Sermon: Laughing at God

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Genesis 18:6-15 Lexham English Bible (LEB)

6 Then[a] Abraham hastened into the tent to Sarah, and he said, “Quickly—make three seahs of fine flour for kneading and make bread cakes!” 7 And Abraham ran to the cattle and took a calf,[b] tender and good, and gave it to the servant, and he made haste to prepare it. 8 Then he took curds and milk, and the calf which he prepared, and set it before them. And he was standing by them under the tree while[c] they ate. 9 And they said to him, “Where is Sarah your wife?” And he said, “Here, in the tent.” 10 And he[d] said, “I will certainly return to you in the spring,[e] and look, Sarah your wife will have a son.” Now Sarah was listening at the doorway of the tent, and which was behind him. 11 Now Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in age;[f] the way of women[g] had ceased to be for Sarah. 12 So[h] Sarah laughed to herself saying, “After I am worn out and my husband is old, shall this pleasure be to me?” 13 Then Yahweh said to Abraham, “What is this that Sarah laughed, saying, ‘Is it indeed true that I will bear a child, now that I have grown old?’ 14 Is anything too difficult for Yahweh? At the appointed time I will return to you in the spring[i] and Sarah shall have a son.” 15 But Sarah denied it, saying, “I did not laugh,” because she was afraid. He[j] said, “No, but you did laugh.”

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Sermon -- From the Chaos

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Genesis 1:1-2:4 Lexham English Bible (LEB)

The Creation

1 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth— 2 Now[a] the earth was formless and empty, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. 3 And God said, “Let there be light!” And there was light. 4 And God saw the light, that it was good, and God caused there to be a separation between the light and between the darkness. 5 And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.

6 And God said, “Let there be a vaulted dome[b] in the midst of the waters, and let it cause a separation between the waters.”[c] 7 So[d] God made the vaulted dome,[e] and he caused a separation between the waters which were under the vaulted dome[f] and between the waters which were over the vaulted dome.[g] And it was so. 8 And God called the vaulted dome[h] “heaven.”[i] And there was evening, and there was morning, a second day.

9 And God said, “Let the waters under heaven[j] be gathered to one place, and let the dry ground appear.” And it was so. 10 And God called the dry ground “earth,” and he called the collection of the waters “seas.” And God saw that it was good. 11 And God said, “Let the earth produce green plants that will bear seed—fruit trees bearing fruit in which there is seed[k]—according to its[l] kind, on the earth.” And it was so. 12 And the earth brought forth green plants bearing seed according to its[m] kind, and trees bearing fruit in which there was seed[n] according to its[o] kind. And God saw that it was good. 13 And there was evening and there was morning, a third day.

14 And God said, “Let there be lights[p] in the vaulted dome[q] of heaven[r] to separate day from night,[s] and let them be as signs and for appointed times, and for days and years, 15 and they shall be as lights[t] in the vaulted dome[u] of heaven[v] to give light on the earth.” And it was so. 16 And God made two lights,[w] the greater light[x] to rule[y] the day and the smaller light[z] to rule[aa] the night, and the stars. 17 And God placed them in the vaulted dome[ab] of heaven[ac] to give light on the earth 18 and to rule over the day and over the night, and to separate light from darkness.[ad] And God saw that it was good. 19 And there was evening and there was morning, a fourth day.

20 And God said, “Let the waters swarm with swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly over the earth across the face of the vaulted dome[ae] of heaven.[af] 21 So[ag] God created the great sea creatures and every living creature that moves, with which the waters swarm, according to their kind, and every bird with wings according to its[ah] kind. And God saw that it was good. 22 And God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let the birds multiply on the earth.” 23 And there was evening, and there was morning, a fifth day.

24 And God said, “Let the earth bring forth living creatures according to their kind: cattle and moving things, and wild animals[ai] according to their kind.” And it was so. 25 So[aj] God made wild animals[ak] according to their kind and the cattle according to their kind, and every creeping thing of the earth according to its[al] kind. And God saw that it was good.

