Break is just around the corner! Hooray! Sunday morning worship services will continue as usual, but Sunday lunch and Thursday Evening Worship and dinner afterward will be on hiatus from Friday, November 17th through Sunday, November 26th.
Matthew 25:1-13
[Jesus said to the disciples:] 1“Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. 2Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3When the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; 4but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. 5As the bridegroom was delayed, all of them became …
change
What a beautiful fall we have had thus far! I usually wish for a little more sunshine and fewer overcast days, but really, this September and October have been remarkably warm and sunny. At this point in the year, I have usually been taking our twice-daily dog walks all bundled up in my winter coat and wool hat for weeks …
weekly prayer: 11/7
O God, My life is filled with change. Sometimes change is beautiful and I welcome it. Sometimes change is difficult and I struggle with it. Fill me with courage and creativity for new opportunities. Fill me with hope and persistence for new challenges. Comfort me when there are changes that hurt. Show me where to find resources to move on. …
free
Happy Halloween and Happy Reformation Day! Today we mark the anniversary of the many changes in religious thought, belief, and practice brought about by reformers of the church like Martin Luther. Luther challenged the teachings of the medieval church, pushing back against the old image of God as a hostile and impatient judge, ready and eager to toss people into …
weekly prayer: 10/31
O God, Your loving generosity fills the whole world. Your healing and forgiveness are all around. Your forgiveness enfolds me, even when I am wrong. Your love floods my life, moving me to care for others. Your love empowers me to grow and change and serve the world. You free me from fear, filling me with hope and new life. …
John 8:31-36
31Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; 32and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” 33They answered him, “We are descendants of Abraham and have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean by saying, ‘You will be made free’?” 34Jesus answered them, …
Image
Is there someone in your family that you resemble? In what ways do your appearance or actions or choices reflect the people who raised you, people who taught you and people who mentored you? In this week’s gospel reading Jesus’ conflict with the powers that be continues. This time, opposing groups have joined together, trying to trick Jesus. Beginning with …
weekly prayer: 10/24
O God, You are the source of all life. The source of everything that is good. I am created in your image, filled with your traits. Empower me to live love and compassion, faithfulness and forgiveness. Guide me to embody inclusion and justice, and to work for peace. Help me live in ways that reflect who you are and the …
Sunday Evening Worship Ends November 12
On Sunday, November 12, we will hold the final 6 pm Alternative Worship Service. Pianist and Psalm 151 Coordinator, Adam Smith, has accepted a job in the Lancaster area and will be leaving music leadership at Grace. On November 12, we will bid Farewell and Godspeed to both Adam and vocalist Kaylee Yeager. Through the years, a wide variety …