Church News (Page 6)
Notes on “The Final Week”
The season of Lent is essential in Christian tradition, and is made up of the forty days (not including Sundays) that lead up to Easter Sunday. This Lent, we focus on the Gospel of Luke, and are guided by the book Luke: Jesus and the Outsiders, Outcasts, and Outlaws by Rev. Adam Hamilton. While Palm Sunday is still a week away, this Sunday we focus on Jesus’ final week and final teachings. At the conclusion of this week’s text, Jesus…
Notes on “On the Journey to Jerusalem”
The season of Lent is essential in Christian tradition, and is made up of the forty days (not including Sundays) that lead up to Easter Sunday. This Lent, we focus on the Gospel of Luke, and are guided by the book Luke: Jesus and the Outsiders, Outcasts, and Outlaws by Rev. Adam Hamilton. This week’s text shows Jesus interacting with a particular marginalized community. Skin diseases like the one described in the text below had special rules in the Jewish…
Notes on “Parables From the Underside”
The season of Lent is essential in Christian tradition, and is made up of the forty days (not including Sundays) that lead up to Easter Sunday. This Lent, we focus on the Gospel of Luke, and are guided by the book Luke: Jesus and the Outsiders, Outcasts, and Outlaws by Rev. Adam Hamilton. This Sunday we will read a familiar story by Jesus traditionally called “The Prodigal Son.” This is one of a few parables in the Gospel of Luke…
Notes on “Simon, Do You See This Woman?”
The season of Lent is essential in Christian tradition, and is made up of the forty days (not including Sundays) that lead up to Easter Sunday. This Lent, we focus on the Gospel of Luke, and are guided by the book Luke: Jesus and the Outsiders, Outcasts, and Outlaws by Rev. Adam Hamilton. We continue our series in consideration of the treatment of women in ancient culture and how—even though we have made progress in our current time—we still have…
Notes on “Lifting Up the Lowly”
The season of Lent is essential in Christmas tradition, and is made up of the forty days (not including Sundays) that lead up to Easter Sunday. This Lent, we focus on the Gospel of Luke, and are guided by the book Luke: Jesus and the Outsiders, Outcasts, and Outlaws by Adam Hamilton. As we begin exploring the Gospel of Luke, we may see right away that the author brings a particular focus. Reading his introduction and the initial retelling of…
Notes on “Super Sunday”
In the weeks after Christmas, we are in the season of Epiphany. This begins with the arrival of the Magi which we consider the first glimpse of God’s incarnation to the world. This week concludes this series as we enter into the season of Lent. This week is Transfiguration Sunday. This is an important time in Jesus’ ministry as he—as the saying goes—turns his face to Jerusalem. Jesus begins to focus his time and energy on his final teachings and…
Book Talk for March, April, and May
Hi all! In February, Jean Thomas did a fascinating review of Geraldine Brooks’ novel Horse, which inspired a lively discussion. It was great to see several faces who haven’t joined us regularly for Book Talk, and I sincerely hope all those folks will continue to attend! In fact, there are only three remaining meetings in our current “season”, and here is a quick review of our topics: On Wednesday, March 1, we will celebrate our “Magical Mystery Tour”. All are invited to…
Notes on “But I Say”
In the weeks after Christmas, we are in the season of Epiphany. This begins with the arrival of the Magi which we consider the first glimpse of God’s incarnation to the world. As we continue the Sermon on the Mount from the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus pushes even more overtly against the common cultural practices—practices that remain today. He reminds us that our very thoughts are worthy of our consideration and evaluation. I suggest that what Jesus is getting at…
Interfaith Shelter 2023
Interfaith Shelter UpdateNew Information We are finishing our second week for the Interfaith Shelter that we are supporting at Pacific Beach United Methodist Church. Our church has helped on a daily basis with the set-up and day-to-day operation of the shelter including significant contributions to dinner preparation and overnight hosting. On Wednesday, we will be cooking dinner for both Project Grace and shelter guests. We thank you foryour support. It’s a little bit like a family. Two of our guests…
Notes on “You Are”
In the weeks after Christmas, we are in the season of Epiphany. This begins with the arrival of the Magi which we consider the first glimpse of God’s incarnation to the world. Matthew 5:13-20 (NRSVue) 13 “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything but is thrown out and trampled under foot. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city built…
Notes on “Blessed Are”
In the weeks after Christmas, we are in the season of Epiphany. This begins with the arrival of the Magi which we consider the first glimpse of God’s incarnation to the world. As we continue our series, we move from Paul’s letter to the church in Corinth to Matthew’s Gospel, the Sermon on the Mount, and (as it’s commonly known) the Beatitudes. In his sermon, Jesus pushes against the common wisdom of both the past and present in naming those…
Women of LJUMC Ring in the New Year with Retreat led by June Dillinger
This past weekend twenty-two of us shared in a wonderful (though somewhat wet), retreat. Our presenter, June Dillinger, Margie Herrick’s daughter, came from Honolulu to challenge and inspire us, and she did just that! We enjoyed wonderful accommodations and delicious food, but, more importantly, we enjoyed camaraderie, companionship, and the comforting presence of members of our church family. Next year will see a new retreat with a new presenter, but with the old expectations of a worthwhile and inspiring weekend. …