Food that Endures

Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For it is on him that God the Father has set his seal.’ Then they said to him, ‘What must we do to perform the works of God?’ Jesus answered them, ‘This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.’ So they said to him, ‘What sign are you going to give us then, so that we may see it and believe you? What work are you performing? Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, “He gave them bread from heaven to eat.” ’ Then Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.’ They said to him, ‘Sir, give us this bread always.’ Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and anyone who comes to me I will never drive away; for I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. This is indeed the will of my Father, that all who see the Son and believe in him may have eternal life; and I will raise them up on the last day.’ John 6:27-40

Gracious Creator who feeds us abundantly

who leads us through the storms of life

and sets us down again by calm seas

help us to trust you for every good thing.

The storm has passed and the winds quieted

we congratulate ourselves for brave strength 

yet you know how often we are so afraid

and how small we feel when we cry out

you always listen despite our faithlessness,

We strut in public and wither in private

we spout our proud ignorance as if wisdom

hiding our shortcoming and human failings

yet you know our heart and love us still.

Break through our stubborn arrogance

and open the child's heart that dwell within

let us be open wide to your abundant love

sharing the your gifts with all people. Amen.

Fourth Sunday after The Epiphany 1/30/22

The Collect 

Almighty and everlasting God, you govern all things both 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. 

Old Testament Jeremiah 1:4-10 

The word of the LORD came to me saying, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations." Then I said, "Ah, Lord GOD! Truly I do not know how to speak, for I am only a boy." But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am only a boy'; for you shall go to all to whom I send you, and you shall speak whatever I command you, Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, says the LORD." Then the LORD put out his hand and touched my mouth; and the LORD said to me, "Now I have put my words in your mouth. See, today I appoint you over nations and over kingdoms, to pluck up and to pull down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant." 

Psalm 71:1-6 

1 In you, O LORD, have I taken refuge; * 

let me never be ashamed. 

2 In your righteousness, 

deliver me and set me free; * 

incline your ear to me and save me. 

3 Be my strong rock, a castle to keep me safe; * 

you are my crag and my stronghold. 

4 Deliver me, my God, 

from the hand of the wicked, * 

from the clutches of the evildoer

and the oppressor. 

5 For you are my hope, O Lord GOD, * 

my confidence since I was young. 

6 I have been sustained by you 

ever since I was born; from my mother's womb

 you have been my strength; * 

my praise shall be always of you.

 

The New Testament 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 

If I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give away all my possessions, and if I hand over my body so that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. But as for prophecies, they will come to an end; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will come to an end. For we know only in part, and we prophesy only in part; but when the complete comes, the partial will come to an end. When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became an adult, I put an end to childish ways. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known. And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love. 

The Gospel Luke 4:21-30 

In the synagogue at Nazareth, Jesus read from the book of the prophet Isaiah, and began to say, "Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing." All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They said, "Is not this Joseph's son?" He said to them, "Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb, 'Doctor, cure yourself!' And you will say, 'Do here also in your hometown the things that we have heard you did at Capernaum.'" And he said, "Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in the prophet's hometown. But the truth is, there were many widows in Israel in the time of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, and there was a severe famine over all the land; yet Elijah was sent to none of them except to a widow at Zarephath in Sidon. There were also many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, and none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian." When they heard this, all in the synagogue were filled with rage. They got up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they might hurl him off the cliff. But he passed through the midst of them and went on his way.

A Litany for the Fourth Sunday after The Epiphany

Creator God, source of all that is good

you made us all in your wondrous image

a rainbow of colors, a forest of shapes and sizes

and gave us songs of joy in every language.

Help us Lord, to listen to your Word living still.

The storms of life have overtaken us

the depth of night frightens our hearts

we long for warmth, ease and comfort

and we struggle to hold on to the light.

Help us Lord, to listen to your Word living still.

Our edges have frayed, our hearts are broken

the simple joys have withered in our hands

our fragile earth trembles with great injury

and we see the damage and are helpless.

Help us Lord, to listen to your Word living still.

