Greetings From Pastor Lyn
Dear People of Emanuel,
It’s June and that means “summer mode,” which means it’s time to change liturgical settings and invite a different lightness into our worship. Worship remains meaningful, even with a more relaxed format yet hopefully, a deeper level of joy will tug at our restless souls. We have just celebrated the Day of Pentecost, Confirmation, and Holy Trinity Sunday, three big liturgical days. We are well prepared for a season of growth, new ideas, and fresh awareness of the Holy Spirit’s presence.
“Come, Holy Spirit, Come”. We sang that hymn a couple of weeks ago and while we know the Holy Spirit is always with us, her presence was definitely evident on Pentecost/Confirmation Day. Well, turns out the Holy Spirit, the Catechism, and the Parables of Jesus will be the focus of summer preaching. How did that come about?
The idea took root when I asked the text study group to share stories of their own experience with Confirmation study. Someone (Janice) mentioned that a refresher course in The Catechism would be welcome. I suggested a summer preaching series on the Catechism in conjunction with the Parables of Jesus. Another someone (Sue) came up with the format.
The result of a most welcome and lively conversation is that text study participants (mostly) are going to prepare a reflection on a particular parable as it relates to the Creed, Lord’s Prayer or Ten Commandments and I will follow with a brief review of the particular catechetical piece and kind of tie it all together.
That means letting go of the assigned lectionary readings for the summer. We will use pieces occasionally, but instead of utilizing a strict lectionary diet we will gather texts related to the Parables and/or the parts of the Catechism. I hope you will believe me when I say this will not be boring! I hope you find it invigorating and useful for your personal growing season this summer. By the way, we are not obligated nor under any kind of rule that says we must use the lectionary readings. The Revised Common Lectionary is simply a tool to help organize worship. Stepping away means more work and attention to the texts rather than depending on pre-picked lessons each week. I appreciate the lectionary and the order it provides, so not using it will be a stretch for me as well as those preparing to participate each week.
We pray often for the Holy Spirit to “stir us up.” Allow yourself to be stirred this summer, to grow in faith, and to be the catalyst for others who may be seeking a relationship with Jesus. The Holy Spirit is moving in and among us! Let us welcome the Spirit with open arms and see all that she is up to and means for us to do and to be this summer!
Come, Holy Spirit Come!
Pr. Lyn
It’s June and that means “summer mode,” which means it’s time to change liturgical settings and invite a different lightness into our worship. Worship remains meaningful, even with a more relaxed format yet hopefully, a deeper level of joy will tug at our restless souls. We have just celebrated the Day of Pentecost, Confirmation, and Holy Trinity Sunday, three big liturgical days. We are well prepared for a season of growth, new ideas, and fresh awareness of the Holy Spirit’s presence.
“Come, Holy Spirit, Come”. We sang that hymn a couple of weeks ago and while we know the Holy Spirit is always with us, her presence was definitely evident on Pentecost/Confirmation Day. Well, turns out the Holy Spirit, the Catechism, and the Parables of Jesus will be the focus of summer preaching. How did that come about?
The idea took root when I asked the text study group to share stories of their own experience with Confirmation study. Someone (Janice) mentioned that a refresher course in The Catechism would be welcome. I suggested a summer preaching series on the Catechism in conjunction with the Parables of Jesus. Another someone (Sue) came up with the format.
The result of a most welcome and lively conversation is that text study participants (mostly) are going to prepare a reflection on a particular parable as it relates to the Creed, Lord’s Prayer or Ten Commandments and I will follow with a brief review of the particular catechetical piece and kind of tie it all together.
That means letting go of the assigned lectionary readings for the summer. We will use pieces occasionally, but instead of utilizing a strict lectionary diet we will gather texts related to the Parables and/or the parts of the Catechism. I hope you will believe me when I say this will not be boring! I hope you find it invigorating and useful for your personal growing season this summer. By the way, we are not obligated nor under any kind of rule that says we must use the lectionary readings. The Revised Common Lectionary is simply a tool to help organize worship. Stepping away means more work and attention to the texts rather than depending on pre-picked lessons each week. I appreciate the lectionary and the order it provides, so not using it will be a stretch for me as well as those preparing to participate each week.
We pray often for the Holy Spirit to “stir us up.” Allow yourself to be stirred this summer, to grow in faith, and to be the catalyst for others who may be seeking a relationship with Jesus. The Holy Spirit is moving in and among us! Let us welcome the Spirit with open arms and see all that she is up to and means for us to do and to be this summer!
Come, Holy Spirit Come!
Pr. Lyn