"Yes, Yes" or "No, No"

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas . . . but since we are in the midst of the season after Epiphany, this snow seems to be overstaying its welcome. So, it's a good day to stay home. At least that's what I've convinced myself, since the alternative is not wise.

So, since we are all pretty much in the same boat (or should I say sleigh?) may I suggest that you take a few minutes and ponder the contents of this week's post below?

This coming Sunday's gospel reading continues with a portion of the sermon on the mount of Jesus in Matthew's fifth chapter. It feels like Jesus is raising expectations just out of our reach. In fact, if you take this teaching to heart, it's hard not to be overwhelmed and perhaps discouraged.

Not many of us (and I hope none of us!) are likely to murder someone in cold blood, but Jesus suggests that even being angry with one another makes us liable to judgement.  Other topics included in this passage include insult, offering, reconciliation, accusing, sin, dismemberment, adultery, swearing, etc.  Sounds like the topics of so much of our so-called entertainment these days at the box office!

See for yourself. Take some time to read, study, ponder, and reflect on Matthew 5:21-37. What do you notice in this passage about God? How might you be convicted or comforted by what Jesus says?

+            +            +

FAITH FORMATION FORUM

Sundays at 8:45 AM

March 2, 9, 16, 23,  & 30

The Faith Formation Forum on Sunday mornings at 8:45 during Lent will explore the five faith practices that grow out of our baptism. The liturgy for the Affirmation of Baptism describes the faith practices in the following way:

We are to "Live among God's faithful people; hear the word of God and share in the Lord's Supper; proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed; serve all people following the example of Jesus; and strive for justice and peace in all the earth.  

We will also identify the connections between these faith practices and what it means to be Ambassadors for Christ. Here is an outline of the topics included in this series of classes that will be led by Pastor Frye.

March 2

LIVE:  What does it mean to live?

March 9

HEAR & SHARE:  How do we hear and share Jesus?

March 16

PROCLAIM:  What are we saying? What’s the message?

March 23

SERVE:  What have you done for me lately?

March 30

STRIVE:  Great expectations in the face of resistance . . .

+

A Reminder:

There will be an informational session immediately following worship this Sunday for the purpose of group discernment and visioning for our future journey together as God's people in this community. A review of the topics covered at the Leadership Retreat will be included along with opportunity to share where you have seen God's work being done recently. What is God calling us to be about in the years ahead?