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This weeks readings and question of the week:
Take time to mediate on God’s word and prepare for worship this Sunday. And as you meditate on them, consider the Question of the Week:
Whom should I seek out this week and invite to a real breakfast with me? Can I then invite them to a spiritual breakfast with Jesus in a community that welcomes everyone to Jesus’ feast?
Psalm 30: 1.3, 4-5, 6.11, 12-13
Revelation 5:11-14
I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels surrounding the throne and the living creatures and the elders; they numbered myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, singing with full voice,
“Worthy is the Lamb that was slaughtered
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might
and honor and glory and blessing!”
Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, singing,
“To the one seated on the throne and to the Lamb
be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!”
And the four living creatures said, “Amen!” And the elders fell down and worshiped.
Revelation makes vibrant connections between worship and justice, between liturgy and political transformation. Singing is a profound source of hope in the book of Revelation, as Kathleen Norris writes:
I am attracted to the Revelation also because it was Emily Dickinson’s favorite book of the Bible, and because it takes a stand in favor of singing. In fact, it proclaims that when all is said and done, of the considerable noises human beings are capable of, it is singing that will endure. A new song — if you can imagine — and light will be what remains. I find this a cause for hope.
Revelation 5 introduces the Jesus as the slain and risen Lamb whose praise is joined by “every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea” (Revelation 5:13). All heaven breaks loose in singing when the lamb is found worthy to open the scroll. Revelation is rich in such worship scenes.
The powerful metaphor of Jesus as “the Lamb who was slain” will become the central christological symbol of the entire book. This scripting of Jesus as a lamb is an obvious signal not to interpret the imagery of Revelation literally, but rather metaphorically. Just as Jesus was not literally a four-legged sheep or lamb, so Revelation’s other symbols and numbers should not be read literally. Revelation’s profound truth is not as a series of predictions to be figured out, but rather a deeper-than-literal truth — a journey into God’s vision of hope for our world.
(edited from Barbra Rossing)
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April Pot Luck – 7th Anniversary Celebration!
Saturday, April 16 – 6:00 pm – Pine Room
ITS ALL SOULS BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION! Come ready for a party!
Bring your favorite dish, desert, drink and/or games, photos from special days at All Souls, and STORIES to share with your All Souls Family.
We hope you can join us! Mark it in your calendar today!
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ALL SOULS FRIENDLY’S FUNDRAISER –
Thursday, April 21 5 pm-8 pm
Bring your friends, family, coworkers, and others to ALL SOULS night at Friendly’s (3024 Penn Avenue West Lawn) on Thursday, April 21 from 5 pm – 8 pm.
This is a Fundraiser night for All Souls – but also a chance to be out in the community, enjoy some good food (and ice cream!!!), and tell others about All Souls. We will also be selling baked good (donations needed) and doing basket raffles. More surprises and information to come! Questions? See Kimmie!
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