Daily Office Readings
January 28-February 3
Sunday:
AM Psalm 24, 29; PM Psalm 8, 84
Isa. 51:9-16; Heb. 11:8-16; John 7:14-31
Monday:
AM Psalm 56, 57, [58]; PM Psalm 64, 65
Isa. 51:17-23; Gal. 4:1-11; Mark 7:24-37
Tuesday:
AM Psalm 61, 62; PM Psalm 68:1-20(21-23)24-36
Isa. 52:1-12; Gal. 4:12-20; Mark 8:1-10
Wednesday:
AM Psalm 72; PM Psalm 119:73-96
Isa. 54:1-10(11-17); Gal. 4:21-31; Mark 8:11-26
Thursday:
Brigid of Kildare:
Psalm 138 or 1
1 Corinthians 1:26-31; Matthew 6:25-33
Eve of the Presentation:
PM: Psalm 113, 122; 1 Samuel 1:20-28a; Romans 8:14-21
Friday:
The Presentation:
AM: Psalm 42, 43; 1 Samuel 2:1-10; John 8:31-36
PM: Psalm 48, 87; Haggai 2:1-9; 1 John 3:1-8
Saturday:
AM Psalm 75, 76; PM Psalm 23, 27
Isa. 57:3-13; Gal. 5:25-6:10; Mark 9:14-29
Sunday, January 28
Thursday, January 25
Reconciler Update
This Sunday is our first congregational annual meeting. Another exciting mile post in our journey together. Yet, I also think at these times of corporate reflection and decision making there can be two things that could get in the way of our hearing God and being able to follow the direction of the Spirit: 1) feeling that we aren't doing enough as quickly as we should or 2) feeling overwhelmed by what lays ahead, and what we have yet to achieve. The problem isn't the recognition that there are still things that need to get done or changes in ourselves as a community that could be beneficial to our growth in the Spirit, but resides in an inability to rest in what God has already done in our midst and is doing. We are here at this juncture because God has brought us here, and brought us here together. We have responded to God and God's work, this is not simply our creation.
God is calling us to do and grow, but God also calls us to rest in God. My prayer is that we can learn as we continue to move forward and grow to have the trust in God that allows us to rest in what God is doing in and through us.
Announcements:
As I said above this Sunday we have our congregational annual meeting: 3PM at the "Nidge" the house of the community of the Holy Trinity. We are having a potluck and meeting. If you have not yet contacted Will concerning what to bring please do so ASAP.
We will have our worship service at its regular time 6PM.
Church Retreat:
We have been talking about having a retreat at the Benedictine monastery in Three Rivers. Tripp has been in contact with them and there are currently two weekends available for our retreat. February 22,23 or March 3,4. Please let us know if you wish to attend and if so which weekends work best for you.
In Christ,
Larry
God is calling us to do and grow, but God also calls us to rest in God. My prayer is that we can learn as we continue to move forward and grow to have the trust in God that allows us to rest in what God is doing in and through us.
Announcements:
As I said above this Sunday we have our congregational annual meeting: 3PM at the "Nidge" the house of the community of the Holy Trinity. We are having a potluck and meeting. If you have not yet contacted Will concerning what to bring please do so ASAP.
We will have our worship service at its regular time 6PM.
Church Retreat:
We have been talking about having a retreat at the Benedictine monastery in Three Rivers. Tripp has been in contact with them and there are currently two weekends available for our retreat. February 22,23 or March 3,4. Please let us know if you wish to attend and if so which weekends work best for you.
In Christ,
Larry
Wednesday, January 24
Sermon 3rd Sunday after Epiphany
Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10
Psalm 19
I Corinthians 12:12-31a
Luke 4:14-21
There was no manuscript for the sermon I preached this past Sunday. Not even a systematic set of notes. Mainly notes on the above scripture texts and that was all. If people are interested I have attempted to reconstruct the thoughts of the sermon on my blog but I don't think I could reconstruct the sermon. Also Tripp has a summary on his blog post on Sabbath. If you were present for the preaching of the sermon and have anything to add feel free to leave a comment on my blog post.
Psalm 19
I Corinthians 12:12-31a
Luke 4:14-21
There was no manuscript for the sermon I preached this past Sunday. Not even a systematic set of notes. Mainly notes on the above scripture texts and that was all. If people are interested I have attempted to reconstruct the thoughts of the sermon on my blog but I don't think I could reconstruct the sermon. Also Tripp has a summary on his blog post on Sabbath. If you were present for the preaching of the sermon and have anything to add feel free to leave a comment on my blog post.
Wednesday, January 17
Almost Weekly Update
This past Sunday we enjoyed the company of Jose William Valencia Caicedo. His sermon on 1 Peter was tremendous, reminding us all of our interconnectedness with one another and our dependance upon God to fulfill God's will in this world, to fulfill the Kingdom of Plentitude! I want to thank Jeremy John for making it possible for us to experience William's incredible witness to God's love.
Thomas Merton said, "What can we gain by sailing to the moon if we are not able to cross the abyss that separates us from ourselves? This is the most important of all voyages of discovery, and without it, all the rest are not only useless, but disastrous..." I was thinking of these words as William and his interpreter Paul shared with us God's desire for us, God's love for us. I often wonder if we are not more often happily distracted by journeys to other worlds, planets, forests and not attentive enough to the journey that is our own heart. For if we warm to our own hearts, our own souls, that place where God resides, then perhaps we will find that we have room for more stories like William's. Perhaps we will find that we have more compassion than we can begin to imagine. Then our destinations might indeed change.
Announcements:
The Extraordinary Gospel League of Social Justice will be meeting on Tuesday, 1-16-07 at 7:30 at the 'Nidge. We will be discussing our vision of The League and our possible future plans for The Commission. So please think about how we want Reconciler to be and the sorts of social justice things that we think we should be doing as a church. Based upon that, I will write a historical report of this year's activities and draft a vision for future activities to be presented at our annual meeting/potluck. - Jeremy John
Bible Study: On January 9th we began our new Bible study on Praying the Psalms. This Bible Study will run through the season of Epiphany and conclude during Lent. All are welcome! We are reading Eugene Peterson's book Answering God: The Psalms as Tools for Prayer. Bible Study meets Wednesdays at 7:30 in the Immanuel Library. We are reading Chapter 2 for Wednesday the 17th. They're short chapters, so it's easy to catch up if you missed the first week but still want to participate.
