Hillsdale First United Methodist Church

A discussion of the long tradition of giving up something for Lent. What is it's spiritual purpose and how does it benefit us?

Off the cuff, without google, what Lent is to me personally!

The Scripture at the end of today's podcast is 2 Corinthians 5:17-18 (c) 2011 Common English Bible

Do you have memories of old mistakes, old regrets, old sins that you replay again and again? Let's find forgiveness together! Today's scripture is:  Ephesians 1:7-9, 13-14 The Inclusive Bible, by Priests for Equality. Sheed & Ward. 

Thanks to Bob Ross for his many years of encouraging videos. Our scripture for the day is: Philippians 4:4-13 from the Inclusive Bible by the Priests for Equality. Sheed & Ward.

Challenged today by Skye Jethani's question: Name on strongly held opinion of yours that you know differs from that of God. Especially regarding a hot political issue.

Article referenced is My Brain is Dead, by Jenni Ogden Ph.D. Posted August 2013 in Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/trouble-in-mind/201308/my-brain-is-dead

The two scripture passages for today are: Psalm 27:1 and Isaiah 8:11-15 (c)2011 Common English Bible

Scripture for the day: Psalm 147 from: The Inclusive Bible (p. 1443). Priests for Equality. Sheed & Ward. Kindle Edition. 

Thanks to William Goldman, The Princess Bride and to Biblical Concordances for the definition of the Greek word.

Today's reading is from Psalm 104:24-30  (c) 2011 Common English Bible Picture courtesy of Kristi McPherson (great picture Kristi!)

The scripture read in today's episode is from 1 Peter 3:21 (c)2011 Common English Bible.

A response to the storming of the capital building yesterday.

Today's podcast is a reflection upon this painting -- you can follow this link and look at it yourself! Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari- Venice - Adoration of the Magi by by Bonifacio de' Pitati

In today's episode I incorrectly identify the translator of Now Sing We, Now Rejoice. The actual translator is Arthur T. Russell. My apologies for the mistake. Thanks again to John Ourensma for contributing the musical portion of this segment.

In the Bleak Midwinter was written by Christina Rosetti was first published in January 1872. The tune sung here was written by Gustav Holst. Thanks to John Ourensma and Nick Nestorak for their music!

Thanks to John Ourensma and Nick Nestorak for providing playing and singing this carol for us. It Came Upon the Midnight Clear was written by Edmund Sears in 1849.

O Come All Ye Faithful -- Sung translation by Frederick Oakley in 1852, read translation by an unknown member of Margaret Chapel, London between 1820-1823. Thanks to John Ourensma, Lauren Mitchell, Nick Nestorak and Renee Nestorak for their musical contribution.

Thanks to John Ourensma, Director of Music at First United Methodist Church, for singing and playing the carol for us. Today's episode includes the poem The Manger Throne and the words to the original carol What Child is This both written by William Chatterton Dix.

In today's podcast John Ourensma joins us and closes our time by singing the carol. O Little Town of Bethlehem was written by Phillips Brooks in 1868.

The text today comes from Charles Wesley's original "Hymn for Christmas-Day", 1739.

This translation of Silent Night was written by Bettina Klein. It was commissioned by and is copyright (c) 1998 of the Silent Night Museum in Salzburg.

In this series, I will be looking at different translations of old familiar carols so that we may find depth and meaning in their words to us. This episode uses:  Thomas Alexander Lacey's translation of original Latin carol: Veni, Veni, Emmanuel from 1906. Source: W. J. Birkbeck, et al., eds., The English Hymnal (London: Oxford University Press, 1906), #8, pp. 12-13.

Today's Episode includes the reading of the Public Statement from Asbury United Methodist Church, Washington DC, written by Rev. Dr. Ianther M. Mills, Senior Pastor, December 13, 2020. 

Scriptures quoted in this episode: Genesis 15:5 and Jeremiah 33:22, (c) 2011 Common English Bible.

Today's scripture reading comes from Ruth 1, selected verses, (c) 2011 Common English Bible.

Today's episode includes a quote from Grace Imathiu. She is a pastor, author, and incredible speaker, that I was blessed to hear several years ago. 

Scripture for today: Psalm 101:1-2, (c) 2011 Common English Bible.

Another episode in the emotions of Waiting for Christmas series.

Bible reading is from Luke 8:42-48, (c) 2011 Common English Bible.

Scripture for the day is from Hosea 11:1-12, (c) 2011 Common English Bible.

The scripture for today is from Isaiah 56:1-8, (c) 2011 Common English Bible.

Quotes from: Christmas in Ritual and Tradition, by Clement A. Miles (1912) published by T. Fisher Unwin.

