Immanuel United Church of Christ

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Socially Distanced-Spiritually Connected

3/25/2020

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  Like so many of you, I have been practicing “social distancing” when going to the grocery store, talking with people, and even during our online only worship service with the core of people who were onsite to provide so many with an uplifting time of worship.  We know it is good for preventing the spread of COVID-19 and we want to protect our families, friends and neighbors.  But it is a great time to highlight that in this time of social distancing, spiritual connection is all the more important.  This past Sunday I shared a whole new perspective on Jesus touching someone from a distance when he healed the Centurion’s servant from a distance (Luke 7:1-10).  The story took on new meaning as we respond to the current pandemic.  Jesus still touches people form a distance even if we are separated and need to worship virtually.  Jesus still touches us when we pray and read God’s Word.  Another great spiritual truth is that we can be touched from a distance and we can touch others from a distance by staying spiritually connected.  Within the scripture itself the Centurion and the religious leaders all touched others from a distance to help the man who lay sick confined to his home.   It is not just sickness that distances us, many times people have grown apart from God or each other by busy schedules and distracted minds.  In this time when we stay at home, it’s a great time to reconnect with those in our family as well as our faith. 
  As I listened to the addresses of both Gov. Cuomo of New York and Gov. Holcomb of Indiana this past week, I realized that despite some political differences between the two both highlighted the truth that in this time of social distancing, spiritual connection is all the more important. I invite us all to continue to practice responsible social distancing, but also to reconnect with faith and family as we practice the vital practice of spiritual connection.
  For the scripture of the week, I chose part of the letter that Jeremiah wrote to the young people who had been taken away in the Babylonian captivity. Though he was a great distance away, Jeremiah encouraged them with a letter that became a source of faith and strength for Daniel and others as they faced great adversity, and it still rings though the pages of history as a great source of comfort and strength.  As you read the scripture, I hope you will find comfort and strength, and also think of who you might encourage from a distance.
 
(scripture of the week)
 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.
 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the LORD” (Jeremiah 29:11–14, NIV11-GK)
  
(prayer of the week)
Lord in these times of social distancing when so many of us are feeling disconnected, help us to rediscover spiritual connection to our family and friends as well as you, Our Rock and Our Redeemer, amen.
 
(quote of the week)
There are good ships and wood ships,
Ships that sail the sea,
But the best ships are friendships,
And may they always be! --Irish Proverb
 
Listen to recent sermons by Dr. TJ Jenney at http://inspiresundaymessages.blogspot.com/
YouTube
Check the latest leadership blog by Dr. TJ http://www.drtj.us

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Peace in the Storm

3/18/2020

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  Dear friends, I know that for many in our communities, across our country and around the world this is a very anxious time with the spread of coronavirus.  Like most of you, my schedule and worries have changed dramatically.  But this is also a time to try to remain calm and compassionate as well as careful and concerned.  Perhaps it is a good time to slow down a little take a little more quality time with family since many of us are “stuck” at home.  It is also a time to challenge ourselves to spend more quality time with Our Lord in prayer and Bible reading.  Let us be reminded that when the disciples were at sea facing the winds and the waves of a storm, Jesus came to them and said, “Peace! Be still!”  I wonder if Jesus was not only speaking to the storm on the sea, but also to the storm of the disciples’ lives.   I invite you to take a moment and hear Jesus whisper those words to you and your loved ones today.  I also invite you to lean into the strength of these words spoken by Jesus that resonate with us today:  
 
(scripture of the week)
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27 NIV11-GK)
 
(prayer of the week)
Lord, in the midst of very real worries and concerns we ask you to bring peace to our hearts and lives today.  May your peace and presence be with all those who have lost loved ones to this illness.  Give wisdom and direction to our leaders and healthcare workers as they lead and serve with care and compassion.  Grant us a spirit of unity, rather than divisiveness, in our world to overcome this illness and the challenges it presents.  Help us to lean into your strength and grace and love today and always, amen.
 
(quote of the week)
“Difficulties meet us at every turn.  They are the accompaniment of life.  Out of pain grow the violets of patience and sweetness.  The richness of human experience would lose something of rewarding joy, if there were no limitations to overcome.  I have never believed that my limitations were punishments or accidents.  If I had held such a view I never could have exerted the strength to overcome them.  We are chastened by God as children.  We are trained by discipline and refined.  We are not punished or chastised”-- Helen Keller
 
Listen to recent sermons by Dr. TJ Jenney at http://inspiresundaymessages.blogspot.com/
Check the latest leadership blog by Dr. TJ http://www.drtj.us
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Deep Roots

3/6/2020

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Most of us have challenged ourselves to grow personally and spiritually over the next year.  Whatever the challenges and obstacles we have faced; and whatever the joys we have shared, most of us would like to look back and see personal growth in our lives over the next year.  The secret?--Deep roots.  Deep roots come from regular worship and Bible reading, and taking time for prayer.  Come sunny skies or stormy nights, like a tree planted by the water we only grow stronger with time, when we nurture our life in God.   Listen to the psalmist:


(verse of the week)
Blessed is the one
  who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
  or stand in the way of sinners
  or sit in the seat of mockers.

But their delight is in the law of the Lord,
  and on God's law they meditate day and night.

They are like a tree planted by streams of water,
  which yields its fruit in due season
  and whose leaf does not wither.
  Whatever they do prospers. (Psalms 1.1-4)
 
(Prayer of the week)
Loving Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of another new day.  Help me to grow deep roots that will help my life stand the storms of time and bear fruit that will last for eternity.    Renew and strengthen my faith that I have a firm hope and confidence in your love and power.  Help me to find strength in your Word and your Spirit.  Help me to work for things that last for eternity.  May I show your love to someone today.  Amen!
 
Open your heart to God's amazing love!-Pastor TJ
 
(quote of the week)
Do small things with great love—Mother Teresa
 
Listen to recent sermons by Dr. TJ Jenney at http://inspiresundaymessages.blogspot.com/
Check the latest leadership blog by Dr. TJ http://www.drtj.us

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1526 South 18th Street

Lafayette, IN 47905

Phone 765-474-6496


Worship Services;

Contemporary Service 8:30am 

Coffee & Conversation 9:30am 

Sunday School & Adult Ed 9:45 am

Traditional Worship ​10:45am 
 
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No matter who you are, or where you

are on life's journey, YOU are

welcome here!