The idea for creating stations to be placed throughout the church began by the invitation of a member of the congregation to read through an idea she had been ruminating on for a few years based on the different Biblical uses for pottery (this was based on her reading of a book that she has since lost).  As she and I read her notes and the Bible texts together the thought grew into this format.  If you would like additional information, please download the attached Power Point by clicking on the following link: 16Dec2012_MdeG

The Potter and the Clay: Jeremiah 18: 1-6 God told Jeremiah, “Up on your feet! Go to the potter’s house. When you get there, I’ll tell you what I have to say.”  So I went to the potter’s house, and sure enough, the potter was there, working away at his wheel. Whenever the pot the potter was working on turned out badly, as sometimes happens when you are working with clay, the potter would simply start over and use the same clay to make another pot. Then God’s Message came to me:  “Can’t I do just as this potter does, people of Israel?” God’s Decree! “Watch this potter. In the same way that this potter works his clay, I work on you.

Vessels of Honor: Located at the entrance of the home for guests use.  These were filled daily so those who arrived could drink and wash their feet.  Read John 7: 37-39 (NIV) “Rivers of Living Water”

Vessels of Mercy: The same as Vessels of Honor, but placed along paths to the city, so those who passed (pilgrims and strangers) could drink. These were periodically taken home to be cleaned, refilled and returned.  Read Romans 9:22-26 (MSG) “Children of the Living God”

Chosen Vessels: These were those considered most beautiful. This vessel was set apart, stored in a dark place, but when a person came looking for a special vessel, that’s when the potter pulled out this chosen vessel and did something special…the potter signed it.  Read Isaiah 50:10 (NIV) “Rely on their God”

Clean Vessels: These were vessels of honor that from over use have been worn out, especially the mouth and ears; and are no longer used to serve water, but they still have life left in therm.  Now used to carry grain offerings to the temple of God.  At years end ministers will bring these to the potters house to be repaired and renovated. From these we find broken vessels.

Broken Vessels: These were the vessels that because of their use had broken and could no longer be used as “clean vessels” so they returned to the potter  to be repaired.  A four-step process.  Read Isaiah 43:2-3 (NIV) “God is with you”

Vessels of Dishonor: These are vessels for kitchen waste.  Vessels for common (necessary or vile) use.  Now, these must be emptied daily so there is no decay or corruption.  At some point we are going to come into contact with vile things, the secret is to NOT keep that trash in our hearts. Read 2 Timothy 2:20 and Proverbs 4: 23

Vessels of Anger: This was a vessel of honor which had been used and broken.  It was taken to the potter to see if it could be restored.  After going through the process of restoration (emptied, filed, reconstructed, and placed in the fire) it had not passed the trials. Deciding not to be restored will cause us to be sent to potter’s field.  There, the pieces served as tools for lepers to scratch their sores.  Read Romans 9:20-24; Matthew 27:7-10; Jeremiah 18:1-10; and Jeremiah 19:1-2 and 10-11

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