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God and Dog
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| Written by Don Schwartz |
| This is an internet e-mail I received recently with a YOUTUBE link. PM liked it and so did other sin the church office. Give a listen and then some feedback.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H17edn_RZoY
If you cannot go direct to this site and it and paste into your browser.
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God Is Love
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| Written by Mike / Darcy Mackenzie |
| "Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragnant offering and sacrifice to God." Ephesians 5:1-2.
At this busy time of the year, I, like so many people feel run down. From shopping and wrapping, to baking cookies and family gatherings...I feel overwhelmed. But then there are moments, like today, that I stop and am able to catch my breath. As I watched the energetic young Sunday School students sing their little hearts out at their program today,I could see God's love. I was inspired. As I listend to young voices sing harmonies of praise, I could hear God's love. I watched children in awe of Baby Jesus and who gave so freely of their love. This moment reminded me that God gave the ultimate gift of love. He sent Jesus to give us everlasting life. Jesus is the greatest imitator of God's love and sacrifice. What an amazing gift! I hope this holiday, you have moments to catch your breath, and moments that take your breath away. Merry Christmas! |
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Harvest of Praise
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| Written by Mike / Darcy Mackenzie |
| I wanted to extend a thank you to all those people who participated in and attended the Harvest of Praise Concert hosted by our church on October 18th. The music was inspiring. Your generous donations raised $740 for the Samaritan House. Thank you for giving so freely of your time and talent. May each of your days be a harvest of praise for our God. |
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Praise
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| Written by Mike / Darcy Mackenzie |
| Fall is a great time for praise and worship at St. John. Last Sunday's "Be The Church" Sunday was a huge success. Thanks to all those people who organized it and participated. Not only do the church grounds look great but I know that many needy people received coats, food, blankets, and more...most importantly as a congregation, we were able to give. Jesus taught us, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." Acts 20:35.
I would like to invite the congregation and community to continue to participate in another great fall praise ministry. The Harvest of Praise concert will be held Sunday, October 18th at 2 p.m. in our church sanctuary. Groups from St. John will perform as well as the adult choir from St. John and Paul Catholic Church, Symphonia Chorale, and the Romeo Village Singers. Refreshments will be served and a free will offering will go to Samaritan House. Come and join us in the Harvest of Praise! |
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Keep the Faith
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| Written by Pastor Mark Evans |
| During these troubled times it's so hard to keep the faith. Now more than ever we need to hear God's word and support one another. During the Lenten Season we will be watching a DVD series entitled "Modern Parables." This weeks parable is the Widow and the Judge. It's a story in which our Lord is helping us to see that we must be persisitent in prayer. Even though our lives may be full of uncertainty and doubt we are told to keep on praying because God does listen and hear our prayers. So come and join us this Wednesday; first for soup supper and then for worship. Peace,Pastor Mark
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Daily Manna Website
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| Written by Don Schwartz |
| Daily Manna from the 'Net for Tuesday, February 17 [subscribe]
http://www.ibsstl.org/dm/index.php
The IBS website has a subscription service for anyone willing to receive a Daily E-mail of scripture. They also have a version you can LISTEN to - if you click on their links at the website. The following is a sample for Feb 17, 2009. Don Schwartz 2-17-09
You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. Galatians 5:13-17 NIV Listen
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Why We Gather on Sundays
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| Written by David Hudson |
| In the Book of Matthew 18:20, Jesus teaches us the importance of meeting TOGETHER! "Where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them." We can eat alone, and pray alone, but we must come together in order to be and experience the body of Christ. Our coming together is more than functional or efficient; it is NECESSARY! It is how we find out who we are in relation to Jesus. Not only did Jesus talk about the benefits of gathering in assemblies; it was his daily practice. If fact, it was such a noteworthy event when he went off by himself to pray, the Gospels make specific mention of these special occasions. At times the disciples often missed Jesus' presence. Do we? Do we recognize Jesus in our midst? Or do we fail to recognize our Lord in our songs, the sermon, the Eucharist, and in the face's of our fellow congregants? Yet, through his promise and our faith he is with us anyway, recognized or not. So we come together, forming our community, and trusting Jesus to be present in these gatherings. "Jesus teaches that we are not suffieient in and of ourselves. We need one another to complete our basic identity as members of the body of Christ. There are many things we can do alone, but becoming Christ's body is not one of them." Peace, Dave Hudson (adapted from The Sunday Assembly, Augsburg Press) 12-10-2008
