"But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, so that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your ancestors, as he is doing today" (Deut 8:17).
Whether you feel like you are wandering in the wilderness or are living it up in the Promised Land, pause to give thanks this season. The Biblical way of thanksgiving is through remembrance, remembrance of the Lord our God who brings us out of the desert, walks with us through the valleys and hears our shouts from the mountain tops. This day will find us in various spiritual, family, social, and economic situations, but regardless of where we are, give thanks through remembering our Lord. How and when can we remember? Remember the Lord by “talking about them [God’s Words] when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise” (Deut 6:7). In other words, make thanksgiving a part of everyday life. God Bless you and your family. Amen
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Sunday 11:45 Worship
Thanks for those who participated in planning the special worship for this Sunday. Below is the order of service that we agreed upon. We look forward to having a faithful and fantastic time. God Bless.
Call To Worship – God is an Awesome God – Joe and children
Greeting – Pastor John
Songs of Praise - Congregation
Special Activity
Luke 17:11-19 - Jacob Anderson
Message
An Opportunity of Thanks
Offering - Rapid Deployment
Closing Song - Congregation
Call To Worship – God is an Awesome God – Joe and children
Greeting – Pastor John
Songs of Praise - Congregation
Special Activity
Luke 17:11-19 - Jacob Anderson
Message
An Opportunity of Thanks
Offering - Rapid Deployment
Closing Song - Congregation
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Praise and Thanksgiving
"Take care that you do not forget the Lord your God..." (Deut 8:11a)
Trinity wil be hosting two special services in the next week. We would love to see you on Sunday, November 23, 2008 at 11:45 where we will have a contemporary family service. This service will offer up praise and thanksgiving to God in an interactive atmosphere. Come help us remember what God has done for us this past year. If you would like to help out or participate, please respond to this post, email, or attend a planning meeting on Wed (19th) at 7pm.
On Thanksgiving Eve we will be hosting the Emmitsburg Council of Churches Thanksgiving Service at 7pm. Please join us for a wonderful community event. We will also be collecting cereal for the Emmitsburg area foodbank. See you then!
Trinity wil be hosting two special services in the next week. We would love to see you on Sunday, November 23, 2008 at 11:45 where we will have a contemporary family service. This service will offer up praise and thanksgiving to God in an interactive atmosphere. Come help us remember what God has done for us this past year. If you would like to help out or participate, please respond to this post, email, or attend a planning meeting on Wed (19th) at 7pm.
On Thanksgiving Eve we will be hosting the Emmitsburg Council of Churches Thanksgiving Service at 7pm. Please join us for a wonderful community event. We will also be collecting cereal for the Emmitsburg area foodbank. See you then!
Friday, November 7, 2008
Jim and Casper go to church
Last night at Bible study we started working with Jim and Casper. Jim is a Christian who purchased the right to take Casper, an atheist, to church. They visited 10 churches and began to have conversations about what they experienced. Jim felt that Christians could learn a great deal from what an Atheist thought about our churches. Casper and Jim noticed several things in their visits. 1. Churches did not reflect how the Church was depicted in the Bible. 2. Churches had little sense of community. 3. Other than the greeters they were not talked to by anyone except in two churches. 4. The churches seemed to be overly interested in spectacle. 5. The churches were solely interested in growing large.
Take time to reflect on these comments and feel free to offer some of your own.
Take time to reflect on these comments and feel free to offer some of your own.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Staying In Love With God
"As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love" (John 15.9).
Jesus said that "they will know you are Christians by your love." At the end of the day it is love that defines who we are. As we search the Scriptures it is impossible to ignore commandments, laws, traditions, expectations, and customs; how could we possibly meet them all? The original Disciples had the same question. Jesus answered, "love your God with all your heart, mind and soul, and love your neighbor as yourself. All the other commandments are wrapped up into this." John Wesley also struggled with these expectations and he demamnded evidence of salvation. When he looked within himself and around his community he became discouraged at what he saw. His solution and comfort came by remembering the words of Christ and lifted them up by developing and implementing three simple rules for his general societies. He believed one could evidence their salvation first by doing no harm, then by doing good and thirdly by staying in love with God. It was the third rule which could be lived out by participating in the ordinances of God such as public worship, hearing the Word read or expounded, partaking of the Lord's Supper, family prayer, and searching the Scriptures. It is within this third rule that the possibility of doing no harm and doing good becomes a reality. Let us all be challenged to go forth and fall in love all over again and to remain strong by staying in Love with God.
