EPC Resources
Lenten Practices
EPC Family, Let us join together, though we may still be apart, for a Lenten Practice to mark these last two weeks heading toward Holy Week and Easter Sunday.
Let us walk in the way of Christ with prayer and contemplation.
Stations of the Cross
The Stations of the Cross or the Way of the Cross, also known as the Way of Sorrows or the Via Crucis, refers to a series of images depicting Jesus Christ on the day of his crucifixion and accompanying prayers. The stations grew out of imitations of Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem which is believed to be the actual path Jesus walked to Mount Calvary. The objective of the stations is to help the Christian faithful to make a spiritual pilgrimage through contemplation of the Passion of Christ.
If you enjoy drawing, doodling, or any form of creative expression, you might want to take time with each of the following Bible passages, each one associated with a step on Jesus’ path to the cross.
For each passage, try to write your own prayer, make a journal entry, or create your own drawing or photograph.
Or if you prefer, simply read through these passages and use the suggested prayers.
Using the Stations of the Cross is a good Lenten practice reminding us of the costly gift of the cross.
First Station: Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane
“Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane. He said to the disciples, “Stay here while I go and pray over there.”
When he took Peter and Zebedee’s two sons, he began to feel sad and anxious. Then he said to them, “I’m very sad. It’s as if I’m dying. Stay here and keep alert with me.”
Then he went a short distance farther and fell on his face and prayed, “My Father, if it’s possible, take this cup of suffering away from me. However, not what I want but what you want.”
He came back to the disciples and found them sleeping.
He said to Peter, “Couldn’t you stay alert one hour with me? Stay alert and pray so that you won’t give in to temptation. The spirit is eager, but the flesh is weak.”
~ Matthew 26:36-41
Reflect on this passage. Close your eyes and visualize the scene. Imagine yourself there.
Where is your garden of prayer when suffering comes to your life? How do you pray when even those dearest to you cannot stay awake and be present to your suffering?
Lord, help us find our place of comfort where we meet you face to face and surrender to your grace. Amen.
Second Station: Jesus is Betrayed and Arrested
Suddenly, while Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, came with a mob carrying swords and clubs. They had been sent by the chief priests, legal experts, and elders.
His betrayer had given them a sign: “Arrest the man I kiss and take him away under guard.”
As soon as he got there Judas said to Jesus, “Rabbi!” Then he kissed him. Then they came and grabbed Jesus and arrested him.
~ Mark 14:43-46
Lord,
grant us the courage of our convictions
that our lives may faithfully reflect the good news you bring. Heal the wounds of betrayal upon any and all hearts.
Third Station: Jesus is Condemned by the Sanhedrin
“When the day came the council of elders of the people met, both chief priests and scribes, and they brought him before their Sanhedrin. They said, "If you are the Messiah, tell us," but he replied to them, "If I tell you, you will not believe, and if I question, you will not respond. But from this time on the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God." They all asked, "Are you then the Son of God?" He replied to them, "You say that I am." Then they said, "What further need have we for testimony? We have heard it from his own mouth."
(Luke 22: 66-71)
Lord, grant us your sense of righteousness
that we may never cease to work
to bring about the justice of the kingdom that you promised. Save us from being a stumbling block to any soul.
Fourth Station: Jesus is Denied by Peter
“Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. One of the maids came over to him and said, "You too were with Jesus the Galilean." But he denied it in front of everyone, saying, "I do not know what you are talking about!" As he went out to the gate, another girl saw him and said to those who were there, "This man was with Jesus the Nazorean." Again he denied it with an oath, "I do not know the man!" A little later the bystanders came over and said to Peter, "Surely you too are one of them; even your speech gives you away." At that he began to curse and to swear, "I do not know the man." And immediately a cock crowed. Then Peter remembered the word that Jesus had spoken: "Before the cock crows you will deny me three times." He went out and began to weep bitterly.
(Matthew 26: 69-75)
Lord,
grant us the gift of honesty
that we may not fear to speak the truth even when difficult.
