Friday, September 22, 2023

As we complete these last days of summer, I read these words from John's Gospel account...
                     
                       "This is my commandment, that you love one another,
                              as I have loved you."     (John 15:12)

These three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love (1 Corinthians 13:13).
   
If we could walk in the love of God all of the time, we wouldn't ever need to be afraid. Why? Because there is no fear in love. (See 1 John 4:18) When we are convinced that we are truly safe in God's love, that God's will really is the best thing for us, and that God will never fail to meet our need; we can stop being afraid. Along with that fear, greedy and prideful thoughts can fall by the wayside. We are certain deep down inside that we are safe, no matter what circumstances surround us. Sounds like a happy peaceful life to me. How about you? So... why not begin today trying to build a life where you feel safe all the time, and pray that you too will be convinced of the depths of God's love for you?  
   
Pray... Help me to rest in your love, when our patience is tested, or others are critical of us, or we are frustrated. Lord, help us rest in Your love. Amen. 

+++ Sunday worship is at 8:30am and 10:00am this week.  The 8:30am worship group is enjoying being back in the warm, cozy Fireside Room while 10:00am sees us in our beautiful Sanctuary. And, of course, we "live-stream" worship at 10:00am on the church's Facebook page for those who are unable to join us in the Sanctuary. We notice that worship attendance continues to grow throughout the week and we know that people are also worshipping on our YouTube channel throughout the week. However you worship... we are blessed to have YOU as a member of our worshipping community. This week our Lectionary takes us to the Parable of the Workers in the Field and my message, "Living Into God's Story" has us comparing fairness with grace. Join me as we think this through together!

+++ KIDZ CLUB continues at 10:00am for our young people. Julie Bills has been with the kids for the first few weeks and we are trying a new path of developing a team of 3-4 volunteers who might take turns leading this energetic group of kids. We have a curriculum and with a little bit of preparation and the time on Sunday mornings, you too can enjoy a whole lot of blessings from the kids you'll be with! To become part of this exciting ministry, contact me, Julie Bills, or the church office!  

+++ Giving Statements are available on the table in the Narthex. Please pick yours up this week and you can help save the church the cost of postage! Thanks for all the gifts you give to support the ministry we do around the world!    

+++ Next Tuesday morning we will be celebrating the life of Joe and Vera Honis in the Sanctuary so... if you are a part of a Tuesday morning activity... please check with your leader about where in the building you will be meeting!   

+++ Worship at Summerfield Brookdale is next Thursday, September 28th at 1:00pm. You are invited to join us if you'd like for this time of worship and fellowship.  

Make this day a great day and always remember to pray... Lord, help me to rest in your love!   
​Pastor Jack