Luke 11:27-28 – “Blessed”

Yes, that’s Mary, or an artist’s rendering thereof, at the top of this post. And, yes, you are receiving the correct clergy person’s posting! This week, we’re going to reflect, a bit, on the blessed virgin, the one who gave birth to baby Jesus, and we’re going to reflect on what it means to be “blessed.”

Have you noticed how often we speak of being blessed and wish blessings on others. When someone sneezes, I’m guessing you respond, “Bless you!” But what does it truly mean to be blessed? What do you want for that person or yourself when seeking a blessing. Are you hoping for prosperity, a certain anointing or for safety?

Not many can claim the blessed life that the virgin Mary had. She was blessed in so many ways. She was, no doubt, the envy of every Jewish mother. And, yet, Jesus indicates that you can be blessed more than Mary! We’ll talk about just how Mary was blessed and the ways in which Jesus wants you and I to be blessed when we meet together on the fourth Sunday in Advent.

Come grow in God’s grace together on Sunday morning at 10:30 and at 9:15 for Sunday school. Bring a friend or another family to church with you this week. Everyone is welcome!

Acts 27:1-44 – “Hope in the Storm”

 

I hope you didn’t just jump past all 44 verses of this week’s passage to get here.  You did?  Alright, take a minute to go back and read it.  Paul was on a voyage well worth reading about.  Paul lived through a lot of storms, but this one is unique.  Believe it or not, this particular storm has more in common with the storms you and I face than Paul’s other trials. If you look close, you’ll notice that Paul’s actions demonstrate how you and I can find real and enduring hope in the trials of life.

We all experience storms and suffering yet it’s easy to whine, complain and take pity on ourselves rather than see the good that can come out of it.  The solution isn’t to have a “positive attitude” or to “just get over it.”  No, the solution is to act on the opportunities God provides while you’re in the midst of those trials.  Yes, trials are God ordained, hope filled opportunities!  That’s hard to accept, especially in the middle of the storm, but Paul’s actions serve to show us that it’s true.

Come learn how to ride the waves of life’s storms as we join together Sunday morning at 10:30 for worship, the lighting of the Advent candle of Peace and the singing of Christmas songs.  Bring a friend or another family to church with you this week.  Everyone is welcome!