MMC: Death and New Life

Good Morning

As we went to bed last night or woke up this morning hearing the news about Osama Bin Laden, I'm sure many of us have mixed feelings: joy and pride for our nation; hope that his death might bring an end to wars in Iraq and Afghanistan; fear that a reprisal attack may occur; and also ill-at-ease that we are celebrating someone's death, regardless of who it might be; just to name a few.  Tonight starting at 7:30pm I will be in the sanctuary praying for peace, praying for our military, praying for all those who will be persecuted as a result of Bin Laden's death both in America and abroad.  I invite you to join me.  But the church will also be open all day if you would like to stop by and pray.

It also feels odd to continue this email with the normal Monday Morning Church information but the purpose of these emails is to pass on information and to allow us all some time to think about scripture. So with that in mind, I continue. 

Announcements

• Peter Johnson, son of Miriam Johnson and a former member of Bethlehem, died on Friday after a brief but devastating illness. His funeral will be at Bethlehem on Thursday at 11am and calling hours will be held at Bouton Funeral Home on Wednesday from 7-9pm. 
• Tag sale items can be dropped off at the church on Thursday from 6-8pm, Saturdays from 10:30-noon or Sunday morning
• The giving basket is collecting baby items for the Women's Center in Danbury.  Especially needed are baby food, formula, diapers, wipes, diaper cream, baby clothes and feminine hygiene products.
• LASER TAG - a group of all ages from Bethlehem will be going Laser tagging on Sunday May 22 after worship,  Cost is $9.50 or less per game, please let me know if you are planning on attending or sign up in the community room.  

Book of Faith Puzzler

Last week's question was: How many days was Jesus dead?  A) 1 B) 3 C) 7 D) 40.  Jesus was dead for 3 days.  The Jewish cultural idea for when a day begins is at sunset (think back to Genesis chapter 1 “there was evening, there was morning the __ day.”)  Jesus died before sunset on Friday (day 1), sunset on Friday through sunset on Saturday (day 2) and he rose after sunset on Saturday (day 3).  It you want to get technical Jesus was dead for less than 48 hours, however it was over a three day span. Congratulations to Dan R for winning this week's puzzler. 

This week’s question: Today’s gospel is about “Doubting Thomas,” which is NOT one of the disciples nicknames? A)Thomas “the Twin” B) Peter “the Rock” C) James “Lighting” D) John “Son of Thunder”  If you know the answer or are willing to google it, email me by noon on Wednesday with the correct answer to be entered into this week's puzzler. 

Yesterday's sermon

You can read it here.  Do you think "Doubting Thomas" is a deserved nickname?  When have you not be able to experience something that others have?  How did that feel?  How have you experienced God for yourself?

Sunday's worship

Serving this week are:

Worship assistant: Tori M

Reader: Paul D

Communion Assistant: Cheryl M

Ushers _______ &_______
Bread Baker ______

Altar set up & clean up ______

Counter: Frank C
Coffee Hour Host: ______

If you would like to serve in any of the ways that are currently open, please send me an email.  

Sunday's text

The old testament reading is Acts 2:14a, 36-41, the conclusion of Peter's Pentecost sermon. Peter calls for the listeners to repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins and to receive the Holy Spirit.  How do you repent?  What have you repented for?  How have you received the Holy Spirit?  Do you feel the Holy Spirit with you?

The second reading is 1 Peter 1:17-23.  We are reminded that we were ransomed from sin not with perishable things like silver and gold but with Jesus' blood.  How does this make you feel? Does this make sense to you?  What would you be willing to give up for a child, spouse, parent or other loved one?

The gospel reading is Luke 24:13-35, Jesus on the road to Emmaus.  The men on the road told Jesus about Jesus' death and the rumors of his resurrection but it was not until Jesus broke bread with them that they realized it was Jesus.  When have you learned something remarkably new about a friend?  When have you learned something new about Jesus or about faith that made you see things completely differently?  

Hope you all have a blessed week