Area Religious Services, April 26 | Religion - The Westerly Sun
Area Religious Services, April 26 | Religion - The Westerly Sun |
- Area Religious Services, April 26 | Religion - The Westerly Sun
- Dr. Daniel I. Block Tells How the Bible Defines “Worship”? - Patheos
- Chico area church services - Chico Enterprise-Record
- Church artists bring Lenten sermons to life by sketching as pastors preach - The Columbus Dispatch
- Hundreds gather for historical marker dedication at Stallsville United Methodist Church - Journalscene.com
| Area Religious Services, April 26 | Religion - The Westerly Sun Posted: 25 Apr 2019 11:00 PM PDT  The Church at Westerly The Church at Westerly has moved.Services begin at 10 a.m. Sunday at the Pawcatuck Seventh Day Baptist 120 Main St., Westerly, with a time of fellowship at 9:30 a.m. Sunday School for infants to age 12 is held during the service. Wednesday Youth Group for grades 7 to 12 begins at 6:30 p.m. The location is handicap accessible. Contact Pastor Fred at 401-533-7206 with any needs or questions.. Babcock Presbyterian Church ASHAWAY— Sunday worship, will be a series of Gospel readings and Easter hymns, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Sunday School for children of all ages will begin at 11:15, and end at noon. The Blessing Box is open outside the church building 24/7 as a community service to anyone in need. People may "take what you need" and anyone who is able to "give what you can." Items include personal hygiene items and baby needs. The church is located at 25 Maxson St. For more information, visit babcockpresbyterianchurch.com. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints MYSTIC — Services will be held at 1230 Flanders Road on Sundays, from noon to 3 p.m. Acts 4:12 "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." Dunn's Corners Community Church WESTERLY — Sunday worship will be held at 8 and 10 a.m. The Reverend Dr. Wayne Eberly's sermon is "Ordinary Resurrections" from Luke 7:11-17, "They were all filled with awe and praised God. 'A great prophet has appeared among us.' They said. 'God has come to help His people.'" Andrew Wallace, director of music and Arts Ministry and Grace Urrico, organist/pianist will lead in music. Teen Time is held on Tuesday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m. for youth in grades 6 through 12, led by Michael Walton, youth ministries coordinator. The evening will include fellowship, games, Bible study and dinner. There is a cry room available for parents who have infants or toddlers and would like to listen to worship while attending to their child and a separate room for infants and toddlers. Call 401-322-0655 or e-mail clerk@dcccp.necoxmail.com the church office for more information. The church is located at 221 Post Road. Faith Bible Chapel WESTERLY — Sunday worship service begins at 10:30 a.m., and the praise and worship team will open and close the service with contemporary Christian music. Children's Sunday school and nursery are also available. A time of praise and prayer takes place every Tuesday evening at 7 p.m. The Faith Bible Chapel's MOM's Group meets the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at 9:30 a.m. Awana for children ages 3 through sixth grade meets on Fridays, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Faith Bible Chapel is a nondenominational Christian church located at 115 Ashaway Road. For more information, call the church at 401-348-9637, visit faithbiblechapel.com. Second Baptist Church of North Stonington NORTH STONINGTON — Second Baptist Church of North Stonington, 12 Stillman Road, is an independent, conservative, evangelical Baptist church. It is a Bible-based church with practical preaching and teaching for all ages. Sunday service begins at 10 a.m., with hymns and music. Guest speaker Kyle Wilkinson, who grew up attending Second Baptist Church and is a recent graduate of Yale School of Divinity. He will be sharing his message titled "Jesus and the Miraculous Catch of Fish" from John 21:1-14. Sunday school classes for all ages (from birth to senior citizens) begin at 9 a.m. The schedule of classes can be found at secondbaptistns.org. Sunday evening service will begin at 6 p.m. with a hymn sing, testimonies and prayers for the needs of the church. Kyle Wilkinson, Esq. will share the evening's message titled "Which way?" from John 21:1-15. Programs are