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As we hear the readings in worship, I wonder if you're ever curious about the selections that are omitted from the reading. For example, the appointed psalm for last Sunday was Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18. Reading the entire psalm would bring you through verse 24, meaning that two sections (7-12 and 19-24) were omitted by the group who determined the readings for the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL).
It's not surprising that verses 19-24 were omitted; though the sentiments are relatable (and perhaps our own prayer, at times), there's just something challenging about reading "O that you would kill the wicked, O God," as part of worship. In fact, the LBW (green hymnal) does not include all 150 psalms, omitting ones that have particularly graphic or violent language and which are not included in the three-year lectionary cycle.
I'm more curious about why verses 7-12 were omitted, particularly because of how well they illustrate the overall theme of the psalm, titled "The Inescapable God." In these verses, the psalmist reflects that there is nowhere we can go that is too far from God. Even in the depths of Sheol, God continues to accompany us.
I love this as an example of how the Good News doesn't always sound like good news, depending on our circumstances. If someone was feeling guilty about something, and wanted to be able to hide from God, we might imagine verse 7 read with an exasperated voice: "Where can I go from your spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence?" (No, really - where?! I'm trying to get away!)
On the other hand, for those who feel left behind, forgotten, and alone, the reminders of God's unceasing presence may be heard as a comforting balm from the outset. No matter how disconnected we feel; no matter how far away from God we seem to be, we have the assurance that God is with us. The God who has searched and known us continues to hold us fast, even at the farthest limits of the sea. Our deepest desires, fears, griefs, and joys are not hidden from the God who created us and called us good.
With hope,
Pastor Kerri
Bonus resources:
- Answers to questions you didn't even know you had about the RCL.
- A scholarly look at the psalms omitted from the LBW, "A Lack of Laments in the Church's Use of the Psalter".
- A musical version of Psalm 139, from Richard Bruxvoort Colligan. (If you like this way of hearing the psalm, let me know! We can easily include Richard's psalm videos as part of our worship services).
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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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As we approach the one-year mark of being a dispersed community of faith, please take a few minutes to complete the linked survey to help us get a sense of what has been meaningful to you and how else we might support you during this time.
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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 we don't yet have your information and you wish to be included in the directory, please email the office.
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The next Curbside Communion will be held this Sunday, January 24, from 10-11am. Please drive down South St. and pull into the driveway at the rear of the church. Pastor Kerri will pass individually packaged bread and wine (or wafer/grape juice) through your car window, accompanied by a brief communion liturgy.
If you would like to gather outside with others for the communion liturgy, you may meet at the rear of the church building at 10am. Please wear your mask and practice distancing. If you are unable to participate but wish to receive communion, please contact Pastor Kerri for communion to be brought to you at home.
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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 Third Sunday after Epiphany.
Confirmation class - Confirmation classes for those in 7th grade and above will be starting this Sunday afternoon on Zoom. 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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In sure and certain hope of the resurrection we commend to God our sister, Beckie Merchant. At Trinity and beyond, Beckie was exceedingly generous with her time and resources. She worked tirelessly in service of our Back-to-School Clothing giveaway - a bargain-shopper extraordinaire! She also joked that people groaned whenever her name popped up on their caller ID, knowing she'd be asking them to bake a cake or help with a fundraising dinner. Beckie loved people, loved her church, and served others. She will be missed.
We pray for God's comfort and peace to accompany Beckie's family, friends, and all who mourn. You can find the obituary here; there are no immediate plans for a funeral service.
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In Our Prayers
To add a name to the prayer list, contact Pastor Kerri or the office.
Amy, Dottie, the family & friends of Marlene Eicher, Janice Haggerty, Wayne Herbert, Mary Jordan, the family & friends of 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 21
Psalm 62:5-12
Jeremiah 19:1-15
Revelation 18:11-20
Friday, January 22
Psalm 62:5-12
Jeremiah 20:7-13
2 Peter 3:1-7
Saturday, January 23
Psalm 62:5-12
Jeremiah 20:14-18
Luke 10:13-16
Sunday, January 24 - Epiphany 3
Jonah 3:1-5, 10
Psalm 62:5-12
1 Corinthians 7:29-31
Mark 1:14-20
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Monday, January 25
Psalm 46
Genesis 12:1-9
1 Corinthians 7:17-24
Tuesday, January 26
Psalm 46
Genesis 45:25-46:7
Acts 5:33-42
Wednesday, January 27
Psalm 46
Proverbs 8:1-21
Mark 3:13-19a
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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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