Monday, December 17, 2012

Christmas Eve Worship Service Rehearsal is Wednesday at 6pm



Our Christmas Eve 4pm service will feature the kids and the youth of our church.
The kids will process in at the beginning and form a Nativity Scene.
The youth will be lay leaders of the service.  

The kids will get another chance to learn the real message of Christmas by being a part of it! 

We will be rehearsing this Christmas Eve service on Wednesday, 
December 19th, 
6pm 'til 7pm
THE SUNDAY SCHOOL KIDS 
AND THE MAUCHLINE (SHEPHERDS) 
NEED TO BRING THEIR PAGEANT COSTUMES TO THIS REHEARSAL. 

Email me revrichm@gmail.com if you have any questions.

Christmas Pageant Cast Party


                            Christmas Pageant Cast                          

This Sunday is our pageant!

After church we will have a Christmas party for the cast and parents.

Can we get volunteers to bring in: 
Pizza
Veggie Tray
Christmas Cookies
Drinks

Please email me revrichm@gmail.com if you are able to provide any of the above.  

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Christmas Pageant Final Rehearsal


Sunday December 16th
We are rehearsing for the 
Christmas pageant.
This is our last rehearsal,
so....
DON'T MISS IT.
Remember to bring your costumes


The whole cast will have a POT -LUCK lunch immediately after church.  
Lin and Bob Williams will make hot dogs.

Many parents have told me that they are on a tight schedule this week.  
So, be prepared to hurry through lunch, we MUST be finished with practice by 12pm.




Thursday, November 15, 2012

Christmas Pageant 1st Rehearsal

Sunday November 18th
We are rehearsing for the 
Christmas pageant.
We only have three rehearsals,
so....
We have to make the most of each one.
  1. Prepare ahead of time by downloading the booklet and sound tract to familiarize yourself with your part.
  2. Don't skip rehearsal.  



Friday, November 9, 2012

Confirmation: Creation



To download and print this lesson click here:  DOWNLOAD

Work through the confirmation Lesson below.  Do the best you can on your own.  If you need help, or if you get stuck send me an email, (revrichm@gmail.com), text or call me (610-401-5602).  When you're done, post your answers at the bottom.  When we meet next I will go over this and we'll do an exercise to have some fun with it.  

Creation

My Faith Story

Answer the BIG QUESTION: What can I really do to make a difference in caring for creation?

Open the Bible

The Genesis story takes two forms: first, the creation of the heavens and earth in a series of six days followed by a day of rest; and second, the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. These two stories contradict one another at times, and if Genesis were submitted for publication today as a brand new manuscript, it would probably go through much revision.

The first creation story (Genesis 1:1–2:4) is a methodical story beginning with the chaos of a dark, formless void that in six days becomes a flourishing, diverse earth with living creatures of all kinds. This creation account moves from confusion to order in a logical sequence by the command of the all-powerful God. 

The second creation story (Genesis 2:4–25) begins with the creation of a human from the dust of the ground. Here, too, God is the creator. But God is personified—planting a garden, breathing into the nostrils of the human being—which playfully allows for errors in creation. 

Despite their literary differences, both of these creation stories point to one thing: God is the creator, and we are part of God's good creation. Boundaries between creator and creation have been set; there is order in the world between God and humans, humans and animals, and in the interrelationships within humanity.

The creation stories of Genesis tell us who we are and where we came from while still acknowledging the deep mystery of God. Some things just can't be explained, even with a really good story. What we do know is that we were created in God's own image (1:27) and that "God saw everything that [God] had made, and indeed, it was very good" (1:31).


Read Genesis 1:1-2:25, preferably from your Bible, but you may also use the online version HERE.
What is your favorite verse from this reading?  Why is it your favorite?

Created is the translation of a Hebrew verb that was used in the Bible only when referring to God, not to people. Only God could create the world. Only God could speak and bring everything into being. Genesis doesn't give details as to how or when this was done, but it does declare that God is the creator of all. We stand in awe of this creator who loved us enough to make us the climax of the creation. 

Think about a time when you had no idea about how you looked. Maybe you were helping your grandmother sort through old photos, or you were raking leaves, or you were just acting goofy with your brother or sister. That's the image of God that you were made in—a reflection of goodness so involved in living and being connected that it makes you forget yourself and causes you to be your truest self. 
How do you reflect that image of God when you are with your friends?

Re-read Genesis 1:31
Why do you think this is a key verse in the creation story?

Compare the two creation stories in Genesis 1:1–2:4 and 2:4–25. 
Why do you think there are two similar, but different stories? 

The Bible is not a history book or a science book; it is a book of faith.  It tells us about God's relationship with humankind.  
What problems are caused when we think of the Bible as a book of science?  as history?

