts 2:1-4 NIV 1 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from
More informationWATCH OUT FOR THE HOLY SPIRIT!
Acts 2:1-21 May 20, 2018 WATCH OUT FOR THE HOLY SPIRIT! Sometimes I wonder if we, the Christian church, have managed to defang or emasculate the Holy Spirit. It seems to me that our conception of the Holy
More informationpentecost people may saturday Arrival: coffee, cake, live Gospel music and a touch of drama Workshops & activities Closing act of worship
pentecost people 26 saturday may 11.00am 11.45am 12.45pm 1.45pm 2.45pm Arrival: coffee, cake, live Gospel music and a touch of drama Workshops & activities Lunch Workshops & activities Closing act of worship
More informationSt. Bartholomew s Episcopal Church Poway, California
St. Bartholomew s Episcopal Church Poway, California A Celebration of the Holy Eucharist in the Celtic Tradition for the Season after Pentecost: The Wind of the Holy Spirit Saturday, November 24, 2018
More informationThe Word of God for the People of God. Thanks be to God.
22 Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to
More informationUBC BIBLY STUDY 2016 What s His Name? PASTOR B. T. HAILEY SR, INSRUCTOR Ministry in 3D Development, Direction, Deployment in the Spirit
UBC BIBLY STUDY 2016 What s His Name? PASTOR B. T. HAILEY SR, INSRUCTOR Ministry in 3D Development, Direction, Deployment in the Spirit We are able to gain fresh revelation, and keen insight to the person
More informationFaith Lutheran Church. Faithfully Growing, Welcoming, and Caring through Christ 11th Sunday after Pentecost Sunday, August 5, 2018
Faith Lutheran Church Faithfully Growing, Welcoming, and Caring through Christ 11th Sunday after Pentecost Sunday, August 5, 2018 PRELUDE WELCOME ANNOUNCEMENTS CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS P: Blessed be
More informationSt Stephen s Church Up Nately. Flower Festival weekend July 2nd & 3rd Songs of Praise. Sunday July 3rd 6.00pm
St Stephen s Church Up Nately Flower Festival weekend July 2nd & 3rd 2016 Songs of Praise Sunday July 3rd 6.00pm HYMN All people that on earth do dwell (chosen by Juliet Wauchope) All people that on earth
More informationOcean Sunday. (United States Version 1) Introduction. Setting. Special Focus. Themes. Optional Liturgies
Ocean Sunday (United States Version 1) Introduction Ocean refers to the masses of waters that cover two thirds of Earth s surface, along with the seven seas and the watery deeps where a myriad of species
More informationWhat Kind of King is Jesus? Lenten Sermon Series: The Final Week Mark 11:1-11
What Kind of King is Jesus? Lenten Sermon Series: The Final Week Mark 11:1-11 Rev. Michael D. Halley February 14, 2016 Suffolk Christian Church Suffolk, Virginia First Sunday in Lent ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
More informationUp and Down/Mountaintop of Commandment Page 1 of 8. Up and Down The Mountain of Commandment Selections from Matthew 5-7
Up and Down/Mountaintop of Commandment Page 1 of 8 Up and Down The Mountain of Commandment Selections from Matthew 5-7 INTRODUCTION TO THE SERIES The rugged Alps of Europe. The Grand Tetons. The gentle
More informationHe Still Speaks. Hebrews 11:4. He Still Speaks
He Still Speaks Hebrews 11:4 He Still Speaks Based on an article by Jim McGuiggan. Jim McGuiggan September 22, 2018 at 10:00 pm Categories: REFLECTIONS ON THIS AND THAT URL: https://wp.me/ p6v8dl-1yk Genesis
More informationThe Attributes of God
He Alone Is God And there is no other God besides Me, A just God and a Savior; there is none besides Me. (Isaiah 45:21c) Jesus, in praying to His Father for His disciples, prayed: And this is eternal life,
More informationInstead, we say Holy Spirit, or Spirit of God. But notice that in this text, Spirit is God s very nature. God IS Spirit.
