Greetings to you at the end of “fake spring” in Chuckatuck. This past week has been a blessing for us, some rain, warm weather, and the false hope that the cold weather might be behind us. No complaints, just an observation while overlooking the church yard. I am thankful that we continue to enjoy faithful members who do what is needed to care for our church and for those members who might be far away in different states. May you be blessed and comforted by our prayers for you and please let me know of your prayer needs.

In worship, we are reminded that the radiance we reflect is not our own, but the radiance of Christ’s glory. Also, that our goal is not to bring glory to ourselves, but that God’s grace may be known to the ends of the earth. In Paul’s first letter to the Corinthian church, we are reminded that we are called to be saints – not perfect but faithful. And our lives are enriched by the process of being faithful. The Psalmist sang a song that affirms God’s grace and our calling. They also remind us that the relationship we have with God isn’t something we hide inside ourselves. John’s gospel offered both John the Baptist’s affirmation of Jesus and the Lamb of God alongside the beginning of the call of the disciples. Jesus offered those whom he called to come and see the hope found only in Jesus.

Our sermon was loosely based the Hebrew Scripture text from the Prophet Isaiah. In this passage, often called the second Servant Song, Isaiah buttresses the Israelites with the assurance of God’s presence and God’s successes when we put our trust in God and not ourselves. The power for change and success is found in God alone and not in the generative actions of humans. Where are you encouraged to remember our success comes from our faithfulness, not our perfection?

I invite your comments,

Les+

Readings: Isaiah 49:1-7; Psalm 40:1-12; 1 Corinthians 1:1-9; John 1:29-42

Listen at: 2_Epiphany_Sermon

Video of sermon: https://youtu.be/SwWld2wTbLc

Video of worship: https://youtu.be/5623BwdwGoQ