tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33512927282491804742024-03-13T13:27:06.499-04:00Pleasant Street United Methodist ChurchPleasant Street United Methodist Churchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11597336059516932680noreply@blogger.comBlogger142125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3351292728249180474.post-83487507467976629192014-03-07T14:10:00.000-05:002014-03-07T14:11:56.788-05:00This Lent at Pleasant Street <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-urpoLxWaQX8/UxoWEg6t-gI/AAAAAAAAAvM/RHeStp3st1s/s1600/Picture1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-urpoLxWaQX8/UxoWEg6t-gI/AAAAAAAAAvM/RHeStp3st1s/s1600/Picture1.jpg" height="244" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">"A Place at the Table"</span></h2>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">In a culture built on consumption, it’s easy to forget the poor about whom Jesus cared so much. This Lent we will use the resource, <em style="position: relative;">A Place at the Table</em>, to guide us on a life-changing journey of self-examination, discipline, and renewed focus on Jesus. Through worship, sermons, study, and daily devotions we will be challenged to eat like the poor for forty days in solidarity with them and to donate the money we save on groceries to a charity or project that serves the poor in concrete ways.<br /><br />Whether you choose to fast by altering your customary diet, or by not eating out, or by avoiding purchases of all non-essentials, or by practicing some other way of putting the brakes on your cravings, we hope that you’ll participate in this endeavor to increase our awareness of others, identify with people living in poverty, and tune our hearts to the heart of Jesus.<br /><br />Each Sunday our worship will focus on the ways that Lent challenges us to care about those in need. The adult Sunday School class will view and discuss the <em style="position: relative;">A Place at the Table</em> DVD series. Video devotions are available online for each of the forty days of Lent. (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/PSUMC" target="_blank">You can access them on the church's Facbook page by clicking here.</a>) And everyone is encouraged to use Chris Seay’s book, which includes daily Scripture readings, reflections, prayers, and e<span style="font-family: inherit;">ncouragement. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Join us as we go on a journey of radical faith, personal action, and extravagant grace that can change our lives and the lives of our brothers and sisters in need all over the world. </span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Lent 1 – March 9<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Matthew 4:1-11<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">“Saying No” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Lenten disciplines help us to say “No” to ourselves and enable
us to tame our natural tendency for instant gratification.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Lent 2 – March 16<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Isaiah 58:1-12<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">“The Fast I Choose”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">What God wants from us is not just religious obedience
and ritual observances, but compassion and care for those in need.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Lent 3 – March 23<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Luke 3:1-20<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">“A Call to Repentance and Generosity”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">John the Baptizer calls us to a counter-cultural life that turns away
from greed and toward generosity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Lent 4 – March 30<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Matthew 14:13–21<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">“Performing Miracles”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Jesus calls his followers not to dismiss the needs of
others, but to share in his work of providing for them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Lent 5 – April 6<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">John 9:1-41<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">“An Undeserved Birthplace”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Who deserves their lot in life? Are those born into lives
of comfort more worthy than those born into poverty?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Palm Sunday –
April 13<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Matthew 21:1-17<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">“Wave Your Flag, but Don’t Touch the Treasury”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">One biblical commentator suggests that it wasn’t Jesus’
triumphant entry into Jerusalem that ticked off the religious authorities, but
the fact that he meddled with the finances of the Temple (i.e., overturning the
moneychangers’ tables). Maybe we don’t
want Jesus meddling in our finances either.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Pleasant Street United Methodist Churchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11597336059516932680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3351292728249180474.post-30016427668865122622014-01-31T09:46:00.000-05:002014-01-31T09:47:18.279-05:00Looking Toward Sunday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">"God's Secret Agents"</span></b></div>
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February 2, 2014</div>
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There's a meme going around on Facebook that reads, "God sent angels down to earth in the form of dogs with notes saying, 'Don't judge - just love'. They ate the notes, but keep trying to deliver the message." </div>
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Anyone who has ever been loved by a dog has experienced the delivery of that message firsthand. The love of a dog is undoubtedly unconditional - but is it in any way comparable to the love of God? Can it serve as a metaphor for God's love, showing us something about how freely, generously, and unabashedly God loves us?</div>
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This Sunday, as Pastor Arlene prepares to travel to NY to train for a new Ministry Dog, we'll be pondering the answer to those questions. Our scripture for the day is 1 John 4:7-12. (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+4%3A7-12&version=MSG" target="_blank">You can read it here</a>.) Join us as we playfully consider whether dogs really are "secret agents" of God's lavish, unconditional love. </div>
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See you on Sunday!</div>
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Pleasant Street United Methodist Churchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11597336059516932680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3351292728249180474.post-7072062087196536652014-01-24T19:57:00.000-05:002014-01-24T20:12:57.331-05:00Looking Toward Sunday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-size: medium;">"Called to Relationship"</span></b></div>
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Third Sunday after Epiphany</div>
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January 26, 2014</div>
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This week we'll look at the story of the call of the first disciples as told in the Gospel of Matthew. (<a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=257609204" target="_blank">You can read it here</a>) Jesus says two key things in his invitation to Peter, Andrew, James, and John that represent the core of Christian discipleship: "Follow me" and "I will make you fishers of people". While these four men will eventually become "laborers in the vineyard", "witnesses to the Christ", "apostles of the Messiah", "leaders of the church", etc., Jesus is <i>first </i>calling the men not into work, but into relationship. They'll be mentored by Jesus ("following") and they'll welcome others into community ("fishing").</div>
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As with those first disciples, the invitation to discipleship represents a call to relationship - relationship with Jesus and relationship with others. That's the essence of our vocation as Christians. Anything else we may do or become as Jesus-followers is rooted in those relationships.</div>
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Join us as we reflect on the proposition that nurturing relationships is our primary call as Christian disciples.</div>
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See you on Sunday!</div>
