I bid you welcome and greetings from a rather fall-like Chuckatuck. This morning dawned in the upper 50s and was bright and clear. I hope it is the sign of things to come. We have been blessed with a bountiful drop of chestnuts, mostly from the tree on the edge of the property but it looks like our tree will drop late this week or early next week. Hopefully we can find some takers for the bounty – in one week we have a five-gallon bucket full of nuts. This coming week we will begin the investigation into the steps we need to take to shore up the sanctuary (or simply renovate the interior). And one last shameless plug, if you haven’t seen the new front door for the Sanctuary drop by and get a look at the wonderful work.
As we worshipped today, we continued our investigation of living our best life for God. We are reminded the greatest thing we can search for is God’s promises in the world and finding God’s ever-present grace and mercy. If we find those things, we will be well on the road to a deeper relationship with God. Our Hebrew scripture today was the story of Haman and his having to pay for his attempt to eradicate the Jews, out of hatred and xenophobia. The Psalmist sang a song that serves as a reminder that without God on our side we will not be able to stand against our enemies. We may be attacked but if we trust in God’s providence we will not be destroyed. The letter from James told a truth to the Jewish Christians in the diaspora, no matter what condition you find yourself in you need to offer prayers and sing praises to God. If you do that you will find the strength to be sustained in times of trial. The Gospel reading is an example of what happens when believers forget the world revolves around God and not us. The disciples complain that “someone not in the group” was doing Jesus’ work, and Jesus reminded them that those who do God’s work in God’s name are God’s workers.
Our sermon was based on the reading from James and the gospel. We looked at the questions, “what do you need to surrender about your practice to be more closely aligned with God?” A second observation was, “if we live an authentic life which acknowledges our warts and shortfalls, we will be more welcoming for those searching for God.” Where are you challenged to live a life of surrender to God?
I invite your comments,
Les+
Readings: Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22; Psalm 124; James 5:13-20; Mark 9:38-50
Video of worship: https://youtu.be/l_u4A1evYYQ
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