September 2011
5 posts
September 7: "Blessed"
Having trouble viewing this message? View it in your browser. http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=KTPTqd65hMioM4lqZS9Zng September 7, 2011 “Blessed” Luke 6:20 “Blessed are you who are poor… ” Reflection by Donna Schaper As we face the so-called debt crisis, and its debt “service,” I keep thinking of the beatitude that says, “Blessed are the poor.” It...
September 4: Easy Victims
Having trouble viewing this message? View it in your browser. http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=IKd6LfloHtCplqVtaBABGg September 4, 2011 Easy Victims Excerpt from Matthew 18:15-20 http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=jJu9_270Isw8b-IiCKsfPQ “If your brother or sister sins against you go and correct them…” Reflection by William C. Green Correction here is what reconciliation requires. And...
September 3: Hindsight is 20/20
Having trouble viewing this message? View it in your browser. http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=wiq8dq3qUjyPukmCXwU6Aw September 3, 2011 Hindsight is 20/20 Excerpt from Matthew 23:29-36 http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=0sm9Tc0ASoRDWj2Snua2Yw “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you build the tombs of the prophets and decorate the graves of the righteous, and you say, ‘If we...
September 2: Worship Style
Having trouble viewing this message? View it in your browser. http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=NnPrz84dT1k7f0xHMJXYoA September 2, 2011 Worship Style Excerpt from Exodus 10: 21-29 http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=xsqAHNqxIdqYqnO_h8obsw “Then Pharaoh summoned Moses, and said, ‘Go, worship the Lord. Only your flocks and your herds shall remain behind … .’ But Moses said,...
September 1: Free to Worship
Having trouble viewing this message? View it in your browser. http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=86r00xUOducZ6FJ2whdKpg September 1, 2011 Free to Worship Exodus 9:1 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Go to Pharaoh and say to him, ‘This is what the Lord, the God of the Hebrews, says: “Let my people go, so that they may worship me.’” (NIV) Reflection by Kenneth L. Samuel In the...
August 2011
36 posts
August 31: Spiritual but Not Religious? Please...
Having trouble viewing this message? View it in your browser. http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=exIrnVsfIm3SxYyIZzydVA August 31, 2011 Spiritual but Not Religious? Please Stop Boring Me. Matthew 16:18 “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” Reflection by Lillian Daniel On airplanes, I dread the conversation...
August 30: Open Doors
Having trouble viewing this message? View it in your browser. http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=7deryMEfcoG4Mit0mgffpw August 30, 2011 Open Doors Excerpt from Revelation 3: 7-13 http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=6UXWAFnVoztUrdaYvDExlA “See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut.” (NIV) Reflection by Kenneth L. Samuel The book of Revelation was written by the disciple John...
August 29: Falsely Accused
Having trouble viewing this message? View it in your browser. http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=TxNgnZS8_UEZ1WLt-agaaQ August 29, 2011 Falsely Accused Excerpt from Acts 25: 1-12 http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=HmbcVrK2BnZY5EOMIn6JsA “Now if I am in the wrong and have committed something for which I deserve to die, I am not trying to escape death; but if there is nothing to their charges against...
August 28: Hard Choices
Having trouble viewing this message? View it in your browser. http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=b4Eag4p-citagw9ZUZXgag August 28, 2011 Hard Choices Excerpt from Acts 21:17-26 http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=OMrr71UlBLqRhotEtnl4PQ “They have been told about you that you teach all the Jews living among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, and that you tell them not to circumcise their children or observe...
August 27: A Rhapsody to Jesus
Having trouble viewing this message? View it in your browser. http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=MCCoBsC9u_9TsA_3MuLXng August 27, 2011 A Rhapsody to Jesus Excerpt from Matthew 8:14-17 http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=ni85TedlACjnR0V366zPDg “When Jesus entered Peter’s house, he saw his mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever; he touched her hand, and the fever left her, and she got up...
August 26: Happy Women's Equality Day!
