This Week in Worship • Sign of the Kingdom from Reverend Brent Ross, Senior Pastor at Normal Heights United Methodist Church in San Diego, California, United States for Thursday, 30 July 2015
What you'll find in this week's email:
• This Week in Worship:
Sign of the Kingdom
• The Wedding of Gerry & Linda ( THIS SUNDAY • During Worship )
• Vacation Bible School: VOLUNTEERS & DONATIONS NEEDED!
• VBS Pancake Celebration ( 8/9 • 8:30a - 9:45a )
• New Playgroups Starting August 11th! ( Tues, Thurs, Fri • 10:00a - 11:30a )
• Youth Lock In ( 8/22 - 8/23 • 6:30p - 11:30a )
• NHUMC Shirts Available!
In the New Testament there are two different words that get used to describe when Jesus has performed a miracle. The first, dunamis, gets used in Matthew, Mark and Luke and it, strangely enough, is related to our English word for “dynamite.” The connection between the two words is clear… when Jesus performs a miracle, it is an expression of power. Like an explosion, it grabs people’s attention and doesn’t let go.
But there is another word that gets used as well, and this word is only found in the Gospel of John when Jesus performs a miracle. That word is semeion and it is related to our English word for “sign.” This is because, in the Gospel of John, when Jesus performs such a supernatural act, it isn’t just to display power, but it is instead to be a sign; a pointer to the kingdom of God that he is ushering in. The same Kingdom of God that lives in him fully. His miraculous display is the context of that book is to show the people that the kingdom, grace and future hope that they wait for has fully arrived in Jesus Christ. And so, they don’t need to wait longer or look elsewhere. It is literally in front of them in this man from Nazareth, the everyday son of a carpenter. The Kingdom of God is at hand and closer than they could have ever hoped or expected.
This week, in both the message and our worship service, we will continue to celebrate Jesus presence as a sign of the kingdom. Not only in our Scripture passage which will tells an ancient story of Jesus performing a sign when he turns water into wine at a wedding, but also in a wedding and in the joining together of two people as they celebrate the presence of Christ in their relationship! This Sunday, right after the message, we will celebrate a wedding in worship, as we join together Gerry Gamliel and Linda Lee Wesley in marriage. To be clear, this is our normal worship service, but with a very unique and special way of recognizing the presence of Christ in our community. All are invited!
Please read below for how you can help!
If you’d like to read the Scripture before Sunday, you can find it here!
Scripture Text: John 2:1 On Tuesday[John 2:1 Greek: the third day, equivalent to Hebrew yom shlishi] there was a wedding at Kanah in the Galil; and the mother of Yeshua was there. 2 Yeshua too was invited to the wedding, along with his talmidim. 3 The wine ran out, and Yeshua’s mother said to him, “They have no more wine.” 4 Yeshua replied, “Mother, why should that concern me? — or you? My time hasn’t come yet.” 5 His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” 6 Now six stone water-jars were standing there for the Jewish ceremonial washings, each with a capacity of twenty or thirty gallons. 7 Yeshua told them, “Fill the jars with water,” and they filled them to the brim. 8 He said, “Now draw some out, and take it to the man in charge of the banquet”; and they took it. 9 The man in charge tasted the water; it had now turned into wine! He did not know where it had come from, but the servants who had drawn the water knew. So he called the bridegroom 10 and said to him, “Everyone else serves the good wine first and the poorer wine after people have drunk freely. But you have kept the good wine until now!” 11 This, the first of Yeshua’s miraculous signs, he did at Kanah in the Galil; he manifested his glory, and his talmidim came to trust in him.
John Wesley's Notes-Commentary for John 2:1-11
Verse 2
[2] And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage.
Jesus and his disciples were invited to the marriage — Christ does not take away human society, but sanctifies it. Water might have quenched thirst; yet our Lord allows wine; especially at a festival solemnity. Such was his facility in drawing his disciples at first, who were afterward to go through rougher ways.
Verse 3
[3] And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine.
And wine falling short — How many days the solemnity had lasted, and on which day our Lord came, or how many disciples might follow him, does not appear.
