*sips coffee in an attempt to wake up.*
Ok, we are here!
There were roughly 75 people there, mostly families and seniors, but there were a few 20-somethings there (with some very stylish haircuts.) The majority of this church is caucasian with a few visible minorities.
I found it interesting that there was both a male and female church leader, in almost identical robes, that took turns back and forth leading and performing the church service. One of the first things that was read was the "Declaration of love and acceptance." And this is how it went:
"In response to God's call, we, the congregation of Robertson-Wesley United Church declare our commitment to opening our hearts and our church family to all people in our community, regardless of sexual orientation, age, gender, differing abilities, ethnicity or economic circumstance. We recognize that many peoples lives continue to be devastated by hatred and prejudice, and inequality, therefore, as a compassionate and caring spiritual community we will stand with those who are adversely affected by injustice, alienation and oppression."
When I hear this, and think of Christ, it makes a lot of sense.
Jesus constantly went against-the-grain in his society to help those that were helpless or rejected. He spoke with people of a different tribe, which no Jews would have anything to do with (see Jesus speaks to the Samaritan woman in John 4). He stood against a group of men, that were about to inflict the death penalty on a prostitute, even thou the law considered this punishment acceptable (see John 8:1-11). He went out into the countryside to heal many chronically ill and highly infectious people. This was completely taboo to the Jewish people.
Jesus broke the rules, and I love him!
#breakalltherules!!!!
After that announcements were made. This is a church that clearly enjoys having a participation in the arts, as they announced a list of art/theater related activities planned including group meals. One event that caught my attention, was an +18 event that they called "God on Tap". I was actually very excited to hear this because I have attended a similar event hosted by a Unitarian minister that was open to all people of faith, and I truly enjoyed the experience. Basically, you plan to meet as a group in a bar/pub and you enjoy your drinks and food while having a small group discussion on the topic of the day. For example, when I attended a similar event our question was, "What does it mean to live bravely in your faith?" I personally suggest planning or finding one of these events for yourself.
Highly Recommended!
Before the scripture lesson, we had children's time. So all the children ran up to the front of the church and they were asked to think about a time, when they asked God for help. Answers ranged from learning how to ride a bike, all the way to fighting with someone. After the lesson was done, the small stampede of roughly 20 kids herded there way downstairs, while the adults remained for the scripture lesson.
Today was two stories in one, Jesus heals Jairus' daughter and Jesus heals the woman with the "Issue of Blood"
In between theses two stories, I am sure one could find enough material to speak for hours, but the church leader kept it short. He spoke on how this well-known and respected Rabbi had to humble himself immensely to go find Jesus and fall at his feet, as his last hope of saving his daughter. Hope became a centerpoint of the conversation. It was said that the bleeding woman put all her hope in Christ and that is what healed her. The man with the ill daughter almost lost all hope when he left the house to go seek out Jesus, only to be coming back to home to hear that his daughter died while he was gone.
I suggest fallowing the link, I think it gives a really good break down of this piece of scripture.
Jesus Heals Jairus’ Daughter (Matthew 9:18-26; Mark 5:21-43)
An interesting side note to this was this is one of the few pieces of scripture where Jesus's exact words in his native tong of Aramaic are quoted. “Talitha koum!” which translates to roughly “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”
Fun fact:
Jesus's spoken language = Aramaic.
Language Gospels are written in = Common Greek.
I am not sure how closely these languages are compatible but I am once again reminded how important it is to study the Bible in deeper detail. Especially when it comes to translation of words.
I will never forget the Torah (Old Testament) study session I had with a Rabbi. He took one old testament verse from a King James Bible and read it out, and the impression of it was strong, threatening and imperialistic. He then took the exact same piece of scripture from the original Hebrew in the Torah, the translation he gave had a completely different tone. It was comparable to the strong, warm, and loving heart, that a parent has for their child. 100% different without question. It blew my mind then, and still does to this day.
You might also be surprised to know, getting to our readable English Bible we have today, was one heck of a struggle.
Timeline of how we got the English Bible
Quotes of the day:
"We get told 1000 ways 'Don't get your hopes up! '"
"We know as long as God is with us, there is hope!"
By the way, this is one of these older churches, you can really see some of the western frontier architecture in the building. And of coarse, beautiful stain glass.
Over all this was a good Sunday and I enjoyed my time at this church.
"Go into the world with daring and tender love!"
Love reading your posts. If you're interested in pub theology. The church I attend has a monthly pub talks. Check us out at holytrinity.ab.ca and talk to heather our wonderful curate.
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