Mid-Week Church for Lent's Second Week: Silence and Spirituality

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WEDNESDAY CHURCH

ON THE INTERNET 

(YOUR MID-WEEK CHRISTIAN POWER SURGE)

 

WITH PASTOR MIKE FONFARA, D.MIN.

mefonfara@gmail.com

 

 

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Second Week of Lent

 

 

 

Welcome, friends!  Thank you for visiting this week's Wednesday Church. 

 

The Church calendar places us in the second week of the 2013 Lenten Season.  Our march towards Easter Sunday, which celebrates the total victory of our Savior Jesus Christ, continues. 

 

Today's Wednesday Church reminds us of silence as an essential spiritual discipline.  Christ's Disciples (that's us) need silence to renew faith!  Our lives suffer from busy-ness.  Our souls cannot hear "Jesus' soft voice of life."  Our Lenten preparation lacks full communion with the Savior because busy-ness robs us of focus.  What a shame!  Let us be silent in the presence of God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit reaping the harvest of our Christian discipline, a concentration on Jesus' teachings. 

 

Stop now and let silence privide the spiritual atmosphere for deep prayer and sense of Jesus' presence!  As you focus on the Savior, your soul will be educated, edified, and strengthened. 

 

Pastor Mike Fonfara

 

WEDNESDAY WORSHIP

Opening Prayer 

 O Jesus, this is a great day in a wonderful Lent Season of the Church year.  Today, we learn how to gain strength from your Easter victory to practice Christian discipleship.  We will enjoy periods of silence to let You and God prepare our lives for the joyuous duties of faith.  Thank you, Friend and Savior, for your amazing graces.  Amen.

Call to Gather

"Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart; Nought be all else to me, save that Thou art -

Riches I heed not, nor vain, empty praise; Thou mine inheritance now and always."

Receive my praise as it is lovingly given!

[Lyrics from the hymn "Be Thou My Vision" are found in The Presbyterian Hymnal  (Blue, 1990 Edition).]

Prayer of Invocation/Confession

Lord of Life, Savior of Humanity, and God Incarnate,

You walked upon this earth calling the faithful to discipleship.  Now, You walk the earth in the hearts of believers - still calling disciples.  I believe.  I am a disciple.  I praise you as my Lord and Savior.  Join me and strengthen me in this very brief worship service.
     
Please forgive me for many sins commited.  My intentions are good, but my resolve is weak.  Renew my soul.  Make me a better person to bring you honor and glory.  Amen.

Assurance of Forgiveness and Delaration of New Life

I know that in the name of Jesus Christ, I am forgiven and made righteous in God's sight.  Amen.

Scripture                                                  Lamentations 3:26 

 "It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation the Lord."

                                                       

Message

Much had been written and said about silence as an integral part of spiritual formation.  The following quotes present interesting ideas aboout silence as a faith tool.  Do any of them speak to you?  What did they say?

We need to find God, and he cannot be found in noise and restlessness.  God is a friend of silence.  See how nature -trees, flowers, grass - grow in silence; see the stars, the moon, and the sun, how they move in silence ...  We need silence to be able to touch souls.   (Mother Teresa)

Silence is the mother of truth.    (Benjamin Disraeli)

Deepest communion with God is beyond words, on the other side of silence.    (Madeleine L'Engle)

How rare is it to find a soul guiet enough to hear God speak.    (Anonymous)

Prayer of Commitment

Well, God, I need to learn silence.  Teach me.  Encourage me to listen carefully for your eternal wisdom.  Motivate me to spend quiet time practicing kindness, forgiveness, missions, and faith.  Amen.

Benediction

I go forward to proclaim my God's love, my Savior's graces, and the Holy Spirit's claim upon my life.  As this is spoken, so shall it be!


SACRED MISCELLANY

1.  Lent is our spring-training to prepare us for the coming season of discipleship.

2.  Discipleship is the pursuit of learning as much about Jesus' way of living as you can, live it, and encourage other faithful beliwevers to do the same.

3.  Never underestimate the value of a smile when sharing the love of Jesus.

4.  To share Christian victory, you must live as a victorious Christian.

5.  Have you said "Good day!" to God yet?


THE NEXT POSTING OF WEDNESDAY CHURCH WILL BE ON (OR BEFORE) 5 A.M ON WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6.

