MMC: Telling Others

Good Morning Bethlehem

On this first Monday Morning Church of 2011, I hope your New Years Resolutions are still going strong 10 days later and that you are surviving all the snow we have had and will be getting.  

A few announcements before moving to the text: 

• Senior lunch is this Wednesday at noon at Rancho Allegro in Georgetown. If you are planning on attending please let myself or Lillian Johnson know so we get a big enough table.  Also in case we cancel due to snow, we know who to call.  
• IA mission trip is being planned to Virginia in July with Lutherans throughout Fairfield County.  If you are interested in going on the trip or want to find out more information, please come to the next informational meeting at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church in New Canaan (5 Oenoke Ridge) Thursday January 20.  The trip is open to people of all ages and experience levels.
• If you would like to become a member of Bethlehem, please speak to Pastor Becca.  New members will be formally received during worship on Sunday January 30^th prior to the annual meeting.  Additional dates can be arranged if need be.
•  The annual congregational meeting will be after worship on January 30.  Please sign up in the community room to bring some finger foods for lunch.

This week's book of faith puzzler is: Which gospel does not tell the story of Jesus’ baptism? A) Matthew B) Mark C) Luke D) John E) all the gospels tell of Jesus’ baptism. F) none of the gospels tell of Jesus’ baptism.  If you know the answer, email me by noon on Wednesday to be entered into this week's drawing. 

Now on to this week's texts for the second Sunday after Epiphany 

The first lesson is Isaiah 49:1-7.  In poetic verse, Isaiah writes that as the servant of Israel, he will bring good news of God's victory not just to Israel but throughout the earth.  How do you bring God's good news to your household? Your community?  Our country?  Our world?  Isaiah also says that he was called to be a servant before he was even born. Have you felt called to do your vocation since a child, or is it something that has developed in adulthood?  Are you still discovering your vocation?

The second lesson is 1 Corinthians 1:1-9.  Paul starts his letter to the Corinthians by saying he gives thanks to God for them.  Who do you give thanks to God for?  Is it sometimes easier to give thanks to God for someone than to show your thanksgiving to the person?  

The gospel lesson is John 1:29-42.  John the Baptist preaches about how he baptized Jesus and the Holy Spirit, like a dove, land on Jesus.  As a result of his testimony two of John's followers become Jesus' disciples Andrew and Simon Peter.  When buying a new item, whether it be clothes or electronics, or trying a new thing, like a restaurant or movie, how much does a friend's recommendation count in your decision to purchase something?  Or for larger items, do you scourer the internet looking for product reviews?  How about for the church?  Did you come to Bethlehem because of a friend told you it was a great congregation?  What does your discussions on faith tell others about Jesus, both in in a positive and negative way?

Hope you all have a great week!