Blessed be God who animates our lives and offers the gift of. On this the last Sunday of Ordinary Time, the Sunday which

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "Blessed be God who animates our lives and offers the gift of. On this the last Sunday of Ordinary Time, the Sunday which"

Transcription

1 Sermon Christ the King Sunday/Baptism Still Point of the Turning World Blessed be God who animates our lives and offers the gift of His Son. May we recognize Him in our midst! On this the last Sunday of Ordinary Time, the Sunday which has come to be known as Christ the King, gazing with expectation on the season of Advent, we might pause to remember where we have been, where we are and to anticipate where we are going. We pause to consider how ready we might be and what preparations are still needed. We are at a point as mentioned in Samuel, for last words AND we know that often last words have special weight. And yet we know that in God s time and in the Church s seasons of turning, there are never final words, only 1

2 threshold words to help us process the extraordinariness just below the surface of ordinariness. As well as to invite us to prepare one more time for the first words, THE WORD MADE FLESH WHO CAME TO DWELL AMONG US. In fact, it occurs to me after reading Revelation that not only is Christ the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, but in God s time and space we have come to the Omega about to prepare for the Alpha.again. Christ, however, remains throughout our pauses and hesitations and hesitations. Endings are beginnings and beginnings are endings. Last words are introductions and new words, can be ultimate. This story has no end, at least on this earth, but rather it revolves and spirals, like a Mobius strip. As suggested we are at one of the many Gospel thresholds offered. At a turning point from ordinary time to Advent. From an ending of sorts to a beginning. From the exalted 2

3 humble moment of Christ as King standing before Pilate and all that inquisition holds, looking toward another divine humble moment the birth of the Christ Child. And for just a moment, lest we forget the hope and revelation in the greatest story, the Pilate part of us, the just the facts ma am part of us, the I have a job to do part of us, the need for certainty not faith part of us, might be tempted to gloss over this moment I caution us to restrain from any light superficial treatment. I invite us to fathom the depth of this moment, the anticipation, the fullness.i invite us to turn toward Christ the King and to be more like Simeon who instantly recognized the Christ, than Pilate who needed certainty instead of holiness. I want pray to be like Simeon who immediately recognized and received the Christ child that we too might be able to say for mine eyes have seen 3

4 the glory for all the world to see a light to enlighten the nations. Yet I also know I often need earthly cold proof. And I need reminders that our hope comes from the wisdom that one cannot have faith without doubt. We need Pilate. We need to be troubled by false certainty. It is confusing, dizzying really and some have described this moment as like a miasma, a vertigo, a fog of confusion. We need spiritual direction and guidance to hone the depths of these moments we need instructions to find Christ. And while our help comes in the name of the Lord I would like to suggest a story and a metaphor which has helped me find Christ in life. On the occasion of my ordination to the priesthood, I was blessed with many presents (with a ts) and the presence 4

5 (with a ce) of loved ones. I was immensely grateful and felt humbled by the fullest of cups overflowing. I received touch and smiles and blessings as well as gestures of love and kindness. All of these served then and now to remind me of my call at which love of God and other is central. However, one gift stood out more than others. It was curious and odd. It was unexpected and seemingly ordinary. But from the moment I opened it and read the note I realized I had come to know something extraordinary in the ordinariness. The gift was this compass! (show them) The note said: May this always remind you that you have one job over all others which is to point people to Christ. Today on this Sunday when ordinary time gives way to advent and the coming of something extraordinary, perhaps the most extraordinary event in the history of creation, the 5

6 grace of this gift and its meaning catch me up short. In my own frenetic life, I too often cling to maps and treatises and directions and plans. I am a little impatient to jump over this day this moment this time as if it is merely transition and get to the nativity. But something causes me to stop to pause to remember who am I? I am formed to be a compass user! Now some of my friends and family might be chuckling as I am now the greatest of campers! And I much prefer the well marked, well trodden not too steep hike. But Christ is calling me to take up my compass and GO! And FOLLOW! Always and everywhere I am reminded of the still point of the turning world. We miss it if we get caught up in the turning part. Our hope is in the name of STILLNESS that we might know God. 6

7 And so I wonder in the midst of Pilate s inquiry, in the midst of growing confusion, in the midst of knowing that so many are going to miss the KING because he appears too ordinary, not regal and glorified. And then I wonder whether that isn t what we do everyday? Miss the point, the way the life and the truth A compass, due to the magnificent magnetic force of nature always points due north, acts as the physical pointer or guide in physical space. Anyone who has ever been in the dense disorienting fog like those which roll in and out on the coast of Maine knows the fear and panic which can only increase the danger and disproportionately add to the miasma. 7

8 For me and I hope for you there is a sign, object, prayer, poem or symbol which might act as a compass to lead you out of the darkness into the Light. I suggest that some of those pointers and guideposts are at our fingertips. They point us to Christ and Christ points to them in this reverberating gyrating world. We are a sacramental church. We believe that grace is poured out on us. That Christ is always calling us, beckoning us and that God loves us. And that we mark grace with visible signs to make the invisible joys of faith known. The cross often inscribed King of the Jews, is our compass. We can always come to the foot of the cross and know our Savior. The Bible is our compass. It is the fundamental map written/inscribed as a map toward holiness through salvation history. 8

