Addition to Book List

My book list has changed a little bit. I finished Thomas Merton's "Spiritual Direction and Meditation" and began "The Brother Lawrence Collection". Merton's book was a quick read and very enjoyable. He poses many challenging thoughts on discipleship, meditation and mentoring. I would highly suggest it if you are interested in those topics. Brother Lawrence was also a Monk who experienced the "Presence of God" in incredible force while he did his mundane kitchen duties at his monestary. I'm currently reading the letters he sent to those he was mentoring or encouraging. This morning I particularly enjoyed the following quote, "Be not discouraged by the repugnance which you may find in it from nature; you must do yourself violence". Brother Lawrence is addressing our sinful nature and believes that we should attack and hate it with all that we are. I believe whole heartedly in that statement. It's only by hating our sin that we can embrace the teachings of Jesus. Do you hate your sin?? Maybe it's time to do violence to it?

Prayer Request- John Hartley

I received a call tonight that John Hartley had a major stroke while on a trip to British Columbia. He is currently in critical condition. Jean and her daughters left for British Columbia today or yesterday (not positive as to which) to be by his side. Please keep the Hartley family in your prayers during the next few critical days.

Back from Vacation

You can't see me very well, but you can probably see the attractive man in a dress next to me. At Silver Dollar City they believe strongly in hospitality. This nice man greeted us on the way out. We had a great family trip. We camped out for five nights and five days at Table Rock State Park. Camping out is a great way to bond with the family. You can't get much closer then a three person tent. We are always on the lookout for other campers. Is anyone up for a camping weekend? Maybe we could all converge on a spot close to home for a night. Let me know what you think.

What a community!

What a community! On Sunday afternoon this sign showed up on our front lawn. Someone was kind enough to leave a sign welcoming our daughter to her first day of kindergarten. This object of kindness really helped my daughter get excited for her first day because "West Platte Loves You"! It's a lot easier to go somewhere new when we know someone loves us there. I know my daughter's school has challenged me as a Christian. Do I help make our church a place where people know they are loved before they walk in the door? What are some ways we could let people know they are loved before they ever step foot in Weston UMC? I guess we have to remember that being welcoming and invitational isn't someone else's job, it's our (you and me) job. Thanks West Platte!

Sundays Sermon and Significance Of Festival of Booths

My sermon is a little long this Sunday so I'm cutting some background information (so, yes, it is shorter now:) that is important but doesn't add to the Central Theme of the Sermon. For my bloggers, here is some helpful background information that will help you understand why the Pharisees are so ticked off at Jesus in Chapter 8.
Festival of the Booths (Also know as Festival of the Tabernacles)
History
Chapter 7 takes place over the week long Jewish Holiday known as the Festival of the Booths. The Festival helps them remember how the Hebrews moved from a nomadic, desert-wandering people into an agricultural people in the Promised Land. The "booths" were an intermediate structure between the tents of the desert and the homes of the Promised Land. They constructed the booths in the desert when they stayed someplace longer than usual. They were more solidly constructed than a tent but not as solid as their future homes in Israel.
Festival
When they celebrated the Festival of the Booths they set up "Booth" replicas on their roofs or front areas to remember the journey God brought their people on. They also had two, very large golden lamps in the temple court. These lamps were lit for the seven days of The Festival of Booths to represent the flame going before and behind the Hebrews as they were in the desert. If you remember, God was in the flame to light their way by night and smoke to rally around during the day.
Relevance
Chapter 7 ends on the last day of The Festival of Booths. The next day Jesus walks into the Temple Court (Treasury) and says "I am the light of the world". They have likely just blown out the Golden Lamps in that same area. Jesus may likely be standing in front of the Lamps symbolizing the presence of God with the Hebrew people when he says this. Jesus is likely saying, "You worship the light that was with your ancestors through the desert, I was the light"! In the words of my great grandpappy (not really), thems' fightin' words! Hopefully this helps illuminate the cat fight that resounds through out the rest of chapter 8.

Information taken from the World Biblical Commentary- 36 - John, Second Ed., by Beasley Murray.

Parsonage Backyard Neighbors

Here's a picture of our new backyard buddies at the parsonage. They come by in the morning and the evening to visit and have a meal. The family gets pretty excited when they come over. I guess you could say we have turkeys for neighbors. Can you say the same??:)

Sunday Book Reference

Someone after service on Sunday wanted the name of the book where my quote came from. The book name is "Forgotten Power, The Significance of the Lord's Supper in Revival" by William L. De Arteaga. It's a great book on the history of the sacrament and revivals that have broken out as a result of fully appreciating what Holy Communion is in the life of the Church. It's on sale for $11.99 at the Cokesbury website if you are interested: http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=404011.

Great Weekend!

What a great weekend! Communion service was very significant and God showed up in a powerful way! I look forward to our next communion service in September. Kim, Alexis and I also enjoyed having everyone over for our Parsonage Open House. It was very well attended and we appreciate everyone coming over. These girls (and many other children) kept our daughter very busy during the event. So thank you again for a great weekend and we look forward to many more:)