May 3, 2020

Breaking Open the Scripture Scriptures for May 3rd: Acts 2:42-47; Psalm 23; 1 Peter 2:19-25; John 10: 1-10; Theme: Good Shepherd Sunday Acts: It is time for us to start to think about what life will be like when we return to church. What will it mean to be the church. During the Easter season we look at the book of Acts in order for us to return to the purpose of the original church. Peter is giving a testimony of how the church grew, when they gave their testimony of who Jesus was and how Jesus encouraged them to live. Peter says that the church was a community that shared everything in common. They lived together, they ate together, they did activities together. When others saw their unity, they wanted to be a part of it and were willing to join the church. How do we how that unity when we return together? When all eyes are on the church what will they see? How will we reach out to encourage others to come. When we return, we will have to think how are we living out our mission to this community? And are people willing to become a part of our community? John: The 4th Sunday of Easter is always Good Shepherd Sunday. We look at how Jesus is a shepherd to us and takes care of us. But it also reminds us what it means to be shepherd who depend on Christ for things. Sheep cannot take care of themselves. They also recognize the voice of the shepherd when they hear it according to the scripture. When we see what Jesus is able to do for us, we do not need to listen to the voice of others. The shepherd has a hard but rewarding job in keeping everyone together. John says that our job is to listen, but it is also our job to stick together. To form community and to be willing to work together, to listen and to trust. What are the things that stand in the way of us doing this? Who are the sheep that are trying to steal our peace? Questions: How does our church promote community? What are the things that you really enjoy about church? What does it mean to obey God in this modern day? How should we treat other sheep? In the midst of so many other voices, how do we recognize the voice of Mary?

April 26, 2020

Breaking Open the Scripture Scriptures for April 26th: Acts 2:1-4,36-41; Psalm 116:1-4,12-19, 1 Peter 1:17-23, Luke 24:13-35; Theme: the Joy of Easter Luke: Where do you if you are looking for God? Where are the places in your life where you have actually found God? Most of us have found God in our relationships and in our chances to gather together in community. On this second Sunday of Easter we hear the familiar story of the road to Emmaus – where two people are just walking along in grief when they encounter Jesus. And when they gather together in fellowship – they realize they have sat in the presence of the risen Christ. Of course this story of relationships and community take on a whole new meaning in the corona virus age. Of course we have had to redefine the meaning of community. And yet we still do not have to redefine the hope that Christ brings to us. During Easter, we look at the ways that Jesus came to people in the midst of their grief. Let us be on the look out for the ways that Jesus walks amongst us during this pandemic. Acts: The Book of Acts is the story of how and why the church was started. The disciples went out into the street and told their experience with the Risen Christ. Much to the anger of the government – it worked, people listened and came to believe that there was really a God. Peter is the one who does most of the talking and telling of the story. In this scripture, Peter is standing before a crowd. He tells him that they are just as responsible for the crucifixion, and that in order to receive forgiveness that they have to be willing to change their behavior “Change your hearts and your minds”. Then they will receive enough hope in life to go forward. Peter’s willingness to tell his story makes a huge difference – over 3000 are baptized and willing to join the church. Today we are convinced that no one wants to hear the gospel story, no one wants to change, no one wants to join the church. But when was the last time that we were willing to really share the Easter story and see. When God’s word comes back it always makes a difference. Questions: How are you finding community in this time of isolation? How are you finding the presence of God in this time of isolation? Have you ever shared your story of faith? Who was willing to listen to you?

April 19, 2020

Breaking Open the Scripture Scriptures for April 19th: Acts 2:14,22-32; Psalm 16; 1 Peter 1:3-9; John 20:19-31; Theme: The Joy of Resurrection 1 Peter: What does resurrection look like in the corona virus age? Spring has come, but will there really be a rebirth? 1 Peter speaks to having faith in a difficult time. The themes of this verse are community, mission and suffering. All of these things very relevant to the situation of today. These are words of inspiration through a difficult time, as is most of the bible. There is the normal message that things will eventually get better. There is the normal message that trials have a way of strengthening our faith. Peter’s message to us is that God’s great mercy gives of new birth that will lead to a living hope and faith that leads to salvation. We may have to wait for the rebirth of life as we know it, but the rebirth of our faith begins in the here and now John: This is the story of what the disciples are doing after the resurrection. They are afraid, but who are they more afraid of – the authorities or Jesus. After all, Jesus is alive, so now he will be disappointed in them for deserting him in his time of need. And yet it is Jesus who finds them even in a locked room. Jesus does not yell at them or question them, instead he brings them a message of peace. All is well, He gives them a peace that surpasses all understanding. He tells them that it is more important to let go of grudges and to move on – what it bound on earth is bound in heaven, but what it loosed on earth, will be loosed in heaven. In other words to just let it all go. And to realize that forgiveness and understanding is not something you have to do alone. The Holy Spirit will give you the strength to move on from a hurtful situation Questions: What do you think the rebirth of spring will look like this year? How has your faith helped you to get through this? What is it that you have to let go of to move forward? Have you experienced the Spirit of God helping you to forgive?

April 12, 2020

Breaking Open the Scripture Scriptures for April 12th: Acts 10:34-43; Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24; Colossians 3:1-4; John 20:1-18; Matthew 28:1-10; Theme: Easter Sunday! Matthew: This is the most important Sunday of the year, and this scripture tells the most important story of the year. Our faith begins at the end of the story, at the end of a life. It always starts in darkness and then moves to the light. Each of the 4 gospels tells of a slightly different version of the resurrection story. Matthew’s account begins at dawn. Mary Magdalene is at the tomb. An earthquake happens and Jesus appears. Jesus must have been social distancing, because he tells Mary not to touch him, he has not ascended. Mary runs to tell the disciples what has happened. Jesus greets the disciples, but he tells them that there is still work to do, that they are to meet him in Galilee. After all that disciples did to sabotage Jesus, he still had faith in them. He was determined to stay with them and to continue to lead them into ministry not only in Galilee, but throughout the world. Acts 10:34-43: This is the point that the disciples have to come out of their comfort zone. The gospel has called them to accept new and different people that are not like them. Peter is at the house of a Roman officer, and realizes that he will be fed food that his upbringing does not allow him to eat. It is in that house that Peter announces that he is concerned that God does not show favoritism. God cares for all people no matter who they are. God loves the jews, but God also loves gentiles. And if God loves all people the same, then the disciples must also love and accept all people. This is the beginning of a whole new religion. Everybody all over the world must know Jesus. And we all have to be able to tell the story to all who are listening. Questions: What is your favorite part of the gospel story? What would you have done had you seen the empty tomb? Who is it in the world that still does not know the gospel story? How can you tell them the story in a way that makes sense to them?