kairos [ community ]

Kairos will collect food and donations for the Quakertown Food Pantry on Saturday, March 27 and Sunday, March 28, from 9 am to 1 pm, outside Boyer’s Market on Broad Street in Quakertown.  Anyone is welcome to help out.  For info contact Bob at 267.702.4262.

Saturday, March 27 and Palm Sunday, March 28 — Food drive at Boyer’s Market, Broad Street between 3rd and 4th Streets, 9 am to 1 pm both days. Collection of in-date canned and non-perishable food items, grocery store gift cards or cash to benefit the Quakertown Food Pantry, which provides emergency food to our neighbors experiencing food insecurity.

Palm Sunday — March 28 — 11 am. Meet at Boyer’s to process (with palms) to our outdoor service. Afterwards, help deliver collected food to the Pantry nearby.

Holy Thursday — April 1 — 7 pm — Home service with footwashing. For info/directions, call Bob at 267.702.4262.

Good Friday — April 2 — 7 pm — Home service / adoration of the cross. For info/directions, call Bob at 267.702.4262.

The Vigil of Easter — Saturday, April 3 — 7 pm — Our contemporary adaptation of this ancient service tells the story of God’s love for us and carries us from the cross to the empty tomb. Location TBA.

Join Kairos Community for a day of connecting with the Source.

Where: Upper Tinicum Lutheran Church Parish House 1426 Bridgeton Hill Road, Upper Black Eddy (Lat/long for GPS 40.561731, -75.114597)

When: Sunday, February 28 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Chronos, not Kairos time). Please plan on arriving early so we can get our coffee*, etc.  We would like to start promptly at 9 a.m.

Who: Interested adults and teens. Feel free to invite others or bring a friend.  This is an adult event. No child care will be provided.

Leader: Pat Herbst has been a spiritual director for many years and formerly was a pastoral assistant and educator at Assumption B.V.M. parish in Colesville, outside Bethlehem. She’s excellent!

Cost: Asking for donation of $25 per person to cover costs.

For more information contact Bob via email.

Last night @Ka1r0s, Maria led a wonderful devotion on Luke 7:18-35. There’s a lot going on here in this story of John the Baptizer sending his disciples to check Jesus out, to see if he is really the one they have been waiting for. If you weren’t with us, read the story. (Go ahead, click the link above. I’ll wait….)

Do you notice fear, or human attempts to direct God, or other dynamics at work in this story? What do you make of Jesus’ response to John’s challenge — “Are you the one? Or are we still waiting?” Note how Jesus heals and restores, then asks “Is this what you were expecting? If so, you are fortunate.”

John was the one who initially “got” Jesus’ message, so if he is confused, I guess we shouldn’t feel so bad about our wondering and wandering.

Be honest, is Jesus what you expect? Did you sign on for the last being first (and the first, last)? For finding your life by losing it? For letting go of the attachments that bind you? Where do your expectations get in the way of listening to Christ? What expectations do you have that draw you to him?

Let’s discuss. Drop your thoughts in the comments.

We’re at a time of year when patterns change. The balance of school schedules and the busy spring give way to summer’s thoughts of vacation and leisurely pace.

Balance is the topic of our kairos gathering this Sunday, June 21 at 10:30 a.m. at United Friends School. This worship will feature fun and games, voices from the culture and choice, and an exploration of the elusive balance in our lives. Where do we find it? What do we do when we are out of balance? What do we need to add or subtract to be more balanced? You can ask your questions and share your experiences as we help each other find equilibrium including self, work, family and spirit.

Wear comfortable shoes and socks, and bring a goodie to share. Feel free to invite a friend or neighbor! We hope to see you Sunday! United Friends School is at 1018 W. Broad Street, Quakertown, PA 18951.

Questions? Comments? Call Bob at 267.377.7192.

If you’re on Facebook, come join our Kairos: Christians at Large group to get to know us and get updates on gatherings and other happenings.

Celebrate the Resurrection with us on Easter Sunday, April 12.  Service begins at 9:30 am at St. John’s cemetery at 9th and Juniper Streets, Quakertown, and continues at United Friends School, 1018 W. Broad St., Quakertown.  For information call Bob at 267.377.7192.

Would you like to experience faith (download a flyer)

Maundy Thursday service (Quakertown) — Thursday, April 9, 7 pm

Good Friday service (Pt. Pleasant) — Friday, April 10, 7 pm

These are family services. Children are welcome to be with us, no children’s activity is provided.

Join us for our monthly community worship service this Sunday, January 18, at 10:30 a.m. at United Friends School (1018 W. Broad Street) in Quakertown.

Baptism is not just our entrance into the life of God but our daily task. St. Paul writes that in baptism we take on Christ’s death as well as his life. Martin Luther saw remembering and renewing baptism as a daily ritual. That’s great theory, but what does it mean for us? We’ll look at that question through the story of the calling of Jesus’ first disciples — Peter, Andrew, James and John.