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Pleasant Street United Methodist Churchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11597336059516932680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3351292728249180474.post-29861742119073534812014-01-17T11:58:00.000-05:002014-01-17T12:01:49.437-05:00Looking Toward Sunday<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">"Pointing the Finger"</span></b></div>
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Second Sunday after Epiphany</div>
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January 19, 2014</div>
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This week we're taking a look at John the Baptizer's revelation of Jesus as the Son of God, as told in the Gospel of John. (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+1%3A29-42&version=MSG" target="_blank">You can read the passage by clicking here</a>.)<br />
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Religious art often portrays John the Baptizer with a pointed finger - not an accusing finger, but gesturing toward something out of the frame, beyond the viewer's sight. That had me a bit perplexed, until I came across a painting that depicted Jesus as the object of John's pointing finger. Then I understood that John's outstretched digit in all those other statues and paintings conveyed the purpose of John's life - which was pointing others toward Jesus. <br />
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How well do our lives point to Jesus? Can people see Jesus in our words, our behavior, our lifestyle? Do our lives reflect the love and compassion of Jesus? Is Jesus the object of our attention as he was for John, or are we focused primarily on something or someone else? <br />
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Join us as we reflect on those questions and take a look at the role of John the Baptizer - and our own - in pointing others to Jesus.<br />
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See you on Sunday!<br />
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Pleasant Street United Methodist Churchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11597336059516932680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3351292728249180474.post-40920746625714053222013-12-21T21:00:00.000-05:002013-12-22T07:48:25.934-05:00Icebound Worship<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Once again it looks as though inclement weather may prevent many people from attending church tomorrow. If the ice keeps you home, here is a worship service that you can use for your Sunday morning devotion. If you're with others, you can alternate the "One" and "All" parts. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 12px;">Preparation:</b><span style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 12px;"> If you don't have an Advent wreath, gather 4 candles to light.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="background-color: #fefdfa; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 12px;">Centering: </b><span style="background-color: #fefdfa; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 12px;"> </span><span style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 12px;">"Love Came Down: (<a href="http://vimeo.com/55745377" target="_blank">click here</a>)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="background-color: #fefdfa; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 12px;">Call to Worship:</b><span style="background-color: #fefdfa; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 12px;"> (based on 1 Corinthians 13)</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fefdfa; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 12px;">One: If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn't love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.</span><br />
<i style="background-color: #fefdfa; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 12px;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">All: If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God's secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn't love others, I would be nothing.</span></b></i><br />
<span style="background-color: #fefdfa; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 12px;">One: If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn't love others, I would have gained nothing.</span><br />
<i style="background-color: #fefdfa; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 12px;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">All: Prophecy and speaking in unknown languages and special knowledge will become useless. But love will last forever!</span></b></i><br />
<span style="background-color: #fefdfa; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 12px;">One: Now our knowledge is partial and incomplete, and even the gift of prophecy reveals only part of the whole picture! But when the time of perfection comes, these partial things will become useless.</span><br />
<i style="background-color: #fefdfa; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 12px;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">All: Three things will last forever - faith, hope, and love - and the greatest of these is love.</span></b></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Opening Song: </b>"When Love Was Born" (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKSU9Dbxvrw" target="_blank">click here</a>)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Lighting the Advent Candle of Love: </b> Adapted from Martha Spong<br />One: The poet, George Herbert, wrote: “Love bade me welcome, but my soul drew back.” It’s hard for us to take in the enormity of God’s love made flesh in Jesus Christ. Yet we know by heart the words of John the Evangelist: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.” God gave us the gift of Jesus out of love for all of us, then and now and forever.<br /><b>All: As we light the candle of Love, we stop in awe of God’s unending love. Whatever we face in life, God’s steadfast love surrounds us.</b></span><br />
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<b style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 12px;">Scripture Reading:</b><span style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 12px;"> Romans 1:1-7 (</span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%201:1-7%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20&version=MSG" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">click here to read</a><span id="goog_1679304309" style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span id="goog_1679304310" style="font-family: inherit;"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/" style="font-family: inherit;"></a><span style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 12px;">)</span><br />
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<b style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 12px;">Message: </b><span style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 12px;">"Love...Gotta Have It" (</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.buzzsprout.com/4394/138381-icebound-worship" target="_blank">click here</a></span><span style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 12px;">)</span><br />
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<b style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 12px;">Response Song: </b><span style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 12px;">"Love Came Down at Christmas" (</span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZ9OJcN_i5w" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">click here</a><span style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 12px;">)</span><br />
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<b style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Reflection: </span></b><br />
<span style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 12px;">Think of a time when you experienced undeserved love. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 12px;">How has God's love been made known in your life?</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 12px;">What is one tangible way that you will share love this week?</span><br />
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<b style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Praying Together:</span></b><br />
Receive God’s gift of time to be in prayer, offering God any burdens or joys that you are aware of for yourself, others, the world. Don’t rush. Receive silence as well as words. God has all the time in the world for you! Then join in the prayer that Jesus taught his disciples:<br />
