DEVOTION:
Romans 15:5-7
5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, 6 so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.
THOUGHTS:
Friday night, our church was filled for a sold-out concert. What a wonderful evening for our community. (One of our Vision points was to try and offer the Arts to people at least three times a year) People gathered, music filled the room, and for a little while, the things that so often separate us seemed to lose their importance. We had something to enjoy together.
I found myself thinking: Shouldn’t people experience something like this when we gather as followers of Jesus? Paul encouraged believers to welcome one another as Christ had welcomed them. These were people with different backgrounds, customs, and strong opinions. Their unity would require patience, humility, forgiveness, and love. They had to learn to see one another as people Christ had welcomed.
Jesus showed us what that welcome looks like. He shared meals with sinners, welcomed children, and gave His attention to people others overlooked. He met people where they were and invited them to follow Him into a changed life. That is a welcome we all need. Every one of us comes needing grace. Every age has a place. Every person deserves to be noticed, heard, and loved.
Friday night gave us a glimpse of how good it can be to share something together. As a church, we have the love of Jesus to draw us together and teach us how to live with one another, even when differences remain.
The welcome people experience at the concert should also be waiting for them on Sunday mornings. (I believe they do) So today, let us look beyond the people we already know. Learn a name. Make room in a pew. Begin a conversation. Someone may arrive wondering whether there is a place for them here. May the love they receive help them discover that there is. With hope, PC
PRAYER:
Almighty and Holy God, Good morning. Thank You for this Sunday and the gift of gathering in Your love. Quiet our worries and open our hearts to Your Word.
We pray for safe and peaceful elections this week. Protect voters and election workers, guide our choices, and give our President and all our leaders wisdom and humility. Whatever the results, help us respond with patience, kindness, and respect. Keep our love for our neighbors stronger than our disagreements.
In these weeks before Advent, prepare us for more than a busy season. Make room in our hearts for Jesus. As we prepare to celebrate His birth and look toward His coming again, teach us to live with hope, generosity, and faithfulness. Let our preparation begin with this morning’s Communion Service.
Bless our church family, those who are hurting, and those worried about food, warmth, or tomorrow. Watch over our loved ones, those serving and protecting others, and all who live amid war. Bring peace and help us extend Your love even to our enemies. Walk with us today, Lord, and make us ready to welcome You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
DEVOTION:
Romans 15:5-7
5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, 6 so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.
THOUGHTS:
Friday night, our church was filled for a sold-out concert. What a wonderful evening for our community. (One of our Vision points was to try and offer the Arts to people at least three times a year) People gathered, music filled the room, and for a little while, the things that so often separate us seemed to lose their importance. We had something to enjoy together.
I found myself thinking: Shouldn’t people experience something like this when we gather as followers of Jesus? Paul encouraged believers to welcome one another as Christ had welcomed them. These were people with different backgrounds, customs, and strong opinions. Their unity would require patience, humility, forgiveness, and love. They had to learn to see one another as people Christ had welcomed.
Jesus showed us what that welcome looks like. He shared meals with sinners, welcomed children, and gave His attention to people others overlooked. He met people where they were and invited them to follow Him into a changed life. That is a welcome we all need. Every one of us comes needing grace. Every age has a place. Every person deserves to be noticed, heard, and loved.
Friday night gave us a glimpse of how good it can be to share something together. As a church, we have the love of Jesus to draw us together and teach us how to live with one another, even when differences remain.
The welcome people experience at the concert should also be waiting for them on Sunday mornings. (I believe they do) So today, let us look beyond the people we already know. Learn a name. Make room in a pew. Begin a conversation. Someone may arrive wondering whether there is a place for them here. May the love they receive help them discover that there is. With hope, PC
PRAYER:
Almighty and Holy God, Good morning. Thank You for this Sunday and the gift of gathering in Your love. Quiet our worries and open our hearts to Your Word.
We pray for safe and peaceful elections this week. Protect voters and election workers, guide our choices, and give our President and all our leaders wisdom and humility. Whatever the results, help us respond with patience, kindness, and respect. Keep our love for our neighbors stronger than our disagreements.
In these weeks before Advent, prepare us for more than a busy season. Make room in our hearts for Jesus. As we prepare to celebrate His birth and look toward His coming again, teach us to live with hope, generosity, and faithfulness. Let our preparation begin with this morning’s Communion Service.
Bless our church family, those who are hurting, and those worried about food, warmth, or tomorrow. Watch over our loved ones, those serving and protecting others, and all who live amid war. Bring peace and help us extend Your love even to our enemies. Walk with us today, Lord, and make us ready to welcome You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.