The reading for the day is from: Job 9:7-10, (c) 2011 Common English Bible

Sermons can be more than one time events. What have you heard in a sermon that inspired you so much that you need to hear its message again today? Remember it and be re-inspired.

Today's reading is very loosely taken from James 1:22-25, Common English Bible (c) 2011.

Thanks to Nick Nestorak and John Ourensma for their musicianship! Be Thou My Vision Words: Ancient Irish; trans. by Mary Byrne Music: Dan Forrest Arr. © 2005 Hal Leonard Corporation International Copyright Secured. All Rights Reserved. Permission to podcast the music from OneLicense.net A-723218

Quotes from  Mere Christianity, by C.S. Lewis, 1952.

You Are The Seed (Sois La Semilla) Words: Cesaro Gabarian, 1979; trans. by Raquel Guetiérrez-Achon Music: Cesaro Gabarian, 1979; harm. by Skinner Chavez-Melo, 1987 © 1979 Ediciones Paulinas; trans. © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; harm. © 1987 Skinner Chavez-Melo All Rights Reserved. Permission to podcast/stream the music obtained from ONE LICENSE, License A-723218

Today's reading is from: Romans 8:18-25 Priests for Equality. The Inclusive Bible . Sheed & Ward. 

Reading today is from 2 Peter 3:8-9 Common English Bible (c) 2011.

August 2nd -- two options -- live in the sanctuary at 9:30am or online. August 9th -- back online.

Some of the changes and things that will be different on this Sunday, if you come to church!

I do not have a source for this story. If you find it, I will be happy to note it here!

When you know you need a vacation! Psalm 55:6-8, Common English Bible (c)2011 The King and the Weary Travelers, The Wisdom of Israel, by Edwin Collins, 1910

Tentative options for August 2nd: Live in person worship in the Sanctuary 9:30am. Online worship, also live, 9:30am. Phone in worship -- time to be determined -- possibly at 11am.

Wisdom from children. Story source unknown, but happy to include it if you find it! Reading from Sirach 6:18-22, (c)2011 Common English Bible

Today's wisdom story comes from: Asian Tales and Tellers, by Cathy Spagnoli, (c) 1998 and is available here: https://read.amazon.com/kp/embed?asin=B00AFJOWRS&preview=newtab&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_OAWeFbTYY32QG

First person stories I have been told, and things I have witnessed suggest we have work to do. In this episode I quote from Mark Charles on his twitter feed. He is a Reformed pastor and worth listening to.

Questions of suffering and the hope from the reading of Revelation 21: 1-4, Common English Bible (c)2011.

Since we can't shake hands what if we listened deeply to others instead.

Reading from Ecclesiastes 5: Common English Bible (c) 2011.

What are the things that steal meaning from our lives? Reading from Ecclesiastes 4 -- the whole chapter, Common English Bible (c) 2011

Story from -- ‘The twist of fate that saved our marriage’ by Molly M. McGinty, Redbook, December 2003, pp. 70-72.

Story from --  'Silver Lining' by Brandon Slay, Guideposts, August 2004, pp. 49-52.

Readings are from: Complete Commentary on the Whole Bible, By Matthew Henry (1 John 2) 1 John 2:7-11, Common English Bible (c) 2011

The reading is from: The Wisdom of Israel: Being Extracts from the Babylonian Talmud and Midrash Rabboth, Translated by Edwin Collins, 1910

Quotes today from:  The Sword of Shannara, by Terry Brooks, available here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006JCVH8M Song of Solomon 8:6 & Romans 8:28-29 from the Common English Bible (c) 2011

The Morning Prayer for a Child, and the Evening Prayer for a Child are from:  New England Primer, Massachusetts Sabbath School Society, 1843. The Night Prayer for Young Children is from: The Standard Prayer Book, translated by Simeon Singer, 1915.

Quote from the Declaration of Independence. Book referenced is L. Gregory Jones and it is available here: https://www.amazon.com/Everyday-Matters-Intersections-Life-Faith/dp/0687075289

July 1st is the day when new appointments of pastors to churches begin. Reflections and prayers are always spurred by this time of transition.

The scripture is from Matthew 25:31-46, (c) 2011 Common English Bible.

Thanks to Nick Nestorak and John Ourensma for this beautiful song. His Eye Is on the Sparrow Words by Civilla Martin (Luke 12:6-7; John 14:1) Music by Charles Hutchinson Gabriel Public Domain

Thanks to Dr. Seuss for helping demonstrate how racism is the use of power to limit freedom and enjoyment in life.

Text for the day is Psalm 84, from the Common English Bible (c) 2011.