  YOUR VISIT IS GREATLY APPRECIATED! 

Pastor Mike Fonfara, D.Min.

mefonfara@gmail.com  

("Christ of the Breadlines" by Fritz Eichenberg)







 

 

Wednesday Church for the First Week in Lent

Lenten Wednesdays: 2/13; 2/20

 

 

WEDNESDAY CHURCH 

ON THE COMPUTER 

(www.wednesdaychurch.blogspot.com)

 

with Pastor Mike Fonfara

 

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

 

Welcome to Wednesday Church on the Computer!  Your visits to this blog are always appreciated.

Please enjoy the worship service and various sacred thoughts that follow.  Thanks again for your visit.

 

TODAY'S OPENING PRAYER

 

Great God, Mighty Creator, and Giver of Life,  

 

Awaken our hearts to new life brought by our holy Lenten Leader, Jesus Christ.  His deeds on earth, words recorded in the Bible, and amazing love for people stir our passions for Your Kingdom.  We respond to the Lenten challenge of our faith by learning the attitudes of Christ as found in the Bible and by following the Holy Spirit to use them in our daily lives.  Amen. 

 

WORSHIP FOR WEDNESDAY IN THE FIRST WEEK OF LENT

 

Gathering

 

"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strentgh of my heart and my portion forever."

(Psalm 73:26)

 

Come, Wednesday worshippers, let God strenthen our hearts by this worship service!

 

Invocation/Confession

 

Gracious God,

 

Thank You for this Lenten Season, a time for strenthening my relationship with Jesus before Easter.  Receive my appreciation for blessings given today.

 

As much as I love You, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, I still sin.  Please forgive my disobedience, judgmental attitudes, my chasing after worldly treasures while ignoring heavenly responsibilities, and yielding to temptations of all sorts.  I repent in my Savior's name.  Thank you for divine kindness, mercy, and forgiveness.  Amen.

 

Assurance of Forgiveness and New Life

 

God's love for repentant people never fails.  The Almighty forgives sin and renews the soul.  Your sin is forgiven in the name of Jesus.  Praise God!

 

Scripture    

 

 "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power."

(1 Corinthians 4:20 NIV)

 

 

Message                                               "Seeing is Believing!"

 

Most Christians have heard this old expression, "Seeing is believing!"  Everybody I know wants some basis of reality to back-up how they think, what they say, and what they do.  This goes for me, too.  Most people believe that they can trust what they see.

 

There is a Christian dimension to this old adage quoted above.  People believe what they see and read about Christians.  Good or bad, public opinion about Christians, the Church, and even Jesus is formed by our noticed lives.  People are watching you and me.  

 

What type of faith seeds are we sowing this Lent?  We must live the right way and let the Holy Spirit's authority as well as power lead us to think, say, and do things that honor God and the Savior.

 

General Statement of Belief

 

I believe that the Almighty created me to reflect, enjoy, and share the love of Jesus.  I do this by the ways I praise God, treat other people, take care of Mother Nature, and live according to the Bible's teachings.  As good as my Christian intentions may be, I fall short and pray for God's forgiveness.  I know that God forgives and redeems me.  So, I will always continue to strive for authentic and victorious Christian living to glorify the Creator, the Son, and the Holy Spirit all the days of my life here on earth and in the hereafter.  Amen.

 

Closing Prayer (with a Native American contribution) 

 

Holy God and Great Spirit,

 

Please hear my prayer.  With thanksgiving in my heart, I pray for vibrant faith live in mysel and in all my loved ones.  Walk with us, O God, and lead us into Your kingdom now and forever.  Aho - Amen.

 

 

(A Native American Prayer Pipe)

Your Lenten Challenge for the Week

If you know of someone who might enjoy Wednesday Church on the Computer, 

share this blog(www.wednesdaychurch.blogspot.com).

 

Miscellaneous Sacred Thoughts 

 

1. Short History of Lent by Tim Kimberley

 

Millions of Christians around the world will spend the next 40 days celebrating a Christian tradition which predates every denomination. The season of Lent refers to a 40 day period leading up to the celebration of Easter. The English word “Lent” is a funny one. If you lived at a time and in a place where Latin was spoken you wouldn’t call this time “Lent,” you would use the more precise word Quadragesima which is a direct translation from the Greek term for “fortieth.” When sermons in the Middle Ages started to be spoken in the language of the people, instead of the elitist Latin (thanks be to Martin Luther and others), the word “Lent” was chosen to speak of this period of 40 days. Technically the word comes from the Germanic root word Lenz which simply means long. The days get longer during the Spring, so it’s no surprise this word in German and Dutch is used for the word “Spring.” Since springtime is the time we celebrate Easter, the word “Lent” was adopted to speak of this time of new life during Spring. Who knew?

