July 4 worship service

Greetings to you all in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ!

 

This year the 4th of July falls on a Sunday.  Having talked with any number of you, I realize that many of you--like me--are concerned about our country and, indeed, the world. 

 

So, on this Sunday, I would like to consider in the sermon ways in which we as the body of Christ can be a blessing to our country and the world.  What do we have to offer that would be beneficial to our neighbors in ways that are good and helpful to all people?

 

In our day, we are all too familiar with the lack of civility in public discourse--instead of having a healthy, robust debate on issues, it seems like it's politically expedient to attack people's characters.  The problem is that when we do that, everyone loses!  There are no winners, and very little, if anything, productive will ever be accomplished.

 

So, how can we be an example of a different way, the way of love that leads to abundant life?  What will it take for us to be such a community of character is shaped by the Holy Spirit and guided by Jesus Christ for the glory of God?

 

I look forward to hearing your thoughts and questions.

 

May God continue to watch over and keep us, and guide our steps so that we may...

 

...Share the Joy!

 

Spike

 

"Jesus is Alive," Sermon text and questions

Greetings to you all in the name of our Risen Lord, Jesus Christ! In this season of Easter, we joyfully proclaim that Jesus Christ is Risen!  I know this may border on stating the obvious, but to say that Jesus is risen also suggests that Jesus is alive--yes, that means right now, at this very moment! But here's the kicker, what does it mean for how we live our daily lives that Jesus is alive--not only in this very moment, but in all of our moments?  Is he present with us?  If so, how?  If so, what difference does it make, especially when we face confusing and challenging and painful situations in live? Our Scripture lessons for this Sunday invite us to consider these questions together.  But, as we do, please remember that no one passage from the Bible will answer all of our questions (that's why the Bible has 66 books!).  The our lessons for this week are very important in helping us to understand Jesus' mission and our part in it.  I invite you to read our Scripture passages for worship this Sunday (May 9) and, as you do, to consider the questions below. Luke 24:36-53: What day do the events in this passage take place? Why were the apostles frightened when Jesus appeared?  What was their first thought?  How did Jesus respond to them? What do you think it means to "disbelieve for joy"? What does Jesus remind them of in verse 44?  Why is this important? What do you think Luke means when he writes, Jesus "opened their minds to understand the Scriptures"?  Would you like for Jesus to open your mind?  What would you like to learn from him? According to verses 47-48, what part do we (God's people) have in God's mission? What does Jesus promise in verse 49? What is the significance of verse 51?  Do you really think this is important for our lives and our witness to Jesus Christ?  How so? Do you think there is a correlation between praising God and having joy in our lives?  What might that correlation be? When people think of you, does the word "JOY" come to their minds?  What do you think does?  Would you be willing to ask a friend what comes to mind when they think of you? 1 Corinthians 15:1-14: How does hearing and receiving the Gospel make a difference in our lives? (verses 1-2) Where does this "Good News" come from?  Do you believe that Jesus Christ was raised from the dead?  What difference does what you believe have in how you live each day?   What difference does it have in how you understand your purpose (or mission) in life? If God raised Jesus from the dead (not just his spirit, but his body!), do you think God can and will raise our bodies?   As you think about this question, then consider the implications for how we understand the purpose of our bodies and how we live each day. As you pray and prepare your heart for worship, may God's Spirit fill you with joy--in believing! See you Sunday! Spike

Berries For a Cause

Berries for a Cause!

Still haven't picked your summer strawberries yet? They are in full
fruit at Ambrose Farms on Wadmalaw Island! Now you can, and for a good
cause! On Saturday, May 15, St Andrews, James Island Presbyterian and
Crisis Ministries will sponsor the residents of the TLC (Transitional
Living Center) at Crisis Ministries to a morning of strawberry
picking! Anyone who would like to go should meet in the church parking
lot at 8:30 to carpool to Ambrose Farms. You can pick for yourself, or
plan to 'sponsor' a bucket picked by a TLC mother or child! Many
thanks to Babs Ambrose for lowering the picking rate to $1/pound;
thanks to James Island and Crisis Ministries for providing
transportation for the residents; and thanks to the St Andrews 'Yellow
Bucket" for providing funds for each resident to pick a pound of
strawberries! Questions? Call Lindy Coleman at 953.8180.

