View from the Hill (October 1-8, 2006)

The Apostles Creed 3
“was Conceived by the Holy Spirit and Born of the Virgin Mary …”
Luke 1:26-38

This third Sunday through the Creed brings us to 2 questions.

1. How did Jesus get here—from heaven to earth?
2. How does this shape our lives as his followers?

First, we learn that Jesus came to earth through the regular means, conceived as a baby. What makes him unique is that God the Holy Spirit conceived the baby Jesus. God is Jesus’ Daddy, literally. Mary’s virginity highlights the delicate point that God didn’t need a man’s assistance.
This conception made Mary Jesus’ mother, but as we read Luke’s account, God asked her permission first.
The most important event in human history, initiated by God himself and it all hinges on the Yes of a young woman.
As followers of Jesus this teaches us two things.

• When God wishes to act, to intervene in our history, God takes the initiative. This should be obvious to us when we call ourselves followers of Christ. Jesus—God—takes the lead. In the West, when we Christians see a need to be addressed, we often get busy and try to fill the need, fix the problem. Later, we ask God to follow our lead and bless our efforts. Little wonder we often end up frustrated, confused and angry when our plans for good do not work out.
• As disciples of Jesus Christ, God leads, we follow. Let’s keep that straight.
  When God wishes to act, to intervene in our history, He never forces us to obey. The divine request requires a human yes.

Our challenge to follow Jesus is first—do nothing. Wait upon God. Pray—yes, act—no.
Our challenge to follow Jesus is second— say yes when He initiates. For God’s plans are different from our own. They are either grander, more mundane, or at the very least more costly than anything we could concoct.
At the risk of sounding like a nag, I offer the 24/7 prayer room as an excellent place to come and wait—pray, cry, be silent and listen for the still small voice. God invites us into a life bigger than our own.

Grace and peace,
James

Questions for discussion.

1. Are you on a mission from God? Tell about His call.
2. Are you getting busy doing good and are not sure if God is in the lead? Take about to another disciple. Perhaps God has spoken. Perhaps not. It’s a question worth asking.
   

24/7 Update!

It’s hard to believe but we have just passed our half-way mark on our 40 days of prayer! Ask people around you who’ve been to tell you what it was like for them. So many people have been encountering God in that space that many of them have been asking if we can continue the room after the 40 days! As it stands right now, the 24/7 aspect of the room will close on October 20 with a celebration communion service at 6 PM. The room will remain largely intact as our official prayer space, though. We will eventually seal the prayers and scriptures in the walls with another coat of paint, leaving room for new encounters with our Father’s heart in that space. It is open to all who want to use it.

This Week!

Some Practical Bible Study – We are studying Ephesians 6:1-9 on parenting and employees. We are at Jonathan and Tiffany Werner’s in Ballard at 7 PM.

Missions Fest Seattle: Mark your calendars for Missions Fest Seattle, taking place on October 6-7. With excellent speakers, and the chance to learn about a variety of outreach and justice ministries, Missions Fest will be a great opportunity for those who want to learn more about missions. CHP is a sponsoring church, and will be sending folks to participate. For moreinformation, check out http://www.missionsfestseattle.org/. “The purpose of Missions Fest Seattle is to glorify God by raising the awareness of mission activity within Christ's body of believers and by uniting and empowering members of local congregations to work to together in obedience to the Great Commission.”

Not yo' mama's ladies luncheon…………… Saturday, October 7 – 9:30 AM.

Bras and Brunch (bring underwear for the women at Mary's Place)

Hi-cut or briefs (stepping into some of the ideas suggested so far for CHP Women's) Support-ing relationships (no speaker, no heavy topics)

Uplifting (no guilt--just come and enjoy... or gather with others to help prepare)

For "the girls" (bring a friend or come alone--we guarantee you will meet someone new)

Padded or Not (if you can't come, pad Mary's Place by bringing underwear donations)

Celebration of St. Francis
Come hear more about the growing faith-based environmental movement and how you can be a part of it at Earth Ministry’s annual Celebration of St. Francis, October 7, 2006, 7:30pm, at University Congregational United Church of Christ (4515 16th Ave. NE, Seattle). University of Washington Communications Professor David Domke will be speaking on the importance of language, messages, and media to augment faith-based environmental and social justice efforts. The program will also include remarks by Reverend Lisa Domke and music by the Shades of Praise Gospel Choir, which will uplift and energize our souls. $10 Donation at the door. For more information contact Earth Ministry: (206) 632-2426, emoffice@earthministry.org, or www.earthministry.org.

The Dead Sea Scrolls – history comes to life!
All are invited on a trip back in time! Tuesday, October 17th at 7:30pm, we start with a lecture at the University of Washington - God, Humanity, and the Universe in the Dead Sea Scrolls by Professor Lawrence Schiffman. Thursday, October 19th at 7pm, we’ll take a trip to the Pacific Science Center to see the Dead Sea Scrolls up close. For more information, contact Deanna Matzen. The lecture is free, but entrance to the scrolls is $12 ($10 for groups larger than 15). Organized by The Living Room fellowship group

Check It Out Now

Women's Retreat:
Mark your calendars now to get away with other women from Cap Hill Pres, Fri - Sunday, November 10-12. Heather will be leading this weekend at Soundview Camp (on the Key Peninsula). The theme, And We Have Seen His Glory, is taken from John 1. Join with women from our church, and other women from the Seattle area, as we talk together about the places we have seen and long to see the Glory of God.

Ask Heather for more information to get registration information.

Thursday Nite Hoops - 6:30 p.m. at the CHP - NCD gymnasium. Enter by the side door on the north parking lot.