What about the cross?

A friend of mine asked me an interesting set of questions last week. I put together (some of) what I think in response on my own blog (www.tam121.wordpress.com) ... and then I thought you might want to think about these questions, too, as we are heading into Holy Week. So, take a look, and consider, what does the cross mean to you, today? What does it mean to us, as a community, set in the context of a larger community?

Why is there so much emphasis on the cross in Christianity? It makes sense if the focus is on Jesus' suffering and the way he died for us to make us forgiven of our sins, etc. But I also know Christians who don't see that as being the important message in Christianity, and seem to focus more on the redemptive message of the resurrection. If this is more your point of view, as it is theirs, why would the cross hold such meaning?

It seems to me that, while it's a very important reminder of Jesus' suffering, it's a very depressing icon with which to represent the faith. Wouldn't it be more true to the message to focus on a symbol of redemption and hope and love and grace and justice -- all the things that Jesus' life represented -- as opposed to Jesus' death at the hands of sinners?

Okay, your turn ...

Seeing the "new thing"

In prayer group Monday night, we reflected on one of the Scriptures for this Sunday. It's an old favorite of mine (and probably yours!), and it is perfectly timed for our conversation about HUCC's future and possibilities on Sunday. (Funny how the lectionary does that, so often ....)

Isaiah 43:18-21


Do not remember the former things,
    or consider the things of old.
I am about to do a new thing;
    now it springs forth,
        do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness
    and rivers in the desert.
The wild animals will honor me,
    the jackals and the ostriches;
for I give water in the wilderness,
    rivers in the desert, 
to give drink to my chosen people,
    the people whom I formed for myself
so that they might declare my praise.

I believe God is about to do a new thing at Hillsborough UCC ... and maybe more than one! With every challenge comes an opportunity for growth and new directions, and as we face into our challenges, I am hopeful that we will discern the directions God wants to lead us in, and follow like spring lambs!

Tammerie

Praying together in the Season of Lent

At HUCC, we are offering many opportunities to connect with others and pray together. HUCC prayer groups are an opportunity to pause and let go of the difficult things that weigh us down and get in the way of a deeper relationship with God, a time to give thanks and express gratitude, and a time to connect with others on the journey to a deeper relationship with God.
There are many opportunities this week--

• Monday (tonight) at 6 pm at HUCC, led by Tammerie Day
• Tuesday, at 9 pm, by toll free teleconference, led by Beth Kennett--877-216-1555 passcode 315882#
• Wednesday, 6:30 pm at HUCC, led by Beth Kennett
• Thursday, 11 am at HUCC, led by Jay Kennett
• Friday and Saturday—electronically at www.hillsboroughucc.blogspot.com

Join us as we grow into a deeper relationship with God.

Peace!