The Wedding Service for Ben Stewart and Bridgette Knight on Saturday, November 2, 2024

On Saturday, November 2, I officiated the wedding of Ben Stewart and Bridgette Knight at the Gateway Lodge, Cooksburg, Pennsylvania. Below is a picture and a recording of the service. If you're planning your wedding and need an officiant, please give me a call at 304-479-3402.

Looking into the lectionary - What to preach after this election?

November 10, 2024 Twenty-fifth Sunday after Pentecost  Mark 12:38-44 On Sunday, November 10, every preacher who steps into an American pulpit will do so under enormous pressure. What does one preach after such a momentous national election? No matter who is elected the next president of the United States, no matter which party now controls Congress, one thing is clear: we have work to do. And if we focus on Jesus, he will tell us how and where to prioritize our work. Mark 12:38-44 is not merely a condemnation of hoity-toity scribes and praise of a generous widow. In this passage of Mark’s Gospel, Jesus condemns a Temple system built to benefit the powerful and prey on the most vulnerable. The scribes of ancient Israel were educated officials, relied on to handle the community’s legal, financial and political issues. Eventually, they gained so much status and power that they became the interpreters of God’s Law. The “best seat” in the synagogue to which Jesus refers in Mark 12:39 is the position of authoritative interpretation. But the power to say, “This is what God’s law means. This is how God’s law is to be practiced,” is also the power to promote personal agendas and build political, economic, and religious systems that most benefit those sitting in the “best seats.” The widow in Mark 12:41-44 is pressed to contribute to the Temple treasury by a religious system that convinces her it is faithful to give “all that she had, all she had to live on” (12:44). The poor were encouraged to support the Temple (and the scribes seated within it) to the point of exhausting their resources, devouring even the meager inheritances they hoped to pass to their children. Jesus condemns this system and those who support it, saying it “devours widows’ houses” (v. 40). On November 10, preachers may be tempted to spiritualize our dear Jesus or exalt the generosity of a faithful widow, avoiding the clear political implications of this text. But, for the prophetic preacher, a link connects the Temple’s treasury box and the ballot machine that accepts our votes. What kind of system do we support for ourselves and others? What kind of government? Who do we elect and empower to the “best seats”? ... Read the rest of the commentary on the website. Order of worship for November 10, 2024, by Teri McDowell Ott How pastors in western North Carolina united after Hurricane Helene by Erin Booke A pastoral confession: My favorite holiday is Halloween by Brendan McLean Louisville Institute dismisses entire staff in restructuring move by Gregg Brekke Want the worship resources for November 3, 2024? You can find them here. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT... Ordination task force wants to hear from a variety of Presbyterians After in-person meetings in Chicago, task force members are forming focus groups and relying on a survey to aid their work — PNS Barbara G. Wheeler, pioneering leader in theological education and advocate for inclusivity, dies at 79 Wheeler was a former president of Auburn Seminary, a founding board member of Covenant Network of Presbyterians, a dedicated Presbyterian, and a loving wife and mother. A sacramental storm: Seeking life in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene After Hurricane Helene, neighbors came together in unexpected ways — sharing meals, resources, and stories. For pastor and theologian Paul Galbreath, these gatherings took on a deeply sacramental meaning. What we should know about the culture of sports In the heat of competition, we forget the bodies we are watching are risking health and well-being in the game or match we find entertaining, writes Patrice Gaines. Finding the right support in ministry: Coaching vs. spiritual direction Should pastors seek a coach or a spiritual director? Spiritual Director/Clergy Coach Kerra Becker English offers her thoughts. Lessons from a losing season: A chaplain’s perspective Sometimes, the biggest victories come off the field, writes chaplain Maggie Alsup. Gustavo Gutiérrez, founding father of liberation theology, dies at 96 Once criticized by Catholic conservatives and the Vatican, Gutiérrez and his emphasis on caring for the poor were rehabilitated by Pope Francis. — RNS Mending the breach: A conversation about reparations Join key Presbyterian thought leaders in a conversation about reparations and repair. Hosted by Presbyterian Outlook. Pre-order the Outlook's daily Advent devotional today! In a world dominated by binary thinking – light vs. dark, good vs. evil – this Advent devotional challenges us to see beyond familiar binaries and embrace the complex, natural patterns of God in the world.

