October 2009 Archives

Called to Serve

Esther 4:9-17(TNIV)

October 25, 2009

Rev. Nancy Pfaltzgraf

I love Esther's story; a powerful witness of courage and wisdom as she dares to answer God's call to use her gifts of beauty, cunning, patience and wisdom to serve God and save her people. It is set in the city of Susa then capital city of the Persian Empire. The story begins when Queen Vashti is dethroned and banished from the city because she dared to stand up to the king and refused to be put on display as a trophy wife. Through a long process Esther is prepared as a candidate for to replace Vashti as Queen. Because of her great beauty and wise heart Esther is chosen and joins the King's harem as Queen.

Called to Listen!

1 Samuel 3:1-10 (MSG)

October 11, 2009

Consecrating Stewards - week #1

Rev. Nancy Pfaltzgraf

As I was reading this very familiar story of Samuel's call to be a prophet -one who listens to God and then speaks for God- I thought of one of my favorite stories. It goes like this:

There was a preacher whose house was quickly surrounded by flood water so deep that there was no way he could walk or drive to safety. So he began to pray. Before long a rescue team in a row boat came along and called to him to get in the boat. "No," he said. "I'm not worried, God will save me."