MMC: Last Baby Pastor School

Good Morning Bethlehem

I'm actually writing this on Sunday night as I'm leaving (have left) early this morning for my last stint at Baby Pastor School.

That being said, if you have a pastoral emergency this week please call Pastor Geoff Sinibaldo of St. Michael's New Canaan at 203-807-6474.  You can reach me on my cell phone though I more than likely will have to return your call later in the day.  I will return in plenty of time for our annual meeting on Sunday January 29th.  

A Few Announcements

ARE Gathering Saturday Jan 28, 9am-3:30pm Holy Trinity- Trumbell

Annual Meeting – Sunday Jan 29, after worship

Confirmation – Tue, Jan 31, 6pm

Conference Meeting – Sat Feb 4 10am, Salem Bridgeport

Book of Faith Puzzler

The question from last week: In the gospel of John, Andrew, Simon Peter, Philip and Nathanael were the first disciples to follow Jesus.  Who were the first disciples to follow Jesus in Mark (hint look near the beginning).  A)Simon, Andrew, James & John B) James, John, Bartholomew & Matthew C) Andrew, Simon, Thomas & Jude D) Judas, Philip, Matthew, Mark.
In Mark 1:14-20 (our gospel for today) Jesus calls Simon and his brother Andrew to follow him and fish for people.  He then calls to James, the son of Zebedee and his brother John who also leave their boats to follow Jesus.  Congratulations to Nancy Beck for winning this week's puzzler. 
This week’s question:  In  John 21, who decided to go fishing after Jesus’ death and resurrection?  A) Simon Peter B) Thomas, C) Nathanael D) James & John E) All of these  Email me with your answer by noon on Thursday to be entered into this week's drawing.

Yesterday's Sermon

If you missed worship yesterday, you can read my written sermon on my blog here.  What is Jesus calling you to do? 

Serving this week

The following people have signed up to serve in worship this coming Sunday

Preacher: Ryan Hawley

Worship Assistant: Ellen Grunsell

Reader: Nini Constable

Usher: Paul Degener & ________
Communion Assistant: ________

Communion set up & clean up: __________

Bread bakers: Grow 2 Gather

Offering Counter: Nancy Beck

Coffee Hour Hosts: Mark & Heloisa Hasskarl

If you would like to serve in any of the available areas, please let me know. 

Texts this week

The first lesson is Deuteronomy 18:15-20.  During this reading God says to Moses "I will raise up for [the Israelites] a prophet like you from among their own people."  Who do you see being lifted up in our congregation, in the greater community?  How does God lift you up to help others?

The second lesson is 1 Corinthians 8:1-13.  The Corinthians are fighting over whether or not people should eat the food sacrifices that have been set aside for other gods.  Paul's point is that while we are free in Christ, some of us are stronger in faith than others and those strong in their faith should not use that freedom if it causes others to sin.  When have you refrained from behavior that in and of itself is not sinful in order to keep another from sinning?  An easy example would be when you refrain from drinking alcohol in front of someone who is an alcoholic.  

The gospel lesson is Mark 1:21-28.  This is the first time we hear that Jesus taught in the synagogue and the people we astounded by Jesus' teachings.  And yet when an unclean spirit speaks up and Jesus commands the spirit to come out of the man, the crowd is more amazed that even the spirits listen to him.  Have you ever been amazed by someone's authority, presences, knowledge, only to be more amazed when it put to the test? 

Hope you all have a great week.  I'll be thinking about you in Pennsylvania.  

Soon to be a toddler pastor

~Pastor Becca