Mark 13:24-37 | Though seemingly odd to hear from Jesus just prior to his death as we begin the season of Advent, our Gospel for this week points to Jesus’ plea for the disciples to “keep awake,” lest they miss the work of God among them. But what about us? Have we always stayed awake to God at work among us? And what about God at work IN us? Join us for worship as we begin the season of Advent and consider our call, as people who dream, to keep awake. Music and liturgy used within worship covered under CCLI License #1141706.
In early November, a youth in our congregation asked me: “Pastor, when do we start Advent?”
The question took me by surprise for two reasons:
1) I could tell that this youth as really looking forward to Advent, and
2) the way he phrased the question made the implication that Advent wasn’t just a season of the church year, but was something we “do” together as a church.
After asking the question, I gave him the answer he was looking for: the Sunday after Thanksgiving, November 29. But then I had a question for him: Why are you looking forward to starting Advent?
At first I was given the answer that the season of Pentecost had been really long (which, is quite true!), and that it was time for a change. But then he continued, and said something to the effect of, “Given everything that’s happened in 2020, it seems like we all need a little hope right now.”
We all need a little hope right now. Isn’t that the truth? 2020 wasn’t the year we were expecting. And even if we’ve been able to find opportunities, and blessings within the past year, it doesn’t negate the reality that it’s been difficult to look beyond the present moment. Each moment, each day, each week, has constantly been changing. It’s been hard to know what to expect and when to expect it. So hope? Look to the future? That probably hasn’t been at the top of our 2020 “to do list.”
But in conversation with this youth, he reminded me that yes…we all do need a little hope right now. We need to exercise our hope muscles and dare to look to the future, even when what is right in front of us—in the present—is just as uncertain as the future.
So for this season of Advent, that’s what I’m challenging you all to do: exercise your hope muscles with me by dreaming. Yes, dreaming. It might seem like an odd spiritual practice to take up during Advent, but I encourage you to try it out…and be honest with yourself. Because if you take a moment to think, I have a feeling you might find within yourself something you’re dreaming of…
· Dreaming of a day when you don’t get a text or a call from the school district with a change of plans
· Dreaming of a day when you finally feel caught up, or, a day when you finally have something to put on the calendar again
· Dreaming of family get togethers
· Dreaming of a touch: a hand on the back, a hug
We all are carrying dreams within us this Advent—big and small. And as humanity, we have even more dreams:
· Dreams of hope and of peace
· Dreams of joy and of love
· Dreams of God’s kingdom come…here on earth.
Well, this season, it’s those dreams that we’ll be focusing on in our Sunday morning worship. But I encourage you to take this practice of exercising your hope muscles one step further. Instead of stopping with worship, dare to let yourself dream as you approach the rest of your week. Ask yourself: what would hope look like in a moment like this? Or: if God’s kingdom were to come here, into this place and time, what would it look like? In doing so, you’ll be exercising your hope muscle. And in so doing, you’ll not only be going through Advent as another season of the church year, but you’ll be “doing” Advent in your daily life as you prepare for the coming of Christ our King.
All of us do need a little hope right now. We need something to look forward to, and something to dream of. But the good news? It’s that our dream will be born to us, so we can hold it, and touch it, on Christmas night. So in the next few weeks, come and journey with us, and dream…dream big.
Matthew 25:31-46 | “Jesus is Lord.” It’s a statement of faith that many have likely heard before. But what would it be like, for all of us, to live as though this central claim was really true? How might it change our lives and our world? Join us as we proclaim the truth that Jesus Christ is Lord and King, and as we are sent to embody his kingdom in the world. Music and liturgy used within worship covered under CCLI License #1141706.
Matthew 25:14-30 | Especially at a time such as this, it may be easy to live in fear. But even in our fear, our Lord seeks us out and frees us to live as children of his grace. But now that we’ve been freed from fear, how are we to live? Join us as we explore our call to live as children of the light as we await the fulfillment of God’s kingdom on earth. Music and liturgy used within worship covered under CCLI License #1141706.
Amos 5:18-24 | Faith and life. We “know” that the two are supposed to coexist together. But often, within our society, the two easily become separated. So then, how are we to live as worshippers of Jesus Christ in the world today? Join us as we are filled with the grace of Christ, fueling us for the journey ahead, and as we consider what it means to let our lights shine as a bold and public witness to God’s justice and truth. Music and liturgy used within worship covered under CCLI License #1141706.
