Tag Archives: reflection

Critical Decision Reflection

February 18, 2018 minister

Critical Decision Reflection
for the Community.
Modern Song Focus on Contemporary Church Artists
performing hymns of traditional foundation.
Everyone is Welcome!

Introduction:
Critical Decision Reflection
Mark tells us of Jesus’ Baptism, Temptation and Preaching. The common factor is one that touches all of us; the Kingdom of God is near. The “Kingdom of God is near” is the magic phrase (terms of art) that brings Jesus near to us in the Gospel messages. Through Him, in Him and with Him, we hope and pray to bring all to be right in this world. Mark, in his colorful and apocalyptic manner, demonstrates how Jesus rightfully should, and does, permeate our lives. Mark wants to deliver us into a world of kairos, time of critical decision. This is more than chronos, time of self-deprivation “giving up” something for Lent. Please Listen and enjoy the Word of God today.
In Genesis today, God communicates the promise of the covenant to Noah (yes, the Ark), his sons, and every person for all time. Of course God addresses our human need for divine reassurance, but the message goes well beyond this. Every living creature is entitled to the fulfillment of the rainbow.
The message within Psalm 15 is, Who Belongs to God? Simple answer, everyone and everything for God created all. Who is Loved by God? We all are! What do we do? It is our choice to live within His presence and do His will. Here comes the rub. Do we choose to turn toward God or away from Him? Lent reminds us that God is gracious and we are saved by Grace. The Grace is Gods gift, not our choice.
We assume the author of the Book of Peter is Peter the Apostle. Today Peters letter addresses the exiles of dispersion. Peter wants them, and us, to know that all Are Gods children and to provide guidance on how to weather difficult times.

God of the Sparrow
Jaroslav Vajda (1983).
First Plymouth Church

Scripture:
Old Testament: Genesis 9:8-17.
Psalm: Psalm 25:1-10.
New Testament: 1 Peter 3:18-22.
Gospel: Mark 1:9-15.

Amazing Love
Graham Kendrick

Prayer: God of wilderness and water,
your Son was baptized and tempted as we are.
Guide us through this season,
that we may not avoid struggle,
but open ourselves to blessing,
through the cleansing depths of repentance
and the heaven-rending words of the Spirit. Amen.

Come Holy Spirit, Heavenly Dove
Isaac Watts (1707).

Prayer Intentions:
Beloved friends, in this season of repentance and healing,
we accept God’s invitation to be ever-mindful of the needs of others,
offering our prayers on behalf of God’s community in the church and the world.
Prayers of the People;
Fill us with your strength to resist the seductions of our foolish desires
and the tempter’s vain delights, that we may walk in obedience and righteousness, rejoicing in you with an upright heart, making that critical decision to follow you. Amen.

Apostles Creed
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary; suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and buried; He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sits on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from there He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit; the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen. (Book of Concord).

Our Father
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen. (Book of Concord). (Matthew 6:9-13).

Liturgy of the Eucharist

Handshake of Peace

Confession
The Apostle John proclaims, If we confess our sins He who is faithful and just will forgive our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9.

Most merciful God, we confess that we are by nature sinful and unclean. We have sinned against You in thought, word and deed, by what we have done and by what we have left undone. We have not loved You with our whole heart. We have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. For the sake of Your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Forgive us, renew us, and lead us so that we may delight in Your will and walk in Your ways to the glory of Your holy name. Amen.

Communion Hymn

I Danced in the Morning
Lord of the Dance
Sydney Carter (1963).

Institution of the Lord’s Supper

26 Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” 27 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, 28 for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. – Matthew 26:26-28(ESV).

Communion

Prayer: God of our salvation, your rainbow in the clouds proclaims your covenant with every living creature. Teach us your paths and lead us in your truth, that by your Holy Spirit, we may remember our baptismal vows and be keepers of your trust with earth and its inhabitants. Amen.

The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; The Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26.

The Service has ended. Go in Peace.
Thanks be to God.

Celebration

Praise Him Celebration

February 4, 2018 minister

Praise Him Celebration
for the Community.
Modern Song Focus on Contemporary Church Artists
performing hymns of traditional foundation.
Everyone is Welcome!

