Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

As we continue to battle this viral pandemic, many of us have grown weary over the illnesses and deaths and what best practices to put into place to keep us safe. Some want to deny, some want to retreat, others want to pursue ways to stop the virus, and still others are putting their own lives at risk to care for those infected or to provide access to the daily resources needed to nourish life.

And so we often find ourselves asking, what will tomorrow look like? And where might we find the activity of God in all this? In Matthew 23, Jesus warns against the hypocrisy that is formed when in challenging situations, some people turn to false premises and idolatrous practices and put a religious spin on it, when in reality it is merely political and built upon untruths and prejudices. It is the hypocrisy that develops when power is used to promote prestige and privilege, even in religious clothing, apart from an obedience to God's will. Jesus warns that swearing by money and might will only lead to disappointment. Drinking from such cups will reveal an inside of greed and self-indulgence (Matthew 23:25).

As Jesus entered the city of Jerusalem, he found it desolate in faith and mercy and justice, replaced with violence and division (Matthew 23:37f). What are we able to see when we peer into our place and time? Are we able to distinguish the truth from the lies, the signs of God's presence from the darkness of evil? Are we able to find the paths to healing and depart from the rhetoric of hate and divide? Can we see a way beyond the suffering of body, spirit, and relationship? Again, Jesus warns, "For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and produce great signs and omens, to lead astray, if possible, even the elect" (Matthew 24:24). But with such warnings carry the promise of Christ's presence, even in the darkest of situations, where the vultures gather (24:28).

It all comes down to this: who will we trust? Who will we trust with our lives, our future, our well-being? Will we be faithful to God and God's promises or will we resort to ways that run counter to that of following Jesus? Will there be rejoicing from the heavens or will there be weeping and gnashing of teeth in the outer darkness? 

If in God's will, tomorrow comes, how prepared will we be to, first, recognize God's presence in Christ, and second, to be ready and alert to where it will be that Jesus leads and directs us to carry forth ways of love and care for God's gifts of creation and of one another? 

Stay strong in faith and be of good courage!   Pastor John

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

As we continue to battle this viral pandemic, many of us have grown weary over the illnesses and deaths and what best practices to put into place to keep us safe. Some want to deny, some want to retreat, others want to pursue ways to stop the virus, and still others are putting their own lives at risk to care for those infected or to provide access to the daily resources needed to nourish life.

And so we often find ourselves asking, what will tomorrow look like? And where might we find the activity of God in all this? In Matthew 23, Jesus warns against the hypocrisy that is formed when in challenging situations, some people turn to false premises and idolatrous practices and put a religious spin on it, when in reality it is merely political and built upon untruths and prejudices. It is the hypocrisy that develops when power is used to promote prestige and privilege, even in religious clothing, apart from an obedience to God's will. Jesus warns that swearing by money and might will only lead to disappointment. Drinking from such cups will reveal an inside of greed and self-indulgence (Matthew 23:25).

As Jesus entered the city of Jerusalem, he found it desolate in faith and mercy and justice, replaced with violence and division (Matthew 23:37f). What are we able to see when we peer into our place and time? Are we able to distinguish the truth from the lies, the signs of God's presence from the darkness of evil? Are we able to find the paths to healing and depart from the rhetoric of hate and divide? Can we see a way beyond the suffering of body, spirit, and relationship? Again, Jesus warns, "For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and produce great signs and omens, to lead astray, if possible, even the elect" (Matthew 24:24). But with such warnings carry the promise of Christ's presence, even in the darkest of situations, where the vultures gather (24:28).

It all comes down to this: who will we trust? Who will we trust with our lives, our future, our well-being? Will we be faithful to God and God's promises or will we resort to ways that run counter to that of following Jesus? Will there be rejoicing from the heavens or will there be weeping and gnashing of teeth in the outer darkness? 

If in God's will, tomorrow comes, how prepared will we be to, first, recognize God's presence in Christ, and second, to be ready and alert to where it will be that Jesus leads and directs us to carry forth ways of love and care for God's gifts of creation and of one another? 

Stay strong in faith and be of good courage!   Pastor John

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

As we continue to battle this viral pandemic, many of us have grown weary over the illnesses and deaths and what best practices to put into place to keep us safe. Some want to deny, some want to retreat, others want to pursue ways to stop the virus, and still others are putting their own lives at risk to care for those infected or to provide access to the daily resources needed to nourish life.

And so we often find ourselves asking, what will tomorrow look like? And where might we find the activity of God in all this? In Matthew 23, Jesus warns against the hypocrisy that is formed when in challenging situations, some people turn to false premises and idolatrous practices and put a religious spin on it, when in reality it is merely political and built upon untruths and prejudices. It is the hypocrisy that develops when power is used to promote prestige and privilege, even in religious clothing, apart from an obedience to God's will. Jesus warns that swearing by money and might will only lead to disappointment. Drinking from such cups will reveal an inside of greed and self-indulgence (Matthew 23:25).