His mother saith to him, They have not wine — Either she might mean, supply them by miracle; or, Go away, that others may go also, before the want appears.
Verse 4
[4] Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.
Jesus saith to her, Woman — So our Lord speaks also, John 19:26. It is probable this was the constant appellation which he used to her. He regarded his Father above all, not knowing even his mother after the flesh. What is it to me and thee? A mild reproof of her inordinate concern and untimely interposal.
Mine hour is not yet come — The time of my working this miracle, or of my going away. May we not learn hence, if his mother was rebuked for attempting to direct him in the days of his flesh, how absurd it is to address her as if she had a right to command him, on the throne of his glory? Likewise how indecent it is for us to direct his supreme wisdom, as to the time or manner in which he shall appear for us in any of the exigencies of life!
Verse 5
[5] His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.
His mother saith to the servants — Gathering from his answer he was about to do something extraordinary.
Verse 6
[6] And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece.
The purifying of the Jews — Who purified themselves by frequent washings particularly before eating.
Verse 9
[9] When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom,
The governor of the feast — The bridegroom generally procured some friend to order all things at the entertainment.
Verse 10
[10] And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now.
And saith — St. John barely relates the words he spoke, which does not imply his approving them.
When they have well drunk — does not mean any more than toward the close of the entertainment.
Verse 11
[11] This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.
And his disciples believed — More steadfastly.
Sermon Story "The Wedding" by Gary Lee Parker with Scripture Text: John 2:1 On Tuesday[John 2:1 Greek: the third day, equivalent to Hebrew yom shlishi] there was a wedding at Kanah in the Galil; and the mother of Yeshua was there. 2 Yeshua too was invited to the wedding, along with his talmidim. 3 The wine ran out, and Yeshua’s mother said to him, “They have no more wine.” 4 Yeshua replied, “Mother, why should that concern me? — or you? My time hasn’t come yet.” 5 His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” 6 Now six stone water-jars were standing there for the Jewish ceremonial washings, each with a capacity of twenty or thirty gallons. 7 Yeshua told them, “Fill the jars with water,” and they filled them to the brim. 8 He said, “Now draw some out, and take it to the man in charge of the banquet”; and they took it. 9 The man in charge tasted the water; it had now turned into wine! He did not know where it had come from, but the servants who had drawn the water knew. So he called the bridegroom 10 and said to him, “Everyone else serves the good wine first and the poorer wine after people have drunk freely. But you have kept the good wine until now!” 11 This, the first of Yeshua’s miraculous signs, he did at Kanah in the Galil; he manifested his glory, and his talmidim came to trust in him.
as I read this Scripture, I am reminded of Jesus presence at this wedding and the call of His Mother for Him to do something about the fact that the wine has been drank up Jesus at first tells His Mother that this is not His business because it was not His time yet. His Mother went ahead with a faith telling the waiters or servants to do whatever Jesus asked them to do. Jesus asked them to go and fill the common ordinary water pots that were used for the common washing of the people to be cleansed then take some and give to the head steward. When they did and the steward tasted the wine which was better than any of the other ordinary wine already used at the wedding, Jesus showed His ability to be the Messiah of Israel. Now we come to the wedding of Gerry and Linda at this ordinary worship service that is now their wedding ceremony This ordinary day of worship is a day to celebrate there decision to live the rest of their lives as husband and life to grow together in their love for each other and God. Yes, it is scary because as Linda has stated that her first marriage was a disaster and she does not want the same thing to happen. I can relate to that scarinesst because of my own marriage where my son, James, came into existence From the divorce I went through and the receiving of full physical and legal custody of James I did not want to get into another relationship because of my own fears while rasing James with the best ablility God has and continues to give. One though always comes to my mind is the fact that my heart fell in love with this woman who I waited on in the Henry Wilson's OB Shell Station that turned out to be the wife of my own wife's brother. The sense that went over me in the OB Service station with with woman occur when I was married to James' mother and this woman came into the gas station in Las Vegas and the sense of my heart occurred again. I could not believe this, but this was the fact I was married to James' mother she was married to James' uncle Shortly after that my wife wanted to separate and she filed for divorce than when I was living back east her husband divorce her. Now, even though I sense my heart is still with her I realize that we would never come together because of differences in social-economic backgrounds and current circumstances. As we pray for Gerry and Linda's marriage we come to the table to eat the Body of Jesus and drink His blood through our participation in the HOly Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. As we come to receive healing for us and blessings on their marriage, we come singing the Hymn "O Perfect Love:"
"Wedding Song" by Peter, Paul & Mary
Every week in worship is a celebration, but this week will be even more so! That’s because this Sunday during worship, we will be celebrating the wedding of Gerry and Linda, members of our church! The wedding ceremony will happen as part of the regular worship service (right before communion) and everyone is invited! Now, if you would like to help, here is how:
A) Come by the church on Saturday, August 1st at 6pm to help decorate the social hall for the reception.