Open the Catechism

Open your Student Book to page 75: Five Most Common Images For God in the Bible.
Why do you think one God can have so many different images and names?

Think of a time when you felt particularly close to God or experienced God in nature. Think about how the power of God and nature came together for you.  Share a part of your own faith story.  Tell about reflecting God's image in everything you do and being a good steward of creation.


God loves to create. God started creating by bringing order to chaos, and God is still creating today. God's creating purposes today are accomplished through all kinds of people—farmers who raise food to feed us, carpenters who build our homes and churches, people who make clothes, educators who teach us skills, and many more people. 

Name some people you know who create things.

Open your Student Book to page 299: Read the first article of the Apostles' Creed.  
Create a list of all the things mentioned that God provides as the creator. 
What would you say is our response to this creative activity of God?

Quiz  

Multiple Choice Questions
1. The creation stories of Genesis tell us . . .
     a. who we are and where we came from. 
     b. more than the new food pyramid does.
     c. that God is the same as the creation.
     d. that creation was a one-time event that took seven days.

2. Human beings are given a special place in God's creation, which means . . .
     a. they have a heavy responsibility. 
     b. they can ruin things at their leisure.
     c. they are pangolins.
     d. they are free of any responsibility.

3. God brought order out of chaos in the creation, proving once and for all that . . .
     a. God can now order us around.
     b. it was tough getting the oceans to behave.
     c. chaos will never win over God. 
     d. creating the universe wasn't very hard to do.

4. We are made "in God's image." That means . . .
     a. God must really be good-looking.
     b. we were created to please God and do God's work in the world. 
     c. God could use a makeover.
     d. we have the same powers as God.

True or False Questions
5. God rested in the middle of the creation week.

6. Created in the Hebrew language is a verb reserved for God's action, not people's activity. 

7. The day of rest is called the Sabbath. 

8. God saw everything that was made, and was not satisfied, so God started over.  

Fill in the Blank
9.  God created light and darkness on this day__________________

10.  God created humans on this day_________________

11.  Dry land, trees and plants came to be on this day_______________

Genesis 1 or 2 or both?
12.  Woman was made from man's rib____________

13.  Light and darkness were created____________

14.  The Garden of Eden is found___________

15.  God names the rivers_______________

Creation Thoughts
16.  What is the theme of the first Creation story?
a.  God dominates all things
b.  God creates all things
c.  Big Bang
d.  God relates to human beings

17.  What is the theme of the second Creations story?
a.  God dominates all things
b.  God creates all things
c.  Big Bang
d.  God relates to human beings

18.  The Creation stories are __________ stories, not scientific.
a.  faith
b.  history
c.  philosophy
d.  children's

Fill in the blank
19.  The earth began as a __________________________________

20.  On the seventh day God created __________________________


Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Soup Kitchen: November 1st


It's called Shepherd's Kitchen
It's a ministry of Honey Brook Presbyterian that offers 
good hot meal at no charge to those who need it in the community.

We will volunteer there on November 1st
from 4:30pm to 6:30pm

Pastor Rich needs to know who is coming out for this, 
please email (revrichm@gmail.com) or text (610-401-5602) 
to let him know.  


Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Trunk or Treat is October 28th

Come to church this week in your costumes, decorate your cars in Halloween fashion.  This Sunday we will have trick or treat in the parking lot.  Afterward, stick around and watch "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" on the church's big screen.  

Friday, October 19, 2012

J.A.M. Session for Sunday 10/21

New Member Luncheon 

this Sunday 

Immediately after church we will help get tables out and 
get the room prepared for the luncheon.  

We will then eat lunch with the rest of our church.

During this luncheon, there will be a fun game that we can participate in.
At about 12pm
we will meet in the Sunday School room.

This week we will talk about the fun had at Dorney,
Introduction of this new blog site, and a 
Fun Activity.   


Thursday, October 18, 2012

Confirmation for Week of October 21st


To download and print this lesson click here:  DOWNLOAD

Work through the confirmation Lesson below.  Do the best you can on your own.  If you need help, or if you get stuck send me an email, (revrichm@gmail.com), text or call me (610-401-5602).  When you're done, post your answers at the bottom.  When we meet next I will go over this and we'll do an exercise to have some fun with it.  

Getting Started With The Bible

My Faith Story
This lesson is an introduction to the Bible.  If you don't have one, tell me.  I'll recommend one for you.  There are some good online Bibles as well.  Click here for the one I use:  ESV
Answer the following question:
What's the Bible got to do with me?

If you have a Bible of your own tell a brief story about it: How did you get it? Did someone give it to you? What have you used it for? Do you keep papers tucked inside? Have you marked certain passages?

