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Go Not to The Temple

by VicarLisa

As I told the congregation last Sunday, my last week at school was an amazing experience. For World Religions class, we attended a Thai Buddhist Temple, an Islamic Mosque, a Hindu Temple, and a Sikh Temple. Each location brought its surprises, and, at times, we were awestruck by the elegance of the temples and the humility of the worshipers.

At the Sikh temple, we were able to sit on the floor with the members and eat a delicious vegetarian meal in community. After 30 minutes of sitting cross legged on the floor, I did indeed appreciate my classmate Jadher’s offer to help me up. Upon my late-night return to my room, I found it impossible to sleep because my mind was inundated by all the day’s sights and sounds.

The next morning in worship, Dr. Moses read a poem by Rabindranath Tagore, a Bengali polymath who was active as a poet, writer, playwright, composer, philosopher, social reformer and so on. After our temple visits, the poem seemed so appropriate. I hope it speaks to you:

Go Not to The Temple.

Go not to the temple to put flowers upon the feet of God, First fill your own house with the fragrance of love and kindness.

Go not to the temple to light candles before the alter of God. First remove the darkness of sin, pride, and ego, from your heart.

Go not to the temple to bow down your head in prayer, First learn to bow in humility before your fellowmen… And apologize to those you have wronged.

Go not to the temple to pray on bended knees, first bend down to lift someone who is downtrodden. And strengthen the young ones. Not crush them.

Go not to the temple to ask for forgiveness for your sins, First forgive from your heart those who have sinned against you.

 

Fifth Sunday after Epiphany – Feb. 4

10 a.m. Worship with Communion

Flowers –- From Doris Blalock in honor of February birthdays

Announcements

  • After Worship: Join us in the Fellowship Hall for our first Sunday potluck and for our annual Congregational Meeting.
  • Weekday Bible Study: Our weekday Bible Study will move from Fridays to Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. and continue every other week. The next study is Feb. 14 (Ash Wednesday). 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: Because of Sunday’s Congregational meeting, our Sunday morning Bible Study “How Lutherans Read the Bible” will be next Sunday, Feb. 11.
  • Ash Wednesday: Lent begins with Ash Wednesday on Feb. 14. We will have a soup supper at 6 p.m., followed by Ash Wednesday worship at 7 p.m. We need volunteers to bring soup, salad, bread, or a light dessert. If you can help, please let Vicar Lisa know. Soup suppers will continue at 6 p.m. each Wednesday in Lent, so we also need volunteers to bring food for those other evenings as well.
  • Souper Bowl of Caring: We are starting to collect canned goods and other long-shelf-like items for the soup kitchen.  These will be collected from February 4 through Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 11 in the big pot in the front of the sanctuary.
  • 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.
  • February Newsletter: Copies of the February newsletter have been sent via email. Printed copies are available in the back of the sanctuary and in the Fellowship Hall.
  • 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.

E-formation – Fifth Sunday After Epiphany

February 4, 2024

On the Sundays after Epiphany and after Trinity Sunday in year B, we repeatedly encounter the paradox set out by Mark: Jesus, although hidden from many, is revealed as Christ to believers. This Sunday those who recognize Jesus and receive his power are assembled in a house, as were the first hearers of Mark’s gospel. We too arise from our sickbed to serve others, proclaiming the kingdom and sharing holy communion.

Mark 1:29-39

Jesus meets with his disciples, and he escapes alone to pray. He heals, and he hides. He displays power, and he orders demons to keep silent. Mark’s account of the meaning of Jesus’ ministry alternates between his being hidden in the crucifixion and being acclaimed risen within the believing community. Like Peter’s mother-in-law, we were raised from illness and now serve one another.

Isaiah 40:21-31

This poem from Isaiah 40 is chosen to exemplify the power of the Lord God to bring hope and life out of despair and death. We too are faint and powerless, and we have gathered to be raised from our sickbeds to serve one another. The Old Testament reading both articulates the human hope for salvation and prepares us to receive today’s gospel proclamation.

1 Corinthians 9:16-23

We are called to share Paul’s paradoxical understanding of life under the gospel. We are free, to submit ourselves to others. In Luther’s words, Christians are both perfectly free, subject to none, and dutiful servants, subject to all. Like Peter’s mother-in-law, we arise from ourselves to be a slave to all.

Zion's Lutheran Church

zionsluth@gmail.com

719-846-7785