LIturgy Lesson for the First Sunday after Epiphany: Confirmation
January 10, 2009
Confirmation is administered to those who are baptized and have come to the “years of discretion”—meaning they can understand and answer the questions contained in the Catechism and are willing to renew and ratify the promises made at their Baptism. The word confirmation means to seal, sign or make strong—and is the outward and visible means God employs to convey to us the empowerment and inward, spiritual grace of the Holy Ghost via the Apostolic ministry of our bishop’s laying on of hands, as first mentioned in Acts 8. It’s our license to take the Holy Communion, which is limited to those who have been confirmed or are ready and willing to be confirmed. Sometimes referred to as the “ordination of the laity,” this rite is best described by the bishop’s prayer for the confirmand, “Defend O Lord, this thy Child with thy heavenly grace; that he(she) may continue thine forever; and daily increase in thy Holy Spirit, more and more, until he(she) come unto thy everlasting kingdom, amen.” Likewise, we lay hands to receive into our communion those who were already confirmed in other apostolic faiths—not just formally admitting them to fellowship, but asking God the Holy Ghost to empower them to His purpose in the Kingdom of God. May God be now, and evermore, our home and defense and may the Holy Ghost increase in us all!
Upcoming Schedule
January 7, 2009
Wednesday, January 7: Wednesday Night Supper Club, Study of James, will meet
in Ballard Hall—potluck @ 6:15pm, followed by class and Evensong
Friday, January 9: NO Salt & Light this week. Class will resume next Friday, January 16.
Sunday, January 11: Bishop Bena will be here to Confirm/Receive members
11:15am Service ONLY followed by potluck—NO 9am Service.
Koinonia at 6 PM—dessert potluck/coffee at 6, followed by singing, teaching, and prayer
ministry.
Thursday, January 15: First meeting of Men’s Group, Order of St. Timothy, 7:00pm in Ballard Hall.
Sunday, January 18: Regular worship schedule returns.
Liturgy Lesson for Epiphany: Showing Forth
January 3, 2009
Today we commemorate the ancient Feast of the Epiphany, meaning “manifestation” or “showing forth.” The festival, which has specific devotions for an octave, or eight days, celebrates the day the Lord first revealed Himself to the Gentiles, in the persons of the Magi (Wise Men) from the East, who traveled to Bethlehem to see Him following His birth. This “showing forth” meant non-Jews could now share in the Gospel and privilege of membership in God’s family. The Magi presented Him gifts—gold, recognizing His royalty; frankincense, recognizing His divinity; and myrrh, an embalming spice, prophesying His death as mankind’s Sacrifice. Originally called the “Epiphanies,” in ancient times it also commemorated the finding of the Boy Christ in the Temple, His Baptism, and First Miracle. We sustain this ancient remembrance in the Gospels we read on the Sundays to follow. Epiphany begins on January 6th—12 days after Christmas—and extends to Septuagesima Sunday, the third Sunday before Lent.
