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Forgiveness: A Lenten Study
Forgiveness: A Lenten Study
Forgiveness: A Lenten Study
Using the book and study guide by Marjorie J. Thompson (Author of “Soul-Feast”) we will walk through the experience of forgiveness together. Far too often we think of forgiveness as an impossible act of forcing ourselves to feel things that we are not able to feel. Other times we see forgiveness as something we wish we could do, but cannot see how it can make a practical difference in our lives. Through this brief study we will see how forgiveness can be a gift we give to ourselves: to release the control that past events and hurts have over how we think and feel today.
This study will be using the book “Forgiveness: A Lenten Study” which is available through the church office for $9.00. You do not have to have read the book to participate in the class, however, those who read the book will appreciate, in greater detail, how forgiveness functions in our lives to heal our hearts and free us from the past.
The class will be led by Pastor Jack following our Lenten Observances.
| 03/01/2017 | 7:30-8:00 | Beginnings: A Kinship Appeal |
| 03/08/2017 | 7:00 – 8:00 | Self-Examination: Prelude to Forgiveness |
| 03/15/2017 | 7:00 – 8:00 | Engaging the Inner Struggle |
| 03/22/2017 | 7:00 – 8:00 | Repentance: Getting a New Mind |
| 03/29/2017 | 7:00 – 8:00 | Forgiving: Embracing Freedom |
| 04/05/2017 | 7:00 – 8:00 | Beginning Again: Reconciliation and Restoration |
2/12/2017
Sermon: How We are Called to Love
Theme: God calls us to practice love that is founded on a commitment to humbly share God’s compassion and grace with all people.
Purpose: The congregation will put love into practice, caring for one another with humility forgiveness, as they serve God.
Scriptures: John 15:1-17 Jesus is the vine, and we are branches; we are commanded to love one another.
1 Corinthians 13:1-13 The Apostle Paul describes the gift of love.
Questions:
In what ways is the love that the Apostle Paul describes different from what is popularly thought of as being love? In what ways is humility a necessary part of the capacity to love as God calls us to love? How does the love that Paul describes reflect the type of love that God gives to us? In what ways do we need to be in Christ so that we may share this meaningful and powerful love? How do we practice this type of love? In what ways does this love move us away from “feelings” and emotions and move us to a commitment to be Christ-like?
Click HERE to listen to the message.
February 5, 2017 Communion
February 5, 2017 Communion
Pastor Sam Hamilton-Poore, will be preaching. Pastor Hamilton-Poore is an “At large” pastor in Winnebago Presbytery (not currently serving a congregation) who has published works in spiritual development and spiritual practices.
Passages: Isaiah 58:1-12, Matthew 5:13-20
Sermon: “Then Your Light Will Shine”
Click HERE to listen to the message.
February Newsletter 1st Sunday
February Newsletter 1st Sunday
1/29/2017
Sermon: “Many Parts, One Body”
Theme: Through humility we can bring together our varieties of gifts in the power of God’s Holy Spirit.
Purpose: The congregation will value our unity and strength that comes through humility and love.
Scriptures: Luke 9:46-50 Who is greatest in the kingdom of God, whoever is not against you is for you.
1 Corinthians 12:12-31 The various parts of the body of Christ and gifts we use.
Questions:
What does it mean to us in practical terms that there are a variety of gifts, but one Holy Spirit? Do we see ourselves as gifted? Do we recognize that our gifts are in the service of the one body? Why is it that so many times there are arguments and divisions among Christians? What does it mean to humble ourselves and place ourselves in the service of Christ? What does it mean to us that anyone who does not oppose us is for us?
Click HERE to listen to the message.
January 22, 2017
Sermon: “One Body, Many Parts”
Theme: God created us with many different perspectives, gifts, and capabilities so that we may be in fellowship together.
Purpose: The congregation will seek to grow in love and acceptance of one another.
Scriptures: John 14:15-26 Jesus will not leave us orphaned but sends the Holy Spirit to be our advocate.
1 Corinthians 12:1-11 There are varieties of gifts but one Holy Spirit.
Questions:
What is meant by “Spiritual gifts?” Do we all have special gifts and abilities that are given to us by God? How do we access and use these gifts? Does this mean we have supernatural powers or is this a way that God works through us? What is the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives? How do we put this power and role of the Holy Spirit into perspective for us?
Click HERE to listen to the message.
1/15/2017
Sermon: “To Know Only Christ, and Him Crucified”
Theme: Our foundation for our faith is that Christ sacrificed himself, which calls us to a wisdom of love and compassion.
Purpose: The congregation will learn and grow in the wisdom of Christ.
Scriptures: Luke 7:24-35 Jesus compares the wisdom of John the Baptist with the wisdom of the religious teachers.
1 Corinthians 2:1-13 The Apostle Paul speaks of the wisdom of knowing Christ, and him crucified.
Questions:
What does it mean to only know Christ, and him crucified? What difference does it make to us that we worship the God who was crucified? What does it mean for our humility and judgment that our model is Christ who was willing to suffer for people who did not deserve his love and grace? What becomes our source for our identity and self-esteem as Christians? What enables us to be ourselves in the midst of the expectations of others?
Click HERE to listen to the message.
