March 2022

The weekend of March 25-27, 2022, is the WholeLife Church Retreat! Our speaker, Dr. Peter Enns (Ph.D. Harvard University) is Abram S. Clemens professor of Biblical Studies at Eastern University (St. Davids, PA). He has taught undergraduate, seminary, and doctoral courses at numerous other schools, including Princeton Theological Seminary, Harvard Divinity School, and Temple University.  Enns speaks and writes regularly to diverse audiences about the intersection of the ancient setting of Bible and contemporary Christian faith. He is also the host of the popular podcast The Bible for Normal People, blogs at peteenns.com, and has written, edited, and contributed to over 20 books, including The Sin of Certainty, The Bible Tells Me So, and most recently How the Bible Actually Works. Enns resides in suburban Philadelphia with his wife Susan.
 

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Preparation for worship at Church Retreat on March 26

ARISE to Doubt and Discover Trust​

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Friday, March 25

Devotional: Living and Loving Wholeheartedly

2 Corinthians 6:11-13
Oh, dear Corinthian friends! We have spoken honestly with you, and our hearts are open to you. There is no lack of love on our part, but you have withheld your love from us. I am asking you to respond as if you were my own children. Open your hearts to us!

God of Unconditional Love, you shared yourself in the most intimate and vulnerable way with those you love. Your grace extends beyond imagination and is free to all. Open my heart with the confidence of your mercy and the courage to love others as you love me. Amen.

Music: The Way I See the World

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Thursday, March 24

Devotional: A Sermon on Faith, Doubt, and Mustard Seed Necklaces

1 Peter 5:7
Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

God Who Listens, you are not threatened by complaints, and you do not turn away when your people cry out in fear and frustration. Faith comes from your heart, and you offer it even in the darkest night. Help me to rest in the assurance of your understanding and find peace in you alone. Amen.

Music: Faithful

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Wednesday, March 23

Devotional: The Wonderful Whys

Matthew 7:7
Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.

God of All Wisdom, you know all things and there is nothing outside of your reach. You created all things and know the intricacies of all mysteries. You are Alpha and Omega, and there is nothing outside of your understanding. As a finite creature, I will never grasp your holiness. Thank you for patiently inviting my curiosity. Amen.

Music: Holy

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Tuesday, March 22

Devotional: Refusing to Let God Off the Hook

Hebrews 4:16
So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.

God Who is Present, you abide with your children in seen and unseen ways. You are near in the roaring waves, the still small voice, and the silence. You have promised to never leave. I will trust your goodness and mercy in my joy and in my suffering. Amen.

Music: Pause

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Monday, March 21

Devotional: Can Doubt Actually Be A Sign of Devotion?

Psalm 77:1-3
I cry out to God; yes, I shout. Oh, that God would listen to me! When I was in deep trouble, I searched for the Lord. All night long I prayed, with hands lifted toward heaven, but my soul was not comforted. I think of God, and I moan, overwhelmed with longing for his help.

God Who Wrestles, you invite debate and build relationships with greater discovery. You expectantly wait for your children to engage their minds as well as their hearts. Thank you for the open dialogue of faith and for the promise of acceptance and belonging. Amen.

Music: Weep With Me

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Sunday, March 20

Devotional: Embracing Ambiguity

Psalm 145:3
Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! No one can measure his greatness.

Incomparable Sovereign, you are a Shepherd, a Teacher, a Potter, and Hen sheltering her chicks. You are the Lion of Judah, the Bread of Life, a Cornerstone, the Word, the Way, the Truth, and the Life. The breadth and depth of all that you are is incomprehensible, yet you desire to make yourself known. I will rest humbly in that fact that you are God and I am not while trusting in your constant and consistent love and grace. Amen.

Music: Song for His Presence

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