“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”
Genesis 50:20
“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good.” These words were spoken in the book of Genesis by Joseph to his brothers. Joseph’s brothers had sold him into slavery, but it was through being taken into slavery that Joseph was later able to save a nation from famine. “God intended it for good, to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”
When we think about the cross of Christ, this same statement holds true. Jesus was dealt a capital punishment; there was nothing unintentional about the pain and death he endured. But God intended it for good. Romans 4:25 says that Jesus was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification. God used the events that occurred to accomplish the saving of many lives…including our own.
Our Good Friday service is held in the evening. As you walk in, the church is darkened. The candles on the altar and along the candelabras shine brightly. As the scriptures are read, the candles are extinguished one by one as the sanctuary slowly darkens. Eventually, all the candles have been snuffed out. Yet one light remains. The sanctuary lamp is the dim red light that shines above the lectern. This lamp represents the presence of God. Its light is always shining, even when no one is around to see it, even on the night we remember the death of God’s son. Christ died, but the light of God’s presence shines faithfully on, reminding us of the resurrection’s promise.
Although we did everything we could to extinguish the light of Christ, we were not victorious. Christ is victorious, even in the cross, even in a world still partially darkened by sin and death. We intended it for evil, but God intended it for good.
Prayer: Almighty God, look with loving mercy on your children, for whom our Lord Jesus was willing to be betrayed, to be given over to the hands of sinners, and to suffer death on the cross; who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
Action: Attending the Maundy Thursday and Good Friday worship services will help you reflect more deeply on Christ’s suffering and death, and celebrate his triumphant resurrection on Easter morning with even more gratitude!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
VBS 2009
Vacation Bible School 2009
"Love To Serve"
June 15-19
Our VBS is open to kids who have completed grades K-5. Vacation Bible School runs from Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 3 PM.
Cost is $25 per child, this includes snacks and lunch.
To register, call the church office at 419-695-2616.
We are also looking for adult volunteers. To help, please contact Pastor Katherine.
"Love To Serve"
June 15-19
Our VBS is open to kids who have completed grades K-5. Vacation Bible School runs from Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 3 PM.
Cost is $25 per child, this includes snacks and lunch.
To register, call the church office at 419-695-2616.
We are also looking for adult volunteers. To help, please contact Pastor Katherine.
New Member Sunday is May 10th
Our next new member Sunday is scheduled for May 10th. At this time we will welcome four new members – maybe more? New member classes will be scheduled after Easter. If you are interested in joining a class, please contact Pastor Katherine as soon as possible.
The Bible in 90 Days
Many Christians share one life-long goal: to read the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. However, most find this journey difficult and end up quitting too soon. Don’t you think this goal would be more manageable if you had support and accountability from others?
The Bible in 90 Days Challenge provides everything that's needed to help you read through God's revelation to his people for the ages. In less time than it takes to read 4 pages of the USA Today, you can read the entire Bible, from cover to cover, in 90 days. It's a big challenge with big rewards. Imagine the powerful transformation of your faith life as you read every page of God's Word. Accomplish it in 13 short weeks - with benefits that will multiply for the rest of your lives.
This program will be kicking off at St. Peter Lutheran in early June. Small group participants, working with the same Bible reading schedule, meet weekly to review an informational DVD and discuss what they have read.
Right now Pastor Katherine is deciding when to hold this class. Potential time slots include Sunday mornings after church, Sunday evenings, and Wednesday evenings before church. If you are looking forward to this course, sign your name in the red binder and indicate your time slot preferences.
For more information on this course, visit http://www.biblein90days.com.
The Bible in 90 Days Challenge provides everything that's needed to help you read through God's revelation to his people for the ages. In less time than it takes to read 4 pages of the USA Today, you can read the entire Bible, from cover to cover, in 90 days. It's a big challenge with big rewards. Imagine the powerful transformation of your faith life as you read every page of God's Word. Accomplish it in 13 short weeks - with benefits that will multiply for the rest of your lives.
This program will be kicking off at St. Peter Lutheran in early June. Small group participants, working with the same Bible reading schedule, meet weekly to review an informational DVD and discuss what they have read.
Right now Pastor Katherine is deciding when to hold this class. Potential time slots include Sunday mornings after church, Sunday evenings, and Wednesday evenings before church. If you are looking forward to this course, sign your name in the red binder and indicate your time slot preferences.
