The Congregational Church of Austin, UCC
United Church of Christ

Why Was Jesus Killed? Why Did Jesus Die?

     Then he shall kill the goat of the sin offering which is for the people, and bring its blood within the veil, and do with its blood as he did with the blood of the bull, sprinkling it upon the mercy seat and before the mercy seat; thus he shall make atonement for the holy place, because of the uncleanness of the people of Israel, and because of their transgressions, all their sins; Leviticus 16:15-16
     Surely he has born our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that made us whole, and with his stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:4-5
     The tyrant was punished and our land purified, since they [the martyrs] became, as it were, a ransom for the sin of our nation. Through the blood of these righteous ones and through the propitiation of their death the divine providence rescued Israel, which had been shamefully treated. 4th Maccabees 17:21-22
     For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures...I Corinthians 15:3
     Since, therefore, we are now justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. Romans 5: 9-10
     And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to arrest him by stealth, and kill him; for they said, "Not during the feast, lest there be a tumult of the people." Mark 14:1
     ...this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. Acts 2:23
     ...he suffered torments and tortures he did not deserve. It was we who deserved them because of our sins. He became the cause of sins being forgiven, for he accepted in our place the death, the blows and the disgrace we deserved. He transferred them to himself and took upon himself the curse that was rightly ours, thus becoming a curse for us. Eusebius of Caesarea
     Those who get in the way get killed. Archbishop Oscar Romero of El Salvador
     A non-violent deity can only signal his existence to mankind by having himself driven out by violence--by demonstrating that he is not able to establish himself in the Kingdom of Violence. Rene Girard
     People who live deeply in the Spirit suffer because there are always some who cannot bear them. Like Jesus and many before and after him, people suffer who stand up to be counted in the struggles against oppression and indifference, greed and apathy, rigid moralism , and those traditions and customs (both secular and religious) that take precedence over human needs and the well-being of both creation and Creator... Atonement, making right relation with God, occurs in the context of wrong relation--relation steeped in authoritarian, moralistic, violent dynamics. Carter Heyward
     Why was Jesus killed? Why did Jesus die?
     These will be the two questions we'll focus on this year during Lent. The questions are different yet related. Why was Jesus killed? Who killed him? What did Jesus say and do that led them to torture and kill him? Why did Jesus die? How did Jesus' earliest followers interpret his death? What theological, cosmic significance did they give his death? Why did they interpret his death the way they did? How were these interpretations passed on and developed by later generations? How have they been challenged, defended and reinterpreted by contemporary Christians?
     "Jesus died for our sins" is perhaps the most basic Christian statement of faith. But what does it really mean? Was Jesus a blood sacrifice for our sins? Did Jesus suffer the punishment we deserved? Did God require Jesus' death to restore God's honor? Was Jesus the incarnation of a non-violent God who challenged the system of domination through non-violent action? These are three very different responses to the question. But the real question is: can you articulate what Jesus' death means for you and how it makes a difference in your life?
     As we reflect on these questions, we'll look at scripture and how it has been interpreted in various ways throughout the years. We'll look at a variety of different interpretations of Jesus' death, both sacrificial and non-sacrificial. We'll ask ourselves, what do the various interpretations say about Jesus? About God? About humanity? About evil? About salvation? But the ultimate goal will be to provide you the resources, support and encouragement you need to reflect deeply on these questions so you can answer the real one for yourself: what does Jesus death mean for me and what difference does it make in my life?
   '  Well meet after worship during Lent. So grab some coffee or tea, a cookie or a piece of celery (if Matt hosts) and join us.

ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE - Wednesday, February 13, 7:00pm
     We'll begin our journey through Lent this year with an Ash Wednesday service. This service will include the imposition of ashes and the sharing of Christ's bread and cup. Ashes are symbolic of the dust from which God raises us up and to which our bodies return after death, our complete dependence on God's breath of life, and our desire to repent and seek a right relationship with God. Within Protestant churches, the Ash Wednesday service is one many people typically avoid because they think it's too "Catholic," while those who do attend experience it as very moving and wish more from their church would attend. Hope you find yourself in the latter group!