🙏Let us Pray for the Persecuted Church on November 3rd & 10th

Uniting in prayer “If one member suffers, we all suffer together; if one member is honoured, all rejoice together.” -1 Corinthians 12:26 Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, As we gather for the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP) on the 3rd and 10th of November 2024, I invite you to unite with millions of believers across the globe to stand in solidarity with our persecuted family. The theme for this year, “Courageous Faith,” inspired by Deuteronomy 31:6, calls us to remember the strength and resilience of those who, despite facing intense opposition, hold firmly to their faith in Jesus Christ. This year, as we observe the IDOP, let us be inspired by the courageous faith of our persecuted brothers and sisters. Let us commit to praying fervently for them, asking God to strengthen and sustain them in their trials. Let us also consider how we can actively support them—through advocacy, raising awareness, and providing practical assistance, where possible. In the attached prayer guide, we have country guides and prayer points for several countries that see high levels of persecution. We invite you to pray through the guide for the sake of our brothers and sisters. Prayer Guide Watch the video and join us in prayers IDOP Resources IDOP resources are designed to help you effectively pray for the persecuted. Click below to access resources in English, Arabic, Spanish, French, Russian and Portuguese! IDOP Resources The IDOP is a time set apart to remember all those who share our faith, but not our freedom. We invite you to stand in solidarity with them. In Christ, Godfrey Yogarajah Ambassador for Religious Freedom, World Evangelical Alliance Donate Your support helps WEA’s advocacy efforts and provides help to those facing persecution. Over two billion Christians in the world today are represented by three world church bodies. The World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) is one of those, serving more than 600 million evangelicals belonging to churches that are part of 143 national Evangelical Alliances in 9 regions. Launched in London in 1846, the WEA unites evangelicals across denominations for prayer, evangelism, mission, theological education, religious freedom, human rights advocacy, relief, and engagement in a wide range of social issues. It speaks with one voice to United Nations, governments, and media in public or through behind-the-scenes diplomacy on issues of common concern to the Church. For more information, visit worldea.org WEA has been a charter member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability since 1980. WEA is audited annually by an independent public accounting firm. WEA is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. In the United States, your contribution is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

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Prayers for Our Community, Our Nation and Our World

We can offer specific daily prayers for our community, nation and world. Between Monday, November 4 and Sunday, November 10, we'll lay before God the needs listed below.

• Monday, November 4, 2024 - That we condemn racism in all of its forms.
• Tuesday, November 5, 2024 - That we consider God's word and will as we vote.
• Wednesday, November 6, 2024 - That we accept the outcome of our elections with grace.
• Thursday, November 7, 2024 - That we be thankful for the blessings we've received.
• Friday, November 8, 2024 - That college students develop the gifts and talents given to them by God.
• Saturday, November 9, 2024 - That companies and unions in America would flourish with new creativity and practice honorable work ethics.
• Sunday, November 10, 2024 - That we celebrate the values on which our nation was founded.

The Sligo Presbyterian Church Celebration Service - Sunday, October 27, 2024

Sligo Presbyterian Church: Our Congregation and Community: The Sligo Presbyterian Church Celebration Service ...: During the months of September, October and November, we'll discuss the following parables found in the Gospel of Mark: September 22 - N...

Sunday's Message: The Parables of Jesus - The Mustard Seed (Mark 4:30-32)

Sligo Presbyterian Church: Our Congregation and Community: Sunday's Message: The Parables of Jesus - The Must...: During the months of September, October and November, we'll discuss the following parables found in the Gospel of Mark: September 22 - N...

Today in the Mission Yearbook - Delivering ‘a grammar of faith that can help us become the church God has always intended us to be’

Witness, Share and Evangelize: Today in the Mission Yearbook - Delivering ‘a gram...: The Rev. Dr. José Irizarry delivers a prophetic sermon during chapel service for the PC(USA)’s national staff October 29, 2024 The Rev. Dr. ...