Philip …Thaddeus…..and Bartholomew

April 30, 2020

Good afternoon,

" Philip… Bartholomew….Thaddeus "    Mark 3:17

We do not know much about these apostles. The Philip here is different than the one in the book of Acts. Like all the others they are saints of the church. The saints came later after the church became part of the Empire ( that is my historical take on church history ).

So, since we know nothing about these three friends of Jesus, we can tell our own story of faith. I know two men named Thaddeus. Thaddeus J. Stevens lived in Lancaster PA and was a member of the House of Representatives. He is best known for his work on civil rights during the 1860's. Thaddeus Hostetler was a MCC volunteer in Vietnam, while we were in Hanoi in the summer of 1996. He still lives in Hanoi. I do not remember ever meeting anyone named Bartholomew.

So, let us get back to our faith stories. You might begin by thinking of those people that introduced you to faith. Then, you could recall when you first heard the stories from the Bible. What churches have you attended, and how did they influence your faith ? What are your favourite songs of faith ?  And, at this stage of your life, do you have a favourite story from God's word ? And, when has the Spirit spoken to you ?

And since the stay-at-home orders from the government were started in the second week of March, how have you experienced God ? What is God saying to Poole, the world and the creation ? What will God yet do for us in 2020 ?

Prayer/Song for Today

Sometimes in our lives we all have pain

We all have sorrow

But if we are wise

We know that there's always tomorrow

Lean on me, when you're not strong

And I'll be your friend

I'll help you carry on

For it won't be long

'Til I'm gonna need

Somebody to lean on

Please swallow your pride

If I have things you need to borrow

for no one can fill those of your needs

That you won't let show.

Lean on….               written by Bill Withers ( 1938-2020 ) in 1972

Fred

Tread on bold new paths !

Fireflies flash the direction

Hope springs eternal           Monica Pieper Landoni 2020

Fred Redekop

Pastor

Poole Mennonite Church