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Hi everyone! I hope you enjoyed the Family Day long weekend, and that you’re having a good week.

Mine has been a little up-and-down.  On the upside, I’m happy to see the streets and sidewalks clearing of snow, and am glad the temperature is inching upward again. (Still lots of snow on the mountain tops for those who want to go up and play in it, but I don’t miss it in the grocery store parking lot!)

I’m also looking forward to this coming Sunday. We’ll be celebrating the Lord’s Supper together, which is always a joyful experience. No doubt you’ve noticed that we’re having Communion a little later this month. We chose to do that because this Sunday our series in 1 Corinthians arrives at the major NT Communion passage: 1 Corinthians 11:17-34. It seemed reasonable to link our celebration of the Lord’s Table with our study of this important text.

Did you know that, from a historical standpoint, this passage is the earliest written description of the Lord’s Supper that we have? Jesus established the Supper 20-some years before, prior to the crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension. The story of that event was passed on along with the gospel, and the church had been celebrating Communion for decades. (Thus, Paul could tell the Corinthians, “I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you….”)  However, as far as we can tell, Matthew, Mark, and Luke weren’t written down until the late a.d. 50’s and the 60’s, with John coming a while later. Paul’s journeys and his letters to the Corinthians happened earlier in the 50’s. So, Paul ends up being the one who gives us the very first written description of Jesus’ words about the bread and cup.

I found that tidbit interesting when I ran across it this past week. It doesn’t change the meaning of the text at all, so if you don’t find it interesting, that’s OK. For me, it just helps to reinforce the importance of 1 Corinthians as a key part of God’s Word to His people, especially in the church’s early days.

These are some of the most familiar verses in all of Scripture. We read them almost every time we share the Lord’s Supper. So, we’ll be on more comfortable ground as we study together this week—though it’s still a great idea to read through the passage ahead of time as you’re able. I look forward to our study, and to sharing the Supper together on Sunday.

On the down-side, the kidney stone situation I shared about back in January is still coming and going. This week the doctors put me through the shock wave treatment designed to break up the stones that are hanging around in my kidney. That’s progress, and I’m grateful for cancellations and quick appointments. But it also means unpredictable moments when the little rascals try to pass through my system. I mention it for two reasons. First, though I’m mostly functioning normally, I may be in and out of the office more randomly than usual for the next few weeks. Thanks for your patience if I’m a little hard to find on some days. Second, as always I appreciate your prayers, as do all the members of our community who have health concerns, many of which are much more serious than mine.

Ups and downs are OK, because our Lord guides and walks along with us through both. May you sense His presence on the path He has laid out for you this week, and may it be marked by many blessings. Have a wonderful week!

Pastor Ken