ASLC Podcast

As we continue through the time after Epiphany, stories of the call to discipleship show us the implications of our baptismal calling to show Christ to the world. Jesus begins proclaiming the good news and calling people to repentance right after John the Baptist is arrested for preaching in a similar way. Knowing that John was later executed, we see at the very outset the cost of discipleship. Still, the two sets of brothers leave everything they have known and worked for all their lives to follow Jesus and fish for people.

Readings: Jonah 3:1-5,10; Psalm 62:5-12; Mark 1:14-20

All the baptized have a calling in God’s world. God calls not just pastors and deacons but also the youngest child, like Samuel. The story of the calling of Nathanael plays with the idea of place. Nathanael initially dismisses Jesus because he comes from Nazareth. But where we come from isn’t important; it’s where—or rather whom—we come to. Jesus refers to Jacob, who had a vision in a place he called “the house of God, and . . . the gate of heaven” (Gen. 28:17). Jesus says he himself is the place where Nathanael will meet God.

Readings: John 1:43-51; 1 Samuel 3:1-20; Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18

All the baptized have a calling in God’s world. God calls not just pastors and deacons but also the youngest child, like Samuel. The story of the calling of Nathanael plays with the idea of place. Nathanael initially dismisses Jesus because he comes from Nazareth. But where we come from isn’t important; it’s where—or rather whom—we come to. Jesus refers to Jacob, who had a vision in a place he called “the house of God, and . . . the gate of heaven” (Gen. 28:17). Jesus says he himself is the place where Nathanael will meet God.

Readings: 1 Samuel 3:1-20; Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18; John 1:43-51

Our re-creation in baptism is an image of the Genesis creation, where the Spirit of God moved over the waters. Both Mark’s gospel and the story in Acts make clear that it is the Spirit’s movement that distinguishes Jesus’ baptism from John’s. The Spirit has come upon us as upon Jesus and the Ephesians, calling us God’s beloved children and setting us on Jesus’ mission to re-create the world in the image of God’s vision of justice and peace.

Readings: Mark 1:4-11; Genesis 1:1-5; Psalm 29

Join Pastor Jules, Vicar John, and Pastor Tanner for conversation around the texts for Sunday, January 10, 2021

Readings: Genesis 1:1-5; Psalm 29; Mark 1:4-11

The feast of Epiphany (“manifestation”) is a celebration of God’s glory revealed in the person of Jesus Christ. In Isaiah, that glory is proclaimed for all nations and people. Like the light of the star that guided the magi to Jesus, the light of Christ reveals who we are: children of God who are claimed and washed in the waters of baptism. We are sent out to be beacons of the light of Christ, sharing the good news of God’s love to all people.

Readings: ; Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14; Matthew 2:1-12

The psalmist calls on the natural world, celestial bodies, fire and earth, creatures, and all humanity, to praise God. The voices of Simeon and 84-year-old Anna join the chorus today, recognizing what God is doing in Jesus. Simeon’s song is often sung after communion, for we have seen God’s salvation in the assembled community and have held Jesus in our hands in the bread. Then, like the prophet Anna, we tell of Jesus to all who look for the healing of the world.

Readings: Isaiah 61:10–62:3, 16; Psalm 148; Luke 2:22-40

Tonight, we gather to Worship. To the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, be glory forever and ever.

Scripture Readings: Luke 1:26-55

God keeps the promise made to David to give him an everlasting throne. The angel tells Mary that God will give David’s throne to her son Jesus. She is perplexed by Gabriel’s greeting and by the news of her coming pregnancy, but she is able still to say, “Count me in.” We who know that Jesus is called king only as he is executed still find it a mystery hard to fathom, but with Mary today we hear the news of what God is up to and say, “Count us in.”

Readings: 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16; Luke 1:46b-55; Luke 1:26-38

Tonight, we gather to Wonder. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances.

Scripture Readings: Isaiah 61:1-3; 10-11