Clean City Sweep 2010

Join us on Saturday, April 24th for Clean City Sweep 2010

We will be picking up debris along Wappoo Road

to help keep our community beautiful!

10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Refreshments will be provided!

Hope to see you there!

~SHARE THE JOY OF LIFE IN CHRIST~

Youth Spaghetti Luncheon

Youth Spaghetti luncheon and bake sale will follow worship this Sunday, April 25th. This is a fund raiser for the youth mission trip to Tennessee

in June (6-12).





~SHARE THE JOY OF LIFE IN CHRIST~

The Way of the Lamb?

Greetings to you all in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ!

I hope you and those you love are having a good week.

As we prepare for worship this Sunday (April 25), here are the
Scripture lessons and the sermon title:

Isaiah 55:6-9
Revelation 7:9-17
Sermon title:  The Way of the Lamb?

The sermon this week will be based on our text from Revelation.  It
will focus on the image of the Lamb of God, particularly on what this
depiction suggests of the nature of God and of God's response to evil
and suffering in the world.  As we explore this together, we will then
consider what it means for us today to follow in "The Way of the
Lamb."

While there is much confusion about how to interpret Revelation, there
are characteristics of Apocalyptic literature that enable us to better
understand this book's witness to Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God.

As you no doubt are aware,  Apocalyptic literature employs a wide
array of symbols to convey meaning.  Since the end of the 18th
century, a number of examples of Apocalyptic literature have been
discovered (most dating back between 200 BC-100 AD).  By comparing
these examples, we have discerned common uses of symbols, especially
colors and numbers.

Here are a few that you may find helpful:

Colors:

White = victory
Red = war, conflict
Black = lack of something (like food, for example)
greenish-gray ("pale" in some translations) = death

Numbers:

3 = the realm of the spirit
3.5 = the time evil is allowed to run its course
4 = the created order
7 = complete, mature
10 = fullness, all, total
12 = people of God

Of course, it is important to remember that numbers are used
symbolically that also include multiples and combinations of numbers
(example:  144,000 in Rev.. 7:4).

Questions to consider:  Revelation 7:9-17

What is the setting for this vision?  Where does it take place?
Who is there?  Where are they from?  What are they wearing?
What do you think are the significance of the white robes and palm
branches?  What does white symbolize in Apocalyptic literature?
What are the people doing in this vision?  Are they quiet?  Sad?  Joyful?
Who is the Lamb?  How do you know?  Why is this image used?  What is
the point of this image?
How did the Lamb respond in his time of tribulation at the hands of
the Roman authorities?  Did he trust God?  What did God do for the
Lamb?
What have the people in the white robes experienced? (v. 14)
What were the followers of Jesus experiencing at the end of the first
century AD in Asia Minor?  Do you think the original hearers of
Revelation would have been able to identify with the people dressed in
white robes?  Why?  Or why not?
Have you ever suffered as a consequence of your faith in Jesus Christ?
What happened?  Did your experience change in any way your
relationship with and understanding of who Jesus Christ is?  If so,
how?
Based on the experiences of the church at the end of the first
century, what do you think it means to say "they have washed their
robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb"?  (v. 14).
(Remember what white symbolized in Apocalyptic literature)
To these people, does God keep his promised and fulfill his purpose
for their lives?
Do you trust God to do the same for you and the people you love?  How
does your answer to this question influence the way you make decisions
in your daily life?
What does it mean for us to be washed in the blood of the Lamb and to
follow in his Way?

 See you Sunday!

Spike

Confirmation breakfast, 9:45 Sunday

Greetings to you all on this beautiful day the Lord has made!

This Sunday the Christian Education ministry team will host a
breakfast for the youth who participated in the confirmation class and
their mentors.

We will begin at 9:45!

See you Sunday, and come hungry to enjoy the delicious treats that
will be provided!

Spike