EPC Resources
Where Is The Good News In Hard Passages?
Read all lectionary passages here -
https://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/texts.php?id=210
We have some very difficult texts this week. The psalm listed is enough like the songs of praise we sing each week, looking up to God who delivers, but the passages from 2 Samuel and Mark deal with heartbreak, jealously, and even death. In our Old Testament passage, we see King David dancing before the Ark of the Covenant. A lesser-known player in this drama is Michal: she watches her husband David with hate and heartbreak from a nearby view. In Mark 6:14-29 we read the terrible story of John the Baptist being imprisoned and beheaded by King Herod.
Where is the good news in these hard passages? It can be hard to find this good news, unless we are able to see in ourselves some of the same behaviors or motivations we see in King David and King Herod. Let us open the word together this Sunday and see what God may be saying to us in our lives now.
See you Sunday!
Who Is God Using?
In our gospel reading this week, Jesus arrives in his hometown. He has been traveling throughout the region teaching, healing, and gathering a group of twelve devoted followers, in addition to attracting growing crowds. We might imagine this homecoming as a great celebration, the joyous reception of a local son who has done well. The gospel of Mark tells us otherwise.
The NRSV says the locals who greeted him were “astounded” at Jesus’ teachings. Yes, astounded is one translation of the Greek word “exelpessanto,” but there are others that reveal their underlying attitudes. “Where did this man get all this?” they ask each other. “What is this wisdom that has been given to him? What deeds of power are being done by his hands!” It is not long before someone asks the question on everyone’s mind: “Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and John and Judas and Simon? Are not his sisters here among us?"
We wonder, from this end of history, how anyone could have questioned Jesus, how anyone could have been in the presence of our Lord and rejected him and the gift of grace he brought. We cannot fathom how the people of his hometown could have been blind to Jesus in their very midst. Our wondering takes on new life when we wonder about our own lives and ask of ourselves “who or what is in our midst that God is using spread lifegiving grace to us?”
Take a look at all the lectionary selections for this week here:
Everyone Is Not Well All The Time
In the lectionary readings this week we are asked, yet again, to sit in that place of mystery where God is good, God is sovereign, God loves us, and yet all is not well all the time. More importantly, everyone is not well all the time.
The reading from the Gospel of Mark gives us the story of two women who have suffered for years, one a synagogue leader’s daughter and one an anonymous woman on the street. All turns out well. And yet, from 2nd Samuel, we also hear of the death of Saul and his son Jonathan. David is torn by these losses. Saul would have seen David killed, and yet David grieves, for Saul was his king and the father of his beloved friend Jonathan. Losing Jonathan is depicted as David’s greatest loss, as he loved no one more than he loved Jonathan. How can all be well?
The verses from Lamentations 3 and Psalm 130 leads us along this narrow path, leading us gently through hope and grief, through faith and pain: the very act of seeking God, of waiting, brings us life.
Take a look at all the lectionary readings here, including lines from the Wisdom of Solomon and 2 Corinthians:
https://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/texts.php?id=208
As you let these words, beautiful and difficult, speak to your soul, I offer this prayer, one of my very favorites, from Julian of Norwich: “God loved us before he made us; and his love has never diminished and never shall. All shall be well. And all shall be well. And all manner of things shall be exceeding well.”
See you Sunday!
Jane
In the Chaos and In the Calm
We continue into the long season of ordinary time with the third Sunday of Pentecost. From the lectionary offerings for this Sunday, we will hear 1 Samuel 15:34-16:13 and Mark 4:26-34.
1 Samuel tells of Samuel’s deep grief over Saul and God’s movement to choose another king to replace Saul. In short, God leads us on a journey in which looks can be deceiving. Physical appearances may mislead us, and social presentability may cause us to miss people with deep commitment to living life with God.
In the reading from Mark, we hear the familiar metaphor of the kingdom of God as the scattering of seed. Jesus tells the parable of the mustard seed, how such a tiny seed turns into a huge shrub that attracts birds and critters of all kinds. What a great image of a kingdom that grows and cannot be stopped, but a strange image too, as the shrub Jesus describes is one that would take over a garden and would not be desirable for planting.
