There is great joy when we come together as the called people of this faithful community to study, fellowship, and worship. So, every Sunday is a joyous occasion. Every Sunday reminds us of our connections to God and each other. Every Sunday remembers the joy of Easter and the hope of God’s presence that is eternal. Even so, some Sundays are different. They feel different. Some Sundays are more intimate; like this past Sunday.

     I believe last Sunday is symbolic of what happens when the people of God unite in vision, faith, ministry, and purpose. Listening to Elder Mike McCormick speak about how the church and her people have embraced his family during hard times, how he and his family have come to understand that family is far more than blood relations is an important message to hear. And, that message is not unrelated to the events of Sunday. Mike’s words brought us toward a proper focus of the spiritual connection that we have to each other. Likewise, Elder Jim Chomicz spoke at the 8:30 worship service and spoke the same language as Mike. We are a family. We are growing together. We have responsibility to each other. Both Jim and Mike gave good testimony to the vision that the session has for the church and how making that vison a reality commands our continued combined effort. Burning the note on the Memphis loan is a significant first step and that step is now behind us. Our journey continues and our trust in God will be our guide.

     From the letter to the Colossian church we receive the gift of these words: “As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful” (Colossians 3: 12 - 15 ).

     These words are a good model for us to follow, a good mirror for us to glimpse our reflection. As we stay true to the calling of God upon us a body, we will have unearthed for us, through the grace of God, abundant treasure and opportunity, both of which are provided so that we can increase our ministry, our fellowship, our worship, our service, our love. Let us faithfully go where God calls and leads!

     Grace and peace, 
          Pastor Mark