The Wired Word for 7262026 - CourtneyR.dev's 2nd Brain

The Wired Word for 7/26/2026 ![rw-book-cover](https://readwise-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/static/images/article0.00998d930354.png) 🔗 **Source:** [The Wired Word for 7/26/2026]() > [!note]+ Document Notes > --- > tags: [shared-leadership, lay-ministry, spiritual-gifts, faith-formation, congregational-life] > author: "The Wired Word" > source: "mailto:reader-forwarded-email/8b315f2f2d336d0f389729790d8f4745" > reference: "01ky7fbb5vvahfpdqh1kygj98p" > date created: 2026-07-24 > --- > # 🏷️ Title: The Wired Word for 7/26/2026 > ## 🧭 Table of Contents > Summary; main content and notes; references; paraphrase; newsletter; action items; hypotheses; methodology; questions; future research; implications; learning, accessibility, DEIB, logic, DARVO, conclusion; refactor appendix; template library. > ## 🔗 References > - Source: mailto:reader-forwarded-email/8b315f2f2d336d0f389729790d8f4745 > - Reader document: 01ky7fbb5vvahfpdqh1kygj98p > ## 📝 Summary > This church discussion guide uses a Maine synagogue’s year of lay-led ministry to ask how congregations discover and share members’ gifts. More than 70 laypeople reportedly led worship, teaching, and music during a rabbinical vacancy; the arriving rabbi wants that participation to continue. The guide connects the story to Christian scripture, discussion prompts, and a practical gift-recognition exercise. > ## 📖 Main Content > Congregation Beth El added six households during its leadership gap and maintained a do-it-yourself tradition. The guide treats professional clergy and shared participation as compatible. Biblical sections on Moses, Jeremiah, Corinth, and Ephesians frame gifts as communal responsibilities. A closing exercise asks members to name one another’s strengths. > ### 🗒️ Notes > - Claim: Leadership transitions can reveal distributed capacity that formal roles had hidden. > - Mechanism: Professional leaders can multiply participation by equipping contributors instead of replacing them. > - Verification focus: Communities discover gifts through specific peer observation, not abstract self-assessment alone. > - Scope: This analysis covers the captured source body. It does not treat linked claims as independently verified unless the source supplies direct evidence. > ## 📚 References > - Primary source: mailto:reader-forwarded-email/8b315f2f2d336d0f389729790d8f4745 > - Follow linked primary documents before using numerical, legal, medical, or policy claims in publication. > ## 🗣️ Paraphrase > A vacancy exposed capacity already present in the congregation. The incoming leader can either displace that capacity or organize it. The Christian application argues that leaders equip others for ministry rather than monopolize it, while trained clergy still bring specialized knowledge. > ## 📰 Newsletter > **Why this matters for WordPress:** This church discussion guide uses a Maine synagogue’s year of lay-led ministry to ask how congregations discover and share members’ gifts. More than 70 laypeople reportedly led worship, teaching, and music during a rabbinical vacancy; the arriving rabbi wants that participation to continue. The guide connects the story to Christian scripture, discussion prompts, and a practical gift-recognition exercise. For teams building open web software, the useful move is to convert the source’s central claim into a small test, publish limits, and keep the people affected by the decision in the review loop. [Read the source](mailto:reader-forwarded-email/8b315f2f2d336d0f389729790d8f4745). > ## ✅ Action Items > - DevRel: turn claims into testable demos; OSPO: track governance and dependency effects; Community: invite affected groups into review; WordPress — Core: assess platform impact; Core Performance: measure cost and latency; Core AI: define model-specific tests; Core Program Team: coordinate milestones; Mobile: test small-screen use; Playground: build a reproducible demo; Community: gather contributor feedback; Training: create a lesson; Marketing: state limits; Support: collect failure patterns; Design: review workflows; Documentation: record behavior and caveats; Photos: not applicable unless visual assets are needed; TV: consider a short explainer; Polyglots: plan translation context; Accessibility: test WCAG 2.2 AA; Meta: review site and API effects; CLI: expose repeatable checks where relevant; Hosting: test deployment constraints; Tide: add automated quality checks where applicable; Openverse: review open-asset implications; Themes: test presentation effects; Plugins: publish compatibility guidance. The WPOCC: consider community-governance effects. FAIR: note implications for federated open-source collaboration. > ## 🧪 Hypotheses > 1. If leadership transitions can reveal distributed capacity that formal roles had hidden., teams will observe a measurable change in decision quality or failure rate. > 2. If teams test the mechanism in a bounded pilot, results will differ by task complexity and user expertise. > 3. Publishing limits beside outcomes will reduce overgeneralization in later decisions. > ## 📊 Methodology > Use a preregistered comparison with a baseline, clear unit of analysis, task-level outcomes, failure categories, cost and time measures, and interviews with affected users. Preserve raw inputs and report null results. For a short announcement, first obtain primary documentation and reproduce the stated behavior. > ## ❓ Questions > - Which claim would change the decision if it proved false? > - What is the correct unit: task, job, team, organization, or ecosystem? > - Which groups bear costs that the source does not measure? > - What evidence would distinguish adoption from dependable outcomes? > ## 🔮 Future Research > Replicate across organizations and user groups; compare short- and long-term effects; measure distributional impact; test alternative explanations; and track whether early gains survive operational use. > ## 💡 Implications > Practice: use bounded trials. Policy: require traceable evidence for high-impact claims. Security: inspect failure paths and dependencies. Education: teach evaluation, not tool loyalty. Funding: tie continued spending to measured outcomes and public limits. > ## 🧠 Learning Styles Assessment > - Visual: add a claim-to-evidence diagram. > - Aural: discuss the argument and counterargument aloud. > - Verbal: rewrite the thesis in plain language. > - Kinesthetic: run the proposed pilot. > - Logical: map premises, mechanism, evidence, and conclusion. > - Social: compare interpretations in a small group. > - Solitary: keep a prediction and error log. > - Naturalistic: examine resource and environmental effects. > - Reading level: approximately grade 10–12; technical or institutional terms need definitions. > ## 📊 Accessibility Assessment > - Perceivable: provide alt text, captions, sufficient contrast, and text equivalents (WCAG 1). > - Operable: support keyboard access, visible focus, and adequate target sizes (WCAG 2). > - Understandable: use clear headings, definitions, and consistent navigation (WCAG 3). > - Compatible: use semantic markup, valid names, roles, and values (WCAG 4). > - Cognitive: shorten dense passages and expose the argument structure. > - Motion and media: avoid forced motion; provide controls and transcripts. > - Testing: combine automated checks with keyboard, screen-reader, zoom, reflow, and cognitive review against WCAG 2.2 AA. > ## 🌍 DEIB Assessment > - Cultural breadth: identify the source’s geographic and institutional scope. > - Inclusive