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The Lord’s Prayer—Bell Ringing
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| Written by David Hudson |
| During our liturgies, while the congregation prays together the Lord's Prayer, you may have noticed that a bell in the tower is being rung (or rung via the pipe organ). Although a 20th century interpretation of this practice suggests that (1) the rings recall the Holy Trinity or (2) the three rings represent God, Jesus, and the coming of God's Kingdom as evidenced by the words which invoke the striking of the bell. However, this old practice is not for the sake of the congregation at worship inside the building. In most churches that ring the Lord's Prayer Bell, it is the smallest of the bells which is rung, and easily identified. The intention is that those who are unable to attend, and within earshot, will be able to hear the bell being rung and participate with the congregation in praying the Lord's Prayer. Usually bells have names, and this one is always called the "Pater," after the Latin name of the prayer, Pater Noster, or Our Father. In Germany this bell was often called the "Kartoffelglock" (Potato Bell). In many places it was the custom for the servants to attend worship early in the morning, a shorter service, and then to return home to prepare the meal for the family whom they served. The family would attend the later and longer service; so when the servants in charge of the meal heard the Pater (Lord's Prayer Bell) being rung they could both pray with the congregation where the master was worshiping, and know that it was time to put the potatoes on to cook because the family would soon be home for the noon meal, hence, the “potato bell.” (adapted from Zion Lutheran Church, Indiana, PA. website) 12-04-2008
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Howdy Y'All!!
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| Written by N. Billardello |
| Hello to all the St. John Family. I can't believe that I have already been in Texas for three months. Time is flying! My experience has been blessed every step of the way. My weeks are filled with Bible Study, program planning, preparing classes, and of course writing sermons. The people are wonderful, they have embraced me as their adopted son! They really like to feed the intern, which is okay by me. I have learned that Texans really love three things, God, food, and football... so I am fitting in quite well. Having said that, I do miss home. I miss my family, this will be my first Thanksgiving away, and I miss St. John. St. John has been my church home for twenty years now, and I miss the family that I have there. It's weird being at a Lutheran Church that does worship like we do at home, but a little different. I feel like I'm cheating on y'all... if that makes sense. Haha. I have been keeping up with the news about the economy in Michigan and am praying for all of you. It is a scary time... but it's a good time to be the church. It's a good time to remember that God's love is unconditional, and never failing. Well I have to run to a meeting, my prayers and love are with you all. May the peace of our Lord be with you all! Nick 11-19-2008
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Reconnect
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| Written by Pastor Mark Evans |
| Good morning! I just read the blogs and realized that it's been several months since I blogged! The summer is just zoooming by! Here's a few thoughts. First community is soo important! I went to confirmation camp and saw a wonderful and gifted group of college age counselors take kids who were strangers and by the end of the week they had become a community. Makes me realize that I need to stress community in our congregation. Then came White Water Rafting which had many good good points; however there were some tough times as well. You see the company I have rafted with was bought out in a merger that is attempting to combine 5 rafting companies into 1. The company that now runs the whole show was known as the place to go if you wanted to party down. AW, the company I'd rafted with all these years had the reputation of being a company that catered to large groups, churches, scout troops etc. What happened was what I called a "Clash of Cultures". Most of you know that I'm no prude when it comes to drinking, but there was just way too many drunks walking around! So I'll be looking for a different company to raft with next year. This experience made me realize how challenging it is for a Christian to live as St. Paul tells us, "We are to be in the world but not of it". Peace, PM
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Forgiveness
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| Written by David Hudson |
| In keeping with PM's blog offerings of prayer from the assisting ministers, I offer my personal forgiveness prayer from Saturday's sermon. It comes as a response to the command of Jesus in Matthew 7:7-9.
