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Bulletin: January 29, 2012
The Fourth Sunday after Epiphany

Scripture: Isaiah 6:1-10, Psalm 126, Mark 4:1-10,13-20

Songs:
Praise: Tell Out My Soul (lyrics & melody, traditional, contemporary, author)
Preparation: O Church of God, prepare the plough by William Cowper (lyrics, author)
(Tune: How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds, 2)
Response: Christ Taught Us of a Farmer (Text [given below]: v. 1-2 Copyright © 2000 by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. Used by Permission. v. 3. M. McKim, 2011)
(Tune: The Church’s One Foundation)

Christ taught us of a farmer who went out sowing seeds.
A few had trouble growing among the rocks and weeds.
But others grew till harvest in soil that was so good.
O God, you sow the gospel: The seed is your own word.

You sowed your word of love here so many years ago.
Your message found a welcome; your word began to grow.
By grace, this church was built here by saints who followed you.
The seed took root and flourished: we hear and follow, too.

God send us out from this place to sow the word – to speak,
The gospel news of Jesus, be heard from us this week.
Grant grace to be courageous, like saints whose lives are past,
That we may hear you say, Lord,“Well done” to us at last.

Rev. Mark McKim

This Sunday we continue our focus on the “Kingdom of God” which was the central thrust in the preaching of Jesus. Once again we find Jesus telling a parable as a way of teaching about the Kingdom – the parable of the sower and the seeds.

Interestingly there is no indication that the sower in the story had some special knowledge, education or appointment.

Too often we imagine that making the news of the Kingdom known is “the preacher’s job” when in fact it is the responsibility – and privilege – of every Kingdom person to “sow the seed,” that is to speak about their experience of God to others.

And too often we focus on “results” which are not under our control. We are called to sow the seed of the Word far and wide,, to do so well and faithfully, and leave the rest in God’s hands: Sow far, sow good.
________

Holy Communion

Holy Communion will, if the Lord tarries, be celebrated next Sunday morning. Jesus established this meal and commanded his followers to repeat it until he returns. Just as he did, we will eat bread (representing his body) and drink wine (representing his shed blood), in remembrance of his death. In some mysterious fashion which no theologian has ever been able fully to describe, his death made it possible for us, once more, to be friends, rather than enemies of God. The word “Communion” means “to have a connection with.” Jesus once described himself as “the vine” and those who followed him, who accepted him as their Lord as “the branches.” You can read this story in John 15.1-6. Only those who have this kind of connection with Jesus should receive the bread and wine. (Being a Baptist or a member of First Baptist Church is not a requirement for receiving Holy Communion in this church. The requirement is that you are a Christian, a follower of Jesus Christ.)

How to Prepare for Holy Communion

Even if are a Christian, that is if you confess (accept) Jesus as your Lord (in charge of your life), you should still prepare to receive Holy Communion. Many Christians have found that reading the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) or the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20.1-17) or even their church covenant is a good starting place for preparation.

As you read, ask yourself “how have I measured up to this in the last month.” This can help you become aware of particular sins in your life. Take these to God in prayer, confess them and repent of them (repentance means being sorry for having offended God and turning around in the opposite direction from sin). If you are at odds with someone else, particularly a fellow Christian, you need to make a genuine effort to set things right and be reconciled before taking Communion.

Joyful Holy Communion

Despite the solemn nature of Holy Communion and the importance of preparing to receive, this is to be a JOYFUL meal. It shouldn’t look or feel like a funeral! This meal celebrates what Jesus accomplished by his death and points us toward what will be the most fabulous banquet and party ever – when Jesus returns in triumph.

___________

How well do you know your art?

Over the centuries, many artists have created depictions of the sower, inspired by the parable of the sower which is the focus of today’s sermon.  The mediums used have ranged from painting and sculpture to casting and woodcut illustrations.  Some artists have created seveHowral different versions!  For how many of the following works can you identify the artist?

Click here to go to the quiz.

Scoring:  1-2 (Poor), 3-4 (Fair), 5-6 (Good), 7-8 (Excellent), 9-10 (Are you an Art Museum Curator?)