Greetings to all!
This Sunday, Jan 12, is the Sunday of the Baptism of the Lord,
remembering the "baptism" of Jesus by the prophet John. As one
scholar (John Crossan) observed, "That Jesus was baptized by
John is one of the surest things we know about them both." The
more challenging question concerns what the event meant then
and means now. Some have described the event of his baptism
as a moment of "vocation" in which Jesus heard and answered
the particular call of God upon his life.
Such moments are not uncommon to us, whether or not we
describe them using religious language, when we "hear" a
particular call upon our lives, and respond to it saying, "Here
I am. Send Me." Such callings might last a lifetime, or some time
less; some are mysterious in nature, while others are more
ordinary experiences. Whatever the details, looking back upon
them, we know that such moments have been turning points
for us, after which our lives were never quite the same.
The lectionary texts for Sun, Jan 12, the Baptism of the Lord...
Isaiah 42:1-9
Acts 10:34-43
Matthew 3:13-17
Sunday Conversations continue this Sun, Jan 12, 10am, in
Trinity Hall. Sunday Conversation topics vary from week to week
including Bible study, theology, spirituality, and current events.
Watch the Friday update for information regarding this Sunday's
conversation topic.
Youth (middle and high school) are invited to gather for dinner and
activities at Walnut Hill this Sunday afternoon, 5:30 - 7:00pm.
DINNER & CONVERSATION - You are invited to dinner and
conversation with Dr. Paul Jones, author of The Church's Seven
Deadly Secrets, this Sunday, Jan 12, 6pm, at the Bronte Bistro
at Joe-Beth Booksellers. Use reply email to reserve your place at
the table. (See below regarding an opportunity to read and discuss
Dr. Jones' book.)
The Church's Seven Deadly Secrets is the title of a new book
by Prof Paul Jones, of Transylvania University, in which Prof Jones
explores seven "secrets" that have contributed to a case of "identity
theft" of the church's nature and purpose. Join us in Jan/Feb as
we read and discuss Dr. Jones' book.
*A few copies of the book are still available through Walnut Hill
Church for a discount price of $18.75/copy. A kindle version is
available through Amazon.com.
*Join us for Dinner and Conversation with Prof Jones on
Sun, Jan 12, 6pm, at the Bronte Bistro at Joseph-Beth (see above).
*Join us for a series of four book discussion sessions beginning
Sun, Jan 19, 4pm - 5:30pm.
Use reply email to reserve a copy of the book, rsvp for dinner on
Jan 12, and/or for more information regarding the discussion series.
Mission Ministry - The "Mission Ministry" of Transylvania Presbytery
will be meeting at Walnut Hill Church this Sat, Jan 11, 10am - Noon.
Mike Ward has been asked to chair the Mission Ministry for 2014, and
this Saturday's meeting is an opportunity to gather persons who have
interest in the Ministry's work of direct outreach, social witness, and
church development/redevelopment.
Peace to all.
Mike Ward
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