Happy 4th of July weekend. It is sweltering in Suffolk and many other places across the United States. Summer has arrived full force, but it is supposed to be more pleasant and rainy as the month continues. Hopefully we get enough rain to refill the pond again – the level is a little low but not horribly so. Other than that, we have been watching the Monarch butterflies return to the property to partake of the ocean of milkweed. May your celebration on the 4th be safe and happy.

In worship we continued our journey with the relationship we have with God and what is required of us. We heard the prayer that we could be united in spirit by the teaching of the prophets who have preceded us. We are also reminded that the church brings support for our lives both inside and outside the walls. We listened to the Psalmist sing the lament that they feel lost to God and the reminder that, if we watch, we will see God’s presence. We will see God’s presence and celebrate the salvation found in God. The New Testament lesson from Romans tells us that we have been relieved from the thankless toil that many experience on earth, not because we are better, simply because we have hope found in Jesus. The gospel from Matthew tells us that we need to welcome others because we need to welcome others. The reward we receive is the reward offered to those who do God’s work.

Our sermon was based on the reading from Hebrew Scripture in Genesis. God commanded Abraham to sacrifice Isaac and Abraham was committed to doing what is unconscionable to him. He held on to the party line, “God will provide the sacrifice.” Through Abraham’s faith we can find hope when we have to do the unthinkable – to change from where we are comfortable to a place where we find ourselves closer to what God has in store for us.

Where do you find hope in change? I invite your comments,
Les+

Readings: Genesis 22:1-14; Psalm 13; Romans 6:12-23; Matthew 10:40-42

Listen at: https://audiomack.com/fatherles-1/song/5th-sunday-after-pentecost-sermon

Video of worship: https://youtu.be/Q6M8yGXjHeU

Video of sermon: https://youtu.be/oqIM-QrDfNU