Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany

Jesus and his disciples had come into Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught. They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, and he cried out, "What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God." But Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Be silent and come out of him!" And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him." Jesus commanded in the aforementioned Gospel lesson that his authority as the Holy One be kept unannounced. There are several places in scripture where Jesus does this. At his trial when they ask if he is the Son of God, he says, "you say that I am." Our Lord wasn't being argumentative. Simply stated Jesus was a simple person that came to announce the kingdom. He was about the Father's business, nothing more. His life on earth was about reaching out to others in love and compassion. He never spoke harshly to sinners. Jesus did command us to serve others. The Holy Scriptures make it very clear that we are under grace, not the law. We are free from sin and many other things, but we do not have authority over ourselves. At our Baptism we gave that over to Christ having been sealed by the Holy Spirit. There are disagreements that can arise with theology in the church and in society and we should not be hindered, but rather should follow the risen Lord. A good example is the question posed by others: why does God allow suffering? There are many answers people believe. However, I feel that an answer to this question gives it too much authority that God would play a cruel joke on mankind. This is not what we would expect from a loving God. What the question about suffering should be turned into is a bold statement of faith that states the following: "I acknowledge while I am suffering through all things God will be with me." If no suffering existed life would have absolutely no meaning. Jesus suffered the most gruesome sacrifice anyone could endure all for you and I. Our suffering is minimal compared to the crucifixion. Peace is found by listening to God as spoken by the life and teachings of Christ. Jesus was so compassionate he even helped a man suffering his same fate by allowing him to go to heaven as well. As is often the case we are undeserving of the graces and love that God gives us. We should live our lives with the full knowledge that Christ offers us the peace that passes all understanding through his love, no matter how unlovable society has deemed someone to be. This is the kind of love that would cause God to bankrupt heaven to draw us to himself. Grant that we may find peace and comfort in the words and life of Jesus. May we truly seek to serve Christ in all persons. Amen.

Collect:
ALMIGHTY AND EVERLASTING God, you govern all things in heaven and on earth: Mercifully hear the supplications of your people, and in our time grant us your peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Pray for healing especially for:
John Cunningham, Betty Stenger, Terese Gluck, Rose Mauzy, David Garber, Starla Grilley, Pete & Mary Jane Walburg, Tommy Thompson, John & Delberta Allen, Pete Stanish, Nathan McConnell, Peggy Ann Turner, Pam Shinault, Donald Kaltenback, and Susan Beeler.

(1st Reading Deuteronomy 18:15-20, Psalm 111, 2nd Reading I Corinthians 8:1-13, Holy Gospel Mark 1:21-28)

Third Sunday after the Epiphany

Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news." As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea -- for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, "Follow me and I will make you fish for people." And immediately they left their nets and followed him. To follow Christ is not always easy. Some churches teach that if you would accept Christ as your Savior there is no need to do anything further to live out your Christian faith. However, let's ponder over some events that could occur in your lifetime from the following list: you could have your marriage fall apart and then end, have a son/daughter diagnosed with an incurable disease, loose family members to death, your own health can fail, your job could end, you could go bankrupt, you could loose everything. If any of the previous conditions should envelop your life would you not question your faith? Of course there would be times you would question, or maybe even doubt your place in life. At these turning points in life would it not be wise to take a breath and look back over your troubles and thank God for all the good? You would need to respond to the same call of grace that you responded to in front of your church community. If just responding to a call to be "born again" by a prayer are all that is required of you then why do you ignore our Lord? We are to respond daily to grace. Every waking hour we must understand this concept that God will do anything to draw us back to himself. God is Father he is waiting to have a relationship with you. The Sacraments are provided so that we may know our risen Lord. Scripture guides us to believe and be baptised. We must also work out our salvation. This Christian life isn't easy and it is full of strife. We must ask ourselves what is this call God is asking us to fulfill? Will you respond to God's grace? If you haven't before what about now? Make haste as we do not know when the Son of Man shall return. O, Lord Christ, we humbly beseech you to open our hearts and our minds so that we may perfectly love you and magnify your purpose to all the peoples of the earth. We acknowledge and accept your call to be fishers of people baptising them in the name, of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Grant us grace and the knowledge to know how to respond to its calling. We want to honor and adore you. We lift up your name. Through the risen Lord Christ, Amen.


Collect:
GIVE US GRACE, O Lord, to answer readily the call of our Savior Jesus Christ and proclaim to all the people the Good News of his salvation, that we and the whole world may perceive the glory of his marvelous works; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.


***Pray especially for healing for: Betty Stenger, Terese Gluck, Rose Mauzy, David Garber and family, Pete & Mary Jane Walburg, Tommy Thompson, John & Delberta Allen, Misty McCoy, Jerilyn Swann, Nathan McConnell, Peggy Ann Turner, Pam Shinault, Jimmy Milas, Katie Armstrong, Donald Kaltenback, Harry MacRae, Susan Beeler, and Starla Grilley.

