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Archive for the 'discipleship' Category


Isaiah: Grapes of Wrath…Delicious Grapes of Wrath

Marthame Sanders (Marthame’s sermons and other reflections are also available on his blog) Luke 12:49-56 Isaiah 5:1-7 What are you passionate about? What is it that gets you out of bed in the morning? What is it that thrills you, that excites you, that ignites passion within you? When I was a kid, I would [...]

Our Children’s Prayers and Our Gratitude

The following prayer was read in worship this past Sunday, our “Preschool Sunday”. It is comprised entirely of our children’s prayers. Meghan Brown Saavedra, OPC’s student pastor, asked the children in Sunday School what they would like to pray for. She took their words and compiled them into the following “Prayers of the People”. ——————————— [...]

The Lord’s Prayer by Our Children

Our Bible Basics children’s class rewrote the traditional Lord’s Prayer in language they could understand more easily: God, who lives in heaven, Holy is your name. Your people come, your wishes and desires be done, On Earth like it is in heaven. Give us the food we need every day, And forgive our sins, just [...]

Postlude: How Can I Keep From Singing?

My life flows on in endless song; Above earth’s lamentation I hear the sweet though far off hymn That hails a new creation: Through all the tumult and the strife I hear the music ringing; It finds an echo in my soul— How can I keep from singing? What though my joys and comforts die? [...]

Overwhelming Joy: How Can I Keep From Singing?

Epiphany of the Lord “. . .  they were overwhelmed with joy.” (Matthew 2:1-12) Glorious now behold Him arise,     King and God and Sacrifice;     Alleluia, Alleluia     Sounds through the earth and skies. (“We Three Kinds of Orient Are” PH#66) Lots of things seem poised to overwhelm us on January 6:  staggering bills [...]

Nunc Dimittis and Twelfth Night: How Can I Keep From Singing?

Now, Lord, you let your servant go in peace: your word has been fulfilled. My own eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared in the sight of every people; A light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people Israel. (Luke 2: 29-32, Canticle of Simeon or Nunc Dimittis) [...]

Go Tell It on the Mountain: How Can I Keep From Singing?

Songs of Celebration Christ is born and it’s time to celebrate! Allow yourself to unapologetically celebrate the full Christmas season, from Christmas day to the day of Epiphany! As you celebrate with family and friends this Christmas season, imagine yourself traveling with the three wise men to see the baby lying in a manger. Think [...]

His Yoke is Easy and His Burden is Light: How Can I Keep From Singing?

Saturday, January 3   His yoke is easy, and his burden is light. (Matthew 11:30)   Reflecting on this verse is a gift.  If we can take time this holiday season and truly be thankful for our many blessings, realize how very blessed we truly are, Christmas will come. Even if we didn’t get everything [...]

He Shall Feed His Flock Like a Shepherd: How Can I Keep From Singing?

    He shall feed His flock like a shepherd; and He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those that are with young. (Isaiah 40:11) Come unto Him, all ye that labour, come unto Him that are heavy laden, and He will give you rest. [...]

The Eyes of the Blind Shall be Opened: How Can I Keep From Singing?

Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy. (Isaiah 35:5-6)   The OPC youth group was asked to reflect on this verse. They were asked to write what they believe Christ is inviting them [...]