John 13:31-35

Thoughts:          We who are old and gray and full of sleep remember when the word “love” was used sparingly.  It was not flung about like handfuls of rice at a just-married couple.  The devotion between my parents was deep and absolute, but I never heard them say “I love you” to each other.
 
The movie “Hoosiers” was set in the 1950’s, and it was – for the most part – a faithful reflection of a small, basketball-crazy Indiana town.  Coach Gene Hackman, however, had one startling line before the state championship game.  He and his undersized, over-achieving team were gathered in the locker room.  After one or two final reminders, the coach said softly, I love you guys.”
 
Jesus and his disciples are partaking of the Last Supper.  Jesus tells them that Judas will betray him and tells Judas, “that thou doest, do quickly.”  Judas leaves.
 
Jesus tells his remaining disciples that he has a new commandment for them – “That ye love one another, as I have loved you…”
 
I love you guys.
 
Discussion:        What neighbors do we find hard to love, as we love ourselves?
 

Activity:              Find one lovable quality in one of these neighbors.

Remember in prayer this week Martha Blair, Brian Drake, Vivian Hansard and Bill and Eunice Kraase.
 
This Thursday at 7:00pm, Connections will be viewing the movie Matters of Faith in our own “cinema” downstairs in the church.  The movie is about a young girl who goes off to college and has a very popular professor who teaches evolution…the story reflects the struggles of the teachings by the young girl and her father.  All welcome!