The administrative board has defined 5 stages for the return of activities to our church. This explains them very briefly.

On June 24 at 12 p.m. CDT, United Methodists around the world will gather at UMC.org/EndRacism and on Facebook to pray and lament for the racism in our midst. We will also hear God's call to join in the work of dismantling racism and pressing on to freedom for all. The reading is from: 2016 Book of Discipline, Social Principles ¶162.A. Copyright © 2016, The United Methodist Publishing House

It is hard to be philosophical about pain when actually in it. It is easier to reflect about the experience and the meaning of it on the day after.

Prayers for those in pain today.

Happy Fathers' Day! Scripture is from Proverbs 4:1-9 Common English Bible (c) 2011

Thanks to John Ourensma and Nick Nestorak for their beautiful rendition of this song. The Kingdom of the Lord Words and Music By Natalie Sleeth © 1976 A.M.S.I, (The Lorenz Corporation) Permission to podcast the music obtained from ONE LICENSE, License A-723218

Poem by Saigyo Hoshi, from A Hundred Verses from Old Japan (The Hyakunin-isshu), tr. by William N. Porter, 1909. Scripture lesson from Romans 9:1-3. (c) 2011 Common English Bible

Readings today are from: Sirach 39:6-8 New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The Interior Castle, by St. Teresa of Avila, The Sixth Mansion, Chapter 7 Translated by The Benedictines of Stanbrook, 1921 Edition.

Scripture reference: 1 Corinthains 15:40-44 Translation by Priests for Equality. The Inclusive Bible . Sheed & Ward. 

Article referenced is here: https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/1983/september-2/golf-pros-commitment-to-god.html Christianity Today, September 2, 1983, A Golf Pro's Commitment to God by James R. Adair

The similarities of being without electricity and being unable to change our lives.

Rather than my normal podcast, I encourage you to watch this video by the Bible Project: https://youtu.be/A14THPoc4-4

Scripture Reading is from 1 Corinthians 9:19-23. (c)2011 Common English Bible.

What are some of the important tools in the Christian toolbox that you can be missing and still follow Christ? What tool or tools are so essential that without them you cannot follow Christ?

Quotes from: The Aquarian Gospel of Jesus Christ, by Levi H. Dowling, [1920] Hidden Treasures of the Ancient Qabalah, by Elias Gewurz, [1918]

Thanks to Nick Nestorak for his singing, and for John Ourensma for his wonderful playing. Spirit, Come Down Words: Mark Hayes based on Acts 2:1-4 Music: Mark Hayes © 2014 Lorenz Publishing Company. All rights reserved. Permission to podcast/stream the music obtained from CCLI #20153811

I wanted to record the song Ohio, by Crosby Stills Nash and Young -- but it was pretty bad, so you get my thoughts instead.

An explanation of our next phase of gathering, and when it will happen.

Lots in this short story: pride, clarity of communication, and being put in our place. Plus it's funny!

Today's episode is a reading from Tertullian, a great Christian defender in the 2nd century. It is from his Apology, Translated by the Rev. S. Thelwall, Late Scholar of Christ’s College, Cantab. I leave it to you to make the connections to injustice and inequality in the law in our day.

Joy and fear, relief and anxiety are okay. We ask for protection from the dangers. Psalm 31 selected verses, from  The Inclusive Bible . Priests for Equality. Sheed & Ward. Kindle Edition. 

Song performed by John Ourensma and Renee Nestorak. CCLI Song # 6518275 Matt Maher | Paul Moak | Trevor Morgan © 2013 Universal Music - Brentwood Benson Publishing (Admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc.) Thankyou Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Valley Of Songs Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Trevor Morgan Music All rights reserved. Permission to podcast/stream the music from CCLI #20153811

Who gives you honest feedback and helps you to grow in life? Reading from Philemon 17-22, Common English Bible (c) 2011.

Reflections upon Gettysburg, Memorial Day, and fighting for what is right.

Sharing stories of those who have died is an important way of honoring them. Here are some questions to help you do that!

Quoted in the episode is: The Works of Robert G. Ingersoll, Volume II (Lectures) [1900]

Ramblings on our search for a home, a place where we belong. Scripture: Luke 9:57-58, Common English Bible (c)2011

Excerpt from Pastor Rob McPherson's Baccalaureate Sermon to Buchanan High School at Donovan's graduation. Scripture is Philippians 4:4-8, from the Common English Bible (c)2011.

