The spirit intercedes for us
26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. 27 And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. Photo by […]
Perseverance in prophecy
Looking at the scriptures with an eye toward mission. Joe Sawatzky shares a Missional Meditation titled "Perseverance in prophesy." It is based on the Revised Common Lectionary for May 23, Pentecost Sunday. Prophets press on through challenges to convey the message of the Lord. Ezekiel 37:1-14 Acts 2:1-21 Thank you for joining us!This was initially streamed on May 18, […]
Take my hand
When Jesus healed a leper by touching him, it was more than physical healing. Touch a leper is a dangerous thing to do, and Jesus certainly didn’t have to touch the man. But Jesus saw that his suffering was more than physical — it was emotional as well. Jesus saw this man’s complete lack of […]
Sent into the world
As you have sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. Photo by Lauren Weaver. Graphic Design by Cynthia Friesen Coyle.
Holy closure
Looking at the scriptures with an eye toward mission. Joe Sawatzky shares a Missional Meditation titled "Holy closure." It is based on the Revised Common Lectionary for May 16, the seventh Sunday of Easter. From the tragic death of Judas, the disciples found closure through scripture and prayer, which led into mission. Acts 1:15-26 Thank you for […]
Lasting fruit
16 You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. 17 I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another. Photo by Roksolana Zasiadko on Unsplash. Graphic design […]
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.
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, […]