Pastor John Wright

First . . . an update on things around the congregation. We're entering a time of rain -- possibly 4 to 5 nights in a row. Rain also complicates the distribution of bread, while we're simultaneously working on the kitchen a little at a time. Monday night we slept 10 in the building -- very thankful people, and a beautiful atmosphere. Nacho is back! He has been ill -- even spent some time in the hospital. We're going to have to pull together to show proper hospitality for those who are our guests in the rain.

Also, there are signs that the economic slowdown is hitting Mid-City. Yesterday we had lots of goods to distribute, but still ran out. Those at the end of the line where disappointed. Part is that whereas we usually had 70-80 persons on Tuesday, we had 130 persons through yesterday. Saturday we had over 200. Ironically, it is probably not unemployment or the credit crisis that is directly hitting people in Mid-City -- very few own their homes who live here. I would guess that inflation pressures are impact. Gas and food prices are going up; as more people move from owning to renting, rent is going up. The working lower middle class, the working poor, the immigrant, and those on fixed incomes are the first ones to feel this pinch. God is giving us opportunities to love, not merely in word, but in deed also.

I think that this is related to Epiphany -- the visible manifestation of the revelation of God in Jesus Christ to the world. As the body of Christ, Christ comes to us in those who are poor and sick and hungry and naked. In our unity in response, the God who as Love in Jesus Christ is made known to us. For this week's readings, it is possible to move from the OT to the Gospel to the Epistle reading with benefit.

Amos 3:1-8

Why would this passage of judgment begin with a statement of God's deliverance of the elect from slavery in Egypt? What is the relationship between God's election and judgment? What is the purpose of all the rhetorical questions? What is the purpose implied in the passage of judgment? If we Gentiles have been made elect in Jesus Christ, what is the message of this passage for us?

Matthew 4:12-23

Why would Jesus return to Galilee after he heard that John had been arrested? Is Jesus out to "confront the powers" here? Is he merely giving in to the powers? Why or why not? Whose purpose is served in the passage by Jesus going to Capernaum? How is the beginning of Jesus' proclamation of repentance a response to John's arrest? Where exactly has the kingdom of God has come near? Why would the kingdom require repentance?

How is both repentance and kingdom shown in Jesus' calling of the disciples to follow him? Why do you think that the text notes Jesus' teaching and healing after the calling of the disciples? What difference does it make that this follows, rather than precedes, the disciples who follow?

1 Corinthians 1:10-17

The Corinthian church that Paul had founded was stricken by dissension and fragmentation, both by persons within the congregation and by later persons who came into the congregation with different teachings than Paul. Why is Paul's appeal and why is it important? What is Paul's problem with persons claiming to belong to "different people" within the congregation? What is the proper source of the unity of the congregation? Why would it be difficult to sustain the unity of a small, minority congregation in Paul's day?

How do these passages of judgment, call to follow Jesus, and the unity of the congregation relate to the message of Epiphany -- the manifestation of God in Jesus Christ to the world for repentance and faith? What inner characteristics do we as a pilgrim people, caring for a pilgrimage way-station, vowed to works of mercy need in order to continue the task of the Epiphany, amid a world that still would arrest John the Baptist?

Have a wonderful gathering! And welcome to the new Thursday night group!