Greetings from Chuckatuck after a 4 week hiatus. Today dawned bright and breezy and has just become windier during the day. After nearly 6 inches of rain on Thursday the wind and sun will do a good job drying out the property. I have been thankful that the parish stepped up in my absence and during the first part of my recovery from shoulder surgery to lead worship. It has been a blessing but it is nice to get back to work. Today didn’t go quite as expected either, there was no video during worship (a first in all the services I’ve recorded) and I left my digital recorder at home (which impacts the audio of my sermon). As Thanksgiving Day approaches I pray everyone is healthy and that they can find something to give thanks for in the middle of the craziness of 2020.

We gathered for worship and were reminded in our collect that scripture is the way that we get insights into our relationship with God and God’s guidance for us. Our lesson from Judges told the beginning of the story of Deborah leading up to the deliverance of Israel from Jabin and Sisera. Deborah gave counsel that reminded Barak of God’s providence and protection, as long as Barak trusted in God. The psalmist echoed the reminder that our help comes to us when we look to God for help. Paul reminds the Thessalonians that God has already given them the insights they need to be successful and to persevere when they feel beset by the cares of the world and temptation. Our sermon today focused on the story of the talents, not simply as a story of stewardship but a reminder that God equips us for success and doesn’t place us in a situation that we can’t succeed. Sometimes, our failures come from our fear of the unknown and our ability to forget that God has given us talents that work in community with other believers. God’s call is to work with others to overcome your fears and be what God has equipped you to be.

I invite your comments,
Les+

Readings: Judges 4:1-7; Psalm 123; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11; Matthew 25:14-30

Worship video is available at: https://youtu.be/XTX9V4uP0Nw

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