Devotional

Good News Youth Devotional

Posted on May 5, 2020 by admin

By Eric Landrum (Lead Pastor at the Lititz Church of the Brethren (PA))

1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 “…your faith in God has become known everywhere…”

First impressions are a big deal. As Paul begins his letter (and likely one of his earliest letters) he is so grateful for the followers of Jesus in Thessalonica and the impression their faithfulness had made in his own life and ministry. Paul is energized and inspired by this body of believers and the incredible work they are doing. He can clearly see how the work of God is alive and well and being led by the Holy Spirit there. He points out that because of their commitment to live as imitators of Jesus, their work is having a lasting and meaningful impact on those around them. Because they follow Jesus with their whole hearts their faith in God “has become known everywhere.” They are role models for a gospel way of living. What high praise to receive from a guy like Paul!

It is wonderful when we see the fruit of the Spirit, isn’t it? We can make such a stunning first impression on the people around us when we extend kindness, patience, and genuine care to our neighbors by imitating Jesus. Paul points out that the believers in Thessalonica had three important characteristics: faith, hope, and love. Can the same be said for your life? What about your church? Paul will spend the rest of his time in this letter encouraging the followers to keep up the good work and remain a source of positivity and we can hear that encouragement even today. Go forth! Be a role model! Live in such a way that your faith in God is known everywhere! Talk about a fantastic first impression.

Good News: God has chosen you to be a role model for others and an imitator of Jesus!

Discussion Question: Who has served as a role model for you? How did their behaviors and living teach you about God?

Go one step further: Paul’s time in Thessalonica wasn’t always smooth sailing. He was actually locked up when he first arrived! You can read more about his time in this famous Greek city in Acts 16 and 17. If you’d like to know about the entire letter, check out this video which gives you an overview of 1 Thessalonians

Devotional

Good News Youth Devotional

Posted on May 4, 2020 by admin

By Valarie Kline (Pastor at the Pleasant Chapel Church of the Brethren (IN) and district youth advisor in the Northern Indiana District)

We know it’s important to pray, & many times we may think, “I’ll pray for that….later.” But, we need to be intentional about spending time in prayer. Setting aside a specific time to do so is important. Yes, we can & should pray throughout the day, but if we don’t set a specific time (like in the morning, after school, or before bed), it likely won’t happen (at least, not as effectively as it could). Not only does God command us to pray, but God wants us to pray. The God of the universe loves to spend time with us….with you. Isn’t that a wonderful thought?

Intercessory prayer is praying on behalf of others. Andrew Murray (1828-1917) wrote, “Intercession for others is the most perfect form of prayer; it is the prayer Christ prays on His throne.” That’s another wonderful thought. Jesus is praying for us even now (see Romans 8:34 & Hebrews 7:25)! Robert Murray McCheyne shared, “If I could hear Christ praying for me in the next room, I would not fear a million enemies. Yet distance makes no difference. He is praying for me.” Christ is praying for us, and we can and should pray for others, too. We’ve been given an incredible opportunity and privilege to do so.

Good News: We can pray to God on behalf of others, and we can bless them through our prayers (whether they ever know it or not).

Discussion Question: What are some ways you’ve seen prayers answered?Who is somebody you can pray for, & will you make a commitment to do so? Will you set aside a specific time to pray each day? If so, when will that time be?

Go one step further: Try the M&M prayer.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/152700243591321739/

eBrethren

Pentecost Offering 2020

Posted on May 1, 2020 by eBrethren

Worship Resources for the 2020 Pentecost Offering
of the Church of the Brethren

Bulletin insert – printable – color Download

Bulletin insert – printable – black and white Download

Bulletin insert – slideshow Download

Opening prayer 1 Download

Opening prayer 2 Download

Hymn suggestions Download

Sermon starter Download

Benediction Download

Children’s story Download

“Shine on: a study Bible” produced by Brethren Press

“The day when God made church” by Rebekah McLeod Hutto

Family activities Download

Devotional

Good News Youth Devotional

Posted on May 1, 2020 by admin

By Seth Hendricks (Pastor of Youth & Congregational Life at the Manchester Church of the Brethren)

Colossians 2:8-23 “…the reality is found in Christ.”

