Monthly Archives: December 2017

COCU10B.Epiphany2B.14January2018

Posted on December 21, 2017 by admin

Readings: 1 Samuel 3:1-10, (11-20); Ps 139:1-6, 13-18; 1 Cor 6:12-20; John 1:43-51 Gathering There is a God who steps free of the binding chains around our souls, and calls us in a voice which also knows our name, and … Continue reading →

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COCU9B.Baptism of Jesus.Epiphany 1B.7January 2018

Posted on December 21, 2017 by admin

Texts: Genesis 1:1-5; Psalm 29; Acts 19:1-7; Mark 1:4-11 Old Testament – early thoughts: Howard Wallace New Testament – early thoughts: Bill Loader Epiphany Traditionally observed January 6th, the Epiphany is the celebration of three events that are said to … Continue reading →

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New Year prayers and blessings

Posted on December 21, 2017 by admin

‘You don’t think your way into a new kind of living, you live your way into a new kind of thinking.’ (Source: Henri Nouwen, intro to Parker Palmer’s The Promise of Paradise) The old year is worn and tired. Time … Continue reading →

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COCU 6B.Christmas 1B.31st Dec2017

Posted on December 21, 2017 by admin

Note: COCU relates to a way of coding for the lectionary year. Readings: Isaiah 61: 10-62:3 (the good news of deliverance) God will show all nations God’s justice, and Zion will be saved and will blaze with God’s glory. Psalm … Continue reading →

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COCU5B.ChristmasDay.25thDec2017

Posted on December 21, 2017 by admin

Note: COCU relates to a way of coding for the lectionary year. Readings Isaiah 52:7-10 The joy of seeing the messenger of good news, who announces peace and the reign of God, and of knowing God’s protection and care. Psalm … Continue reading →

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COCU5B.ChristmasEve.24thDecember2017

Posted on December 21, 2017 by admin

Note: COCU relates to a way of coding for the lectionary year. Readings Isaiah 9:2-7 God offers a sign of God’s grace and protection to the King and people of Judah – in the darkness light shines, and the birth … Continue reading →

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COCU4B.Advent 4B.24th December 2017

Posted on December 20, 2017 by admin

Note: COCU relates to a way of coding for the lectionary year. Readings 2 Samuel 7: 1-11, 16 God, through the prophet Nathan, declares God’s promise to David that he will establish his kingdom forever, will give him peace from … Continue reading →

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Christmas Trees tradition and blessing

Posted on December 3, 2017 by admin

The use of the Christmas tree is relatively modern. Its origins are found in the medieval mystery plays which depicted the tree of paradise and the Christmas light or candle which symbolized Christ, the Light of the world. We see … Continue reading →

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Blue Christmas

Posted on December 3, 2017 by admin

Unless we have lived through December heartbroken, it may not cross our minds how hard the lead-up to Christmas can feel for people in the midst of loss, failure, or hopelessness. Their imprisonments can look like being stuck in a … Continue reading →

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Advent – general resources

Posted on December 3, 2017 by admin

Christmas Bowl 2017 Christmas Bowl resources, including songs, prayers and Advent Candle litanies are now available online. Call to worship God is here And we are here to worship God. In our darkness: You are the God of Light. In … Continue reading →

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