Richmond First United Methodist News and Events
Pastor’s Perspective
The Work of Jesus, Mark 1:21-28
Pastor Dan Damon, Richmond 1st UMC, 2-1-15
Introduction
Theologians like to talk about the “person and work” of Jesus. Who was Jesus as a person? What was his life’s work? These are questions wellsuited to a lifetime of study and reflection. My first year in service as a half time pastor here in this local parish I took a course in Christology from Don Gelpi, a wonderful Jesuit scholar and professor at the Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley, part of the Graduate Theological Union. He taught us, at length, that Jesus was a human being, developing, learning, growing as we do. He also embraced the idea of the divinity of Jesus. The orthodox doctrine of the person of Christ states that Jesus was fully human and is fully divine. I like to think that we have the same opportunity. Jesus work reveals his person. What we do shows who we are. Are you doing the work to which you are called, or are you letting life pass you by?
Do you remember the four tasks of grief [there are many kinds of grief] from last week? I’ve been trying to memorize them: (1) Accept the reality of the loss. (2) Experience the pain of grief. (3) Adjust to the new environment (4) Reinvest energy in life, forging a new relationship based on memory, spirit, and love. You can look them up in our News and Events. Give Barbara Haley your e-mail address if you are not receiving our weekly newsletter.
Retell the Scripture Story
After the call of four disciples—
Capernaum, Sabbath in the synagogue—
The people were astonished at his doctrine
because he taught with authority, not as the scribes.
A man with an “unclean spirit” cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.”
Jesus said, “Be silent, and come out of him.”
The unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying out with a loud voice, came out of him.
The people were amazed and Jesus’ fame spread throughout the region.
Application
Ofelia Ortega, Professor of Theological Ethics, Evangelical Theological Seminary, Matanzas, Cuba shared some of her thoughts on this gospel lesson in my Presbyterian commentary, Feasting on the Word:
“Jesus invitation to the kingdom is radical and overwhelms the vital space of those he encounters. Accompanied by the four fishermen, Jesus begins his “kingdom campaign” inviting the neediest. He doesn’t notice the great ones, nor does he call those who pose as the great ones or important ones. He comes to the desolate places, and there he summons for the kingdom those who are far away from the several kingdoms of this world.”
Mark’s stories are short presentations. They are presented as a model of the gospel at work. They occur in the synagogue, the private houses, and the countryside. The message of the kingdom is meant to transform lives. It is no good to say, “I have no demons. I don’t believe in them.” It is better to say what are the things in me that are contrary to joyful living, contrary to life. Is there nothing you need deliverance from? No fear? No hurt? No pain yet to heal? Cry out like the man in the story. Call upon Jesus, the rabbi of the poor. Ask him for the help you need to move forward with the work love has set before you.
What can we do? When we claim the power within us to live and work as Jesus did, we can do more than we imagine. The power of love is greater than all the forces of evil. The work of love makes this world livable. The work of love, guiding the church, creates spaces of freedom and places of healing and communion. This is the person and work of Christ, alive in us.
Let us be in prayer.
: Richmond First United Methodist News and Event
Joys and Concerns
Lauren McLeod welcomes your prayers for healing.
Sandra Kokoruda (Fran Smith’s daughter) up date: Sandra has an infection in her wound. She has been started on antibiotics. Please keep her in your prayers for healing.
Molly Smith is requesting prayers for her brother who has been treated for a brain tumor for several years and has recently entered the Hospice program. Prayers for his family and her brother as they go through this very difficult time.
Deby McFadyen is asking for prayers for her father, Jack McFadyen, who has lung cancer. Currently he is doing well.
Deby is currently looking for a new job.
Pat Dornan and Linda Pereira continue to need your prayers of support and healing. Update: Pat is home after her vacation. Unfortunately, Linda has lost the gains she made at Greenridge popssibly due to changes in her medications. They are off to the doctor to see what can be done to help her. They are still open to visitors, so drop by if you can.