Also, we are encouraging all who participate in Bible Study to pray a Psalm a day either individually or by joining the Community of Holy Trinity in their morning or evening prayer. Let one of the pastors know if you would like a copy of Peterson's book, and/or some direction on praying the psalms.
And feel free to come for just a single class at any time.
Annual Meeting: Our annual meeting will happen on January 28th at 3:00. We'll gather at the parsonage (the "Nidge") for a meeting followed by a potluck, then gather in the Chapel for worship at 6:00. Please let Will Swanson know what you can bring to the potluck. This is a vital meeting in the life of our church, in which we will review the events of the past year and envision the year ahead. Where do you want Reconciler to go as a church? Come and be heard! At this annual meeting, we plan to focus less on business and more on the spiritual life of Reconciler. If you are a member -- or have simply been attending services at Reconciler --please plan to attend. This meeting matters.
MYSPACE Site: We have a new Myspace site which is available at www.myspace.com/christreconciler
Peace and All Good Things to you,
Tripp Hudgins
The Pastoral Team
Church of Jesus Christ, Reconciler
Thomas Merton said, "What can we gain by sailing to the moon if we are not able to cross the abyss that separates us from ourselves? This is the most important of all voyages of discovery, and without it, all the rest are not only useless, but disastrous..." I was thinking of these words as William and his interpreter Paul shared with us God's desire for us, God's love for us. I often wonder if we are not more often happily distracted by journeys to other worlds, planets, forests and not attentive enough to the journey that is our own heart. For if we warm to our own hearts, our own souls, that place where God resides, then perhaps we will find that we have room for more stories like William's. Perhaps we will find that we have more compassion than we can begin to imagine. Then our destinations might indeed change.
Announcements:
The Extraordinary Gospel League of Social Justice will be meeting on Tuesday, 1-16-07 at 7:30 at the 'Nidge. We will be discussing our vision of The League and our possible future plans for The Commission. So please think about how we want Reconciler to be and the sorts of social justice things that we think we should be doing as a church. Based upon that, I will write a historical report of this year's activities and draft a vision for future activities to be presented at our annual meeting/potluck. - Jeremy John
Bible Study: On January 9th we began our new Bible study on Praying the Psalms. This Bible Study will run through the season of Epiphany and conclude during Lent. All are welcome! We are reading Eugene Peterson's book Answering God: The Psalms as Tools for Prayer. Bible Study meets Wednesdays at 7:30 in the Immanuel Library. We are reading Chapter 2 for Wednesday the 17th. They're short chapters, so it's easy to catch up if you missed the first week but still want to participate.
Also, we are encouraging all who participate in Bible Study to pray a Psalm a day either individually or by joining the Community of Holy Trinity in their morning or evening prayer. Let one of the pastors know if you would like a copy of Peterson's book, and/or some direction on praying the psalms.
And feel free to come for just a single class at any time.
Annual Meeting: Our annual meeting will happen on January 28th at 3:00. We'll gather at the parsonage (the "Nidge") for a meeting followed by a potluck, then gather in the Chapel for worship at 6:00. Please let Will Swanson know what you can bring to the potluck. This is a vital meeting in the life of our church, in which we will review the events of the past year and envision the year ahead. Where do you want Reconciler to go as a church? Come and be heard! At this annual meeting, we plan to focus less on business and more on the spiritual life of Reconciler. If you are a member -- or have simply been attending services at Reconciler --please plan to attend. This meeting matters.
MYSPACE Site: We have a new Myspace site which is available at www.myspace.com/christreconciler
Peace and All Good Things to you,
Tripp Hudgins
The Pastoral Team
Church of Jesus Christ, Reconciler
Friday, January 12
Reconciler Almost Weekly Update
As I become more mature (OK, maybe just older), the seasons of nature --and the seasons of the liturgical calendar -- are growing on me. I used to experience post-Christmas letdown. I disliked the long, cold winters of the midwest and east coast, the two places I've lived my life. What was there to look forward to in mid-January anyway?
Somewhere along the line, I've come to appreciate all four seasons and to savor the changing Church calendar. I've learned that Epiphany and Lent can be fruitful, even exciting times in my spiritual life.
The word "Epiphany" comes from a Greek word meaning "manifestation" or "appearing." It's a season of light and of new beginnings. The season of Epiphany has some wonderful Scripture readings, including The Visit of the Magi, The Baptism of Our Lord (Jesus's baptism by John the Baptist in the Jordan River), and the Wedding Feast at Cana where Jesus changes water into wine.
In the Eastern Orthodox Church, these three stories from Scripture have traditionally been commemorated together on the Feast of the Epiphany (January 6th) because they were all understood as signs that God had appeared in the person of Jesus of Nazareth. In addition to showing Jesus as the Messiah, it seems to me these stories share another common theme: transformation. They speak to ways God works in our lives and in the world, transforming us. How and where does God do that?
In the story of the Magi, God shows that the light of Christ is available to all. Jesus didn't just come to one tribe. He didn't just come to the rich and famous. He came for everyone. According to at least one scholar, the magi may not have been kings, nor what we would traditionally call wise men. Instead, they may have been traveling entertainers. Thus they would have been outside the fold, not people of high social standing. If so, the story of the Magi is about people on the margins -- people who society says are not valuable -- being the first to see and know the Christ. It seems it's often the ones with less to lose who are most open to the transforming love and grace, and the bold new ways, of the Christ.
In the Baptism of Our Lord, a transformation occurs when Jesus is baptized in the Jordan by John. A voice from the heavens says: "This is my beloved Son. With him I am well pleased." Jesus underwent a rite of passage and... something happened. It became clearer to his disciples -- and maybe even to Jesus -- who he was. Sacraments such as baptism can often be occasions of grace and transformation. We may not hear God speaking to us out of a cloud if we participate in a sacrament, but we may experience a change that can surprise us. Sacraments, and rites of passage in general, can be occasions of wholeness, in which we experience ourselves more fully as God's beloved sons and daughters.
