sermon reflections for 1/16/11

Greetings friends,

Our service of baptismal renewal Sunday was very meaningful.  Sorry if weather or other concerns kept you away.

By now you’ve received word that I will be retiring as of June 30.  That will mean changes for you and for me.  Right now my intention is to move to Southeast Iowa.  When I know more I’ll let you know.  Also, your Staff/Pastor Parish Relations Committee is working with the District Superintendent, Brian Milford, to make way for a new pastor.  When they know more, they’ll let you know!

This week our specific prayer concerns include Ilene Parkhill (out of hospital, will have port put in place, hopes to resume chemo soon), Gordon Frizzell (broken bone in leg), Jim Johnson (hospitalized in Jenny Ed for gall bladder removal), Mark Martens (slow progress with migraine headaches and back problems), Wanda Seydel (Shirley’s preacher friend confined to bed until further notice), Roma Smith family (her funeral is this week), and victims of recent shootings (Millard, Nebraska and Tucson, Arizona).


Check the newsletter--if you are on the church officer list be sure to save Sunday, January 23 from noon to 3:00 p.m. for our annual program planning event.  This is a chance to touch base with your work committee and determine how your group can support our 2011 church goals.  Also, be thinking—how can we extend our ministries into the community?  The lunch will be catered.

Members of the Administrative council, you will begin your regular monthly meetings Thursday, January 20 at 7:00 p.m.


For this Sunday (16th)

•       Scripture:  John 1:29-42
•       Sermon Title:  Take This Name and Live It


For Reflection

1.      What do you think John meant when he called Jesus the Lamb of God?
2.      What other titles are given Jesus in this scripture passage?
3.      How did Peter come to know Jesus?
4.      Have you ever had an “Andrew” introduce you to Jesus?
5.      Have you ever been an “Andrew” for someone else?
6.      In what ways can you live out the name Christian?

LOVE & JOY
TEXtor