Sermon Talk Back

Sermon Talk Back for Sunday, September 20, 2009

We want you to engage in dialogue about this week's sermon. We welcome you to comment, share stories that relate to the sermon topic, ask questions and give us feedback. Your thoughts are welcome! Below you will find a summary of the sermon topic.

Scripture: Mark 9: 30-37

Sermon Title: Your Love? Nah, Jesus Want More Than That

Summary: How often have you heard “I found Jesus and I love him,” or something close
to that? Jesus’ disciples also found him and loved him, and Jesus thought
them to be pathetic. Jesus wants more, and when his words were not
penetrating the disciples heads, he lifts up a child and says "here is what
you need to do if you are going to be mine. This little kid that you nearly
stepped on and over and was nothing more than an obstacle in your way is
what you and I are about. Love and tend to the “obstacle” people and then
you will be one of mine."

So...what did you think? Now dialogue about it:)

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Community Conversation and Dinner- “Laying the Foundation: Religious Perspectives on Health Care”

Nebraska Methodist College Educating Citizens Series on Health Care

As part of the Educating Citizens Series on Health Care, Nebraska Methodist College is organizing a community conversation and dinner in order to provide a forum for the community to learn more about and discuss the need for reform in our current health care system. The goal of this event is to provide an opportunity for civil engagement around an issue that will impact us all, whether you are a health care consumer, educator, student or professional. Participants will hear from a number of people representing a variety of faith traditions as they respond to the statement: "Health care is a basic human right." Participants will also have the opportunity to discuss with other attendees and share their concerns and hopes regarding reform as it now being considered.

Community Conversation and Dinner- “Laying the Foundation: Religious Perspectives
on Health Care”

Monday, September 28, 2009, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm (Check in begins at 5:00 pm)
NMC-Josie Harper Campus, Rooms 3214, 3216 and 3218

Please RSVP by Thursday, September 24, 2009. For more information about this event or to RSVP, please email Hanna Wanzenried, NMC Community Outreach Coordinator at hanna.wanzenried@methodistcollege.edu.


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Sermon Talk Back

Sermon Talk Back for Sunday, September 13, 2009

We want you to engage in dialogue about this week's sermon. We welcome you to comment, share stories that relate to the sermon topic, ask questions and give us feedback. Your thoughts are welcome! Below you will find a summary of the sermon topic.

Scripture: Mark 8: 27-38

Sermon Title: A Path Less Interested In

Summary: Much of contemporary Christianity has focused upon what it is that
we can get from Christianity: what it will do for us, how we can be better
for being Christian. Peter also liked it that way. He envisioned Jesus as
a hero with a sword, chasing the Romans out of Israel. When Peter chastised
Jesus (get that, smart wise Peter telling Jesus how it was going to be),
Jesus shut Peter down. Jesus had a path envisioned that Peter did not see.
It was not a path of pleasure, accomplishment, and success as culture
defined it. It was a different kind of path, a scary one. Not only did
Peter have difficulty seeing such a path, many of us also have similar
difficulty.

After First Central's Homecoming event, please post your thoughts here:)

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A Labor Day Reflection

A Labor Day Reflection:The Original Labor Law

"You shall keep the Sabbath, therefore, for it is holy to you." Exodus 31:14

Labor Day, established as a holiday in the United States in the 1880's, was a creation of the labor movement, concerned with the rights and protections of workers. Now, of course, it's a holiday for the last cook-out of the summer, or a day off to shop for school supplies.

Although Labor Day is no longer really about labor, labor laws and the rights and protections of workers are still matters of discussion and disagreement. Think of the debates around the minimum wage, immigrant workers, and affirmative action. Labor Day is a good time to reflect on the meaning of work--and on the original, biblical meaning of "a day off." The Sabbath is a day of rest commanded by God. It's the original "labor law," declaring that everyone needs and deserves a rest from work.

Of course, the joblessness caused by the current recession is providing too much time off for many. But God's commandment to keep the Sabbath is a reminder to both the overworked AND the unemployed: you are more than your job; your worth is not measured by your hourly wage, and the workplace is not the whole world.

Prayer

'Today I pray for your presence and support for all who are out of work. Amen.'

Source: National UCC website- http://www.ucc.org/writers-group/labor-day-reflection.html

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Sermon Talk Back

Sermon Talk Back for Sunday, September 6, 2009

We want you to engage in dialogue about this week's sermon. We welcome you to comment, share stories that relate to the sermon topic, ask questions and give us feedback. Your thoughts are welcome! Below you will find a summary of the sermon topic.

Scripture: Mark 7: 24-37

Title: A Shoe Box Full of Hundreds

Summary: A Syrophoenician (Gentile) woman was desperate. Her daughter's health was
declining. She most likely tried every possibility available to help the
girl. Because Jesus was known everywhere as a "healer," and happened to be
in her neighborhood, she imposed herself upon him to heal the girl and he
did not want to help her. Nearly everyone, at some time in life, becomes
"desperate" and seeks help. What often makes the difference to the kind of
help we receive is usually determined by the kind of help we seek. Are we
seeking the kind of help that God offers, or are we seeking something as
crazy as a "Shoe Box Full of Hundreds?"


I hope to see some people talking on the blog!

Posted by the Blog Administrator