Greetings from St. John’s in the wake of our (limited) interaction with Tropical Storm Elsa. We fared well and there was little damage from the winds and rain – one tree fell into the pond but that’s not a terrible thing. We have a few new entries on the “injury list” but thankfully, most will not suffer long-term issues but are on the sidelines for a short stay. We are focused on some work on the sanctuary to place it in good stead for the coming decades. May the middle of July come without issue for you and yours.
In worship our collect writer touched on the need of God’s grace that will allow us to do the things we ought to do. Our ability to be successful in based solely on God’s grace and our response to God’s grace. In our Hebrew Scripture text from 2nd Samuel we saw the return of the Ark to the City of David, celebrating with the ritual practices which grounded the Israelites in God. David celebrated like there was nothing better to do. The psalmist continued the theme of giving thanks to God at all times and in all places. We are able to do this because God makes us holy (sets us aside for God’s work). The gospel reading from Mark was the account of John the Baptist’s beheading by Herod at the request of Salome. Our reading from the letter to the Ephesians reminds us that we are chosen by God and were chosen before the beginning of time. God’s selection makes us adopted by God and filled with reasons to give thanks.
Based on our adoption our response must be to faithfully follow God’s teachings – to meet together and be in community; to pray, break bread, and have fellowship; and to be witnesses for the presence of God. Our mission is to be faithful in looking for and sharing insight into God’s presence in the world. From there we will be able to bring change to the world for God’s family.
I invite your comments,
Les+
Readings: 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19; Psalm 24; Ephesians 1:3-14; Mark 6:14-29
Video of worship: https://youtu.be/cjT6MJv05F4
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