Introduction:
Prophet Isaiah observes our coming to and practicing faith. We all observe a person coming to faith for the first time, whether a sudden transformation or a gradual process. We acknowledge that God is the most powerful concern in our lives.
Psalm 147 is about praise. Praise the Lord. What more is there to say? God created the world and God will heal the world in its brokenness. Psalmist David uses allusion, or indirect reference, to make his point.
Paul asks the Corinthians and us, What are we willing to do so that others can see God? The local temple was a gathering place for family Celebration as homes tended to be small. Use of the temple subjected the group to the temple administration. As we should, Paul ultimately owes his life to God, not those that provide him with financial support.
Mark relates the details of Christ’s life. Jesus intervenes in the conflict between the power of evil and the power of God by doing deeds of power and preaching. Lifting, Raising, Healing. We should be there to witness and support our brothers and sisters as Christ the Healer is Lord and ruler of all.

We Will Rise Again
Barney Warren
David Haas
Renee Bondi

Scripture:
Old Testament: Isaiah 40:21-31.
Psalm: Ps. 147:1-11; Ps. 147:20.
New Testament: 1 Corinthians 9:16-23.
Gospel: Mark 1:29-39.

Prayer: Perfect Light of revelation, as you shone in the life of Jesus, whose epiphany we celebrate, so shine in us and through us, that we may become beacons of truth and compassion, enlightening all creation with deeds of justice and mercy. Amen.

How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds
Matthew Perryman Jones
John Newton

Prayer Intentions: To God who welcomes all in love, let us pray for the good of the church and the concerns of those in need.
Prayers of the People …
God of every land and nation, you have created all people and you dwell among us in Jesus Christ. Listen to the cries of those who pray to you, and grant that, as we proclaim the greatness of your name, all people will know the power of love at work in the world.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Liturgy of the Eucharist

Handshake of Peace

Confession
The Apostle John proclaims, If we confess our sins He who is faithful and just will forgive our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9.

Communion Hymn

Servant Song
Richard Gillard (1977).

Institution of the Lord’s Supper

Communion

Prayer: Everlasting God, you give strength to the powerless and power to the faint; you raise up the sick and cast out demons.
Make us agents of healing and wholeness, that your good news may be made known to the ends of your creation. Amen.

Closing Hymn

In Christ Alone
Travis Cottrell

The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; The Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26.

The Service has ended. Go in Peace.
Thanks be to God.

Celebration, Community Activity, Devotion, Health and Wellness, Prayer, Reflection

Christmas Fellowship

December 11, 2017 minister

ALL ARE WELCOME!

You Are Invited to a

Health and Wellness Christmas Party

12 pm Noon Thursday December 14

Valley View Community Center

400 W Meigs St Valley NE

to Celebrate Christmas and Share in Good Food and Fellowship!

Your favorite food dish donation is welcome!

Organized by: Spirit of Peace and the Health and Wellness Team.

Contact: Karen, 402-289-2902; Rebecca, 402-359-2204;

Pastors Cathy or Michael, 402-541-7019.

Spirit of Peace, Box 245, Valley, NE

SpiritofPeace.us

Mission, Prayer, Reflection

Living Water

March 19, 2017 minister

Living Water Reflection
for the Community.
Modern Song Focus on Contemporary Church Artists
performing hymns of traditional foundation.

Everyone is Welcome! Join Us in the Mini-Park location!

To meet requests of believers participating in this worship service offline and requesting a more complete worship guide, I am adding more detail in this service today. This general worship style template may be applied to future worship services as needed.

Introduction:
John illustrates the role of Samaritans in the community and legitimizes the discipleship of women. Jesus builds community through inclusiveness. Overall the disciples of Jesus were not enthusiastic about including Samaritans in the fold. In the story of the woman at the well, the Samaritan woman, who is a spokeswoman for the community, has access to the water in the well in Samaria, but as a Jew, Jesus does not. The woman is recognized as growing faith. Soon Jesus will die for all believers, not only Jewish ones. The living water that Jesus promises the woman is symbolized in the water that Moses made come out of the rock in Exodus 17, is the same God’s purifying water, the Holy Spirit (7:37-39), which will purify our hearts and transform us into the people of God on earth.

Be Not Afraid

Bob Dufford
performed by John Michael Talbot

Prayer: God of wilderness and water, your Son was baptized and tempted as we are. Guide us through this season, that we may not avoid struggle, but open ourselves to blessing, through the cleansing depths of repentance and the heaven-rending words of the Spirit. Amen.