Did you know, additionally, the 40 day period of Lent may be a translation mistake? Before you call me a heretic, let me explain.

We can trace Lent almost all the way back to the disciples. This is quite extraordinary. The heroic theologian Irenaeus (who died in 203AD and was discipled by Polycarp who himself was believed to be discipled by the Apostle John) wrote a letter to Victor I. This letter was thankfully recorded by the early church historian Eusebius. Irenaeus is telling Victor about their Easter celebrations. In this letter he writes:

“The dispute is not only about the day, but also about the actual character of the fast. Some think that they ought to fast for one day, some for two, others for still more; some make their ‘day’ last 40 hours on end. Such variation in the observance did not originate in our own day, but very much earlier, in the time of our forefathers” (Eusebius, History of the Church, V, 24).

Interestingly, the earliest of Christians believed Jesus was dead in the grave for 40 hours. The number 40 has held significant importance throughout biblical history. The rains fell on Noah in the ark for 40 days and 40 nights. Moses was on top of Mount Sinai receiving the Ten Commandments for 40 days and 40 nights. Elijah walked 40 days and 40 nights to the mountain of the Lord. Jesus, most importantly, fasted and prayed for 40 days and 40 nights before starting his public ministry.

The earliest of Christians put the 40 day fasting of Jesus in the desert together with his 40 hours in the grave. It appears Irenaeus is telling us the earliest of Christians spent 40 hours, not days but hours, fasting and praying in preparation for Easter celebrations. This is where a translation mistake changed the way we have and continue to celebrate Easter. A man named Rufinus translated Eusebius’ History of the Church from Greek into Latin. For some reason he put a punctuation mark between “40″ and “hours.” It gave people reading the letter of Irenaeus the idea that Irenaeus meant “40 – 24 hour days.”

By the 300′s AD a 40 day celebration period leading up to Easter appears to be widespread. The Council of Nicea (325AD) mentions two synods should be held each year, “one before the 40 days of Lent.” 4th century theological powerhouse Athanasius in his “Festal Letters” pleads with his congregation to fast for 40 days leading up to a more intense fast during Holy Week. 4th and 5th century church leaders Cyril of Jerusalem, Cyril of Alexandria and Leo I all speak of a 40-day period of Lent leading up to Easter.

The exact day Lent should officially begin has been debated for many centuries. Most Western Christians start the 40 day period on Ash Wednesday. Eastern Christians start Lent on a day referred to as Clean Monday. It is usually the Monday before the Wednesday celebrated by the West. For centuries a time of feast and festival precedes the time of prayer and fasting. The most famous pre-Lent festivals are celebrated in Rio de Janeiro, Trinidad & Tobago, Venice and in modern times New Orleans. The festival on the Tuesday before Lent is known by the names: Mardis Gras, Shrove Tuesday, or Fat Tuesday. Many of the people who celebrate these festivals, however, neglect entering into the reason for the season.

Lent has historically been seen as a time of serious self-denial. In denying ourselves we are able to catch a glimpse of the cosmic self-denial made by the second person of the Trinity for the salvation of mankind. Although the 40 day period may have come about through translation problems, the 40 day period has been influential in the lives of countless saints to redirect our affections toward our Savior. Lent predates every denomination. In whatever way your local church celebrates Lent; let this season break you, wound you, destroy you, and humble you so Jesus can be the center of your life and not you.

Thank you Tom Kimberley!


The next Wednesday Church on the Computer posting
is Wednesday, February 27, 2013.

Please stop by and visit again! 

Walk in peace!  Aho.

Pastor Mike Fonfara, D.Min.



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

        

 

 

Ash Wednesday Worship - Your Mid-Week Christian Power Surge

 

 

                  WEDNESDAY CHURCH
                                                   with Pastor Mike Fonfara, D.Min.

                      February 13, 2012  -  Ash Wednesday

                           Welcome to Wednesday Church. 
                This is your mid-week Christian power surge.


