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Celebrate Diversity

By Vicar Lisa

As some of you are aware, John and I are down in the Texas Rio Grande Valley on a birdwatching expedition. It has been 12 years since we have been down here birding and reacquainting ourselves with some of our old haunts is like reacquainting ourselves with old friends.

As a birder, I never cease to be amazed at the diversity of birds and the different ecosystems they habituate. The difference between a White Pelican and a Yellow Warbler is profound: different sizes, different colors, and totally different habitats. But they are both birds.

In nature, every ecosystem requires several different plants, animals, and organisms to grow and flourish. When it comes to surviving and thriving, the earth and its creatures need diversity.

If diversity is a necessary part of nature, then it only makes sense that people need diversity in their communities. Diversity inspires cultural growth and makes society richer. When a community has people of different backgrounds, beliefs, and skills, each person can contribute their unique story and gifts to make a greater whole.

I ran across some interesting thoughts to ponder on how diversity is good for us.

Diversity is beautiful. “We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter what their color.” -Maya Angelou

Diversity gives us strength. “Strength lies in differences, not in similarities.” -Stephen R. Covey

Diversity makes life interesting. “Just imagine how boring life would be if we were all the same. My idea of a perfect world is one in which we appreciated each other’s differences: Short, tall; Democrat, Republican; black, white; gay, straight–a world in which all of us are equal, but not the same.”-Barbra Streisand

Diversity propels us forward. “Diversity is the engine of invention. It generates creativity that enriches the world.” –Justin Trudeau

Diversity inspires unity. “Diversity is about all of us, and about us having to figure out how to walk through this world together.” –Jacqueline Woodson

 

As you go through the rest of your week, look for opportunities to celebrate the beautiful tapestry of humanity we live in. Thank you dear Lord for creating us and celebrating diversity!

“You put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. Here there is no Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all and in all. Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,  bearing with one another….”

--Colossians 3:10-11

 

Announcements:

Sunday, Dec. 11, The Third Sunday of Advent

10 a.m. Worship with Holy Communion
Please join us, either in person OR via ZOOM ('hybrid' worship). If you will be worshiping via Zoom, log on or call in using these links: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81535174862?pwd=MnVLL3FSZGJWdGsxRmhBUWhBWFRHZz09, Meeting ID: 815 3517 4862, Passcode: 155280 or dial +1 719 359 4580 US.

Worship Leaders: Vicar Lisa Rygiel, Julie Wersal

Lector: Kathy Broman

Zoom Leader(s): Mike McNeil and Kathy Broman

Musician: Connie Pallone

Ushers: Kathy Broman and Doris Blalock

Communion: Mary McKenna and John Rygiel

Flowers: Donated by Steve and JoAnn Karspeck in honor of their son Allen’s birthday and thanksgiving for all of their children and grandchildren

 

Announcements:

  • Join us in the Fellowship Hall after worship for conversation and coffee.
  • Church Council meets at 11:30 a.m. Sunday in the Blue Room.
  • Transition Team meets at 5 p.m. next Thursday, Dec. 15, in the Blue Room.
  • The Loss & Grieving workshop concludes on Dec. 14.
  • Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022, at 5:30 p.m., Zion’s will offer a special Blue Christmas service in our church sanctuary. A Blue Christmas service provides a quiet and contemplative worship service as an alternative to more traditional gatherings. This is in honor of those who are experiencing grief and struggling with loss. All are welcome. Invite your family and friends.
  • The Flower Chart has been replaced by the Flower Book, located in the back of the sanctuary. Now is the time to sign up for Sundays in 2023, many dates fill quickly so volunteer now. Sign up and use the envelopes in the book for your flower donation, which can be placed on the offering plate.
  • The December issue of our Connections newsletter is available in the back of the sanctuary, via email, and on our webpage. If you need a copy, you also can contact Jo Moss or send an email request to zionsluth@gmail.com. The deadline for the January issue is Dec. 21, please give contributions to Jo Moss, or send them to the Zion's email.

 

E-formation

This coming Sunday we hear about John the Baptist while he was imprisoned for preaching against the immorality of the rulers. How ought we as Christians to prepare God’s way? Come to worship to pray for guidance as the church prepares for the coming of Christ.

Matthew 11:2-11

The gospel of Advent 3 responds to the gospel of Advent 2: last week John the Baptist predicted the coming judgment, and this week Jesus, also citing the prophet Isaiah, speaks of the transformative power of his ministry. Each week we hear more about what the presence of God means for the world, today and at the end of time. That coming begins here, in word and sacrament.

Isaiah 35:1-10

Sometimes in the lectionary, the first reading presents the full citation that is referred to in the gospel reading. This Sunday, the first reading is the oracle from Isaiah that Jesus cites in today’s gospel reading. On Sunday, Christians praise the resurrection of Christ as just such a joyous transformation of all things. The Sunday liturgy means to celebrate that transformation.

James 5:7-10

The Old Testament and gospel readings that promise wondrous signs of the presence of the Lord are held next to this New Testament call to patience. In Advent, we join the early church in waiting, perhaps impatiently, for the coming of the Judge and for the end of suffering and evil.

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Zion's Lutheran Church

zionsluth@gmail.com

719-846-7785