Monday, March 31, 2025
Bible Readings for March 31, 2025
Sunday, March 30, 2025
Bible Readings for March 30, 2025
Saturday, March 29, 2025
Bible Readings for March 29, 2025
Friday, March 28, 2025
Mission Yearbook: Daring to say — and play — the ‘G’ word
Prayer Requests to be shared during Sunday’s service
On Sunday, March 30, Sligo Presbyterian Church will lift to God the following needs:
- Amy Milanovich
- Angel Wright
- Angela Zitman
- Barbara Yarchuk
- Betty Milanovich
- Betty Phillips
- Betty Terwint
- Bill Wingard
- Bob Varner
- Bus Clark
- Bus's Sister-in-Law
- Butch, Betsy's brother
- Butch, Cass's brother
- Cara Maguire Defibaugh
- Chris Sibert
- Corbin
- Dan Kemp
- Dan Wallace
- Denny Myers
- Duane Quinn
- Gabe
- Jane
- Jason
- Jeb Rapp
- Jim Mahle
- Jim Mason
- Joann Klamer
- Jodi McNaughton
- Jordan Myers
- Lana Todd
- Landdon Chalmers
- Len Gaulin
- Levi Jack
- Libby Miller
- Lori Myers
- Margie Henry
- Mary Lou McCormack
- Mason Martin
- Matt
- Michael Curran
- Nancy Blauser
- Nancy Wilson
- Patty Divins
- Robb Summerville
- Robbie Burns
- Roberta Fetterman
- Robyn Bartmas
- Ron & Shelly Haines
- Ron Lerch
- Rowan Pinson
- Rudy
- Ryan Cornecki & Family
- Sam & Carol Mason
- Tadd French
- The Cambrie Priester Family
- The Christopher McNutt Family
- The Kopp Family
- The Landon Akins Family
- Van Watkins
- Wes Summerville
- Zach Schieberl
The Bulletin for the SPC Worship Service - Sunday, March 30, 2025
As we approach Easter, Christians all over the world focus their attention on the cross and tomb. And because of this, the usual challenge to follow Jesus just doesn’t seem appropriate. I mean, let’s face it, we’re not Jesus, and we usually stop short of going all the way to the cross and tomb; therefore, using him as an example just doesn’t seem particularly helpful, not as we deal with issues much less dramatic than the crucifixion and the resurrection. But fortunately, Jesus wasn’t the only character in this story. In fact, there were some who just might provide examples that we should follow while there were others whose actions and attitudes we might want to avoid. And this will be our focus on each of the Sundays leading up to and including Easter.
You see, using the Gospel of John, we’ll look at the following six men and women so that we might better understand who they were, what role they played in this story, and how we might use their examples in our own lives:
- March 16 – Philip
- March 23 – Peter
- March 30 – Annas & Caiaphas
- April 6 – Pilate
- April 13 – Nicodemus
- April 20 – Mary Magdalene
During the third service, we'll focus on the High Priests Annas & Caiaphas. 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.
.jpg)
Bible Readings for March 28, 2025
Thursday, March 27, 2025
Witness, Share and Evangelize: Mission Yearbook: What WWF action figures can teac...