26 And God said, “Let us make humankind in[am] our image and according to[an] our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of heaven,[ao] and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every moving thing that moves upon the earth.” 27 So[ap] God created humankind in[aq] his image, in[ar] the likeness of God he created him,[as] male and female he created them. 28 And God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it, and rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of heaven,[at] and over every animal that moves upon the earth.”

29 And God said, “Look—I am giving to you every plant that bears seed which is on the face of the whole earth, and every kind of tree that bears fruit.[au] They shall be yours as food.” 30 And to every kind of animal of the earth and to every bird of heaven,[av] and to everything that moves upon the earth in which there is life I am giving every green plant as food.” And it was so. 31 And God saw everything that he had made and, behold, it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning, a sixth day.

2 And heaven[aw] and earth[ax] and all their array[ay] were finished. 2 And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. 3 And God blessed the seventh day, and he sanctified[az] it, because on it he rested from all his work of creating that there was to do.[ba]

The Generations of Heaven and Earth

4 These are the generations[bb] of heaven[bc] and earth[bd] when they were created, in the day that Yahweh God made earth and heaven[be]—

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awfumc.org

A Word from Bishop Graves: 24 Hours, 24 Days: Listen!!!!

5-6 minutes

Dear Alabama-West Florida Church Family,

  In recent days following the tragic murder of yet another black male, George Floyd, there have been numerous statements written and reports of protests. Most of these were peaceful, yet some turned violent. Images of the officer’s knee suffocating the life from Mr. Floyd and the emotion that has followed leads to haunting cries that enough is enough. I am outraged at the actions I continue to see against people of color. During these times, it is our instinct to write or post on social media. Perhaps some of you have been asking when I would make a statement.

  Over the last few days and weeks, the stirring in my spirit has been to listen! I have listened to the feelings of anger, hurt, and pain of my brothers and sisters of color. Some of their anger lies with white people who continue to talk while they need to listen. I have listened to protestors who desperately beg for the generational trauma of persecution and killing to stop. To my dismay, I have listened to the theological rhetoric and the defensive posture of many. I have listened to those who are frustrated with those who abuse their positions of power. I have heard that we need to give space for forgiveness, acknowledge that racism is a sin, and that we need to acknowledge it when we hear it. I have listened to the lack of support for the black church here in Alabama-West Florida. I have listened to white clergy and laity who ask, “Bishop what can we do? I have so many questions and feel paralyzed to know how to appropriately act.” 

  As I listen, I hear a consistent theme with COVID-19 and the events of the last week: weariness. Yes Lord, we are weary living in a weary land. We have moved from being tired to weary. It is a hard place to be. As I have listened, these words from 2 Chronicles 7:14 resonate within me, “If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” Many are calling on God to heal our land, yet it will begin when God’s people turn to what we celebrated this past Pentecost Sunday in Acts 2:21, “Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” For God has poured out God’s Holy Spirit on all people for their choosing. 

  I am asking all people in the Alabama-West Florida Conference to listen and stand in solidarity with people of color! Make no mistake that all lives will in fact matter when black lives matter. This coming Sunday, June 7, is observed as Peace With Justice Sunday in the United Methodist Church. What timing! For as I listen, I hear the cry of where there is no justice there is no peace. I am calling us to listen as we begin this Sunday at 12:00 midnight with a 24-hour prayer vigil, followed by 24 days of prayer.

  For the 24-hour prayer vigil, there is an online sign-up with 15-minute prayer slots. Up to five people may register during each time slot. However, as many people who want to pray during a specific time may do so. God will hear our prayers! Please click here to sign up now. I would hope that we would have hundreds of people across this conference to participate and pray over the 24 hours this Sunday.

  The remaining days will have focused prayers as you can see on this calendar. During these 24 days of prayer, we are asking people to do virtual prayer walks on their own or with a small group. Additionally, we will be posting daily prayers on social media. Download the prayer sheet so that you can incorporate this focused time of prayer in your daily devotional life.

