Happy Thursday, Church!
I hope you are having a great week. It is Tuesday morning, however, I did read that after today, the temperatures will slowly get cooler … I am “claiming that in the name of Jesus.” HAHA! Seriously though, for the rest of this week, I hope you are in a place where it is not too hot. A big thank you to everyone who joined us in worship on Sunday. We had 77 precious humans (plus one dog) in person, souls. Add to that, the folks in our online congregation and we easily topped 80 in attendance. (Imagine if you will, your pastor doing a happy dance around his office.). Now, I know I am a little biased, however, Freddie Harmon’s solo during communion was so special. Thank you, Freddie, for always being willing to be plugged in where there are needs. I like you and hope you stay around for a bit.
Last Thursday, we experienced an historic day. There is nothing quite like seeing “prisoners freed, especially when they are citizens and legal residents of the United States.
• Evan Gershkovich.
• Paul Whelan.
• Alsu Kurmasheva.
• Vladimir Kara-Murza
To see these folks reunited with their families, our President and Vice President barely holding back tears, was a great reminder of what liberation is all about. When we experience a story like this one, it gives us a glimpse into the “redeeming” love of Christ, the forgiveness we are afforded through God’s grace and the monumental mercy that is showered on us every day. If you did not get a chance to see any of the reunions, here is a link to an ABC new account of the day.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TW8EbOtsYKgn
This coming Sunday, we will wrap up our short series promoted by the book, “The Ragamuffin Gospel,” by Brennan Manning. The past couple of weeks, we have discussed how we, as God’s children and creation, need to come to the place where we accept that God accepts us … just as we are, no red tape. We also looked at the love of God in Christ, realizing that we are called to accept this love and to be the love that the world seeks. And this week, we will concentrate on embodying mercy and Grace with boldness as we approach God directly in times of need and direction. I hope to see you on Sunday … what do you say? Shall we shoot for a solid 80 folks in worship this weekend? I think we can do it. I love being your pastor!
Holding You Close and lifting you high!
Pastor Greg
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