Janice Kreider spoke on the four texts proposed by the Lectionary, focussing on the theme, "The Word of the Lord and our response" (Nehemiah 8:1-10). As an important administrator in the expansive Babylonian Empire, and also confidant and wine-taster for the King (some people have all the luck), Nehemiah was granted a Leave of Absence, military escort, letters of introduction from the government, and permission to rebuild Jerusalem. Under his authority, the destroyed city's walls were reconstructed in 52 days. To celebrate this symbolic achievement and the arrival of Jewish New Year in Palestine, Nehemiah had Ezra read from the Pentateuch in the plaza before the new wall's Water Gate. Upon hearing the scripture, people were distressed that they had not been keeping the Law properly and wept, but Ezra asked them to rejoice instead. Janice then contrasted this reception of scripture with the one accorded to Jesus after his first sermon. At first, they admired his ability to speak, but when he then interpreted scripture too radically for their staid tastes, they actually ran their home boy out of town. What is our response to scripture and its interpretations? Do we just turn to favourite "safe" passages and interpretations, do we also examine passages and interpretations which make us uneasy? [JEK]

Passage: Lectionary
Communion: No
Ecumenical or Event:
Potluck Lunch: No
Congregational Meeting: No

Speaker: Janice Kreider
Worship Leader: Ed Hintz
Song Leader: Eric Hannan
Pianist: Ruth Enns
Usher:
Zoom Coordinator:
Children's Feature Leader:

Bring Flowers:
Coffee Helper:
Sound Helper:

Child Care Volunteer: Sonia Wadhawa