Having trouble viewing this message? View it in your browser. http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=bcwxm-EBDgNAVVT6vtEg6A August 26, 2011 Happy Women’s Equality Day! Excerpt from Exodus 3:16-25 http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=cD9LzgmVvaG6AFr9b4e2iA “Go to the king of Egypt and say to him, ‘Let us go… ‘” Reflection by Quinn G. Caldwell I thank God that I cannot imagine a...
August 25: Looking and Seeing
Having trouble viewing this message? View it in your browser. http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=cu_DWX5ZLj1B7kBYn0MhSg August 25, 2011 Looking and Seeing Excerpt from Exodus 2: 23 - 25 http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=_U0dqaPP50yblkuVOq6ySg “The people of Israel, groaning in their slavery, cried out for help and from the depths of their slavery their cry came up to God. God heard their groaning...
August 24: On Feeling Small
Having trouble viewing this message? View it in your browser. http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=dNYW6PqRNgRCyAnK9d5jsA August 24, 2011 On Feeling Small Excerpt from Luke 12:4-7 http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=pbpNqSkCwJd6711vp_zyrw “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten in God’s sight.” Reflection by Martin B. Copenhaver When I spend time at the...
KYeP: Thinking big
KYeP- Keeping You ePosted Not displaying correctly? View it here http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=OxLe97KzqToOy_8Tt_KguQ Mission1 August 23, 2011 feature story mission1 logo Small Church Thinking Big For Mission: 1 Ohio congregation already at work to make big dreams reality in our church campaign against hunger. http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=bpHBYBBY6mneEGL3dgP6sg Are You Registered For Bless!? Renew...
August 23: Improvisation
Having trouble viewing this message? View it in your browser. http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=CRP7w1P29BXsXYOE-0PPjw August 23, 2011 Improvisation Excerpt from Luke 6:9- 11 http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=e4N19gMIRWWXQNPhOCrhkw “Then Jesus said to [the Pharisees], ‘I ask you, is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the Sabbath, to save life or to destroy it?’ After looking around...
August 22: Kindness and Confession
Having trouble viewing this message? View it in your browser. http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=Nt3k2187mrMVsdamc7MWQw August 22, 2011 Kindness and Confession Excerpt from Romans 2:1-11 http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=k9V34wl-W2ZFPiwqeeVLNA “Do you not realize that God’s kindness is meant to lead to repentance?” Reflection by William C. Green We’ve got it backwards. It’s...
August 21: Holy and Acceptable
Having trouble viewing this message? View it in your browser. http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=9faQolcobjkEnJi39w-5CQ August 21, 2011 Holy and Acceptable Excerpt from Romans 12:1-8 http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=5Xh7zNle3h9s3XMGA18ppw “I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your...
August 20: Multi-Tasking Leads to Mini-Living
Having trouble viewing this message? View it in your browser. http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=Zn7qzPeAFJBVHA4niSFgoA August 20, 2011 Multi-Tasking Leads to Mini-Living Excerpt from Deuteronomy 7:12 “If you pay attention to these laws and are careful to follow them, then the Lord your God will keep his covenant of love with you.” Reflection by Lillian Daniel Remember the days, decades ago,...
August 19: Keep On . . . Keepin' On
Having trouble viewing this message? View it in your browser. http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=YZnAbIfmaJDWtK_QsXgGsw August 19, 2011 Keep On … Keepin’ On Excerpt from Psalm 126 http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=OIpAUwQSpP3wvDOanBO9Qw “Those who go out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, carrying their sheaves.” Reflection by Ron Buford Life...
Rollicking Good Stories and Adventures...It's the...
Your Church, Your Voice, Your Store Rollicking Good Stories and Adventures…It’s the Book of Acts! A God Is Still Speaking Bible Study From the Stillspeaking Writers’ Group http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=hgFQHBIOmgc8cLBIeLo4NQ , authors of the popular online http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=V3dzZUEh11Juav2gmWez5w http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=85RnTruyeWopXBajYT-XvQ Stillspeaking Daily...