Join us for a time of praise, engaging the story, prayer and fellowship this Sunday at 10:30 a.m. Children’s activity will be provided. Please bring an offering to cover our expenses and donate to the Quakertown Food Pantry.

Need info? Contact Bob by email.

Our walk continues with a number of opportunities to be together as community during the slowly brightening days of January. Hope you can join us!

+ Community worship next Sunday, Jan. 18, 10:30 am at United Friends School.
+ Gathering/dinner/worship Friday, Jan. 23 at Gallaghers’
+ Book discussion: Thursday, Jan. 29 at Miley’s. We’re reading Take This Bread by Sara Miles (info here)

Directions? Questions? Email Bob.

To leave more room for community news on the front page, we’ve moved the Daily Bible Readings/Discussion inside the site. Find readings/join the discussion here.

Advent — the 4 weeks leading up to Christmas — is often a hectic, non-stop time for many of us.  This year, with much uncertainty in the world, is likely to be even more stressful.

Join us for an evening of quiet, contemplative worship on Sunday, Dec. 14 at 6 p.m. at United Friends School (1018 W. Broad Street, Quakertown, PA 18951)  We will focus on song, prayer and scripture after the manner of the Taize community, an ecumenical fellowship in France that draws people (including many young people) from around the world.

This will be a time to de-stress and focus on God, with simple prayer and readings and meditative chant. If you’re frantic from the holiday stress, or if the season leaves you blue or lonely, you may find a space for God to speak to you at this service.

An offering will be taken to benefit the Quakertown Food Pantry.

For information call Bob at 267.234.7262 or 267.377.7192 or email.

Download a flyer here: taize2008

Join us this Sunday, Oct. 19 at 10:30 a.m. for our community worship. Note the new time: 10:30 a.m.!

his Service Sunday we have two opportunities for you. It’s one of the coolest things about our community that we want to go out and offer service rather than just hold services, so come on out and join the fun. We need several folks at each location.

9am-1pm @Boyer’s Market in Quakertown = Contact Suzanne to sign up to help collect food for Quakertown Food Pantry. (kid-friendly)

9:30am-1pm @Bucks County Housing Group in Doylestown = Contact Maria to sign up to assist clients, restock shelves, etc. (teens/adults)

Sunday mornings don’t work for you? How about getting involved in this new opportunity?

Manna on Main Street needs help preparing/serving meals for hungry clients! Can you help us prepare a meal? Could be during the week, on Saturday, or whenever it works for you…as long as it’s ready by Sunday afternoon. Or, come help us serve the needy from 4pm-7pm @Manna on Main Street in Lansdale. Contact Maria and to volunteer for meal preparation, donate $ to offset the cost of the meal, or sign up to serve. (kid-friendly)

Contact Maria ASAP about this so Manna can let clients know if we’ll be there (they’re not usually open on Sundays but will if we can help out.)

Click the [M] link for The Message version, [NRS] for New Revised Starndard version
Saturday (9/13):Luke 6:43-49[M][NRS]
Every one who hears my words and does them”
Sunday (9/14):John 3:13-17[M][NRS]
So must the Son of Man be lifted up”
Monday (9/15):John 19:25-27[M][NRS]
Standing by the cross of Jesus”
Tuesday (9/16): Luke 7:11-17 [M][NRS]
When the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her.”
Wednesday (9/17): Luke 7: 31-35 [M][NRS]
To what then shall I compare this generation?”
Thursday (9/18): Luke 7:36-50 [M][NRS]
Which of them will love him more?”
Friday (9/19):Luke 8:1-3[M][NRS]
The women provided for Jesus and his disciples out of their means”

The URL of our website — liveservegrow.info — may not exactly roll of the tips of your typing fingers. You might wonder why we use this address, since it doesn’t point anyone to Christians @ Large directly. Over time, it has become clear to me that this website name describes our approach to the life of faith in a simple trajectory: Live. Serve. Grow. (more…)

No one tears a piece from a new garment and sews it on an old garment; otherwise the new will be torn, and the piece from the new will not match the old.  — Luke 5:37

Friday night we will meet at Fishers at 6:30 p.m. for dinner, worship and prayer. We’ll be looking at Jesus’ parable in Luke 5:33-39 (Link) about new and old garments, and new wine and old wineskins, to see what he might be saying about our lives today as Christians in a broken world.

Please remember to bring your food offerings for the food pantry. (Please make sure food items are in date.) A children’s activity will be provided.

For directions/info call 267.377.7192 or email.

Click the [M] link for The Message version, [NRS] for New Revised Starndard version
Saturday (9/6):Luke 6:1-5 [M][NRS]
The Son of man is lord of the Sabbath”
Sunday (9/7): Matthew 18:15-20 [M][NRS]
If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault”
Monday (9/8):Matthew 1:1-16, 18-23[M][NRS]
“She will bear a son, and you shall call him Jesus”
Tuesday (9/9):Luke 6:12-19 [M][NRS]
All sought to touch him, for power came forth from him and healed them all”
Wednesday (9/10):Luke 6:20-26 [M][NRS]
“Blessed are you that weep now, for you shall laugh”
Thursday (9/11):Luke 6:27-38 [M][NRS]
“Do good to those who hate you, pray for those who abuse you”
Friday (9/12):Luke 6:39-42 [M][NRS]
Do you not see the log that is in your own eye?”