Jesus said that "they will know you are Christians by your love." At the end of the day it is love that defines who we are. As we search the Scriptures it is impossible to ignore commandments, laws, traditions, expectations, and customs; how could we possibly meet them all? The original Disciples had the same question. Jesus answered, "love your God with all your heart, mind and soul, and love your neighbor as yourself. All the other commandments are wrapped up into this." John Wesley also struggled with these expectations and he demamnded evidence of salvation. When he looked within himself and around his community he became discouraged at what he saw. His solution and comfort came by remembering the words of Christ and lifted them up by developing and implementing three simple rules for his general societies. He believed one could evidence their salvation first by doing no harm, then by doing good and thirdly by staying in love with God. It was the third rule which could be lived out by participating in the ordinances of God such as public worship, hearing the Word read or expounded, partaking of the Lord's Supper, family prayer, and searching the Scriptures. It is within this third rule that the possibility of doing no harm and doing good becomes a reality. Let us all be challenged to go forth and fall in love all over again and to remain strong by staying in Love with God.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Harvest Celebration
“The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till it and keep it” (Gen 2.15).
Sounds like God thinks highly and gives a prominent Biblical place to farming. As it turns out we think highly of agriculture too. On Sunday, October 26, 2008 at 11:45, we will be celebrating the harvest and having a tribute to farming. Because of time limitations we will not be meeting before the service, but I will gladly take suggestions here in the blog, by email, or at church. In addition, we will use some of the ideas from the previous meetings that we had for the Sept celebration.
As of this date, Megan and Priscilla will be giving a message using pumpkin carving as an illustration that will be interactive and fun for all ages. We will sing contemporary music in a relaxed and casual atmosphere. It would be great to have a few decorations that celebrate farming and the harvest.
As everyone knows, the local food bank is in desperate need. We will be taking a food offering during this service. We will try to fill a wheelbarrow or wagon with food. Please spread the word.
Thanks for your prayers and your input.
God Bless.
Sounds like God thinks highly and gives a prominent Biblical place to farming. As it turns out we think highly of agriculture too. On Sunday, October 26, 2008 at 11:45, we will be celebrating the harvest and having a tribute to farming. Because of time limitations we will not be meeting before the service, but I will gladly take suggestions here in the blog, by email, or at church. In addition, we will use some of the ideas from the previous meetings that we had for the Sept celebration.
As of this date, Megan and Priscilla will be giving a message using pumpkin carving as an illustration that will be interactive and fun for all ages. We will sing contemporary music in a relaxed and casual atmosphere. It would be great to have a few decorations that celebrate farming and the harvest.
As everyone knows, the local food bank is in desperate need. We will be taking a food offering during this service. We will try to fill a wheelbarrow or wagon with food. Please spread the word.
Thanks for your prayers and your input.
God Bless.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
High Expectations
When Jesus called Levi, the tax collector, the Bible says, “he got up, left everything, and followed him” (Luke 5:28). It would seem from the Biblical record that if people are not willing to drop everything in the beginning, then when it is all said and done, the likelihood of dropping anything is slim. Maybe that is one of the most difficult obstacles of discipleship; the willingness to leave it all behind and follow a new Way.
It is true that sometimes we don’t want to hear that anything is required of us, but other times it is exactly what we need to hear. Anytime we are asked to “join” an organization or team, we want to know what is required of our time and us. It has become common for recruiters to give say what they think people want to hear, “oh not much, just show up when you can.” But not so fast my friend.
Just maybe people are more like Levi than we give them credit. Just maybe church participation is down because people want more than to just “show up,” or maybe people want not just expectations, but high expectations; maybe when they ask, “what will be required of me?” The answer should be, “everything.” If we want to faithfully invite people to follow Christ, then we need to show them that much will be required. The expectation won’t be to show up on Sunday mornings, but to actually allow the Gospel to transform their lives even when that means leaving it all behind and following Him.
It is true that sometimes we don’t want to hear that anything is required of us, but other times it is exactly what we need to hear. Anytime we are asked to “join” an organization or team, we want to know what is required of our time and us. It has become common for recruiters to give say what they think people want to hear, “oh not much, just show up when you can.” But not so fast my friend.
Just maybe people are more like Levi than we give them credit. Just maybe church participation is down because people want more than to just “show up,” or maybe people want not just expectations, but high expectations; maybe when they ask, “what will be required of me?” The answer should be, “everything.” If we want to faithfully invite people to follow Christ, then we need to show them that much will be required. The expectation won’t be to show up on Sunday mornings, but to actually allow the Gospel to transform their lives even when that means leaving it all behind and following Him.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Successful Celebration
The "Celebration of Learning" was a huge success on Sunday. I felt the energy and enthusuiasm from all who were in attendance including children, youth, and adults. It was awesome to share the responsibilty of leading worship. Thank you to all who participated and who helped in various ways. I am looking forward to October 26.
Thank you and God Bless
Thank you and God Bless
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Celebration of Learning
Join us this Sunday, September 28, 2008 at 11:45 for our first ever "Celebration of Learning."