Again, we will meditate on God’s word and approach the holy mystery that is this life and the kingdom of God being brought out in our very midst.
See you Sunday!
Jane
This Life and the Kingdom of God
We continue into the long season of ordinary time with the third Sunday of Pentecost. From the lectionary offerings for this Sunday, we will hear 1 Samuel 15:34-16:13 and Mark 4:26-34.
1 Samuel tells of Samuel’s deep grief over Saul and God’s movement to choose another king to replace Saul. In short, God leads us on a journey in which looks can be deceiving. Physical appearances may mislead us, and social presentability may cause us to miss people with deep commitment to living life with God.
In the reading from Mark, we hear the familiar metaphor of the kingdom of God as the scattering of seed. Jesus tells the parable of the mustard seed, how such a tiny seed turns into a huge shrub that attracts birds and critters of all kinds. What a great image of a kingdom that grows and cannot be stopped, but a strange image too, as the shrub Jesus describes is one that would take over a garden and would not be desirable for planting.
Again, we will meditate on God’s word and approach the holy mystery that is this life and the kingdom of God being brought out in our very midst
Who Are My Mother & My Brothers?
In the verses from 1 Samuel, Samuel explains to the people of Israel that having a king will not be the great thing they believe it will be. Still, they want what other nations have and do not understand that their own relationship to God is far better than the monarchies that run the nations of the world around them. In the Genesis account, we read again that age-old story of who did what and who is to blame. Adam and Eve set out into the world of cause and effect, action and consequence – knowledge of good and evil, indeed. In the Gospel of Mark, no one seems to know what to do with Jesus. He seems crazy. When his family appear, those gathered seem relieved, as if the family might be able to “do something” with him. His words astound “Who are my mother and my brothers?”
What do all these passages have in common? The words of 2 Corinthians 4: 13-5:1 give guidance. We live in an upside-down world with a backwards way of perceiving. We look at what is visible and therefore cannot see what is eternal, and real. We think our lives are wasting away because our bodies are diminishing with age, but it is our spirits for which we live, and which are being renewed day by day.
Take a look at these passages in the lectionary from which our Sunday service will be drawn:
Let us pray together that as we go into the season of ordinary time we grow deep roots in the extraordinary love of God, the eternal in our midst, and that we too will be counted among those of whom Jesus declares: “Here are my mother and siblings!”
See you Sunday –
Jane
Trinity Sunday
On Sunday May 30th, 2021 we will have our yearly celebration of Trinity Sunday. Here is where you can see all the lectionary readings for this day of worship: https://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/texts.php
You will notice the theme of the Trinity in the liturgy we use and mention of it in the sermon, but do not be surprised if you go home with as little (or less) of an understanding as you came. There are many metaphors and similes useful in grasping the Trinity, though not all of them bear the weight that comes with the term Trinity. Some even contribute to various notions of the Trinity that have been deemed heretical over the centuries: https://www.monergism.com/thethreshold/sdg/Trinitarian%20Heresies.html
While these theological concerns are compelling and important, we must not allow them to become stumbling blocks in our faith or anyone else’s. The action of the Holy Spirit, after all, is far greater than our own human understanding. To this end, we will hear the story of Nicodemus and read about Isaiah’s vision of the Lord and his encounter with seraphs. When a mystery like the Trinity comes before us, we walk by faith, not by reason. We rely on the Lord to purify what we say, and we seek that inexplicable outcome of being born from above.
See you Sunday!
Jane
Pentecost
May 23rd is the day we celebrate Pentecost, marking the coming of the Holy Spirit to the people who were gathering in Jerusalem for the Feast of Weeks.
Pentecost is from the Greek, meaning “fiftieth.” This referred to the fiftieth day after the Feast of First Fruits when all gave a portion of the first fruits to support the functioning of the priests and synagogues in order to maintain the communities’ religious services and spiritual centers of care of its people. This practice is linked to Passover, to God’s protection of the people and God’s guidance on the building of a strong community. Fifty days after the Feast of First Fruits comes the Feast of Weeks (or Pentecost) celebrating the harvest.