B) Sign-up to bring some food for the reception after church..we are looking for summer salad-type dishes that serve 4-8 people each. (i.e. pasta salads, waldorf, etc...)
C) Help clean-up after the reception!
Questions?
Feel free to email Rikk Valdivia at masseur0010@gmail.com to find out more how you can help the celebration!
VBS STARTS NEXT WEEK
WE STILL NEED VOLUNTEERS & DONATIONS!
Please contact Alisa Wentzel if you can give just a few hours of your time to volunteer for this important community outreach ministry.
Donations are still needed. Please bring in the following this Sunday:
• Non Perishable Food Items
• Personal Care Items
( toothpaste, soap, shampoo, wash cloths, hair brush, socks, etc. )
Join us for pancakes and eggs on August 9th from 8:30 - 9:45am! At 9:30am, enjoy a small presentation put on by the kids from our Vacation Bible School Camp. They will be singing a few songs and sharing what they learned at camp! If you’d like to help out with these breakfasts during any month, just email Brent at brent@nhunited.org. We can always use volunteers!
Starting August 11th, we will have open play in our play room three times a week as an option to get out of the heat, but still get out of the house, play, and meet friends. Come and go as you please. All children under 5 and their caregivers are welcome. Play groups are every Tuesday, Thursday, & Friday from 10:00a - 11:30a.
We’re having a Youth Lock In for kids entering 5th-8th grade! First, there will be dinner and a movie in the park starting at 6:30pm on the 22nd. After the movie, we’ll head to church for games, dessert and lots of laughs! The lock in ends at 11:30am on Sunday, the 23rd. Breakfast will also be included. Please RSVP to Alisa at office@nhunited.org byAug. 16th.
Don’t Forget to Bring: a sleeping bag, pillow, PJ's, personal toiletries, a change of clothes, and a sleeping mat if you have one
NHUMC Shirts Are Now Available!Don't miss out, get your very own NHUMC T-Shirt! Show your church pride around town and help fund our awesome ministries in the process! Kids and Adult shirts are available in very size. $10 a shirt goes to support our summer camp and other youth and children programs. T-Shirts will be on sale on Sunday after the worship service, or emailoffice@nhunited.org if you'd like to find an alternate way to obtain your own tee!
Facebook
Email Pastor Brent
NHUnited.org
[2] And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage.
Jesus and his disciples were invited to the marriage — Christ does not take away human society, but sanctifies it. Water might have quenched thirst; yet our Lord allows wine; especially at a festival solemnity. Such was his facility in drawing his disciples at first, who were afterward to go through rougher ways.
Verse 3
[3] And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine.
And wine falling short — How many days the solemnity had lasted, and on which day our Lord came, or how many disciples might follow him, does not appear.
His mother saith to him, They have not wine — Either she might mean, supply them by miracle; or, Go away, that others may go also, before the want appears.
Verse 4
[4] Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.
Jesus saith to her, Woman — So our Lord speaks also, John 19:26. It is probable this was the constant appellation which he used to her. He regarded his Father above all, not knowing even his mother after the flesh. What is it to me and thee? A mild reproof of her inordinate concern and untimely interposal.
