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Speaker: Rev. CJ Valenti

Fourth Sunday after Epiphany

Written by Faith2014 on .

Today’s readings remind us we are called to speak God’s love and embody God’s love where we are as we are. We know as we do these things – we are imperfect and wobbly at best. Sometimes speaking a word of love feels harsh and challenging, a mirror we do not want to look at. And yet, God promises to meet us where we are and equip us with what we need. 

Accompanying Scripture:
Jeremiah 1:4-10, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Luke 4:21-30  

Good News
Good News
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
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Third Sunday after Epiphany

Written by Faith2014 on .

As the season of Epiphany continues we are reminded how God shows up in our midst. To the church in Corthin, Paul nudges the community that all people are needed no matter how small or pesky. In Luke, Jesus proclaims to his hometown what he is here to do – bring good news to the poor, release to the captives, freedom and vision for all who are stuck. Jubilee is here today for all people. What does this freedom and care and welcome look like today? Come and see!

Accompanying Scripture:
1 Corinthians 12:12-31a, Psalm 19, Luke 4:14-21  

Good News
Good News
Third Sunday after Epiphany
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Second Sunday after Epiphany

Written by Faith2014 on .

The Sundays after Epiphany continue to celebrate the revelation of God’s glory to us as it was made known to the magi and to those on Jordan’s banks at Jesus’ baptism—today using celebration imagery. By the power of the Spirit there are gifts galore for everyone. In Christ Jesus the best wine is saved for last. Taste and see.

Accompanying Scripture:
1 Corinthians 12:4-12 , Psalm 36:5-10, John 2:1-11 

Good News
Good News
Second Sunday after Epiphany
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Baptism of our Lord

Written by Faith2014 on .

The gospel this Sunday is about Jesus being baptized by John the Baptist. A voice speaks from heaven, and the Spirit descends like a dove. This story is also about us: we too have been baptized, we have heard God’s loving call, and we have received the Holy Spirit. What is God’s voice like? Psalm 29 says that God’s voice can break the cedars and strip the trees bare, but also give a blessing of peace.

Accompanying Scripture:
Isaiah 43:1-7, Psalm 26, Luke 3:15-22

Good News
Good News
Baptism of our Lord
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Epiphany of our Lord

Written by Faith2014 on .

The feast of Epiphany (“manifestation”) concludes the Christmas season with a celebration of God’s glory revealed in the person of Jesus Christ. In Isaiah that glory is proclaimed for all nations and people. Like the light of the star that guided the magi to Jesus, the light of Christ reveals who we are: children of God. We are sent out to be beacons of the light of Christ, sharing the good news of God’s love to all people.

Accompanying Scripture:
Isaiah 60:1-6, Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14, Matthew 2:1-12  

Good News
Good News
Epiphany of our Lord
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Christmas Eve

Written by Faith2014 on .

In winter’s deepest night, we welcome the light of the Christ child. Isaiah declares that the light of the long-promised king will illumine the world and bring endless peace and justice. The angels declare that Jesus’ birth is good and joyful news for everyone, including lowly shepherds. Filled with the light that shines in our lives, we go forth to share the light of Christ with the whole world.

Accompanying Scripture:
Isaiah 9:2-7, Psalm 96, Luke 2:1-20 

Good News
Good News
Christmas Eve
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Love

Written by Faith2014 on .

Love magnifies the beloved. It notices the unnoticed. It heralds the unheralded. It calls down blessings on what has been ignored and overlooked. Love is a cherishing attention that requires our whole hearts and our whole selves. (More Than Words: Weekly Theme Overview. © 2024 Barn Geese Worship. Used by permission.)

Accompanying Scripture:
Corinthians 13:1-14 , Luke 1:39-55 

Good News
Good News
Love
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Joy

Written by Faith2014 on .

Joy is a time traveler: it catches God’s future vision for justice, peace, and restoration and superimposes it on the present landscape. Joy celebrates the future as if it’s already happening while getting down to work to make it a reality. It can coexist alongside other experiences, even sorrow and pain. Joy ebbs and flows, sometimes flooding our lives with intensity, sometimes much harder to find. Joy comes hand-in-hand with God’s liberation as God sets God’s people free. (Barn Geese)

Accompanying Scripture:
Philippians 4:4-7, Isaiah 12:2-6, Luke 3:7-18  

Good News
Good News
Joy
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Peace

Written by Faith2014 on .

Sometimes we settle for peace as an absence of violence or tension. John the Baptist and other prophets call us to a more robust peace: one that brings safety, refuge, and rest to the vulnerable. Peace enacts justice, and it requires the hard work of constructing new roads through the wilderness. (Barne Geese)

Accompanying Scripture:
Malachi 3:1-4 , Luke 1:68-79, Luke 3:1-6  

Good News
Good News
Peace
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Hope

Written by Faith2014 on .

Our culture often speaks of hope as either a Pollyannaish positivism or a measured optimism. Viewed through the lens of the cross, hope becomes an agent of empowering transformation instead. It does not deny suffering. Hope acknowledges that the present conditions are desperate, and it depends on God, with whom nothing is impossible. Hope is honest about suffering and urgent about God’s future. (From Barn Geese)

Accompanying Scripture:
Jeremiah 33:14-16, Psalm 25:1-10, Luke 21:25-36 

Good News
Good News
Hope
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Faith Lutheran Church

3313 Arlington Blvd
Arlington, VA 22201

703.525.9283 (Church)
703.525.1375 (Preschool)

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9:30 AM with Livestream

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