What do we know, for sure? And how do we know it?
These simple questions have profound import. Certainly, they are the subject of much philosophical debate: and, if we read some philosophers, it is not clear we can know anything! Our gospel reading this week features our Lord Jesus speaking of knowing him and, also, knowing his Father. Would you want to encounter someone who claimed to know ALL about God? We will get to reflect upon such issues this Sunday in our worship service. As always, we will have opportunity to visit with one another during our fellowship time, following the service. While it is always a joy to talk with dear friends, how about making an effort to visit with someone with whom you are not familiar? You would be blessed. Our gospel reading this week features our Lord Jesus speaking of knowing him and, also, knowing his Father. Would you want to encounter someone who claimed to know ALL about God? We will get to reflect upon such issues this Sunday in our worship service. As always, we will have opportunity to visit with one another during our fellowship time, following the service. While it is always a joy to talk with dear friends, how about making an effort to visit with someone with whom you are not familiar? You would be blessed.
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A picture, it has been said, is worth a thousand words. What pictures scroll across our minds every day? What do they communicate? The late Marshall McLuhan, in the 1960’s, talked about the end of the dominance of written texts. The, then ascendant, medium of television, he predicted, would overtake print media; the “Gutenberg Galaxy”, as a means of communication. Fifty years on, the evidence suggests he was a fair prophet.
What does this mean for Christian churches that deal mainly in texts, rather than images? The question is germane, particularly in this week when the gospel depicts Jesus in the enduring image of the Good Shepherd. Does that image communicate in the, largely, urban world of the present time? What of the image of the populace, “harassed and helpless like sheep without a shepherd?” (Matthew 9:36) Join us for worship on Sunday if you can. In addition to the image of the Good Shepherd, we will focus on those of bread and wine. What does the image of the Holy Communion table communicate to you? As always, the social “hour” following worship gives us all an opportunity to share in the joys of good fellowship. And Russ MacLeod will ring the bell for the Adult Class and engage us in thinking about how and where faith and everyday life intersect. Palm Sunday is now on the near side of the horizon and the day gives a different meaning to the term, “double entendre.” On one hand, Palm Sunday celebrates what is often referred to as our Lord’s ‘Triumphant Entry” into Jerusalem. Palm branches, suggesting a triumphant hero, feature in the scene. The refrain, “Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord,” echoes across the eons. On the other hand, Palm Sunday is the prelude to what we call “The Passion” of our Lord. Following the Triumphal Entry, in startlingly abrupt order, Jesus was taken into custody, arraigned, first, before Pilate, then Herod. Thereafter, he was given over to the Roman authorities for execution. Then, the refrain was, “Away with him; “Crucify him!” What a reversal! Is it possible some of those who shouted, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord,” were, a few days later, to call, “Crucify him”? It is stunning to think how closely triumph was connected with tragedy. How do we discriminate between tragedy and triumph in life?
Most of us can appreciate that there are mysteries in life beyond our ken. This truth was reflected in a statement by the late Dag Hammarskjold, formerly Secretary-General of the UN. As his book “Markings” shows he was a faithful Christian. Hammarskjold observed; “Sometimes we choose the way and sometimes the way chooses us.” This may be more of a ‘both-and’, rather than an either-or, reality. When we choose to follow the way of our Lord, that way then shapes us. The gospel for this Sunday invites us to contemplate such matters. Do join your church family for worship and, afterward, share in a time of fellowship.
The adult class, under the tutelage of Russ MacLeod will meet, also. Come in and be warmed; ‘Baby it’s cold outside!’ Epiphany – January 6th – marks the end of the Christmas season. It is the ‘’Twelfth” day of Christmas and has sometimes been referred to as “Little Christmas.” The word “epiphany” means to make manifest and, in the Christian tradition, refers to the visit of the Magi to Jesus. This visit is taken to signify the making manifest of Jesus as the Savior of the whole world. The Christian church has observed Epiphany since the third century. We will observe Epiphany in church on Sunday. Surely our multi-national church community itself bears witness to Jesus as savior of the whole world.
Following the worship service we will have opportunity to mingle during our fellowship time. How about taking the opportunity to chat with one of our number, whom you may not know well and learn of the pilgrimage of that person? Russ MacLeod will lead the adult Christian Education class. This, also, is an opportunity to get to know better members of our church family. The Fourth Sunday in Advent brings us close to the edge of glory. Appropriately, the theme for the day is that of “Love.” In celebration, we will light the Advent Candle of Love, during worship in church, to join those of Hope, Peace and Joy.
The word “Love” has to be amongst the most abused words in common parlance. This reality can tarnish its real meaning. It was the great insight of the Evangelist, when he endeavored to explicate the mystery of the Incarnation of God in Jesus, to declare; “For God so loved the world . . .” As we approach Christmas Day we are challenged anew to reflect upon the profundity of this declaration and the reality behind it. There is no better place to do so than in the sanctuary amongst the faithful. Do join us for worship on Sunday; and as you behold the candle of Love flicker, consider the acts of Love that have made you who you are. Consider, too, how you may continue the tradition and pass it on. Following worship we will have our Christmas Celebration Brunch. There will be a time for crafts and a presentation by our children, and, of course, food! Come, catch the spirit! The Fourth Sunday in Advent brings us close to the edge of glory. Appropriately, the theme for the day is that of “Love.” In celebration, we will light the Advent Candle of Love, during worship in church, to join those of Hope, Peace and Joy. The word “Love” has to be amongst the most abused words in common parlance. This reality can tarnish its real meaning. It was the great insight of the Evangelist, when he endeavored to explicate the mystery of the Incarnation of God in Jesus, to declare; “For God so loved the world . . .” As we approach Christmas Day we are challenged anew to reflect upon the profundity of this declaration and the reality behind it. There is no better place to do so than in the sanctuary amongst the faithful. Do join us for worship on Sunday; and as you behold the candle of Love flicker, consider the acts of Love that have made you who you are. Consider, too, how you may continue the tradition and pass it on. Following worship we will have our Christmas Celebration Brunch. There will be a time for crafts and a presentation by our children, and, of course, food! Come, catch the spirit! Are the stresses of this season getting to you? Have you lost your ability to be joyous? If so, take a deep breath and step back from the fray.
The third Sunday in Advent invites us to contemplate Joy with the lighting of the Candle of that name. We remember that the birth of Jesus was announced as “glad tidings of great joy.” Joy is a gift and it needs to be cultivated. If and when we neglect the gift of joy we suffer deep loss in our lives. Join us for worship this Sunday as we light the Candle of Joy. Come and be uplifted by the music of the season; by warm fellowship and, above all, the presence of God. Following worship, spend a few minutes with friends old and new over a cup of coffee. Come and find Joy in the things that really matter; our relationships with one another and with the source of our being, our Creator God. |
Rev Jim SinclairPastor Jim is the minister for First United Baptist Church Archives
October 2020
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