Gather us up into your loving arms again

so that we might sing the forgotten songs

Help us Lord, to listen to your Word living still.

Lift us high enough to see our humble place

as gardens of abundance and possibility.

Help us Lord, to listen to your Word living still.

For you are Creator, Redeemer and Spirit

and you have poured love into every heart.

Help us Lord, to listen to your Word living still.

Gather Up the Fragments

After this Jesus went to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, also called the Sea of Tiberias. A large crowd kept following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing for the sick. Jesus went up the mountain and sat down there with his disciples. Now the Passover, the festival of the Jews, was near. When he looked up and saw a large crowd coming towards him, Jesus said to Philip, ‘Where are we to buy bread for these people to eat?’ He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he was going to do. Philip answered him, ‘Six months’ wages would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little.’ One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, ‘There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But what are they among so many people?’ Jesus said, ‘Make the people sit down.’ Now there was a great deal of grass in the place; so they sat down, about five thousand in all. Then Jesus took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated; so also the fish, as much as they wanted. When they were satisfied, he told his disciples, ‘Gather up the fragments left over, so that nothing may be lost.’ So they gathered them up, and from the fragments of the five barley loaves, left by those who had eaten, they filled twelve baskets. When the people saw the sign that he had done, they began to say, ‘This is indeed the prophet who is to come into the world.’ When Jesus realized that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, he withdrew again to the mountain by himself. John 6:1-15

O wondrous Creator who scattered the stars

who spread the world with lush greens

you planted us all across this round globe

and gather us up from the four directions.

From a child's meal of fives loaves and two fish

you made a feast for thousands of hungry folks

your disciples doubted their own capacity

you taught them to trust in the abundance of love.

We are stretched thin and fragmenting now

we feel unable to put the pieces back together

life has made us feeling lost and broken

yet you always make sure that nothing is lost.

Help us to trust in the abundance of your love

renew us to see the possibilities in fragments

take doubt away and replace it with hope

so that those hungering can be always fed. Amen.

Nothing on My Own

‘I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge; and my judgement is just, because I seek to do not my own will but the will of him who sent me. ‘If I testify about myself, my testimony is not true. There is another who testifies on my behalf, and I know that his testimony to me is true. You sent messengers to John, and he testified to the truth. Not that I accept such human testimony, but I say these things so that you may be saved. He was a burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light. But I have a testimony greater than John’s. The works that the Father has given me to complete, the very works that I am doing, testify on my behalf that the Father has sent me. And the Father who sent me has himself testified on my behalf. You have never heard his voice or seen his form, and you do not have his word abiding in you, because you do not believe him whom he has sent. ‘You search the scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that testify on my behalf. Yet you refuse to come to me to have life. I do not accept glory from human beings. But I know that you do not have the love of God in you. I have come in my Father’s name, and you do not accept me; if another comes in his own name, you will accept him. How can you believe when you accept glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the one who alone is God? Do not think that I will accuse you before the Father; your accuser is Moses, on whom you have set your hope. If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me. But if you do not believe what he wrote, how will you believe what I say?’ John 5:30-47 

Loving Creator, who plants in families

ties us together through the drum beat

we sing and drum always together as one

as you are one, never on your own.

We divide ourselves by race and gender

we judge and others and refuse some

yet you are God bound three in one

and call us to see our need for one another.

Our unwillingness to connect makes war

our lack of empathy and compassion

diminish and destroy our natural world

you look on us with ache and sadness.

Help us Lord to love our neighbors

give us strength to cross all divisions

let you love flow like spring rivers

full and moving everyone together. Amen.

The Hour is Coming

Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, the Son can do nothing on his own, but only what he sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, the Son does likewise. The Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing; and he will show him greater works than these, so that you will be astonished. Indeed, just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whomever he wishes. The Father judges no one but has given all judgment to the Son, so that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Anyone who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him. Very truly, I tell you, anyone who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life, and does not come under judgment, but has passed from death to life. “Very truly, I tell you, the hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. For just as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself; and he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man. Do not be astonished at this; for the hour is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and will come out—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.” John 5:19-29

Dear Creator, you balance the day and night

you bring us all into relationship with you

bending to be close to each and every one

turning our hearts to hear your loving voice.

