Antonius was a good soldier. No. Antonius was a great soldier. At the battle of Septuaginta Trium Orientem he had distinguished himself with valor and been honored with the position of Aquilifer for his legion. That means Antonius carried the legion Aquila or Roman Eagle into battle alongside the first Centurion; a Centurion he had…
Pledge Loyalty to Christ & Covenant with Each Other Girl Scout Promise: On my honor, I will try: To serve God & my country, To help people at all times, And to live by the Girl Scout Law. Girl Scout Law: I will do my best to be honest & fair, friendly & helpful, considerate &…
About Puzzles & The Families Who Solve Them Together My mother loves puzzles & gathering the family together to solve them. It’s a picture of a covenant community that our family continues today. Does anyone else enjoy solving puzzles? Come on up & solve this one together while we journey together through this morning’s Good…
Anne Bradstreet (ca. 1612-1672) The Flesh and the Spirit In secret place where once I stood Close by the Banks of Lacrim flood, I heard two sisters reason on Things that are past and things to come. One Flesh was call’d, who had her eye On worldly wealth and vanity; The other Spirit, who did…
Checking our ancestral DNA The Reformation: Background of Congregationalism 500 Years Ago – Oct. 31, 1517 Martin Luther’s 95 Theses Three Streams of Reformation: German – Luther Swiss – Zwingli & Calvin English – King Henry (1521 Defender, 1534 Supremacy) Origins of Congregationalism Puritans Purify the Church of England of “papist innovations.” Presbyterians – elected…
Who We Are: Our Biblical Roots Ever Struggle to Explain what Congregationalism is? What’s in the tote? District Video Conference I was asked, “Aren’t they kind of different?” Understanding where we came from, what we believe & Who We Are Where Two or Three are Gathered Matthew 18:18-20 The Presence of Christ, not government authority…
World Communion Sunday – Solidarity/Healing A Handmade Palestinian Christian Cross Picked specifically for me at my ordination Solidarity with an overlooked & misunderstood people Reminded of World Communion Sunday, Solidarity w/Global Church A World in Dire Need of Reconciliation Listening and Understanding seem to be out of style Division and Hatred and Selfishness abounds Take…
Of Toddlers & Sharing Have you ever watched toddlers sharing what they have with other kids We Misunderstand the Infinite Nature of God’s Love Both of our Readings today, from Jonah & Matthew reveal this. Old Testament God vs. New Testament God That Crimson Thread of God’s Love throughout Scripture Jonah, a Jew, struggles with…
Forgiveness (Matt 18:21-35) This is getting Personal A personal story of forgiveness What’s the hardest thing YOU’VE ever had to forgive? What’s the hardest thing YOU’VE ever had to be forgiven? Forgiveness is Hard! What does Forgiveness mean? The struggle between justice & mercy Setting things right requires getting all the information, Forgiving someone requires…
Child of Love: Family Traditions Families have traditions they carry from generation to generation; traditions that reflect who they are & that shape who they are. A couple from my own family: Free Comic Book Day is greatly anticipated by our family. As a kid; Friday night hockey games & my favorite seats. What are…