“Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.”
These are the words of St. Paul to the church in Corinth (1 Corinth 8:2). If there ever was a congregation that struggled with being of one mind in how to live as the church…the church in Corinth was it. This whole first letter is St. Paul being pastor to that community of faith, reminding them that God among them in Jesus was the central issue in their lives, regardless of how much a mess they had made of things.
Chapter 8 is this fascinating response to eating food offered to idols. Basically, Paul says there is nothing wrong with this food, except if in eating it you become a stumbling block to others in their faith and life. Paul invites us to ask vital questions to our life of faith. What do I need to refrain FROM DOING out of love for my neighbor? What do I need to be mindful IN DOING out of love for my neighbor? With a food eating issue, St. Paul is reminding the community of Corinth of how Jesus IS the central issue in their lives. Paul’s summary of Jesus’ message…”love builds up.”
As we head into the thick of the flu season, and we hear the news talk about a “second wave” of COVID19 spread, I have found myself dwelling on St. Paul’s reflection on idol food…and the two questions highlighted above. St. Paul reminds us that Jesus is the central issue in our lives, not fear or uncertainty. No matter the state of things…one thing continues to be our northern star in this pandemic time…love builds up.
Out of love for our neighbor, we have been about God’s Work, Our Hands projects these past two weeks. Drop off any bag by Friday at 3pm so we can bless and dedicate them this Sunday in worship. Love builds up.
Out of love for our neighbor, our congregation spearheaded the COVID$19 CHALLENGE this past summer in our larger community, which raised nearly $10,000 for the work of The Helping Center. Love builds up.
Out of love for our neighbor, we wear a mask in public at this time…a sign of love for our neighbor…a sign that my life is connected to yours…a reminder of the best way we can join in fighting the virus and slowing it’s ability to quickly spread. Love builds up.
Out of love for neighbor, we gather for a picnic in the park this Sunday at 11am (Johnson Park on the playground side). Love abounds in community. Love builds up.
Out of love for our neighbor, we restarted in-person worship on 9/27 with some extra precautions in place (RSVP seating, screenings at the door, and wearing masks during worship). Starting 10/25 (Reformation Sunday), council decided we can relax these initial steps to not need the RSVP system and simply ask folks to self-screen for illness like all have done for years. Requiring of wearing masks during worship will continue for the foreseeable future…for it is a proven way we can love our neighbor in this time. Love builds up.
Out of love for our neighbor, Reformation Sunday kicks off our 4-week stewardship program for this year. Our Theme is “Our Money Story” and each week we will reflect via messages, stories, and a unique worship craft prayer on one of the following words: REMEMBER, RELEASE, REIMAGINE, RESTORE. Consecration Sunday is November 15, where like last year, all are invited to offer an estimate of giving for 2021 (knowing like this year that this estimate may go up or down based on life circumstances). We give this so our council can form a budget based on our combined generosity. Financial giving is very much a spiritual matter, maybe even more so during a time of pandemic and uncertainty, and like last year all are invited to pray and discuss among your family the following question, “What % of your income do you feel God is calling you to give?” Maybe said another way…love builds up.
God grace you all this weekend. Enjoy the cold front that is fast approaching! Don’t forget the Outdoor Workday at the church this Saturday beginning at 8am!
In the God love who always builds up,
Pastor Vanicek