<b>Our father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.<br />Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.<br />Give us this day our daily bread.<br />And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespasses against us.<br />And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. <br />For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen. </b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sharing Gifts and Self: </span></b></div>
If you are worshiping with others, name at least one way that you have received love from each of them. Make sure that each person has a turn to do the same, if they wish. If you are worshiping by yourself, take a few minutes to identify how at least 3 people have shown you love and give thanks to God for them.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Closing Prayer </b>by Steve Garnaas-Holmes</span></div>
Holy One,</div>
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prepare your way in me.</div>
Give me faith, like the stable,<br />
to know your presence within me.<br />
Give me courage, like Mary,<br />
to let your life overwhelm mine.<br />
Give me strength, like Joseph,<br />
to protect what is holy, tender and growing.</div>
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Give me patience, like the shepherds,<br />
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to be still and listen.<br />
Give me humility, like the magi,<br />
to kneel before your presence.<br />
Give me trust, like the child,<br />
to let myself be borne into a new world.<br />
Give me joy, like the angels,<br />
to bring good news to the poor.<br />
Give me love, like the manger<br />
to hold Christ within.<br />
Holy One,<br />
prepare your way in me.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="background-color: #fefdfa; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 12px;">Closing song:</b><span style="background-color: #fefdfa; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 12px;"> "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" (</span><a href="http://youtu.be/6BJCen17eFw" target="_blank">click here</a><span style="background-color: #fefdfa; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 12px;">)</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="background-color: #fefdfa; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 12px;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="background-color: #fefdfa; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 12px;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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Pleasant Street United Methodist Churchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11597336059516932680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3351292728249180474.post-9874350949669733642013-12-14T22:01:00.000-05:002013-12-15T14:50:51.390-05:00Snowbound Worship<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Meteorologists are predicting a serious snowstorm tonight and into tomorrow. Some churches have already canceled worship. And while we never cancel worship, there will no doubt be people who will not (and should not) travel to church. One of my colleagues had a brilliant idea to create a sort of online virtual worship service. So, with a hat tip to Rev. Karen Munson of Brunswick United Methodist Church (and borrowing some of her material), here is a suggested format for worshiping at home. The words can be read by one person or, if you're with others who wish to participate you can use the "One" and "All" parts. </div>
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<b>Preparation:</b> If you don't have an Advent wreath, gather 3 candles to light.<br />
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<b>Centering Music: </b>Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (<a href="http://youtu.be/BrrzmAlGsIg" target="_blank">click here</a>)<br />
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<b>Call to Worship:</b> (based on Philippians 4:4-7)<br />
One: Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.<br />
<i><b>All: Rejoice! Emmanuel is near.</b></i><br />
One: Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.<br />
<i><b>All: Rejoice! Emmanuel is near.</b></i><br />
One: And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.<br />
<i><b>All: Rejoice! Emmanuel is near.</b></i><br />
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<b>Lighting the Advent Candle of Joy: </b>Adapted from Martha Spong<br />
One:<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The poet, Mary Oliver, wrote: “If you suddenly and unexpectedly feel joy, don’t hesitate. Give in to it…Don’t be afraid of its plenty. Joy is not made to be a crumb.” When the day approached when the Israelites would return to their home from exile in Babylon, the prophet Isaiah spoke God’s promise: “They’ll sing as they make their way home to Zion, unfading halos of joy encircling their heads, welcomed home with gifts of joy and gladness as all sorrows and sighs scurry into the night.” The people rejoiced, amazed to have a second chance. The end of the story had yet to be written.<br />
<i><b>All: <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>As we light the candle of Joy, we celebrate the One who has come, is coming and will come again. Whatever we face in life, God will make joy possible. </b></i><br />
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<b>Scripture Reading:</b> Isaiah 35:1-10 (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2035:1-10%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20&version=MSG" target="_blank">click here to read</a>)<br />
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<b>Message: </b>"Joy...To Get Me Through The Tough Days" (<a href="http://www.buzzsprout.com/4394/137154-snowbound-worship" target="_blank">click here</a>)<br />
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<b>Response Song: </b>"I'm Trading My Sorrows" (<a href="http://youtu.be/mXi5iq1zAl4" target="_blank">click here</a>)<br />
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<b>Reflection: </b><br />
What sorrows would you trade? What burdens would you lay down for the joy of the Lord?<br />
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<b>Praying Together:</b><br />
Receive God’s gift of time to be in prayer, offering God any burdens or joys that you are aware of for yourself, others, the world. Don’t rush. Receive silence as well as words. God has all the time in the world for you!<br />
Then join in the prayer that Jesus taught his disciples:<br />
<b>Our father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.</b><br />
<b>Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.</b><br />
<b>Give us this day our daily bread.</b><br />
<b>And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespasses against us.</b><br />
<b>And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. </b><br />
<b>For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen. </b><br />
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<b>Sharing Gifts and Self: </b><br />
If you are worshiping with others, take turns naming God’s gifts that
you recognize in each other. Make sure that everyone has a gift named! If
you are worshiping by yourself, take a few minutes to name the gifts you
recognize in at least 3 people you know. Next, name gifts that God has placed
in your life this day.<br />
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<b>Prayer of Thanksgiving </b>by Thom
Shuman<br />
It is your nature to be holy,<br />
and gracious in the giving of Jesus,<br />
your Child, our salvation.<br />
He comes to the barren places,<br />
so life might blossom in us.<br />
He comes into our brokenness,<br />
so we might be made whole.<br />
He comes into our silence,<br />
telling us of your miracles of grace and hope.<br />
He went into our death,<br />
and comes forth bringing resurrection for all.<br />
As we prepare to celebrate his birth<br />
and to journey with him once again,<br />
we thank you for giving us the gift of Jesus. Amen.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Closing song:</b> "Joy to the World/Shout for Joy" (<a href="http://youtu.be/EcC3vTNmGf4" target="_blank">click here</a>)<br />
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<br />Pleasant Street United Methodist Churchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11597336059516932680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3351292728249180474.post-57834315295812724012013-11-28T12:15:00.001-05:002013-11-28T12:15:57.790-05:00Advent 2013 at Pleasant Street United Methodist Church<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">"A Life-Giving Christmas"</span></div>