(1st Reading Jonah 3:1-5, 10, Psalm 62:6-14, 2nd Reading I Corinthians 7:29-31, Gospel Mark 1:14-20)

Second Sunday after the Epiphany

God calls on people of all levels to work for Him. Moses was a murderer that fled Egypt to avoid persecution. God made him a leader. The Bible is filled with similar stories of how God uses sinners to do great things. In the First Reading today Samuel, who did not know the Lord heard a voice calling to him and he said, "I am here." Eli told Samuel to answer the voice that called to him by saying, "Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening." What about you? Have you heard the voice of God calling out to you? If you have, did you answer like Samuel? Or, did you just ignore it as a figment of your imagination and continue with your daily business? Last week we heard what was ultimately a call from God to the entire congregation. One of our brothers, Pete, who has health problems, needs assistance with taking care of his wife who is also very ill. There were several people that volunteered to take food, clean their home, and assist with providing transportation and support for doctor office visits. God calls each one of us. God doesn't always call us with a loud thundering request. God calls us in the silence. If you listen you will hear the call of our Lord. He provides all things so that we can live and influence the lives of those around us in ways that compel them to praise His name. In the Gospel today Jesus found Philip in a fig tree and said to him, "Follow me." When you help another in need you are literally following Jesus. Scripture even tells us to help when we are taken advantage of. Keeping that thought in mind helping others should have nothing to do with making ourselves look better in front of people, but they should be done for God's glory. In the Second Reading today we are told, "For you were bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body." St. Paul is reaching out be sure to get involved. If you ever feel left out speak up, it isn't intentional. God is calling us to great things. God is not done speaking. As a church body we are not only internally assisting our members we are likewise involved in Ecumenical work with Boyd's Creek Baptist and Rocky Springs Presbyterian to help the greater Boyd's Creek community. If the body of Christ is to be what we are called to be we will loose all sense of self and only say, "call on me Lord, I'll answer." May we all leave behind any discourse and only look forward. Grant that we may keep our eyes on Christ by seeking to serve our Lord in others. Jesus didn't die for the few chosen, but for all people. Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling..... can you hear him?

Collect:

ALMIGHTY GOD, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ is the light of the world: Grant that your people, illuminated by your Word and Sacraments, may shine with the radiance of Christ's glory, that he may be known, worshiped, and obeyed to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

***Pray especially for healing for: Betty Stenger, Terese Gluck, Rose Mauzy, David Garber and family, Pete & Mary Jane Walburg, Tommy Thompson, John & Delberta Allen, Misty McCoy, Jerilyn Swann, Nathan McConnell, Peggy Ann Turner, Pam Shinault, Jimmy Milas, Katie Armstrong, Donald Kaltenback, Harry MacRae, Susan Beeler, and Starla Grilley.

(1st Reading I Samuel 3:1-10 {11-20}, Psalm 139: 1-5, 12-17, 2nd Reading I Corinthians 6:12-20, John 1:43-51)

First Sunday after Epiphany (The Baptism of Christ)

Today we reflect on the Baptism of our Lord. In particular this causes us to reflect on our own Baptism. One thing Christians worldwide do is the Sacrament of Baptism. Some churches sprinkle, dunk, or pour water on the participant. In Baptism we are marked as Christs' own and sealed with the Holy Spirit. In the Second Reading and in the Gospel today we see such is brought on through this act. Holy Baptism is so important that when Christ was baptized the Holy Spirit descended on Him like a dove and he heard the words, "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased." During the ministry of St. Patrick he performed a Baptism in which he used his Bishop's staff and a small shallow stream to perform the Holy Sacrament. The individual he baptized started to limp when he was leaving the stream and St. Patrick thought that he must have accidentally had the staff on the man's foot instead on on the ground for balance. St. Patrick inquires as to why the man didn't say anything during the baptism. The man replies I remember you telling me about the wounds of Christ. I remember how you said Christ was pierced with nails in his hands and feet. I thought this pain was what we should feel having made the choice to be baptized. During our Baptism there are some questions that we must answer. Of course, if a baby is being baptized then this is later answered during confirmation. There are six questions posed to us at Baptism by the celebrant. Do you renounce Satan and all the spiritual forces of wickedness that rebel against God? I do. Do you renounce the evil powers of this world which corrupt and destroy the creatures of God? I do. Do you renounce all sinful desires that draw you from the love of God? I do. Do you turn to Jesus Christ and accept him as your Savior? I do. Do you put your whole trust in his grace and love? I do. Do you promise to follow and obey him as your Lord? I do. These questions posed are to be taken seriously. Following Christ as Lord isn't simply promised as a yes in front of a congregation. It means truly following the risen Lord in though, word, and deed. Yes, we should follow the will of God even when others will not find out about it. Yes, we should follow the will of God even if others disagree with us. Today we received Aspergence and we all reaffirmed our life in Christ. We do this as we remember that not even death itself can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our risen Redeemer and Lord. What if all Christians of every persuasion (Episcopal, Roman Catholic, Baptism, Methodist, Presbyterian, Pentecostal, etc...) all followed the risen Lord in truth? What if we all shared the goodness of God with others? What kind of world would this be then? What state would the world be in if we truly lived out our Baptismal Covenant to seek to serve Christ in all persons. Serving Christ in ALL regardless of agreement, disagreement, or any form of judgement. The judgement seat belongs to God alone. We are to live out our life in Christ with joy and thanksgiving. Let the Holy Spirit work. If someone does something wrong the Holy Spirit will convict them of it. We should have the same compassion as Christ. May we strive to be more like our Redeemer Jesus. Amen.