BRING A CROSS TO WORSHIP IN LENT
     You are invited to bring a cross to worship sometime during the season of Lent. The cross, Christianity's central symbol, is rich, profound and deep in meaning. It's meaning can also be very personal. Our special cross may remind us not only of Christ but some other person who has touched our life in a Christ-like manner. Please bring a cross that has special meaning to you, one that symbolizes the way of Christ to you. Place the cross on the communion table as you enter the sanctuary for worship. We'll keep the crosses in the sanctuary throughout the season of Lent and use them as a focus for our Lenten worship and reflection.

THURSDAY LECTIO DIVINAS AT 7:30 pm
     Lectio Divinas combines reflection on scripture and silent prayer. In Lectio Divinas, we listen to a passage of scripture several times. After the first reading we ask, "is there one word that is particularly meaningful, significant, joyful, troublesome, enlightening or confusing?" After the second reading we ask, "how does this passage make you feel?" After the third reading, "how does this passage speak to your life right now?" After the fourth reading we sit in silent, reflective prayer. After the fifth reading we ask, "what may God be saying to you in this passage, or how may God be calling you to respond to this passage?" This last question moves us from reflection to action. People often comment on how different the scripture sounds, or how new meanings come to light when it's heard and reflected upon a number of times. Please consider joining us for Lectio Divinas at church on Thursday evenings at 7:30 pm.

TOM, ROBIN AND ALEX SAY THANK YOU
     Thanks so much for the housewarming/Christmas gift that y'all presented to us at Christmas. It was very generous and thoughtful...and to be able to sit on Santa's lap, well, that was just priceless! We also thank you for the many cards and personal gifts that we received from so many of you. Y'all have really made us feel loved and at home!

Tom, Robin and Alex.

LIFEWORKS TO BEGIN "DROP-IN" PROGRAM IN FEBRUARY
     Tommie Pinkard, Ben White and Tom VandeStadt met with Ronnie Mendoza in January to discuss the details of LifeWorks' move into the Congregational Church. As you recall, the Congregational Church voted to respond favorably to LifeWorks' request to move their day "drop-in" program for homeless youth into our building. Ronnie expressed his belief that the best transition would be to move the program into our church one day a week--Fridays. LifeWorks and the church can then monitor and work out any problems as they arise. Assuming all goes well with the one day a week plan, LifeWorks will add more days later in the spring. LifeWorks plans to begin their program here on Friday, February 15. Our church's Homeless Ministry Oversight Committee will work closely with Ronnie and the LifeWorks staff to ensure the smooth operation of their program in our building. The Oversight Committee includes Fran Briggs, Ben White, Karl Putz and Tommie Pinkard.

FREEZE NIGHT UPDATE
     I was hungry and you gave me food...
     I was a stranger and you welcomed me.
At the last AAIM Homeless Commission meeting in which Craig Headley, Ben White and Tom VandeStadt represented our church, members commented that this year's Freeze Night program was going very well organizationally. I believe this is due in part to the work of our own church members, in particular, our chief organizer, Craig. But let's thank everyone from our church who has so far volunteered or offered to volunteer in this ministry that offers homeless youth a warm and safe place to eat and sleep. Thank you John Burlinson, Jake Burlinson, John Moore, Tommie Pinkard, Suzanne Bradford, Mark McCoy, Craig Headley, Karl Putz, Andrea Putz, Vic Appel, Nic Harter, Robin Rosson, Lyn Lemley, Jeri Winter, Ben White, Michael Adams, Robin Chapman and Tom VandeStadt.

