All Posts for January, 2008

Blogging Toward Sunday

On height, Torah, time and glory

Exodus 24:12-18; Psalm 2 or Psalm 99; 2 Peter 1:16-21; Matthew 17:1-9

Jan 27, 2008 by Edwin Searcy

Transfiguration Sunday is the highpoint between Epiphany, when the mystery is suddenly transparent, and the resurrection, when the ultimate epiphany breaks through what we had imagined was the full stop of death. Last year on Transfiguration Sunday our congregation hosted the Rivercity Gospel Jazz band.

Blogging Toward Sunday

The land of deep darkness

Matthew 4:12-23

Jan 23, 2008 by Edwin Searcy

We expect Jesus to emerge from John’s shadow in a public way, to take on the establishment and lead the charge for God’s reign. Instead, when John is arrested Jesus withdraws (Matt. 4:12). He slips away to the margins, to the territory of Zebulun and Napthali, off the radar of popular consciousness.

Blogging Toward Sunday

John testified

John 1:29-42

Jan 14, 2008 by Erin Martin

John the Baptist has been our constant companion on the journey through Advent and into Epiphany. First, it was his task to make ready the way of the Lord. Next, it was his privilege to baptize Jesus in the river Jordan. Now, it is his purpose to bear witness to Jesus’ identity, “Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”

Blogging Toward Sunday

Baptized into submission

Matthew 3:13-17

Jan 07, 2008 by Erin Martin

Some of my favorite words from the United Methodist Church’s liturgy for Holy Baptism are the first ones spoken: “Brothers and sisters in Christ: Through the Sacrament of Baptism we are initiated into Christ’s holy church. We are incorporated into God’s mighty acts of salvation and given new birth through water and the Spirit.