  Next, I would ask us to listen to one another during this time. To be frank with white people, you need to listen much more. Just listen, even when listening is hard. In these remaining days of June, I would ask all of us to talk with one another and to take the posture of listening more than talking. As we listen, God is calling all of us to be a part of ending systemic racism and injustice.

  24-hours of prayer and 24 days of prayer are what God has placed on my heart as we listen to what God is calling us to do next. The Holy Spirit is stirring within my heart to take action steps in the coming days. I plan to share that soon, but for now, there is this urging within me that we need to continuously pray and listen. Yes, it will take much more than prayer and listening, as prayer without action leads to death. For today in this Holy Spirit moment, speak Lord, speak!

  In loving kindness,
Bishop David Graves
Resident Bishop
Alabama-West Florida Conference

Sermon How to Live

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Romans 12:9-16 Lexham English Bible (LEB)

Living in Love

9 Love must be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; be attached to what is good, 10 being devoted to one another in brotherly love, esteeming one another more highly in honor, 11 not lagging in diligence, being enthusiastic in spirit, serving the Lord, 12 rejoicing in hope, enduring in affliction, being devoted to prayer, 13 contributing to the needs of the saints, pursuing hospitality.

14 Bless those who persecute,[a] bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. 16 Think the same thing toward one another; do not think arrogantly[b], but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own sight[c].

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ASCENSION SUNDAY 2020

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Acts 1:6-14 Lexham English Bible (LEB)

The Ascension

6 So when[a] they had come together, they began asking[b] him, saying, “Lord, is it at this time you are restoring the kingdom to Israel?” 7 But he said to them, “It is not for you to know the times or seasons that the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when[c] the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the farthest part of the earth.” 9 And after he[d] had said these things, while[e] they were watching, he was taken up, and a cloud received him from their sight. 10 And as they were staring into the sky while[f] he was departing, behold, two men in white clothing stood by them 11 who also said, “Men of Galilee,[g] why do you stand there looking[h] into the sky? This Jesus who was taken up from you into heaven like this will come back in the same way you saw him departing into heaven!”

Matthias Chosen to Replace Judas

12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mountain that is called Olive Grove[i] which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away.[j] 13 And when they had entered, they went up to the upstairs room where they were staying—Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot and Judas son of James. 14 All these were busily engaged with one mind in prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus and with[k] his brothers.

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God's Offering

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Acts of the Apostles‬ ‭17:22-31‬ ‭NLT

“So Paul, standing before the council, addressed them as follows: “Men of Athens, I notice that you are very religious in every way, for as I was walking along I saw your many shrines. And one of your altars had this inscription on it: ‘To an Unknown God.’ This God, whom you worship without knowing, is the one I’m telling you about. “He is the God who made the world and everything in it. Since he is Lord of heaven and earth, he doesn’t live in man-made temples, and human hands can’t serve his needs—for he has no needs. He himself gives life and breath to everything, and he satisfies every need. From one man he created all the nations throughout the whole earth. He decided beforehand when they should rise and fall, and he determined their boundaries. “His purpose was for the nations to seek after God and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him—though he is not far from any one of us. For in him we live and move and exist. As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ And since this is true, we shouldn’t think of God as an idol designed by craftsmen from gold or silver or stone. “God overlooked people’s ignorance about these things in earlier times, but now he commands everyone everywhere to repent of their sins and turn to him. For he has set a day for judging the world with justice by the man he has appointed, and he proved to everyone who this is by raising him from the dead.”” ‭‭Acts of the Apostles‬ ‭17:22-31‬ ‭NLT‬‬ https://www.bible.com/116/act.17.22-31.nlt

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A note from the Pastor

15 May, 2020

A note from the Pastor

 

Hello all, 

​I hope this finds you doing well and enjoying the beautiful spring weather.  I have been so encouraged as so many of you have continued to reach out and check on each other during these uncertain times. The reports have been encouraging but I know that everyone is wondering when we will be able to return to church and things will get back to normal. This week I have had meetings with the Bishop, our DS and the Unified Committee to discuss how things will look as we move forward.

