opc blog

words of welcome, challenge, and growth

Archive for 2008/11


Ad Vent (Reading the Mall)

Hey! We just finished our first Ad Vent gathering at Phipps Plaza. This is a time for two congregations – Oglethorpe Presbyterian and Ormewood Park Presbyterian – along with friends, neighbors, family, hangers-on, and just about anybody else to take a breath during the chaotic pressures of the shopping season leading up to Christmas. This [...]

Advent Through the Eyes of Isaiah: Wonderful Counselor

  Isaiah 64:1-9 O that you would tear open the heavens and come down, so that the mountains would quake at your presence– as when fire kindles brushwood and the fire causes water to boil– to make your name known to your adversaries, so that the nations might tremble at your presence! When you did [...]

Magnificat: How Can I Keep From Singing?

Songs of Preparation The following scriptures and reflections coincide with Advent songs of preparation. As you continue preparing your heart and mind for Christ’s birth, think about ways this season speaks prophetically to you, those you love, and the world. Use these scriptures and songs to slow down and speak peace to you in the [...]

Prelude: How Can I Keep From Singing?

Dear Friends, Sisters and Brothers in Christ,   In past years we have had an Advent devotional which ends as soon as Christmas comes. This year, you may notice that there is a little more heft to our reflections. We have decided to continue these devotionals well beyond the season of Advent and into the [...]

King of Sheep

Marthame Sanders (note: Marthame’s sermons and other reflections are also available on his blog) Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 Matthew 25:31-46 Question. You can post a response below if you like, or just think to yourself. What is your number one priority? Who is the person, or what is the activity, or what is the philosophy that [...]

Hidden Talents

Marthame Sanders (note: Marthame’s sermons and other reflections are also available on his blog) Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18 Matthew 25:14-30

A Willingness to Wait

Caitlin Phillips Psalm 78:1-7 Matthew 25:1-13 This parable is unique to Matthew’s gospel, and its message seems to have a dual meaning. We know that Jesus used parables to teach about the kingdom of heaven. In this lesson, Jesus references his second coming because he wants listeners to understand that he will come again to [...]

Refuge

Marthame Sanders (note: Marthame’s sermons and other reflections are also available on his blog) Psalm 34:1-10, 22 Matthew 23:1-12 Today is the Sunday set aside to celebrate “All Saints”. It’s not common for Presbyterians to talk about saints. It feels so Catholic to us, so foreign to the way we understand God’s work and our [...]