LexCentral Worship: Recent Episodes
Central Baptist Church - Lexington KY
A podcast of weekly worship services at Central Baptist Church in Lexington, Kentucky. Central is a loving, progressive, and welcoming gathering of Christians where everyone is welcome—no exceptions.
This week we will think about courage and the courage it takes to wait. On the heels of the 50th Earth Day, we will also consider creation and our place in God's diverse and beloved community of life.
Thanks to Lelia Midkiff for providing the beautiful watercolor above.
Normalcy seems to be an idea of the past. Why are we here and what are we to do? These questions are central to the biblical story as well as our current situation. This Sunday, we look back at the work of God through the people in exile. Their isolation and uncertainty are felt by us, and their hope for restoration can help us shape a promising future. Join us this week for a message from Charles Conkin.
Join us from your computers, tablets, phones, and televisions as we celebrate even in the midst of shadows.
The image above is a painting by our own Charlotte Blaydes. She started painting during our watercolor workshop last fall and has already created this beautiful work. While we may be apart, we can still find little hopes and joys scattered about like a bright red cardinal or an evening stroll. This week during our prayer time, we'll invite our children to draw pictures of things they are grateful for.
The Psalm for this week is familiar and timely, Psalm 23. What better time to remember that a good shepherd leads us than days like these? Gather with us again and find rest, renewal, and comfort that you are not alone.
Join us for worship as we continue our lenten journey. This week as we continue our exploratoin of God's covenant with humanity, we'll consider repentance. God's invitation to communion is not punitive or transactional, but rather a relationship founded on unconditional love. Flowing from this love is the opportunity to change, to grow, and to find wholeness. Our Psalm for this week expresses this confidence is God's loving care:
I lift up my eyes to the hills— from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time on and forevermore. Psalm 121, NRSV
Join us for worship as we celebrate the first Sunday of Lent. As we begin our lenten journey, we'll consider God's covenant love for humanity. This quote from Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel reminds us of the opportunity we have each day to find God's love filling all of life.
Our goal should be to live life in radical amazement....get up in the morning and look at the world in a way that takes nothing for granted. Everything is phenomenal; everything is incredible; never treat life casually. To be spiritual is to be amazed.”
Join us for worship this week as we celebrate Transfiguration Sunday. Our children will lead us in song as we contemplate the mystery of God's transforming grace. Our call to worship reminds us that we are welcomed into God's beloved community: If you are filled with joy and conviction, welcome home: here we proclaim that the world is beautiful and God is good. If you are exhausted or overwhelmed, welcome home: here we offer rest to those who are weary and a chance to catch your breath. If you are eager for another day and another chance, welcome home: here when we worship, God is among us, and everything is possible.
This week as we worship together we celebrate the grace of God that brings healing and redemption to all of creation. Though we struggle to follow in the way of Jesus, God continually invites us to join in an economy of grace where there is more than enough.
This week, we are excited to welcome Kelly Hale as our guest preacher. A student at Baptist Seminary of Kentucky, Kelly is an Addie Davis Preaching Award Nominee. She has lived in Lexington for over 30 years. Kelly met her husband, Ric, while in graduate school. They have three grown daughters and one son-in-law. Kelly has had a varied career as a dietitian, a missionary, a mom, a preschool director, and a mission coordinator at a local church. She now works for a local nonprofit, Surgery on Sunday, as the volunteer coordinator. Kelly is currently pursuing an M.Div. at Baptist Seminary of Kentucky.
This week as we worship together, we are excited to welcome Rev. Hannah Niday as our guest preacher. Hannah Niday is originally from Maynardville, TN. While attending Lincoln Memorial University she met her husband Adam. They moved to Washington, D.C. so that she could attend Wesley Theological Seminary for her Masters of Divinity. Upon graduation and the birth of their daughter Audrey, they moved to Lexington, KY for Hannah to begin her chaplain residency. While in Lexington they found Central Baptist Church and it instantly became their home church. Hannah was ordained by Central in 2016 just as she had accepted at full time job as Chaplain at Four Winds Community, a long term nursing home. She has also served Jackson Christian Church as pastor for the past two years.
This week as we celebrate communion together, we continue our exploration of spiritual practices with the practice of fasting. In a culture that thrives on consumption, it can be challenging to choose less. Whether we're fasting from media or that extra afternoon latte, we have the opportunity to create space in our lives for clarity and reflection.
