On Sunday, the Scripture readings helped us to reflect on and navigate our relationships. While you might have agreed with my assessment; it was not for others, but for us too. It may have been a call to action, but we should also reflect on our own culpabilities, admit our own failures, and pray for our own repentance and restoration. This is the great gift of God’s Word and the power of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit leads and guides us.
As I served Communion, many came to receive the forgiveness of sins in Christ. Whether or not we realized it, we came admitting our failure to be God’s people. Then, Jesus gave himself again–in bread and wine, his body and blood–to us for the forgiveness of our sins. The congregation sang, “Blest Be the Ties That Bind,” and I could barely hold it together. The Spirit orchestrated a Word for us to hear; then through our singing and receiving the Sacrament, that very same Spirit began repentance and restoration in us! So, I pray the Spirit will continue to lead us to be a different people in the world, focused solely on Christ and bear witness to his love for the world.
Living the God-fashioned Life with you,
Pastor Culynn
To prepare for worship on Sunday
(June 18), you are invited to read:
Genesis 14:17-24