“Brokenhearted God” - Sermon for November 10, 2019

Does reading the Bible seem dry to you sometimes? The paragraphs of who begat whom? All those numbers in Numbers? Even the lessons in Proverbs can seem distant and esoteric. Then the book of Hosea is the one for you! Here, God's emotions are shown in deep relief. As Rev. Tom describes, the prophet Hosea showed God's anguish over Israel in the most personal of ways - through his own family. By marrying a scandalous wife and giving their children scandalous names, Hosea was deliberately shocking his community, to show them that their unfaithfulness to God was even worse. Of course, people prefer to see scandals in the yellow press than recognize them in their own lives; that way, it's far easier to condemn the people involved. But does God eagerly condemn Israel? No. Hosea's example is one of continuing faithfulness, despite the pain Israel causes God. As Rev. Tom shows, this painful faithfulness is one of the greatest acts of support and compassion that we can give to our loved ones - whichever scandal or crisis they may be in.

(Bible reading - Hosea 11:1-9, NRSV)

On Friday, November 15, 2019, 7 – 9 PM, Second Presbyterian Church Mission Council is sponsoring a night to make Christmas cards for CARES! We will be making handcrafted Christmas and Holiday Cards. All you need to bring is your imagination and creativity! We will supply all of the materials and bling to make beautiful handcrafted Christmas and Holiday Cards, that support the mission of GEDCO CARES - handcrafted cards that are unique and great to send to family, friends and business associates! Make as many cards as you like and take home your favorite 3. (You may purchase an additional quantity that evening.)  The remainder will be sold as bulk-ordered cards and at the Second Presbyterian Alternative Gift Market on Sunday December 8. We will have for your enjoyment: Christmas music, wine, cheese and crackers, fruit, soft drinks, hot and cold apple cider, cookies …and most of all: FUN! Tickets for this event are $25.00 per person. All proceeds benefit GEDCO CARES programs.

Sign up at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/countdown-to-christmas-creating-cares-cards-tickets-77126139359