​That being, said, please keep in mind that the underlying object though out the process has been and will continue to be that we do nothing that would potentially impact anyone negatively.  That means, if you are sick or have a compromising or chronic condition, you should not plan on coming to services.  Even after we return to in person worship we will still provide our services live on line each Sunday so you will be able to be with us in that way.  Our goal is to be sure that everyone is safe, that we not be responsible for getting anyone sick, but trying to make connections with each other in the process. 

​At this time, the target is to return to in person worship the first Sunday of June, the 7th. That of course could change if the process of re-opening should take a turn for the worse. Even so, our worship will come with differences.  Everyone should remember to keep at least six feet from others (non-familymembers).  To ensure this, we will only be able to seat in every other pew.  When you enter the sanctuary, you will have your temperature taken and then be asked to proceed to a pew.  When the service has concluded, we ask that you remain in place as the ushers direct you out.  We want this to be orderly and be sure that groups do not congregate together.  Once you leave the sanctuary, we ask that you not stop and visit with others but return directly to your cars.

​Since we will not be able to use each row of seating, the number of people who can get into the sanctuary will be limited.  We have a plan for that.  We have acquired the necessary equipment to broadcast the services to an FM radio.  That means you can drive to the church, stay in your car, turn your radio to the correct station (we will get that information to you later) and share in the service real time.  So don’t worry about there not being enough room for you, come on and enjoy “being together” in a new way.  This also applies to any of you who are concerned that you are at risk to infection.  If you wish to be with us, you can enjoy the service from your car. 

​I cannot say enough about the number of people who have worked so hard during all of these changes and uncertainties.  Each and every member of the Unified Committee have taken on the challenges, including different ways of meeting, and worked to find answers.  Dean, Dotty, Miranda and Bob have been quick to get the answers we need about our financials, so we can make plans and changes but ensure that the church is sound for the future. To Ron, Robbie and Lee, who have worked many hours to set up, test and refine the streaming process which includes a lot of new equipment and new ways of doing things. To Katie, who as always, works tirelessly in planning and leading in our worship services.  I knew she did a lot, but I had the opportunity to see a glimpse of what it takes to make the services come together each week. To Shirley and the Bread Day crew for meeting the challenge of finding new ways to continue this ministry in safe ways. I stand amazed at the leading of the Spirit as the family known as Morgans Chapel continue to be the Church to this community. It is probably no secret that there are times when ministers get discouraged or burn out.  But when I watch as this congregation works and loves and supports and steps up in tough times, it thrills my heart and strengthens my soul. And each day I say, Thank you God for these, your people.  Amen.

Gazing Past Death

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Acts 7:55-60 Lexham English Bible (LEB)

55 But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, looked intently into heaven and[a] saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56 And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!” 57 But crying out with a loud voice, they stopped their ears and rushed at him with one purpose. 58 And after they[b] had driven him[c] out of the city, they began to stone[d] him,[e] and the witnesses laid aside their cloaks at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 And they kept on stoning Stephen as he[f] was calling out and saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!” 60 And falling to his[g] knees, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them!” And after he[h] said this, he fell asleep.[i]

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You Have Been Called

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==> Link to: Nothing but the Blood <==

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Today’s Scripture: 1Peter‬ ‭2:19-25

“For God is pleased when, conscious of his will, you patiently endure unjust treatment. Of course, you get no credit for being patient if you are beaten for doing wrong. But if you suffer for doing good and endure it patiently, God is pleased with you. For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps. He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly. He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed. Once you were like sheep who wandered away. But now you have turned to your Shepherd, the Guardian of your souls.” ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭2:19-25‬ ‭NLT‬‬ https://www.bible.com/116/1pe.2.19-25.nlt

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A Word from your pastor

The new month brings to us a new way of doing things.  We are currently seeing the orders for staying at home eased and the vision of returning to “some kind of normal” growing on the horizon.  We have competing voices adding their perspective to how things should progress.  There are those who believe that our current tactics are working and we need to keep them in place until we are sure we have the battle under control.  On the other side, armed protestors are demanding that all restrictions should be lifted and they be allowed to return to their previous lives.  But who is right?  Who are we to listen to?

