Monday, July 14
Worship

[Highlights | Business | Feature | Photo]

[Worship Bulletin | Sermon]

Mary Jo Flory-Steury gave the morning message. Photo by Ken Wenger

MONDAY MORNING WORSHIP EXPLORES THE QUESTION, IS IT ALL ABOUT US?
Mary Jo Flory-Steury, executive director of the General Board’s Office of Ministry, preached on the theme “It’s all about You,” on Monday morning. The sermon was built around 2 Corinthians 5:16-21.

Flory-Steury gave several examples of advertisements that promise that everything they do “is all about you.” By contrast, the Bible turns our attention away from ourselves and toward the cross.

Two thousand years later, Christians are still learning what it means to be transformed, she said. Most of all, she said, the scripture means “from now on we know no one from a human point of view.” She then clarified her point that the “now,” according to Paul, is the moment of the cross. It brings a new perspective to the world, and therefore to the believer in Christ.

In the end, Flory-Steury concluded, “It’s all about the ministry and message of reconciliation. God was reconciling the world to himself in the Messiah, and entrusting us then with the message of reconciliation.”

-- Frank Ramirez is pastor of Everett (Pa.) Church of the Brethren

Dean Garrett (left) and Jeff Bach (right) of the 300th Anniversary Committee gave a presentation for worship. Photo by Ken Wenger	Members of the Youth Heritage Travel Teams spoke during worship. Photo by Ken Wenger
The worship drama included dance and symbolic bringing in of fabric. Photo by Ken Wenger	The Conference Choir is directed by Dr. Jesse Hopkins of Bridgewater (Va.) College. Photo by Ken Wenger
The drama was brought by a team including Youth Heritage Travel Team members. Photo by Ken Wenger	Christian musician Ken Medema has been a popular performer at several National Youth Conferences (NYC) of the Church of the Brethren. Photo by Ken Wenger