Here is the short video to accompany this message: https://youtu.be/hfOssb6MS-M
Here are the readings for this Sunday August 30th and the one we’re focusing on is in bold: Exodus 3:1-15; Psalm 105:1-6,23-26,45c; Romans 12:9-21; Matthew 16:21-28
The outdoor service happened on Sunday and just over 50 people attended with their lawn chairs, umbrellas, sunglasses, hats and masks. The parking was controlled by Arnold and Ken, keeping socially distant by Charlie and Irma, recording attendance for contact tracing by Susan, heard because of Kyle’s skills with the microphones and speakers, bells tolled from speakers by Tom and Terry, scripture read by Mary, all were prayed for by Gerta, humming along to the music by Bert on keyboard and with drums, offering counted by Gerta, set up and clean up by Ed and a host of volunteers! Thank you to all who helped out and all who participated!
This week (is it only Tuesday??) has reminded me that we have been in “summer time” at the church and at home and soon – maybe too soon – we’ll all be back to our regular lives. As we get ready for September and all the changes that will bring, Perhaps you have young ones getting ready for school or you’re getting ready to return to work at home or at your workplace (or a combination of the two) or you notice there’s not as many hours to spend in the light or meetings and activities are being scheduled or times are getting quieter again as family and friends are returning home or whatever else that might occupy your time as you realize that September is right around the corner. Let’s not forgot to make time for God, to think about the stories of Jesus and to experience that amazing spirit of God wherever we are. The passage from Romans (below) is filled with words and images to remind us of good ways to be people of God, followers of Jesus, in our world.
Here are two pictures from Mary of a couple of quilts by Jo-Anne with this message:
I have been having a busy fun time at the cottage for the last month and a half. The two”Tiny House ” quilts were made to use up some more scraps.
The placemats were made using fabric that has been sitting in my stash for a long time. It was definitely time to put it to use.
It’s nice to see the creativity that ensures even the smallest scrap of fabric can be made into something beautiful!
Scripture for the day: (Romans 12:9-21) Love from the center of who you are; don’t fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle. Don’t burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don’t quit in hard times; pray all the harder. Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality. Bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath. Laugh with your happy friends when they’re happy; share tears when they’re down. Get along with each other; don’t be stuck-up. Make friends with nobodies; don’t be the great somebody. Don’t hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you’ve got it in you, get along with everybody. Don’t insist on getting even; that’s not for you to do. “I’ll do the judging,” says God. “I’ll take care of it.” Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he’s thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness. Don’t let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good
Prayer for the week: Loving God, you invite us to be in with you in a variety of places and spaces. Sometimes those places and spaces are full of activity and people; other times, they are full of silence and nature. Wherever we find ourselves, may we remember that you walk with us throughout our day and night . Amen.
May blessing, peace and connection with God be a part of your week as we wander through our changing days and evenings, knowing the winds of God’s spirit blow with us! May we all find a moment to connect with God in a way that nurtures our spirit.
Elizabeth
Trinity United Church 