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Epiclesis... An Ancient-Future Faith Community |
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Holy Week, 2012 |
Monday, April 2 |
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They beheld God, and ate and drank... | |
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Greetings!
 This Holy Week I wonder if you might direct your thoughts back to the Holy Mountain-- the scene of that dramatic, Old Testament encounter that Moses, Aaron, and the elders of Israel had with Almighty God. Do you remember? It may be impossible to get a full understanding of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, and the events of Holy Week, without it.
This past week, one of my mentors, Richard Leonard, shared some thoughts when I asked him about covenant undertones to be found in Passion Week. When Jesus had the meal with His disciples, He said, "This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many" (Mark 14:24). Richard writes, "The background is the narrative of the Sinai covenant in which Moses reads the 'book of the covenant' (the particulars of the treaty between God and Israel), receives the people's pledge of loyalty, and then sprinkles the blood of the sacrifice upon the people (Exodus 24:6-8). Then Moses takes the leaders of the covenant community up the mountain, where 'they saw the God of Israel; and there was under his feet as it were a pavement of sapphire stone, like the very heaven for clearness. And he did not lay his hand on the chief men of the people of Israel; they beheld God, and ate and drank' (Exodus 24:10-11).
"It is significant, therefore, that Jesus arranges for the meal of the renewed covenant to take place in 'a large upper room' (Mark 14:15), symbolic of the ascent to Mount Sinai. Like Moses and the elders of Israel, in the 'upper room' the disciples 'beheld God, and ate and drank.'"
And so, fellow adopted children of the covenant, our King comes in, delivers His word, pronounces blessings and curses, and ratifies the New Covenant at Table-- and He accomplishes all of this in and of Himself. This Holy Week, I wonder if you might direct your thoughts back to that Holy Mountain. This Holy Week, let us behold God, eat, drink, and remember.
Would you like to hear the entire teaching on covenant themes in events of Holy Week? Please click right here.
Looking forward to seeing you, and worshiping with you, this Maundy Thursday night at 7 PM.
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In This eNewsletter Issue |
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Sunday Worship...
10:30 AM
The Carmichael Chapel (on the campus of the Carmichael Seventh Day Adventist Church) 4600 Winding Way Sacramento, CA 95841
General Information Line: (916) 572-9113 
Epiclesis is a Constant Contact 2011 All Star Award Winner |
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 Mandatum Novum
Maundy Thursday at Epiclesis...
Make plans to join us this Maundy Thursday, April 5, at 7 PM, at the Carmichael Chapel for our commemoration of the Last Supper and the "mandatum novum", or the "new commandment", that Jesus gave to His followers. Please mark your calendar and bring a friend, too-- it's going to be a memorable evening of Scripture, singing, quiet prayer and reflection.
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Spirit Storm
Mark Your Calendars for April 15...
So April 15 is tax day, right? Or it usually is (I think we get two extra days this year). And April 15 was the day the Titanic went down (always thought the date was a bit ironic). But this year, Sunday, April 15 has another significance: Our community of faith is gathering at the home of the Sutters, at 5 PM, for a Missions Spirit Storm. (Remember that we decided to re-name "brain storm"). Here's what we're going to do: First, it's an "Eating Meeting", as Melody says, so bring something tasty to share. Next, plan on sharing what you think God may be saying to us about mission efforts in 2012.
And here's the most important thing: Between now and then, be earnestly praying, asking God for His direction and guidance. Missions isn't a program at Epiclesis; it's one of the active tasks of the church that we do together-- all of us. So, let's discern and plan and Spirit Storm together, too! See you on the 15th at 5 PM.
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An Ancient-Future Quote to Note
Jesus' Crown
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What sort of garland did Christ Jesus...submit to on behalf of humanity? One made of thorns and thistles-- a symbol of our sins, produced by the soil of the flesh. However, the power of the cross removed these thorns, blunting death's every sting in the Lord's enduring head. Yes, even beyond this symbol, contempt, shame, disgrace, and fierce cruelty disfigured and lacerated the Lord's temples. This was so that now you might be crowned with laurel, myrtle, olive, and any famous branch-with roses too--and both kinds of lily, violets of all sorts, and perhaps with gems and gold-- garlands that will rival even the crown Christ obtained afterwards. For after the gall, He tasted the honeycomb. He was not greeted in heaven as the King of Glory until He had been condemned to the cross as King of the Jews. The Father first made Him a little lower than the angels for a time and then crowned Him with glory and honor. If you owe your own head to Him for these things, repay it if you can; He presented His for yours. Otherwise, don't be crowned with flowers at all; if you can't be crowned with thorns, you may never be crowned with flowers.
-Tertullian
 Check out a daily Scripture verse and a word from the Church Fathers, or find out more information about the Fathers, by visiting The Chapel of the Ancient-Future Faith Network.
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Epiclesis Website Tip of the Week:
Did you know that you can give to the ministry of Epiclesis right from the website? Our safe and secure link allows folks to give with confidence, especially those who are out of town. Have you tried it? Please consider making a gift today. Know that that we are very grateful for your tax deductible donation and that you have our pledge before God to use His resources with integrity and great care. |
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