A pastoral message from Bishop Lanette regarding the shooting in Minneapolis

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; ...those whose spirits are overwhelmed.” - Psalm 34.18 (NLT, adapt.)  

“He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” - Micah 6.8 (NRSV)  

Grace and peace to you in the name of Jesus Christ.  

I write as one who, in my episcopal role, is called to guard the faith, shepherd the people, and work for unity. It is from this responsibility that I offer these words. 

Today in Minneapolis, during a federal immigration enforcement operation, Renee Nicole Good was fatally shot. Investigations are underway. Accounts differ. Many details remain unclear. At the time of this writing, what we know, and must not move past too quickly, is this: a human life has been lost.  

The work of the church begins here. Before we receive deep analysis or a full explanation of the events that led to the shooting, we enter into lament. We grieve a life ended too soon. We hold in prayer the family and loved ones who now carry an unimaginable loss. We acknowledge the fear and trauma this event has stirred, especially among immigrant and refugee neighbors for whom encounters with law enforcement already carry profound risk. 

Read more at this link.

Wednesday with the Wesleys

He is the Word whom the Father begat or spoke from eternity;

by whom the Father speaking, maketh all things;

who speaketh the Father to us.

~ John Wesley, Notes on the New Testament, John 1:1

Epiphany of the Lord

The comfort lost, and soon restored,

Doth more transporting bliss afford,

And makes my joy o'erflow;

I bless the' enlightening word that brings

My soul to' adore the King of kings,

God manifest below.

~ Charles Wesley

Scripture lessons for Baptism of the Lord Sunday

Arian Baptistry - Ravenna, Italy (496-527 AD)

Next Sunday is the First Sunday after Epiphany and we will remember our baptism with scripture lessons from Isaiah 42:1-9 and Matthew 3:13-17.

The Twelfth Day of Christmas

 

Epiphany Sunday / Eleventh Day of Christmas

Second Sunday of Christmas

The Magi arrive in Bethlehem

Belinda is today's reader

We're sharing communion by intinction again!

JOYS
+Praise be to God for the gift of laughter (“carbonated holiness”) in church.

+ The church family thanks God for the successful healing and recovery of Nancy B. after a fall.

+Bob S. thanks God for a wonderful, fun time on New Year’s Eve with people who really enjoyed spending time with one another.

+Dawn K. thanks God for her active involvement in Special Olympics for the past 48 years (35 as a volunteer and the last 13 as paid staff); she celebrates her retirement from the paid staff position. (And now, someone else will have the opportunity to assume the position.)

+Gloria S. thanks God for the gift of birthday celebrations. Recently, she participated in them for her daughter-in-law and a friend.

+Rita W. thanks God for joy of time spent with her great grandchildren playing with her nativity set.

+Belinda A. thanks God for the rejuvenation felt after a great nap.

+Pastor Charles thanks God for the joy of being chosen as the featured artist at the Albert Lea Art Center for the month of January.

+The congregation is thankful for Kraig and Korla S.’ service as communion stewards and Belinda A.’s service as Scripture reader this morning.

+The congregation is thankful for the music ministry of our beloved pianist/organist, Renae H.!

CONCERNS
+The congregation asks God’s Spirit to bring peace to the world.

+Dawn K. asks the church family to join her in praying for Erin Bremseth, Faron and Janet Bremseth’s daughter who is dealing with serious medical challenges. A caring bridge has been established to support the family.

+Linda B. asks the congregation to join her in praying for Judy C. who recently went to the hospital emergency room to get treatment for bronchitis and COPD.

+Sandy D. invites the church family to join her in praying for her mother, Donna D., as she has a medical procedure tomorrow.

+Gloria S. invites the congregation to join her in praying for her cousin Carolyn J. who is dealing with a medical challenge at Thorne Crest Rehab.

+Gloria S. thanks God that Judy C. just returned home.

+The congregation continues to pray for healing mercies for Judy C., Karnella S., Bob S.’s daughter Sharon; Nancy B.’s sister Sharon; Shelley G.’s friend Linda; Shelley G.’s mother; Kraig and Korla’s friend Bill P. and his wife.

Blessings for a New Year

God of all time, help us enter the New Year quietly,

thoughtful of who we are to ourselves and to others,

mindful that our steps make an impact

and our words carry power.

May we walk gently.

May we speak only after we have listened well.

Creator of all life,

help us enter the New Year reverently,

aware that You have endowed

every creature and plant, every person and habitat

with beauty and purpose.

May we regard the world with tenderness.

May we honor rather than destroy.

Lower of all souls,

help us enter the New Year joyfully,

willing to laugh and dance and dream,

remembering our many gifts with thanks

and looking forward to blessings yet to come.

May we welcome Your lavish love.

In this new year, may the grace and peace of Christ 

bless us now and in the days ahead.

- Vinita Hampton Wright 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So, throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. 

Explore. Dream. Discover."

- Mark Twain