The Stories in Acts
Pastor Joanie For those of you who are reading through the New Testament with me, how is it going? I have been a little slow, but will start the book of Romans next week. So, I spend a little time reflecting on Acts.
Reading through the book of Acts has given me an idea. What if we compiled a book of stories from members of Hood Memorial Christian Church? What if each member shared a story of one of the most raw, life-changing spiritual experiences you have had? How much could we learn from each other? How might all of our stories connect? How powerful would that be to those outside of our faith?
That’s what the book of Acts felt like to me as I was reading it: stories from a group of apostles that were trying to make their way through un-chartered territory. For example, the story of Stephen spoke louder to me this time I read Acts. What a brutal and courageous defense he made for himself. He carried a confidence in his faith, even to death. I find in Stephen and the other early apostles a faith that I can only imagine to have.
I encourage you to think about your own journey as a follower of Christ.
- Think about a time when your faith was tested.
- Was there a time when you felt on fire, but you kept meeting obstacle after obstacle?
- When was there a time when you were able to keep your eyes on Christ when it felt like the world was against you? What helped?
- Who walked that journey with you?
Keep thinking!! As we continue our summer series: the Faces of our Faith, we will be inviting some of our members and friends to share part of your testimony. We will be asking some folks to share about someone who has been a “face of faith” for you, someone who has pointed your life towards the light of God. Just like all the stories in Acts that describe people that were a part of the beginning of the church of Christ, what is your story?
Read Sunday’s Sermon – Belong: Why Me Means We
Outdoor Family Movie Night – This Friday at 7:30 pm
We will watch the new live action/computer animated comedy Peter Rabbit in a Drive-In style environment. You can watch from a lawn chair, a beach towel, or from the comfort of your car. Refreshments, drinks and music for dancing (especially for the kids!) at 7:30 and the movie will begin as soon as the sun begins to go down (shortly after 8pm).
Friday, June 1, 7:30 pm (on the church lawn and parking lot);
**In case of rain, we will be in the Fellowship Hall.
Don’t Miss This – New Sunday Small Group Series – Half Truths
We will explore the truth behind common sayings, such as Everything Happens for a Reason, God’s Helps Those Who Helps Themselves, and Love the Sinner Hate the Sin. They sound Christian – like something you might find in the Bible. We’ve all heard them. Maybe we’ve even said them. They capture some element of truth, yet they miss the point in important ways. Discover the whole truth by comparing Christian cliches with the wisdom found in Scripture.
Sunday Mornings from 10:00 – 10:30 am (enjoy coffee and fellowship from 10:30 – 11:00 am)
Join a Short Term Task Force at Hood!
We are putting together a small team to create a plan to raise funds for several of our current and future projects at Hood, including:
- Stained glass window renovation,
- Organ repairs,
- Electrical upgrades,
- New hallway/nursery/parlor/office carpet installation
- And more accessible steps to the sanctuary pulpit area.
This task force is short term and therefore will meet only a few times (2-3 meetings) to create a fundraising plan. We anticipate the first meeting to be held sometime the second or third week of June. Please contact Pastor Jason at the church office (910-892-1711) to join this task force.
This Week at Hood
Wednesday, May 30, 1:30 pm – Prayer & Inspiration
Wednesday, May 30, 6:00 pm – “Young-ish” Small group
Wednesday,May 30, 6:00 pm – No Choir practice
Thursday, May 31, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm – Pastor Jason at The Cellar for Drop-In Coffee & Conversation (108 N Wilson St)
Sunday, June 3, 11:00 am – Worship – Faces of Our Faith: Shiphrah and Puah (Exodus 1:8-22)