We know we are dependent on one another

yet we act as if we can go it by ourselves

we know we are connected to mother earth

yet we treat her as a commodity not a friend.

You know our hearts and all our fears

yet you do not condemn us or refuse us

you draw near with every new light of day

breathing hope into every new sunrise.

Help us to be woven together with you

make us be knitted together with one another

let us care for every gift you have given

and make us one clan, one family in you. Amen.

Arise

After this there was a festival of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate there is a pool, called in Hebrew Beth-zatha, which has five porticoes. In these lay many invalids—blind, lame, and paralyzed. One man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had been there a long time, he said to him, ‘Do you want to be made well?’ The sick man answered him, ‘Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; and while I am making my way, someone else steps down ahead of me.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Stand up, take your mat and walk.’ At once the man was made well, and he took up his mat and began to walk. Now that day was a sabbath. So the Jews said to the man who had been cured, ‘It is the sabbath; it is not lawful for you to carry your mat.’ But he answered them, ‘The man who made me well said to me, “Take up your mat and walk.” ’ They asked him, ‘Who is the man who said to you, “Take it up and walk”?’ Now the man who had been healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had disappeared in the crowd that was there. Later Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, ‘See, you have been made well! Do not sin any more, so that nothing worse happens to you.’ The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well. Therefore the Jews started persecuting Jesus, because he was doing such things on the sabbath. But Jesus answered them, ‘My Father is still working, and I also am working.’ For this reason the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, because he was not only breaking the sabbath, but was also calling God his own Father, thereby making himself equal to God. John 5:1-18

Loving God, who visits with the sick

who lingers on the edge of the pools

you walk with the crowds in our cities

and ache with every one who is suffering.

We live in times of great caution and fear

we shut ourselves away from outside hurts

we fail to recognize your light here with us

and we lash out in pain hurting the hurting.

You healed a man without any obligations

setting him free to carry his bed and walk

you heal us now so we can carry others

yet we fail to ask and we fail to seek you.

Help us to be ready and open for healing

strengthen us to share your light and love

let us quietly break down the dividing walls

so that your love might permeate us all. Amen.

Healing

When the two days were over, he went from that place to Galilee (for Jesus himself had testified that a prophet has no honor in the prophet’s own country). When he came to Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him, since they had seen all that he had done in Jerusalem at the festival; for they too had gone to the festival. Then he came again to Cana in Galilee where he had changed the water into wine. Now there was a royal official whose son lay ill in Capernaum. When he heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went and begged him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death. Then Jesus said to him, ‘Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe.’ The official said to him, ‘Sir, come down before my little boy dies.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Go; your son will live.’ The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and started on his way. As he was going down, his slaves met him and told him that his child was alive. So he asked them the hour when he began to recover, and they said to him, ‘Yesterday at one in the afternoon the fever left him.’ The father realized that this was the hour when Jesus had said to him, ‘Your son will live.’ So he himself believed, along with his whole household. Now this was the second sign that Jesus did after coming from Judea to Galilee. John 4:43-54

Painting by Charles Frizzell

Loving Creator, source of all healing

we are weary and broken in the cold

we are tired from isolation and fear

and many are giving up on hope.

You have promised healing is coming

as it came for the child of the official

the father who stopped and begged you

and the child was better at your word.

There has been so much death and loss

It has been hard to hold onto our faith

we have been hiding for so long

we forget that you are in the midst of us.

Let us be open to your healing today

help us to admit to our desperate needs

open our eyes to your blessings around

so that we might be renewed by love. Amen.

Third Sunday After the Epiphany '- January 23rd, 2022

    

                                                Third Sunday After the Epiphany

The Collect 

Give us grace, O Lord, to answer readily the call of our Savior Jesus Christ and proclaim to all 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.

