From the Minister -

The Creekwood Caller is published every week.

Highpoints from Lowe - weekly article from our Sr. Minister, J. Allen Lowe

July 22, 2008 - “How I Spent My Summer Vacation”

In scripture we find that Jesus found it essential to, on occasion, go to “a place apart” that he might be renewed and thus better prepared to live in the moments that come in life. Each of us discovers, and hopefully practices, this example.

During the first week of vacation, Shirley and I visited our son and family in Colorado, saw his new home and parts of that state. The second week was spent around the house, tending to things I couldn't get to the last several months with its many situations, and to do more paperwork and details resulting from my father's death.

Then, I made my track to what has been my spiritual mountaintop every other year since the late 80's. I anticipated this year being more of just a hilltop experience because the classes at Institute of Theology would not be available and my many friends from United Church of Canada and the Church of Scotland (and Arizona and N. Carolina) would not be in attendance. But I realized that I really needed to go as near the mountain as I could, so I went. I accomplished much: read 18 periodicals, 3 books and numerous reports; made plans for programs for this coming year; and walked daily around the campus of Princeton University. The final week I developed ideas to advance our mission and to enable each of us in our joint ministries; I also lined out themes for the coming 8 months for sermons and worship services. The sermons still have to be researched, developed and written, but the basics are there to guide us in our total ministry as we prepare to enter a new program and school year.

Thank you for your prayers, encouragement, witness and for the ministry YOU do.

Blessings,

Allen

July 15, 2008

I am taking 2 weeks of professional development/continuing education and will return to the office July 21. But I wanted to take this space to encourage you each week, even in my absence, with Bible study questions and other thoughts. I think you will find them informative and enjoyable.

This week, a look at Genesis and Creation:

The book of Genesis is a fascinating book in many regards. Most people only get through the first few chapters, so let's look at those again. Re-read the first two chapters of Genesis. Do you notice the two accounts of the creation (Genesis 1:1 - 2:4 and again in 2:4 - 2:25)? Let's look more closely at these two accounts.

Record the differences do you notice.
Now list the similarities.
What do you think is the essence of these accounts, what is the main point?
Looking at both accounts, what is the message concerning God and the world?

See you soon. Blessings,

Allen

July 8, 2008

My two weeks of vacation ended July 6, and I am now taking 2 weeks of professional development/continuing education. But I wanted to take this space to encourage you each week, even in my absence, with Bible study questions and other thoughts. I think you will find them informative and enjoyable.

For this week, Jesus' birth:

There isn't much known about Jesus' birth, yet that birth has tremendous impact upon all humanity and the world's history.

It has given rise to wonderful celebrations in our churches as we remember and enact thru dramas and cantatas. It has, unfortunately, also been the source of division and bitterness as some have demanded one particular understanding and interpretation of this glorious gift.

There are four Gospels. Read the first 2 chapters of each Gospel to get Matthew, Mark, Luke and John's perspective.

Do all note Jesus' birth?
What does each say as an introduction to Jesus?
What is similar?
What is different or missing?
What do you think is the important point each writer is seeking to make?
How does such comparisons help you in better understanding the fuller message?

Blessings, Allen

July 1, 2008

I am taking 2 weeks of vacation, which started June 23, followed by 2 weeks of professional development/continuing education. But I wanted to take this space to encourage you each week, even in my absence, with Bible study questions and other thoughts. I think you will find them informative and enjoyable.

For this week, a look at faith in the book of Hebrews:

This 11th chapter of this New Testament book contains what is often called ‘the faith chapter' of the Bible.

How is faith expressed according to this chapter?
How many examples does the author give of those with faith?
Who are the individuals and groups noted as those who showed/acted and lived in/by faith?
What is your understanding of faith?
How is it expressed in your life?

Blessings, Allen