Jan 5: Enlightened

This Sunday we celebrate Epiphany, commemorating the journey of the Wisemen who come to honor the newborn Christ child. As they share their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh they foreshadow the story of Jesus. Join us Sunday as we follow the star to find our savior.

Jan 12: Beloved

The Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.” Luke 3:22

But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. Isaiah 43:1

These scriptures, to be read on Sunday, offer a powerful reminder of our intimate connection to our creator. God knows our name, God’s love is for us, and we are beloved. We need to hear these words because the challenges of life and darkness of this world often drowns out everything else. You are loved, you are a child of God, with whom God is well pleased.

Jan 19: Wedding Feast

On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” John 2:1–5

Everyone’s favorite miracle story: water into wine! What might seem like a frivolous party trick actually has deeper and more important meaning. Not only were weddings very important gathering for the community (lasting several days) but scripture consistently uses the image of a wedding feast to depict heaven. Through Jesus, we will have the ultimate celebration, the celebration of the promise of salvation. The best is yet to come!

Jan 26: Job Description

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Luke 4:18–19

This Sunday our gospel text features Jesus returning to his hometown and reading from the prophet Isaiah. The passage he chose reads like the job description of the Messiah: bring good news to the poor, release the captive, heal the blind, etc. All is fine and good until Jesus proclaims that this scripture is being fulfilled in him. Next week we will hear more about how the crowd responded to Jesus, this week we will focus on the how Jesus understands his ministry and how it informs the work of the church today.

Feb 2: Love Actually

And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13

Last week we heard from chapter 12 of 1 Corinthians. In that chapter, Paul encourages the church to see the value of all gifts within a congregation. In chapter 13, he continues the encouragement by highlighting the importance of love. In humility and love, we see in one another that we are all beloved children of God. It is not about being the richest, the strongest, or even the most faithful. The church is called to be a place where we love each other even when it is hard. Where we love our enemies, forgive one another, and work for peace and justice in the world, all for the sake of, and in the name of, the one who have his life for us.

Feb 9: Called Out

Then Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.” When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him. Luke 5:10–11

The call stories of the disciples are profound. Jesus approaches ordinary people because he sees in them something they cannot see in themselves. Simon Peter, after witnessing the miraculous catch of fish, begs to “go away” from him because of his sin. Jesus sees Simon differently. He sees his faith, his gifts, his leadership, and his potential. So it is with us. God sees and knows everything about us and seeks to call us into relationship so that we might be a blessing to others. Jesus believes in us, perhaps we should too.

Feb 16: Blessings and Woes

Then he looked up at his disciples and said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. “Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. “Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. Luke 6:20–21

The beatitudes of Jesus convey the moral vision of God. God calls blessed those the world would not. The poor, the hungry, the mourning, those who struggle are those who are blessed in God’s eyes. To the rich, the powerful, the contented, he offers a warning. “Woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation.” This reversal brings to mind the question: is Jesus saying the world needs to be turned upside down or right side up? Join us Sunday!

Feb 23: Judge Not

Do to others as you would have them do to you. Luke 6:31

I learned the “golden rule” as a child. Treat others as you wish to be treated is simple yet profound. It requires empathic imagination to pause before taking an action and wonder “how would I feel if someone did this to me?” Imagine a world where people actually did this! Like many of Jesus’ teachings, it is straightforward but very challenging. Join us Sunday as we explore this instruction and others that are even more difficult.