Fifth Station: Jesus is Judged by Pilate
“The chief priests with the elders and the scribes, that is, the whole Sanhedrin, held a council. They bound Jesus, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate. Pilate questioned him, "Are you the king of the Jews?" He said to him in reply, "You say so." The chief priests accused him of many things. Again Pilate questioned him, "Have you no answer? See how many things they accuse you of." Jesus gave him no further answer, so that Pilate was amazed.... Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released Barrabas... [and] handed [Jesus] over to be crucified.
(Mark 15: 1-5, 15)
Lord,
grant us discernment
that we may see as you see, not as the world sees.
Sixth Station: Jesus is Scourged and Crowned with Thorns
“Then Pilate took Jesus and had him scourged. And the soldiers wove a crown out of thorns and placed it on his head, and clothed him in a purple cloak, and they came to him and said,"Hail, King of the Jews!" And they struck him repeatedly.
(John 19: 1-3)
Lord,
grant us patience in times of suffering
that we may offer our lives as a sacrifice of praise.
Seventh Station: Jesus Bears the Cross
“When the chief priests and the guards saw [Jesus] they cried out, "Crucify him, crucify him!" Pilate said to them, "Take him yourselves and crucify him. I find no guilt in him." ... They cried out, "Take him away, take him away! Crucify him!" Pilate said to them, "Shall I crucify your king?" The chief priests answered, "We have no king but Caesar." Then he handed him over to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus, and carrying the cross himself he went out to what is called the Place of the Skull, in Hebrew, Golgotha.
(John 19: 6, 15-17)
Lord,
grant us strength of purpose
that we may faithfully bear our crosses each day.
Eighth Station: Jesus is Helped by Simon the Cyrenian to Carry the Cross
“They pressed into service a passer-by, Simon, a Cyrenian, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross.
(Mark 15: 21)
Lord,
grant us willing spirits
that we may be your instruments on earth.
Ninth Station: Jesus Meets the Women of Jerusalem
“A large crowd of people followed Jesus, including many women who mourned and lamented him. Jesus turned to them and said, "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep instead for yourselves and for your children, for indeed, the days are coming when people will say, 'Blessed are the barren, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed.' At that time, people will say to the mountains, 'Fall upon us!' and to the hills, 'Cover us!' for if these things are done when the wood is green what will happen when it is dry?"
(Luke 23: 27-31)
Lord,
grant us gentle spirits
that we may comfort those who mourn.
Tenth Station: Jesus is Crucified
“When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him and the criminals there, one on his right, the other on his left. [Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, they know not what they do."]
(Luke 23: 33-34)
Lord,
grant us merciful hearts
that we may bring your reconciliation and forgiveness to all.
Eleventh Station: Jesus Promises His Kingdom to the Good Thief
“Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying, "Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us." The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply, "Have you no fear of God, for you are subject to the same condemnation? And indeed, we have been condemned justly, for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes, but this man has done nothing criminal." Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." He replied to him, "Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise."
(Luke 23: 39-43)
Lord,
grant us perseverance
that we may never stop seeking you.
Twelfth Station: Jesus Speaks to His Mother and the Disciple
“Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, "Woman, behold, your son." Then he said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother." And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.
John 19: 25-27
Lord,
grant us constancy
that we may be willing to stand by those in need.
Thirteenth Station: Jesus Dies on the Cross
“It was now about noon and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon because of an eclipse of the sun. Then the veil of the temple was torn down the middle. Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commend my spirit"; and when he had said this he breathed his last.
(Luke 23: 44-46)
Lord,
grant us trust in you
that when our time on earth in ended
our spirits may come to you without delay.
Fourteenth Station: Jesus is Placed in the Tomb
“When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea named Joseph, who was himself a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus; then Pilate ordered it to be handed over. Taking the body, Joseph wrapped it [in] clean linen and laid it in his new tomb that he had hewn in the rock. Then he rolled a huge stone across the entrance to the tomb and departed.
(Matthew 27: 57-60)
Lord,
grant us your compassion
that we may always provide for those in need.
