The Day He Wore my Crown

Our Daily Bread
I have a large head. Not necessarily a "big head" meaning I am conceited, but rather a head that has a large circumference. Like my grandfather, I require a larger hat. I hate wearing a hat that is too tight!

Someone wore not a hat, but a crown for us. A crown of thorns. I am sure the Roman soldiers did not take time to measure the head of Jesus to ensure a correct fit. They wove together the sharp thorns and pressed it down hard on the head of our Lord. The crown of thorns that I should have worn to atone for my sins was born by the Son of God. The day he wore that crown for each of us. Several contemporary Christian artists sang the song. It was made famous by Sandi Patti [video].

Lord, you bore the brunt of our sin and shame so we could have the opportunity to love and serve God like never before. We thank you and praise you!

Teaching Tuesday
Education for Ministry (EfM)
I wrote about EfM a lot the past few years, but I am not sure I explained what the program entails. Here is some information from the EfM web site.

Every baptized person is called to ministry. The Education for Ministry (EfM) program provides people with the education to carry out that ministry. During the Service of Confirmation we ask God to "Renew in these your servants the covenant you made with them at Baptism. Send them forth in the power of the Spirit to perform the service you set before them." EfM offers an opportunity to discover how to respond to the call to Christian service.

The seminar group is the nucleus of the Education for Ministry program. A group consists of six to twelve participants and a trained mentor who meet weekly over the course of a nine-month academic year. These meetings are usually from two and a half to three hours in length.

Through study, prayer, and reflection, EfM groups move toward a new understanding of the fullness of God's kingdom. Through discussion and guided reflection, the seminars furnish an opportunity to deepen understanding of the reading materials. The seminar is supported by a life of prayer and regular worship. EfM groups are encouraged to develop a pattern of worship appropriate to their situations. Liturgical materials are furnished with the course materials.

It is a four year program. The first year focuses on the Old Testament. The second year focuses on the New Testament. The third year focuses on church history. The fourth year focuses on theological choices. Each group usually has a mixture of students from each year so a common theme or thread can be determined for theological reflection.

Classes start up again this Fall. Message me if you want a contact for the Columbus, Ohio area. I am sure there are groups available in your area regardless of where you live.

**********************************
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit - Romans 15:13