August 18: Jacob Wrestles with the Angel
Having trouble viewing this message? View it in your browser. http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=IQh2KtAkj75j0pH49kAGDg August 18, 2011 Jacob Wrestles with the Angel Genesis 32: 26 “Then the man said, ‘Let me go, for the day is breaking.’ But Jacob said, ‘I will not let you go, unless you bless me.’” Reflection by Donna Schaper We overuse the word...
August 17: Reconciliation Journey
Having trouble viewing this message? View it in your browser. http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=s1WGUSS7C15bgPsGaQgecA August 17, 2011 Reconciliation Journey Genesis 44: 33 “Let your servant stay, then, as my lord’s slave in place of the boy, I implore you … ” Reflection by Anthony B. Robinson This is part of the long and wonderful story of Joseph’s reconciliation with his...
KYeP: Walking so others may eat
KYeP- Keeping You ePosted Not displaying correctly? View it here http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=wPdS3eA63qEjGgDhyP-QHQ.. Mission1 August 16, 2011 feature story Hunger + Justice = M:1 mission1 logo Justice prompts Long Island UCC pastor’s plans to walk 111 miles as part of ‘Mission:1’. http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=HmZ0ptBTIjnB4u9-BtxTPA.. Share Your Recipes Join COREM & the...
August 16: Elemental Life
Having trouble viewing this message? View it in your browser. http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=1QrDRrIcfGM4h5zcE2KUBQ.. August 16, 2011 Elemental Life Excerpt from Romans 11:13-29 http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=U3_d2EWh7eoigHs_0SkSJA.. “But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, a wild olive shoot, were grafted in their place to share the rich root of the olive tree, do not vaunt...
August 15: Wild
Having trouble viewing this message? View it in your browser. http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=nzIj8A1U7ByO1b6-XPwIOQ.. August 15, 2011 Wild Excerpt from Romans 11:13-29 http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=35XZNQyEbahwv-_AhwcZiw.. “You, a wild olive shoot, were grafted in their place to share the rich root of the olive tree.” Reflection by Quinn G. Caldwell Paul uses a farming metaphor to put...
August 14: God's Holy Fools
Having trouble viewing this message? View it in your browser. http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=j1nBoiY09xrRbfNSJNNjLw.. August 14, 2011 God’s Holy Fools Excerpt from Mark 8:14-21 http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=Md31vvOjjn0M79gZOjgh3g.. “Do you have eyes, and fail to see? Do you have ears, and fail to hear?” Reflection by Martin B. Copenhaver I have always identified with the...
August 13: A Little Faith
Having trouble viewing this message? View it in your browser. http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=mL99EpLb_lcso_zjZ7eBQw.. August 13, 2011 A Little Faith Excerpt from Matthew 14:34-36 http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=TohoDELgfL23xd86iqe4rg.. “The people begged Jesus to let the sick people at least touch the edge of his cloak; and all who touched it were made well.” (The Good News Bible)...
August 12: The Best Idea You Never Heard Of
Having trouble viewing this message? View it in your browser. http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=fH4YbM8ONZFuHAHzrsOspQ.. August 12, 2011 The Best Idea You Never Heard Of Jeremiah 3:14 “I will bring you to Zion.” Reflection by Donna Schaper I often tell people that our congregation is “the best idea you never heard of.” In olden days and ways, I would have said we are marching to...
August 11: Encouragers of Hearts
Having trouble viewing this message? View it in your browser. http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=TKE8Iyd091mbYmodQx6knw.. August 11, 2011 Encouragers of Hearts Excerpt from Ephesians 6:21-24 http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=q7oJsN83z90W4ZVRwDZnyA.. “I am sending [Tychicus] to you for this very purpose, to let you know how we are, and to encourage your hearts.” By Ron Buford Willie...
August 10: Nothing But the Truth
Having trouble viewing this message? View it in your browser. http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=fz4XsuILZRrb2qv9zDJFdg.. August 10, 2011 Nothing But the Truth Excerpt from Genesis 40:6-8 http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=0UW9gH0xivUixnsgZQyOig.. “When Joseph came to them in the morning, he saw that they were troubled. So he asked Pharaoh’s officers, who were with him in custody in his...
