Faith Focus with Pastor Tim

Monday, February 8, 2010

A Sacrament for the World

 

Yesterday we celebrated the Sacrament of The Lord's Supper. As we came to the Table, I was reminded of a story from Amazing Grace: The Story of William Wilberforce (on which the popular 2007 film was based). Wilberforce's home church, Holy Trinity in South London, has an old, well-worn Communion Table.  This is the story behind that Table:

 

"This is the table upon which William Wilberforce wrote the antislavery act; it is now used as the communion table...secular and sacred brought together... on this table the slave trade was outlawed and the body of Christ is broken for us." (pg. 17)

 

What a powerful bringing together of God's sacrificial love for us and the ongoing struggle for justice. Even as we are connected to God, we are connected to one another. As Niebuhr reminded us, love without justice is mere sentimentality.

 

This week, in your part of the vineyard, may God find you working for love and justice...

In Faith, 
tim-sign
Faith Ponderings...

"Life is simple. We are living in a world that is absolutely transparent, and God is shining through it all the time. This is not just a fable or a nice story. It is true. If we abandon ourselves to God and forget ourselves, we see it sometimes, and we see it maybe frequently. God shows Himself everywhere in everything - in people and in things and in nature and in events. It becomes very obvious that God is everywhere and in everything and we cannot be without Him. It's impossible. The only thing is that we don't see it."

Thomas Merton, Trappist monk
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.
Faith Archives ...
 
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)
     

Attention ALL Snowbirds

This Wednesday, 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.

     

souper

  Thank You!
 
We would like to thank everyone who placed a $1 in the Soup Pot yesterday. The YOF raised $1,523.28 for the Harry Chapin Food Bank. Thank you again for your generosity.
 
Congratulations to Linda Ferguson for winning the overall Chili Cook-Off, and to Claire Choate for winning Kids Choice. We had 26 entries, and they were all delicious.
Activities in Faith Center ...
Mondays
  • Core Stability Ball Class (beginning February 22) from10:15-11:15 a.m.
  • Faith Lites (Weight Loss Club) from 5:30-6:45 p.m.
Wednesdays
  • Core Strength and Stability from 6-7 p.m.
  • Men's Basketball from 7:15-8:15 p.m.
Thursdays
  • Low-Impact Aerobics from 10-11 a.m.
  • Pickle Ball (beginning February 25) from 11:30-1:00 p.m. (look for more information in the weekly bulletins)
  • Computer Classes (beginning February 25) fropm 3:30-5:00 p.m.
  • Low Impact Aerobics from 6-7 p.m.
 Connections...