Grace News January 12, 2021

Announcements

Kids and Youth of Grace

We looked at Jesus’ baptism and discussed what happened at our own baptism- certainly nothing like Jesus’ dramatic baptism.  What would the sky look like when it was “torn apart” or “opened up”? We sang an active song and then made our own version of a “Dove descending down”. 
May we all feel God’s spirit upon us in a good way and that God is pleased with how we are doing.
Join us at 9:30 am for our zoom Sunday School – best for kids 1-6th grades.  Look for the Weekend Updates and links for Worship and Sunday School email from Pastor!

Youth ZOOM on Sunday mornings!

For youth, grades 6-12, Meghan Kelly and Keith Miller will be leading youth ZOOMs! Confirmation at 9:00 a.m. / High School at 9:45 a.m. If you would like to participate – please contact Meghan at mekelly10@gmail.com to receive the link.

Winter Retreat at Camp Kirchenwald

Christian Formation

On one hand as Christians we should be spending time in prayer and reflecting on scripture, on the other hand there’s so much work that needs to be done and daily practices take time away from that work. Then there’s also my general skepticism about living spiritually; I’m baptized, can I really get any closer to God? 

One of the problems that I had in seminary when we did this practice is that I’m not good at only doing one thing at a time. For example, I’m sitting at my desk writing this article for the Grace News, listening to a Podcast, and waiting for the FedEx truck.

Lectio divina requires that we set time aside for God. In lectio divina you read the text, reread the text, and maybe even read it again. Then you meditate on something in the text that stuck out to you. Then you pray, and this is where it gets hard for people like me, there is no prewritten prayer, you make it up on the spot inspired by the reading, your meditation, and the Holy Spirit. Then you contemplate, which means you don’t listen to a podcast and you don’t look out the window every minute for a package delivery. 

What I found to be helpful in seminary was having a notebook nearby so that I could write down what stuck out to me in the text. I’ve also found that setting aside a designated time and creating a designated space helps with focus. You could also play some music in the background, just don’t get distracted and have a dance party while you should be praying.

Each week in the Grace News and on our website you’ll find a reading from John, a prayer, and a guide for lectio divina. On occasion I’ll add some insight about John or a particular Greek word/phrase. If you have any questions about lectio divina or questions about John, email me at graceelcaapd@gmail.com. 

We’ll start this practice next week, perhaps between now and then you create your space and decide on what time you are going to set aside. 

Faithfully skeptic, Angie 

January 17, 2021 (Second Sunday after Epiphany, Year B) 
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God, and that you are not your own? ‐‐1 Corinthians 6:19
Like elite athletes in training, we who follow Christ give up certain “freedoms” in this life in order to faithfully respond to God’s gracious gift of salvation. We choose to love God and our neighbors fully, choosing a path of wellness and good stewardship of all God’s abundance. 

Our Grace Family