"Heavenly Father, Thank you for forgiving me, a sinner.
I will (want, desire, need) to forgive _______ for the harm (name it) caused to me.
I will (want, desire, need) to not hold on to the resentment I feel, and ask that you change my feelings.
My heart is receptive so I will receive those new feelings you give me.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen."
Peace, Dave Hudson
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A Summer Prayer
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| Written by Pastor Mark Evans |
| This prayer was written by Mellissa Lehman. "As summer slowly approaches, help us to stay focused on the important things of life. Let us enjoy extra time with our family and friends and keep us close together. Remind us to appreciate the company we have and enable us to love one another. Help us to glorify your name and share your love and grace as we experience new things and new people." God's Peace, Pastor Mark |
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An Election Prayer
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| Written by Pastor Mark Evans |
| Here is a prayer by Mike Palmer it helped me as I ponder this election process. I hope it helps you. Pastor Mark "Dear God, we are 7 months away from another important presidential election.
Our new leader will have many challenges ahead of them. They will have to lead us out of economic uncertainty. They will have to decide if we continue to put our sons and daughters in harms way in Iraq and Afghanistan. They will have to decide if universal healthcare is going to be possible for all citizens and how to pay for it. We,therefore, pray that this person will have the answers that will actually solve the problems and not just pander to the latest polls or largest campaign contributor. Although we love our democracy it is hard not to be jaded by the influence money seems to buy." |
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Another prayer from our Assistant Ministers
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| Written by Pastor Mark Evans |
| Rod Rohloff has written a beautiful prayer to help us as we begin a new week. Rod writes: "Lord a new week approaches. Guide us in our daily tasks. May our words and actions reflect the love with which you nurture us to those we meet upon our way. Forgive us when we fail. Be with us in the morning's dawn, be with us in the rush of day, be with us when we take rest at night. Holy Spirit, awesome God fill our souls with a yearning and passion to overcome our challenges, our sorrow and weakness. Enable us to see each day as a new and wondrous beginning and another step closer to an eternity in your presence. Lord in your mercy." Thanks Rod! Peace, PM
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An Easter Prayer
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| Written by Pastor Mark Evans |
| Once again one of our Assisting Ministers, Jerry Foor by name, has written a prayer that needs to be remembered. Jerry writes: "Our Saviour has risen. The one who brings peace and understanding to all with renewed hope and salvation. On this day of resurrection let the victory of your emergence from the tomb enrich our souls and be the inspiration of your everlasting peace. Our Lord has risen in our hearts. remind us to shine in your light, to feel your compassion, and blossom in your love. At the close of each day when we quietly pray may our thoughts return to you Lord. The one who suffered and died for us. HE IS RISEN, INDEED!" Thanks Jerry. PM
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A Prayer
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| Written by Pastor Mark Evans |
| At St. John our Assisting ministers write their own prayers, which are used in worship. They do a wonderful job. Here is a prayer from last Sunday written by Scott Palmer.
Saviour in heaven, You search us and know us, and all that we are is open to you. We confess that we have sinned. Be merciful, Lord, and fill us with hope. When we show great discipline in pursusit of worldy wealth, but invest neither energy or enthusiams in the treasures of the Spirit, Be merciful Lord, and fill us with your love. When we confess you amongst our friends, but deny you when your enemies are close in, be merciful, Lord, and fill us with your Spirit. When we build our comforts and pleasures on the sacrifices of others, instead of sacrificing our privileges to build a world that all can share, be merciful, Lord, and fill us with your truth. When we demand instant results and scorn those who find value in waiting, in yearning, even in suffering, even in dying, be merciful, Lord and fill us with your life. When we look for an easier Gospel; a lighter cross, a less demanding Savior, Be merciful, Lord----for we have sinned, and you are gracious.
