Grace and peace to you as May begins to draw to a close. We have experienced a lot of changes in the last week that, while not dramatic, have been eye-opening. Our weather, like most of the nation, has been frenetic and mercurial – lots of rain and sweltering heat. Yet, we continue to move forward and look for God’s grace and calling in our lives and in our community. Sadly, our blood drive that was supposed to happen Thursday was postponed (Red Cross mechanical issue) until July. Hopefully, we can use that as a means to propel ourselves into the fall and rededication to community.
In worship we were reminded that the good things created by God for God’s people are more than we can even imagine. Our love of God comes from being touched by God’s grace and sharing our experience. Our Psalmist sang a song to God asking to have God let us know the depth of God’s grace and healing presence. Once we realize God’s grace, we need to sing praise for others to hear and follow. The reading from the revelation to John continued the imagery of the New Jerusalem and how God’s heavenly city dwells with humans and that once we are there we will have no worries of fears. Our gospel reading from John continued the urging of Christ to love one another as God has loved us. Once we realize God’s love we will do more that God has done in the world.
Our sermon was based on the reading from Acts. In today’s reading, Lydia and Paul meet outside the city of Philippi and share their faith with each other. Paul touched Lydia so much, she and her entire family were baptized. Paul and Lydia had come to Philippi separately but they shared mutual ministry for God. We are like Paul and Lydia – called to minister with others for God.
I invite your comments,
Les+
Readings: Acts 16:9-15; Psalm 67; Revelation 21:10, 22-22:5; John 14:23-29
Video of worship: https://youtu.be/uWmBxVF8wmY
Video of sermon: https://youtu.be/KSEojEKL5MA
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