Miss Sandy Baril lead bible study this morning.The group read and discussed the Old Testament reading, Jeremiah 31: 31-34. The group tried to hear this prophecy from the viewpoint of it's original audience, the Jewish people during the Babylonian captivity, as well as our viewpoint as Christians. One message comes through loud and clear. God has always loved his people and never gives up on us.
Tess Wrzsenski led the congregation in lessons this morning from Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, The Gospel reading was in John 12:20-33.
Christ Church was happy to have Rev. Jean McLean visiting on this foggy, cool, overcast morning. Before beginning her sermon, The Reverend first gave a quick summary of our sermon topics throughout this Lenten season. Her sermon began; A grain of wheat must die to bear a new sprout. Jesus died so that we ALL may know the love of Him. Jesus' mission was NOT confined to the Jews or the Israelites. The word "glory" to us on earth is mostly interpreted as more wealth, power etc. To Jesus, glory meant giving more. It is interesting that a Jewish Rabbi once said Christians and Christmas both need more Jesus. This goes to show that sometimes an outsider's perspective is much clearer than our own. We need to sit at Jesus' feet and stand at the cross.We need to understand that people want to see Jesus. At the very least, people should be able to see Jesus in us as Christians by our actions and in the love we show our neighbors.
Coffee hour was hosted by Nick and Ashley Pairitz. Vestry meeting immediately followed.
David Hansen led bible study this morning on Ephesians 2:1-10. We talked about how well this scripture encapsulates the Gospel message. God loves us and saves us right in the midst of our messy lives. It's a gift, we don't have to work to earn salvation, but our response is to recognize that "we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works".
Ryan Hamry led our congregation in lessons this morning. Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21
The sermon was given by Deacon Janis Hansen. Our sermon began with the Deacon reciting John 3:16. She brought to our attention that John 3:16 is the first time the word love is mentioned in John's gospel. While God so loved the world, the world was not receptive to Jesus. God gave the world his son. What an incomprehensible gift to give such a dark, fearful world! Although we are not worthy to receive such a gift, we are blessed enough to have been given Jesus' everlasting love. We don't always understand what Christ is telling us but what we do know is Christ wants us to repeat his work. People are turning away from religion and as Christians we need to be an example of Christ's work. "The purpose of the Church is to reconcile God and the world."
Coffee hour was held after service in the parish hall as usual.
1 Corinthians 1:18-25. George and the study group discussed the power of our faith in Christ through our belief in a life after death thru Jesus Christ dying on the cross for us and rising again. That was a “foolishness to those who are perishing”. “Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles” We have to look to God for wisdom because wisdom is through Jesus Christ, not worldly things. The study group referred back to the Prophets of the Old Testament Isaiah 29:14 and Daniel 2:27-30 in the discussion of wisdom directly relating to 1 Corinthians 1:18-25.
Jerry Aaker read our first and second bible lessons of the morning. Tess Wrzesinski read our third. Exodus 20:1-17, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, John 2:13-22
Our sermon, led by Miss Tess Wrzesinski, began by referring to a comic. The cartoon (everyone received a copy of it) depicts two men in ties holding bibles, standing at a front door. They are asking the woman of the home who has answered the door "Have you found Jesus?" You can see part of a certain white robed, long haired, sandal footed man hiding behind a curtain in the woman's home. Tess gave a heartfelt sermon to follow up the comic, relating to how people tend to "hide" Jesus in their lives. By denying him around others or hiding our beliefs we are essentially hiding Jesus. Jesus will never deny us. Jesus is present in all of our lives at all times, no matter what. During Lent we need to pray for guidance for now and in the rest of the year to come. Most importantly we need to find Jesus and draw closer to him. Being truthful to ourselves and others brings us closer to God.
After service, our congregation met back over in the parish hall for some great food and snacks. Piping hot coffee and tea was also served. Thanks to Deb McNeil who provided this for us.
Vestry meeting immediately followed our coffee hour.
