Saturday, January 26, 2013

Looking Toward Sunday



January 27, 2012 - Third Sunday After the Epiphany



"Symbiotic Christian Life"

In nature, an interdependent and mutually beneficial relationship relationship is known as "symbiosis".  One of the best-known examples is the clownfish and the anemone.  The clownfish attracts prey for the anemone, and the anemone provides food for the clownfish.  God has designed them to live in symbiotic relationship.

Although he uses a different metaphor to describe it, the apostle Paul says that Christians are also designed by God to live in symbiotic relationship.  In chapter 12 of his first letter to the church in Corinth (you can read it here) Paul reminds the conflicted and divided congregation that each individual Christian needs the faith community and the faith community needs each individual Christian. Neither can thrive without the other.

We would do well to remember that the same holds true for contemporary Christians and today's church.  Like the different parts of a human body – like the anemone and the clownfish – we need each other in order to live as well and as fully – as symbiotically – as God designed us.    

Join us as we reflect on being a more "symbiotic church".  See you on Sunday!



Saturday, January 19, 2013

Looking Toward Sunday




January 20, 2012 - Second Sunday After the Epiphany

"An Invitation to Abundance"

This week we take a look at the familiar story of Jesus turning water into wine. (You can read it here.) Jesus and his mother and the disciples are at a wedding in Cana when the wine unexpectedly runs out. Jesus' mother turns to him to provide a solution to spare the party's host from public humiliation. 

Jesus' answer to the predicament is to transform six stone jars of water (each of which held around 20-30 gallons) into wine. Wine that isn't just passable, but the richest, finest wine anyone has ever tasted. This absurd extravagance is the very first "sign" recorded in John's gospel, and it tells us something very important about Jesus.

This story of transformation and abundance sets the stage for Jesus' ministry - a ministry that demonstrates  in countless ways the inexhaustible love and extravagant grace of God. From the miracle at Cana to the miracle of the empty tomb and everything in between, Jesus invites us to “have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10). Join us as we think about the kind of transformation and abundance Jesus can bring to our lives.  

L'Chaim!  See you on Sunday.