AN OPPORTUNITY TO STRENGTHEN
OUR SOCIAL OUTREACH MINISTRY
Feb 16th Meeting at Episcopal Seminary

     For several months, the pastors and social outreach coordinators of the University area churches have been discussing ways to better coordinate, strengthen and expand their social outreach ministries. On Saturday, Feb 16th, pastors, social outreach coordinators, and all other church members interested in social outreach and justice ministries are invited to a presentation by the Micah 6 Project. The Micah 6 Project, developed by the Economic Justice and Domestic Hunger Program of the National Council of Churches, supports congregations who seek to strengthen their community outreach ministries. The University area churches are considering becoming part of the Micah 6 network and this meeting will provide basic information about the Micah 6 Project and how it may help us be more effective in our ministry. The presentation will be held at the Episcopal Theological Seminary on Saturday, February 16, from 9 am to 1 pm. Given our church's commitment to ministry to the homeless and other people in need, this should be very pertinent to our own ministry. Let's get a good turnout from our church!

SPIRITUAL GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES AT
SETON COVE SPIRITUALITY CENTER
     I was recently invited to participate on The Seton Cove Clergy Advisory Committee. The Seton Cove is a spirituality center located on Crawford Avenue just off 38th Street. Seton Cove offers a number of programs on spirituality, including prayer groups, classes and book readings. The January to March schedule includes such diverse programs as a four-week series entitled "The Message of Islam" led by Zeeshan Ali, a member of the Islamic Supreme Council of America and a PhD. candidate at UT; morning and noon prayer groups; men's and women's spirituality groups; a two-part series called "Ethics and Terrorism" led by Ismael Garcia, Professor of Christian Ethics at Austin Seminary; and a six-week study called "Contemporary Fiction and the Contemplative Life," in which Kent Haruff's Plainsong, Wendel Berry's Jayber Crow and Barbara Ehrenreich's Nickel and Dimed: On Not Getting By in America will be read and discussed. If you would like a copy of Seton Cove's schedule of programs, pick one up in our Fellowship Hall.

CHURCH DIRECTORY NOTICES:
Conrad Deisler 3200 Kerby Lane 78703- 1451
David Pinkard 566 Prospect Ave., #2, Brooklyn, NY 11215-6012
Devin Zimmerman, 1515 Rudel Dr., Apt. 1114, Tomball, TX 77375-4254
John Moore, Suzanne L. Bradford, 4713 Highland Terrace 78731

BIRTHDAYS TO CELEBRATE
FEBRUARY
4 Jonathan M. Carruthers
6 Mardie Oakes
7 Geneva Ross
8 Barbara Burnham
13 Richard Jackson
16 Mathis Blackstock, Nancy Brown
17 John Moore
18 Ned Murphy
19 Jamie Adams
20 Flo Chiles
26 Ida M. Lttle

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY"

CROP WALK - 2002
AUSTIN HUNGER WALK
WALK WITH THE WORLD
Fiesta Gardens on Town Lake
SATURDAY,MARCH 2, MORNING
SUNDAY, MARCH 3 - AFTERNOON
Registration, Saturday 9:30 am
Step-off - 10:00 am
Registration, Sunday, 1:45 pm
Step-off - 2:30 pm
We walk rain or shine!

OUR SYMPATHY TO
John & Eleanor Towery and their family, on the death of their great grandson, Blake Thomas Johnson, son of granddaughter Pam Johnson and her husband Christ.

AN IMPORTANT NOTICE
The Bloodmosbile will visit the church
from noon to 4:00 pm, Sunday, March 10th.
GIVE AN ARMFUL!

A SPECIAL NOTE TO SHARE

January 3, 2002
Dear Congregational Church Family,
     Words cannot adequately express the deep sense of gratitude that we feel for all that you did for Jean and us, especially over the past several months of her illness. We appreciate very much your outpouring of love, support, and prayers. We are grateful for the many meals and gifts that you gave us. Your visits, cards, and calls comforted Jean and the rest of our family. Your kindness and thoughtfulness reminded us of God's love and presence in our lives.
     You were like family to Jean. As she stated in her own thank you note to you, she loved you all dearly. What a beautiful gift you gave her, by returning that love, at the time when she needed it the most.
     Forgive us for not yet thanking each and every one of you personally for your acts of kindness. Frankly, they were so innumerable, towards the end, that it was hard to keep track of them all! But please know that the Appel family will always be appreciative for all that you did for us. It made such a big difference!
     We also thank you for the sympathy and support you have given us since we lost Jean. The Fun and Fellowship Committee did a great job of hosting and providing food for the reception at the Appel home after the memorial service. Your help has been a great comfort to us. It has made this time of deep sorrow more bearable. God bless you all.