It was for this purpose of celebrating the harvest that Jewish people from all over gathered in Jerusalem and experienced the descent of the Holy Spirit, a day that would come to be meaningful to us today as the birth of the Christian church.
We will gather to hear the story of the Holy Spirit, the birth of what we have come to know as the church, and to be ready anew for the Spirit to continue working in us. How humbling it is to know the roots of our faith go deep into history and have grown to include us. Thanks be to God!
See you Sunday!
We Are Not Alone
This week the lectionary gives us more history from the early church. By the second chapter of the Book of Acts, Jesus has left, but does not leave us alone. The Holy Spirit begins to take the active role of leading and guiding.
Jesus taught of a world that is upside down from the one we customarily perceive, an economy in which all things are turned upside down – to become rich, be poor; to gain, lose; to be first, be last; to rule, become the servant. The Holy Spirit is no less disruptive.
At the provocation of the Holy Spirit there are prophesies, visions, dreams, and the broadening of the table of the Lord. Through the action of the Holy Spirit, we begin to see a world in which everyone who calls out to Jesus is embraced. Jesus’ teaching on Love, its binding and identifying action in our lives, goes hand in hand with the disruptive work of the Holy Spirit. How else are we to get through upheaval and changes, even when they are for the good God plans, unless we stay connected in love?
Check out all lectionary passages for this Sunday here:
https://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/texts.php?id=91
See you Sunday!
Jane
Christ’s Identity in Our Lives
Dear EPC,
For the Fifth Sunday of Eastertide, the Lectionary continues to give us passages that tell us more about Christ’s identity in our lives, His function for us throughout our lives, and how we can experience our connection to Him. The entire Bible gives us a multiplicity of metaphors and similes that help broaden and deepen our concept of God. When words and ideas are all we have to grasp the deep and mysterious reality of God, the rich tapestry of symbols and images the Bible offers are lifegiving and lifesaving.
This Sunday, in the account from the Gospel of John 15:1-8, Jesus tells us he is the vine, the source of life. We stay connected to him, and our souls find renewal over and over in life, through all the seasons of rest and growth and harvest, even brought back to life after bad weather or pestilence.
The passages offered from the Book of Acts and 1st John give us more clues as to what that lifegiving vine looks like and feels like: in short, love and acceptance.
In 1 John 4: 7-21, we are told that love is the hallmark of God’s presence in our lives, and Acts 8:26-40 tells us that even our most unacceptable “selves” are invited into the heart of God for healing and renewal, and to play a part in the work of God.
For a complete listing of the Lectionary passages for Sunday, May 2, here is a link to the Revised Common Lectionary:
https://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/texts.php?id=90
See you Sunday!
Jane
The Road to Emmaus
Dear EPC,
Today is the third Sunday of Eastertide. The process of living in the resurrected Christ is a daily walk, and today we walk the road to Emmaus.
Your EPC worship committee is delighted to bring to you our very own John Sevier and Claire Cope, leading a service of worship in music, song, readings,
prayers and scripture. The theme of the service is walking with God, and comes from that beautiful story of the road to Emmaus, drawn from the account in Luke, chapter 24, verses 13-49.
A note to children and families: There is no children's message today, but as always, Ms. Faith has provided lessons and activities related to the lectionary passages for the day. Please find them attached to the newsletter if you did not receive them in the mail.
Let us worship our Lord and Savior with word, song, and praise. And let us remember once again that Christ is with us on every road we travel.
Blessed Sabbath to All,
Jane
Easter Sunday 2021
Easter Sunday 2021
First Jesus was born as an infant in the lowliest of settings, the King of kings in a borrowed bed of straw.
Then he taught and healed and walked the path of life with “friends” and “enemies,” going to parties, seeking solitude, praying, and feeding the hungry, bringing cool, fresh water to the thirsty.
In all he did, Jesus showed us Good News. Jesus taught us we belong to a loving God, that we are loved and that as lost as we may become, as terrible as life may treat us, there is nothing we can do about God’s love for us. God’s love is the fact Jesus showed us and taught us and commended us to live and learn as our own, as God’s own, men, women, and children of God.