KYeP: Be a hunger buster!
KYeP- Keeping You ePosted Not displaying correctly? View it here http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=U2222cbBux1mkyI9iRj6gQ.. Mission1 August 9, 2011 feature story manual Hunger-Busting - 11 Days, More Than 11 Ways UCC Community Life announces plans to target hunger during Mission:1. http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=ZbgcFboyndUu_0AIr_iAZg.. We Need Your Help Now Volunteers needed for flood clean-up work in...
August 9: Your Work Can Be Your Ministry
Having trouble viewing this message? View it in your browser. http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=MlpwkzA10pkePiHOKNrCNw.. August 9, 2011 Your Work Can Be Your Ministry Excerpt from Philippians 1: 3-4 http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=qC8QWsrE0sHJHHulzwDipw.. “Every time you cross my mind, I break out in exclamation of thanks to God. Each exclamation is a trigger to prayer. I find my self praying for...
August 8: This Day
Having trouble viewing this message? View it in your browser. http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=Wne1FkgTB-tRR9q0Sff9nA.. August 8, 2011 This Day Excerpt from Psalm 118 http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=UiiBhL3rPALRFVSCbTR7Jw.. “This is the day that our God has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Reflection by Martin B. Copenhaver I am a very future-oriented person. I have a calendar that...
August 7: Sibs
Having trouble viewing this message? View it in your browser. http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=YUvQ86P_PXr485FGsbsuYQ.. August 7, 2011 Sibs Excerpt from Genesis 37:1-28 http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=YGqmmUFdGso0hFbdnf7K2w.. “So his brothers were jealous of him …” Reflection by Quinn G. Caldwell The story of Joseph and his brothers reads like a textbook on birth order dynamics....
August 6: All Our Spills
Having trouble viewing this message? View it in your browser. http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=cSr9B5xF40c0d8J-JT0l4Q.. August 6, 2011 All Our Spills Excerpt from Isaiah 3:1-15 http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=a5IuFNu7XZ6wGi_WaAKC_w.. “What do you mean by crushing my people, by grinding the face of the poor? says the Lord God of hosts.” Reflection by Donna Schaper I was filling up the car...
August 5: Play to the Lord
Having trouble viewing this message? View it in your browser. http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=Fct0BH2ttKMpQHNTqqgu_A.. August 5, 2011 Play to the Lord Excerpt from Psalm 105 “Give thanks to Yahweh, call [God’s] name aloud, proclaim [God’s] deeds to the peoples! Sing to [God], play to [God}, tell over God’s marvels!” (Jerusalem Bible) Reflection by Anthony B. Robinson As...
August 4: Wealthy Women
Having trouble viewing this message? View it in your browser. http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=SIsq6CRJC7eGN9-3DJTgqA.. August 4, 2011 Wealthy Women Excerpt from Acts 17:10-15 http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=OtyeVckNfAgtX0rbNHRDmg.. “… and many Greek women of high social standing and many Greek men also believed.” (Good News Bible) Reflection by William C. Green Christianity began...
August 3: Jesus Goes Local
Having trouble viewing this message? View it in your browser. http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=qiCaPUOg3eztG-f61F6k4Q.. August 3, 2011 Jesus Goes Local Excerpt from Matthew 15:32-39 http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=B2ZvPacs22L5N91eZmuZiA.. “The disciples said to him, ‘Where are we to get enough bread in the desert to feed so great a crowd?’ Jesus asked them, ‘How many loaves...
KYeP: Want a manual for Mission: 1?
KYeP- Keeping You ePosted Not displaying correctly? View it here http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=xdhTtVLavvCZ8kHIK3jYGA.. Mission1 August 2, 2011 feature story manual Here’s a Mission: 1 Manual Download a strategy guide to ideas, and resources to help marshal your congregation around Mission: 1. http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=WqX8iHlv_cRllLWfXvRZVg.. ‘9/11 Plus 10’ Remembrance Page...