available for the whole family on Wednesdays. Olympian Club for children in pre-school through grade 6 begins at 5:30 p.m.; Junior and Senior High programs begin at 5:45 p.m.; Pastor Joel Black's Bible study on the book of James begins at 6 p.m.; and Ladies Bible studies begins at 6 p.m. North Stonington Christian Academy is a ministry of our church with open enrollment. Call 860-599-2077 for more information. Pleasant Street Baptist Church WESTERLY — Church School for all ages and New Life classes start at 9:30 a.m., with church service following at 10:45 a.m. The sermon "I Send You" is taken from scripture in the book of John 20:19-23. The cereal drive for the Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center will continue this week. The offering for this Sunday will be for "America For Christ." Rehearsal for sanctuary choir will take place on Sundays after church service. Anyone interested in joining the choir should contact Lillian Helligar. A trustee's meeting will be held on Monday, April 29, at 6:45 p.m. On Wednesdays at 7 p.m., there will be prayer and Bible Study; a chance for discussion and deeper understanding of God's Word. The Quarterly Church Business Meeting will be held on Friday, May 3, at 7:30 p.m. All members are encouraged to attend. All financial reports are due to office by April 29. The church accepts any nonperishable food items for the emergency food pantry at the church office, 31 Pleasant St.; donations taken during office hours. To recommend those in need, call the office at 401-596-1923 Pleasant Street Baptist Church is at 37 Pleasant St., Minister Mallory Davis, pastor. Church office hours are 7:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Monday through Thursday. For more information, email psbcwesterly@aol.com or visit the church Facebook page at facebook.com/pg/PSBCNorthEndWesterly. Trinity Lutheran Church and Preschool ASHAWAY — Trinity Lutheran Church uses the historic liturgy to maintain a faithful Christian witness in the community that is true to the Holy Scriptures and historic Lutheran Confessions. Holy Communion is celebrated every Sunday. Sunday school for age 3 through grade 8, and Adult Bible discussion will be held at 9 a.m. Adult Bible Discussion is all about Colossians. A worship service will follow at 10 a.m. and coffee hour follows worship. The lesson will be Getting Our Bearings Straight, based on Revelation 1:4-18. Our destination is guided by God, unless we push Him away and follow our own path. Trinity Lutheran Church and Preschool is located at 110 High St. For more information, call the church office, 401-377-4340 or Pastor Jim Wiese, 413-250-2821; or visit trinityashaway.org, or Trinity's Facebook page. For preschool information, call director Lori Calcagni at 401-377-2416, or email trinitypreschoolashawayri@gmail.com. Calvary Episcopal Church STONINGTON — The traditional Episcopal worship is held each Sunday. At 8 a.m., there is a spoken Holy Eucharist, Rite I service. At 10 a.m., featured is a Choral Holy Eucharist, Rite II. A variety of choirs and musical ensembles are featured. Nursery care is available; children pre-K through junior high attend Sunday School at 10 a.m. and join back in church for Holy Communion. The church, at 27 Church St., is involved in local missions such as the Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center and there are adult education and enrichment programs. Church of the Holy Spirit CHARLESTOWN — Led by the Rev. Eileen Lindeman, Sacrament of Holy Communion is celebrated Sundays at 9:30 a.m. On Thursdays, from 4 to 5:30 p.m., there is an adult education meeting which features discussion of the current book selection. On the second Saturday of the month, from 10 a.m. to noon, there is a "Faith Sharing" with potluck lunch. The church is located at 4150 Old Post Road. For more information, call the church at 401-364-6368. Shannock Baptist Church SHANNOCK — Regular service times are, Sunday School at 9:30 a.m., Sunday services at 6 p.m. and prayer meeting on Wednesday at 7 p.m. For questions, call 401-364-6569. The church is located at 1632 Shannock Road. Congregational Church, United, UCC The Sunday service message at 9:30 a.m., will celebrate Earth Day with inspiration from the words of Job, "In God's hand is the life of every living thing." The sanctuary and fellowship hall are handicapped accessible. Storybooks, coloring