Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
-Matthew 11:28-30
Hi First Church. Wow. What a heavy couple weeks we've had. The pain and uncertainty of the Coronavirus pandemic had already put people on edge from pent-up emotions and anxiety over reopening and whether to wear masks. And then, the senseless murder of ANOTHER unarmed black man by law enforcement sparked the flames of rioting for so many who have suffered for so long in our country. I don't know about you, but I've been feeling like the whole world is closing in around me amidst all the turmoil and divisiveness right now. It's in times like these, that I must choose hope over despair and turn to our Lord and Savior as my comfort. I find solace in the spiritual,

"Give Me Jesus"
Give me Jesus
Give me Jesus
You can have all this world
Just give me Jesus.
Wow. Amen! I hope that lifted your spirits like it did mine.

Pastor Taylor began her summer series on the parables yesterday with the parable of the sower. I wonder if you can identify with the different types of soil in your personal experiences with racism and white privilege? I hope you will prayerfully consider her message this week.

And now, we're ready to launch our Living the Parables suggestions for June. You can download the PDF here . Keep in mind, these are just a few suggestions. Feel free to be creative with your own expression! Remember to email me ( barnabas@fumcaustin.org ) or post on social media ( #FUMCBarnabas ) the ways you play along with the parable of the sower this week:

  • Capture - Consider a few words or take a picture of something that represents how the parable has transformed the way you see things.

  • Create - Make something inspired by the parable.

  • Retell - Find a way to tell and experience the parable anew.

We'll share a few submissions during worship Sunday.

I am praying for you and our world this week. If you have an inspiring message, feel free to send it my way to share!

Be encouraged.
Barnabas
First United Methodist Church
1201 Lavaca St.
Austin, TX 78731