Second Sunday of Lent
'Jerusalem, Jerusalem. You who kill prophets and stone those who were sent to you.' Jesus reminds his listeners in our short selection from Luke's gospel for this Sunday that Jerusalem hasn't had the best track record with prophets. Who do you think are the prophets proclaiming the way of the Lord today? How do we respond to them when they suggest that God's kingdom may cause us discomfort or upset our notions? Join us Sunday as we explore Luke 13:31-35.
Happy St. Valentine Day
The legendary Saint Valentine out of ancient times takes us back to the 3rd Century after Christ, around 270 A.D. He was a Roman priest or bishop who empathized much with young Roman centurions-to-be who were about to be drafted into military service. When the Roman Empire and legions needed soldiers to protect their ever-expanding territories beyond the Rubicon, Emperor Claudius the Second decreed that nobody could become engaged to be married! The domestic limelight and felicity of the hearth for young and able-bodied Roman boys was not to Claudius the Second's liking. The Holy Emperor had determined that married men made poor soldiers, so he banned marriage altogether from his Roman Empire. But, the loving and kind-hearted Valentine openly defied the Emperor's demand and married off many a young couple clandestinely by quiet candlelight in castle basements and wine cellars. Pope Gelasius also disapproved of Claudius' custom and decreed that a change be made, but to no avail. Since Roman Emperors were considered to be demi-Gods, Valentine's action was considered to be an act of outright treason against il Imperio Romano and defiance of heavenly law. But Valentine continued to marry young couples secretly just the same. When Claudius the Second discovered Valentine's illicit activities, he first tried to convert him to Roman paganism. Ultimately, so the legend goes, Valentine was imprisoned and put to death by beheading on the vespers of the Feast of Lupercalia, on February 14, 270 A.D.
Theologian in Residence
Theologian in Residence continues this Tuesday (16 February) at Tusculum College. This year Dr. Travis Williams will discuss the Dead Sea Scrolls, one of the most important archeological discoveries in the 20th century. Lectures take place each Tuesday in February beginning at 10:00am at Niswonger Commons on the Tusculum College campus. Attendance is free and lunch is included, but registration is requested for the college to plan accordingly. To register please call or email Eugenia Estes as 636-7304 or eestes@tusculum.edu.
February Collection Items
Please remember the Greene County Food Bank and Samaritan's Purse collections for the month of February when you're doing your shopping. February collection items are:
- Food Bank: Canned Soup
- Samaritan's Purse: Soap, washcloths, and soapboxes