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<br />Have you ever woken up the day after Christmas feeling like you missed it? That with all the craziness (shopping, parties, cooking, family visits, etc.,) you just didn’t get the experience you had hoped for?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">
For those searching for deeper meaning this Christmas, we are offering an Advent program entitled “A Life-Giving Christmas”. We’ll explore the fuller meaning of the season and rethink what it is we truly want on our “wish lists”. We’ll widen the lens, focus on the real, the authentic, the things that really matter and the true gift of the season – life. And not just any life – rich, meaningful life in Jesus Christ. Hope, peace, joy and love are not just candles to be lit around an Advent wreath – they are facets of a living Christ to be ignited in our lives and our community. </div>
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Join us for worship and discussion opportunities. Watch for messages via Facebook and Twitter, and be a part of conversations on our website forum. Get involved in Advent activities and share mutual prayer support. Take home a “Family Faith ADVENTures” guide for children and keep Advent as a family. Participate in “outbound challenges” that reach out into the community. This year we invite you to experience “A Life-giving Christmas”!</div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">December 1<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">First Sunday of Advent:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">“Hope…Next
Year Things Will Be Different!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Putting
our Christmas list in perspective; seeking God first.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Scriptural
Focus: Romans 13:11-14<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Discussion
Group on Sunday at 9:15 AM or Wednesday at 6:00 PM<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">December 8<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Second Sunday of Advent:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">“Peace…Strength
to Hold On”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Focusing
on Jesus; finding peace.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Scriptural
Focus: Matthew 3:11-12<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Discussion
Group on Sunday at 9:15 AM or Wednesday at 6:00 PM<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">December 15<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Third Sunday of Advent:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">“Joy…To
Get Me Through the Tough Days”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Celebrating
God’s promises; discovering joy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Scriptural
Focus: Isaiah 35:1-10<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Discussion
Group on Sunday at 9:15 AM or Wednesday at 6:00 PM<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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(Note: No sermon at the 10:30 service – Christmas Pageant)</div>
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Christmas Dinner following the 10:30 service</div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">December 22<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Fourth Sunday of Advent:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">“Love…Gotta
Have It”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Discovering
the essence of life; giving and receiving love.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Scriptural
Focus: Romans 1:1-7<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Discussion
Group on Sunday at 9:15 AM </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Pleasant Street United Methodist Churchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11597336059516932680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3351292728249180474.post-86112773487502901272013-11-22T16:14:00.000-05:002013-11-22T16:14:21.515-05:00Looking Toward Sunday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">"Counting Our Blessings"</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Thanksgiving Sunday</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">November 24, 2013</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Thanksgiving is just around the corner - a special day to set aside time to count our blessings and give thanks to God. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">On this Sunday before Thanksgiving we'll be taking a look at a passage from the Gospel of John. (</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%206:25-35&version=MSG" target="_blank">You can read it here</a></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">) The day after Jesus turned a little boy's lunch into enough food for 5,000 people, a crowd follows Jesus across the Sea of Galilee in hopes of another meal. Jesus tells them, </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">“You’ve come looking for me not because you saw God in my actions but because I fed you, filled your stomachs—and for free. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Don’t waste your energy striving for perishable food like that. Work for the food that sticks with you, food that nourishes your lasting life, food the Son of Man provides." Jesus notes that the crowd is hoping for something material rather than spiritual. They're seeking a gift (free lunch), but Jesus is offering them a blessing (divine presence).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Have you ever given any thought to whether there's a difference between God's <i>gifts </i>to us and God's <i>blessings </i>- between the material things that God provides (food, shelter, warm clothing, etc.) and the spiritual benefits that come from a life with God (peace, joy, comfort, etc.)? While we should surely give thanks for both gifts <i>and </i>blessings, which of the two is more important to you? Which do you think <i>should </i>be? Which will you be counting on Thanksgiving Day?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Join us on Sunday as we ponder these questions and offer thanks and praise to our generous God, "from whom all blessings flow".</span></div>
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Pleasant Street United Methodist Churchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11597336059516932680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3351292728249180474.post-23931353668487832252013-11-16T08:53:00.002-05:002013-11-16T08:55:40.545-05:00Looking Toward Sunday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">"Doomsday Preppers"</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">November 17, 2013</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">26th Sunday after Pentecost</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The National Geographic Channel features a popular show called "Doomsday Preppers", which explores the lives of otherwise ordinary Americans who are preparing for the end of the world as we know it. These people go to great lengths to build bunkers, gather weapons, stockpile food, and devise systems (some quite ingenious) to ensure their long-term survival should they need to "bug out" at the onset of </span>catastrophic <span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 16.363636016845703px;">war, the collapse of the world economy, mass insurrection, or other doomsday </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 16.363636016845703px;">event. They wait and watch carefully for signs of the beginning of the end, secure in the knowledge that they're ready.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 16.363636016845703px;">According to the Gospel of Luke, Jesus' followers once asked him about the timeline for The End and the indicators that everything was about to hit the fan. (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2021:5-15&version=MSG" target="_blank">You can read the passage here)</a> But Jesus' instructions for doomsday prepping are very different from the folks on the TV show. He says that the best way to be ready is not to be ready! What could he have meant, and what does it have to say to us in the 21st century? Join us as we explore doomsday prepping, Christian style.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 16.363636016845703px;">See you on Sunday!</span></div>
