Dearly Beloved in Christ,

We have come to the pivot point in Mark's Gospel.  Jesus is fully aware that he has come to die, but it is now time to give this news to his disciples.  Away from the crowds of Galilee in the villages of Caesarea Philippi he asks them the pivotal question "Who do you say that I am?"  And Peter responds on behalf of the disciples "You are the Messiah."  Like the healing of the blind man immediately prior a two-fold illumination is about to take place.  For Peter has discerned correctly, but only partially.

It was already a politically risky statement by Peter, for if Jesus is Messiah then he is Israel's true king, the one who the prophets claim will cleanse the Temple, overthrow Israel's oppressors, and bring in God's reign in Israel.  If he is Israel's true King then Herod and Caesar are usurpers about to be overthrown.  But then Jesus brings full illumination - yes, he is Messiah, and yes, all these things are true but he must suffer and die to accomplish them.  That makes being his disciple even more risky - still.

We must also answer the Lord's question: "Who do YOU say that I am?"  If we also acknowledge him as Messiah, as the Messiah who brings in his kingdom through suffering and death, then our discipleship will be marked by the same cross that he bore: "if any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me."  It is risky business to be a disciple of this Messiah for we are required to daily surrender ourselves, to deny ourselves, to be not merely cross-wearers but cross-bearers, to give over our lives for his sake, and the sake of his Gospel, to walk in this adulterous and sinful generation unashamed of the one whose disciples we have become. The question is who do we say that he is?  Our answer will determine what kind of disciples we will be.

In the Peace, Grace, and Love of our Lord,

It is truly wonderful to see how the healing ministry has grown, not only in the number of people wanting to receive prayer, but also in the number of those interested in participating in this ministry. 

It has become clear that there are some Sundays when there is just not enough room at the altar rail that has been dedicated for this ministry.  We will therefore be dedicating the right transept for the healing ministry.  People will be invited to receive communion wherever they desire at the altar rail, and then if they would like to receive prayers for healing for themselves or others they will be invited to sit or kneel in one of the pews in the right transept. Members of the Order of St Luke the Physician will come to them there for the laying on of hands, anointing, and prayer. 
 

This will provide more privacy for those desiring prayer and will also mean that those who find it difficult to kneel or stand for any period of time will be able to sit to await prayer.

Wednesdays at 10:30 am in Roberta's Hall

This Beth Moore series begins Wednesday, September 19 at 10:30 am in Roberta's Hall

Click on the flyer to the left for drop off and item     

Michael Sliwa, Keisha Moore, Randolph (Junior) Petersen, Walt Dzurus, Jr.