Devotionals and Conversations

Hello Friends,

I am sorry for the infrequent postings the past few months.  As with many spiritual practices, there seem to be seasons of growth and vitality, and other fallow seasons.  I intentionally put blogging to the side for awhile to pick up other spiritual practices, but now am feeling drawn back to using this tool for communication once again.

I have become very interested in facilitating common conversations among the many committees, groups and ministry teams at Covenant UMC (and if it is of use for others on the 'outside' then GREAT!).  Specifically having conversations around generosity, for instance, will (I believe) have an impact on how relaxed we can feel when the subject of money comes up in the life of the church.  I am also looking for a consistent platform to emphasize the main purpose we exist as a Christian congregation - to encounter God's transforming power, and pass on the opportunity for others to also encounter God's presence and power!  Here is what I have in mind:

• Each month I will have a devotional scripture reading, followed by some suggested questions for conversation.
• You can use this as a resource for planning the time at the beginning of any of your meetings to help your gathered group to be "spiritually grounded"
• I would love to hear from group discussions, as long as permission is given and doesn't violate someone's sense of confidentiality.
• You can search for devotionals by using "tags" for the month name, and the word "devotional"

Let me know if this is helpful and what your experience of this resource is.  If it is helpful, I will keep doing it!
Peace to you all,
Gregg
Pastor Gregg

Weekly Scripture Reading & Questions - August 15th

Hello Friends,
This week, we are continuing our sermon series titled, "Questions for God."  The question we are asking God this week is: Why Do Bad Things Happen?

Weekly Scripture Reading

Job 2:11-13*

Job 2 - 11 Now when Job’s three friends heard of all these troubles that had come upon him, each of them set out from his home– Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite. They met together to go and console and comfort him. 12 When they saw him from a distance, they did not recognize him, and they raised their voices and wept aloud; they tore their robes and threw dust in the air upon their heads. 13 They sat with him on the ground seven days and seven nights, and no one spoke a word to him, for they saw that his suffering was very great.
*The New Revised Standard Version of the Bible

+ When have you heard someone ask the question, “Why did God allow that to happen?”
+ What is the underlying assumption (or assumptions, plural) that person had about God?
+ What is our role in relationship with people who have this question?  What should we say or do?


Let me know.  I look forward to hearing what you think...

Prayerfully,
Gregg

Weekly Scripture Reading & Questions

Hello Friends,
This week, we are continuing our sermon series titled, "Questions for God."  The question we are asking God this week is: Do you still speak to us?

Here is a link to the weekly reading and some questions to ponder...
http://www.covenantmethodist.org/pages/weekly-scripture-readings/

We are specifically looking at the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives of faith.  What questions or comments would you add to my sermon prep this week?

Let me know.  I look forward to hearing what you think...

Prayerfully,
Gregg

Going to "School!"

Hello Friends,

I wanted to let you know about the School of Congregational Development that I will be attending with Kirk Foo this week in Dallas, TX!  It is an annual gathering of inspiring preachers, teachers and speakers.  And new for 2011 they are including Live Webcasts of the Plenary and Worship Sessions at the School.  Be sure to watch the live webcasts from this year’s School of Congregational Development which will webcast the worship and plenary sessions from the event in Dallas. 

 

SCD Live Webcast: http://gbgm-umc.org/scdlive

This year’s theme is Transforming Your Church Culture.  

WEBCAST SCHEDULE: (all times Pacific)

Wednesday, July 27: 12:30 pm
From Crises to Christ Centered: Bishop Earl Bledsoe
Thursday, July 28: 7:00 am
From Attraction to Invitation: Fiona Maclead & Jim Ozier
Friday, July 29: 7:00 am
From Maintenance to Movement: Elaine A. Heath
Saturday, July 30: 7:00 am
From Ourselves to Others: Reuben Saenz, Jr., Danny A. Hernaez, & Andrew Forrest
Sunday, July 31: 5:30 pm
From Giving Up to Going Out: Tyrone Gordon

You can also check me out on Facebook (www.facebook.com/gregg.sealey) and/or Twitter (@RevGreggSealey).  I hope to add some insights and info throughout the week!

Peace to you all!

Gregg

Questions for God - Here they are!

 This Summer, I asked for feedback from the congregation about our SERMON SERIES entitled “Questions for God”!

So...  Here we go!

From July 24th through Labor Day, we will be delving into these questions:

• July 24th – “How do we know that you (God) care for us?”

• August 7th – “Does Heaven exist?  What should we believe about Heaven?”

• August 14th – “Do you (God) still speak to us?  Who is the Holy Spirit?”

• August 21st - “Why do bad things happen in the world?”

• September 4th - “Why is it so hard to be a Christian parent or partner?  How can we be better followers of Christ?”

We may not have all the answers, but we’ll work on it together!
Sincerely,
Pastor Gregg