Musings Along Life's Way: Pauls Preaching

Hello Friends,

This Sunday we will be reading from the Acts of the Apostles, the sequel to the gospel writer's Gospel of Luke. The Acts catalogs the travels of Paul, the antics of Peter, the early church in the time after the death and resurrection of Jesus. In many ways, though contemporaneous with the gospels, it has an entirely different feel than the gospels. I think this is because it is about us, in the guise of Jesus' followers after the coming of the Holy Spirit. Acts is a Spirit centered book, the Spirit empowering people to do the work of the Lord. One such work was Paul's preaching to the people of Athens from Mars Hill, from the Areopagus. The Areopagus was a place for Athenians to come and to discuss the philosophical issues of the day. For Paul, the Areopagus is a challenge, a challenge much like our own.

Paul was journeying into a foreign land, with a foreign religion. The people he was speaking to were not inclined towards the Christian religion, were not inclined to the person and presence of the Risen Christ. However, they had a strong philosophical and religious bent. So, Paul begins right where they are:

2Then Paul stood in front of the Areopagus and said, “Athenians, I see how extremely religious you are in every way. ^23 For as I went through the city and looked carefully at the objects of your worship, I found among them an altar with the inscription, ‘To an unknown god.’

From there, Paul, respective of mystery, makes his case. Join me this Sunday as Paul speaks to the Areopagus and as we discern our place and our message to a world filled with philosophical questioning and religious doubt, a world longing for the mystery of God's presence in the incarnation of the divine in everyday life.See you in church.

Blessings, David

Musings Along Lifes Way

Hello Friends,
We send this eletter out on Thursday, early morning. This morning when you get your Press-Democrat look in the first section, the "news" section, and you will see a half page ad promoting the United Churches of Christ in Sonoma County. This ad well presents the United Church of Christ
1. as a church that respects and promotes a free and open exchange of
ideas
2. as a church with a rich history as a church promoting justice in
"in the world"
3. as a church that stands squarely in the Christian tradition

It is also remarkable that all churches in Sonoma County contributed to this effort. It is the hope of many that our Sonoma County United Churches of Christ will continue to work together as they find a unity of spirit, joining together for a common mission. Don't miss the ad in today's paper. Show it to a friend that does not have a church.

I would like to remind you of Bob Orr's wonderful book study on Sunday mornings at 9:15 in the Fireside Room. Participants are studying the book, "The Great Awakening," by Jim Wallis, a book that explores the link between personal faith and social justice concerns.

Also, annual meeting this week after church.

Blessings,David