Bible Readings for March 27, 2025
Wednesday, March 26, 2025
Mission Yearbook: Wrestling with imagination and creativity
On the Road to Jerusalem: A Study of Luke (A Different Kind of Christ - Luke 9:28-50)
- Session 1 - The Announcements (Luke 1:1-56)
- Session 2 - The Births (Luke 1:57–2:21)
- Session 3 - Jesus in the Temple (Luke 2:22-52)
- Session 4 - The Ministry of the Baptist (Luke 3:1-20)
- Session 5 - Jesus is Identified (Luke 3:21–4:13)
- Session 6 - Off and Running (Luke 4:14–5:16)
- Session 7 - Early Controversies (Luke 5:17–6:11)
- Session 8 - Choosing and Preparing the 12 (Luke 6:12-49)
- Session 9 - The Christ (Luke 7:1-50)
- Session 10 - Hearing and Doing (Luke 8:1-21)
- Session 11 - Revealing the Power of God (Luke 8:22-56)
- Session 12 - You Are the Christ of God (Luke 9:1-27)
- Session 13 - A Different Kind of Christ (Luke 9:28-50)
- Session 14 - Beginning the Journey (Luke 9:51–10:24)
- Session 15 - Love of God and Neighbor (Luke 10:25-42)
- Session 16 - Prayer (Luke 11:1-13)
- Session 17 - Conflicts and Controversies (Luke 11:14-11:54)
- Session 18 - Getting Ready [Part 1] (Luke 12:1-12:34)
- Session 19 - Getting Ready [Part 2] (Luke 12:35–13:9)
- Session 20 - Unexpected Reversals (Luke 13:10-13:35)
- Session 21 - Kingdom Etiquette (Luke 14:1-35)
- Session 22 - Parables of Joy (Luke 15:1-32)
- Session 23 - The Problem with Wealth (Luke 16:1-31)
- Session 24 - Forgiveness and Faith (Luke 17:1-19)
- Session 25 - The Kingdom Is Coming (Luke 17:20–18:8)
- Session 26 - Rich and Poor (Luke 18:9-18:30)
- Session 27 - Approaching the City (Luke 18:31–19:28)
- Session 28 - The Entry into Jerusalem (Luke 19:29-48)
- Session 29 - Jesus in the Temple Again (Luke 20:1–21:4)
- Session 30 - The Coming End (Luke 21:5-38)
- Session 31 - The Last Supper (Luke 22:1-20)
- Session 32 - Parting Words (Luke 22:21-38)
- Session 33 - Prayer, Arrest and Denials (Luke 22:39-62)
- Session 34 - Trials (Luke 22:63–23:25)
- Session 35 - Crucifixion and Death (Luke 23:26-56)
- Session 36 - Empty Tomb and Emmaus Road (Luke 24:1-35)
- Session 37 - The Blessing and Departure (Luke 24:36-53)
In our thirteenth session, we looked at Luke 9:28-50 and talked about how Jesus broadened the meaning of the title "Christ." The discussion and passage are below.
Luke 9:28-50 [New Revised Standard Version]
And all were astounded at the greatness of God. While everyone was amazed at all that he was doing, he said to his disciples, “Let these words sink into your ears: The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into human hands.” But they did not understand this saying; its meaning was concealed from them, so that they could not perceive it. And they were afraid to ask him about this saying. An argument arose among them as to which one of them was the greatest. But Jesus, aware of their inner thoughts, took a little child and put it by his side, and said to them, “Whoever welcomes this child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me; for the least among all of you is the greatest.” John answered, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not follow with us.” But Jesus said to him, “Do not stop him; for whoever is not against you is for you.”
Bible Readings for March 26, 2025
Tuesday, March 25, 2025
Mission Yearbook: Baltimore church champions eco-friendly initiatives for a thriving community and planet
The Sligo Presbyterian Church Celebration Service - Sunday, March 23, 2025
You see, using the Gospel of John, we’ll look at the following six men and women so that we might better understand who they were, what role they played in this story, and how we might use their examples in our own lives:
- March 16 – Philip
- March 23 – Peter
- March 30 – Annas
- April 6 – Pilate
- April 13 – Nicodemus
- April 20 – Mary Magdalene
On Sunday, March 23, we looked at the Apostle Peter and discussed how we might develop a quality that he lacked, self-control. Below is a video of the service, the podcast of the sermon and the service bulletin. 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.
Sunday's Message - Beside(s) Jesus: The Apostle Peter
.jpg)
You see, using the Gospel of John, we’ll look at the following six men and women so that we might better understand who they were, what role they played in this story, and how we might use their examples in our own lives:
- March 16 – Philip
- March 23 – Peter
- March 30 – Annas
- April 6 – Pilate
- April 13 – Nicodemus
- April 20 – Mary Magdalene
On Sunday, March 23, we looked at the Apostle Peter and discussed how we might develop a quality he lacked, self-control. Below is the podcast and text of the sermon. 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.
Well, congratulations, this week we crossed over, didn’t we? I mean, last Sunday we were in winter. And the temperature was cold. And the skies were grey. And for all of us who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder, man, we were feeling all emotionally depressed and extremely fatigued and deprived of sunlight. But that was last week. Now the temperature is warm. And the sky is clear. And we’re no longer feeling down and tired and denied. Why? Because it’s spring, ring-a-ding ding.
And this morning, we’re going to move on to Peter. And I’ve to tell you, while Philip was pretty much a minor character even to the Evangelist John, Peter, the Rock, was a big deal in all the gospels. But even though he was really important in a lot of ways, he did have one characteristic that got him into trouble more than once. You see, in spite of all his strengths, and there were many, Peter had a tendency to be impulsive, you know, to act before thinking. I guess you could say he lacked self-control. That was Peter.