This week in worship, we consider how God is always in the business of forgiving and restoring us. In this continuous renewal we find the shaping of a beloved community where all people find wholeness and acceptance in God's system of grace. As we contemplate these beautiful and challenging truths, we also continue our exploration of spiritual practices with the practice of silence.
Join us for worship as we continue our exploration of spiritual practices that enrich our lives and our communities. This week we'll practice focused breathing as we contemplate how God brings healing and justice.
This Sunday we celebrate the light of the world revealed in the birth of Christ. Spoken by the Prologue to John’s Gospel, we are invited into the wonder, mystery and power of this great incarnation to the world. As we make the turn from Christmas into Epiphany, we are called to reflect upon what we have praised in worship. Songs, poetry and story are now expressed by journey, attentiveness and discipline. We will be introducing suggestions and helps for encouraging the exercise of your spiritual practices as we walk together. The light has come. Now may we continue our task of shining this light into our hearts and to all those in need of its gentle and revealing presence.
As in years past, we will have readers take us through the biblical story of the birth of Jesus; from prophetic musings to the lovely tale of shepherds, wise men, angels, and the baby. Interspersed with these readings will be music provided by the choir and traditional hymns sung by all. This combination of spoken and sung words provides a lovely opportunity to remember and worship. We hope you will make an extra effort to be here and maybe even invite a friend or neighbor to join you.
There is no higher description of the significance of the Christ image than the one found in Colossians 1:11-20. This Sunday, we will reflect upon our practice of the liturgical calendar and how we can celebrate Christ every day in preparation for each Sunday of worship.
Every year, it seems the celebration of Christmas gets earlier and earlier. But it's never too early to prepare for Jesus' continual arrival into our lives and into our community of faith. Isaiah 65:17-25; Luke 21:5-19
The Rev. Dr. Jan Cottrell will be our special preaching guest at both services on November 11. She will be speaking about Jesus' understanding of family as those ready to hear and do God's Word using Luke 20:27-38 and Deuteronomy 25:5-6 as her primary texts. Dr. Cottrell received her Doctor of Ministry degree from the University of the South. She completed two years of Clinical Mental Health Training at the Lexington VA hospital and graduated from The Haden Institute in Hendersonville, North Carolina, which included four years of Jungian-based training and practice with Dream Work and Spiritual Direction. Dr. Cottrell’s counseling practice focuses on healing, recovery, and wholeness through a spiritual path. Her 25+ years of experience as a parish priest is augmented by mental health clinical training focusing on substance abuse, PTSD, depression, grief, loss, and anxiety. Jan is married to Dr. Ken Cottrell. Between them, they have three grown children, four grandchildren, and a Cairn Terrier, Phoebe. Jan and Ken both have an active interest in global ministry and, locally, with Prison Visitation and Support at the Lexington Federal Medical Center.
This Sunday we celebrate All Saints Day. We'll hear stories from friends about people who have helped them along their journey. We'll take time to remember the saints in our lives who have lit the way for us.
As we consider the stress of life present throughout biblical times and all of history, we lean upon our faith and gather around the Lord's table to remember his presence and help that is always there to get us through.
Seeking after an authentic Christian spirituality that is free from shame and inappropriate guilt.
This Sunday, we look forward to celebrating one of the best, if not the very best gifts in our congregation: Each Other! Our community of faith is filled with wonderful people who give thanks, care for one another, practice humble faith and sincerely follow Christ. You can see this mutual care and support each Sunday in our welcoming foyer, and we will spend a little time highlighting how this space serves our calling as a family of friends and servants.
We look forward to Rev. Dr. Dennis Johnson leading us in worship on Oct. 6. Having served over 40 years in pastoral leadership in metropolitan Chicago and Charleston, W.V., he and his wife Holly have retired in Lexington to be close to their daughter Megan and family who live in Harrodsburg. A key feature of his ministry focused on congregational worship and spiritual formation through maintaining and living out our Baptist identity and heritage. This commitment has been integrated with his doctoral-level study and ongoing professional interest in the life and work of Baptist social ethicist and theologian Walter Rauschenbusch. Dennis has recently finished a book on daily reflections using the writings of Rauschenbusch called To Live in God. He will be leading us in both the 8:45 and 11 a.m. services.