Friends, you do not need me to tell you what a unique time we are living in. I imagine we will be hearing and sharing stories, memories, etc…about this specific time in history for many years to come. However, what will the fruits of this time bear? Does it feel like your life has radically changed? How are you living into these new realities?

As followers of Christ, those last two questions are particularly interesting to reflect on in these times. Of course things have changed dramatically and new realities exist, and yet, this should not be unfamiliar territory for us, right? This letter in Colossians is not just a reminder of that but a connection point back to the early church. Followers of Christ who don’t just need a reminder, they need a reality check. To summarize: Hey Colossians! Stop seeking to find life in what the world offers. Remember your baptism? Your call into new life, to be radically changed from dead and old ways? This reality, this fullness of life is found in Christ.

So maybe this unique time can also be a reality check for us. When we become overwhelmed by the rapid changes and shifts to our day to day realities, remember we are called into these kinds of places. To live into the reality that is found in Christ. A life in all its fullness.

Good News: We can do this! We are equipped to shine bright in these times. Remember, the fullness of life that is found in Christ.

Discussion Question: In these times, where are you uncovering and awakening this fullness of life?

Go one step further:

Devotional

Good News Youth Devotional

Posted on April 30, 2020 by admin

By Marcus Harden

Colossians 1:24-2:7 “…continue to live in him…”

It’s 2020. For many of us, it doesn’t seem to be off to a good start. Parents are out of work; schools are closed; high school seniors aren’t getting to walk for graduation; loved ones are getting sick and/or passing away. Perhaps it’s safe to say we’ve all been going through stages of grief in our own ways during this unprecedented pandemic. And, when the winds and waves are rough, it can be tempting to settle for any voice that tries to tell give us meaning and purpose. Truth is there are many people and things whispering all kinds of messages into our ears and when the stakes are high, it is easy to listen to those whispers in the madness.

Consider the context of our text today. There were some false teachers speaking into the Colossian church. These teachers were trying to set aside Jesus’ work for us through His life, death and resurrection. His ministry was not enough in their philosophy. They believed that, on top of this grace received through faith—in order to truly be fulfilled—believers had to learn the hidden secrets of their teachings and follow their man made rules. They had to worship angels and understand dreams (Col. 2:18, 20-23). Do you know that modern hymn, “In Christ Alone… my hope is found?” Yeah, not for these teachers—Christ alone was not enough.

Yet in the midst of uncertainty, Paul whispered a different message to Christian believers: “…continue to live in Him, being rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith” (Col. 2:6). Paul says keep growing in your faith. Keep on the journey with Christ. Christ is your strength and portion, Christ gives you purpose, and Christ is enough. During this time when we are looking for comfort and hope in a pandemic looking for purpose and fulfillment in a new normal, may we remember to be guided and encouraged by the gospel of Christ alone. Don’t waste this moment chasing after the silly pleasures and secrets of the world. Use this time as an opportunity to grow deeper roots, to build good spiritual practices and maturity, to walk ever closer to Jesus.

Good News Prayer: God, help me to put my trust in You alone. Define me and give me purpose. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Discussion Question: What does putting trusting in Christ alone mean for you personally? What do you need to turn over to God?

Go one step further: “Walk of Faith” https://icebreakerideas.com/youth-ministry-games/:

Devotional

Good News Youth Devotional

Posted on April 29, 2020 by admin

Colossians 1:15-23 “…now, he has reconciled you…”

By Douglas Hinton (Pastor at the Hempfield Church of the Brethren (PA))

The book of Colossians is found toward the latter half of the New Testament between Philippians and Thessalonians. In six short verses, Paul lays the foundational truth of who Jesus was, what He did, and what was accomplished through His death on the cross. Paul states that Jesus was the image, or icon, of the invisible God, meaning the exact representation. He further states that by Jesus, all things were created and hold together. Jesus was the firstborn from the dead and is the head of the church. And here’s the thing: the fullness of God…His very presence, essence and life, dwelt in Christ on the cross – reconciling all things on earth and heaven back to Himself through Christ’s blood. Blood=life of a being. In order to make things right between all of creation and God, Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh, gave up everything so that we can have a life of peace with God. If Immanuel, God with us, stood before you and I, would we recognize Him, follow Him, do as He did? Jesus built a bridge between God and man through His life and death. How are we being called to continue the work He begun?

