This Sunday - January 25th. 3nd Sunday after Epiphany

Isaiah 9:1-4 ~ Psalm 27:1, 4-9 ~ 1 Corinthians 1:10-18 ~ Matthew 4:12-23 Read online

Galilee is the northern part of the Holy Land that surrounds the Sea of Galilee.  One might call this the “flyover” area of ancient Israel.  There were not large prominent towns and the residents were considered simple by the residents of the south where the power rested.  In ancient times this region had been conquered by the Assyrians and exploited for its resources and people.  Now it is controlled by the Romans and heavily taxed.  They were a people who, for generations, had been forgotten and oppressed.  

That Jesus chooses to take up residence here and focus on this region is significant because it’s not what most itinerate teachers did.  They focused on Jerusalem in the south.  Jesus is making a statement that his message is for everyone, not just the religious elite or the powerful.  In fact, while it is for everyone, he is going to go out of his way to make sure that those who tend to be forgotten are included.  

As we, the church today, live out our faith, we need to remember this and carry God’s love to those who are often over looked and let them know God loves them too.    

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

1. Jesus went to the overlooked/undervalued places and people.  Where do you think he would go today?

2. How do you express that God’s love is for everyone?

Garden Wassail @ Grace Lutheran - Date change: January 31, 6:00PM

Please note the date change for the Wassail.  Due to cold weather predictions, it has been moved back a week to January 31st.  

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

From Ancient roots, there was a Medieval English tradition of a mid-winter wassail (an old norse word that means "go in good health").  It was a time, in the cold of the year, to ward off the winter gloom with good fellowship and also pray for next years harvest.  The tradition was often observed on 12th night (the 12th day of Christmas) and included singing to ward off evil spirits in the night and blessing apple orchards for a good harvest next year by pouring a bit of wine or cider on the trees roots (and drinking some yourself too).  

As Christians we believe in the interconnectedness of creation and that all of creation gives praise to God.  Psalm 148 calls upon "Mountains and all hills; fruit trees and all cedars" to praise the Lord.  Blessing orchards, fields, and gardens is a way for us to acknowledge how God has woven us together in a wonderful tapestry of creation.  As our garden beds slumber under a blanket of snow, we give them a small drink as thanks for the harvest we have received and hope for what is to come.  

With that in mind, 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 to 30min for the garden blessing and inside for the rest of the event.  If you're curious, here is a short video about wassailing in colonial America, including a recipe for a traditional wassail.

Attachments area

Preview YouTube video Wassail in Early 18th Century AmericaPreview YouTube video Wassail in Early 18th Century America