​I am no different than anyone else.  I would like to see normal again.  I miss our being able to gather together and hug and share, to listen and to laugh, to give solace and find support.  I want to see the sanctuary filled with smiling faces, singing hymns, offering prayers and listening to the word of God.  But then I ask myself, at what price?

​And there seems to be the crux of the question.  At what price?  At what price do we stay locked down. At what price do we end all restrictions and just let everyone live how they choose?  At what price do we believe the answer to our happiness is commercialism.  At what price do we just let the “chips fall where they may?”  As the discussion continues, I have read many people who take the position that we should do just that.  Their logic is that only a small percentage of people will die.  It’s mostly the old and infirmed, they’ve had a full life already, it’s time for them to step aside and let the younger folks have their shot.  Yes, that is the argument being made, but it is not an argument that I can support.

​You see, as much as I would like to see the sanctuary filled, I’m not willing to pay the price of a single life.  There is not one of you who I feel has “had a full life and it’s time for you to step aside.”  That is why I am more than willing to, not only continue our current course of on-line services, but take extra steps to ensure everyone’s safety as we do begin to gather together once more.  As things stand, we will not have open services for the next three Sundays.  After that, we may start to gather again. This is not a definite decision, but it is our current plan.  When we do open, it will be on a limited basis. Those who are sick or have an under lying condition should not plan or being at the church.  Those who do come, will be asked to maintain a safe distance.  We will increase our sanctuary cleaning schedule, we will not be having a fellowship time after the service.  Our worship life together will be different, but that does not mean less good!  For those who cannot come, we will continue to offer our worship on-line. 

​Yes, going forward, things will be different.  Going forward we will continue to listen and follow God’s directions for our ministries.  Going forward, we will be stronger.  I have watched as you have learned new skills and behaviors.  I have watched as you have taken the responsibility of ministering to each other.  I will watch as Morgans Chapel continues to be a shining light to the Bon Secur community. And I will say a still small prayer to thank God that I get to be a part of it.  

Amen.

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"Quarantined — Yet Liberated"

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1 Peter 1:17-23 Lexham English Bible (LEB)

17 And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves with fear during the time of your temporary residence, 18 because you[a] know that you were redeemed from your futile way of life inherited from your ancestors not with perishable things like silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of an unblemished and spotless lamb 20 who was foreknown before the foundation of the world, but has been revealed in these last times for you 21 who through him are believing in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.

22 Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for sincere brotherly love, love one another fervently from the heart,[b] 23 because you[c] have been born again, not from perishable seed but imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.

Acts 2:14 Lexham English Bible (LEB)

Peter’s Sermon on the Day of Pentecost

14 But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and declared to them, “Judean men, and all those who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and pay attention to my words!

Acts 2:36-41 Lexham English Bible (LEB)

36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know beyond a doubt, that God has made him both Lord and Christ—this Jesus whom you crucified!”

The Response to Peter’s Sermon

37 Now when they[a] heard this,[b] they were pierced to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “What should we do, men and brothers?” 38 And Peter said[c] to them, “Repent and be baptized, each one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children, and for all those who are far away, as many as the Lord our God calls to himself.” 40 And with many other words he solemnly urged and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this crooked generation!” 41 So those who accepted his message were baptized, and on that day about three thousand souls were added.

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Memorial Walk Update: A Special Thanks to Robbie and Miranda!!!!!

Attached are pictures of the before, during and after the Memorial Walk stone/paver rearrangement.

Due to the cancellation of our work day and hot weather right around the corner, Robby and I decided to go ahead and get this taken care of.

All the cut pavers have been removed and will no longer be needed going forward. This should make additions easier. The only stone we lack is Dean Hansen's and it has been ordered.

When we do get back together for worship and fellowship, please take the time to check it out.

Let me know what you think! Continue to Stay Safe!