 Old Testament Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10 

All the people of Israel gathered together into the square before the Water Gate. They told the scribe Ezra to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the LORD had given to Israel. Accordingly, the priest Ezra brought the law before the assembly, both men and women and all who could hear with understanding. This was on the first day of the seventh month. He read from it facing the square before the Water Gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and the women and those who could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive to the book of the law. And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up. Then Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God, and all the people answered, "Amen, Amen," lifting up their hands. Then they bowed their heads and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground. So they read from the book, from the law of God, with interpretation. They gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading. And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, "This day is holy to the LORD your God; do not mourn or weep." For all the people wept when they heard the words of the law. Then he said to them, "Go your way, eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions of them to those for whom nothing is prepared, for this day is holy to our LORD; and do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength." 

Psalm 19 

1 The heavens declare the glory of God, *

 and the firmament shows his handiwork. 

2 One day tells its tale to another, * 

and one night imparts knowledge to another. 

3 Although they have no words or language, *

 and their voices are not heard, 

4 Their sound has gone out into all lands, * 

and their message to the ends of the world. 

5 In the deep has he set a pavilion for the sun; * 

it comes forth like a bridegroom out of his chamber; 

it rejoices like a champion to run its course. 

6 It goes forth from the uttermost edge of the heavens

 and runs about to the end of it again; * 

nothing is hidden from its burning heat. 

7 The law of the LORD is perfect and revives the soul; * 

the testimony of the LORD is sure 

and gives wisdom to the innocent. 

8 The statutes of the LORD are just and rejoice the heart; * 

the commandment of the LORD 

is clear and gives light to the eyes. 

9 The fear of the LORD is clean and endures for ever; * 

the judgments of the LORD 

are true and righteous altogether. 

10 More to be desired are they than gold, 

more than much fine gold, * 

sweeter far than honey, than honey in the comb. 

11 By them also is your servant enlightened, * 

and in keeping them there is great reward. 

12 Who can tell how often he offends? * 

cleanse me from my secret faults. 

13 Above all, keep your servant from presumptuous sins; 

let them not get dominion over me; * 

then shall I be whole and sound, 

and innocent of a great offense. 

14 Let the words of my mouth 

and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, * 

O LORD, my strength and my redeemer. 

The New Testament 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a 

Just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body--Jews or Greeks, slaves or free--and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. Indeed, the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot would say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear would say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole body were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many members, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you," nor again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you." On the contrary, the members of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and those members of the body that we think less honorable we clothe with greater honor, and our less respectable members are treated with greater respect; whereas our more respectable members do not need this. But God has so arranged the body, giving the greater honor to the inferior member, that there may be no dissension within the body, but the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers; then deeds of power, then gifts of healing, forms of assistance, forms of leadership, various kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? But strive for the greater gifts. 

The Gospel Luke 4:14-21 

Jesus, filled with the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and a report about him spread through all the surrounding country. He began to teach in their synagogues and was praised by everyone. When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. Then he began to say to them, "Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing."

Gracious Creator, you breathe life into the world

you put your spirit upon all flesh in all times

you knew us in the womb and you blessed us

we are poor in spirit these days and seek you now.

Lord, put you spirit within us and renew us again.

We have neglected the work of your holy spirit

we have not set the captives free, nor brought good news

we have oppressed rather than setting others free

and we are weak because of our own blindness.

Lord, put your spirit within us and renew us again.

Your spirit calls us to love and to bring healing

we have been divided and reveled in our divisions

help us to seek forgiveness from all we have wounded

help is to make friends of the ones we called enemies.

Lord, put your spirit within us and renew us again.

Let our hearts and hands be used for your healing

for we are weak and in need of your healing embrace.

Lord, put you spirit within is and renew us again.

Let us carry your light to those who suffer alone

Make us beacons of hope where we live and work.

Lord, put your spirit within us and renew us again.

You are our Creator and you love every single soul

Baptize us deep in your loving and life giving spirit.

Lord, put your spirit within us and renew us again. Amen.

