January 29
- This morning’s sermon will be “A Wild Place to Be on Sunday,” based on 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 and Mark 1:21-28. Paul writes to the Corinthians about the nature of Christian freedom - that freedom which is limited only by concerns for the good of the Christian community. In Mark, Jesus appears at the synagogue where he orders an unclean spirit to come out of a disturbed man, evoking amazement from those gathered. Things between us and God can seem rather calm and settled. That is, until Jesus shows up. True worship of a true and living God only begins when Jesus appears. And when he appears among us, his presence can be disruptive. We come to worship on Sunday not simply for peace, consolation, strength to go on, or any other human good. We come first and foremost to be with the living God, no matter what.
February 5 - Scouting Sunday
– Pastor Rob’s message will be “Signs and Wonders,” based on 1 Corinthians 9:16-23 and Mark 1:29-39. Jesus heals Simon’s mother-in-law and then heals many others who are in great need. What are we to make of the miracles of Jesus? The Gospels agree that Jesus performed many signs and wonders. He was a miracle worker. Jesus is not simply love, but he is active, resourceful, miraculous love, love in action. His miracles are signs of the wondrous in-breaking of God’s kingdom.
February 12 – Communion
– This morning’s message will be “Expect the Unexpected,” based on 2 Kings 5:1-14 and Mark 1:40-45. Our gospel text is a healing story: the curing of a man with leprosy. Jesus tells him to tell no one of his healing. The man, instead, tells everyone what Jesus has done for him, making it difficult for Jesus to move about freely. Sometimes our healing and help come to us from unexpected sources. God sends us help, but not always from where we expected to receive help. Jesus Christ came to us; God in a form we did not expect. We must forego our prejudices of just how God must act and pray for the openness to the movements of God among us. We will celebrate the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper together. Following worship, everyone is encouraged to stay for the Meeting of the Congregation and Corporation, as we receive our 2011 Annual Report and our 2012 Budget, elect members of our nominating team, and conduct other business of the church.
February 19 – Transfiguration of the Lord Sunday
- Today’s texts are 2 Corinthians 4:3-6 and Mark 9:2-9, and Pastor Rob’s sermon will be “A Spiritual High.” On the mountaintop, Jesus is gloriously transfigured. In worship, Christians are brought close to the God who has come close to us. However, worship is more than a conventional spiritual high, more than an emotionally fulfilling experience. Specifically, Christian Worship is worship “in the name of Jesus,” which means that it is prayer and praise that occurs on the way to the cross. Following worship everyone is invited to stay for our “Taste of Soup” in Fellowship Hall.
February 26 – First Sunday in Lent
- Pastor Ben’s sermon will be “I Saw the Sign,” based on Genesis 9:8-17 and 1 Peter 3:18-22. Mark tells the story of Jesus’ baptism and his immediate temptation in the wilderness. Jesus began his ministry by going into the fearsome wilderness. There, out beyond the boundaries of safety and civilization, he was confronted by “wild beasts.” And there we catch a glimpse of the world, now that God has become flesh and dwelt among us. The work of Jesus is cosmic, world-changing work. In Jesus, creation is being continued and a disordered, chaotic, and often-threatening world is being healed.
Special Ash Wednesday Worship
Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 22, 2012. We will offer worship with Communion and the Imposition of Ashes at 9:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Pastor Rob will offer a sermon entitled “Seeking a Clean Heart,” based on Psalm 51. Our morning worship will be followed by a continental breakfast in the Fellowship Hall. Please join us as we begin this most holy season in the church.
Mid-Week Worship for Lent
Monroeville Interfaith Ministerium hosts worship on Wednesdays during Lent at noon. Worship is held at the Monroeville United Methodist Church. Lunch follows, sponsored by the preaching Pastors’ church. Pastor Rob will preach at noon on February 29, and our Women’s Association will prepare lunch.
