The Second Sunday after Epiphany

Sunday, January 17, 2021

All the baptized have a calling in God’s world. God calls not just pastors and deacons but also the youngest child, like Samuel. The story of the calling of Nathanael plays with the idea of place. Nathanael initially dismisses Jesus because he comes from Nazareth. But where we come from isn’t important; it’s where—or rather whom—we come to. Jesus refers to Jacob, who had a vision in a place he called “the house of God, and . . . the gate of heaven” (Gen. 28:17). Jesus says he himself is the place where Nathanael will meet God.

Readings for this week:

1 Samuel 3:1-10 [11-20]
At a time when visitors are rare and unexpected, the Lord comes to Samuel and calls him to speak the divine word. Though just a boy, Samuel responds to God obediently, as Eli the priest has taught him to respond. This marks the beginning of Samuel's prophetic ministry.

1 Corinthians 6:12-20
Paul helps the Corinthians understand that God has claimed the entirety of their lives through the death of Christ. Hence Christian relationships and conduct, including areas of human sexuality, are to reflect the reality that we belong to Christ and that the Holy Spirit lives within us.

John 1:43-51

In John's gospel, Jesus' ministry begins with the call of disciples, who then bring others to Jesus. Philip's friend Nathanael moves from skepticism to faith when he accepts the invitation to "Come and see."

The service will premiere 10:00am on Facebook Sunday morning (watch on facebook.com/ctkbozeman), and available via Facebook, the YouTube channel and here on this website.

If you missed last week's service it can be found on Facebook.com/ctkbozeman or the CtK YouTube channel.

In our prayers this week:

• This nation, for justice, peace, and wisdom;
• Individuals who are ill, injured, or in special need, and those who have requested prayers: Bob, Lori, Maxine, Pam, Jasper, Myrna, Fred, Sherrie, Rich, Sam, Priscilla, Grace, Bruce, Tom, Mae, John, Rosanne, Brooke, Butch, Bill, Duncan, Luke;
  
• All those affected by the corona virus around the world - those who are ill and healthcare workers caring for the infected;
• Students, faculty and staff beginning the spring semester at Montana State University and other places of learning;
• Pastors, pastoral leaders, LPAs and congregation and ministry leaders across the synod as they find ways to serve their communities and congregations;
• Victims of violence, racism, and oppression;
• Families and individuals seeking asylum, all refugees, and children separated from their parents;
• Our bishops, the Rev. Dr. Laurie Jungling and the Rev. Elizabeth Eaton;
• These ministries of the Montana Synod and the ELCA: American Lutheran, Harlowton; First American Lutheran, Hardin.

Financial Stewardship

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Questions? Contact the church office (406-577-2382) for more information about giving electronically.

Thank you for your generosity!