Reflections on Discipleship and Humanity
In the conclusion of a series on the seven final sayings of Christ from the cross, special guest Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr., episcopal leader of the Great Plains Conference of The United Methodist Church, provides some reflections on why the resurrection of Jesus Christ was such a powerful story in the first century and how it provides hope for people even today.
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced churches and pastors to do some things they had
never before tried. The Rev. Gary Brooks, lead pastor at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Wichita is one of those people.
His church, which has about 500 people in worship on a typical Sunday, had never livestreamed a service before the shelter-in-place order. But when it became necessary to do so, he and some of the staff at Aldersgate figured out a way to stream to Facebook Live. Now Sunday school classes, youth groups and more are using technology to stay connected and to continue to worship and study about Jesus Christ — all from their homes.
In the sixth of seven special episodes focusing on the final sayings from Christ on the cross, Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr. shares his reflection on Luke 23:36, “Father into your hands I commend my spirit.”
The bishop shares his thoughts on how Jesus turned over His spirit to God after being beaten and mocked and tortured by his captors.
Designed for the youth group at Lawrence Central United Methodist Church, this online activity is meant to be completed within a two hour time frame.
It must be completed by 4 p.m. Sunday, April 5. Each item is worth a point, with some questions offering opportunities for bonus points. The person who scores the most points wins a $20 gift card to either a local restaurant or Amazon (your choice).
Here’s the list: (Or download a PDF to make it easier to print.)
Shelter in Place Scavenger Hunt and Activity Checklist
Fill in your answers below or note what you did. One point for each completed answer. Two are mandatory, so you can’t skip those. And some have opportunities for bonus points.
Find an item that begins with the letter Q. Note what it is.
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Some kind of currency (paper or coins) from another country. Note what it is.
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Something that is yellow. Note what it is.
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Something small that floats. Place it in the sink or bathtub to prove it. Note what it is.
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A bottle of hand sanitizer or soap. Write down the brand.
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A famous quote (What is it and who said it). This is a mandatory question.
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Do some kind of activity outside for a minimum of 5 minutes. Write what you did.
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Wear a goofy hat (or wear a hat in a goofy way) for 10 minutes. Write what it is and have a witness initial it.
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Any kind of Christmas decoration. Describe it.
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Something that “screams” Methodist. Share what it is.
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Vacuum an entire room (a parent has to inspect and initial this one)
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Your favorite snack. Write what it is and why you like it.
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What you want to do as soon as the shelter-in-place is lifted. This is a mandatory question.
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Brush your teeth. Write your brand of toothpaste and have a witness initial this one.
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Write the name of your favorite book.
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Write your favorite Bible verse. This is a mandatory question.
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Write down your favorite color.
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Put on as many clothes as you can from your closet or dresser with that favorite color in it. (bonus points for a selfie with all of these clothes on)
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Spot a bird. What kind was it (or what colors were its feathers)?
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In the fifth of seven special episodes focusing on the final sayings from Christ on the cross, Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr. shares his reflections on John 19:28 and John 19:30, “I thirst” and “It is finished,” respectively.
The bishop provides his reflections on these two verses and provides guidance of why the writer of the Gospel of John may have included a statement about thirst and in what tone was Jesus speaking when He declared His work on earth “finished.”
In the fourth of seven special episodes of the “In Layman’s Terms” podcast focusing on the final sayings from Christ on the cross, Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr. shares his reflections on Mark 15:34, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me.”
The bishop explains how these words from Jesus shouldn’t necessarily be looked at as words that reflect Jesus feeling abandoned, but rather how they teach us that even in the worst of circumstances, God never leaves us alone.
In the third of seven special episodes of the “In Layman’s Terms” podcast focusing on the final sayings from Christ on the cross, Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr. shares his reflections on John 19:26-27, “Woman, here is your son,” and “Here is your mother.”
The bishop explains how Jesus gives us a glimpse into how Christians are supposed to treat one another — like family — and how with these words Jesus shows love for His mother while also expanding His family.
In the second of seven special episodes of the “In Layman’s Terms” podcast focusing on the final sayings from Christ on the cross, Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr. shares his reflections on Luke 23:43, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Through this statement to a criminal on the cross, Jesus shares His love for all of us who fall short of God’s expectations of us and gives us the hope of a life with Jesus in paradise.
Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr., episcopal leader of the Great Plains Conference of The United Methodist Church, is the featured guest for a special series of episodes that explores the seven final sayings of Jesus from the cross. In this first episode, Bishop Saenz explains why Lent is special to him, and he provides some reflection on the first of the seven sayings: “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.”
Where does the 46 days (40 when we subtract the Sundays) of Lent come from? We trace it back to the 40 days and 40 nights Jesus spent in the Judean wilderness following his baptism in the Jordan River. Jesus spent time preparing for the critical ministry ahead.
During that time, Jesus was tempted by the devil. He was offered food while He fasted. He was encouraged to jump from the Temple so people would see the power of God. He was offered all the kingdoms of the world. Yet Jesus accepted none of them. Todd explains that within those three temptations are three lessons for us: Avoid putting our needs in front of others, avoid taking advantage of others, and don’t succumb to power and prestige.
In Layman's Terms