This Sunday, we complete our study of Jeremiah as we conclude the service with the Ordination of two new deacons: Dara Felts and Jamie Wallace.
Earlier this year, Christians all over our country were invited to sign a statement against Christian Nationalism. I signed. This Sunday, you will learn why.
Our hope and security are rooted in the persistent forgiveness of God. Hosea 11:1-11, Luke 11:5-13
When we broaden our imaginations for God, we discover a deeper identity for ourselves. Colossians 2:6-10, Luke 11:1-9
While we, like Martha, can be distracted by many things, we are reminded how in Christ, all things are held together. Luke 10:38-42; Colossians 1:15-23b
Join us for worship this Sunday at 11 a.m. as Mark returns from sabbatical. This Sunday we reflect on traveling mercies through the lens of the Parable of the Good Samaritan. As we consider where the way of Jesus leads, the words of Martin Luther King, Jr. illumine the path: I imagine that the first question the priest and Levite asked was: 'If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?' But by the very nature of his concern, the good Samaritan reversed the question: If I do not stop to help this man, what will happen to him?
Join us for worship this Sunday at 11 a.m. as we welcome Rachel Childress as our guest preacher.
Rachel Smith Childress grew up as a “preacher’s kid”, primarily in Louisville, Ky. She earned her undergraduate degree at the University of Kentucky. Her graduate work was done at Lexington Theological Seminary where she earned an MA and did some post degree work. After working in the public sector, private sector and higher education, Rachel began her ministry at Lexington Habitat for Humanity in 2006 where she is the CEO.
She and her late husband, Bazz, began attending CBC regularly in 1979. Their daughters, Julianna and Delaney, grew up here. The family now includes one son-in-law (Mark), one daughter-in-law (Alex), one granddaughter (Claire) and two grand dogs. They all live in the greater Nashville area..
At our early service, we move at a slower pace with time to reflect and listen in the quiet. This Sunday, we welcome Rachel Childress as our guest preacher. As our voyage of voices nears an end, we consider the movement of the Spirit, inviting us to see in new ways. This quote from Clarence Jordan may guide our thoughts for Sunday: “Jesus said it is not enough to limit your love to your own nation, to your own race, to your own group. You must respond with love even to those outside of it, respond with love to those who hate you.”Rachel Smith Childress grew up as a “preacher’s kid”, primarily in Louisville, Ky. She earned her undergraduate degree at the University of Kentucky. Her graduate work was done at Lexington Theological Seminary where she earned an MA and did some post degree work. After working in the public sector, private sector and higher education, Rachel began her ministry at Lexington Habitat for Humanity in 2006 where she is the CEO.She and her late husband, Bazz, began attending CBC regularly in 1979. Their daughters, Julianna and Delaney, grew up here. The family now includes one son-in-law (Mark), one daughter-in-law (Alex), one granddaughter (Claire) and two grand dogs. They all live in the greater Nashville area..
Join us for worship this Sunday at 11 a.m. as we welcome Larry Gray as our guest preacher. Larry and Mary Ida were members of Central Baptist Church from 1992-2012. They live in Crestwood, Kentucky where they entertain their children and 12 grandkids and friends (If they could get them to visit).
Larry W. Gray is president of Baptist Health Louisville, a 519-bed hospital that serves residents of Central Kentucky and Southern Indiana. The hospital is a member of the Baptist Health System in Kentucky. He served on the executive team of Baptist Health Lexington and as president of Baptist Health Corbin before moving to Louisville in 2018.
Mr. Gray holds a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from the University of Kentucky, a master of divinity degree from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a master’s degree in health administration (MHA) from the University of Kentucky. He has served as adjunct faculty in the MHA program at the University of Kentucky since 2002.
Larry returned to the board of the Baptist Seminary of Kentucky this month. Previously he served BSK for four terms (12 years), and served as Board Chair in two terms. He chaired the President Search Committee for the seminary, which led to successful recruitment of the new president.
At our early service, we move at a slower pace with time to reflect and listen in the quiet. This Sunday, in the wake of Pentecost, we reflect on Jesus' work of healing and restoration as we consider how we might move with the One who moves alongside us. The healing of the Gerasene Demoniac in Luke 8:26-39 will guide our exploration of God's beloved community as we hear from Aaron Austin.
