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Sunday, August 8,2021

II:00 am Service

Sermon “The Blessing of Anger”

Dr. Mark Barden, Pastor

" Change Can Be Beautiful" said the Butterfly.

We wish you a reflective and introspective Lent.

Reverend Bill Roberts (First UMC Norwood), Reverend Mary Hatley (Cedar Grove UMC), Reverend Julie Hill (First Presbyterian Norwood), Reverend David Lowe (Love's Chapel UMC), and Reverend Caitlin McAlhany (Porter-Randall UMC)

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

Reverend Caitlin McAlhany leads us in a reflection for the week of February 22, 2021

Scripture for the week

Matthew 4:1-11

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was famished. The tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” But he answered, “It is written, ‘One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Then the devil took him to the holy city and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down; for it is written, ‘He will command his angels concerning you,’ and ‘On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.’” Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor; and he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! for it is written, ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.’” Then the devil left him, and suddenly angels came and waited on him.

Week 2 of Lent

March 1, 2021

Led by Rev. Julie Hill

(First Presbyterian Norwood)

Scripture for the Week: John 4:1-15 Now when Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard, “Jesus is making and baptizing more disciples than John” —although it was not Jesus himself but his disciples who baptized— he left Judea and started back to Galilee. But he had to go through Samaria. So he came to a Samaritan city called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired out by his journey, was sitting by the well. It was about noon. A Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.” (His disciples had gone to the city to buy food.) The Samaritan woman said to him, “How is it that you, a Jew, ask a drink of me, a woman of Samaria?” (Jews do not share things in common with Samaritans.) Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.” The woman said to him, “Sir, you have no bucket, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water? Are you greater than our ancestor Jacob, who gave us the well, and with his sons and his flocks drank from it?” Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty. The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life.” The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water, so that I may never be thirsty or have to keep coming here to draw water.” *We encourage you to continue reading through verse 42*

Week 3 of Lent

March 8, 2021

Led by Rev. Kaye Fry

(Stony Hill UMC)

Scripture for the Week:

Mark 6:30-44 (NRSV)

The apostles gathered around Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught. He said to them, ‘Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.’ For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a deserted place by themselves. Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they hurried there on foot from all the towns and arrived ahead of them. As he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things. When it grew late, his disciples came to him and said, ‘This is a deserted place, and the hour is now very late; send them away so that they may go into the surrounding country and villages and buy something for themselves to eat.’ But he answered them, ‘You give them something to eat.’ They said to him, ‘Are we to go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread, and give it to them to eat?’ And he said to them, ‘How many loaves have you? Go and see.’ When they had found out, they said, ‘Five, and two fish.’ Then he ordered them to get all the people to sit down in groups on the green grass. So they sat down in groups of hundreds and of fifties. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before the people; and he divided the two fish among them all. And all ate and were filled; and they took up twelve baskets full of broken pieces and of the fish. Those who had eaten the loaves numbered five thousand men. (This story about Jesus feeding thousands with 2 fish and 5 loaves of bread is found in all four gospels: Matthew 14:13-21, Mark 6:30-44, Luke 9:10-17 and John 6:1-14. I encourage you to read and compare as you study this story about Jesus feeding this week. There are some differences between the gospels, but each helps shape our understanding of Jesus, his compassion for humanity and an understanding of the compassion we are called to have for one another, friend, neighbor and stranger.)

Daily Reflections

Monday:

Video

Tuesday:

It is easy to wonder why Jesus would need to be tempted, he is Jesus! It is in his humanity that we can relate most to him. What are all the ways Jesus is tempted in this passage?
How are you tempted? Physically? Spiritually? Mentally?

Wednesday:

Jesus responds to the ‘tempter’ in verse 4 by saying, ‘One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ What do you think Jesus means?
What sustains you through the temptations of life?

Thursday:

In verses 5-7 the tempter tests Jesus. In what ways do you tempt God?
What does Jesus’ response tell us about our human nature to tempt God?

