Saturday, November 30, 2024
Prayers for Our Community, Our Nation and Our World
Today in the Mission Yearbook - The first of three Beecher Lectures lays out four codes of preaching
Bible Readings for November 30, 2024
Friday, November 29, 2024
Prayer Requests to be shared during Sunday’s service
On Sunday, December 1, Sligo Presbyterian Church will lift to God the following needs:
- Amy
- Amy Milanovich
- Arnold Bowser
- Barbara Yarchuk
- Betty Milanovich
- Betty Phillips
- Betty Terwint
- Bill Wingard
- Bob Varner
- Bus Clark
- Butch, Betsy's brother
- Butch, Cass's brother
- Charles Truitt
- Cheryl Labode
- Chris Sibert
- Corbin
- Dan Kemp
- David Glatt
- Denny Myers
- Duane Quinn
- Eddy Connor
- Elaine Shadiow
- Erik
- Gabe
- Hurricane Victims
- Jane
- Jason
- Jeb Rapp
- Jerry Shook
- Jim Mahle
- Jim Mason
- Joann Klamer
- Joanne Over
- Joe Amato
- Jordan Myers
- Justi Smith
- Lana Todd
- Landon & Ezra
- Len Gaulin
- Levi Jack
- Lori Myers
- Margie Henry
- Mary Lou McCormack
- Mason Martin
- Matt
- Michael Curran
- Nancy Blauser
- Nancy Wilson
- Nick Shoup
- Patty Divins
- Rick Shadiow
- Robb Summerville
- Robbie Burns
- Ron & Shelly Haines
- Ron Lerch
- Rose
- Rowan Pinson
- Ryan Cornecki & Family
- Tadd French
- Van Watkins
- Velma Stewart
- Wes Summerville
- Zach Schieberl
The Bulletin for the SPC Worship Service - Sunday, December 1, 2024
Some of our best memories of Christmas involve singing some of our favorite songs and carols. Whether they’re secular or sacred, they remind us of the reason for the season and the sheer joy that’s possible during this very special time of year. And so, with that in mind, we’re going to spend some time talking about the "Great Songs of Christmas” but not necessarily the ones we associate with this holiday. Instead, we’ll look at some of the advent songs from the Bible, passages that had meaning then and can have meaning right now. During four weeks, we’ll consider the following:
- December 1 - The Song of Zechariah: A Song of Praise
- December 8 - The Song of Mary: A Song of Trust
- December 22 - The Song of the Angels: A Song of Joy
- December 29 - The Song of Simeon: A Song of Hope
During the service on Sunday, December 1, we'll use Luke 1:67-79 to better understand the song of Zechariah: a song of praise. Below is the bulletin for the service. You can stream the service by going to the Sligo Presbyterian Church YouTube Channel on Sundays at 10:00 a.m. (EDT). You can hear a podcast of the service at the Sligo Presbyterian Church YouTube Channel or the Sligo Presbyterian Spotify Page.
The SPC Kindness Kids Making Turkeys
In anticipation of Thanksgiving, the Sligo Presbyterian Church Kindness Kids made some candy turkeys for the congregation. We thank Debbie and Maggie Rudiger for their leadership.
Bible Readings for November 29, 2024
Thursday, November 28, 2024
Today in the Mission Yearbook - Thanksgiving
The Scripture for Sunday - The Song of Zechariah: A Song of Praise
- December 1 - The Song of Zechariah: A Song of Praise
- December 8 - The Song of Mary: A Song of Trust
- December 22 - The Song of the Angels: A Song of Joy
- December 29 - The Song of Simeon: A Song of Hope
During the service on Sunday, December 1, we'll use Luke 1:67-79 to better understand the song of Zechariah: a song of praise. Below is the passage in three different translations. You can stream the service by going to the Sligo Presbyterian Church YouTube Channel on Sundays at 10:00 a.m. (EDT). You can hear a podcast of the service at the Sligo Presbyterian Church YouTube Channel or the Sligo Presbyterian Spotify Page.
Zechariah Praises the Lord
67 The Holy Spirit came upon Zechariah, and he began to speak:
68 Praise the Lord,
the God of Israel!
He has come
to save his people.
69 Our God has given us
a mighty Savior[a]
from the family
of David his servant.
70 Long ago the Lord promised
by the words
of his holy prophets
71 to save us from our enemies
and from everyone
who hates us.
72 God said he would be kind
to our people and keep
his sacred promise.
73 He told our ancestor Abraham
74 that he would rescue us
from our enemies.
Then we could serve him
without fear,
75 by being holy and good
as long as we live.
76 You, my son, will be called
the prophet of God Most High.
You will go ahead of the Lord
to get everything ready
for him.
77 You will tell his people
that they can be saved
when their sins
are forgiven.
78 God's love and kindness
will shine upon us
like the sun that rises
in the sky.[b]
79 On us who live
in the dark shadow
of death
this light will shine
to guide us
into a life of peace.