9 The Eucharist is our compass pointing to the Body and Blood of Christ and to our salvation. And today we remember especially that Baptism is our compass. We are assured in Baptism of that wellspring of our faith, the eternal source of love and belonging. All of these metaphysical symbolic compasses point us to Christ. All of them offer the directional comfort and guidance we need when we are still and able to pray. As T.S. Eliot writes: At the still point of the turning world. Neither flesh nor fleshless; Neither from nor towards; at the still point, there the dance is, But neither arrest nor movement. And do not call it fixity, Where past and future are gathered. Neither movement from nor towards, Neither ascent nor decline. Except for the point, the still point, There would be no dance, and there is only the dance. 9

10 May you know Christ at this still point, neither King nor infant only, and always King and infant, May your faith and its symbols be as a compass to guide you on this incredible journey to and with Christ. 10

Christ is King. Today is the last Sunday in our church year before we enter into the season of Advent.

Christ is King. Today is the last Sunday in our church year before we enter into the season of Advent. 1 November 26 2017 Scripture: Psalm 95:1-7a Ephesians 1:15-23 Romans 14:1-13 Christ is King Today is the last Sunday in our church year before we enter into the season of Advent. And every year as the

More information

First and Last In the Words of Jesus 1

First and Last In the Words of Jesus 1 First and Last In the Words of Jesus 1 First and Last In the Words of Jesus By Mark McGee The Bible is the most amazing Book ever written. That s because it was written by the most amazing Person Who ever

More information

Grace and peace to you this day in the name of our risen Lord and savior Jesus the Christ, Amen.

Grace and peace to you this day in the name of our risen Lord and savior Jesus the Christ, Amen. Page 1 of 5 Grace and peace to you this day in the name of our risen Lord and savior Jesus the Christ, Amen. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bggomwgvrk0 "Wonderful Merciful Savior" Lyrics video (Selah)

More information

Jesus as True God and True Man & Second Person of the Trinity. Lord, when did we see you.?

Jesus as True God and True Man & Second Person of the Trinity. Lord, when did we see you.? Jesus as True God and True Man & Second Person of the Trinity Lord, when did we see you.? 1. The best synonym for Jesus 2. The most significant element of Jesus mission 3. What one title of Jesus do you

More information

DAILY DEVOTIONAL. Tis The Season / Week 1 PRELUDE SOCIAL WORSHIP STORY GROUPS HOME WEEK 1 HOPE MEANS TRUSTING IN A BIGGER PICTURE.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL. Tis The Season / Week 1 PRELUDE SOCIAL WORSHIP STORY GROUPS HOME WEEK 1 HOPE MEANS TRUSTING IN A BIGGER PICTURE. Tis The Season / Week 1 WEEK 1 HOPE MEANS TRUSTING IN A BIGGER PICTURE. DAY 1 Have you ever hoped for something to go one way, but then it didn t? Perhaps it was that time you didn t make the team or didn

More information

What Do We Value? Dr. Robert F. Browning, Pastor. First Baptist Church. Frankfort, Kentucky. June 20, 2018

What Do We Value? Dr. Robert F. Browning, Pastor. First Baptist Church. Frankfort, Kentucky. June 20, 2018 What Do We Value? By Dr. Robert F. Browning, Pastor First Baptist Church Frankfort, Kentucky June 20, 2018 Healthy churches have a clear sense of identity, mission, purpose, uniqueness and methodology.

More information

792 APPENDIX TO THE ORDER OF MASS. Jesus, Who Went About Doing Good

792 APPENDIX TO THE ORDER OF MASS. Jesus, Who Went About Doing Good 792 APPENDIX TO THE ORDER OF MASS IV Jesus, Who Went About Doing Good 1. The following form of this Eucharistic Prayer is appropriately used with Mass formularies such as, For Refugees and Exiles, In Time

More information

Priestly Celibacy: Sign of the Charity of Christ by Mother Teresa of Calcutta January 1, 1993

Priestly Celibacy: Sign of the Charity of Christ by Mother Teresa of Calcutta January 1, 1993 Priestly Celibacy: Sign of the Charity of Christ by Mother Teresa of Calcutta January 1, 1993 We read in the Scriptures how Jesus came to proclaim the Good News that God loves us. He wants us today to

More information

The effect of the Spirit s action is the same over the gifts and over us there is transformation, change

The effect of the Spirit s action is the same over the gifts and over us there is transformation, change Notre Dame Videos June, 2009 Video 4 Eucharistic Prayer as Transformative and Missioning [Slide 4-1] Hello. I m Dayton, Ohio Precious Blood Sister Joyce Ann Zimmerman. We meet for this fourth and final

More information

Becoming Praise: How Our Identity Leads to His Glory Ephesians 1:12. Today we return to our KINGDOM preaching series.

Becoming Praise: How Our Identity Leads to His Glory Ephesians 1:12. Today we return to our KINGDOM preaching series. Becoming Praise: How Our Identity Leads to His Glory Ephesians 1:12 1 Today we return to our KINGDOM preaching series. We re using Paul s letter to the Ephesian Church as a backdrop to examine God s Kingdom.

More information

Instead of the following, the Great Litany may be used at the opening of the Eucharist.

