When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them,
“What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher), “where are you staying?”
He said to them, “Come and see.”
John 1:38-39
When I was a young child, I had a particularly vivid imagination. And because of this, it wasn’t long before I developed a lifelong passion for reading.
As a kid, there were different types of books that I enjoyed reading, but my favorite stories always involved some kind of adventure. I loved hearing about how various heroes, some real and others imagined, had to overcome obstacles and face their fears in service to something greater than themselves.
In worship this Sunday, we’ll be learning about how Jesus invited two men to begin their own adventure by following Jesus. And we’ll be exploring how Christ calls all of us to that same adventure of discipleship.
But as I’ve been reflecting on this story, it’s been making me wonder what adventures or courageous things God might be calling us to.
Perhaps, God is challenging us to forgive somebody who wronged us…or maybe to ask for forgiveness from someone we have wronged.
Or maybe, God is summoning us to find new ways of seeking justice and healing for those who are hurting in the world.
I’m not sure. But what I do know is that the Risen Christ calls us to have a courageous faith and be a people of hope and love in the world. And that sounds like an adventure worth having!
Peace,
Pastor Chris
New Sermon Series
Starting next Sunday, on July 18th, Pastor Chris will be starting a six-week sermon series on the
Lord’s Prayer. During each week, we’ll explore what each line of the Lord’s prayer means and
how it can revolutionize the way we pray and live out our faith in the world.
Small-Group Study
During the next five weeks, our church will be going through a study on Unafraid, a book written by Adam Hamilton, which explores how we can live with hope during uncertain times. We know
that everyone’s schedules are different, so there will be one group meeting on Tuesdays at 1 pm
and another group that meets on Sundays at 9 am. If you’d like to join the Tuesday group, you
can contact Lynn Becker for more details (lynnsnowbecker@gmail.com), while Bruce LaPente
will be leading the Sunday group (blapenta@embarqmail.com).
House Meetings to Welcome Pastor Chris
Throughout the summer, we will be holding special gatherings at the homes of various members. These gatherings will provide an opportunity for members to spend time with Pastor Chris and Rachel and will include a time for Pastor Chris to ask questions to help him learn more about the people and ministries of Flemington UMC. Please connect with our Lay Leader Bruce LaPente if you are interested in either attending or hosting one of these gatherings (blapenta@embarqmail.com).
Staying Connected
You will find every newsletter, worship service, devotional, and additional material posted to our
Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/FlemingtonUnitedMethodist/
Even if you don’t use Facebook, you can access everything we have there. If you do have a Facebook account, “like” to follow our page and be notified when new things are posted or when videos are about to go live so you don’t miss anything
If you have any difficulties accessing any of those links, please reply to this message or call the church office at (908)782-1070 and we will get you connected right away.
Greetings from Pastor Chris & Rachel