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Worship
We were blessed by the presence of Dale Claypool during worship on Sunday, February 13th
Happy Birthday to...
20th Jordan LaBeth
23rd Carol King
Last Sunday's Message
The language of blessing comes so frequently that it constitutes a major theme. In today's reading the blessing offered by God is presented as a choice: See, I have set before you today life and prosperity, death and adversity. On one side stands the promise of life abundant; on the other is something that figuratively, and sometime literally brings decay, and death. In effect Moses advised all who hear the question to consider the options and choose wisely. For us "prosperity" is a weighted word. It means material wealth. Today our prosperity is marked by conspicuous consumption and accompanied by power and influence. It includes time for leisurely pursuits and regular opportunities for recreation. It is self-actualization and self-interest. More than 3000 years separate us from the words spoken by Moses. Still, for us the words have a familiar ring. Two and a half centuries ago, when our national identity was forming, we claimed the words and image for ourselves. We appropriated the biblical promise of blessing presented in Deuteronomy and repackaged it. If we are to claim this image for ourselves, then we had better hear and understand the full reading. The hook can be found in these words from Deuteronomy 8:12-17. This comes as a warning: When you have eaten your fill and have built fine houses and live in them, and when your herds and flocks have multiplied, and your silver and gold is multiplied, and all that you have is multiplied, then do not exalt yourself, forgetting the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery... Do not say to yourself, "My power and the might of my own hand have gotten me this wealth."
The abundant life offered by God is not the same thing as the life of ease and prosperity that we envision. Somewhere, at some level, we understand that. We know there is a gap between our ways and God's wisdom; still, we insist on measuring life, faith and the performance of the church itself by the world's standards for success and prosperity. We have taken that twisted concept of prosperity, separated it from any hint of obligation, to God or anyone else, and elevated it to the point of idolatry. The prophetic words of Moses have landed in our lap: "...if your heart turns away [from God] and... are led astray to bow down to other gods and serve them, 18I declare to you today that you shall perish... I call heaven and earth to witness against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Choose life so that you and your descendants may live..." Some who live in what we call poverty have found the abundant life of God's kingdom. Can those of us who live in luxurious prosperity claim as much?
Next Sunday's Sermon
Title: Living as God's Temple
Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 3:16-23; Matthew 5:38-48
Synopsis: And based on the past 20 years of pastoral ministry, I would say that genuine Christian community couldn't exist without truth and accountability. Church struggles that I've witnessed turn on the question of accountability. We find it difficult to be open and honest with each other, to hold ourselves accountable and expect that from others as well. Commitment to truth and mutual accountability are an essential aspects Christian spirituality.
People Up-Dates
Martin Leissner had kidney surgery in Houston last week.
Karl Aufderheide has an appointment with his surgeon this Thursday and hopes to have his surgery scheduled.
Liz McGee found out she has a bad disk in her back and may require surgery.
Lenten Sunday School Special
During the current hiatus of the Heroes of the Bible Sunday School class a special Lenten Sunday School series is currently being planned. The first Sunday in Lent is March 13.
Minister's Moment
Friends and Disciples:
Consider this a personal invitation. Please join me for lunch after worship on Sunday, February 27. The meal will be a potluck affair, so bring a dish to share. The gathering comes for a reason and with an agenda. At last month's Share and Prayer Lunch (January 16), I promised that we would get together in February as a follow-up with regard to ideas and suggestions from the January event. At this point a Discernment Working Group has formed and by February 27 will have met twice. The group will offer a brief report.
While that report is the reason we scheduled this potluck, the agenda could appropriately come under the heading "Fun and Fellowship." (It isn't a coincidence that the need for more fellowship gatherings was prominently mentioned in January.) As a result, the agenda for the day includes an emphasis on fun. Part of that will come in the form of a birthday celebration for all those with birthdays in February. (I hope to have cake and ice cream arranged.) The gathering will also include music as the "Grinner and Pickers" will sing some old favorites (and lead those who wish to join in)
So mark your calendar and come to lunch on February 27!
Yours In Christ, Jesse
Aggie Supper
Our next date for Aggie Supper is March 31. If you would like to bring the meal or help with the meal please let Andi Scott know. Please bring the meal and desserts to the Episcopal Student Center(ESC), 902 George Bush Dr., between 5:00pm and 5:45pm. The ESC does have a full kitchen if you would wish to use it. Plates, cups, bowls, napkins, and powered drink mix will be provided as a matter of routine. You are welcomed and encouraged to stay and eat with the students and take part in Aggie Supper. Please know that whatever you are able to do means the world to students who are far from home and on a new adventure in living on their own.
For those church members interested in helping with Aggie Supper, please contact Andi Scott at 220-0281 or andi.pennell@gmail.com
MugWalls Coffee House- February 19th
On Saturday, February 19, Erin Woods will be singing from her debut CD "Unraveled" at MugWalls Coffee House (formerly Coffee Station) in the Woodstone Center at 907 Harvey Road in College Station. The night starts at 8:00pm with two local musicians opening the show. Erin's set will start around 9:30pm. It should be a good time for all.
As an advisor among her friends, Erin has heard stories of love and of heartbreak, of confidence and of self-harm, of hope and of fear. These stories, along with her own, have lead to an outpouring of songs. Songs of faith and songs of struggle. Songs that, Erin hopes, remind the listener of the beauty found at both ends of the spectrum.
"Unraveled" is Erin's first project. This album is packed full with the talents of Houston musicians Chad Martin, Isaias Gil, Everitt Lang, Meredith Harris and Chris Cullins who also engineered the project. Erin's brother, Seth Woods (front man for Austin-based The Sad Accordions) is featured on the album as well. To check out "Unraveled", go to cdbaby.com/cd/erinwoods.
Erin is a 2006 graduate of Texas A&M, a former staffer at Breakaway Ministries, granddaughter of Betty Woods of College Station and the niece of Larry and Vicki Green of Bryan. She currently lives and works in Houston.
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