October 31 – Changing Places
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The sermon scheduled for October 31 is themed: Changing Places and is based on Luke 19:1-10.
Jesus’ acceptance of Zaccheus moves him to live his life differently.
How would your life change if you knew you were saved? (or would it?)
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The story of Zacchaeus is familiar: Jesus reaches out to someone in need, enjoys a meal with them, with the result that healing and life transformation occurs. The story of Zacchaeus is different in that Zacchaeus is wealthy and doesn’t seem to have any particular neediness, until we realize that his tax collector profession made his neighbors despise him. He was pariah to them for selling out to the Romans. He enjoyed wealth through overcharging the tax burden of his fellow countrymen. His encounter with Jesus prompts him to dramatic change. This Sunday is “reformation day” when we recall Martin Luther posting his list of reforms on the church door in Wittenberg. Our Presbyterian and Reformed heritage describes us as “always reformed, and always being reformed” according to the Word of God. Can you identify ways our church is changing? ways we NEED to change? How is the church like Zacchaeus? Unlike him? Imagine yourself at dinner with Jesus: what might he say to you?
Comment by Pastor Louise October 22, 2010 @ 6:31 amOur use of video projection in two services this Fall has prompted many comments, ranging from enthusiastic cheering to questions and doubts, to strong dislike. Granted the improvised set up in the sanctuary is awkward and takes away from the chancel aesthetics. Our hope is to install an integrated system including flat panel-like screens over the two doors flanking the chancel. We would project images from a laptop so there would be no need for an installed projector. Our motivation is NOT “to keep up with the Joneses (aka mega-churches)” but rather to reach out to expanding circles of folk, to make our services and sermons accessible to the digital generations, and to employ visual images in preaching. One hearing-impaired person said she liked the images because it helped her “hear” the message better. Another person said the images helped him retain focus and kept his mind from wandering. Several have said they found the images “distracting” and disrupted their ability to listen to the preacher. A school teacher questioned the use of images and sound together, pointing to research that suggests “multi-tasking” is not an effective learning tool. Someone said their elementary-age son was mesmerized and paid more attention to the sermon. Several mentioned liking to read the words of hymns because it took them out of their hymnals and lifted their faces (and voices) up–they could hear others singing and felt more a part of a community. Your pastoral staff wants to hear your thoughts. Feel free to weigh in here or by e-mail.
Comment by Pastor Louise October 22, 2010 @ 6:45 am