sheets and a playroom adjacent to the sanctuary are available for children. The Sabbath Circle's weekly home Bible study lesson this week offers an opportunity for families to explore Sunday's scripture text in more detail and use additional online resources. Lessons are available at church and on-line. The Rev. Ruth's community office hours at the Savoy Bookstore and Café, 10 Canal St., Westerly, are held every Thursday, from 2 to 4 p.m. The church is officially an Open and Affirming congregation of the United Church of Christ. The church is located at 9 Castle Hill Road off Pequot Trail. Visit uccwesterly.org for more information. Congregational Church of North Stonington NORTH STONINGTON — Sunday service will be held at 10 a.m., along with Sunday School. The service will be followed by coffee and fellowship. Senior Choir practice will be held Tuesday and Youth Choir and Bell Choir practices will be held on Thursday. The church is located at 89 Main St. The pastor is Rev. Susan G. Latourette. For more information, visit congregationalchurchofnorthstonington.org or call 860-535-0379. St. Thomas Episcopal Church ALTON — Worship will be held at 9 a.m., the sermon is the third in a pre-confirmation series titled, "Jesus was an Episcopalian- and you can be one, too." On Sunday, June 2, The Rt. Rev. Nicholas Knisely of the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island will visit St. Thomas' and confirm and receive anyone who wants to become an official Episcopalian. The church is located at 322 Church St. Parking is available on the street in front of the church. For more information, visit the church's website stthomasalton.blogspot.com or call 401-364-3113. Unitarian Universalist Congregation of South County PEACE DALE — Sunday morning service is held at 10 a.m. The church is located at the Lily Pads Professional Complex at 27 North Road. Call 401-783-4170 or visit uusouthcountyri.org for more information. The Pilgrim's Baptist Church ASHAWAY — The church schedule includes Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m. for Bible Fellowship classes. The classes are discussion-oriented and are aimed at building relationships while studying God's Word. Groups offered are men's, women's, mixed adult, young adults, teens and children's classes. After Bible Fellowship, coffee and pastries are served in the fellowship hall. Sunday morning worship begins at 10:30 a.m. The service emphasizes worship, praise and a focus on the word of God for challenge and inspiration. There is also a 6 p.m. service. The evening service is flexible and different as each of the church's services is unique. Visit pilgrimsbaptist.com for more information and to get involved in a Life-Group. The teen group meets with Andy at the church on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. For more information, listen to "The Winning Side," with Pastor Sedam, Fridays at 9 a.m., on WBLQ 1230 AM, call the church office at 401-377-6077 or visit pilgrimsbaptist.com. The church is at 27 Chase Hill Road, Ashaway.. Central Baptist Church WESTERLY — The Central Baptist Church Sunday service begins at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Dr. Cal Lord's sermon "We have a living hope!," part of a sermon series titled "The Hope God Offers Us!" Fellowship and coffee follow the service. Adult Sunday school classes are held at 9 a.m. Sunday school for children is held during the worship hour. Mid-week worship is held on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. with music, prayer, bible study and an uplifting message. A new weekly class, Rise and Shine, will be held on Wednesdays, through May 15 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. and 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. It offers a combination of stretching, dancing, low-impact movements, prayer and scripture geared to strengthening mind, heart, and body. The Matsiko World Orphan Choir will perform at the church on Friday, May 3, at 7 p.m. The 2018-2019 choir represent children from Nepal, India, Peru and Liberia. Avondale Bible Fellowship studies are held Thursday mornings at 8:30 a.m. at Central Baptist Church in fellowship hall. Coffee is served at 8 a.m. The church is located at 16 Elm St. For more information, visit cbcwesterly.org or call the church office at 401-596-4929. Christ Church WESTERLY — Worship at Christ Church begins