“Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.” Colossians 3:14 (NRSV)
Here is the Worship Link for Sunday, May 31: https://youtu.be/LJ6tTxVxn00
Worship: Sunday, June 7, 10:45 AM; Communion
Scripture to Ponder – June 1, 2026
The week of Union Sunday / Pride Sunday
Texts: Genesis 12:1–9; Psalm 33:1–12; Romans 4:13–25; Matthew 9:9–13, 18–26
To Ponder: Genesis 12:1–9
After four days of learning, witnessing, worshipping, and engaging with people from across the Prairie to Pine Region, I return both tired and inspired. The gathering was a meaningful reminder of the richness and diversity of our church. Through intercultural worship, celebrations of ministry, commissioning services, and shared conversations, we witnessed the Spirit at work among us in many different voices, cultures, and expressions of faith.
As we observe Union Sunday and Pride Sunday, Abraham’s call in Genesis continues to speak to us:
“I will bless you… so that you will be a blessing.” (Genesis 12:2)
God’s call to Abraham was never about privilege but purpose. Abraham was blessed so that others might be blessed through him. The same calling remains before the Church today.
Union Sunday reminds us that Christian unity is not about sameness but about living faithfully together amid our differences. Pride Sunday invites us to affirm the sacred worth and dignity of all people as beloved children of God. Both celebrations point us toward a wider vision of God’s household where diversity is welcomed and grace is shared generously.
In the Gospel, Jesus calls Matthew, a person many had dismissed and judged. Where others saw labels, Jesus saw possibility. Where others drew boundaries, Jesus extended welcome. Christ’s example continues to challenge the Church to practice hospitality, humility, and compassion.
As affirming congregations, we celebrate not our own righteousness but God’s expansive love. We are called, like Abraham, to become a blessing—to care for creation, seek justice, nurture unity, and welcome all whom God loves.
May we continue to follow the God who leads us beyond fear and into a wider community of grace
Prayer for the Week
God of covenant and grace,
you called Abraham to be a blessing to the nations.
Teach us to welcome one another with Christ’s love,
to celebrate the diversity of your creation,
and to live as people of justice, compassion, and hope.
Lead us faithfully into the future you are preparing.
Amen
