Bible Study – 8:15 a.m.
Worship – 9:30 a.m.
Childcare is available for infants through preschool age, downstairs in Rooms 4 and 5 for morning and evening services
Fellowship Time – after worship
Sunday School for all Ages – after worship
Sunday Seminar – 11:00 a.m. in Fellowship Hall
Theology Discussion Group – 6:30 p.m.
From the Pastor/Head of Staff
The image is of the Gethsemane Chapel at Coventry Cathedral, Coventry, England
Misunderstanding Jesus. Disciples have been doing it from the very beginning. On Sunday, we will hear Mark’s Gospel tell us about an amazing incident that happened as Jesus and the disciples were on their way to Jerusalem. Jesus had already told them what would happen to him once they reached Jerusalem. He would be betrayed, handed over, tried before the Sanhedrin, condemned and killed. Yet two of the 12 asked Jesus one of the most embarrassing questions. Clearly, they misunderstood. We are blessed all these years later to have many artistic reminders of what Jesus wants disciples of all times to understand. Like the Gethsemane Chapel at Coventry Cathedral. Just to the side of the nave of the cathedral, this side chapel arrests you at its entrance with this view. The mosaic on the far wall presents the image of the Angel of Agony, and you see the angel through the Crown of Thorns created by Basil Spence. If we would be faithful to Jesus, if we really want to share in his glory, then this view presents the journey. And yes, the angel is holding a chalice, the cup that James and John said they were ready to drink with Jesus. He told them that they would drink that cup with him, but I don’t think they had any idea what that meant. Now, after many faithful, like the newly canonized saint, Oscar Romero, have also drunk from that chalice, we have examples, models, for us to embody, all patterned after the example of Jesus. James and John were right to want to be close to Jesus in his glory. What they came to realize, and what we must realize, is that suffering, self-sacrifice, the cross are inescapable, if we would be as close to Jesus as they said they wanted to be. See you on Sunday.
Pastor David