Dear MRC Family,
Pentecost blessings to you, beloved of God, in this season of Ordinary Time
I have been struggling with what to write to you on this day for various reasons — feelings of anger, disappointment, sadness at what I perceive to be a vast injustice to those whom Jesus called the least of these. And then, I read an email from my friend and colleague Reverend Jeff Chu who also was having difficulty with what to write on his blog. So he went out to his garden to do some harvesting and was given an unexpected reminder of love when he dug up a potato that was in the shape of a heart, and I knew his words were what needed to be shared. So, here they are:
All I really have to say to you today is this: Remember that you’re loved. And that love, along with all its accompanying goodness, isn’t something to be hoarded or held apart. This balm like no other is to be shared as lavishly as we can.
So hug your babies. Text a friend. Scribble a note to a person who could use some encouragement. Pick (or buy) yourself a bouquet of flowers—and then one for another who would be delighted by the beauty. Make a donation. Call your legislators. Send up a prayer. Share a poem. Lend an ear or a shoulder or a hand of solidarity. Cook an extra meal and deliver it. Give the dog an extra treat. Whisper a gratuitous word of appreciation. Surprise someone with your grace.
Love comes in all different forms. Sometimes it even looks like a potato.
Come to worship this Fourth Sunday after Pentecost and let us share love with one another. This Sunday begins our Summer Sermon Series — Fruit of the Spirit, or How to get out of our own way and let the Spirit do her work. Tom will lead us in our hymns and sing the Prelude “Reason I Sing” and the Anthem “Revolutionary.” I am preaching from John 15.5-11 and 1 Peter 1.3-9 — How is a constant state of joy to be maintained with the very real concerns we have? — and my sermon title is Got Joy? We will also gather around God’s table of grace and celebrate the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper together. After worship, come downstairs to the Lower Auditorium for coffee and conversation with your church family before you go out to have your summer fun.
Keep following and bothering Jesus. You are loved . . . lavishly.
With gratitude for the privilege of being your pastor and the holy call of loving you,
Pastor Trish