2026-01-11 - CourtneyR.dev's 2nd Brain

# St. John's United Church of Christ **Chambersburg, PA** **January 11, 2026** --- ## Liturgical Context ### Christian Liturgical Calendar **Season**: Ordinary Time / Epiphany Season **Week**: Baptism of Our Lord (First Sunday after Epiphany) **Lectionary Year**: Year 4 (John) - Narrative Lectionary **Liturgical Color**: Green **Christian Observances Today**: Today marks the Baptism of Our Lord, commemorating Jesus' baptism by John in the Jordan River. This feast concludes the Christmas season in many traditions and inaugurates Jesus' public ministry. The Narrative Lectionary assigns the Wedding at Cana for this Sunday, connecting Jesus' first public miracle with the themes of revelation and divine abundance that characterize the Epiphany season. ### Jewish Calendar **Hebrew Date**: 11 Tevet 5786 **Month**: Tevet (טֵבֵת) - the tenth month of the Jewish civil year **Jewish Observances**: This falls in the quiet period between Chanukah (which ended in late December) and Tu B'Shevat (the New Year for Trees, occurring on 15 Shevat). The 10th of Tevet, a fast day commemorating the siege of Jerusalem, occurred yesterday (January 10). ### Ecumenical & Global Observances No major ecumenical observances fall on this date. The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity begins January 18-25. ### Lectionary Readings (Narrative Lectionary NL421) **Primary Text**: John 2:1-11 (Wedding at Cana) **Psalm**: Psalm 104:14-16 **Additional Reading Used Today**: 1 Corinthians 12:1-11; Psalm 36:5-10 (The Inclusive Bible) ### Connection to Today's Message The Wedding at Cana narrative inaugurates Jesus' public ministry in John's Gospel through an act of abundant provision at a celebration of love. This "first sign" reveals Jesus' glory and calls forth faith from his disciples. During the Epiphany season, we focus on the manifestation of Christ to the world—and what better manifestation than transforming ordinary water into the finest wine? The imagery connects deeply to themes of transformation, divine abundance, and the presence of God in life's celebrations. The Jewish context of Tevet, a month associated with transformation (from darkness toward light as days lengthen), resonates with Jesus revealing glory through transformation. --- ## Worship Order ### Gathering #### Gathering Song "This is the Day" #### Unison Welcome "No matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here" #### Announcements #### Passing of the Peace "The peace of Christ be with you" / "And also with you" #### Chiming of the Trinity & Prelude ### Call to Worship God invites us into this time of worship to be sustained and renewed. **The Spirit's presence fills this space.** God offers us what we need for flourishing: wine to cheer our hearts, oil to make our faces shine, and bread to sustain our life. **The Spirit's presence fills us with life.** At the wedding at Cana, Jesus turned water into wine, a sign of love and light. **The Spirit's presence fills us with light.** We place our trust in you, O God, turning to you in our circumstances and situations. **May we remain alive and alert for how God is at work among us and within us, attentive to God's revealing love for all people, offering grace and hope.** Come, let us worship! ### Hymn **Hymn #242** - "Come, Teach Us, Spirit of Our God" > **Verse 1** Come, teach us, Spirit of our God, the language of Your way, the lessons that we need to live, the faith for every day. > > **Verse 2** Excite our minds to follow You, to trace new truths in store, new flight paths for our insight on the wing, to sense Your cosmic grace. > > **Verse 3** Engage our wits to dance with You, to leap from logic's base, to capture in creation's flair, new marvels to explore. > > **Verse 4** Inspire our spark to light from You, to catch creation's flair, to worship You to celebrate, new harmonies to dare. > > **Verse 5** Delight our hearts to live in context of Your love, Great Teacher who is God! > > _WORDS: Shirley Erena Murray, 1990_ _MUSIC: Wyeth's Repository of Sacred Music, Part Second, 1813; harm. Donald Murphy, 2008_ _Words © 1992 Hope Publishing Company. Harm. © 2010 Celebrating Grace, Inc._ _MORNING SONG CM_ ### Prayer of Confession _by Rev. Dr. Cheryl A. Lindsay, UCC Worship Ways_ **Gracious God, we live in the tension between expectation and reality. Sometimes, we navigate that tension with hope and clarity. At other times, we fester in doubt, disappointment, and uncertainty. Help us to release our need to control and enable us to embrace the possibilities. May our trust in your goodness and the power you have poured into us embolden our faith. Amen.** ### Kyrie Hymnal Companion C-4 ### Assurance of Grace _by Rev. Dr. Cheryl A. Lindsay, UCC Worship Ways_ Beloved, know that God's grace meets us at our point of need with encouragement. Circumstances change, and that's the nature of God's creative work. Receive the gift of new life with the unexpected experiences it brings. God is with you and equips you for the journey. **Amen.** ### Gloria Patri **Hymn #704** - "Glory Be to the Father" ### Scripture Reading 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 > [!bible]+ [1 Corinthians 12:1-11 - AMP](https://bolls.life/AMP/46/12/) > 1. Now about the spiritual gifts [the special endowments given by the Holy Spirit], brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. > 2. You know that when you were pagans, you were led off after speechless idols; however you were led off [whether by impulse or habit]. > 3. Therefore I want you to know that no one speaking by the [power and influence of the] Spirit of God can say, "Jesus be cursed," and no one can say, "Jesus is [my] Lord," except by [the power and influence of] the Holy Spirit. > 4. Now there are [distinctive] varieties of spiritual gifts [special abilities given by the grace and extraordinary power of the Holy Spirit operating in believers], but it is the same Spirit [who grants them and empowers believers]. > 5. And there are [distinctive] varieties of ministries and service, but it is the same Lord [who is served]. > 6. And there are [distinctive] ways of working [to accomplish things], but