We can’t keep quiet
The theme of MCUSA convention in 2005 was "Can’t keep quiet." 16 years later, that still rings true. We have a joyful, hopeful message given to us by God — and of course, we can’t keep quiet. We endeavor to reveal and partner in God’s mission in the world. Mission is about extending the worship […]
Victorious friendship
Looking at the scriptures with an eye toward mission. Joe Sawatzky shares a Missional Meditation titled "Victorious friendship." It is based on the Revised Common Lectionary for May 9, the sixth Sunday of Easter. The Holy Spirit makes strangers into friends, and thereby overcomes the sin, separation, and injustice of our world. Psalm 98 1 John 5:1-6 Acts 10:44-48 […]
Pruned for a purpose
1 "I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. 2 He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes[a] to make it bear more fruit." Photo by Peter Schad on Unsplash. Graphic design by Cynthia Friesen Coyle.
Having faith that God will make things new
The seasons are changing. We are now in a new year and in a time when the daylight lasts longer and trees are beginning to bud with new life. There is a clearer way through the tragic COVID-19 pandemic. As we do during the Lenten season, we acknowledge that we are stewards of our faith […]
To the ends of the earth
Looking at the scriptures with an eye toward mission. Joe Sawatzky shares a Missional Meditation titled "To the ends of the earth." It is based on the Revised Common Lectionary for May 2, the fifth Sunday of Easter. Mission originates in God and extends through disciples—even to the ends of the earth. Psalm 22:25-31 Acts 8:26-40 1 John 4:7-21 […]
Open the eyes of our hearts
With so many urgent matters on our minds, do we actually see Jesus? Our scripture, Ephesians 1:17-19, shows Paul praying that God would open the eyes of the church in Ephesus’s hearts so that they could see and be receptive to Christ’s love. As we go throughout our weeks, let the words of today’s song […]
Love in action
16 We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us—and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. 17 How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister[f] in need and yet refuses help? 18 Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, […]
For his name’s sake — Missional Meditations
Looking at the scriptures with an eye toward mission. Joe Sawatzky shares a Missional Meditation titled "Staying to behold." It is based on the Revised Common Lectionary for April 25, the fourth Sunday of Easter. Our good deeds point beyond ourselves to their source—the strong and compassionate name of Jesus. John 10:11-18 Psalm 23 Acts 4:5-12 1 John 3:16-24 […]
Our own Emmaus Road
We’re pursuing God’s call to all of us. A walk along our own Emmaus Road — the sort of journey where the companionship and company of Jesus is essential. Luke 24:29-32 shows two disciples realizing that they’ve been travelling with Jesus just as he disappears. They found their hearts on fire as the "stranger" explained […]
Repentance
19 Repent therefore, and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out, 20 so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Messiah appointed for you, that is, Jesus. Cloth background photo by Rumana S. on Unsplash. Graphic design by Cynthia Friesen Coyle.
Declaring what we have seen, heard, and touched
1 We declare to you what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— 2 this life was revealed, and we have seen it and testify to it, and declare to you the eternal life that […]
Let us be Easter people
For the next fifty days, between Easter and Pentecost, we are in the season of Eastertide. Now we are called to be "Easter people." What are "Easter people?" With Easter joy, we should drawn near to Jesus and ask what needs to be resurrected in our own hearts. The four accounts of Jesus’ resurrection offer […]