eBrethren, February 26, 2014

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February 26, 2014   Got passion for church planting? Click here. CONTENTS True treasure Living word Finding our call together "They rejoiced in what came alive in them as they worshiped in this place."Photo by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford Order the Lenten devotional at  www.brethrenpress.com True treasureby Duane Grady “Therefore every scribe of heaven is like the master of the household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old” (Matthew 13:52). Jesus discourages us from thinking of heaven and its joys as a thing to be obtained. Instead, Jesus points to what heaven is like rather than what it is. If we reduce Jesus’ teachings to a pearl or a field or a net full of fish we will despair, because the chase is over, the celebration has ended. True treasure eludes us; there is always more to discover. The newly married couple was looking for a church in the town where they had just moved. The town provided numerous options, and they were surprised by how drawn they were to a small congregation—a church that had none of the bells and whistles their college church had provided. There was something illogical yet so right in their attraction to this church. They hungered to know more. By worshiping there the couple discovered people who blessed them with holy conversations. Their hearts were warmed by the love that embraced them, and their minds were guided by the Holy Spirit to consider new treasures of biblical wisdom. This place looked timid and shabby at first, but now felt strong and vibrant. It was hard for them to explain, but they rejoiced in what came alive in them as they worshiped in this place. They saw the face of Jesus in the ministry that surrounded them. Soon, they began contributing themselves by sharing their ideas and enthusiasm. For the very first time, they gave without worry and received a hundred blessings. It was like finding the best Christmas gift still under the tree. After opening it once, they realized the gift kept on giving and surprising them along the way. The joy of discovering it sustained them. This excerpt is from this year's Lenten devotionalReal Rest produced by Brethren Press. Order it atwww.brethrenpress.com today. Forward to a friend Back to top Photo by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford Visit www.brethren.org/oghs to learn more about this important Church of the Brethren offering. Living Word, You sought us and found us as a worshiping people, called together to witness to your love through our shared witness in living, giving, and action. As we seek to know you better through our worship, we come to see you more clearly in the hungry, the thirsty, the sick, the homeless, the hurting. As you are one—Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer—we would ask to be one with our sisters and brothers the world over. As we answer your call, move in our midst, inspire us with your love, send us forward in your name—one people, one in your will, unified with your purpose, generous with your love. Amen. This prayer written by Frank Ramirez is one of many worship resources for the One Great Hour of Sharing offering on March 16. Find them all atwww.brethren.org/oghs . "We all have a heart to guide and serve the young people of our church."Photo by Glenn Riegel Find more information about youth ministry webinars atwww.brethren.org/yyawebcasts . Finding our call togetherby Bekah Houff, coordinator of Outreach Programs for Bethany Theological Seminary Vocation. Discernment. Spiritual gifts. Call. These are words that I did not fully understand until, as a high school student, I attended Explore Your Call at Bethany Theological Seminary. Now, several years later, I am blessed to work with that very same program as part of my own vocation. As leaders of youth-focused ministries of Church of the Brethren agencies, Marie Benner-Rhoades (On Earth Peace), Becky Ullom Naugle and Emily Tyler (Church of the Brethren), and I have been meeting regularly for almost a year to collaborate and cast a vision for the future of Brethren youth ministry. We all have a heart to guide and serve the young people of our church, so why not do so in partnership together? One example of this partnership is a series of five webinars that we’re offering, geared toward those who get to talk with youth about vocation, discernment, call, and spiritual gifts. Last month I presented the third in the series, and Becky Ullom Naugle will lead the next one on March 4 at 7 p.m.Anyone who is interested in discussing intergenerational relationships should be there! Hymn #541 in Hymnal, A Worship Book says, “How clear is our vocation, Lord, when once we heed your call.” I am blessed to walk with others on this journey of discovering call, and honored to share in this exciting work with colleagues and friends who care deeply, hope fervently, and serve boldly. Will you join us? Find more information about youth ministry webinars at www.brethren.org/yyawebcasts . Forward to a friend Back to top Thanks for reading! Watch for our next issue on March 12, 2014. Do you have a story about how you and your congregation practice stewardship?E-mail it to ebrethren@brethren.org ! eBrethren: Stories of Brethren Stewards, is produced every other week by the Church of the Brethren donor communications team.
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