Pastor's Monthly Message

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Pastor’s Page October 2024

We begin reading scripture together in October that has us asking, ...

Who Would Jesus Bless Today? The children? Certainly! As we reflect on Mark’s depiction of Jesus blessing children we might imagine a sentimental scene that shows Jesus surrounded by cute, adorable children. Likewise, we think of the many occasions where children are blessed in our churches today; children gathering around the altar or up at the front of the worship space so pastor can say a prayer with them and give them a blessing. Their parents and others may also be gathered just behind the children, smiling in adoration of these young ones.

Jesus, by having children brought to him, identifies himself with those who were among the most vulnerable and helpless in society. As Christ’s church, do we provide a place of welcome and care for the most vulnerable and weak in our society?

Next, we reflect on ... Fat Camels entering through gates like thread through a Narrow Needle: This Only Possible for God. We will listen as a rich man approaches Jesus and asks how to inherit eternal life. Jesus tells him to sell what he owns, give the money to the poor, and follow. Jesus will accept nothing less than our very selves. Like the rich man, we too are left defenseless and grieving by Jesus’ radical call to leave behind and give away what we count on for our own security. This reminds us that we are called to follow Christ our King, entering through the eye of the needle, leaving behind what cannot fit through with us. 

Our next question ... Sharing in God’s Glory: is it a measure of Success or Service?

In this week’s gospel, some disciples ask Jesus, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” Like them, we too are quick to assume that following Christ leads to success, power, and glory. Yet those who will be great among us will be servants, finding Christ’s strength in their weakness and giving of themselves fully, following their Lord through failure, weakness, and shame into true and eternal glory. 

Reformation Sunday reminds us again that we are ... Not Ashamed. The focus this day is on the church’s need for continual reform; the church’s history is secondary to an emphasis on the issues and needs of the church today. Both approaches have much to commend them. On Reformation Sunday—as every Sunday—we remember that we are not ashamed of this good news, this gospel.

Have a glorious start to this autumn season! See you in church! 

Pastor Andy