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Pleasant Street United Methodist Churchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11597336059516932680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3351292728249180474.post-52355452232211778472013-11-08T14:45:00.000-05:002013-11-08T14:45:03.773-05:00Looking Toward Sunday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">"Saving Zacchaeus"</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">November 10, 2013</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Zacchaeus was a wee little man, and a wee little man was he." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you attended Sunday School as a child, you're probably familiar with that little ditty about the character in Luke 19:1-10 (<a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=250937573" target="_blank">you can read it here</a>). Poor Zacchaeus - despised, sneered at, and made fun of by his neighbors in Jericho - and by every generation of Christians since Luke first recorded the story. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">What do we really know about Zacchaeus? Does he deserve his reputation as an infamous racketeer who got fabulously rich by extorting his fellow Jews? Or might he have been a victim of people's mistaken presumptions about him? Was he greedy or generous? A bully or bullied? Berated by Jesus or befriended by him? If Zacchaeus wasn't the sinner that the townsfolk supposed him to be, then what did Jesus mean when he said, "Today salvation has come to this house"?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Join us on Sunday as we take an unconventional look at this familiar story.</span></div>
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Pleasant Street United Methodist Churchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11597336059516932680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3351292728249180474.post-34319552363894375512013-10-31T16:48:00.000-04:002013-10-31T16:48:04.666-04:00Looking Toward Sunday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">All Saints/Laity Sunday</span></b></div>
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November 3, 2013</div>
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This Sunday we remember and celebrate the saints who have gone on the the "Church Triumphant" since last All Saints Day. As part of our observance, we will read the names of our departed saints aloud and light candles in their memory.</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This Sunday we are also observing Laity Sunday. Laity Sunday is an opportunity to celebrate the ministry of all lay people. Grace Von Tobel will deliver the message in an unusual way (no hints - you'll have to come to find out the details!) and other lay folks will lead the prayers, scripture readings, etc.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Join us as we celebrate the saints who've gone ahead of us, as well as the saints who serve among us now.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">See you on Sunday!</span></div>
Pleasant Street United Methodist Churchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11597336059516932680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3351292728249180474.post-85101249406074200982013-10-24T08:59:00.002-04:002013-10-24T09:56:40.520-04:00Looking Toward Sunday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"Declarations of the Heart"</h3>
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Commitment Sunday</div>
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October 27, 2013<br />
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For the last two months we've been studying and discussing United Methodist Bishop Robert Schnase's <em>Five Practices of Fruitful Living</em>. The fifth practice, "Extravagant Generosity" has been our focus throughout the month of October. The entire congregation has been using an insightful devotional book entitled, <em>Practicing Extravagant Generosity: Daily Readings on the Grace of Giving</em>. We've been completing "heart cards" each week that share what we love about our church, who has contributed to our spiritual growth, and our hopes and dreams for Pleasant Street United Methodist Church. Storytellers have shared their responses to the heart cards each Sunday, and our completed cards have been posted all over the church entryway. It's been a time of giving thanks for and celebrating the generosity of others, and an invitation to practice that same sort of generosity ourselves.<br />
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This Sunday we'll be invited to express our Extravagant Generosity through the offering of our Estimate of Giving Cards for 2014. Our scripture lessons for the day are <a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=249622845" target="_blank">2 Corinthians 8:1-9, 24</a> and <a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=249622903" target="_blank">John 3:16-17</a>. (You can click on the links to read them.) Worship will focus on our gratitude for all that God has done for us and through us. And we'll think about how the year ahead can be an opportunity for us to both express our love for God and grow in generosity through the practice of giving.<br />
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Join us as we consider how our offerings to God through the church represent a "declaration of our heart".<br />
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See you on Sunday!</div>
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<br />Pleasant Street United Methodist Churchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11597336059516932680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3351292728249180474.post-21601383683939821212013-05-25T08:28:00.000-04:002013-05-25T08:28:11.704-04:00Looking Toward Sunday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">"The Central Question"</span></div>
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First Sunday after Pentecost</div>
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May 26, 2013</div>
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This Sunday we'll be looking at Psalm 8 (<a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=236483955" target="_blank">you can read it here</a>) and pondering the central question asked by the psalmist: "What are human beings that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them?" </div>
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It's easy to feel insignificant in a world as large as ours - even more so when you consider the incomprehensible vastness of the universe. And yet, as the psalm reminds us, each one of us matters to God. Join us as we take a closer look at Psalm 8 and our place in the scheme of things. </div>
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See you on Sunday!</div>
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Pleasant Street United Methodist Churchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11597336059516932680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3351292728249180474.post-77164432028715632732013-05-16T21:57:00.001-04:002013-05-16T21:57:47.156-04:00Looking Toward Sunday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">"The Spirit of Pentecost"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Pentecost Sunday</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">May 19, 2013</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This week we'll be using the traditional reading for Pentecost from the Book of Acts (<a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=235755023" target="_blank">you can read it here</a>) as five of our youth make their Confirmation. They have been working with their mentors since September in preparation to make their profession of faith and become full members of Pleasant Street United Methodist Church. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Join us as we celebrate these five young people's decision to live as disciples of Jesus Christ. May the Spirit of God fall afresh on them (and us!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">See you on Sunday!</span></div>
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Pleasant Street United Methodist Churchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11597336059516932680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3351292728249180474.post-78641986997061380062013-05-11T20:01:00.000-04:002013-05-11T20:01:34.024-04:00Looking Toward Sunday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">"Plan A"</span></div>
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Ascension Sunday</div>
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May 12, 2013</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This week we observe Ascension Sunday by reading the opening verses of the Acts of the Apostles (<a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=235315034" target="_blank">you can read the text here</a>). It's the story of Jesus' departure from earth and ascension into heaven. As he leaves his somewhat confused apostles behind, Jesus commissions them to "be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to
