A very special thank you to Elizabeth for graciously opening her home again to host an informal picnic for her family at St. John’s. It was such a great setting, with great weather, and of course being surrounded by a great church family. Something that has seemingly been lost over the generations.
This sense of community and being there for one another was always prevalent growing up and taught almost everywhere. Sundays were always set aside for the family. Childhood institutions like Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts would reinforce what was taught at home and school about community and concern for others. And the starting point for this way of life has always been the Christian church. It was always the focal point of every thriving community and was much more influential in people’s lives than it is today. Not only explaining the word of God through the scriptures, but the church would show how God wanted us to live – a moral and just life. From 1Peter 5:2-5, “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them – not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”” I believe that is the core to believing in Jesus Christ and his many teachings. Expounding on “love your neighbor as yourselves”. Help build them up and not yourself. Don’t center your life around you, but others. And always lend a hand when they are in need. Today, the message constantly being reinforced is immediate gratification, feelings, and the individual. Teachings that diminish the importance of others and leads to pride and little regard towards others. How different would America or the world be if everyone earnestly read the Bible and practiced verses like 1Peter 5? If children were taught to think more of others or to have self-reflection over one’s own feelings. I’m sure more civility, more compassion, and more respect for others and for life itself would be the result.
As we move forward and continue our search for our next pastor I am encouraged and strengthened by your faith and support more than ever. For that I am grateful.
To the children of St. John’s we all pray you have a great year growing both at school and spiritually here at St. John’s. You are in a good community of faithful followers of Jesus Christ!
Glory be to God!
In Christ,
Eric