language: separate groups from stereotypes and avoid universal claims. > - Neurodiversity support: provide summaries, headings, examples, and predictable structure. > - Representation: seek evidence from people affected by the proposed change. > - Psychological safety: invite dissent without requiring public disclosure of harm. > ## ✅ Logical Validity > The case illustrates possibility but cannot show that lay leadership caused membership growth. The cross-faith application is thoughtful, though a Christian guide should avoid turning a Jewish congregation into a mere object lesson and should preserve the source community’s distinct context. > - Strong reasoning: the source offers a clear thesis and at least one mechanism. > - Fallacy check: watch for hasty generalization, selection bias, false cause, motive attribution, and analogy used as proof. > - Fix: add comparison data, definitions, uncertainty ranges, and counterevidence. > - Tone: explanatory and persuasive. > ## 🛡️ DARVO Analysis > No com Dear Class Members, This week I will be away visiting grandchildren. Chris Willman-Bunge has graciously agreed to moderate the class this week. News of a leadership transition in a Maine synagogue piqued our interest in how congregations can be energized by involving a team of people in various leadership roles. We'll explore how to encourage followers of Jesus to explore and develop their spiritual gifts for the benefit of the local church, the community, and the world. ![](https://www.thewiredword.com/_img/tww_logo_email.jpg) **Maine Synagogue Welcomes Fun-loving Rabbi After Year of Lay-led Ministry** ***The Wired Word*** **for the Week of July 26, 2026** **In the News** Congregation Beth El in Bangor, Maine, recently installed a new leader, Rabbi Daniel Alter, 41, after a year-long search following the departure of Rabbi Sam Weiss last June. In the 12 months before Alter's arrival, more than 70 laypeople filled the pulpit, taught Torah, and led worship and music. Alter hopes to continue involving the laity in leadership if they are interested. "My question is, how do I ... continue to cultivate and empower that, now that I'm here?" the rabbi said. "I don't want them to step back now" if they don't want to, suggesting that monthly lay-led services were a definite possibility. Becky Tapley, the Reformed congregation's president, said the past year had been an "eclectic" experience that fit the synagogue's DIY history. Beth El was started in 1981 by 25 families who envisioned a diverse, progressive Jewish community. For the first six years, services were conducted by volunteers, until the first rabbi arrived in 1987. Beth El attracts people from eastern and northern Maine, New Brunswick, and seasonal members from even farther away. On the synagogue's website is this description of the congregation: "We are always striving to capture our founders' do-it-yourself ethic, and to uphold their commitment to warm welcome and inclusivity." Tapley noted that during the past year when the congregation was without a rabbi, Beth El added six new member households, even while membership in Reform Judaism is declining. She appreciated Alter's desire to build on the strength of the synagogue's lay leadership and involvement. Alter will have responsibility for leadership of the weekly Jewish education program Beth El provides for about 35 children, in partnership with Bangor's Conservative synagogue, Congregation Beth Israel. The rabbi's philosophy of education emphasizes a Jewish sense of play, discovery and open-mindedness. He's been known to create an escape room for students as a teaching tool about Passover. Alter uses popular cultural figures from Harry Potter, Star Wars, zombie fiction and romance to teach Judaism, he said. He likes to dress as Darth Vader every year for Purim, the Jewish holiday celebrating the defeat of Haman, the enemy of the Jews, found in the book of Esther. The author of four books, Alter trained in archaeology, anthropology and Jewish education, before being ordained as a rabbi in 2017. He served at Temple Beth Emeth in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Temple Kol Emeth in Marietta, Georgia, prior to accepting the position in Bangor. When he joined the team at Temple Kol Emeth, he led a romping, indoor camp-style sing-along that included a mock bonfire. One of Alter's former students, Madison, said, "Rabbi Daniel makes learning fun for the students!" Abi, another young fan, agreed: "I have fun, and I'm shocked!" More on this story can be found at these links: [Bangor's New Rabbi Wants to Bring Playfulness to Religious Life.](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPKmMB-2Fclx2GPG3twty-2BkI6iION0SSMrIaCkxLomXEpaQSBmAQi8Bu2ZzS1GTJGwprSlZyaC3a-2B2oJ-2FFH-2FVH0s94xu6tUbrw6pBOp5BeJmJaux2DN2V6EN7Eefc4jeHYn-2BIGBob-2FsbM5A0P6F-2BstSeAE-3DFY5g_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmeZ4cPa9QGE4ZSJNBEnrczGvO5zkSuheYRBZeKsn3DUnbvbQBtBqN2OGD4YBkNuKBHrzz3t1iqJI0QhJRsxXvTdHM0niO-2F2eci2JHPLoVCtRhxmG0LNIAxh76JFBH63hgVwfTiZS0WeKE8WvI0FXEMdrS0Fl-2BbQ82kbwC2X2-2F-2FzEGIrfeqyx-2F-2BMNtL4drwNj9CiZ3mgqRewE-2BfEpFeQzxgzb-2BlWO868etgOJ0LdOliQ4HDaVpJNUEpYSb6d8Hvjol8HiR4WoFVYalyaCjObxCtM-3D) [*Bangor Daily News*](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPKmMB-2Fclx2GPG3twty-2BkI6iION0SSMrIaCkxLomXEpaQSBmAQi8Bu2ZzS1GTJGwprSlZyaC3a-2B2oJ-2FFH-2FVH0s94xu6tUbrw6pBOp5BeJmJaux2DN2V6EN7Eefc4jeHYn-2BIGBob-2FsbM5A0P6F-2BstSeAE-3DPehE_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmeZ4cPa9QGE4ZSJNBEnrczGvO5zkSuheYRBZeKsn3DUnbvbQBtBqN2OGD4YBkNuKBLJrOHuJUfnarsuAIQT6Sg2L1eYzJSutjYViaxEwgkTmJ2AC7QVnNlUkcSmo4kIcuFtR8JaP3IONkTIeAuTEIAVDPmfAJN7k8pHoD6sWrJ84UeZT9T8jRW-2Bgqah2qXVgnDEO2yJCbcyN4lEXPHXolM6TsSZdAC8zhgelh-2F-2FhNuMOsgKRqEYZeS0BQtC1hcTnFJY1TTpXNzUdqccCMiryhIw-3D) [About Congregation Beth El.](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPOYx3wsHn8p7mLNW6Ap1m6O3OHHhaeUKbxMXG1LYGXxD8FLtmoowcWt5BRZ6P7lERNX5nlZE2wtU9p1bzBAKNdc-3D5QZZ_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmeZ4cPa9QGE4ZSJNBEnrczGvO5zkSuheYRBZeKsn3DUnbvbQBtBqN2OGD4YBkNuKBJa4ZHI9B8gFwJD6Io92snTvB-2BmsKinqJE8x5RwigdyTcnMzSlV73WOZFIGwQe9-2BIyytrcH2MUgU-2BKHZJJO2t5pY74Vwy4ziGlG1O-2FOcOp42guYGuLR1PlRL8SNZ7Xx3bq0PKR8DnV-2FlDMsiMHwSDx3XuxBvAQCoZRZ9DQSYTx2m11bSEDlB27nFUFUd3JcQ4wgwvWdVYW1xg4fNt3POeWE-3D) [*bethelbangor*](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPOYx3wsHn8p7mLNW6Ap1m6O3OHHhaeUKbxMXG1LYGXxD8FLtmoowcWt5BRZ6P7lERNX5nlZE2wtU9p1bzBAKNdc-3DWZgG_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmeZ4cPa9QGE4ZSJNBEnrczGvO5zkSuheYRBZeKsn3DUnbvbQBtBqN2OGD4YBkNuKBH6Ds2ZU0cuqvFkXKlbqKZs19lMciOJLNS7pkFgFIcDpDCosY0IKlqUCOH6p9vw1LYPj6atMy8dbz08ZT-2Bw25c3IDvBaKgHDDNJJmiAMcZtiXF0QDNEs9ndUOTFxswGNi40Px8UoKT6CCtpUQy9qMTPD7-2BeTgw2I9u4UvDJ3ueJF9wjdO4h4tIh6lUHFvr9spKaTpSEF5bCIgUDjWxiUMmA-3D) [Rabbi Daniel K. Alter, Rabbi-Educator.](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPEXeB-2Fv4uQx60qKA7zBAZFRlI6Akhe58fX8vdr1qAnKZuYF0_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmeZ4cPa9QGE4ZSJNBEnrczGvO5zkSuheYRBZeKsn3DUnbvbQBtBqN2OGD4YBkNuKBLCOWcDUmmdqbP8Tb3jPthD6tyCIo67chyixDtu77Cl3jdd-2BJSWw1djGlrq59SAn-2BGWlkCGe4cYmJRgLHMC0ZN02HRIakZzkPIfXIs2q-2B357gr-2F3I2LvLrxmMbwXUups-2FudaF4KnfaXyU-2FEHU9Z3TsimtEeu-2B-2FmnMql687VbOfPNpTLANbLk18Bdfp31IvUqvzY6RJXVlfOYvCyxEuYCewc-3D) [*Temple Kol Emeth*](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPEXeB-2Fv4uQx60qKA7zBAZFRlI6Akhe58fX8vdr1qAnKZ3KP1_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmeZ4cPa9QGE4ZSJNBEnrczGvO5zkSuheYRBZeKsn3DUnbvbQBtBqN2OGD4YBkNuKBIWLio5v4I-2BM0ZnYqCe0Hzc1aFhPKfR9m9ujGaKzmySoCjoFuwqqcft10GFp5dvL-2BVm-2FcsEBxa3FSubu6gaKUNlf2B6Z3UcIZGOxBTergEc6-2FtGPm6k-2FuZmsDV3h-2BiOH6z7r3HxfJEgIaCVQn20AplPP0xHIm2gL0yb-2Bmu555mtkP5C2y-2FAMyEva7pCA2ZQRVq4Bukk63nGS-2B-2Fp42rEtPsw-3D) [Temple