God is Spirit

Jesus said to her, ‘Go, call your husband, and come back.’ The woman answered him, ‘I have no husband.’ Jesus said to her, ‘You are right in saying, “I have no husband”; for you have had five husbands, and the one you have now is not your husband. What you have said is true!’ The woman said to him, ‘Sir, I see that you are a prophet. Our ancestors worshipped on this mountain, but you say that the place where people must worship is in Jerusalem.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such as these to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.’ The woman said to him, ‘I know that Messiah is coming’ (who is called Christ). ‘When he comes, he will proclaim all things to us.’ Jesus said to her, ‘I am he, the one who is speaking to you.’ John 4:16-26

Great Creator, who is spirit and life

draw us close to you as we seek you

from the four corners of the earth

cleanse us and make us your people again.

The world is a broken and torn place

and we are people who are very weary

we need your spirit to infuse us all

so that we might rise again for your service.

Some have hidden from the world

others run from the disease and fear

many are without shelter or a home

and we ache for you to sit with us this day.

Help us Lord to draw deep from your well

help us to give our egos over to your spirit

let your justice and healing pour down like rain

so the world might be renewed as one family. Amen. 

At the Well

Now when Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard, “Jesus is making and baptizing more disciples than John”—although it was not Jesus himself but his disciples who baptized—he left Judea and started back to Galilee. But he had to go through Samaria. So he came to a Samaritan city called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired out by his journey, was sitting by the well. It was about noon. A Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.” (His disciples had gone to the city to buy food.) The Samaritan woman said to him, “How is it that you, a Jew, ask a drink of me, a woman of Samaria?” (Jews do not share things in common with Samaritans.) Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.” The woman said to him, “Sir, you have no bucket, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water? Are you greater than our ancestor Jacob, who gave us the well, and with his sons and his flocks drank from it?” Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty. The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life.” The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water, so that I may never be thirsty or have to keep coming here to draw water.” John 4:1-15

Wondrous Creator, you moved over the waters

creating our world and supplying us with life

so much of our surfaces are covered with snow

and you call us to do deep for the water of life.

You met the Samaritan woman at the well

inviting her to go deeper and gain new life

welcoming her as a neighbor and friend

sharing your love with those once enemies.

We live in a shattering cold, divided world

we divide by party, theologies and race

yet you would have us see all as relatives

going deeper to the well of your eternal love.

Help us to find common sources for all

make us ambassadors of your love today

give us the strength to go deeper for you

make us the instruments of your loving peace. Amen.

Increase and Decrease

After this Jesus and his disciples went into the Judean countryside, and he spent some time there with them and baptized. John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim because water was abundant there; and people kept coming and were being baptized—John, of course, had not yet been thrown into prison. Now a discussion about purification arose between John’s disciples and a Jew. They came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, the one who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you testified, here he is baptizing, and all are going to him.” John answered, “No one can receive anything except what has been given from heaven. You yourselves are my witnesses that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah, but I have been sent ahead of him.’ He who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. For this reason my joy has been fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease.” The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is of the earth belongs to the earth and speaks about earthly things. The one who comes from heaven is above all. He testifies to what he has seen and heard, yet no one accepts his testimony. Whoever has accepted his testimony has certified this, that God is true. He whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure. The Father loves the Son and has placed all things in his hands. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, but must endure God’s wrath. John 3:22-36

Abundant Creator, source of all goodness

you sent John to announce the Messiah

in a world of wandering and lost people

and you come to bless us again today.

We always want increase, plenty and more

yet you remind us that decrease is a gift

an opening of a door to another greater

to blessings upon blessings for our time.

We ache to fix the brokenness of our lives

we cry loudly for the end to all injustice

yet we get in the way of your love 

we close they door to renewal in our hearts.

Help us to let go of control and be open

to your love and abundance pouring in

let us be renewed as we turn our lives

over to your love and healing today. Amen.

God So Loved

‘For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. ‘Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Those who believe in him are not condemned; but those who do not believe are condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgement, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.’ John 3:16-21

Gracious Creator, you made this world

from the fabric of your love and hope

and placed your heart among the people

promising to be with us for all time.

Our world is wracked with ache and pain

the climate once balanced is in danger

we have held back love and forgiveness

and disturbed the earth your heart.

