Time After Epiphany 2022 Year C January 7- March 1
Third Sunday after Epiphany January 23, 2022
God’s glory is revealed in the reading of scripture. People stand at attention. People weep. People prostrate themselves in prayer. The unity of the church is another reflection of God’s glory. Most gloriously, the promises of God are fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ. Gather round. Listen up. Glimpse the glory of God.
The Sundays after Epiphany continue to celebrate the revelation of God’s glory to us as it was made known to the magi and to those on Jordan’s banks at Jesus’ baptism—today using wedding imagery. Our God rejoices over God’s people as those being married rejoice over one another. By the power of the Spirit there are gifts galore for everyone. In Christ Jesus the best wine is saved for last. Taste and see.
Baptism of Our Lord- January 9, 2022 First Sunday after Epiphany
Today’s festival rejoices in God’s blessings. We recall and celebrate our adoption as God’s children, the gift of the Holy Spirit, and the promised company of almighty God when we “pass through the waters ... the rivers ... fire.” On this day the heavens open again for this assembly, and we receive the gift of God’s Beloved, Jesus.
Christmas-Epiphany 2022 Year C December 26th-February 20th
Christmas 2- January 2, 2022
Within the gospel reading’s profound words lies the simple message that God is revealed in a human person. Though we may try to understand how the Word existed with God from the beginning of time, the wonder we celebrate at Christmas is that the Word continues to dwell among us. Christ comes among us in the gathered assembly, the scriptures, the waters of new birth, and the bread and the wine. Through these ordinary gifts we receive the fullness of God’s grace and truth.
Rejoice with us! Jesus, the bright Morning Star, shines light in the world. By day and night he shines for all to see. Jesus was born in the midst of injustice and poverty that the world may see the justice and richness of God. God so loved the world that God sent Jesus, so that all who believe in him may not perish but have eternal life. Jesus is the light of the world. Jesus is the light of our lives. Sing to God a new song! A song of hope, joy, and peace around the world.
Advent 2021 - Year C November 28th - December 24th
For information about the season of Advent and how the church leans into the gifts Jesus brings: Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace in preparation for Jesus' coming go to our Nurturing Faith page.
Christmas Eve - December 24, 2021
In winter’s deepest night, we welcome the light of the Christ child. Isaiah declares that the light of the long-promised king will illumine the world and bring endless peace and justice. Paul reminds us that the grace of God through Jesus Christ brings salvation to all people. The angels declare that Jesus’ birth is good and joyful news for everyone, including lowly shepherds. Filled with the light that shines in our lives, we go forth to share the light of Christ with the whole world.
Cradle and cross are inextricably connected on the fourth Sunday of Advent. Between a lovely tribute to the little town of Bethlehem and Mary’s magnificent song of praise, the letter to the Hebrews reminds us in no uncertain terms that Christ’s advent is for “the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” It is the kind of tension in which the church always lives as when in holy communion—with high delight—“we proclaim the Lord’s death.”
Joyous Welcome! Christ’s presence in our midst in the wonder of the holy supper is cause for singing. The nearness of the God in prayer, in every circumstance, is cause for rejoicing. The coming of one “more powerful” than John, even with a winnowing fork in hand, is good news—and cause for exultation—for us who are being saved. Great joy is the tone for the third Sunday of Advent.
Welcome! Forerunners and messengers advance the advent of our God. While John the baptizer’s voice in the wilderness may be the principal focus of the day, Malachi’s prophecy could as easily herald the coming Christ as forerunner of the Lord of hosts. Finally, all the baptized are called to participate in the sharing of the gospel. In so doing we prepare the way for the coming of Jesus and assist all people in capturing a vision of the “salvation of God.”
In this time of endings and new beginnings, fear and hope, we seek to faithfully end our ministry partnership with Pastor Lori Morton. We are thankful for her six years sharing the mission we share in Christ's name to Praise God, Nurture Faith, and Serve All. As the lessons for this first Sunday in Advent encourage, we will be patient as we enter this time between the end of the story and our new beginning, trusting in our Emmanuel, God with us.