In worship we heard lessons that provided visions of God and God’s greater glory. On the one hand, we had the fantastic and other-worldly vision of the Revelation to John, and on the other we heard of Paul’s vision that led to Lydia’s conversion and ordination as a missionary for the risen Lord. We are […]
Our worship was punctuated by the ideas about God’s invitation to love, not because we want something in return or out of pity, but because that is the “simple” commandment invoked by Jesus at the end of his earthly ministry. The love we have for others is the sign of God’s presence inside us; the […]
In worship today, we celebrated the Good shepherd Sunday. We heard Jesus talk about those who were his sheep would know him and follow him in love and devotion. Even when we look for something direct Jesus and God are working in the background of our lives. We heard about the diversity of the entire […]
In worship, we celebrated by hearing the stories of witness. Each of the readings today, including the Psalm, were focused on the commission of witness to the world. The Psalmist assures us that there is nothing that brings joy than to witness. The Acts of the Apostles also reinforces the need to witness to the […]
Alleluia! Christ is Risen! Happy Easter to all from Chuckatuck. In worship, we celebrated with young and old. We heard the stories of Jesus’ resurrection, as told by Luke, and how the women went to the tomb and were surprised. But once they came to their mind they bore the gospel message – that Jesus […]
It was a beautiful and touching service at Oakland Christian United Church of Christ. As has been our practice since before I arrived at St. John’s, we gather as a community for Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunrise. We gathered as a community to remember that night where Jesus and his Disciples celebrated the […]
Prayers for God’s grace to you as we begin our Holy Week journey. Please be blessed in your Holy Week journey. In worship, we heard the Passion Gospel from Luke – the choral reading of which is always moving. Coupled with the Passion Gospel was Paul’s request to have the mind of Christ and Isaiah’s […]
We continue to work our way through the reflective portion of Lent, looking for God’s presence in our community and welcoming family and friends alike. In worship today there was some counterpoint between Paul and the gospel. But before we heard their conversation, Hebrew scripture engaged us in the Psalm and Isaiah. We were reminded […]
In worship we heard lessons and offered prayers that highlight our need for reconciliation and for our response when we are made clean (even when that means we pass through judgment). Joshua brings to the forefront the idea that once the journey is complete we will eat the nourishment found in the promise land. And […]
We are reminded, no matter what, that God is still in control and calling us to a deeper relationship. Sometimes, God is in the irony of our humanity and the unplanned occurrences of our life – like slippers in Church. As we worshipped today we were reminded that the life we live, while wholly our […]