 RESPONSE TO THE WORD
Each week, during our Mid-Week Lenten Services, everyone will be given a "Response to the Word" sheet which lists the readings for the week and asks questions related to the theme. In case you can't be here, or in case you would like to look at those readings and questions during the week, we will post them on our blog. Here is the sheet for Week 2: Read Hebrews 12:1-3 and Matthew 10:5-31. Then answer the following questions: 1. Did Jesus tell the disciples that their mission would be easy or difficult? 2. What did he tell them to take with them on their journey? 3. What kind of baggage do you carry that keeps you from proclaiming the Gospel? 4. What does it mean to you to risk everything for the sake of the Gospel?  RESPONSE TO THE WORD:
Each week, during our Mid-Week Lenten Services, everyone will be given a "Response to the Word" sheet which lists the readings for the week and asks questions related to the theme. In case you can't be here, or in case you would like to look at those readings and questions during the week, we will post them on our blog. Here is the sheet for Week 1: Read Exodus 3:1-4, 7-12 and Luke 5:1-11. Then answer the following questions: 1. God called Moses and Peter to important, holy tasks in this world. Why did Peter and Moses think they were unworthy to be called by God to holy tasks in the world? 2. In baptism, God called YOUR name just as he called Moses and Peter. He continues to call you to holy tasks in the world. How are you like Peter and Moses in your response to God's call for you? 3. What particular, holy task might God be calling you to do?  Will you Come and Follow Me? …Following Jesus on a path of discipleship. Following Jesus is about more than just saying words. It is about more than looking the part. Following Jesus calls us to a life of ACTION. Join us for a Lenten Journey this year as we walk a path with Jesus, and consider what it means to follow him. Lent begins with Ash Wednesday worship on February 13, where we begin Lent with the Imposition of Ashes and Celebration of Holy Communion. We will continue the next five weeks to explore a life of discipleship. The schedule is as follows: Week 1: “If I But Call Your Name” We will look at people in Scripture who answered God’s call. How did it change their lives? How can it change our lives when we answer the call to follow Jesus down a path of discipleship? Week 2: “Will You Risk the Hostile Stare?” A life of faith is risky. People might look at you funny. People might talk about you. Following Jesus isn’t easy. What does Jesus have to say about this? What tools does he give us? Week 3: “Will You Set the Prisoners Free?” Jesus healed. Without boundaries. Without exception. He touched lepers. He made the blind to see and the paralyzed to walk. How can we continue his healing ministry? How can we help others to know his healing touch? Where is his healing presence in the world today? Week 4: “Will You Quell the Fear Inside?” Not only is a life of faith risky, a life of faith is fearless! To change the world requires bravery and strength. Where does our strength come from? How can we live a fearless life? Week 5: “Let Me Turn and Follow You” Becoming a disciple means your life will NEVER be the same. It means losing the life you know to gain a new life in Christ that is better than you could ever imagine. How will you answer this call? How will you let it change your life? Each Wednesday we have services at 11 AM and 6:30 PM, with meals after the 11 AM Worship and before the 6:30 PM Worship. Also…as part of our Lenten Walk with Jesus this year, we will journey with Jesus with some physical exercise, as well as spiritual ones. You are invited to participate in our “Here I Step” walking campaign. We are encouraging you to walk two miles a day during the 40 days of Lent, which will allow you to journey the distance (80 Miles) from Jesus’ hometown of Nazareth to Jerusalem. You can sign up for the “Here I Step” walking campaign at a table in the Narthex beginning next Sunday. There will be recording sheets for you to record your miles, as well as other helpful tools. We encourage you to WORK TOGETHER on this. Grab a partner, or a group, to join you on this Lenten walk. Don’t have a place to walk? The St. James gym will be open for you from 7-8 AM 7 days a week and from 11-6 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Come walk in the gym—and join your church friends! Watch for other incentives and information in the next couple of weeks! The “Here I Step” Campaign will begin on Ash Wednesday—February 13. There will be other resources for prayer and devotion to help your Lenten Discipline on the LENT TABLE in the Narthex. Pick yours up in February! |
St. James Blog
Periodic notes and updates from the staff of St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mason City, Iowa Archives
November 2018
Categories |
RSS Feed