Thanks to John Ourensma for recording this for us! Words: st. 1 Daniel Iverson, 1926 © Birdwing Music, admin. EMICMGPublishing.com; st. 2 Michael Baughen, 1982 © 1982 The Jubilate Group, admin. Hope Publishing Company Music: Daniel Iverson, 1926 © 1994 Birdwing Music, admin. EMICMGPublishing.com; All rights reserved. Permission to podcast/stream the music  obtained from CCLI #20153811

The story, A Carp Gives a Lesson in Perseverance, is from Ancient Tales and Folk-lore of Japan, by Richard Gordon Smith, 1918. 

What was the last thing you did for fun? Also includes a silly story about Mule Eggs.

Thanks to the our Bishop and leadership at the Michigan UMC Conference for the guidance. You can read the full document here: https://michiganumc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/UMC-Principles-and-Directions.pdf

Reading from: The Imitation of Christ, by Thomas a Kempis, tr. by William Benham [1886], updated language by Rob McPherson.

Sung by Nick Nestorak, accompanied by John Ourensma Because He Lives Words by Gloria Gaither | William J. Gaither © 1971 Hanna Street Music (Admin. by Gaither Copyright Management) All rights reserved.  Permission to podcast the music obtained from CCLI #20153811

As we reflect upon the life lessons and learnings from this time of sheltering in place, we should be reflecting on what we have learned that we want to carry with us into the future. Wesley talks about the Christian goal of moving toward perfection in love throughout our lives, so what have you learned about love?

A Prayer in Spring, by Robert Frost  Public Domain.

When we feel guilty or ashamed that we are dependent upon others, it can be helpful to remind ourselves of why they are serving us.

Today's scripture reference is Galatians 5:13-17, from the Common English Bible (c) 2011.

How Great Thou Art Originally written by Carl Boberg This translation "O Mighty God, when I behold the wonder" is by E. Gustav Johnson, 1925. Public Domain

I almost named this episode: Partners in Comfort. Scripture today is from 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 Common English Bible (c)2011 Common English Bible.

Scripture Quote today is from Ephesians 4:26-32, Common English Bible (c)2011 Common English Bible. Article referenced is by Bernard Golden, Ph.D. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/overcoming-destructive-anger/201707/7-stories-you-may-tell-yourself-invariably-arouse-anger

Song -  You Are My King (Amazing Love) sung by Renee Nestorak CCLI Song # 2456623 Billy J. Foote © 1996 worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) All rights reserved. Permission to podcast the music obtained from CCLI #20153811

Precious Lord, Take My Hand Words by Thomas A. Dorsey, 1932 © 1938 Hill & Range Songs, renewed Unichappell Music, Inc. All rights reserved. Reprinted under OneLicense.net A-723218 Streaming permission: ONE LICENSE, License A-723218

This story is an example of finding hope by thinking creatively. Story from Aesop's Fables, Translated by George Fyler Townsend, 1887.

What has made you laugh in the midst of this serious time? Scripture quoted is Jeremiah 33:10-14 from the Common English Bible (c) 2011.

Maintain your friendships! The story is adapted from: The Jataka, Volume I, tr. by Robert Chalmers, [1895].

The story of the Two Little Cats is from: Tibetan Folk Tales, Translated by A.L. Shelton, published by the United Christian Missionary Society. 1925.

Words and Music by Marty Haugen © 1986 GIA Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Permission to podcast/stream the music obtained from ONE LICENSE, License A-723218

Moving from boredom to meditation. 

Scripture reading Proverbs 3:1-6. Priests for Equality. The Inclusive Bible . Sheed & Ward. Kindle Edition. 

Scripture from Psalm 27:4-5.  Copyright © 2011 by Common English Bible

Scripture reference is Matthew 18:21-22. Common English Bible (c) 2011. Also referenced: The Baltimore Catechism (1891), An Act of Love.

Do you realize how strong you are? Reading is from Psalm 92, Priests for Equality. The Inclusive Bible . Sheed & Ward. Kindle Edition.

Reading from The Imitation of Christ, Book 2 Chapter 3 Thomas à Kempis TRANSLATED FROM THE LATIN INTO MODERN ENGLISH By Aloysius Croft & Harold Bolton, updated by Rob McPherson.

Reading is from Psalm 102, Priests for Equality. The Inclusive Bible . Sheed & Ward. Kindle Edition.