***Collect:

FATHER IN HEAVEN, who at the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan proclaimed him your beloved Son and anointed him with the Holy Spirit: Grant that all who are baptized into his Name may keep the covenant they have made, and boldly confess him as Lord and Savior; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

We convey our deepest sympathies to Vikki McCombie in the death of her mother, Madeline Vaught. We pray for all who have died in the hope of the resurrection, and for all the departed. Amen.

***Pray especially for healing for: Betty Stenger, Terese Gluck, Rose Mauzy, David Garber and family, Pete & Mary Jane Walburg, Tommy Thompson, John & Delberta Allen, Misty McCoy, Jerilyn Swann, Nathan McConnell, Peggy Ann Turner, Pam Shinault, Jimmy Milas, Katie Armstrong, Donald Kaltenback, Harry MacRae, and Susan Beeler.

(1st Reading Genesis 1:1-5, Psalm 29, 2nd Reading Acts 19:1-7, Gospel Mark 1:4-11)

Feast of the Holy Name (Sunday 1.1.12)

Luke tells us about the 12-year-old Jesus, at the temple confounding religious teachers with wisdom beyond his years. He ends with a summary: “And Jesus increased in wisdom and in years, and in divine and human favor.” The ancient Romans had among their pantheon a “god of doorways.” His name was Janus. With two faces, one looking forward and the other looking back, he was the god of beginnings as well as endings. He gives his name, of course, to this month, “January,” and to “janitors,” the keepers of doorways. The ancient Romans had among their pantheon a “god of doorways.” His name was Janus. With two faces, one looking forward and the other looking back, he was the god of beginnings as well as endings. He gives his name, of course, to this month, “January,” and to “janitors,” the keepers of doorways.

Just as the ancient Romans felt the need for a “god of beginnings,” and gathered to pay him homage when the wheat was sown, or when the harvest began, or when a baby was born, there is, within our human nature, a deep yearning for new beginnings, and a natural hope that this year will be better than the last. After Pentecost, in a time of transition, the early Church struggled with its identity and purpose, longing in the face of persecution and Luke tells us about the 12-year-old Jesus, again at the temple, confounding religious teachers with wisdom beyond his years. He ends with a summary: “And Jesus increased in wisdom and in years, and in divine and human favor.” The ancient Romans had among their pantheon a “god of doorways.” His name was Janus. With two faces, one looking forward and the other looking back, he was the god of beginnings as well as endings. He gives his name, of course, to this month, “January,” and to “janitors,” the keepers of doorways. The ancient Romans had among their pantheon a “god of doorways.” His name was Janus. With two faces, one looking forward and the other looking back, he was the god of beginnings as well as endings. He gives his name, of course, to this month, “January,” and to “janitors,” the keepers of doorways.

Just as the ancient Romans felt the need for a “god of beginnings,” and gathered to pay him homage when the wheat was sown, or when the harvest began, or when a baby was born, there is, within our human nature, a deep yearning for new beginnings, and a natural hope that this year will be better than the last. After Pentecost, in a time of transition, the early Church struggled with its identity and purpose, longing in the face of persecution and skepticism for a new beginning, for the coming of the “heavenly Jerusalem” that John so vividly describes. The first followers ached for “a second chance.” After Pentecost, in a time of transition, the early Church struggled with its identity and purpose, longing in the face of persecution and skepticism for a new beginning, for the coming of the “heavenly Jerusalem” that John so vividly describes. The first followers ached for “a second chance.” As a sign that it is indeed a new beginning, that God is crossing a threshold that has not been crossed before, as a “sign” that things are to be different, the news of the second chance is told first to shepherds, keeping watch over their flocks. Not to kings or sages. Not to the rich and the mighty. And where are the shepherds to find him? Not in Jerusalem. Not in the temple or in a palace, but in Bethlehem of all places, in a barn, wrapped in rags and lying in a feeding box. An old way is ending, and a new one is beginning. The Word becomes flesh and dwells among us. ?

God in Christ has chosen us – adopted us – and given us a new beginning; and even more than a new beginning, a whole new life, a new birth, a new creation in which to live. We are no longer slaves but children of God. And so on this wonderful morning, on the threshold of another year, the news is good: God so loved the world, that in Christ, he gave us another chance, so that we may not perish, but have eternal life. God is not finished with us. God is still at work in our lives and in creation. And so, fellow holy janitors, “keepers of this new day,” let us pray that God may fill our hearts with joy and hope in believing; save us from our fears and doubts; and give us courage and strength to be instruments of the in-breaking of his promised kingdom. AMEN.

***This week please remember in prayer the family of VIKKI MCCOMBIE as her mother MADELINE VAUGHT is now in eternal repose.***