Introduction to Worship for 10/2/2016

Our theme this Sunday is “Living Faith (Generations)”, and you are invited to bring pictures of your spiritual ancestors in the faith. Perhaps you had a special teacher or mentor, a grandparent or a sibling, who was important in your journey of faith. Our worship table will honor those generations this week, as we reflect on the living faith that has come to us through the generations, and consider how we might continue to pass it on.

2 Timothy 1:1-14

Today’s scriptures remind us that faith grows in community. One generation passes the knowledge of God’s grace on to the next, and a faithful community both remembers its heritage and considers its future legacy.

Paul is writing from a Roman prison, from which he does not expect to be released. He joins himself with Timothy in spirit: he does not deny those things that Timothy and the community lament in the present; rather, he asks Timothy to join him in his suffering for the gospel by relying on the power of God. He reminds Timothy that it is the spirit of power and love and self-discipline that God gave them. Paul calls upon Timothy to guard the good treasure that has been entrusted to him, relying on his spiritual heritage and his family of faith, including Paul.

Family activity (can be adapted to families of all ages)

In what ways are you, individually, and as the church a “living love letter,” in word, action, and deed – faith living in you – a legacy passing on to a new generation? How might you be?

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