Monthly Archives: August 2023

Friday’s Word

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How many people are truly evidence-driven?

Let me suggest a test.

Consider the Shroud of Turin. This old piece of cloth may be the single most important object in the world.

If it is authentic, Jesus was raised from the dead. And that’s a big deal. This event would establish the spiritual and philosophical foundation for all our thinking. It would affirm the reality of God as proclaimed by Jesus.

Now consider this: There have been many efforts to reproduce the Shroud—and all have failed—miserably.

With the most advanced computer technology, an image like that on the Shroud remains beyond reach. Think about it!

You know what we can do now. With AI, we can show FDR giving a speech he never made. There could be a new movie starring Bette Davis 34 years after she died.

(I wish someone would make that. Loved Bette Davis!)

Some folks are afraid AI may rule the world.

But it cannot—and never will be able to–reproduce the image on the Shroud.

There’s only one way to make that image.

You must crucify a man exactly the way the Romans did. And then you must get God to resurrect that crucified man.

That’s the only way.

I know the Shroud was carbon-dated to the Middle Ages. But a lesser-known carbon dating and three other dating methods place it in the time of Christ.

Everyone who is truly a thinking person, driven by evidence, must come to terms with the Shroud.
You can run from it. You can hide. But the Shroud will tell its story.

Can you face reality?

Max’s Corner

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FOR SUNDAY, AUGUST 6
COMMUNION AGAIN!
Sermon: “Two Words to Live By”
Scripture: Matthew 6:34

NOTES

Special service last week. Mary had a fine sermon and Shannon’s dad, and two uncles, lifted us up.

If you missed it—just don’t do it again.

Did you get to breakfast?

You must have.

All the donuts were gone by the time I got there.

Every week before worship. Don’t forget it! Good food and a bit of fellowship.

I wrote about the Shroud in Friday’s Word because there are too many people who run from reality. All the evidence is on the side of Jesus.

And in the sermon this Sunday, we will meet the God Jesus told us about—the God who knows what we are going through and who seeks to lift our burdens and assure us that things will be OK.

(Yes, we will open with a song our trio sang last week— “Blessed Assurance.”)

I love the story I will share with you this Sunday.

It has lifted me.

I think Blake is still traveling in Europe.

Shannon will be back, I believe.

What about you?

Come to worship.

If you haven’t been for a while—surprise me!

I look forward to seeing you.

Mary’s Corner

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Dearest Church and friends,

I do not know how we have been so very blessed to hear the kind of music we have heard from the Davidson family and from Blake Glass! I could listen for hours, and I have been humming “Blessed Assurance” since Sunday. These performances have been pure joy for me. I am looking forward to more experiences in the future. For example, we have finally settled on a name for these concerts, “Second Saturday Concerts.”

Our next Second Saturday is August 19th. I will be talking to Blake and Shannon about a plan for this one. Max will perform at our September event and the October and November events are yet to be finalized.

Please tell your friends. These concerts started out as fundraising events, but I have enjoyed them so much that I have completely forgotten everything except the overwhelming happiness I am feeling afterward. I know you feel the same way. Thank you to our performers and to Blake and Shannon for all the hard work it took to become this talented.

Remember this week that God has known your name for all of eternity. There isn’t a time when you have not been known and loved by God. Blessings to you all.

STAY INSIDE UNLESS YOU HAVE NO CHOICE. IF YOU NEED WATER, GROCERIES OR ANYTHING AT ALL, PLEASE CONTACT THE CHURCH!
Mary
mary.teague@saintmatthewumc.com