Lord in your mercy,
Thanks Scott for sharing your gift with us.
God's Peace,
Pastor mark |
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Licensed Ministry Program
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| Written by David Hudson |
| Quite a number of you have asked about the details concerning my study to be a Licensed Lay Minister. I thought this blog would be the perfect place to describe the program. The program of preparation for a Licensed Lay Minister is 10-12 units (courses) of study given over a 2-year period. The program covers material from the Old and New Testament, Basic Theology, Worship, Church History (2 courses), Discipleship, Christian Ethics, Teaching the Word, and Practical Ministry (Visitation). My plan is to supplement the Practical Ministry course with training as a Stephen Minister and serving an internship with a hospital chaplin. Each class is given on 5 consecutive Saturdays of 3-hours each. Units are taught by pastors of the Southeast Michigan Synod who, so far, have graduate degrees beyond their Seminary training. The courses are taught using college-level text books and supplemental readings (about 125 pages/week), always involve extensive class discussions/participation, and typically requires one or more presentations (between 5-30 minutes) or some type of written assignment by each student. There are no grades. At the beginning of the second year candidates must submit a second application and pass an interview with the Synod Lay Ministry Advisory Committee, a psychological evaluation, and a background check. As far as I can tell, I'm in the third class of this program so the Synod is still trying to work out some of the bugs. My class consists of 12 candidates; 6 women, 6 men, all approximately my age.
Upon successful completion of the program of study and a six-month internship (~180 hours), a specific congregation and its pastor must submit a Letter of Appointment to the Bishop outlining the duties and responsiblities for the candidate. A favorable recommendation from the Synod Advisory Committee and an endorsement by the Bishop authorizes the individual to serve solely within the congregation or Synod and not elsewhere in the ELCA. The individual is not subject to the "call" process.
The position is non-rostered so it carries not title and no salary. Clerical collars and stoles (the 4-inch band of colored/decorated cloth worn around the Pastor's neck) cannot be worn. Wearing an “alb and cincture” (the white robe worn by Pastor Mark) is acceptable during worship services.
Because of Michigan state regulations Licensed Ministers should not perform weddings.
I'm excited about the program and anxious to participate. My goal is to bring some credibility to my service at St. John and help Pastor Mark improve our relationship with Jesus Christ.
Peace,
Dave Hudson
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Congrats to Nick
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| Written by Pastor Mark Evans |
| Say Nick good job! thanks for the pat on the back. Now there is one thing you need to consider if you go to Dallas for your internship. Will you still be able to root for the Lions? Texans love their Cowboys, sooo be careful what you wish for. See you over Easter.
God's Peace,
PM |
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Internship
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| Written by N. Billardello |
| A couple weeks ago pastor-supervisors from all over the country flew into Columbus for a week to meet with all the potential candidates for internship coming up next year. I met with four different supervisors, and I realized how much I liked St. John and Pastor Mark. I think that a lot of pastors around the country miss the point when it comes to church. The point is simple, Jesus is love perfected… for us. Everything else that the church does should be built on that foundation. That being said, I met a few pastors that I could work with for a year… Since Pastor Mark won’t let me come home! Haha. I understand that it’s good for me to get a different experience. Anyway, it appears that I will spend next year in Dallas or Los Angeles, but I won’t find out for sure until March 31st. I am excited for the opportunity, and know that God will lead me to where He wants me. That’s what’s going on in Columbus these days. Classes are good but they are certainly keeping me busy. I’m looking forward to the Easter break! Grace, Mercy and Peace to you! See you soon, Nick. |
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Joy and Humor
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| Written by Pastor Mark Evans |
| Well I've got some ideas for a series on joy and humor in scripture and our faith. Last week I was talking with a friend and after our conversation I knew this is the right thing to do. So keep checking the blog and I'll give you updates on this series.
