Sermon Series April 27th to May 25th
He took her by the hand
Go Deeper: Resources
A Spirituality of Caregiving: Henri Nouwen - If you provide care for another person, whether you are a family member or a professional caregiver, you know that caregiving is hard, sometimes unappreciated work. But have you ever considered that it isn t easy to be the care receiver?
Caregiving is practice of our faith formation in Jesus. There is such an anguish and joy that comes from caring for others. Our series on care will take a look at the moments in scripture Jesus touches someone. This proximity, and willingness to reach out, is deeply transformational and can shape the way we touch and draw near to each other in times of fear, illness, and anxiety with the presence of Jesus.
Sermon Audio Files
Jesus who Reaches Out
Old Testament says in the laws, “Do not touch” 38 times. These are often what we call ritual purity laws. Laws like: don’t touch the dead, don’t touch unclean animals (long list including shellfish and many birds, pigs, etc). Don’t touch diseased people (ok, makes sense). Don't touch holy things, like sacred offerings or parts of the temple. Don’t touch someone bleeding. Don’t touch objects of work on Sabbath.
Youth Take Over
Jesus replied, “Believe me, dear woman, the time is coming when it will no longer matter whether you worship the Father on this mountain or in Jerusalem. You Samaritans know very little about the one you worship, while we Jews know all about him, for salvation comes through the Jews. But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. For God is Spirit so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.”
Guest Speaker
We welcome Karen Bayley, pastor of discipleship and community life at Hope Community Covenant Church, as our guest speaker this Sunday. Karen’s work has been strongly rooted in care and compassion, and we are grateful to hear from her. Karen shares 3 stories, one of Zaccariah, one of “Margaret” and her own. Stories of unlikely people who Jesus uses for good.
Wounded Healer
Through his own pain, Nouwen was able to meet others in theirs. He once wrote:
“Nobody escapes being wounded. We are all wounded people, whether physically, emotionally, mentally, or spiritually. The main question is not ‘How can we hide our wounds?’ so we don’t have to be embarrassed, but ‘How can we put our woundedness in service to others?’”
His vulnerability didn’t disqualify him from ministry—it deepened it.
Week 5
Are you lost in the dark alley? Are you afraid? Has sickness overwhelmed you and are you alone? Are you helpless in the face on an enemy or insurmountable odds? Are you upside down and poor in spirit? Jesus the lion is coming for you. His hands, which heal the most tender frightened soul, are also the hands that break through every force, every enemy, every power that would keep you from him. His hands make things right.