Christianity and World Religions

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Dear Friends of Nexus Church,

This week I invite you to be part of the wondrous ways that God is Still Speaking through Nexus in the world, Nexus in the community, and Nexus in our country.

Nexus in the world
Christianity and World Religions
When you voted on topics on which you'd like me to preach, Christianity and World Religions was the top vote getter.  And that's our focus this coming Sunday, Sept 13.

I will preach Sunday morning on "Commitment without Superiority." How do we acknowledge the legitimacy of other paths to God but understand Jesus' words "no one comes to the Father but by me"?  How should Christians respond to people of other faiths?  Should we try to convert them? We'll begin with a close look at John 14:1-11.

In worship Sunday we also welcome back Chip Bramlage and the Nexus band and singers.  We'll share our joys and our concerns in prayer.  Krista Bramlage will lead the children in New Explorers.  Leslie Baum and others will read scripture. Helen and Karl Ulrich will set up our worship space and make announcements.

And then in the evening many of us will go to the 6th Annual Ramadan Iftar Dinner at the Islamic Center near I75 and Tylersville road. Thanks to Sandi Lerman for promoting and organizing our participation.

Nexus out in the community
1. A meal with homeless families

Friday evening and Saturday morning, Sept 18-19: As part of the Inter-faith Hospitality Network in Lebanon, Nexus folk prepare food and activities for homeless families. See Helen Ulrich for details.

2. A river walk to help stop AIDS

Saturday Morning, Sept 26: The 20th Annual Walk to STOP AIDS! at Sawyer Point.  It's a 5-mile walk along the Ohio and Kentucky sides of the Ohio River.  See Dana Johnson to join our Nexus team of walkers.

3. A Christian music concert

Saturday Evening, Sept 26: Recording artists Jason and deMarco are in concert at 8:00 p.m. at Cross Creek Community Church on Miamisburg-Centerville Road, about 35 minutes north of Nexus.  Tickets are $20 per person.  For more details, see Vince Benabese.

Nexus in our country
1. God is Still Speaking in ButlerCounty.

Yes, God is Still Speaking in the current debates over health care reform.  That's the message I took last week to one of the events in Butler County where many gathered to understand why reform is needed.  (The picture below was carried in the Hamilton Journal News)

 
2. A petition from 100,000 in UCC churches across the country

The United Church of Christ is continuing its historic support for health care for all persons by encouraging the signing of a petition that will be shared with legislative decision-makers, both Republican and Democrat.

The actual wording of the petition can be found on the link below, but the following points stand out:

• Coverage for all people
• Access regardless of ability to pay
• A full set of comprehensive benefits
• A choice of physicians and other providers
• Elimination of racial and ethnic and other health care disparities
• Waiver of pre-existing condition exclusions without age limits
• A robust public health insurance option.

I encourage you, as an issue of faith, to consider adding your signature to this petition and forwarding it as broadly as possible. I would think that, in the spirit of the Great Physician whose message we carry, universal health care is a critical moral issue.

The UCC is seeking 100 thousand signatures in ten days.  Will you add your voice?

To add your name to the petition, go to
https://secure3.convio.net/ucc/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=443&JServSessionIdr002=h3ux8uvd87.app306b
 
Blessings for you today and every day,
Mike