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As I continue my vacation retreat, I am enjoying my new 2022 devotional that I brought along. It's one I have not used before and I find myself pleased that it focuses on the readings that are appointed for the week, using the revised common lectionary. I have appreciated the reflections and questions posed; especially as they relate to our recent reading of 1 Corinthians 12. 

Saturday's writing, under the title of "A More Excellent Way," discussed the imposter syndrome (when one doubts one's abilities leading to the fear of being exposed as a fraud) and suggested that people have struggled with comparisons for millennia. Paul reminded the early church (and us) who they are. 

He clearly affirms "You are the body of Christ." Paul saw them, knew their gifts, and believed in their potential. He acknowledged their fears and questions. He did not want them to get stuck but keep growing because the risk was too great... THE WORLD NEEDED THE RADICAL MESSAGE OF JESUS, AND THE CHURCH WAS CALLED TO BRING IT! 

That hasn't changed since Paul penned the words of 1 Cor 12:12-31a. As the church we too are to proclaim grace, unconditional love, and right relationship with God, neighbor, self and all of creation. (I paraphrased some words of Marilyn Paga'n-Banks.) 

We at Zion's do that and I am so grateful to be part of a believing community where we strive to take Jesus' message to heart and truly welcome ALL. Because ALL are loved, beloved actually, by God. 

That is who we are.... A welcoming bunch of people on the journey who look out and see anyone as a fellow companion on this journey. Let us boldly claim it and live it, looking for new and maybe even surprising ways that the Holy Spirit can open our arms and hearts even wider. There are so many people in this world who need Jesus' message of unconditional love and God has asked us to share it! 

Don't fear, you don't need to deal with imposter syndrome because you are exactly enough to share God's invitation to each and everyone you see. Just see God in their faces and love them. See them and maybe even invite them to a worship or study at Zion's. Or help with delivering or receiving Five Loaves meals. Or simply have a cup of coffee or water...

Paul is preaching to the people about a new way of being in community and leading a more excellent way of life. Let us take heed too! 

Have a wonderful week, dear friends and I look forward to gathering with you on Sunday.

In Christ, 

Pastor Andrea

This week (other meetings/gatherings will be taking place as well but here are some things to note):

  • Friday, Jan. 28 Five Loaves feeding ministry preparation; women's bible study gathering to pray (contact Carol Smith or Paula Little to join them).
  • Saturday, Jan. 29 Five Loaves Delivery! Usually 9:30 to 11 a.m. Join Zion's community in bringing food to bless many in Trinidad. Contact Norine, Peggy or Jo to volunteer. Thanks!
  • Sunday, Jan. 30th
    • 8:30 a.m. Sunday morning Bible study on miracles led by Jeff Smith. This is session #2 of the new study using Lee Strobel's book "The Miracle Answer Book." Come in person or join via ZOOM: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/907628370?pwd=eFVCTEVhb0xqMXcxY2xaUG5JMUZEdz09 -- or dial 1 312 626 6799, meeting ID: 907 628 370 -- Passcode: 332397. Contact Jeff Smith if you would like the handouts from last week. And, the first session was recorded so catch up is possible! https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/QRzGv1nGw99wLfRGOWrVrIdcVVAZRnpInEIkGiq0CrxNwT6VqTjEgt9fwRwX3Rj1.of2Z9wvt0P-fc8CZ?startTime=1642951535000 (Passcode: S6pvn&u9).
    • 10 a.m. Worship with Holy Communion 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://us02web.zoom.us/j/91739214242?pwd=b1QrZzk0QzBtM1RXZnZuaVFVMDNmZz09 -- or dial 1 301 715 8592, meeting ID 917 3921 4242 -- Password: 731771. For those of you who will be worshiping in person, masks will be required indoors. Please bring your own, thanks!
    • Worship leaders: Pastor Andrea Doeden; Assistant: Lisa Rygiel; Organist: Connie Pallone; Ushering: Steve & JoAnn Karspeck; Reading: Julie Wersal ; Communion prep/cleanup: Kathy Broman and Doris Blalock
    • Flowers are from Darlynne Sandstead in memory of her father, Edward, who passed away 20 years ago Feb. 2.
    • Fellowship after worship (approx. 11:10 a.m.) in the fellowship hall. Gather after worship for wonderful conversation! 
    • Bread & Belonging is our high school/college ministry that gathers each Sunday night from 6-8 p.m. in the lower level of the fellowship hall. This week's study is on women in the bible and we'll have a Jenga tournament!

Prayer List: 

"But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high. I call out to the Lord, and He answers me from his holy mountain.”

-(Psalm 3:3-4)

In prayer, we ask in His name: Comfort for those in mourning, including family and friends of: Sherry Marie Lewis (Norine's stepdaughter); Roger Buck (Becky McNeil's uncle); Patty Thomas (Jeff Smith's cousin).

We pray for and surround with God's healing touch all those impacted by recent fires, tornadoes and storms across the country; and the military and civilians around the world in harm's way-especially those in the Emirates, Afghanistan, and Ukraine.

We also pray for safe travels for Paul & Andrea; Jill Wilson; Michelle Ramirez; Gregory Weida; Cindy Rodriguez; Dale Krueger; Brent Kapling; Mike Blackmore; Cora Warrick and son Tyler; Carol Schulzkump, her son Kris and daughter-in-law Ana; JoAnn's sister Beth; Steve Karspeck's sister-in-law Deena; Floyd Gumke; Wilmae & Sherry Gartside; Lisa Rygiel's parents; Loren Eigenburg; and the Sandstead family.

We surround with prayers those battling cancer, including Jeanine Tapia; Rick Barian (Lynn's friend); Rick Spaulding (Paula's brother-in-law); Gary Miller; Marci Guard; Lynn's brother Kenny; Nancy Wilhelm (Ernie & Sharon's family member); Linda Bounds; Jo Moss' cousin Virginia; Kimber Begano; Dr. Mark Jacobson; Linda Theige's brother-in-law Pastor Bob; and Francis Baldwin and Max Phillips (both friends of Mark & Jo Moss). We also pray for those affected by COVID, including the Maucione family; and Melissa Lucero (cleans our facility and teaches at Head Start).

Our prayers continue for Wal-reat (missionary in Sudan we support financially through Global Missions); The Way ministry; ACTS ministry; and the prison congregation New Beginnings & Pastor Schjang.

 

Other announcements/dates to put on your calendar:

      • Yesterday's worship service can be viewed by following this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/HDZjiUsfrlS59hWWJ-FgF4yL_MPvzQ4ZmnEmTfzKo5KxTX9kBf9OqpB4zU-qSA3d.rTSMMYuXukMtWuj0 (Passcode: ^a2@r7yC). Lisa Rygiel's sermon begins at minute 17:45 and is a wonderful sharing of the Word! If you missed it, listen in.
      • Zion's Annual meeting is being planned for Feb. 6. Please contact our church president, Julie Wersal, if you have any questions regarding the upcoming business meeting or you would like to serve on church council.
      • The women's bible study will be studying Amy-Jill Levine's SERMON ON THE MOUNT beginning Feb. 4. We meet every other Friday from 9:30-11 a.m. in person or zoom (hybrid) and all women are invited to join us. This will be another wonderful study of the Word. This month please purchase your own copy of the book and if you desire, the companion 40-Days with the Sermon on the Mount (this book is complementary but not required). This study is more of a book study so over six sessions we will gather and to discuss the book, watch a video of Dr Levine. The study will be led by Carol Smith.
      • The flower ministry continues to bless our worship as well as those who receive the flowers after church. Lynn Chase has put the new 2022 calendar in the back of the sanctuary. Please sign up to sponsor the flowers in our new year.
      • Centering Prayer will be returning to Zion's! All who are interested in resuming or starting this practice please mark Saturday, Feb. 12 for a half-day workshop (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.) led by the Southern Colorado Contemplative Outreach leadership team. We are a praying church and this is a wonderful opportunity to gather and pray together! AND....The Contemplative Outreach of Colorado is so excited to come to Trinidad! There will be 5-6 people coming south for this event so let's share this invitation with our whole community! This is a non-denominational meditation practice so consider printing out a flyer and posting it around town and sharing the invitation!  We need to give them an estimate of the number of attendees so please let Julie, Jo or myself know if you are planning on attending, or register at Zion's website. And of course, COVID protocols will be in place.  

E-formation

In Sunday’s gospel reading, Jesus speaks to religious insiders about God’s care for the outsiders. Whichever you are, come to worship, to hear God’s word and receive the food of mercy.

The Readings in the Bible

Luke 4:21-30

At the beginning of Jesus’ ministry in Nazareth, in a passage with no parallel in Mark or Matthew, Luke stresses Jesus’ dual focus: while teaching in a Jewish synagogue, he speaks of God’s historic care for non-Jews. Jesus compares himself with two of the central prophets and miracle-workers of Jewish tradition, Elijah and Elisha, who functioned during the reigns of lesser kings of Judah and Israel. The identification of Jesus as “Joseph’s son” suggests that during Jesus’ lifetime, no story of an extraordinary birth circulated. The attempt at assassination foreshadows Jesus’ execution. So, to summarize the excerpt: between his birth and his death, Jesus embodies God’s care for all people.

Jeremiah 1:4-10

Jeremiah’s career as preacher and writer took place about 626–586 bce. Accounts of his adventures and sermons, along with other material in chapters 46–52, were compiled afterward, largely by his secretary Baruch. Jeremiah railed against the people’s unfaithfulness during a period of excessive social and political unrest in the Near East, and he assured them of God’s coming judgment against them. The call of a mere boy fits with the recurrent biblical theme of God’s attention to the lowliest.

1 Corinthians 13:1-13

Paul’s emphasis on unity within the body of Christ has its apex in this much quoted praise of the loving spirit that ought to characterize the Christian community. Despite its popularity as a reading at weddings, Paul is describing not a bonded couple, but the whole community in Christ. The Greek noun agape refers to love so other-directed as to be realized only by God.