TODAY'S PRAYER

May there always be work for your hands to do.

May yor purse always hold a coin or two.

May the sun always shine upon your window pane.

May a rainhbow be cetain to follow each rain.

May the hand of a friend always be near to you, and

May God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.

(Taditional Celtic Blessing)

WORSHIP FOR ASH WEDNESDAY AND THE DAYS OF LENT'S FIRST WEEK

Gathering

Come before God with a thankful heart, open mind, and obedient will.  These conditions invite the Holy Spirit to renew the soul and soak your life with God's blessings.    

Invocation/Confession

Look deep into my life, O God, as see the depth of my faith.  I am excited about your working in all my days.  I rejoice in the promises of salvation and Christian for the rest of this life and in the blessed eternal life to come.

Still, I confess my sins.  My intentions are good.  My thoughts, deeds, and actions fall short of  the righteousness Christian living requires.  Forgive me for the many sins I commit.  Give me a fresh start and strong resolve to do the right in spite of my weaknesses.  This I ask in Christ's name.  
Amen.


Assurance of Forgiveness and New Life

The Amighty has heard your prayers and request for forgiveness.  You are made anew in God's eyes.  Go and do your best to sin no more.  Praise God for divine life renewal!   

Scripture                                               Matthew 6:33 (NIV)

³¹ So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ ³² For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. ³³ But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Too many Americans worry about accumulating great wealth to provide security.  Ash Wednesday reminds Christians that all life, including security, resides in livng the was Generous Creator demands.  Seek God's Kingdom and God's righteousness first and all of your needs will be met in this life and in the eternal life to conme.  

Message                                             The Little Hummingbird

                                                     Once there was a great forest fire.
                                             All of the birds and animals rushed to escape.
                                                        Hummingbird went to the river,
                                                            And collect a drop of water.
                                                    The other birds and animals laughed.
                                                       “What are you doing?” they asked.

She replied, “I am doing what I can."

 

(Unknown Author - Often Attributed to Native American Lore)

 

 

(In Traditional Native American culture, a hummingbird symbolizes timeless joy, freedom and energy. It is a symbol for accomplishing that which seems impossible and will teach you how to find the miracle of joyful living from your own life circumstances.)

Here's the question for Lent.  Are you doing something - however small - to further God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit's impact in your sphere of influence this Lenten Season? 

 General Statement of Belief

I believe in one God, Creator of all things.  God is a holy, infinitely perfect, and eternally existing energy in a loving unity of three equally divine Persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Having limitless knowledge and sovereign power, God has lovingly purposed from eternity to redeem a people for all time and to make all things new for the Creator's own glory.  As of this Ash Wednesday, I am a dedicated member of God's Christian community.  Amen.

Closing Prayer

Most blessed God, as Ash Wednesday turnh into the Lenten Season.  Help me to adopt the attitudes, graces, and kindness of Jesus so that I can fully prepare for the Easter week and celebrate the ultimate vioctory of my Savior.  Amen.

Benediction

Go into life striving to bring praise and honor to God and Jesus through

the powere of the Holy Spirit working in and through you.

Amen.

 

Pastor Mike Fonfara 

 

MISCELLANEOUS THOUGHTS 

1.  Genesis 3:19 could be a Bible passage referred to by many who believe that Ash Wednesday began out of necessity.

2. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten Season, a period of fasting and praying leading up to the Easter victory.

3. The ashes used during Ash Wednesday services come from tghe burned palms used in worship services the previous Palm Sunday.

4. Ash Wednesday services appear in a host of Christian denomination, such as Catholics, Orthodox, Anglican, Lutheran and many Protestant groups.  Not all Protestant groups place ashes on the body.

5. In those Christian communions using the rites of ashes, crosses are placed on the forehead or hand of Christians. This symbol illustrates that the worshipper has repented of sins. The ashes also bring memories of the Christians mortality and the gift of salvation brought by Christ's death and resurrection.

6. If you wish to contact Pastor Mike Fonfara and make suggestions, leave a prayer concern, or make other positive comments, contact Pastor at mefonfara@gmail.com.



The next publication of Wednesday Church is Wednesday, February 20, 2013 at 5 a.m.  Please join the mid-week Internet Congreation nexgt Wednesday and tell your friends about WC as well. 

SHALOM!!!