The process of making wine is multi-stage process. Six basic steps are involved:

1. Growing 
2. Harvesting
3. Pressing (Crushing)
4. Fermentation
5. Clarification
6. Aging/Bottling

The third step was originally done after the harvest. People would gather to dance with bare feet in a harvest ceremony. Their feet would trod on the grapes in barrels. Their feet pressed down on the grapes, transforming them into a “must.” This process separated the skins from the wine in order to produce delicious wine. Today the process uses modern technology for this third step of crushing the grapes. 

Jesus taught that new wine cannot be placed in old wineskins, inviting us to be open to follow God’s new path for our lives. The Pharisees, religious leaders in the time of Jesus, held onto the laws and traditions of their faith community tightly. Traditions can be both a blessing and a boundary that keep us from all that God has in store for us if we dig in our heels and cling to old, familiar ways. God wants to fill us with joy and sometimes that means we have to open ourselves to something new. 

As grapes are crushed under our feet to make new wine, we read in the psalms that God loves a broken spirit! (Psalm 51:17). God does not expect us to be “all-together” or “perfect,” but simply come humbly to the one who made us, loves us, and longs to transform us into something new and beautiful. Wine is a symbol of joy; God wants to fill us up with joy! 

This Sunday we will celebrate Holy Communion together. The sermon, Jesus: What He Said, is based on Matthew 9:14-17. 

I look forward to joyfully worshiping with you this Sunday!

Peace,

Pastor Cathy