FEBRUARY WORSHIP SCHEDULE
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF AUSTIN
UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

February 3, 4th Sunday after Epiphany
11:00 am
Micah 6: 1-8
Matthew 5:1-12
The Micah passage gets to the heart of the prophetic critique of cultic worship, claiming God does not require the sacrifice of goods, but that we act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God. In Matthew's Gospel we read the Beatitudes, a series of blessings Jesus imparts upon those who embody the inner disposition and outer behavior reflected in Micah's words.

February 10, Last Sunday of Epiphany,
11:00 am
Exodus 24: 12-18
Matthew 17: 1-9
In the Exodus passage, God instructs Moses to climb the mountain to receive the Law. In Matthew's passage, Jesus climbs a mountain and is 'transfigured' as God's glory radiates through Jesus. A key element of the passage is the voice from the cloud, "listen to him!"

February 13, Ash Wednesday, 7:00 pm
This service will focus on our absolute dependence on God's spirit and our desire to repent and seek a right relationship with God. We'll impose ashes and share Christ's bread and cup.

February 17, First Sunday in Lent, 11:00 am
Psalm 32 Matthew 4:1-11
Psalm 32 is a song that celebrates the forgiveness of sin that follows confession. In Matthew's Gospel, we read of Jesus' successful resistance to temptation in the wilderness.

February 24, Second Sunday in Lent,
11:00 am
Psalm 121
John 3:1-17
Psalm 121 acknowledges that God is supportive and always present. In John's gospel, we read the story of Nicodemus, the Pharisee who visits Jesus in the night. Jesus shares with him the news that one must experience a spiritual rebirth in order to enter the reign of God.
Please join us for worship.
Adult Christian Education precedes worship at 9:45.
Youth Christian Education precedes worship at 10:00.

