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Friday, November 20, 2009

Honoring Christ the King

On Sunday, November 22,  we celebrate the last Sunday after Pentecost, commonly called "Christ the King" Sunday. Our readings include: Daniel 7:9-14, Psalm 93, Revelation 1:1-8, and John 18:33-37.

 

Daniel records another of his magnificent visions, this one of God, the "Ancient of Days" seated upon his throne as the court sits in judgment and the books are opened. One "like a son of Man" is given dominion and glory and a kingdom – and authority over all people. This is understood to be Jesus, Christ the King who rules over all. In the reading from John Pilate asks Jesus, "So, you are a king?" Jesus declares that his kingdom is not of this world, but he does not negate the fact that he is a king.

 

What does it mean to live our entire life under the authority of a king – THE KING? Most of us have no experience, outside of stories, with kings. I was once asked what metaphor we could use rather than using the "king metaphor" since it has so little meaning for Americans. After considerable thought and prayer, I replied that there was no substitute, as Jesus' kingship is not a metaphor, but a reality.

 

On Sunday we will be thinking about what it means to have Jesus be king over all parts of our life, and in particular those parts related to the giving of our selves – all that we have and all that we are- for his use and purposes. Jesus comes to us offering God's grace as he stands in our place at the time of judgment, and his grace is freely given, but it is not cheap.

 

See you Sunday!

 

In Christ,

 

Becki+

 
The Rev. Becki Neumann+
Rector, South Riding Anglican Church
Office 703 961 1983
Cell 240-217-4370
Home 717-762-0924

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Let's Explore Predictions of the Coming End

The readings for Sunday, November 15th include: Daniel 12:1-13, Psalm 16, Hebrews 10 31-39, and Mark 13:14-23.

Most of us, throughout our adult life times, have heard dire predictions of the coming of the end of the world. And, we have lived to see them move from blazing headlines to forgotten falsehoods. That said, the scriptures do make it clear that there will be a time when the world will undergo a major change, and life as we currently experience it will no longer exist.

 

In Sunday's readings we hear about the end of time as we know it, about the desecration of the Temple, about events that are frightening to many. These readings raise questions. How literally are we to take these predictions? When might they occur? Will I be alive? Will I suffer as a result of the coming of the end? What about the current prediction that the world will end on December 21, 2012?

 

On Sunday I will explore what these predictions might mean for the future, and more importantly, what they mean for us today. I'm praying you'll be with us for worship as we gather in the name of the only person to whom time itself bends the knee – Jesus our Lord.

 

See you Sunday,

 

Becki+

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Our Relationship with God

Dear Parish Family,
 
I finally have the email list in place, and internet service to the "304" (AKA the office or Becki's apartment at the Devon). I truly hope that many of you will stop by and see the office area and have a cup of tea or coffee with me. The office is open Mondays - Wednesdays from 9:30 until 1:00, and in the afternoons and evenings by appointment. Thursday is generally my day for study and sermon prep.
 
I am really looking forward to having time to visit with each of you!
 
I am putting out a plea for folks to assist with setting up the altar (altar guild help) for the third and fourth (and fifth) Sunday of each month. This is a critical need, and is very easy to do. Please let me know if you would be willing to help. We are glad to train you in what to do (its pretty easy).
 
 

The readings for this Sunday, November 9, 2009 are: Proper 27, Year B

1 Kings 17:8-16; Psalm 146; Hebrews 9:24-28; Mark 12:38-44

 

When we think about our relationship with God, how many of us are in the position of having asked God to do big or great things for us? We pray and ask God to solve our problems, to heal our sickness, to bring us hope and comfort in hard and dark times. How many of us pray and ask God for the opportunity to do big things or great things for him and for the building up of God's kingdom.

 

Today we hear two stories about women who do great things for God. Both are widows, marginalized by the societies in which they live, both people of meager means by the world's standard. Yet both make a bold move for God. One takes a risk that trumps maternal instinct. The other gives all she has with no thought for how she will live tomorrow. Both are remembered in the pages of Holy Scripture.

 

What does it look like for each of us to do big or bold things for God? As a church we make a claim to engage in risk taking prayer. This would be a "big thing for God. How engaged are we in that endeavor, and what might God be calling us to in this season of our life together? Come Sunday and be challenged to do great things for the great God we worship and serve! See you then.

 

Let's be praying for God to bless our worship as we come together this Sunday.