4th Sunday after Epiphany: February 1st. Micah 6:1-8 ~ Psalm 15 ~ 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 ~ Matthew 5:1-12 Read online

The book of Micah is a resounding call for justice.  In the reading for this Sunday we have perhaps the most often quoted verse from Micah, “what does the LORD require of you but to do justice and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8b).  For Micah these three tasks are the foundation of a faithful life.  

Pairing the Micah reading with the Beatitudes in Matthew challenges us to see that Jesus list of nine blessings is not some ethereal spiritual mumbo jumbo, but a call to action.  Jesus isn’t declaring the humble or meek blessed as much as telling us to live so that they are blessed.  How do we do that?  By doing justice, loving kindness and walking humbly.  

After reading the scriptures for this day, discuss the following questions with someone else:

1. Reread Jesus’ Beatitudes in the Matthew Reading.  Of the 9 which one do you think you are called to focus on today?

2. What does it mean to bless someone?  What might that look like?

3. What does a life look like that takes Micah 6:8 seriously?  Where do you see these qualities at work in our world today?

Grace Garden Wassail - This Saturday

A night of Board Games, blessing the Garden, and good food.  

Grace is reviving the tradition of wassailing with a special winter gathering to bless our community garden, enjoy good foods, and play some games.  We'll even have some special wassail: mulled wine and hot fresh apple cider -- all grown and made in Michigan.  It's sure to be a fun night for all ages.

We'll be outside about 15 min for the garden blessing and inside for the rest of the event.  If you’re particularly sensitive to the cold, you are welcome to stay inside during the blessing and enjoy the other activities.  If you're curious, here is a short video about wassailing in colonial America, including a recipe for a traditional wassail. 

Observing Lent

This year Lent begins on February 18th.  In the Ash Wednesday liturgy, we receive an invitation to observe a Holy Lent: 

As disciples of Jesus, we are called to a discipline that contends against evil and resists whatever leads us away from love of God and neighbor. I invite you, therefore, to the discipline of Lent—self-examination and repentance, prayer and fasting, sacrificial giving and works of love—strengthened by the gifts of word and sacrament. Let us continue our journey through these forty days to the great Three Days of Jesus’ death and resurrection.

There are a variety of opportunities that our church provides to help you observe Lent.

• Ash Wednesday services, February 18th

  • Worship @ Christ United, 12:00PM

  • Worship @ Grace, 7:00PM

• Mid-Week Lenten Study, Tuesdays, 5:30PM @ Christ UnitedEmbracing and Living the Grace of God - We talk alot about the abundant Grace of God, but what does that mean and how do we allow it to guide our lives and actions?  Come join us for this conversation as we explore what it means to live God’s Grace.  Bring a sack meal with you if you desire.  Our time will conclude by 7:00PM.

• Mid-Week Soup & Lenten Worship, Wednesdays, 6:00PM @ GraceJoin us for Soup at 6:00PM and worship at 6:30PM.  We will be gathering in the social room for both events.  For worship we will be using Holden Evening prayer and will include a brief reflection and discussion from Pastor Bryan.  Our evening will conclude by 7:30PM.

• Home Devotion.  There are a variety of resources available for daily devotions at home.  Committing to 40 days of devotion can be the start of a new habit.  

  • Lenten devotions from Episcopal Relief and Development includes a short written reflection and video.

  • Lenten Calendar from ELCA World Hunger

  • Join Bishop Julie and Pastor Bryan for morning and evening prayer of Bishop Julie’s Facebook page.