Context Matters

LET ME TELL YOU A STORY...

...Context Matters

THERE WAS A TIME WHEN it seemed you couldn't tune into a sporting event without seeing someone sporting a "John 3:16" sign somewhere in the crowd. Being one raised in the Christian tradition, I knew even as a young child to what that sign referred - not only the Bible, but John's Gospel, the third chapter, verses 16. Given my circle at the time - an Episcopal elementary school and a family heavily involved at a United Methodist Church, pretty much everyone in my circle knew to what the sign referred as well.

However, I now wonder how much that sign may have had the intended effect, since those not familiar with or steeped in the Christian tradition probably had no idea to what it referred or why it matters.

Additionally, I wonder if by emphsaizing one verse, we may - unintentionally, of course - be causing some unintended consequences within Christian circles. After all, we know that scripture was not written in a vacuum. The whole of scripture is to be read in context.

In this week's installment of our Lenten worship series, we look at John 3:14-21, which includes this well-disseminated reference, and how within the context of it's surrounding verses, it encourages us by showing even more of God's grace and love than can be found in only one verse.

I look forward to being with you Sunday as we continue our march towards the glory of Easter Sunday!Grace and Peace,
Lamar

THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE

John 3:14-21

And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.

"Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

Those who believe in him are not condemned; but those who do not believe are condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God.

And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil.

For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed.

But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God."

A Series of Conversations to Stir Heart, Soul, & Mind

For four weeks STARTING the WEDNESDAY AFTER EASTER, all are invited to join us for what we hope will be a time of engaging heart, soul, and mind around a few topics that can help us grow in our faith and in our attitudes and actions concerning the world in which we live.We will begin with a two-part series - Christians and Terrorism. TRIGGER WARNING - This is a hot-button issue, so be prepared that no matter what your worldview is, chances are you are going to be challenged to look at things a little different, and might be able to, even if your mind is not changed or transformed, to understand those of a different viewpoint a little better.It is alluded to if not outright stated more than once in scripture that followers of God are called to be holy for the Lord is holy. How many times might we have read or heard those concepts and thought to ourselves, “That’s impossible!” The Wednesday of Holy Week, we will be spending time exploring the idea of, “Can we REALLY be Holy?” You might be surprised at what you learn in this session and how it may free you from the paralysis of futility.Ever find yourself wandering about the bible as one book? How does one go about faithfully and fruitfully reading the text? How can we read the bible more consistently? What difference does it make in how or when we read the texts as long as we read them at all? The conclusion of this series will have us exploring these and other ideas about the whole sweep of scripture.Each week’s gathering will have a similar structure - A guest presenter will introduce the topic for about 10 minutes, then we will have some discussion with each other, wrapping up with some Q-and-A with the whole group. There are no pre-readings or other preparation needed - all you need to bring with you is an open mind and a generous heart.

CHURCH BELLS DEDICATION

As part of our Palm Sunday celebrations, we will be dedicating the bells to God's glory through a special liturgy. During our Palm Sunday Picnic & Easter Egg Hunt after worship, we will be blessed with an extended program of the beautiful music provided by this special instrument! What a joy it has been to hear these bells once again ringing throughout our community - thank you to ALL who helped us fulfill this project!