Dear Friends,
This is the Second Sunday of Lent. The theme is Shame, because we want to remember not to be ashamed of the Gospel and that grace takes away our shame.
Note: If we need to cancel church due to hazardous road conditions or inclement weather, I will send an email to our email list. Closing information will be on the KSDK Closings, St. Peter’s UCC Facebook Page or our Church Website.
If you would like a home visit, conversation, or home communion, please call me at 573-437-2779 (church).
- New Members Class after worship.
- Flower Order forms are in the back and due by March 3.
- Wednesday Lenten Program February 28 at 6:30pm. The study will be The Grace of Les Misérables by Matt Rawle. Snacks will be served.
- Youth to Sky Zone in March. Talk to Carol Nowack.
- Dorcas meeting on Monday, March 4 at 7pm.
- St. Patrick’s Day Potluck on Sunday, March 17 after church.
Blessings, Pastor Stephanie DeLong
The Third Sunday of Lent, February 18
Scripture: Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 • Psalm 22:23-31 • Romans 4:13-25 • Mark 8:31-38 or Mark 9:2-9
Sermon: Correction
The theme from the UCC Lenten sermon series “Say No” has shame as the theme for this Sunday. I understand how the Rev. Cheryl A. Lindsay chose this theme for this Sunday. In Mark 8:38 Jesus says, “Those who are ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of them the Son of Man will also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels." The verses deal with shame.
But Jesus says “ashamed” not shame. If you are going to be ashamed of me, I am going to be ashamed of you is what I understand Jesus to be saying. Jesus speaks these words after teaching about taking about taking up ones cross and following him. After Peter tries to rebuke Jesus about Jesus’ saying he will be rejected and killed. After only a brief after Peter recognized that Jesus is the Messiah.
I sympathize with Peter. Peter gave up a lot to follow Jesus. Peter recognized that Jesus was the Messiah. Peter loved Jesus. Peter spoke up when others kept silent. Still Peter kept tripping over himself. Peter must have felt horrible when Jesus said to him, “Get behind me, Satan!” I wonder if Peter felt shame.
I think that everyone has felt shame at one point or another. Shame when we made a mistake. Shame when we did not perform to standard. Shame when we find ourselves in an awkward social situation. Shame when someone speaks harshly to us.
But I do not think that Peter was ashamed of Jesus. Peter needed to be corrected by Jesus. Which was a twist because Peter had taken Jesus quietly aside to rebuke/correct Jesus. Peter was just being Peter that outspoken, heart on his sleave guy who says out loud what others are thinking. Which is a good thing, because Jesus then could correct the wrong way of thinking that was in Peter’s mind and probably the other disciples.
We can all use a bit of correction now and then. Sometimes we need to blurt out our wrong ideas so that we can learn that they need to be corrected. When I taught algebra, I always required students to show their work. That way I could see if they understood how to solve the problem and if they made a mistake, I would know how to correct them.
Many societies use shame as a way of ensuring that people follow social norms and laws. Once upon a time failing students were made to sit while wearing large caps with the word Dunce on them. I do not believe shaming a student in this made them any smarter. It just shamed the student.
Jesus taught that we were not to be ashamed of him. We are not put a dunce cap on Jesus words. Maybe that is what Jesus was correcting Peter about. Do not be ashamed of my death on the cross Peter. Do not be ashamed of my words unless you want me to be ashamed of you.
The grace of Jesus takes away our shame. The grace of Jesus takes away the dunce caps, cruel words, and judgements. In grace there is hope and love. Put away the shame and embrace Jesus.
Contemplative Ritual “Say No”
Say No. During the season of Lent, we will embark on a journey of exploring the sacredness of saying “No” to what does not serve us or God. In this mailing you will find a piece of paper with the words, “This Lent I am saying “No” to:”. Please take a moment to think about what you will be saying “No” to this Lent. Write a word or two sharing what you might commit to saying “No” to during this season. Keep this piece of paper with you throughout Lent. Take it out and read it to remind yourself about what you are saying “No” to this Lent.
Prayer: Precious Savior, take away my shame with your grace and may I never be ashamed of you. Amen.
Prayer list: All who have been on our list for a while, Mark’ s brother Billy, Delores W., Tyra, Freya, Vicki B., Barb Z., Jesse, Tammy. Jennifer, Richard, Tamara, John, Dixon’s great granddaughter, Ashlely and Cody, Garth, Linda, Tessa, Carl, Kimbra, Liz’s father, Dannie, Lathe, Marilyn, Kris, Lee Ann, Bob, Diane, Linda, Keetha, Carly, Mia (Good news, she is healing.), Brenda, David, Dave, Jeff, Bill & Kathleen, Bill with cancer, a student with a court date, Nancy and Pat, places where there is war and all who are in need about which we do not know. If you know of anyone who would like a prayer shawl, please let us know.
The family of Marsha (Judy Willoughby’s cousin) who passed last week.
