Week of January 14, 2024

While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was deeply troubled by all the idols he saw everywhere in the city. He went to the synagogue to reason with the Jews and the God-fearing Gentiles, and he spoke daily in the public square to all who happened to be there. He also had a debate with some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers. When he told them about Jesus and his resurrection, they said, “What’s this babbler trying to say with these strange ideas he’s picked up?” Others said, “He seems to be preaching about some foreign gods.” Then they took him to the high council of the city. “Come and tell us about this new teaching,” they said. “You are saying some rather strange things, and we want to know what it’s all about.” (It should be explained that all the Athenians as well as the foreigners in Athens seemed to spend all their time discussing the latest ideas.)
 So Paul, standing before the council, addressed them as follows: “Men of Athens, I notice that you are very religious in every way, for as I was walking along I saw your many shrines. And one of your altars had this inscription on it: ‘To an Unknown God.’ This God, whom you worship without knowing, is the one I’m telling you about.  Acts 17:16-23 (NLT).

Substitute "Influencers of Hanover" (or Cambridge, Middlebury, etc.) for "Men of Athens", and this passage feels surprisingly contemporary!  :)

"Sharing our faith" teaching series:  Starting on January 21^st, join us for Life Shared,  a three-part teaching series on sharing your faith.  If you've ever thought about the topic, and especially if the word evangalism might give you pause ("How do I share my faith without feeling weird?"), this is a great opportunity!   The video series was prepared by the same group responsible for Alpha and the videos are, according to Pastor Chris, stellar.  Each week, we'll watch a 15-20 minute video and then talk about it.  This is a great opportunity to get a taste of what Alpha's like and to develop some approaches to share our faith with others who are seeking more in and from their lives.

Bible Study Schedule:  Join us on Sunday mornings before church (9 am) in Trumbull Hall for our continuing chapter-by-chapter discussion of the Gospel of Matthew.   We also  offer a weekday Bible discussion on Wednesday mornings at 10 am in Trumbull Hall.  Please join us for coffee, baked goods, and lively discussions of Scripture  for either or both, as your schedule permits.  All are welcome, no previous experience required!

Church Directory Update: Our church directory is being updated. If you are not included or have updated information to share, there will be slips on the back table in the sanctuary you can fill out. Please give the cards to Elaine Hawthorne, Susan Johnson, or Susan Hardy. If you would like to have a picture included with your information or a new picture for the directory, please see Mark Hardy. Don’t have a directory? There are extra on the tables in the back of the sanctuary.