Friday:

Lent is a season of deep reflection, not just a season to give up bad habits or chocolate. What about this encounter between Jesus and Satan in the wilderness lends itself to deep reflection?
How is God calling you to reflect this season? Through eliminating “bad habits”, picking up a new habit, deeper and more honest prayer, or through accountable relationships, or some other way?

Prayer for the Week:

“As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.” (silence) Gracious God, in Jesus Christ you offer living water. Give me this water. May it become in me a spring of water gushing up to eternal life and spilling over in love for you, my neighbor, and all of creation. Amen

Daily Reflections:

Monday March 1st: Video Tuesday March 2nd: • At the beginning of the passage, Jesus is “tired out.” There is indication that he is hungry and thirsty as well. This is a very human portrayal of Jesus. Is it important to you to think about the very human side of Jesus? Why or why not? • In this time of pandemic, what tires you out? For what are you hungry and thirsty?

Wednesday March 3rd:

• In verse 10, Jesus says that if asked, he would have given the woman “living water.” What do you think Jesus means? • What is the importance of water in everyday life- it’s uses and for what it is needed? How is flowing water different from stagnant water? Why do you think Jesus used the image of living water?

Thursday March 4th: • Reread verses 10-15. Jesus says that those who drink of the water he gives them will never be thirsty again. What do you make of that? Has that been true in your life? • What are ways in which you try to quench your spiritual thirsts with things other than Christ... things that do not last? • Are there habits or practices to which you can commit in order to drink more deeply of the living water which Jesus offers?

Prayer for the Week: Gracious God, send your Holy Spirit to open the eyes my heart so that I see others with the compassion and generosity of your son, Jesus. Help me to see that with you there is always enough and then some. Amen. Daily Reflections:

Monday March 8th: Video

Tuesday March 9th:

As you read this story, first in one Gospel and then another, who do you identify with -Andrew, one of the disciples, someone in the crowd, perhaps the boy with two fish and five loaves or Jesus?

How does your place in the story change your perspective; the way you hear the events in the story unfold? As each of the witnesses to the events that day, for what do you hunger and thirst?

Wednesday March 10th:

In this story there are several miracles. The obvious one is the multiplying of the food. Take a moment to ponder the possibility of other “miracles” in the story.

• What might these miracles be?

• What might they reveal to us about Jesus; about ourselves?

Thursday March 11th: Do you wonder where all these people came from? Why were they there? How did they end up so far from home? Did they realize how far they had traveled or even that the day was drawing to a close and mealtime was approaching? Were they so caught up in the teaching, the healing, the excitement of the day that they were unaware of their circumstances?

• Have you ever been so enthralled by worship that you lost track of time? Sometimes we watch the clock when we’re in worship not wanting the preacher to go “over”. This crowd followed Jesus, stood around listening all day long-past lunch, right up to evening.

• Are you willing to miss a meal, sacrifice something-time, money, anything, to be in the presence of God?

• If your health allows, perhaps you may consider a fast during your Lenten journey focusing on scripture and prayer to feed your spirit.

Saturday:

Satan promises Jesus all the splendor and kingdoms of the world (Matt. 4:8) if he will worship Him.
When have you been promised worldly treasures in exchange for a compromise in your faith/convictions?

Sunday:

Jesus’ final words in this passage are, ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.’
How are you serving only God?
When you hunger and thirst how are you leaning into God? If you aren’t, how can you change your pattern and serve God more?

Prayer for the week
Holy God who withstood temptation, teach me to trust you above all else. Help me to listen to your voice in moments of temptation and fill me with your truth. Amen.

Friday March 5th:

• Jesus crosses boundaries between male and female and between chosen (Israel) and rejected (Samaritans) people to engage this woman in conversation. What does this reveal to you about Jesus? • Who are the Samaritans in our world? • How might you, and our churches, follow Jesus’ example and cross boundaries that separate such people? Should we?