.jpg)
But I’ll tell you, because I don’t think I’m alone, that’s what we’re going to be looking at this morning. You see, using Peter as an example, we’re going to talk about how we might be better at controlling ourselves. And as we did last week, we’ll approach this by answering three questions. First, what role did Peter play in the last week of Jesus’s life? And then, second, who was Peter according to John? And then, third, how can we use Peter’s example? In other words, how can we avoid the negative consequences of Peter’s impulsiveness by strengthening our own self-control? Now that’s what we’re going to be doing for the next ten minutes or so.
.jpg)
Jesus knew he had come from God and would go back to God. He also knew that the Father had given him complete power. So during the meal Jesus got up, removed his outer garment, and wrapped a towel around his waist. He put some water into a large bowl. Then he began washing his disciples’ feet and drying them with the towel he was wearing.
But when he came to Simon Peter, this disciple asked, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”
Jesus answered, “You don’t really know what I am doing, but later you will understand.”
“You will never wash my feet!” Peter replied.
“If I don’t wash you,” Jesus told him, “you don’t really belong to me.”
Peter said, “Lord, don’t wash just my feet. Wash my hands and my head.” [John 13:3-9, CEV]
Now that’s one example of him being impulsive, talking with thinking. And a little later, after Jesus had prayed in the garden and as he was allowing himself to be arrested, this happened:
Simon Peter had brought along a sword. He pulled it out and struck at Malchus, the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear. Jesus told Peter, “Put your sword away. I must drink from the cup that the Father has given me.” [John 18:10-11, CEV]
Again, a second instance of Peter being impulsive. But without a doubt, I think the best example of this “speaking before thinking” involved a promise he’d made earlier and some actions he took later. And I bet most of y’all know what I’m talking about. I mean, as to Peter’s promise, this was what John wrote:
Simon Peter asked, “Lord, where are you going?”
Jesus answered, “You can’t go with me now, but later on you will.”
Peter asked, “Lord, why can’t I go with you now? I would die for you!”
“Would you really die for me?” Jesus asked. “I tell you for certain before a rooster crows, you will say three times that you don’t even know me.” [John 13:36-38, CEV]
Now just think about what Peter said, “Lord, why can’t I go with you now? I would die for you!” [John 13:37b, CEV] I’ll tell you, that would have sounded really impressive, if this hadn’t happened later:
Simon Peter and another disciple followed Jesus. That disciple knew the high priest, and he followed Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest’s house. Peter stayed outside near the gate. But the other disciple came back out and spoke to the girl at the gate. She let Peter go in, but asked him, “Aren’t you one of that man’s followers?”
“No, I am not!” Peter answered.
It was cold, and the servants and temple police had made a charcoal fire. They were warming themselves around it, when Peter went over and stood near the fire to warm himself. [John 18:15-18, CEV]
While Simon Peter was standing there warming himself, someone asked him, “Aren’t you one of Jesus’ followers?”
Again Peter denied it and said, “No, I am not!”
One of the high priest’s servants was there. He was a relative of the servant whose ear Peter had cut off, and he asked, “Didn’t I see you in the garden with that man?”
Once more Peter denied it, and right then a rooster crowed. [John 15-27, CEV]
Now that’s what happened, example number three. And I’ll tell you, in each case, Peter’s impulsiveness, his tendency to speak first and think later, in other words, his lack of self-control made him look pretty foolish, didn’t it? I mean, it made him look less like a solid rock and more like a quivering bowl of JELLO. And that would sure seem to be the role Peter played in the last week of Jesus’s life.
.jpg)
Jesus later appeared to his disciples along the shore of Lake Tiberias. Simon Peter, Thomas the Twin, Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, and the brothers James and John, were there, together with two other disciples. Simon Peter said, “I’m going fishing!”
The others said, “We will go with you.” They went out in their boat. But they didn’t catch a thing that night.
Early the next morning Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize who he was. Jesus shouted, “Friends, have you caught anything?”
“No!” they answered.
So he told them, “Let your net down on the right side of your boat, and you will catch some fish.”
They did, and the net was so full of fish that they could not drag it up into the boat.
Jesus’ favorite disciple told Peter, “It’s the Lord!” When Simon heard it was the Lord, he put on the clothes he had taken off while he was working. Then he jumped into the water. The boat was only about 100 meters from shore. So the other disciples stayed in the boat and dragged in the net full of fish.
