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Hello St. John’s Family,
This past Sunday was an amazing day! Yes, we all know how well it ended, with the Eagles’ dominating win in the Super Bowl. It was a fitting conclusion to the wonderful way Sunday began: here at St. John’s (awash in the liturgical color of the day – green!), being led in worship by members of our youth while extending hope to others through our United Women in Faith’s Souper Bowl Sundays Food Drive. Despite less-than-optimal weather conditions, we gathered to love and worship God while loving others in powerful ways.
I want to thank the children and youth who led us in worship through readings, choral offerings, chimes, and prayers. JT Crockett, our Director of Youth and Family Ministries, offered a meaningful message that reminded us of the amazing, incomprehensible, and unshakeable love that Jesus has for each one of us. It was a message we all needed to hear, and I’m thankful for JT’s faithful service. Then immediately following worship, many hands helped load up 717 lbs. of non-perishable food items that the St. John’s Family offered to the Jesus Focus Food Pantry in Southampton. Many of us took steps of faith to serve God – some in new ways, or for the first time – and God worked through those steps of faith to bless others. Thank you to all who contributed to the tangible acts of extending love to God and our neighbors in worship and service on Sunday.
Late last week I was in Reading with the Eastern PA Board of Ordained Ministry, participating in interviews of candidates for ordination in the United Methodist Church. Significant work is required to reach this stage; candidates must submit written packages containing responses to theological questions, sermon manuscripts, and create a Bible study. As candidates reach the final stage of the process, one aspect that is evaluated is evidence of fruitfulness. In other words, are there indications that God is working through the ministry of the candidate to extend the hope and love of Christ to others.
As I was reading through the submissions of the candidates I was assigned, I was greatly encouraged to see how God is working in and through their service to Christ. It made me think of my ordination package – how did I respond to these questions? How did I sense God was working through the service I offered to God? Soon, I was digging out my old submission. As I read, I was struck by a common theme: others who shared with me “I’ve never done anything like this before.”
I’ve never done anything like this before. I saw how that meek yet faithful… and incredibly beautiful response is such a powerful reflection of the Holy Spirit working, moving and revealing God’s love among us. I heard those words from young and old alike; from those who recently became leaders, those who decided to sing in a choir, and from some who simply decided to give “church” a chance. I heard that from a middle-aged father, as he sat down with me with a page full of questions, apologizing if they “sound silly… but I’ve never done anything like this before.” People experiencing God and stepping out in response to God in new ways are beautiful images of God’s love at work.
Friends, I saw those same images on Sunday. I saw children in a bell choir for the first time and youth stepping out in faith to lead worship. I’ve seen adults step out in faith in response to God’s nudges as they whisper “I’ve never done anything like this before.” I’ve seen that time and again here at St. John’s, and I’ve seen the amazing ways God has worked through those steps of faith. Thank you for your willingness to respond to God… in ways you never did before!
This Sunday, we’ll begin a 2-week exploration of Jesus’ “Sermon on the Plain” in Luke chapter 6. As Jesus extends healing and wholeness to all who come to him, his message reveals how blessedness – in God’s kingdom – comes to all who long for God’s ways to be realized here and now. I hope you’ll check out Luke 6:17-26 and Jeremiah 17:5-10, then join me in worship!
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Brad
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