We will gather into our decorated sanctuary, hear the Word of God, respond by offering our gifts, and be sent out into the world blessed by God.
The Bible says "Fear of the Lord is the beginning of all knowledge" (Proverbs 1:7). Come and see what God is going to say to us. We will be singing together, hearing testimonies from children and youth, and participating in an interactive message geared toward people of all ages.
Whoever said church can't be fun. We beg to differ. Come as you are, and join us for this fun filled celebration.
We will gather into our decorated sanctuary, hear the Word of God, respond by offering our gifts, and be sent out into the world blessed by God.
The Bible says "Fear of the Lord is the beginning of all knowledge" (Proverbs 1:7). Come and see what God is going to say to us. We will be singing together, hearing testimonies from children and youth, and participating in an interactive message geared toward people of all ages.
Whoever said church can't be fun. We beg to differ. Come as you are, and join us for this fun filled celebration.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
General Worship - Word, Order etc.
Ideas lifted up included:
Inspirational readings, children reading Scripture, use of children's Bibles, Bible verse to memorize, testimonies, testimonies with starter sentence, fill in the blank, spread out participations (transition testimonies), word scramble using people who hold one letter to spell out a word, interactive sermon using crossword puzzle (projected)
Worship should:
include the Word, be interactive, celebrate, music, reflective, prayerful, offer connection, give oportunities to give, time to give testimony, should consider language barriers, accessible, contain repetitive elements, be considerate to disciples and seekers.
Inspirational readings, children reading Scripture, use of children's Bibles, Bible verse to memorize, testimonies, testimonies with starter sentence, fill in the blank, spread out participations (transition testimonies), word scramble using people who hold one letter to spell out a word, interactive sermon using crossword puzzle (projected)
Worship should:
include the Word, be interactive, celebrate, music, reflective, prayerful, offer connection, give oportunities to give, time to give testimony, should consider language barriers, accessible, contain repetitive elements, be considerate to disciples and seekers.
Blessing
Part of the "Celebration of Learning" will involve asking God to bless our studies. The following are some words/phrases that were offered in our meeting around the etopic of blessing.
annointing, laying on of hands, blessing of learning materials, prayer buddies - each student would receive a name of another to pray for this year, tree of knowledge with branches that students could attach goals to, contracts,
annointing, laying on of hands, blessing of learning materials, prayer buddies - each student would receive a name of another to pray for this year, tree of knowledge with branches that students could attach goals to, contracts,
Celebration
We had an outstanding brainstorming session on Thursday night regarding the "Celebration of Learning" service on the 28th.
I will just list a few of the words that came to mind when we thought about what it means to celebrate? (Feel free to comment on any thoughts that come to mind or to add to the list)
Instruments, decorations, banners, decorating the altar, door prizes, goodie bags, food, constumes, games, play, singing, repetitive familiar songs (party songs), hats, heels.
I will just list a few of the words that came to mind when we thought about what it means to celebrate? (Feel free to comment on any thoughts that come to mind or to add to the list)
Instruments, decorations, banners, decorating the altar, door prizes, goodie bags, food, constumes, games, play, singing, repetitive familiar songs (party songs), hats, heels.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Opportunity to share
We will be hosting two meetings to give you an opportunity to share ideas and suggestions for our September 28, 2008 "Celebration of Learning" Worship service. The service will be at 11:45 and we will be looking for creative suggestions and recruiting participants for this worship.
The first meeting will be on Thursday September 11 at 7:15.
The second opportunity will be on Sunday, September 21 at 11:30 (free pizza).
The third opportunity is to share ideas on this blog.
Thanks and your continued prayers are appreciated.
The first meeting will be on Thursday September 11 at 7:15.
The second opportunity will be on Sunday, September 21 at 11:30 (free pizza).
The third opportunity is to share ideas on this blog.
Thanks and your continued prayers are appreciated.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
What do you think our worship looks like to a child?
"But Jesus called for them and said, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs'" (Luke 18:16).
I am invite you to reflect on our worship service from the perspective of a child.
Thank you and God Bless.
I am invite you to reflect on our worship service from the perspective of a child.
Thank you and God Bless.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
What does worship mean to you?
"For this reason they are before the throne of God,
and worship him day and night within his temple" (Rev 7:15a)
I invite you to reflect for a moment on your worship experiences. Then take time to offer a comment on what worship means to you. Specifically, what is your ideal worship setting, practice, and style? Or, what is essential for you for an experience to be authentic worship?
and worship him day and night within his temple" (Rev 7:15a)
I invite you to reflect for a moment on your worship experiences. Then take time to offer a comment on what worship means to you. Specifically, what is your ideal worship setting, practice, and style? Or, what is essential for you for an experience to be authentic worship?
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