Looking Into the Lectionary — Worship resources for 1/2/22

January 2, 2022 2nd Sunday after Christmas John 1:1-18  COMMENTARY Preachers say they don’t like preaching the Gospel of John for the same reasons people say they don’t like poetry — it’s hard to follow, they don’t understand it, it’s too abstract. On this first Sunday of January, we read about how the Word became flesh, but there is no flesh on these words, no specifics, no newborn babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. John’s Gospel revels in mystery and metaphor. In his poem, “Introduction to Poetry,” Billy Collins mourns his students’ response to poetry. Collins wants his students to hold the poem to the light, to press their ear against it, to “waterski across the surface.” Instead, he writes, they: “Begin beating it with a hose To find out what it really means.” We need to position ourselves differently to read and appreciate John’s poetry. He’s not going to spoon-feed us God’s beginning, rising action, climax and conclusion. ... You can find the rest of the commentary on our website. An order of worship for January 2, 2022. This liturgy is free to use. The Uniform Lesson for January 2, 2022, by Richard Boyce Epiphany — Weekly Christian ed lesson by Joelle Brummit-Yale 2nd Sunday after Christmas — Family faith formation for Jan. 2, 2022, by Rebecca Davis IN CASE YOU MISSED IT... Desmond Tutu: A Spiritual Biography of South Africa’s Confessor A review of Michael Battle's biography, published earlier this year. — Brian Cole A new glimpse of community: Offering aid after the tornadoes in Kentucky Outlook national reporter Leslie Scanlon shares her experience volunteering after the tornados in Kentucky and seeing how churches and community organizations are partnering. Preliminary list of committees and schedule released for 2022 General Assembly The Office of the General Assembly has presented a preliminary list – subject to revision – of the committees of the 2022 General Assembly, as well as a schedule of which committees are likely to meet when. — Leslie Scanlon My anti-Advent wreath Christmastime is an invitation to new beginnings, and endings. — Joshua Gritter World Council of Churches Christmas message 2021 Written by Ioan Sauca, acting general secretary of the World Council of Churches.

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