Instead of the following, the Great Litany may be used at the opening of the Eucharist. A Lent 1 Instead of the following, the Great Litany may be used at the opening of the Eucharist. or deacon In the midst of the waters of creation, God formed the dust of our being. Let us pray for all

More information

Holy Eucharist. For use in the

Holy Eucharist. For use in the Holy Eucharist For use in the The Order for the Administration of the Lord s Supper or Holy Communion, commonly called The Holy Eucharist Common Form Approved for Provincial Use The Anglican Church in

More information

T H I S A D V E N T CHRISTMAS HAS A NAME

T H I S A D V E N T CHRISTMAS HAS A NAME This ADVENT T H I S A D V E N T CHRISTMAS HAS A NAME What do you call God? When we think of God, many different words and names come to mind. When we think of Christmas, what comes to mind? The season

More information

Mary s Sorrow Luke 2:21-35

Mary s Sorrow Luke 2:21-35 Mary s Sorrow Luke 2:21-35 This Advent season we ve been teaching on the life of Jesus mother, Mary, the person who was closer to the first Christmas than anybody else. So far we ve seen her response to

More information

Come and Worship Advent Series. December 14, 2014 Joy The shepherds

Come and Worship Advent Series. December 14, 2014 Joy The shepherds 1 Come and Worship advent series December 14, 2014 Joy The shepherds Luke 2:8-20 Video to use at the beginning of the series: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83hufamote0 Bebo Norman Come and Worship Call

More information

Kingdom Living: Mindfulness. Luke 10: 1-12

Kingdom Living: Mindfulness. Luke 10: 1-12 Kingdom Living: Mindfulness Luke 10: 1-12 As we continue our Lenten series by talking about awareness and being mindful, I kept coming back to a part of our Scripture today that has bothered me and many

More information

Preparing for The Triduum

Preparing for The Triduum Preparing for The Triduum Holy Thursday As we prepare to celebrate this wonderful liturgy we begin by entering into a new movement. As this liturgy begins, Lent has ended. Our 40 days of Lent helped us

More information

for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples How did Simeon know which child was the right one?

for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples How did Simeon know which child was the right one? First Sunday After Christmas /December 31, 2017 Luke 2:22-40/How did Simeon know? Holy Spirit Lutheran Church Deacon Jerry Stobaugh for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence

More information

OLM Parish Family Health Ministry Lenten Program Walk with Jesus on the Road to Jerusalem

OLM Parish Family Health Ministry Lenten Program Walk with Jesus on the Road to Jerusalem OLM Parish Family Health Ministry Lenten Program Walk with Jesus on the Road to Jerusalem Fifth Sunday of Lent Readings: Ezekiel 37:12-14; Romans 8:8-11; John 11:1-45 Miracles happen but prayer is needed!

More information

Finding God in Unexpected Places. Genesis 28: 10-17

Finding God in Unexpected Places. Genesis 28: 10-17 Finding God in Unexpected Places Genesis 28: 10-17 As I have shared before-this Lenten theme really came about through a series of conversations, the first one occurring at our Elders & Deacons meeting

More information

PRAYING THE SACRED TRIDUUM Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday

PRAYING THE SACRED TRIDUUM Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday PRAYING THE SACRED TRIDUUM Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday HOLY THURSDAY On this memorial of the Last Supper, we remember that we are always in the presence of our God, We sign ourselves in the

More information

A DAY IS AS A THOUSAND YEARS. Rev. Robert T. Woodyard First Christian Reformed Church July 1, 2018, 6:00 PM. Scripture Texts: II Peter 3.

A DAY IS AS A THOUSAND YEARS. Rev. Robert T. Woodyard First Christian Reformed Church July 1, 2018, 6:00 PM. Scripture Texts: II Peter 3. A DAY IS AS A THOUSAND YEARS. Rev. Robert T. Woodyard First Christian Reformed Church July 1, 2018, 6:00 PM Scripture Texts: II Peter 3.8-13 Introduction. It is interesting to note that most of the second

More information

Reflective Stations of the Cross 2014

Reflective Stations of the Cross 2014 Reflective Stations of the Cross 2014 Created by SCTJM Merciful Jesus, my Master, I desire to follow you in fidelity and imitate you each day with more perfection. For this reason I beg you, that through

More information

Again, you may be expecting such an intimacy to be on display. Yet the impact of this event has great

Again, you may be expecting such an intimacy to be on display. Yet the impact of this event has great Baptism of our Lord Sermon Text: Romans 6:1-11 Related text: Luke 3:15-22 Date preached: January 10, 2016 In the course of the church year, there are four occasions where baptism is particularly emphasized.