Words and Music: Stuart Townend © 1995 Thankyou Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing). All rights reserved. Used under CCLI License # 3134300 Instrumental Arrangement: April Martella, Praise & Worship Leader at Christ Alliance Church in Hopewell Township, PA. Permission granted by email.  Permission to podcast/stream this song from license-- CCLI #20153811

Apologies and Thanks to: Who Moved My Cheese?: An Amazing Way to Deal with Change in Your Work and in Your Life by Spencer Johnson available here https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/who-moved-my-cheese-spencer-johnson/1100490904 Scripture citation from: Galatians 5:22-26, Copyright © 2011 by Common English Bible

Quotes from: Who Moved My Cheese?: An Amazing Way to Deal with Change in Your Work and in Your Life by Spencer Johnson available here https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/who-moved-my-cheese-spencer-johnson/1100490904 and Psalm 102:24-28, Copyright © 2011 by Common English Bible also referenced Managing Transitions: Making the Most of Change by William Bridges https://wmbridges.com/books/

Quotes today come from: Holy Saturday Vesperal Liturgy - Liturgy of St. Basil the Great and Wayne Muller, Sabbath: Finding Rest, Renewal, and Delight in Our Busy Lives available here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EMXBZW8

The book we are using for Bible Study is:  The Passion Play: Living the Story of Christ's Last Days by Rob Fuquay It is available here:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07P88DMS2/ The quoted hymn is: "O Love divine, what hast thou done: By Charles Wesley (1742)

I hope that you will continue this prayer, lifting to God those cups of suffering that you would like removed from your life.

Thanks to Joe Krueger for recording this song for us! CCLI Song # 7079513 Bart Millard | Ben Glover | Crystal Lewis | David Arthur Garcia | Tim Timmons © 2017 Universal Music - Brentwood Benson Publishing (Admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc.) 9t One Songs (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Ariose Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) All Essential Music (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC) Letsbebeautiful (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC) Tunes of MercyMe (Fair Trade Music Publishing [c/o Essential Music Publishing LLC]) Crystallized (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.) D Soul Music (Admin. by Spirit Music Group) Permission to podcast/stream this song from license-- CCLI #20153811

The text for this and many more Charles Wesley hymns can be found at http://www.traditionalmusic.co.uk/charles-wesley/

The reading is from Genesis 29:14b-18 -- the The Inclusive Bible. (c )2007 Priests for Equality. Sheed & Ward. Kindle Edition.

The reading is from Isaiah 40:28-31 -- the The Inclusive Bible. (c )2007 Priests for Equality. Sheed & Ward. Kindle Edition.

The reading for the day comes from Philippians 3:12-16, Copyright © 2011 by Common English Bible

The reading is from Psalm 98-- the The Inclusive Bible. (c )2007 Priests for Equality. Sheed & Ward. Kindle Edition.

Some days you just need to laugh at a really bad joke.

The poem is #25 from: Poems from the Divan of Hafiz, translated by Gertrude Lowthian Bell, 1897. London: Heinemann. For more information on the poet: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hafez To read more of the poems: https://www.sacred-texts.com/isl/pdh/index.htm or https://www.amazon.com/Garden-Heaven-Poems-Thrift-Editions-ebook/dp/B00A62YB5M/ref=dp_kinw_strp_1

The reading is from Philippians 4:4-7 -- the The Inclusive Bible. (c )2007 Priests for Equality. Sheed & Ward. Kindle Edition.

A prayer for those in the medical field, the first responders, and the people who are providing care for those with the Corona Virus.

Thanks to John Ourensma, our Director of Music, for recording the song for us. Words and music: David Hass © GIA Publications, Inc, 1991. All Rights Reserved. Streamed With Permission OneLicense.net A-723218

The scripture reading is from Jeremiah 29:4-14, New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America.

Quotes taken from: The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World. Penguin Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.  To read more or to purchase the book: https://read.amazon.com/kp/embed?asin=B01CZCW34Q&preview=newtab&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_Ji2EEbB43P1XF

The reading is from Psalm 91 -- the The Inclusive Bible. (c )2007 Priests for Equality. Sheed & Ward. Kindle Edition.

The reading is from Romans 8:35-39 -- the The Inclusive Bible. (c )2007 Priests for Equality. Sheed & Ward. Kindle Edition.

The reading is from Romans 8:18-24 -- the The Inclusive Bible. (c )2007 Priests for Equality. Sheed & Ward. Kindle Edition.

The scripture today is James 1:27 (c)2011 by Common English Bible.

The reading is from Leviticus 25 -- the The Inclusive Bible. (c )2007 Priests for Equality. Sheed & Ward. Kindle Edition.

The reading is from Matthew 6 -- the The Inclusive Bible. (c )2007 Priests for Equality. Sheed & Ward. Kindle Edition.

The reading is from Psalm 16 -- the The Inclusive Bible. (c )2007 Priests for Equality. Sheed & Ward. Kindle Edition.

The reading is from Psalm 34 -- the The Inclusive Bible. (c )2007 Priests for Equality. Sheed & Ward. Kindle Edition.