Watch the full service on our YouTube channel by clicking here.
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It looks like the attempt at an American oligarchy will fail, and the leader of the movement will end up in disrepute.
More people are seeing that hatred and revenge lead to chaos.
And more people are turning against that chaos.
It may be that the world needed to see this once again—that the effort to destroy others always ends in self-destruction.
Always—eventually.
That’s because hatred and revenge are opposed to the fundamental power that sustains creation.
That power is love.
More specifically, that power is God’s love.
The great discovery of my (to-be-published) book, Discovering God, is that God has made all things from Himself.
Not my idea alone.
It is echoed in many NDEs and other kinds of encounters with God.
And in scripture.
Paul said, “In Him [God] we live and move and have our being.”
That means we are all, ultimately, one with God—and one with each other.
We are truly the human “family,” rooted in God.
So, revenge against the neighbor is finally revenge against the self—and against God.
“That which you do to the least of these, you do to me,” said Jesus.
What more people are beginning to see is that hatred and revenge do not work.
Indeed, it cannot work.
I will be saying in my sermon on Sunday that Jesus calls us to reject revenge.
But what about those Bible passages that tell us God is vengeful?
Join me Sunday, online or in person, at 11:00 a.m.
Online address below. Click on “video.”
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Memorial for Patsy Reeves
We will gather to give thanks for Patsy’s life on Saturday, May 3, at 11:00 AM, with lunch to follow in the fellowship hall—our love to her family and all who will join in remembering her.
Discovering God Resumes
This Sunday’s topic: “Where Do We Come From?”
Is the soul just a product of sperm and egg? Do we begin at conception? Can we know?
Yes. Of course. Come find out in class—Sunday at 9:45 AM.
Breakfast follows.
Breakfast This Sunday
It’s a Winston Sunday—but the rest of us can help, too.
Breakfast is at 10:30 AM.
The Concert
What a success! We raised $1,600 for Eastside Ministries, which was badly needed and gratefully received. The food was wonderful, and Shannon, Julian, and Joshua were beyond words excellent. It’s amazing that we have such gifted singers who bring real joy.
This Sunday’s Sermon
How different was the teaching of Jesus from what came before it?
If all we had were the Old Testament, could we somehow pull out the teachings of the Gospel?
Sermon title: How Different Was Jesus?
I think our choir will be singing. I know we’ve got some great hymns lined up.
Let’s worship—for the joy of it.
God bless—MB
Looking Ahead
📅 Saturday, May 3 at 11:00 AM – Memorial Service for Patsy Reeves
📅 Saturday, May 31 – Memorial Service for Dan Mitchell
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Greetings to all of you in the name of the risen Christ. Easter is still with us—as is the miracle of God the Holy Spirit dwelling among us. All those years ago, when the stone was rolled back, it was God’s plan to stay with us, to comfort us, and to give us strength. I am grateful for a God who never leaves us.
Very soon, we’ll return to what the church calls Ordinary Time—the season when we get back to the everyday business of the church. And we’ve got quite a list of things to “get about.” First, we’re preparing to do a few upgrades around the building: a little fresh paint here, new bathroom stall doors there… just a few sprucing-up projects to keep our church home looking loved.
When I was growing up, that’s how my family sometimes paid our tithes. We owned a construction business, and there wasn’t always enough work to cover everything at home. But my parents were committed to giving back to God what God had blessed them with. Sometimes that meant working at the church when we didn’t have money for the offering plate. I’ve pulled up and laid carpet, installed pews, tiled bathrooms, replaced toilets, painted walls, and hung sheetrock—with my family and for my church. I’m looking forward to picking up a paintbrush again… and hopefully seeing a few of you with one too.
These past few weeks have also been full of conversations about funerals, as we’ve grieved the loss of several dear members. I just want you to know what an honor it is to be asked to participate in those services. I am moved beyond words every time.
The newsletter will be taking a short break, but know that you are all in my prayers.
Love you all,
Mary