Sermon Reflections for 5/15/11

Greetings everyone…

I know that I announced this vacation as a working one.  However, I could have done without the sick part!  While I achieved the crucial tasks of finding a place to live, of testing places to eat out, of acquiring a bank and a library card, and signing up for the Curves exercise program, I spent the rest of the time with the dentist and the doctor and feeling blah—my usual throat, voice and cough problems, plus putting my back out of place.

Finally, May 14 is upon us and we’ll be carrying out activities to show our appreciation to the Oakland community.  If you won’t be available to help with your presence or physical participation, be sure to pray for the event itself.

This Sunday we are honoring our two Riverside graduates--Quintin Forrester and Alex Gleaves.  Be sure to bring a food dish and join these two and their guests at an after church brunch/potluck.  The RCA sponsored Baccalaureate service will be in the evening at 7:30 p.m. at the Oakland Christian Church.  I’d appreciate your prayers for my voice to hold out for the two events.

Our special missions offering this week is for tornado recovery assistance for the Mapleton community.  I served as pastor in that community for 7 years and have a special place in my heart for them.  Oh, if you haven’t done so, be sure to express your appreciation to our missions committee for two recent outstanding events—the Chicken Delight Heifer Project Fundraiser and notes and gift cards for area service men and women.


For this Sunday (15th)

•       Scripture:  Matthew 14:22-33
•       Sermon Title: “Take My Hand”


Reflection

1. Why might this bible story be helpful to persons who are anxious or fearful or even facing life-threatening circumstances?
2. How many bible stories can you think of where Jesus tells his followers not to be afraid?
3. Peter actually walked on the water.  What caused him to sink?
4. What difference does it make to know that Jesus is the Son of God?
   

LOVE & JOY
TEXtor