"Believing"-First Worship Service after Renovation- June 28, 2009

"God stepped into time in history as a man in Jesus Christ, but he was limited by the culture."   Those were the opening words of Pastor Betsy Ouellette as she preached on "Believing."  The sermon was based on Mark 5:21-43.

This was a memorable day to consider the topic of believing, especially for those who have been members of Good Samaritan USMC for awhile.  It was the first service in our newly renovated worship area which has nearly doubled the seating capacity.  Early members have always believed this kind of growth could be achieved and God continues bless the church and reward our faith.

Pastor Betsy told the story of the woman who had been plagued by a bleeding problem for 12 years.  She was considered to be unclean and was not supposed to appear in a crowd in public. But, she broke all the rules to get near Jesus because of His reputation for healing and when she touched his robe, so great was her faith, she was healed.

The story of Jairus the overseer of the synagogue was also discussed by the pastor.  Likewise, based on the reputation of Jesus as a healer, he also broke the rules. Jairus was desperate for his daughter, who was seriously ill, to be healed.  While Jairus was seeking out Jesus his daughter died. Jesus told the crowd the daughter was merely asleep.  They laughed at Him.

Betsy said that "Jesus left all the doubters and scorners behind and taking the Mother and Father and three trusted disciples with Him, He went into the daughter's bedroom. There He took her hand and said to her: "Talitha koum" (Little girl I say to you, get up!). She did!

Betsy pointed out that "Jesus came to reveal the character and goodness of God."  We need to have the courage to touch Jesus even if it means that sometimes rules need to be broken.

 

Pastor Betsy's sermon can be heard on line.   Pictures of the renovation are in the on-line photo album.

  

"Panic in the Boat"-Worship Service- June 21, 2009

Pastor Betsy Ouellette asked the congregation to consider the story of Jesus calming the storm as viewed through Mark 4:35-41 and Matthew 8:23-27. In both gospels, a sudden and furious storm came up, causing waves to break over the boat carrying Jesus and his disciples across the Sea of Galilee. Jesus is sleeping. In Matthew, the disciples woke Jesus, pleading with their Lord to save them. Jesus asked why they were so afraid, and calmed the weather with his rebuke. The disciples were amazed and, as depicted by a video clip shown by Betsy, mirthful.

The disciples in Mark woke Jesus and asked, "Teacher do you not care that we are perishing?" Jesus ordered the weather to be quiet and still. But of his disciples, Jesus asked why were they so afraid. Did they still have no faith? The disciples were even more afraid after the storm, asking each other who was Jesus. They were coming to appreciate that they were in the presence of God.

Betsy offered that some commentators also see Mark's version as illustrating how Jesus was going beyond teaching in parables to teaching with actions. In this way too, Jesus reproached his disciples because he expected something more of them. Betsy spoke of how the disciples were active participants with Jesus in other miracles, such as feeding the crowds and when Peter walked on water. Did the panicked disciples not realize that they could calm the storm because Jesus was with them in the boat that day?

How we react to chaos is pivotal, explained Betsy. Citing a modern day example, Betsy presented the backstory of airline pilot Captain Chelsey Sullenberger, popularly known as the Hero of the Hudson. Sullenberger, a man of faith, attributes a lifetime of preparation for his actions on January 15, 2009, when engines of the plane he piloted lost power. After directing the plane's emergency landing in the Hudson River, Captain "Sully" walked the aisle of the plane twice to ensure that not one passenger was left behind. Imagine, asked Betsy, what would have happened if Captain Sully had allowed himself to be paralyzed by panic?

Where is Jesus when the storms of life hit? How do we grapple with unexpected loss or suffering? "Christ is in you," said Betsy. With Jesus, there is strength. As she introduced the time for Communion, Betsy invited the congregation to be Christ to someone in need this week. As immediate opportunities, Betsy shared the stories of two families suddenly bereaved.  Betsy suggested giving comfort in the form of condolence notes to one, and through financial assistance to the other where a car accident took the life of the mother to the two minor children and left the father in critical condition.  In closing, Betsy welcomed all to partake of Communion as "strength for the journey."

 

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A giant Father's Day card welcomed Dads in attendance. Children attending The Arts Camp earlier in the week drew pictures and wrote messages honoring their fathers on the north wall. The wall, scheduled for demolition as part of a plan to expand the sanctuary, provided an inspiring canvas for camper Grace Marsiglio to share the endearing poem Walk a Little Slower Daddy (author unknown).

 

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"The Mystery of God"-June 14, 2009

Pastor Erick Ashley introduced the sermon topic with a video clip from the television sitcom Seinfeld. After lamenting that he had no job and still lived with his parents, character George Costanza decided to take an "opposite" approach to life. Starting with ordering chicken salad rather than Tuna on Toast, George made decisions that went against his first instincts or common sense. As recounted by Pastor Erick, George's circumstances suddenly changed for the better to the surprise of his friends.

"God's 'opposites' are mysterious to us," said Pastor Erick. Sharing examples from 1 Samuel 15:34-16:13 (anointing of David), Ezekiel 17:22-24 (planting a tender cedar sprig), and Mark 4:26-34 (The Parable of the Mustard Seed), Erick talked about how God often does or chooses the opposite of what we would expect.

How can we better make decisions that reflect God's mystery? Pastor Erick suggested staying close to God through: 1) reading and studying scripture; 2) spending time in prayer; 3) being involved in a community of believers and 4) practicing solitude.

“What Does This Mean?”-Worship Service-May 31, 2009

Pastor Betsy Ouellette said, after reading the scripture lesson found in Acts 2:1-13 that this New Testament book is called: "Acts of the Apostles" but it could be called "Acts of the Holy Spirit."

She said there are two things to focus on concerning the Holy Spirit.  These are: 1) The Holy Spirit comes to create community.  She pointed out how that was true at Good Samaritan because there was nothing here, but woods before and now we have a church community.  2) The Holy Spirit gives us the power to witness.  Betsy said that a powerful way to witness is to love one another.  She gave a personal example of showing love to others in a women's group meeting she was involved in over the weekend in Apalachicola and how the group helped share one woman's pain and became closer.

Then, Robert Wagner, a visiting guest musician gave a powerful testimony concerning how the Lord has worked in his life taking him from a homeless person on crack cocaine to a reformed, happily married man and a father of a 7-year old.  He now spends weekends praising the Lord through his music.The visiting band, led by Wagner sang, "My Jesus;" "I Believe;" "Be the Center;" and "Friend of God."

Pastor Betsy's sermon and Robert Wagner's testimony will be available on-line