Miranda  

BEFORE

BEFORE

During

During

A Job Well Done

A Job Well Done

Letter from Pastor Robert

A Word from the Pastor

​Each day we hear continuing discussions about when we can “get back to normal.”  In some places protests are taking place to demand that stay at home orders be rescinded.  We all feel it.  When can we return to our normal lives. When will schools resume, when can we go back to church?  The tension of this “new normal” continues to weigh on all of us as we are desperate to get out of the house and back to our routine.  And underlying it all is the question, where is God in all of this?  Is God even listening? 

​The easy answer is yes, but that is not necessarily the simple question. Having these questions are not, in and of themselves, wrong, but I would point out that they are probably unique to us and our culture.  You see, we are so used to getting things done and done quickly.  We want results, and we want them now.  We have such an array of means to getting what we want fast.  We can prepare a meal in minutes with the microwave.  We can find the answer to almost any question in seconds by asking “the Google.” We can fly half way around the world in hours in an airplane.  We can get most any item we want in days with an order from Amazon.  We have been conditioned to get what we want when we want it.  It is no surprise that we are already antsy after only a few weeks of sheltering in place. 

​To better understand where God is in all of this only takes a moment to look back at the history of our faith.  The Israeliteslived in Egypt about 430 years.  Keep in mind not all of that was as slaves, but I’m sure it was long enough for some to begin to doubt God caring about their plight. The Babylonian exile was 70 years.  And let’s not forget, the tribes wandered in the wilderness for 40 years.  And despite God providing them with food everyday of that time, when they were about to cross over into the Promised land, there were some who still doubted. 

​I think we can take two lessons from this.  One, it’s not unusual to doubt, and Two, we need to give God time.  I can be as impatient as the next person but I just remind myself, God is still there, God still cares and God will bring us through.  I miss our being together on Sundays.  I miss being able to watch andlisten as you share with each other and love each other.  I wish we could be together again this week, but we can’t.  Even so, I know that God is at work, God is moving, and God will lead us out of this “bondage.”

 

Robert

Now what?

John 20:19-31 Lexham English Bible (LEB)

Jesus Appears to the Disciples

19 Now when it[a] was evening on that day—the first day of the week—and the doors had been shut where the disciples were because of fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace to you.” 20 And when he[b] had said this, he showed his[c] hands and his[d] side to them. Then the disciples rejoiced when they[e] saw the Lord. 21 So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you. As the Father has sent me, I also send you.” 22 And when he[f] had said this, he breathed on them[g] and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them. If you retain the sins[h] of any, they are retained.”

Thomas Doubts But Later Believes

24 Now Thomas, one of the twelve, who was called Didymus,[i] was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples said to him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and put my finger into the mark of the nails, and put my hand into his side, I will never believe!”

26 And after eight days his disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Although[j] the doors had been shut, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said, “Peace to you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Place your finger here and see my hands, and place your hand and put it[k] into my side. And do not be unbelieving, but believing!” 28 Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Because you have seen me, have you believed? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”

Why This Book Was Written

30 Now Jesus also performed many other signs in the presence of the disciples[l] which are not recorded in this book, 31 but these things are recorded in order that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by[m] believing you may have life in his name.

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Let Jesus Rock Your World

Matthew 28:1-10 Lexham English Bible (LEB)
Jesus Is Raised


28 Now after the Sabbath, at the dawning on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to view the tomb. 2 And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came up and[a] rolled away the stone and sat down[b] on it. 3 Now his appearance was like lightning and his clothing white as snow. 4 And the guards trembled from the fear of him and became like dead men. 5 But the angel answered and[c] said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here, for he has been raised, just as he said. Come, see the place where he was lying. 7 And go quickly, tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and behold, he is going ahead of you into Galilee. You will see him there.’ Behold, I have told you.” 8 And they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and[d] ran to tell his disciples. 9 And behold, Jesus met them, saying, “Greetings!” And they came up and[e] took hold of his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid! Go tell my brothers that they should go to Galilee, and there they will see me.”

