Looking into the lectionary - Remembering Jimmy Carter

January 12, 2024 Baptism of the Lord Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 and Isaiah 43: 1-7 In Dorianne Laux’s poem, “Dust” someone speaks words of truth to the poet in the quiet of the night. She recognizes the significance of the message, but she can’t get herself up to write it down. In the morning, the truth has turned to dust. That’s how it is sometimes — God comes to your window, and you’re just too tired to open it. On this Baptism of the Lord Sunday, we remember the truth of baptism, that we are claimed and called by God. Many churches will include a ritual of remembrance in worship, pouring pitchers of water into baptismal fonts, or joyfully splashing the unsuspecting front pews, reminding us of God’s promise in Isaiah (43:1-2): “I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.” We are not alone. God is at our window whispering words of truth. Will we listen? In his commentary on Luke’s Gospel, Fred Craddock highlights how Jesus was praying as he was baptized (v. 21). Only Luke adds this note to Jesus’ baptism story. Jesus’ prayer life is very important to Luke, who often describes him wandering off to a quiet spot, especially at critical moments such as the choosing of the twelve disciples (6:12), before asking the disciples who he is to the people (9:18), or on the mountain before the transfiguration (9:28-29). “Jesus was praying,” Luke writes, rarely adding any dialogue to these scenes. Perhaps this was the gospel writer’s way of emphasizing the importance of listening in prayer. Had he been too tired, or distracted, Jesus would not have heard the voice declaring the truth of his existence: “You are my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” Luke continues this emphasis on prayer in the Book of Acts. The early Christians “constantly devoted themselves to prayer” (Acts 1:14) before the Holy Spirit arrived at Pentecost. According to Craddock, these prayer events were not just aspects of the historical record for Luke but stories of witness: God’s Spirit is available to us when we pray. We could all use some practice when it comes to listening. In a culture that prioritizes doing over being, action over stillness, sitting for wordless prayer may feel pointless. ... Read the rest of the commentary on the website. Order of worship — January 12, 2025, by Teri McDowell Ott A prayer for walking into a new year by Karen Rohrer Imagination, vocation and the Three Wise Men by Chris Burton Elegy for a quiet man by Paul Hooker Want the worship resources for January 5, 2024? You can find them here. Did you know loneliness is America’s most significant health problem, according to Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy in 2022? Explore biblical wisdom and practical steps to cultivate meaningful friendships with this “Friendship” Bible study by Katy Shevel. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT... Holy yearnings: a prayer for the end of the year This prayer by Katy Shevel is for anyone feeling the weight of nostalgia, the ache of loss, or the hope of new beginnings. We Will Rest! The Art of Escape Tricia Hersey calls readers to liberate themselves from "grind culture," Amy Pagliarella writes. The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World “What if scarcity is a social construct?” Amy Pagliarella reviews Indigenous botanist Robin Wall Kimmerer's latest book. Sometimes I wish I had a face of my own A poignant reflection on identity, inheritance, and love, exploring the emotions of cherishing a parent's enduring legacy. — Rev. Dr. Rodney Sadler Jr. Given into each other’s care Jerry Andrews' grandson Silas, who has spina bifida, teaches him faith, courage, and joy, inspiring a shared journey toward wholeness. Staff picks: Our favorite Outlook stories of 2024 You've seen the crowd-favorite Outlook articles of 2024. This list includes the articles we love, but maybe you haven't seen yet. Finding unity in a polarized church By the power of the Holy Spirit, our hearts are joined in one holy unity writes Ron Byars. Inspirational, connectional, and practical: The Outlook’s most popular products of 2024 From Lenten devotions to webinars on reparations and digital discipleship, our most popular products in 2024 offered inspirational and practical tools. — Rose Schrott Taylor New resource on Israel-Palestine available Two-page document explores how Presbyterians can work for peace in the region. — PNS

Prayers for Our Community, Our Nation and Our World

We can offer specific daily prayers for our community, nation and world. Between Monday, January 6 and Sunday, January 12, we'll lay before God the needs listed below.

• Monday, January 6, 2025 - That we listen to those who have experiences different from our own.
• Tuesday, January 7, 2025 - That our judges and Supreme Court justices would adjudicate with godly wisdom.
• Wednesday, January 8, 2025 - That college students feel God's love and support
• Thursday, January 9, 2025 - That teachers and administrators would be open to God's Word and God's will.
• Friday, January 10, 2025 - That those in the entertainment industry recognize any negative influences within their media creations.
• Saturday, January 11, 2025 - That World Vision be able to address real human need around the world.
• Sunday, January 12, 2025 - That those in the media and government would report facts accurately and without any bias.

The Sligo Presbyterian Church Celebration Service - Sunday, December 29, 2024

Sligo Presbyterian Church: Our Congregation and Community: The Sligo Presbyterian Church Celebration Service ...: Some of our best memories of Christmas involve singing some of our favorite songs and carols. Whether they’re secular or sacred, they remind...

Sunday's Message - The Song of Simeon: A Song of Hope (Luke 2:22-35)

Sligo Presbyterian Church: Our Congregation and Community: Sunday's Message - The Song of Simeon: A Song of H...: Some of our best memories of Christmas involve singing some of our favorite songs and carols. Whether they’re secular or sacred, they remind...

