From the Pastor's Pen

Dear friends,

As we come to the last chapter of First Thessalonians, Paul begins to give final instructions about how to be the church together.  Notice how focused in on relationships Paul is in this bit from chapter 5. 

12 Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. 13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 14 And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.  I Thess. 5: 12-15.

As I read these words, there’s a song that comes to mind from the church camp days of my youth.  The first verse went like this:

Let me be a little kinder

Let me be a little blinder

To the faults of those about me

Let me praise a little more

Let me be when I am weary

Just a little bit more cheery

Think a little more of others

And a little less of me

Oh my gosh.  I just looked it up on the internet to check my memory for these lyrics and discovered it was a Glenn Campbell song.  I guess I’m dating myself.  Here’s link if you want to hear the whole thing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4wozU12NYA.   

Living in Christian community is all about paying attention to other people.  In involves respecting those who are working hard for the church, living peaceably, encouraging those who are discouraged, helping those in need, exercising patience and generally doing good for others and praying for good for others. It think our church does these things really well.  Keep it up!  😊

Warmly,

Pr. Sally