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Worship, Footwashing, 3.16.14

Today is the second Sunday in the lenten season. Our worship centers on John 13:1-17, Jesus washing the feet of the Disciples.

 

Lent can be a dangerous time.  People come to the church looking for discipline and a new way to live; they come to be challenged—prepared for the heartache and joy of the cross to come.  The problem with Lent, however, is a direct outgrowth of this urgency:  we contain the season to six weeks of doing good, rather than building a Lent that becomes a life.  This, very simply, is what Jesus asks his disciples to do at this climax in the Sermon on the Mount.  Do not be holy because it is what the world expects of you; rather, learn to live holy lives because a closer relationship to the God who sees in secret will be reward enough.

– Maryetta Anschutz

 

 

tbc Testimonies

A God-Sized Vision: Kate Ayers

From the first moment I walked into Tabernacle I knew it was a special place. I knew that this place was much more than a beautiful historical building. It is the people in this place that made it so special. You could tell the people were intentional about being in this space together. The people were genuine in their desire to know you. The people had so much love to give, and were determined NOT to focus it all in on themselves. It’s through the people at Tabernacle that I see God’s work at hand.

As I look around the sanctuary, I am amazed at the diversity that I see. I see diversity not just in culture, but also profession, faith background, and spiritual gifts. The extraordinary talents that are represented by our  congregation astound me each week. I am constantly asking myself how could God bring such an amazing group of people together and not expect big things?

While I sing Tabernacle’s praises to anyone and everyone who will listen, I am fully aware that it is NOT an easy place to worship. Every time I walk in the door I am challenged. I am challenged to get out of my comfort zone. I am challenged to love those who may be difficult to love. I am challenged by the diversity of people that I see sitting in the pew next to me. I see God’s work in bringing so many people together who are not scared away by these challenges.

I am excited about what the future will bring at Tabernacle. I believe that the journey has only begun and that people will continue to arrive at our doorstep to carry out our plans to continue to be a light in the world.

   – Kate Ayers

 

My Prayer for Tabernacle: 

  •  I pray for the integration of our congregation so that when I look out into the sanctuary on a Sunday morning, the American born and the Burmese born are sitting side by side.
  •  I pray for the Youth of Tabernacle. I pray for more people who want to be a mentor to our youth.
  •  I pray for the leadership of Tabernacle. As a teaching church, the leadership changes. I pray for smooth transitions as leaders move in and out of our midst.

 

 

 

[author] [author_image timthumb=’on’]http://reestablishrichmond.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/kate-pic-e1375988102916.jpg[/author_image] [author_info]Kate Ayers, Outreach Coordinator,  joined ReEstablish Richmond in 2013. She began working with the refugee population after she participated in the ”Just Faith” program, a semester long class on social justice issues around the world. She spent the last 11 years working as a special education teacher and department chair in Hanover County.  Kate is a graduate of the University of Virginia and holds a Masters Degree in Teaching. Years of mentoring youth and adults made her aware of the many issues that refugees face on a daily basis, which motivated her to pursue ReEstablish Richmond. Kate lives in Richmond with her husband, Chris, and 2 young daughters, Maya and Clara. Visit www.reestablishrichmond.org for more information. [/author_info] [/author]