Worship at St. Matthew
“Empowered by the Holy Spirit, We share our Faith, by Loving and Serving our Neighbor.”
Sunday Worship: 9:00AM
St. Matthew Holiday Worship Services
|
Ash Wednesday: 7:00PM
MaundyThursday: 7:00PM Good Friday: 12:00PM Easter Sunday: 9:00AM Thanksgiving Eve: 7:00PM Christmas Eve: 7:00PM |
|
Holy Communion
The Lord Jesus welcomes everyone to share in his real presence with us in Holy Communion. The method of communion is intinction ( the action of dipping the bread in the wine at a Eucharist so that a communicant receives both together.) Holy Communion is served every Sunday.
|
|
This week's Gospel Message
GOSPEL MESSAGE
February 9, 2020
FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY
Let It Shine
Luciana’s mother posted a photo on her Facebook page. The image was blurry and a little dark, but Luciana’s unmistakable, toothy grin shined brighter than the flame of the baptismal candle on the table before her.
She’s five now, and her candle is lit every year on her baptismal anniversary. The candle burns, reminding her that she is a beloved child of God, a holy vessel of an everlasting love. The light of God’s joy dances in her eyes and illumines the hearts of her family and our congregation.
As with every child, difficult days will cloud her bright eyes. Doubts will trouble her mind. Moments will come when she feels rejected or not “good enough.” Sadness will shadow her smile when loss and disappointments cause her to forget how precious and beautiful she is, and how much the world needs the love that shines from her heart.
When that happens, I hope she lights her candle and remembers who she is. I hope someone is there to tell her the truth: “Luciana, you are the light of the world. The love of Jesus shines in your heart. So be who you are. Let your light shine, that others may see your good works and give thanks to your Father in heaven.”
Forgetting our identity is our greatest spiritual malady. We too, Luciana’s siblings in Christ, are vessels of a great and everlasting love. We need to remember and remind each other of the mystery we carry in the depth of our being. This is why we come together, again and again, to pray and praise, to share the peace and break bread at the eucharist.
As we come to bask in the warm light of Christ, may we shine with the light that we are.
From sundaysandseasons.com.
Copyright © 2020 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.
February 9, 2020
FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY
Let It Shine
Luciana’s mother posted a photo on her Facebook page. The image was blurry and a little dark, but Luciana’s unmistakable, toothy grin shined brighter than the flame of the baptismal candle on the table before her.
She’s five now, and her candle is lit every year on her baptismal anniversary. The candle burns, reminding her that she is a beloved child of God, a holy vessel of an everlasting love. The light of God’s joy dances in her eyes and illumines the hearts of her family and our congregation.
As with every child, difficult days will cloud her bright eyes. Doubts will trouble her mind. Moments will come when she feels rejected or not “good enough.” Sadness will shadow her smile when loss and disappointments cause her to forget how precious and beautiful she is, and how much the world needs the love that shines from her heart.
When that happens, I hope she lights her candle and remembers who she is. I hope someone is there to tell her the truth: “Luciana, you are the light of the world. The love of Jesus shines in your heart. So be who you are. Let your light shine, that others may see your good works and give thanks to your Father in heaven.”
Forgetting our identity is our greatest spiritual malady. We too, Luciana’s siblings in Christ, are vessels of a great and everlasting love. We need to remember and remind each other of the mystery we carry in the depth of our being. This is why we come together, again and again, to pray and praise, to share the peace and break bread at the eucharist.
As we come to bask in the warm light of Christ, may we shine with the light that we are.
From sundaysandseasons.com.
Copyright © 2020 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.