Common Good Spirit Manifestation Celebration
\nfor the Community.
\nModern Song Focus on Contemporary Church Artists
\nperforming hymns of traditional foundation.
\nEveryone is Welcome!<\/p>\n
Common Good Spirit Manifestation Celebration Introduction:
\nIn this poem the prophet Isaiah will not be shushed until Zion is raised up, rebuilt, and transformed into beautiful reality once again. Against all odds, the Lord does not abandon Zion. Christians are called by the Lord to be this stubborn in their refusal to promote isolation and allow hopelessness to win over people\u2019s lives.
\nOur Psalm leaves wickedness at the door and shouts praise to the Lord! As we pray this psalm today, we solidly stand with all who seek refuge. Prayer supports us in pursuit of the Lord\u2019s good works throughout our community and the world.
\nPaul directs our attention to the good works of the Holy Spirit in our community. No one moved by the Spirit is any greater or lesser with respect to anyone else. The Holy Spirit calls upon us to se our individual talents to make our best contribution to the community in Jesus’ name. We are all God’s children. Amen.
\n“Do whatever He tells you.”
\nMother Mary plays a significant role in today’s lesson. In his “Magnificat” Martin Luther teaches us that Jesus’ mother is poor in material earthly wealth but not belief, nor Spirit, nor knowing what to say to command the moment. Upon seeing the presence of her Son at the wedding, she said only a few words necessary to make her point, “they have no wine” and “do whatever He tells you.” We have a Spanish phrase, a la buena entendedora pocas palabras, \u201ca good understander only needs a few words.\u201d We employ that Spirit today in our celebration. In telling us to do whatever He tells you,” Mary is calling each of us to discipleship in her son, Jesus Christ. The wine Jesus made from water is there for all of us to share. The baby boy Mary delivered at Christmas will soon deliver salvation to her and all of us in dying on the cross and rising.<\/p>\n
Prayer:
\nDear Lord God,
\nyou speak your word
\nand reveal your good news in Jesus, the Christ.
\nFill all creation with that word again,
\nso that by proclaiming your joyful promises to all nations
\nand singing of your glorious hope to all peoples,
\nwe may become one living body,
\nyour incarnate presence on the earth. Amen.<\/p>\n
Julia took great interest in political matters and is well known through her prose and poetical works. Battle Hymn was written in 1861 at the outbreak of the Civil War, and was called forth by the sight of troops for the seat of war.
\nIsaiah 62:3.<\/p>\n
Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord (Battle Hymn).
\nJulia Ward Howe (1862).
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