Worship resources for Feb. 5, 2023

February 5, 2023 Fifth Sunday after Epiphany Matthew 5:13-20 It was my turn to make dinner, and I had opted for a new recipe — angel hair pasta coated in a sauce combining roasted garlic, butter, pasta water and a bag of spinach. It smelled heavenly. It tasted like dehydrated ocean water. I had oversalted the pasta water, effectively ruining the dish. Laughing, my husband and I both refilled our water glasses several times as we suffered through our bowls. No doubt that meal will enter our family lore as an evening when nothing went right (Did I mention I also set half a box of pasta on fire?), but it stands out in my mind as a reminder of the power of salt. When used correctly, salt can call out flavors and bring food alive. Just think of a warm brown butter chocolate chip cookie sprinkled with flakey sea salt. Is there anything better? Salt can also act as a preservative. It can clean and heal wounds. According to M. Eugene Boring’s Matthew Commentary in The New Interpreter’s Bible, salt also represented sacrifice (Leviticus 2:13; Ezekiel 42:24), covenant fidelity (Ezra 4:14; Numbers 18:19), and eating together as a way of creating a binding relationship to Matthew’s readers. This evocative, multi-layer metaphor for discipleship opens Sunday’s Gospel passage. It is the role that Jesus, through the pen of Matthew, says is ours. By nature of being a follower of Jesus, we bring out the best in others — the goodness God has already created. We cleanse. We preserve. We bind. Our purpose is derived from and through our relationship with the world around us. ... You can find the rest of the commentary on our website. Thank you to guest writer Rose Schrott Taylor.  Order of worship for Feb. 5, 2023. These liturgies are free to use. Resources for Lent 2023 by Presbyterian Outlook Which wisdom do we seek — Uniform Standard Lessons for Feb. 5, 2023, by Richard Boyce With and for one another — Weekly Christian ed lesson for Feb. 5, 2023, by Joelle Brummit-Yale Want the worship resources for January 29, 2023? You can find them here. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT... What to expect from APCE’s 2023 annual event Hybrid workshops, Spanish interpretation, pilgrimages and more. Here’s what you need to know. — Rose Schrott Taylor Re-enchanting doctrine: Listening to God’s Word Can doctrine be redeemed from the label of boring? Austin Seminary professor Cynthia Rigby thinks so. “Unforced Rhythms of Grace” invites rest, accompaniment and lament at APCE’s annual event “God has been weaving the thread.” — Rose Schrott Taylor Unification Commission begins organizing their work to unite OGA and PMA Commissioners discuss how to organize their work and what resources they might need, such as agency descriptions, organizational charts and basic budgets. — Lucinda Isaacs After Roe, 50th March for Life a turning point for national, state abortion protests Since last summer’s Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision, much of the focus of the abortion fight has moved to statehouses. — RNS Practicing a weighty gratitude To Eric Nolin, there is a difference between an airy, disappearing gratitude and a weighty gratitude that sits with you. In a season of cynicism, Nolin seeks God by exploring the latter. — Eric Nolin Podcast review: “FUQ” A podcast exploring all the "Frequently Unasked Questions" of faith. Three self-identified minoritized women in ministry share their opinions on faith, life and formation. — Shani McIlwain When Narcissism Comes to Church John Shustitzky reviews Chuck DeGroat's latest book.  Rev. Katherine B. Harrington joins St. Andrews-Covenant Presbyterian Church Sheldon Sorge retiring from ‘best call of my life’ in Pittsburgh After more than 20 years of service to the church, Rev. John M. Semmes has announced his retirement, effective February 2023. Make your own post for free! Click here.

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