Footnotes
[a] 1.69 a mighty Savior: The Greek text has “a horn of salvation.” In the Scriptures animal horns are often a symbol of great strength.
[b] 1.78 like the sun that rises in the sky: Or “like the Messiah coming from heaven.”.
Luke 1:67-79 [New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition]
Zechariah’s Prophecy
67 Then his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied:
68 “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
for he has looked favorably on[a] his people and redeemed them.
69 He has raised up a mighty savior[b] for us
in the house of his child David,
70 as he spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old,
71 that we would be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us.
72 Thus he has shown the mercy promised to our ancestors
and has remembered his holy covenant,
73 the oath that he swore to our ancestor Abraham,
to grant us 74 that we, being rescued from the hands of our enemies,
might serve him without fear, 75 in holiness and righteousness
in his presence all our days.
76 And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High,
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,
77 to give his people knowledge of salvation
by the forgiveness of their sins.
78 Because of the tender mercy of our God,
the dawn from on high will break[c] upon[d] us,
79 to shine upon those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the way of peace.”
Footnotes
[a] 1.68 Or has visited
[b] 1.69 Gk a horn of salvation
[c] 1.78 Other ancient authorities read has broken
[d] 1.78 Gk will visit
Luke 1:67-79 [Amplified Bible]
Zacharias’ Prophecy
67 Now Zacharias his father was filled with the Holy Spirit and empowered by Him, and he prophesied, saying,
68 “Blessed (praised, glorified) be the Lord, the God of Israel,
Because He has visited us and brought redemption to His people,
69 And He has raised up a [a]horn of salvation [a mighty and valiant Savior] for us
In the house of David His servant—
70 Just as He promised by the mouth of His holy prophets from the most ancient times—
71 Salvation from our enemies,
And from the hand of all who hate us;
72 To show mercy [as He promised] to our fathers,
And to remember His holy covenant [the promised blessing],
73 The oath which He swore to Abraham our father,
74 To grant us that we, being rescued from the hand of our enemies,
Might serve Him without fear,
75 In holiness [being set apart] and righteousness [being upright] before Him all our days.
76 “And you, child, will be called a prophet of the Most High;
For you will go on before the Lord (the Messiah) to prepare His ways;
77 To give His people the knowledge of salvation
By the forgiveness of their sins,
78 Because of the tender mercy of our God,
With which the Sunrise (the Messiah) from on high will dawn and visit us,
79 To shine upon those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
To guide our feet [in a straight line] into the way of peace and serenity.”
Footnotes
[a] Luke 1:69 In the OT a symbol of strength.
Wednesday, November 27, 2024
Today in the Mission Yearbook - Not by offerings alone: new strategies for sustainable ministry and good stewardship
Today in the Mission Yearbook - Black Mountain Presbyterian Church and volunteers bringing ‘beautiful spirit’ to feeding and supporting the community
Tuesday, November 26, 2024
The Sligo Presbyterian Church Celebration Service - Sunday, November 24, 2024
Sunday's Message - Our Reason for Thanks
Of course, I don’t have to tell anyone here this morning that Thanksgiving is this Thursday, or make that Wednesday if your daughter is dating a guy from Weirton who’s laid claim to the actual day. But that’s alright, we get Christmas, on December 25th.
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And I’ll tell you, that was one of the adjustments I had to make when I moved out to Montana in 1987. Of course, being a young minister, the folks in the church took good care of me. In fact, one family had me over about four times, and I really appreciated it. But you know, they had this one tradition that we never did back home, and it always made me a little nervous. You see, before the meal, as we were sitting around the table, the host would have us go around and offer one thing for which we were thankful. And I can tell you, when we did that, man, it brought me right back to my church youth group and how, at the end of each meeting, we’d sit in a circle and go around making a prayer request. Now, as I remember, unless you were one of the first to speak, there was a lot of pressure coming up with something that didn’t make you sound really shallow or, you know, like a copy-cat. You know, as I was sitting at the table, silently waiting my turn, all those memories came rushing back. Because, I can tell you, whether it’s making requests or offering thanks, there’s a lot of pressure if you’re at the wrong spot in the circle. I mean, the people at the beginning would get all the good stuff, you know, like being thankful for Jesus and family and friends, while those at the end, well, they were stuck with the neck and gizzards. And good night nurse, no one wants to thank God for a bunch of leftovers. At least, that’s what I felt.
But if any of y’all have ever felt this way too, I’ve got some outstanding news for you. We’re going to talk about one reason for us to be thankful that I’m pretty sure no one at the beginning of the circle will mention, that is, if they’re not here this morning or streaming online. And I’ll tell you, it’s also related to another special day, in fact, today to be exact. You see, this is the scripture assigned for this particular Sunday according to the common lectionary:
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Jesus answered, “Are you asking this on your own or did someone tell you about me?”
“You know I'm not a Jew!” Pilate said. “Your own people and the chief priests brought you to me. What have you done?”
Jesus answered, “My kingdom doesn't belong to this world. If it did, my followers would have fought to keep me from being handed over to our leaders. No, my kingdom doesn't belong to this world.”