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322 Up from the Grave He Arose 1. Low in the grave he lay, Jesus my Savior, waiting the coming day, Jesus my Lord! Up from the grave he arose; with a mighty triumph o'er his foes; he arose a victor from the dark domain, and he lives forever, with his saints to reign.

ev. Robert McMillan, Pastor Music Leaders: Renee James, Katie Aiken, Randy Smith Taylor Reynolds, Samuel Thompson April 12, 2019 Easter Sunday Worship He Is Risen Indeed! Announcements TWO VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES ⬧We are forming a team to telephone members of the congregation to check in on them, learn if they need anything, etc.

Please note changes or corrections on the clipboard at the back of the Sanctuary or email to kaiken@gulftel.com . Prayer requests will normally stay on this list for one month . Please advise if someone should be taken off sooner, needs to stay on longer, or be moved to Standing Prayer list.

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Maundy Thursday

Psalm 116:1-2 New International Version (NIV)

Psalm 116

1 I love the Lord, for he heard my voice;
    he heard my cry for mercy.
2 Because he turned his ear to me,
    I will call on him as long as I live.

Psalm 116:12-19 New International Version (NIV)

12 What shall I return to the Lord
    for all his goodness to me?

13 I will lift up the cup of salvation
    and call on the name of the Lord.
14 I will fulfill my vows to the Lord
    in the presence of all his people.

15 Precious in the sight of the Lord
    is the death of his faithful servants.
16 Truly I am your servant, Lord;
    I serve you just as my mother did;
    you have freed me from my chains.

17 I will sacrifice a thank offering to you
    and call on the name of the Lord.
18 I will fulfill my vows to the Lord
    in the presence of all his people,
19 in the courts of the house of the Lord—
    in your midst, Jerusalem.

Praise the Lord.[a]

Stapleton United Methodist Church Rev. Robert McMillan, Pastor Rev. Tammy McMillan, Pastor April 9, 2020 Maundy Thursday Hymn #298 When I Survey the Wondrous Cross Gospel Message: John 13: 1-17, 31-35 ⬧ Rev.

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From Palms to Passion

Matthew 21:1-11 Lexham English Bible (LEB)

The Triumphal Entry

21 And when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage at the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go into the village before you, and right away you will find a donkey tied and a colt with her. Untie them[a] and[b] bring them[c] to me. 3 And if anyone says anything to you, you will say, ‘The Lord needs them,’[d] and he will send them at once.” 4 Now this took place so that what was spoken through the prophet would be fulfilled, saying,

5 “Say to the daughter of Zion,
    ‘Behold, your king is coming to you,
humble and mounted on a donkey,
    and[e] on a colt, the foal of a pack animal.’”[f]

6 So the disciples went[g] and did[h] just as Jesus directed them, 7 and[i] brought the donkey and the colt and put their[j] cloaks on them, and he sat on them. 8 And a very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others were cutting branches from the trees and spreading them[k] on the road. 9 And the crowds who went ahead of him and the ones who followed were shouting, saying,

“Hosanna to the Son of David!
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord![l]
    Hosanna in the highest heaven!”[m]

10 And when[n] he entered into Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up, saying, “Who is this?” 11 And the crowds were saying, “This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth of Galilee!”

Rev. Robert McMillan, Pastor Music Leaders: Renee James, Katie Aiken, Randy Smith Taylor Reynolds, Samuel Thompson April 5, 2020 Announcements MAUNDY THURSDAY WORSHIP, APRIL 9, 6:30 pm. On-line worship celebrating the Last Supper. We will take Holy Communion together: you may use any bread and your own grape juice or wine.

Please note changes or corrections on the clipboard at the back of the Sanctuary or email to kaiken@gulftel.com . Prayer requests will normally stay on this list for one month . Please advise if someone should be taken off sooner, needs to stay on longer, or be moved to Standing Prayer list.

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When We Face an Unknown Future

When We Face an Unknown Future
(Tune: Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus or Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee)

 

When we face an unknown future that we can’t imagine yet,
when the closeness we have treasured turns from blessing into threat—
As we miss our friends and loved ones, as we crave community,
may we look, God, in this season, for a whole new way to be.