Scripture Readings
Exodus 17:1-7
Psalm 95
Romans 5:1-11
John 4:5-42

Prayer: Faithful God of love, you blessed us with your servant Son so that we might know how to serve your people with justice and with mercy. We gather the needs of ourselves and others, and offer them to you in faith and love, seeking to be strengthened to meet them.

Prayer Intentions

Shape us and transform us by your grace, that we may grow in wisdom and in confidence, never faltering until we have done all that you desire to bring your realm of shalom to fulfillment. Amen.

Apostles Creed

Our Father

Handshake of Peace

Confession

Communion Hymn

Let Us Break Bread Together
African American Spiritual

Communion

Prayer: Enduring Presence, goal and guide, you go before and await our coming. Only our thirst compels us beyond complaint to conversation, beyond rejection to relationship. Pour your love into our hearts, that, refreshed and renewed, we may invite others to the living water given to us in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Crown Him with Many Crowns

Matthew Bridges (1851).

Blessing:

The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; The Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26.

I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say
Horatius Bonar (1846).

We are all stewards spreading the Word of Jesus’ blessings for His people.
Picnic Fellowship Activities for the Entire Family!

Of course lively discussion and activities will be available!
Perhaps you may prefer to sit and visit!
Please Contact Us with Special Requests!

Prayer, Reflection

Fruit of the Tree

March 5, 2017 minister

Fruit of the Tree Reflection
for the Community.
Modern Song Focus on Contemporary Church Artists
performing hymns of traditional foundation.
Everyone is Welcome!

Introduction:
Jesus finds Himself in the wilderness after His Baptism. The Holy Spirit leads Jesus into a confrontation with the temptations offered by Satan. Jesus emerges victorious. How do we measure up?
In Genesis we visit the well known Tree of Knowledge in the Garden of Eden. Satan, under the guise of a serpent, uses persuasive deceit to rob the vulnerable Eve and then Adam of a Life of Ease in Paradise. How do we engage or better yet disengage Satan in our lives?
Psalm 32 is associated with the Rite of Penance. Confession and a contrite heart fits in with the practice of humility necessary to live rightly before God.
In Paul’s Letter to the Romans, he wants to make the point that we are responsible for our sins even though we may be helpless to stop them.
Given the knowledge we discuss and glean in faith today, how will we manage ourselves as we live in the future?

Morning has Broken

Eleanor Farjeon (1931).
Cat Stevens

Scripture:
The Lord God commanded the man, “You may freely eat of every tree of the garden …”. Gen. 2:16.
Then I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not hide my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” and you forgave the guilt of my sin. Ps. 32:5.
Just as one man’s trespass led to condemnation for all, so one man’s act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all. Rom. 5:18.
Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! for it is written, ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.'” Matt. 4:10.
Prayer: God of wilderness and water, your Son was baptized and tempted as we are. Guide us through this season, that we may not avoid struggle, but open ourselves to blessing, through the cleansing depths of repentance and the heaven-rending words of the Spirit. Amen.

Just as I am

Charlotte Elliot (1823).
Antrim Menninger Choir

Prayer: Beloved friends, in this season of repentance and healing, we accept God’s invitation to be ever-mindful of the needs of others, offering our prayers on behalf of God’s community in the church and the world.

Fill us with your strength to resist the seductions of our foolish desires and the tempter’s vain delights, that we may walk in obedience and righteousness, rejoicing in you with an upright heart. Amen.

We Believe

Newsboys

Prayer: Dear Lord God of mercy, your word was the sure defense of Jesus in his time of testing. Minister to us in the wilderness of our temptation, that we who have been set free from sin by Christ may serve you well into life everlasting. Amen.

God be with You

Jeremiah Rankin (1880).
Jim Reeves

The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; The Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26.

We are all stewards spreading the Word of Jesus’ blessings for His people.
Picnic Fellowship Activities for the Entire Family!

Of course lively discussion and activities will be available!
Perhaps you may prefer to sit and visit!
Please Contact Us with Special Requests!

Celebration

Ash Wednesday Reflection

March 1, 2017 minister

Ash Wednesday Reflection
for the Community.
Modern Song Focus on Contemporary Church Artists
performing hymns of traditional foundation.
Everyone is Welcome!