Open the Bible
• What is the Old Testament? How many books does it contain?
• What is the New Testament? How many books does it contain?
• What are the names of the four Gospels in order?

The word Gospel means Good News.  It's the good news about Jesus Christ.

Flip through the gospels:  Matthew, Mark, Luke & John
• What kinds of stories do these Gospels tell about Jesus?
• What passage headings did you see?
• What headings were the same or similar in both Gospels?
• What stories did you see in Matthew, or Luke that isn't in Mark?
• Why is it both good and potentially confusing to have multiple accounts of the same story in the Bible?

Next, find the book of Romans.  Figure out who wrote this letter and to whom was it written.
• Why would this letter be something we'd consider scripture?
• What other letters can you find in the New Testament? 

Look at the list of Old Testament books in the table of contents.
• What books do you recognize from readings in church?
• What books are new to you?

Choose one of the unfamiliar books and flip through it, looking at the passage headings. 
• Which book did you look at?
• What did you notice about the book?
• Was it written in prose, verse, or both?
• Was it in first or third person?
• Did it seem to contain stories, speeches, poems, or something else?

Open the Catechism
Student Books haven't been handed out at the time of this posting, so I will get them to you.  In the mean time, you can skip this part.
Student Book page 305:  Read Luther's explanation of the Sacrament of Holy Baptism. 
• What are the essential elements of baptism?
• How is the word of God "with and alongside the water"?

Quiz  
1. How many books are in the Bible?
     a. 1
     b. 33
     c. 66 
     d. 99

2. Which has the greater number of books?
     a. The Old Testament 
     b. The New Testament
     c. They have the same number of books.

3. In a Bible passage listing like "Jeremiah 27:13," the number 27 refers to the . . .
     a. chapter. 
     b. verse.
     c. number of words.
     d. year it was written.

4. When you see Genesis 23:4, the number 4 refers to the . . .
     a. chapter.
     b. verse. 
     c. number of words.
     d. year it was written.

5. The Bible was first written in . . .
     a. English.
     b. Latin.
     c. Egyptian hieroglyphics.
     d. Hebrew and Greek.

6. A good reason for reading the Bible is to . . .
     a. make God love you more.
     b. enrich your faith.
     c. seek information.
     d. both b and c. 

7. Lutherans believe the Bible is . . .
     a. inerrant (without errors).
     b. written by God.
     c. the source and guide for our Christian living. 
     d. all of the above.

8. The main purpose of the Bible is . . .
     a. to give hope and encouragement. 
     b. to make us feel guilty.
     c. to give us a history lesson.
     d. none of the above.




Conversation for Week of October 21st

Watch Video


Questions
Post your answers by clicking on the "Comments" link at the bottom.
1. Why do you think the coaches changed practice time?
2. If you could change one thing in your life so you better live out you faith, what would it be?
3. Why is it important for schools to take the religions of their students into account?

Going Deeper
Tired of the violent messages often used to cheer on teams, the cheerleaders at the Kountze High School in Texas decided to try a different approach. When making the giant paper banners football players run through at the beginning of a game, the cheerleaders decided to use Bible verses instead. They started with a quote from Philippians: "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me." On September 18, school officials announced that such messages would no longer be allowed. The superintendent  himself a Christian, believes that having the school's cheerleaders use religious messages is in violation of the U.S. Constitution.

The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution says, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." At its simplest, it means that the U.S. government cannot promote or obstruct any religion. The Supreme Court has come to interpret it to mean that no government or public institution, such as public schools, can promote any religion. The Kountze cheerleaders have a large number of supporters who say that their First Amendment right to free speech  allows them to use whatever messages they want on their banners.

One of the lawyers supporting the cheerleaders says the Supreme Court has ruled in the past that teachers and students keep their right to free speech even when they are in a public school. For example, students cannot be prohibited from private prayer during school. But opponents say that when students are acting as cheerleaders, they represent the school and are not allowed to use religious messages.

The case went to court, and on September 20, the judge granted a restraining order against the school's ban. This gave the cheerleaders permission to use Bible verses on their banners for two weeks. Another hearing on October 4 extended the restraining order for another two weeks.


Question
Post your answers by clicking on the "Comments" link at the bottom.
Do you think using Bible verses to cheer on football players promotes Christianity over other religions? Why or why not?
What do you think is the purpose of the First Amendment's rule about religion: avoiding offense, promoting freedom, or something else?



Trip to Dorney Park Set For Friday 10/19

Haunt V

at Dorney Park



We will leave from the church at 6pm.  
The park closes at midnight.  
We will stay as long as we have energy to do so.