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Walter Brueggemann whom I have had the blessings of being in dialogue is professor emeritus at Columbia Theological Seminary, Decatur, GA. He reminds us the “season of Pentecost is a time to re-imagine and re-enact the church as a movement that is unrestrained by old patterns or by the rule of fearful authorities. (1 Kings 19:1-15a; Galatians 3:23-29; Luke 8:26-39). Paul’s letter to the Galatians is aflame with the freedom that Jesus gives out beyond all business as usual. And now our society is in deep need of folk who have energy beyond business as usual. Folk gathered around the gospel are likely candidates for just such a vocation. Paul’s witness is that, in Christ, we may be freed from all the “disciplinarians” who restrict our lives. Entry into that new life of gospel freedom, through baptism, is like changing clothes; that is, changing self. In the new life, all of the old classifications and stratifications are eliminated. In the gospel reading we see “a man from the city who had demons.” We may imagine, in contemporary context, the demons are any form of addiction—drugs, sex, money, power, control, self-promotion. Such demons preclude much of the life that we want to live. But Jesus has the power to give that one a new life of freedom, beyond the grip of all the demons. Having new life is being in the right mind.” That new life requires bold, risk-taking human agents to be enacted. The Elijah narrative in 1 Kings portrays the risks the prophet ran in obedience to the God of life… Elijah is exhausted, bereft of resources, thirsty for God and for new life. But then, Elijah is cared for and sent on his way. In the extremities of our life, we are powerless for ourselves, just so the one with Jesus is powerless in the face of his demons. And Paul reflects on being “imprisoned.” But then freedom, restoration, and new life flow through. New energy for mission! New life for testimony! New life by promise! These readings trace the hard journey from bondage to freedom, from death to joy in life. No wonder the guy with Jesus went away “proclaiming how much Jesus had done for him.” The film, “A Fish Out of Water” will be previewed this Wednesday during Spiritual Connections. You are invited to being a friend! Even so, please read the scripture passages for this Sunday.
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Spiritual Connections
Wednesdays, 7:00 pm
Please read : 1 Kings 19:4-15g
Galatians 3:23-29
Luke 8:26-39
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Personal Boot Camp
Four-week Session 1 ½ Hour each
Thursdays, 5:30 p.m.
Contact David Adams, Sr.
322-5142 or
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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Sunday, June 20th
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An Opportunity to Be a Gift
Prayerfully make a special offering to
Free Spirit Worship Center.
Shelving in the ministry team center as well as the beautiful shade umbrella and stand were lovingly donated by Maureen McCrone. Thanks also to Judy Coxen for generously donating the "astro-turf floor covering. Judy and Mo were most gracious in gifting many items for festival 2010. A Festival of the Arts report will come later. Again, thank you for your dedication of energy, time and talent.
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Rev. Mary will be on vacation
Sunday, June 13 through Sunday, June 20
While on a cruise ship, I give thanks for each of you. My 60th birthday was a treasure receiving thoughtful gifts of multi-colored roses-two dozen; numerous greeting cards of which some were most beautiful, some sentimental and the hilarious! Thank you for being generous with your love.
See you Sunday!
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Council Meeting
Wednesday, June 23
7:00 pm
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Anniversary Gala at Home
25 Years of Giving Hope in Our Community
5:30-7:30pm Tuesday, 21 September 2010
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Honoring some of the founders:
Rev. Dr. David Smith, Rev. Ken Whitwer and founding president Betsy Dole
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Honoring Jan Williams for her years of service as director of UCOM
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Homemade international foods prepared by folks in UCOM’s “extended family”
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New video Faces of UCOM: Telling Our Own Story
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Will you sponsor a table of your friends? 10 people /$500/Individual tickets $60
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2010 West Michigan Pride Festival
Saturday, June 19, 2010 11: 00 a.m. -10:00 p.m. Contact Sally to volunteer at the Free Spirit Booth.
- This year there is a wide selection of entertainment on two stages
offering hours of continuous amusement.
- A multitude of vendors will be displaying a vast array of good from art and jewelry to pet care and advocacy.
- There will be a kids and family area with fun activities for all children. For more fun, try mini gulf or Frisbee gulf.
- There will be karaoke and opportunities to make your own music DVD. There will even
be bingo.
- When you get hungry, there will be plenty of vendors serving great food. Beer and wine will also be available for those over twenty-one.
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Weekly Memo 