Robbie Robinson would appreciate your prayers.
Helen Wysham welcomes your prayers for healing as she undergoes chemotherapy.
Please keep the people of Camp Liberty in your prayers as chaos reigns in Iraq and near the camp.
News
Fri, Feb 13, 10:00 AM – Sat, Feb 14, 6:00 PM
East Bay and Marin County
Singing Valentines/ Barbershop Quartet!
For an unforgettable Valentine’s Day gift, arrange for a Barbershop Quartet to sing a harmonious message to your favorite Valentine! Your sweetheart will receive two love songs in four-part harmony, a rose, and a lovely card delivered by four elegantly dressed men, all for $50. The singing is the highlight, but if you like a sweet treat, add a gift basket from Richmond’s own California Delicious. Questions? Leave a message for Norm Reynolds (510) 235-2988. Place your order online: marinvalentine.com
As most of you know, Norm Reynolds is in a Barbershop Quartet and wants to let you know that they have this special offering for Valentine’s Day.
Soundcloud is up and running on our website! Message from Gill Stanfield who has made it happen. There are 16 songs from the recording made during “An Evening with Dan Damon”.
if you double click the SoundCloud icon on our pointrichmondmethod.org site, it will bring up the public profile of our account, https://soundcloud.com/point-richmond-methodist-church.
You can also access it directly, here:
And of course, it can be searched on SoundCloud.
There are 16 tracks and one playlist.
Generosity
Don’t forget that donations for Imagine No Malaria are always welcome.
If you are buying Valentine gifts online, don’t forget to use umcmarket for a percentage to be donated to our church.
Events
Saturday, February 7, 9:30 am to 4 pm, Bridges District Revival. Come for a day of opening your hearts to God’s love. Come and receive the gift of spirit worship through prayer and song. Main speaker is Bishop Warner Brown. Special collection for Imagine No Malaria. Fairfield Community Methodist Church, 1875 Fairfield Ave., Fairfield, CA. $10 donation to cover refreshments and lunch. See flyers in Friendship Hall.
Thursday, February 12, 7 pm, Administrative Board Meeting in Friendship Hall. All are welcome.
Friday, February 13, 7:30 pm, Point Richmond Acoustic presents Melody Walker and Jacob Groopman. Melody is from the Bay Area and Jacob is from the Blue Ridge Mountains which makes their music a unique blend of styles. Winners of the Chris Austin Songwriting at MerleFest, and Telluride and Rocky Grass Competitions with their Bluegrass project, Front Country. Mike Witcher is a fantastic Dobro player. Opening the show is Rick Didia who sings beautifully crafted songs with roots in blues, folk and country music.First United Methodist Church, 201 Martina St., Point Richmond. Tickets on line $15 at the door $20. For more information and ticket purchase: pointacoustic.org.
Saturday, February 14, 1-3 pm, United Methodist Women Meeting at Doreen Leighton’s home, 236 Castro St. Point Richmond. All women of the church are welcome.
Wednesday, February 18, GRIP dinner. If you would like to help cook and serve a dinner for GRIP, contact Doreen Leighton at 307 5461or d3leighton@me.com.
Thursday, February 19, 6:30 pm: Prayer and Self Denial gathering in Friendship Hall. We are providing a soup made by Doreen Leighton and hosting the event. St. Luke’s will be presenting the program on Gratitude. The women of the church are welcome to attend and prepare for Lent.
Sunday, February 22, 10 am, Celebrating Fruitfulness and Faithfulness with Bishop Warner Brown. Inspirational preaching by Bishop Brown, Cal/Nev Conference Bishop as well as President of the Council of Bishops speaking about the areas of fruitfulness and faithfulness that he is most excited about. Town Hall style of Q&A time led by the Bishop. Taylor Memorial UMC, 1188 12th St, Oakland. Reception following at 2 pm at Epworth UMC, 1953 Hopkins St., Berkeley. Flyers in Friendship Hall.
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