Reflection from your Co-Pastors, May 11

Reflection from your Co-Pastors

Tuesday, May 11, 2021

Acts 16: 11-15

In yesterday's reading from Acts of the Apostle's, we are introduced to Lydia, the first recorded convert to Christianity in Europe. Luke, the author of Acts, has made it known to us that Lydia is a significant woman.

First, Luke shares her name with us. Many others who Paul meets in Acts are left nameless. Second, Luke tells us that Lydia is a dealer in purple cloth who originally came from the town of Thyatira, a center for indigo trade famous for dyeing cloth. In Greek, this town's name translated as "daughter." So Lydia was a daughter of Thyatira well-acquainted with dyeing cloth. Third, the mention particularly of purple cloth leads us to believe that Lydia was a wealthy businesswoman. It was only the wealthy elite who wore garments dyed purple. And, most importantly, Lydia was a "God- worshiper."

Since Philippi did not have a formal synagogue, here was Lydia gathered with other woman by the river in prayer when Paul and his companions met them. Her heart was opened by God to listen and believe in Jesus the Christ.

Luke gives us all this information about Lydia to let us know of her prominence in the church at Philippi. It seems that Lydia was the owner and mistress of her own home since she offered hospitality to Paul and his companions and her household was baptized without first consulting with a spouse

or male relative which was the custom of her day.

Lydia became both a patron and a leader of the church in Philippi. She most likely spread the good news to her business contacts, clients, and neighbors. She was bold enough to risk her business and reputation as she hosted a church that worshiped a Jewish Messiah rather than the pagan gods of the emperor.

Paul empowered Lydia's spiritual gifts and abilities and, like Jesus, had no difficulty teaching theology to a woman.

So, let us be thankful for Lydia as a vital and strategic person in the forefront of an expanding Christian mission. The church of Philippi grew in number because of her courage, initiative, and ministry.

As Sister Joan Chittister has reminded us, "If God worked through one woman, Mary, to bring redemption, how is it that anyone can argue that God does not go on working through other women as well?"

May the feminine face of God continue to be revealed.

Amen

Photo by Nabajyoti Ray on Unsplash

Prayer Requests and Service Recordings

Praying for peace, health and well-being through challenging times

+Jarrid Stout - friend of Michael Six

+Adele Eastman - friend of Co-Pastor Jane

+Rob Frank - friend of Kerrie Anderson - member

+Jerry Padilla, father and Ryan Cordova nephew of Lisa Jones - member

+Aidan - grandson of Mother Kae.

+Lauren Roob - friend of Rosanna Bateman

+Liz and Ken Zornes and family, whose daughter is struggling with addiction - friends of Sandra and Dick Life

+Michael Keefe, son of member Yvonne Keefe

+Dona Bosse - member

+Rosemary - Fr Michael's mother

+Dani - niece of the Cloyds - members

+Joanne Gallagher - member, and for her sister, Dr. Barbara Immroth

+Jim and Lucille Bowen friends of Suzanne King, member

+Ruth Parker, sister of Dori Carroll

+Leo Six – father of Michael Six

+Mike Gudim

+Suzanne King - member

________________________

For the peaceful repose of souls for those who've passed and comfort for the families.

Mary Crosby - member

Clint Wisdom - brother-in-law of Joan Chapman-Smith

Leon - father of Mother Cynthia

Kristin - daughter of ECC priest Scott Jenkins.

Joan Kneeland - sister-in-law of Bill Kneeland

Rita Ortiz, friend of Deacon Rosean

Margie Weitz - member

Chris Bachman, friend of Lisa Jones

Bob, husband of Joyce Dehaven - friend of Cathy Engel

David Heyman -member

Photo by Grant Ritchie on Unsplash

Service Recordings

View the recording for 6th Sunday in Easter,

May 9 here . For the homily of Co-Pastor Dcn Rosean Amaral, click here. Here is a printed version of the liturgy to assist with prayer.

For all bulletins, reflections, Sunday recordings during, visit our webpage . Please contact us with questions, concerns and ideas for better connection with and for the community - marymagdalafc@gmail.com

Newsletters of Trinity Lutheran Church and the St. Paul's Episcopal

What are our partners in ministry up to? Go here for the Trinity Lutheran Church monthly newsletter, "Tidings". And here is St Paul's weekly bulletin

Click here to visit the Mary of Magdala, ECC website