We want to seek justice and freedom

too often opting for self and control

yet you have given your love to all

and call us to love to heal our planet.

Help us loved to so love one another

and the lands and people we serve

that healing and renewal break forth

and your heart beat become strong again. Amen.

Lifted Up - MLK Day 2022

When Jesus was in Jerusalem during the Passover festival, many believed in his name because they saw the signs that he was doing. But Jesus on his part would not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people and needed no one to testify about anyone; for he himself knew what was in everyone. Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. He came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do apart from the presence of God.” Jesus answered him, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be astonished that I said to you, ‘You must be born from above.’ The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be?” Jesus answered him, “Are you a teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand these things? “Very truly, I tell you, we speak of what we know and testify to what we have seen; yet you do not receive our testimony. If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.” John 2:23—3:15

Loving Creator, you raised up Martin 

as a prophetic voice to our violent world

and although he was cut down too soon

his words reverberate the world around.

He spoke of freedom, love and justice

as you did to a frightened Nicodemus 

you speak to us now and remind us

that your love will not perish despite hate.

We are worn down by so many storms

and are truly terrified like Nicodemus

that we are being called to let go

of all that is familiar and comfortable.

Send us your spirit of love this day

and help us be reborn with great hope

let us not fear the anger of the world

and rely on your love completely today. Amen.

Second Sunday after the Epiphany 1/16/22

The Collect 

 Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ is the light of the world: Grant that your people, illumined by your Word and Sacraments, may shine with the radiance of Christ's glory, that he may be known, worshipped, 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. 

 Old Testament Isaiah 62:1-5 

 

For Zion's sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until her vindication shines out like the dawn, and her salvation like a burning torch. The nations shall see your vindication, and all the kings your glory; and you shall be called by a new name that the mouth of the LORD will give. You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God. You shall no more be termed Forsaken, and your land shall no more be termed Desolate; but you shall be called My Delight Is in Her, and your land Married; for the LORD delights in you, and your land shall be married. For as a young man marries a young woman, so shall your builder marry you, and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you.

 Psalm 36:5-10

5 Your love, O LORD,

 reaches to the heavens, * 

and your faithfulness

to the clouds. 

 6 Your righteousness is 

like the strong mountains, 

your justice like the great deep; * 

you save both man and beast, O LORD. 

 7 How priceless is your love, O God! * 

your people take refuge under

 the shadow of your wings. 

 8 They feast upon the

 abundance of your house; * 

you give them drink from 

the river of your delights. 

 9 For with you is the well of life, * 

and in your light we see light. 

 10 Continue your loving-kindness 

to those who know you, * 

and your favor to those 

who are true of heart. 

 

The New Testament 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 

 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. You know that when you were pagans, you were enticed and led astray to idols that could not speak. Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking by the Spirit of God ever says "Let Jesus be cursed!" and no one can say "Jesus is Lord" except by the Holy Spirit. Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. To one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the discernment of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are activated by one and the same Spirit, who allots to each one individually just as the Spirit chooses. 

 The Gospel John 2:1-11 

 On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, "They have no wine." And Jesus said to her, "Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come." His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you." Now standing there were six stone water jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to them, "Fill the jars with water." And they filled them up to the brim. He said to them, "Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward." So they took it. When the steward tasted the water that had become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward called the bridegroom and said to him, "Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now." Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him. 

A Litany for Sunday 1/16/22

Loving Creator, you are our light and strength

you have given people food in the wilderness

wondrous light to guide us in the darkest times

and new wine when our spirits have been drained.

Precious Savior, fill us with your light and your spirit today.

You have given us all good gifts for your service

yet we are reluctant, discouraged and depleted

the world's challenges and the many storms

have worn us down and taken away our resolve.

Precious Savior, fill us with your light and your spirit today.

When the wine casks were empty you filled them again

reluctant though you were, miracles still blessed the day

we are in need of miraculous renewal and restoration

help us to welcome your spirit anew in our hearts.

Precious Savior, fill us with your light and your spirit today.

When the clouds overshadow our broken world,

Precious Savior, fill us with your light and your spirit today.