Peace,
PM |
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Thank you
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| Written by N. Billardello |
| When I decided to go to Seminary, I really had no idea how I was going to find the funding to get through. All I knew was that God wanted me to go, so I went. I went with the faith that God would help me get through. I am truly blessed to come from a church that believes in me, and believes in my call to ministry, and has decided to assist me financially as I journey. I applied for other scholarships and took out student loans to subsidize the rest… but I was still coming up a little short, so I prayed, and I stressed. One thing I have really learned how to do the past year and a half is pray. But not just to pray, but to pray and believe that God hears me, and wants to do something about it. And God did something about it… God brought me home. Once again my church family wanted to help. I never ceased to be amazed at how giving and loving the congregation of St. John is. When Pastor Mark told me how much the church had given, I was speechless. I am humbled by the potential that you all see in me. Everybody needs someone to believe in them, and I am blessed to have a church that believes in me. I want to thank you for believing in me, and for helping me get through this struggle, so that I can come home soon! Thanks again! If there are any topics or questions you would like me to blog about, email me at nbillardello@hotmail.com. Peace to you, Nick |
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Joy and Humor
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| Written by Pastor Mark Evans |
| I don't know about you but these troubled times we live in are getting me down! So how about a sermon series on joy and humor in the bible and our faith? I'm looking at the four Sundays in April. Any suggestions of how to structure this?
Peace,
PM |
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It's cold outside!
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| Written by Pastor Mark Evans |
| It's Thursday and last night was the big snow, which fell on Ash Wednesday. As you can imagine very few folks were able to get out for service. We had a grand total of twenty five. This reminded me of last fall when I did the sermon series on Christian Community. the definition used for that series came form the words of our Lord. "Whenever two or three are gathered in my name there am I in the midst of them." So it was a good service! Sometimes we preachers get too caught up in numbers. That was a good reminder for me, and I think it can be good for all of us.
Peace,
PM |
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NASCAR Theology
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| Written by N. Billardello |
| I was joking with a friend one day, and told him I could take anything, and pull some kind of theological lesson from it. So he challenged me to come up with a theological lesson from NASCAR. Here is what I said: God the Father, the creator of all things, has created for us a race-track of life. And we are uniquely designed vehicles that are flying around this creation way too fast. The Holy Spirit is trying to direct us through the track, or driving us, but we don’t always listen to the Holy Spirit, and for one reason or another we hit the wall, or other cars, or get flat tires. We want to go where the Holy Spirit is leading, but other cars get in the way, and they tempt us to try a different route. Kind of like the Serpent and Eve. So as hard as we try to drive straight, but it’s not possible, and we get dented up… we get all dented up, everyday. People hurt us, we hurt ourselves, and we hurt others; we are always denting and being dented. But by the grace of God we are driven by the Holy Spirit, and the Spirit directs on to the pits for repair, some might call church “the pits”, but I mean it in a positive sense. And waiting for us on pit road, is Jesus, the ultimate crew chief, who through his inconceivable love is there waiting to fix us. He loved us so much that He died for us, He gave his body so that ours could be fixed. This is a way of understanding communion, through eating and drinking his body and blood, we are repaired and made whole. Then we head back out to the race track and start getting dented again… on a side note, I think we all know people who aren’t being driven by the Holy Spirit… I just wonder who is healing them in the pits? If you have any comments, or any questions you’d like me to blog about, email me at nbillardello@hotmail.com . May you feel God’s love today, Nick.
