When the Israelites saw it, they said to one another, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was. Moses said to them, “It is the bread that the LORD has given you to eat.” The house of Israel called it manna…
Soccer
In his blog this week Jorge Rivas shared the make up of U.S. World Cup Men’s Soccer Team and wrote: “For a country where immigration reform is a such a hot button issue, it’s interesting to note that more than half of the team was born outside the U.S. or have parents who are immigrants.” Take a look at his post and consider how different our team would be without the diversity of cultures represented. How might the inclusion of various…
Abraham and Isaac
Our text for this week is the story of Abraham being tested by God. I found insight from a piece in the Christian Century by Melinda Hinners. “The test involves the sacrifice of his son Isaac. Isaac is the child who came to Abraham late in life…Isaac was God’s gift to Abraham and Sarah. Will Abraham trust and obey the Giver, or only adore the gift? This is the test question, says Walter Brueggemann. ‘At the beginning God is the tester; at…
Toward Sunday
We continue our worship series,World Cup, by focusing on the writing and teaching of a prophetic theologian/pastor from one of the countries competing in this year’s World Cup. We will turn our attention to Mercy Amba Oduyoye of Ghana this week. Mercy Oduyoye is a United Methodist pastor and theologian who has worked with the World Council of Churches, taught throughout the world, and organized women’s movements in Ghana. She currently directs the Institute of African Women in Religion and…
Practice
Soccer fever has arrived with the first match of the World Cup. Millions of us will be watching players run, slide, kick, and endure injury to reach their goal between now and July 13 when the new champion is crowned. One thing to notice is how the teams perform on the field. Coaches and trainers provide opportunity to practice but clearly players must take responsibility for their own growth as well. At The Table we hope that our Worship, Blueprint…
Soccer
The World Cup of Soccer begins today. Opening ceremonies and the first game, Brazil vs. Croatia, may be viewed on ESPN at 1:00 pm. As we move through our new worship series we will become aware of the disparity between those living in Brazil in poverty and the wealth of those who run the World Cup (FIFA). In the midst of this knowledge we also know that playing, watching and following the game of soccer provides millions of folks with deep…
Creation
“In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth. the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. And God saw that the light was good..” (from Genesis 1) “To make suggests making something out of something else the way a carpenter makes wooden boxes out of wood. To create suggests making something out…
Toward Sunday
We begin a new worship series this Sunday called World Cup. We will focus each week on the writing and teaching of a prophetic theologian/pastor from one of the countries competing in this year’s World Cup. We will begin with Ivone Gebara of Brazil. Ivone Gebara is one of Latin America’s leading Roman Catholic theologians. Gebara writes about our relationship with earth and the entire cosmos from the perspective of her work with poor women in Brazil. We will reflect…
Pentecost Poetry
Something immense within,a seed bursting its case,a mother with child,the only passengerin the little boatof your life,a whole world’s worthof divine lovepent up in you,vast, given, swelling with heat and beauty,your own particular fire—let it out or it will sear you!Let it out! by Steve Garnaas-Holmes (5.16.13) Image by Alexander Sadoyan “Pentecost”
Toward Sunday
We conclude our worship series, Missio Dei, this Sunday with a celebration of Pentecost. Pentecost is the fiftieth day of the Easter season. The earliest church completed forty days of ongoing teaching from the Risen One, followed by a ten-day prayer vigil. On the day of Pentecost, the church, by the power of the Holy Spirit, began to move. Worship will be a celebration of Pentecost. Our focus will be on the hospitality and hope offered in the practice of worship.…
Book of Worship
“From John Wesley’s Sunday Service of the Methodists of North America in 1784, through the hymnals, rituals, and books of worship of our antecedent denominations, our official worship resources have defined our Church. They celebrated our heritage in worship and formed new disciples of Jesus Christ. Out of this tradition comes The Unted Methodist Book of Worship.” (from the preface of the BOW). I wonder if people are aware of the deep roots of the worship we celebrate at The…
Worship is not random
The order of worship is not random. Many communities of faith follow the same order and make it their own by adding specific language, music, ritual and prayers. Take time to read our scripture passage for this series. (Acts 17.22-31) Paul’s response to the people in Athens could easily be read as a surprise to their the way in which they ordered their way of life. Think of a time in which you were surprised by something that happened…
Toward Sunday
We continue our worship series, Missio Dei, this Sunday with focus on understanding the parts of worship. We will reflect on why we do what we do in worship this Sunday. Outline for Missio Dei May 18: Worship & The Mission of God (Acts 17.22-31) May 25: Meaning & Purpose of Worship (Acts 17.22-31) June 1: Understanding the Parts of Worship (Acts 17.22-31) June 8: Pentecost Celebration. Worship as Hospitality & Hope. (Acts 2.1-21) Our basic pattern of worship at The Table…