Sunday, May 25, 2014

June 2014 newsletter

House-to-House
Family of Hope House Church                        June 2014

 
Had the sharing spirit of Pentecost continued, Christians could have saved the planet


Sell what you have and give to those in need. Luke 12:33
     We tend to dismiss such words as among the sayings of Jesus that no reasonable person could ever put into practice. But Jesus insists that when we invest in the needs of our fellow human beings rather than in ever more consumer goods, we are putting our money where it really produces the best returns and brings the most possible gain.
     The first believers at Pentecost took that teaching seriously. Had Christians continued to do so through the centuries, the very earth we live on might have averted disaster.
     Unfortunately, most of the world’s so-called Christians have become known as being among the most ravenous and reckless consumers of all time, promoting a way of life that is wrecking the planet, exhausting its resources and poisoning its atmosphere.
     What would have happened if those who professed to follow Jesus would have from the beginning taken him far more seriously when it comes to sharing wealth with those in need rather than storing up more and more earthly treasure for our own comfort, convenience or self-indulgence? Trillions could have been saved through investing in plowshares instead of swords and through spending on human need rather than on human greed. Hunger, malnutrition, homelessness and many diseases could have been virtually eliminated if the rate of consumption had been reduced and wealth more equitably shared.
     One day we may all realize, too late, that Jesus was not simply giving humanity some good sounding but optional financial advice in the gospels, but a mandate that could prove to be the only way we could all survive.
     But alas, professed Christians, on the whole, have been no more Christ-like when it comes to their rate of consumption than unbelievers in general. Is that sad or what?                                         - Harvey Yoder

Notes, prayers and praises

OUR ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP COVENANTING is on Pentecost Day, June 8, and will be followed by a very simple Lord’s Supper meal.
PRAY FOR THE UNITY and healing of the Virginia Mennonite Conference as it anticipates its summer assembly in July.
JUNE BIRTHDAY BLESSINGS to Sophie May, 6/2, Josiah Dumas 6/9, Karla May 6/16, Isaiah May, 6/27 and Harvey Yoder 6/30!
LET’S REMEMBER JOSIAH DUMAS, whose summer address is 6800 Sepon Court, Springfield, VA 22152.

June Lectionary readings

1  Acts 1:6-14  Psa 68:1-10, 32-35  1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11  John 17:1-11
8  Acts 2:1-21 Psalm 104:24-35  1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 John 20:19-23
15  Genesis 1:1-2:4a Psalm 8  2 Corinthians 13:11-13  Matthew 28:16-20
22  Genesis 21:8-21 Psalm 17 Romans 6:1b-11 Matthew 10:24-39
28  Genesis 22:1–14  Psalm 13  Romans 6:12–23  Matthew 10:40–42

June services worship at 4, meal at 6

1 Location: James & Ruth Stauffer 1250 Parkway Dr 22802   574-6141
Worship and Sharing: James Stauffer
Bible Study: Paul Swarr                                                    Carry-in Meal

8 Location: Family Life Resource Center 723 Newman Ave.   432-0531
Pentecost Worship and Sharing: Lois Wenger                                                
Covenanting Sunday Study: Harvey Yoder              Lord’s Supper Meal

15 Location: Virginia Mennonite Missions  901 Parkwood Drive  432-0531  
Worship and Sharing: Harvey Yoder                                                     
Bible Study: Ken Horst, Virginia Mennonite Missions       Finger Foods

22 Location: Guy & Margie Vlasits 3448 Caverns Drive, K’town                  
Worship and Sharing: Guy and Margie Vlasits                        908-0391
Bible Study: Elly Nelson                                                    Carry-in Meal

28 Location: tSusan Campbell 1361 Lincolnshire Dr 22802     564-1524
Worship and Sharing: Susan Campbell
Bible Study: James Stauffer                                          Carry-in Meal