it is the same God who produces all things in all believers [inspiring, energizing, and empowering them]. > 7. But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit [the spiritual illumination and the enabling of the Holy Spirit] for the common good. > 8. To one is given through the [Holy] Spirit [the power to speak] the message of wisdom, and to another [the power to express] the word of knowledge and understanding according to the same Spirit; > 9. to another [wonder-working] faith [is given] by the same [Holy] Spirit, and to another the [extraordinary] gifts of healings by the one Spirit; > 10. and to another the working of miracles, and to another prophecy [foretelling the future, speaking a new message from God to the people], and to another discernment of spirits [the ability to distinguish sound, godly doctrine from the deceptive doctrine of man-made religions and cults], to another various kinds of [unknown] tongues, and to another interpretation of tongues. > 11. All these things [the gifts, the achievements, the abilities, the empowering] are brought about by one and the same [Holy] Spirit, distributing to each one individually just as He chooses. %% #1Corinthians12 %% ### Responsive Reading Psalm 36:5-10 (The Inclusive Bible) Your love, YHWH, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. **Your justice is like the mountains in their splendor, Your judgments like the great deep. Whether human or animal, YHWH, you keep us all in your care.** How precious is your love! Whether creatures of heaven or children of earth, we all find refuge in the shadow of your wings. **We feast on the bounty of your estate, and drink from the stream of your delights.** In you is the wellspring of Life, and in your light we become enlightened. **Prolong your love for those who know you, and your justice for upright hearts.** ### Anthem "Spirit of God" - David S. York ### Children's Message Roxanne Davenport _Children's Corner will be offered following the Children's Message_ --- ## Scripture and Sermon ### Scripture Reading John 2:1-11 > [!bible]+ [John 2:1-11 - AMP](https://bolls.life/AMP/43/2/) > 1. On the third day there was a wedding at Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there; > 2. and both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding. > 3. When the wine was all gone, the mother of Jesus said to Him, " They have no more wine." > 4. Jesus said to her, "[Dear] woman, what is that to you and to Me? My time [to act and to be revealed] has not yet come." > 5. His mother said to the servants, "Whatever He says to you, do it." > 6. Now there were six stone waterpots set there for the Jewish custom of purification (ceremonial washing), containing twenty or thirty gallons each. > 7. Jesus said to the servants, "Fill the waterpots with water." So they filled them up to the brim. > 8. Then He said to them, "Draw some out now and take it to the headwaiter [of the banquet]." So they took it to him. > 9. And when the headwaiter tasted the water which had turned into wine, not knowing where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew) he called the bridegroom, > 10. and said to him, "Everyone else serves his best wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then he serves that which is not so good; but you have kept back the good wine until now." > 11. This, the first of His signs (attesting miracles), Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and revealed His glory [displaying His deity and His great power openly], and His disciples believed [confidently] in Him [as the Messiah—they adhered to, trusted in, and relied on Him]. %% #John2 %% ### Additional Scripture > [!bible]+ [1 Corinthians 12:1-11 - AMP](https://bolls.life/AMP/46/12/) > 1. Now about the spiritual gifts [the special endowments given by the Holy Spirit], brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. > 2. You know that when you were pagans, you were led off after speechless idols; however you were led off [whether by impulse or habit]. > 3. Therefore I want you to know that no one speaking by the [power and influence of the] Spirit of God can say, "Jesus be cursed," and no one can say, "Jesus is [my] Lord," except by [the power and influence of] the Holy Spirit. > 4. Now there are [distinctive] varieties of spiritual gifts [special abilities given by the grace and extraordinary power of the Holy Spirit operating in believers], but it is the same Spirit [who grants them and empowers believers]. > 5. And there are [distinctive] varieties of ministries and service, but it is the same Lord [who is served]. > 6. And there are [distinctive] ways of working [to accomplish things], but it is the same God who produces all things in all believers [inspiring, energizing, and empowering them]. > 7. But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit [the spiritual illumination and the enabling of the Holy Spirit] for the common good. > 8. To one is given through the [Holy] Spirit [the power to speak] the message of wisdom, and to another [the power to express] the word of knowledge and understanding according to the same Spirit; > 9. to another [wonder-working] faith [is given] by the same [Holy] Spirit, and to another the [extraordinary] gifts of healings by the one Spirit; > 10. and to another the working of miracles, and to another prophecy [foretelling the future, speaking a new message from God to the people], and to another discernment of spirits [the ability to distinguish sound, godly doctrine from the deceptive doctrine of man-made religions and cults], to another various kinds of [unknown] tongues, and to another interpretation of tongues. > 11. All these things [the gifts, the achievements, the abilities, the empowering] are brought about by one and the same [Holy] Spirit, distributing to each one individually just as He chooses. %% #1Corinthians12 %% > [Insert 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 NRSVue here] ### Responsive Reading Psalm 36:5-10 (The Inclusive Bible) - see above ### Sermon - Wedding at Cana **Preacher**: Rev. Caroline E. Saxton **Title**: Wedding at Cana **Theme**: Wedding at Cana - God's Revelation Through Abundance --- #### 