Dear Friends,
Amid all that, today brings the strengthening of Tropical Storm Nicole to a Category1 hurricane, the many challenges politically and personally we are always reminded that God is present in the storm. With change and uncertainty at times, we find ourselves asking many questions.
I was drawn today to reflect again that the Gospels record that Jesus was asked 183 questions, he asked 307 questions and he answered 3 questions. As the mystery of God unfolds to us through Jesus, we discover that he either ignored the question or answered it with a question. Questions help us navigate our life and discern truth.
So, let’s begin with the 3 questions he answered.
1) “So you are a king, then?” said Pilate.
“Yes, I am a king. I was born for this” (John 18:37).
2) “Lord, teach us how to pray, just as John taught
his disciples. He said to them, ‘This is how you pray,’
and he taught them the Our Father (Luke 11:1).
3) “To disconcert him, one of the Pharisees put to him a
question, ‘Master, which is the greatest commandment of the
Law?’ Jesus said, ‘You must love the Lord your God with
all your heart, with all your mind, and with all your soul…
And the second is like it” (Matthew 22:36-37).
Perhaps this allows our hearts to examine who Jesus is in our lives, our prayer journey and the way we LOVE! It also gives us freedom to ask the deepest questions of God. May you discover the mystery of God’s Grace as you ask your questions!
Finally, we look forward to seeing you on Sunday for our Celebration of First Fruits Service. It’s going to be a magnificent time of honoring all that God has given Us, of recognizing the many sacrifices people have made for generations and Celebrating together. I have it on good authority to come hungry. The food is going to be good!
Thank you for the Pledges that have been received for 2023, we have on record 52 pledges and if you are still prayerfully considering your Financial Pledge for 2023 and would like to email it or bring it to the Church either put it on the altar or in the Offering Plate.
Don’t forget our Charge Conference is on Tuesday, November 15th at 7pm in the Sanctuary. ALL ARE INVITED to attend, and our DS Dr Cynthia Weems will be presiding. Much excitement is about, as our New Bishop Tom Berlin was appointed for 2023 and deep recognition for the incredible leadership and wisdom of Bishop Ken Carter’s life and ministry resounds across the Country. Please see all details, https://www.flumc.org/newsdetail/bishop-ken-carter-17114966.
Blessings to you all, be safe, in Christ Jacqui