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Signs of the Times  •  3 January 2018 •  No. 149

Processional. “What a Wonderful World.” —Choir, Choir, Choir, where hundreds gathered for the unveiling of the tallest Christmas tree in Toronto and a massive sing-along. (Thanks Tom.)

Above: Horseshoe Falls in Niagara Falls, Ontario, photo by Aaron Lynett, Canadian Press

Invocation. “Bravo! Bravo to the One who comes from the unknown and unseen place to rattle the landscape and roust the pretenders! / This One, and this One alone, is worthy of devotion. / The Majestic One thunders into the silence of tyranny. At the sound of this Voice, all creation shudders in remembrance of forgotten promises. / This One, and this One alone, is worthy of ovation.” —continue reading “Worthy,” a litany for worship inspired by Psalm 29 and the Pentecost story of Acts 2

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Epiphany: Learning to see what’s really real

A sermon for Epiphany Sunday

by Ken Sehested
Text: Matthew 2:1-12

            Before examining the text, let me first do some interpretation of this service. We’re doing two special recognitions this evening: earlier we did the blessing of Jessica and Rich, and at the end of the service we will commission those traveling to Cuba this next week.

            Welcoming a child into the world, whether by birth or adoption, is still among the most profound callings. This is true even though some who dearly want to have children are not able to do so. And crossing the boundary of enmity, to build relationships with friends in Cuba, is an extraordinary witness to the Gospel word. Some of the legislation governing U.S. relations with Cuba are officially called “Trading with the Enemy” Act.

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New Year’s Resolutions: Promise-making in response to the Word of God

A litany for personal and public prayer on the occasion of a new (Gregorian calendar) year

by Ken Sehested

THE SCRIPTURES DECLARE: After the flood, God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant which I make between me and you, for all future generations: I will set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and you and every living creature. I will never again curse the ground of humankind; neither will I ever again destroy every living creature.” (Genesis 9:12-13; 8:21)

In response to this word, we resolve to honor God’s covenant of peace with all creation by finding ways to make peace and to restore justice in my our personal lives, in our familes, in our communities and our workplaces.

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Take my life and let it be

A litany for worship on New Year's Day

by Ken Sehested

Take my life and let it be / consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
    In all seasons, in every shape and condition of our lives,
      transform our minds and hearts in ways that magnify the rule of Mercy:

In ways that conform to Your extravagant and redemptive purposes;
    in our hopes and promises, in our joys and our sorrows,
      whether rising or resting, at home or away,
            at work and at play, with those near and dear but also with strangers,
              in our longing and our learning to love enemies.

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Epiphany’s promise

A litany for worship, on the occasion of a new (Gregorian calendar) year

by Ken Sehested

Join with me—if you dare—in making these resolutions for the coming year:

In all seasons and conditions, transform lives to magnify the rule of Mercy,

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Sister Anna

A litany for worship inspired by the Prophetess Anna

Sister Anna. Last-named prophet in Holy Writ, more
     likely listed among household property and livestock.

When did your Temple-dwelling vocation begin?
     What sustained your twenty-four-seven vigil
           for all those years?

            Anna, school us in the habits
           of vigilant perseverance.

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A saint for the fourth Sunday of Advent

The story of Dominican Friar Antonio Montesinos’ dramatic call to repentance for Spanish brutal treatment of indigenous peoples on the island of Española

by Ken Sehested

        Six year before Luther commenced his Ninety-Five Theses’ complaint with the Roman church, another priest scandalized the colonizing Spanish authorities with a sermon.

        It was the fourth Sunday of Advent, 1511—half a millennium ago—on the island of Española (modern Haiti and Dominican Republic). Three years prior, three Dominican monks had arrived as Spain’s first missionaries to the territory.

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News, views, notes, and quotes

Signs of the Times  •  13 December 2017 •  No. 147

Processional. “Prepare the Way,” Jaques Berthier, performed by the Choir of Grace Luther Church, River Forest, Illinois.

Above: Wildfire approaching Springs of Life Church in Casitas Springs, California. AP photo/Noah Berger.

Special issue
MARY'S MAGNIFICAT

Invocation. “We are waiting . . . waiting for that Gloria in Excelsis Deo." —The Many, which is offering their new “Advent & Christmas” album for free download.

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Annunciation

Mary's song of praise

by Ken Sehested

Hail, O favored one!
But Mary was greatly troubled
at the angel's erupting, interrupting greeting.

No wonder.
The annunciation of heaven
splitting earth
is always troubling
trembling
tremulous.
Mountains shake
hearts quiver
at the sound of God's rousing.

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