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December 24, 2014
A Devotional Life

 A Devotional Life

 

Throughout Advent, we will read and reflect upon the same scripture. These devotions have been written by many different members of our church family.

Click here for an online copy:  Advent Devotions 

  

 

 

Psalm 147 1-11

Luke 1 67-80

 

The Violin Tuner

  

The first Christmas Eve that I was in the ministry a boy was to play "Silent Night" on the guitar as Franz Gruber, its composer, had at the Christmas Service in Austria 196 years ago.  The lad took sick and to avoid a panic I was drafted to play it on the violin.  I did. Afterwards a little boy came up to me and said, very seriously, Mr. Rodgers, if I were you I would take that violin to a good violin tuner."  His sincerity prevented any offense. Instead, I have always felt he voiced the very heart of Christmas.

 

Christ is life's good violin tuner.  When we are weary, He says "Come unto me all you who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest."  When we grieve, He says "Let not your hearts be troubled." When we  fear death, He says, "I am the resurrection and the life...I go to prepare a place for you"  When we see a charming little boy or girl, we hear Him say, "Suffer the little children to come unto me and forbid them not, for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven."

 

On  Christmas, God gave us the Great Violin Tuner.  That little boy, back on Christmas Eve of 1941, spoke so eloquently. Christ is, indeed, that Great Violin Tuner.

  

          ~Rev. Joseph Rodgers

 

 

 

 

A Worshipful Life

Advent Series:   "The Gifts of God"

Sermon Title:     "The Greatest Gift"

 

For weeks we have waited in anticipation of Jesus' birth.  We have celebrated the steady stream of God's gifts to us - peace, love, hope, and joy - and have relished each of these.  However, God is not done with His giving and He's saved the best for last.

An Advent-ful Life
Each week in Advent will bring a different experience to Center Church worship.
  • December 21st brings us together again with one worship service for the Annual Musical Presentation.  What a wonderful way to lead us up to Christmas Eve.
  • Candle light Christmas Eve Worship will be at 7:30 and 11:00 pm.  The Sacrament of the Lord's Supper will be celebrated at both services. 
A Servant's Life
Upcoming Events
  • Pastor's Christian Ed Evening - beginning on Monday, January 12 and recurring weekly, Rev. Jeff Schooley will lead a review of the book How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth and discuss both why and how we read the Bible. This study of the Bible (that will also contain Bible study) is a great primer or refresh course for anyone who is asked to lead a Bible study or just answer questions about the Bible. The group will meet at 7 p.m. and last 60-90 minutes. Copies of the book can be ordered through the church at the low cost of $10. Please make your order soon.
  •  Gavin Walton, second-year student at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and (more dubiously) close friend to Pastor Jeff will provide pulpit supply on Sunday, December 28 while Jeff, Brianne, and River are out of town visiting family for Christmas. Kindness to our guest preacher is appreciated, though you can rib him about his height (Jeff wrote this)
  • Pastor Joe's 100th birthday celebration following 11 a.m. worship on Sunday, January 11th in the Dining Room. Cake, refreshments, and celebration will all be present in spades.
     

     

A Joyful Life

Charlie Brown and Linus had it right...

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pn10FF-FQfs