ZION NEWS: February

February 2020 VOL. 50, NO. 2

Feast 

I am not aware of a clear Biblical description of Love Feast in the early church. I find only one direct reference and several indirect. All the references are addressing ungodly people and/or their behavior. The only clear thoughts about Love Feasts is the early church participated, a shared meal was involved and Holy Communion was administered. 

The only direct reference to “love feast” I see is Jude 12a “These men are blemishes at your love feasts, eating with you without the slightest qualm-shepherds who feed only themselves.” An indirect reference is 2 Peter 2:13b, “They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their pleasures while they feast with you.” Most likely a reference to love feasts. 

The gospel of John gives us the most insight into the evening, including Jesus washing His disciples’ feet. Whereas Matthew, Mark and Luke give us only a portion of one chapter, John dedicates five chapters. 

• Feet/Handwashing: Men and women sit separately and rinse wash the person sitting next to them. Handwashing is for those who have physical limitations and may be done as a couple, The act is a remembrance of the humble service of Jesus. From John 13:1-5, “Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love.” “so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.” Vs. 14 “’Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet!” 

• Simple Meal: Roast beef, homemade soup and bread. A time of fellowship. 

• Holy Communion: The conclusion and pinnacle of the Love

There is Scripture reading and hymn singing for each segment. Our next church Love Feast is scheduled for Palm Sunday following an abbreviated morning worship service. All are invited to the WOLC to participate or observe Love Feast. 

His by Grace,

Pastor Chris

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Calendar of Events

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Save the Date

A church wide Spiritual Gifts Test is planned for March 21st at 9 AM in the church and will last a couple hours. Church friends and family, members and non-members are encouraged to attend. Please mark your calendars! 

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SPIRITUAL RENEWAL SERVICES

Dave Martin has been a Christian since 1978 when he was 19. He and his wife, Karen, have been married for 30 years and have four children, all in their 20’s: Ruth, John (married to Katie), Annie, and Tim. He’s the lead pastor of Krall’s Mennonite Church and a car salesman at Ebersole Honda-Buick-GMC. In addition to Krall’s, Dave has been pastor of churches in western Pennsylvania and Maryland and has been on mission trips to India, Venezuela, Sri Lanka, and Russia. In the 1970’s he got autographs (in person) from Roberto Clemente and Jesse Owens. For our renewal services, Dave will be preaching all five of his sermons from one passage in the gospel of John (his favorite book of the Bible). The messages will be dug out of John 1:19-51. Sunday, March 8, 10:15 a.m.: John 1:19-39 “Practices of the Prophet” Sunday, March 8, 7:00 p.m.: John 1:35-41 “The Actions of Andrew” Monday, March 9, 7:00 p.m.: John 1:40-42 “When Simon Was Silent” Tuesday, March 10, 7:00 p.m.: John 1:43-46 “Finding Philip” Wednesday, March 11, 7:00 p.m.: John 1:43-51 “Seen in the Shade”