🗒 Sermon Summary **Central Message:** - The sermon centers on Jesus revealing his glory through his first sign at Cana, framing it as a model for living "the way of honor and justice" - Emphasizes both personal transformation (choosing a star word, paying attention) and communal responsibility (refusing apathy, protecting the vulnerable, confronting injustice) - Key thesis: "To live out the way of honor and justice is to pay attention. To give voice to lament and to refuse to become indifferent or apathetic." **Liturgical/Thematic Focus:** - Connects appropriately to [Narrative Lectionary](https://www.narrativelectionary.org/) Year 4 (John) and the Epiphany season theme of revelation - Links the wedding feast context to themes of hospitality, community, and Jesus' ongoing presence in ordinary gatherings - Integrates the congregation's star word practice as a spiritual discipline tied to the new year - The preacher's personal word "protect" provides a concrete application bridge **Score: 4/5** _Strong integration of text and theme with clear takeaway. Could strengthen connection to Baptism of Our Lord emphasis or Epiphany revelation themes more explicitly._ --- #### 🎙 Preaching Style Assessment **Primary Style(s):** - **Narrative** (story-driven): Wedding banquet research, Mary's intervention, servants' obedience - **Topical** (theme-based): "Way of honor and justice" framework applied throughout - **Prophetic** (justice-oriented): Strong emphasis on confronting "forces of hate, bigotry, dominance, corruption, violence" - **Conversational/Dialogical**: Personal asides ("I recently came across," "I'm getting hungry just thinking about it") **Blend of Styles:** - Effectively weaves narrative engagement with prophetic urgency - Conversational tone keeps accessibility high while prophetic content maintains theological weight - Transitions smoothly between historical imagination (wedding food), textual observation (Mary's persistence), and contemporary application (star words, Cameron Trimble quote) **Appropriateness:** - Well-suited for a progressive mainline congregation (UCC context) - Narrative approach makes the text accessible without requiring prior biblical knowledge - Prophetic elements appropriately direct without being alienating **Score: 4/5** _Style is clear, engaging, and well-suited to congregation. The blend works effectively, though the prophetic pivot in the final third feels somewhat abrupt from the narrative opening._ --- #### 🧵 Storytelling and Illustration **Effectiveness of Stories/Analogies:** - Children's book _[Nose, Nose, Wild Ways Animals Smell the World](https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/721790/nose-nose-by-mar-ferrero/)_ — clever sensory hook connecting to wine-tasting theme - COVID-19 loss of taste/smell — relevant contemporary reference that resonates with lived experience - Wedding banquet food research — vivid historical imagination (roasted lamb, chickpea stews, labneh, hummus, dates, figs) that grounds the text in material reality - Personal restaurant rule — humanizing detail that establishes rapport - _[Tangled](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tangled)_ reference (Mother Gothel) — quick pop culture nod that clarifies what the sermon is _not_ saying about Mary **Inclusivity Across Cultures/Ages/Experiences:** - Food descriptions are accessible across generations - COVID reference connects to shared recent experience - No explicit representation of marginalized voices in storytelling (global church perspectives, women theologians' experiences, etc.) **Balance with Scripture:** - Stories serve the text well in the first half - Historical imagination enhances rather than overshadows the biblical narrative - Second half relies more on direct exhortation than illustration **Score: 4/5** _Engaging, balanced storytelling in first half. Could strengthen diversity of voices in illustrations and maintain illustrative richness through prophetic section._ --- #### 🗣 Intonation and Delivery **Note:** Analysis based on transcript; delivery assessment is limited without audio/video. **Textual Indicators of Delivery:** - Varied sentence length suggests natural pacing variation - Rhetorical questions ("What exactly does it mean to follow Jesus right now?") invite engagement - Lists and parallel structures ("He disrupts... He lifts up... He feeds... He comforts... He calls out...") create rhythmic emphasis - Personal asides create conversational warmth - Final section builds toward affirmation with liturgical cadence ("Jesus turned water into wine. Jesus wept. Jesus cried out, Jesus prayed, Jesus loved.") **Tone:** - Welcoming and accessible throughout - Shifts appropriately from curious/playful (opening) to earnest/urgent (middle) to affirming/commissioning (close) **Score: 3/5** _Transcript suggests intentional delivery variation. Without audio, cannot fully assess. Structure supports dynamic delivery._ --- #### 📝 Content Structure **Introduction:** - Effective hook with children's book and sensory theme - Connects senses → eating → banquet → text - Establishes hospitality/community frame early **Body:** - Section 1: Historical context of wedding banquets (vivid, engaging) - Section 2: Textual observation of Mary, servants, Jesus, steward - Section 3: Personal application (star words, preacher's word "protect") - Section 4: Prophetic exhortation (forces of hate, refusing apathy) **Conclusion:** - Cameron Trimble quote anchors prophetic call - Litany of Jesus' actions ("Jesus turned water into wine. Jesus wept...") - Clear commissioning: "Let us follow in the way of Jesus, showing honor and respect, seeking justice and leading with love." **Transitions:** - Smooth from hook to text to historical imagination - "Hospitality matters" serves as pivot phrase connecting text to application - Transition to prophetic section ("These questions feel especially relevant right now") is functional but could be stronger **Structure Supporting Retention:** - Key phrase "way of honor and justice" repeated throughout - Star word practice provides concrete take-away - No visual aids or interactive elements indicated in transcript **Score: 4/5** _Clear