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Thoughts: “… They watched him.” How tiresome it must have been for jesus – to be watched constantly by the Pharisees! They were always hoping Jesus would make a mistake, that he would break one of the myriad rules they had written. Perhaps he would use the wrong spoon for his soup, or he would sit down before the host did. If Jesus made the slightest misstep, the Pharisees were ready to pounce.
At wedding feasts, the guests were seated according to their importance. Jesus reminded his fellow guests at the chief Pharisee’s home that it was always wise to take a place in the lowest room. Then, if your host wished you to have a more honored place, he would seat you there. At the least, you would avoid the embarrassment of being downgraded. Why not make place cards with each guest’s name written on one? And perhaps a question inside each place card?? Discussion: Do you remember an occasion when you felt you were being closely watched by critical eyes? Activity: Watch the guests in your home with affection, and make them feel welcome in every way. ______________________________________________________________________________________ Remember in prayer this week Audrey Cowsert, Bob & Vivian Grusnick, Vivian Hansard, Betty Kalvoda, Bill & Eunice Kraase, and Thelma Welbaum. Tonight is the August meeting of Church Council. Welcome back church leaders and all interested members. This Sunday in the CLC you may have your blood pressure checked. You may also sign up with Julie Olsavsky to help Big Beaver UMC and St. Stephen’s Episcopal with South Oakland Shelter in September.
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Thoughts: My brother John was drafted into the Army in 1953 and stationed at Fort Knox, Kentucky. On the first Sunday he could have visitors, our family went to see him.
Now for our family to miss church on Sunday was like a fish missing water. My mother carefully explained to my sister and me that Jesus had said, “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath.” She concluded, “Today John is the man.” Discussion: Jesus called the woman he healed “a daughter of Abraham.” Why is this significant? Activity: Choose a man or woman or child for next Sunday and sweeten this person’s life with your special attention. ___________________________________________________________________ Remember in prayer this week Francis Corera, Audrey Cowsert, Vivian Hansard, Millie Parker, and Thelma Welbaum at Heartland and June Lamm on her 98th birthday,Thursday, August 18th. Don’t forget this this Friday is our Red Cross Blood Drive. Make an appointment, bring a friend, or just walk in between 1:00 and 6:30pm. This Sunday is Outdoor Worship with Communion. Bring a lawn chair for your comfort. We will have additional chairs set up. Thoughts: Biblical scholars are unsure who was the author of the book of Hebrews. This author knew the Old Testament well, citing people from these scriptures as shining examples of faith.
Some of these people are immediately familiar to us; others are more obscure. Can you match these seven Old Testament people with their brief descriptions? ____ Gideon a. harlot who protected two Israeli spies ____ Samuel b. general who defeated the Ammonites ____ David c. judge who delivered Israel from the Midianites ____ Rahab d. general who led Israel against the Cananites ____ Barak e. man who was known for his great strength ____ Jephthah f. second king of Israel ____ Samson g. prophet and judge Discussion: Who of these seven people – in your opinion – is most admirable? Activity: Choose a lesser known person and learn about him or her. ____________________________________________________________________________________________Remember in prayer this week Judy Conley, Audrey Cowsert, Vivian Hansard, Betty Kalvoda (knee surgery), Sandy Northey, Mildred Parker, Chris Weemhoff at home, Thelma Welbaum at Heartland, and the family of Randy Wilson on the death of his father THIS SATURDAY PLEASE COME TO CHURCH FROM 9:00 TO NOON TO HELP OUR TRUSTEES SPRUCE UP, FIX UP, PAINT UP, AND TAKE CARE OF SOME SUMMER TASKS BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE. REFRESHMENTS WILL GREET YOU, STAY FOR ONE HOUR, TWO HOURS OR THREE HOURS. WE NEED YOUR HELP. Thoughts: “Standing on the Promises” is an old and rather raucous hymn, with too much repetition and daunting octave leaps. We seldom sing it now.
Perhaps it was inspired by Hebrews 11, and the timeless stories of several people from the Old Testament. Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, and Sarah are named as people who had faith. When Abel was a young man, he was killed by his jealous older brother Cain. Enoch “walked with God, and he was not, for God took him.” Noah built an ark, as commanded by God, and he survived the flood, but then he fell into a drunken stupor and was shamed by his son Ham. God repeatedly promised Abraham that he would be the father of nations, but he was not the father of a legitimate son until he was 100 years old. His wife Sarah suffered the ignominy of being known as a barren wife until she was 90 years old. These five people died in faith, “…not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them …” Discussion: What promise from the Bible comes first in your memory? Activity: I’ll call you. I’ll write that recommendation you need. I’ll send you that recipe. I’ll lend you that book. I’ll serve on that committee. I’ll help with coffee hour. I’ll…. |
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January 2021
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