Sunday Worship Preview - May 16

May 16 - (8:15 A.M. & 11:00 A.M. Traditional Services & 9:45 A.M. Praise Service) & Wednesday, May 19 (6:30 P.M. Casual Service @ Crossroads, 2095 Fair Avenue)

Features - 7th Sunday of Easter & "Sunday Shop" Worship

Scripture - Genesis 25:24-34

Theme - Leaders from our Sunday School children's program called Sunday Shop will be leading all three worship services and helping us to see what goes on during this very innovative multi-media time every Sunday morning at 11 A.M. in Fellowship Hall. The theme will be "waiting until later for what you want now."

.

Bible Study Summary

Here at Lancaster First UMC, I am privileged to be part of two weekly bible study groups that study the scriptures for the upcoming Sunday.

Here are some of the questions/insights from the two groups:

Acts 16:9-15
• Paul’s ministry in Phillipi, a Roman colony.
• Notice Paul’s approach to sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. He doesn’t just walk on main street preaching about Jesus. The authorities would stop you. Paul needed a base of operations which was often, the local synagogue.
• There was no synagogue in Phillipi, so Paul went to an informal Jewish prayer gathering by the river. Probably this consisted of Jewish women with Greek husbands. Lydia, in this story isn’t even Jewish, she is a God-fearer, meaning a Gentile who sought to follow Judaism.
• Lydia was a businesswoman, working with purple cloth which would have meant she was dealing at the top end of the market!
• Lydia’s conversion – Lord helped her to pay attention to what Paul was saying. She had already been praying so she was open. She and her household were baptized. Paul and his companions stay at her home and this allowed them to have a base for their ministry. To host this many people, meant that she was wealthy.

Questions
1. What are our base of operations to help us in sharing the good news of Jesus Christ? Is a church building all we need? Think of creative places that Christians can have a base of operations in sharing the good news of Christ.
2. Lydia’s household was baptized. What does this say about the members of her family who were baptized? Did they have a say in the decision? Do you think they welcomed it?

John 14:23-29
• Jesus is preparing his disciples for when he would be leaving them. He promises them that the Holy Spirit will come to them, reminding them of what he has taught them.
• If the disciples stay focused on Jesus, they will experience God’s peace, a peace which the world cannot offer. This peace assures them of Jesus’ presence and assures them that Jesus will be with the Father.

Questions
1. How does the Holy Spirit help you to remember the things that Jesus taught and did?
2. This passage speaks of the importance of the Holy Spirit. Do you think we emphasize the Holy Spirit in our faith? Why or why not?
3. This passage is often used at funerals because it focuses on the peace that Jesus wants to give to us in times of heartache and need. When have you felt God’s peace during a troubling time?

.

April 25th Sermon - "Big Questions: Is the Bible Reliable?"

Sermon by Pastor Robert McDowell

Often Repeated Words of Hope

This Sunday at Lancaster First UMC, we will hear these wonderful words of promise during worship from the Gospel reading:

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid." - John 14:27

We often hear these words at a funeral service or at a graveside committal as we say goodbye to a loved one. But they are also very comforting words during other storms of life like when we feel betrayed or we face a challenge greater than what we know we can handle or we step out of our comfort zones to be involved in risk-taking ministry and service.

This is a good verse to tuck away in our memory. And if you're concerned that you may forget this promise when you face your next storm, Jesus even has something to say about that concern. Read John 14:26

I'm Praying for You

This morning, out of the blue, I receive an e-mail from a member of a past church I served letting me know that she is praying for me today. She read something in her daily devotional reading that talked about praying for pastors so she took the time to send me a note of encouragement.

As I went through the day facing difficult decisions and moments of uncertainty, I found myself thinking back to this person who had sent me the e-mail earlier in the day. At the time, I didn't realize how important her prayers would be. But now, at 11:30 P.M. and looking back on my day, I don't know what I would have done without them.

And thankfully, I'm sure there will be someone else taking up the cause to pray for the preacher when the sun rises again.

Thank you for the prayers, Kelley.

April 11th Sermon - "Big Questions - Is God Real?"

Sermon by Pastor Robert McDowell

Sunday Worship Preview - May 9

May 9 - (8:15 A.M. & 11:00 A.M. Traditional Services & 9:45 A.M. Praise Service) & Wednesday, May 12 (6:30 P.M. Casual Service @ Crossroads, 2095 Fair Avenue)

Sermon - "Putting a Faith to a Name"

Features - 6th Sunday of Easter; Confirmation Sunday; & Mothers’ Day

Scripture - Acts 16:9-15 & John 14:23-29

Theme - Jesus prepares his disciples for the time that he will be leaving them and promises them that the Holy Spirit will come to remind them of all of his teachings. How does the Holy Spirit help us to remember the life and ministry of Jesus Christ? Even for those of us who don’t do well in remembering things, we might be surprised just how much the Holy Spirit can help us!

.