Introduction:
Remember You are dust. Repent and be faithful to the Gospel.
You have come from dust and you will return to dust.
Expect to hear any of these disturbing words as you appear before the minister who will rub ashes into your forehead in the sign of the cross. Why?

Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God

Marantha Singers

Scripture:
Blow the trumpet in Zion; sound the alarm on my holy mountain! Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble, for the day of the Lord is coming, it is near. Joel 2:1.
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Ps. 51:1.
We entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 2 Cor. 5.
Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven. Matt. 6:1.

Proclamation of Gods Kingdom

Prayer:
Righteous God, in humility and repentance we bring our failures in caring, helping, and loving, we bring the pain we have caused other, we bring the injustice in society of which we are a part, to the transforming power of your grace.
Grant us the courage to accept the healing you offer and to turn again toward the sunrise of your reign, that we may walk with you in the promise of peace you have willed for all the children of the earth, and have made known to us in Christ Jesus. Amen.

O for a Closer Walk with God

William Cowper (1772).

Prayer:
Gracious and merciful God, you see into the secret places of our hearts, where we mourn our sins. As we turn again to your grace, receive our prayers.

Look with mercy on our contrite hearts, wash from us the stain of iniquity, and create a new and right spirit in us, that we may declare your praise and offer an acceptable sacrifice in these Lenten days; through Christ Jesus, who bore our sins on the cross. Amen.

Lords Prayer

Charlotte Church

Prayer:
O God, you delight not in pomp and show, but in a humble and contrite heart. Overturn our love of worldly possessions and fix our hearts more firmly on you, that, having nothing, we may yet possess everything, a treasure stored up for us in heaven. Amen.

Just as I am without one plea

Charlotte Elliot (1835).
Antrim Mennonite Choir

Blessing:
The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; The Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26.

We are all stewards spreading the Word of Jesus’ blessings for His people.
Picnic Fellowship Activities for the Entire Family!

Of course lively discussion and activities will be available!
Perhaps you may prefer to sit and visit!
Please Contact Us with Special Requests!

N.A., Prayer, Reflection, Spirit on the A's

This Is Not a Test

February 7, 2017 minister

This is Not a Test.

“We have found a loving, personal God to whom we can turn.” Page 39.
Basic Text, p. 27. Some of us come into recovery with the impression that life’s hardships are a series of cosmic tests designed to teach us something. This belief is readily apparent when something traumatic happens and we wail, “My Higher Power is testing me!” We are convinced that it is a test of our recovery when someone offers us drugs, or a test of our character when faced with a situation where we could do something unprincipled without getting caught. We may even think it is a test of our faith when we are in great pain over a tragedy in our lives.

But a loving Higher Power does not test our recovery, our character, or our faith. Life just happens, and sometimes it hurts. Many of us have lost love through no fault of our own. Some of us have lost all of our material wealth. A few of us have even grieved the loss of our own children. Life can be terribly painful at times, but the pain is not inflicted on us by our Higher Power. Rather, that Power is constantly by our sides, ready to carry us if we can not walk by ourselves. There is no harm that life can do us that the God of our understanding can not heal.

Iroquois Prayer of Gratitude
We return thanks to our mother, the earth, which sustains us.
We return thanks to the rivers and streams, which supply us with waters.
We return thanks to all herbs, which furnish medicine for the cure of our diseases.
We return thanks to the corn, and to her sisters, the beans and the squashes, which give us life.
We return thanks to the wind, which moving the air has banished diseases.
We return thanks to the moon and the stars,
which have given us their light when the sun was gone.
We return thanks to the sun, that he has looked upon the earth with a beneficent eye.
Lastly, we return thanks to the Great Spirit, in whom is embodied all goodness, and who directs all things for the good of his children.

The Science Behind Cultivating the Attitude of Gratitude and How It Works.

The benefits include health and Wellness, better sleep, feeling more alive, reaching out and receiving compassion, even helping build a better immune system. – Derrick Carpenter. Happify. http://www.happify.com/hd/the-science-behind-gratitude/

How do we get on with cultivating an attitude of gratitude?
Freshen up the Thanks.
Make a Game about Noticing New Gratefulness each day.
Get Real about Your Gratitude Practice.
Be Both Optimistic and Realistic.
Make Thankfulness Fun by Mixing it up.
Be Creative in Engaging your Gratitude activities.
Get Social about your Gratitude.
Write a Gratitude letter.
You are on your way to positive life changes to better yourself.

