Peacemakers,
For a small congregation, we have a lot happening. Of course, in a church of our size, we know more of these happenings. We hear about new grandchildren, broken arms, rehab stays, declining parents, cancer treatments, joblessness among the relatives. I’m glad to be connected to each of you in this meaningful way. Let’s keep praying for one another in the good times and the bad, because no matter what is happening in life, what we really need is the Holy Spirit to make us more Christ-like. Thank you for your prayers as I travel to a family funeral in N. Carolina. I’ll be back very late Friday night.
In preparation for Sunday, please read Colossians 3:1-14, a challenge to know the truth of who you are and to live into it. Be the new you, the you that God in Jesus Christ calls you to be. Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, forgiveness, and above all, love. Wear these virtues daily, hourly. This is who you really are and God is doing everything possible (without removing your freedom) to get you to be who you are. Work with God’s Spirit on this. See you Sunday!
In a pastoral letter from our General Presbyter, Graham Hart, he asks the question:
“In Peace River Presbytery and in each of our congregations, how can we create space for a civil, generous, robust, non-anxious, non-reactive conversation among us who first and foremost, now and eternally, define ourselves as followers of ‘The Way’?”
Let’s lead the way in creating such space for generous conversation at Peace Presbyterian and around Lakewood Ranch.
With love,
Elizabeth