structure with effective introduction and conclusion. Transitions generally smooth. Middle section could be tightened for clearer progression._ --- #### 👥 Engagement and Application **Congregational Engagement:** - Star word practice invites active participation (mentioned as ongoing) - Bulletin board reference creates physical engagement opportunity - "May we" language throughout includes congregation in action **Inclusion of Marginalized Groups:** - Implicit in prophetic content ("He lifts up the powerless") - No explicit naming of specific marginalized communities - "All" language is used repeatedly but without specificity **Practical Applications:** - Choose a star word for the year - Pay attention - Give voice to lament - Refuse indifference/apathy - Love without condition or limitation **Justice/Equity/Inclusion Orientation:** - Strong on general justice framing - "Forces of hate, bigotry, dominance, corruption, violence" explicitly named - Could be more specific about what "protecting the vulnerable" looks like concretely **Interactive Elements:** - None indicated beyond star word practice (which precedes sermon) **Score: 3/5** _Good general engagement with star word practice. Applications are earnest but somewhat abstract. Could benefit from more concrete, specific calls to action and explicit inclusion of marginalized voices._ --- #### 📖 Scripture Handling **Scriptures Referenced:** - John 2:1-11 (primary text, read in full) - John 1:35-51 (mentioned — call of disciples) - Implicit reference to temple cleansing (John 2:13-25) as "next Sunday" **Depth of Exegesis:** |Aspect|Assessment| |---|---| |**Historical/Cultural Context**|Strong on wedding customs, food, social dynamics. Good attention to "community affair" nature of banquet.| |**Original Language Insights**|None. No Greek word studies.| |**Cross-References**|Minimal. Only internal John references. No OT connections (e.g., wine in prophetic literature, Messianic banquet imagery).| **Scripture as Foundation vs. Launchpad:** - Text functions as launchpad for thematic exploration - Narrative framework (what happened) receives attention - Theological depth (what it means in John's Gospel, sign/glory language, Jesus' "hour") receives less attention **Justice Lens on Scripture:** - [Dr. Gennifer Benjamin Brooks](https://www.garrett.edu/academics/faculty/gennifer-b-brooks) quote frames Jesus' presence in community - "Way of honor and justice" applied to text - Could explore more deeply: What made wine running out a crisis of _honor_? What socio-economic dynamics are at play? **Score: 3/5** _Good historical imagination but light on exegetical depth. No original language work. Limited cross-referencing. Text serves theme rather than theme emerging from deep textual engagement._ --- #### 🧠 Logical Reasoning **Strong Reasoning Identified:** |Type|Example| |---|---| |**Ethical Reasoning**|"To live out the way of honor and justice is to pay attention" — clear ethical principle derived from Jesus' attentiveness| |**Cause-and-Effect**|"Hate only collapses in on itself. Hate does not build up. Only love can do that." — clear logical contrast| |**Inductive Movement**|Moves from specific (wedding, wine, servants) to general principle (hospitality, honor, justice)| **Potential Fallacies:** |Fallacy|Instance|Impact|Suggested Improvement| |---|---|---|---| |**Hasty Generalization**|"The forces of hate, bigotry, dominance, corruption, violence, suspicion, and distrust are running rampant right now"|May feel unsubstantiated to some hearers; relies on shared perception|Ground in specific examples or acknowledge this as pastoral observation| |**Appeal to Emotion**|Final section builds emotional momentum but thins on logical grounding|Effective rhetorically but could feel manipulative to analytical listeners|Pair emotional appeals with concrete reasoning| |**Begging the Question**|"To live like Jesus is to love like Jesus"|Circular framing (living like Jesus = loving like Jesus = living like Jesus)|Unpack what specifically "loving like Jesus" entails in concrete terms| **Overall Assessment:** - Reasoning is generally sound but thin - Relies more on assertion and emotional resonance than developed argument - Prophetic urgency sometimes substitutes for reasoned persuasion **Score: 3/5** _Adequate reasoning with no major fallacies. Could strengthen with more developed logical structure, especially in prophetic section._ --- #### 📚 References **Theologians/Scholars Cited:** - [Dr. Gennifer Benjamin Brooks](https://www.garrett.edu/academics/faculty/gennifer-b-brooks) — Styberg Professor of Preaching at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary; United Methodist elder; author of _Good News Preaching_ and _Unexpected Grace_ - [Cameron Trimble](https://www.camerontrimble.com/) — UCC pastor, progressive Christian leader, author of _[Piloting Church](https://www.churchleadership.com/category/authors/cameron-trimble/)_; relevant contemporary voice **Marginalized Voices:** - Brooks (woman theologian) - Trimble (woman pastor) - No explicit engagement with Black, womanist, mujerista, LGBTQIA+, global South, or disability theology **Historical/Secular References:** - _[Nose, Nose, Wild Ways Animals Smell the World](https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/721790/nose-nose-by-mar-ferrero/)_ by Mar Ferrero (children's book) - COVID-19 (recent historical event) - _[Tangled](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tangled)_ (Disney film — brief allusion) **Score: 3/5** _Good inclusion of progressive women scholars. Could diversify voices significantly — especially given justice themes. No engagement with broader theological tradition or historical interpreters._ --- #### 🗨 Quotes and Illustrative Stories **Impactful Quotes:** |Quote|Source|Connection| |---|---|---| |"Whenever, wherever, and however we gather in community, Jesus is there. God's glory is revealed."|[Dr. Gennifer Benjamin Brooks](https://www.garrett.edu/academics/faculty/gennifer-b-brooks)|Grounds hospitality theme in incarnational theology| |"We keep believing in the long, unfinished work of goodness and justice, not because we are certain of outcomes, but because surrendering to lies would cost us our souls."