the ends of the earth". </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">While it may have seemed risky to entrust the gospel to the apostles with all their foibles and faults and flaws, they succeeded spectacularly. The Christian movement grew like a raging wildfire.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">These days that wildfire seems to be burning itself out - at least for mainline Western-world Protestants. Could it be that we have stopped being Jesus' witnesses? (Hint: One church consultant claims that the average United Methodist shares his or her faith with another person once every 38 years.) Can we take the call to be Jesus' witnesses as seriously as his first followers? And what would it take to do that? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Join us on Sunday as we think about what the "Great Commission" means for us.</span></div>
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Pleasant Street United Methodist Churchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11597336059516932680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3351292728249180474.post-75877121350496383762013-05-04T08:57:00.001-04:002013-05-04T08:57:58.584-04:00Looking Toward Sunday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FjdDqRjtjOE/UYUABK22DzI/AAAAAAAAAqU/SsUcWOGOuZI/s1600/Picture1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FjdDqRjtjOE/UYUABK22DzI/AAAAAAAAAqU/SsUcWOGOuZI/s320/Picture1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> "Houseguest"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sixth Sunday of Easter</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">May 5, 2013</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This week's reading is an excerpt from Jesus' "farewell discourse" - his final teachings and instructions to the disciples at the Last Supper. (<a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=234671034" target="_blank">You can read the passage here.</a>) The discourse covers several chapters in the Gospel of John, but this small section includes Jesus' promise that his followers will not be left alone when he leaves them. (Remember that this meal takes place the night before Jesus' crucifixion.) The Spirit will remain with them in Jesus' absence to give them peace and to continue the work that Jesus began in them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We'll be focusing on the opening verse - Jesus' words, “Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will
love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.” What does it mean for Jesus to make a home with us? How do we receive such a houseguest? And what would happen if that houseguest were to take up permanent residence with us? Join us as we reflect on those questions, and on our readiness to invite Jesus in to "make his home with us".</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">See you on Sunday!</span></div>
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Pleasant Street United Methodist Churchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11597336059516932680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3351292728249180474.post-75971770641945735122013-04-27T11:51:00.000-04:002013-04-27T11:52:25.169-04:00Looking Toward Sunday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BMQhjBUX_hs/UXvozGyZGgI/AAAAAAAAAqA/uCD42AX9DDM/s1600/Picture1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BMQhjBUX_hs/UXvozGyZGgI/AAAAAAAAAqA/uCD42AX9DDM/s320/Picture1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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April 28, 2013</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"Moving the Fence"</span></div>
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As evidenced in "The Acts of the Apostles", the early Church struggled with the question of whom to include and whom to exclude from the Christian community. In this Sunday's reading (y<a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=234074887" target="_blank">ou can read it here</a>), the Apostle Peter has a vision that challenges his understanding of the borders between clean and unclean, acceptable and unacceptable. The revelation convinces him that it's God's will to move the fence separating the Gentiles from the Church. "If God gave them the same gift that we received when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could hinder God?" asks Peter. </div>
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Over the millennia since, the Church has found it repeatedly necessary to move its fences in order not to hinder God. (Think Galileo and the Inquisition, banned divorcees, and the prohibition against female clergy.) This week we'll consider a fence that's being moved by many mainline Protestant denominations - the one that excludes LGBT folks. We'll talk about the official United Methodist position on the inclusion of LGBT persons and about our congregation's decision to explore becoming a "Reconciling Congregation". Join us on Sunday to learn more.</div>
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Pleasant Street United Methodist Churchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11597336059516932680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3351292728249180474.post-36069940043166444042013-02-28T09:25:00.001-05:002013-02-28T09:42:31.666-05:00"The Way" Worship Series for Lent<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This year’s worship series for Lent is entitled “The Way”.* Over the next few weeks we’ll be thinking about Lent as a metaphorical pilgrimage or “way” that can help lead us to spiritual awakening, insight, and renewal. The inspiration for the metaphor of Lent as a virtual pilgrimage comes from a well-known literal pilgrimage in Spain known as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Way_of_St._James">El Camino deSantiago</a> – popularly called “The Camino”. Like the Camino (which has many different routes that all converge at the same destination) we’re all on our own unique spiritual journeys, but they all lead to a common goal – a closer walk with God.</div>
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<b style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">Ash Wednesday, February 13: "Buen Camino" <i>(</i></b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><i><b><a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=229062143" target="_blank">Joel 2:1-2, 12-17</a>)</b></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We begin our Lenten pilgrimage with a time of reflection, the imposition of ashes, and a blessing for the journey ahead.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Sunday, February 17: "The Wandering Way"<i> (<a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=229062169" target="_blank">Luke 4:1-13</a>)</i></b><i> </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Like Jesus' 40 days in the wilderness, we begin a journey that will take us out of our spiritual comfort zone.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Sunday, February 24: "The Way Around" <i>(<a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=229062215" target="_blank">Luke 13:31-35</a>)</i></b></span></div>
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Sometimes our faith calls us to claim who we know we are and take the way around what others think we ought to do and be.</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="text-align: start;">Sunday, March 3: "The High Way" <i>(<a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=229062243" target="_blank">Isaiah 55:1-9</a>)</i></b><span style="text-align: start;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We are taught that everything costs. But our
ways are not God’s ways. We are all invited, without price, to the table of
God’s grace - and to extend God's hospitality to others. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="text-align: start;">Sunday, March 10: "The Way Home"</b><span style="text-align: start;"> <b><i>(<a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=229062275" target="_blank">Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32</a>)</i></b> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The father's extravagant
acceptance of the son in Jesus’ parable of the lost son is
difficult for us to believe sometimes. But no matter what we have done, who
we are, how far we are from what we want to become, we are welcomed home by the
Loving Parent.</span></div>
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<b>Sunday, March 17: "The Free Way" <i>(<a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=229062355" target="_blank">Isaiah 43:16-21</a>)</i></b><br />
New paths in life are always possible, and these ways are made plain before us if we have eyes to see. <br />
