Happy Epiphany
Today, Jan 6, is “Epiphany,” which celebrates the arrival of the Gentile Wise Men to see Jesus approximately 1-2 years after his birth. This is the first “Epiphany” (showing forth) of the Messiah to the Nations. If you like, read Isaiah’s prophecy of the event and its fulfillment in Matthew for your devotions today.
We also want to call your special attention to a couple key items coming this weekend:
Taking Down the Tree: this Sunday, Jan 9 after worship
With Epiphany, the Twelve Days of Christmas comes to an end. So this Sunday, we will be taking down the Christmas Tree after worship–removing the ornaments and lights, then the tree. Foreman John Schroeder remarks: “Once the ornaments and lights are off, it actually goes fairly quickly as we cut off branches and take several loads to our woods to compost.” Many hands make light work; please join us this Sunday if you are able to help.
New Adult Study: Starts this Sunday, Jan 9 at 9am
SUNDAY MORNING Study – Nuts and Bolts: How Do I Understand the Bible?
We know we are called to understand and study the Scriptures, but do we feel able? This class will help! Each Sunday, we’ll address one key topic for understanding and interpreting bible passages in your personal devotions, and in corporate worship and bible study. By the end of the study, YOU TOO will feel more competent to discern the Word God is speaking to YOU today, through the Scriptures.
Recommended but not required: Purchase an ESV Lutheran Study Bible, which we will learn to use as part of the class. CPH has one with “tabs” for each book; Amazon has regular.
When: Sundays, 9:00-9:50am, starting January 9th
Where: Church Fellowship Hall
New Tuesday Night Study: Starts Jan 11, Sign-up NOW
TUESDAY NIGHT Study – Nuts and Bolts: Know The Old Testament NOW
The Old Testament (OT) is a major part of the Scriptures we need to know, not only to rightly understand Jesus and the New Testament but also to see the fullness of God’s heart and work. But who has time to read all those books?! Enter Know the Bible NOW: A Visual Overview, which provides easy-to-understand summaries of the biblical books and their teachings using lots of infographics and pictures. Whether you are a beginner or a long-time Christian, our study of the OT portion of this text will give you a clear and concise picture of the OT as a whole and how it relates to us.
FOOD AND CHILDCARE TBD: Provided Jan 11 to start; will continue only if participants indicate a desire for one or both AND availability to help (see sign-up below)
Dates: Tuesdays, Jan 11 – Feb 22 & Apr 19 – May 24 [Breaks: Lent through Holy Week]
Times: Food: 6pm, Study: 6:45-8pm
Location: Church Fellowship Hall
Cost: $20 for Know the Bible Now (view sample and order; church will cover if you can’t)
Sign-up / Food & Childcare Survey: Click here
Continuing Adult Studies
You are also welcome to dive in and join either of the following two continuing studies:
FRIDAY NIGHT Bible Study – “Revelation: the Lamb of God”
The Book of Revelation offers profound insights into the reign of Christ, the Lamb of God, in our lives—if you can understand its many symbols! Join us to explore the book with the help of a text from the Rev. Dr. Louis Brighton and other LCMS theologians and bible scholars as we support each other in the faith.
Time: 6:30pm Meal | 7-8:30pm Study and Group Discussion
Dates: Resumes Jan 14th, then 2nd and 4th Fridays of the month
Where: Currently at Church with Zoom, but possibly transitioning to homes
Cost: $10 (church will cover if you cannot)
Sign-up: email Mike Fonck at mfonck@comcast.net
SATURDAY NIGHT Bible Study – “Matthew’s Gospel, Part 1”
The Gospel of Matthew proclaims the story of Jesus Christ with an eye toward his fulfillment of Old Testament law, prophecy, and kingship. Come explore the Gospel’s first thirteen chapters in-depth with a Lifelight study guide from Concordia as we build each other up in the faith.
Time: 7-8:30pm
Dates: Resumes January 15th, then 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month
Where: Homes of participants who want to host
Cost: $13 (church will cover if you cannot)
Sign-up: email John Schroeder at jschroeind@aol.com