|[Cameron Trimble](https://www.camerontrimble.com/)|Anchors prophetic call in theological conviction| **Stories/Analogies:** |Story|Effectiveness| |---|---| |Children's book on animal noses|Fresh, engaging hook| |COVID taste/smell loss|Relatable shared experience| |Wedding banquet food|Vivid historical imagination| |Personal restaurant rule|Humanizing, rapport-building| **Connections:** - Quotes connect well to sermon themes - Stories connect to text (sensory experience → wine → banquet → Jesus' sign) - Could strengthen connection between stories and theological truths **Score: 4/5** _Quotes are well-chosen and effectively deployed. Stories engage. Could deepen theological connections._ --- #### 🔄 Calls to Action **Steps Listeners Are Invited to Take:** |Level|Call to Action| |---|---| |**Personal**|Choose a star word; pay attention; refuse numbness| |**Communal**|Grieve together; have uncomfortable conversations| |**Systemic**|Confront "forces of hate, bigotry, dominance, corruption, violence"| **Ties to Justice/Generosity/Discipleship:** - Justice: Explicit ("seeking justice and leading with love") - Generosity: Implicit in hospitality theme - Discipleship: "Let us follow in the way of Jesus" **Multiple Modalities:** - Spoken: Yes - Visual: Star word bulletin board mentioned - Experiential: Star word selection practice **Specificity:** - Abstract: "Pay attention," "refuse apathy," "love without condition" - More concrete: Select a star word - Missing: Specific actions for confronting named injustices **Score: 3/5** _Multiple levels of action named. Star word practice provides concrete entry point. Prophetic calls remain abstract — what does "protecting the vulnerable" look like this week?_ --- #### 🧠 Style Effectiveness Analysis **Did Style(s) Effectively Communicate Text's Intent?** - John's Gospel emphasizes "signs" revealing Jesus' glory — sermon touches this but doesn't develop it fully - Narrative style serves accessibility but could go deeper into Johannine theology - Prophetic urgency is appropriate for current moment but somewhat disconnected from textual grounding **Alternative Style Considerations:** |Alternative Style|Potential Impact| |---|---| |**Fully Expository**|Would explore "sign," "glory," "hour," "believe" in Johannine framework; less accessible but theologically richer| |**Contemplative/Mystagogical**|Could linger on wine imagery, abundance, transformation; invitation to wonder| |**Inductive**|Could build tension around Mary's request, Jesus' cryptic response, servants' risk; resolution in wine revelation| |**First-Person Narrative**|Sermon from servant's perspective could be powerful| **Learning Styles Served:** - Auditory: Strong (varied pacing, rhetorical questions) - Visual: Moderate (star word board, but no sermon visuals) - Kinesthetic: Moderate (star word selection, but no sermon-embedded movement) - Interpersonal: Moderate ("we" language, but no discussion/dialogue) - Intrapersonal: Strong (personal reflection invitation) **Recommended Style Blend for This Congregation:** - Maintain narrative accessibility - Strengthen exegetical grounding - Add more concrete, specific prophetic application - Consider interactive element (neighbor discussion, embodied practice) **Score: 4/5** _Style generally effective for congregation and occasion. Could strengthen text-to-application connection and deepen exegetical grounding._ --- #### 📊 Scoring Summary |Category|Score| |---|---| |Sermon Summary|4/5| |Preaching Style Assessment|4/5| |Storytelling and Illustration|4/5| |Intonation and Delivery|3/5| |Content Structure|4/5| |Engagement and Application|3/5| |Scripture Handling|3/5| |Logical Reasoning|3/5| |References|3/5| |Quotes and Illustrative Stories|4/5| |Calls to Action|3/5| |Style Effectiveness Analysis|4/5| **TOTAL: 42/60 (70%)** --- #### 📊 Side-by-Side Comparison: This Sermon vs. Fully Exegetical Version ##### 🎙 Preaching Style |Aspect|This Sermon (Narrative/Topical/Prophetic)|Fully Exegetical Version| |---|---|---| |**Primary Style**|Narrative exposition with prophetic application|Verse-by-verse exegesis with theological development| |**Stories**|Modern anecdotes + historical imagination|Minimal outside stories; text and Johannine intertextuality drive sermon| |**Scripture Depth**|Wedding as thematic anchor for hospitality/justice|Explores "sign" (σημεῖον), "glory" (δόξα), "hour" (ὥρα), "believe" (πιστεύω) in Johannine theology| |**Application**|Personal star word + prophetic exhortation|Begins with original meaning, moves to sacramental/ecclesial/eschatological application| ##### 📖 Scripture Handling |Aspect|This Sermon|Fully Exegetical Version| |---|---|---| |**Historical Context**|Wedding customs, food, social honor explored|Adds Galilean context, Cana's significance, first-century purification practices| |**Word Study**|None|Greek analysis of key terms: σημεῖον (sign vs. miracle), δόξα (glory/revelation), ὥρα (hour/eschatological tension)| |**Johannine Theology**|Implicit (Jesus present in community)|Explicit: This is the first of seven signs; connects to John's theological purpose (20:30-31)| |**Cross-References**|Internal John only|[Isaiah 25:6-9](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+25%3A6-9&version=NRSVUE) (Messianic banquet), [Amos 9:13-14](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Amos+9%3A13-14&version=NRSVUE) (wine abundance in restoration), [John 4:46-54](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+4%3A46-54&version=NRSVUE) (second sign), [John 19:26-27](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+19%3A26-27&version=NRSVUE) ("Woman" language at cross)| |**Justice Lens**|General hospitality/honor framing|Explores honor/shame dynamics in Mediterranean culture; wine failure as social catastrophe for vulnerable family| ##### 🔍 Logical Reasoning |Aspect|This Sermon|Fully Exegetical Version| |---|---|---| |**Strengths**|Narrative persuasion, prophetic urgency|Strong deductive reasoning from Johannine theology; consistent textual logic| |**Fallacies Present**|Hasty generalization (current events), mild appeal to emotion|Avoids anecdotal fallacies by grounding entirely in