August 2: What's Mine is Yours
Having trouble viewing this message? View it in your browser. http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=8EY_VIuMwxNTZhwCtR6rrg.. August 2, 2011 What’s Mine is Yours Excerpt from Acts 2:37-47 http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=Ke48GH63It9Vm5KqSu1kcw.. “All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had...
August 1: An After-Hours Invitation
Having trouble viewing this message? View it in your browser. http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=ovaSjsJ0pYflL2PZWVLt7Q.. August 1, 2011 An After-Hours Invitation Excerpt from Psalm 17 http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=SHeC3GjD0sAxOywlKu6-7w.. “Hear a just cause, O Lord; attend to my cry; give ear to my prayer from lips free of deceit … . If you try my heart, if you visit me by night, if you...
July 2011
39 posts
July 31: Proximity
Having trouble viewing this message? View it in your browser. http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=ntGVbbK83AVQYuzeH7A-Aw.. July 31, 2011 Proximity Excerpt from Matthew 14: 17-19 http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=
July 30: Knitting Prayer Shawls and Baby Booties
Having trouble viewing this message? View it in your browser. http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=3YupN0KuukT7D3n996yohQ.. July 30, 2011 Knitting Prayer Shawls and Baby Booties “For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works.” Excerpt from Psalm...
July 29: Return to Me
Having trouble viewing this message? View it in your browser. http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=TSDt-a_r6knIFph4fisCKA.. July 29, 2011 Return to Me Excerpt from Joel 2:18-29 http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=g-XN8Q5SMB4ryOrT4s5vRQ.. “You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, who has dealt wondrously with you.” Reflection by Christina Villa Do you know...
July 28: Living Deeply
Having trouble viewing this message? View it in your browser. http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=N_DZwJp703lCFS_Sf7I8kQ.. July 28, 2011 Living Deeply Excerpt from Psalm 65:8-13 http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=BkExSUrsyZv4Bk2OLkmplw.. “Those who live at earth’s farthest bounds are awed by your signs; you make the gateways of the morning and the evening shout for joy. You visit the earth and...
July 27: Just a Smidgen
Having trouble viewing this message? View it in your browser. http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=YbZSBkszfxrCiOyuP2pOTA.. July 27, 2011 Just a Smidgen Excerpt from Mark 4:30-32 http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=sY-6SGtJIHHY7WP3Hrk_pg.. Jesus said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable will we use for it? It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the...
KYeP: Coupon-clipping for a cause
KYeP- Keeping You ePosted Not displaying correctly? View it here http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=1d9kt1jEK8q4vjMwb7o9bA.. Mission1 July 26, 2011 feature story food packing Market Magic For Mission: 1 New Jersey super shopper stockpiles food for Mission: 1, thanks to coupons! http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=Cp2Kl1AtMWH82brA0ngp9Q.. Protection For All God’s Children We’re working with interfaith...
July 26: Sword Drill
Having trouble viewing this message? View it in your browser. http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=C32b9ZiYe9x_RxQTF53Qqw.. July 26, 2011 Sword Drill Excerpt from Ephesians 6:10-18 http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=lRLk3R3jlgeBhdnB1MCrqw.. “Take the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.” Reflection by Quinn G. Caldwell How long would it take you to find Nahum in your Bible without the...
July 25: The Biblical Family
Having trouble viewing this message? View it in your browser. http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=Y3Yqk3QdsQKwAiuwnJYPUg.. July 25, 2011 The Biblical Family Genesis 28:35 “But that day Laban removed the male goats that were striped and spotted, and all the female goats that were speckled and spotted …” Reflection by Anthony B. Robinson Every now and then someone claims that there’s...
July 24: Jesus is the Question
Having trouble viewing this message? View it in your browser. http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=LXHvHn4WQxCUCBL1BIwFPA.. July 24, 2011 Jesus is the Question Excerpt from Mark 12:13-17 http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=YQWZa4kaB_W5eErvlELgfA.. “Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor or not?” … “Bring me a denarius and let me see it.” And they brought one. Then he said to...