Rooted
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
~Colossians 2:6-7
Take this short Quiz:
1. What is a doxology?
a. A short hymn of praise
b. A dog park in Baldwin Park
c. The study of doxes, a rare cross between dogs and foxes
2. Who were Luther and Calvin?
a. A personal injury firm in Orlando
b. Reformers from the 16th century
c. A cartoon
d. Dr. David Swanson’s pets
3. What is a narthex?
a. A nasal spray
b. A new 5G cell network
c. The entrance or lobby area of a sanctuary
d. A pesticide that wipes out the narths
with one application
4. Why does Dr. David Swanson sprinkle babies with water during baptism?
a. No one knows, and we can’t seem to stop him
b. It wakes them up
c. It represents the sign of the new covenant; cleansing and rebirth
d. He uses it to fix their hair
5. Why do the Pastors wear robes during the Worship Service?
a. To hide the jeans and tee shirts they’re wearing
b. Because they don’t want to iron
c. Because the Bible tells them to wear uniforms
d. It is a symbol of their academic qualification
6. When was the first worship service at First Presbyterian Church?
a. 1876
b. 1900
c. 1923
d. 1958
7. What significance are the different colored stoles (scarves) the Pastors wear?
a. They enhance their facial features
b. It shows they belong to a secret club
c. It indicates the liturgical season on the church calendar
d. They’re really supposed to be ties, but no one is brave enough to tell them
8. What is a benediction?
a. A closing blessing
b. A secret code that only the Pastors know
c. A dictionary for religious people
d. An order in a monastery
9. What is a Doxology?
a. An expression of praise to God in a short hymn
b. A dog playground in Baldwin Park
c. The science of doxes; a rare cross between a dog and a fox
d. All of these
10. What is a pulpit?
a. An area on a racetrack where tires are changed
b. A wooden stand from which sermons are preached
c. A hard thing found in a peach or a plum
c. A dangerous dog
Do you know what being reformed means? Why do we have creeds and confessions? Why do we mention the catholic church in the Apostles’ Creed? Why do we even recite the Apostles’ Creed? How do we form responsible beliefs and theology? What does it really mean to worship? Who were Luther and Calvin and why do we care? What really took place in the Garden of Eden?
Starting in January, we will begin another season of learning more about the basics of our faith. Rooted is a ten-week class which will cover both the large and small aspects of the reformed faith, theology and our church. You’ll see some familiar faces as a team of teachers will assemble to bring the foundational tenets found in the Apostles’ Creed, and work through the basics of our faith. During our journey, we’ll not only talk about major doctrinal truths, but also discuss the simplest concepts that we might find puzzling. We’ll take a trip back through time to take another look at Martin Luther and how he started the ball rolling on the great Reformation. We’ll work through a paradigm that will help you determine if your beliefs are responsible and Biblical. We’ll look at worship, missions and the biblical basis for them. Along the way, we’ll answer questions, make new friends, and hopefully walk away with a new appreciation for where God’s church has been and where it’s going. The atmosphere is light and casual. You might be challenged a bit, but never bored. The conversation may be heavy at times, but we always make room for humor. If you have an appetite for learning more or want to stretch your mind, join us for Rooted. All are welcome in His name! Please come.