Saturday March 6th: • At the beginning of this chapter, Jesus is a stranger to the woman. How does her understanding of who Jesus is grow through the course of their conversation? Note the changes. • How has your understanding and faith grown over the course of your life? What or who helped you grow in faith? • One of the ways the woman grew in her faith and understanding is by staying in the conversation with Jesus, asking questions, and remaining open to what Jesus said and offered even when she didn’t fully understand. About what do you need to be in conversation with Jesus right now?

Sunday March 7th: • In the end (verses 28-30 & 39-42), the Samaritan woman bears witness to Jesus and does so effectively. What about her approach to witnessing do you think made others listen to her and respond? • Imagine you are the Samaritan woman, what is the personal faith story you can share with others? What uncertainties or questions would you share?

Friday March 12th: There seems to be an assumption in the story that this ‘Jesus’ will take care of everything. Consider the difference between “letting go and letting God” and willingly participating in God’s plan to meet needs. • Are there times when you feel more like the disciples and want to “send them away”? Do we trust that Jesus will “handle it”? • When do we try to dump our opportunity to help feed (physically and spiritually) others in Jesus’ lap?

Saturday March 13th:

• In the normal, mundane or routine activities of life, where/when/how do you experience the Lord’s presence? • Do you hunger for Jesus, the bread of life?

• How is your soul fed?

Sunday March 14th: • How do you feel when confronted by those who hunger around us? How can you feed those who are hungry, the multitude in our midst?

Offer a word of hope, encouragement.
A helping hand.
Donations to the food pantry o Gift cards for someone who’s struggling
With prayerful consideration, I trust God will guide you to other ways to help quench the physical and spiritual hunger of others!

Week 4 of Lent

Reverend David Lowe

(Love's Chapel UMC)

Scripture for week 4
Isaiah 55 (NRSV)Ho, everyone who thirsts come to the waters; and you that have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy. Listen carefully to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. Incline your ear, and come to me; listen, so that you may live. I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David. See, I made him a witness to the peoples, a leader and commander for the peoples. See, you shall call nations that you do not know, and nations that do not know you shall run to you, because of the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, for he has glorified you. Seek the Lord while he may be found, call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake their way, and the unrighteous their thoughts; let them return to the Lord, that he may have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there until they have watered the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and succeed in the thing for which I sent it. For you shall go out in joy, and be led back in peace, the mountains and the hills before you shall burst into song, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress; instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle; and it shall be to the Lord for a memorial, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.

Daily Reflections

Monday:

Video

Tuesday:

Read verses 1-2

What invitation does the Lord extend?

The people of Israel are returning home from their exile. Why do you think it was necessary for God to make such an invitation?

Why don’t you need money to buy what God offers? What have you been wasting your own money on?

In your life, have you been given such an invitation? If you have, how did you respond?

What does this invitation tell you about God and His relationship to His creations?

Wednesday:

In verses 3-5, what invitation is given to the people?

According to Isaiah 55:3, how important is the Word of God in the life of a believer?

If you listen to God, what are we promised (Hint: David’s relationship with God)?

Is this invitation from the Lord limited to people in the Old Testament? How does this relate to you today?

Thursday:

Read verses 6-7

What urgency do you find in the gracious command the Lord issues in Isaiah 55:6?

During the season of Lent, you are called to repent. What two groups of people were called to repent?

How does this call relate to the ministry of John the Baptist?

How does this call relate to you and your faith journey?

Friday:

Read verses 7-9

What encouragement does the Lord provide for those who fear their sins are too great for forgiveness?

How far is the distance between God’s thoughts and yours? How does that relate to your perception of your relationship with God?

Do the statements in Isaiah 8 & 9 discourage you from seeking God or encourage you to work harder to seek God?

Saturday:

Read verses 10-11

How does Isaiah explain to the people that every Word from God produces fruit?

From the text, what is the purpose of the Word of God?

In verse 10, what does the Word of God bring forth?

