Zacchaeus and Christ. Hildesheim Gospels, Germany, probably 1170s. Tempera colors, gold leaf, silver leaf and ink on parchment, 11.1 x 7.4 inches. J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles / Google Cultural Institute
I love certain dimensions of this scene as imagined in this medieval manuscript of the Gospel according to Luke. Beyond the sheer beauty of colour and style, what I love most is the way the curling branches convey a dynamic of life involving wondrous movement. As we will explore in the sermon, the gospel of grace involves a going up (from Jesus to Zacchaeus hiding in the tree) and a coming down (of Zacchaeus to Jesus and a new life in home and city), a dynamic we know in our own lives.
We may not be able to gather together in the sanctuary this Sunday, but we will begin this week together in praise of God. Classic and contemporary hymns sung by our cantor Paul Payne (from ‘Stand up and bless the Lord’ by James Montgomery to ‘Will you come and follow me?’ by the Iona Community) along with a contribution by the Hall Family Quartet will help our souls to sing. And three passages of scripture centred on ‘trees’ will speak of God’s grace, from the Abram and Sarai under the oaks of Mamre hearing three strangers declare that they would have a child (Genesis 18:1-15) to the story of Zacchaeus climbing a sycamore tree to see Jesus (Luke 19:1-10).
The service will be available online just after 10:15 a.m. at https://youtu.be/V_uy7wSvGi0. Recordings of previous services can be found at our Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzEy41z3sqfRm8X_lLfKGUA
You are invited to have a look at the printed Order of Service below, and the announcements, including several online opportunities for Christian growth. These include two studies and a series of joint online services of worship during Lent.
May the grace of Christ be with you!