Wednesday Words for February 6, 2013
from Pastor Carrie Smith
Thought for the Day:
Two days ago here in Jerusalem, I made an early-morning visit to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. I went around to the back of Jesus' tomb, to the small Coptic (Egyptian) Orthodox shrine. Inside, I asked the priest if he spoke English. "Certainly," he whispered. I told him that I knew many Christians in the US were praying for his people and his country. "Tell them," he said, "my country is dying."
- Robert Smith, writing this week from Jerusalem & Beit Jala. Prayers for the people and churches of Egypt are appreciated.
In our prayers: Londa Mattick, at the death of her father, Walter Donn; Bruce Johnson (now home); Carol Stupar (still in hospital, undergoing dialysis); Bill Kohl (who is in a new room at Crystal Pines and just got a 32 inch tv!); Deb Muehlbauer (new member hospitalized this week;, all of our new members, our new 2013 Council and other leaders/volunteers, and those who are preparing for baptism.
Sunday at Bethany: This is the Transfiguration of Our Lord, the last Sunday before Lent begins. We will hear the story of how Jesus appeared on the mountaintop and was transfigured (changed) before their eyes. Scouts will be serving as greeters, ushers, and even as reader during the 9 am service. Pr. Paul will be doing a special Child’s Word which involves “burying” (or putting away) the Alleluia before Lent begins, since we won’t sing it again until Easter morning. Pr. Paul will also be preaching at all 3 services. Downstairs, the annual blood drive will be taking place. I’m sure there’s still a chance to sign up—give the gift of life!
Organ music against hunger! Our very own Allison Boccia is playing in a benefit for Hunger Resource Network at St. Giles Episcopal Church, 3025 Walters Avenue, Northbrook, IL on Sunday, February 10, 2013, from 12 noon until 6pm. Twelve renowned organists are taking part in the benefit and there is a suggested donation of $10 per performance. If you go for one concert—you’ll be Bach! (ha ha…)
Hello Gardeners! Yes, it is that time again. I know it is a little early, but the seeds catalogs are in the mail and the planning is starting (at least in our heads!) You are invited to a Fruits of Faith Community Garden planning meeting on Tuesday, February 12th at 7pm in the church office. If you plan on attending, or if you cannot attend but have something you would like to share about the past gardens - dos, don'ts, etc.—please contact Pam Bock at 815.245.0087.
Theology on Tap meets at Brink Street Bar & Grill this Thursday, Feb. 7 at 7:30 pm. All are welcome! The topic is being determined by a survey sent out to recent attendees. If you would like to be added to the email list, send a note to Pr. Paul at paul.cannon@bethanylc.com
Have you seen the “ani-meters” in Luther Hall? You can watch the progress of our Sunday School student offerings as they work towards buying chickens, goats, and other animals through ELCA Good Gifts! Go, kids!
Ash Wednesday is coming soon! Join us for prayer, communion, and the imposition of ashes at 11 am or 7 pm. A senior lunch will be held after the 11 am service.
Meeting Our Muslim Neighbors: Mark your calendars for a special adult education opportunity during Lent. On Sunday afternoons from 4-5:30 pm, we will host guest speakers who will help us understand our Muslim neighbors. Session 1 is Feb. 17, 4 pm, and features local pediatrician Dr. Fazal Khan, a member of the American Muslim Community, who will share about “Basics of Islam.”
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This Week’s Texts: Transfiguration of Our Lord
Exodus 34:29-35
29Moses came down from Mount Sinai. As he came down from the mountain with the two tablets of the covenant in his hand, Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God. 30When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, the skin of his face was shining, and they were afraid to come near him. 31But Moses called to them; and Aaron and all the leaders of the congregation returned to him, and Moses spoke with them. 32Afterward all the Israelites came near, and he gave them in commandment all that the Lord had spoken with him on Mount Sinai. 33When Moses had finished speaking with them, he put a veil on his face; 34but whenever Moses went in before the Lord to speak with him, he would take the veil off, until he came out; and when he came out, and told the Israelites what he had been commanded, 35the Israelites would see the face of Moses, that the skin of his face was shining; and Moses would put the veil on his face again, until he went in to speak with him.
Psalm 99 (The Message)
God rules. On your toes, everybody!
He rules from his angel throne—take notice!
God looms majestic in Zion,
He towers in splendor over all the big names.
Great and terrible your beauty: let everyone praise you!
Holy. Yes, holy.
Strong King, lover of justice,
You laid things out fair and square;
You set down the foundations in Jacob,
Foundation stones of just and right ways.
Honor God, our God; worship his rule!
Holy. Yes, holy.
Moses and Aaron were his priests,
Samuel among those who prayed to him.
They prayed to God and he answered them;
He spoke from the pillar of cloud.
And they did what he said; they kept the law he gave them.
And then God, our God, answered them
(But you were never soft on their sins).
Lift high God, our God; worship at his holy mountain.
Holy. Yes, holy is God our God.
2 Corinthians 3:12 - 4:2
12Since, then, we have such a hope, we act with great boldness, 13not like Moses, who put a veil over his face to keep the people of Israel from gazing at the end of the glory that was being set aside. 14But their minds were hardened. Indeed, to this very day, when they hear the reading of the old covenant, that same veil is still there, since only in Christ is it set aside. 15Indeed, to this very day whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their minds; 16but when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. 17Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit.
4Therefore, since it is by God’s mercy that we are engaged in this ministry, we do not lose heart. 2We have renounced the shameful things that one hides; we refuse to practice cunning or to falsify God’s word; but by the open statement of the truth we commend ourselves to the conscience of everyone in the sight of God.
Luke 9:28-43
28Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. 29And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. 30Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. 31They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. 32Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. 33Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah” —not knowing what he said. 34While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. 35Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!” 36When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen.
(37On the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, a great crowd met him. 38Just then a man from the crowd shouted, “Teacher, I beg you to look at my son; he is my only child. 39Suddenly a spirit seizes him, and all at once he shrieks. It convulses him until he foams at the mouth; it mauls him and will scarcely leave him. 40I begged your disciples to cast it out, but they could not.” 41Jesus answered, “You faithless and perverse generation, how much longer must I be with you and bear with you? Bring your son here.” 42While he was coming, the demon dashed him to the ground in convulsions. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, healed the boy, and gave him back to his father. 43And all were astounded at the greatness of God.)
Peace,
+ Pastor Carrie Smith
carrie.smith@bethanylc.com
