He is risen!
He is risen indeed!
Have you noticed that Jesus really is alive and active in our world, today? He is, and I challenge you to take notice! If we don't bear witness to Him, who will? I was at Trader Joe's the other day and was in line to pay. The cashier asked the person in line ahead of me, "How was your day?" and the person responded, "Terrible. I was in the hospital all day, and just found out I have cancer." The cashier stopped and said, "I am sorry." But that wasn't enough for that 20 something year old cashier. He tapped a co-worker to bag up the groceries and ran over to the flowers, digging through them to find the right ones, came back, handed them to the person and said, "Here, I want you to know that you matter." He was Jesus to the person. The risen Jesus!!!!!!! Not me, I didn't even think to go and get her flowers, but Jesus did, through the heart and soul of a young cashier. Jesus IS alive. He IS risen. Please share your stories with others. Bear witness to our Savior who is very busy in this world we are journeying in these days.
He IS risen!
He IS risen INDEED!
A Prayer of Illumination, by Walter Brueggemann
Truth-telling, wind-blowing, life-giving spirit:
we present ourselves now
for our instruction and guidance;
breathe your truth among us,
breathe your truth of deep Friday loss,
your truth of awesome Sunday joy.
Breathe your story of death and life
that our story may be submitted to your will for life.
We pray in the name of Jesus risen to new life -
and him crucified. Amen.
from Prayers for a Privileged People
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What is new and thought provoking at the Resource Center??
We now have a copy of Volumes 1 and 2 of the new Annotated Luther, published by Fortress Press. This is a brand new 6 volume series, and only the first 2 volumes are in print at this point, and we have them!
Volume 1: "The Roots of Freedom" contains many of the writings that defined the roots of reform set in motion by Martin Luther, from the Ninety-Five Theses through The Freedom of a Christian. Included are a variety of compositions produced between 1517 and 1520 that reveal Luther's pastoral and theological commitments, his earliest confrontations with Rome, and his defense of views that led to his excommunication.
Volume 2: "Word and Faith" contains a number of the writings categorized under the theme Word and Faith. Luther was particularly focused on what the word "does" in order to create and sustain faith. In the treatises in this volume we hear Luther's understanding of Scripture and theology as he continues his growth as teaching theologian, pastor, Biblical exegete and apologist for the faith.
Don't miss out on reading these amazing collections of writings!
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Still looking for some ideas for your VBS this summer?
VBS resources are 'out there' and in here, at your Resource Center!
It IS time to begin considering and planning for his summer's VBS!
The Resource Center can help you in many ways.
We carry lots and lots of old VBS kits for your use, including a few great ones from Group:
"Weird Animals" and "Everest!" AND MORE! We can loan you one of these kits for a few months!
If you are looking for something brand new this year, please send me an email,
I would love to help you decide what VBS is best for you. 2016 has no shortage of VBS programs!!!!
We do have the 2016 Group Cave Quest at the Resource Center for hands on viewing.
Email me if and when you will be in Fresno!
There are also some excellent interactive websites where you can get a good picture of what is new and exciting! I do my best to stay up-to-date on all current VBS programs and am willing to share with you,
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Embracing the Prophets, DVD and Workbook curriculum by Walter Brueggemann
Do the Prophets speak to contemporary culture?
Walter Brueggemann, arguably America's leading Old Testament scholar and theologian, takes us on a wild ride through the poetic prophecy of the Hebrew Scripture, identifying cultural contexts, putting a framework to Israel's history, and most significantly (and at times most challenging) drawing connections between Israel's sociological, economic, and spiritual status and that of America today.
Session 1: Moses, Pharaoh, the Prophets and Us
Session 2: The Prophets as Uncredentialed Purveyors of Covenant
Session 3: Moral Coherence in a World of Power, Money and Violence
Session 4: The Shrill Rhetoric that Breaks Denial
Session 5: The Grief of Lass as Divine Judgement
Session 6: The Promissory Language that Breaks Despair
