Tuesday Tidings - March 14, 2017
by David Baer | published: Tuesday, March 14, 2017, 2:44 PM
Dear Friends,
Due to today's blizzard and the need to keep the streets clear for snow removal, Strength & Spirit is canceled. But I expect we will be dug out in time for the Soup Supper at Highlands, Wednesday at 6:30 PM. Our friends from the other churches in town will join us for dinner, followed by a brief video and discussion.
This Sunday's gospel text includes the parable of the Prodigal Son, which is familiar to many. The beauty of Jesus' parables is that these short stories are rich with meaning—the parables can unfold with new insight each time we hear them. In the story of the Prodigal Son, we often try to put ourselves in the place of the son who goes into the far country, comes to his senses, and is welcomed home. How have we chosen our own way, apart from God? How have we experienced God's unexpected welcome and forgiveness?
But it's worth "trying on" the other characters too. Try the older brother... Does it sometimes feel unfair when others receive forgiveness? What does it cost us when we hold on to resentments?
Or you might even try the father—don't assume that just because his forgiveness helps us understand God, you shouldn't imagine yourself in his place. The story says that the father saw his son when he was still far off—how many times before this had he looked searchingly at the horizon only to be disappointed? Have you ever longed for a relationship to be put right, and found yourself in a position of heartbreaking waiting? How do you hold disappointment in your heart, together with a willingness to embrace the beloved one who returns?
I wish you warmth and safety on this snowy day, and I look forward to seeing you later this week!
Peace,
David
Due to today's blizzard and the need to keep the streets clear for snow removal, Strength & Spirit is canceled. But I expect we will be dug out in time for the Soup Supper at Highlands, Wednesday at 6:30 PM. Our friends from the other churches in town will join us for dinner, followed by a brief video and discussion.
But it's worth "trying on" the other characters too. Try the older brother... Does it sometimes feel unfair when others receive forgiveness? What does it cost us when we hold on to resentments?
Or you might even try the father—don't assume that just because his forgiveness helps us understand God, you shouldn't imagine yourself in his place. The story says that the father saw his son when he was still far off—how many times before this had he looked searchingly at the horizon only to be disappointed? Have you ever longed for a relationship to be put right, and found yourself in a position of heartbreaking waiting? How do you hold disappointment in your heart, together with a willingness to embrace the beloved one who returns?
I wish you warmth and safety on this snowy day, and I look forward to seeing you later this week!
Peace,
David
This Week at Highlands
| Wednesday, March 15 | 6:30 PM |
Soup Supper at Highlands |
|---|---|---|
| 7:15 PM |
Lenten Program at Highlands |
|
| Thursday | 9:30 AM |
Bible Study |
| 7:30 PM |
Choir Practice |
|
| Sunday, March 19 | 9:00 AM |
Choir Practice |
| 10:00 AM |
Worship & Church School Sermon: “Lost and Found” Scripture Readings: |
|
| 11:30 AM |
Evangelism Planning |
|
| Tuesday, March 21 | 7:00 PM |
Strength and Spirit |
Coffee hour volunteers:
- March 19: No one yet - contact Sandie McDonald to volunteer.
- March 26: No one yet - contact Sandie McDonald to volunteer.