Sunday Resources

Welcome, and thank you for visiting Hadley Friends! Here you’ll find the readings, reflections, and resources mentioned in this week's sermon.

Announcements

Office Hours - Thursday, November 20th, from 2:00-4:00 PM. Stop by to chat, pray, or just connect with Pastor Chris.
Women's Retreat - Centered Voices and Inner Wisdom: A Journey Through the Enneagram Centers
Save the date now! February 7, 2026 - 10:00AM - 4:30PM. It will take place at the Seton Cove Spirituality Center, 2025 Dugan Dr. Women can choose to spend Saturday night at Seton Hall for a
continued private retreat. More info coming soon!

Advent Lectio Divina
Sundays, November 16 – December 21
During this season of sacred waiting, join us in a weekly online gathering to practice Lectio Divina, a slow, prayerful reading of Scripture. Each Sunday evening from 7:30–8:30pm (ET), we’ll pause together to listen for the still, small voice of God. No preparation is needed, just bring a quiet spirit and an open heart.

Register and join the call at https://community.spiritualwandering.com/

Sermon Resources

Isaiah 9:2-7 (NRSVUE)
"The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness— on them light has shined. You have multiplied exultation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. For the yoke of their burden and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders, and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Great will be his authority, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this."

Kintsugi

Japanese Art

The Japenese art of reparing broken pottery with gold. The mended piece is believed to be more beautiful, more valuable, and strong, because it has been transformed through suffering.

Scripture Comparison

Isaiah 9:1

“But there will be no gloom for those who were in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he will make glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.”

Matthew 4:12–17

“Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: “Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali, on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the gentiles— the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned.” From that time Jesus began to proclaim, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.””

Queries

Where in your life do you see darkness or despair, and how might God be calling you to bring a small act of hope there?

What “mustard seed” actions of mercy, courage, or faithfulness can you start this week — acts that seem too small to matter, but may have ripple effects?

How might you train your eyes to notice God’s kingdom already at work around you, even in the midst of chaos?

Schedule Time with Chris

Note: If the embedded calendar gives you any trouble, you can access the calendar directly here.

Hadley Friends Meeting A Quaker Church