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Refresh Wilted Spirits

by Vicar Lisa

I don’t exactly have a green thumb. I would have to say, it is more of a brown thumb. I have a few plants I can do OK with, those that can survive despite neglect like Christmas cactus, ivy, and Mother-in-Laws tongue. But that is about it. I admire people who have the patience to nourish and cherish, whether it is plants, and pets, or people. I am good with dogs and people, not so much with plants, so this article by Susan Aken from the blog entitled Wholly Loved, touched me and I wanted to share it. I hope you can relate.

The soul that blesses will be enriched, and he who waters will himself be watered. --Proverbs 11:25

Refreshing Wilted Spirits -- By Susan Aken

My flowers were dead. The leaves were wilted and the petals drooping. I decided to water them anyway, and a miracle happened. Within minutes, a different plant emerged. The flowers lifted their heads and the leaves perked up. They weren’t dead, just desperate for water.

Sometimes we meet people like the soul that blesses will be enriched, And he who waters will himself be watered. Proverbs 11:25hat. Their spirits are wilted and they’re losing hope. Their eyes are dull and their faces downcast. But if we pour water upon them by smiling, speaking a kind word, giving encouragement, or lending a hand, we’ll often see a transformation. Their spirits will lift, their faces will light up, and their souls become refreshed.

Today’s verse paints a beautiful picture. The person who liberally blesses others will personally be enriched. I envision a person watering another while rain from heaven falls on her. As she gives to others, God fills her up. 2 Corinthians 9:6 teaches this same principle: “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”

Live generously beautiful people of God!

Fourth Sunday after Epiphany, Jan. 28,

10 a.m. Worship with Communion

Flowers – From Jeff and Carol Smith in honor of Hal and Rita Burton

Announcements -- Fourth Sunday After Epiphany

  • After Worship on Sunday: Join us in the Fellowship Hall for conversation and coffee and to bid farewell to Hal & Rita Burton, who are moving to Gunbarrel (near Boulder).
  • Weekday Bible Study: Our weekday Bible Study will move from Fridays to Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. beginning Jan. 31 and continuing every other week. Because “all are welcome”, please note that the study is open to everyone and no longer will be labeled “Women’s Bible Study”.
  • Next Sunday: The Congregation’s Annual Meeting will be Sunday, Feb. 4. We will have our first Sunday potluck that day too. Watch your email for updates from Julie Wersal regarding this important meeting. Please note that because of the meeting, our Sunday morning Bible Study “How Lutherans Read the Bible” will be on Sunday, Feb. 11.
  • Synod Assembly Representatives Wanted: At the congregational meeting, we will vote on people to represent Zion’s at the next Synod Assembly (expenses paid). It will be in Loveland, April 25-27. The Assembly focus will include electing a new Bishop. If you are interested, please let Lisa or Julie know.
  • Flower Donations 2024: The 2024 Flower Book is in the back of the sanctuary and there are many Sundays available for donating flowers. The recommended donation for flowers is $35. Sign up now.
  • 5 Loaves Delivery Teams Needed: Our monthly 5 Loaves lunch deliveries will take place Saturday morning, Jan. 27, if you can help, please let Norine Hazen, Peggy Gustafson, or Jo Moss know.
  • Community Choir: The Trinidad Community Chorale is seeking new members. If you would like to join in, remember that several people from Zion’s congregation are in the Chorale. Rehearsals are from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Mondays at the Trinidad Community Church (formerly First Methodist Church) 216 Broom St. The Chorale’s first rehearsal for the 2024 Season is Monday, Jan. 29, and there still is time to join in.
  • Memorial Service: The memorial service for Bruce Livingston is at 11 a.m. on Feb. 3, at the Church of Christ in Trinidad (1000 Nevada Ave.), a luncheon will follow.

E-formation: Fourth Sunday After Epiphany
Jan. 28, 2024

In most of the standard or “ordinary” Sundays after Epiphany and after Trinity Sunday, year B reads through the Gospel of Mark. Christ was hidden and for many people, mad or sane, remains hidden, but Christians hear his words of authority proclaimed on Sunday from the ambo and the table.

Mark 1:21-28

When Jesus speaks, evil flees. For Mark, “an unclean spirit” is more than an example of sickness or insanity: the risen Christ gives his Holy Spirit to conquer the power of all unclean spirits of the world. The miracle attests to Christ’s divine authority. Filled with the Holy Spirit, we too can recognize Jesus as the Holy One of God.

Deuteronomy 18:15-20

The passage from Deuteronomy is chosen to indicate Israel’s religious hope that God will continue to speak words of covenant, comfort, and command. Christians see Jesus as the divine prophet for whom we all long. Mark’s way to present Jesus responds to the Israelite desire for an authoritative prophet.

1 Corinthians 8:1-13

Although it is always tempting to lay down a new law, Paul instead thinks through the ethical dilemma and urges the community members to care for each other. Twenty centuries later Christians are still split on many moral questions, including food issues. May we heed Paul’s advice, and live together in one Lord, Jesus Christ.

Zion's Lutheran Church

zionsluth@gmail.com

719-846-7785