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
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