When the disciples got out of the boat, they saw some bread and a charcoal fire with fish on it. Jesus told his disciples, “Bring some of the fish you just caught.” Simon Peter got back into the boat and dragged the net to shore. In it were 153 large fish, but still the net did not rip. [John 21:1-9, CEV]
Now that’s what happened. And frankly, I’m not sure there’s a better example of impulsiveness than this. I mean, after this miracle with the fish caused the disciples to recognize that it was Jesus there on shore, did Peter do what Thomas, Nathanael and the brothers James and John did? I mean, did he stay on the boat so he could help his friends pull the net full of fish onto the shore? Is that what he did? Heck no. Instead, he put on his clothes, jumped in the water and swam to shore. Now, I understand he was excited. But good night nurse, I think, according to the text, the boat may have gotten to the beach before the person who jumped into the water fully dressed. You see, according to John, that’s just who Peter was, a guy who had a lot of enthusiasm but who also lacked self-control.
.jpg)
Jesus left Judea and started for Galilee again. This time he had to go through Samaria, and on his way he came to the town of Sychar. It was near the field that Jacob had long ago given to his son Joseph. The well that Jacob had dug was still there, and Jesus sat down beside it because he was tired from traveling. It was noon, and after Jesus’ disciples had gone into town to buy some food, a Samaritan woman came to draw water from the well. [John 4:3-8, CEV]
.jpg)
The woman left her water jar and ran back into town, where she said to the people, “Come and see a man who told me everything I have ever done! Could he be the Messiah?” Everyone in town went out to see Jesus. [John 4:28-30, CEV]
You see, if anything, her self-control may have actually enhanced her enthusiasm by giving it some focus and direction.
And I’ll tell you, it can do the same for us. You see, before we start shooting from the hip, before we start speaking off the cuff, before we start going with our gut, in other words, before we just react to something impulsively, maybe we should follow the example of that thirsty woman at the well. You see, maybe we should discard some of our assumptions, if only for just a moment, so that we can see the situation from a slightly different angle, one that’s not distorted by all that stuff we sort of carry around all the time. And then, like her, maybe we should pause so that we can ask some questions and then listen to some answers. And then, like her, maybe we should think, you know, think about what we’ve heard and think about what it might mean and think about how we might respond. You see, we can decide to discard. And we can decide to pause. And we can decide to think. And then we can respond with a whole more focus and direction than those who just react and make fools of themselves and others. You see, in my opinion, that’s how we can use the example left to us by Peter.
Of course, having said all that, I recognize that self-control is never easy; at least, it’s not for me. I mean, it’s always easier and more comfortable to let our emotions be our guide and to react, you know, to tell Jesus to give us a bath when a foot washing will do or to draw our sword and chop off an ear or to promise that we’re willing to die only to find that, when the heat is on, we can’t even stop ourselves from denying. Now this we can do.
Bible Readings for March 25, 2025
Sunday, March 23, 2025
Bible Readings for March 23, 2025
Mission Yearbook: Members of the Zo tribe of Myanmar find sanctuary as PC(USA) church
Minute for Mission: World Water Day
Saturday, March 22, 2025
Bible Readings for March 22, 2025
Study, Learn and Grow: Bible Readings for March 22, 2025: Let's read the Bible togeth er in the next year. Today our passages are Numbers 33:40–35:34; Luke 5:12-28; Psalm 65:1-13; and Prove...
Prayers for Our Community, Our Nation and Our World
Friday, March 21, 2025
Mission Yearbook: Youth workers urged to ‘keep encouraging one another’
SPC Community Breakfast
On Sunday, March 16, Sligo Presbyterian Church hosted a special breakfast for our congregation and community. We dined on pancakes, biscuits and gravy, sweet rolls, French toast, and BACON. We thank all those who made this special meal possible. Below are some pictures from the event taken by our new church photographer, Jordan Myers.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Bible Readings for April 6, 2025
Study, Learn and Grow: Bible Readings for April 6, 2025 : Let's read the Bible together in the next year. Today our passages are De...
-
From The Derrick, Monday August 5, 2024 It was sunshine all day long on Sunday, perfect weather for Franklin audiences to crown the winner o...
-
The Sligo Presbyterian Church Brunch Bunch went to Foxburg for lunch on Tuesday, July 9. Thanks to Paula Conner for organizing the outing an... -
Below is the obituary for Bus as it appears on the Varner Funeral Home website. William “Bus, Buster” Clark, 78, of Sligo, passed away on W...
