Kids’ News

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You may recall that God promised Abraham that he would have as many descendants as there were stars in the sky. Abraham and Sarah finally greeted their son Isaac. Today we learned that Isaac was an older man when he married Rebekah. They had been married for many years but had no children.

Rebekah finally became pregnant with twins. It was a difficult pregnancy. It seemed that the twins were fighting in the womb. She asked God why they were fighting. God answered that there were two nations in the womb. One people will be stronger than the other. Esau was born first, with Jacob quickly following, holding on to the heel of Esau.

The twins were very different. Esau liked to be outdoors with the animals, to hunt, and to be active. Jacob liked to stay close to Rebekah and help her with household chores and with the cooking. The Bible story tells us that as they got older, the difference split the family apart. This story reminds us that despite our differences, our uniqueness makes each person a special part of God’s family. God claims us just the way we are.

While we discussed our story, our kids had a wonderful time completing some wonderful artwork and they promised to bring their completed pictures back next week to share with us.

Our swings were being used again by 2-year-old Audrey when I arrived before church. I gave her grandparents a tour of the classrooms, and they were happy to learn what a beautiful building we have.

Jade, Alec, and Remy checked the swings out after church! What a wonderful playground we have! See you Sunday.

2345 – Jesus Invented Woke

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You can view the full service on our YouTube channel by clicking here.

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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

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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

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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