I haven’t read a book in a while that has left me wanting more (in a good way), quite like this book!

Over the Thanksgiving break, I sat down in a comfy chair and began reading  “The King Jesus Gospel: The Original Good News Revisted” by Scot McKnight.  It would be several hours before I left my seat, as I found myself completely engaged in McKnight’s work not wanting to do anything until I finished it.

Some may argue that we do not need another book about “revisiting” the Gospel, but I would beg to differ. It is of extreme importance if we are followers of Jesus Christ. I found this book easy to read and good for the average theological inquirer.  It isn’t caught up in theological jargon and “bunny trails.”  McKnight takes the reader back to a more pure understanding of the Gospel in Biblical times and shows how Christians have convoluted the original message.  I especially appreciated how McKnight discussed the varying views from current theologians on this subject.  He also helped the reader see how Christianity has, over the years, melded “sin management” to the original Gospel.

In the book, McKnight also describes three types of “believers” 1) The Member 2) The Decided, and 3) The Discipled.  That is those brought in through some type of membership, those who have made a “decision” for Christ, and then those who have made a radical decision to follow Christ throughout life (a place McKnight believes Christians today struggle to arrive because of their skewed view of the Gospel).

This book has “primed the pump” for further exploration, just as most of McKnight’s work.  It doesn’t leave one feeling like they completed a book and gained a “nugget” of wisdom.  Instead, it makes you want to change, to act, to explore, and to meet again the Person that is this “Good News” we call the Gospel!

Click Here  for a great review of the book by Chris Smith @ SlowChurch

Also, if you have an e-reader (Kindle, Nook, etc…), I would highly recommend “Junia is Not Alone” a e-reader “short” by Scot McKnight.  It is only $2.99!

The short is about Junia from Romans 16:7. It tells the story of Junia in the history of the Bible, and it shows how her story mirrors the story of women in the Bible, in the history of the church, and in our current world where many women are finding their voice.  I highly recommend it as well.

A brief explanation to clarify our Christmas Celebration this year.

Let’s start with some history.

It is thought that the early Christians did not widely celebrate the birth of Jesus. This is most likely true, since the primary focus was on His life, crucifixion, and particularly His resurrection. There certainly were some early Christian celebrations. Early writings, including a “feast calendar” written in 243AD, indicate that there were some celebrations in the third century and perhaps even in the second century. Christmas celebrations did not gain widespread prominence, however, until the Middle Ages or starting from around 400AD.

Christmas day, December 25, is not necessarily the actual date of Christ’s birth. The true date is not known because we lack enough information to pinpoint it precisely. Other dates besides December 25 were actually used for this feast.

December 25 finally was settled on by the church for reasons that are not absolutely clear, though there are some logical reasons for choosing that date. There were pagan celebrations on and about December 25th, celebrating the solstice, or the return of the solar light. Christians may have simply chosen to celebrate the advent of the “Light of the World” at such an appropriate time of year.

Some historians and scholars studying the history of Christianity have proposed that it is precisely because December 25 is so close to the pagan solstice celebration, that the church chose this date, in order to placate the (then) numerous pagans and not to initiate violent protests or uprisings that might have been caused had they been stripped of all their sacred days immediately following the acceptance of Christianity as the official religion of the Roman Empire. This was probably in the hope that gradually paganism would die out or that pagans would assimilate into Christianity for fear of persecution and/or lack of freedom.

The one thing we do know is that the story of the birth of our Savior was shared, written down, and continues to be read in homes and churches this time of year.  It is very likely the first Christmas celebrations were around the dinner table in the homes of the earliest Christians – some were home churches others were simply Christian families sharing the Good News together.  What they were sharing in was an oral tradition that has been lost in our American culture today.

This year because Christmas lands on a Sunday, we are going to do things a little differently.   At 5pm on Christmas Eve we will have a Family Christmas Celebration, which will tell the story of the first Christmas.  We will sing the carols, read the Christmas story from scripture, listen to the choirs, and celebrate the birth of our Savior as a community. The service will be a little longer than has been tradition.  We are excited about this Celebration and everyone who will participate.

Then on Sunday (Christmas Day) we will not have a formal service at the church.  What we are encouraging our families to do this year is return to the practice of the earliest Christians.  On Christmas morning gather your family (those gathered in your home or wherever you are) and read aloud the Good News of Jesus birth from Luke 2 – continue the oral tradition of the earliest Christians.

Then take some time to ponder what God has done in your family’s life this year.  Maybe have a time of sharing.  Let Christmas morning be more about the story than about the presents.  You may want to sing together or have a birthday coffee cake.  Whatever you do, make sharing the story of Christ’s birth a part of your family again this year. If it wasn’t for the earliest Christians sharing the story in their homes, we wouldn’t even be celebrating this day.

We look forward to hearing how returning to the oral tradition in your family has made a difference this Christmas.  (If you or your family are in need of a Bible, please see Pastor Bob.)  We also look forward to worshiping together as a community on Christmas Eve at our Family Christmas Celebration.

