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Speaker: Rev. CJ Valenti

Third Sunday in Lent

The gardener in the vineyard knows the fig tree needs rest, nutrients, and time—and it also needs to produce fruit. Both things are true, which is also true for us. If we are always striving for more growth without taking time to rest, we will burn out. But if we are only ever resting, we won’t bear fruit or grow. The fig tree also teaches us that the in between time—of nurture before fruit—can be where transformation begins. (From Sanctified Art, www.sanctifiedart.org).

Accompanying Scripture:
Psalm 13, Luke 13:1-9  

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Third Sunday in Lent
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Second Week in Lent

The story of Mary and Martha is often painted as a story where one does right and one does wrong. We know that life is often more complicated than that. We know that faith is embodied through being present and taking action—and everything in between. Knowing this, like Mary and Martha, let us draw near to God. Let us be honest about our lives, our hopes, and our mistakes. For even in our messy middle, God meets us with grace. (from Sanctified Art, call to confession for Lent 2, www.sanctifiedart.org)

Accompanying Scripture:
Psalm 84, Luke 10:38-42  

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Second Week in Lent
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First Sunday in Lent

This parable begins and ends with the question, “Who is my neighbor?” and the answer is surprisingly, “the stranger.” The Samaritan, whose place of worship and customs are different from the lawyer who questions Jesus, is both a stranger and a neighbor to the man who was beaten and left in a ditch. In our world, many of our physical neighbors are strangers to us, and many of our neighbors—those closest to us—feel like strangers in divisive climates. If we align our intentions and actions, then maybe we need to reconsider who we label as “stranger,” and ask ourselves if we have acted as good neighbors. – Sanctified Art. Cover image Neighbors by Steve Prince. Ink on Paper.  www.sanctifiedart.org 

Accompanying Scripture:
Psalm 146, Luke 10:25-37  

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First Sunday in Lent
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Transfiguration of our Lord

On Transfiguration Sunday, we get a glimpse of Jesus divine and it is both comforting and terrifying. In worship, we show up to encounter God in the water, in the word, at the table and in one another. May we wake up to God’s liberating light which shimmers in all people, places and beings. 

Accompanying Scripture:
Exodus 34:29-35, Psalm 99, Luke 9:28-36  

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Transfiguration of our Lord
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Fourth Sunday after Epiphany

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  

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Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
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Third Sunday after Epiphany

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  

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Third Sunday after Epiphany
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Second Sunday after Epiphany

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 

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Second Sunday after Epiphany
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Baptism of our Lord

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

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Baptism of our Lord
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Epiphany of our Lord

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  

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Epiphany of our Lord
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Christmas Eve

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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