Greetings From Pastor Lyn
Dear People,
It’s July and we get to start off the month with fireworks, parades, picnics, music, etc. all in celebration of freedom. July exudes “freedom.” I love the 4th of July for what it stands for and for the opportunities available to us because we are a free people. One of my favorite memories is “going home for the 4th”. It was a time when I could count on seeing family, old classmates and friends who had come home for the same reason. There were parades, street dances, amateur baseball games with fireworks after dark, water fights with squirt guns (water cannons really!) all good natured, clean fun. Those were the days...
In the church, freedom sets the tone for the Season of Pentecost and this is particularly evident in the lessons we have for summer. Paul’s letters remind us that grace has overwhelmed legalism and we are free to live as children of God. Paul is quick to point out that grace does not eliminate the law, but grace enables us to live within the law. The law, Paul reiterates, does not save us – only grace through Jesus Christ can do that and, though free from the “law” we must not abuse our liberty. A Christ-centered way of life is not based on the law but is also not antithetical to the law at that same time.
Paul’s words are meant to encourage the church for “the long haul” of ministry when people become discouraged because of things going on in the world, kind of like things are now in the world. Another hazard of the long haul is that people tend to get bored with the same old thing week after week – that sometimes happens as Pentecost moves along. Paul would say – Jesus would say – remember who you are, remember Whose you are in those times. Allow the memories of why we love freedom in both our public and our spiritual life to provide hope and encourage perseverance. This summer, if you become restless or bored, if you feel overwhelmed by current events in the world and/or in the church, if you are looking for something that will lift your mood and encourage you for the week ahead – well, come to church! If it’s been a while since you’ve been here, or you are here every week – there is much to be said about “coming home” where there is always a place for you!
Hoping to see you at home - at Emanuel this summer!
In Christ,
Pastor Lyn
It’s July and we get to start off the month with fireworks, parades, picnics, music, etc. all in celebration of freedom. July exudes “freedom.” I love the 4th of July for what it stands for and for the opportunities available to us because we are a free people. One of my favorite memories is “going home for the 4th”. It was a time when I could count on seeing family, old classmates and friends who had come home for the same reason. There were parades, street dances, amateur baseball games with fireworks after dark, water fights with squirt guns (water cannons really!) all good natured, clean fun. Those were the days...
In the church, freedom sets the tone for the Season of Pentecost and this is particularly evident in the lessons we have for summer. Paul’s letters remind us that grace has overwhelmed legalism and we are free to live as children of God. Paul is quick to point out that grace does not eliminate the law, but grace enables us to live within the law. The law, Paul reiterates, does not save us – only grace through Jesus Christ can do that and, though free from the “law” we must not abuse our liberty. A Christ-centered way of life is not based on the law but is also not antithetical to the law at that same time.
Paul’s words are meant to encourage the church for “the long haul” of ministry when people become discouraged because of things going on in the world, kind of like things are now in the world. Another hazard of the long haul is that people tend to get bored with the same old thing week after week – that sometimes happens as Pentecost moves along. Paul would say – Jesus would say – remember who you are, remember Whose you are in those times. Allow the memories of why we love freedom in both our public and our spiritual life to provide hope and encourage perseverance. This summer, if you become restless or bored, if you feel overwhelmed by current events in the world and/or in the church, if you are looking for something that will lift your mood and encourage you for the week ahead – well, come to church! If it’s been a while since you’ve been here, or you are here every week – there is much to be said about “coming home” where there is always a place for you!
Hoping to see you at home - at Emanuel this summer!
In Christ,
Pastor Lyn