Faith Focus with Pastor Tim

Monday, February 1, 2010

In the Grip of Lunacy

 

An ancient Icelandic myth explains that warriors who died in battle go to Valhalla, while non-warriors simply went to the underworld where they were met by the goddess Hella.  As the myth was told and retold and translated into various languages, Valhalla became heaven and Hella became hell. We still speak of people dying and going 'up' to heaven or 'down' to hell.

 

Some myths are harmless. Some myths are treacherous, such asthe myth that promises warriors of Jihad whoact against the 'infidel,' even if they commit murder, will be rewarded by a plethora of virgins in the afterlife. You would think, wouldn't you, that 21st century religion would be a bit more critical and not believe such outlandish things?  Then again, we have millions of Christians who insist the universe is less than 6,000 years old. 

 

Is the world in the grip of religious lunacy?  Would that people of faith bring a critical mind, as well as a committed heart, before their God. Is that asking too much?

In Faith, 
tim-sign
Faith Ponderings ...

"The larger the island of knowledge

The greater the shoreline of wonder."

                                                Huston Smith

We Pray for Haiti ...
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As the eyes of the world turn to Haiti, let us join our hearts in prayer:

God of compassion
please watch over the people of Haiti,
and weave out of these terrible happenings
wonders of goodness and grace.
Surround those who have been affected by tragedy
with a sense of your present love,
and hold them in faith.
Though they are lost in grief,
may they find you and be comforted.
Guide us as a church
to find ways of providing assistance
that heal wounds and provide hope.
Help us to remember that when one of your children suffers
We all suffer;
through Jesus Christ who was dead, but lives
and rules this world with you. Amen.
(Adapted from Book of Common Worship)

-Bruce Reyes-Chow, Gradye Parsons and Linda Valentine

To support our brothers and sisters in Haiti contributions may be made to the Presbyterian Disaster Fund through Faith, or click here to donate immediately.
 Connections...  
Faith Happenings ...
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Dinner at 5:30 (In Faith Center)
Adults - $5, Children 6-13 - $3

Family Max - $15
 
CAYAN at 6:00 p.m.
 
"The Book of Galatians" in the Sanctuary at 6:30 pm with Dr. Halverson
(repeated Wednesday mornings
at 10 a.m. in Hunt Chapel)
     

souper

  THIS Sunday,
 February 7, 2010
 
Place $1 in the Soup Pot as you leave church; all proceeds go to the Harry Chapin Food Bank.
     

Attention ALL Snowbirds

On February 10, from 11:30-1:30 p.m., you are invited to join Pastor Tim for lunch in Faith Center. The luncheon will provide a time for fellowship and renewing friendships, as well as learning what has happened at Faith while you were away. Please contact the church office to sign up.

Activities in Faith Center ...
  • Mondays - Faith Lites (Weight Loss Club) from 5:30-6:45 p.m. - in Faith Center
  • Wednesdays - Core Strength and Stability, 6-7 p.m. and Men's Basketball, 7:15-8:15 p.m. in Faith Center
  • Thursdays - Low-Impact Aerobics, 10-11 a.m. and 6-7 p.m. - In Faith Center.
Faith Archives ...