Advent Blessings,

Pastor Bob and the SFC Elders

Are you looking for some time to get that last minute shopping done, have a special date with a spouse, or just have some down-time to prepare for Christmas?  Well, we want to help!  We also want to help your children get a little something special for you and their loved ones for under the tree!

When:  Saturday, December 10th from 9:30am-2:00pm

Who: New Born – High School

What: 4 year-olds through High School age children will go shopping at the Woodburn Dollar Tree (9:30-11:15) and eat lunch at the Woodburn McDonald’s (11:15-12:00).  The shoppers will return to SFC, wrap presents and decorate cookies (12:30 – 2:00),

*Please bring a shopping list and money for shopping and lunch!

We will have babysitting for children younger than 4 years at the church (please bring them a lunch).

If interested please notify Deborah Climer or the SFC office

We understand that for some people the holidays can be a difficult time, especially if you are experiencing loss or grief in your life.

Our Pastor of Congregational Care, Betty Jo Steele, will be leading an 8-week class using the book, Grief Recovery Workbook, by Chaplain Ray Glunta.

Some of the topics we will cover are: overcoming our fears; discovering constructive coping strategies to deal with our loss and grief; restoring our faith in God and others; and regaining hope for the future.

Dates:  December 6, 13, 22, 29,  January 5, 12, 19, 26

Place:  Silverton Friends Church

Time: 6:30-8:30pm

Register: Sign up with Betty Jo by phone 503.873.2660 or by email (Click here).  Space is limited so please call or email soon.

Advent Week 1: November 27 – December 3

Theme: Wake Up! The Lord is Coming!  Text: Mark 13:24-37

 Social Concerns Need:  SOCKS & UNDIES

Supports: Silverton High School Homeless Outreach

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Advent Week 2: December 4 – 10

Theme: Prepare the Way of the Lord!  Text: Mark 1:1-8

Social Concerns Need: SWEATSHIRTS

Supports: St. Joseph Shelter in Mt. Angel

Dec. 8 – SCS Christmas Program 7pm

Dec. 10 – Buddy Shopping Day 9:30am

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 Advent Week 3: December 11 – 17

Theme: Rejoice in the Lord!   Text: Luke 1:39-56

 Social Concerns Need: SHAMPOO, CONDITIONER, TOOTHPASTE & TOILET PAPER

Supports: Silverton Community Aid

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 Advent Week 4: December 18 – 23

Theme: Be not afraid!  Text: Luke 2:8-14

Social Concerns Need: NEW SHOES & SANDALS

Supports: Silverton Adventist Clothing Ministry

Dec. 18 Birthday Cake for Jesus – after worship

 Dec. 24 Family Christmas Celebration 5-6:30pm

(Please Note: NO SERVICE ON DEC. 25 – CHRISTMAS DAY)

Join us this Sunday, November 20, 2011

The SFC hospitality committee will be hosting a Thankgiving Lunch immediately following the service.

Please bring one of the following:

Rolls (2 doz)

Vegetable and /or Fruit tray (serves 12-15)

Pie (pumpkin or apple)

Apple juice (1 gal.)

The church will be providing a variety of soups, butter, whipped cream and coffee.  This is an opportunity for all of the church families to gather around the Thanksgiving table.  

[ Please note: there will be no Fellowship Time from 10:30-10:45am as set-up will be taking place in the sanctuary.  Also, we will be sitting at tables for our worship service and following the lunch we will have our Business Meeting.] 

This week’s sermon “Don’t be afraid to serve the Lord with gladness” is part two in our “Thanks-living Thanks-giving” sermon series.  Join us this Sunday to delve deeper into what these kids are talking about!

Interested in some further reading during the rainy days of fall?  As Pastor Bob came to to the end of the “Posture and Practice” sermon series he suggested a couple worthwhile reads.

In his sermon on “Serving: Outward,” Pastor Bob began with some personal thoughts from Mother Teresa on being “something truly beautiful for God.”  The book “Mother Teresa: Come Be My Light“ is a controversial memoir and compilation of the private writings of the “Saint of Calcutta.”  It is filled with insights, challenging thoughts, and personal struggles that will help you see the heart and dedication of a godly woman who considered herself the “Saint of Darkness.”

In the final sermon in the Posture and Practice Series, Pastor Bob talked about the discipline of Celebration.  Obviously, the classic book on Christian disciplines is Richard Foster’s book “Celebration of Discipline.”  I would highly recommend Foster’s book, but for those who want another view of the disciplines, John Ortberg has written ‘The Life You’ve Always Wanted: Spiritual Disciplines for Ordinary People.”  Here is what Richard Foster said about Ortberg’s book,

“John Ortberg takes Jesus’ call to abundant living seriously, joyfully, and realistically. He believes human transformation is genuinely possible, and he describes its process in sane and practical ways.” — Richard J. Foster

The best way to understand Ortberg’s book is that it is a primer for those who want a place to start.  It is easy to read and has many ways for you to begin applying the disciplines to your everyday life.

We hope you pick up one of these great books, read them, challenge yourself, and then take a friend out for a cup of coffee and share your thoughts.