Redeemer Lutheran and St. Theodore

On Sunday, Feb. 2, the congregations of Redeemer Lutheran Church and St. Theodore of Canterbury Episcopal Church will celebrate the Fourth Sunday after Epiphany. The Rev. Murray D. Finck, bishop emeritus, will preside.

This first Sunday of February continues last Sunday’s Gospel lesson from Luke chapter 4, verses 21-30.

Jesus is still in his hometown of Nazareth and is preaching in the synagogue. People are amazed and in awe of his preaching until they stop and think, this is Joseph’s son. We watched him grow up; how can he be telling us anything? People get angry to the point where they try to throw him from a cliff because he reminds them that God is not “owned” by them.

God’s love and care cannot be limited to just them, as he loves and cares for everyone in this world. People are called to do the same. They are challenged to love and care for those who are misunderstood, and to share God’s love with the poor, ill, hurting, disregarded, shunned and the different.

People are called to something higher than society’s judgement. They are called to live and care and work and love by God’s judgement which is always layered with love and mercy.

The 10:30 a.m. Communion and worship service is at 13564 St. Andrews Drive. Coffee fellowship will continue afterward in the Fellowship Hall. Tea, cookies and snacks are also available. All are welcome. The donations of canned and boxed foods for the hungry are also accepted.

Bible study will continue Feb. 5 from noon-1:15 p.m. as the new study of Matthew 5-7, the Sermon on the Mount, begins. Jesus explains how people are to treat others as his disciples.