In verse 11, what does God want to accomplish in the lives of His people?

What message do you receive as you read and meditate on these verses? How do you apply this to your life?

Sunday:

Read verses 12-13

What was God’s message to the exiles?

What is God’s message to you as you travel through life?

How will the message of Isaiah 55 help the people coming out of exile to restore their lives physically and spiritually?

How can you relate the message in Isaiah 55 as you witness to your neighbors?

Prayer for the week

God of restoration, save us when we find ourselves spiritually thirsty. Walk with us as we travel the road of life with your purpose, continuously strengthened by your living water. Amen.

We wish you a reflective and introspective Lent.

Week 5

Reverend Bill Roberts

(First UMC Norwood)

Scripture for the week

John 7:37-39 (NRSV)

On the last day of the festival, the great day, while Jesus was standing there, he cried out, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, and let the one who believes in me drink. As the scripture has said, ‘Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.’” Now he said this about the Spirit, which believers in him were to receive; for as yet there was no Spirit, because Jesus was not yet glorified.

Daily Reflections

Monday:

Video

Tuesday:

Take a few moments to consider your own baptism. If you were older, you may remember it clearly. If you were an infant, you may only know that it happened and nothing more. Either way, the gift is a real and effective gift from God.

Do you live differently because you have received this sacred gift

Can others see the difference which the in-dwelling presence of the Holy Spirit makes for you? If so, how? If not, why not?

Wednesday:

Read 1 Corinthians 12:4-11.

In this passage, Paul gives us a list of gifts given to each believer by the Holy Spirit. This is not an exhaustive list. Other spiritual gifts are listed elsewhere in the New Testament.

Do you recognize your own spiritual gifts in Paul’s list here or listed in other Biblical texts?

If you are not aware of your Spiritual gifts, ask your pastor to help you explore what your gifts might be. Scripture is clear: we all have at least one!

Let’s be clear: spiritual gifts are not the same thing as talents. If someone sews well, that is a talent. If he or she gives away what they sew to help folks in need, that is the spiritual gift of generosity.

What spiritual gifts do you see in others in your church and in your life?

How might you join your spiritual gift(s) with theirs to effectively function as the body of Christ?

Thursday:

Read 1 Corinthians 12:12-31.

Here, Paul gives us the image of the Church as the body of Christ. An effective body needs all of its parts working together, each doing its part. If even the most overlooked part isn’t functioning, the whole body is diminished.

Think of a time you have seen members of your church coming together, each one using their spiritual gifts to accomplish some great work of faith.

What do you think your Church could accomplish if you and every member daily fully used their gifts for the work of Christ?

As we know too well, many are lost, many are suffering, many are alone, many are angry, many are addicted, and many feel unwanted and unloved. Together with others in your church, you have the Spiritual power to offer comfort, community, and hope to people just like these.

How is the Holy Spirit which dwells in you calling you to touch these lives and others with Jesus’ love?

Friday:

Read John 14:12-17.

Jesus makes it clear: we will not receive the Holy Spirit until after his departure. When we receive the Holy Spirit, we will do the works that Jesus has done. In fact, Jesus says, we “will do greater works that these.”

Think about all those that Jesus healed, that Jesus taught, that Jesus fed, that Jesus loved. Now, think about Jesus’ promise that, with the gift of the Holy Spirit, we would do greater works than these!

Are you and your church living into the full power of the Holy Spirit entrusted to you? If not, why not?

If the season of Lent is about turning from our sin to live in the fullness of all that Jesus gives us through his death and resurrection, what are the sins that keep us from doing these“greater works” which Jesus said we could and should do?

Saturday:

Once again, let’s read John 7:37-39.

It can all be overwhelming. It seems as if we can never do enough, and never be good enough. But our passage from John 7 begins with an invitation

What is that invitation from Jesus?

What do you do each day to stay refreshed by the living water of Jesus?