“So you are a king,” Pilate replied.
“You are saying that I am a king,” Jesus told him. “I was born into this world to tell about the truth. And everyone who belongs to the truth knows my voice.” [John 18:33-37, CEV]
Now, that’s the passage for this morning, because today is Christ the King Sunday. Next week we start Advent, with everything pointing toward the birth of Jesus. And traditionally, on this last Sunday in the church year, we focus on the kingship of Jesus Christ. And although it's only a coincidence that these two days are always in the same week, Thanksgiving and Christ the King Sunday, I think one really has a lot to do with the other. I mean, I believe one of the things for which we can be thankful is that Christ is not only our king, but one that's so much more than anything else we could find on earth. You see, for this, we can be thankful. And that’s what we’re going to talk about this morning.
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Pilate ordered the charge against Jesus to be written on a board and put above the cross. It read, “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.” The words were written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek. [John 19:19, CEV]
You see, the longer Pilate was with Jesus, the more convinced he became that Jesus really was a king.
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In the beginning was the one
who is called the Word.
The Word was with God
and was truly God.
From the very beginning
the Word was with God.
And with this Word,
God created all things.
Nothing was made
without the Word.
Everything that was created
received its life from him,
and his life gave light
to everyone. [John 1:1-4, CEV]
You see, since “the Word became a human being and lived here with us,” [John 1:14a, CEV] in other words, since this word entered into our space and time, Jesus Christ rules with the kind of control, the kind of authority, the kind of power that can make all those forces that scare us so much, you know, all those people and groups that cause us to doubt the future and to give up hope; man, he makes them look like a joke. First, Jesus is a king who has power.
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When the Son of Man comes in his glory with all his angels, he will sit on his royal throne. The people of all nations will be brought before him, and he will separate them, as shepherds separate their sheep from their goats.
He will place the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. Then the king will say to those on his right, “My father has blessed you! Come and receive the kingdom that was prepared for you before the world was created. When I was hungry, you gave me something to eat, and when I was thirsty, you gave me something to drink. When I was a stranger, you welcomed me, and when I was naked, you gave me clothes to wear. When I was sick, you took care of me, and when I was in jail, you visited me.” [Matthew 25:31-36, CEV]
You see, second, ours is a just king, but even that’s not all.
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If you are tired from carrying heavy burdens, come to me and I will give you rest. Take the yoke I give you. Put it on your shoulders and learn from me. I am gentle and humble, and you will find rest. This yoke is easy to bear, and this burden is light. [Matthew 11:28-30, CEV]
You see, like a good king, Jesus rules with power and justice and compassion, and for that I think we can all be thankful.
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Jesus answered, “My kingdom doesn't belong to this world. If it did, my followers would have fought to keep me from being handed over to our leaders. No, my kingdom doesn't belong to this world.” [John 18:36, CEV]
Now that’s what Jesus said, and even though I think Pilate picked up on the earthly king stuff, I’m not sure he ever realized how much more Jesus was than that
But you know something, we can. I mean, we can recognize that Jesus’s kingdom is not from around here, because, praise the Lord, he does two things that would be impossible for any person, king or not, to do.
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The Word was in the world,
but no one knew him,
though God had made the world
with his Word.
He came into his own world,
but his own nation
did not welcome him.
Yet some people accepted him
and put their faith in him.
So he gave them the right
to be the children of God.
They were not God's children
by nature or because
of any human desires.
God himself was the one
who made them his children. [John 1:10-13, CEV]
Now that’s what John wrote. You see, we don’t have to find God. Why? Because right here and right now, God has come to us in the person of Jesus Christ and he has found us. What does it say in that hymn, “I was lost but now am found.”
That’s one thing Jesus has done.
I have told you these things while I am still with you. But the Holy Spirit will come and help you, because the Father will send the Spirit to take my place. The Spirit will teach you everything and will remind you of what I said while I was with you. [John 14:25-26, CEV]
You see, not only does our king come to us, he enables us to understand who he is, which in turn gives us the ability to believe. And in my book, that’s absolutely amazing. And when we remember how he also brings the presence of God into our lives, these are two examples of how Jesus is so much more than just an earthly king. And for that, man, we can give him thanks.
Now this Thursday, or maybe Wednesday, we’ll be celebrating Thanksgiving with family and friends. And even if you don’t have to face that high pressure stress of being to the left of the host as you wait your turn to share something for which you’re thankful without sounding like you’re either really shallow or just another copy-cat, even if that’s not part of your tradition, just remember that we do have an outstanding reason to be thankful. You see, we can all be thankful that Christ is king. I mean, he’s a good king who rules with power and justice and compassion. But he’s also better than any earthly leader, because not only does he bring us into the presence of God he also gives us the ability to believe and to follow. You see, as members of his kingdom, this can be our reason for thanks.
Bible Readings for November 26, 2024
Monday, November 25, 2024
Minute for Mission: International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
PC(USA) Weekly News
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