Things die and become new – even better than we could have imagined. God has a deep, persistent, unwavering commitment to us, – from the least to the greatest. God forgives even “grossly imoral acts” and more…not even remembering them. How did the public perception of Christianity and Jesus’ followers get so messed up? New life, faithfulness, forgiveness are what God is all about, …
Personal Reflection Luke 14:1-24 On one occasion when Jesus was going to the house of a leader of the Pharisees to eat a meal on the sabbath, they were watching him closely. 2Just then, in front of him, there was a man who had dropsy. 3And Jesus asked the lawyers and Pharisees, “Is it lawful to cure people on …
We are uncomfortable with Jesus being powerless, not being cool . . . for the disciples back then, he wasn’t behaving as expected, just icky to die on a cross. HUB Bible Study meest in Sbarro (in a booth near the windows if we’re lucky) at Noon on Mondays, but we are skipping next week due to Spring Break. We’ll pick up …
February 2012 – Martha and Mary readings A small group of PSU faculty and staff gather over lunch twice each month and explore some of the stories of women in scripture and how their stories illumine our own stories. If you would like more information about these lunch conversations, contact Alicia Anderson, campus minister. Luke 10 38Now as they …
Giving Out – The Power of a Gift Pause for Thought Try to remember times when others have done something or said something that has made you feel loved and accepted. The Gift of Encouragement I am frequently surprised by things that other people remember that I have forgotten completely. “Do you remember,” said my very oldest friend recently, “when …
To continue your reflection It is fascinating to note that fasting is a common factor in all major religions and even among those whose reasons for limiting their food intake are not specifically religious, as the proprietors of health spas and Weight Watcher groups can testify. Perhaps what we are looking at is a common human urge to strip life …
As people of faith, we join together in offering our joys and concerns to God. Some things to pray about this week: Safety and wisdom this weekend. We pray that celebrations will be reasonable, safe and healthy for all invovlved. May those who gather here in State College make wise choices, for their own health, and the health of others. …
Happy Lent, everyone! Each week’s posts for the Chocolate for Lent Bible study and disucssion are online here Through Lent, two or three pieces will be posted each week. Whether you can join the conversation on Thursdays over dinner (after worship) at Pasquerilla Spiritual Center or not, we hope you find the readings, reflections and questions helpful in your journey this …
Personal Reflection Note: This is an exercise in imagination; there are no right or wrong answers. These questions will be discussed during the group encounter. You will find each reading at the end of this post. Read Matthew 4:1-11, 18-22 What would have happened if Jesus had not withdrawn to the desert and been tempted for forty days before he …
Giving up – the Prelude to Change From the author of Chocolate for Lent, Hilary Brand I love chocolate. Dark and bitter, rich and creamy, lemon creams, mint thins, caramels, truffles, pralines, profiteroles, Mars bars, Mississippi mud pies . . . event he names make my mouth water. Caramels, fudge, dream bars and M & M’s. . . . I’ll …