Join us for worship on Trinity Sunday. As we continue to celebrate God's Spirit among us, we consider how God's ways and movement invite us to join in the good work of peace and justice.
This Sunday we welcome Jordan Conley as our guest preacher. Jordan is a graduate of Campbellsville University and a student at Baptist Seminary of Kentucky. He is a member of Crescent Hill Baptist Church. Originally from the mountains of Eastern Kentucky, Jordan is married to Patrick and they live in Louisville with their dog, Kenzie. We are grateful for Jordan’s leadership with us today.
At our early service, we move at a slower pace with time to reflect and listen in the quiet. This Sunday as celebrate Trinity Sunday, we welcome Rev. Dr. Jim Abernathy as our guest preacher. Jim served as senior pastor for nearly sixteen years at Westwood Baptist Church in Springfield, Virginia before his retirement in April of 2017. He has also served Kentucky churches in Milton, Crestwood, Paris, and Covington. Jim and Cindy retired to Lexington in July of 2017 and enjoy travel, UK sports, golf, renewing old acquaintances in the Bluegrass as well as meeting new friends. They have one son, Clayton, a 2016 UK graduate who works in the admissions department at UK.
At our early service, we move at a slower pace with time to reflect and listen in the quiet. This Sunday as celebrate Penecost together, we wonder at God's movement in us, among us, and beyond us. Together we'll contemplate the Divine's invitation to join in the work of God. As we revisit the Pentecost narrative of the Spirit's movement in the world, may we see anew God's movement in our time and space.
This Sunday we welcome Rev. Dr. Laura Rodgers Levens as our preacher. Dr. Levens is Assistant Professor of Christian Mission at Baptist Seminary of Kentucky. She teaches Missional Life of the Church courses, Introduction to the Bible, and Christian Vocation. Her scholarly interests include Christian missions history, women in Christian history, biblical hermeneutics, and theology and practice of mission and vocation. She is a member of the American Academy of Religion, American Society of Church History, American Baptist Historical Society, and the National Association of Baptist Professors of Religion.
Over the past year, Dr. Levens has directed our children's Sunday school program at Central. We are grateful for her dedication to our children's spiritual formation and theological education.
Join us as we celebrate Penecost together. As we wonder at God's movement in us, among us, and beyond us, we contemplate the Divine's invitation to join in the work of God. As we revisit the Pentecost narrative of the Spirit's movement in the world, may we see anew God's movement in our time and space.
This Sunday we welcome Rev. Dr. Laura Rodgers Levens as our preacher. Dr. Levens is Assistant Professor of Christian Mission at Baptist Seminary of Kentucky. She teaches Missional Life of the Church courses, Introduction to the Bible, and Christian Vocation. Her scholarly interests include Christian missions history, women in Christian history, biblical hermeneutics, and theology and practice of mission and vocation. She is a member of the American Academy of Religion, American Society of Church History, American Baptist Historical Society, and the National Association of Baptist Professors of Religion.
Over the past year, Dr. Levens has directed our children's Sunday school program at Central. We are grateful for her dedication to our children's spiritual formation and theological education.
This Sunday we continue our voyage of voices with Rev. Dr. Dennis Johnson. At our early service, we move at a slower pace with time to reflect and listen in the quiet. This Sunday as we celebrate communion together, we are grateful for Dennis's leadership with us.
Dr. Johnson has spent a career in pastoral ministry being influenced and inspired by the work and ministry of Baptist social reformer and justice advocate Walter Rauschenbusch. He is currently under contract for a new book by Judson Press of daily devotions based on Rauschenbusch’s work.
This Sunday is Youth Sunday! Join us as our youth lead us in worship. As we celebrate beginnings and endings we will hear from graduating senior Ethan Wallace as our guest proclaimer. Led by our youth, we will also celebrate communion together.
This Sunday we continue our voyage of voices with Rev. Dr. Kara Kilpatrick. At our early service, we move at a slower pace with time to reflect and listen in the quiet. We are grateful for Kara's leadership this morning.
