MWR : Following Jesus today

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June 8, 2009 issue

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Tags: Congregations

Following Jesus today

Sermon on the Mount Mennonite, Sioux Falls, S.D.

By Roine Klassen

Prior to our Easter celebration, the congregation shared in a Tenebrae service and communion on Maundy Thursday. The question posed was “How do you follow Jesus today?” What were the news headlines 2,000 years ago? Did the Jews suppress the reports about an empty tomb? The disciples weren’t sure what to do and secluded themselves in an upper room. But they had to check out the story of the women about the empty tomb and the men in white. Christians are all witnesses to the events of the day since the resurrection is the basis of our faith. Death no longer reigns since nothing can stop God’s love.

Sherri Donaldson shared from her devotional reading about hands. Pierced, clean, strong, praying, busy and blessing were words to describe hands. The description of open hands asked us to think about what we hold on to tightly? What should we be more willing to share?

In preparation for the Minnkota Festival for World Relief, July 24-25, the clinking of coins is heard each Sunday as change is collected for the Penny Power project of clean water. Prayers, donations of items for the sale and workers at the sale are needed to secure the dollars that supports MCC’s work.

The Scripture lesson on May 3 was the account of Phillip’s encounter with the traveler reading from Isaiah and his baptism that followed his understanding the word. Pastor Rosie Epp posed the question, “What is to prevent me from being baptized?” This summer members will share about their baptism experiences.

Some of the congregation are participating in the study recommended by Mennonite Church USA about how to live as Christians in a world that is not Christian in preparation for the conference this summer.

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