A Little Life, A Tiny Death

“Our Father, each day is a little life, each night a tiny death; help us to live with faith and hope and love. Lift our duty above drudgery; let not our strength fail, or the vision fade in the heat and burden of the day. O God, make us patient and pitiful one with another in the fret and jar of life, remembering that each fights a hard fight and walks a lonely way. Forgive us Lord, if we hurt our fellow souls; teach us a gentler tone, a sweeter charity of words, and a more healing touch. Sustain us, O God, when we must face sorrow; give us courage for the day and hope for the morrow. Day unto day may we lay hold of Thy hand and look up into Thy face, whatever befall, until our work is finished and the day is done. Amen.”

-St. Francis of Assisi, 1181-1226

God is LOVE

He came singing Love;
He lived singing Love;

He died singing Love;
He rose in silence.

If the song is to continue
We must do the singing.

FAQ

If God is love, why do you think so much of religion is fear-based?

(Leave us a comment)

O Praise Him

David Crowder Band - "O Praise Him" - at Harvest 2006

Grace

Here is the quote used in Sunday's worship service about Forgiveness:

"Repentance is not what we do in order to earn forgiveness; it is what we do because we have been forgiven. It serves as an expression of gratitude rather than an effort to earn forgiveness. Thus the sequence of forgiveness and then repentance is crucial for understanding grace." (Brennan Manning)

Response: What do you make of this quote? Have you found this to be true in your life? (Leave a comment!)

Psalm 51

This week's worship theme is about Forgiveness - God's forgiveness of us. Watch this short video meditation on Psalm 51, the scripture that we will be using this Sunday:

New Equipment

Sunday you'll get the chance to enjoy some fantastic new equipment in the sanctuary. For the last year or so, our video projection system has continued to worsen in quality. With the help of the Trustees, the new system (projectors and wall-mounted screens) is being installed this week. You'll be able to better see and enjoy videos and slides on the wall. If you know a Trustee, be sure to say "Thank you!"

Last week's bowling event...

A word from Recreation Ministry Member, Kenny Bailey:

Each bowling event gets better & better. This time was the most organized. We had over 40 people on 10 lanes. Everyone was very thankful for the church having sponsored these events.

We will probably do bowling every few months, as it is easy to plan/organize/coordinate -- and the prices are pretty reasonable. Based on the current recreation schedule, it will likely be late Sept or Oct.

When Bad Things Happen

Sunday's focus is "Why do bad things happen?" One of our members sent us this video, and though we don't have time to show it in our service, it certainly resonates with this theme. Click PLAY below to watch "Forever Changed (a VT Tribute)."