​

Sunday February 5th
​Fourth Sunday After Epiphany
at 11:00 AM

Rev. Christopher Ponniuraj, Minister

​ Restoring Beauty

View Sunday’s Bulletin 

John Strybos, Music Director
​
Chancel Choir:   Kelly Guerra, Lauren Mitchell,
Robert Orbach & Susie Reisinger
 
Our Friendship and Fellowship Coffee Hour
will be held in Bodge Lounge following Worship.
​
Come and share the joy of Christ’s love with us.
​

January 29, 2023         
Fourth Sunday After Epiphany
A Short  Sermon
 The Vision is Beautiful
​from Rev. Dr. Christopher Ponnuraj
​

Matthew in his Gospel places the Beatitudes at the very beginning of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, and this sermon comes at the beginning of his ministry and also is considered as a prologue to the discipleship. The gospel passage for this Sunday St. Matthews 5:1-12, is the introductory part of the Sermon on the Mount.

In the closing verses of the fourth chapter of the St. Matthew gospel, Jesus having finished the calling of his disciples, begins teaching in the region of the Galilee and in the Synagogues of that region. People brought the sick to Jesus for healing, and great crowds were gathering from as far as Jerusalem, the Decapolis, Judea and areas beyond the Jordan. Seeing the crowds, Jesus gathers the disciples and goes up on a mountain.

The opening of Jesus’ sermon appears to be directed only to the disciples, those who have left everything to follow Jesus. They are being prepared for their discipleship, and for the ministry they will share with Jesus. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. This teaching must have dawned upon the disciples quickly.

The pattern appears to be humiliation now and glory later. Such a proposal makes no sense whatsoever unless God can be trusted to "deliver" on His promises - "His side of the bargain." As the ministry of Jesus unfolds, it becomes clear that the Beatitudes reflect the style of Jesus' own life and ministry, and what his disciples will be expected to follow. These words become a prologue to the gospel Jesus will preach, the examples he will set, and the counsel he will give. We recall the question as Matthew records in chapter 19:16,21"Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?" Jesus said to him: "If you would be perfect, go sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me."
                        View the entire short sermon.
​Peace and Blessings
Rev. Dr. Christopher Ponnuraj
Minister

​


​​Please don’t forget our ongoing collection of
​non-perishable food
​​for the Yonkers Food Pantry!

​Our Mission:
West Center Congregational Church seeks to worship the Living God, being led by the Holy Spirit, to carry on the work of Jesus Christ in justice, peace, simplicity and unity.​
Stillspeaking

It's the shorter form of "God is still speaking," a campaign by the United Church of Christ to remind us that God still has a lot more to say. Since 2004, Stillspeaking has worked with thousands of UCC churches and individuals across the country to make religion relevant again and to extend an extravagant welcome to all--
​because no matter who you are, or where you are on life's journey,
you're welcome here.
​ Here at West Center Congregational,
​ United Church of Christ.


​Where the Doors of the Church swing open
​on the hinges of love and peace!
​

Your donations help us  to continue with our Missions during these trying times!

Mail a check or make a donation through your online banking service.
Make the donation to: West Center Congregational Church
101 Pondfield Road West Bronxville, NY 10708

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​Contact us:

Church Office: 101 Pondfield Road West,
Bronxville, NY 10708
Email: westcenterucc@verizon.net
​Phone: (914) 337-3829