At the wedding of Cana Jesus transforms water into wine. This is a story absolutely fraught with signs and symbols. There's so much to unpack. Just one of the messages I took from this story is that Jesus worked this transformation as a wedding guest. He wasn't there in an official capacity as a holy man. He worked a lot of transformations in daily life and didn't confine his ministry to synagogue or temple. As Christians, as the Body of Christ, we are likewise called to be change agents in the real lives of others. Not to be set apart, a city on the hill, but to be out and about, as Jesus was. At weddings, cafes, soup kitchens, wherever the people are, we can offer the New Wine of Christ to those who thirst.
It's Epiphany! No post-Christmas letdown here. This is an exciting time, fraught with opportunities to open ourselves to -- and share with others --the transforming love of God.
An Epiphany blessing:
"May Almighty God, who led the Wise Men by the shining of a star to find the Christ, the Light from Light, lead you also, in your pilgrimage, to find the Lord. Amen.
May God, who sent the Holy Spirit to rest upon the Only-Begotten at his baptism in the Jordan River, pour out that Spirit on you who have come to the waters of new birth. Amen.
May God, by the power that turned water into wine at the wedding feast of Cana, transform your lives and make glad your hearts. Amen.
And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you for ever."
Amen.
Announcements:
New Pastor: I began working this week as the Episcopal member of the Pastoral Team here at Jesus Christ, Reconciler. It's been an exciting and rich adventure so far! I'm learning and having fun. Thank you for your warm welcome (and for your patience as I deal with being a newbie). I look forward to getting to know everyone better and working with you as together we seek to build up the body of Christ at Reconciler.
Guest Preachers THIS SUNDAY January 14: This Sunday, we welcome William and Marina, a Mennonite couple who have been forced to flee Colombia in part because of their stance of nonviolence. Tripp writes:
Also, we are encouraging all who participate in Bible Study to pray a Psalm a day either individually or by joining the Community of HolyTrinity in their morning or evening prayer. Let one of the pastors know if you would like a copy of Peterson's book, and/or some direction on praying the psalms.
Annual Meeting: Our annual meeting will happen on January 28th at 3:00. We'll gather at the parsonage (the "Nidge") for a meeting followed by a potluck, then gather in the Chapel for worship at 6:00. Please let Will Swanson know what you can bring to the potluck. This is a vital meeting in the life of our church, in which we will review the events of the past year and envision the year ahead. Where do you want Reconciler to go as a church? Come and be heard! At this annual meeting, we plan to focus less on business and more on the spiritual life of Reconciler. If you are a member -- or have simply been attending services at Reconciler --please plan to attend. This meeting matters.
MYSPACE Site: We have a new Myspace site which is available at www.myspace.com/christreconciler
In Christ,
The Reverend Laura Gottardi-Littell
for The Pastoral Team
Somewhere along the line, I've come to appreciate all four seasons and to savor the changing Church calendar. I've learned that Epiphany and Lent can be fruitful, even exciting times in my spiritual life.
The word "Epiphany" comes from a Greek word meaning "manifestation" or "appearing." It's a season of light and of new beginnings. The season of Epiphany has some wonderful Scripture readings, including The Visit of the Magi, The Baptism of Our Lord (Jesus's baptism by John the Baptist in the Jordan River), and the Wedding Feast at Cana where Jesus changes water into wine.
In the Eastern Orthodox Church, these three stories from Scripture have traditionally been commemorated together on the Feast of the Epiphany (January 6th) because they were all understood as signs that God had appeared in the person of Jesus of Nazareth. In addition to showing Jesus as the Messiah, it seems to me these stories share another common theme: transformation. They speak to ways God works in our lives and in the world, transforming us. How and where does God do that?
In the story of the Magi, God shows that the light of Christ is available to all. Jesus didn't just come to one tribe. He didn't just come to the rich and famous. He came for everyone. According to at least one scholar, the magi may not have been kings, nor what we would traditionally call wise men. Instead, they may have been traveling entertainers. Thus they would have been outside the fold, not people of high social standing. If so, the story of the Magi is about people on the margins -- people who society says are not valuable -- being the first to see and know the Christ. It seems it's often the ones with less to lose who are most open to the transforming love and grace, and the bold new ways, of the Christ.
In the Baptism of Our Lord, a transformation occurs when Jesus is baptized in the Jordan by John. A voice from the heavens says: "This is my beloved Son. With him I am well pleased." Jesus underwent a rite of passage and... something happened. It became clearer to his disciples -- and maybe even to Jesus -- who he was. Sacraments such as baptism can often be occasions of grace and transformation. We may not hear God speaking to us out of a cloud if we participate in a sacrament, but we may experience a change that can surprise us. Sacraments, and rites of passage in general, can be occasions of wholeness, in which we experience ourselves more fully as God's beloved sons and daughters.
At the wedding of Cana Jesus transforms water into wine. This is a story absolutely fraught with signs and symbols. There's so much to unpack. Just one of the messages I took from this story is that Jesus worked this transformation as a wedding guest. He wasn't there in an official capacity as a holy man. He worked a lot of transformations in daily life and didn't confine his ministry to synagogue or temple. As Christians, as the Body of Christ, we are likewise called to be change agents in the real lives of others. Not to be set apart, a city on the hill, but to be out and about, as Jesus was. At weddings, cafes, soup kitchens, wherever the people are, we can offer the New Wine of Christ to those who thirst.
It's Epiphany! No post-Christmas letdown here. This is an exciting time, fraught with opportunities to open ourselves to -- and share with others --the transforming love of God.
An Epiphany blessing:
"May Almighty God, who led the Wise Men by the shining of a star to find the Christ, the Light from Light, lead you also, in your pilgrimage, to find the Lord. Amen.
May God, who sent the Holy Spirit to rest upon the Only-Begotten at his baptism in the Jordan River, pour out that Spirit on you who have come to the waters of new birth. Amen.
May God, by the power that turned water into wine at the wedding feast of Cana, transform your lives and make glad your hearts. Amen.
And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you for ever."
Amen.
Announcements:
New Pastor: I began working this week as the Episcopal member of the Pastoral Team here at Jesus Christ, Reconciler. It's been an exciting and rich adventure so far! I'm learning and having fun. Thank you for your warm welcome (and for your patience as I deal with being a newbie). I look forward to getting to know everyone better and working with you as together we seek to build up the body of Christ at Reconciler.