More information

Sermon : Final Hope Page 1

Sermon : Final Hope Page 1 Sermon : Final Hope Page 1 Our Final Hope Text : I Corinthians 15: 35-53 S#1. S#2. A. We have been considering the most important events in all of human history. 1. The sacrifice of the Son of God on the

More information

Sermon by The Very Rev. H. Scott Kirby. General Theological Seminary. Memorial Eucharist November 4, 2015

Sermon by The Very Rev. H. Scott Kirby. General Theological Seminary. Memorial Eucharist November 4, 2015 Sermon by The Very Rev. H. Scott Kirby Winner, Distinguished Alumni Award 2015 General Theological Seminary Memorial Eucharist November 4, 2015 I. Introduction (Picture) A. It s after the resurrection;

More information

The Chaplet of The Divine Mercy

The Chaplet of The Divine Mercy The Chaplet of The Divine Mercy Through St. Faustina, the Merciful Savior has given the aching world new channels for the outpouring of His Grace. These new channels include the Image of The Divine Mercy,

More information

Scope and Sequence for Youth

Scope and Sequence for Youth Fall 2018 Session 1 September 2, 2018 Proper 17 James 1:17 27 Session 2 September 9, 2018 Proper 18 James 2:1 17 Session 3 September 16, 2018 Proper 19 Mark 8:27 38 Session 4 September 23, 2018 Proper

More information

(Vigil) 1 st Reading: Genesis 11:1-9

(Vigil) 1 st Reading: Genesis 11:1-9 The Vigil and Solemnity of Pentecost (End of the Season of Easter)/Year A Coffee/Donuts (Youth Ministry/Steubenville Trip) /Pitch for Liturgy of the Word with Children Catechists Continuation of The Introductory

More information

252 Groups April , Week 3 Small Group, K-1

252 Groups April , Week 3 Small Group, K-1 252 Groups April 16 2017, Week 3 Small Group, K-1 The Comeback Bible Story: The Comeback (Jesus Is Crucified, Buried, and Resurrected) John 18:12 20:23 Bottom Line: I can put others first because Jesus

More information

God Given Songs. Vol. 3. Words and Melodies given through Dulcisima B. Rothacker. Center Your Life On Jesus. I Want To Be In The Promised Land

God Given Songs. Vol. 3. Words and Melodies given through Dulcisima B. Rothacker. Center Your Life On Jesus. I Want To Be In The Promised Land God Given Songs Vol. 3 Center Your Life On Jesus I Want To Be In The Promised Land In TheTwinkling Of An Eye He Is Risen! Words and Melodies given through Dulcisima B. Rothacker God Given Songs Vol. 3

More information

Mary: Praying & Living the Joyful Mysteries

Mary: Praying & Living the Joyful Mysteries Mary: Praying & Living the Joyful Mysteries 27 February 2015 + The Apostles Creed I believe in God the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was

More information

Christmas Eve Services 5:30 and 7:00 pm. Family Advent Guide

Christmas Eve Services 5:30 and 7:00 pm. Family Advent Guide Christmas Eve Services 5:30 and 7:00 pm Family Advent Guide 1 A Note for Families Advent is an opportunity to pause and reflect on the birth of Jesus. But, for some families, this time of year can be filled

More information

God Is the Lord of the Sabbath

God Is the Lord of the Sabbath date: Bible Passage: Matthew 12:1 14 (Sabbath) God Is the Lord of the Sabbath REMEMBER VERSE Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. John

More information

First Mass of Fr. Lawrence Brophy Our Lady of Dallas, Abbey Church September 9, 2012 Fr. Joseph Van House

First Mass of Fr. Lawrence Brophy Our Lady of Dallas, Abbey Church September 9, 2012 Fr. Joseph Van House First Mass of Fr. Lawrence Brophy Our Lady of Dallas, Abbey Church September 9, 2012 Fr. Joseph Van House Dear Father Abbot Peter and Fr. Abbot Denis, dear Cistercian confreres and fellow priests, dear

More information

The Calling of God Ephesians 4:1-3

The Calling of God Ephesians 4:1-3 1 The Calling of God Ephesians 4:1-3 Turn with me if you would to the book of Ephesians. We are continuing on in our study of this book and we find ourselves at the beginning of chapter four. When we last

More information

Our Week of Guided Prayer is focussed on enabling participants to attend a prayer "retreat" while still maintaining their normal daily routine.

Our Week of Guided Prayer is focussed on enabling participants to attend a prayer retreat while still maintaining their normal daily routine. Week of Guided Prayer What does it mean to live in God s time? We often live our lives in linear time seeing life with a beginning and an end. Stepping back to view life from God s perspective, we open

More information

The Order for the Sunday Eucharist in the Christmas and Epiphany Seasons

The Order for the Sunday Eucharist in the Christmas and Epiphany Seasons 12 Blessing Christmas Day to the Eve of the Epiphany Christ, who by his incarnation gathered into one things earthly and things heavenly, fill you with peace and goodwill and make you partakers of the

More information

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER FOR USE IN MASSES FOR VARIOUS NEEDS

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER FOR USE IN MASSES FOR VARIOUS NEEDS EUCHARISTIC PRAYER FOR USE IN MASSES FOR VARIOUS NEEDS I The Church on the Path of Unity 1. The following form of this Eucharistic Prayer is appropriately used with Mass formularies such as, For the Church,

More information

Janet Lindsey is thankful for the opportunity to provide the Eucharist to the sick and homebound.

Janet Lindsey is thankful for the opportunity to provide the Eucharist to the sick and homebound. OCTOBER 2018 Annunciation Catholic & Church Ascension Mission MINISTRY TO THE SICK AND HOMEBOUND BRINGS THE EUCHARIST TO THOSE WAITING FOR JESUS For decades, our parish has ministered to the sick and homebound

More information

Dehonian Associates Prayer Book

Dehonian Associates Prayer Book Dehonian Associates Prayer Book Introduction Let us pray much for our work, for our missions, for our recruiting, but above all for our immense spiritual needs, that our Lord may pardon all our shortcomings

More information

Sermon for Easter Sunday, March 31, John 20:1-18. Christ, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. Christ is Risen. He is risen indeed. Alleluia.