Closing Prayer:
Lord Jesus Christ,
your passion and death is the sacrifice that unites earth and heaven
and reconciles all people to you.
May we who have faithfully reflected on these mysteries
follow in your steps and so come to share your glory in heaven
where you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit
one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
Up Front
Follow this link to read all the selections from the lectionary for Sunday:
https://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/texts.php?id=75
During our service, you will hear the passage from Jeremiah 31:31-34 concerning God’s news to Israel that a new covenant shall be written upon the hearts of all God’s people, and that they will know God directly. It is a beautiful and comforting passage.
What we know from the events that occur after Jeremiah, all the way through the New Testament, and up to today is that life can still be difficult. Even as God’s beloved creation, we may have hard times. The passage from the gospel of John 12:20-33 gives us information and imagery to help us understand the crucifixion Jesus experienced, and to help encourage us at those times in our lives that we too may the feel pain of the crosses we bear.
See you Sunday –
______________
Rev. Jane Herring
Emmanuel Presbyterian Church
https://epcnashville.com/
*One Day I Wrote Back *- Upper Room Books
https://bookstore.upperroom.org/Products/K1376/one-day-i-wrote-back.aspx JaneHerring.com https://janeherring.com/
Look Up
Follow this link to see all the passages for this Sunday’s lectionary readings: https://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/texts.php?id=74
In our Sunday service, we will read Numbers 21: 4-9 and John 3:14-21. The passage from John contains one of the most quoted verses of the New Testament, John 3:16. "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.”
This statement is made by Jesus in the midst of his conversation with Nicodemus during his late-night visit to question Jesus about who he is and what it means to be made new, to be born again.
We will examine the link between the Numbers passage and the passage from John and think about what it means to “look up” when God bids us, and what it means to be drawn to the light of Christ.
Lent Can Be Awkward
Sermon Notes:
Keep your eyes open for a special “liturgist-in-training” in the service today, 💓a little sweetness and light-heartedness for a Lenten season that may already seem heavier than most, given all we have experienced in the past year.
Lent is a typically an awkward season because it is almost exclusively somber. Even the lectionary reading of God’s promise to Abram and Sarai is cut short, just before Abram (soon to be Abraham) laughs heartily at God’s great promise of a baby to the 90 year old Sarai( soon to be Sarah).
The gospel reading from Mark, the sermon passage, is certainly somber and awkward. How hard must it have been for Jesus to try to explain the upcoming crucifixion to his disciples? Just think of how hard it is to tell a friend, child, or loved one that sad, hard times are at hand.
The Lenten walk of acknowledging our shortcomings and sorrow is rich and worthwhile. It is helpful to remember that we “do Lent” for the sake of our wholeness, and it is fitting to remember that our hearts long for happiness too, that happiness is also part of the journey.
A friend of mine sent the “prayer” below in response to the lectionary leaving out Abram’s and Sarai’s laughter from the Genesis reading. I hope you enjoy it.
“I have had enough
Of sad Saints
And sour religion.
I have had enough
Of sin spotting
And Grace doubting.
I need some laughter, Lord,
The kind of laughter you planted in Sarah.
But, Please, May I not have to wait
Until I am ninety
And pregnant. Amen.”
*Here is the link to our service of worship today. *
https://youtu.be/v3LJMqYNWCQ
Happy Sabbath to you.
And remember – *next week we have LIVE Zoom Worship at 10am.*
Love in Christ,
Jane
Entering Lent
Sermon Notes:
We begin the season of Lent with Ash Wednesday, dust, human failing; but the Lenten road we travel leads to resurrection. Let us not forget, these fragile jars of clay are home to children of God with hearts and souls made in the image of God, the God of Light, the God of Love.
For the first Sunday of Lent, we read the story of Jesus’ baptism, temptation, and the beginning of his ministry, marked by the arrest of John the Baptist. Isn’t it interesting that right after Jesus is Baptized and declared “the beloved,” he is driven into the wilderness to face hunger and temptation? Perhaps the question is not “why Jesus would be declared beloved and then sent to face temptation,” but “how in the world COULD he have faced such temptations without first being told he was “beloved.”
