Serve and be fed . . .

To play the audio, just click the play button above at left.  To download, click the "On the Road" title in yellow in the box above, which will take you to a site where you can download it as an mp3 file.  If you see no image above or the audio will not play, click here for audio.  

This week on the road, Jesus isn't too far from home, and so neither are we.  We're looking ahead to Luke 10:38-42.  Jesus is at Mary and Martha's house, where he feels quite at home.  There's a meal being prepared, and it seems Jesus is quite relaxed, talking with Mary.  So it made us think about (and broadcast from) our very own Muhlenberg Activities Center (the MAC), where each Wednesday night during the school year a devoted, faithful group prepare a meal for our community to enjoy.
There is something holy about a meal that sustains.  Around tables on Wednesday nights . . .
As we recorded the podcast, another meal was being set up, lunch for the daycare students . . .
We are blessed to offer other sustenance in this place too - in the form of People Helping People, and the Community Resource Center . . . 
Wednesday nights are a blessing to see families, college students, older adults, gather around dinner that has been so faithfully prepared - and then we move over to the chapel and gather around another meal - Holy Communion.  There is something holy about a meal, in serving and preparing it and receiving it as gift.  How have you experienced this?

So often we hear this text as a judgment on Martha, too busy with preparing the meal.  But Jesus points us to the real issue, "you are worried and distracted by many things."  How are distractions a struggle in your life?  Have you been able to set apart holy time for listening?  Have you experienced life without distractions?  How did it affect you?

On the Road with the "Good Samaritan"

To play the audio, just click the play button above at left.  To download, click the "On the Road" title in yellow in the box above, which will take you to a site where you can download it as an mp3 file.  If you see no image above or the audio will not play, click here for audio. 

You'll immediately notice something different about today's episode!  Just in from Muhlenberg member, talented musician and composer, Paul Heitsch we have a little music to accompany our episodes!  He has cleverly named the tune "A Mighty Podcast" and recorded it for our use!  Thank so much Paul! 

We're looking ahead to a very familiar gospel text for Sunday, Luke 10:25-37, the "Good Samaritan" parable.

Pastor Brett is joined by her husband, and soon-to-be pastor, Evan Davis as the guest on the podcast this week.  As this parable happens on the side of the road, we decided to record from a rest stop on I-81, a place where in fact people are occasionally seen in need and asking for help. 

We're reflecting on when we choose to stop and help someone, and why.  In the podcast a study is mentioned which found that seminarians are much less likely to stop and help someone if they are in a hurry, even if they have just been talking about this very story!  You can read the details here.

What is your reaction when you see someone on the road in need?  Where do you draw the line?  What are healthy boundaries of giving? 
How does this relate to the larger context of eternal life and what Jesus seems to refer to - really living?  We welcome your thoughts, comments, and feedback.  We'll see where this week takes us on the road!

On the Road Week 4

To play the audio, just click the play button above at left.  To download, click the "On the Road" title in yellow in the box above, which will take you to a site where you can download it as an mp3 file.  If you see no image above or the audio will not play, click here for audio.




The sign for Western State Hospital (above) - have you noticed
this faded sign on your way into Staunton?

This week, we're discussing Luke 8:26-39, the story of Jesus healing the man suffering from demons in the land of the Gerasenes.

Listen in as we discuss some powerful concepts Christ encounters on the road - isolation, recovery, and fear.  How have you encountered these on your road this week?

How have you encountered healing?

Have you ever had a transformative experience, and then found it hard to go home and talk about it?  Would you have rather simply stayed away, like this man Jesus heals who wants to follow him - but Jesus sends him home, to tell about what God has done.

The man Jesus encounters suffered and clearly was in mental distress.  We don't have to go far from this powerful story to find ways it might strike us in our real world - in our real lives...
Take the anonymous poll below:

I know someone who struggles with: (check all that apply)
	Depression
	Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
	Addiction
	Any (other) Mental Illness
	None of the Above
pollcode.com free polls

On the Road Week 3

To play the audio, just click the play button above at left.  To download, click the "On the Road" title in yellow in the box above, which will take you to a site where you can download it as an mp3 file.  If you see no image above or the audio will not play, click here for audio.

Read the text first or as you listen, by clicking here, Luke 7:36-8:3.
Where's the fanciest place you've ever eaten dinner?  What would happen if someone uninvited, someone unsavory came and waltzed right past the host and made a beeline to your table, pulling up a chair right next to you?
Who have you glanced past in life or made a snap judgment about, only to realize upon an encounter with them that you really didn't see the man or woman for who they are, like Jesus says to Simon, "Do you see this woman?"
In this text we an amazing contrast of women - one, unnamed, "a sinner" who has nothing to offer in response for her forgiveness but gives all that she has - her tears, her appreciation.  Others, at the beginning of chapter 8, who are named.  These women were disciples, who in thanksgiving response to what Christ has done for them, support the ministries of Jesus financially.  (Funny to think that even Jesus' ministry wasn't free and needed supporters - did Jesus have an annual meeting and budget?)
It seems that these provide a balance - each giving out of what she has.

On the Road Week 2

To play the audio, just click the play button above at left.  To download, click the "On the Road" title in yellow, which will take you to a site where you can download it as an mp3 file.  If you see no image above or the audio will not play, click here for audio.

Where have you been on the road this week?  The scripture for this week is Luke 7:11-17 - click to read it in another window while you listen.


On the Road at Woodbine Cemetery

When you're on the road, every now and then you'll pass a long line of cars, lights on, led by a police officer.  It's clear from the hearse and maybe the placards on the cars that this a funeral procession.  What do you think when you see this?
This is the closest parallel to where today's scripture takes place. 
So leave us a comment, let us know what questions this text raises for you.

And - we're curious - right now, hearing this story, with whom do you most identify?  Take a moment and vote anonymously:

Who do you identify with in this text?
	the grieving widow
	the young man - you feel new life
	the disciples - that's just what Jesus does
	the widow - rejoicing that her son has been raised
	the crowd - amazed, seeing blessing in this
	the crowd - wondering why Jesus doesn't do this all the time
pollcode.com free polls

Join us Sunday for worship as we continue this discussion in preaching and worship and see where God leads us, on the road!

Coming Soon: On the Road, Summer 2013

Welcome!  Glad you've found us!
Join us in encountering scripture with what's going on each week in our community and world in a weekly audio study/podcast.
Every Wednesday from May 29 through August 28, you'll find right here at this site (or delivered to your inbox if you subscribe).

Where will you be on the road this summer?  Travel?  The drive each day back and forth to work?  Time off from school?
Wherever the road brings you, enjoy it, and meet us each week here on Wednesdays and in worship on Sundays!