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<b>Palm Sunday, March 24: "The Other Way" <i>(<a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=229062402" target="_blank">Luke 19:28-40</a>)</i></b></div>
<span style="text-align: justify;">This moment on this road for Jesus feels both like the end and the beginning. Such are so many moments of our lives. A pilgrimage may reach its destination, but the hope, the wisdom, the lessons learned along the way offer a new starting point for us. What have we learned and what transformation – what “other way” – are we called to in our lives?</span></div>
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Don't forget - if you miss a week you can<a href="http://www.buzzsprout.com/4394" target="_blank"> listen to the sermon online at our podcast website.</a><br />
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* The outline for this series comes from Marcia McFee's "Worship Design Studio".</div>
Pleasant Street United Methodist Churchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11597336059516932680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3351292728249180474.post-34179418083497862102013-01-26T12:58:00.000-05:002013-01-28T12:42:03.107-05:00Looking Toward Sunday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WjUuwvY-TTQ/UQQTzJrGn6I/AAAAAAAAApE/7YE7HGgaClM/s1600/Picture1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WjUuwvY-TTQ/UQQTzJrGn6I/AAAAAAAAApE/7YE7HGgaClM/s320/Picture1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">January 27, 2012 - Third Sunday After the Epiphany</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333;"><i>"Symbiotic Christian Life"</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In nature, an interdependent and mutually beneficial relationship relationship is known as "symbiosis". One of the best-known examples is
the clownfish and the anemone. The clownfish attracts prey for the anemone, and the anemone provides food for the clownfish. God has designed them to live in symbiotic relationship.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Although he uses a different metaphor to describe it, the apostle Paul says that Christians are also designed by God to live in symbiotic relationship. In chapter 12 of his first letter to the church in Corinth (<a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=226222006" target="_blank">you can read it here</a>) Paul reminds the conflicted and divided congregation that each individual Christian needs the faith community and the faith community needs each individual Christian. Neither can thrive without the other.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We would do well to remember that the same holds true for contemporary Christians and today's church. Like the different parts of a human body – like the anemone and the clownfish
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Join us as we reflect on being a more "symbiotic church". See you on Sunday!</span></div>
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</span>Pleasant Street United Methodist Churchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11597336059516932680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3351292728249180474.post-68637589274436189142013-01-19T09:57:00.000-05:002013-01-19T12:18:34.925-05:00Looking Toward Sunday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GEtXhX2rpYc/UPqla7ENK9I/AAAAAAAAAos/7inwmOHM8xc/s1600/water+into+wine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GEtXhX2rpYc/UPqla7ENK9I/AAAAAAAAAos/7inwmOHM8xc/s320/water+into+wine.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">January 20, 2012 - Second Sunday After the Epiphany</span></div>
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<i>"An Invitation to Abundance"</i></div>
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This week we take a look at the familiar story of Jesus turning water into wine. (<a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=225603391" target="_blank">You can read it here</a>.) Jesus and his mother and the disciples are at a wedding in Cana when the wine unexpectedly runs out. Jesus' mother turns to him to provide a solution to spare the party's host from public humiliation. </div>
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Jesus' answer to the predicament is to transform six stone jars of water (each of which held around 20-30 gallons) into wine. Wine that isn't just passable, but the richest, finest wine anyone has ever tasted. This absurd extravagance is the very first "sign" recorded in John's gospel, and it tells us something very important about Jesus.<br />
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This story of transformation and abundance sets the stage for Jesus' ministry - a ministry that demonstrates in countless ways the inexhaustible love and extravagant grace of God. From the miracle at <st1:place w:st="on">Cana</st1:place> to
the miracle of the empty tomb and everything in between, Jesus invites us to “have
life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10). Join us as we think about the kind of transformation and abundance Jesus can bring to our lives. </div>
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L'Chaim! See you on Sunday. </div>
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Pleasant Street United Methodist Churchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11597336059516932680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3351292728249180474.post-54602220022464808382012-12-21T14:32:00.001-05:002012-12-22T12:38:25.436-05:00Looking Toward Sunday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ysXN_Z0h3As/UNSz05Xe-xI/AAAAAAAAAoM/vHzBDREmvcw/s1600/Week+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ysXN_Z0h3As/UNSz05Xe-xI/AAAAAAAAAoM/vHzBDREmvcw/s320/Week+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>December 23, 2012 - Fourth Sunday of Advent</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>"I Believe, Even When..."</b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This Sunday marks the last of our Advent worship series, which was inspired by Marcia McFee’s “Worship Design Studio” and by the words of a beautiful anthem by Mark Miller. (</span><a href="http://www.choristersguild.org/choral-music/General/SATB/cga1310-i-believe" style="font-family: inherit;">You can listen to it here.</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">) Each week we've looked at a different gospel's version of the story of Jesus' birth through the lens of Miller's anthem. This week we're using </span><a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=223197841" target="_blank">the opening verses of John's gospel</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">John describes Jesus as the "light that shines in the darkness", which the darkness can't overcome. As Christmas approaches, that light is becoming brighter. (If you're observant, you've probably noticed that the light in the sanctuary has been increasing as we've moved through the season of Advent - symbolizing the approaching arrival of the Light of the World.) </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">In this last week of Advent, our anticipation, our yearning for the light is almost palpable. We affirm that even when the sun is hidden from sight - even when love feels remote - even when we’re not certain of God’s presence, we sense that the light is coming, love is near, and the holy is born yet again in the midst of the pain of life. There is hope. There is light.</span></div>
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Join us as we celebrate the good news that - in the words of the gospel writer - "What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it."</div>
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See you on Sunday!</div>