Sermon for Easter Sunday, March 31, John 20:1-18. Christ, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. Christ is Risen. He is risen indeed. Alleluia. Sermon for Easter Sunday, March 31, 2013 John 20:1-18 Blessings to you and peace from God the Father, our risen Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. Amen Christ is Risen. He is risen indeed.

More information

The Attributes of God

The Attributes of God He Alone Is God And there is no other God besides Me, A just God and a Savior; there is none besides Me. (Isaiah 45:21c) Jesus, in praying to His Father for His disciples, prayed: And this is eternal life,

More information

Christmas is a time when we hear lots of music, some of it good, some not so good. My wife dislikes some it so much that she s been

Christmas is a time when we hear lots of music, some of it good, some not so good. My wife dislikes some it so much that she s been Song of Zechariah Luke 1:67-79 Dec. 8, 2013 1 Christmas is a time when we hear lots of music, some of it good, some not so good. My wife dislikes some it so much that she s been known to take her ipod

More information

Your Invitation to Unwrap the Gift

Your Invitation to Unwrap the Gift Your Invitation to Unwrap the Gift Big and glossy and loud and fast that s how this bent-up world turns. But God, when He comes He shows up in this fetal ball. He who carved the edges of the cosmos curved

More information

Grade 6 Lesson 5. Key Points Advent King David Liturgical calendar King Solomon Job

Grade 6 Lesson 5. Key Points Advent King David Liturgical calendar King Solomon Job Grade 6 Lesson 5 Key Points Advent King David Liturgical calendar King Solomon Job Materials The Perfect Role Model (Active Learning Int 1) Newspaper Advertisements Nativity picture A Child is Gonna Come

More information

Matthew , The Rev. Dr. Mary Abram; St. James' Episcopal Church, Pewee Valley KY Morning Prayer: July 27, 2014

Matthew , The Rev. Dr. Mary Abram; St. James' Episcopal Church, Pewee Valley KY Morning Prayer: July 27, 2014 Matthew 13 31-22, 44-52 The Rev. Dr. Mary Abram; St. James' Episcopal Church, Pewee Valley KY Morning Prayer: July 27, 2014 Long ago I saw a movie about a town where all the people were blind. I was very

More information

THE FIRST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST THE HOLY TRINITY

THE FIRST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST THE HOLY TRINITY THE FIRST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST THE HOLY TRINITY May 27, 2018 Worship Focus We Serve and are Served by God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH 9807 CHURCH ROAD DALLAS, TX 75238 +

More information

Come and Have Breakfast

Come and Have Breakfast Come and Have Breakfast Vienna Presbyterian Church Rev. David Jordan-Haas John 21:7-14 May 7, 2017 A joyously good morning to you! Can you believe it? We re still in the Season of Easter. This is the fourth

More information

Lyrics to Deacon Ray s Prayer Songs

Lyrics to Deacon Ray s Prayer Songs Lyrics to Deacon Ray s Prayer Songs A JOYFUL SONG Your love is a joyful song playing inside of me throughout the day. Your song with its gentle melody keeps my soul at peace in touch with you. As the morning

More information

JCI # 142 Our Great High Priest Hebrews 4:14-16

JCI # 142 Our Great High Priest Hebrews 4:14-16 JCI # 142 Our Great High Priest Hebrews 4:14-16 The Book of Hebrews is a marvelous treatise on the surpassing glories of Christ Jesus our Lord. Its original audience was Jewish Christians who were being

More information

FREE DIGITAL SAMPLE FOR. December 30, 2018 January 5, 2019

FREE DIGITAL SAMPLE FOR. December 30, 2018 January 5, 2019 FREE DIGITAL SAMPLE FOR December 30, 2018 January 5, 2019 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2018 THE HOLY FAMILY (Lec. 17) OF JESUS, MARY 1) 1 Samuel 1:20-22, 24-28 AND JOSEPH 2) 1 John 3:1-2, 21, 24 - FEAST 3) Luke

More information

Blessing the Distance A sermon preached by Emily Hull McGee on Luke 24:44-53 at First Baptist Church, Winston-Salem on Sunday, May 28, 2017

Blessing the Distance A sermon preached by Emily Hull McGee on Luke 24:44-53 at First Baptist Church, Winston-Salem on Sunday, May 28, 2017 Blessing the Distance A sermon preached by Emily Hull McGee on Luke 24:44-53 at First Baptist Church, Winston-Salem on Sunday, May 28, 2017 I want to add one reading to our worship this morning, this one

More information

The Holy See VISIT TO THE ROMAN PARISH OF "SANTA MARIA CONSOLATRICE" HOMILY OF HIS HOLINESS BENEDICT XVI. Fourth Sunday of Advent, 18 December 2005

The Holy See VISIT TO THE ROMAN PARISH OF SANTA MARIA CONSOLATRICE HOMILY OF HIS HOLINESS BENEDICT XVI. Fourth Sunday of Advent, 18 December 2005 The Holy See VISIT TO THE ROMAN PARISH OF "SANTA MARIA CONSOLATRICE" HOMILY OF HIS HOLINESS BENEDICT XVI Fourth Sunday of Advent, 18 December 2005 Dear Brothers and Sisters, It really is a great joy for

More information

1 CHRISTMAS DEVOTIONAL SUMMARIZE IT

1 CHRISTMAS DEVOTIONAL SUMMARIZE IT 1 CHRISTMAS DEVOTIONAL The people of Israel had waited a very long time for their Messiah (or A LOOK AHEAD During the month of December there will be about 10 devotionals focusing on the birth of Jesus

More information

Watch Night. New Year s Eve Worship. Calvary Lutheran Church and School December 31, :00 p.m.

