God’s Calling

Can you believe how fast summer is going?  Just like life, time seems to pass so fast.    If you’ve ever had the feeling that you should be doing something “more” with your time, maybe a calling of some sort from God – be sure to read and reflect on all of this weeks scripture readings and see the commentary below.

Reading Pride Interfaith Service on July 11 and  Reading Pride Festival on July 19.  Please see more information about those events below – we need help to be at the booth! (And no service on July 19).

Please take the time to read the articles and information in this week’s “GOOD NEWS” including a change with our prayer list. Feel free to forward this newsletter to a family member or friend, or share it on your facebook page or twitter by using the “like” and “share” icons at the top of the page.

MANY BLESSINGS!

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: How often do I pray to God for the grace to hear God’s call and respond to it in my own daily life? How can I depend more upon God?

 

Amos 7: 12-15

Psalm 85: 8-13

Ephesians 1:3-14

Mark 6:7-13

 

Amos7: 14-15

 

Then Amos answered Amaziah, “I am no prophet, nor a prophet’s son; but I am a herdsman, and a dresser of sycamore trees, and the LORD took me from following the flock, and the LORD said to me, `Go, prophesy to my people Israel.'” 

 

We see that God used Amos as a sheepbreeder and a tender of sycamore fruit. With so many allusions and illustrations from the world of agriculture, Amos spoke as a farmer and God used it.
Charles Spurgeon said: “Every prophet has a manner and style peculiarly his own. Although God speaketh through them all, yet they lose not their individuality or originality of character. The breath which causes the music is the same, but no two of the instruments give forth precisely the same sound. It is true they all utter the words of God; but each voice has its own special cry, so that though God is pre-eminently seen, yet the man is not lost.”
So God can use each of us – with out own talents, gifts, places in life.  We just have to be open to his call and heed it.   I love music – but I will never be able to play an instrument or sing a solo (without a miracle)….but I use the gifts God gives me both in the church and with life.   Are you open to being used by God?   What can you do for his kingdom at All Souls?  In your Family? In Reading? At your job?  Pray to be open to his word and leading!  Who knows what hidden gifts you have for God!

PRAYER SHEETS

 

We are a family of faith that believes in the power of prayer. We pray for each other; concerns of our friends and families; and we lay the issues of the world at God’s Feet.

 

To help us do this more efficiently – the weekly prayer request list will now be an insert in the bulletin.  You are always welcome to take the entire bulletin home to re-read the scriptures or reflect on other parts of the service.  However, if you don’t want to take the whole bulletin home – you can now very easily remove the prayer request insert and take it with you.  You can even write down any new prayer requests that are lifted up during the service.    Of course if you can’t make the service or you are one of our family or supporters that have moved away, you can always click on the “Prayer Request List” in the left column of the “Good News” each week to download and print out.

 

Please be encouraged and know that you do have prayer warriors on your side – lifting up praises of gratitude that are shared, but also praying for the sick, the weary, and those who have died.   We encourage you to seek a closer walk with God and pray daily!

NO SERVICE – July 19

Due to the overwhelming number of parishioners who are involved in many areas of Reading Pride next week; All Souls will not have Sunday service onSunday, July 19.

Please take the time to worship in your own way or other believers as you are able.

Interfaith Service

July 117:00 pm

The First Unitarian Universalist Church of Berks County, 416 Franklin Street, Reading

PRIDE FESTIVAL

July 19 

12 – 6 pm

All Souls will have an information booth and a children’s activity booth. If you signed up to help – THANK YOU!  If you didn’t sign up yet, but can help out – even for just an hour to give others a break, please emailAllSoulsECC@gmail.com

UPDATE YOUR INFO!

We always want to be sure your information is up to date.  If you have moved, changes phone numbers, or use a new email address – let us know!   We have “contact information” sheets printed out in the Heritage Room during coffee hours, just cross out any old info, and put in the new info.   Or email any changes toallsoulsecc@gmail.com.   We are preparing new directories for this fall, so be sure to do this as soon as possible.

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.

How are you doing answering this  past week’s 
question of the week? 

How did I respond the last time someone challenged my perspectives and prejudices?  How might Jesus be calling on me, by my own “prophetic” vocation, to do the same?