Kara was born and raised in Birmingham, AL. She received her M.Div. from Beeson Divinity School at Samford University and her Th.M. from Princeton Theological Seminary. She was ordained in the Presbytery of Sheppards and Lapsley when she became a chaplain through the Methodist LeBonheur Healthcare system in Memphis, TN. She worked in chaplaincy for 7 years before entering medical school at East Tennessee State University from which she graduated with her M.D. in 2016. She moved to Kentucky to train in Psychiatry at the University of Kentucky and is currently a Fellow in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Kara is married to Jeno Smith.
This Sunday we continue our voyage of voices with Rev. Dr. Kara Kilpatrick. We are grateful for Kara's willingness to bring our message this morning as we walk through Eastertide together.
Kara was born and raised in Birmingham, AL. She received her M.Div. from Beeson Divinity School at Samford University and her Th.M. from Princeton Theological Seminary. She was ordained in the Presbytery of Sheppards and Lapsley when she became a chaplain through the Methodist LeBonheur Healthcare system in Memphis, TN. She worked in chaplaincy for 7 years before entering medical school at East Tennessee State University from which she graduated with her M.D. in 2016. She moved to Kentucky to train in Psychiatry at the University of Kentucky and is currently a Fellow in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Kara is married to Jeno Smith.
Join us for Early Worship this Sunday as we consider what a new heaven and a new earth might be. What is the invitation of Jesus' resurrection? Is it to a life that continues beyond death? Is it a life that is awakened in us even in this life? What do we do with this gift of resurrection? We'll sing, pray, and contemplate these things together with a sermon by Aaron Austin.
As we begin our Voyage of Voices, we welcome Dr. Charisse Gillett as our preacher this Sunday. Dr. Gillett has served as president of Lexington Theological Seminary since 2011. Along with her career in higher education, Dr. Gillett has also served as moderator of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) as well as numerous other boards and committees. We are grateful for her willingess to lead us in worship.
This Sunday we continue our Eastertide celebrations. As we unpack the mystery of resurrection, we will contemplate together the hope that God continuously pours into our lives, inviting us to join in a renewed life together. For the life of God is not merely an individual awakening, but a communal experience where we find connection, hope, and sustenance through God's beloved community.
Hallelujah! Christ is Risen! We anticipate another wonderful celebration of Christ’s victory over sin, separation and death and our share in the wholeness and healing he brings Sunday, April 21st at 11 a.m. We will also celebrate Christian baptism for two adult men, Jackson Campbell and Staus Sienicki. Both are excited about the new life of openness and grace they have discovered at Central and that we gladly proclaim as the God’s gift of the gospel. Come early and secure your place for this incredible time in our life of faith. There will be no early worship service this morning, but regular Sunday school activities.
Palm Sunday invites us into the most important week in the church's remembrance of the witness and work of Jesus for the salvation of the world. We recall the myriad depths and heights this week will entail. Alongside moments of intense love, service, healing and ultimate victory will be the severe challenges of betrayal, arrest and agonizing death. Throughout all these events, Jesus holds steady with amazing integrity, unswerving compassion, and incredible courage. Join us as we consider the power of his example as we seek to follow him and his model of spiritual strength and life-transforming love.
You might think an affluent culture with so many options would be able to manage their leisure schedule. But, often treasured moments away from the time-clock of necessary work can turn out to be just as busy and stressful as all the rest of the events on our calendar. Driven by a relentless work ethic, some believe taking a break and slowing down feels like cheating. But no so with Jesus nor God's people. We need times of respite, rest and healthy play to truly do and be our best before we return to the place where the tasks are many. This Sunday, we remember God's joyful invitation to Sabbath's rest and spiritual renewal.
This Sunday as we worship together, we reflect on God's gracious invitation to rest. As we listen to the rhythms of God's grace, we may feel the nudge toward rejuvenating activities that allow us to be more present and productive. Our culture tends to tout exhaustion and busyness as marks of success. With so many things vying for our attention, it takes discipline to turn off our screens, set aside our work, and rest. As we contemplate together, may we find courage to stop and rest.
As we continue our journey through Lent, we find light in the darkness and hope for our struggles. The salvation story brought into focus by Jesus reaches out to rescue and comfort the lost while also challenging and teaching those who believe they have never strayed. Thus, the well-known parable described as the prodigal son, might better be called the prodigal son and the stingy brother. Jesus understands his ministry of inclusion to the broken must be undergirded by his ministry of persuasion to the capable. This dual focus meets our need whether weak or strong. Sometimes we need comfort. Sometimes we need to be the comforters.
