Easter is no longer coming - now it is here! This video has an important message. The perspective of faith is one of hope and salvation!
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Holy Week Inspiration
>From Break for the Journey by Henri Nouwen
"Some of us tend to do away with things that are slightly damaged. Instead of repairing them we say, "Well, I don't have time to fix it I might as well throw it in the garbage can and buy a new one." Often we treat people this way. We say, "Well, he has a problem with drinking: well, she is quite depressed; well, they have mismanaged their business...we'd better not take the risk of getting involved with them." When we dismiss people out of hand because of their apparent woundedness, we stunt their lives by ignoring their gifts, which are often buried in their wounds.
We all are bruised reeds, whether our bruises are visible or not. The compassionate life is the life in which we believe that strength is hidden in weakness and that true community is a fellowship of the weak."
Many people find it difficult to understand how we follow a God who came to bring peace and justice by dying on a cross. Instead of defeat by death, we worship the risen Christ. In a couple of weeks, western Christianity will celebrate Easter. We will hear the words: "Christ is risen!" and we will should "He is risen indeed!" But wait, I'm jumping ahead a little :) We've heard in a few readings this Lent about Jesus being "lifted up" in references to the cross and that God was glorified in that act. There is so much about what God does that we don't understand...saving the world by dying on a cross...forgiving my sin...forgiving your sin...claiming each of us as children in Baptism...living among us as human...still being involved in the world...working through us. God does not throw any of us away or recreate us in new ways. Yes, we may be a community of the weak the compassionate, the forgiven...and sometimes, it is the music of the reeds banging together that makes the most beautiful music!
"Some of us tend to do away with things that are slightly damaged. Instead of repairing them we say, "Well, I don't have time to fix it I might as well throw it in the garbage can and buy a new one." Often we treat people this way. We say, "Well, he has a problem with drinking: well, she is quite depressed; well, they have mismanaged their business...we'd better not take the risk of getting involved with them." When we dismiss people out of hand because of their apparent woundedness, we stunt their lives by ignoring their gifts, which are often buried in their wounds.
We all are bruised reeds, whether our bruises are visible or not. The compassionate life is the life in which we believe that strength is hidden in weakness and that true community is a fellowship of the weak."
Many people find it difficult to understand how we follow a God who came to bring peace and justice by dying on a cross. Instead of defeat by death, we worship the risen Christ. In a couple of weeks, western Christianity will celebrate Easter. We will hear the words: "Christ is risen!" and we will should "He is risen indeed!" But wait, I'm jumping ahead a little :) We've heard in a few readings this Lent about Jesus being "lifted up" in references to the cross and that God was glorified in that act. There is so much about what God does that we don't understand...saving the world by dying on a cross...forgiving my sin...forgiving your sin...claiming each of us as children in Baptism...living among us as human...still being involved in the world...working through us. God does not throw any of us away or recreate us in new ways. Yes, we may be a community of the weak the compassionate, the forgiven...and sometimes, it is the music of the reeds banging together that makes the most beautiful music!
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Sequanota Photos
While going through boxes of photos to put in albums, these were found. If you recognize any of the people in these photos, let us know! Now we're planning to put more older photos on our Facebook page.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
"What should I do with my life?" - Project Living offers help through a Christian lens.
"What should I do with my life?" is one question that everyone must answer for themselves at one point - or maybe several points. If you are one of those people who are looking for an answer, here's a resource for you:
http://projectliving.org/
"This is a website that we hope you -whoever you are- can use as a resource when asking that big question, “What do I do with my life?” Project Living is a place where God’s guidance and direction are a part of the discussion."
There are blog posts about theological ideas, videos of people talking about personal experiences, and podcasts linking theology and experiences. For more information, check out the website or start with the Project Living Intro video.
http://projectliving.org/
"This is a website that we hope you -whoever you are- can use as a resource when asking that big question, “What do I do with my life?” Project Living is a place where God’s guidance and direction are a part of the discussion."
There are blog posts about theological ideas, videos of people talking about personal experiences, and podcasts linking theology and experiences. For more information, check out the website or start with the Project Living Intro video.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Bible Study on a Boat
This is a good small group activity that addresses God's presence in our times of fear and uncertainty. In an open space, make the outline of a boat on the ground. This can be done by tracing the outline in the dirt, laying stickes side-by-side, or by using sidewalk chalk or tape. We have also done this by laying a blanket on the floor and having group members fit onto the blanket together.
Have the group sit in the boat and read Psalm 46 or another selection about fear together. God is our strength, even when we are scared or don't feel strong ourselves. Have each person think of a time when he or she was scared. Open with prayer, and ask God to be with you during those scary times. Squeeze the hand of the person next to you, have that person mention a scary time, and then squeeze the hand of the next person. Continue until the prayer comes back to you. Close in prayer by thanking God for taking care of you and being strong when you feel that you can't be.
Have the group sit in the boat and read Psalm 46 or another selection about fear together. God is our strength, even when we are scared or don't feel strong ourselves. Have each person think of a time when he or she was scared. Open with prayer, and ask God to be with you during those scary times. Squeeze the hand of the person next to you, have that person mention a scary time, and then squeeze the hand of the next person. Continue until the prayer comes back to you. Close in prayer by thanking God for taking care of you and being strong when you feel that you can't be.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Games: Electric Pulse
Electric Pulse is a good game to use as an ice breaker - once initial introductions are over, and your group is ready to move on - or as a group game at another time. This one requires its players to be attentive and responsive - qualities that serve us well as we listen for God's word and watch for God's presence. This is also known as Electricity, the Pulse Game, or the Current Game).
To play, form two teams of equal size. Each team is to stand in a line facing the other team. The lines should be about 5 feet apart. Tell each team to hold hands, so that they form two long human chains. At one end of the two lines, a person (not a player) should stand holding a bandana in each hand. The referee will stand at the other end of the line opposite from the chair.
Have the two players at the front of the line watch the ref. Instruct all the other players to close their eyes with faces turned downward. For each round, the ref should flip a coin and quietly show it to only the first two players at the front of each team. Whenever the coin shows "heads," the two people at the front of the line must squeeze the hand of the next person in line as quickly as possible. When that player's hand gets squeezed, he or she quickly continues to pass the electric pulse by squeezing the next person's hand, and so on. The player at the end of the line grabs their team's bandanna when his/her hand is squeezed.
The goal of the game is to pass the electric pulse - okay, it's really hand squeezes, but its so much more fun to call it the electric pulse - down the line to the last person and be the first team to grab the bandanna. If heads was flipped, and a team successfully grabs the bandanna, that team wins a point. If the team grabs the bandanna, but heads was not flipped, the point goes to the other team. After each coin flip, wait several seconds and then flip again. For a short game, the winner is the first team to score 10 points. For a longer game, increase the number of points.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Good News!
The Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail Bridge is once again open for business! The bridge connects the trail over the PA Turnpike and was sorely missed by trail users. It's very exciting to have it back in commission.
If you are unaware of the trail, the bridge, and all the wonders of both, you should know that this is a 70-mile trail through the beautiful Laurel Highlands area of PA. Sections are open to cross-country skiing and snowmobiling in the winter. Check it out this year.
If you are unaware of the trail, the bridge, and all the wonders of both, you should know that this is a 70-mile trail through the beautiful Laurel Highlands area of PA. Sections are open to cross-country skiing and snowmobiling in the winter. Check it out this year.
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