Looking into the lectionary - Prayers for the new year 🎆

January 5, 2024 Second Sunday after Christmas  John 1:(1-9), 10-18 Matthew 2:1-12 The lectionary Gospel text for January 5, the Second Sunday after Christmas, is John 1:1-18. However, since the Epiphany of the Lord falls on January 6, many churches will opt to read from the Lectionary’s Epiphany Gospel text, Matthew 2:1-12. Fortunately for all of us, both Gospel readings address a common theme appropriate for either occasion. John’s Gospel begins by establishing Jesus Christ as the authoritative Word of God since the beginning, the source of life and light (1:1-4). But the light of Christ, the Word of God, is not only a cosmic, transcendent, eternal light, but was also “in the world” (1:10) and “lived among us” (1:14). God sent other authorities like John the Baptist, but his role was to testify to the light. So, through these opening verses, the Gospel establishes Christ’s temporal authority (since the beginning and in the world living among us) and divine authority (with God and was God). These opening lines also highlight a model of worldly authority and action: testifying to the light. The message of Epiphany – when the Magi followed the light of a star to Jesus – builds on this model of worldly action. We are called to testify to the light and we are called to follow the light. This is the common theme of the Gospel readings for January 5 and 6: testifying to and following the light. But, as the Gospel reading for Epiphany reminds us, Christ’s presence as temporal and divine authority is a threat to the authority of empire, the authority of kings, the authority of unjust rulers and regimes. In Matthew 2, King Herod hears news of the Word made flesh, the light of the world, “the king of the Jews” (2:2) and “he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him” (2:3). Herod asserts his authority over the chief priests and scribes (also frightened) by calling them together. He then refuses to repeat the title of king given to Jesus by the Magi, instead asking where the Messiah (Christos) was to be born. These are tactics of those seeking to consolidate their power: they assert their authority and refuse to recognize other authorities as equal. Christ’s call to follow the light and testify to the light challenges these kinds of tactics and this kind of power. Nevertheless, the wise men follow the light to the manger, to Jesus, to the light of the world, and are overcome with joy. They carry their treasure chests to pay homage to Christ and offer him gifts, establishing a new site of worship, away from Herod’s center of authority. In this, they fulfill the call to testify to and follow the light while also submitting to the authority of Jesus Christ over the authority of King Herod. Matthew testifies to the very real danger of challenging a dominant, oppressive power a few verses later in Matthew 2:16. ... Thank you to this week's writer Thomas J. Carrico, Jr.  Read the rest of the commentary on the website. Order of worship — January 5, 2025, by Thomas J. Carrico, Jr. A prayer for walking into a new year by Karen Rohrer Resisting despair amid empire (January 5, 2025) by Chris Burton Horizons — Air quality by Rosalind Banbury Staff picks: Our favorite Outlook stories of 2024 by Rose Schrott Taylor Top 10 Presbyterian news stories of 2024 by Presbyterian Outlook Want the worship resources for December 29, 2024? You can find them here. Did you know loneliness is America’s most significant health problem, according to Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy in 2022? Explore biblical wisdom and practical steps to cultivate meaningful friendships with this “Friendship” Bible study by Katy Shevel. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT... Holy yearnings: a prayer for the end of the year This prayer by Katy Shevel is for anyone feeling the weight of nostalgia, the ache of loss, or the hope of new beginnings. Finding unity in a polarized church By the power of the Holy Spirit, our hearts are joined in one holy unity writes Ron Byars. Follow Your Bliss and Other Lies about Calling “Miller-McLemore argues that following our bliss is a lie, built on a romanticized ideal insufficiently grounded in the realities of our lives.” — Philip J. Reed Discussion guide for December 2024 issue In each issue of the Outlook, we include a discussion guide to further reflect on the issue. We recommend using this guide in your Bible study, small group or book club. It's our invitation into a faithful conversation. — Don Griggs Beginning next month, meetings of the Unification Commission will be more accessible to the public The UC will move away from its previous pattern of working as a committee of the whole. — Mike Ferguson At-home Christmas liturgy Here is a tool to invite the holy into the day. — Rose Schrott Taylor  All is not calm: Surviving Advent and looking for John In a busy season, the prophet John helps Maggie Alsup organize her to-do list. — Maggie Alsup Inspirational, connectional, and practical: The Outlook’s most popular products of 2024 From Lenten devotions to webinars on reparations and digital discipleship, our most popular products in 2024 offered inspirational and practical tools. — Rose Schrott Taylor Religious traditions can help with holiday blues, mental health experts say 'During the holidays, we are practicing relational spirituality and engaging in our awakened brain,' said one professor of psychology. — Audrey Thibert The most popular lectionary reflections of 2024 Each week, Presbyterian Outlook publishes a lectionary reflection related to the Revised Common Lectionary's suggested readings. These are our 10 most referenced reflections of 2024. — Presbyterian Outlook

Christmas at the Breezy Hallow Barn

Sligo Presbyterian Church: Our Congregation and Community: Christmas at the Breezy Hallow Barn: The congregation of Sligo Presbyterian Church gathered for a special service at the Breezy Hallow Barn. We gathered at 4:00 p.m. for carols,...

SPC Christmas Eve Candle Light Service - December 24, 2024

Sligo Presbyterian Church: Our Congregation and Community: SPC Christmas Eve Candle Light Service - December ...: Christ came in simplicity. His mother was a young woman who'd found favor with the Lord. He was born in a stable and laid in a manger. H...