The Waiting, the Waiting, the Waaaiiiiitttiiinnngggg!
The Waiting, the Waiting, the Waaaiiiiitttiiinnngggg!
St. Paul introduces his first letter to the church in Corinth by reminding them of their context: they are waiting for the “revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ.” It is, therefore, a suitable text for Epiphany, which is all about appearances. Yet, it reminds us that while some things have been revealed, not everything has. We are waiting.
Paul’s words remind me of my daughter’s high school theater production of Shrek. My daughter played Fiona. The whole production opens up with young Fiona singing dreamily of her future prince. Yet as she gets older with no prospect in sight, her tender hopefulness transforms to frustrated exasperation and she cries out, “The waiting, the waiting, the waaaiiiiitttiiinnngggg!” Depleted, she begs, “Are you there God? It’s me Fiona!”
I wish I had a video of my daughter, though it’s emblazoned in my memory. (Here’s a good recording on YouTube.) The song captured so much of my daughter’s own personal plight then—and after!—as well as the challenges we all face in our Christian life.
Yet for Fiona and for us, there are riches to be found in the waiting. And, Paul says, they are to be found in the relationships that we cultivate with God and each other.
I look forward to sharing with you on Sunday!
Steve E+
NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Snow and Wintry Mix Forecast for Sunday Early Morning—please check our website for status before heading to church.
Youth Formation (ages 10–13)—Sundays at 9:00am in the Rectory apartment (the end of the Rectory nearest the Sanctuary).
Lenten Home Groups—beginning the week of February 1. Please let Kaarin Engstrom know your preference for Monday, Wednesday, or Thursday evening.
Shrove Tuesday Dinners—February 17. Invite a family to share a simple feast of pancakes and bacon or sausage, the traditional Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) meal to celebrate the goodness of God at the ending of Epiphanytide, and “clearing the larder” of fatty foods in preparation for the leaner season of Lent beginning Ash Wednesday. More info Sunday. Learn more about Shrove Tuesday here.
Ash Wednesday Service—February 18, 7:00pm @ 1309.
Men’s Bible Study—Thursdays, 7:00am @ 1309.
Photo: Getty Images
