As we focus on our baptisms while praying for those preparing for their own, we remember the moment when the sign of the cross was placed on you: “You, child of God, have been sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked with the cross of Christ forever.” This is a …
It is Lent: Sundays in Lent will focus on the parts of the Sacrament of Baptism in conjunction with the Gospel. As a congregation, we will create baptismal boxes with symbols to remind us of our call and God’s love. Mid week Worship, 7:30 PM – Making Change: Wednesday evenings …
Temptation – something that pulls us away from a better, more fulfilling person, place or thing. We all face temptation: the snooze button, the extra cookie, the increase in charitable v discretionary giving…you know – temptation Today’s gospel tells of Jesus’ temptation in the desert. His forty-day fast becomes the …
HOUSE CHURCH YEAR TWO: What is discipleship? What does our building and grounds say to our parishioners, to tenants, to people that drive by? These are the things that we’ve been digging into for year two of House Church. Areas are still being scheduled and some rescheduled due to weather. Pastor …
It’s the final week of our close reading of Matthew 5 – which is the first third of the Sermon on the Mount. Each week, Jesus has increased the counter-intuitive nature of disicpleship – and we end with some very tough words. And we will spend time unpacking what made …
Worship this Week: Worship Texts Deuteronomy 30:15-20 Psalm 119:1-8 1 Corinthians 3:1-9 Matthew 5:21-37 Click on the bible passage to read it in the NRSV version.
HOUSEKEEPING: In search of some folks for a variety of in house tasks Sunday after each worship service. Christmas decorations need to be stored in the attic. Batteries changed in clocks. Boxes and binders carried upstairs. Paper and labels brought back to the work room. File cabinets moved from office …
Choose Life! That was Moses’ message to the Israelites as he shared with him his final thoughts before he died and they walked into the Promised Land. Choose Life – choose God and all of God’s gifts to you. An important message to this group of folks who have only …
HOUSE CHURCH YEAR TWO: Last year, we began a series of neighborhood visits to share our faith story and to begin to vision the future of Shepherd of the Hills. Year Two visits have begun with our focus on discipleship and generosity – which are foundations of our faith lives. …
The readings this week continue to point us – 21st century disciples – to the type of worship and witness that leads us into greater relationship with God and our neighbors. For the Israelites who have returned from Babylon, it’s not about idol worship. It is about showing their light …