1/19/25 Weekly Congregational Update

Dear Members and Friends of HTLC,

Here are this week’s updates:

• You may recall that January 6 is Epiphany, and every Sunday after that (for a while) is in the season of Epiphany. This coming Sunday is the 2nd Sunday after Epiphany. The word “epiphany” means “a revealing” so every week we will hear a gospel story of God revealing a little bit more to us of His Son, Jesus. Last week we had the story of the baptism of Jesus and had God say, “This is my Son, the beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” Sunday, we will take a look at the first miracle of Jesus changing water into wine.

• But have you ever wondered why John chose to use this story to begin the story of Jesus?

• Was it to show to us that Jesus enjoyed life like us and attended weddings?

• Was it to show the compassion of Jesus as he rescued the bride and groom from embarrassment?

• Sunday’s gospel text is, John 2:1-11, and I encourage you to read this story over several times before Sunday and really think about this miracle, and the importance to us.

• As you will hear in my sermon Sunday, I will propose another possibility on the motive of Jesus to perform this miracle.

• In other news, please make sure and look over the church directory I sent you earlier today and let me know if your information is correct.

I am looking for to seeing and worshipping with you on Sunday!

Pastor Fischer