God is Spirit Isaiah 61: 1-4, Psalm 104, John 4: 21-24 Our text from John 4 is about God, as Spirit; it s also about worship. Let s reflect this morning about these two dimensions of this text. First,
More information"A Simple Trust in God"
Rev. Dr. Doug Showalter Copyright 2011 The Church of the Pilgrimage, Plymouth, MA July 10, 2011 Scriptures: Isaiah 43:1-3a; Mark 4:35-41 "A Simple Trust in God" IT WAS A BUSY DAY for Jesus. He had spent
More informationQuestions and Answers
Questions and Answers Session Eight The Holy Spirit Hebrew Ruach ; Greek Pneuma Breath, Wind, Spirit In the Bible the word for spirit is ruach in Hebrew and pneuma in Greek. Both words can refer to spirit,
More informationThe Apostle Peter in the Four Gospels
1 The Apostle Peter in the Four Gospels By Joelee Chamberlain Once upon a time, in a far away land, there was a fisherman. He had a brother who was also a fisherman, and they lived near a great big lake.
More informationWhen Do You Become A Christian? 1 Corinthians 13
When Do You Become A Christian? 1 Corinthians 13 Just when do you become a Christian? For some the answer is easy. They remember the exact day and time. Indeed, some write down the date in their Bibles
More informationcell outlines FEBRUARY 2019
cell outlines FEBRUARY 2019 These Cell Outlines are written by Youth and Children s Ministries. They are available every month from our web site. For more information and other Cell resources, visit salvationarmy.org.uk/children-and-youth-resources
More informationMaterials: Online video clip, Prayer Pictures of Jesus praying Picture of Moses and burning bush Copies of I AM Lord s Prayer
The I AM Lord s Prayer Sunday Service Children s Story Materials: Online video clip, Prayer Pictures of Jesus praying Picture of Moses and burning bush Copies of I AM Lord s Prayer Preparations: Because
More informationMore to Good News than Resurrection
Rev. Rebecca Schlatter Liberty Sermon preached at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Bangor, ME May 21, 2017 Sixth Sunday of Easter Texts: Acts 17:22-31, John 14:1-15-21 In Children s Time, we talked about wrapping
More informationUnit 2. Spelling Most Common Words Root Words. Student Page. Most Common Words
1. the 2. of 3. and 4. a 5. to 6. in 7. is 8. you 9. that 10. it 11. he 12. for 13. was 14. on 15. are 16. as 17. with 18. his 19. they 20. at 21. be 22. this 23. from 24. I 25. have 26. or 27. by 28.
More informationThe Spirit Acts 2 The Church at Canyon Creek, Austin, Texas Monty Watson, August 26, 2018
The Spirit Acts 2 The Church at Canyon Creek, Austin, Texas Monty Watson, August 26, 2018 THE SPIRIT 2:1-21 Your glory, God, is what our hearts long for, to be overcome by Your presence, Lord. 1 Holy Spirit,
More informationLIGHT FOR THE JOURNEY V REJECTING FALSE GODS Ordinary Time Exodus 32:1-14
Ordinary Time Exodus 32:1-14 A Sermon Preached by Pastor Peter Ilgenfritz University Congregational United Church of Christ Seattle, Washington 98125 October 15, 2017 Scripture: Last Sunday we remembered
More informationDay of Pentecost 10:30 Affirmation of Baptism & Holy Communion
St. John s Lutheran Church June 4, 2017 Day of Pentecost 10:30 Affirmation of Baptism & Holy Communion Today s festival derives its name from the Jewish festival of Pentecost, observed fifty days after
More informationNovena of St. Joseph March 10 - March 18
Novena of St. Joseph March 10 - March 18 Leader: Come, let us adore Christ, the Son of God, who deigned to be considered the son of Joseph. All: Come, let us adore Christ, the Son of God, who deigned to
More informationYou Will Be Baptized with the Holy Spirit - Part 1
Hope Christian Church D. Todd Cravens 15 May 2016 Sermon Series: Jesus Said What? You Will Be Baptized with the Holy Spirit - Part 1 Pentecost Sunday (Acts 1:4-5 ESV) 4 And while staying with them he ordered
More informationPart 3: Overcoming Worry Text: 1 Peter 5:6-7 Care and Bridging Pastor Dan Slagle
OVERCOME Part 3: Overcoming Worry Text: 1 Peter 5:6-7 Care and Bridging Pastor Dan Slagle 1. Think about how you handle worry or anxiety. a. Do you tend to worry? If so, what most frequently about? b.
More informationOnce upon a time, in the heart of the Western Kingdom, lay a beautiful garden. there, in the cool of the day the Master of the garden used to walk.
