Category Archives: Liturgy Letter Year A

Liturgy Letter Newsletter – Seventh Sunday after Pentecost 2020 (Year A)

Glimpses of Glory

Jacob experienced a glimpse of God’s glory and a reminder that God keeps his promises (Genesis 28:10-19a). God eradicates all darkness and knows us better than we know ourselves (Psalm 139). Do not fear (Isaiah 44:6-8)! God’s steadfast love offers mercy and favor (Psalm 86). The Holy Spirit bears witness that we are God’s children through Christ (Romans 8:12-25). All creation patiently waits for evil to be defeated at the end of the age (Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43).  

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Liturgy Letter Newsletter – Sixth Sunday after Pentecost 2020 (Year A)

Planted in Good Soil

Unrestrained appetites can cause God’s people to turn away from the things that are most important (Genesis 25:19-34). Those who are in Christ Jesus have been set free from the law of sin and death and called to walk, not according to the flesh, but according to the desires of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:1-11). God’s Word illumines a righteous path (Psalm 119:105-112) and waters a seed of everlasting hope (Isaiah 55:10-13). We must acknowledge our need for His forgiveness and blessing (Psalm 65:1-13), for a seed planted in fertile soil produces good fruit (Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23).

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Liturgy Letter Newsletter – Fifth Sunday after Pentecost 2020 (Year A)

Rest for the Weary

God raises up those who are humble (Psalm 145:8-14) and surprises his loved ones with companionship (Song of Solomon 2:8-13) and the promise of future blessings (Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67 and Psalm 45:10-17). In the context of God’s care, we struggle to be released from the burdens that we place on ourselves and are prone to do the things that we shouldn’t do (Romans 7:15-25a). In the midst of this struggle, Christ still invites us to serve him in humility. He is the King of Peace (Zechariah 9:9-12), and in his service, we will find rest and strength for the journey (Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30). 

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Liturgy Letter Newsletter – Fourth Sunday after Pentecost 2020 (Year A)

Counting on God’s Promises

Abraham demonstrated complete faith in God’s promises and God provided redemption and life (Genesis 22:1-14). Like the saints who came before us, we may bear pain in our souls and question how long we will have to endure trials, but we will remember God’s faithfulness and confess his steadfast love (Psalm 13 and Psalm 89). Even in exile, God sends a word of peace that he will fulfill in time (Jeremiah 28:5-9). Remember that through Christ we have been freed from sin and we live under grace. Therefore, present your whole life and body to God (Romans 6:12-23) by fleeing from sin and offering hospitality in Christ’s name to others (Matthew 10:40-42).

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Liturgy Letter Newsletter – Third Sunday after Pentecost 2020 (Year A)

Nothing to Fear

God cares for those who are treated unjustly. They are offered living water and assurance of God’s grace (Genesis 21:8-21). Call to God in the day of trouble. He rules the world and all nations shall bow before him (Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17). Violence, destruction, and terror may surround God’s people, but evildoers will not prevail (Jeremiah 20:7-13). Cry out to God, and at the acceptable time, he will answer in accord with his steadfast love (Psalm 69:7-18). Those who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into his death. Since he has been raised from the dead death no longer holds authority for those who have been found in him (Romans 6:1b-11). Jesus’ followers need not fear anything, for they are precious to God and freed to follow him, even when it requires sacrifice (Matthew 10: 24-39). 

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Liturgy Letter Newsletter – Second Sunday after Pentecost 2020 (Year A)

Courageously Proclaiming the Grace of God

God’s promises are often fulfilled in mysterious and unexpected ways. Like Abraham and Sarah, we walk in faith, patiently waiting on God and trusting in his word (Genesis 18:1-15, 21:1-7). He leads his children out of bondage and makes them his treasured possession (Exodus 19:2-8a). Sing praise to God (Psalm 100) and actively commit yourself to the Lord, acknowledging his good gifts (Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19) and the grace he has provided through Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1-8). The disciples of Jesus are sent to courageously proclaim the good news in the midst of persecution and danger (Matthew 9:35-10:8).

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Liturgy Letter Newsletter – Trinity Sunday 2020 (Year A)

Testimony of New Creation

The glorious life of the Trinity created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1-2:4a). God has not abandoned his creation and continues to uphold and sustain all life (Psalm 8). In response to this grace, Christians are called to gratitude, peace, and love (2 Corinthians 13:11-13). Jesus has promised to never leave his disciples as they live in his name and bear witness to his authority (Matthew 28:16-20). 

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Liturgy Letter Newsletter – Pentecost 2020 (Year A)

Fire Descends

On Pentecost the fierce love of the Holy Spirit descended on the disciples of Jesus (Acts 2:1-21). Jesus also talked about the Holy Spirit as the living water poured out for those who thirst for him (John 7:37-39). Those who declare that Jesus is Lord have received a manifestation of this Spirit given for the common good (1 Corinthians 12:3b-13). Jesus’ original disciples received the Holy Spirit after his resurrection and were sent out to continue Jesus’ mission (John 20:19-23). The glory of God is revealed as all of creation is renewed and purified through the power of the Holy Spirit (Psalm 104:24-34, 35b).

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Liturgy Letter Newsletter – Seventh Sunday of Easter 2020 (Year A)

The Ascended Christ Sends His Spirit and Makes us One

Before ascending into heaven, Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit to empower his followers until his return (Acts 1:6-14). This promise gives us the strength to pray and follow God, even in the midst of suffering and anxiety. These things may last for a little while, but we are encouraged to stand firm knowing that Christ himself has prayed for us (1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11). Though orphans, he has promised us a home (Psalm 68: 1-10; 32-35). He has granted us eternal life and the fellowship of other believers, even while we wait (John 17:1-11).

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Liturgy Letter Newsletter – Sixth Sunday of Easter 2020 (Year A)

We Are God’s Offspring

The true God has been revealed to the whole world through the life and death of Jesus Christ (Acts 17:22-31). Because Jesus is Lord, we are blessed, even when we suffer (1 Peter 3:13-22). God cares for us and listens to our prayers, so we offer our gratitude and confess what he has done for us (Psalm 66:8-20). We find freedom and take joy in his commandments through the power of the Holy Spirit (John 14:15-21).

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