Author: admin
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New Series in January
Revelation is one of the most widely misunderstood and abused books of the Bible. Full of fantastic imagery, symbolism, and difficult to understand codes, Revelation is often the source of obsession or deep fear.John of Patmos’s vision has been used as fodder for movies, novels, and television series. Few of these profit-driven media projects treat Revelation for what it is: a message of hope written for those who are facing violent opposition.
Drawing from the work of scholars like Barbara Rossing, author of The Rapture Exposed, and D. Mark Davis, author of Left Behind and Loving It, Pastor Robb hopes to reveal a message of hope, love, peace, and enduring welcome that many seem to miss within the book of Revelation.
In addition to the weekly sermon series, two sermon formation groups will meet. The groups on Mondays at noon and Thursdays at 6:00 will study the Scripture reading for the upcoming Sunday.
The series has nothing to do to with the recent movie of a similar name, but Revelation is full of fantastic beasts. The six-part series will look at the meaning behind these beasts, and their rise and fall.
January 8 — Seven letters for seven churches
January 15 — Lamb power
January 22 — The beasts of empire
January 29 — The rise of the beasts
February 5 — The fall of the beast
February 12 — Reverse rapture
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Blue Christmas
Christmas is a season of good cheer, but for some it can mean a time of sharpened pain. Christmas can bring anxiety, stress, and deeper sense of loss. The Blue Christmas service on Wednesday, December 21 at 6:00 p.m. is a chance a time to speak this truth about Christmas. It is okay to be hurting at Christmas. This doesn’t mean you are less faithful. It doesn’t meant that there is something wrong with you. It doesn’t mean that you are a “Scrooge.” It just means that you are human.
The Blue Christmas service will be a short time of quiet reflection, prayer, and contemplation. There will be a song of lamentation – or complaint. There will be a time of quiet prayer. There will be a chance to speak publicly to the pain of the season – but this is certainly not required. There will also be a short ritual of transformation and an invitation to Christ’s table. Click below to see Pastor Robb on Paula Sands Live.
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Merry Christmas
The Blue Christmas Service is Wednesday, December 21 at 6:00 p.m. This is a special time set aside for those who are hurting at Christmas. Learn more here.
The Christmas Eve worship will be at 6:30 in the evening. This traditional service will feature traditional Christmas songs, the lighting of candles, and the sharing of Communion. The service will retell the story of Christmas through songs and reading. Remember, all are invited to the Communion table. All are welcome, regardless of age, race, political leaning, class, nationality, gender, native language, or orientation. The message of Christmas is that all the barriers between humanity and God are removed. Indeed, Tiny Tim had it right when he declared, “God bless us, every one!.” For the last few weeks we have been looking at how the Redemption of Scrooge can matter to our Christmas today. This will be the final part of that story.
On Christmas Morning we will share a special interactive service designed especially for kids to help out. There is no need for rehearsal or costumes, and people of all ages are sure to enjoy this special re-telling of the “ABCs of Christmas.” In addition, people are invited to bring their gifts for the Holy Family. We have been reminded this year that Jesus and his family were refugees. The Gospel of Matthew tells us that the family had to flee from King Herod, who wanted Jesus dead. We know that Jesus survived, despite being a refugee in Egypt because someone there must have welcomed them. This Christmas, how can we do anything less? In response, we are creating a “Good Neighbor Kit,” to give to World Relief Moline. These Good Neighbor Kits include household items that will help a refugee family get settled in the area. If you don’t have a gift for the new family, you may still be able to select a gift and bring it at your earliest convenience.
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Advent worship series
This Advent the whole church is invited to be a part of The Redemption of Scrooge. This worship series will be a fun trip through Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol. We’ll meet all the familiar faces: Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim, Marley, and of course the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future. Each week will include the traditional hanging of the Chrismon on the tree, singing familiar Christmas carols and new tunes, and a dramatic Radio Theater presentation. Together we will move from “Bah humbug,” to “God bless us, every one!” In addition to the weekly sermon series, there are three small group opportunities to dig deeper in to Matthew Rawle’s book, “The Redemption of Scrooge.” Sundays at 10:45 in the Adult Class in Asbury Parlor, Mondays at noon in Epworth Hall, and Thursday evenings at 6:00 in Asbury Parlor.
Nov. 27 Bah, humbug
Dec. 4 The Remembrance of Christmas past
Dec. 11 The Life of Christmas present
Dec. 18 The Hope of Christmas future
Dec. 24 (at 6:30) Candlight and Communion Christmas Eve service
Dec. 25 God bless us, every one!
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Hanging of the Greens
The Hanging of the Greens is a wonderful day in the life of Two Rivers Church. All are invited to come at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 20 to help transform the church for Advent. There trees to assemble, ornaments, wreaths, and greens to be hung, and candles to set out. It is a joyful day with work divided by many friendly hands. After all the work is done, we will go to Epworth Hall for a pot-luck dinner.
