And [Jesus] sat down and called the twelve [disciples]. And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” Mark 9:35 ESV
Then turning toward the woman [Jesus] said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? Luke 7:44a ESV
(see Luke 7:36-50 for the context of that prompted Jesus’ question)
While we were all (understandably) focused on Hurricane Nicholas this week, two stories in the news grabbed my attention away from the Weather Channel. Both involved loud power squabbles: the Governor of California’s recall election and reports of bitter rivalries playing out inside the Taliban’s inner circle in Afghanistan.
Now, I must confess that these stories represent nothing unusual; loud political infighting aimed at determining who is first in line seems to be the order of the day. This stuff has happened in the past and will certainly be repeated ad nauseum tomorrow. In fact, each of us has probably participated in similar behavior, albeit on a less-grand scale.
These stories caught my attention because they were juxtaposed in my head alongside our Gospel reading for this coming weekend; they represent behavior that is diametrically opposite of how Jesus taught His followers to behave. And when I say “diametrically”, I am not exaggerating. Eugene Peterson, the pastor and translator of The Message paraphrase, coined a phrase to describe what Jesus taught. Peterson labeled it “the Great Reversal” where Jesus revealed that we have it backwards. The Reality that God sees of “who is first in line” is often exactly opposite of OUR perceptions.
I can almost hear you thinking “Well, I’m sure Jesus is theoretically correct. But how does that work in the REAL world?”
Come to Trinity Downtown this weekend to hear some “thought experiments” on what Jesus is telling us. Come experience anew the reason Jesus’ disciples remained astonished by His actions and His words… Come hear how focusing on God’s love and worshiping Him can carry you during these times, and how you can be an encouragement to those that may be going through tough times. You can join us in our contemporary service on Saturday at 5:00 pm, and/or the traditional worship service on Sunday at 9:00 am. Or, you can watch the “live stream” of our Satellite Service at 5:00 pm on Saturday, or our traditional service on Sunday at 9:00 am by clicking here. And, of course, you may also participate by watching either of these services “on demand” by clicking here. You can enhance your worship experience by viewing the traditional service’s worship folder by clicking here. Our weekly prayer list can also be found by clicking here.
You won’t want to miss our in-person Sunday School, Youth and Adult Bible classes that start at 10:15 am each Sunday morning.
Our doors will open 30 minutes before the start of each worship service, and you may enter from any door. As always, we ask that if you are not feeling well, please stay home and participate with us online.
In response to the increased number of infections, this weekend at Trinity Downtown we’re making some changes in our recommendations and seating arrangements designed to lower the chance we’ll inadvertently spread the infection further.
I am pleased to announce that our congregation raised $3,920 in Hurricane Ida relief monies. Those funds are already on their way to the LCMS Southern District to use for rebuilding churches and helping congregants in need. Thank you so much for your generosity!
You can watch the “live stream” of our Satellite Service at 5:00 pm on Saturday, or our traditional service on Sunday at 9:00 am by clicking the button below. And, of course, you may also participate by watching either of these services “on demand” at any time. To enhance your worship this weekend, we’ve placed this weekend’s Order of Worship and our updated prayer list below.
Please note that Drive-up Communion is being offered on Saturday and Wednesday of each week.
We continue to be deeply thankful for the God-inspired work of our medical professionals who developed and are distributing the COVID vaccines, and who continue to care for those afflicted with this disease. Please keep the members of our congregation who serve in these capacities in your daily prayers that God may grant them strength, courage and a robust immune system.
In response to the increased number of COVID infection in our community, please follow these recommendations and seating arrangements designed to lower the chance we’ll inadvertently spread the infection further. Specifically:
Please take advantage of our nursery, which is now open to care for children 2 years old and younger on Sunday mornings.
Together, let’s consider how we can put the astonishing message of Jesus into practice, and how leaning on His provision and care can lessen our stress load and bring deep transformation in our hearts. Celebrate with us the depth of Jesus’ love for us and find out how you can live a life of significance, filled with meaning. Discover how following Jesus can help you and your family navigate around the minefields of life.
This weekend come get a fresh jolt of spiritual energy at Trinity Downtown. It will make a tremendous difference in your life.
Your Pastor,
Michael Dorn