St. John's Episcopal Church

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Christian Formation for Feb. 24 - Genesis 15:1-18; God's Covenant with Abram

February 24, 2013 – 2 Lent

Genesis 15:1-18

God’s Covenant with Abram

Background: Genesis presents an extensive history of Israel, beginning from the Creation through Joseph’s death. Genesis lays the foundation for the Abrahamic Covenant and identification of Israel as God’s chosen people. Additionally, Genesis foreshadows Israel’s oppression in Egypt and establishes the extent of the physical kingdom.

Theme: To this point, Abram and Sarai have been childless even though God has promised to make a mighty nation of Abram’s descendents. This passage shows Abram’s questioning of God’s promise of descendents and land as well as God’s response to Abram which cements God’s covenant relationship with Abram

Questions to Ponder:

* Please read Genesis 15:1-18. Skim Genesis 2-11 and 12-14 for context.

* Identify the following people and places mentioned in the passage: Eliezer of Damascus, Ur, the Chaldeans, the Amorites, “the river of Egypt,” and the river Euphrates.

* Briefly describe the setting for this passage. What events have happened recently surrounding Abram?

* How has Abram arrived in this place?

* Abram argues that his heir will be Elizer of Damascus because he and Sarai are childless. He supports this argument with an impeachment of God’s promise and a statement that “a slave born in my house is to be my heir.” Why do you think Abram asserted that his heir would be a slave who was not actually sired by him?

* What strikes you as ironic about God’s promise, “no one but your very own issue shall be your heir”? In your opinion, what may be missing from that promise from God? What do you think Abram assumed when God made that promise?

* What does it mean to you when the writer states that Abram’s belief was reckoned to him as righteousness?

* How might this challenge us in our relationship with God all these millennia later?

* In verse 7, Abram changed his complaint and questioned God’s promise of land. Why might God have reminded Abram of the call placed on Abram? How might it be important for Abram to be reminded of his call?

* What strikes you as odd or ironic about God’s response to Abram’s question, “how am I to know that I shall possess it [the land]?”

* Of what might God be foreshadowing beginning in verse 13?

* What might the significance be of God’s promise to “bring the Israelites back in the fourth generation” because the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete?

* Some may argue that the boundaries listed in verse 18, from “the river of Egypt to the river Euphrates” does not coincide with Israel’s boundaries at any time in recorded history. Why might God make that promise to the Israelites? Why might that promise “not be fulfilled”?

* What is the message of hope for Israel in this passage? What is our hope in this passage?

* How do we apply this passage to our ministry today?

Sunday, February 17, 2013

Reflection and sermon from Sunday Feb. 17, 2013

We had wonderful and engaging start to our Lenten journey today. Many of our flock were in worship to help us kick off Lent and receive a reminder of God's healing power at work in our lives. As has been our norm for the last 18 months or so, we had a public service of healing and anointing - our experience of the Sacrament of God's grace and providence.

Today's sermon was informed and deserves a hat tip to Lisa Kimball from VTS for her presentation at this year's Diocesan Council this past weekend. She spoke about the compelling nature of the story of our epic journey as a means of sharing the story of the church. We took a closer look at this morning's reading from Deuteronomy and how our story at St. John's is important in honoring our past and creating our future.

I invite your comments,
Les+

http://chirb.it/IqMCOA

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Ash Wednesday 2013 evening service reflection

Blessings to you as complete our Ash Wednesday 2013 observance. Tonight continued the reflection from this morning's service with a little twist yet the message had the same focus; the challenge of the work of Lent - being reconciled to God, making ourselves able to receive God's grace, and becoming better aware of God's presence in our lives. I invite your likes and comments.
Les+

http://chirb.it/epNIxr

St. John 's e-News for Sunday February 17, 2013

Our Lenten Worship – Our norm for Sunday worship during Lent will be Holy Eucharist Rite I. During Lent we will sing the Trisagion (Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal One, Have mercy upon us) and the Agnus Dei (O Lamb of God…) for the Fraction Anthem. We will also recite the Psalm responsively alternating sides in the “monastic” style – with a slight pause at the asterisks. As a reminder, we will refrain from using Alleluia at the dismissal during Lent.

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper – Thank you to all who made this year’s Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper an unqualified success. We served pancakes and provided fellowship to 84 people last night and received rave reviews about the pancakes. I offer a special thank you to Jim for heading up the efforts and to all who served and ministered during the supper.