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Football, Poker, and God
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| Written by N. Billardello |
| Yesterday I sat and watched one of the most entertaining Superbowls in recent memory, and as the game was ending, I couldn't help but imagine fans for both sides praying that God would help their team win. I remember saying a prayer kind of like that in 2004 when the Pistons won, and then again in 2005 when they lost. Then I thought, "does God care who wins? Does God pick sides? Or have a favorite team?"... Sometimes after I finish my homework I need to watch TV for a bit to relax, and lately poker has been on a lot. I'm not going to lie, I started watching poker. There was this one moment, when two players were going head to head, and it was down to the flip of a card, just pure luck, and millions of dollars were at stake, and both sides started to pray. Both sides were praying that they would win. One said, "have a purpose for me today Lord." And the other side was saying, "this is your chance to make me a believer." Does God take sides? If God takes sides, then who gets God's favor? and how? What happens if God sides against you? ... I was bothered, so I went to the Bible. Matthew 4 tells us about when Jesus was tempted by Satan, and one of the temptations is to become King over the world, and to to be given all the power and riches that come with it. Jesus doesn't say, "Satan, it's not yours to give." Instead he says, "I will worship the Lord alone." If power and riches are something that Satan can give, then should we be asking God for it? And then, in Mark 10 Jesus says, "whoever wants to be first, must be last." (Looks like Lions fans will be first! haha) But seriously, how can we read this text, and then pray to be first? ... I know, I know, we're going to win at things, and we're going to lose at things. We might get looked over for promotions, and we might get more than we deserve... but no matter what happens, we can not let our accomplishments and shortfalls define who we are. We are beloved Children of God! And their is no greater reward on earth than that. I'm not saying we should stop praying for good things, but in the words of Garth Brooks, "Some of God's greatest gifts, are unanswered prayers."
Peace! Nick |
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Home
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| Written by N. Billardello |
| As I am sitting here reading for class, I can't help but think how nice it was to be home this weekend. It's funny, I have lived a lot of different places the past five years, and no particular place for any extended period of time, so when I think of home, I think of St. John.
One definition the dictionary gives for the word home is a place of refuge. What does home mean to you? I feel at home because of the loving family at St. John, with whom I feel comfortable being myself around. There is also a comfort level I have with the building... I have spent so much time in so many different rooms.
I wonder if you feel at home at St. John? If not, what can be done so you do feel at home? And if you do feel at home, what can we do to make others feel at home? Well, I need to get back to reading. Hopefully I'll be home again soon.
God is love,
Nick |
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I'll try again!
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| Written by Pastor Mark Evans |
| Well, once again I have been humbled. I wrote my second blog and somehow I lost it. I was rambling on about these terribly difficult times in which we live, and the many disappointments we all have experienced this past year. A great book to read is Philip Yancey's "disappointment With God" Yancey helped me so much that I've turned the book into a sermon series, and our great techo people have put it on the website. I hope you find it helpful
God's Peace,
Pastor Mark |
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Thinking about the Season
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| Written by Pastor Mark Evans |
| I've been thinking about the season and what it means to us. As Christians we take great joy in participating in the remembering of our Lord's birth. We call him the Prince of Peace. Yet how can we call Him the Prince of Peace when wars, famine, injustice and poverty stalk the Land? Our joy comes not from His birth as much as why He came. The Son of God/God in human form came to live with us. He came not searching for a safe place to live. He came to Save. He came because we needed him. What is at stake here is not the conditions that lead to His birth nor the conditions of the world in 2007. What is at stake here is the total human condition of sin and our inabliltiy to save ourselves. So God through His Son finds a way to save us. We celebrate that God will not be denied and that against all odds God has found a way, and His way is Jesus. Merry Christmas! Pastor Mark |
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Blogging
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| Written by Pastor Mark Evans |
| Ok, I'm trying my first attempt at a blog. so I've got some questions. When you BLOG to all you bloggers what is the purpose of blogging? Is this a long version of email, or is it something else. As regards to the something else is it to be used for in depth discusssions of various topics or concers? Is it an electronic newsletter or what? So to all you who somehow read this reply and let me know. Peace, PM |