Dear MRC Family,
Epiphany blessings to you
Beloved, bundle up for worship this Fifth Sunday after Epiphany as dangerously cold arctic air is coming our way tonight through the weekend. Tom will lead us in our hymns and sing the Prelude “The Lifter” and the Joyful Noise Adult Choir will sing the Anthem “Peace.” I am preaching from John 4.46-54 — Jesus and a royal official have another simple, yet powerful conversation like last week’s story — and my sermon title is Don’t Miss the Miracle. As it is the second Sunday, we will receive our Deacons’ offering to help those in need in our church and community. If you are unable to be in person for worship, we will be streaming live on our YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/@mrcafabulouschurchoflove1611.
Of note: Lent is coming soon — plan to start your Lenten journey with Ash Wednesday worship at 7 PM on February 18. I have a beautiful devotional to give you as we journey with Jesus through the wilderness to the cross and then the empty tomb called Tell Me Something Good: Grounding ourselves in the good news this Lent from A Sanctified Art. I think we all need to focus on some good news these days!
I will keep saying this as I love and care for you: I understand many of us are anxious, uncertain, dismayed, sad, angry —name your emotions — about what’s going on in our country. I share your feelings. If you wish to talk, please reach out to me as that’s what I’m here for. I won’t be able to fix it, but I do promise to sit next to you, hold your hand, listen, and pray.
Keep following and bothering Jesus, beloved of God
With gratitude for the privilege of being your pastor and the holy call of loving you,
Pastor Trish