Greetings as August dawns and the end of summer approaches. We are thankful for those who join us in the midst of busy schedules and the other perturbations of life. It seems like we get a couple folks to return to worship only to have a couple others head out of town. Yet, this is the state of life we live in – the demands of life find a way to creep into our common life of worship. And yet, we will meet to worship, share stories, share food, and be reminded that security and safety comes from our community. In worship, while we didn’t specifically pray for any situation nor did we comment on the events of the last week, we are saddened by the state of affairs in parts of our nation and pray that common ground may be found. Hopefully the thunderstorms rolling around the community are not a harbinger for the coming week.

It can be fitting, as a preacher/story teller, that I offer the prayers “may the words of my mouth and the meditations of our hearts be acceptable in your sight…” because sometimes our words get in the way of the message. While scripture tells us stories of the ups and downs of the faithful in society, especially the prophet Hosea, there is comfort in knowing that God is present if we continue to look for God. The gospel reminds us that all the “stuff” we gather to build security and keep our possessions doesn’t keep us secure or safe. The writer of Colossians reminds us, and it’s worth considering in our present situation, our understanding of God evolves – we don’t know everything about God because we can’t and we won’t. But that doesn’t mean that we can’t try to know God better – each and every day; in each and every person.

I invite your comments,
Les+

Readings: Hosea 11:1-11; Psalm 107:1-9, 43; Colossians 3:1-11; Luke 12:13-21

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