Kol Emeth Welcomes Rabbi Daniel Alter as the Newest Clergy and First-Ever Rabbi Educator.](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPHgDwEJkcWIVMIMVuwksPHXMwSl9ln3re5gr3UV-2Bbku9r9M6_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmeZ4cPa9QGE4ZSJNBEnrczGvO5zkSuheYRBZeKsn3DUnbvbQBtBqN2OGD4YBkNuKBIaVtIpiEhTOvZ3IxEbEZuYCV2QgiKrt-2B-2FMKUuO5qa5nuGNGIYYKhzgJUb1Fw5wKEcmm-2BYKd8HZgQOagxMgM1Wwqg1vNHivwezIhLs0qvksTcqqPDCyz6BChgFX4koewJZ51IkozYYHl1qbjnAQyDO-2BTF7D0FoHETQo5G8DjZUbxA2Mf2wHjMsUGbMJEYNCtfirqltkaC2SYglDkcNckfXw-3D) [*Marietta Daily Journal*](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPHgDwEJkcWIVMIMVuwksPHXMwSl9ln3re5gr3UV-2Bbku9plgj_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmeZ4cPa9QGE4ZSJNBEnrczGvO5zkSuheYRBZeKsn3DUnbvbQBtBqN2OGD4YBkNuKBBW-2B81mQg3XGR0B-2F8YEbqBa-2BTVl5-2BUtQKKANM1FZsqYpokaftOi30UKcjQYpGKee7s77YoCQj1BKP7khmqsXpKAUC1cAlUw3UZIRk2LycScNNq9KUT49vhALUoVO074uKpu0lqtth8YMZUMo8u7pd1k0F1VyKJYU-2FWowD6luHWU-2Fq9uGOO4WA57b-2BsKrbhIpb7Zcne-2FUbAYpTOA0Bg-2FzACU-3D) [About Us.](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPE4JTIpNS963hXD4aW5dplwAo-2FctflejKh8dt3HjJ8bkA5JbJQqoNnh2aTXaEYrg3Q-3D-3Dqrss_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmeZ4cPa9QGE4ZSJNBEnrczGvO5zkSuheYRBZeKsn3DUnbvbQBtBqN2OGD4YBkNuKBKbSQAe9o-2FqVzo3LT30LhQknk1dBQsDuY-2BwfY1cCk7cUwR6D4yHDt3GL3sdkbCFD4qtyzxxjiZmcK0AixcRRZM1QjDuI08A-2BvHtPqZz27LhNx02fhUb2KnIHosXAQuOfA5WwloY0QOGUewcrSxd1Ul4Xr0GQUbHGDCMzZAV1H5Xzon8eBjfRml1m7V-2BCrSswTGJ0n-2BkgZKUBZuxOfCAsyr4-3D) [*Temple Beth Emeth*](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPE4JTIpNS963hXD4aW5dplwAo-2FctflejKh8dt3HjJ8bkA5JbJQqoNnh2aTXaEYrg3Q-3D-3D2-7e_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmeZ4cPa9QGE4ZSJNBEnrczGvO5zkSuheYRBZeKsn3DUnbvbQBtBqN2OGD4YBkNuKBFDZ2GWn9h1n5Cu4ii-2BGqdUX-2FdjEunHtj48sGjtU6acStQJGzjD07JqPVAGkT34R9TTezf72wLvhvf81BC6X5EETteM-2BUx29xo9tkQ1cDdHVIFhPRGnq3pMxDP6jyEwnAxwMpZCD0RPmxmGPdMix3ogmcwr9N5WpUGRpiujCKR0EAOcJkzbc-2B1Qaf7kDDeArTFbxQn1dTY4k-2FBpUUe9xawc-3D) **Applying the News Story** Use this lesson to discuss how to discover, develop and maximize the spiritual gifts God has bestowed upon your congregation. **The Big Questions** 1. How might the Bangor synagogue's approach serve as a model for dwindling Christian churches seeking a spark of new life? 2. How does our faith encourage us to use our own minds to study the Bible, theology and tradition? 3. How does our faith community help us expand and deepen our understanding of our sacred texts, beliefs and practices? 4. What lessons have you learned from your work and life experiences that might be of benefit to others in their own walk with God? 5. What opportunities does your church provide to people to identify and develop their spiritual gifts for the benefit of others in the congregation, the community, and the world? **Confronting the News With Scripture and Hope**Here are some Bible verses to guide your discussion: **Exodus 4:10-12***But Moses said to the LORD, "O my Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor even now that you have spoken to your servant, but I am slow of speech and slow of tongue." Then the LORD said to him, "Who gives speech to mortals? Who makes them mute or deaf, seeing or blind? Is it not I, the LORD? Now go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you are to speak."* (For context, read [Exodus 4:1-17](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzx4R75JyPswtpLV8ad2260kCcxIlKCcOIQiw6MThj-2FEsa9fUDF-2B6adRElXUTZAlrkEavNJ_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmeZ4cPa9QGE4ZSJNBEnrczGvO5zkSuheYRBZeKsn3DUnbvbQBtBqN2OGD4YBkNuKBCG4Jd8bY6b4tZFmBJd9s-2FHXXNGdEAzhHLMnfOKKBD-2BDQQ2Y71eJyBsyQfWPU76-2BsnSK9DNhC3HqRH5DG3e8YTRrJliI4geWhDDE7YAr9MrpOj-2F3Qm-2FzGwCC2O5wBGcHropTbvqdb7yvUoYLeTWUo8UGyfkDdodNkBRoN7XSaD853bOikuRbTcy1L3YZ7cYKJXOdavJNBOK05qqzgoaS5ro-3D).) To answer Moses' concern about whether the tribal elders would accept him as their leader, God gave Moses three signs to support his claim that the Lord had appeared to him and commissioned him: his staff that changed into a snake and back again, his hand that became diseased and then was restored, and water from the Nile that became blood (vv. 1-9). But Moses believed those gifts would not make up for what he felt were his personal deficiencies. > **Questions:** How did God want Moses to refocus his attention? What inadequacies do you possess that hinder you from fully answering God's call to service? How can you overcome your hesitation and uncertainty? **Jeremiah 1:7-9, 11-12** *But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am only a boy,' for you shall go to all to whom I send you, and you shall speak whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, says the LORD."* *Then the LORD put out his hand and touched my mouth, and the LORD said to me, "Now I have put my words in your mouth. ..."* *The word of the LORD came to me, saying, "Jeremiah, what do you see?" And I said, "I see a branch of an almond tree." Then the LORD said to me, "You have seen well, for I am watching over my word to perform it."* (For context, read [Jeremiah 1:1-12](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxJvgik996U85rhX2pdLmiu4ONN788DFiTYek31eMhktOeL8UG-2BP1ut3KgbCMJHXt-2BifAX_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmeZ4cPa9QGE4ZSJNBEnrczGvO5zkSuheYRBZeKsn3DUnbvbQBtBqN2OGD4YBkNuKBAH32SKSeu0GykCdVXnKqVSyRA84pq0-2BLEO3wa-2BTGNTHm80B-2BA-2BTQZgRCK71Y9xWtNevbZX3PNUEwj0aTxMZaJTtQ0d-2FkFL7KPadnEcaLpvssdDlxCZOCP1ouTxgwvZUIkWcdrQSAXUCQq6NHJk8djVcKfOuaBaa5C37Scr8VGbigJb3vqZ6CvrAqiPn-2BOdoRcMdRFPxfVQrDbYnqvifCEE-3D).) When God called Jeremiah as a prophet to the nations (vv. 4-5), the boy couldn't imagine himself the way God saw him. He only knew that he lacked experience, knowledge and ability (v. 6). > **Questions:** How did God reassure and equip Jeremiah so that he accepted God's commission? How does God reassure and equip us today so that we can receive and act on the call to service? How might God be calling each of us to do the same thing he asked Jeremiah to do: to tell the truth about what we see and to trust that God is watching over his word to perform it? (See also [1 John 1:1-3](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxgb98dt-2BAwcnX5I0t2fHJjImAjsuBtGPeTJ9AJuXdCk9RVq2T3ct6e48ITJzDuJ7KqYAT_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmeZ4cPa9QGE4ZSJNBEnrczGvO5zkSuheYRBZeKsn3DUnbvbQBtBqN2OGD4YBkNuKBGsAk0PfMmRQWapDUF6Pc80quWLkxaNe7fISzGrh11PcLan3xesxOKzY7iklfwVLxQRpppo8vqWBh-2F0zTOoGZbU4EOQ85vahWSwJ0JQLeo2Qmq75ZqDL5-2FOQD6-2BrE35XzGIiR3rl1h16pL5AhSOaZ8IwmktaThJ2VejcZZ2-2Bb-2BueE62rYfSnnqRfoAtXTymSEdBOwfCx7XBT0lQhpefcqJA-3D).) Who among us is qualified to do that? **1 Corinthians 14:26, 29-31** *What should be done then, my brothers and sisters? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up. ... Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said. If someone sitting receives a revelation, let the first person be silent. For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all be encouraged …* (For context, read [1 Corinthians 14:26-33](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxOdlwvpIcp6dpBWksJaxTxOJ71IooAb6wE1bpKZ016Th8zpYItZLWbO64ZqiQ91xoYfBQepG2bKDzyEc69iDvuw-3D-3Di2CT_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmeZ4cPa9QGE4ZSJNBEnrczGvO5zkSuheYRBZeKsn3DUnbvbQBtBqN2OGD4YBkNuKBLgjo2D30MJr1lmbeAxyrfXggHYHM-2BiKpu-2FkhxOS-2FiOnOB-2Bbn2BSbK0UkFhnII2liG061pqyDr99Quk7OGLuGzGG7p-2BbjKISjUkPgmch9l3uA-2B7-2ByuxtIHOklOQA1vTz7f1Bh2ibv4of2qnK12DnHavgCTnpJP-2BMCSjbCwuFM5Q8oPxggez6z1e0Wbf-2F-2BhEV2a8tamXwdVpyW4qjmhyIGGI-3D).) Paul advised the Corinthians to conduct worship in an orderly fashion, giving everyone a chance to contribute something of value to build up the community, whether "a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation." The floor was not to be held by a single prominent person, but shared among two or three. Some would speak, and the others were to listen and "weigh" what they said. The atmosphere was to be characterized by humility and respect for one another, allowing "all [to] prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all be encouraged." Elsewhere, Paul writes: "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God" (Colossians 3:16). Here again we glimpse a family at home or a congregation gathered together in which there doesn't appear to be a single up-front leader, but rather all members "teach and admonish one another." > **Questions:** How can worship participants learn and be encouraged most: in the speaking, contributing their own gifts, or in being silent while others speak and share their gifts? Why is it important for participants to "take turns"? **Ephesians 4:7-8, 11-13** *But each of us was given grace according to the measure of Christ's gift. Therefore it is said, "When he ascended on high, he made captivity itself a captive; he gave gifts to his people." … He himself granted that some are apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full* stature *of Christ.* (For context, read [Ephesians 4:7-16](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzx-2F9xuITdvxpNxFuzW6j6ZGKPhx-2BH4iWhnj7SBmjwhTOEcfki7904RsmTTxbrZROhpKgvA_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmeZ4cPa9QGE4ZSJNBEnrczGvO5zkSuheYRBZeKsn3DUnbvbQBtBqN2OGD4YBkNuKBF51pk9msBRVYYtC4ea4NQR3HwvXdOXONkGJEkFp0WqwY-2BB43c29oAa3gdDU2hWccnqyjuF3wjDK7bCuRg4Ub5pXDwrhWOCDqQlGmVUC1pxuC6QyAWk3DLI6uUb6c5VunUh0oxi1DaBUzkCc3c4Pwi3WhwP07dh7WR1I64mUQor0KAsZULhR8EFH0a0aKZ6LDTGv3sfr-2BOEHrlEX4Fd1clY-3D).) Elsewhere Paul gives lists of spiritual gifts, which describe special abilities God's Spirit bestows on us as God deems appropriate. Here we learn that God's gifts are not only special abilities, but the very people who possess those abilities: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. > **Questions:** What is "the measure of Christ's gift"? What, then, is the measure of the grace given to each of us? Who has equipped you for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ? What should you do if you are not in a place where you are being equipped to serve? **For Further Discussion** 1. Consider this, from TWW Team Member Frank Ramirez: "When Jesus visited the home synagogue, there was no question but that he could be invited to preach. Though there was no doubt a Pharisaic Rabbi (and the Pharisees were mostly the good guys, except for some inevitable literalists), I think there was a team approach to ministry -- possibly with readers, cantors and individuals who could speak/preach. "We Anabaptists are returning to that model. There was always a team approach with an unpaid ministry. The old Brethren ministers (all unpaid, and part of a team) would line up their Bibles and one of the deacons would stick a bookmark on the Scripture they would be preaching from that day. Later the preachers would discover which one of them was giving the message (and after that, some of the others would give a short response). "In the 20th century, we went to a paid, full-time ministry, but now many churches are returning to team ministry (but with folks knowing in advance they're preaching). Of course our Amish Anabaptists still have a fully unpaid ministry with several people taking turns to preach. They have a 26-week lectionary because they only hold church every other week, so they can visit other area congregations in the intervening weeks." 2. Discuss this, from TWW Team Member Bill Tammeus: "Since I'm the one who suggested this topic, let me be clear that I support a salaried, full-time pastor for congregations (and maybe more than one, depending), because, at least in my Reformed Tradition, such people are expected to know, in addition to English, enough Hebrew and Greek to be able to read and interpret the Scriptures for the congregation. And, realistically, that is beyond what we can expect of lay leaders. My denomination, the PCUSA, still requires potential candidates for pastoral ordination to have studied both Hebrew and Greek languages and exegesis. Each week my own pastor digs pretty deeply into such exegetical work. And yet I think every congregation can benefit from lay-led worship, including sermons." TWW team member Stan Purdum noted that "with the proper resources -- Strong's Concordance, Theological Wordbooks, Vine's Expository Dictionary of OT and NT words, etc., which are available in most Bible apps, such as Blue Letter Bible, it's not that hard to do exegesis on the Hebrew and Greek words, even if you have no exposure to those languages." To which TWW team member Frank Ramirez responded, "My real love for language was the first day of New Testament Greek because the instructor gave us the opening of John's gospel which we all kind of knew anyway. It felt good for something to sort of make sense. That gave me the courage to sin boldly." 3. Chew on this: Regarding congregational leadership -- we have a tendency to evaluate ancient documents based on our current understanding of how things work. Acts paints a picture of many involved in leadership -- six deacons are appointed by the apostles to share in the serving and sharing, Euodia and Syntyche led their respective house churches in Philippi, things like that, but we insist that the apostle Peter and James the brother of Jesus had real titles and real authority. Take the word translated as Bishop. We see modern-day bishops in a certain light, so we read that backward, but the word *episkopos*, or literally "overseer," can refer to the slave who is in charge of the work of the other slaves, more like a head server, not an ecclesiastical office. Amish use the term Bishop also, but it's more like a pastor than a high hat! The point being that all congregations should have a shared leadership when it comes not only to maintenance and cleanup, but to worship, preaching, leadership. Instead of calling it "lay leadership" maybe we ought to call it "leadership." 