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From Pastor Kristen
In telling the story of Jesus’ first day of public ministry (Mark 1:21-39), we see how Jesus freed the man from the unclean spirit that possessed him, and then raised up Peter’s mother-in-law, who was then freed to serve. Freed from and freed for; that is a pattern that will continue throughout Mark’s gospel, and still echoes through our own lives of faith. Jesus provides freedom from the death-dealing forces that try to take hold of our lives. And when those forces no longer determine our actions, we are then freed for service.
And this is no ordinary serving. This same word, diakonein, is used to describe how the angels cared for Jesus during his temptation in the wilderness. And the same word comes up again in chapter 10 of Mark’s gospel when Jesus says, The son of man came not to be served but to serve. Service is a response of faith and a mark of God’s kingdom.
As Jesus’ touch freed Simon’s mother-in-law from her fever, so was she also raised up and restored to her purpose and role in the community and freed to serve. So, too, does Jesus free us from the death-dealing forces, through our baptism, which in turn frees us for active and embodied work in God’s kingdom.
From our first day on the job, as newly baptized children of God, as infants, toddlers, or adults, we have been set free from all the death-dealing forces that defy God, and we have been set free for service in God’s kingdom. We have been trained by the saints who’ve gone before us as well as the saints that have sat next to us in the pews. And we follow the example of the one who came not to be served but to serve.
So my prayer for you this week is that you may experience Jesus reaching out to you, raising you up, and freeing you for service in your daily life. Amen
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Sunday Worship
We will worship online via Zoom at 9:00 a.m.
Please use the same link each week.
To join the webinar:
https://zoom.us/j/98324755628?pwd=WFY3czA2VVhzZHRob0hWKzlWSjAvQT09
Passcode: 536586
Or iPhone one-tap :
+13126266799,,98324755628#,,,,*536586# or +19292056099,,98324755628#,,,,*536586#
Or Telephone:
+1 929 205 6099 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 312 626 6799
Webinar ID: 983 2475 5628
Passcode: 536586
Recordings will be posted to our Facebook page and our new YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/channel/UCx9jz0SAxLzAS1uZsTlcucw
and to https://www.sothstl.org/category/worship/.
Virtual Coffee Hour
You are encouraged to remain online after the worship service to chat with fellow worshipers and connect with other community conversations.
Holy Communion
During our worship service we celebrate Holy Communion from our own homes. You are invited to prepare for this by having a small piece of bread or cracker, as well as juice, wine, or water with you as worship begins. Please contact Pastor Kristen if you have any questions.
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Collection Drive Results
- 36 food items
- 218 hygiene items
- $330.02 for ELCA World Hunger
Thanks for such a great turnout!
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Lent 2021
This year during Lent, we will be exploring "micro practices," small, simple actions that can help bring our focus to God and God's actions in our lives. Each day, beginning on Ash Wednesday, we will post a new micro practice on our Facebook page. A printed version of the practices is available to pick up at church.
Ash Wednesday
📅 Wednesday, February 17, 2021
- Zoom worship at 7:00 pm
- Ashes-at-home worship kit provided in Lent package
Lenten Worship
📅 Wednesdays during Lent
- Zoom worship at 7:00 pm
- Created for Community theme
- Worship bulletins available in Lent package
💻 Zoom Link For Wednesday Worship Services:
https://zoom.us/j/98798341690?pwd=M0NzbktaL2ZMWFFJS0syLzN1SjhMUT09
One tap mobile
+19292056099,,98798341690#,,,,*949717#
Dial-in: 312 626 6799
Meeting ID: 987 9834 1690
Passcode: 949717
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Faith Formation Resources
Resources for worship during the season of Epiphany (provided by Illustrated Ministry) can be found on our website:
https://www.sothstl.org/faith-formation-epiphany-resources/
EMC Virtual Sunday School - The Lord's Prayer
This season's virtual Sunday School will focus on the Lord's Prayer, through a series of weekly videos that will be posted on the Lord's Prayer Lent Virtual Sunday School Facebook group and shared on our Facebook page. Stay tuned for more!
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Bible Study
📅 Wednesdays during Lent at 9:30 am
💻 Zoom online session
SOTH Bible Study will begin a new series using the Dialogues on Race curriculum. This 8-week series, led by Seminarian Rachel Helton, is intended to bring people together to tackle difficult topics like race, and turn conflict into community. There is an emphasis in this curriculum on communication skills that help support positive conversation, and each participant household will receive its own learner's guide book. Newcomers are always welcome to this group! Contact Karen Scherer for the link or for more information.
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Council Meeting
📅 Sunday February 21 at 10:30 am
💻 Zoom meeting
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Support Shepherd of the Hills
We encourage you to keep up with your pledged giving in support of SOTH’s continued ministry.
As always, you can mail a check to 4161 Cypress Road, St. Ann, MO 63074.
You can also give online by visiting https://www.churchtrac.com/donate?ui=0F8921C9
Please refer to instructions for setting up an online account.
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Stay Connected
Please stay tuned to sothstl.org and this email list for updates.
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