scripture| |**Balance**|Emotion-driven prophetic section anchors moral points|Scripture-driven reasoning; emotion flows from text itself| --- #### ✅ Key Takeaways **Strengths:** - Accessible, engaging narrative style - Strong prophetic urgency appropriate to cultural moment - Good use of [Dr. Gennifer Benjamin Brooks](https://www.garrett.edu/academics/faculty/gennifer-b-brooks) and [Cameron Trimble](https://www.camerontrimble.com/) - Effective hook and conclusion - Star word practice provides concrete engagement **Areas for Growth:** - Deepen exegetical engagement (Greek, cross-references, Johannine theology) - Diversify theological voices (especially given justice themes) - Make prophetic calls more concrete and specific - Strengthen text-to-application connection - Consider adding more interactive/embodied elements **Overall Assessment:** This sermon is accessible, prophetically engaged, and well-suited to a progressive mainline congregation. It effectively invites listeners into the text through historical imagination and applies it to current challenges. The preacher's personal vulnerability (sharing her star word) builds connection. The sermon would be strengthened by deeper exegetical grounding, more diverse theological voices, and more specific calls to action. The "way of honor and justice" framework is compelling but could be more clearly derived from the text itself rather than applied to it. #### Sermon Notes ##### Introduction The sermon opened with a reference to the children's book _Nose, Nose, Wild Ways Animals Smell the World_ and its tagline "anything is possible when you follow your nose." This connected to the COVID-19 experience of losing taste/smell, leading into the sensory experience of eating and enjoyment of food—setting up the wedding banquet context of John 2. ##### Main Points ###### Point 1: Jesus is present in ordinary community gatherings Faith is expressed in our ordinary relationships, not only when we gather as church. Wherever we gather in community, Jesus is there and God's glory is revealed. The wedding banquet was a communal celebration—Jesus participates in the social fabric of everyday life. ###### Point 2: Hospitality and the way of honor and justice The sermon framed Jesus' first sign as a model for living "the way of honor and justice." Running out of wine was a social crisis of honor; Jesus' intervention protected the vulnerable (the wedding family) from shame. "The way of Christ is the way of honor and justice. We must endeavor to honor others and do no harm to others, to walk in the way of love." ###### Point 3: Paying attention and refusing apathy in the face of injustice "To live out the way of honor and justice is to pay attention. To give voice to lament and to refuse to become indifferent or apathetic." The sermon named "forces of hate, bigotry, dominance, corruption, violence, suspicion, and distrust" as impeding human thriving. Love builds up; hate collapses. We must grieve what is broken without becoming numb. ##### Illustrations/Stories - **Children's book** (_Nose, Nose_): Sensory hook connecting smell/taste to the wine miracle - **COVID-19 loss of taste/smell**: Shared recent experience of diminished sensory enjoyment - **Wedding banquet food research**: Vivid historical imagination—roasted lamb, chickpea stews, labneh, hummus, dates, figs, pistachios, almonds, olive oil, wine. Weddings lasted for days. - **Personal restaurant rule**: "Order something I won't make at home"—humanizing detail - **Tangled reference**: Brief clarification that Mary's motherhood is NOT the "warped version" of Mother Gothel - **Preacher's star word for 2026**: "Protect"—personal vulnerability modeling the practice - **Sommelier self-deprecation**: "I would make a terrible sommelier"—humor and accessibility ##### Scripture Connections - **John 2:1-11** (primary text, read in full) - **John 1:35-51** (referenced: the disciples called before Cana—Andrew, Simon Peter, Philip, Nathaniel) - **John 2:13-25** (previewed: "Spoiler alert, we'll cover that story next Sunday"—temple cleansing) - _Implicit_: Jesus weeping (John 11:35), Jesus praying (various), Jesus flipping tables (John 2:13-17) ##### Key Quotes > "Whenever, wherever, and however we gather in community, Jesus is there. God's glory is revealed. May we live knowing that the way of Christ is the way of honor and justice." —Dr. Gennifer Benjamin Brooks > "We keep believing in the long, unfinished work of goodness and justice, not because we are certain of outcomes, but because surrendering to lies would cost us our souls." —Rev. Cameron Trimble, "When Lament Is the Only Honest Language" > "To live out the way of honor and justice is to pay attention. To give voice to lament and to refuse to become indifferent or apathetic." > "Hate only collapses in on itself. Hate does not build up. Only love can do that." > "Jesus turned water into wine. Jesus wept. Jesus cried out, Jesus prayed, Jesus loved." #### Personal Reflections ##### What spoke to me: The framing of running out of wine as an _honor crisis_ rather than just a supply problem resonates deeply. In high-control religious environments, "honor" is weaponized—used to enforce hierarchy and shame those who don't comply. But here, Jesus uses his power to _protect_ the vulnerable from shame, not to consolidate authority. The servants knew what happened; the steward and guests did not. Jesus' first sign was quiet, protective, and oriented toward communal flourishing rather than personal glory. This is such a contrast to the performative "signs and wonders" culture I came from. The preacher's star word "protect" landed hard. In NAR spaces, "protection" was often conditional—tied to submission, spiritual covering, and alignment with leadership. True protection, as Jesus models it, requires no such transaction. It simply sees need and responds with abundance. ##### Questions raised: - What does it mean that Jesus' first sign was at a party? What does this say about the theology of celebration, pleasure, and embodied joy? - Why does John call these "signs" (σημεῖα) rather than miracles? What is being signified beyond the event itself? - What is the significance of "Woman, what