When we have lost our way and cannot find our way home

Precious Savior, fill us with your light and your spirit today.

You are God, Creator, Redeemer and Renewing Spirit

Precious Savior, fill us with your light and your spirit today. Amen.

Fill the Jars

On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” Now standing there were six stone water jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to them, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. He said to them, “Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward.” So they took it. When the steward tasted the water that had become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward called the bridegroom and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now.” Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him. After this he went down to Capernaum with his mother, his brothers, and his disciples; and they remained there a few days. John 2:1-12

Wondrous Creator, who parted the Red Sea

who protected the people by setting them free

you walked along and fed them in the wilderness

and you promise to fill us and feed us even now.

Our vessels are weary, warn and feeling ancient

all of our strength and our vitality is gone

we ache to serve and care for your people

yet we have nothing left for care and feeding.

You responded to your mother's direction

and you respond to our feeble pleas now

fill us up again, Lord, so that we can over flow

so that your love would pour through us today. Amen.

Follow Me

The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth.” Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” When Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him, he said of him, “Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!” Nathanael asked him, “Where did you get to know me?” Jesus answered, “I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you.” Nathanael replied, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” Jesus answered, “Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than these.” And he said to him, “Very truly, I tell you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.” John 1:43-51

Loving Creator you walked this earth with us

calling companions from every walk of life

they struggled to understand your ways

and witnessed great miracles of your love.

Loving Christ, help us to follow you every day.

You call us today away from fortune and honors

to the dark and broken places in our cities

we follow you to the people who are crying out

your miracles of love transform our world still.

Loving Christ, help us to follow you every day.

We are tired and spent and aching for comfort

help us find rest and renewal for our bodies

strengthen us for the service of all creation

restore our compassion for the sake of others.

Loving Christ, help us to follow you every day.

We have burrowed in from the deep winter chill 

help us to brave the cold winds for loves' sake

Loving Christ, help us to follow you every day.

In the midst of the pandemic we look for you

we find you at the side of the sick and the dying

Loving Christ, help us to follow you every day.

You found Nathanael resting under the fig tree

and you will find us and lead us all once again.

Loving Christ, help us to follow you every day. Amen.

Come and See

The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, “Look, here is the Lamb of God!” The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher), “where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon. One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated Anointed). He brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You are to be called Cephas” (which is translated Peter). John 1:35-42 

Wondrous Creator you who dwell with us

invite us daily to come and abide with you

to be wrapped and embraced by your love

to trust we are held and safe in these hard times.

We are weary of of the constant raging storms

the surging illness, the frustrations and shame

our hearts are beating fast from fear and worry

yet you invite us to come and dwell with you.

We are weakened and lonely after so many months

we are all seeking new glimmers of life and light

hoping for life to turn, for a brand new season

yet you are here now with us, we are never alone.

Bring us your light in these darkening days

renew your warmth and compassion within us

strengthen us to serve those who are longing

and make us vessels for welcome and peace. Amen.

Crying in the Wilderness

This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, “I am not the Messiah.” And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the prophet?” He answered, “No.” Then they said to him, “Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,'” as the prophet Isaiah said. Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. They asked him, “Why then are you baptizing if you are neither the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?” John answered them, “I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know, the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal.” This took place in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptizing. John 1:19-28

Tender Creator who knows us from our beginning

draw near to those who cry out in the wilderness

this world cannot hear how broken we all are

selfishness and greed have covered our land.

You put your spirit on the poor and the outcast

you lift up the lovely and strengthen the weak

make us strong to carry your good news

give us courage to love in the darkest places.

We are fed and still hungry, we want to be full

give us eyes to see the true need around us

give us hands to bring aide to those who fall

give us new hearts that are drawn to the wilderness.

Lord, we would be baptized with your spirit

give us the courage to dive deep into the waters

make us bold in our service and our caring

that your love might break forth today. Amen.

                                                                                                                                                                                

The Word Became Flesh - Monday, January 10, 2022

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. 

