After service this past Sunday, I was discussing with one parishioner my desire that sermons be relevant to today. God intended that his Way of Love, which is the title of our January message series, would be very practical indeed. I had just spoken about how we needed to step out of our own comfort zones and time routines to see the needs of others. Little did I know until after service that the reason my lay leader, Robert Loomis, and a senior parishioner, Dottie Plunske to whom he was giving a ride to church, were late was that they had been doing exactly that. Dottie knew that a friend who usually picked her up was very ill so the two took time to go and check on her and found that there needed to be a 911 call. Of course, this all made them late to church, but it was certainly the right thing to do; it was just what Jesus would have done. How awesome is that, an illustration in our own church before I even begin to speak.
This next week we will continue this practical series by talking about how Jesus’ prioritizing helps us with with the difficult task of figuring out what is most important in our lives. Here is the table describing the series.
The Way of Love |
|||
Series Theme Verse: Be very careful, then, how you live — not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15-16 NIV |
|||
Date |
Message title |
Scripture |
Hymns & choruses |
| Jan. 11 Communion and Fellowship | Learning to Look Outward | Mark 10:35-52Malachi 3:1-5 | Show a Little Bit of Love and KindnessChrist for the World We Sing UMH #568 |
| Jan. 18 | Prioritizing our Lives | Mark 1:9-28, 29-39 | Come, Thou Almighty King UMH #61God of Grace and God of Glory UMH #577Rise Up O Men of God UMH #576 |
| Jan 25 | Learning to Give | 2 Cor. 8:1-2; 9:6-15 | My Tribute UMH #99Take My Life and Let It Be UMH #399 |