If this was not enough, God had something else to show us through his beloved son Jesus.
Not even death can touch the life we live in God. Not even hate and ignorance, not the deepest sorrow can stop the love and life God gives us. When it looked like all was lost, Jesus rose to speak the truth that echoes in our lives still, today. Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!
This Sunday we celebrate this ancient glory, still so necessary and life-giving to us today.
The weather report says we will have a glorious, sunny Easter worship under at the pavilion. I can’t wait to see you and celebrate our risen Lord together again!
Holy Week Blessings to you –
Jane
Maundy Thursday At Home
*A Maundy Thursday Litany for a Meal at Home*
*Thursday, April 1, 2021*
*This is a litany for one or more people prepared for the people of Emmanuel Presbyterian Church. Please use this litany alone or with others, and please feel free to share it with anyone who might want to use it for their Maundy Thursday meal devotion.*
*The lines in regular text can be read by one person and the lines in bold read by another person or persons.*
*This litany can also be used in its entirety by one person.*
*There are two movements to this litany: a short reading for washing hands, and a prayer before the meal.*
*The Maundy Thursday Meal is a meal of remembrance and love, a time of giving thanks and renewing our hearts for the acts of serving and being served in the name of Christ Jesus.*
Part I: Washing
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Part II: Blessing before the Meal.
*Just as Jesus’ disciples gathered in a room for a meal with him, this meal is also a meal of gathering: gathering*
*our hearts. This meal is a meal of remembering, a meal of thanksgiving, a meal of love in honor of the one who loves us all, the one who loved us first.*
*Let us Pray…*
*God, we receive the love of Christ.We receive his great example,We receive the power and work he demonstrated by your spirit;And we receive the commands he has given.This is Christ’s command:That we love one another (John 13:34)Just as Christ loved his disciples and others he met.As Christ has done so must we do.This is Christ’s example:Washing the feet of his friends; (John 13:14-15)Humbly doing the work of a servantBecoming vulnerable, laying down his life.*
*This is Christ’s legacyWhich we receive as the gift of heaven:Where once there was sacrifice,Now there is mercy. (Hosea 6:6)Where once there was flesh and blood,Now there are bread and wine. (1 Corinthians 11:23-26)*
*The mercy of God has been made known in the body of Christ.The character of God has been made known in the work of Christ.He has shown us a way forward,And we will follow the path of peace.*
*We ask your blessing, Lord, on this simple meal prepared for this night.*
*We ask blessing on the hands that prepared it and the earth from which it came.*
*We ask that we be blessed in eating this meal, that we be strengthened for acts of service, for acts of love in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.*
*Blessings to you this night, the night we pause, each in our own homes, to remember God’s love and to remember that simple meal shared in an upper room so long ago.*
That meal and the love that inspired it connects us all this night.
________________________
Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday
You can find a listing of all the scripture passages for Palm Sunday at the Revised Common Lectionary site:
https://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/texts.php?id=76
This Sunday, we will read Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 and Mark 11:1-11 for the Liturgy of the Palms, the Sunday we remember Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. This is the day of an all-time high marking the start of Holy Week, a journey that will take us through an all-time low.
From Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday, we observe the full range of the human experience: triumph, joy, betrayal, courage, confusion, defeat, faith, loss, loyalty, hope, and tragedy. Holy Week shows us Christ and his followers living out the same sublime and devastating experiences we encounter in our lives. Jesus promises more to the highs and lows of life, though: he takes our unbearable heartbreak and promises us a light and life brighter than we can imagine.
As Jesus rides to Jerusalem amid the waving of palm branches, the people shout “Hosanna!” We use this as a word of praise, but it also means “Help Us!” in Hebrew. Seven days after Palm Sunday, we arrive on Easter Sunday awash in the grace and glory of the Risen Christ. Still, our exclamation is “Hosanna!” We praise you Lord, Help Us! And he does. Over and over.
Hosanna! Blessed is the one who came to conquer death that we might live. Hosanna indeed!
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