This is the weekly bulletin insert from the Episcopal Church, the 1st Sunday after the Epiphany (Year C).
Global Partnerships Lectio Divina: St. Luke’s, Rio de Janeiro, and Good Shepherd, Covington
The season of Epiphany is when we celebrate the revealing of Christ to the world. We mark the arrival of the One who is the light of the world: a light that brings life, a light that brings hope. This light shines its brightest when we are in community – with God and with one another. The Office of Global Partnerships of The Episcopal Church invites individuals, small groups, congregations, and dioceses to use our weekly video series throughout the season of Epiphany to draw closer to each other and our Lord. Using an adaptation of lectio divina with the gospel passage for each Sunday, you’ll meet and hear from Episcopalians and Anglican partners from around the world as they read and reflect on Jesus’ revelation to us.
This week’s lectio divina features parishioners Heather and Christine from the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Covington, Georgia, and the congregation’s Anglican Communion partners, Priscilla and Filipe from St. Luke’s Church in Rio de Janeiro, Anglican Episcopal Church of Brazil. Watch their discussion at iam.ec/epiphany2022 and follow along by yourself or in a small group. To participate:
1. Read today’s Gospel passage:
As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, John answered all of them by saying, “I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”
Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.” (Luke 3:15-17, 21-22, NRSV)
2. Reflect: Which word or short phrase caught your attention or came to mind? Whether you’re alone or in a group, say it aloud.
3. Read: Reread the passage, perhaps in a different translation. In this week’s video, you’ll hear the text in Portuguese.
4. Reflect: Where does the passage touch your life today? If you’re with a group, share your responses with each other, without discussing further. If you’re alone, say your response aloud or write it down.
5. Read: Reread the passage, perhaps in yet another translation.
6. Reflect: From what I’ve heard and shared, what do I believe God wants me to do or be? Is God inviting me to change in any way? You might consider journaling out your response and meditating on it over the course of this week.
7. Pray: In closing, say the Lord’s Prayer, today’s collect, or the Collect for Proper 28 in the Book of Common Prayer (p. 236).
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your Name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those
who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial,
and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours,
now and for ever. Amen.
Father in heaven, who at the baptism of Jesus in the River
Jordan proclaimed him your beloved Son and anointed him
with the Holy Spirit: Grant that all who are baptized into his
Name may keep the covenant they have made, and boldly
confess him as Lord and Savior; who with you and the Holy
Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.
Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Epiphany 2022: Global Partnerships
The Office of Global Partnerships of The Episcopal Church invites individuals, small groups, congregations, and dioceses to use this video series throughout the season of Epiphany to draw closer to each other and our Lord. Our weekly videos include a “lectio divina”-style study on the Gospel passage for each Sunday, read by Episcopalians and Anglican Communion partners from around the world. You will hear the passage read at least twice and a short reflection offered by the partners. Then, you will be invited to do your own reflection individually or as a group.
Church of the Redeemer
Welcome to Church of the Redeemer: Worshiping God, living in community, and reaching out to the world. We are an Episcopal Church serving north King County and south Snohomish County, Washington. As you travel your road, go with friends walking the way of Jesus at Redeemer.
Church of the Redeemer is at 6210 Northeast 181st Street in Kenmore, Washington. The campus is a short distance north of Bothell Way, near the Burke-Gilman Trail. The entrance looks like a gravel driveway. The campus is larger on the inside than it is on the outside. And we managed to hide a large building on the side of a hill that is not easily seen from the street. The Episcopal Church welcomes you.