The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. (John testified to him and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.'”) From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made him known. John 1:1-18

Gracious Creator, you humbled yourself

so that we could know your presence

you were strapped into a cradle board

so that we might know that you carry us.

We are like infants crying for support

we are exhausted in trying to be flexible

we ache for comfort and your renewal

we've forgotten that we are your children.

You have placed light in our darkness

provided all goodness and strength

for today and the days that are to come

you have promised to carry us through.

Help us to see your word within us all

make us strong for the waves ahead

let us care for and nurture the weak ones

as your love nurtures and cares for the whole world. Amen

The Baptism of Our Lord - January 9, 2022

The Baptism of Our Lord January 9th, 2022

The 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.

 Old Testament Isaiah 43:1-7 

Thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I give Egypt as your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in exchange for you. Because you are precious in my sight, and honored, and I love you, I give people in return for you, nations in exchange for your life. Do not fear, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east, and from the west I will gather you; I will say to the north, "Give them up," and to the south, "Do not withhold; bring my sons from far away and my daughters from the end of the earth-- everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made." 

 

Psalm 29

1 Ascribe to the LORD, you gods, * 

ascribe to the LORD 

glory and strength. 

2 Ascribe to the LORD 

the glory due his Name; * 

worship the LORD 

in the beauty of holiness. 

3 The voice of the LORD 

is upon the waters; 

the God of glory thunders; * 

the LORD is upon the mighty waters. 

4 The voice of the LORD is a powerful voice; * 

the voice of the LORD is a voice of splendor. 

5 The voice of the LORD breaks the cedar trees; * 

the LORD breaks the cedars of Lebanon; 

6 He makes Lebanon skip like a calf, * 

and Mount Hermon like a young wild ox. 

7 The voice of the LORD splits the flames of fire; 

the voice of the LORD shakes the wilderness; * 

the LORD shakes the wilderness of Kadesh. 

8 The voice of the LORD makes the oak trees writhe * 

and strips the forests bare. 

9 And in the temple of the LORD * 

all are crying, "Glory!" 

10 The LORD sits enthroned above the flood; * 

the LORD sits enthroned as King for evermore. 

11 The LORD shall give strength to his people; * 

the LORD shall give his people the blessing of peace. 

The New Testament Acts 8:14-17 

When the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. The two went down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit (for as yet the Spirit had not come upon any of them; they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus). Then Peter and John laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. 

The Gospel Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 

As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, John answered all of them by saying, "I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire." Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased. "

A Litany for the Baptism of Christ

Great Creator, you formed the waters for life

planting oceans, lakes and rivers to feed us

the water you give for renewal and cleansing

teams with abundant life and great dangers.

Holy One, move upon the waters and renew us today.

Today we come to the edge of the waters

to remember His baptism and our baptism

how the crowd heard your pleasure with him

and we become your beloved through him.

Holy One, move upon the waters and renew us today.

Our world is over run with great sickness

we have damaged our planet and it cries out

there are so many worries, tears and fears

yet you call us to return to the edge of the water.

Holy One, move upon the waters and renew us today.

Cleanse us today from our pride and cruelty

make us humble and kind, serving the least.

Holy One, move upon the waters and renew us today.

Pour your loving spirit over all every one

submerge us deep into your heart of compassion

Holy One, move upon the waters and renew us today.

Let you voice reverberate in all our beings

so your love may wash over the whole world again.

Holy One, move upon the waters and renew us today. Amen

Bread of Life

So they said to him, “What sign are you going to give us then, so that we may see it and believe you? What work are you performing? Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.'” Then Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world. “I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.” John 6:30-33, 48-51

Gracious Creator, source of all life

you are the bread that fills our souls

the rain that waters and renews spirits

and the wind that wipes away the clouds.

Draw near to your people in deep darkness

surround the lost and wandering with love

comfort the lonely and the forsaken

for you are in our midst this day and forever.

Help us to soar again like brave eagles

give us new strength for the work ahead

hold us back from letting fear control us

and set us free to embrace the new challenges.

Creator, you birth us, you feed us, you renew us

be our strength and stay forever and forever more. Amen.