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Hello St. John’s Family,
The meaningful and moving music offered by our choirs is one of the great blessings of worshipping together at St. John’s. I am often moved by the music that is offered here; yet this past Sunday’s anthem was particularly impactful. I’d like to share some of the powerful lyrics here:
A little girl has no coat to face the winter, a little boy is begging in the street;
A widow is longing for a friendly face, a homeless man has nothing left to eat.
A prisoner keeps hoping for a letter, a dying man has nothing left but prayers,
And every cry has been heard by the Father up above,
But we must build a bridge to show He cares.
We are the hands Jesus has to reach across the ocean.
We are the feet Jesus has to bring the world good news.
We are the ones who must carry His love to every nation,
We are His hands, we are His feet, we are His love.
From “We Are His Love”
Then, on Monday morning, my devotional contained these words:
James’ epistle considers it natural that a person with faith also has works. It is not a heavy
and moralistic Christian duty; it is the Christian possibility and lifestyle: response comes with true faith.
On this theme, the Bible is clear and direct in both testaments: God loves and cares for the poor.
Jesus said to be perfect. In other words, to be imitators of the perfect God, to do as God does.
If we are to love God, we are to love and care for the poor and hungry too.
The responsibilities, difficulties, and setbacks we face in our daily lives are real. The collective weight of those things is heavy, and it can occupy so much of our time and energy. Yet we cannot forget that Christ’s followers are called to care for others, especially those who are struggling or marginalized in any way. At a time when so many have significant needs, we as the Church cannot neglect our calling to reach out in mission and care. I want to thank our choir for the powerful reminder of that calling… and encourage us to continue to live out Christ’s calling to be His hands and feet – to be His love – in the world. Missions is an area where leadership is needed; if you feel God is nudging you to serve in that area, please contact me.
This Sunday, we’ll hear of Christ’s ascension, as the glory of his resurrection culminates in his return to God. Christ’s onlooking friends were amazed… and were also uncertain, trying to process yet another surprise. In that uncertainty, the gaze of those first followers was redirected… not upward, but outward.
I hope you’ll read Acts 1:1-11, then join me in worship-
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Brad
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