Last week, we tip-toed back into worship. Great to see those of you who could make it. Blessings on those, who in sound wisdom did not come, we hope you appreciated the online sermon. This week we hope to record more of the service. We gave it a “dry run” last week.
Our readings for this Sunday are:
Jeremiah 28:5-9; Psalm 89:1-4, 15-18; Romans 6:12-23 and Matthew 10:40-42.
To me they speak of our church family as reflection of our heavenly home.
We have celebrated Father’s Day and Mother’s Day recently. At our house, we enjoyed talking to our daughter and her fiancé by phone and went over to my son’s house to play board games with him and his wife. They even let us win, though barely. So, we celebrated some by phone, some by being physically present, either way, we still experienced a wonderful sense of family.
In his introduction to the Lord’s Prayer: Our Father in heaven.
Martin Luther wrote: What does this mean?
With these words God wants to attract us, so that we come to believe he is truly our Father and we are truly his children, in order that we may ask him boldly and with complete confidence, just as loving children ask their loving father.
It is clear, whether in church or at home: We have a HOME together in the family of God.
I remember my father teaching us the hymn: “This is My Father’s World”
This is my Father’s world, and to my list’ning ears
all nature sings, and round me rings the music of the spheres.
This is my Father’s world; I rest me in the thought
of rocks and trees, of skies and seas; his hand the wonders wrought.
This is my Father’s world; the birds their carols raise;
the morning light, the lily white, declare their maker’s praise.
This is my Father’s world; he shines in all that’s fair.
In the rustling grass I hear him pass; he speaks to me ev’rywhere.
This is my Father’s world; oh, let me not forget
that, though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet.
This is my Father’s world; why should my heart be sad?
The Lord is king, let heaven ring; God reigns, let earth be glad!
The hymn is clear: God’s home extends beyond the four walls of the church building.
Paul reminds us that God welcomes us all into God’s family through baptism. As the family of God, we joined together last Sunday in our sanctuary and online as well. Together, we are hearing the good news of the free gift of life and freedom in Christ. We look forward with hope toward a time when all of us are able to gather together in worship. As Norma told me last week, “This too shall pass.” In the meantime, let us give thanks for the work God is able to do even as we distance from one another.
I urge you this week, to offer prayers, for God’s house in the world—
for the church universal, its ministry, and the mission of the gospel;
for the well-being of creation;
for peace and justice in the world, the nations and those in authority, the community;
for the poor, oppressed, sick, bereaved, lonely, who need a cup of cold water; for all who suffer in body, mind, or spirit;
for your congregation,
give thanks for the wonderful support of our members,
in thanksgiving for the faithful departed
and for anything else on your heart.
Prayer of the Day: O God, you direct our lives by your grace, and your words of justice and mercy reshape the world. Mold us into a people who welcome your word and serve one another, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
FAITH UPDATE:
June 21 at 10 am we welcomed back 9 of our members to worship.
We will continue in-person worship June 28 at 10 am – you are invited, if it prudent for you to come.
People who attended were able to check out the Fireside Room which is nearly finished, just awaiting a window blind. Thanks to an Action Team grant by erwin and Connie for finishing the cabinets, George’s electrician team and wall painters. Fred Johnson who redid the pop-corn ceiling. Do note the beautiful quilt made and donated by Curene.
The kitchen cabinets were re-finished and the walls painted, thanks to an Action Team grant by Diane Watson and the Connie and Vicki painting team. A new counter, faucet and sink were also installed through a Thrivent Action Team grant by Connie and labor by Pastor, Connie, George and friends.
Painting all the doors in the hallways were a Dave and Bonnie Strack project. The bathroom/laundry room hallway doors were a Steve and Sharon Cady project.
The flooring is completed throughout the office. Thanks to a beautiful job by CM Tile in Yucaipa. Connie and the staff painted baseboards and doors. Connie also refreshed the narthex furniture.
Thanks again also to the two Freds and Joe who complete the shed for the preschool. Fred and Cliff are painting the floor of the shed this week. All these projects were underwritten by Thrivent grants or donations.
We also now have Christ in our Home available in the narthex for the months of July, August and September. If you would like a copy, stop by or we could mail it to you.
NEXT
We started this week to enhance the south section of the south parking lot. A tree that was affecting the pavement was removed along with other “stray” saplings by our gardener. Myrene Bunge’s Action Team was used to purchase weed block and other items. Carol Jensen has received her $250 for use to purchase rock covering. We are having our gardener install the dripline and weed block and the camp counselors from Oak Glen will hopefully help us with the rock. If you feel like getting out, we will have weed block fabric stored in the stairwell area along with shovels and a wheelbarrow. Rocks are coming for that area and bark for the north side of the lot. Call ahead if you need to have someone open the stairwell for you and for directions. Celebrate the great outdoors and make our outdoors great at the church, any amount of work you can provide is helpful and appreciated.
We still have doors and a couple smaller areas that need some paint. If you can help, please email me.
Looking forward to seeing some of you Sunday.
Grace & Peace
Pastor John