This is the weekly bulletin insert from the Episcopal Church, the 7th Sunday after the Epiphany (Year C).

Global Partnerships Lectio Divina: The Diocese of Botswana and the Diocese of North Carolina

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 Professor James Nathaniel Amanze and the Rev. Bonny Bashe of the Diocese of Botswana, in the Anglican Church of the Province of Central Africa, and the Rev. Miriam Saxon and the Rev. Leon Spencer of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina. 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:

Jesus said, “I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them do to you.

“If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

“Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.” (Luke 6:27-38, 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.

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

O Lord, you have taught us that without love whatever we
do is worth nothing; Send your Holy Spirit and pour into our
hearts your greatest gift, which is love, the true bond of peace
and of all virtue, without which whoever lives is accounted
dead before you. Grant this for the sake of your only Son
Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy
Spirit, one God, now and for ever. 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

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.