A HUGE THANKS to everyone who participated in Sunday’s, “Conversation with Us.” Great food – great fellowship – great input! Thank you … If you were unable to attend and/or participate, we’d love to hear from you. Please send your answers to the questions to Lorrie via e-mail (lorriebeck1@gmail.com) or leave them in the church… Read more Thank you from the Ministerial Search Team
I want to say “Thank You!” to all those who planned, led and participated in our meeting last Sunday. We shared a wonderful meal, lots of creative conversation and enjoyed a spirit of fellowship that will carry us forward. The leadership team will be digesting all these good ideas over the next couple of weeks… Read more Thank you from Our Pastor
One of my all time favorite bumper stickers reads, “If you can read this, thank a teacher.” My wife, who is a teacher, taught me that the way we learn to read is by “decoding” the jumble of letters on the printed page. First we learn that the letters have names and sounds. Then we… Read more Gospel of Mark, decoding the message!
These words from David’s message on Sunday made me think: that’s what Sunday, February 10 is all about! We will give PVCC folks “plenty to chew on” – both literally and figuratively – on February 10. Between now and February 10, we’ll give you lots to think about, contemplate, meditate, and pray on as we… Read more “… they will be given plenty to chew on.”
I would like to invite as many members of the PVCC community as possible to share in the 8 week study of the Gospel According to Mark which starts this Sunday, January 27. If you are unable to make it to the Seekers Class on Sunday morning and we can find an alternative time to… Read more An Invitation to join a study of the Gospel According to Mark
January 27 Readings: Read Mark 1:1- 3:6 Myers, chapter 1-3, pages 5-30. Background. The Roman-Jewish war of 66-79 C.E. is the context for Mark. Myers introduces our study with the words of Isaiah, who is Mark’s favorite prophet. Isaiah promised that one day God would “destroy on this mountain… Read more January 27 Seeker’s Class Assignment and Background
February 3 Readings Read Mark 3:7-4:34 Myers, chapters 4-5, pages 31-52 Background: We continue our study of social mapping and learn about Jesus’ plan “to bind the strong man” (Mark 3:27). Myers writes, “Christian spirituality has as much to do with how we stand on the earth as how we… Read more February 3rd Seeker’s Class Assignment and Background
February 10 Readings Read Mark 4:35-6:44 Myers, chapters 6, 7, 8, pages 53-78 Background: The first two sessions focus on subverting the status quo. With this session we begin the constructive task of building solidarity. Myers introduces Bartolome de las Casas at the start of chapter 6. He was the owner of slaves… Read more February 10 Seeker’s Class Assignment and Background
February 17 Readings Read Mark 7:1-8:21 Myers, Chapters 9 & 10, pages 79-96 Background: The conflict between Jesus and the religious authorities escalates. Jesus’ disciples are accused of violating the purity codes. Jesus accuses the religious authorities of extortion. Myers introduces the “hermeneutic of suspicion,” which is a way of asking questions about… Read more February 17th Seekers Class Assignment and Background
February 24 Readings Read Mark 8:22-10:16 Myers, Chapters 11, 12, 13, pages 97-123 Background: Myers calls this session and the next the “discipleship catechism.” The catechism has five elements. This week we learn about three of them: the way of the cross, prayer, and solidarity. Apocalyptic images come to the forefront as we… Read more February 24 Seeker’s Class Assignment and Background