We gather for a Worship Service on this Sunday, February 4th, 2024 in person at the Chapel (2700 W 14th Street) at 11:00 a.m.

To join us at the Chapel, buzz Zion Church (Bob Bucklew) from the Directory at the front of the 2700 Building on the campus of San Sofia apartments or enter from the accessible ramp from the rear parking lot. When you arrive, call Bob at 216-375-5323 to open the parking lot gate.

As it is our tradition on the first Sunday of the month-and in this season after Epiphany, we will share in Holy Communion. The bread and cup will be provided for us around the table at the Chapel. If you are joining us on Zoom, we encourage you to gather some simple elements of bread and cup and join with us in Communion. All are welcome!

The Sunday Bulletin is attached in PDF format. You may use it as a devotional during the week.

Following Worship, we invite you to enjoy coffee, refreshments, and warm conversation next door to the Chapel in the Library/Community Room.

Upcoming Worship Services & Events:

• Sunday, February 11th – Mardi Gras Sunday: Festive jazz-themed music in worship – and Fat Tuesday Potluck lunch follows. Wear your green, purple, and gold. Beads will be provided.
• Wednesday, February 14th, 2024, OWLS (Older, Wiser, Livelier Seniors) gathers 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at Zion UCC Church, 2700 W. 14th, join us for a Valentine Day  gathering with speaker John Mahoney, Consumer Affairs Manager, Valentine Day crafts, door prizes, and valentine favors. RSVP for free lunch by phoning 216-310-6810, Beverly.
•  Wednesday, February 14^th – Ash Wednesday: Worship at 6:30pm –  begins the Christian season of Lent. We will spend the coming days journeying with Jesus toward the cross; toward the death that ultimately brings resurrection life. We will come together to acknowledge our sin, to acknowledge our mortality. We come to glimpse the Christ who offers forgiveness, who offers everlasting life. The imposition of ashes will be offered, as a sign of penitence and an acknowledgement of mortality.

The Focus Scripture Reading is Mark 1:29-39

Intro: In these verses in Mark 1, Jesus continues the beginning of his ministry with his first four disciples. In last week’s reading, he taught for the first time (that we have recorded) in a synagogue and cast out a demon from a man. In today’s reading, he left the synagogue and went to Simon’s and Andrew’s house, and cared for Simon’s mother-in-law who had a fever. Once the fever left her, she got up and began serving Jesus. Everyone from the city came to Jesus at Simon’s and Andrew’s home, bringing those who were sick or possessed with demons. Jesus ministered among them, but early in the morning went off by himself to pray in the darkness. Already, Jesus needed to take some time for spiritual renewal. The disciples went and “hunted” for him, and when they found him told him that everyone was looking for him. However, Jesus told them it was time to go on from that place to the neighboring towns in Galilee, for that was what he came to do. Jesus was not meant to stay  in one place.

Sermon/Reflection: “How We Spend Our Days is How We Spend Our Lives” by the Rev. Scott Rosenstein, based on the reading of Mark 1:29-39.

The Choir, accompanied by Adam Petrosino, Music Director & Pianist, will sing the gospel hymn, “Blessed Assurance” by Fanny Crosby.

 Other Readings this Sunday – Introductions:

Isaiah 40:21-31

Isaiah 40 is considered the beginning of what is sometimes referred to as Second Isaiah, a prophet who witnessed the events at the end of the Babylonian exile. King Cyrus of Persia, having conquered Babylonia, allowed the exiles held there to return home. This was a chance to start again with God as God’s people. In this passage, the prophet reminds the people that they know this already. They’ve heard this from the beginning of time. God is over all creation, over all the earth, and the rulers of this world have no power over God—they are temporary and will pass. Some of those hearing these words may have been alive when they were taken into exile and remember what they have lost; they will recognize God’s faithfulness. There is no one like God. God questions the people as to why they say that God has ignored them. God’s response is that God has been there since  the beginning, renewing and reviving the people. Those who are young in their understanding of God will struggle, but those who know how to wait (those who have lived through the exile to the return, or those who held on to the promise) will find their strength renewed. God is with them, and God will help them to soar like eagles.

Psalm 147:1-11, 20c

These verses of Psalm 147 form a song of praise to God who has gathered in those who are  outcasts, those who are scattered, and brought them home to Jerusalem. God is over all creation, including the stars, and yet God cares enough for the people to lift up those who are downtrodden, and cast down those who are wicked. God is the one who provides for all and doesn’t look to strength and might for favor. God does consider those who live in God’s ways, are in awe of God, and have hope in God’s everlasting love.

1 Corinthians 9:16-23

The Epistle readings continue in the series of Paul’s letters to the Corinthians. In these verses of 1 Corinthians 9, Paul was entrusted to preach the Gospel to the gentiles. There is no reward for this, but by preaching the Gospel with no charge, he can be true to the Gospel and not to the rewards of wealth. Paul has become all things to all people—seeing cultural differences as a gift, not a dividing tool, to sharing the Gospel.

Please join us this Epiphany season to give thanks to God in-person at Zion Chapel or via the Zoom platform.

Pastor Scott Rosenstein
216-273-7561 – church
216-577-1514 – mobile

Bulletin Cover Image:
Gospel Story Art Mark 1:29-39
by Stushie
A Scottish Pastor, ministering in East Tennessee
Stushie Art-Church bulletin covers, unique crayon, markers and digital worship art
https://stushieart.com