Worship Focus, Sunday, May 18, 2008

westminster presbyterian church, tiburon, California

                                                                       Visit the church website: www.wpctiburon.org

                                                                  240 Tiburon Boulevard, Tiburon, California, 94920

                                                                                            415-383-5272

This weekly study guide seeks to help members, friends, and visitors prepare for the upcoming Sunday service and teaching.  To be removed from or added to the e-mail list write wpcsec@yahoo.com or call the church office: 383-5272, ext. 10. 

                                                                                      

   

THEME FOR THE SUNDAY WORSHIP – Jesus went far out of his way to travel from Tyre to the Sea of Galilee surprising strangers in the Roman cities, the Decapolis, with his compassion and care, with his caring hands and gentle touch.  When today’s news is dominated by war, earthquake, cyclone, and hunger, we can feel paralyzed and hopeless, unable to respond in a way that makes a difference.  What more can we do but watch and listen for the need that presents itself on our own doorstep and let God’s healing love flow through us?

This Sunday at 10:00 we celebrate and thank the teachers of Westminster who have given of their time and faith, wisdom and humor this year to our children, teens, and adults.  Thank you! 

SERMON REFLECTION                                Respond-Ability                                   Barbara Rowe

“Blessed are the Peacemakers…..”  Matthew 5:9

SCRIPTURE:

Isaiah 35:1-4a, 5-8

The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing.  The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon.  They shall see the glory of the Lord, the majesty of our God.  Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees.  Say to those who are of a fearful heart, “Be strong, do not fear!”

Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy.  For waters shall break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert; the burning sand shall become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water; the haunt of jackals shall become a swamp, the grass shall become reeds and rushes.  A highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Holy Way.

Mark 7:31-37

Jesus returned from the region of Tyre, and went by way of Sidon towards the Sea of Galilee, in the region of the Decapolis.  They brought to him a deaf man who had an impediment in his speech; and they begged him to lay his hand on him.  He took him aside in private, away from the crowd, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spat and touched his tongue.  Then looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, “Ephphatha,” that is, “Be opened.”  And immediately his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly.  Then Jesus ordered them to tell no one; but the more he ordered them, the more zealously they proclaimed it.  They were astounded beyond measure, saying, “He has done everything well; he even makes the deaf to hear and the mute to speak.”

QUOTES

Deep autumn –

my neighbor,

how does he live, I wonder?

Japanese Haiku by Matsuo Basho, translated by Robert Hass

“If we cannot end now our differences, at least we can help make the world safe for diversity.  For, in the final analysis, our most basic common link is that we all inhabit this small planet.  We all breathe the same air.  We all cherish our children’s futures.  And we are all mortal.”                                                                                President John F. Kennedy

Jesus asked, “Which of these three, the priest, the Levite, or the outcast Samaritan proved himself a neighbor to the man who fell into the bandits’ hands?”  The religious scholar replied, “The one who showed compassion toward him.”  Jesus said to him, “Go, and do the same.”                                                           Luke 10:36-37

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION, MEDITATION, AND PRAYER

In a quiet time and place of your day, read through the Scripture passages slowly, pausing to listen to the Spirit offer meaning to you. 

Have you experienced your family or you community seeking healing for you?

What feelings come to you as you imagine Jesus caring for a stranger by touching with his fingers, spitting, and touching with his tongue? 
Are there loved ones or strangers that you meet in your day who would be healed by a listening ear or a gentle touch?  Who will offer it?  Who will make a compassionate connection?  Who will think to themselves, “How does he live, I wonder?”