A Congregational Letter to Morgan’s Point and Forks Road East United Churches
Although, this week began much differently than many of my other weeks, it has still been a busy and productive week. I began my week by working on my preaching schedule, which lists the scriptures, hymns, and worship themes that will keep me organized into May. This project is not, yet, entirely finished. In addition to that, I also took some time to listen to several of the arguments at the Impeachment Trial on Capitol Hill. I have a great interest in how arguments are presented, not only as a Theologian, but because of my employment prior to entering Ordered Ministry. Many of you will remember that when I lived in Alberta, I worked for the RCMP. During those years, I was always amazed at the skill of the RCMP members as they gathered case evidence. Everything was done meticulously. Then, during my Chaplaincy work with young offenders, at Quinte Detention Centre, I, once again, was intrigued with how the court system worked with these young people. As their Chaplain, I worked with the young offenders by trying to help them make sense of how they got to where they were, and where they could go with accountability. The courts preferred to simply punish them. It was frustrating. With these interests as part of my background, I appreciated having the opportunity to listen to some of the thoughtful arguments presented at the Impeachment Trial. It was a great learning opportunity for me.
This Sunday is Transfiguration Sunday. Then, on Wednesday, February 17th, we enter the Season of Lent beginning with Ash Wednesday. Sunday, February 21st, is Lent 1, and during this Worship Service, we will be celebrating Holy Communion. Please have your juice and your bread available to participate in the Communion Service during the Sunday morning YouTube service.
My sermon this week is based on Mark 9:2-9, and is entitled “Eyes to See Anew”. In our lesson from Mark’s Gospel, we see Jesus leading Peter, James, and John up the mountain. There on the mountain, these disciples see Jesus transfigured before them in a new and glorious way. They, also, hear God speak clearly to them. During the transfiguration of Jesus - Peter, James, and John are helped to discover a new way of seeing Jesus, a new way of hearing God, and a new way of being in relationship with God and one another. In Mark’s Gospel, Jesus did not suddenly light up, and become something he was not. Rather, Peter, James, and John had their eyes healed, and opened, so they could see Jesus as he had always been. They saw him in a new way. They, also had their ears opened, so that they heard God’s voice in a new way.
Let us continue to pray for one another every morning at 10:30, remembering that God grants us wisdom, love, and peace as we hold each other in God’s tender keeping. Much love and care to you all. Keep well and safe.
God’s Blessings, Pastor Laura
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