Matthew 2:1-12 with the Wesleyan Covenant Service

Re>Imagine: Redream

Navigation systems say, “Recalculating…” or “Reroute!” The wise guys sought the Christ-child, and then they had to go home by another route. How is the Spirit leading us in the New Year to dream for the future – our own as well as the church?

Luke 2:21-40 & 41-52

As we continue to celebrate Christmas, we hear childhood stories of Jesus remembering when Jesus was circumcised on the eighth day, when he was presented in the temple, and even when he was found at his Father’s house. These foundational stories help to shape how Jesus “grew in wisdom and stature, in favor with God and man.” How might we remember our foundation of faith as we finish this year well and prepare the way for a New Year?

Luke 1:57-66 & 67-80

John the Baptist is born and named. As Zechariah’s tongue is set free, he praises the Lord “because he has come to his people and redeemed them.” God’s redemption comes to us because of His great love! In these days before Christmas Eve, how can we be inspired to prepare the way for love?

Luke 1:26-38

The angel Gabriel reveals to Mary about the “holy one to be born” to her. Mary’s faith responds, “I am the Lord’s servant, may your word to me be fulfilled.” She found peace with this amazing news! Even in our day, how can we be inspired to prepare the way for peace?

Luke 1:5-25

As Advent begins with the birth of John the Baptist being foretold, we prepare the way for Hope to arrive! As we hear Zechariah and Elizabeth’s story, we hear the angel’s words of hope that that their son will “make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” In this Advent journey, how can we be inspired to prepare the way for hope?

Matthew 6:19-21

Jesus shares in the Sermon on the Mount about storing up treasures in heaven. What do we find in our storehouses? The third part of our vision statement is to be a daily disciple – what does this mean and how might we insert daily gratitude into the stewardship of our gifts?

Mark 12:41-44

Jesus lifts up a widow who put in everything she had into the treasury. What does it mean to share “all that we are” and “all that we have”? The second part of our vision statement is to be a daring disciple – what does this mean and how might we insert daring gratitude into the stewardship of our gifts?

Mark 12:28-34

Jesus says that the most important commandment is to love God with one’s whole being, and we are called to do likewise. The first part of our vision statement is to be a deep disciple – what does this mean and how might we insert deep gratitude into the stewardship of our gifts?

Revelation 21:1-6

The vision in Revelation reveals “a new heaven and a new earth” and casts a vision for God and people to dwell together. How might we give thanks and insert saintly gratitude for those who labored before us?

Ezekiel 37:1-14

As the Spirit led Ezekiel to a vision of dry bones, he is invited to prophesy to those bones to hear the Word of the LORD who will give them breath! In what areas are we experiencing “dry bones” and needing the Spirit’s breath? How might we insert hopeful gratitude for the future?