concern is that to me and to you?" How does Jesus' use of "Woman" here connect to John 19:26 at the cross? - The sermon mentioned the servants "listen to Jesus' instructions and follow them"—but they took a real risk. What if it had still been water? What does faithful risk-taking look like? ##### Challenges/Convictions: The call to "refuse to become indifferent or apathetic" is challenging. After religious trauma, there's a real temptation to disengage—to protect myself by not caring too much. But the sermon insists that numbness is not neutral; it's a form of surrender. "Surrendering to lies would cost us our souls." I'm also convicted by the critique implicit in the sermon's structure: it's easier to do historical research on wedding food than to name concrete justice actions. What does "protecting the vulnerable" actually look like in my context this week? ##### Liturgical Context Reflections: How does today's liturgical season/observance deepen my understanding of the message? _The Baptism of Our Lord and the Wedding at Cana both represent "firsts" in Jesus' ministry—his baptism marks the beginning of his public work, while Cana is his first sign/miracle in John's Gospel. Both involve transformation (Jesus emerging from water; water becoming wine) and divine revelation._ The Narrative Lectionary's choice to place Cana on Baptism of Our Lord Sunday creates a beautiful resonance: water is central to both stories, but its meaning shifts. At baptism, Jesus enters the water and emerges transformed/revealed. At Cana, water itself is transformed into something richer. Both point to abundance, revelation, and the beginning of something new. In the Epiphany season, we're tracing how Jesus is _revealed_—to the Magi, at his baptism, at Cana. John 2:11 explicitly says this sign "revealed his glory, and his disciples believed in him." Epiphany asks: How is Christ being revealed to me? Where am I being invited to believe? #### Applications ##### This week I will: - [ ] Finalize my star word for 2026 (considering "protect," "attend," or "abundance") - [ ] Practice "paying attention" by journaling one observation per day about where I see need or injustice in my immediate context - [ ] Read Cameron Trimble's full post "When Lament Is the Only Honest Language" - [ ] Explore Dr. Gennifer Benjamin Brooks' work—add _Good News Preaching_ to reading list ##### People to pray for: - Those experiencing shame or social vulnerability in my community - People affected by the LA wildfires (current news context) - The preacher as she navigates prophetic preaching in this moment - Myself—for courage to engage rather than retreat into numbness ##### Follow-up study: - Greek word study: σημεῖον (sign) in John's Gospel—how does John's use differ from Synoptic "miracle" language? - Honor/shame dynamics in first-century Mediterranean culture (consider Jerome Neyrey's work) - OT wine imagery: Isaiah 25:6-9 (Messianic banquet), Amos 9:13-14 (abundance in restoration) - John 19:26-27: Jesus' use of "Woman" at the cross—connection to Cana? - Explore the "seven signs" structure in John's Gospel #### Connections _Links to other sermons, books, or notes_ - [[2026-01-18 Sermon Notes]] — Next week: Jesus Cleanses the Temple (John 2:13-25) - [[Narrative Lectionary Year 4 (John)]] — Lectionary planning document - [[Star Words Practice]] — Epiphany spiritual discipline - [[Dr. Gennifer Benjamin Brooks]] — Garrett-Evangelical; _Good News Preaching_, _Unexpected Grace_ - [[Cameron Trimble]] — UCC pastor; _Piloting Church_ - [[Honor-Shame Culture]] — Background for understanding Mediterranean social dynamics - [[John's Gospel - Signs]] — Study notes on the seven signs - [[NAR Recovery Notes]] — Contrast between performative "signs and wonders" and Jesus' quiet, protective miracle - [[Epiphany Season Reflections]] — Theme of revelation/manifestation --- ## Response ### Sharing of Joys and Concerns ### Prayers of the People and The Lord's Prayer (Debts) ### Invitation to Giving ### Offertory ### Offertory Response **Hymn #706** - "Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow" ### Prayer of Dedication _by Rev. Dr. Cheryl A. Lindsay, UCC Worship Ways_ **Holy One, may our gifts declare your glory and benefit the common good. Receive them with our gratitude for your generosity and the opportunity to participate in your kin(g)dom on earth. Amen.** ### Closing Hymn **Hymn #387** - "God Who Made Us, Christ Who Calls Us" > **Verse 1** God who made us, Christ who calls us, Breath who guides us in the Way, hear the humble words we brave the whisper darkness as we dare to speak and bow and pray: "Amen." > > **Verse 2** "Live Your Light with courage, day by day. Tell us, as we love with no exceptions, Give us faith that will not fail in, hear the humble words we brave the perceptions. Through us, end with clear and to prevail." > > **Verse 3** Give us who made us, Christ who calls us, faith Breath who guides us, in the Way. Give us may our love lives of no exumbled words we brate, new harmonies to peace pre dare. > > **Verse 4** God who made us, Christ who calls us, Breath who guides us in the Way, hear the humble words we pray: bow and pray: "Amen." > > _WORDS: Terry W. York, 2006_ _MUSIC: William H. Jude, 1874_ _Words © 2010 George W. Truett Theological Seminary, Baylor University._ _GALILEE 8.7.8.7 Higher key, No. 518_ ### Commission & Benediction ### Postlude (seated) _Please join us for a time of fellowship after worship!