Greetings on the first Sunday in July and the day before 4th of July holiday. We gather as community to remember the greatness of our nation and all the good things it has stood for – possibility, new beginnings, and hope for the hopeless. We can have difficulties finding hope, COVID still impacts our community (and church) more than two years later and there continues to be mistrust or distrust in our world. Yet, we know the truth, that our hope in community comes through God’s presence and loving care for us and all creation. May your celebration on the 4th be a time to remember God’s grace and blessings.
Our worship began with the reminder that we have been given two simple commands to be followers of God: to love God and love our neighbor. Our life is supported when we trust the Holy Spirit to lead us into true community. Our Hebrew Scripture from 2nd Kings was the story of Naaman and Elisha. How Elisha reminded Naaman that simple actions are needed for relationship and that money can’t buy everything. Our Psalmist sang a song that reminds us that we are lifted up by God over our enemies and their oppression. Yet, the deliverance also needs our relationship with God to survive. Our gospel from Luke was the story of Jesus sending the 70 to prepare the way for Jesus and to build the disciples trust in God’s providence.
Our sermon was based on the letter from Paul to the Galatians. Paul reminds and encourages the Galatians to bear each others burdens and to be gentle with others. Not to be walked on but gathering in as opposed to pushing out. By following Jesus we are relieved of the power of the world and the need to “succeed” in the world’s eyes.
I invite your comments,
Les+
Readings: 2 Kings 5:1-14; Psalm 30; Galatians 6:1-16; Luke 10:1-11, 16-20
Video of sermon: https://youtu.be/ZImfrbUB6Ek
Video of worship: https://youtu.be/AmTvHRtdZik
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