with the Saturday, Holy Eucharist, said service (Rite I), at 5 p.m. On Sunday, April 28, there will be one service held at 10 a.m. with guest preacher The Rt. Rev. Nicholas Knisely, Bishop of Rhode Island. Nursery care will be provided from 9:45 a.m. to noon. Children's Chapel will be held during the first half of the service, and children will return to the church to be with their parents for the rest of the service. Sunday School classes will be held following the service. The Holy Eucharist will also be celebrated on Wednesday at 7 a.m. and 10 a.m., with Bible study following the 10 a.m. service. The 105th annual May Breakfast will be held on Saturday, May 5, from 7 to 10 a.m. in the parish hall. There will also be a Spring Market plant and tag sale held from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Living Supplies Closet is open on Tuesday, from 2 to 4 p.m., and on Thursday, from 10 a.m. to noon. Located in the basement of Christ Church, the "Closet" provides local residents in need with the opportunity to obtain items that cannot be purchased with government assistance. Donations of items or cash are always needed and greatly appreciated. The church is located at 7 Elm St. For more information, email christ-church@verizon.net or visit christchurchwesterly.org or call 401-596-0197. First Baptist Church of North Stonington NORTH STONINGTON — The First Baptist Church of North Stonington strives to keep pace with societal changes, like the family structure and the keeping of the Sabbath, the one thing that never changes is Jesus Christ. The Sunday service at 10 a.m. includes both contemporary and traditional music. The church is located at 793 Pendleton Hill Road. There is a gathering area complete with self-serve coffee bar and resource center. For more information http://pendletonhillbaptist.homestead.comor email pastor@myfbcns.org. Please send announcements to news@thewesterlysun.com, before noon on Wednesday, for Friday publication.  |
| Dr. Daniel I. Block Tells How the Bible Defines “Worship”? - Patheos Posted: 29 Apr 2019 08:14 AM PDT
The main thrust of this article is that the larger American churches refer to the several minutes of music in their Sunday services as "worship," whereas the Bible has quite a different viewpoint about what "worship" is. He says we should rethink our language such as "praise and worship," "worship time," and "worship leaders," all referring only to music. Block calls it "a restricted notion of worship." Block then examines the mention of "worship" in our English Bible. He says in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament), kara means "to bow low," and barak means to "to kneel," all before the Lord God. He says these are the main words in the Hebrew Bible which are translated "worship" in the Old Testament of most English Bibles. Dr. Block then says there is no difference between the two testaments, that worship in both involves a physical act. He says of the Greek New Testament that proskuneo, the main word translated "worship" in the New Testament of English Bibles, means "to lie prostrate" and that pipto is sometimes associated with it, which means "to fall down." Also, proskuneo can mean "to bow the knee," usually understood as touching one or two knees to the ground. Thus, Dr. Block's main point is that the words translated "worship" in English Bibles refer to a physical act, which is not what most people think when they read the Bible. (I have to say at this point that Muslims do this, actually five times per day at the five scheduled times for prayer, whereas Christians pretty much never do it.) Thus Block says, "We cannot speak of biblical worship without starting with this physical gesture of submission and homage to God the Father and Jesus the Son." A main biblical text he cites is Psalm 95.6, "Come, let us bow down in worship." However, church buildings and their seating are not constructed in such a way as to permit lying prostrate or even bowing the knee. But the Jews' temple at Jerusalem was did enable people to do these physical acts. In fact, scholars and historians tell us about ancient Israel that at the several annual festivals at Jerusalem's temple, whenever priests conducted some ritual and uttered God's name, YaHWeH, Jews had to immediately bow down or lie prostrate to signify both their submission to God and reverence for his name. This