NOBLE BAMBOO (From The Book of Songs of Waley) Note: This touchy Story or allegory of NOBLE BAMBOO is very rich in ideas and applications. It can be applied also to Jesus life and work. Jesus Christ is
More informationFor hundreds of years, God s people had lived as slaves
4 WEEK Israelites Long for Egypt Exodus 16:2-21; 17:1-7 MEMORY VERSE Luke 12:15 NIrV For hundreds of years, God s people had lived as slaves in Egypt. Life was difficult, but the Egyptians wanted their
More informationCHAPTER 2. Personal God. KEY IDEA I believe God is involved in and cares about my daily life.
CHAPTER 2 Personal God KEY IDEA I believe God is involved in and cares about my daily life. KEY VERSE I lift up my eyes to the mountains where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker
More informationEVIDENCES OF CREATION Compiled by Lewis A. Armstrong Genesis 1:6-8
Genesis 1:1-2 1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face
More informationSeek Ye First 1 of 2
Seek Ye First 1 of 2 #0192 Study given by W.D. Frazee - December 08, 1978 There are various ways to study the Bible. Starting with Genesis 1 and reading on through to the last page of Revelation is a wonderful
More informationLesson 3: The Creation. Lesson 3: The Creation, Primary 6: Old Testament, (1996),9
Lesson 3: The Creation Lesson 3: The Creation, Primary 6: Old Testament, (1996),9 Purpose To increase your appreciation for the earth that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ created for us. Lesson 3: The
More informationTogether Time God Made a World for People: Genesis 1:1-25
Lesson 1 God Made a World for People: Genesis 1:1-25 This week your child learned about God s creation of the world and everything in it. Your child learned that we can worship God for who He is and what
More informationJesusAsks WEEK 4 / SON OF MAN, CAN THESE BONES LIVE?
WEEK 4 / SON OF MAN, CAN THESE BONES LIVE? DAY 1 Karen Kirk This week we will be taking a closer look at Ezekiel s vision of what is commonly called The Valley of Dry Bones READ: EZEKIEL 37:1-14 Please
More informationAll-Age Service Sunday 6 August 2017 The Transfiguration of Christ
All-Age Service Sunday 6 August 2017 The Transfiguration of Christ The service is led by Ben Merrell and the All-Age team Welcome and Notices We come from scattered lives to meet with God. Let us recognize
More informationGod Parts the Red Sea Lesson Aim: To show God has made a way for us to be saved. (Salvation Message)
Teacher s Guide: Ages 6-7 God of Wonders Part 2: Genesis through Joshua Unit 8, Lesson 42 God Parts the Red Sea Lesson Aim: To show God has made a way for us to be saved. (Salvation Message) THE WORSHIP
More informationI WILL LIFT YOU UP ON EAGLE'S WINGS
I WILL LIFT YOU UP ON EAGLE'S WINGS By Jim & Cindy Harman When the disciples asked Jesus about His return for them, He gave us an interesting parable that is recorded by both Matthew and Luke: "For wheresoever
More informationThe Blessed Virgin Mary, Star of the Sea Liturgy Guide
The Blessed Virgin Mary, Star of the Sea Liturgy Guide A S Apostleship of the Sea MOST REV. BRENDAN J. CAHILL BISHOP PROMOTER BISHOP OF THE DIOCESE OF VICTORIA, TX PREPARED BY APOSTLESHIP OF THE SEA PASTORAL
More informationamazing the sanctuary looks all dressed in red (but it does look amazing, doesn t it?!?).
When the Spirit Moves Acts 2:1-21 First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) May 20, 2018 Rev. Jill Cameron Michel Today is one of my favorite days in the Christian year. And this is about more than
More informationCreed: The Holy Spirit
Creed: The Holy Spirit The hand of the LORD came upon me, and he brought me out by the spirit of the LORD and set me down in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. He led me all around them; there
More informationOld Testament GOD S WORD. One Year Plan. Created for use with young, unchurched learners Adaptable for all ages.
Old Testament One Year Plan Created for use with young, unchurched learners Adaptable for all ages. Mission Arlington Mission Metroplex Curriculum for 2011 Lesson 16 Page 1 OLD TESTAMENT LESSON 16 THE
More informationGifts from the JESSE TREE. Sticker Fun for You and Your Family
Gifts from the JESSE TREE Sticker Fun for You and Your Family DAY 1 Let s start! Do you ever think of trees as a gift? They are one of God s most important gifts! Trees help breathe out the oxygen we need.
