Delving into the following in any depth is beyond the scope of this reflection. However, I think it is helpful to note that young people living in an environment that values Godly living and relationship has been shown to lower levels of anxiety and give greater positivity about life; a positive note in today’s world.
How are we doing day to day showing others the love of Jesus? Can others see that we are Christians who follow Jesus? Can they see that our church is like the church of Philadelphia – truly welcoming to all who come – whether it be for one visit or for a lifetime?
Jeremiah 7:1-5 is a sermon that is usually considered as an interruption in the text. But it works as a theological response to the haunting and elusive poetry of chapters 2-6. It says that even the Jerusalem temple, the center of national life, won’t save Judah from disaster and divine judgement.
Acts 17:1-9 paints a troubling picture. You might assume in reading that the people at war with one another in this story are believers verses atheists, or at least sworn enemies. But that’s not the case. These are brothers in the faith who just happen to disagree with one another about what they believe God is doing in the world.
The psalms return again and again to this image of God as a refuge — a stronghold, a fortress, a shelter, a rock. All of these metaphors point to one truth: in God we find safety when the world around threatens to undo us.
When Jesus entered the temple, He found that the place meant for prayer and connection with God had been turned into a marketplace. Instead of being a space of peace, worship, and safety, it became transactional, where people were overcharged and taken advantage of. This can feel familiar in our own lives.
Acts 7 tells the story of Stephen’s powerful witness to the high priest and the Sanhedrin about Jesus Christ. Stephen’s testimony results in his subsequent sentencing to be stoned to death, and becoming the first Christian martyr. Stephen pointed out that they had made an idol out of the temple in Jerusalem
No matter how loud the hate gets, or how cruel the violence becomes… you are HEARD.
Today’s reading begins with, “ 5 Come, house of Jacob, walk by the Lord’s light” and it jumped out at me immediately upon my first reading. I have been reflecting on “walk by the Lord’s light” for almost two weeks and I can’t seem to get it out of my head. Have you sung or heard the song “Marching in the Light of God”?
Today, many of my family are members of the churches we attend here and in Florida. And Peter tells us to love the family of believers.
Asking, why do we think God can’t save us is not a question about God, it is a question about us.
The word that really stuck out to me when reading this Psalm was “but” in verse 4. How many
times do we say “but” to ourselves when we are thinking about doing something new or doing something hard or even doing something fun?
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