concept is drastically missing in Christian worship. However, some of us elderly folks may find it difficult to bow an arthritic knee or one with a knee replacement!Thus, Block concludes that we should reorient our thinking about worship being mostly the music at church by realizing that worship involves much more. He says of acts of worship, "In the New Testament, these would have included meeting for instruction by the apostles, fellowship, 'breaking bread,' and prayer (Acts 2:42), as well as the ordinances of baptism (Matt. 28:19) and the Lord's Supper (1 Cor. 11:23–30). Remarkably, although we know these were sometimes accompanied with song (e.g., Matt. 26:30), this is never formally prescribed. Paul's instructions concerning 'speaking to/admonishing one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs' (Eph. 5:15–21, Col 3:12–17) occur in the context of appeals to let all of life—rather than just worship services—be the context of worshipful living." I only disagree with one point in Dr. Block's article, but I don't want to harp on it here. He says, "While biblical worship is Trinitarian, strikingly, the New Testament never speaks of anyone addressing or praying to or praising the Holy Spirit. Nor does it ever portray people worshiping the Spirit with this physical gesture." That is correct, and I believe it is because the Bible does not teach the post-apostolic doctrine of the Trinity. (For more information about this subject, click "Christology" in the menu on my blog.) I highly recommend this article by Dr. Block. And I'd like to read his book. (In my book, The Restitution of Jesus Christ [available at kermitzarley.com], I address "worship" in multiple sections and mention these Greek words translated "worship.")  |
| Chico area church services - Chico Enterprise-Record Posted: 06 Apr 2019 12:00 AM PDT  Saturday servicesChicoCalvary Chapel of Chico: 1888 Springfield Dr.: "God is Able," from Pastor Sam Allen, 6 p.m. Scripture Luke 7. Chico Adventist Church: 1877 Hooker Oak Ave.: Service, 10 a.m. Congregation Beth Israel: 1336 Hemlock St.: No Saturday service. Friday, April 12: Kabbalat Shabbat led by Reb Steve, 7 p.m. Iglesia Adventista del Septimo Dia: 3612 Hicks Lane: Divine worship, 10 a.m. Our Divine Savior Catholic Church: 566 E. Lassen Ave.: Mass, 5 p.m. Rev. R. Francis Stevenson, pastor. Scripture: Isaiah 43:16-21, Psalm 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6, Philippians 3:8-14, Gospel John 8:1-11. Saints Cyril and Methodius Orthodox Christian Church: 2956 Cohasset Rd.: Great Vespers, 6 p.m. St. John the Baptist Catholic Church: 435 Chestnut St.: Saturday Mass times, 5 p.m. English and 6 p.m. Spanish. St. Nicholas Episcopal Church, Paradise, meets at St. John's the Evangelist: 2341 Floral Ave., Chico: Contemporary service in Parish Hall with Gospel reading, "Jesus is Anointed," 4 p.m. Scripture: John 12:1-8. Free nacho and salad bar dinner follows the service. All are invited. Sunday servicesAldersgate United Methodist Church: 2869 Cohasset Rd.: "Be Real!," in the Lenten series, "Lord I Want to be A Christian" on the fifth Sunday from Pastor Scott Allred, 9 a.m. service with Praise Team and Communion; 11 a.m. Traditional service with Communion and Choir. Scripture: Matthew 6:1-8. Bidwell Presbyterian Church: 208 W. First St.: "Still," in the series, "Seven Words to Change Your Life," 8:15 a.m. traditional, 9:30 a.m. contemporary and 10:45 a.m. Bidwell at 131 W. First St. Scripture: Psalm 46. Childcare at all services. Children's program 9:30 and 10:45 a.m. Kidwell Adaptive program, 9:30 a.m. Junior High Underground, 10:45 a.m. Room 015. Center for Spiritual Living: 14 Hillary Lane: Sunday lesson, "Diversity," from the Rev. Kathy Fernandes, inspirational speaker, 10 a.m. Meditation service with Rev. Carolyn McKeown-Fish, meditation guide, 9:30 a.m. Both based on the monthly theme, "Promote Diversity and Inclusion – Diversity." Free Holistic Healing services for Camp Fire vistims on the second and fourth Saturdays monthly, 2-4 p.m. Butte Bible Fellowship: 2255 Pillsbury Rd: Worship service, 10 a.m. Children's Sunday school during service. Evening service/study, 6 p.m. Calvary Chapel of Chico: 1888 Springfield Dr.: "God is Able," from Pastor Sam Allen, 9 and 11 a.m. Scripture Luke 7. Chico Bible Church: 175 Chico Canyon Rd.: "Your Duty to Governing Authorities," from Pastor Kirk Belben, 10 a.m. Scripture: Romans 13:1-7 (part 3). Chico Church of Christ: 995 E. Lassen Ave.: "Anointing, in the House of the Poor," from Jon Bristow, 10:30 a.m. Scripture: John 12:1-8. Bible classes for all ages, 9:30 a.m. Chico First Assembly of God: 1137 Arbutus Ave.: Worship, 10 a.m. Children's Church, 10:30 a.m. Chico First Baptist Church: 850 Palmetto: "Becoming an Answer to Prayer," from the Rev. Gail Renee Hill, 10:30 a.m. Scripture: Luke 15:1-3, 11-32. Chico Friends Meeting (Quakers): 1601 Hemlock St.: Adult Education, 9 a.m.: Intergenerational singing at 9:45 a.m., followed by unprogrammed Quaker meeting for worship and youth program, 10:30 a.m. All are welcome. Christ International Fellowship: Meets at Chico Community Guild, 2775 Nord Ave.: "Fishers of Men," from Pastor Roger Scalice, 10 a.m. Scripture: Luke 5. Christian Science Church: 770 Palmetto Ave.: "Unreality," 10 a.m. Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:11, 20. Community Church of God: 1095 East Ave.: Worship service with message from Pastor Chris Kinson, 11 a.m. Wednesday Bible study, 7 p.m. Thursday, Ladies Bible study, 10 a.m. Covenant Reformed Church: 1877 Hooker Oak Ave.: "Heidelberg Confession Question 36: What Benefit Do You Receive From the Holy Conception and Birth of Christ?" Scripture: Hebrews 2:16-17, Psalm 32:1; 1 John 1:9. Evangelical Free Church of Chico: 1193 Filbert Ave.: "Jesus' Life: The Call to Discipleship," first in the new series, "Jesus: Life, Death and Resurrection," Pastor Jud Jensen, 8:15 a.m. blended and 11:15 a.m. contemporary. Scripture: Matthew 4:18-22. www.efcChico.org. 343-6022. Faith Lutheran Church: 667 E. First Ave.: Worship with message from Pastor Ben Colahan on the fifth Sunday in Lent, 8:30 and 11 a.m. with Holy Communion. Scripture: Isaiah 43:16-21, Psalm 126, Philippians 3:4b-14, John 12:1-8. Child care available Sermon available online, www.faithlutheranchico.org. Grace Bible Church: 275 Fairchild Ave., No. 103: Worship with message from Pastor Miguel Rivera, 10:30 a.m. Grace Community Church: 2346 Floral Ave: "Glory of Heaven," part 5 in the series, "Heaven Revisited," 9 and 10:45 a.m. Scripture: Revelation 22:1-5. Life Church: 1492 East Ave.: "Promise Land," from Pastor Jeff Young, 9 and 10:45 a.m. Living Hope Fellowship: 355 Panama Ave.: "Our Access in Christ – The Whole Bible in 10 Pages," from the Rev. Matthew Raley, 10:15 a.m. Scripture: Hebrews 10:15-25. Morning Life Builder class, 9 a.m. Psalms. Evening Life Builder service, "The Life of Christ in Harmony," 6 p.m. Neighborhood Church: 2801 Notre Dame Blvd.: Worship service with message from Pastor Andrew Burchett, 9 and 11 a.m. in the dome. Scripture: John 7. Children's ministry, infants through fifth-graders at Children's Education Center. Middle and high school students join worship in the dome, then 11 a.m. in the Youth Center. Our Divine Savior Catholic Church: 566 E. Lassen Ave.: Masses: 7:30, 9 and 11 a.m. Rev. R. Francis Stevenson, pastor. Scripture: Isaiah 43:16-21, Psalm 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6, Philippians 3:8-14, Gospel John 8:1-11. Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran (LCMS): 750 Moss Ave.: "Don't Reject God's Son," from the Rev. Donald A. Jordan, 10 a.m. Scripture: Luke 20. Sunday School/Adult Bible class, 8:45 a.m. Wednesday: "God's New Work in Christ," from the Rev. Brandon Merrick, on the fifth week in Lent, Lenten Evening Prayer, 7 p.m. Scripture: Isaiah 43. Our Savior Lutheran Church (Paradise congregation) meets here: Divine service,with message from the Rev. Brandon Merrick, noon. St. Augustine of Canterbury Anglican Church-Traditional: "Before Abraham Was," from Bishop Peter F. Hansen, 8 and 10:30 a.m. with Holy Eucharist on Passion Sunday. St. John the Baptist Catholic Church: 435 Chestnut St.: Sunday Mass times: 8 and 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. English; Noon, Spanish. Father Michael Ritter. St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church: 2341 Floral Ave.: Worship 8 and 10:15 a.m. with Holy Eucharist. Lessons: Isaiah 43:16-21, Philippians 3:4b-14, Gospel John 12:1-8, Psalm 126. Trinity United Methodist Church: Fifth and Flume streets: The sermon will be given by the Rev. Eric Keller, 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. Unitarian Universalists Fellowship: an open and affirming church, 1289 Filbert Ave.: Worship, 10:30 a.m. DurhamSt. James Catholic Church: Holland and Faber streets: Mass, 9 a.m. English. Father Michael Ritter. ParadiseOur Savior Lutheran Church: Service held at Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran (LCMS), 750 Moss Ave., Chico: Divine service, noon. Paradise Alliance Church: 6491 Clark Rd., Paradise: Worship service, 10 a.m. 877-7069. Forest RanchMountain Joy Bible Fellowship: 15522 Nopel Ave.: "Ezekiel the Prophet," from Pastor Scott MacKenzie, 10:30 a.m. Scripture: Ezekiel 3:1-27. The deadline for church briefs and services is 3 p.m. Wednesday prior to publication. 