Mine hour is not yet come — The time of my working this miracle, or of my going away. May we not learn hence, if his mother was rebuked for attempting to direct him in the days of his flesh, how absurd it is to address her as if she had a right to command him, on the throne of his glory? Likewise how indecent it is for us to direct his supreme wisdom, as to the time or manner in which he shall appear for us in any of the exigencies of life!
Verse 5
[5] His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.
His mother saith to the servants — Gathering from his answer he was about to do something extraordinary.
Verse 6
[6] And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece.
The purifying of the Jews — Who purified themselves by frequent washings particularly before eating.
Verse 9
[9] When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom,
The governor of the feast — The bridegroom generally procured some friend to order all things at the entertainment.
Verse 10
[10] And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now.
And saith — St. John barely relates the words he spoke, which does not imply his approving them.
When they have well drunk — does not mean any more than toward the close of the entertainment.
Verse 11
[11] This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.
And his disciples believed — More steadfastly.
Sermon Story "The Wedding" by Gary Lee Parker with Scripture Text: John 2:1 On Tuesday[John 2:1 Greek: the third day, equivalent to Hebrew yom shlishi] there was a wedding at Kanah in the Galil; and the mother of Yeshua was there. 2 Yeshua too was invited to the wedding, along with his talmidim. 3 The wine ran out, and Yeshua’s mother said to him, “They have no more wine.” 4 Yeshua replied, “Mother, why should that concern me? — or you? My time hasn’t come yet.” 5 His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” 6 Now six stone water-jars were standing there for the Jewish ceremonial washings, each with a capacity of twenty or thirty gallons. 7 Yeshua told them, “Fill the jars with water,” and they filled them to the brim. 8 He said, “Now draw some out, and take it to the man in charge of the banquet”; and they took it. 9 The man in charge tasted the water; it had now turned into wine! He did not know where it had come from, but the servants who had drawn the water knew. So he called the bridegroom 10 and said to him, “Everyone else serves the good wine first and the poorer wine after people have drunk freely. But you have kept the good wine until now!” 11 This, the first of Yeshua’s miraculous signs, he did at Kanah in the Galil; he manifested his glory, and his talmidim came to trust in him.
as I read this Scripture, I am reminded of Jesus presence at this wedding and the call of His Mother for Him to do something about the fact that the wine has been drank up Jesus at first tells His Mother that this is not His business because it was not His time yet. His Mother went ahead with a faith telling the waiters or servants to do whatever Jesus asked them to do. Jesus asked them to go and fill the common ordinary water pots that were used for the common washing of the people to be cleansed then take some and give to the head steward. When they did and the steward tasted the wine which was better than any of the other ordinary wine already used at the wedding, Jesus showed His ability to be the Messiah of Israel. Now we come to the wedding of Gerry and Linda at this ordinary worship service that is now their wedding ceremony This ordinary day of worship is a day to celebrate there decision to live the rest of their lives as husband and life to grow together in their love for each other and God. Yes, it is scary because as Linda has stated that her first marriage was a disaster and she does not want the same thing to happen. I can relate to that scarinesst because of my own marriage where my son, James, came into existence From the divorce I went through and the receiving of full physical and legal custody of James I did not want to get into another relationship because of my own fears while rasing James with the best ablility God has and continues to give. One though always comes to my mind is the fact that my heart fell in love with this woman who I waited on in the Henry Wilson's OB Shell Station that turned out to be the wife of my own wife's brother. The sense that went over me in the OB Service station with with woman occur when I was married to James' mother and this woman came into the gas station in Las Vegas and the sense of my heart occurred again. I could not believe this, but this was the fact I was married to James' mother she was married to James' uncle Shortly after that my wife wanted to separate and she filed for divorce than when I was living back east her husband divorce her. Now, even though I sense my heart is still with her I realize that we would never come together because of differences in social-economic backgrounds and current circumstances. As we pray for Gerry and Linda's marriage we come to the table to eat the Body of Jesus and drink His blood through our participation in the HOly Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. As we come to receive healing for us and blessings on their marriage, we come singing the Hymn "O Perfect Love:"
1. O perfect Love, all human thought transcending,
Lowly we kneel in prayer before Thy throne,
That theirs may be the love which knows no ending,
Whom Thou forevermore dost join in one.