Is it not true for us, as well? Is it not true that only by knowing ourselves as God’s beloved sons and daughters are we strengthened to resist the temptations of this life that lead to hardened hearts and deadened spirits?
__________________________________________________________
Rev. Jane Herring
Pastor * Writer * Teacher
Emmanuel Presbyterian Church
https://epcnashville.com/
*One Day I Wrote Back *- Upper Room Books
https://bookstore.upperroom.org/Products/K1376/one-day-i-wrote-back.aspx JaneHerring.com https://janeherring.com/
Transfiguration Sunday
Sermon Notes:
This week, we celebrate Transfiguration Sunday, reading from Mark 9: 2-9. Jesus takes Peter, James, and John to go up a high mountain. When they arrive, the disciples see Jesus in a dazzling light. There, with his whole person illumined, Jesus talks with Elijah and Moses. The disciples are terrified at first, and then Peter suggests they stay there. Jesus does not let them stay, but leads them back down the mountain back to the work at hand.
Jesus was transformed. The disciples were transformed. We too are called to transformation.
“Mountain top” moments like the ones the disciples experienced have the power to transform. Peak experiences in life – like reaching a big goal or having a happy life event – lift us up into a new way of being. Still, that new way of being is not always easy: sometimes it requires hard work or a period of adjustment. Sometimes returning to everyday life is a disappointment. And sometimes, we find that even in the everyday grind we are being transformed. One thing we know for sure is that whether we on a peak or in a valley, Jesus is with us.
This week, we celebrate Transfiguration Sunday, reading from Mark 9: 2-9. Jesus takes Peter, James, and John to go up a high mountain. When they arrive, the disciples see Jesus in a dazzling light. There, with his whole person illumined, Jesus talks with Elijah and Moses. The disciples are terrified at first, and then Peter suggests they stay there. Jesus does not let them stay, but leads them back down the mountain back to the work at hand.
Jesus was transformed. The disciples were transformed. We too are called to transformation.
“Mountain top” moments like the ones the disciples experienced have the power to transform. Peak experiences in life – like reaching a big goal or having a happy life event – lift us up into a new way of being. Still, that new way of being is not always easy: sometimes it requires hard work or a period of adjustment. Sometimes returning to everyday life is a disappointment. And sometimes, we find that even in the everyday grind we are being transformed. One thing we know for sure is that whether we on a peak or in a valley, Jesus is with us.
__________________________________________________________
Rev. Jane Herring
Pastor * Writer * Teacher
Emmanuel Presbyterian Church
https://epcnashville.com/
*One Day I Wrote Back *- Upper Room Books
https://bookstore.upperroom.org/Products/K1376/one-day-i-wrote-back.aspx JaneHerring.com https://janeherring.com/
How Do We Respond?
Sermon Notes:
This week’s sermon comes from the lectionary gospel selection of Mark 1: 21-28. The authority of Jesus is the theme of this text. Jesus goes into the synagogue and teaches with authority, and then Jesus shows he has authority over unclean spirits. Right alongside this theme of authority is the theme of recognition. Those who hear Jesus recognize that Jesus is teaching with some new authenticity that the current teachers of the Law have been missing, and they respond with amazement. The unclean spirit also recognizes in Jesus his authority, and that spirit responds as well. We know the spirit is obedient and leaves the man when Jesus commands it. Does the congregation of the synagogue respond as obediently? And more importantly, do we respond with obedience when we experience the fresh, life-giving authority of Jesus in our lives?
God’s Surprising Call
Sermon Notes:
In this week’s lectionary scriptures, we have more “call stories.” Jonah is called by God to pastor the Ninevites, those awful people from that terrible land of Ninevah. In Mark’s gospel, Simon, Andrew, James, and John are called by Jesus to take part in what God is doing, entering human history yet again, drawing us back into relationship…yet again.