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February 17, 2013, 10:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite I and Litany of Healing

Lessons for the First Sunday in Lent

First Lesson: Deuteronomy 26:1-11

Psalm: Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16

Second Lesson: Romans 10:8b-13

Gospel: Luke 4:1-13

Lay Participants for February 17, 2013 - 10:30 am service

Eucharistic Minister: Jim

Lector: Kevin

Prayers: Terry

Ushers: Lynn and Marcella

Nursery Attendant: Lillian

Nursery Assistant: Alice

Refreshments: No volunteer

Sermon for Sunday, Feb. 10: http://chirb.it/HJJdqb

Sermon for Ash Wednesday 12:00 pm service: http://chirb.it/DO5Ixw

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Psalms during Lent – We will try something new while reciting the Psalm in worship during Lent. We will recite the Psalm antiphonally by whole verse by side of the sanctuary. Roger will lead one side and the Rector the other. We will observe a slight “monastic pause” at the asterisk.

Wednesday Night Lenten Series – Feb 20^th will be the first of five sessions. We will start with supper at 6:30 followed by the study session. We will end at 8:00. There is a sign-up sheet posted in the Narthex for volunteers to supply the meal for each session.

Our first session will be the process of Asset Mapping for St. John’s. Our investigation will be led by the book The Power of Asset Mapping by Luther K. Snow. I invite you to come and look at the Parish and what God has given us as a means to chart our future.

“Penny Power” for Boys’ Home, Inc. – During the season of Lent we will be collecting any loose change in the jar in the Narthex and in the Parlor. Our change will be given in order to help us change the story of a boys’ life. Please see the flyer in the Narthex or Parish House or visit www.boyshomeinc.org for more information.

One Harvest Orders – The next distribution is this Saturday, February 16. Check at www.ebumc.net for the order dates. The order dates are on the Ebenezer UMC order form.

121^st Annual Council of the Diocese – The Resolutions being submitted for vote at this year’s Council on February 15 and 16 can be found at http://images.acswebnetworks.com/1/2279/2013ALLResolutions.pdf. These resolutions are summarized as:

Constitutional Resolution Con-1: Amending Constitution Article V, § 2; Status of Missions and Parishes determining a quorum (second reading)

Canonical Resolution C-1: Amending Canon XII, Of the Commission on Ministry

Canonical Resolution C-2: Amending Canon XXII, Section 2(b); Disciplinary Structure

Canonical Resolution C-3: Amending Canon XXII, Section 2, (Of Ecclesiastical Discipline); Residency standard

Resolution R-1: “Repairers of the Breach Commission”; Establish a Diocesan Policy aimed at Repentance and Reconciliation regarding slavery

Our Thanksgivings – We are collecting tangible statements regarding our blessings and thanksgivings in the jar in the Narthex.

Wednesday Morning Book Study – The Wednesday morning book study will continue this coming Wednesday, February 20. The group is studying “The Bible Jesus Read” by Philip Yancy and will continue the chapter on “The Prophets.” If you are interested please contact Margaret.

Formation Classes – This coming Sunday we will discuss our Old Testament reading Deuteronomy 26:1-11, “First Fruits and Tithes” from 9:15-10:15 am come see what the buzz is about. Next week’s class will discuss our Old Testament reading Genesis 15:1-18, “God’s Covenant with Abram” from 9:15-10:15 am. All are invited to join us for class next Sunday. A reminder; there is nursery service available during the education hour.

Thought for the week – Minister: We are loaned back into life for a little while with Jesus’ promise that he’s going to use us; he’s going to use you. You represent Christ to this world – your sheer presence, your words, your touch, your actions, beyond which you could ask or imagine, and in ways that Christ will set up.

-Br. Curtis Almquist

Society of Saint John the Evangelist

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Upcoming Events:

Daily Mon.-Thu. * Daily Morning Prayer – 9:00 am (Parish House)

Wed. Feb. 13^th * Ash Wednesday: Holy Eucharist and Imposition of Ashes -

7:00 pm (Sanctuary)

* Garden Club meeting – 12:00-9:00 pm (Parish Hall)

Fri. Feb. 15^th * Annual Council Williamsburg Lodge through Feb. 16^th

Sat. Feb. 16^th * One Harvest pick-up (Ebenezer UMC)

Wed. Feb. 20^th * Wednesday Book Study – 10:00-11:30 am (Parish Hall)