forgiving is tricky

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Joseph’s brothers were afraid.  Years ago, when they were rash young men and Joseph was an irritating and arrogant teen, they saw an opportunity to get rid of him.  Joseph certainly was full of himself and he never missed an opportunity to flaunt their father’s preference for him. That day, the brothers simply had enough.  Far from home, tending their …

Weekly Prayer: 9/15

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Forgiving God, Your forgiveness for me is without bounds. Help me learn to forgive when I am wronged. Show me how to see my friends, family, neighbors, and strangers with mercy. Teach me humility and compassion and grace. Reconcile relationships that are broken and heal us. Help me learn to seek forgiveness when I wrong others. Show me how to …

Genesis 50 and Matthew 18

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Genesis 50:15-21 Realizing that their father was dead, Joseph’s brothers said, “What if Joseph still bears a grudge against us and pays us back in full for all the wrong that we did to him?” So they approached Joseph, saying, “Your father gave this instruction before he died, ‘Say to Joseph: I beg you, forgive the crime of your brothers and the …

Love in community

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Living in community with other human beings is always a demanding task.  While human beings are wired for connection, we also get on each other’s nerves.  In addition to the comfort we receive from companionship and shared experience, we must find our way through the inevitable conflicts that will arise.  This always takes work, and right now, everyone is dealing …

Antiracism Discussion

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September 15 at 7-8 pm  Online Learn and talk together with other people of faith as we grow in our understanding of racism and how we can be antiracist day to day.  We will be exploring antiracism using a variety of online resources.  At this initial meeting, we’ll start the conversation and make plans for monthly gatherings throughout the year.  …

Matthew and Romans

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Matthew 18:15-20 Jesus said, “If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one.  But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by …

Weekly Prayer: 9/8

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God of love, When I am frustrated and angry at the people around me, open my heart to love them anyway. Help me to see them clearly. Help me set aside my anger and hurt. Help me look at their actions and intentions with objectivity. Help me understand. Help me extend compassion and patience, and forgiveness where necessary. Help me …

sighs too deep

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Have the last couple weeks felt a bit like a rollercoaster to you?  A rollercoaster is the best description I can come up with for the cycles of anxiety, fear, uneasy anticipation, panic, hopeful excitement, enjoyment, relief and exhaustion that have been my emotional journey as we prepared for campus to fill back up and as classes resumed last week. …

God’s Work. Our Hands. Day of Service

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NOTE: DATE CHANGE to Sunday, October 25th On Sunday, October 25th we will be volunteering at the Arboretum at Penn State! Space is limited so sign up NOW! They are looking for volunteers to help with planting a Pollinator and Bird Garden, using COVID-19 safety plan and working outdoors! Sign up here to help from 9 am – 12 pm. …

Weekly Prayer: 9/1

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Ever-present God, When I am overwhelmed, bring me courage and peace. When I am worried or rushed, bring me stillness and hope. When I am frightened or uncertain, bring me confidence and courage. When I am unsure, guide me and show me where to go. When I feel alone, surround me with your presence. When I don’t know what help …