Redeemer Lutheran and St. Theodore
On Sunday, Jan. 26, the congregations of Redeemer Lutheran Church and St. Theodore of Canterbury Episcopal Church will celebrate the Third Sunday after Epiphany. The Rev. Murray D. Finck, bishop emeritus, will preside. The church will study a Gospel Lesson from Luke chapter 4:14-21.
The last Sunday of January Jesus is back in his hometown, Nazareth, where he reads from prophet Isaiah in the synagogue— a common happening in their worship. What is not so common is for the reader to sit down and say: “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” Jesus proclaims himself as being anointed by God “to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
As people continue on the journey through Jesus’s life in the various Gospels, they find these prophecies are actually fulfilled in his life on earth. Even now, would people believe or react like those in Nazareth, and drive them out? Would people be in fear of God’s retribution for allowing someone to say this and get away with it?
Remember, the Jewish people were under Roman rule. They have lived through various captivities when God has chastised them before. It is difficult to listen to people say astounding things and just let it pass; especially after knowing them for a long time. These people have watched Jesus grow up. They may remember Jesus wandering off and worrying his parents, or him and his cousin John running around town as kids, or Jesus working in Joseph’s carpenter shop. No one expects this kind of behavior from watching a child growing up, but all people are special enough to have this happen to them. God chose to create people just as they are, loving them unconditionally and sacrificing his life so they could hear and believe the Good News.
Bible Study will continue on Jan. 29 from noon-1:15 p.m. as Cecil B. DeMille’s Ten Commandments video continues. Bring a friend, a bible and lunch if desired.
The 10:30 a.m. Communion and worship service is at 13564 St. Andrews Drive. Guest organist Jerry Engelhardt will share his talents. Coffee fellowship will continue afterwards in the Fellowship Hall, where the church will also celebrate January birthdays. Tea, cookies and snacks are also available. All are welcome. The donations of canned and boxed foods for the hungry are also accepted.
