Bread of Life (pt. II)

Good Wednesday to you,

Are we there yet? It’s a common question asked by children sitting in the back of a car. Actually, anyone on a journey wonders about the answer to that question at some point. On Sunday we continued to look at Jesus' statement, "I AM the Bread of Life." The people grumbled at Jesus' words, especially as He described the necessity to "eat of His flesh and drink of His blood." Moving beyond caring for our physical needs toward caring for our spiritual needs can be a challenge. In my mind, I see Jesus asking those who had been blessed by the physical food (feeding of the 5,000) if they were ready to receive the Spiritual Food (Jesus Himself) God was offering.

Are you there yet? Are you willing to believe that Jesus is from Heaven, fully God and fully human at the same time? Believing in Jesus, His authority, and His sovereignty, is a point on our spiritual journey that everyone must pass. Up to now, Jesus has offered "low hanging fruit." With this teaching/discourse, Jesus is "upping the ante." Once we are "there," we move beyond spiritual milk and begin chewing on solid spiritual food. This coming Sunday we will continue through the 6th chapter of John's gospel and see the response of those who were there. Looking at verses 6:53-71, I will be asking the question, "Who are you really following?"

This Saturday at 6:00pm we have the special privilege of hosting the band "Rachel Aldous and the Road Home” on the lawn in front of the sanctuary. This bluegrass band will have your toes tapping and your hands clapping as they celebrate Jesus through their music. Come and stake a place on the lawn with blankets and chairs and bring a picnic-style dinner (think Concert in the Park), and be ready to enjoy the concert. Music starts at 6:00. The Deacons are providing refreshments and coffee after the concert. Please bring a shareable, "finger-edible" dessert to be dropped off in Parish Hall before the concert begins.

It is also not too late to register for our summer event Island Nights. A week of fellowship with your family and church family while learning about God's work "Beyond the Bridge" is not to be missed. Dinner will be served from 5:00 - 6:00pm, when the action will move into the sanctuary for music and ministry. Aychi and his family are eager to teach you worship songs in Amharic, the language of Ethiopia. We want single people, couples (of all ages) and families to spend the week in joyful fellowship. Sign up here today!

Please continue praying for the process of calling the next pastor as your leadership begins updating the mission study. Jody and I appreciate your prayers as well, as we prepare to transition to retirement at the end of the year.

I hope to see you all soon!

Grace and peace,
Pastor David

If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!