For more information on this course, visit http://www.biblein90days.com.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Community Lenten Services
The Delphos Ministerial Association will host midweek Lenten services at Trinity United Methodist Church on Thursdays, beginning February 26th at noon. This year’s theme is “Living Lent: The Animals Tell the Story.” Pastor David Howell will lead the first session, with the theme of “Fox.”
"Stones" Midweek Lenten Worship Series - Wednesdays at 7 PM
Stones: A Midweek Lenten Series
Preacher: Pastor Katherine Olson
Wednesday, March 4th, 7 PM
God’s law engraved on stone and on human hearts
Readings: Exodus 34:1-10 (Romans 2:12-16; Matthew 5:17-20)
Wednesday, March 11th, 7 PM
A millstone as metaphor for punishment of sin
Readings: Matthew 18:6-9 (2 Thessalonians 1:6-10)
Wednesday, March 18th, 7 PM
Jesus is a stumbling stone for unbelievers and the rock of salvation for believers
Readings: Romans 9:30-33 (Isaiah 12:1-6; 1 Corinthians 10:1-4)
Wednesday, March 25th, 7 PM
Jesus the living stone upon which the church is founded
Readings: 1 Peter 2:1-10 (Matthew 3:7-12)
Wednesday, April 1st, 7 PM
Jesus, the foundation stone for life
Readings: Matthew 7:24-29 (Deuteronomy 8:1-10; Ephesians 3:14-21)
Back to our website: http://www.stpeterdelphos.org
Preacher: Pastor Katherine Olson
Wednesday, March 4th, 7 PM
God’s law engraved on stone and on human hearts
Readings: Exodus 34:1-10 (Romans 2:12-16; Matthew 5:17-20)
Wednesday, March 11th, 7 PM
A millstone as metaphor for punishment of sin
Readings: Matthew 18:6-9 (2 Thessalonians 1:6-10)
Wednesday, March 18th, 7 PM
Jesus is a stumbling stone for unbelievers and the rock of salvation for believers
Readings: Romans 9:30-33 (Isaiah 12:1-6; 1 Corinthians 10:1-4)
Wednesday, March 25th, 7 PM
Jesus the living stone upon which the church is founded
Readings: 1 Peter 2:1-10 (Matthew 3:7-12)
Wednesday, April 1st, 7 PM
Jesus, the foundation stone for life
Readings: Matthew 7:24-29 (Deuteronomy 8:1-10; Ephesians 3:14-21)
Back to our website: http://www.stpeterdelphos.org
Holy Week Schedule for April 2009
Sunday, April 5th is Palm Sunday/Sunday of the Passion. Worship with palm processional at 10:00.
Thursday, April 9th is Maundy Thursday. Worship is at 7 PM with a celebration of First Communion. On this evening we remember the night that Jesus celebrated the Passover with his disciples and instituted the Lord's Supper. A soup supper will precede the service at 6:15.
Friday, April 10th is Good Friday. Worship is at 7 PM. On this evening we remember the death and crucifixion of our Lord Jesus. A Community Lenten Service will be held at Trinity United Methodist at 12 noon.
Sunday, April 12th is Easter Sunday. Worship services are at 7:30 and 10 AM. In this worship service we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and the good news that because he lives, we share in his eternal life. A breakfast will be served in between the services, with an Easter Egg Hunt taking place at 9:15.
Back to our website: http://www.stpeterdelphos.org
Thursday, April 9th is Maundy Thursday. Worship is at 7 PM with a celebration of First Communion. On this evening we remember the night that Jesus celebrated the Passover with his disciples and instituted the Lord's Supper. A soup supper will precede the service at 6:15.
Friday, April 10th is Good Friday. Worship is at 7 PM. On this evening we remember the death and crucifixion of our Lord Jesus. A Community Lenten Service will be held at Trinity United Methodist at 12 noon.
Sunday, April 12th is Easter Sunday. Worship services are at 7:30 and 10 AM. In this worship service we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and the good news that because he lives, we share in his eternal life. A breakfast will be served in between the services, with an Easter Egg Hunt taking place at 9:15.
Back to our website: http://www.stpeterdelphos.org
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