Watch Night. New Year s Eve Worship. Calvary Lutheran Church and School December 31, :00 p.m. Watch Night New Year s Eve Worship Calvary Lutheran Church and School December 31, 2018 + 7:00 p.m. 9807 Church Road Dallas, Texas 75238 214-348-5567 Watch Night Christian Vigil on New Year s Eve Watch

More information

ABBA FATHER SKETCH. (Scene opens with Father seated center stage.)

ABBA FATHER SKETCH. (Scene opens with Father seated center stage.) (Scene opens with Father seated center stage.) ABBA SKETCH Finally, some quiet time to spend with the Lord. Mighty God, you are greater and more vast and powerful than I could ever imagine. You created

More information

Common Worship. Holy Communion Christmas Season

Common Worship. Holy Communion Christmas Season Common Worship Holy Communion Christmas Season Structure The people and the priest greet each other in the Lord s name confess their sins and are assured of God s forgiveness keep silence and pray a Collect

More information

Exalting Jesus, The Son of God

Exalting Jesus, The Son of God 2 Exalting Jesus, the Son of God 1 Exalting Jesus, The Son of God "The Deity of Christ" INTRODUCTION: I. Last week, as we began our series of studies in the Gospel of John, we took a brief overview of

More information

The Footsteps of Christ

The Footsteps of Christ The Footsteps of Christ St Oswald s Catholic Primary School Easter Service 2017 Year 1, 2 & 3 We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you because, by your cross, you have redeemed the world. Jesus invites

More information

ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS ABOUT JEHOVAH S WITNESSES

ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS ABOUT JEHOVAH S WITNESSES ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS ABOUT JEHOVAH S WITNESSES OUR LADY OF VICTORY DECEMBER 20, 2015 INTRODUCTION Why Jehovah s Witnesses this close to Christmas? What do they believe? What should we do when then come

More information

John 18:33-37 Christ the King SMAS ( )

John 18:33-37 Christ the King SMAS ( ) John 18:33-37 Christ the King SMAS (25-11-12) Next week marks the beginning of a new church year. The church has a lectionary which takes us through an annual cycle of Bible readings that teach us about

More information

The water was so still and deep that when the rock hit the surface it would ripple out with ever widening circles.

The water was so still and deep that when the rock hit the surface it would ripple out with ever widening circles. John 1: 35-51 MapQuest April 29, 2017 Rev. Lou Nyiri Our family vacationed many summers near Moosehead Lake in the Northwoods of Maine. The deep glacier-built lakes and ponds are like glass. Candace s

More information

82 SESSION LifeWay

82 SESSION LifeWay 82 SESSION 7 The Point Jesus ascended to heaven but did not leave us alone. The Passage Acts 1:3-11 The Bible Meets Life We come to faith in Jesus when we realize we cannot come to God on our own. We are

More information

God Is Great and Good

God Is Great and Good NEW EVANGELIZATION EDITION God Is Great and Good AT-HOME EDITION Grade 3 UNIT 2 Before beginning Unit 2, read A Letter Home, found on page 46 of your child s book. Then begin the next paragraph with your

More information

Introduction to Orthodox Christianity

Introduction to Orthodox Christianity Introduction to Orthodox Christianity Questions We Will Answer What is the Orthodox Church? Where does it come from and why have so many never heard of it? How is it similar to and different from Christian

More information

the primer read reflect pray 21 DAYS PRAYER & devotional FASTING pursue god // love life

the primer read reflect pray 21 DAYS PRAYER & devotional FASTING pursue god // love life the primer In just a few hours we are going to start an extraordinary journey of er + fasting. A journey of dangerous ers. A sacred time we set aside each year to tune our hearts to the rhythms of God

More information

Funeral Masses and Readings

Funeral Masses and Readings Funeral Masses and Readings Dear Parishioners, Our Parish family extends it s deepest sympathy and prayers to you and your loved ones at this time of your loss. This booklet is to assist you in the planning

More information

RosaRy PRayeR I believe in God Our Father... Hail Mary... Glory be to the Father O my Jesus Joyful MisteRies (Mondays and Saturdays)

RosaRy PRayeR I believe in God Our Father... Hail Mary... Glory be to the Father O my Jesus Joyful MisteRies (Mondays and Saturdays) R O S A R Y The rosary is a prayer which the Blessed Virgin Mary taught us Herself. Praying the rosary, we give her all our joys and sorrow, our whole life. When we turn to her with hope, we can be assured

More information

Novena Nine days of prayer May

Novena Nine days of prayer May Novena 2018 Nine days of prayer 11-19 May CHANGED LIVES changing LIVES Welcome to the 2018 Pocket Prayers We invite you to pray with Christians from around the world during the nine days between Ascension

More information

Jesus Christ is called by the divine name of GOD in both the Old and New Testaments.