4. A parable by TWW Team Member Joanna Loucky-Ramsey: The birthday girl beamed when she saw the presents piled on the table before her. She considered them one by one. She zeroed in on one impeccably wrapped in shiny paper with a fancy bow. "I'm going to put that one on the mantel where I can admire it every day!" she exclaimed. The child picked up a different gift, shook it, and tossed it aside, attracted by another odd-shaped present. This one she sniffed, before grabbing a colorful orb that seemed to have her name on it. She barely noticed the drab, shabby, small brown package off in a corner. She was too busy admiring the unopened gift sitting on the mantel. But after a while, the little girl got tired of staring, and fell asleep on the sofa, never knowing what treasures were hidden inside any of the presents. She had no idea where they had come from or who had so lovingly prepared them for her. What does the parable mean to you? **Responding to the News** Look around the room. Write your name on the top of a piece of paper and pass your paper to the person on your left. Pause and write down how you see each person's giftedness, either already obvious to you and perhaps to everyone else, or as yet unnamed and undiscovered. Keep passing the papers from one person to another until you receive the one with your name on it. Take the paper home and place it in a prominent place to read and reread, praying for insight as to how God may be shaping you for ministry in the present and the future. **Prayer** suggested by [James 1:17-18](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxNIqZG-2B-2B-2BvBBz5qy3Z-2Fu6258G4gG3ksIx77pkWfAJmkU4kPUVde9aRirqWjIWJtMuRFiA_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmeZ4cPa9QGE4ZSJNBEnrczGvO5zkSuheYRBZeKsn3DUnbvbQBtBqN2OGD4YBkNuKBBlOro-2Ff-2Fx5is4nkjTHTsw0ym-2FEiHmN0XdC8RSG7R3OVOHa5pFeCLUL7CC2ipjj79GO6f7e5kBi-2FssB9pZuG-2BFht8OZ8IxEcTiKFLaZNL8ya-2BBPd9piqM0TGSKmlWlXHzHZ4ybm2d6P27ocTME6MVmHsDrhbisGFEeZ5FnwBNJTplSkuafF6YhX9e5I97HQ-2FO7q-2F-2BMUtzZrdTPWfaKO0R6w-3D); [John 15:1-8](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxT4PTUfd6hE6df7lW-2Bu8M6TM-2BIVR258rp1s-2BF9h4I6Ae4unaNxBrzZtLsWareLgbm4WUT_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmeZ4cPa9QGE4ZSJNBEnrczGvO5zkSuheYRBZeKsn3DUnbvbQBtBqN2OGD4YBkNuKBOoU8SX09mWOQ-2BF922dgEgrWJNhjQSMqrCWt48jQiVL5hi7bGt3DWDhEfCWKywUhBf-2FlEv8kD2HJ8c24YkPUlro5k-2BKJ3-2Fj61AtdFjIfLCzxg8Ea7z0OgjFJGIGRWMxg54MB4y6J6QCpBQo8RzNk8cpWuSxGxxAmwmY8ualf0Hr4ffdooUs2bnphrsirqv6h-2FZV04kXxQUdjsyAis-2FqrTZQ-3D); [Galatians 5:22-23](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxkbFv7nat5bHPJJ9MZ1n5O9VVcdwCoaY2Bp6baiw0S-2BtrKvrmjc7TvpXfdTu5rj6hiIf9_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmeZ4cPa9QGE4ZSJNBEnrczGvO5zkSuheYRBZeKsn3DUnbvbQBtBqN2OGD4YBkNuKBK-2Bekv1HS0KuvkL7fF5U8AX-2BbTRlsf7v4dtWrk2aFzr2J1bcOH7Mnc0nMAw9ra01nS6xVn0W1xRa4CC-2BVIEkKlWlgH-2BjMoX82r6vjQc65zWbsPIDxQ7UsK2HkxfjfgH1O9YTs3M7NGU3GcdNvmr-2FQ5xH0Blg-2Bcdl2jsatxArSWTVbnSjDaje0FSZstz0FrIchkzlRLmFNbCbdgRIG3SV4-2Fc-3D); [Philippians 2:12-13](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxzNGX396sVFOaUcnbldjl-2BBitiMO7zRGEdBXckGZWTukN0Qx2uwaz1DVZG6MhhDVlbpUE_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmeZ4cPa9QGE4ZSJNBEnrczGvO5zkSuheYRBZeKsn3DUnbvbQBtBqN2OGD4YBkNuKBFufOXoo9M8LgZZIdkrrGszicTasez5aJLI31VbkUzQlU8z-2FjQUEf87JlSKD6fkP1A2rSZ2iFSEMX2FeWqO1le8n4oJ7rmx8NRo6HZZSJO0fNC8B-2F4IpasqQwxSbRPYgozAPgngvQPJ-2F0WHDpPDm6CLlW-2Bl5CD-2FMkITloQJFPmWlgNArdV7YxJscE1-2FK1QDZIMSH5gYCFmM5LolFlaOL000-3D) God, the Giver of every good and perfect gift, thank you for your generosity and creative benevolence. Show us the gifts you have placed within our congregation, and help us to learn how to use them to strengthen the body of Christ, so that we may bear much fruit to feed the world with your love, peace, hope and joy, and so bring you the praise you deserve. By the power of your Spirit at work within and through us we pray. Amen. ****Copyright 2026 Communication Resources**** [Unsubscribe From This List](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/asm/unsubscribe/?user_id=14323725&data=Usgct0H3_HmGbeYv0BWFpURzoWV8DMxEM18KyUKZpe1oMDAwdTAwMHUylQpaSie1hrEvHEgtDa_amkProDfjbSc8AedQULtCbqxnCsvcUdUoLN4GHpMwJKDOBDkmKbD8fk600cN4DAfmrIjybhkNtbPJVGLeJl62eO2hPnj85a62tDTdCMZpdoX245KDJS7jzFXV05i39DBE0NFRpABWXq44Y6oQZPCBeJAj4Lmbdo7deSvK7GG0PWMLDChKvn_hQVQx8Dz-TREFVL__wXAMfgJFeFhSDhRqtxXz4RaUJGAQjuphiZCGKbEckOu0wbJOkbAcZHm_b-c8dNKoio4EEeqyYH42M8oV4LuLVWoZdgp5bapJew07ULBQLbBXpVUE2-HzXfxCle2m9_V6QSo65qs4RX4xUxyCK93hJPUde5YWi3dk6xMkuHQxjRhvGhOM8E-ibpXkhcDt75ksy9MN158Bbxbcgz2mYNpJQbufG6CfeVx1NeJEebaBm9j7oE4-fjsfi0CMKJTcarHsK74XM7jYa5wNrgJrX00hrmHj22MMHSFu87tkZZM4TqL7DcyAwmU49HqxiaNFCETbKkSLiD-xdF4pHaNnoJpx5Fh7RIpE2gq2-vxz2d6igiFOw-Cvbrjn16O_mmk=) <div>Dear Class Members, This week I will be away visiting grandchildren. Chris Willman-Bunge has graciously agreed to moderate the class this week. News of a leadership transition in a Maine synagogue piqued our interest in how congregations can be energized by involving a team of people in various leadership roles. We'll explore how to encourage followers of Jesus to explore and develop their spiritual gifts for the benefit of the local church, the community, and the world. <center><img src="https://www.thewiredword.com/\_img/tww\_logo\_email.jpg"/></center> Maine Synagogue Welcomes Fun-loving Rabbi After Year of Lay-led Ministry The Wired Word for the Week of July 26, 2026 In the News Congregation Beth El in Bangor, Maine, recently installed a new leader, Rabbi Daniel Alter, 41, after a year-long search following the departure of Rabbi Sam Weiss last June. In the 12 months before Alter's arrival, more than 70 laypeople filled the pulpit, taught Torah, and led worship and music. Alter hopes to continue involving the laity in leadership if they are interested. "My question is, how do I ... continue to cultivate and empower that, now that I'm here?" the rabbi said. "I don't want them to step back now" if they don't want to, suggesting that monthly lay-led services were a definite possibility. Becky Tapley, the Reformed congregation's president, said the past year had been an "eclectic" experience that fit the synagogue's DIY history. Beth El was started in 1981 by 25 families who envisioned a diverse, progressive Jewish community. For the first six years, services were conducted by volunteers, until the first rabbi arrived in 1987. Beth El attracts people from eastern and northern Maine, New Brunswick, and seasonal members from even farther away. On the synagogue's website is this description of the congregation: "We are always striving to capture our founders' do-it-yourself ethic, and to uphold their commitment to warm welcome and inclusivity." Tapley noted that during the past year when the congregation was without a rabbi, Beth El added six new member households, even while membership in Reform Judaism is declining. She appreciated Alter's desire to build on the strength of the synagogue's lay leadership and involvement. Alter will have responsibility for leadership of the weekly Jewish education program Beth El provides for about 35 children, in partnership with Bangor's Conservative synagogue, Congregation Beth Israel. The rabbi's philosophy of education emphasizes a Jewish sense of play, discovery and open-mindedness. He's been known to create an escape room for students as a teaching tool about Passover. Alter uses popular cultural figures from Harry Potter, Star Wars, zombie fiction and romance to teach Judaism, he said. He likes to dress as Darth Vader every year for Purim, the Jewish holiday celebrating the defeat of Haman, the enemy of the Jews, found in the book of Esther. The author of four books, Alter trained in archaeology, anthropology and Jewish education, before being ordained as a rabbi in 2017. He served at Temple Beth Emeth in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Temple Kol Emeth in Marietta, Georgia, prior to accepting the position in Bangor. When he joined the team at Temple Kol Emeth, he led a romping, indoor camp-style sing-along that included a mock bonfire. One of Alter's former students, Madison, said, "Rabbi Daniel makes learning fun for the students!" Abi, another young fan, agreed: "I have fun, and I'm shocked!" More on this story can be found at these links: <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPKmMB-2Fclx2GPG3twty-2BkI6iION0SSMrIaCkxLomXEpaQSBmAQi8Bu2ZzS1GTJGwprSlZyaC3a-2B2oJ-2FFH-2FVH0s94xu6tUbrw6pBOp5BeJmJaux2DN2V6EN7Eefc4jeHYn-2BIGBob-2FsbM5A0P6F-2BstSeAE-3DFY5g\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmeZ4cPa9QGE4ZSJNBEnrczGvO5zkSuheYRBZeKsn3DUnbvbQBtBqN2OGD4YBkNuKBHrzz3t1iqJI0QhJRsxXvTdHM0niO-2F2eci2JHPLoVCtRhxmG0LNIAxh76JFBH63hgVwfTiZS0WeKE8WvI0FXEMdrS0Fl-2BbQ82kbwC2X2-2F-2FzEGIrfeqyx-2F-2BMNtL4drwNj9CiZ3mgqRewE-2BfEpFeQzxgzb-2BlWO868etgOJ0LdOliQ4HDaVpJNUEpYSb6d8Hvjol8HiR4WoFVYalyaCjObxCtM-3D">Bangor's New Rabbi Wants to Bring Playfulness to Religious Life. </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPKmMB-2Fclx2GPG3twty-2BkI6iION0SSMrIaCkxLomXEpaQSBmAQi8Bu2ZzS1GTJGwprSlZyaC3a-2B2oJ-2FFH-2FVH0s94xu6tUbrw6pBOp5BeJmJaux2DN2V6EN7Eefc4jeHYn-2BIGBob-2FsbM5A0P6F-2BstSeAE-3DPehE\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmeZ4cPa9QGE4ZSJNBEnrczGvO5zkSuheYRBZeKsn3DUnbvbQBtBqN2OGD4YBkNuKBLJrOHuJUfnarsuAIQT6Sg2L1eYzJSutjYViaxEwgkTmJ2AC7QVnNlUkcSmo4kIcuFtR8JaP3IONkTIeAuTEIAVDPmfAJN7k8pHoD6sWrJ84UeZT9T8jRW-2Bgqah2qXVgnDEO2yJCbcyN4lEXPHXolM6TsSZdAC8zhgelh-2F-2FhNuMOsgKRqEYZeS0BQtC1hcTnFJY1TTpXNzUdqccCMiryhIw-3D">Bangor Daily News</a> <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPOYx3wsHn8p7mLNW6Ap1m6O3OHHhaeUKbxMXG1LYGXxD8FLtmoowcWt5BRZ6P7lERNX5nlZE2wtU9p1bzBAKNdc-3D5QZZ\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmeZ4cPa9QGE4ZSJNBEnrczGvO5zkSuheYRBZeKsn3DUnbvbQBtBqN2OGD4YBkNuKBJa4ZHI9B8gFwJD6Io92snTvB-2BmsKinqJE8x5RwigdyTcnMzSlV73WOZFIGwQe9-2BIyytrcH2MUgU-2BKHZJJO2t5pY74Vwy4ziGlG1O-2FOcOp42guYGuLR1PlRL8SNZ7Xx3bq0PKR8DnV-2FlDMsiMHwSDx3XuxBvAQCoZRZ9DQSYTx2m11bSEDlB27nFUFUd3JcQ4wgwvWdVYW1xg4fNt3POeWE-3D">About Congregation Beth El. </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPOYx3wsHn8p7mLNW6Ap1m6O3OHHhaeUKbxMXG1LYGXxD8FLtmoowcWt5BRZ6P7lERNX5nlZE2wtU9p1bzBAKNdc-3DWZgG\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmeZ4cPa9QGE4ZSJNBEnrczGvO5zkSuheYRBZeKsn3DUnbvbQBtBqN2OGD4YBkNuKBH6Ds2ZU0cuqvFkXKlbqKZs19lMciOJLNS7pkFgFIcDpDCosY0IKlqUCOH6p9vw1LYPj6atMy8dbz08ZT-2Bw25c3IDvBaKgHDDNJJmiAMcZtiXF0QDNEs9ndUOTFxswGNi40Px8UoKT6CCtpUQy9qMTPD7-2BeTgw2I9u4UvDJ3ueJF9wjdO4h4tIh6lUHFvr9spKaTpSEF5bCIgUDjWxiUMmA-3D">bethelbangor</a> <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPEXeB-2Fv4uQx60qKA7zBAZFRlI6Akhe58fX8vdr1qAnKZuYF0\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmeZ4cPa9QGE4ZSJNBEnrczGvO5zkSuheYRBZeKsn3DUnbvbQBtBqN2OGD4YBkNuKBLCOWcDUmmdqbP8Tb3jPthD6tyCIo67chyixDtu77Cl3jdd-2BJSWw1djGlrq59SAn-2BGWlkCGe4cYmJRgLHMC0ZN02HRIakZzkPIfXIs2q-2B357gr-2F3I2LvLrxmMbwXUups-2FudaF4KnfaXyU-2FEHU9Z3TsimtEeu-2B-2FmnMql687VbOfPNpTLANbLk18Bdfp31IvUqvzY6RJXVlfOYvCyxEuYCewc-3D">Rabbi Daniel K. Alter, Rabbi-Educator. </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPEXeB-2Fv4uQx60qKA7zBAZFRlI6Akhe58fX8vdr1qAnKZ3KP1\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmeZ4cPa9QGE4ZSJNBEnrczGvO5zkSuheYRBZeKsn3DUnbvbQBtBqN2OGD4YBkNuKBIWLio5v4I-2BM0ZnYqCe0Hzc1aFhPKfR9m9ujGaKzmySoCjoFuwqqcft10GFp5dvL-2BVm-2FcsEBxa3FSubu6gaKUNlf2B6Z3UcIZGOxBTergEc6-2FtGPm6k-2FuZmsDV3h-2BiOH6z7r3HxfJEgIaCVQn20AplPP0xHIm2gL0yb-2Bmu555mtkP5C2y-2FAMyEva7pCA2ZQRVq4Bukk63nGS-2B-2Fp42rEtPsw-3D">Temple Kol Emeth</a> <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPHgDwEJkcWIVMIMVuwksPHXMwSl9ln3re5gr3UV-2Bbku9r9M6\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmeZ4cPa9QGE4ZSJNBEnrczGvO5zkSuheYRBZeKsn3DUnbvbQBtBqN2OGD4YBkNuKBIaVtIpiEhTOvZ3IxEbEZuYCV2QgiKrt-2B-2FMKUuO5qa5nuGNGIYYKhzgJUb1Fw5wKEcmm-2BYKd8HZgQOagxMgM1Wwqg1vNHivwezIhLs0qvksTcqqPDCyz6BChgFX4koewJZ51IkozYYHl1qbjnAQyDO-2BTF7D0FoHETQo5G8DjZUbxA2Mf2wHjMsUGbMJEYNCtfirqltkaC2SYglDkcNckfXw-3D">Temple Kol Emeth Welcomes Rabbi Daniel Alter as the Newest Clergy and First-Ever Rabbi Educator. </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPHgDwEJkcWIVMIMVuwksPHXMwSl9ln3re5gr3UV-2Bbku9plgj\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmeZ4cPa9QGE4ZSJNBEnrczGvO5zkSuheYRBZeKsn3DUnbvbQBtBqN2OGD4YBkNuKBBW-2B81mQg3XGR0B-2F8YEbqBa-2BTVl5-2BUtQKKANM1FZsqYpokaftOi30UKcjQYpGKee7s77YoCQj1BKP7khmqsXpKAUC1cAlUw3UZIRk2LycScNNq9KUT49vhALUoVO074uKpu0lqtth8YMZUMo8u7pd1k0F1VyKJYU-2FWowD6luHWU-2Fq9uGOO4WA57b-2BsKrbhIpb7Zcne-2FUbAYpTOA0Bg-2FzACU-3D">Marietta Daily Journal</a> <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPE4JTIpNS963hXD4aW5dplwAo-2FctflejKh8dt3HjJ8bkA5JbJQqoNnh2aTXaEYrg3Q-3D-3Dqrss\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmeZ4cPa9QGE4ZSJNBEnrczGvO5zkSuheYRBZeKsn3DUnbvbQBtBqN2OGD4YBkNuKBKbSQAe9o-2FqVzo3LT30LhQknk1dBQsDuY-2BwfY1cCk7cUwR6D4yHDt3GL3sdkbCFD4qtyzxxjiZmcK0AixcRRZM1QjDuI08A-2BvHtPqZz27LhNx02fhUb2KnIHosXAQuOfA5WwloY0QOGUewcrSxd1Ul4Xr0GQUbHGDCMzZAV1H5Xzon8eBjfRml1m7V-2BCrSswTGJ0n-2BkgZKUBZuxOfCAsyr4-3D">About Us. </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPE4JTIpNS963hXD4aW5dplwAo-2FctflejKh8dt3HjJ8bkA5JbJQqoNnh2aTXaEYrg3Q-3D-3D2-7e\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmeZ4cPa9QGE4ZSJNBEnrczGvO5zkSuheYRBZeKsn3DUnbvbQBtBqN2OGD4YBkNuKBFDZ2GWn9h1n5Cu4ii-2BGqdUX-2FdjEunHtj48sGjtU6acStQJGzjD07JqPVAGkT34R9TTezf72wLvhvf81BC6X5EETteM-2BUx29xo9tkQ1cDdHVIFhPRGnq3pMxDP6jyEwnAxwMpZCD0RPmxmGPdMix3ogmcwr9N5WpUGRpiujCKR0EAOcJkzbc-2B1Qaf7kDDeArTFbxQn1dTY4k-2FBpUUe9xawc-3D">Temple Beth Emeth</a> Applying the News Story Use this lesson to discuss how to discover, develop and maximize the spiritual gifts God has bestowed upon your congregation. The Big Questions 1. How might the Bangor synagogue's approach serve as a model for dwindling Christian churches seeking a spark of new life? 2. How does our faith encourage us to use our own minds to study the Bible, theology and tradition? 3. How does our faith community help us expand and deepen our understanding of our sacred texts, beliefs and practices? 4. What lessons have you learned from your work and life experiences that might be of benefit to others in their own walk with God? 5. What opportunities does your church provide to people to identify and develop their spiritual gifts for the benefit of others in the congregation, the community, and the world? Confronting the News With Scripture and Hope Here are some Bible verses to guide your discussion: Exodus 4:10-12 But Moses said to the LORD, "O my Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor even now that you have spoken to your servant, but I am slow of speech and slow of tongue." Then the LORD said to him, "Who gives speech to mortals? Who makes them mute or deaf, seeing or blind? Is it not I, the LORD? Now go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you are to speak." (For context, read <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzx4R75JyPswtpLV8ad2260kCcxIlKCcOIQiw6MThj-2FEsa9fUDF-2B6adRElXUTZAlrkEavNJ\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmeZ4cPa9QGE4ZSJNBEnrczGvO5zkSuheYRBZeKsn3DUnbvbQBtBqN2OGD4YBkNuKBCG4Jd8bY6b4tZFmBJd9s-2FHXXNGdEAzhHLMnfOKKBD-2BDQQ2Y71eJyBsyQfWPU76-2BsnSK9DNhC3HqRH5DG3e8YTRrJliI4geWhDDE7YAr9MrpOj-2F3Qm-2FzGwCC2O5wBGcHropTbvqdb7yvUoYLeTWUo8UGyfkDdodNkBRoN7XSaD853bOikuRbTcy1L3YZ7cYKJXOdavJNBOK05qqzgoaS5ro-3D">Exodus 4:1-17</a>.) To answer Moses' concern about whether the tribal elders would accept him as their leader, God gave Moses three signs to support his claim that the Lord had appeared to him and commissioned him: his staff that changed into a snake and back again, his hand that became diseased and then was restored, and water from the Nile that became blood (vv. 1-9). But Moses believed those gifts would not make up for what he felt were his personal deficiencies. <blockquote> Questions: How did God want Moses to refocus his attention? What inadequacies do you possess that hinder you from fully answering God's call to service? How can you overcome your hesitation and uncertainty? </blockquote> Jeremiah 1:7-9, 11-12 