Guest Preachers THIS SUNDAY January 14: This Sunday, we welcome William and Marina, a Mennonite couple who have been forced to flee Colombia in part because of their stance of nonviolence. Tripp writes:
Like so many others in Colombia, they have been caught in the middle of the complex civil war. They have never participated in any of the violence, which pits the Colombian military and their right-wing paramilitary allies against guerrillas. Rather, William and Marina have sought to break the silence of the church and the people in the face of horrific human rights violations. Because of their human rights work, they have been under threat in Colombia and have had to move to the United States for a period of six-months. They may not be able to move back to their home community where their children and grandchildren live for a very long time. In their time in the US, they wish to build connections between church communities in order to support the work of the peacemaking church in Colombia.Bible Study: On January 9th we began our new Bible study on Praying the Psalms. This Bible Study will run through the season of Epiphany and conclude during Lent. All are welcome! We are reading Eugene Peterson's book Answering God: The Psalms as Tools for Prayer. Bible Study meets Wednesdays at 7:30 in the Immanuel Library. We are reading Chapter 2 for Wednesday the 17th. They're short chapters, so it's easy to catch up if you missed the first week but still want to participate.
Jose William Valencia Caicedo is a pastor of a Mennonite Church and Coordinator of the Commission for Restoration, Life and Peace of the Evangelical Council of Colombia (CEDECOL). Luz Marina Gil de Valencia has traveled with her husband in all of his activities in the areas of armed conflict. She has worked with the Christian Women’s Network for Life and Peace project to lead training workshops on community organization, social work, human rights and international human rights law, and the protection of human rights in conflict areas.
The service begins at 6pm. All are welcome. Contact us if you have any questions.
Also, we are encouraging all who participate in Bible Study to pray a Psalm a day either individually or by joining the Community of HolyTrinity in their morning or evening prayer. Let one of the pastors know if you would like a copy of Peterson's book, and/or some direction on praying the psalms.
Annual Meeting: Our annual meeting will happen on January 28th at 3:00. We'll gather at the parsonage (the "Nidge") for a meeting followed by a potluck, then gather in the Chapel for worship at 6:00. Please let Will Swanson know what you can bring to the potluck. This is a vital meeting in the life of our church, in which we will review the events of the past year and envision the year ahead. Where do you want Reconciler to go as a church? Come and be heard! At this annual meeting, we plan to focus less on business and more on the spiritual life of Reconciler. If you are a member -- or have simply been attending services at Reconciler --please plan to attend. This meeting matters.
MYSPACE Site: We have a new Myspace site which is available at www.myspace.com/christreconciler
In Christ,
The Reverend Laura Gottardi-Littell
for The Pastoral Team
Thursday, January 11
Sermon: Epiphany Sunday
Happy New Year, and Blessed Epiphany!
To everything there is a season, Scripture says, and so there is.
In Advent, we waited in joyful expectancy , preparing ourselves for the birth of the Messiah. At Christmas, we celebrated the fulfillment of that promise. Now here we are in the season of Epiphany. The word "Epiphany" means manifestation, or appearing.
Epiphany is about God's showing God's self to the world, in surprising ways. Epiphany is also about God transforming us and our world.
In this season of "ringing out the old and ringing in the new," I think many of us are looking for transformation that goes beyond New Year's resolutions. We seek a deeper knowledge of God. We long to experience God in ways that are life-changing. I know you as a congregation are interested in Benedictine spirituality, lay monasticisim, Bible Study, music and the arts, and that you are committed to social justice. I believe you are seeking transformational spiritual experiences, as well as ways to be agents of transformation to a troubled world. Because it's not all about us and our private enlightenment, is it? It's about doing something with our experience of God, something that benefits the human community, or as much of it as we are able to affect. At least that's how I see it.
So, how can we gain a deeper knowledge of God? How can we have transformational experiences, live transformed lives and help others lead transformed lives? These are very appropriate questions for Epiphany.
I'm going to back up a bit and give just a little history about this celebration of Epiphany. Because it has something to do with the questions I've just asked about transformation.
The earliest recorded celebration of the Feast of the Epiphany took place in Egypt at the end of the 2nd century. It commemorated three things: 1) The Visit of the Magi to the stable in Bethlehem, 2) Jesus's baptism as an adult in in the Jordan River and 3) the wedding at Cana, where Jesus turns water into wine. These three events from Scripture were all celebrated on the Feast of Epiphany, because they were all understood as signs that God had appeared in the person of Jesus of Nazareth.
The Eastern church has kept this original three-fold emphasis of Epiphany. On January 6, they still commemorate the visit of the magi, Jesus's baptism in the Jordan, and the miracle at Cana.
Here in the western church, our celebrations of the Feast of Epiphany tend to focus only on the visit of the magi, or three kings. This original three-part celebration of Epiphany has been recovered somewhat in the Anglican church (my church). And we're also recovering it partially at Reconciler, as we celebrate tonight both The Baptism of our Lord and the Feast of the Epiphany. Next Sunday our gospel reading will be the miracle at Cana story. So in some places in the west, at any rate, there are current attempts to keep together the three parts of the original Epiphany celebration.
Why do these three stories belong together and what do they have to tell us about God and this season of Epiphany? Yes, they all show us how special Jesus was. They're all stories of God in flesh appearing. They're all proofs, if you will, that he was the Messiah. Is there more? I think so. Taken together, they tell us something about how we can have a deeper knowledge of God, live transformed lives, and help others transform their lives. It's all about transformation.
Let's look at these stories in turn. Story number One. The magi who came from the east. We're not actually sure who they were. The Greek word "magi" can be translated as "wise men" or "astrologers." Tradition portrays them as three kings. A wise scholar says we says we need to believe they were powerful, worldly men, that they saw Jesus and gave him their stamp of approval. People become real to us when the rich and powerful say they are real. But the magi may in fact have been traveling entertainers, like…circus performers. In that case, God chose outsiders, people of low status, to be the first to see the Messiah.1
So lesson number one: you don't have to be anyone special – rich, famous, or important -- to experience God and have a transformed life. You can be on the margins. You just have to be willing to go on a journey, figuratively, and sometimes literally. What journeys, pilgrimages, retreats, classes, meetings are you willing to undertake? How far will you venture to meet the One? Know that God is willing to meet you there.