More informationCHRIST S ABIDING PRESENCE
Lesson 9, CHRIST S ABIDING PRESENCE 1 CHRIST S ABIDING PRESENCE When a person becomes a Christian, and, as the living of the Christian life unfolds and develops, it quickly becomes apparent how much one
More informationWho is This Host? All Saints Sunday, Nov 2, 2014 Pastor Kristen Larsen-Schmidt
Who is This Host? All Saints Sunday, Nov 2, 2014 Pastor Kristen Larsen-Schmidt 1 John, 3: 1-3. See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are.
More informationFaith Chapter: Hebrews 11
Date: Series: Great Chapters of the Bible School Year 2, Lesson 44 Faith Chapter: Hebrews 11 Take Home Point: *Trust God with your future. *Repeat this phrase throughout the lesson. Bible Event: Hebrews
More informationSafe in a Shipwreck. Bible Story Acts 27. God s Word. God s Word and Me
Safe in a Shipwreck Bible Story Acts 27 Teacher Challenge Over days and days of rolling and pitching in endless wind and water, the passengers and crew gave up all hope of being saved from the storm-tossed
More informationPENTECOST IN GOD S PLAN OF REDEMPTION
PENTECOST IN GOD S PLAN OF REDEMPTION Acts 2:1-45 Happy SHAVUOT! This is the way a Jewish person would greet you on this day. Shavuot is what the Jewish people called The Festival of Weeks. Shavuot means
More informationIsrael Complains Exodus 13:17-16:16
Israel Complains Exodus 13:17-16:16 2 The Israelites left Egypt. As they were travelling Moses took a baby in his hands and held him up for all to see. Remember what happened here. Tell this to your children
More informationBook of Revelation Study Part 4
Book of Revelation Study Part 4 The Throne Room of God John is invited to step beyond the realm of the natural into the Throne Room of God. Note that it was located through a door. The Heavenly realm is
More informationAs I think about Paul s Letter to the Galatians I am reminded of a story from the Cherokee Nation. It goes like this:
Freed to Bear Fruit (the fourth in our series Choose Freedom: Paul s Letter to the Galatians) Galatians 5:1,13-25; Psalm 16:5-11 June 26, 2016 As I think about Paul s Letter to the Galatians I am reminded
More informationEven upon my slaves, both men and women, in those days I will pour out my Spirit; and they shall prophesy.
2 When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were
More informationPENTECOST Sermon, Year A, Numbers 11:24-30 Psalm 104:25-35, 37 Acts 2:1-21 John 20:19-23
PENTECOST Sermon, Year A, 2014 St. Alban s Episcopal Church of Bexley, Ohio The Rev. Dr. Susan M. Smith Numbers 11:24-30 Psalm 104:25-35, 37 Acts 2:1-21 John 20:19-23 Almighty God, on this day you opened
More informationGod-Breathed Genesis 2:7; 2 Timothy 3:14-17 October 8, 2017
God-Breathed Genesis 2:7; 2 Timothy 3:14-17 October 8, 2017 Prayer: Stir in us now, Holy Spirit, a willingness to hear, the desire to know the truth and the courage to follow in joyful obedience, that
More information4. (20 min) LARGE GROUP: Gather for songs and videos with other kids. Then return to class to finish this guide.
LEADER S GUIDE Lesson Overview In today s lesson, we re learning about what happened after the Israelites were freed from slavery. Remember, God sent Moses back to Egypt to free his people. Pharaoh didn
More informationI AM HERE By Rev. Will Nelken
I AM HERE By Rev. Will Nelken Presented at Trinity Community Church, San Rafael, California, on Sunday, October 25, 2009 The Gospel of Mark, though it reviews many of the same events in the life of Jesus,
More informationWEEK ONE BAPTIZED: THE OUTPOURING OF THE SPIRIT
WEEK ONE BAPTIZED: THE OUTPOURING OF THE SPIRIT When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the
More informationThe Love of God: Part 1. Rev. Terri Hill. Traditional 09/07/08
The Love of God: Part 1 Rev. Terri Hill Traditional 09/07/08 Exodus 34:5-7 Nehemiah 9:16-21, 32 Psalm 136:1-9 Hosea 11:1-9 Luke 15:11-24 Romans 5:5-8; 8:37-39 1 John 4:7-19 Revelation 1:4-8 I ve been preaching
More informationWas John the Baptist the Elijah Spoken of in Malachi 4:5&6?
