Today’s scripture reading is subtitled “Commissioning the Twelve” in my Study Bible. I would add “and Followers.” As I was pondering this lengthy and vital passage, I realized how powerful this passage is for all of us who are called to follow Christ in the Ways of Jesus. For me,
Today’s scripture is from one of the Letters from Paul. According to the CEB Study Bible, this is a corporate letter composed by Paul, Timothy who is identified in Paul’s letters as Paul’s companion, and Silvanus (aka Silas) whom we learn the most about from the book of Acts.
I thought that Pastor Joe gave a wonderful message last week on Pentecost Sunday sharing the description from Acts 2 of what that first Pentecost celebration might have looked like. As a Minister of Christian Education for 30 years, I created my fair share of Pentecost celebrations
and Children’s Moments.
There are two scripture passages that are frequently used during Pentecost, the season of the Church that began with worship this past Sunday. Today’s verse from Romans 8 is one and the other is from Acts 2. Both highlight the Holy Spirit but with different focuses. Acts 2 was our
“Shout joyfully to God, all the earth” is the introduction to this Psalm. In my reflection, I follow it with verses 66:16-20. Like all psalms, this one is designed for singing in a worshipful setting. I imagine the worship setting could be a large congregation or perhaps a very thankful individual.
Those who pursue righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor.
I found it a little strange to be meditating on a scripture reading from the Psalms as we celebrate the season of Easter. What do these ancient, sacred words have to say to us thousands of years after both the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament were shared with God’s people?
The early church of Colossae was diving deep into the concept of Resurrection as we still do today. Colossians says we should “put on the new nature.” We are reminded that “Christ is all things and in all people.” That’s fine, but people have often questioned “When did Jesus become the Christ?”
Earlier this week, on March 22, Pastor Joe’s Sunday message addressed the courage of the women who followed Jesus to the cross. In that spirit today’s devotional finds us reflecting on how Paul and his earliest followers, who were mainly women, acted courageously in their journey from non-believers in
The full, formal title of this book of the Bible is “The Acts of the Apostles.” There is a shift in
content from Luke’s Gospel, which is about Jesus, to Acts, which concerns the life and work of
the church, of the community of believers. This is the first of several summaries
Romans is the work of a mature mind. It may be the last letter we have from Paul, assuming as many scholars do, that he had over two decades of teaching, preaching and writing letters to his many congregations. There were congregations that had Hebrew roots and others that began in
In reflecting on this 2 Peter letter some background is necessary for today’s reading and
devotion. The extensive use of rare Greek words and the advanced style seem to reflect an educational background beyond what we know of the apostle Peter. In addition, the church was very slow to accept 2 Peter
Together we can turn the nation’s largest weekend of football into the largest weekend of giving. Youth group members will be collecting monetary donations at each service this Sunday and will then send the donation to the Turning Point United Methodist Food Pantry in Trenton. Your generosity will be very much appreciated. The link below will take you to our PushPay system. You can select “Give One Time” then use the Fund Selector to choose “Souper Bowl of Caring.”
PEDAL for PROMISE – SATURDAY, MAY 11, 2019: Medford United Methodist is fielding a team for the Urban Promise fundraiser “Pedal for Promise.” This year the ride begins and ends at Valenzano Winery in Shamong. You can register to ride, make a donation to the team or register as a spectator to enjoy the party and cheer on our team.
Go to urbanpromiseusa.org/pedal for more information about the event, to donate, or to register as an individual. OR you can go directly to the TEAM MEDFORD UMC page at www.crowdrise.com/team-medford-umc.
Questions or need help? Speak with Pastor Kathleen, Wayne Richards, or Heidi and Mike Polhemus