2. O perfect Life, be Thou their full assurance,
Of tender charity and steadfast faith,
Of patient hope and quiet, brave endurance,
With childlike trust that fears nor pain nor death.
3. Grant them the joy which brightens earthly sorrow;
Grant them the peace which calms all earthly strife,
And to life’s day the glorious unknown morrow
That dawns upon eternal love and life.
4. Hear us, O Father, gracious and forgiving,
Through Jesus Christ, Thy coeternal Word,
Who, with the Holy Ghost, by all things living
Now and to endless ages art adored.
--and--"Wedding Song" by Peter, Paul & Mary
1. He is now to be among you at the calling of your hearts
Rest assured this troubador is acting on His part.
The union of your spirits, here, has caused Him to remain
For whenever two or more of you are gathered in His name
There is love, there is love.
2. A man shall leave his mother and a woman leave her home
And they shall travel on to where the two shall be as one.
As it was in the beginning is now and til the end
Woman draws her life from man and gives it back again.
And there is love, there is love.
3. Well then what's to be the reason for becoming man and wife?
Is it love that brings you here or love that brings you life?
And if loving is the answer, then who's the giving for?
Do you believe in something that you've never seen before?
Oh there's love, there is love.
Chorus:
Oh the marriage of your spirits here has caused Him to remain
For whenever two or more of you are gathered in His name
There is love, there is love.
Every week in worship is a celebration, but this week will be even more so! That’s because this Sunday during worship, we will be celebrating the wedding of Gerry and Linda, members of our church! The wedding ceremony will happen as part of the regular worship service (right before communion) and everyone is invited! Now, if you would like to help, here is how:
A) Come by the church on Saturday, August 1st at 6pm to help decorate the social hall for the reception.
B) Sign-up to bring some food for the reception after church..we are looking for summer salad-type dishes that serve 4-8 people each. (i.e. pasta salads, waldorf, etc...)
C) Help clean-up after the reception!
Questions?
Feel free to email Rikk Valdivia at masseur0010@gmail.com to find out more how you can help the celebration!
VBS STARTS NEXT WEEK
WE STILL NEED VOLUNTEERS & DONATIONS!
Please contact Alisa Wentzel if you can give just a few hours of your time to volunteer for this important community outreach ministry.
Donations are still needed. Please bring in the following this Sunday:
• Non Perishable Food Items
• Personal Care Items
( toothpaste, soap, shampoo, wash cloths, hair brush, socks, etc. )
Join us for pancakes and eggs on August 9th from 8:30 - 9:45am! At 9:30am, enjoy a small presentation put on by the kids from our Vacation Bible School Camp. They will be singing a few songs and sharing what they learned at camp! If you’d like to help out with these breakfasts during any month, just email Brent at brent@nhunited.org. We can always use volunteers!
Starting August 11th, we will have open play in our play room three times a week as an option to get out of the heat, but still get out of the house, play, and meet friends. Come and go as you please. All children under 5 and their caregivers are welcome. Play groups are every Tuesday, Thursday, & Friday from 10:00a - 11:30a.
We’re having a Youth Lock In for kids entering 5th-8th grade! First, there will be dinner and a movie in the park starting at 6:30pm on the 22nd. After the movie, we’ll head to church for games, dessert and lots of laughs! The lock in ends at 11:30am on Sunday, the 23rd. Breakfast will also be included. Please RSVP to Alisa at office@nhunited.org byAug. 16th.
Don’t Forget to Bring: a sleeping bag, pillow, PJ's, personal toiletries, a change of clothes, and a sleeping mat if you have one
NHUMC Shirts Are Now Available!Don't miss out, get your very own NHUMC T-Shirt! Show your church pride around town and help fund our awesome ministries in the process! Kids and Adult shirts are available in very size. $10 a shirt goes to support our summer camp and other youth and children programs. T-Shirts will be on sale on Sunday after the worship service, or emailoffice@nhunited.org if you'd like to find an alternate way to obtain your own tee!
Facebook Email Pastor Brent NHUnited.org
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