P E R S O N A L S
by Catherine Hubbs

Our hearts go out to John and Eleanor Towery and their family. Blake Thomas Johnson, son of granddaughter Pam Johnson and her husband Christ, was born without a left ventricle. He survived a first operation but succumbed later in the week. Graveside service in Pflugerville were held on Monday, January 28. We are thinking of you and send our love to all of you.
     And our love and prayers are with Hulen and Wil Brown, who are taking on parental care of grandchildren Frances, 10, Quentin, 9, and Tijer, 8, at the same time as funding for Wil's Associate Conference Minister position has been eliminated.
     Mary Halladay, at Stonebridge Health Center, recently had a bad fall from her wheelchair. She fell on the leg which had given her so much trouble, but there were only contusions, no breaks. High blood pressure, however, made her quite ill until it could be brought under control, and on the third week in January she still didn't feel well enough to have visitors or long phone call.
     While away last summer, Flo Chiles was able to get wonderful relief from the arthritis in her hip with steroid injections at Mayo Clinic. She is at home and hoping to find an arthritis specialist who can give her the shots at three-month intervals. Meanwhile Suzanne VanderPoel is recuperating following her knee cap break and surgery. She has been told that she can hope for some degree of normal function within eight weeks and has already succeeded in driving for the first time. Moreover, she says that the difference in her allergies is the difference between night and day since she moved away from the mold in her old apartment.
     Just before the Christmas holidays, Louise Whitworth suffered with pain at the back of her head, and consulted a neurologist, finally, who diagnosed temporal arteritis. Their hope is that need for the medication (prednisone) will be temporary. Meantime she has decided to retire from the position of church secretary. Louise, how can we ever get along without you? You're the one who has all our answers! Your spirit and helpfulness have provided a calm center no matter how the waters swirl around us.
     Roofs are in the news. Recently Michael Adams, Tom VandeStadt, Lisa Kirch, and Sara Ross spent the day on Michael's roof, and now Michael's is rainproof. Then Florence Castle's roof shingles were a mess. Her son climbed into the attic and discovered the culprit. A raccoon has taken up residence and, they are afraid, is planning to raise a family there. As this is being written, Florence is wondering how to evict her unwelcome tenant. Suggestions include bright lights, loud music, and ammonia-soaked cloths.
     Geroge Lemley has a new office at 1410 Royston Lane, Round Rock 78664. They are busily working on inside walls and ceilings and hope to have an open house in a couple of months.
     Vic Appel and Mark McCoy want to express appreciation to the participants in the latest workday. They continue to renew and make our church beautiful. They have given a coat of white paint to the "cave" off of the Appel room in the basement, will paint the two rooms LifeWorks will use for offices, and will replace ceiling tile. A-Tex Waterproofing has replaced worn limestone in the archway on the east side of our church entrance, and Vic is now looking for a way of making the remaining limestone look new. He tells us to look for a visit from daughter Debbie, Bob, and little Emily Grace around February 10.
     On December 28 Barbara Burnham and her brother had a wonderful time attending the fiftieth wedding anniversary party given for her uncle and aunt, Al and Patsy Harper in Katy. All eight cousins on that side of the family were there, and the party brought back happy childhood memories. Her uncle couldn't resist mentioning that Barbara's role fifty years ago was throwing up on her grandmother, who then could not attend the ceremony. At least that became family legend.
     Nodie Murphy is busily working on the Round Rock chorus spring revue, Swanee, which has been moved up from May to February. Between Christmas and New Year's Nodie Murphy and son Seth visited Nodie's parents and sisters in New Orleans and new baby Charles III, son of Nodie's brogher, Chip. Thanks to their move to San Antonio, daughter Sara Sennour and her family have made two visits to the Murphys since Christmas. In his senior year in high school, Ned teaches Kung Fu and works at Macaroni Grill.
    Robin Rosson's rock band, Afterimage, had its second gig Saturday night, January 19, at Graffiti's, and Robin's dad played "roadie," delivering boys and equipment.
     It was wonderful to see Rizer Everett in church on January 6. He brought two guests to our potluck luncheon: granddaughter Kate and great-granddaughter Megan. Craig Headley brought two guests to church on January 20. One was a doctoral candidate at U.T. and the other an Air Force Officer on his way to report for duty in Biloxi, Mississippi. He also brought greetings from Charles Stark, former member and UCC pastor at Slumber Falls.
     Louise Whitworth spent the third week in January visiting her brother in Florida. He had invited her down to celebrate her retirement, so Louise had to celebrate a bit prematurely. Mary Sinclair -- bless her -- substituted in the office.
     On January 10 the Hubbs were happy to be able to combine a meeting of Clark's in San Diego with a chance to see Yoshi and Setsuko Kaneda. After lunch together at Anthony's Fish Grotto Yoshi drove them to their hom in Bonita. The house is lovely. They have redone cabinet work, put in hardwood flooring, and enlarged the master bedroom. Clark and Catherine ate dessert with them outside on the patio, where they could see the beautifully trimmed garden and the park next door. Setsuko loves having the time to stay home. They enjoy the grandchildren. And Yoshi is completing his certification for interim ministry.

________________________
A Communication,
I just accepted a position as Reference/Instruction Librarian at Prairie View A & M University and am commuting from Tomball. I really enjoyed the CC of A and miss it as I look for a congregation locally!
Take care.
Devin Zimmerman

Worth Repeating, Worth Repeating...
"Give us clear vision that we may know where to stand and what to stand for, because unless we stand for something, we shall fall for anything."
-Peter Marshall
from Mr. Johnes, Meet the Master