Month: December 2024

Scripture: Luke 2:8-12

Hello Grove!

We find ourselves in that strange week after Christmas, but before the New Year, where, if you are off and have children home for the holidays, you may not know what day of the week it is. On the opposite end, if you are working or have timely demands of caregiving or appointment keeping you know exactly what day of the week it is.  I am here to offer the gentle reminder that no matter where you find yourself this day, the Savior was born for you. On Sunday we will revisit the text from Luke we read on Christmas Eve to remind us that God loved us all so much that the Savior was sent for all of us. So, whether you have already put your tree away or you are still stepping over wrapping paper, I hope you join us Sunday morning to be encouraged and reminded you are loved.

Peace,

Nicole

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Scripture: Isaiah 9:2-7, Luke 2:1-20

We will gather for Christmas Eve worship at 5 pm tonight!

Candles, Carols & Communion

All are welcome

Fancy hot chocolate afterwards!

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Scripture: Luke 1:57-80

Dear Church,

This Advent we are working our way through the story of Zechariah. After a long life of righteous faithfulness, the Lord sent an angel to announce that he would play a miraculous part in the coming of Jesus. This was beyond anything Zechariah could conceive or imagine. So, he was given the gift of a silent season to move beyond his beliefs into faith.

And this week, we will hear what Zechariah has to say when his child is born, and his voice is restored. And while elements of Zechariah’s story are unique–most of us haven’t been startled by angels or come down with holy laryngitis–the words he speaks are universal. In our own lives and in our own way, we should be repeating Zechariah’s words.

Come and hear what Zechariah had to say.

Peace,

Pastor Kate

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Scripture:  Luke 1:39-56

Dear Church,

After the glory of last Sunday’s cantata, we are resuming our Advent journey through Zechariah’s story. 

We met the elderly priest Zechariah as he served at the altar of God in the holy of holies in Jerusalem’s temple. Who knows what he expected when he walked into that sacred space, it probably wasn’t a visit from the angel Gabriel announcing that his life-long prayer to become a father was finally going to be answered when his equally-elderly wife Elizabeth gave birth to a son whose name would be John and whose destiny would be to prepare the way for the messiah savior of the people. 

Zechariah had a very human response.

He was, understandably, stunned. And he asked questions. How can I be sure of this? He explained his need for clarification: I am an old man and my wife is well along in years. Are you sure you have the right priest?

Instead giving reassurance or explanations, the angel gives Zechariah silence. 

Power-hungry church leaders have seized this story. See what happens when you ask questions? See what happens when you don’t blindly trust those who speak for God–be they angels…or pastors? Many will tell you that the meaning of this story is to shut up and do what you are told, no matter what, or God will shut you up. 

But what if Gabriel wasn’t punishing Zechariah by taking away his voice? What if he was giving Zechariah exactly what he needed to understand. 

I hope you will join us as we explore what can happen when you stop talking. And we’ll find out how God did answer Zechariah’s questions in the gift of a season of silence. 

Peace,
Pastor Kate

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Scripture:  Luke 1:1-24

Dear Church,

“In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah…”

Luke begins his gospel acknowledging that there are already many other written records of the life of Jesus, but he promises that his will be an ‘orderly account’ because he has ‘carefully investigated everything from the beginning.’ His account will contain all ‘the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word.’ In other words, Luke is going to write theee gospel–full, complete and thoughtfully curated–so his readers will know ‘the certainty’ of the faith they’ve been taught.

And before we can know anything else about Jesus, Luke thinks we need to know about a priest named Zechariah. Many, many Christians have never heard of this man, but Luke believes that telling his story is the way to lead his readers into flourishing life with Christ. 

I agree.

We’ll spend these Advent weeks of preparation diving deep into the life of Zechariah and, more importantly, discovering how his life can serve as a map for our own spiritual journey.

Peace,
Pastor Kate

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