Do you spend time in prayer? Do you read Scripture daily? Do you take time to be with Christians friends who encourage and guide you? Do you seek out the quiet places, and simply let the Holy Spirit embrace you in love?

Palm Sunday

Read Luke 19:28-40

By entering Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, Jesus is entering the week which would conclude with his death on the cross, and three days later, his resurrection. In other words, Jesus was about to be glorified, fulfilling all that he foretold.

By shouting our praise to Jesus, just as his disciples did on that Sunday morning in Jerusalem, we are allowing the Holy Spirit to speak through us. That praise is a powerful flow of the living water from our hearts.

Are you shouting your praise of Jesus loudly

Are you waiting for the rocks to take your place?

Prayer for the week

Heavenly Father, fill us again with your Holy Spirit, that living waters might flow from our hearts. Amen.

We wish you a reflective and introspective Lent.

Reverend Bill Roberts (First UMC Norwood), Reverend Mary Hatley

(Cedar Grove UMC),

Reverend Julie Hill

(First Presbyterian Norwood), Reverend David Lowe

(Love's Chapel UMC), and Reverend Caitlin McAlhany (Porter-Randall UMC)

Week 6 of Lent

Reverend Mary Hatley

(Cedar Grove UMC)

Daily Reflections and Scripture ReadingsMonday

Read Mark 14:3-9

Mark and Matthew both tells us that “a woman” broke open an alabaster jar of costly ointment and poured it onto the head of Jesus. This action was criticized by some as a waste; yet Jesus recognized it as a gift of anointing. What is it that you have to offer to the Lord?
What gift, small or great, is “bottled up” and put away for safe keeping that you are called to “break open” in order to pour out a blessing?

Tuesday
Read Luke 22:3-6

None of us would ever consider looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus for money like Judas did! But are there ways that we are unintentionally betraying Jesus?
While it may be easier to point to this trait in a neighbor or family member’s life, ask God to reveal anything in your own life and help you change any unintentional behavior to better reflect your relationship with Jesus.

Wednesday
Read Luke 22:7-13

Jesus directed the disciples where to go and what to do in preparation for the Passover meal.
How are you being directed as a disciple of Jesus to go? What preparations are you being called to make in the name of the Lord?

Maundy Thursday
Read Luke 22:15-20

We often participate in Holy Communion today. Reflect on what that means to you….
Sit quietly with God, and reflect on the importance of physical nourishment for all people: food and water; bread and juice.
Imagine yourself at the table with Jesus……….. Hear him say to you, “This is my body, which is given for you.” “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.”
What are you doing for your spiritual nourishment and growth as Jesus’ disciple?

Good Friday
Read Luke 23:33-49

Even as he hung on the cross, Jesus’ thoughts were for the people that he loved. How do you feel when you hear Jesus’ words, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing?”
Mark 15:38 tells us the temple curtain was torn from top to bottom. What significance is there in the temple curtain being torn in two?

Holy Saturday
Read Luke 23:50-56

Joseph of Arimathea was “waiting expectantly for the kingdom of God.” What expectations do you have for God’s kingdom?
Joseph boldly went to Pilate. His beliefs and expectations became actions. The women saw where Jesus’ body was buried and they went to prepare spices. Where is God calling you to act in the midst of tragedy or heartache?

Prayer for the week
Almighty God, speak through your Living Word that the truth of your love may be made new in my life. Let the remembrance of Jesus’ life, and sacrifice for all people, open my heart to the needs in my own life and in the lives of others. Help me to go as far as I am able to go with Christ, that in feeling his pain and suffering I may also receive the full measure of abundant joy that comes through the marvelous resurrection of Jesus, my Lord. AmenWe wish you a reflective and introspective Lent.

Reverend Bill Roberts (First UMC Norwood), Reverend Mary Hatley (Cedar Grove UMC), Reverend Julie Hill (First Presbyterian Norwood), Reverend David Lowe (Love's Chapel UMC), and Reverend Caitlin McAlhany (Porter-Randall UMC)