Galatians: All Because of You
First – sorry for missing last week’s email.
Second – this is the second week of a six week series on Galatians
Here is all the news that’s fit to publish:
The letter to the Galatian Churches:
All Because of You
Galatians is a letter from Paul to the young churches in Galatia – a community in present day Turkey. Paul had visited and established mission churches there but through other folks, had come to learn that things weren’t as he had left them.
Paul defends his position this week – he didn’t learn about God’s love & grace from others. His message is one that doesn’t rely on the teachings of others. The Good News in Christ is from a revelation of God through the Holy Spirit. And that’s important – because a lot of times we add things to make the message easier or more inclusive – which is the opposite of what Paul has come to know and believe.
So what do we do with that message? How do we know that what we do and how we proclaim the Good News doesn’t distort the love & grace of God? Tough questions – but it’s through the love and grace of each other, empowered by the Holy Spirit, that we are able to ask these questions, to look closely at how our practices and traditions lift up the Gospel, and to change them where needed.
Summer Worship Schedule begins this week: One service on Sunday at 9 AM. We will install the new church council during worship as well. Education programs are on hiatus.
Whoever you are and wherever you find yourself in your journey, know that you are most welcome here.
Blessings,
Pastor Tina
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Ministry & Mission News:
Your challenge: SOTH has donated $250 (the money for a team). The challenge is for you all to meet or exceed that amount. Click on Pastor Tina’s page and donate to this amazing cause. Wednesday Prayer Meeting: Each Wednesday from 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM, you are invited to join Barbara Osborne in prayer for the church, the world, and all those in need. If you have a specific prayer request, contact the church office. Summer Lunch Program: The SEC Food Pantry has begun collecting kid friendly meals for young people who will not receive free/reduced breakfast & lunch over the summer. The following items are being requested: Items can be brought to church and placed in the shopping cart. Contact Emery Malasits if you have questions or would like to help pack bags at the pantry. Graduation Recognition: Sunday, June 19, we will recognize all of our graduating high school seniors. We’ve sent postcards to them asking for a photo and a brief bio. During worship, we will bless them and wish them godspeed as they begin a new journey. Join us for fellowship after worship. Photos and Bios are due to PT no later than June 10. Clean Out for a Cause: Connect for Community, our ministry partner, is preparing for its second “Clean Out for a Cause” Garage Sale in June. Here’s how you can help:
Ecumenical Prayer Cycle: We join with Christians around the world praying for our brothers and sisters in joy and concern. For June 5- June 10, we pray for Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland. Learn more about these countries when you click on the link, which will direct you to the World Council of Churches website. |
Hammer for Heroes: Habitat for Humanities is hosting a building day at their Restore location in Randolph on Saturday June 4. And we have a team that will be participating.