Good News: Jesus bridged the gap between God and us – we need only accept His gift!

Discussion Question: What does it mean in your life for Jesus to build the bridge between God and you?

Go one step further: Who do you need to bridge the gap with? Ask God to bring someone to mind in prayer: maybe a parent, teacher, friend, or sibling. Start the conversation, seek forgiveness, follow Jesus and bridge the gap.

Devotional

Good News Youth Devotional

Posted on April 28, 2020 by admin

By Linetta Ballew ( Assistant Director, Brethren Woods Camp & Retreat Center (VA))

Colossians 1:1-14 “…we have not stopped praying for you…”

Today we begin to read someone else’s mail. What we call Colossians was originally a letter, sent by Paul who was in prison, to the church in Colossae, a small and insignificant city in the Lycus Valley, about 100 miles from Ephesus. Even though Paul had never been to Colossae to meet with the church there, he begins his letter by telling them that he, and Timothy, “our brother” (vs. 1) and partner in sharing the Good News, have been praying for them and thanking God for them because they “have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven” (vs. 4-5).

Paul and Timothy “have not ceased (stopped) praying for you” (vs. 9) and he outlines specifically what they have been praying for. First, they have been asking that the Colossians would be “filled with the knowledge of God’s will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding” (vs. 9). This knowledge and wisdom and understanding is not an end to itself. Instead, like good soil, they are praying secondly that it will produce “lives worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him” (vs. 10), as the Colossians continue to bear and grow good fruit among themselves and throughout the whole world. Their third prayer is that they may “be made strong with all the strength that comes from his glorious power” so that they will “be prepared to endure everything with patience” (vs. 11). And finally, Paul and Timothy have been praying that the Colossians will continue to remember the hope of the Good News they have through Jesus Christ and will keep on “joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light” (vs. 12).

Knowledge, wisdom, and understanding. Practical, worthy living. Spiritual strength to endure. Hope and joy. These are the promises made to, and the signs of, those who have been “rescued…from the power of darkness and transferred…into the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins” (vs. 13-14).

Good News: Even when we feel small and insignificant, because we are part of the family of God, by the grace of God, we are remembered in prayer, rescued, transferred, redeemed, and forgiven.

Discussion Question: Do you know someone who prays for you and thanks God for you? Someone who never stops praying for you? What do you feel like you need most for the coming day or week – knowledge/wisdom/understanding? worthy living? spiritual strength? hope and joy?

Go one step further: If you know someone who never stops praying for you, reach out to them today to say thank you for remembering you. Share with them what you feel you need most right now so they can be praying specifically for that.

Consider who God might be calling you to remember in prayer and give thanks for. Choose a creative prayer reminder (like a photo of that person placed where you’re sure to see it, a post-it note on your mirror or fridge, a task or location that’s part of your daily routine, or an object you’ll carry with you) to prompt you to pray.

Check out some Simple (https://www.24-7prayer.com/simpleprayerideas) and Creative (https://www.24-7prayer.com/creativeprayerideas) Prayer Ideas from 24-7 Prayer, including ideas for Praying on the Move (https://www.24-7prayer.com/onthemove).

Devotional

Good News Youth Devotional

Posted on April 27, 2020 by admin

By Bethany Hoffer (Director of Youth Ministries at the Palmyra Church of the Brethren (PA))

1 Peter 5:1-14 “clothe yourselves with humility towards one another…”

Have you ever been criticized for something that you believe in or made fun of for the way you feel called to live out your faith? I think this happens to all of us at some point or another if we take our faith seriously. It can be difficult in these moments to keep calm and refrain from biting back. 1 Peter is a pastoral letter of encouragement to continue to live in the way of Christ even in the midst of suffering and persecution. Christianity was relatively new and certainly wasn’t the most popular way of life. It countered many aspects of the pagan culture, the societal norms. Following Jesus was not an easy way of life. Peter was writing to encourage them in their faith, to inspire them to stand strong in the face of adversity, but to do so with humility. “Clothe yourselves with humility in your dealings with one another.”
Humility can be hard! We don’t want to be perceived as weak or foolish. But in reality, humility is the opposite of these things. It requires strength and wisdom. Humility allows us to let go and to trust that God will take care of whatever the issue may be. May we be filled with the strength and wisdom to be humble in the face adversity.

