| Jesus tells his followers that they’re lucky/blessed when they find themselves in trouble. It’s a very blessed/lucky person who can find joy in those times. If you’ve been a friend or needed a friend in times of trouble, you may know that alien sense of joy. Love is always a blessing…especially when it’s need the most. |
Accompanying Scripture:
Micah 6:1-8; Matthew 5:1-12
| Jesus invited his first disciples to “fish for people.” Our culture is better at trolling (attacking) people. Reinhold Neibuhr suggested (in Leaves from the Notebook of a Tamed Cynic) that people need to be lured – not argued – into righteousness. Jesus did a little cajoling, a little arguing, and a lot of loving people into righteousness. |
Accompanying Scripture:
Isaiah 9:1-4; Matthew 4:12-23
| Two new disciples approach Jesus with a question, “Where?” Instead of answering it with a location fact, Jesus invites them into a relationship. Epiphany (these seven Sundays before Lent starts) is an invitation to “come and see” Jesus by seeing and living with him… and taking a look at where we might need to look at ourselves. |
Accompanying Scripture:
Isaiah 49:1-7; John 1:29-42
| This week we hear the story of Jesus’ baptism. Listen as Guest Preacher Tara Spuhler McCabe explores the state of organized religion in our area and how the celebration of the Sacrament of Baptism connects us to each other and the spirit of God’s love, grace and forgiveness. |
Accompanying Scripture:
Isaiah 42:1-9 ; Matthew 3:13-17
| Joseph and Mary run for their lives… and the life of their son. King Herod dealt with competition ruthlessly (he had his own son killed) so the threat to the Holy Family was serious. When in life have you wanted to run away? When have you been a safe haven for someone who was afraid? |
Accompanying Scripture:
Isaiah 63:7-9; Matthew 2:13-23
| St. Matthew tells us that Joseph was “a righteous man.” In virtually any situation, Joseph did things “by the book.” This time, he knew exactly what he should do and decided to do something else. Courageous or crazy? Yes. A leap of faith is often scary. |
Accompanying Scripture:
Isaiah 7:10-16; Matthew 1:18-25
| John the Baptizer was in prison (for embarrassing King Herod) and wondering if he’d been wrong about Jesus and the kind of reign the Messiah would bring. Jesus says,“Watch what’s been happening and decide if that is God at work in the world.” John announced, “Justice is coming!!!” Jesus acted out mercy. |
Accompanying Scripture:
Isaiah 35:1-10; Matthew 11:2-11
| Two prophets with the same message: Make a road! Get ready! Isaiah and John the Baptizer warned people that change was coming and to prepare for it. How do you prepare for when family or guests are arriving? How does God prepare us for the King to come? And, for the Kingdom to come? |
Accompanying Scripture:
Isaiah 11:1-10; Matthew 3:1-12
| Almost 2,800 years ago, Isaiah proclaimed that a new way of living is coming. The sculpture at the United Nations was inspired by Isaiah’s vision and serves as a visual mission statement…not just for the UN but for all humanity. |
Accompanying Scripture:
Isaiah 2:1-5; Matthew 24:36-44
| Infants learn that mommy (or daddy or doggy) doesn’t cease to exist just because she’s out of sight or hearing. It’s a fundamental learning that allows the human brain to understand time and space relationships. It can also become idolatry foolishness. |
Accompanying Scripture:
Malachi 4:1-2a; Luke 21:5-19
703.525.9283 (Church)
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9 am Contemporary Worship
11 am Blended Traditional Worship with Livestream
We invite you to join us this Sunday.
