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Rev. Kathi's Message:
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And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7, NRSV)
The peace that surpasses all understanding. We've all heard that phrase, and said it, dozens of times. Maybe hundreds. By now we might run all the words together - thepeacethatpassesunderstanding - like in the third verse of that old favourite camp song "I've Got the Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy". Occasionally, when we actually hear those words as they go by our lips, we stop, look around, and want to ask God, "Really??"
Peace of any kind is hard to come by these days. From national and global politics to natural disasters, from suspicion and division based on race, class, and gender identity to violence done to those on the margins, peace is hard to come by. Add in a little chaos from our personal or family lives, and peace seems completely out of reach.
Years ago, I read an interview with pastor who had been in the anti-nuclear movement in the 1960s. Despite discouraging results from petitions, protests, and calls to action, he had an amazingly optimistic attitude. The interviewer asked how he managed to maintain that outlook.
"It's simple," was the reply. "I know how the story ends."
"I know how the story ends." We know how our world's story ends. God has redeemed this world and will continue to redeem it. The peace that comes from knowing how the story ends really does confound all human understanding. That gift of beyond-our-understanding peace gives us the strength to keep doing the work God has set in front of us today: loving our neighbor, caring for those on the margins, naming and pushing back against evil of all kinds.
Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:9, NRSV)
Kathi
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This Week at EMUC
10:00 am:
Worship - led by Rev. Kathi
Scripture: Ephesians 4:25 - 5:2
Gospel: Luke 15: 11-32
Message: "The Return of the Prodigal" - Part 1
Monday August 13th
7:30 pm: Constituent Group Meeting
Wednesday August 15th
6:45 pm:
Prayer and Communion
Next Sunday August 19th:
Worship will be led by Rev. Kathi
Part 2 of sermon series on the Prodigal Son
Summer Office Hours:
Monday 1- 4 pm; Tuesday Wednesday, Thursday 9-12 noon & 1- 4 pm; Friday 9 -1pm
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Upcoming Events:
Communique copy deadline: August 17th
The next newsletter will be published August 26th. Articles and information about fall events must be sent to Janet Morrison by August 17th to be included in the next publication.
BUY A CHAIR CAMPAIGN
Recently 100 chairs were purchased for the Lower Hall to replace those that were in a bad state of repair. We have had inquiries from individuals wanting to donate funds to help cover the cost of the chairs.
The cost of each chair was $65.00. If you wish to make a donation, you are invited to place it on the offering plate, clearly designated for the chairs.
'FUNDSCRIP' PROGRAM
FUNDSCRIP is an innovative fundraising program that asks you to purchase gift cards in order to pay for regular items you buy every month. A percentage of the cards purchased through FUNDSCRIP is donated back to our church.
Order forms for gift cards will be available the last Sunday of every month. The next order date is this Sunday, Aug. 26, 2018. Please see the display board at the back of the church or speak to Joanne Hines if you have any questions about the program.
WHAT TO DO WITH USED GIFT CARDS?
Your used gift cards may be placed in a small box on the Visitors table beside the photocopier room. Mary Anna Williams will ensure they are dropped off at the Town Centre for recycling.
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