Today’s Reflection
We, as church leaders, have come to a threshold place and moment. The Spirit is calling for something new that will manifest itself only when we have the courage to step across the threshold, into the unknown. Where is the Spirit calling us to go? Love demands that we lead in new ways. The capacities that we once relied upon as leaders will not be enough to guide us in this liminal time between what was and what is to come.
—Paul Nixon and Craig Gilbert, Launching a New Worship Community: A Practical Guide for the 2020s (Discipleship Resources, 2021)
Today’s Question
What “new thing” do you feel the Holy Spirit leading you or your faith community to do? Join the conversation.
Today’s Scripture
[God says,] “I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”
—Isaiah 43:19 (NRSV)
Prayer for the Week
Dear God, help us to welcome new people into our faith communities. Guide us to people who are seeking you, and help us convey your love and acceptance as we develop authentic relationships with them. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.
Something More
This Advent, join author Marsha Crockett in an exploration of the HOPE, LOVE, PEACE, and JOY that the coming of Jesus offers. Through The Coming Messiah: Guided Meditations for Advent, you’ll be invited into guided times of prayer and quiet reflection—all accessible via mobile device. Learn more about this eCourse and register here.
Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.
4 Comments
At the moment keeping the life of church going is our major task, it would be great if a way is found to reach younger people, We certainly would welcome them. Despite the small size of this community of faith, we reach out to both the local and far flung who need help, but just as a bee colony needs workers, we sure could use more. Thankful needed weather proofing and a bathroom grab bar are in place. Thank You, Lord, The worship team meets Thursday night.
The new thing I was called to do was join a new church. I have also been joining many committees that provide outreach services through food. For example, Megan and I will be volunteering with the church on Thanksgiving to distribute meals to people in the community.
Discussed some of my meds with a nurse from the surgeon’s office yesterday. So far surgery still on but I have to stop taking the med I take for Raynaud’s, so please pray I do not suffer wounds due to the short lapse.
Prayers for Ally to persevere with the disability process. Prayers that Jill soon discerns positive changes in Roger’s health. Prayers for Robert’s church to find ways to reach the local youth and encourage them in their faith. Prayers for Marti and her staff. Thank y ou for your prayers and may God bless all who visit here.
I keep waiting for the opportunity to be of assistance to someone who is struggling with cancer, either as the ailing one or the caregiver. I remain patient, though alert. I caught wind of another church to the north which is starting up a cancer support ministry. I will keep my eye on that – for now it is remote and on Wednesday evenings…a conflict with my small group.
I was able to get to bed early last evening and am feeling much better for it. I did get my lawn mowed yesterday, so it looks neater as the leaves are “a fallin'”. The weather is to take a sharp turn tomorrow evening. These beautiful sunny warm days will be but a memory as there is snow in the forecast for this weekend.
I am grateful dad will be able to get out of town ahead of the weather. His flight to Florida is tomorrow morning.
A long day here, as I have a 2 hour meeting after school. Also, my observation pre-conference was to be yesterday, but got bumped to today. It is in a few minutes. All the ducks I have, are in a nice little row. Here’s hoping the assistant principal is in agreement. My observation/evaluation is tomorrow afternoon.
Our faith community does what it has since we have been a part of it: cares for its people, proclaims the Word, works for justice and peace. The new thing has been online worship. Last year while quarantined, I looked for ways to connect with God and God led me to you folks. I’m thankful for the blessings I have received. I’m thankful for the connection in a dark time. I thank God for you!
Jill, prayers for traveling graces for your dad and that you can connect with the cancer support ministry. Know that little Roger has been on my heart. Praying that the insulin will bring down his blood sugar and make him feel so much better. Thankful he has you. Robert, praying for your church as you try some new things. You and Erich remain on my heart. Julie, praying for you as you face surgery and must go without your medication. Have you started the Eloquis? I will be going back on it myself. Saw my doc yesterday and he said I need it for my A-Fib. glad Megan will be volunteering with you st church on Thanksgiving.
I pray we all find new things and ways to connect with God, even when stuff is difficult. Blessings to all.
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