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Beginning with Beloved: A Blessing, by Jan Richardson
Begin here:
Beloved.
Is there any other word
needs saying,
any other blessing
could compare
with this name,
this knowing?
Beloved.
Comes like a mercy
to the ear that has never
heard it.
Comes like a river
to the body that has never
seen such grace.
Beloved.
Comes holy
to the heart
aching to be new.
Comes healing
to the soul
wanting to begin
again.
Beloved.
Keep saying it
and though it may
sound strange at first,
watch how it becomes
part of you,
how it becomes you,
as if you never
could have known yourself
anything else,
as if you could ever
have been other
than this:
Beloved.
...
One of the powerful things that happens in the sacrament of baptism is that we are called beloved child of God - not because we've worked hard, or done everything right, but because God declares us to be so.
I wonder, though, how many of us actually believe it. Can we imagine what beloved feels like, what it might empower us to do? Do we trust that God's promises are trustworthy and true? Or does all of this seem like an empty ritual? Have we convinced ourselves that it's a good thing we're good people, just in case the whole grace thing doesn't work out?
Hear the good news - you are beloved. You are beloved apart from your salary or health or accomplishments. You are beloved in the midst of your failures, miscalculations, and shortcomings. You are beloved because you were created in the image of the one who is love and joined to Jesus the Beloved Son in the waters of baptism. You are beloved.
With hope,
Pastor Kerri
Bonus resources:
- Watch and listen as ELCA pastor and biblical storyteller Jason Chesnut tells last Sunday's Gospel reading.
- For ideas about how to celebrate the gifts and promises of baptism with your family, check out this book.
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As you're reading through this email, be sure to click all the words that appear underlined in blue font - these are hyperlinks, which open bonus content!
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Join us online, via Zoom or Facebook Live, or on the phone for worship on Sunday at 9am. Recordings of previous worship services are available on our Facebook page (no sign-in required).
Computer/Tablet/Smartphone - Click this link or open the Zoom app and enter Meeting ID 838 5330 2328 and password 15425.
Phone - Dial 301-715-8592. When prompted, dial in the Meeting ID: 838 5330 2328 and password: 15425.
If you would like to receive a paper copy of the liturgy and/or weekly email, please contact the office or Pastor Kerri. |
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Reflections from the Bishop
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Bishop Kurt Kusserow of our SWPA Synod offers his reflections on the need for continued restrictions on in-person worship, through the lens of the Epiphany story. Read it here.
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If you're interested in reading, singing/playing an instrument, or providing artwork to be included in our online worship, please let Pastor Kerri know. We'd love to include more voices in our worship services!
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The next Council meeting will be held this coming Monday, January 18 at 7pm on Zoom.
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New subscriptions and renewals of Living Lutheran, our denominational magazine, are available at a cost of $8.95 for 10 issues. Checks marked "Living Lutheran" may be mailed to the church. For a peek at the kinds of articles you'll be reading, check out the website.
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An updated printed directory of members and friends of Trinity will be available by the end of the month. If your address, phone number, or email address have changed, or if you wish to be included in the directory, please email the office.
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The next Curbside Communion will be held Sunday, January 24, from 10-11am. If you missed it this past Sunday and wish to receive communion, please contact Pastor Kerri.
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Faith Formation resources
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Illustrated Ministry - Another set of discussion/reflection questions and a coloring page from Illustrated Ministry for the Second Sunday after Epiphany.
Confirmation class - Confirmation classes for those in 7th grade and above will be starting soon. Please contact Pastor Kerri if your student is interested in participating.
Synod Book Study - Join folks from across our synod for a 4-part series discussing the book "I Think You’re Wrong (But I’m Listening): A Guide to Grace-filled Political Conversations". The study begins January 20 and 21, meeting either Wednesdays at 7pm or Thursdays at 1pm. Join by Video: https://zoom.us/j/91687642252 or join by phone: 646-876-9923 (Meeting ID: 916 8764 2252)
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Annual congregational meeting
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It is our usual practice to hold a congregational meeting each January for the purpose of approving the budget, electing Council members, and conducting other business. Due to the current restrictions on gathering in person and a desire for continuity of leadership during these unusual times, the congregation Council is proposing that the meeting be delayed for up to six months. During that period, Council terms would be extended and the current year's budget would remain in effect.
If you have questions or disagree with this proposal, please contact Pastor Kerri or Council President Alan Sandusky.
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Offering envelopes for 2021 are available at the church; pick up your box on Wednesdays from 12:30-2pm, or at the next Curbside Communion.
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In Our Prayers
To add a name to the prayer list, contact Pastor Kerri or the office.
Amy, the family & friends of Marlene Eicher, Janice Haggerty, Wayne Herbert, Mary Jordan, Beckie Merchant, the family & friends of Joe Mongell, the family & friends of John Ratai, Patty Schroyer, Amy Schwarz, Sandy Thornton, the family & friends of James L. Trump
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Thursday, January 14
Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18
Judges 2:6-15
2 Corinthians 10:1-11
Friday, January 15
Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18
Judges 2:16-23
Acts 13:16-25
Saturday, January 16
Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18
1 Samuel 2:21-25
Matthew 25:1-13
Sunday, January 17 - Epiphany 2
1 Samuel 3:1-10
Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18
1 Corinthians 6:12-20
John 1:43-51
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Monday, January 18
Psalm 86
1 Samuel 9:27-10:8
2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1
Tuesday, January 19
Psalm 86
1 Samuel 15:10-31
Acts 5:1-11
Wednesday, January 20
Psalm 86
Genesis 16:1-14
Luke 18:15-17
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To reach Pastor Kerri, call or text 724-603-5589, or email her at rev.kerri.clark@gmail.com
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