Story Number Two. After John the Baptist baptizes Jesus in the Jordan, the sky opens up and a voice from heaven said: "This is my beloved Son; with him I am well pleased." God says how special Jesus is, out loud and in front of a crowd. And Jesus's disciples hear and believe.
What does this story say to us? Other than that Jesus was the One? I think it also says that traditional rites of passage, like baptism and other sacraments, can be transformational. I believe this, because the sacraments have more than once been occasions for me of deep joy, grace and peace. They can be life-changing ways to experience the great love God has for each of us.
So in the new year, when we think about transformation, we might consider experiencing a larger share of the sacraments. Do you regularly take communion? Would you like to receive anointing with oil? Have you thought about being baptized? What about receiving the sacrament of reconciliation, that is, offering confession and receiving pardon? In the Episcopal Church, these are all considered sacraments. Maybe you're already doing these things, but you might like to do them more often. I'm not saying the heavens will necessarily open and a voice will speak to you from the clouds if you do, but in my experience sacraments can often be powerful. I suggest we all remain open to the life-giving and life-changing properties of the sacraments.
Are they the only ways we can experience God's grace. No. Sacraments can be wonderful conduits for the Holy Spirit, but God's grace isn't limited to the sacraments. I think most of us have found grace in experiences not strictly considered sacred. A family meal around the table. A glass of wine and good conversation with a friend. A dip in a clear cool lake. These experiences can feel a lot like taking communion or being baptized. They give us sense of oneness with others and with nature, a sense of being in touch with something beyond ourselves. Art and music also can be transforming and life-giving. There are many ways to connect with the Holy Spirit, and they don't all occur in church.
Which brings me to the third story: the wedding at Cana, where Jesus turned the water into wine. What does it say to us about transformation?
I think it says that if you invite Jesus into your life, he might show up in some unexpected places and do some very surprising things. God's grace outpours onto all of us, in many different situations, even in the midst of regular life.
The wedding at Cana showed that Jesus, while not a party animal, was a person who lived among the people. He ate, drank, and socialized. He dealt with real people in real situations. Sometimes I feel the church is too disconnected from the rest of life, and that this is not good for either the church nor the world. So while I'm not advocating a wild and crazy lifestyle, I'm saying God can be found in the mainstream, not just a chapel or monastery . Do you want to be transformed? Life your life in the world, not just in church. You'll find God out and about, mixing it up at the mall or a wedding, school or work.
You may recognize this thinking – about God in the midst of life – as Benedictine or Celtic spirituality. It's also good solid Anglican theology – called incarnational theology. It boils down to the idea that God is in all of life, church and state, home and work. That spirituality should not be divorced from the real world.
The great Anglican incarnational theologians of the 19th and 20th centuries -- Maurice, Temple, Gore, Vida Scudder, to name a few -- believed in the power of the Christ to transform the world. They were social activists. While seeking to transform their own lives through faith, they sought to improve the political and social realities around them.
It's a tricky thing, combining church and politics. The incarnationalists did so because they saw God in all of life, and didn't feel spirituality and politics could be neatly separated.
A former teacher of mine writes:"The modest political 'revolution' in November [in the US] gives us some hope that the Iraq War might find an end, and that more attention might be paid to social justice and human needs at home and abroad. "Politics" is rarely the solution, however. Each one of us must actually do those "random acts of kindness" and dig down deep into our souls to summon the spiritual will to make a difference in our own environments, in our own communities."
I think he is echoing a theme of the incarnationalists: we need a spiritual base from which to find strength and nourishment for the hard work of transforming our corners of the world.
So if you want to be a change agent, keep meeting God and being transformed. Go on some journeys, literal and figurative, in order to encounter the Holy One. Look for Him in the sacraments of the church, and your experiences outside the church. Be open to the life-changing nature of all these encounters with the Holy One, whether you find him in the margins of society, the waters of baptism, or the mainstreams of life.
It's Epiphany! Are you ready for a little transformation?
1 The Rev. Dr. Sam Portaro, Brightest and Best: A Companion to Lesser Feasts and Fasts. Cowley Publications, Cambridge, MA, 1998.
Delivered by Rev. Laura Gottardi-Littell
Tuesday, January 9
for the psalm study
A little information about the Psalms...
The Psalms were likely written and collected before the Babylonian Exile. Interestingly, scholars cannot give a more exact date than the most general. Psalms were not written, as some have proposed, in support of a religious ceremony. The Psalms are songs and poetry. There is no proof that they were or were not intended for liturgical use. We simply know that they were eventually used to that end. Like much song and poetry, it was first an oral tradition and then later codified.
Regarding authorship, “Seventy-three psalms are attributed to David, two to Solomon, Psalm 90 to Moses, 12 psalms to Asaph, 11 to the Sons of Korah, with Psalm 88 to Heman as well, and Psalm 89 to Ethan.” Even these attributions are inexact by contemporary standards. David likely did not write all seventy-three of the psalms attributed to him. Some would have been within the same “school” of psalm writing.
The “types” of Psalms:
Psalms fall under five (or more) types. Each “type” expresses a purpose for its use. There are hymns, laments, thanksgivings, blessings and curses, and wisdom or didactic poems. There are other ways that scholars have gathered psalms together, but in the most basic understanding, this is how one can understand how there is a variety of psalms.
The cultic and liturgical use of the Psalms:
There is no complete example of an ancient Israelite Temple service. There are examples of other cultures' liturgies and some of what may have been intended could be inferred. But most of what scholars understand comes from the Psalms themselves. They could have been intended for specific festivals like Passover. They could have been intended for specific prayer services during the “daily office.” Their use would have been public and private. They would have been accompanied by stringed instruments more often than not.
The arrangement of the Psalms:
The psalms that are in the Biblical psalter are not all the psalms recorded. Some are found in other scripture texts (Ex. 15:1-18 or Isa. 38:10-20). The Old Testament Psalms contain 150 pieces. Psalm 151 is from the Septuagint and the Syriac texts. Other collections merge the psalms together or divide them into separate works. Traditionally, however, the psalter is divided in the Torah into five books. Psalms 1-41, 42-72, 73-89, 90-106, 107-150.
