Sugar Grove Church of the Brethren

Wardensville W.V.

Springs! of Living Water
Text Box: Biblical Narrative Chosen At our December business meeting, we decided that the Biblical narrative of the feeding of the 5,000 is a good Biblical reflection to help us discern God’s will in our life as a congregation. Specifically, like the little boy who offered the 5 loaves and 2 fish, we want to offer to God what we have as a small church trusting Him to do expand it to accomplish His will. In addition, this narrative shows how Christ fed people physically and spiritually. While we do a good job feeding people physically, we are challenged to feed people spiritually as well. Reflect on how you and our congregation can offer what we have to God for His use. Reflect and Pray At our picnic and congregational meeting, the consensus was that the Biblical narrative of the feeding of the 5,000 best reflects where we are as a congregation now, and where God is calling us in the future. If you were not at the meeting, please discuss this with someone who was. We will reflect on this narrative for several weeks before a final decision is made. NEW OPPORTUNITY IN EXPLORING GOD’S CALLING FOR US We are working on selecting our Biblical Narrative to help us understand where God is calling our congregation. Sermons during the month of June will focus on these stories as we pray, meditate, and discuss where God is calling us. Please read and meditate on these Bible passages during your own time with God. Noah’s Ark— starting Genesis 6 Feeding of the 5,000— Matthew 14:15-21, Luke 9:12-17, Parable of Salt and Light— Matthew 5:13-16 Last Supper— Matthew 26:17-35, Mark 14:12-26, Luke 22:7-38, John 13:1-30 As you read these scriptures, reflect on these questions: What is happening in this text? What does this text show us about God? How does this text describe who we are now as a congregation? How does this text guide and challenge us to discern God’s will for our life together as a congregation? May God guide us as we seek to follow Him! Our congregation has entered the Springs! of Living Water process. Inspired by the story of the woman at the well in John 4, this process leads us through thirst, encounter, transformation, and mission. The core of the process is personal and corporate growth in understanding and practicing the spiritual disciplines. Then congregational meetings lead us to celebrate our strengths and history, understand the needs of our community, and discern a Biblical passage to guide us in discerning and carrying out God’s will. Continue to check back here for updates on the process. Weekly Bible readings can be found under the “Bible Question” tab. Congregational Meeting 3—Celebrating our History Cecil Haycock shared with us about the church’s history and originating mission. Many stories were shared, then many of our long-time members reminisced. Some important points that highlight our originating mission are: - Upper Church - started as a union church - strong commitment to being a community church - strong commitment to all Christians in the community worshiping Together - strong commitment to making each person feel valued - Lower Church - started by Church of the Brethren in the community - started so they could continue Brethren heritage and worship - served by many pastors who traveled from Virginia to preach Congregational Meeting 2—Celebrating Our Spiritual Heritage Things that Have Brought Us Closer to God - traditions - family relationships - emphasis on prayer - emphasis on service Congregational Meeting 1 - Celebrating the Strengths God has Given Us - March 21, 2010 Good Stuff about Sugar Grove Church of the Brethren (brainstormed at Congregational Meeting 1) - Christ-centered - community service/outreach - accurate vision/mission statement - close-knit congregation - people willing to come distances - feel like family - location—peaceful/soothing—relaxed atmosphere - encouraging our young people - tithing/giving for needs - everyone willing to help/share talents - church without borders - good fellowship - good food/cooks - picnic shelter/fellowship - willing to grow—open to God’s calling—willing to expand - 2 buildings – unique, pretty, historic buildings - music—singing, piano players - pastor - history/traditions kept alive—baptisms in creek, footwashing - also looking forward Spiritual Disciplines Meditation Prayer Fasting Study Simplicity Solitude Submission Service Confession Worship Guidance Celebration Chastity Sacrifice Doing good in secret Silence