Monthly Archives: October 2023
2345 – Jesus Invented Woke
You can view the full service on our YouTube channel by clicking here.
Luke 10:25-37 New International Version
The Parable of the Good Samaritan
25 On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
26 “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?”
27 He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
28 “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”
29 But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”
30 In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii[c] and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’
36 “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”
37 The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”
Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”
Friday’s Word
Someone said to me recently, “I am a staunch conservative.”
I told them their secret was safe with me. I would not embarrass them by telling anyone.
It’s not something to brag about. The Gospel does not lean to the right. Unconditional love and forgiveness are not conservative concepts.
But I do sympathize with folks who claim the name “conservative.”
They may not can help it.
A study from New York University suggests that the conservative brain is wired to resist change.
Researchers say there is a “spike” in brain activity when we make an error.
We respond by doing things differently. But not so for “conservatives.” The “error spike” is lower.
Conservatives have a more rigid cognitive system, one more resistant to seeing error and more drawn to the status quo.
And the conservative mind is less responsive to evidence.
“So,” say the authors of the study, “conservatives are not likely to be convinced by logical persuasion.” Conservatives have a mental comfort zone from which they will not move.
Tell conservatives that the image of Christ in the book of Revelations does not agree with the teachings of Jesus, they cannot hear you.
Tell them gay people are just people who happen to be gay, they cannot understand.
So, homophobia and racism live on—because “we have always done it that way.”
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If you have been thinking about giving us a visit—do it this Sunday. Give witness to what you believe. Worship at 11:00.
Max’s Corner
The Concert Last Saturday
The meal alone, prepared by Cindy Wheeler, was worth the effort to make it to church last Saturday.
Guests were amazed at how well we eat!
The Linda Parker table decorations also got good reviews.
It really was a good evening.
Retired UM minister, Mary Gean Cope posted pictures on Facebook and said the concert was a “strong worship experience.”
And Sunday Morning
Is there such a thing as a perfect worship service? If there is, we had one last Sunday. Rev. Beverly Tye told of her loss of faith at 21 and her return to faith years later—brought about by a flat tire. (“God can be sneaky,” Bev says.)
And Blake reprised You Raise Me Up from the concert.
And Kristi!!! She certainly blew the soot out of the proverbial organ pipes last week! Everything she did got a round of applause.
And This Sunday
I’ve been out of the pulpit for three weeks now. I’m ready to return.
Sermon title: Jesus Invented Woke
Choir rehearsal—usual time.
Choral anthem: Fairest Lord Jesus
Women Meeting Thursday
Read Mary’s note. She will tell you all about it.
And in three weeks, Mary has a special sermon based on the vision our Bishop shared with ministers in a meeting last Saturday.
It’s getting exciting around here.
I do hope to see you Sunday.
GOD BLESS—-MB
Mary’s Corner
I am so very grateful for the message we received Sunday morning from Rev. Beverly Tye. What a blessing to hear her story and to listen as she shared her faith journey with us. We are blessed to have several retired UMC ministers in our congregation and I enjoy getting to come to church and get “fed” on such great gospel messages. Max is back in the pulpit this week and I am positive he will have some great vacation stories for us.
I got my COVID and influenza vaccines on Monday. Other than a sore right arm (flu shot) I have not had any problems with the vaccines. Please, please make an appointment at your local pharmacy or physician’s office to get these vaccines and any others you may qualify to receive. The RSV vaccine and shingles vaccine are two other important immune system boosters that may be offered to you. You know your body well enough to know how many vaccines you can handle at once. My only suggestion to you is to drink plenty of water before and immediately following your vaccines. Eat a hearty, healthy meal and get plenty of rest. Taking care of your immune system with good food, water and sleep, is the first step to successfully avoiding illness. If you need help obtaining any of these three things, please reach out to me. Another vital part of a strong immune system is having a powerful sense of belonging. This is where our congregation excels. We shower each other with love and joy. We work very hard to welcome everyone and to get to know each other. The fellowship we enjoy makes us healthier and happier. Keep up the good work! My love to all of you. Get outside this week in the sunshine and beautiful weather. Looking forward to seeing you this Sunday! Mary