As we worship together this week, we retrace the steps of the prodigal son. Along the path, we see again how Jesus continues to fling the doors of inclusion wide, inviting all of us to his abundant grace. No matter where our journeys have taken us, or the paths that have led us here, we will find Jesus challenging and comforting, welcoming each of us as beloved children and coaxing us to do the same for our sisters, brothers, and siblings.
In the Gospel lesson this week, we encounter a fig tree. There are lots of fig trees in scripture. This one is found in a parable of Jesus, and it's not doing great. The vineyard owner wants to cut it down. But the gardener asks for just one more year. Perhaps with some fertilizer and some special care, the tree will bear fruit. As we continue our lenten journey with Brené Brown, we consider how we might cultivate resilience. Also this week, we'll hear music from Cindy Abernathy.
We continue our lenten journey with Brené Brown this week as we consider how we can cultivate resilience over powerlessness. The Gospel lesson invites us to see how taking time to pay attention to places of need in ourselves and in our neighbors can bring hope, healing, and health. Our resilience doesn't rest merely on our own abilities, but we find it through vulnerability and connection with one another. This quote from Brené Brown reminds us of this truth:
Spirituality is recognizing and celebrating that we are all inextricably connected to each other by a power greater than all of us, and that our connection to that power and to one another is grounded in love and compassion. Practicing spirituality brings a perspective, meaning and purpose to our lives.
We have cameras in our phones that make our faces look better in selfies. We have celebrities on Instagram flaunting their perfect lives. We sift through Facebook highlights and catch only the bright glimpses of other people's week. In all this smoothing, posturing, and comparing, we can be left wondering, am I enough?
This Sunday we continue our journey through Lent as we consider Brené Brown's guidepost for wholehearted living: Cultivating Authenticity: Letting Go of What People Think. Letting go of our need for approval from others is no easy task, but perhaps in the stillness of our worship together, we can hear again the Divine Word calling us beloved. And perhaps this identity can take root more deeply that the false self seeking nourishment from fake news and photoshopped realities.
There is a lot going on in Luke 13. In the midst of disturbing current events and pressing schedules, Jesus challenges his listeners to reflect upon the true nature of the kingdom of God. Like mustard seeds and a small measure of yeast, God is more often found in the least and last rather than the loudest and largest. Jesus resists the applause of the crowds and favors a more relevant experience, even if he runs the risk of the vast majority of missing what is most important. This struggle is always with us. Should we favor what is popular or what is best? For, too often these two are not the same. This Sunday, we will seek to unpack this distinction in our search for what is most authentic and ever-lasting.
This Sunday, we begin our Lenten journey. We begin with the challenging story of Jesus' temptation in the wilderness. Before success, there is a struggle, before graduation, there are tests, and materials to learn and study, before we experience resurrection, there's a path of discipleship and training. But unlike Jesus in the desert, we are not alone. We are helped by one another. And also, this year we will introduce a few of the key guideposts for whole-hearted living found in the work and research of Brené Brown. This week we are focused upon Cultivating Self-Compassion: Letting Go of Perfectionism. Be a part of our journey as we walk this road of faith together with earnestness and joy.
This Sunday we begin Lent with a journey into the wilderness. As we follow the steps of Jesus in the wild, we may find beauty even in the barrenness and hope in the dry places. As we consider Brené Brown's guideposts for whole-hearted living, we begin our focus with Cultivating Self-Compassion: Letting Go of Perfectionism. So this season is not about paying penance, but rather cultivating the divine life and love that has been sown in our hearts. This Sunday we will also hear music from Jane Tatum.
This is the Sunday of the mini-Easter. Before we take our journey for Lent 2019, we are assured that our work in worship, prayer, and the spiritual possibilities available to the disciples of Christ, will all turn out to be effective and successful. The path ahead may be difficult, but its testing will prove worthwhile. We choose to walk with Jesus knowing darkness and suffering will result in glory and victory. God blesses the sincerity of our struggles and promises us how we are persistently remembered and loved even through times of trial and trouble.
As we journey toward Lent, this week we celebrate Transfiguration Sunday. We venture into the mystery of the incarnational life as we walk alongside Jesus and his disciples up the mountain to catch a glimpse of the divine. Then we remember that we must go back down into the valley to discover the way of God even in the shadows below. This Sunday in Early Worship we also look forward to music from Jim Abernathy.