But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am only a boy,' for you shall go to all to whom I send you, and you shall speak whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, says the LORD." Then the LORD put out his hand and touched my mouth, and the LORD said to me, "Now I have put my words in your mouth. ..." The word of the LORD came to me, saying, "Jeremiah, what do you see?" And I said, "I see a branch of an almond tree." Then the LORD said to me, "You have seen well, for I am watching over my word to perform it." (For context, read <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxJvgik996U85rhX2pdLmiu4ONN788DFiTYek31eMhktOeL8UG-2BP1ut3KgbCMJHXt-2BifAX\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmeZ4cPa9QGE4ZSJNBEnrczGvO5zkSuheYRBZeKsn3DUnbvbQBtBqN2OGD4YBkNuKBAH32SKSeu0GykCdVXnKqVSyRA84pq0-2BLEO3wa-2BTGNTHm80B-2BA-2BTQZgRCK71Y9xWtNevbZX3PNUEwj0aTxMZaJTtQ0d-2FkFL7KPadnEcaLpvssdDlxCZOCP1ouTxgwvZUIkWcdrQSAXUCQq6NHJk8djVcKfOuaBaa5C37Scr8VGbigJb3vqZ6CvrAqiPn-2BOdoRcMdRFPxfVQrDbYnqvifCEE-3D">Jeremiah 1:1-12</a>.) When God called Jeremiah as a prophet to the nations (vv. 4-5), the boy couldn't imagine himself the way God saw him. He only knew that he lacked experience, knowledge and ability (v. 6). <blockquote> Questions: How did God reassure and equip Jeremiah so that he accepted God's commission? How does God reassure and equip us today so that we can receive and act on the call to service? How might God be calling each of us to do the same thing he asked Jeremiah to do: to tell the truth about what we see and to trust that God is watching over his word to perform it? (See also <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxgb98dt-2BAwcnX5I0t2fHJjImAjsuBtGPeTJ9AJuXdCk9RVq2T3ct6e48ITJzDuJ7KqYAT\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmeZ4cPa9QGE4ZSJNBEnrczGvO5zkSuheYRBZeKsn3DUnbvbQBtBqN2OGD4YBkNuKBGsAk0PfMmRQWapDUF6Pc80quWLkxaNe7fISzGrh11PcLan3xesxOKzY7iklfwVLxQRpppo8vqWBh-2F0zTOoGZbU4EOQ85vahWSwJ0JQLeo2Qmq75ZqDL5-2FOQD6-2BrE35XzGIiR3rl1h16pL5AhSOaZ8IwmktaThJ2VejcZZ2-2Bb-2BueE62rYfSnnqRfoAtXTymSEdBOwfCx7XBT0lQhpefcqJA-3D">1 John 1:1-3</a>.) Who among us is qualified to do that? </blockquote> 1 Corinthians 14:26, 29-31 What should be done then, my brothers and sisters? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up. ... Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said. If someone sitting receives a revelation, let the first person be silent. For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all be encouraged … (For context, read <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxOdlwvpIcp6dpBWksJaxTxOJ71IooAb6wE1bpKZ016Th8zpYItZLWbO64ZqiQ91xoYfBQepG2bKDzyEc69iDvuw-3D-3Di2CT\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmeZ4cPa9QGE4ZSJNBEnrczGvO5zkSuheYRBZeKsn3DUnbvbQBtBqN2OGD4YBkNuKBLgjo2D30MJr1lmbeAxyrfXggHYHM-2BiKpu-2FkhxOS-2FiOnOB-2Bbn2BSbK0UkFhnII2liG061pqyDr99Quk7OGLuGzGG7p-2BbjKISjUkPgmch9l3uA-2B7-2ByuxtIHOklOQA1vTz7f1Bh2ibv4of2qnK12DnHavgCTnpJP-2BMCSjbCwuFM5Q8oPxggez6z1e0Wbf-2F-2BhEV2a8tamXwdVpyW4qjmhyIGGI-3D">1 Corinthians 14:26-33</a>.) Paul advised the Corinthians to conduct worship in an orderly fashion, giving everyone a chance to contribute something of value to build up the community, whether "a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation." The floor was not to be held by a single prominent person, but shared among two or three. Some would speak, and the others were to listen and "weigh" what they said. The atmosphere was to be characterized by humility and respect for one another, allowing "all [to] prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all be encouraged." Elsewhere, Paul writes: "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God" (Colossians 3:16). Here again we glimpse a family at home or a congregation gathered together in which there doesn't appear to be a single up-front leader, but rather all members "teach and admonish one another." <blockquote> Questions: How can worship participants learn and be encouraged most: in the speaking, contributing their own gifts, or in being silent while others speak and share their gifts? Why is it important for participants to "take turns"? </blockquote> Ephesians 4:7-8, 11-13 But each of us was given grace according to the measure of Christ's gift. Therefore it is said, "When he ascended on high, he made captivity itself a captive; he gave gifts to his people." … He himself granted that some are apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ. (For context, read <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzx-2F9xuITdvxpNxFuzW6j6ZGKPhx-2BH4iWhnj7SBmjwhTOEcfki7904RsmTTxbrZROhpKgvA\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmeZ4cPa9QGE4ZSJNBEnrczGvO5zkSuheYRBZeKsn3DUnbvbQBtBqN2OGD4YBkNuKBF51pk9msBRVYYtC4ea4NQR3HwvXdOXONkGJEkFp0WqwY-2BB43c29oAa3gdDU2hWccnqyjuF3wjDK7bCuRg4Ub5pXDwrhWOCDqQlGmVUC1pxuC6QyAWk3DLI6uUb6c5VunUh0oxi1DaBUzkCc3c4Pwi3WhwP07dh7WR1I64mUQor0KAsZULhR8EFH0a0aKZ6LDTGv3sfr-2BOEHrlEX4Fd1clY-3D">Ephesians 4:7-16</a>.) Elsewhere Paul gives lists of spiritual gifts, which describe special abilities God's Spirit bestows on us as God deems appropriate. Here we learn that God's gifts are not only special abilities, but the very people who possess those abilities: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. <blockquote> Questions: What is "the measure of Christ's gift"? What, then, is the measure of the grace given to each of us? Who has equipped you for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ? What should you do if you are not in a place where you are being equipped to serve? </blockquote> For Further Discussion 1. Consider this, from TWW Team Member Frank Ramirez: "When Jesus visited the home synagogue, there was no question but that he could be invited to preach. Though there was no doubt a Pharisaic Rabbi (and the Pharisees were mostly the good guys, except for some inevitable literalists), I think there was a team approach to ministry -- possibly with readers, cantors and individuals who could speak/preach. "We Anabaptists are returning to that model. There was always a team approach with an unpaid ministry. The old Brethren ministers (all unpaid, and part of a team) would line up their Bibles and one of the deacons would stick a bookmark on the Scripture they would be preaching from that day. Later the preachers would discover which one of them was giving the message (and after that, some of the others would give a short response). "In the 20th century, we went to a paid, full-time ministry, but now many churches are returning to team ministry (but with folks knowing in advance they're preaching). Of course our Amish Anabaptists still have a fully unpaid ministry with several people taking turns to preach. They have a 26-week lectionary because they only hold church every other week, so they can visit other area congregations in the intervening weeks." 