Revised Common Lectionary Readings for Sunday, February 27, 2011, the Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A)

• First Reading Isaiah 49:8-16a
• Psalm Psalm 131
• Second Reading 1 Corinthians 4:1-5
• Gospel Matthew 6:24-34

I am amazed at how the lectionary seems to be perfectly sychronized with events at MDPC.  On my first Sunday Haggai, which only shows up once or twice in the three year cycle, was the lectionary reading and that text read, "I will shake all the nations, so that the treasure of all nations shall come, and I will fill this house with splendor, says the LORD of hosts."  A pretty good reading to preach on a pastor's first day in the pulpit; I believe we are moving in new ways to live into that prophetic word for us.

One of the new things that is happening is the adult Christian education series, led by Jihyun Oh; the first topic of this series is on Stewardship of Creation.  This study will explore our responsibility as stewards of God's creation through Biblical and theological lenses.  Imagine my surprise when I looked  at the lectionary and found  this week's reading is 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, which says, "Think of us in this way, as servants of Christ and stewards of God's mysteries. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy."

       All are welcome to join us at 9:15 as we explore God's Word in a new format, with our new Parish Associate, listening for the new ways in which God is calling us to be trustworthy stewards of God's creation.

Peace of Christ always,

George