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From Wittenberg to Rome Presentation!

7/31/2017

Last Wednesday Shirley and I gave our first presentation in commemoration of the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation. We shared pictures, videos, and memories from our recent pilgrimage to Germany and Italy. We had a good turn out, and those who attended seemed to enjoy our talk!

We will do it again on Wednesday, August 16 at 1:00 p.m. in St. Paul’s Multipurpose Room. If you couldn’t make the first one, hope to see at the second one. Peace, Vernon T.

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Reflection: God’s Kingdom Expressed in our Present Day

7/27/2017

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One of the first public messages that was recorded at the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry was when he said "the kingdom of God has come near." Thus when Jesus came he established the kingdom of God here on earth into this time and place. When Jesus gave us the words to what has been called the Lord’s Prayer, he told us to pray "your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." Additionally, we are also to pray for and do our part to continue to bring about God’s kingdom into our present day. We take part in doing this when we strive for God’s kingdom and are guided by the Holy Spirit to do what we think is God’s will.

There are times in life when it is really apparent that God’s kingdom is present. Shirley and I have been fortunate to be a part of something special when she was called to be the pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Alpena, MI. In this town there is a group of churches that have lived out a little bit of how God’s kingdom can look in this present age as they join together to take part in various activities. This group was formed and operating before we got to Alpena and have several functions that they take part in doing the year. However, the most unique event is when they have midweek Lenten worship services.

Each Wednesday during Lent the services are rotated from church to church, they start with a simple soup and bread supper, which is followed by a worship service with a different clergy person preaching each week. It is truly neat and wonderful to have so many faith traditions coming together to break bread and have worship together.

We get to visit the churches, hear different speakers, and take part in a variety of worship styles. Even though each week the format is unlike the previous week, the worship is centered around praising God, and being in fellowship with other believers. Each year a specific Lenten theme is used for all of the services and the sermons delivered are based on that theme. In my mind this is a real example of having God’s kingdom be in this time and space.

The churches that are involved in the movement here are from the United Methodist, Presbyterian, United Church of Christ, Episcopal, Lutheran (ELCA) and Roman Catholic faith traditions. I realize that Alpena isn’t the only place that this is happening, and in fact there are probably many other places that are more diverse then the churches mentioned here. I would also say that those too are examples of God’s kingdom being present here and now. Being ecumenical in today’s world may indeed involve being part of events that include a wide range of faiths and religions.

On your spiritual pilgrimage look for places and events where you can sense that God’s kingdom is present, and where God’s will is being done and people from many faiths, cultures, and ethnic backgrounds come together for a common purpose, rejoice and praise God for being able to witness and take part in that wonderful movement!

Lord of all creation, help me to be open to those events around me that show your kingdom is present, and your will is done, and guide me to share this experience with those I meet today! Amen. Vernon T.

Copyright © 2017 Vernon T. Jones, All Rights Reserved

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From Wittenberg to Rome!

7/20/2017

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In commemoration of the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation, Shirley and I will be doing two presentations on our recent pilgrimage to Germany and Italy. It was an amazing, wonderful, educational, and a spiritual journey that we’ll never forget!

We will share pictures, videos, and memories from the trip. It will take place in St. Paul’s Multipurpose room on Thursday, July 26 at 6:00 p.m. and Thursday, August 16 at 1:00 p.m. Hope to see you there. Peace, Vernon T.

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Scripture Reflection: Praying With a Companion!

7/13/2017

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"One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, at three o’clock in the afternoon." Acts 3: 1

For some of us doing things with another person is often easier then doing it alone. Organizations like exercise groups, book clubs, sewing circles, travel tours, and various communities, have been around for a long time. These arrangements allow those who want to, the opportunity to join with others to do a certain task, or to share a common experience. This isn’t for everyone, but a good percentage of people find it easier to have others along for the ride.

In this passage we have Peter and John going up to the temple to pray at the three o’clock in the afternoon. That was a regular time of prayer. They went up together, and they knew the importance of maintaining their prayer practice or routine. Some of you may find it difficult to begin and continue a daily prayer habit. Think of joining with another person or a group to add support to your desire to pray daily. Also look for an open church or quiet place where your prayer time can be done, if you aren’t at home.

Try different methods and places until you find something that is comfortable for you and your personality. The main thing is to start and to do your best to continue. If you have already started and have a routine, be open to where the Holy Spirit may be leading you next on your spiritual pilgrimage. We can pray at anything of the day or night, but many spiritual writers note the importance of having a specific quiet time where the only focus is on our relationship with our loving God! Vernon T.

Holy Spirit, help me to look for ways that I can begin a prayer life, and once started may I be open to where you may be asking me to go next! Amen.

Copyright © 2017 Vernon T. Jones, All Rights Reserved

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Scripture Reflection: Learning Is Part of The Pilgrimage!

7/6/2017

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Vernon Teaching!

"Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long." Psalm 25: 4-5

In 2000, after spending nearly twenty-eight years in the insurance industry, I left that field to start Trinity Lutheran Seminary full time. I was guided to go while not fully knowing why. Initially that experience was a shock to my spiritual and mental makeup.

Over my life I had always attended worship services wherever we lived. I took part in countless Bible studies, Sunday school activities as a teacher and a student, in small group activities, and of course did my own private study as part of my spiritual pilgrimage. However, that period at Trinity traumatized my system in many ways and especially as far as my knowledge of the Bible went. Even though I felt comfortable with my knowledge of certain things before going to the Trinity, my view of some aspects of scripture was forever changed.

That first year at Trinity, and especially that first quarter was one of the more trying times that I have ever had in my life. Beside the work load and the writing of paper after paper, it really caused me a lot of pain and discomfort for what I was learning changed a part some of the long held beliefs that I had about the Bible, its stories, and the background about some of its history. That became a very stressful time for me for many things, which I once held very sacredly, were drastically altered.

As you take part in your spiritual practices realize that you can be taught different aspects about your journey, and be open to learning that on this walk, there will always be something new to learn, or a fresh way to see a long held view. Please be aware that this may indeed change you and could even cause you some discomfort. However, embrace what God may be doing in your life!

Lord of new life, please teach me your ways and paths, and lead me to your truth, and help me to be open to being changed in the process! Amen. Vernon T.

Copyright © 2017 Vernon T. Jones, All Rights Reserved

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From Wittenberg to Rome Presentation!

Reflection: God’s Kingdom Expressed in our Present Day

From Wittenberg to Rome!

Scripture Reflection: Praying With a Companion!

Scripture Reflection: Learning Is Part of The Pilgrimage!

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