Jesus Christ is called by the divine name of GOD in both the Old and New Testaments. Jesus Christ is called by the divine name of GOD in both the Old and New Testaments. Both GOD the Father and the Holy Spirit address Jesus Christ as Eternal GOD. 1 Timothy 3:16 says, Without controversy

More information

Creating Mandalas to Honor & Celebrate Year End Blessing

Creating Mandalas to Honor & Celebrate Year End Blessing Creating Mandalas to Honor & Celebrate 2018 Year End Blessing Before we begin the new year, let s honor, celebrate, and thank 2018 for the many blessings and surprises. It s tempting to jump right into

More information

PRAYING HENRI J.M. NOUWEN. the Way of the Cross. with

PRAYING HENRI J.M. NOUWEN. the Way of the Cross. with PRAYING the Way of the Cross with HENRI J.M. NOUWEN Pilate Condemns Jesus To Death Immediately after Jesus is handed over, he becomes the one to whom things are being done. He s being arrested; he s being

More information

Sacred Space: A Resource for Small-group Ministry

Sacred Space: A Resource for Small-group Ministry Sacred Space: A Resource for Small-group Ministry Year C Christmas Day Scripture: Luke 2:1 20 NRSV Gathering Welcome Prayer for Peace Ring a bell or chime three times slowly. Light the peace candle. Dear

More information

Text: Psalm 121 Title: Looking Up

Text: Psalm 121 Title: Looking Up Text: Psalm 121 Title: Looking Up Let s open our Bibles to Psalm 121. This morning I m starting a new series that I will explain in a moment, but in light of the horrific terror attack in Paris yesterday

More information

SESSION WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY? UNSTOPPABLE OPPORTUNITIES THE SETTING ACTS 3:1-10 1

SESSION WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY? UNSTOPPABLE OPPORTUNITIES THE SETTING ACTS 3:1-10 1 SESSION UNSTOPPABLE OPPORTUNITIES THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE As Christ followers, we know that God is in control of every event in our lives. Daily interruptions and encounters with others may be unplanned and

More information

Living Word Bible Studies

Living Word Bible Studies Living Word Bible Studies Joshua: All God s Good Promises Psalms: Songs along the Way Proverbs: The Ways of Wisdom Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs: Wisdom s Searching and Finding Colossians and Philemon:

More information

Together Time An Angel Announces Jesus Birth: Matthew 1; Luke 1

Together Time An Angel Announces Jesus Birth: Matthew 1; Luke 1 December 3, 2017 An Angel Announces Jesus Birth: Matthew 1; Luke 1 The holiday season can be a very busy time filled with programs, gatherings, and shopping. We should not allow ourselves to be so full

More information

Oak Creek Community United Methodist Church 9:30 am Fourth Sunday of Advent December 24, 2017

Oak Creek Community United Methodist Church 9:30 am Fourth Sunday of Advent December 24, 2017 Oak Creek Community United Methodist Church 9:30 am Fourth Sunday of Advent December 24, 2017 *You are welcome to stand as you are able. Congregational parts in bold. CENTERING MUSIC Please ponder this

More information

A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans

A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans Romans 6:3-4, 8-9 A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans Are you unaware that we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were indeed buried with him through

More information

52+2 Intercessions for Weekly Use to Encourage Vocation Awareness in the Diocese of Brownsville

52+2 Intercessions for Weekly Use to Encourage Vocation Awareness in the Diocese of Brownsville 52+2 Intercessions for Weekly Use to Encourage Vocation Awareness in the Diocese of Brownsville 1. For all young people of our parish who are making life choices at this time, we pray to the 2. For all

More information

Partial list of suggested music (from Order for the Solemn Exposition of the Holy Eucharist)

Partial list of suggested music (from Order for the Solemn Exposition of the Holy Eucharist) Suggestions for Use The prayers and readings of this Holy Hour may be used in various ways for private devotion, alone or in groups. To extend the prayers and meditations over an hour s time it is suggested

More information

SESSION 7 ASCENDED LIKE NO OTHER. 78 SeSSion LifeWay

SESSION 7 ASCENDED LIKE NO OTHER. 78 SeSSion LifeWay SESSION 7 ASCENDED LIKE NO OTHER 78 SeSSion 7 The Point Jesus ascended to heaven but did not leave us alone. The Passage Acts 1:3-11 The Bible Meets Life We come to faith in Jesus when we realize we cannot

More information

these extreme attitudes. For the pessimist, they bought Christmas gifts that

these extreme attitudes. For the pessimist, they bought Christmas gifts that Sermon, Leaning Into the Future, Isaiah 63:7-9 1 January 1, 2017 Paul Phillips The story is told of two brothers. One was an incurable optimist and the other an incorrigible pessimist. No matter what happened

More information

Scripture Focus: Scripture Focus: John 1:10-14, Hebrews 1:1-3, John 17:1-5, John 2:1-11

Scripture Focus: Scripture Focus: John 1:10-14, Hebrews 1:1-3, John 17:1-5, John 2:1-11 Lesson 2: Glory Displayed Objective: The point of the lesson is that students would understand the role Jesus played in physically demonstrating God s glory on this earth, and that they would evaluate

