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LectionaryChat Store

In conjunction with launching LectionaryChat.com, I've also launched a store full of lectionary resources, Bible commentaries, contemporary ministry helps, worship aids, Bibles, and much more. Come view my featured recommendations, including the complete sets of Word Biblical Commentary, New Interpreter's Bible, Interpretation, New International Commentary, Old Testament, New International Commentary, New Testament, NIV Application Commentary, Wesleyan Commentary for Bible Students, and the Ancient Christian Commentary.

We also have a complete line of Bible and Commentary Software, as well as videos by Rob Bell (Nooma) and Ray Vander Laan (Faith Lessons).

Come see our affordable collection of Bible-helps today!

A New Endeavor - LectionaryChat.com

Obviously, it's been a very long time since I've made any entries here at my Lectionary Journal blog. This has been due to a number of things, including transitioning to a bivocational status at my local church, as well as some exciting growth over at www.yourchurchweb.net - where I provide affordable web hosting solutions for churches and Christian ministries. On top of that, I've launched an a sermon podcast, which has served up over 30,000 downloads since April of 2006.

But the new endeavor that I'm most excited to share with you is LectionaryChat.com. This is an online discussion board that is bringing together pastors, teachers, and students in the discussion of the biblical texts referenced in the Revised Common Lectionary. Since the lectionary follows a three-year cycle, we're also building a great library of reference tools and discussion, that will be available again in three years.

Membership is open to anyone who will come and study scripture together, and be willing to learn from one another. In addition, you'll be able to find lots of lectionary resources and commentaries at our store.

Feel free to come and join us!

Fourth Sunday of Easter, Year B

May 7, 2006
Psalm 23
Acts 4:5-12
John 10:11-18
I John 3:16-24

During the season of Easter, we're focusing our attention primarily on the lessons from First John.  While this letter does testify to the Gospel of Jesus, it is not primarily a doctrinal or theological treatise, but is a immensely practical letter that speaks of how life should be different for those who walk in the light.

As such, it is a great letter to be scheduled during the season of Easter.  One of the fundamental themes during this season is to understand that the resurrection is not simply past history, nor is it simply to provide us with future hope--but it informs the way in which we live in the present.

Consider this verse:

^{I John 3:18}Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.

Faith in Jesus does not simply provide a superficial transformation in our lives, but a new life which is truly different from the old.  This verse is probably the precursor to the old adage, "You can talk the talk, but can you walk the walk?"  It's easy to say that we love someone...but more important that we actually live a life of love.  It's easy to learn the "Christian-ese" language and speak it...but more important to live a life pleasing to the One who redeemed us.

Just some thoughts to get your week started!

Grace and Peace,

PastorJon

A Church on the Move - "Out of the Box" Ministry to Campers

The Cape Elizabeth Church of the Nazarene (where I am privileged to serve as pastor), is being featured in the April 27^th edition of the Scarborough, Maine "Current." Initially the reporter was interested in writing an article about our sermon podcast, but as we talked about the ministries of the church, she decided that a better story would be about our upcoming ministry at the Wassamki Springs Campground.

Our idea of ministry at the campground came about during a "Family Camping Weekend" that we sponsored at the campground, and as we sat around the campfire we began to consider the ways that God might use us to establish an outreach ministry at the campground. One thing led to another, and one of my members talked with the campground owner, and plans began to be laid. We talked about it throughout the summer and the winter, and then the owner called early this spring to find out when we were coming so he could put it in his program guide for the summer.

Pieces are beginning to come into place for this exciting outreach. We will have a 6:00 song and Scripture service every Sunday Night between Memorial Day Weekend and Labor Day Weekend. Tonight, Melody and I went to go pick up a keyboard which is being loaned to us for the summer, and our core group will begin meeting next week to lay down some plans for the summer.

If you're in the area, feel free to stop by. We'd love to have you join us for worship at the campground.

Grace and Peace,

PastorJon