Inspirational Thought: In Psalm 97:6-7 it says, “The heavens proclaim his righteousness; and all the peoples behold his glory. All worshipers of images are put to shame, those who make their boast in worthless idols; all gods bow down before him.” How have we seen the glory of God in our midst? In days long past, folks would look to the sky for all types of things. They would find their way with the view of the North Star, calculate time by the movement of the sun, or see the glory of God’s handiwork in his marvelous creation that screams to us in the whisper of a gentle breeze, “God is alive and active in the world.” In our reformed theological way, we call this general revelation. We might look at the created order, nothing is by happenchance; there is order out of chaos. There is a divine plan for our world as it turns on its axis. However, there is another revelation that is dearer to our human nature for it reveals that God walks, and talks to us, and tells us that we are his own. This is called specific revelation. This is when the scriptures are enlightened by the Holy Spirit for our understanding. We behold the glory of God through miracles, healings, and the life-changing grace of Christ. When we put general and specific revelation together – then we behold God’s glory. Nothing can compare to it. So, why do our hearts and minds boast in worthless idols to satisfy our souls? Do we really need to give allegiance to things that take the place of God? Possibly, when our spirit is caught up in the affairs of this world, we search for answers other than “In God We Trust.” When we take our minds off of the ways that God created, restores, and renews life – then we will put something else in its place. Do they become worthless idols in our midst? As St. Augustine said, “My soul is restless until it rests in thee, O, Lord.” May we find that perfect rest by relishing in God’s glory as we look through the lenses of general and specific revelation.
Until we meet again, may God’s love be with you,
Pastor Dan
Prayer of the Week: O God Almighty, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ: Grant us, we pray, to be grounded and settled in your truth by the coming down of the Holy Spirit into our hearts. That which we know not, reveal; that which is wanting in us, fill up; that which we know, confirm; and keep us blameless in your service; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen (Clement of Rome (dc. 99)
Birthdays for April
Florence Rogers – April 20
Come Worship with Us This Sunday!
April 25 – Sunday Worship Service 10 am
Session meeting 10 minutes after the Service
This Week at PCL
Sat. – Bible & Bagels at 8:30 am on Zoom
Up Coming Events
May 4 7:30 am Deacon’s meeting
May 30 Wreath laying ceremony in the Memorial Garden after the morning service
News & Notes
Facebook & Zoom Links
Facebook: facebook.com/The-PCL-935676843185631
Sunday Service Zoom
Meeting ID: 157 482 235 Password: 84 85 69 Phone: 1 646 558 8656
Bible & Bagels Zoom
Meeting ID: 858 942 655 Password: 84 85 69 Phone: 1 646 558 8656
Taizé Contemplative Prayer Service Zoom
First Thursday of every month at 8 pm. / Zoom ID: 826 6284 2267 / PW: 820 068
A Special Invitation
The church is clean and very well ventilated. Surfaces have been sanitized. There is enough room in the sanctuary for everyone to social distance. We have masks available if you forget yours and plenty of hand sanitizer. It is very safe to come to church now, so come on back this Sunday. We miss you!
WE WANT TO SAY
Pentecost Offering 2021
Please give generously to the Pentecost Offering. Your gifts will help transform the lives of more young adults as they work for change alongside communities around the world.
Your gift will help our church step up its efforts to reach at-risk children.
Since 1998, Presbyterians of all ages have raised more than $11 million for ministries that benefit younger members of God’s family. We believe we are called to do even more to support and care for young people to build a strong foundation of faith. They are the future of our church and the world.
An Offering will be taken on Pentecost Sunday, May 23, 2021.
Please give generously.
Wreath Laying Ceremony
Remembering Our Fallen Heroes
Sunday May 30, 2021 @ 11:15 am
Karen Endres Memorial Garden
Presbyterian Church of Livingston
271 West Northfield Road
Livingston, NJ 07039
Memorial Day is a day created to honor all the men and women who have sacrificed their lives in military service to their country. It is a time for us to reflect and remember their bravery. Everyone is welcome to join our congregation in our Memorial Garden for the ceremony on May 30, 2021.
If you wish to make a donation toward the wreath, please make your checks out to PCL and designate wreath.
If you know someone who should be added to the list of honored veterans who have passed away, please contact the church office.
Reading the Bible with the Lectionary
April 18-24, 2021
Sun: Acts 3:12-19; Psalm 4:1-8; 1 John 3:1-7; Luke 24:36b-48
Mon: Psalms 97; 145; Daniel 4:19-27 1 John 3:19-4:6; Luke 4:14-30
Tue: Psalms 98; 146; Daniel 4:28-37; 1 John 4:7-21; Luke 4:31-37
Wed: Psalms 99; 147:1-11; Daniel 5:1-12; 1 John 5:1-12; Luke 4:38-44
Thu: Psalms 47; 147:12-20; Daniel 5:13-30 1 John 5:13-20 (21); Luke 5:1-11
Fri: Psalms 96; 148; Daniel 6:1-15; 2 John 1-13; Luke 5:12-26
Sat: Psalms 92; 149; Daniel 6:16-28; 3 John 1-15; Luke 5:27-39