This Sunday, as we gather for communion, we remember again the call of Jesus--a call that invites us to love not only those who think like us and act like us, but those who seem to be strangers, others. The table of grace reminds us that we are called out of our comfortable places and into a transformative relationship with God and humanity.
As we take time for quiet contemplation, may we see anew that there are no strangers at this table, no others. Here, there are only kin. At this table all are welcome and valued as beloved children.
In the ever-changing events, pressures, and problems of daily life, the faithful gather each week for an experience of rest, resolve and renewal. Our attentive discipline of worship is an invitation to experience a healthy belonging within our local expression of the beloved community Christ came to create and empower. This week, we draw closer to him as we gather at his welcoming table of forgiveness, as we break the bread of his fellowship and share the cup of his love. How this simple meal provides such nourishment is a wonderful mystery of God's grace. Join us as we return to the table and experience the new life offered there.
This week, we'll be looking at Jesus' wake-up call to his disciples and followers. We'll consider our own cycles of metaphorical sleep and the subversive message of Christ that calls us to the Living Waters.We are excited this week to welcome Rev. Dr. Kara Kilpatrick to preach this week. Kara and her husband Jeno worship with us regularly at Early Worship, and we are delighted for her to lead us this Sunday. Kara was born and raised in Birmingham, AL. She received her M.Div. from Beeson Divinity School at Samford University and her Th.M. from Princeton Theological Seminary. She was ordained in the Presbytery of Sheppards and Lapsley when she became a chaplain through the Methodist LeBonheur Healthcare system in Memphis, TN. She worked in chaplaincy for 7 years before entering medical school at East Tennessee State University from which she graduated with her M.D. in 2016. She moved to Kentucky for Psychiatry Residency training at the University of Kentucky and is currently a Fellow in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Kara is married to Jeno Smith, and they share their home with Doogie, a 7 pound maltipoo.
In this service, we welcome Rabbi David Wirtschafter. Rabbi Wirtschafter has served Temple Adath Israel in Lexington since 2015. Previously he has worked at congregations in New York, California, and Iowa. A graduate of Brandeis University and Hebrew Union College –Jewish Institute of Religion (North America’s seminary for Reform Judaism), Rabbi Wirtschafter remains dedicated to the values at the core of his education and training: devotion to learning, commitment to inclusion and working for justice.
This Sunday, we gather for a service of repentance and renewal. Following last year's synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh, the Lexington community gathered in solidarity with Temple Adath Israel and Ohavay Zion Synagogue after this tragic event. During the service, a prayer shawl was purposefully soiled with wine to signify our failings to live as God's beloved community, and call us to work for peace.On Sunday, we reflect alongside this symbol—a reminder of our shortcomings and an invitation to join in God's work of justice and reconciliation. Far beyond guilt and shame, God invites our fractured humanity to wholehearted living that walks in grace and truth in an ever-widening community of love. May we see more clearly the path of God's lovingkindness and walk together in faith.
Last year, on October 27th, we witnessed a horrific and terrible shooting inside the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 11 congregants were killed, two police officers and two others were wounded. Soon afterward, the Lexington community gathered in a show of solidarity and support with our Jewish friends and neighbors for a service of prayer, repentance, and remembering. At that service, and at the direction of area Rabbis, we soiled and desecrated a Tallith, or Jewish Prayer Shawl, in acknowledgment of our corporate sins including xenophobia, hatred and gun violence. We have this Tallith on display in our worship space and will turn our attention this Sunday, not only to the terrible reality of our troubles, fears, and sins but also with confident trust toward the hope-filled proclamation of God's greater promise for forgiveness and new life.
This Sunday we contemplate our need for stillness and silence. As we consider the beginning of Jesus' ministry, we also acknowledge the many silent years that preceded his first sermon. As we take time to still our hearts and minds together, perhaps we'll hear more clearly the call of God to us--the call to beloved children to be still and cherish contented moments of God's presence--the call to follow Jesus out beyond ourselves and into places of peace, justice, and hope for all people.
