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One of the recurring song lyrics in the musical Les Miserables is the phrase "look down". Some of the characters sing it to themselves in an attitude of resignation of their permanent condition - don't bother to have any hope. At another time the phrase is sung as a call for those who are able to help others to actually reach out in love and assistance.
What is it that provides hope in times when you feel hopeless? Sometimes we may not be in a desperate situation in terms of our life situation and yet we still feel the hopelessness of our sin condition. The natural response is usually to try harder to improve your behavior and circumstances through your own strength and will power. Unfortunately, that's a losing battle. This Sunday, July 30th, we'll spend another morning "At the Movies" as we look at the gospel as revealed in the 2012 musical "Les Miserables". The contrast between Hugh Jackman's character, Jean Valjean, and Russell Crowe's character, Inspector Javert, couldn't be more clear. What does scripture have to say about these two men and their search for righteousness? I hope you'll be able to join us. On Monday evening, July 31st, you're invited to watch the movie with me. You may have seen it before on stage or in one of the many film versions, but we'll be seeing it with a new perspective! Meet at the church at 6:45- the film will start sharply at 7:00 pm. It's 2 1/2 hours long, so be sure to arrive on time! Bring some snacks to share. You may want to bring along someone you're seeking to BLESS. Some great conversations could arise. Do you have a favorite movie? What about it makes it so pleasurable to return to time and time again? Some of the movies I like are filled with action. Others have me laughing from the opening title to the very end. And there are those that tug at my heart. Have you ever considered that the films that grab us may be doing so because we connect to them on a deeper level? I find it fascinating to watch movies with a theological perspective, meaning that I consider how the story and characters match up with the Truth found in scripture. Some of those themes include self-sacrifice, the pain and consequences of sin, and redemption. For the next two Sundays (July 23 & 30) we're going to be "At the Movies" as we see how a couple Academy Award winning films reflect biblical Truth. The first one up is the 1942 classic, "Casablanca". We'll use some clips from the movie to talk about Humphrey Bogart's character Rick Blaine and his journey from cynical self-centeredness to self-sacrifice of putting others ahead of himself - which is all of our journey to one extent or another. On Monday evening you're invited to watch the movie with me either for the umpteenth time or maybe for the first. In either case, we'll be seeing it with a new perspective! Meet at the church at 7:00 pm and bring some snacks to share. You may want to bring along someone you're seeking to BLESS. Some great conversations could arise. Church BBQ Potluck this SundayPlan on sticking around after worship this coming Sunday, July 23rd, for a BBQ potluck. The hamburgers, fixings, drinks and place settings are being provided. Your part is to bring a side dish or dessert to share. A Heads-Up (Ear's-Up?) Warning... Somehow I picked up a pretty sever infection affecting my left ear and the lymph nodes around it. The results are a pretty comical image in which I appear to be wearing one of those novelty clown ears. I'm taking antibiotics and other things, but just in case I'm not back to normal by Sunday, I wanted to prepare you! I've thought about preaching with a paper sack over my head, like the Unknown Comic on the "Gong Show" or even preaching from another room so that my crazy ear isn't a distraction. I'll probably just soldier on and you'll have to do the same! In the meantime, I appreciate your prayers for full healing.
Have you ever done something nice for someone, but wanted to get credit for it? This scene from an episode of "Seinfeld" has George trying to get credit for putting money in the pizza parlor's tip jar and things don't go well... While most of us aren't as petty and self-centered at George Costanza, our motivations to serve others can get out of whack. So, what should be our motivation? This Sunday, July 9th, we will be continuing our series called "BLESS" which is all about sharing the Good News with other people. We've been blessed by God so that we can then be a blessing to others. The 5 simple practices (Begin with Prayer, Listen with Care, Eat Together, Serve with Love, and Share your Story) are meant to establish real friendship relationships with others with the hope that God will use us to help draw them into a relationship with their loving Creator. And our Serving with Love is a part of having a real friendship with others. I hope you'll be able to join us - and practice these as regular rhythms to your life. There are many people God is hoping to bless through you! Sunday Special Guests: John and Letha Kerl This Sunday will also feature a visit from some of our supported missionaries, John and Letha Kerl. The Kerls serve as regional coordinators for our missionaries in Europe, Russia, and Africa - a BIG job. Their home church is Bellingham Covenant and Letha's parents are Reg and Betty McClung, who are a part of our church each summer (when they aren't down south in Desert Hot Springs, CA). We're looking forward to hearing what God is doing through our Covenant missionaries! Agros Fundraiser & Pig Roast BBQ Potluck This coming Saturday, July 8th, Bill & Suellen White are hosting their annual Pig Roast to raise money for AGROS. Why not invite some of your "pre-Christian" friends to come up to the White's ranch (about 1/4 mile up Lookout Mountain Rd in Twisp) at 5:00 for live music, plenty of great food, and the chance to contribute to this wonderful ministry.
Agros staff member, Guillermo Jimenez, and his family will be with us to share some of the wonderful things that are happening in a number of villages in Central America. Thanks to financial contributions, the poorest of the poor are farming their own land and moving into a hopeful future. Financial gifts will be collected at the event, but come and enjoy the food and fellowship even if you can't contribute. |
Pastor JeffThoughts about living as a Jesus follower and life at Community Covenant Church Archives
December 2020
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