Gratitude
Beastie Boys

A.A., Prayer, Reflection, Spirit on the A's

Path to Faith

February 7, 2017 minister

Path to Faith
True humility and an open mind can lead us to faith, and every A.A. meeting is an assurance that God will restore us to sanity if we rightly relate ourselves to Him. – TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 33.

My last drunk had landed me in the hospital, totally broken. It was then that I was able to see my past float in front of me. I realized that, through drinking, I had lived every nightmare I had ever had. My own self-will and obsession to drink had driven me into a dark pit of hallucinations, blackouts and despair. Finally beaten, I asked for God’s help. His presence told me to believe. My obsession for alcohol was taken away and my paranoia has since been lifted. I am no longer afraid. I know my life is healthy and sane. – Daily Reflections. © 1990. Alcoholics Anonymous World Services

Step 2. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.

Therefore, Step Two is the rallying point for all of us. Whether agnostic, atheist, or former believer, we can stand together on this Step. True humility and an open mind can lead us to faith, and every A.A. meeting is an assurance that God will restore us to sanity if we rightly relate ourselves to Him. TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 33.

Humility appears to be the key character component to getting sobriety started, and to keep it progressing. Sally N.

Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it is thinking of yourself less. C.S. Lewis

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I am having trouble with personal relationships. I can not control my emotional nature. I am prey to misery and depression. I can not make a living. I feel useless. I am full of fear. I am unhappy. I can not seem to be of real help to others. I know in my heart that only you can restore me to sanity if I am just willing to stop doubting your power. I humbly ask that you help me to understand that it is more powerful to believe than not to believe and that you are either everything or nothing. (Big Book p. 52:2, 52:3, 53:1, 53:2).

Walk the Path of Faith
Emily Christensen
https://youtu.be/kmeAL5kniec

Devotion, Prayer, Reflection

Good Bad Ugly

February 6, 2017 minister

Good, Bad, Ugly

Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. Hebrews 13:5.

A dear friend of mine sent me a text message that said, “I am so glad we can tell each other the good, the bad, and the ugly!” We have been friends for many years, and we have learned to share our joys and our failures. We recognize we are far from perfect, so we share our struggles but we also rejoice in each other’s successes.

David and Jonathan had a solid friendship too, beginning with the good days of David’s victory over Goliath. 1 Sam. 18:1–4. They shared their fears during the bad days of Jonathan’s father’s jealousy. I Sam. 18:6–11; 20:1–2. Finally, they suffered together during the ugly days of Saul’s plans to kill David. 1 Sam. 20:42.

Real friendships are a gift from God.
Good friends don’t abandon us when external circumstances change. They stay with us through the good and the bad days. Good friends also may point us to God in the ugly days, when we may feel tempted to walk away from our Lord.

Real friendships are a gift from God because they exemplify the perfect Friend, who remains loyal through the good, the bad, and the ugly days. As the Lord reminds us, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Heb. 13:5. – Keila Ochoa. Daily Bread.
Prayer: Dear Lord, I thank You for the good friends You have placed in my life, but above all, I thank You for Your friendship.

Good Bad Ugly
Queimada soundtrack
Jose Dolores

Mission, Prayer

Prayer to Convert Violent Acts

February 4, 2017 minister

Prayer when Evil Rears its Ugly Head

Lord God my Creator, Redeemer, Sanctifier; Every day I awake to the evil in the world-to acts done through sin, death, and the power of the devil. I cannot escape it, no matter how hard I try. When I see evil in the world, I get angry, and wish for revenge. But you have told us “Vengeance is Mine! I will repay!!” And so, Loving Father, I turn to you as I seek to battle evil in the world. Help me, every day, to see the good in people. By your Holy Spirit, fill my heart with goodness, that I may join in the battle to overcome evil. By Jesus’ example, teach me to pray; to engage in prayerful activity daily, to have faith that You, indeed, hear my humble prayers. Help me to go forth from this closet of prayer into the world, sharing Your goodness, one person at a time. Help me to rejoice in the goodness of others when I encounter it. Lord, those who perpetrate evil will become prisoners of their own devices. Let them be responsible for the evil they perpetrate, but let Your Holy Spirit convict them of their sin, and lead them to true repentance, that they may join the warriors of the Good as they face the forces of evil. Amen
– Bill Triebe.

Where Believers Gather Together to Worship Jesus