Revelation 7:9-17 |Each year, the church pauses to celebrate All Saints Day – a day in which we remember those saints who have gone before us, and those who have been added to our fold. But this year, All Saints Day seems to hold an even deeper meaning. All around, we have been immersed in the reality of death, suffering, and injustice. This weekend, with the whole church, we allow ourselves to recall the deaths of those close to us, and the reality of death around the world. And from that place of remembrance, having gathered around the cross, we go forth as saints into the world. Join us, as we pause, remember, and refocus our lives according to the truth of Christ’s resurrection. Music and liturgy used within worship covered under CCLI License #1141706.
Psalm 46 |A little over 500 years ago, the Reformation was in full swing in Europe. But at the time, the people didn’t know exactly what society, let alone the church, was going to look like after everything calmed down. Instead, what they saw was a bunch of changing and shaking of things they had known to be true for centuries. Today, in 2020, we are living in another reformation moment. Right now, what we see may appear to be a bunch of changing and shaking, perhaps for no odd reason. But even now, God is doing something, reforming and reshaping the world to reflect more clearly God’s kingdom on earth. Join us as we remember Christ as our solid rock, no matter what happens, and commit ourselves to heed the call of God’s Spirit. Music and liturgy used within worship covered under CCLI License #1141706.
Matthew 22: 15-22 |With everything going on around us, how are we to live in God’s kingdom? Sometimes, it may seem as though we are “trapped” in systems of this world that keep us, and our siblings in Christ, from living in the truth of God’s kingdom. So then what? Well, Jesus gives us something to consider as he, himself, found him seemingly trapped by two opposing groups of his day. If you missed worship this weekend, join us, as we hear the promise that we belong to God, the call to awaken to the systems at play around us, and the challenge to live as saints. Music and liturgy used within worship covered under CCLI License #1141706.
Matthew 22: 15-22 |With everything going on around us, how are we to live in God’s kingdom? Sometimes, it may seem as though we are “trapped” in systems of this world that keep us, and our siblings in Christ, from living in the truth of God’s kingdom. So then what? Well, Jesus gives us something to consider as he, himself, found him seemingly trapped by two opposing groups of his day. If you missed worship this weekend, join us, as we hear the promise that we belong to God, the call to awaken to the systems at play around us, and the challenge to live as saints. Music and liturgy used within worship covered under CCLI License #1141706.
It feels like fall…so let’s enjoy it! Join us with a lawn chair and we’ll provide the rest. We’ll have some s’mores packets already pre-assembled for you (graham cracker, chocolate, and a marshmallow). These packets will be pre-assembled so as to ensure safe food handling. Given that we will be gathering outside, we feel confident that we can maintain a safe environment while we briefly remove our masks to enjoy some s’mores.
Family Faith Nights
Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
We’re trying something a bit different this school year, and we want to be sure that EVERYONE feels included! On Wed evenings we will have an hour together to connect with Christ and with each other. Most weeks, we’ll break into age specific groups (elementary, junior and senior high students and adults). However, some weeks, we’ll stay together as a large group and do some cross-generational activities. If you’re looking for more information, check out this video that Pastor Aleese put together. Join us for a night, and see what we’re talking about!
SOTC at Halloween “Magic in Motion”!
Friday, October 30, 6:30-8:00 p.m., Saulsbury Campground
If you haven’t heard already, the Muscatine County Conservation Board will be hosting a drive-through Halloween experience at Saulsbury for kids and adults of all ages! Free admission, but a donation for the Muscatine Food Pantry or the Muscatine Humane Society is requested. Support this event!
But here’s the deal: we’re looking for your help! We (as a congregation) have the opportunity to decorate a campsite as participants drive through the campground for a Halloween experience. We need people to set up, be at the site from 6:30-8, and tear down. If you’re interested in helping, contact Dave Bakke (563-299-8967).
Halloween/All Saints Day Fellowship
Sunday, November 1 following worship
In lieu of a Trunk-or-Treat this year, we will be having a time of fellowship and games on Sun, Nov 1 for both kids AND adults! The intent of the day will be to celebrate both Halloween and All Saints Day (Did you know? They’re actually connected a bit!) Make sure to come in costume and stick around for games and activities!
Names for All Saints Day Litany
By Wednesday, October 28
As is our custom, we remember saints who have been baptized and who have died in the past year in a litany during worship for All Saints Day. If you have a family member or close friend that you would like remembered as a part of the litany, contact Kathy with their name by Wednesday, October 28. Questions? Talk to Pastor Aleese or Kathy.
Bible and Breakfast?
Recently, we have gathered that our Christians Underground group is not working for people’s schedules. Therefore, we are CANCELLING Christians Underground until further notice, and are considering trying something different. So, if you are looking for a fellowship opportunity, while also spending a bit of time in the previous or upcoming Sunday Scripture readings, over some coffee/breakfast, contact Pastor Aleese. We are considering gathering on a Thursday morning, but are open to the schedules of those who are interested in attending. Time TBD; likely around 7am.
