“The two disciples heard what he said, and they followed Jesus.” John 1:37

Dear Friends: 

“To follow” often is translated as “to come after” or “to be behind” leading us to believe we’re not strong enough to lead. We learn from Jesus early on in his ministry that he invites folks to follow him. Following Jesus, I would argue, does not necessarily mean to go behind or come after. To follow Jesus is, in fact, a form of leadership. 

In looking up akoloutheos, the Greek for “follow” in my A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament I learned that akoloutheos also means, to accompany, to assist, or even to attend to. The word “acolyte” finds its roots in the same word, “akoloutheos”. Acolytes are those very necessary and valuable folks who assist with worship in carrying the torches, the gospel book, setting the table, presenting the offering plates, implementing the ablutions, and keeping watch over the workings of the Lord’s Supper. Jesus probably didn’t intend for his followers to necessarily serve as acolytes. But, Jesus was very intentional about assuring he had plenty of reliable folks taking the journey with him in making God’s world known. Not folks who were just along for the ride. Not folks who would just stand at a distance, sit on the periphery. No, when Jesus calls people to follow, he’s looking for folks who are joining him in experiencing the good news of God’s love. Jesus is expecting his team to work together in growing God’s kingdom and making God’s world known. With Jesus, followers are known as disciples.

Disciples are willing, active participants partnering in the ministry of Jesus. The word disciple stems from the Greek, mathetes. Mathetes is rooted in the word “math” which means “having the mental effort to think something through”. A disciple is one who makes the effort to learn scripture, make God’s Word and Way in Jesus their life application. Disciples are lifelong learners. Hymn writer Philip Bliss describes a disciple as one, “at the feet of Jesus, is the place for me, there, a humble learner, would I choose to be.” It seems that discipleship is a mathematical equation! 

First we join with Jesus as he calls us to partner up, carefully studying and calculating the way of God. Jesus does not play a zero sum game. Adding us to his ministry is a plus, plus for Jesus. Throughout his ministry his disciples are there, tripping over their equations, stumbling through their efforts to achieve the correct answer in their partnership with Christ. As Jesus’ ministry on earth comes to a close, he calls his followers to their most demanding role. The effort must be multiplied. “Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations,…”. With Jesus ascending his disciples are now left to lead others into discipleship. But, as is always the case in discipleship, we are not left to solve our problems alone. As we go as disciples of Christ, may we remember his final words, “I myself will be with you every day until the end of time.”

On Sunday, we’ll recollect from John’s gospel our call to respond to Jesus in our lives as Jesus asks, “what are you looking for?” May we all be looking for a deeper understanding of living our lives as disciples. How do we tackle the cost of discipleship? Show up, my friends. Make attending worship a priority. 

We’ve promised during this season of Epiphany to explore the promises we make in our baptism. Looking at the five questions beginning on page 304 in The Book of Common Prayer this week, we’re promising, with God’s help to “continue in the apostles teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of the bread, and in the prayers.” Perhaps we continue in the apostles teaching by helping out with leading Sunday Circle for the youth every so often. Let Dana know you’re interested in such a partnership: family@epiphanyec.org. We’re called to be in fellowship with one another. Join a neighborhood group. Let Anne Johnson know you’re interested: parishlife@EpiphanyEC.org. Help out with hospitality following Sunday worship. Let Susan Forbes know you can lend a hand: parishlife@EpiphanyEC.org. Become trained as a Lay Eucharistic Minister and/or a reader helping “in the breaking of the bread and in the prayers.” Let Richard Durkin schedule you: worshipvolunteers@EpiphanyEC.org You’re off to a good start in your discipleship journey! Well done good and faithful follower of Christ!

I’m excited to gather with the youth Confirmation Class Sunday following worship. Up for a scavenger hunt through The Book of Common Prayer? Then, Sunday evening from 5:30-7:00 parents with young children are welcome to gather for Parent Support Group potluck dinner and casual dialogue. Babysitting is provided. 

Finally, Sunday January 26th, we’ll be voting for new vestry leaders at the annual meeting immediately following 10:00 worship from 11:15-12:15. Come as we give thanks for Epiphany 2019 and celebrate the vision for Epiphany 2020. Lunch is provided and babysitting. Perhaps you’re called to serve as a vestry leader. Let Elaine Perry know you’d like to be nominated: srwarden@EpiphanyEC.org

As always, Epiphany continues to shine its light throughout. See you Sunday if not before. Remember, we do not cancel worship. So, snow or not, we’ll be here!!! 

Faithful leaders, may your journey practicing discipleship continue to flourish.

Blessings,

Hillary