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| Church artists bring Lenten sermons to life by sketching as pastors preach - The Columbus Dispatch Posted: 21 Apr 2019 03:36 AM PDT When the Rev. Joel Miller presented artist Adam Ruggles with an envelope covered in sketches and asked whether he could help re-create it — on a much larger scale — in front of the congregants of Columbus Mennonite Church, Ruggles laughed. Then he got excited. The envelope represented Miller's idea of how the church could present its sermon series for Lent, and the concept included Ruggles and a few other artists sketching a biblical landscape scene each week as Miller and other pastors preached to the congregation of about 200. Although the sketch has been taking form for the six weeks of Lent, it will come to life with color Easter Sunday as a symbol of the Resurrection and life of Jesus. "It's just the change of the world from death to life," Miller said. "The whole congregation is a witness to good news and life." The Clintonville church often does something special for Easter and other holy seasons, and this year, the planned readings seemed to lend themselves to an overall landscape, Miller said. On one Sunday, the sermon was about Abraham looking up at the stars from the city of Jerusalem, which was brought to life by a scene of an old city and stars. Another week, the sermon was about fellowship and community, and a table with people eating around it appeared. Another, still, was about a fig tree that didn't bear fruit — and a tree was drawn. "All of these images are weaving together stories we're talking about," said Robin Walton, a 35-year member of Columbus Mennonite and the worship leader for the Lenten season. "It's bringing to life the words." Although it was Miller's idea, and the pastor likes how it has played out, he acknowledged that having artists sketch behind him as he speaks, drawing people's attention away, has been odd. "I'm used to eye contact," he said. "It's more of a collaborative approach beyond just a monologue. ... It's been really meaningful." The sketch also ties in with the church's Lenten theme of practicing awareness, Miller said, by adding visual elements to what's being said. "One of the ideas was being aware with all our senses," he said. "It has engaged people of different ages." The drawings paired with sermons on awareness, especially one given by the Rev. Mark Rupp, the pastor of Christian formation, really spoke to Brent Miller, a 43-year-old member of Columbus Mennonite. He said that Rupp asked during his sermon, "Can we see what God is doing, or do we only see what God has done?" and Brent Miller wrote that down on the week's bulletin. "I've found myself reflecting on that as this picture has evolved over time," he said. Brent Miller realized that he could focus on what already had been sketched or just on what was being drawn that day, which helped him to be more aware of what God has done and what God is doing, he said. "I don't know if I would've received that message as fully if it was just a guy talking," he said. He added that the church's pastoral team is always looking for more than conventional preaching. Walton helped come up with the theme and said it's important because spiritual growth comes from awareness, from noticing. With the sketch, people are "opening up your mind in a variety of ways, in a different way," she said. To make the sketch a reality, Ruggles sought volunteers from the congregation, and they worked as a team to refine what they would draw, he said. "Some people commented we should do this every Sunday," Ruggles said, adding that he'd do it again despite the butterflies in his stomach when he works behind the pastor. "I think sketching and drawing is something people can really relate to," he said. The sketch-and-sermon series isn't the church's only buildup to Easter, but it's different from what's been done before, Walton said. She hopes people will feel engaged with the sketch, the sermon and especially the message. "I'm hoping ... maybe there was a depth of meaning that was a little bit enhanced, and maybe they feel just a little bit more aligned with the story," Walton said. dking@dispatch.com @DanaeKing  |