The newly called disciples follow Jesus immediately. Just imagine what the presence of Jesus ignited in their hearts, how lifegiving it must have been to simply be with him. There was no concern for wealth or status. Relationship and faith became security and life to them, all other earthly elements were seen for what they are, temporary.
Jonah, on the other hand, is furious over his call. Not only does he not want to answer the call to pastor the Ninevites, but he actually runs away. He literally tries to escape God.
There is a similarity between these two very different call stories, though, that is the very surprising way God enters into human lives. God, so wonderful to study and worship, can never be hemmed in. Thank goodness. Maybe, in all we think we know about God, we would simply follow when we are called, the way the disciples did. But maybe we are more like Jonah, we might run or be mad. On Sunday we will explore these stories for ways to listen to our own lives for God’s surprising call.
Called to & Called Through
Sermon Notes:
In this week’s service, we will read the stories of Samuel and Nathanael. Both of these stories come under the theme of “call stories.”
In one, Samuel thinks he is being called by Eli. Though he is obedient and responsive, he goes to the wrong person when called. It takes a few times, and a little help from Eli, to get clear about who is calling him. Eli’s advice is good and true and gives Samuel the shift he needed to get still and listen, rather than running off naively in the wrong direction.
In Nathanael’s call story, God uses someone else to invite Nathanael to “come and see.” He doesn’t really seem to know where he is headed or who he is about to see, but when Nathanael experiences Jesus for himself, he realizes there is a call on his life.
In the sermon, we will explore how we are called and how we call: how we fail to hear God sometimes, what helps us listen, who the people are who invited us to Jesus, who we have invited, and to whom we might extend an invitation now.
You may relate to all of these questions, or none of them. These are not questions to get right or wrong. With our whole lives, we respond, sometimes running in the wrong direction first, sometimes having no clue we are actually headed in a good direction. In the meantime, we can seek peace in the truth that it is God who calls – to us and through us.
11/29/20
Sermon Notes:
The new joy that Advent promises is not afraid of our worst nightmares. Perhaps this is another reason the first Sunday of Advent always begins with an apocalyptic text. This year, our passage is from the “little apocalypse” in Mark 13:30-37.
The season of Advent is about waiting for the Christ child. Something is coming into our lives, something good, something saving, someone whose birth and life and death are all for the love of us.
The wisdom of the liturgical calendar takes us through this waiting every single year. Four weeks of anticipation, beginning with our fears and nightmares, beginning with the farthest point away from joy.
I do not know how the promise of Advent is growing in each of you at this time. I do not know if that growth will exactly follow the calendar timeline of being revealed to you over the course of Advent and born into life on Christmas day. I do not even know these things for myself.
What I do know is this: As Christ followers we are people of the promise of new life.
Contrary to the biological model of life that depicts birth, growth, maturity, decline and death, the Christian model of new life tells us the spiritual beings in these bodies of clay is made new over and over again in our lifetimes by the Master’s hand.
Even into the moment of death, God is bringing forth new growth in us. I confess I would feel foolish writing these words if I had not witnessed it time and time again in my work as a chaplain. God is full of surprises and overflows through us as we cultivate open, willing hearts throughout the trials of this life.
What new life is God bringing forth in you…
Despite the illness you are facing.
Despite the sadness you carry.
Despite the fact that you feel superior to others and are cut off from feeling the need for newness.
Despite the resentment you feel against the people who harmed you.
Despite the overwhelming goodness in your life of which you already feel unworthy.
Despite the tragedy or trauma that haunts you still.
Despite the struggles you face. Despite the fatigue.
Despite the forgiveness you have not yet been able to accept or offer.
What new life is God bringing forth in you? What is being born anew in you?
We do not have to know the answer, but it helps to find ways to soften our hearts and open our hearts to beauty and goodness, to the touch of God’s hand on our lives that is bringing forth newness and goodness even now.
The Advent season gives us words and models and ways of calling forth an open heart, open to the new life poured out by God’s grace and the coming of Christ into our lives.
