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Beloved:
Because it’s a very short work week for me before heading out of town for Thanksgiving, I’ll share a quick re-cap of Sunday’s sermon. While world leaders argue themselves silly over how to help refugees and keep ourselves safe ~ we, the church, have no such difficulty. For us, the problem is simple and the solution is clear. Trusting with our lives & our life together that God is . . . that God is good . . . and that God is able . . . . to keep his promise of eternal grace to us, we have nothing in this world to fear. Thus, we are free to do his will ~ in this case ~ to welcome the stranger. As we move through your Thanksgiving Week, may we take every opportunity to do so. ~ peace and prayers, pastor annette
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Beloved:
FaceBook is breaking my heart this morning. Tagging an article describing France’s bombings in Syria, one friend commented, “Hooraaaayyyy!” Another tagged his favorite place to buy guns locally, ‘given the times,’ he wrote. Both are Christian men. My stomach hurts and my eyes are full of tears. I decided not to read any more for a few days and then I saw this, by Carl’s cousin who is also a preacher. It’s what I would write if I were a better writer. Thank you, Brother John. “I am a soul searcher, one who continually seeks Christ in my life. I try to look beyond what my rational self thinks, and look to the question, "What side is Jesus on?" I am not always right, but I have certain confidences given in scripture, and in my experience, which give me clues to the heart of God. "Always look for the side of the poor, those who go without, who yearn but are not filled. I believe Christ is on their side. We are to clothe them, and feed them as we would for Christ; that is what Jesus expects. "Look for what is the right thing to do, it isn't always convenient, but deep in my bones I know it is right. It is in your bones too. Look for the frail, the bruised reed, the flickering flame; there you will find Christ. Look for the oppressed, the refugees of the world who are like sheep without a shepherd; there you will find Christ. Look for doors opened to young refugees in Egypt, where you wouldn't think you could find a Savior; there you will find Christ. "Would opening our doors give place to those who would seek to destroy us? Possibly. But I am looking for where Christ is, for I am safe there. As you put up your nativity scene this year, ask yourself who you have turned away this year, where you may have missed an opportunity to make room for Christ. "I may be wrong about my position, if yours differs I will respect it; but my hope will always be in Christ.” ~ John Everett ~ peace & prayers, pastor annette November 10, 2015
Beloved: Sadnesses great and small abound in our little flock these days. Illness and heartbreak that leave us wordless and aching to help our friends feel better. “I love you,” goes a long way. As does a card with the promise to keep praying for each other. Much as we try to believe our lives are in God’s hands, everyday facts eventually frustrate even the deepest faith. When our desires seem to match the will of God and still the losses come discouragement is natural. I pray the same prayers as most every believer, “Why?” and am met with the same divine silence, the silence which drives me back to you, to our life together, however wordless and aching it sometimes is. Where being loved seems like such a little thing to say but is so strangely comforting in these days of sadnesses, both great and small. ~peace & prayers, pastor annette |
I write a Tuesday morning devotional to members and friends of UBC. It is also posted here.
Enjoy! Pastor Annette Copyright
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July 2022
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