| This weeks readings and question of the week:
Take time to mediate on God’s word and prepare for worship this Sunday. And as you meditate on them, consider the question of the week: Is my prayer formal and formulaic only, or personal and intimate as Jesus with his Abba (Father)? How might I recover or deepen the warmth of a prayerful relationship with God?
Deuteronomy 4:32-34, 39-40
Canticle 2
Romans 8:14-17
Matthew 28:16-20
Romans 8:14-17
For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption. When we cry, “Abba! Father!” it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ– if, in fact, we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.
When Paul speaks of the power of the Spirit in our verses he points to our inclusion in God’s family. The Spirit makes us “children of God” (8:14) and so intertwines our lives with Christ that we now understand God as a Father or even a “Daddy” (as Abba might be translated — see8:15). In addition, Paul suggests we are now “heirs” with Christ (8:17). In other words, all that the Son shares with the Father (peace, life, righteousness) has now been bequeathed to us as well.
In most cases the Holy Spirit usually does not try to draw attention to itself but rather works on us to strengthen our relationship of faith in Christ. This means the Spirit is very busy indeed. In our stumbling attempts at faith in Christ, the Holy Spirit is at work, overcoming our own desire to be in control. When we seek comfort, the Spirit reminds us of Christ’s seeking of the lost sheep and his forgiveness to a betrayer like Peter. When we need correction, the Spirit calls to mind Christ’s injunction against the love of money or the need to forgive — even those we classify as enemies.
Those who wonder about the Spirit’s presence in their lives need only look to their struggling faith in Christ and they will find plenty of evidence. Left to our own devices, we wander far from the source of light and truth. But the Spirit has other plans. God’s Spirit continually reaches out to embrace and encourage us.
(excerpt from commentary by Mark Tranvick)
|
|
1501 N 13th St, Reading, Pennsylvania 19604
|
World Premiere of Philadelphia composer Heidi Jacob’s SANCTUS as well as Haydn’s LORD NELSON MASS.
Put it on your calendars and order your tickets today!
|
|
NORTH WEST MINISTERIUM
All Souls is part of the North West Ministerium; here are some local churches looking for help:
Hope Lutheran has a community meal and worship service every Tuesday from 5:30-6:30 Just show up – it is that easy.
Path of Holiness is collecting children’s clothing to send to El Salvador – there has been some devastation there recently and there is great need.
Have kids?: Hope Lutheran and Christ (Glenside) are having Vacation Bible School the first week of August – one is hosting in the morning, the other in the evening. Call them for more details.
|
|
Interfaith Service
July 11 – 7:00 pm
The First Unitarian Universalist Church of Berks County, 416 Franklin Street, Reading
PRIDE FESTIVAL
July 19
All Souls will have a booth at the festival and we need YOUR HELP! Sign up sheets will be available at church starting this week! We need people to help with set up and take down, handing out information, children’s crafts, etc. PLEASE HELP! THANK YOU!
|
 Future Dates to Save!
- June 20 – POT LUCK
- June 27– Opportunity House Breakfast
- July 19 – Reading Pride – HELP NEEDED AT ALL SOULS BOOTH
|
News about our Lenten Ministry – Opportunity House
The offering from Lent will go toward buying supplies to cook breakfast for the residents of Opportunity House on Saturday, June 27. We will be doing prep on the Thursday or Friday before. Stand by for more information.
We can use volunteers for prep-work on Thursday or Friday and Saturdaymorning (6:30 am – 9 am). You can help with both, or just one or the other. Sign up sheets will be available soon – but please mark the dates.
We will also be collecting donations for personal hygiene kits (for men, women, and children), kitchen supplies, and children fun kits soon. More information to follow soon.
|
|
The Reading Association
and
The Pennsylvania Southeast Conference
cordially invite you to celebrate the
Ordination
of
Louis Vetri
into
Christian Ministry
June 7, 2015
3:00 PM
Calvary Reformed UCC
640 Centre Ave.
Reading, PA 19601
Clergy are invited to be part of the Procession.
The liturgical color is Red.
Light refreshments will follow in the Fellowship Hall
immediately after the service.
CONGRATULATIONS AND BLESSINGS LOU FROM ALL SOULS!
All Souls members are invited to attend and celebrate! |
|
