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Friday, January 29, 2010

News and Notes

 

 

I understand that congratulations are in order to 2 of our younger members: to Jack Branch, who came in 2nd place (out of 120) in the pinewood derby for his Cub Scout Pack; and to Coleman Davenport who is the school wide spelling bee champ at Little  River Elementary! Way to go guys!! We are proud of your accomplishments!

 

We have had two wonderful evenings with "Desert and Discussion." At least one more is scheduled. Please sign up Sunday to attend one of the remaining sessions!

 

This Sunday we celebrate the 4th Sunday after the Epiphany. Our readings include: Jeremiah 1:4-10, Psalm 71:1-6, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, and Luke 4:21-30. Thematically we can sum up the readings by saying we are known, called, loved and sent to proclaim the one who created us.

 

The focus of Sunday's message will be based on the Jeremiah reading – God's call to Jeremiah. Jeremiah was steadfast in his ministry, persevering in the face of hostile environments and the lack of tangible results. With only 2 converts in 40 years of ministry, Jeremiah was a failure from a human perspective. But from God's perspective we can acclaim Jeremiah's success for God did not call Jeremiah to bring a certain number of people to repentance. God called Jeremiah to trust him enough to show up and step out – to do what God asked him to do. And Jeremiah did.

 

Just as God knew and called Jeremiah, he knows and calls each of us, asking only that we be willing to "show up and step out." Are you willing? Let's explore this together on Sunday! See you then.

  

Schedule for Sunday: As this is the 5th Sunday of the month I am counting on folks to volunteer to cover  Altar set up, Greeter, Set up and tear down, lector, acolyte, and LEM (Chalice bearer). This is a good time to try something new! I am glad to offer instruction before the service if you want to "step up" to a new ministry. Please respond to this email to volunteer.

 

Sunday School: Melinda

Hospitality Hour: Kathy

Music: The Worship band

 

Worship News

Beginning on Sunday, February 7, our children will all start off in Church. After the opening song, prayer and a brief children's message, they will be dismissed to Sunday School. This will give us an opportunity to include youth acolytes in our worship, and give the youth the opportunity to be more a part of our worship life.

 

Youth Acolytes Wanted

All youth in grades 3 and above are invited to be trained to be acolytes. Rev. Becki will meet with those interested after worship on Sunday, Feb. 14 and on Sunday Feb. 28. Both meetings / training sessions will last 20 to 30 minutes. We will begin using youth acolytes on Sunday, March 7. Please talk with Rev. Becki if your child is interested in being trained or to get more information.

 

Thursday, January 14, 2010

For Sunday, January 17: The Second Sunday After Epiphany

 

 

On January 17 we will celebrate the Second Sunday after the Epiphany. Readings for this Sunday include: Isaiah 62:1-5, Psalm 36:5-10, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, and John 2:1-11.

 

The season after Epiphany is symbolized by the color green – green for growth. It is a time when we grow in our understanding of Jesus as we hear of his miracles, " how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him." (Acts 10:38) It's a time for us to work to sharpen the tools God gives us so that we can be about HIS work of reconciling the world to himself through Jesus.

 

God does not call us only to leave us powerless. God both calls and equips his people. We are given both tools and abilities so that we can live into the call to do the things Jesus did- and greater things, too. During the next several weeks we will examine the tools and abilities God wants to hone in us, tools that will enable us to be about God's work.

 

Make a commitment to come week by week to worship and grow with us! As we are reminded in this week's reading form 1 Corinthians – we have different gifts, and our church needs all of them if we are to grow and thrive. See you Sunday!

 

In Christ Alone,

 

Becki+

 

Thursday, January 7, 2010

CELEBRATING THE BAPTISM OF JESUS

 

 

On Sunday we celebrate the First Sunday after the Epiphany, also known as the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord. Our readings for today include Isaiah 43:1-7, Psalm 29, Acts 8:14-17, and Luke 3:15 -22.

 

The Old Testament prophet Isaiah speaks God's word of hope and comfort to a disobedient people, to a people who have every reason to fear, as they have not done what the Lord asked of them.  Yet God promises his presence and protection to the people Israel. The gospel reading directs our attention to the last of the Old Testament prophets as he announces the coming of "he who is mightier… who will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire." Our attention is then drawn to Jesus, whom John baptizes and the Father blesses by anointing him with the Holy Spirit and affirming him as the beloved son. In Acts we hear of people who have been baptized in the name of Jesus, but who have not yet received the Holy Spirit.

 

What is it that actually happened at Jesus' baptism? What does it mean when John says Jesus will baptize the people with the Holy Spirit and with fire? Is that different from the baptism we practice in the church? Come Sunday and hear some of the ins and outs of baptism – what it is and what it isn't.

 

See you then!

 

Becki+

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

CELEBRATING THE BAPTISM OF JESUS

 

On Sunday we celebrate the First Sunday after the Epiphany, also known as the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord. Our readings for today include Isaiah 43:1-7, Psalm 29, Acts 8:14-17, and Luke 3:15 -22.

 

The Old Testament prophet Isaiah speaks God's word of hope and comfort to a disobedient people, to a people who have every reason to fear, as they have not done what the Lord asked of them.  Yet God promises his presence and protection to the people Israel. The gospel reading directs our attention to the last of the Old Testament prophets as he announces the coming of "he who is mightier… who will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire." Our attention is then drawn to Jesus, whom John baptizes and the Father blesses by anointing him with the Holy Spirit and affirming him as the beloved son. In Acts we hear of people who have been baptized in the name of Jesus, but who have not yet received the Holy Spirit.

 

What is it that actually happened at Jesus' baptism? What does it mean when John says Jesus will baptize the people with the Holy Spirit and with fire? Is that different from the baptism we practice in the church? Come Sunday and hear some of the ins and outs of baptism – what it is and what it isn't.

 

See you then!

 

Becki+