22nd Sunday after Pentecost - October 28, 2012

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[00:00:45]  First Reading - Job 42:1-6,10-17
[00:02:44]  Second Reading - Hebrews 7:23-28
[00:04:13]  Gospel Reading - Mark 10:46-52
[00:05:27]  Sermon - Rev. Chris Roth
[00:24:36]  Blessing and Dismissal

Questions for reflection on Job
  1. When was a time of great suffering in your life? How did if affect your relationship with God?
  2. Why might God allow suffering?
  3. If you were always rewarded for being good and always punished for being bad, how would your relationship with God be? Are there ways that challenge and mystery can draw us closer to God?
  4. How do you react when you see someone suffering? How does it make you feel to be with people who are suffering?

    Feast of St. Luke - October 21, 2012

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    [00:00:25]  First Reading - Sirach 38:1-4,6-10,12-14
    [00:01:59]  Second Reading - James 5:13-20
    [00:03:23]  Gospel Reading - Luke 4:14-21
    [00:04:40]  Sermon - Rev. Chris Roth
    [00:19:48]  Blessing and Dismissal

    Questions for reflection on Luke 4:14-30:
    1. Jesus came to bring good news, freedom and healing. Where in your life do you need mental, spiritual or physical healing?
    2. Jesus had a home town. What are some of the challenges in being God's messenger to your home town? Why might it be difficult for some people to accept someone they know well to be God's messiah and prophet?
    3. Why is Jesus' mission described as good news to the poor? Who are the poor?

      20th Sunday after Pentecost - October 14, 2012

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      [00:00:42]  First Reading - Job 23:1-9,16-17
      [00:01:56]  Second Reading - Hebrews 4:12-16
      [00:03:06]  Gospel Reading - Mark 10:17-31
      [00:05:38]  Sermon - Rev. Chris Roth
      [00:21:33]  Blessing and Dismissal

      Questions for reflection on Mark 10:17-31
      1. How do you feel about money and what you own?
      2. What role did money play in the rich man's life? What role does money play in your life?
      3. Imagine Jesus was speaking to you personally. How would his words make you feel? How would you react?
      4. Why do you think Jesus told the rich man to give his possessions to the poor? Is there anything you might need to give away?
      5. How might wealth help you follow Jesus? How might wealth hinder you following Jesus?
      6. Where does your sense of security come from?

        Harvest Thanksgiving - October 07, 2012

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        [00:01:21]  First Reading - Joel 2:21-27
        [00:03:05]  Second Reading -1 Timothy 2:1-7
        [00:04:23]  Gospel Reading - Mark 10:2-16
        [00:06:20]  Sermon - Rev. Donald Gray
        [00:17:37]  Blessing and Dismissal

        Questions for reflection on Mark 10:1-16
        1. Why do you think there is a difference between Matthew 5:31-32; 19:3-9 and Mark 10? How do we read the Bible as faithful and intelligent followers of Christ? How do we prevent ourselves from following interpretations just because they are more convenient for use? If you  can, look into divorce and its effects in Jesus' day.
        2. What do you think Jesus was trying to accomplish through this teaching? Moses allowed divorce because of the hardness of hearts. What does Jesus think of this hardness of the heart? What is God's intention for marriage?
        3. Does Jesus' teaching on divorce show use something about how he views relationships in general?
        4. Do you think Jesus wants people to remain in relationships where people are in danger of physical abuse? What about boredom? What is the Christian process when dealing with problems in a relationship?