11/22/20
Sermon Notes:
What Jesus says in Matthew 25:31-46 was countercultural when he said it, and it is countercultural as we read it today. Jesus is repeating the same message all of the prophets brought: take care of the weak and vulnerable, hungry and lost.
Jesus uses shocking language of either “inheriting the kingdom” or being cast into “eternal punishment” based on whether or not people took care of the “least of these.” Both the people who inherit and the people who go to punishment are surprised when Jesus says he himself WAS the least of these for whom care was given or denied.
What saves the people who inherit the kingdom?
They are saved by love. They are saved by acts of compassion.
Who are we and what is really motivating us when we serve? Only God can know the answer. We cannot judge ourselves, nor can we judge one another.
When we help people in need, we are not saving them, they are saving us.
No doubt this passage is disturbing. Here is a question that helps me investigate that disturbance:
Am I disturbed by the threat of eternal fire or am I disturbed by the idea that there may be people in my life and in my world that I do not see as Jesus? Are there saving acts of love and compassion that I miss out on because I judge some people as worth more than other people?
11/15/20
Sermon Notes:
We will not read 1 Thessalonians 5: 1-10 in the service this week, though it is a lectionary offering for Sunday. It’s a beautiful and encouraging passage; I hope you will take a look at it. “…put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
There is so much uncertain, ambiguous, fearful and conflicting in our lives today, in our world, our nation, and even in our hearts. My prayer is that we take these words from 1 Thessalonians to heart and cover ourselves in faith and love and hope, that we encourage one another, and open our hearts to receive encouragement. This can be easier said than done in times like these.
I pray we all practice approaching problems with a light touch, practice speaking to God about what bothers us and practice looking for ways that we can actually experience the relief of giving our problems to God to work on, as we clothe ourselves in love and wait in strength for direction, and for the signs of healing and restoration.
Hopefully these times of trouble will soon pass, and peace and health will soon prevail. More than this though, may we take deep into our hearts the truth that we will always have times of trouble in this life and, more importantly, we will always have God with us, helping us handle what we encounter. May we take refuge in the light of Christ and the sweet presence of the Holy Spirit in all these things.
See you Sunday –
Jane
11/08/20
Sermon Notes:
"A merry heart doeth good, like a medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones." (Proverbs 17:22)
The sermon this week is on Matthew 25: 1-13 in which Jesus tells the story of the bridesmaids who wait for the bridegroom. The bridegroom is late, so some of the bridesmaids run out of oil for their lamps and go running into the night to find more. The bridesmaids who have plenty of oil go into the wedding feast, and the door is closed behind them.
This is the stuff of nightmares: those dreams of showing up to work without your clothes on or finding out there is a class on which you will be tested though you have done none of the work (mine was always math class).
The word Jesus uses to describe the maidens who get to go to the wedding is “wise.” In Greek the word is phronesis, meaning “mindful” or “intelligent in a practical way.”
What helps you stay awake as you wait for the bridegroom? What is it to be mindful, wise, or intelligent in a practical way?
Jesus’ parables can be hard to decipher, but we know this: Jesus’ goal for us is to have hearts of light and love, to experience our spirits as strong and whole.
This week has brought record numbers of new infections of covid 19 and a tense presidential election. In times like this it can be hard to be mindful, hard to stay awake, hard to remain practical and wise. Tempers flare and despair threatens our hearts.
The good news for Christians is that God is God no matter what else is true in our lives or in this world. God loves you and works with you, guides you and shows up for you, even if it feels like the bridegroom is never going to show up for the great feast.
You are all in my prayers. I pray God’s good medicine for your life, and a happy heart for you and yours. No matter what happens in this world, we are in the loving, gracious arms of God.
See you Sunday!
11/01/20
Sermon Notes:
This Sunday is the 22nd Sunday of Pentecost, Communion Sunday, and All Saints Day. The liturgy for the service will follow the lectionary readings for the season of Pentecost, but the short message before Holy Communion will center on the meaning of All Saints Day.