Jesus faced the lonely desert as a time to look within.
There he met such trial and conflict; there he knew you were with him.
In this time of separation when we miss the life we’ve known,
may we hear your voice proclaiming: “I am here! You’re not alone.”

May we cherish those around us as we never have before.
May we think much less of profit; may we learn what matters more.
May we hear our neighbors’ suffering; may we see our neighbors’ pain.
May we learn new ways of offering life and health and hope again.

God, when illness comes to threaten, and when so much here goes wrong,
may we know this thing for certain— that your love is sure and strong.
You’re beside us in our suffering, and when times are surely tough,
we may face an unknown future, but it’s filled, Lord, with your love.

Text: Copyright © 2020 by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. All rights reserved. Used by permission of the author.

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celebrate Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week, and Holy Communion

Dear Friends, 

This Sunday we will celebrate Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week, and Holy Communion.

Although we cannot come together in our sanctuary for these sacred events, we can participate from home.  We will be able to celebrate Holy Communion together by using any bread and grape juice or wine that you have at home.  Those elements will be consecrated by our pastor as part of our online service at 9:30 Sunday morning, April 5, or you may celebrate the sacrament in the same way if you view the service later on.  

Link to Sunday April 5 service below:

https://youtu.be/VqV-GoNzjOQ

On Thursday evening, April 9, at 6:30 we will again celebrate the Lord’s Supper as part of our Maundy Thursday worship service, which will also be on YouTube Live and will be posted to our website, 

morganschapel.org.

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A letter to the Morgan’s Chapel Family from Pastor Robert

As we face these uncertain times, I find myself thinking back to the many times God has delivered. Our scriptures are filled with these examples.  Think for a moment what it must have been like for the Israelites as they walked, not just out of slavery in Egypt, but as a victorious army taking with them all the gold, silver and jewels they could carry. I can only imagine the elation that filled their hearts.  Yet within what must have seemed like moments, they now faced an uncrossable body of water to the front, and an angry army bearing down on them from behind. They have gone from celebrating victory to facing certain death! How much they must have asked why? Is this what God intended, to simply bring them out of what had been their only home to die here in the wilderness? 

Aren’t we facing just such a time?  We have seen life going well, perhaps even better than it ever has.  Career, family, finances, church; all at a point that has done nothing but improve over the last years, perhaps even to the best point in life.  God has delivered us from the slavery of our sin, of extreme need, to an economy that has been running at full steam for years. But now, we are standing on the banks of the Red Sea, looking at uncrossable waters.  We have an unseen illness that seems to spread faster than the plague. In an effort to stem its spread, our economy appears to be on the edge of total collapse. Why God? What is the point of this? 

The fear is real. We really are facing a complete unknown.  Our leaders have failed us, our careers have failed us, our medicine has failed us. It is no wonder why so many people are afraid.  But remember the Israelites, when they too faced what was surly certain death, they were delivered. God did a thing that no one could have imagined.  God found a way to offer safety by doing the impossible. Yes, we face uncertain times. No, I don’t see a way out. Yes, it feels like I have been deceived. But throughout our history as a people of faith, God has worked the miraculous. God has found a way.  And it has always been a way that no one could have seen coming. I hold to the hope that God will provide, that God will deliver us from this time as has been the case so many times in the past.  

Amen.

Out of Depths

Special thanks to our pianist: Alice Hilton

“Out of the depths I call to you, O Yahweh. “O Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications. If you, O Yah, should keep track of iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But with you is forgiveness, so that you may be feared.” I await Yahweh; my soul awaits, and I wait for his word. My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning. Yes, more than watchmen for the morning. O Israel, wait for Yahweh. For with Yahweh there is loyal love, and with him there is abundant redemption. And he will redeem Israel from all its iniquities.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭130:1-8‬ ‭LEB‬‬ https://www.bible.com/90/psa.130.1-8.leb

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