Greetings to you in the middle of May – where has 2021 gone? We begin the day considering the next steps for gathering based on the new CDC recommendations and state-wide relaxation which is upcoming. We finally got the yard mowed yesterday and, sadly, the buttercups haven’t come back yet. But the weeds with stickers are gone – that’s a bonus. Next week we will celebrate Pentecost Sunday, alas, without our picnic for the second year in a row. Hopefully, we’ll be more fully back together soon. I pray you are enjoying the pleasant day and that the coming week is a blessing.
As we gather for worship we are reminded God has not left us comfortless; the Holy Spirit has been given to us to strengthen us for our ministry – carrying on the ministry of reconciliation begun in Jesus. Our Psalmist gives us the reminder that God’s laws are not a burden but have been given us to help create harmony and community. The deep measure of the law provides deep flowing water for our blessing. The first letter from John reassures us that we have been given eternal life and the promise is reinforced by the presence of Jesus. By following Jesus we find contentment in our lives, even with trials. The gospel of John states that we (humanity) never stop being God’s people and that God will continue to reach out to restore us to relationship. Today’s sermon was focused on the lesson from the Acts of the Apostles. In there, the writer helps define the post-Jesus community of faith. We realize the status quo is not the way to success. Looking backwards does not help us to move forward. God has put us in the world to tell the life-giving story of an active relationship with God.
I invite your comments,
Les+
Readings: Acts 1:15-17, 21-26; Psalm 1; 1 John 5:9-13; John 17:6-19
Video of worship: https://youtu.be/tYXVEYekLa4
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