Take a look at the readings for Sunday: Joshua 3: 7-17, Psalm 107, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, and Matthew 23:1-12.
All of these passages ask us the same question that so many Bible passages, in unique ways, ask us: how do you live the gospel?
It is one thing to understand or talk about the gospel, but how do you live it? It is one thing to study the teachings of a church or leader, but how do you live the gospel?
How do you encourage others in their faith? How do you live so that the way you live is encouraging rather than discouraging to yourself or others?
And perhaps more pointedly, do you live in a manner that your inner relationship with God shows through to your outer life?
For such simple questions, they are tough and go right to the heart of what we do every day: putting our trust in God when we are afraid, asking God to use us for his glory, to bless and to be a blessing. Simple words, lifelong path.
See you Sunday!
Jane
10/25/20
Sermon Notes:
Here are the lectionary selections for Sunday, October 25, 2020 Deuteronomy 34:1-12 and Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17 • Leviticus 19:1-2, 15-18 and Psalm 1 • 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 • Matthew 22:34-46
On Sunday, we will hear Jesus tell of the two greatest commandments, to love God with all that is in you and to love your neighbor as yourself. This is, in essence, the work of the church. The church is certainly a non-profit meant to help those in need. It is also, and first, a community of believers who have committed to these tasks of loving God and loving self in order to love others well.
This “greatest commandment” is important enough to make it into all three of the synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke). Everything we do at the church is an opportunity to bring these commandments to life in our lives. When the session takes on the work of the church, sometimes joyous, sometimes hard. When fellowship plans fun outings. When mission takes us to meet and serve people we do not ordinarily see. When, in worship, we make a connection from God’s word to our lived experience. Or when we work in the yard together.
These two commandments sound simple, but they are the work of generations of saints, of which you are a part. In this long line of saints, the ribbon that connects us is persistence in God’s Word and the sign of that persistence is love – love of God, self, and neighbor.
See you Sunday for more on these greatest commandments.
10/18/2020
Sermon Notes:
On Sunday, we will hear Jesus ask the people to look at what image is on the Roman coin. His interrogators are trying to put him in a corner and get him in trouble about who he serves and how he would or would not spend coin on paying taxes.
In first century Rome, it was not easy to claim you worshipped the one true God when the Roman emperor was supposed to be your god.
Jesus turns the questions around and asks them, and us, whose image is on the human being. In essence, who do you serve by the way you “spend” yourself?
You spend your days and your precious life’s time in many different ways. You do not all have the same professions, nor the same ideas about society, nor the same political views, nor the exact same theology. But you all serve God in a thousand different ways every single day because you love and worship God in your heart and soul, and you serve and glorify God by how you continue to build and serve Emmanuel, even during a global pandemic.
God is doing something amongst us and with us at EPC, even in this time of pandemic.
Since the pandemic I have had more visitors to my office and inquiries about who we are at EPC than we had in the 6 months previous to the pandemic. The pandemic has not stopped us from worshipping God. If anything, our worship and our care and service to one another has increased.
Since the pandemic, we have grown a new mission to the Oasis center and have used the blessing of our outdoor spaces to help others safely meet, mourn, and conduct small business when they would otherwise not be able to do so for fear of spreading disease. We are about to start a new ministry, thanks to Diana Braud, called Greif Share. Our Wednesday night prayer ministry has grown stronger than ever in its spirit of deep and sincere prayer for God’s people.
The pandemic has not stopped us from being a people who serve God by nurturing our community, praying, worshipping, and building up our church to be a spiritual center from which to continue doing these things, and more, in the name of Jesus Christ.
As I prepare the sermon for Sunday, reading the Bible and thinking about God’s word to us, I want to tell you how humbled I am to get to be your pastor, how proud I am and how grateful I am to serve you. No pastor is perfect for everyone. That is the nature of being a human. But in my eyes, each of you are perfect for EPC and I know you are perfect for God, because it is God’s image in which you are made and God’s image you seek to serve in all the ways you live and build up EPC. Thank you for being the shining example of God’s people that you are.