Newsletter | Tuesday, June 13, 2023
Peace In Pictures
Eight members of Peace Lutheran Church accompanied Pastor Eric for lunch and a visit of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception near Catholic University in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, June 7. The Basilica's construction began in 1920 and was completed in 2017. It was designed in the Romanesque and Byzantine architectural styles. Over 80 chapels dedicated to the virgin Mary can be found throughout the Shrine. The upper church can hold up to 10,000 attendees, and Pope Francis celebrated Mass at the Shrine in 2015.
Later this summer, Pastor Eric will be planning one or two more field trips to other religious sites in D.C. and Southern Maryland.
Governor's Council on Interfaith Outreach
Maryland Governor Wes Moore has formed a council on interfaith outreach "which convenes faith leaders from across religions and across the state of Maryland to bridge divides, increase religious tolerance, end hate, and better serve all communities." On behalf of the Governor, Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller has invited Pastor Eric to serve on the inaugural council. The council will convene for its first meeting on Thursday, June 15, at the Maryland State House, Annapolis.
Pride Bible Study: The Clobber Passages
What exactly are the clobber passages? Of the thousands of passages in the Bible, opponents of LGBTQIA+ people concentrate on six portions from Genesis, Leviticus, Romans, 1 Corinthians, and 1 Timothy to establish their argument against LGBTQIA+ people and to advocate their exclusion from the church. The texts in question are so frequently quoted that they've gained the moniker "the clobber passages" because opponents use them to hit people over the head.
One of the most well-known clobber verses is Genesis 19, which tells the story of Sodom and Gomorrah. Lot is visited by two angels, and the male dwellers of Sodom demand that the angels be handed over to them so they can "know them." A restricted and conservative interpretation of this story concentrates on the men of Sodom's desire to commit homosexual acts against the two strangers. Then there's Lot's willingness to hand over his daughters to take the place of the angels (an atrocious deed in and of itself that is glossed over in the argument). What exactly is going on in this story? Who are these two unknowns? What is the story's historical context? Is there anything in the Bible that contradicts a conservative interpretation of this chapter (hint: there is!)?
Pastor Eric will launch the first of three virtual Bible study sessions focused on these "clobber" passages tomorrow, Wednesday, June 14, at 7:00pm. For a dynamic and in-depth conversation, he will be joined by fellow LGBTQIA+ and straight-ally clergy from diverse ethnic and denominational backgrounds. There is still time to register by visiting www.myplc.org/pride.
Summer Order of Worship
For the summer months of the Season after Pentecost, through 24 September 2023, the order of worship will be scaled back some. Beginning June 18, Pastor Eric will begin a sermon series titled "Summer Mixtape." This six-week series is built from one message each from six of the Pauline epistles. Mixtapes are made for specific people and usually carry a specific theme, as do the letters Paul wrote to those he loved. This series touches on the topics of freedom, doing good works, growing in grace and peace, steadfastness, knowing our identity in Christ, transformation, living counter-culturally, and making a positive change in our society.
The order of worship, including confession/forgiveness, eucharistic prayers, and other parts of the liturgy, follow the pattern set by the Church of Sweden. We'll continue to use the Mass of St. Kilian's for the sung portions of the liturgy.
Order of Worship
Prelude Welcome & Announcements
Gathering Song
Introduction (an invitation to confession) Prayer of Forgiveness Words of Forgiveness Song of Praise ("Gloria") Prayer of the Day
Children's Message
Hymn (based on the day's appointed psalm or other reading)
Lesson(s) (sermon series readings)
Sermon
Hymn
Creed
Prayers of the People (Prayers of Intercession)
Invitation to the Offering
Music at the Offering ("Special Music")
Holy Communion
(Preface/Dialogue, "Holy, Holy, Holy", prayers, and "Great Amen") Lord's Prayer
Peace
Invitation to the Table
Lamb of God
Communion Hymn(s)
Prayer after Communion
Brief Hymn of Praise
Blessing
Dismissal
Sending Hymn
Postlude
Sermon Series Schedule
June 18 – Week 1
Psalm 18:19-24; Galatians 3:1-7, 5:1
Topic: Freedom, Law, Heirs of God, Doing Good
June 25 – Week 2
Matthew 5:9; John 14:27; Ephesians 4:1-7
Topic: Grace, Peace, Love
July 2 – Week 3
Philippians 2:6-8; 4:1-9
Topics: Philippians, Steadfastness, Rejoice, Serve
July 9 – Week 4
Psalm 23:1-6; Colossians 2:6-10, 3:1-3
Topics: Identity in Christ
July 16 – Week 5
Proverbs 3:3-8; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-7 Topics: Keep Going, Holiness, Work Hard
July 23 – Week 6
Romans 12:2; Corinthians 5:17-17; Philemon 1:15-16
Forgiveness, Putting Other’s First
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