Newsletters

I’m always captivated by the appearance of the Risen Christ to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus on that very first Easter. It is recorded in the 24th chapter of Luke’s Gospel. And if you will recall, Jesus joined the two on their seven-mile walk, but the disciples were kept from recognizing that it was Jesus.

Well, we are under way in the Season of Lent. And the congregation has been invited to join in the 40-Day Lenten Journey toward the Cross of Christ and our being renewed in Baptism. It is by Baptism that we are joined to Christ’s death, with the great benefit of also being joined to His resurrection.

This year's Sunday Gospel Readings will be mostly from Matthew's Gospel. One thing you might notice is that there is a lot of preaching and teaching going on in Matthew. The preaching is either by Jesus or about Him.

You are probably aware of it, but if not, you should know our congregation is facing some challenges. Headwinds are never comfortable, but adversity does help to define us. For when we encounter difficulties, we are more inclined to turn to God for help, and we are more likely to take stock of our situation and by the grace of God redouble our thinking, efforts, and priorities.

What is the mission of the Church? There are a number of correct answers as the matter is stated differently in various Scripture verses. But they all have to do with the same thing. I would summarize it as a continuance of Christ’s redemptive work that after His ascension into heaven He entrusted to his disciples.

Most Christian denominations and congregations celebrate Holy Communion, or what is also known as the Lord’s Supper. It is a ritual broadly practiced, and it has been from the beginning when our Lord Jesus first instituted the meal.

So far, well and good.

The Liturgical Calendar is of tremendous benefit to those churches who use it. Is its use necessary for the Christian Faith? No. Did it fall from heaven? Not exactly. Is it spelled out clearly in the Bible? No, nor is it commanded in Scripture or joined to any specific promises in Holy Writ! It is, as I have said, of tremendous benefit.

I consider good community worship to be participatory. And historic liturgies help to ensure this. The etymology of the word ‘liturgy’ tips the hat in this direction. It derives from the Greek word leitourgia which in turn is a compound word formed from laous (people) and ergon (work). So, we are talking about a public work or service. That indicates community involvement.

You may or may not realize it, but many churches do not recite a creed at their weekly worship services. We join other liturgical churches in usually confessing either the Apostles’ or the Nicene Creed. Once a year, on Holy Trinity Sunday, we recite the third of the great three Ecumenical Creeds which is the Athanasian Creed. The length of this creed is why it is confessed sparingly.