Good News: Even in the midst of our struggles, God cares for us and offers strength and support.

Discussion question: When have you suffered because of your faith? What helps you to remain humble in the face of adversity? How can we help each other to “clothe ourselves in humility”?

Go one step further:
An important aspect of humility is recognizing our own faults and shortcomings, rather than judging those of others. Practicing mindfulness helps us to center and calm ourselves. The more that we practice mindfulness, the slower we will react in moments of anger or frustration, giving us time to remember humility.

https://www.mindful.org/how-to-practice-mindfulness/
(there is a graphic on this page with easy to follow steps)

Devotional

Good News Youth Devotional

Posted on April 24, 2020 by admin

By Jen Scarr (Pastor at the Trotwood Church of the Brethren (OH))

John 16:1-15 “The Spirit of truth…will guide you into all truth…”

In a world full of people crying out “Fake News!” It can be hard to discern between what is true and what is false. What information is trustworthy? What information should be scrutinized?
Jesus knew that after his death and resurrection there would be a lot of misinformation and doubt over what happened. The gospel of Matthew tells us that after the resurrection, a rumor was circulated that the disciples stole Jesus body and just told everyone he came back to life. Our four gospels have four different accounts of how it all went down. How are we supposed to know what really happened? What is true? Here in our scripture today, in the last conversation Jesus has with his disciples, Jesus promises to send a Spirit of Truth. This spirit, the Holy Spirit, would help lead them toward what was true.

Good News: The Spirit of Truth Jesus sent to the disciples is meant for you, too! When called upon, the Spirit will help guide you toward what is true.

Discussion question: When has the Spirit of Truth helped you? Or when might the Spirit of Truth come in handy in the future?

Go one step further: Journal Practice: Take a sheet of paper and finish this sentence: “Something I know to be true is….” Feel free to write as much as you wish. When you feel like you’re done with that sentence move on to this one: “I know that what I wrote earlier is true because….”

Devotional

Good News Youth Devotional

Posted on April 23, 2020 by admin

By Colin Scott (Youth Coordinator at the Mechanicsburg Church of the Brethren (Pa.))

John 15:12-17 “Love each other.”

Recently, we have all been challenged by what it means to “do church” or “be the church” when we cannot physically gather together as the Body of Christ. It takes greater effort and more energy to maintain meaningful relationships with, and to care for, those we are used to seeing regularly. And yet, Jesus’ command that we “Love each other” as He named us “friends” and prepared to sacrifice Himself for us is as relevant now as ever! I imagine that each of us can think of someone in need of an encouraging word, a listening ear, or a prayerful thought. How we choose to creatively live out Jesus’ example of sacrificial, selfless love in times of uncertainty and adversity has AWESOME potential to bear fruit – fruit that lasts. This is an unexpected chance to form new, lasting relationships. Let’s decide to thoughtfully continue building loving community by reaching out selflessly as a friend to those who may need support, hope, and reassurance. The possibilities for connections we make today are endless as we obey Christ’s direction to “Love each other.”

Good News: Jesus has chosen each of us as His friend and sacrificed Himself for us. Jesus tells us to choose to love each other selflessly.

Discussion question: What obstacles might we have to overcome to love each other as Christ commands? How might sharing Jesus’ sacrificial love look for us, practically, today?

Go one step further: Find your church directory, identify a member (or family) in the congregation who could use a friendly or thoughtful note, and mail them an encouraging greeting. Challenge yourself by choosing someone new, and maybe someone who you do not know well, each week and see what “fruit” is produced through these new relationships.