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Amazing Grace

By Pr. Lisa Rygiel

On Sunday, our gospel reading is Matthew 18:21-25. In this passage, Peter asks about the limits of forgiveness, Jesus responds with a parable that suggests human forgiveness should mirror the unlimited grace and mercy of God. We love grace! The concept that God not only forgives our sins but adopts us as God’s children seems almost too good to be true!

It is no wonder that “Amazing Grace” is widely regarded as the most popular English-language hymn. It was written by John Newton, an English sailor who later became an Anglican minister. Newton wrote the text in 1772, and it was first published in 1779 in a hymnal called Olney Hymns.[loc.gov], [en.wikipedia.org]

The hymn is closely tied to Newton's personal life. As a young man, he worked at sea and became involved in the Atlantic slave trade. In 1748, during a violent storm at sea, he feared for his life and prayed for God's mercy. Newton later viewed this event as the beginning of his religious conversion. Over time, he left seafaring, became a minister, and eventually spoke out against slavery. [en.wikipedia.org], [britannica.com]

The words of “Amazing Grace” reflect Newton's sense of gratitude for forgiveness and spiritual transformation. The famous opening line, “Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me,” was inspired by his belief that God's grace had rescued him from a troubled past. [loc.gov], [en.wikipedia.org]

Although the lyrics were written in the 1770s, the hymn's now-famous melody was paired with the words later. In the United States, “Amazing Grace” became especially popular during the Second Great Awakening in the early 19th century. In 1835, it became associated with the tune known as “New Britain,” which is the melody most people recognize today. [en.wikipedia.org]

Over the years, the hymn grew beyond its church origins. It has been sung at religious services, funerals, memorials, civil rights events, and national commemorations. Its message of redemption, hope, and second chances helped make it one of the most widely performed and recorded songs in history. [en.wikipedia.org], [loc.gov]

A notable historical irony is that the author was once involved in the slave trade yet later became an advocate for abolition. This personal transformation is a major reason the hymn has remained so powerful and enduring. [britannica.com], [en.wikipedia.org]

16thSunday in Pentecost,
God’s Work. Our Hands. Sunday -- Sept. 13

Announcements:

  • Flowers: Flowers for worship are given by Mark & Jo Moss in celebration of Elizabeth Reilley’s Birthday.
  • GWOH Service & Fellowship: Join us after worship Sunday for God’s Work Our Hands service projects. Wear your GWOH yellow tee shirt and bring a snack to share. We will assemble hygiene kits to be donated to Keep Trinidad Safe. Then, we will head over to the Legacy for a Sunday Sing-Along. Please note that even if you won’t/can’t sing, you can still contribute by helping the residents find the songs in the handout. The residents love having company!
  • Summer Supper Gatherings: Our final summer supper is today at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 9. We look forward to seeing you there.
  • Zion’s Book Club: Our Adult Study opportunity resumes at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 15 in the Fellowship Hall with “What if Jesus was Serious about Prayer – A Visual Guide to the Spiritual Practice Most of us Get Wrong” by Skye Jethani.
  • September Newsletter: The September newsletter was sent via email on Sept. 2, it’s also available on Zion’s website under the news tab. Paper copies are in the Sanctuary and the Fellowship Hall. Thank you to everyone who helped make this possible.
  • Proverbs Study: First United Methodist Church (FUMC) of Raton/Trinidad has invited Zion’s to participate in September’s study of the Book of Proverbs (see the September newsletter for details). The study begins at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 9, at FUMC in Raton and at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, at FUMC on Broom Street in Trinidad.
  • We’re Here for You: For pastoral care, call Zion’s at 719-846-7785 or send an email: zionsluth@gmail.com.

E-Formation

The gospel this coming Sunday is a harsh parable about forgiveness. Yet even if we feel condemned by this reading, we receive God’s mercy at the table of the Lord. Come to worship, to be forgiven, and to be empowered to forgive others.

Matthew 18:21-35
Matthew has added this passage about the necessity of communal forgiveness to the material available in the gospel of Mark. Despite Matthew’s insistence on the Christian life of perfection, this allegory, answering the concern of Peter, the leader of the community, admits the need for the continuing mercy of God and forgiveness amongst Christians. “Seven” symbolized completeness; a talent was worth fifteen years of a laborer’s wage; a denarius was one day’s wage.

Genesis 50:15-21
In this denouement of the Joseph legends, Joseph forgives his brothers for their having sold him into his exile. Taking its final form in the book of Genesis after the Babylonian exile, the story models for the Jews the forgiveness within the community necessary for their continuing existence. The community is to be merciful to one another, as God is merciful to them.

Romans 14:1-12
The passage deals with practical matters arising in the Christian community in Rome in 56 ce. Most meat consumed in urban areas had been sacrificially offered to the Roman gods, and the several calendars included the keeping of Jewish holy days and Roman pagan festivals. Paul does not dictate answers to these communal debates but instead presents the Christian principles undergirding the worship of God in Christ, acceptance within the community, and latitude on open questions.

Zion's Lutheran Church
zionsluth@gmail.com
719-846-7785