Images of Church
Why is a Church Not Like a Museum?
SCRIPTURE: A collection of scripture passages establishing the forward moving Presence of Creator, Christ and Holy Spirit. From the Complete English & Complete Jewish Bible Psalm 27:4[From an ancient worship text:] Just one thing have I asked of Adonai; only this will I seek: to live in the house of Adonai all the days of my life, to see the beauty of Adonai and visit in the temple. Joshua 1:9b[Joshua told the people entering the Promised Land,] “Don’t be alarmed…
When Church is Like a Family (Reunion)
A collection of scripture (English Standard Version) referring to Christ followers as family.These words are all used in scripture, with approximately the same meanings.Hebrew: bayithGreek: oikia/oikosEnglish: family/household JOHN 1:12-13But to all who did receive [Jesus], who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of [people], but of God. EPHESIANS 2:19-22 & 5:1So then you are no longer…
When the Church is a Cloud
SCRIPTURE: A collection of scripture passage speaking of clouds, including resources for further reading! All readings from the Complete Jewish Bible. Genesis 9:13I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth. Exodus 13:21-2221 Adonai went ahead of them in a column of cloud during the daytime to lead them on their way, and at night in a column of fire to give them light; thus they…
When the Church is a Boat
SCRIPTURE: A collection of scripture passage speaking of boats, including resources for further reading! Genesis 5:11- 6:2911 Now the earth was corrupt in God’s sight and was full of violence….13 So God said to Noah, “I am going to put an end to all people, for the earth is filled with violence because of them….14 So make yourself an ark of cypress wood;… 22 Noah did everything just as God commanded him. [And when the floods had come and gone…
When the Church is a Body
A scripture passage speaking of the “body” of Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:1, 4-27 The Message and the New International Version (v 27) 1 What I (Paul) want to talk about now is the various ways God’s Spirit gets worked into our lives. 4-11 God’s various gifts are handed out everywhere; but they all originate in God’s Spirit. God’s various ministries are carried out everywhere; but they all originate in God’s Spirit. God’s various expressions of power are in action everywhere;…
When the Church is a Tree
A set of scripture passages speaking of trees. Ezekial 47:12 NIV12 Fruit trees of all kinds will grow on both banks of the river. Their leaves will not wither, nor will their fruit fail. Every month they will bear fruit, because the water from the sanctuary flows to them. Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing.” Matthew 13:31-32 NIV31 [Jesus] told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which [someone] took…
When the Church is a Musical Instrument
SCRIPTURE: A collection of passages speaking of music and harmony.New Living Version Psalm 33:2-32 Play joyous melodies of praise upon the lyre and on the harp. 3 Compose new songs of praise to [the Creator], accompanied skillfully on the harp; sing joyfully. Ephesians 5:1919 Talk with each other much about the Lord, quoting psalms and hymns and singing sacred songs, making music in your hearts to [God].Note: Nearly one third of the 150 Psalms in the bible are songs of…
Images of the Sanctuary
This final Sunday of Epiphany we attend to the wisdom contained in our own shared sanctuary. It holds symbol and sign; sacrament and spiritual history. We wonder, too, at how the sacred space expands to hold us – even as we cross distances and each inhabit our own, smaller, sanctuaries. Cassie Davies-Juhnke will deliver a sermon written by Elton Brown, long-time pastor of PPUMC, in 1986, while he was appointed here.