Sunday February 26, after church and after lunch. Please send reports directly to Pastor David’s email address by Feb 16th.
On Saturday February 11 2012, Partners in Worship is again hosting a sweet heart supper. This supper will have ethnic dishes from different cultures. Members are asked to help and especially to invite guests to the feast.
When we focus on the ones being called… we usually forget to reflect on God and the purpose behind the call… God’s purpose is best described in the words of the Gospel according to Mark… Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God saying, “The kingdom of God has come near.” Jesus comes bringing good news… and he calls disciple for the purpose of spreading it.
Jesus does not directly invite Nathanael. Rather it is Philip who tells Nathanael… Imagine his excitement as he tells; “We have found him about whom the prophets wrote…Jesus of Nazareth.” And when Nathanael is doubtful…wondering how anything good could come from a nearby village…Philip does not argue or try to prove anything. He does not shame him because he does not believe… Rather Philip puts out an invitation; “Come and see.” …nothing more.
We know that God is not human…and are pretty sure that God is above having human emotions…which we have all been cautioned about…specifically pride…which could lead to arrogance. We have also been cautioned about spoiling our children…or about making them become too self-centered. So while we want to raise good children and good citizens…we try not openly showing our pride in them…especially in their presence. We don’t want it going to their heads and puffing them up too much.
It seems a long time since I ended a post to the site. The last post was December 18th. I have had some time of since Christmas Eve. Partners in Worship prays that your last year was good, that you have had a joyous Christmas, and that your New Year will be full of contentment and peace.
We like Mary and we like reading this story of how the Angel Gabriel appears to her saying; “Greetings favored one.” In our mind we see a beautiful picture of the holy young girl looking up with worshipful eyes listening with intent. We see her in complete agreement and completely happy with what she is being told…and with what will happen. And we think to our selves; “What a wonderful announcement she has just received. Isn’t she fortunate?”
In the gospel for today, when John is asked to say something about himself… we are struck by how John describes himself. He is not very good at describing his credentials…it seems that he has no great achievements to crow over… Rather he spends a great deal of time giving unsatisfactory answers… about who he is not. He is not the Messiah. He is not Elijah. He is not Moses. He is not worthy to tie the thongs of the one who is coming after him.
The Christmas Festival is this evening at Shell Lake Lions Hall at 7:30 PM. There will be music by the community Choir, individuals, and small groups. Ther will be recitations of stories and poems, and more. Please come and enjoy, everyone is welcome.
Even though the people are ready to follow him… John points them in the direction of the true Messiah. Even though he has the power to attract a large following…John says the one who is following will have much more power; so much so that he will not even be worthy to be his servant. John’s vocation is to prepare the way… so when God’s anointed one comes the people will be ready… to see and accept the real Messiah. His message prepares people’s hearts to look for the promised Messiah.
