August 2021 Pastor’s Letter
From the Desk of Pastor Melissa
Dear Friends,
“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” Colossians 3:14-16 NIV
The church at Colossae was divided in loyalty and in vision. It was confused by local cultural practice and often driven by a purely humanistic philosophy. In the day-to-day of life and faith, often they were driven by a sentimental practice of love instead of a principled love; love which rises above all obstacles and circumstances, and which results in feelings of irrepressible joy.
So, a letter was written to help the church, the body of Christ to center their lives upon Christ, who is the source of all unity and peace. Their unity is found in the love of Jesus for them. Their peace is found in Christ who calls them to be one body.
Folk back then most often only knew the peace that came from war—the peace of Rome. The Peace of Christ comes from love. For God is love, and Jesus commands us to respond to one another in love.
Love holds everything together. Love for God, love for each other, love for their church. Love is not optional or conditional. Love is the bond.
Only when believers put on the virtues of Christ, clothe themselves with love can they be united, only then will they be able to teach one another and admonish one another in all wisdom.
Love is the garment that holds the body together.
Love is not optional, love is the bond.
We—each one of us—know what God has done for us. The gifts of life, the gifts of plenty, and the gifts of struggle. We know that God is with us and understands all that we experience in this gift of life we are given. We know that we have been given a community that lives alongside us.
We each know the redemption we have received in Christ and the new life we are called to live in Jesus.
We know that the Holy Spirit comes to strengthen, guide, and inspire us to live lives that are more and more filled with love for God and each other.
How can we not enter into worship with hearts full of songs of thanksgiving?
How can we not be thankful to God for the gift of life, the gift of community—even in these turbulent times for our church, our nation and our world?
We live in a culture that is hungry for hope, for purpose, and meaningful relationships. God invites us to a life of discipleship that feeds, builds up, and shares the joy of a life lived for Jesus. We are the right people, at the right time, and in the right place to share the Good News of God’s love with our neighbors, family and friends.
We’ll talk again soon,
Pastor Melissa