Encouraged

Sunlight filters through the trees. Things are heating up again, a big August burst before fall. There are moments when things seem normal. But mostly not. It has been so long since I have seen you. 

I hear the longing in the New Testament letters. But also gratitude. Encouragement. Strengthening communities across the distance. 

But we always must thank God for you, brothers and sisters who are loved by God. 2 Thess. 2:13a (CEB)

Always. Or, at this moment, and then again. Thinking of you, picturing you in my mind. Thanking God for you. Reminding you, and myself, that we are loved by God. 

I would like to send letters. Cards and crafty notes. I wish I was a person who easily picked up the phone. Who organized drive-by celebrations and creatively distant gatherings. Who excelled at technology, connecting through Zoom and beyond. 

But I delight in hearing how people are staying in touch. Little stories, here and there. And I anticipate more. 

So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold on to the traditions we taught you, whether we taught you in person or through our letter. 2 Thess. 2:15 (CEB)

Many of our traditions are upended, suspended, currently impossible. So I wonder which are most important. How might we stand firm? How do we re-imagine the spiritual practices that we have been taught? That the essence of the traditions can uphold us. 

Ideas are percolating. People are finding new ways. 

Our Lord Jesus the Messiah himself and God our Father loved us and through grace gave us eternal comfort and a good hope. 2 Thess. 2:16 (CEB)

We are not alone. When we need comfort, it is available to us through grace. And hope keeps springing up. It is a good hope. Anchored in truth and the faithfulness of the One who called us.

May he encourage your hearts and give you strength in every good thing you do or say. 2 Thess. 2: 17 (CEB)

-Renée
Service 8/23: Fear & Blessing
Order of Service 8/23
Bulletin 8/23

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.