Faith features

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Sermon series: First Church, Congregational in Painesville will host a new sermon series, “The Radical Sayings of Jesus,” now through March 10. Services are at 9 and 11 a.m. on Sundays. “These sayings, even after over 2,000 years, continue to have a radical impact on our faith and can also continue to have a radical impact on the world if we continue to trust in them and explore how we might continue to live them out as Christians,” says Rev. Tom Cofer, Senior Pastor. Feb. 10 — “Deny Yourself and Follow Me.” Scripture Lesson: Mark 8:34-38 Jesus asks people to pick up their cross and follow him. In the time of Jesus, the cross was not a pretty religious symbol, but it was an instrument of torture; people saw many terrible scenes of people hanging on crosses. The fact that Jesus used these words to motivate people to follow meant that he had deeper intentions…he was saying that life can be difficult when you choose to follow him. Commitment to follow Jesus involves choosing to substitute our own needs to follow a call beyond ourselves. Feb. 17 — “Not Everybody Enters the Kingdom.” Scripture Lesson: Matthew 7:21-23 The way to life, and to God, is vigorous and requires total attention. Jesus was angry because people were using his name for their own glory, and hypocrisy was the name of the game. Jesus warns that it is not enough to claim his name— we must live as his followers. We grow in grace and service by practicing our faith; it is not only “talking the talk” but also “walking the walk.” Feb. 24, — “Love Your Enemies.” Scripture Lesson: Luke 6:27-36 For first-century Jews living under roman imperial rule, this pronouncement of Jesus’ had to be very disappointing. Jesus, though, was lifting up a standard of love that is different from friendship or romantic love. This radical saying is as relevant and challenging today as it was when Jesus first said it. March 3 — “Give Up Your Family.” Scripture Lesson: Luke 14:25-35 The words that Jesus has in this scripture passage have always been difficult to process. The passage is all about attachments, and how following Christ can be costly, even when it comes to our relationships. We are also promised, however, that following Christ leads to abundant life. Join us as we explore this saying this week. March 10 — “You Will Always Have the Poor.” Scripture Lesson: John 12:1-8 Jesus, in this passage, seems to contradict himself, or at least, what we think he would say about helping the poor. We will explore this passage in greater detail, and we will see how it might inform our faith. First Church Congregational is at 22 Liberty St., Painesville. For information, contact the church from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 440-357-7518 or email office@firstchurchcongregational.org. Support for life’s challenges: It is as simple as stopping in and posting your needs on one of the Willoughby House of Prayer prayer boards or on the outside board. Volunteers will then pray over the request each day. The mission is to share the peace and serenity of God’s providential care. The Willoughby House of Prayer, 4091 Erie St., Willoughby, is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesdays and Saturdays, and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays.