Scripture: Ephesians 6:23
Peace be to the whole community, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Thought for the Day: I have always loved these closing words from Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, especially the idea of ‘love with faith.’ The church has tended to emphasize the faith over the love. There are many churches whose theology starts with a dogmatic faith and then they throw in a little love as an afterthought. The author, Philip Gulley, had a guy say to him, “I love the theory of the church. It’s the practice of it that leaves me cold.” As Phil goes on to write in his book, If the Church Were Christian, in a new model of church, “…gracious behavior would be more important than right belief.” The theory of the church is a stunningly beautiful image. With that image in mind, it is time to move away from an institution that hammers people who do not tow the line on correct belief. Instead, the church needs to encourage above all else a commitment to becoming a tangible expression of love in the world.
Prayer: Above everything else, O God, help me to be gracious as you are. Amen.
SUNDAY AFTERNOON
Installation of Rev. Brian Edwards
3:00pm in the Centrum
Reception to follow
Also on Sunday…
Elders Meeting at 5:00pm
Board Meeting at 6:30pm
