Nexus News- June 12, 2009

Image by ~Asturnut~ via Flickr

Dear Friends of Nexus Church,

The "greatest" or an invasive weed?

• This Sunday June 14th we'll take a fresh look at Jesus' parable of the mustard seed (Mark 4:26-34).  What does this simple story teach us about the realm of God?  What might the mustard bush teach us about living and working together here and now?  Hint: Is the mustard bush the greatest of bushes or an invasive weed?
  
  
• As usual, many hands make our worship possible. Chip Bramlage and the wonderful Nexus singers and band will lead us in music; Brian and Ty Smith  will do set-up, make announcements, and read Scripture; Sandi Lerman will continue our education in ASL; Krista Bramlage will lead the children; and Vince Benabese will prepare the visuals.
  
  
• Plus, after worship Mark Smith will lead the discussion of Chapters 13-17 of The Shack.  All are welcome to join in the discussion, whether or not you've been able to attend previous discussions. 

By Request-YOUR chance to pick the topics for my sermons
Later this summer I will preach a series of sermons on the topics which you have selected.  Here are just some of the topics which have already been suggested:

• Should we try to convert people of other faiths to Christianity?
• Why did they decide to nail Jesus on the cross?
• Did God create everything?
• Is there a "bad place" (hell)?
• What are the issues between Muslims and Christians?

Here's how it will work.  You nominate any topic on which you'd like me to preach.  Maybe your topic is an issue, an ethical or political question, a particular part of Scripture, a particular Christian doctrine, or anything else on your mind.  I will then compile the nominations into a ballot.  On June 28 (while I'm out of town attending the UCC General Synod) everyone will vote.  In late July and August I will then do my best to preach on the four topics that got the most votes.

Bring your ideas this Sunday!

More opportunities for service and community

• PB&J food drive - an ongoing drive to collect basic food supplies for summer-time sandwiches.  Contact Leslie Baum for details
• Men of Faith - our special Nexus' recognition of men who've been important in our faith development will take place on June 21st.

Let your voice be heard
"The use of torture by the United States in recent years, and our refusal to renounce its use, has diminished us as a nation not only in the eyes of our own citizens, but in the eyes of the world... " - that's the opinion of the Rev. John Thomas, General Minister of the UCC.  To learn more about this critical issue, see http://www.ucc.org/justice/uccagainsttorture/urge-the-president-to-create.html?autologin=true

Let the White House hear YOUR voice about faith and politics
In this time of such great need, it's more important than ever to let elected officials know how your faith and values connect.  It's especially easy to send an e-mail to the White House. This web-site makes it easy: http://www.whitehouse.gov/CONTACT/


Blessings to you today and every day,

Mike