Click the [M] link for The Message version, [NRS] for New Revised Starndard version
Saturday (8/30):Matthew 25:14-30 [M][NRS]
“The master will settle his account with them”
Sunday (8/31):Matthew 16:21-27 [M][NRS]
“Whoever loses his life for my sake will find it ”
Monday (9/1):Luke 4:16-30 [M][NRS]
“No prophet is acceptable in his own country”
Tuesday (9/2):Luke 4:31-37 [M][NRS]
“His word was with authority”
Wednesday (9/3):Luke 4:38-44 [M][NRS]
“He laid his hands on every one and healed them”
Thursday (9/4):Luke 5:1-11 [M][NRS]
“Do not be afraid; henceforth you will be catching men”
Friday (9/5):Luke 5:33-39 [M][NRS]
“Can you make wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them?”

Click the [M] link for The Message version, [NRS] for New Revised Starndard version
Saturday (8/23):Matthew 23:1-12 [M][NRS]
“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted”
Sunday (8/24):Matthew 16:13-20 [M][NRS]
“Flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven”
Monday (8/25):Matthew 23:13-22 [M][NRS]
“You shut the kingdom of heaven against men”
Tuesday (8/26):Matthew 23:23-26 [M][NRS]
“You have neglected justice, mercy and faith”
Wednesday (8/27):Matthew 23:27-32 [M][NRS]
“You outwardly appear righteous, but within are full of hypocrisy and iniquity”
Thursday (8/28):Matthew 24:42-51 [M][NRS]
“If you knew in what part of the night the thief was coming, you would have watched!”
Friday (8/29):Mark 6:17-29[M][NRS]
“Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man”

Click [M] link for The Message, [NA] for New American
Saturday (8/2): Matthew 14:1-12 [M][NA]
“Herod the tetrarch heard about the fame of Jesus”
Sunday (8/3):Matthew 14:13-21 [M][NA]
“They took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces left over”
Monday (8/4):Matthew 14:22-36 [M][NA]
“Take heart, it is I; have no fear.”
Tuesday (8/5):Matthew 15:1-2, 10-14[M][NA]
“It is what comes out of the mouth that defiles”
Wednesday (8/6):Matthew 17:1-9 [M][NA]
“This is my beloved Son; listen to him”
Thursday (8/7):Matthew 16:13-23 [M][NA]
“Flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven”
Friday (8/8):Matthew 16:24-28 [M][NA]
“Whoever loses his life for my sake will find it “

Saturday (7/26):Matthew 13:24-30
“An enemy has done this”
Sunday (7/27):Matthew 13:44-52
“The heavenly treasure and the pearl of great price”
Monday (7/28):Matthew 13:31-35
“I will utter what has been hidden since the foundation of the world”
Saturday (7/29):John 11:19-27
Martha said to Jesus, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day”
Wednesday (7/30):Matthew 13:44-46
“The heavenly treasure and the pearl of great price”
Thursday (7/31):Matthew 13:47-53
“The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous”
Friday (8/1):Matthew 13:54-58
“Is this not the carpenter’s son?”

Saturday (7/19): Matthew 12:14-21
“He will not break a bruised reed until he brings justice to victory”

Sunday (7/20): Matthew 13:24-43
“The righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father”

Monday (7/21): Matthew 12:38-42
An adulterous generation seeks for a sign”

Tuesday (7/22): John 20:1-2, 11-18
I have seen the Lord!”

Wednesday (7/23): Matthew 13:1-9
“Since they had no root they withered away”

Thursday (7/24): Matthew 13:10-17
“Many prophets and righteous men longed to see what you see and hear what you hear”

Friday (7/25): Matthew 20:20-28
“Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?”

Saturday (7/12):  Matthew 10:24-33
“Fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell”
Sunday (7/13):  Matthew 13:1-23
“Since they had no root they withered away”
Monday (7/14):  Matthew 10:34 - 11:1
“He who loves father and mother more than me is not worthy of me”
Tuesday (7/15):  Matthew 11:20-24
“Jesus upbraided them because they did not repent”
Wednesday (7/16):  Matthew 11:25-27
“Heavenly things revealed to babes”
Thursday (7/17):  Matthew 11:28-30
“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me”
Friday (7/18):  Matthew 12:1-8
“I desire mercy and not sacrifice”

Just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.

The Christian life is a constant process of burying what binds and poisons us, seeking unity with Christ and each other, and accepting freedom and forgiveness. Join us to explore the wisdom of [Romans 6:1-11] in remembrance of baptism, communion, story, song and activity for all ages. Children welcome.

Sunday, June 22
3 p.m.
United Friends School
1018 W. Broad Street
Quakertown, PA 18951

Info: Call Bob, 267-377-7192 or email.