Thinking Theologically | Reece's Peaces

Over the last few weeks, we have begun a new sermon series called Thinking Theologically. This series has been a little different from some of what we have done in the past. Rather than centering on stories or themes, these sermons are built around big theological questions of our faith. In other words, instead of simply asking, What does the Bible say?, we are also asking, What does this tell us about who God is, who we are, and how we live out our faith? 

I know that for some of you this feels exciting and refreshing. For others it may feel new or even a little unfamiliar. That is exactly the point. We are stretching ourselves together as a community of faith. Every Christian, whether they realize it or not, has a theology. We all hold beliefs about God, human nature, salvation, and sin. Sometimes we have clear words for these beliefs. At other times they live more quietly in the background of our lives. This series is an opportunity to bring those beliefs into the light, reflect on them, and see how they connect with the good news of Jesus Christ. 

So far, we have spent time reflecting on human nature and on sin. These two subjects go hand in hand as we consider both the beauty and the brokenness of our lives. In the weeks to come we will turn our attention to salvation before exploring our central question:     Who is God? 

But this series is not just about what I say from the pulpit. It is also about what you are thinking, wrestling with, and learning. To make this more interactive, we want your input for the final sermon of the series. On September 21st, we will conclude with a sermon    chosen by you, the congregation. We have cards available at the church for you to write down your questions or suggestions. You can also join the conversation by commenting on our Facebook post. The question or theme that receives the most engagement will become the focus of our closing message. 

This is your chance to help shape what we study together. My hope is that as we think     theologically, we will grow not only in knowledge but also in faithfulness. Theology is not just an academic exercise. It is a way of seeking to know God more deeply and to live more fully into the love of Christ. 

I encourage you to be part of the journey. Pray, reflect, and share your thoughts. Together, let us continue discovering the richness of our faith and the God who is always at work within and among us. 

Take My Life & Let It Be | Marc's Music Notables

Frances Ridley Havergal (1836-1879) was an unusually gifted and passionate saint. The daughter of a church rector, she was raised in Worcester, England and attended schools in England and Germany. In her love of learning, she grew to become an able scholar (even becoming proficient in both Hebrew and Greek) and a talented singer and pianist.

The deepest desire of her heart, however, was in “personal spiritual influence upon others” (Benson). This led her to value most of all her ability to write; for that reason she expended the majority of her life’s labors in writing prose and poetry that would be spiritually beneficial to the saints.

Havergal suffered poor health and was taken by the Lord at just 42 years of age. But the Lord prospered her ministry; her writings had a large impact in her own day, and several continue to be read and sung today.

The story of “Take My Life” gives a good picture of the kind of passion and joy she had in ministering to others. She once recounted the story behind it:

Perhaps you will be interested to know the origin of the consecration hymn, “Take my life.” I went for a little visit of five days. There were ten persons in the house, some unconverted and long prayed for, some converted but not rejoicing Christians. He gave me the prayer, “Lord, give me all in this house!” And He just did! Before I left the house every one had got a blessing. The last night of my visit I was too happy to sleep, and passed most of the night in praise and renewal of my own consecration, and these little couplets formed themselves and chimed in my heart one after another, till they finished with, “Ever, ONLY, ALL for Thee!”

In her own words, the hymn is a “consecration hymn” in which the singer commits all of her possessions and being to the Lord for his purposes. It expresses what each of us ought to feel and long for, even if at times we see so much disparity between the words and our actual state that we have to sing most of it in hope and faith.

Crack Chicken | Jenna's Favorite Recipes

This is the most addicting way to eat chicken, hence the colloquial name, “crack chicken.”  It’s truly delicious, and guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser! This version is cleaner than a lot of recipes online, which use canned soup or ranch dressing as the base for the sauce. There’s no need for prepackaged, unhealthy ingredients in this recipe, and you still get so much flavor! Serve it over rice or baked potatoes, and you have a hearty meal. Add veggies to get some    extra nutritional value, and you won’t need to feel guilty about how good it tastes!

