In looking at this Sunday’s lectionary readings, I continue to be struck by the way the texts challenge us to delve even more deeply into what it means to be a Christian community. I have learned so much during these past fourteen months–and I continue learning! Don’t we all? I hope so. We are learning about ourselves: what we desire deeply, what the Spirit desires for us, how we long to participate with God’s grace, and how we resist doing deeper work.
Looking at where we are, I want to especially invite you to come to one of the services this Sunday, April 25. It will be the last time for the 9:30 AM outdoor service (and so far the weather is holding off). Also, I am putting even more thought into Sunday’s sermon, paying attention to what deep questions I have about my own life and our life in community. My key question is this: what opportunity do we have to reflect together on where the Spirit is leading the church? Many have been pinched for a while with the “institutional church,” so to speak. Many wish the church would be different. Many have lost interest entirely. My question to us all is this: just what is “the church” we are speaking about? What church exists apart from us, ourselves, who make it up as the Body of Christ? What are we truly frustrated about or hopeful about–and what are we willing to do about it? I will take these questions with me into my sabbatical time for prayer, and I invite you to do the same. I think the Spirit is challenging us to pay close attention to crucial questions, especially given the challenges we face today. So, I invite you to come share in this focused reflection. I hope you’ll come and share in Holy Communion together.
Fr. Stuart+
Please join us for some fun and fellowship on Friday, May 7 at 8:00 PM as we enjoy watching a family-friendly movie together in the Grace Center parking lot!
Bring your own chair/blanket to sit on, snacks, and don’t forget your mask! We’ll have some activities for the kids until movie time. Space is limited to 75 total participants; please be sure to register EVERY member of your household attending at the link below. We look forward to seeing you Friday, May 7 at 8:00 PM!
Please note that our licensing agreement prohibits us from advertising specific movie titles, characters, or producers’ name online. We are permitted to include it in emails, contact Cheryl Kelley for information.
The Bible study facilitated by the Rev. Dr. Cynthia Park returns on April 26 at 5:30 PM. We are meeting on Zoom to explore four Biblical texts, their accompanying history of Jewish and Christian scholarship of commentary, and to understand how personal stories of faith are composed.
Grace Church typically honors all graduates from high school, college, and graduate school each spring. Our annual recognition bulletin will be provided as a printable .pdf document link in the May 23 issue of our email newsletter. Graduates will also be recognized in a virtual presentation during the 8:15 and 10:45 AM worship services on May 23.
If you will graduate (or have a child graduating) this spring/summer, please submit the online information form at the link below on or before Monday, May 10.
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