Ash Wednesday Special Worship Service

Written by St. John's MCC |

The beginning of the liturgical season of Lent marks a time of reflection. As we prepare to remember the events of Holy Week, Ash Wednesday marks a time when we can pause in our busy schedules to begin that period of reflection.

This year, we will gather at St. John’s MCC on Wednesday, February 17th at 7:00 pm for our Ash Wednesday Service. Like many congregations, the service will be simple – featuring the imposition of ashes that were made by burning the palm leaves used during last year’s Palm Sunday worship. Palm Sunday, of course, marks the beginning of Holy Week – culminated by Easter.

You are invited to join us in this meaningful worship experience in our Sanctuary.

Are You Ready to “Read” OUT Loud in 2010?

Written by Shaun Harr |

Discipleship is excited to present our “OUT Loud Reading” book of the quarter recommendations for YOU!

Each quarter the discipleship ministry will select a book for your reading pleasure to guide you in modeling our 2010 St. John’s mission/vision.

We invite you to engage more of your faith journey with us through exploring reading opportunities to Live, Laugh, Love, and Learn OUT Loud this year. If you would like to share this wonderful opportunity with your friends, handouts are available in the church parlor.

If you have a book you feel would be a great contribution to our reading, please do not hesitate to contact one or all of the Discipleship ministry leaders!

We are excited you are here! Sit back and enjoy your reading journey….

Also see: “The Dangerous Act of Worship” and “St. John’s MCC Book of the Quarter”

Valentine's Dinner

Written by Scott Driver |

Remembering
Our True Love … Jesus

St. John’s MCC Fellowship Ministry

Cordially invites you to our
Italian Dinner

February 14th • 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Friendship Hall following the 11:00 Service

All Proceeds to Future Fellowship Events for 2010

Suggested Donation: $5 per person

Meal includes choice of Lasagna or Spaghetti, Bread, Salad, Beverage & Dessert.

For more information,
volunteer opportunities,
and/or to make donations,
please send a message
before February 7th
to Scott Driver
or Tara Marten.

The Gospel of Inclusion

Written by St. John's MCC |

The Gospel of Inclusion
Tuesday Night Bible Study

Here is your chance to understand how it is possible that God could truly love you. When Pastor Belva first introduced The Gospel of Inclusion, by Carlton Pearson, to St. John’s people, it made an impact that continues to this day. We talk about the concepts presented in Pearson’s book almost every week.

Now, you can go to the source by taking Pastor Belva’s Tuesday Night Bible Study class, The Gospel of Inclusion.

The study begins on Tuesday, January 12th, beginning at 6:30 in the Sanctuary. Copies of the book may be purchased at many local bookstores and on Amazon.com.

If you have any questions about the study, please see Pastor Belva or talk with any of the many Saints who have studied this book with her. You can also see a review of the book on the St. John’s MCC Community Website.

Please join us! All are welcome!

Banish the Guilt and the Shame about Homosexuality from Your Life!

Written by Jim Manchester |

Banish the Guilt and the Shame
about Homosexuality from Your Life!

As you would expect from a course about homosexuality and the Bible that is taught at St. John’s MCC, Freed from Guilt … Freed from Shame! exposes the Bible passages that are often turned against us, revealing the original meaning and context of the verses without a twisted political agenda.

But this class goes even deeper.

We will expose the political agenda in organized religion that brought forth a distorted view of God’s word that has been used to put us down.
We will work through years-old feelings and voices that made us ashamed of our “secret” lives.
We will begin to understand God’s gift of sexuality to us and how we can honor that gift while being true to ourselves. Instead of being ashamed of it, we will begin to be grateful to God for it.
We will turn the tide of bitterness and hatred for those who have abused us when they used their twisted brand of “biblical authority” against us. We will find ways to begin loving them in a brand new way.

All of this happens during Topics at Ten continues this Sunday, and new participants are welcome. We normally meet in Friendship Hall. We will provide the study materials for you.

If you have any questions, please contact Jim Manchester or any of the Saints who have taken this course in the past.

Amazing Resource Now Available for Bible Students Who Are Tired of the Abuse

Written by Jim Manchester |

A new and thorough examination of the cause and consequences of Bible abuse that is directed at homosexuals can be found at this link. First researched and compiled as a presentation for a local community group, the study has two goals: 1) to look at who it is that commits abuse of specific biblical passages and then directs it toward homosexuals – and why and 2) “to try to determine what the original biblical texts actually say.” Remarkably, it is not the goal of the study “to debate the relevance or infallibility of biblical scripture or to proselytize.”

In its refreshing conclusion, the writer shows that there is more biblical evidence that God loves everyone God created than the spurious notion that God wants to condemn and reject us.

The piece is chock full of notes and interesting facts, making it an enjoyable and fascinating read. I found it well worth the few hours it takes to read all the material.

This study takes a different approach to the Problem of Bible Abuse by religious conservatives. Some of you have taken my class called “Freed from Guilt • Freed from Shame: Overcoming Bible Abuse about Homosexuality.” You will find this study complimentary to that class. I recommend it with two thumbs up.