| Posted: 29 Apr 2019 06:16 AM PDT  Since its establishment in 1887, Stallsville United Methodist Church has served as a place of worship for generations of Summerville families- many of which were instrumental in shaping the town into what it is today. The historic church is located on Stallsville Loop, between Bacon's Bridge Road and Old Trolley Road. Initially it had 21 members, today, the church is home to hundreds of worshipers who have built a thriving faith community. On Sunday, over 200 people-including church members, local government officials and descendants of the founding families of the Stallsville community, gathered to celebrate the unveiling of a historical marker in front of Stallsville United Methodist Church. The marker dedication ceremony was especially memorable for Stallsville United Methodist Historian Sylvia Sona. A lifelong member of the church, Sona was the driving force behind erecting a marker to preserve the church history. "I was concerned with the fact that when we are deceased and gone, what will happen to our church?" Sona said. "I did not want it to get torn down. I wanted to preserve it." The 71-year-old grandmother of five grandchildren said she knew much of the church history but she quickly learned that the process of obtaining a historical marker requires time-consuming research, coordination and money. Undeterred, she promised Heyward Hutson, president of the Summerville Preservation Society, that she would raise the funds needed. "She lived up to her word as everybody realizes," Hutson told the crowd gathered for the ceremony on Sunday. Summerville Mayor Wiley Johnson praised the Summerville Preservation Society for the work they do, he said the organization deserves more community support. "Summerville has grown so fast and so quickly- lots of people here don't know the rich history of the town," Johnson said. "We've got to document and remember." Over 200 people attended the marker dedication ceremony, many of those in attendance traveled from out of state. They are descendants of the Stall, Jamison, Thompson and Limehouse families. Hutson said the "Pineland Village of Stallsville" was comprised of 431 acres of land that was settled around 1816 by the descendants of Thomas Davis Stall, a chair maker from Rhode Island, and Sarah Mary Rose, daughter of John Rose and Mary Ladson. Thomas and Mary Stall had nine children. The Stallsville village grew up around a half circle with both ends of Stallsville Loop connected to Bacons Bridge Road. The Le Bleu House, one of Stallville's earliest homes, was built around 1810 on a plantation along Bacons Bridge Road. According to Hutson, sometime around 1867, the last Le Bleu descendant deeded the house to James R. Thompson, a confederate drummer boy who saved Captain Le Bleu's life on the battlefield. Construction of Stallsville UMC began in 1887 on land formerly part of the Le Bleu plantation with lumber cut from Henry A. Jamison's property and financial support from Dr. Charles U. Shepard, who was establishing Pinehurst Tea Farm nearby on part of the former Newington Plantation. Andrew D. Green was the first pastor of Stallsville United Methodist Church, he married Arabella Stall, the daughter of John Rose Stall and Sarah Limehouse. Sarah's brother was Robert I. Limehouse, who built the Old Town Hall in Summerville and served as Intendant there during the Civil War. Outside of the church Cliff Simpson huddled around the historical marker with his family for a portrait. Owner of The Cabinet Shop, the Summerville native can trace his family history back several generations. He is descended from the Stall and Jamison families. The Stallsville United Methodist Hilton Fellowship Hall is named after Simpson's mother's family. "This is a big deal, I think, for the church to be recognized," Simpson said. "I don't really know how to put it into words other than to say; it's a great thing."  |
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