Finally, why “Psalms?”
The word comes from the Greek translation of the Hebrew. They are names after the stringed instrument that could have accompanied them (“psalterion”). But as there are five books of psalms, the original Hebrew is not specific about naming the entire collection. The names for each book reflect their use and nothing else.
Come and hear them speak.
I want to invite you all to Reconciler this Sunday to hear this incredible story.
The Valencia Gil family, like so many others in Colombia, has been caught in the middle of the complex civil war. They have never participated in any of the violence, which pits the Colombian military and their right-wing paramilitary allies against guerrillas. Rather, William and Marina have sought to break the silence of the church and the people in the face of horrific human rights violations. Because of their human rights work, they have been under threat in Colombia and have had to move to the United States for a period of six-months. They may not be able to move back to their home community where their children and grandchildren live for a very long time. In their time in the US, they wish to build connections between church communities in order to support the work of the peacemaking church in Colombia.
Jose William Valencia Caicedo is a pastor of a Mennonite Church and Coordinator of the Commission for Restoration, Life and Peace of the Evangelical Council of Colombia (CEDECOL). Luz Marina Gil de Valencia has traveled with her husband in all of his activities in the areas of armed conflict. She has worked with the Christian Women’s Network for Life and Peace project to lead training workshops on community organization, social work, human rights and international human rights law, and the protection of human rights in conflict areas.
The service begins at 6pm. All are welcome. We meet at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church, in their side chapel, 1500 W. Elmdale Ave in Chicago at 6pm. Contact me if you have any questions.
Peace and all good things to you.
Tripp
The Valencia Gil family, like so many others in Colombia, has been caught in the middle of the complex civil war. They have never participated in any of the violence, which pits the Colombian military and their right-wing paramilitary allies against guerrillas. Rather, William and Marina have sought to break the silence of the church and the people in the face of horrific human rights violations. Because of their human rights work, they have been under threat in Colombia and have had to move to the United States for a period of six-months. They may not be able to move back to their home community where their children and grandchildren live for a very long time. In their time in the US, they wish to build connections between church communities in order to support the work of the peacemaking church in Colombia.
Jose William Valencia Caicedo is a pastor of a Mennonite Church and Coordinator of the Commission for Restoration, Life and Peace of the Evangelical Council of Colombia (CEDECOL). Luz Marina Gil de Valencia has traveled with her husband in all of his activities in the areas of armed conflict. She has worked with the Christian Women’s Network for Life and Peace project to lead training workshops on community organization, social work, human rights and international human rights law, and the protection of human rights in conflict areas.
The service begins at 6pm. All are welcome. We meet at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church, in their side chapel, 1500 W. Elmdale Ave in Chicago at 6pm. Contact me if you have any questions.
Peace and all good things to you.
Tripp
Friday, January 5
Bible Study and Sunday
There is no update this week but two things to note:
1) Bible Study will begin next week on praying the Psalms, on the 10th. We will be meeting on Wednesday evenings at 7:30 in the Library at Immanuel Lutheran church. Eugene Peterson's book has arrived and if you plan to take part in the Bible Study the books will be available to pick up on Sunday or you could come by the Community of the Holy Trinity if you want to pick a copy up before Friday.
2)Sunday is Laura Gottardi-Littell's first Sunday with us as our Episcopal priest and she will be preaching.
1) Bible Study will begin next week on praying the Psalms, on the 10th. We will be meeting on Wednesday evenings at 7:30 in the Library at Immanuel Lutheran church. Eugene Peterson's book has arrived and if you plan to take part in the Bible Study the books will be available to pick up on Sunday or you could come by the Community of the Holy Trinity if you want to pick a copy up before Friday.
2)Sunday is Laura Gottardi-Littell's first Sunday with us as our Episcopal priest and she will be preaching.
Monday, January 1
Sermon 1 Christmas
1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26
Psalm 148
Colossians 3:12-17
Luke 2:41-52
We continue to celebrate Christ’s coming as we celebrate the mystery of God come as a human child. Our Gospel gives us a small window into a boy who is both God and human, without separation and without confusion. Luke is the only Gospel to even attempt to give us a glimpse of what a God-human child was like. What strikes me about this glimpse into Jesus’ childhood and into the holy family is that it shows family as relatively unimportant, yet valued. Jesus both says that his family his parents are not the center of his existence yet his place is with them even though the family is not its own center. It was this re-orientation of life I was pointing to when, in Advent, I questioned the domestication of God’ coming as a child. I did so because this view of God’s coming hides how God coming as a child redefines everything. God comes and gives a new and true center, the true center of family, of marriage, and of friendship and of all social relations is revealed. Christ coming gives to us our life’s orientation as a re-orientation. Everything is left the same and yet if we see and act out the truth nothing is the same.
What do we want of life? What do we work towards in our lives? So much competes for our attention and for priority. How do we discern or know how to prioritize: Family career, and other common expectations that are placed upon us? I think most of us have felt in one-way or another the pressure to take up family or career or both as the central concern of life. There are though other things, things we may find more congenial, and compete for that central position, whether it is seeking social justice and reform, or art or science and philosophy. In some sense the answer to how to make sense of all the competing priorities is already here right in front of us in this very act of gathering around ancient texts and mystical supper nexus of purposes, around ancient texts and a mystical meal. It is here where everything finds its meaning and center. Our coming here makes the difference; it offers us the orientation we seek.
Our brother Saint Paul claims so in our Colossians passage, but his exhortation would indicate that this difference has a lot to do with what we do with our faith, with the incarnation, with our baptism and being given the Spirit. In a sense Paul suggests that the impact of the birth of Christ can either be ignored or allowed to disrupt, displace and reorganize our life and the world.