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Pleasant Street United Methodist Churchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11597336059516932680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3351292728249180474.post-73300281640069094062012-12-15T11:05:00.002-05:002012-12-21T14:32:42.069-05:00Looking Toward Sunday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gd6laJ1KoZg/UMybYHaCGaI/AAAAAAAAAnw/4FQdtgsRt0Q/s1600/Week+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gd6laJ1KoZg/UMybYHaCGaI/AAAAAAAAAnw/4FQdtgsRt0Q/s320/Week+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>December 16, 2012 - Third Sunday of Advent</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We continue our Advent worship series, inspired by Marcia McFee’s “Worship Design Studio” and by the words of a beautiful anthem by Mark Miller. (<a href="http://www.choristersguild.org/choral-music/General/SATB/cga1310-i-believe" style="color: #7d181e; text-decoration: initial;" target="_blank">You can listen to it here.</a>) </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">This Sunday we'll be using the third verse of Miller's anthem ("I believe in God, even when God is silent") to look at <a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=222586544" target="_blank">the story of John the Baptizer</a> in</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> the Gospel of Mark. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Like the Jews in the Baptizer's day, we often look around at the world as it is and wonder when God will come and address the injustice and suffering. When will God fulfill the promise of lions laying down with lambs and swords being beaten into plowshares? Where is God when senseless and violent tragedy </span>occurs <span style="font-family: inherit;">- like the school shooting in Newtown, CT? Where is God when we are in pain?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">There are moments or seasons in our lives, individually and collectively, when God seems to be remote,
removed, inaccessible – <i>Deus Absconditus.</i> </span>Where do we find the hope to believe in God, even when God is silent? Join us as we explore the answer to that question.</div>
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See you on Sunday.</div>
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Pleasant Street United Methodist Churchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11597336059516932680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3351292728249180474.post-389901671386732432012-12-07T19:42:00.003-05:002012-12-07T19:44:05.980-05:00Looking Toward Sunday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">December 9, 2012 - Second Sunday of Advent</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>"I Believe Even When..."</i> Worship Series</span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"I Believe In Love"</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We continue our Advent worship series, inspired by Marcia McFee’s “Worship Design Studio” and by the words of a beautiful anthem by Mark Miller. (<a href="http://www.choristersguild.org/choral-music/General/SATB/cga1310-i-believe" style="color: #7d181e; text-decoration: initial;" target="_blank">You can listen to it here.</a>) </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">This Sunday we'll be using the second verse of Miller's anthem ("I believe in love, even when I don't feel it") to look at </span><a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=221922112" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">the story of the angelic visitation to Joseph</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> in the Gospel of Matthew. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Joseph has discovered that his betrothed, Mary, is pregnant. He's feeling rejected and hurt, and has decided to call off their impending marriage. But an angel appears to him in a dream and tells him, "Do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife." Joseph puts aside his fear of being further wounded, betrayed, and publicly humiliated, He decides to love Mary fearlessly.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We've all experienced difficulties in our relationships with others - not only in romantic relationships, but with family, friends, acquaintances. It's easy to let our fear of being hurt interfere with loving others completely. What if we were to heed the angel's words, "Do not be afraid"? What difference might it make to love more fearlessly? </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Can we let go into God's possibilities for all of our relationships? Can we believe in love, even when...? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Join us on Sunday!</span></div>
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Pleasant Street United Methodist Churchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11597336059516932680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3351292728249180474.post-27614267877495837352012-11-30T08:47:00.001-05:002012-11-30T08:47:30.016-05:00Looking Toward Sunday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">December 2, 2012 - First Sunday of Advent</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>"I Believe Even When..."</i> Worship Series</span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">"I Believe In the Sun"</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This year’s Advent worship series is inspired by
Marcia McFee’s “Worship Design Studio” and by the words of a haunting anthem by
Mark Miller. (<a href="http://www.choristersguild.org/choral-music/General/SATB/cga1310-i-believe" target="_blank">You can listen to it here.</a>) Miller set to music a poem written by an anonymous
Jew during the Holocaust: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>I believe in the sun, even
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It is a powerful affirmation of hope in spite of what seems like the absence of light, of love – and sometimes even what feels like the absence of God. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The story of the birth of Jesus is filled with common themes of human drama – unknowing, doubt, disgrace, fear, oppression, journey, hardship. Each Sunday during Advent we'll use a different verse from the poem as a lens to examine the story of Jesus' birth. By exploring the first chapter of each of the Gospels, we will acknowledge the presence of hope through Christ, “even when…” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This week we begin with the Gospel of Luke and <a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=221282483">the angel's visit to Mary</a> announcing that she had been chosen to give birth to Jesus -- to bear a child out of wedlock. In Mary's culture that was a situation that could have doomed her circumstances for life. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">When things that seem irreparable happen in <i>our own</i> lives, how can our perceived doom be transformed into an opportunity for rebirth? Where do we find the hope to "believe, even when..."? Join us as we reflect on those questions, and on the power of Advent hope.</span></div>
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Pleasant Street United Methodist Churchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11597336059516932680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3351292728249180474.post-74048116431437547132012-11-24T12:04:00.000-05:002012-11-24T12:06:30.660-05:00Looking Toward Sunday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">November 24 2012 - Christ the King Sunday </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">"Hanging of the Greens"</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This is the last Sunday of the Christian year (which in the Church starts with the first Sunday of Advent, not on January 1). This year Sunday, December 2 marks the beginning of the season of Advent - a<span style="background-color: transparent;"> hopeful season of preparation that anticipates both Jesus' birth in </span><st1:city style="background-color: transparent;" w:st="on">Bethlehem</st1:city><span style="background-color: transparent;"> and the consummation of human history </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">for which "<a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=220775383" target="_blank">all creation is groaning awaiting its redemption</a>". </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit;">The word "Advent" comes from the Latin verb </span><i style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit;">advenire</i><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit;">, which means "to come toward, to draw near, to approach." </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit;">This is the time when we remember and celebrate God drawing near to us in Jesus Christ in the past, in the present, and in the age to come.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This Sunday we will </span>prepare our sanctuary - as well as our hearts - for the season of Advent <span style="font-family: inherit;">by celebrating the tradition of the "Hanging of the Greens". </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit;">This interactive worship service includes hymns, scripture, and prayer to guide us as we hang greenery and other decorations symbolizing the birth of Jesus and everlasting life. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit;">Join us for this festive reminder of "the reason for the season"!</span></div>
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Pleasant Street United Methodist Churchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11597336059516932680noreply@blogger.com0