Ingredients:

· 1 package bacon

· 4-5 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

· 3Tbsp butter

· 1 block cream cheese

· 1/2 cup sour cream

· Garlic powder (to taste)

· Onion powder (to taste)

· Salt & pepper (to taste)

· Heavy cream or chicken broth

· *EpicureanSpecialty truffle parmesan & black garlic seasoning (optional)

· Broccoli, zucchini, or spinach (optional)

 Directions:

1.  Cook bacon until crispy. Let cool, then crumble into small pieces. Set aside.

2. Cook & shred chicken breasts. Set aside.

3. Sautee veggies until cooked to desired tenderness, if using. Set aside.

4. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter, over medium-low heat, then add the cream cheese. Continue heating until cream cheese is melted.

5. Stir in the sour cream, then add the seasonings. You can play with other spices and flavors if you’re feeling adventurous!

6. If the sauce is thick, add a little heavy cream or chicken broth until it reaches the right   consistency. If it’s too thin, stir in some powdered parmesan.

7. Combine everything in a crock pot or baking dish. Heat everything together in the crock pot on low for 1-2 hours, or bake at 350 until heated through (15-20 min).

8. Serve hot over rice, baked potatoes, or even on bread. Or just eat it by itself!

 *This seasoning adds THE BEST flavor to this dish! I’ve found it at Costco, but you can also order it on Amazon. Use just a tablespoon to start with, then add a little at a time until it tastes right to you.

An Invitation to Pray at the Table | Reece's Peaces

At our church, we practice an open table. This means not only is everyone welcome to partake in the Lord’s Supper, but anyone is also invited to lead the church in prayer at the table. Several years ago, we intentionally moved away from the tradition of reserving this role only for elders. We made that change because it reflects our theology. We are an open and welcoming church that believes every Christian is called to be active in some form of ministry. We believe all are called not only to participate in worship but also to lead. 

Even after that shift, many of our elders have continued to be the ones who pray most often at the table. We are deeply grateful for their faithful leadership. But today, I want to extend an invitation to everyone, especially those who haven’t done so before, to consider offering a communion prayer during worship. 

Praying at the table is a simple yet meaningful act. You can write your own prayer, or if you’re more comfortable, I have a collection of communion prayers available each Sunday morning. You are welcome to look through them and choose one that speaks to you. Or, if you feel led, you do not have to prepare anything in advance. You can simply trust the Holy Spirit to guide your words.

We are a church that believes every person has a role in ministry. From the youngest and newest members to those who have been with us for decades, each of you has a gift from God. This is one way to use that gift to bless our community. 

 As we begin this new chapter in our church’s life and ministry, I hope you will consider signing up to pray at the table. You’ll find the sign-up sheet in the gathering area. Whether you're just beginning your journey with Christ or have walked with Him for a long time, you are invited. I hope many of you will take this opportunity to step forward and share in this sacred moment with us. 

The Hymns Of Fanny Crosby | Marc's Music Notables

It might seem unlikely that a blind writer of hymns living in a slum and a wealthy woman living in a mansion would have anything in common, but Fanny Crosby, the blind hymn writer, was a humble woman with a number of distinguished friends. Grover Cleveland, who later became President of the United States, met Fanny Crosby as a young man, and they became lifelong friends.

The friend in the mansion was Phoebe Knapp, the daughter of a Methodist evangelist. When she was just sixteen years old, Phoebe married Joseph Fairchild Knapp, a young man who went on to found the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company.

The Knapps worshiped at the John Street Methodist Church in lower Manhattan, which is where Fanny Crosby also worshiped, and so a friendship was born. Phoebe, the wealthy matron, often invited Fanny, the blind hymn writer, to her palatial home.

Phoebe enjoyed music and had a music room furnished with a collection of musical instruments. During one of Fanny’s visits, Phoebe invited her to the music room, where Phoebe sat down at the keyboard and played a tune that she had written. “What does that say?” she asked. Fanny clapped her hands in delight and said, “That says, ‘Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!'” And so a hymn was born.

During her lifetime, Fanny Crosby wrote eight thousand hymns, many of which became famous - but “Blessed Assurance” just might be the most famous of all.

OTHER HYMNS BY FANNY CROSBY:
All the Way My Savior Leads Me

Jesus Is Tenderly Calling You Home

I Am Thine, O Lord

Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior

Praise Him, Praise Him

Rescue the Perishing

Tell Me the Story of Jesus

To God Be the Glory