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Dear MRC Family,

Epiphany blessings to you

O Holy One, I hear and say so many words, yet yours is the word I need. Speak now, and help me listen . . . - Ted Loder, Guerrillas of Grace

Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”  (Matthew 17.3-4)

They were doing all the talking.

Jesus was listening.

Listen to him listening.  — Steve Garnaas-Holmes


Listen to him

That’s my best explanation for what is the mysterious Transfiguration of Jesus. It’s not really about the bedazzling moment; that’s just some amazing holy glory on the scene. Three of the Gospels record this event on the mountaintop with varying differences, but the one constant in all of them is God saying to the disciples, “Listen to him!” Don’t listen to CEOs, or social media influencers, or politicians, or yes, even pastors! Listen to Jesus, his teachings. Watch what Jesus does and do that. Holy bedazzling or not, I think that’s good advice at any time.

Come to worship this Sunday at 10:30 AM as we continue to listen to and follow Jesus. Tom will lead us in our hymns and sing the Prelude “Stories On Stories” and the Anthem “The God You Are.” I am preaching from Matthew 17.1-9  — the Transfiguration of Jesus — and my sermon title is When God Says, ‘Listen.’ Also, we have the JOY of welcoming into the Church Universal little Vivien Thornton O’Brien through the Sacrament of Baptism. If you are unable to be in person for worship, we will be streaming live on our YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/@mrcafabulouschurchoflove1611.

Lastly, as you are aware, this winter has been very harsh with bitterly cold weather. And we were reminded of this when we received our gas bill this week. For all three buildings the amount due is $2,400. And we received our latest snow plowing bill — $3,075. As my nephew would say when he was little, “Yikes, Mommy!” As you are able, I would be very grateful if you would consider donating to defray the costs of these large expenses. You may give safely and securely online at mrchurch.us/give, through the mail, or in church. Thank you.

Keep following and bothering Jesus, beloved of God

 

With gratitude for the privilege of being your pastor and the holy call of loving you,

Pastor Trish

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