Paul tells us we must take what we have been given. We as those who by having been joined with Christ must now live according to this reality. These are not things that necessarily simply well up from within us but are things we put on. Compassion, kindness, humility, meekness and patience, are things we put on like a nice dress or suit. Think with me about how a favorite shirt, or skirt, or new outfit can make you feel different. How a costume you put on can make you feel and act other than you would normally. Kate has countless stories of how as a costumer her costumes have made the difference for actors in personifying the character they played in a play. What we wear affects us and those around us, it is why police and soldiers wear uniforms, why royalty have special clothing for ceremonial events, why clergy wear robes. Love, compassion etc. come from outside ourselves come from Christ and we are to wear them like cloths that make us feel and act differently. The transformation comes by what we do with the new source of our life in Chris. Love doesn’t simply happen because we are members of the body of Christ, part of the Church (a mistaken view many non-Christians, or those former Christians hurt by the church have). Rather love is available to us like a piece of clothing that we can chose to wear or not. But not only are we to clothe our selves but we are to let the peace of Christ and the word of Christ rule and dwell in us. If we want to know what our priorities are we need to look no further: What rules and dwells in us? What airs do we in fact put on? Are they Christ and the qualities and characteristics of Christ?
But why this exhortation now, at Christmas time? How does Christmas tell us how to live, and what is to be our center? The nativity icon shows a domesticity and family in tension. The action of the icon takes place on the edges, yet all the action relates to the center, which is the Christ child. Our Gospel passage shows though that the family endures even after this does so in tension. Jesus is not just any child; Luke has Jesus already knowing that he is different that his calling is different that his family is not a “normal” family. Joseph and Mary should not have been surprised that he stayed in the Temple and disputes with the Elders. Jesus’ words show us that the family’s center is contradictorily outside the family.
This is what we can take from the Gospel and the entire Christmas story: Mary and Joseph find themselves with the same familial responsibilities but those responsibilities and ties no longer serve the family. They are to serve God and God in Christ slowly transforming the world through the incarnation. No longer are they simply being apart of perpetuating the created yet fallen order of things. Now the family this holy family, has become centered on God’s purposes for a new creation. God has entered creation to transform it that all things may find and know their true center.
The icon of the Nativity shows that this disrupts what we consider normal. The incarnation creates puzzlement and tension as we attempt to live out our lives in a world changed and yet much the same. Joseph and Mary at times resisted this transformation and our world and we resist this as well. See Mary and Joseph coming back with all their relatives from the Passover celebrations in Jerusalem and at the Temple, only to discover at some point on their journey that surprisingly and frighteningly Jesus has not come with them. Hear the murmur among the relatives,..”Oh no, we thought Jesus was with Uncle so and so…” “…Oh no, I though he was with you!” So, in a panic they rush back to Jerusalem to search hoping for the best fearing the worst. And then they find Jesus not only not wandering around lost but quite undisturbed by his separation from them. There he is in the temple arguing with the elder’s a scribes. They scold him as any parent has whose child wanders off and gives them a scare. Jesus however, responds with a puzzling confidence and near defiance, they should not have been worried and should have known where he was. Jesus is to be in the presence and about the business of his Father, Mary and Joseph’s Father our Father. Jesus returns with them but Mary and Joseph are left to puzzle over Jesus’ words, the claim that he and their family are not the center but God and God’s new purposes.
This disruption and re-orientation we see in this story had already begun back on the night of Christ birth, back even at the conception of Christ, and Joseph was ready to quietly divorce Mary. The family has become centered on God transforming the world by entering into it and joining himself with creation by becoming human. Yet, Christmas is not just the story of what happened but is the exemplary story of what has happened and is happening since God became human. This disruption the tensions, the centering everything on Christ and God’s acts shows us our new center, the real reason for anything and everything we do. We do not have to abandon art or academic disciplines or activism or family or career but none of these things should remain, as that thing that orients all of life- Christ is the center the reason for everything, and everything is transformed by the incarnation. We are to recognize as Mary and Joseph were continually reminded that whom we are and what we do is to be centered on what God begun and continues to do in the birth and life and death and resurrection of Christ. What we see visually displayed in the icon of the nativity not only happened to Mary and Joseph and their family but happens to all of us and everything we do and are, because of the incarnation. All we can do is attempt to ignore it or embrace it, but tensions will be there the confusion the puzzlement, our struggle to find our priorities. Yet if we hear Jesus and Paul we can find all of this as an aspect of our transformation as we put on Christ and find Christ ruling in our hearts.
So what Paul describes for us is how who we are and what join ourselves or what we do is all to be centered on the transformative liberating and salvific work that began when God came as a human child some 2000 years ago. Everything we are and do, the communities that claim that we join or us are all to find their center in Christ. So, that the rule and peace of God may dwell and grow in the world, just as Christ grew in wisdom and favor in the midst of his family centered on God’s purposes. This is our transformation as followers of Christ who remain as citizen, sons and daughter, mother and father, aunts and uncle, friends, artists, activists, office workers etc.. The place that troubles these relationships is their true center this is our hope; this is the meaning of the church. The church fulfils its purpose when it is the community that has Christ and nothing else as its center, when it lives according to Paul’s words in Colossians. The church is represented by the mystery of the nativity. Take comfort knowing that what gives meaning to life and all we do is the transforming of the world through God become human as Jesus Christ. God has joined God’s self with creation to reveal the center of everything, and so that all the world and we may know intimately what centers us and gives us our ultimate meaning. The source of all things has become one with us that we may know the one in whom we move and have our being.
Psalm 148
Colossians 3:12-17
Luke 2:41-52
We continue to celebrate Christ’s coming as we celebrate the mystery of God come as a human child. Our Gospel gives us a small window into a boy who is both God and human, without separation and without confusion. Luke is the only Gospel to even attempt to give us a glimpse of what a God-human child was like. What strikes me about this glimpse into Jesus’ childhood and into the holy family is that it shows family as relatively unimportant, yet valued. Jesus both says that his family his parents are not the center of his existence yet his place is with them even though the family is not its own center. It was this re-orientation of life I was pointing to when, in Advent, I questioned the domestication of God’ coming as a child. I did so because this view of God’s coming hides how God coming as a child redefines everything. God comes and gives a new and true center, the true center of family, of marriage, and of friendship and of all social relations is revealed. Christ coming gives to us our life’s orientation as a re-orientation. Everything is left the same and yet if we see and act out the truth nothing is the same.
