|
It is hard to believe
that my time at Emmaus Moravian Church is almost over! It has been a joy
to be with you and I am grateful that you were willing to let me try out
some new preaching and worship styles, and experiment with a study on
issues of globalization. I am grateful for all who welcomed me into their
homes and who shared their faith stories with me. I rejoice that I could
spend some time with the Peals of Joy and that they were willing to take a
chance to do a processional on Palm Sunday. What fun we have had together!
In the midst of all of
the turmoil and pain in our society today, I hope that you will never lose
the ability to have fun together in your ministry. And I challenge you to
do this not just in the safe group of people that you’ve known for what
seems like forever, but that you reach out across the boundaries we all
set up, across the different ages, and seek out each other. Laugh and cry
together. In the class that I taught this past February both adult study
groups joined together and it was wonderful to begin to hear the different
perspectives that came from each group. We have so much to learn from each
other that enriches us all. I’m looking forward to the Generations Dance
and am so grateful that our youth see the vital truth that all generations
need to value each other and to spend time with each other.
I began my time with
you pointing to the small candle on your pulpit and suggesting that you
use it to remind you of the “other” – that person who is different from
you but who is also of significant value. I challenged you to be open to
the “other” that God wants us to see, with whom we can share our stories
and be God’s love, for whom we are preparing our place of worship and from
whom we also need to learn. But that “other” person is not just beyond our
congregation, that “other” is already here, needing to be heard and
understood, needing to know and be God’s love, needing to just have fun in
the family of God. I continue to hold before you the challenge of seeking
out the “other.” This is the essence of our call as Christians. May God
bless you richly in your ministry.
Peace,
Judy |
|
May 1 – Ascension of the
Lord
Christ says, “I, when I
am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” John 12:32
Acts 1:1-11; Psalm 47;
Ephesians 1:15-23; Luke
24:44-53
May 4 – Seventh Sunday of
Easter
Ascension Sunday
Cast all you anxiety on
him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7
Acts 1:6-14; Psalm 68:1-10,
32-35;
1 Peter 4:12-14, 5:6-11;
John 17:1-11
May 11 – Day of Pentecost
Now there are varieties
of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but
the one Lord. 1 Corinthians 12: 4, 5
Acts 2:1-21; Psalm
104:24-34, 35b;
1 Corinthians 12:3b-13; John
20:19-23
May 18 – Trinity Sunday
O Lord our Sovereign,
how majestic is your name in all the earth. Psalm 8:9
Genesis 1:1-2:4a; Psalm 8;
2 Corinthians 13:11-13;
Matthew 28:16-20
May 25 – Second Sunday
after Pentecost
Prayer Day for Outdoor
Ministries
For the Lord has
comforted his people, and will have compassion on his suffering ones.
Isaiah 49:13
Isaiah 49:8-16a; Psalm 131;
1 Corinthians 4:1-5; Matthew
6:24-34 |
Judy Ganz,
Student Pastor