Here’s what’s happening in worship this week.
Worship Services
Journey Worship | Sunday, at 8:45 am
An interactive, energetic service for those seeking a fresh encounter with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Our theme this month is Chosen. Sr. Linda Yankoski, president and CEO of Holy Family Institute, will preach from Isaiah 58:6–11.
Sanctuary Worship | Sunday, at 11 am
Our largest service, with music from the Chancel Choir and an organ prelude prior to the service. This week, we will take part in the annual observance of Children’s Sabbath, co-sponsored by the Justice and Christian Education Committees. This year’s theme is How Long Must I Cry for Help? Bending the Arc Toward God’s Vision of Justice for Children. Sister Linda Yankoski, president and CEO of Holy Family Institute (HFI), will preach from Isaiah 58:6–11. Her sermon will be titled, “All Children Matter.”
HFI was founded more than 100 years ago by the Sisters of Nazareth. Their mission is to empower children and families to lead responsible lives and develop healthy and meaningful relationships built on faith, hope, and love. Most recently, HFI provided the Journey of Hope Initiative, offering housing and services to unaccompanied children under 12, who entered the United States through the southwestern border.
Taizé | Wednesday, at 7 pm
An hour-long service including sung prayers; simple, beautiful music; a time of silence; spoken and silent prayers; and an opportunity for individual prayer and anointing. The Rev. Mary Lynn Callahan will lead worship. Stay afterward for Contemplative Prayer.
Christian Education Classes
We offer Christian Education classes for persons of all ages, from infancy through adulthood, on Sundays from 9:45–10:45 am. Click the links for adult class descriptions and children and youth offerings.
Contemporaries | Second Floor Parlor
The Story of Jesus’ Birth, Luke 2:1–20
Following Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes, we will use Dr. Kenneth Bailey’s scholarship to peel away centuries of Greek, Roman, and European paint from the birth narrative of Jesus, to reveal the classic story within. Pete Murray will begin our four-lesson series, which will conclude on Jan. 17.
Journey With Scripture | Second Floor Library
Where you go, I will go; where you lodge, I will lodge, your people shall be my people, and your God my God—Ruth 1:16. The lectionary cycle of readings ends with stories of marginalized women—a foreigner, a poor widow, a childless wife. They love steadfastly and become pivotal figures for our faith, our history, and the Advent of our Lord. Come join us.
This week, the Jan Irvin will serve as facilitator. Our readings are: 2 Samuel 23:1–7; Psalm 132:1–18; Revelation 1:4b–8; and John 18:33–37.
Seekers | Room 234
Paul, the 4th Gospel of John, and the Road to Nicea
The letters of Paul reveal the earliest beliefs of the divinity of Jesus. But how did Paul the Pharisee reconcile this with his own views of Judaism? The gospel of John claims that Jesus pre-existed as a co-creator with God before his earthly manifestation. How did the claims of both come to be finalized at Nicea?
Soul Food | Third Floor Music Room
This week, we will begin discussing chapter five of An Altar in the World, by Barbara Brown Taylor.