More information

The. Lord. Is Coming! Praying through Advent with Pope Francis

The. Lord. Is Coming! Praying through Advent with Pope Francis The Lord Is Coming! Praying through Advent with Pope Francis Introduction Pope Francis reminds us that Advent is a time of waiting for the Lord, who will not only visit us all on Christmas, but also, will

More information

1 How Can We Celebrate Christmas? by Rev. Stephanie Shute Kelsch given at Second Parish in Hingham, MA December 6, 2015

1 How Can We Celebrate Christmas? by Rev. Stephanie Shute Kelsch given at Second Parish in Hingham, MA December 6, 2015 1 How Can We Celebrate Christmas? by Rev. Stephanie Shute Kelsch given at Second Parish in Hingham, MA December 6, 2015 How can we celebrate Christmas? I ask that question, not meaning in what ways can

More information

Three Insights from Six Reasons: Reflections on a Sufi Mindfulness Practice in Performance

Three Insights from Six Reasons: Reflections on a Sufi Mindfulness Practice in Performance Three Insights from Six Reasons: Reflections on a Sufi Mindfulness Practice in Performance Candice Salyers Abstract This article is a brief, first person account reflecting on the dance Six Reasons Why

More information

God is the Creator of all people and all things. When we care for the world, we show God our love.

God is the Creator of all people and all things. When we care for the world, we show God our love. God is the Creator of all people and all things. When we care for the world, we show God our love. Amen God Creator saint Jesus shows that he loves God s world. Show you love God s world. Pick up litter.

More information

The Holy Spirit Breaks Down Barriers

The Holy Spirit Breaks Down Barriers The Holy Spirit Breaks Down Barriers BIBLE PASSAGE Acts 10-11 (Peter and Cornelius- Gospel to the Gentiles) REMEMBER VERSE Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you

More information

A Magi s Journey. January 2015 Page 1! of! 5 Reverend Dr. Susan Veronica Rak

A Magi s Journey. January 2015 Page 1! of! 5 Reverend Dr. Susan Veronica Rak A Magi s Journey a sermon by the Reverend Dr. Susan Veronica Rak preached on January 4, 2015 First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia, a Unitarian Universalist congregation Tuesday is the 12th day of Christmas,

More information

for Christmas. A good Christmas for a child many times is determined if their

for Christmas. A good Christmas for a child many times is determined if their 1 SERMON FOR DECEMBER 30, 2018 TEXT: LUKE 2: 25-35 THEME: CHRISTMAS WISHES FULFILLED 25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name were Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the

More information

Twenty-seventh Sunday after Pentecost

Twenty-seventh Sunday after Pentecost Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church November 25, 2018 Twenty-seventh Sunday after Pentecost Even after Israel had experienced the vagaries of kings, they still longed for a true king to set things right.

More information

Lenten Retreat: The Mass: The Paschal Mystery Unfolds

Lenten Retreat: The Mass: The Paschal Mystery Unfolds Lenten Retreat: The Mass: The Paschal Mystery Unfolds I. The two part nature of the mass that beckons us to enter into and become transformed by the sacred mysteries we celebrate as a part of our life

More information

Junior High. This Week s Goal: Help the youth to reflect. Environment: Icebreaker. (15 Minutes)

Junior High. This Week s Goal: Help the youth to reflect. Environment: Icebreaker. (15 Minutes) Junior High This Week s Goal: Help the youth to reflect upon the way of life Jesus taught the Apostles, and the 4 pillars to which (in Acts 2:42) the early Christians devoted themselves: Growing in our

More information

Called. Often God is. Jesus stills calls people in. God s Ordinary Call ARCHDIOCESE OF ATLANTA VOCATION OFFICE

Called. Often God is. Jesus stills calls people in. God s Ordinary Call ARCHDIOCESE OF ATLANTA VOCATION OFFICE Called by CHRIST Christ God s Ordinary Call From the Desk of Fr. Luke Ballman, Vocation Director INSIDE Fr. Tim Gallagher The Father of a Priest Pins for Priests A Seminarian Tells His Story YEAR for PRIESTS

More information

2 Stay Focused. Hebrews 2:1-4

2 Stay Focused. Hebrews 2:1-4 2 Stay Focused Hebrews 2:1-4 1 Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. 2 For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every

More information

Sometimes the Bible is called Scripture. There are two parts to the Bible, the Old Testament, and the New Testament.

Sometimes the Bible is called Scripture. There are two parts to the Bible, the Old Testament, and the New Testament. Blest Are We 3rd Grade Our Heritage in Prayer Prayer is an important part of or Catholic heritage. Traditional prayers are integrated into the Church s liturgical and devotional life. They have been prayed

More information

Stewardship of Prayer

Stewardship of Prayer Stewardship of Prayer 2016-2017 Stewardship of Prayer A message from Fr. Brad Each year, during Advent, we ask parishioners of Saint Thomas More to take a few moments and consider the role prayer plays

More information

John 16:12-33 So Much More to Say REVIEW 16:17 16:8-11

John 16:12-33 So Much More to Say REVIEW 16:17 16:8-11 John 16:12-33 So Much More to Say REVIEW: We are in the last 24 hrs. of Jesus life These are the last recorded teachings of Jesus Chapter 17 Jesus recorded prayer to the Father. After that, his arrest,

More information