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Lent Two: The Cost of being Gathered

This year, our Lenten focus is “Gifted and Giving”.  We will look at how we’ve received so many gifts from God and how we give those back. This week we will focus on the gift of being gathered as one in Christ – and how much that costs – both …

A-ha! Real and Not Yet Glory

This is the final week of the liturgical season of Epiphany.  As is custom, we read the story of Jesus and the disciples, who witness the transfiguration of Jesus into his real and not yet glory. But there is more to this lesson than just the mountain top experience. At …

A-ha! The Word made Flesh

This week, we encounter Jesus’ ministry start through the words of Luke.  Jesus has been preaching in the region and people are excited.  But when Jesus goes home to Nazareth, that’s not so much the case.  How can this boy read so well and make claims that about fulfilling scripture? …

A-ha! A Quiet Sign

Jesus’ ministry, according to John, begins at a celebration.  Weddings in the first century were week long elaborate affairs that demonstrated the host’s abundance and generosity.  But at this wedding, a miscalculation could mean trouble. Prodded by his mother, Jesus not only saves this feast – but makes it so …

A-ha! Baptism

This week – we remember Jesus’ Baptism according to Luke.  This account is different from the others – Jesus has been baptized, was praying, and then the heavens broke open, the spirit descended, and God claimed him as “My Beloved.”  I am struck by the fact this isn’t about the relationship between …

Worship Servant Schedule for January

Here’s the worship schedule for January. January 2016 Server Schedule Please arrive 15 minutes before worship. If you cannot serve when you are scheduled, please find a substitute.  Then call the office so we are aware of that change.

Epiphany – A-ha!

It’s a play on the definition, you know.  An Epiphany is an awareness, a knowing, an ‘a-ha!’ moment.  We mark several A-ha! moments of Jesus’ life in the liturgical season known as Epiphany – times when we come to know the glory of God in Jesus. It’s also a season …

EPISODE 4: FAITH AWAKENS

Gabriel is sent to a small town in Galilee. Mary is a young girl that God has chosen to carry a child who will be Savior, Messiah, & Lord. Elizabeth is a woman already blessed with a miracle and recognizes such in her young cousin. In these women, the world …

Episode 3: Return of the Baptist

The prophet – a man who preached repentance and baptism – is causing a commotion on the edge of the Empire.  Normally, this man would be silenced – but he’s attracting too much interest and desire.  And that’s odd because his message to the people is not what you’d expect. …

Episode 2: The Empire Strikes Back

The Roman Empire has tight control on the public lives of its people. The Sanhedrin has tight control on the religious lives of the Jewish people. And suddenly, there is a voice – calling for change. Folks flock to hear this voice – a grizzly looking prophet who has prepared …