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Dear Friends, I have been reflecting on Romans 12:1-2 this week. This is Eugene Peterson’s translation in The Message: So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Dear Friends of Faith,
This is a week for lament; crying out to God. Hearts are breaking. Our nation is in pain. Anger is lashing out uncontrollably, expressing years of injustice. Our Black brothers and sisters are crying. A cry they have been singing for centuries and we only hear in muted tones. But this week is different. It feels like we who are White, who walk in privilege every day, are beginning to hear more clearly. We are collectively awakening to the deep-seated racism in our nation. And it is time for us to do our work. It is time for us to listen deeply to our Black brothers and sisters. It is time for us to re-learn our history about how racism has been rooted into the very fibers of our culture. It is time for us to reflect deeply on how we participate in racism. This listening, learning, and reflection will guide to the ways we can work together for real change. Dear Friends,
In Romans Paul writes, “We glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” (Romans 5:3-5 NIV) This Sunday we celebrate Pentecost and the pouring out of the Holy Spirit on all believers. The Holy Spirit pours love into our hearts every single day! We all have to endure tough times in our lives. And this unusual season of COVID19 is one of those. Each day brings new developments, new data, new things to adapt to. As well as the stress of an invisible threat. It is exhausting. There is a bright side for each of us too. We are still finding ways to connect with one another. And amidst it all, God is the solid rock on which we stand. God’s love is being poured into our hearts every day. Hold on to that promise in these chaotic days and we will experience the glory of God. Join us Sunday to celebrate the Holy Spirit this Pentecost. We’re going to flood our screens with red. Get creative and show your red! |
Park County United Methodist MinistriesJust a place for some easy messaging. Feel free to comment! Archives
January 2025
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