Author: Theresa Holzknecht

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“First Steps”, by Rev. Dr. Shane Green – May 27, 2024

First Steps 2022

As we approach Memorial Day, a time set aside to honor the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, we are reminded of the profound act of selflessness demonstrated by Jesus Christ and echoed in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost.  Memorial Day calls us to remember and honor those who have given their lives in service to their country. Their sacrifice embodies the essence of love as Jesus described it: "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends" (John 15:13). Through their sacrifice, we are reminded of the cost of freedom and the depth of love.

Likewise, Pentecost invites us to remember another sacrifice — the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. Just as the soldiers who gave their lives for their companions, Jesus laid down his life for the sake of humanity, demonstrating the ultimate act of love. On Pentecost, we celebrate the fulfillment of Christ's promise to send the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to live lives of courage, faith, and love.

The connection between Pentecost and Memorial Day is profound. Both remind us of the power of sacrifice and the importance of remembering those who have gone before us. Just as we honor the memory of fallen soldiers, we also honor the memory of the disciples who boldly proclaimed the Gospel, often at great personal cost.

As we reflect on Pentecost and Memorial Day, let us remember the spirit of sacrifice that runs through both. Let us honor the memory of those who have given their lives for our freedom and let us live lives worthy of their sacrifice. Let us be filled anew with the Holy Spirit, empowering us to love boldly, serve faithfully, and proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ to a world in need.

Reflection Questions:

  1. How does the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross inspire you to live a life of sacrificial love?
  2. In what ways can you honor the memory of those who have made sacrifices for your freedom?
  3. How can you allow the Holy Spirit to empower you to live boldly for Christ?

 

This Week's Readings:

We have begun to read the Bible in about a year!  Also, our sermon series, "Genesis: All in the Family" is ongoing, which coincides with the first book of the Bible.  Please join us as we continue growing our faith together.

Things to Pray About:

  • Experiencing Christ in the Pentecost Season, as the disciples did.
  • Pray for guidance, protection, healing, strength, courage, and faith.
  • Our unwillingly absent members.
  • Comfort those who are grieving and in distress.
  • Wisdom for our leaders as they navigate through uncertain times.
  • Family restoration through forgiveness.
  • Continued Growth Inside and Outside the Walls of St. Paul UMC.
  • Finding peace in our city, state, country, and the world.

 

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” - Philippians 4:6

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“First Steps” by Rev. Dr. Shane Green

April 15, 2024

While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds?  Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.”

When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet.  And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate it in their presence.

He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.”

Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.  He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.  I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”

During the third week of Eastertide, our focus is on the witness of Jesus appearing to his disciples after his resurrection.  Amid fear and disbelief, Jesus offered them peace and assurance.  Then, he commissioned them to proclaim forgiveness and repentance.  

The resurrection of Jesus is not only a triumph over death but a testament to the power of forgiveness.  Through his death and resurrection, Jesus offered reconciliation and restoration to all who repent and believe.  Notice that the disciples first received and then sent out to preach what they received.  As we live each day as if it is Easter, we celebrate his victory and the power of forgiveness in our lives.  Likewise, we extend that same love and forgiveness to others.  We are Easter people, and we live in the shadow of the Resurrection.  Go Easter the world!!

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Blessing of the Animals, October 22, 2023

On Sunday, October 22, 2023, we met on the Hewitt Quad for our Annual Blessing of the Animals. This is always a favorite day, as furries gather for a special blessing from Shane. Thank you to everyone who brought their pets! We’d also like to show our appreciation to Jennifer Daniel for organizing this fun event.

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The Confirmation Class Visits Shearith Israel

On Friday, September 29, 2023, our Confirmation Class visited Shearith Israel for the Sukkot service. Sukkot is a week-long Jewish holiday that celebrates the autumn harvest. It is one of the most joyful festivals in Judaism, meant to bring families, friends, and communities together. The holiday also commemorates the 40 years that Jews spent in the desert after escaping slavery in Egypt. Thank you to Rabbi Brian Glusman!

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