Was John the Baptist the Elijah Spoken of in Malachi 4:5&6? Malachi 4:5 (ESV) Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the LORD comes. Malachi 4:6 (ESV) And he will
More informationThe Spirit and the Old Testament
The Spirit and the Old Testament Often when the person and work of the Holy Spirit comes up for discussion there seems to be this assumption that while the Spirit is very active in the New Testament, his
More informationHeaven s Ultimate Reward
Heaven s Ultimate Reward Grade Levels: K - 2 Objective: To portray heaven as a real and beautiful place, where Jesus wants to take us when He comes again. In This Lesson Plan: Audio Story: The First Vision
More informationHeaven s Ultimate Reward
Heaven s Ultimate Reward Grade Levels: 1, 2 Objective: To portray heaven as a real and beautiful place, where Jesus wants to take us when He comes again. In This Lesson Plan: Audio Story: The First Vision
More information!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thrive. Not Just Survive. A 12-Week Book of Quotes. IE Works Kingwood, Texas
1 Thrive. Not Just Survive. A 12-Week Book of Quotes IE Works Kingwood, Texas 2 3 2015 J. Chad Barrett Quotes may be used to inspire others to simply and relentlessly trust our God who is bigger. :) #ThriveNotJustSurvive
More informationBuy A Wedding party Dress
Buy A Wedding party Dress Every year, we have to attend many parties. Wedding party, birthday party, anniversary party... Friends and relatives go together to celebrate for one thing. I like party very
More informationExpect Rewards. Lesson
Lesson 8 Expect Rewards Do you know of a street or building that has been named to honor a person? Look around you and see that streets, buildings, planes, airports, boats, towns, villages, rivers, and
More informationI wonder what the fishermen of old, say in Jesus' time, called the big water...
GREEN WATER OVER THE BOW PENTECOST 7--6-24-18 THE REV BRIAN BACKSTRAND When you talk to boaters, sooner or later, they will talk about "the big one," either the time they hit the rocks (or as the Brits
More informationPrayer and Prayerful Action
40 Days of Prayer and Prayerful Action Tuesday 29 May Saturday 7 July Uniting Church in Australia President-elect Dr Deidre Palmer invites all UCA members into 40 days of prayer and action in the lead
More informationLEARNING TO INTERPRET REVELATION
16-03- 30 LEARNING TO INTERPRET REVELATION Rev. 13:1-2 Page 1 LEARNING TO INTERPRET REVELATION Rev. 13:1-2 Introduction: It has been three weeks since we have been able to look at The Revelation together,
More informationNew! Learn the Psalms Format 2006
New! Learn the Psalms Format 2006 This year we will follow the same basic calendar of hymns as we have in previous years. But this year we will not aim to sing and read the entire Psalter. Instead we will
More informationPeter: Wow He just said it and it happened. He didn't have to connect any wires or turn on the switch or anything!
Puppets Day 1: Genesis 1:1-5 Peter: Hi Lilly Lilly: Hi Peter what do you have there? Peter: It's a Bible; I was given it for my Birthday. I've never had a Bible before. Lilly: I love reading Bible stories
More informationThe Lord God Almighty
The Lord God Almighty Sunday school lesson for the week of April 22, 2018 By Dr. Hal Brady Spring Quarter: Acknowledging God Unit 2: All Glory and Honor Lesson Scripture: Revelation 4:1-6, 8-11 Lesson
More informationout of the Garden of Eden
Advent Lessons and Carols 2018 The First Lesson (Genesis 3:1-21) Reader: Adam and Eve rebel against God and are cast out of the Garden of Eden Now the serpent was more crafty than any other wild animal
More informationJob 9:4 God is wise in heart and mighty in strength. Who has hardened himself against Him and prospered?
Only Wise God To God our Savior, Who alone is wise, Be glory and majesty, Dominion and power, Both now and forever. Amen. Jude 1:25 Wisdom belongs to God and is translated to us by His Spirit. It impacts
More informationHOPE REFORMED CHURCH SOUTH HAVEN, MICHIGAN OCTOBER 6, :00 PM
1 HOPE REFORMED CHURCH SOUTH HAVEN, MICHIGAN OCTOBER 6, 2013 6:00 PM 2 It s All About Grace Welcome Prayer We give you thanks, our Father, for you have enabled us to share in the inheritance of the saints
More informationSermons from The Church of the Covenant
June 3, 2018 3 rd Sunday of Pentecost Sermons from The Church of the Covenant The Places We Go The Rev Amy Starr Redwine The Church of the Covenant Presbyterian Church (USA) 11205 Euclid Avenue Cleveland,
More information