Blessed…to be a blessing!
Weekly Word from Pastor Jim – December 30, 2015
2015 draws now to a close. 2015 will enter the history books unchangeable and frozen in time. Like every year that preceded it, 2015 can only be visited now as one would visit a graveyard. I like visiting graveyards, but I would not suggest that any of spend too much time there. The successes and regrets of 2015 are behind us — the blank slate that is before us is filled with possibilities.
I would encourage you to make some New Year’s Resolutions. May 2016 be a year marked by: humility and generosity. In 2016 I would encourage you to be kind to yourself, and to be kind to others. Make choices that are healthy for you, your loved ones, and your neighbors. In 2016 foster an attitude of gratitude. You will be amazed how much better life will be if you take every opportunity to give thanks, offer praise to others, and count your blessings. If you want to achieve the goals above, then put yourself in the path of the Gospel. Your life will be better if you worship, and our community will be blessed by your presence.
2016 is an Election year. So I would like to say something about the election. I COULD CARE LESS WHO YOU VOTE FOR. Really, I mean it. I would encourage you to vote because people have labored, fought, and died to give you that right. You are a steward of your vote. That said, I really don’t care who you vote for. I don’t expect you to vote as I do. After all, I have cast more than a few regrettable ballots in my day.
You see, I don’t love you because of your politics. I don’t respect you because of your voting record. I don’t value you because you are rich, smart, or successful.
We are created by God, in the image of God, and what do we see? A marvelous diversity, the brush strokes of a Master Painter are observed in every person and in every corner of creation. We are a dazzling bouquet of every kind of flower: black, brown, red, and white, gay and straight, male and female. We are Republicans, Democrats and Independents.
I don’t have to understand you or agree with you — Jesus just asks me to love you.
See you in Church!
Pastor Jim
Join us for worship at 8:00, 9:30 or 11:00 am this Sunday!
