God's abundant blessings to you this morning. This morning is not like another Monday morning. It's a morning where we go back to school, to work, and into our community with hearts that still are filled with great pain from what we witnessed in Newtown, CT on Friday. We seek the peace that passes all understanding as we make sense of all that has taken place in our nation. May the Lord continue to pour out His grace to all who are in need this day.
In worship yesterday, we centered our thoughts around this event from Friday and sought out ways to cope and ways we, as the people of Jesus Christ can respond. I was led to preach yesterday on Matthew 5:38-44 as Jesus turned the old law into a new way of living. In this passage, Jesus said, "43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." We see, in this passage, Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount requires both love of, and prayer for, our enemies.
In our society today, we have been accustomed to living under the old law of "loving neighbor and hating enemies." We no longer seek out opportunities to love all. May we continually seek out ways to love God and love all. Love all means more than those just in our circle. Love all means, love all. Many times we hear those words "love all," but they don't resonate to our deepest core. What must we do to begin to change the world? Love all in the love of Christ. Those whom society shuns, we must love. Those whom society neglects, we must love. May we see with the lens of God's love for all of humanity.
Yesterday, Jill Todd led our Advent lighting at the 9:26 with a profound reading as individuals representing all the lives lost lit a candle in the front of the Sanctuary. A most powerful reminder to be the Light. Both of our worship services took time to spend in prayer for all those affected by the events at Sandy Hook Elementary. May God continue to watch over all of those who mourn this day. The following video was played in worship yesterday:
Last evening, we celebrated togetherness by joining in our 2nd Annual Night of Gifts! It was a joyous evening where so many people shared their talents with the church and community!
A special thank you is extended to all of those who made this possible! A large crowd gathered following the Night of Gifts for a time of fellowship in Oz Hall along with a surprise visit from Santa! Below you will find pictures from last night's festivities! Click on one to enlarge.
Have a blessed week church family! It is an honor to serve and lead as your pastor.
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