Some of you will be happy to know that we’re done focusing on Old Testament texts for the year and we’ll be in the gospel of Matthew in the new year. We’ve officially made it through half of the Narrative Lectionary (NL) and at this halfway point I want to remind you of a few things.

First, as I know you’ve picked up on the readings from the NL are longer than those most of us are used to hearing in church. I know this is a challenge for many of us, particularly if you’re like me and not an auditory learner. That said, hearing these longer readings - while not always fun - is good for us as it helps in the practice of listening to and wrestling with scripture. The long readings are also necessary with some of the passages the NL covers so that the story makes sense. Keep in mind that what you’re hearing is a translation several steps removed from the original text which can make things wordy! 

If you’re struggling to process all the words coming at you on Sunday morning take a few minutes to read the text before you get here. We will begin including it in the newsletter for your reference. You can also bring your Bible and follow along with our Readers. Not sure where your Bible is? I have lots of fun translations you can borrow. Don’t have a Bible or don’t like your translation? Come see me and we’ll find you one that best suits you. 

Second, you might be rejoicing for us to finally be out of the Old Testament and getting some Jesus again. If you are, know that I feel the same way! But as I told you before the NL began in September, I’m most comfortable in the New Testament and particularly the Gospels. I find Jesus endlessly fascinating and would happily spend all my time in his words and stories about him. But Jesus is not the entirety of the biblical text and to understand him to the best of our ability we have to read and wrestle with the Hebrew Bible which was his sacred text.

I also hope that in these months we’ve spent in the Old Testament you’ve heard stories you were unfamiliar with or at least not heard preached before. Every year there are one or two of those for me and I really have to wrestle with what to say about them. That challenge is what keeps my homiletical practice from feeling stale and routine week in and week out, though there are weeks I wonder why I do this to myself! 

Finally, despite Northminster immediately feeling like home for me I have to remind myself that I’m still learning you as a congregation. What homiletic structures work best for you. How to format my preaching to get you thinking and talking. What you know and where your growing edges are. How best to push you in ways that are encouraging and prophetic, not frustrating. What sort of homiletic tools you don’t like - so far I’ve gathered you don’t love first-person storytelling as much, but you’re always willing and ready to laugh. That takes some time and these past few months have been a learning period for me. The spring will be too, so stick with me! 

If you’d like to prepare yourself for our upcoming transition to Matthew’s gospel in January you can begin by simply reading through it. It’s not terribly long (28 chapters) and much of it will be familiar and comforting if you’ve spent any amount of time in church. I’m also going to recommend some books and commentaries below that might enhance your engagement in worship starting in January. I’m always here if you have questions or want to talk.

Jillian

Resources for study:

Commentaries

Feasting on the Gospels - a Feasting on the Word commentary - Matthew volumes 1 & 2 (I just ordered these but all of the Feasting commentaries are excellent)

Smyth & Helwys Bible Commentary - Matthew - by Ben Witherington III

Fortress Biblical Preaching Commentaries - Matthew - by O. Wesley Allen (Also a new to me commentary, but again a quality series)

Books

The Cotton Patch Version of Matthew and John - by Clarence Jordan (I have an extra copy of this for anyone who’d like to rehome it)

The Jewish Annotated Jewish New Testament NRSV - Edited by Amy-Jill Levine and Marc Zvi Butler (an excellent reference to have because of the study resources)

Short Stories by Jesus: The Enigmatic Parables of a Controversial Rabbi - by Amy-Jill Levine (Covers parables throughout Gospels, not just Matthew)

Jesus the Miracle Worker - Graham Twelftree (a more academic read, but a good resource if you’re really interested)

Opening Hymn:  Now Bless the God of Israel This text by United Church of Christ clergywoman Ruth Duck is a paraphrase of the "Benedictus" which is often sung at morning prayer. A traditional English melody, it is set to the tune FOREST GREEN

Middle Hymn: Gentle Joseph, Joseph Dear The German carol on which this is based appears in a mystery play, c. 1500. It is one of a group of related carols that also includes "Good Christian Friends, Rejoice."

Gospel Acclamation: DH Clark wrote this acclamation proclaiming "Love" as the pure incarnation of Christ.

The Response to the Sermon: Of the Parent's Heart Begotten

"Corde natus ex parentis" is taken from twelve poems for the daily hours by Clemens Prudentius, who gave up a court office to enter a monastery, where he wrote a number of important and influential works.

The Communion Anthem: Love Came Forth at Christmas, another DH Clark original. Text is a poem by Christina Rossetti.

The Carols: O Come All You Faithful, Away in a Manger, Angels We Have Heard on High

December Mission Emphasis:

The Alliance of Baptist Offering



Please make checks payable to Northminster Church with the memo line "Alliance offering".

Last Sunday's Floral Offerings

Given to the Glory of God

And in loving memory of

James W. Kight and Rebecca Ford Kight

By Bill Kight



Arrangement by

Peggy Caskey

Robert Crawford

Marilyn Decker

PLEASE NOTE: When flowers are given in honor or in memory of someone, the flowers that day have been paid for by someone and not from the flower fund. 

Please allow the family to have first pick of an arrangement to take home before choosing some for yourself. Thank you!