Silence is a gift. It comes to us freely. It is never rude, intrusive or abusive. It is available every day we seek after it. It can provide healing and clarity for our souls. It is the power of the faithful against an onslaught of noise, distractions, and divisiveness. A discipline of silence provides the foundation for clearing out our ears and cleaning out our heads. Once we kept silence, we are next able to listen; truly, authentically, and deeply seeking to discern and discover the voice of God. This week we are thinking about Jesus' start to his public ministry found in the Gospel of Luke. In Nazareth, he preaches his first sermon to his hometown congregation. His preparation has included 40 days of silence in the wilderness. Before he speaks, he has kept silent. Next, he invites us to listen to the liberating words of the prophet Isaiah. This is the transformational formula we will remember this Sunday in worship. Seek silence before listening. Listen for the needs around you before you speak. Allow this process to fill you with God's loving Spirit in your actions and words. And it all begins with the gift of silence.
Our 11 a.m. worship this Sunday will include the grace-filled invitation and loving inclusion we find when gathered at the Lord's table. We affirm the integrity of every person, as gifted, valuable and precious before the eyes of God. The incredibly talented Daniel Beasley will also offer a solo in this service in addition to our wonderful sanctuary choir. Let us march on, having come a long way and still in need of a long way to go for wholeness and redemption for all in the world.
How quickly the light and joy of Christmas turns to gray skies and treacherous journeys. As we consider the words of the prophet Isaiah, we remember that even in our struggles, God is still with us. Often, it's on the difficult road that we find the sustenance and grace that strengthens us and brings us to a heightened awareness of the true depths of God's entwinement with our humanity.
In a culture of constant and unrelenting noise, it is often difficult to hear the voice of God. This Sunday, we continue our preparations for a new year by thinking together about the possibility and promise of spiritual direction. God's voice is heard through the pages of scripture, the example, and teachings of Jesus, the attentive conversations within the Christian community and through the gentle force of disciplined prayer. Join us as we reason and worship together on how God continues to lead and speak to us.
Early Worship will resume on January 6. As we celebrate Epiphany together, we'll consider again the paradoxical nature of the messianic journey of God's son. From the outset, tables are turned, roles are reversed, the powerful are brought low, and the humble and seemingly insignificant are charged with great power. Join us as we gather to contemplate the beautiful irony of God's salvific work in this new year.
This year we are delighted that the traditional date for Epiphany (January 6th) will fall on a Sunday. Throughout Christian history, this date has celebrated the way God's revelation was expanded beyond the Jewish world. Magi from the East were not only attentive to the silent voice of God they heard calling with the star's appearing, but were determined to seek out and follow this light wherever it might lead them. With the beginning of this new year, we seek to learn from their example, to resist earthly definitions of power, all in an effort to sort out God's universal message of liberation and love for all people.
As in years past, we will have readers take us through the biblical story of the birth of Jesus; from prophetic musings to the lovely tale of shepherds, wise men, angels, and the baby. Interspersed with these readings will be music provided by the choir and traditional hymns sung by all. This combination of spoken and sung words provides a lovely opportunity to remember and worship. We hope you will make an extra effort to be here and maybe even invite a friend or neighbor to join you.
On December 16, our third Sunday of Advent worship service, will highlight a musical that our children have worked on the last several months. They are presenting a story of Lighty the lightning bug, who hears of Jesus' birth and travels to see him. But Lighty has trouble deciding what gift to take to this newborn baby. As he journeys to Bethlehem, Lighty encounters many other insects who help decide on a gift to take the newborn Messiah. Come and see the talents of our children and the gift that Lighty chooses to give to Jesus.
God’s hope for the world includes all people in the world. Jesus said, God’s will is that not one of any of “these little ones would perish.” In hearing and responding to such a broad gospel proclamation, our hearts and lives are enlarged for all the world.
In the darkness of confusion and uncertainty, we find ourselves waiting for the light of the good news to dawn. Together, we join throughout time immemorial with the faithful chorus in anticipation of the revealing and rescue of the Lord.
Following up on our previous conversations regarding holding on to hope in difficult times of trouble, we now face one of the most arduous spiritual instructions offered by Jesus. In the middle of his revolutionary Sermon on the Mount, he tells us not to worry about our life and the necessary attributes require to sustain it. It is a wild and seemingly unrealistic expectation that surprisingly might also be the pathway to a life of liberation, peace and a deeper appreciation for the more sustaining power of grace.