2. Discuss this, from TWW Team Member Bill Tammeus: "Since I'm the one who suggested this topic, let me be clear that I support a salaried, full-time pastor for congregations (and maybe more than one, depending), because, at least in my Reformed Tradition, such people are expected to know, in addition to English, enough Hebrew and Greek to be able to read and interpret the Scriptures for the congregation. And, realistically, that is beyond what we can expect of lay leaders. My denomination, the PCUSA, still requires potential candidates for pastoral ordination to have studied both Hebrew and Greek languages and exegesis. Each week my own pastor digs pretty deeply into such exegetical work. And yet I think every congregation can benefit from lay-led worship, including sermons." TWW team member Stan Purdum noted that "with the proper resources -- Strong's Concordance, Theological Wordbooks, Vine's Expository Dictionary of OT and NT words, etc., which are available in most Bible apps, such as Blue Letter Bible, it's not that hard to do exegesis on the Hebrew and Greek words, even if you have no exposure to those languages." To which TWW team member Frank Ramirez responded, "My real love for language was the first day of New Testament Greek because the instructor gave us the opening of John's gospel which we all kind of knew anyway. It felt good for something to sort of make sense. That gave me the courage to sin boldly." 3. Chew on this: Regarding congregational leadership -- we have a tendency to evaluate ancient documents based on our current understanding of how things work. Acts paints a picture of many involved in leadership -- six deacons are appointed by the apostles to share in the serving and sharing, Euodia and Syntyche led their respective house churches in Philippi, things like that, but we insist that the apostle Peter and James the brother of Jesus had real titles and real authority. Take the word translated as Bishop. We see modern-day bishops in a certain light, so we read that backward, but the word episkopos, or literally "overseer," can refer to the slave who is in charge of the work of the other slaves, more like a head server, not an ecclesiastical office. Amish use the term Bishop also, but it's more like a pastor than a high hat! The point being that all congregations should have a shared leadership when it comes not only to maintenance and cleanup, but to worship, preaching, leadership. Instead of calling it "lay leadership" maybe we ought to call it "leadership." 4. A parable by TWW Team Member Joanna Loucky-Ramsey: The birthday girl beamed when she saw the presents piled on the table before her. She considered them one by one. She zeroed in on one impeccably wrapped in shiny paper with a fancy bow. "I'm going to put that one on the mantel where I can admire it every day!" she exclaimed. The child picked up a different gift, shook it, and tossed it aside, attracted by another odd-shaped present. This one she sniffed, before grabbing a colorful orb that seemed to have her name on it. She barely noticed the drab, shabby, small brown package off in a corner. She was too busy admiring the unopened gift sitting on the mantel. But after a while, the little girl got tired of staring, and fell asleep on the sofa, never knowing what treasures were hidden inside any of the presents. She had no idea where they had come from or who had so lovingly prepared them for her. What does the parable mean to you? Responding to the News Look around the room. Write your name on the top of a piece of paper and pass your paper to the person on your left. Pause and write down how you see each person's giftedness, either already obvious to you and perhaps to everyone else, or as yet unnamed and undiscovered. Keep passing the papers from one person to another until you receive the one with your name on it. Take the paper home and place it in a prominent place to read and reread, praying for insight as to how God may be shaping you for ministry in the present and the future. Prayer suggested by <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxNIqZG-2B-2B-2BvBBz5qy3Z-2Fu6258G4gG3ksIx77pkWfAJmkU4kPUVde9aRirqWjIWJtMuRFiA\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmeZ4cPa9QGE4ZSJNBEnrczGvO5zkSuheYRBZeKsn3DUnbvbQBtBqN2OGD4YBkNuKBBlOro-2Ff-2Fx5is4nkjTHTsw0ym-2FEiHmN0XdC8RSG7R3OVOHa5pFeCLUL7CC2ipjj79GO6f7e5kBi-2FssB9pZuG-2BFht8OZ8IxEcTiKFLaZNL8ya-2BBPd9piqM0TGSKmlWlXHzHZ4ybm2d6P27ocTME6MVmHsDrhbisGFEeZ5FnwBNJTplSkuafF6YhX9e5I97HQ-2FO7q-2F-2BMUtzZrdTPWfaKO0R6w-3D">James 1:17-18</a>; <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxT4PTUfd6hE6df7lW-2Bu8M6TM-2BIVR258rp1s-2BF9h4I6Ae4unaNxBrzZtLsWareLgbm4WUT\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmeZ4cPa9QGE4ZSJNBEnrczGvO5zkSuheYRBZeKsn3DUnbvbQBtBqN2OGD4YBkNuKBOoU8SX09mWOQ-2BF922dgEgrWJNhjQSMqrCWt48jQiVL5hi7bGt3DWDhEfCWKywUhBf-2FlEv8kD2HJ8c24YkPUlro5k-2BKJ3-2Fj61AtdFjIfLCzxg8Ea7z0OgjFJGIGRWMxg54MB4y6J6QCpBQo8RzNk8cpWuSxGxxAmwmY8ualf0Hr4ffdooUs2bnphrsirqv6h-2FZV04kXxQUdjsyAis-2FqrTZQ-3D">John 15:1-8</a>; <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxkbFv7nat5bHPJJ9MZ1n5O9VVcdwCoaY2Bp6baiw0S-2BtrKvrmjc7TvpXfdTu5rj6hiIf9\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmeZ4cPa9QGE4ZSJNBEnrczGvO5zkSuheYRBZeKsn3DUnbvbQBtBqN2OGD4YBkNuKBK-2Bekv1HS0KuvkL7fF5U8AX-2BbTRlsf7v4dtWrk2aFzr2J1bcOH7Mnc0nMAw9ra01nS6xVn0W1xRa4CC-2BVIEkKlWlgH-2BjMoX82r6vjQc65zWbsPIDxQ7UsK2HkxfjfgH1O9YTs3M7NGU3GcdNvmr-2FQ5xH0Blg-2Bcdl2jsatxArSWTVbnSjDaje0FSZstz0FrIchkzlRLmFNbCbdgRIG3SV4-2Fc-3D">Galatians 5:22-23</a>; <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxzNGX396sVFOaUcnbldjl-2BBitiMO7zRGEdBXckGZWTukN0Qx2uwaz1DVZG6MhhDVlbpUE\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmeZ4cPa9QGE4ZSJNBEnrczGvO5zkSuheYRBZeKsn3DUnbvbQBtBqN2OGD4YBkNuKBFufOXoo9M8LgZZIdkrrGszicTasez5aJLI31VbkUzQlU8z-2FjQUEf87JlSKD6fkP1A2rSZ2iFSEMX2FeWqO1le8n4oJ7rmx8NRo6HZZSJO0fNC8B-2F4IpasqQwxSbRPYgozAPgngvQPJ-2F0WHDpPDm6CLlW-2Bl5CD-2FMkITloQJFPmWlgNArdV7YxJscE1-2FK1QDZIMSH5gYCFmM5LolFlaOL000-3D">Philippians 2:12-13</a> God, the Giver of every good and perfect gift, thank you for your generosity and creative benevolence. Show us the gifts you have placed within our congregation, and help us to learn how to use them to strengthen the body of Christ, so that we may bear much fruit to feed the world with your love, peace, hope and joy, and so bring you the praise you deserve. By the power of your Spirit at work within and through us we pray. Amen. Copyright 2026 Communication Resources <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/asm/unsubscribe/?user\_id=14323725&data=Usgct0H3\_HmGbeYv0BWFpURzoWV8DMxEM18KyUKZpe1oMDAwdTAwMHUylQpaSie1hrEvHEgtDa\_amkProDfjbSc8AedQULtCbqxnCsvcUdUoLN4GHpMwJKDOBDkmKbD8fk600cN4DAfmrIjybhkNtbPJVGLeJl62eO2hPnj85a62tDTdCMZpdoX245KDJS7jzFXV05i39DBE0NFRpABWXq44Y6oQZPCBeJAj4Lmbdo7deSvK7GG0PWMLDChKvn\_hQVQx8Dz-TREFVL\_\_wXAMfgJFeFhSDhRqtxXz4RaUJGAQjuphiZCGKbEckOu0wbJOkbAcZHm\_b-c8dNKoio4EEeqyYH42M8oV4LuLVWoZdgp5bapJew07ULBQLbBXpVUE2-HzXfxCle2m9\_V6QSo65qs4RX4xUxyCK93hJPUde5YWi3dk6xMkuHQxjRhvGhOM8E-ibpXkhcDt75ksy9MN158Bbxbcgz2mYNpJQbufG6CfeVx1NeJEebaBm9j7oE4-fjsfi0CMKJTcarHsK74XM7jYa5wNrgJrX00hrmHj22MMHSFu87tkZZM4TqL7DcyAwmU49HqxiaNFCETbKkSLiD-xdF4pHaNnoJpx5Fh7RIpE2gq2-vxz2d6igiFOw-Cvbrjn16O\_mmk=">Unsubscribe From This List</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/wf/open?upn=u001.ri3TO7QGEXgsxcVdo6-2BoAGTuuWiDEfH5lVjP7AVQ-2Bcl7JaDKdeJ1ydQkXpTFAEqRD2SOncm40jgMuVls37ZLseTP-2Bc5kaLjFJf1Q3kw4FZdt1YoCkYWvLa1l-2BT-2F-2F8yIUiLbFHrmn64p2Xwmffzl3edR6Ty8TRKnThBIufHec6MYr94WZQxWVvMWvfNqNZdVSm2JpSP2sJuJ7h3Z8Ne0G7mWTDjqP6Ax9szdI3f-2FtsprozyB69Rsq-2F5UCs3UGAstRb2TSrBPMsCaFF3gek-2Fun8-2BB7iFLL-2BY0W2LVnVHdoqmAT3QRGpPxo4iL8hpeoeCOVRTTzs86ly8Ma8iNkUyoP30alU805FFuYKd5DSP2597NJzxNpv-2FxZ-2FF7cRvC4do5N5RRASkvI-2FI0JTrX-2BbTAVFcrbmtegERpKTY-2Fg51MShV1bFEO4Tz-2Fe6M4XEWYFuY-2B0AAaLSwgkXjP7uM2FscArJiWBKKljvNbGl2UnltJQOhE-3D" style="height:1px !important;width:1px !important;border-width:0 !important;margin-top:0 !important;margin-bottom:0 !important;margin-right:0 !important;margin-left:0 !important;padding-top:0 !important;padding-bottom:0 !important;padding-right:0 !important;padding-left:0 !important;" width="1"/> </div>, The Wired Word for 7/26/2026, The Wired Word, 01ky7fbb5vvahfpdqh1kygj98p.