Hi Five Oakers,
I have a few things I want to share with you.
#1 - Get a recap of the service with highlights of our prayers, readings and songs here.
#2 – Here are your comments from the Communication Cards:
- Thanks for the message today Henry. Awesome.
- I love the pre-service song. I no longer freak out that I’m late but rejoice and feel welcomed to worship. Sorry I’m missing today’s meeting due to work but thank you for the letter this week as a reminder and I feel good about the by-law changes.
- Apropos message for me – I just had a show as a tightrope performer.
- Loved Henry’s, Mr. Roger’s sweater. [Just bought another one for my collection from my collection--the Henry Williams Collection at Banana Republic!]
- Henry, love the car analogy! Thanks for another great and impactful message. Your gift is explaining complex things in a simple meaningful practical way – thanks for sharing this gift with me. Looking forward to the lighting station returning.
- Great service!
- Henry, thank you for the message today! I thought I understood this parable, but you brought a clarity and depth to it that totally opened my eyes! Fantastic message.
- Great worship set. Loved the Twinkie transition to our question of the week. Wow, what a fantastic message – thanks Henry. Loved the soloist after the message – praise God. Loved the closing – “Oh Happy Day”.
- Loved the explanations of the way our service is set up – it was very clear for new people, (I think). And I love the new tables that communion is on. [I’m particularly happy with the explanation this week. I’m building it on the feedback from people at 10-Minute Connect and our members.]
- I loved your message, Henry.
- Great music!
- I miss the drama skits!
- Everyone who adopts a child goes through a decision making process accessing the kind of risk you discussed this morning; the God risk.
- Served at “Good in the Hood”, partner of Union Gospel, with my family serving needy families with groceries and serving a meal. Stomachs were filled, larders prepared for a holiday and smiles given freely. God was glorified and His love shared.
- Henry, you preach to the (your) right and make comments to your left. Try reviewing it – I notice it. [That’s because those people on the right need preachin’ at. Actually, good catch. I’ve been thinking about mixing it up a bit by putting my table on the right side. I wonder if that will make a difference. Not sure how else I could catch myself in the act or retrain myself. I haven’t looked yet, but I’m guessing you’re right.]
#3 - Here’s the message in 10 Tweets—Luke 19:11-27, “Risk Assessment.”
- This passage is about assessing the risk of investing your life for God & his purposes…& the riskiness of not risking for God.
- Be careful about what you risk your life on.
- The citizens who hated him drop from view until the last verse in one quick Columbo move… “one more thing…slaughter them”
- There is grace in the warning (still have time) & outcome (get what they want, out from under God's grace/rule).
- There’s nothing safe about playing it safe. We will be held account for how we invest our one life in God’s mission or not.
- Buchanan-We're well schooled that certain kinds of people don't inherit the K of G: wicked…rage fiends…Less prepared 4 who J adds: cautious
- Risking for God is not about being a risk-taker. Jesus affirms effort—ANY effort.
- Buchanan-Our theology determines our destiny…generous/gracious/kind God…do likewise…angry/demanding/miserly…do likewise
- Gilbert –“My son’s trust was never in his own ability…It was in his father’s promise: “Come on kiddo. Jump. I promise I’ll catch you.”
- When J says “slaughter them,” it’s metaphorical (points to final judgment). But Jesus was literally slaughtered (the Lamb of God) for us.
#4 – Here’s a question from the sermon:
Q - If people get what they want in judgment, does that mean those who want a wrathful God will get one?
A – Not sure what you mean, but I think I need to qualify my statement a bit. Maybe that will address your question. When I say people get what they want it needs to be qualified: they want to be free of God’s rule in their lives and that’s what they get. They don’t get everything they want. They don’t get happiness.
Happy Thanksgiving! Pastor Henry
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