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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!
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Thoughts: April 17, 1958
Dear Jerusha, Well, we have had quite a time here in Joppa. Remember when you came from Jerusalem last year to visit Simon and me here in Joppa, and you said it was such a boring little town and nothing ever happened here? Well, I reckon you’d say things were a sight different if you’d been here last week. You remember Tabitha, my neighbor who was always sewing? Tabitha was always making clothes for the sailors’ widows and orphans. She could stitch the straightest seam you ever saw. Well, Tabitha up and died a few days ago, and everybody was right upset. The women laid her out, nice and proper on her bed, and we all mourned for her. Then Leah said she’d heard that Peter was over in Lydda – it’s not far away – and why didn’t we send for him? Well, they sent word to Peter, asking him to come over to Joppa, and he did. He went right up to Tabitha’s room, and Leah ran right to him, crying and showing him the little clothes Tabitha had made. Well, Peter dealt with Leah real quick-like and told her and all the women to go downstairs. They didn’t like it much, but they went. Leah hung back just outside the door, and she heard Peter say, “Tabitha, arise.” Well, Leah said she couldn’t keep from pushing the door open then, and there was Tabitha sitting up and smiling and looking real perky. So everybody was after Peter to stay on awhile, and Simon had to pipe up and say, “You can stay at our place, Peter.” Well, Peter took Simon up on it. Nine days now he’s been here, with people coming and going all the time and me cooking half the night. I tell you, I’m clear worn out. Your loving sister, Zipporah Discussion: What would Peter have written home about his visit to Joppa? Activity: When one of your friends has a house guest who lingers, take your friend a casserole. Remember in prayer this week Martha Blair, Vivian Hansard, and Martha Meyer. The Bible Study at the home of Dale and Mary Jo Johnston will begin next Tuesday, April 19, at 7:00pm. Please register with a phone call or email to either of the Johnstons by this Friday. This Friday between 3:30 and 5:30pm will be the memorial visitation for Gladys Hughes. The Memorial Service will be at 5:30pm in the sanctuary. Per Gladys’ request, please wear something purple. Dinner will follow the service. UMW could use your help. Please call Chris Gullion. This Sunday will be Native American Ministries Sunday. A video will show where your donation goes. The Ministry Fair will be May 1st highlighting activities for May, June, July and August. Please note this date change and notify Tom Stevens of your request for a table. Thoughts: “And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord ….”
Instantly, we have a vivid picture of a man consumed with fury against the Christians. He is ready to travel from Jerusalem to Damascus – 135 miles – to ferret out Christians and bring them back to Jerusalem to be put to death. But during his journey, a light from heaven shines down on Saul, and he falls to the ground. He hears a voice saying, “Saul, Saul, why persecuteth thou me?” Saul has no flippant or defiant answer. Instead, he asks humbly, ” Who art thou, Lord?” He already knows. Discussion: How does Saul instinctively know it is the Lord? Activity: Listen for the Lord’s voice today. Remember in prayer this week Martha Blair, Jackie Braidwood, Vivian Hansard, Eunice and Bill Kraase, and June Lamm. TONIGHT is our FREE CONCERT from the Troy Community Chorus as a Thank You for using our sanctuary for occasional practices. Come between 7:15 and 7:25pm to enjoy a short medley of songs about water. We promise you won’t get wet! THIS THURSDAY at 7:00pm, we are looking forward to a great night of fellowship when Pastor Weatherly brings her knowledge, insight and humor to us through a talk about putting spiritual practices together entitled, “Holy, Wholly, Holy.” You don’t want to miss this special evening and time of fellowship. THIS SATURDAY is the ALL CHURCH TRUSTEE WORK DAY. Please come between 9am and noonfor a task or two. Free donuts and coffee will be provided. You are urged to join MaryJo and Dale Johnston for a small group Bible study beginning Tuesday, April 12, at 7:00pm, at their home, 187 Flicker Street, Rochester hills. The study will continue using the video series entitled “That the World May Know.” Please RSVP to mrmrsjo@comcast.net, or phone 248-289-6662 by April 8. Thoughts: On the evening of his resurrection day, Jesus appeared in the midst of his disciples. They were huddled together in fear. Their memories of Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion, and their desertion of him, must have haunted them. And suddenly – miraculously – here Jesus was among them.
He could have been bitingly sarcastic. “Hey, guys, thanks so much for all your help.” He could have been sadly reproachful. “How could you desert me, after all we’ve been through together?” He could have been coldly angry. “You miserable, cowardly ingrates!” But Jesus greeted his disciples with “Peace be unto you.” Discussion: What should the disciples have responded? Activity: Let us try to deserve this promised peace. Remember in prayer this week Martha Blair, Vivian Hansard, Gladys Hughes, and Martha Meyer. This Thursday at 7:00pm, Connections will be in our theatre for movie night. All are welcome. Friday is the Red Cross Blood Drive from 1:00-6:45pm. Blood is always needed and they take walk-ins. This Sunday is Holy Humor Sunday and Communion. Come ready to laugh and enjoy our worship service. Job Posting: Seeking a Ministries Facilitator Assistant to help meet the needs of Church activities including setup/ greeting the guests/ monitoring the activity/ teardown and/or cleanup. 5 to 17 hrs/wk @ $10/hr. For more information, please contact the Church Office. |
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