What do we want of life? What do we work towards in our lives? So much competes for our attention and for priority. How do we discern or know how to prioritize: Family career, and other common expectations that are placed upon us? I think most of us have felt in one-way or another the pressure to take up family or career or both as the central concern of life. There are though other things, things we may find more congenial, and compete for that central position, whether it is seeking social justice and reform, or art or science and philosophy. In some sense the answer to how to make sense of all the competing priorities is already here right in front of us in this very act of gathering around ancient texts and mystical supper nexus of purposes, around ancient texts and a mystical meal. It is here where everything finds its meaning and center. Our coming here makes the difference; it offers us the orientation we seek.
Our brother Saint Paul claims so in our Colossians passage, but his exhortation would indicate that this difference has a lot to do with what we do with our faith, with the incarnation, with our baptism and being given the Spirit. In a sense Paul suggests that the impact of the birth of Christ can either be ignored or allowed to disrupt, displace and reorganize our life and the world.
Paul tells us we must take what we have been given. We as those who by having been joined with Christ must now live according to this reality. These are not things that necessarily simply well up from within us but are things we put on. Compassion, kindness, humility, meekness and patience, are things we put on like a nice dress or suit. Think with me about how a favorite shirt, or skirt, or new outfit can make you feel different. How a costume you put on can make you feel and act other than you would normally. Kate has countless stories of how as a costumer her costumes have made the difference for actors in personifying the character they played in a play. What we wear affects us and those around us, it is why police and soldiers wear uniforms, why royalty have special clothing for ceremonial events, why clergy wear robes. Love, compassion etc. come from outside ourselves come from Christ and we are to wear them like cloths that make us feel and act differently. The transformation comes by what we do with the new source of our life in Chris. Love doesn’t simply happen because we are members of the body of Christ, part of the Church (a mistaken view many non-Christians, or those former Christians hurt by the church have). Rather love is available to us like a piece of clothing that we can chose to wear or not. But not only are we to clothe our selves but we are to let the peace of Christ and the word of Christ rule and dwell in us. If we want to know what our priorities are we need to look no further: What rules and dwells in us? What airs do we in fact put on? Are they Christ and the qualities and characteristics of Christ?
But why this exhortation now, at Christmas time? How does Christmas tell us how to live, and what is to be our center? The nativity icon shows a domesticity and family in tension. The action of the icon takes place on the edges, yet all the action relates to the center, which is the Christ child. Our Gospel passage shows though that the family endures even after this does so in tension. Jesus is not just any child; Luke has Jesus already knowing that he is different that his calling is different that his family is not a “normal” family. Joseph and Mary should not have been surprised that he stayed in the Temple and disputes with the Elders. Jesus’ words show us that the family’s center is contradictorily outside the family.
This is what we can take from the Gospel and the entire Christmas story: Mary and Joseph find themselves with the same familial responsibilities but those responsibilities and ties no longer serve the family. They are to serve God and God in Christ slowly transforming the world through the incarnation. No longer are they simply being apart of perpetuating the created yet fallen order of things. Now the family this holy family, has become centered on God’s purposes for a new creation. God has entered creation to transform it that all things may find and know their true center.
The icon of the Nativity shows that this disrupts what we consider normal. The incarnation creates puzzlement and tension as we attempt to live out our lives in a world changed and yet much the same. Joseph and Mary at times resisted this transformation and our world and we resist this as well. See Mary and Joseph coming back with all their relatives from the Passover celebrations in Jerusalem and at the Temple, only to discover at some point on their journey that surprisingly and frighteningly Jesus has not come with them. Hear the murmur among the relatives,..”Oh no, we thought Jesus was with Uncle so and so…” “…Oh no, I though he was with you!” So, in a panic they rush back to Jerusalem to search hoping for the best fearing the worst. And then they find Jesus not only not wandering around lost but quite undisturbed by his separation from them. There he is in the temple arguing with the elder’s a scribes. They scold him as any parent has whose child wanders off and gives them a scare. Jesus however, responds with a puzzling confidence and near defiance, they should not have been worried and should have known where he was. Jesus is to be in the presence and about the business of his Father, Mary and Joseph’s Father our Father. Jesus returns with them but Mary and Joseph are left to puzzle over Jesus’ words, the claim that he and their family are not the center but God and God’s new purposes.
This disruption and re-orientation we see in this story had already begun back on the night of Christ birth, back even at the conception of Christ, and Joseph was ready to quietly divorce Mary. The family has become centered on God transforming the world by entering into it and joining himself with creation by becoming human. Yet, Christmas is not just the story of what happened but is the exemplary story of what has happened and is happening since God became human. This disruption the tensions, the centering everything on Christ and God’s acts shows us our new center, the real reason for anything and everything we do. We do not have to abandon art or academic disciplines or activism or family or career but none of these things should remain, as that thing that orients all of life- Christ is the center the reason for everything, and everything is transformed by the incarnation. We are to recognize as Mary and Joseph were continually reminded that whom we are and what we do is to be centered on what God begun and continues to do in the birth and life and death and resurrection of Christ. What we see visually displayed in the icon of the nativity not only happened to Mary and Joseph and their family but happens to all of us and everything we do and are, because of the incarnation. All we can do is attempt to ignore it or embrace it, but tensions will be there the confusion the puzzlement, our struggle to find our priorities. Yet if we hear Jesus and Paul we can find all of this as an aspect of our transformation as we put on Christ and find Christ ruling in our hearts.
So what Paul describes for us is how who we are and what join ourselves or what we do is all to be centered on the transformative liberating and salvific work that began when God came as a human child some 2000 years ago. Everything we are and do, the communities that claim that we join or us are all to find their center in Christ. So, that the rule and peace of God may dwell and grow in the world, just as Christ grew in wisdom and favor in the midst of his family centered on God’s purposes. This is our transformation as followers of Christ who remain as citizen, sons and daughter, mother and father, aunts and uncle, friends, artists, activists, office workers etc.. The place that troubles these relationships is their true center this is our hope; this is the meaning of the church. The church fulfils its purpose when it is the community that has Christ and nothing else as its center, when it lives according to Paul’s words in Colossians. The church is represented by the mystery of the nativity. Take comfort knowing that what gives meaning to life and all we do is the transforming of the world through God become human as Jesus Christ. God has joined God’s self with creation to reveal the center of everything, and so that all the world and we may know intimately what centers us and gives us our ultimate meaning. The source of all things has become one with us that we may know the one in whom we move and have our being.
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