Reflection on Exodus 20:1-17 How then shall we live? That’s a question that the ancient Israelites surely had as they wandered around in the wilderness after being freed from slavery in Egypt. How then shall we live? If you are feeling disoriented lately, confused and exhausted and unsure of where to plant your feet—just imagine…
Prayer from Exodus 20:1-20 God, we long to follow your teachings and live by your guidance.We know we will live our best lives if we tend not merely to our own desires,but to our relationship with you and our relationships with others.We find, though, that the path of faith is not always easy to figure…
Call to Worship (from Philippians 2) We have come to seekEncouragement in Christ,Consolation from love,Sharing in the Spirit.God receives us with compassion.We receive each other with sympathy.May our joy be complete as we gather together in worship. Prayer of Confession and Assurance of Pardon from Matthew 21:28-32 When we care more about looking good than…
We gather in worship to give thanks to God,To call on the Holy name,To sing praises to God,To remember God’s wonderful works.We gather in worship because our hearts seek the Holy One.We watch for signs of God’s presence.As our ancestors were led with the cloud by day and fire by night,God guides us with the…
(Matthew 15:21-28) God, This story is not the one I have in mind when I pray to be more like Jesus.I am already good at ignoring things that threaten to throw off my carefully laid plans.I need no encouragement to try to control the focus of my work according to my vision—which I conveniently claim is yours.In…
First, TOMORROW (July 25) is the Advent in July drawing for a copy of Expecting Emmanuel and two access codes for the digital worship resources. If you are looking for an Advent devotional for yourself, a book study for your small group, or an enriching worship series for your congregation, be sure to comment below…
God, Fill us with your Spiritthat we might have courage—Courage to be vulnerable,To risk being wrong;Courage to speak hard truths,And to accept them;Courage to lead through uncertainty,And to ask for help when we need it;Courage to try something new,And to try something again;Courage to take up our cross,And to follow you, regardless.It is a frightening…
O give thanks to the Holy One, who is good;God’s steadfast love endures forever!Let the church say,“God’s steadfast love endures forever.”Let us all proclaim,“God’s steadfast love endures forever.”In our distress we can call on our Creatorwho will answered us and set us in a broad place—A place of prayer and singing, a place of listening…
Last week I attended the national Mennonite Church USA convention in Kansas City. Part-way through the week, one of the MennoMedia staff excitedly told me that they had sold out of all the copies they brought of Expecting Emmanuel! Which seems exciting until you know that they only brought two copies. I get it, though.…
On the banks of the Chilkoot River in Haines, Alaska, you can see Deer Rock. The nearby plaque explains that this rock, known as Guwakaan Teiyee, is very important to the Tlingit people because of the peace negotiated at this site between the Eagle and Raven clans. You have to read a different sign–a bit…
Spacious Faith 