Live the Word to Sunday, a Lectionary Discussion

Preparing the way for the Lord to let God’s Word work in your life during the week to make your worship experience more meaningful. Sermons during Worship services are often based upon the Revised Common Lectionary. You are invited to log onto this site and Leave Comment on the readings presented with your questions and/or thoughts.  If you have not already done so,you may register here.

September 12, 2010 [Green] Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28 At that time it will be said to this people…

• God’s word from the prophet Jeremiah. Written or spoken as God brought the Hebrew people to exile. First the north kingdom (Israel) then the southern (Judah) fell. Notice the choice and judgment between winnowing and cleansing. Not many us e the word winnow, which means to separate the grain from the chaff, the act of threshing.

Psalm 14 – Fools say in their hearts, there is no God…

• The psalmist gives us words that sound much like what God must have been thinking about the time that Jeremiah speaks God’s words in prophesy.

1 Timothy 1:12-17 I am grateful to Christ Jesus, our Lord…

• In his letter to Timothy, a faithful servant of God who worked with Paul, who writes from experience. God struck Paul down, justifiably, as he was chasing down early followers of the Risen Christ. But instead of giving Paul what he deserves, God builds him up in Christ, to serve Christ, to God’s greater glory.

Luke 15:1-10 Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near, to listen to him…

• Notice who gets Jesus’ attention right away…those sinners and (even worse) tax collectors. These tax collectors are native, Hebrew people employed by Rome to take taxes from the Hebrew people to Rome, turning against their own in exchange for the right to take a little for themselves, hated by most Hebrew people. Is it only because they sought him, without the intent to do him any harm, as did the Pharisees? Are you seeking Jesus for a sign or out of faith and in need?

Consider further, these words inspired by God::

Deuteronomy 32:7-14 The LORD said top Maoses, “Go down at one! Your people …have acted perversely”…

Psalm 51:1-10 Have mercy on me, O God…

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April 9, 2009 – Maundy Thursday 7 p.m.  Service:

Maundy is  from the Latin “mandatum,”  or command to “love one another as I have loved you.” We will have a Christian Seder beginning downstairs in Rauner Hall at 7 p.m., recounting the deliverance of the Israelites, the washing of the feet of the disciples, and ending with communion in the sanctuary.

April 10, 2009 – Good Friday Tenebrae 7 p.m. Service:

The word “tenebrae” comes from the Latin meaning “darkness.” In this dramatic service on Good Friday, all of the lights and candles on the altar are gradually extinguished until the room is in complete darkness. At the moment of darkness, a loud noise occurs symbolizing the death of Jesus.

A prayer vigil will be held throughout the Holy day from 6 a.m. through 3 p.m.

April 12, 2009 – Easter Sunday Sunrise 6 a.m. Service:

A special Sunday Service at the Pootatuck river outdoor sanctuary (down the path behind the church building). Easter breakfast will follow in Rauner Hall following the service.

Regular  Sunday Morning Services:

In general, the worship services follow the Revised Common Lectionary and Liturgical Calendar. You can view the Revised Common Lectionary HERE

We have a volunteer staffed nursery for those with small children, which is equipped with a TV so one can watch the service.

The Eucharist, also called Holy Communion, is held on the first Sunday of each month. The Methodist Church has an “open table,” serving all of God’s children equally. The “intiction method“ is used with grape juice and pita bread; the communicant (you), not the minister, dips the pita/host in the chalice of grape juice.

Sunday Adult Bible Study takes place at 9:00 AM, after the 8 AM service during regular hours or prior to the Worship Service at 8 AM during Summer hours.

Refreshment time, a time for fellowship and to meet and greet, begins immediately after the 10 AM service (9 AM during Summer hours). Please come, meet and learn more about the caring community of the Newtown United Methodist Church.

Regular Sunday Worship Hours:

8 AM Service: generally a smaller service (no children’s education during this time, but there is a nursery).

9 AM Adult Bible study in the library

10 AM Service: generally the largest attendance
Children’s message and “The Mystery Bag” is given during this service.
Children will be dismissed to attend Christian Education in their grade levels. It starts right after the Children’s message during the second service.

Supplies

• Provide any assortment of baked goods and/or fresh fruit you would like to provide. Packaged store bought goodies are as appreciated as anything homemade.
• Provide juice  ~ generally at least 2-gallons during busy times.
• Provide coffee ~ one small can of any brand, cream and /or milk.
• Cold cups, hot cups, napkins, plates, plastic cutlery (if needed), stirrers,  sugar and sweeteners are provided and are located in the cabinets labeled “Coffee Hour”. [It is a good idea to check the cabinet the week before in case supplies are low and either let the coffee hour coordinator know or bring your own supply.]

How to make the coffee

It takes time to brew, so start the coffee BEFORE the service.

1. Use the large percolator and disassemble it.
2. Fill the urn to the 80 cup line (generally, unless you sense a bigger gathering).
3. Empty the small can of coffee in the top part of the urn and reassemble the percolator.
4. It is advisable to heat hot water in the small percolator for tea drinkers or if you are providing hot cocoa.

Set up

Please DO NOT  set the food and cold drinks on a table closest to the kitchen window as it hinders people trying to get to the coffee.

*Coffee Hour During the Summer

If it is nice outside, set up a card table or two (found in the Narthex or bring a table from Rauner Hall and place in the front yard area near the main walkway. Serve iced tea and lemonade.