_ --- ## Leadership ### Worship Participants |Role|Name| |---|---| |Pastor|Rev. Caroline E. Saxton| |Organist|Barbara Motichka| |Deacon in Charge|Chris Willman-Bunge| |Lector|Barbara Wissinger| |Children's Corner|Roxanne Davenport| |Media Coordinators|Neath Ham & Calvin Frantz| |Bulletin Cover|"Water into Wine" by Cara B. Hochhalter from _Art in the Christian Tradition_, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library| ### Flowers at the Foot of the Cross Given in honor of Sue McMurtray by Bob & Connie Strunk. ### Birthdays This Week - 01/14 - Alan Young - 01/15 - Erik Strunk - 01/18 - Linda Barton and Jack Myers --- ## Church Information ### Staff - **Pastor**: The Rev. Caroline E. Saxton - [email protected] | (641) 260-1868 (cell) - **Office Administrator**: Tonya Schwartz - [email protected] | (717) 263-8593 (office) - **Music Director**: Gary Crum - **Organist**: Barbara Motichka - **Director of Children & Youth**: Roxanne Davenport - **Pastor Emeritus**: The Rev. Stephen W. Hoffman ### St. John's Vision We are called to love, to learn, to worship and to witness in Christ as a congregation that welcomes everyone, and seeks service that will advance God's realm on earth. ### St. John's Mission To grow in love of God and neighbor ### Nursery Information The "Nursery Nook in the Narthex" quiet area and infant/toddler space in the Parlor are available for children and families to use during worship. Age-appropriate activity bags are also available. See the deacon for assistance. --- ## News & Announcements ### This Week at St. John's #### Today - January 11 "Holy Manners" Behavioral Covenant Discussion after worship, Room 116 Bible Study on the Book of Acts, Chapter 25, 8 pm, Zoom (link in Friday e-blast) #### Monday, January 12 - 10:00 am - Chi Gong/Zazen silent body energy and soulful meditation – Parlor Room 104 - 1:30 pm - Monday Afternoon Book Study – Conference Room 111 - 7:00 pm - Boy Scouts – Fellowship Hall #### Tuesday, January 13 - 5:30 pm - Yoga – Room 202 - 6:00 pm - Ladies' Bible - Zoom - 6:30 pm - Cub Scouts – Fellowship Hall/then break into smaller groups #### Wednesday, January 14 - 11:30 am - Ladies Luncheon – Hoss's Steak & Sea House (20 Falling Spring Rd Chambersburg) #### Thursday, January 15 - 6:00 pm - Bell Choir Practice – Bell Room 117 - 6:15 pm - Girl Scouts – Room 201 - 7:15 pm - Choir Rehearsal – Choir Room 103 #### Sunday, January 18 - 8:45 am - Godly Play Class – Room 119 - 8:45 am - SPARK! Elementary Church School Class – Room 115 - 8:45 am - Teen Discussion Class – Room 206 - 8:45 am - Upper Room Church School Class – Conference Room 111 - 8:45 am - Wired Word Church School Class – Room 116 - 10:00 am - Sunday Worship – Sanctuary - 11:00 am - Adult Church Education Planning Meeting – Conference Room 111 ### Announcements #### Behavioral Covenant (aka "Holy Manners") Pick up a copy of the draft "Holy Manners for our St. John's United Church of Christ Faith Community" and read the article on page 18 of the January Spirit to learn more about our proposed Behavioral Covenant. Congregational discussion and feedback sessions will be held after worship on Sunday, January 11 and again on Sunday, January 25, in Room 116. Please contact Pastor Caroline or Lloyd Beers with any questions. #### The Upper Room: Sunday School Restart The _Upper Room_ Sunday School class meets in Conference Room 111 on Sundays at 8:45 am. Upper Room booklets are found at the Welcome Center in both regular and large print. Class conversation includes the Bible verses, the authors' messages, the _Thought for the Day_, the prayer focuses, and your personal thoughts of the content. For more information, please contact Harold Collier or Connie Strunk. #### "Answering the Alarm in Chambersburg" Mike Marotte will give a presentation on the early days of the Chambersburg Fire Department on Wednesday, February 4, 6 pm in Fellowship Hall. #### Little Free Pantry Located by parking lot B to help feed those in our neighborhood who are hungry. Donations of cash and/or nonperishable food items can be dropped off at the church office. Due to the cold temperatures, dry goods are preferable to canned goods. To learn more, please see the article in the January Spirit. Thank you for your support of this initiative! #### Monday Afternoon Book Study We will start our next book ("Love's Braided Dance" by Norman Wirzba) on Monday, January 12, 2026. All are welcome to join this discussion! #### Church Directory Update As we work to finalize our new photo directory, we need your updated contact information. If your address, phone number or email address has changed, please share this with the church office. If you have not yet submitted a photo or would like to have your picture taken, please contact the church office. Thank you! #### January First Fruits As we move into a quarterly focus of seasonal giving through physical donations and First Fruits, donations for First Fruits this month will be split between the United Way Winter Warmth Drive and the Little Free Pantry. Please designate on your envelope or check if you have a preference on how your donation is to be used. #### United Way Winter Warmth Drive Underway thru 1/15/26. Among the requested items to donate are healthy food and winter gear. A full listing of desired items can be found in the December Spirit. St. John's is a collection site; donation boxes are in both lobbies. Thank you for your support of these efforts to care for our neighbors, feeding the hungry and clothing the cold. #### January/February Upper Room Devotionals are currently available at the Welcome Center. We suggest a donation of $1 for small print/$2 for large print copies. If you would like to have a copy mailed to you, please contact the church office. #### Bible and a Beer An opportunity to talk about our faith in public. Join us on the 3rd Monday of the month at the Trojan Diner at 6:30 pm. Our next gathering will be January 19. #### Winter Weather Policy If worship is canceled due to winter weather, a special e-blast will be sent out. M-F activities follow the CASD school district. Specifics are in the January Spirit. Safety first! #### Want to Stay in Touch? Contact the Church Office to be added to our email list! You can sign up to receive our regular weekly emails, Diana's Devotionals, and/or be part of the Prayer Chain. --- ## Worship Resources "Fill, Draw, Taste": Service Prayers for the Second Sunday after Epiphany by Rev. Dr. Cheryl A. Lindsay, UCC Worship Ways The Inclusive Bible: the First Egalitarian Translation --- ## Prayer of the Day (Narrative Lectionary) God of revelation, You made your son known at a wedding, a public celebration of love. Celebrate love with us by revealing Jesus in our midst. Amen. --- ## Weekly Reflection Space ### Monday ### Tuesday ### Wednesday ### Thursday ### Friday ### Saturday --- _Personal notes file - not for reproduction or distribution_