As Jesus entered the city of Jerusalem, he found it desolate in faith and mercy and justice, replaced with violence and division (Matthew 23:37f). What are we able to see when we peer into our place and time? Are we able to distinguish the truth from the lies, the signs of God's presence from the darkness of evil? Are we able to find the paths to healing and depart from the rhetoric of hate and divide? Can we see a way beyond the suffering of body, spirit, and relationship? Again, Jesus warns, "For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and produce great signs and omens, to lead astray, if possible, even the elect" (Matthew 24:24). But with such warnings carry the promise of Christ's presence, even in the darkest of situations, where the vultures gather (24:28).

It all comes down to this: who will we trust? Who will we trust with our lives, our future, our well-being? Will we be faithful to God and God's promises or will we resort to ways that run counter to that of following Jesus? Will there be rejoicing from the heavens or will there be weeping and gnashing of teeth in the outer darkness? 

If in God's will, tomorrow comes, how prepared will we be to, first, recognize God's presence in Christ, and second, to be ready and alert to where it will be that Jesus leads and directs us to carry forth ways of love and care for God's gifts of creation and of one another? 

Stay strong in faith and be of good courage!   Pastor John

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

As we continue to battle this viral pandemic, many of us have grown weary over the illnesses and deaths and what best practices to put into place to keep us safe. Some want to deny, some want to retreat, others want to pursue ways to stop the virus, and still others are putting their own lives at risk to care for those infected or to provide access to the daily resources needed to nourish life.

And so we often find ourselves asking, what will tomorrow look like? And where might we find the activity of God in all this? In Matthew 23, Jesus warns against the hypocrisy that is formed when in challenging situations, some people turn to false premises and idolatrous practices and put a religious spin on it, when in reality it is merely political and built upon untruths and prejudices. It is the hypocrisy that develops when power is used to promote prestige and privilege, even in religious clothing, apart from an obedience to God's will. Jesus warns that swearing by money and might will only lead to disappointment. Drinking from such cups will reveal an inside of greed and self-indulgence (Matthew 23:25).

As Jesus entered the city of Jerusalem, he found it desolate in faith and mercy and justice, replaced with violence and division (Matthew 23:37f). What are we able to see when we peer into our place and time? Are we able to distinguish the truth from the lies, the signs of God's presence from the darkness of evil? Are we able to find the paths to healing and depart from the rhetoric of hate and divide? Can we see a way beyond the suffering of body, spirit, and relationship? Again, Jesus warns, "For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and produce great signs and omens, to lead astray, if possible, even the elect" (Matthew 24:24). But with such warnings carry the promise of Christ's presence, even in the darkest of situations, where the vultures gather (24:28).

It all comes down to this: who will we trust? Who will we trust with our lives, our future, our well-being? Will we be faithful to God and God's promises or will we resort to ways that run counter to that of following Jesus? Will there be rejoicing from the heavens or will there be weeping and gnashing of teeth in the outer darkness? 

If in God's will, tomorrow comes, how prepared will we be to, first, recognize God's presence in Christ, and second, to be ready and alert to where it will be that Jesus leads and directs us to carry forth ways of love and care for God's gifts of creation and of one another? 

Stay strong in faith and be of good courage!   Pastor John

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

As we continue to battle this viral pandemic, many of us have grown weary over the illnesses and deaths and what best practices to put into place to keep us safe. Some want to deny, some want to retreat, others want to pursue ways to stop the virus, and still others are putting their own lives at risk to care for those infected or to provide access to the daily resources needed to nourish life.

And so we often find ourselves asking, what will tomorrow look like? And where might we find the activity of God in all this? In Matthew 23, Jesus warns against the hypocrisy that is formed when in challenging situations, some people turn to false premises and idolatrous practices and put a religious spin on it, when in reality it is merely political and built upon untruths and prejudices. It is the hypocrisy that develops when power is used to promote prestige and privilege, even in religious clothing, apart from an obedience to God's will. Jesus warns that swearing by money and might will only lead to disappointment. Drinking from such cups will reveal an inside of greed and self-indulgence (Matthew 23:25).

As Jesus entered the city of Jerusalem, he found it desolate in faith and mercy and justice, replaced with violence and division (Matthew 23:37f). What are we able to see when we peer into our place and time? Are we able to distinguish the truth from the lies, the signs of God's presence from the darkness of evil? Are we able to find the paths to healing and depart from the rhetoric of hate and divide? Can we see a way beyond the suffering of body, spirit, and relationship? Again, Jesus warns, "For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and produce great signs and omens, to lead astray, if possible, even the elect" (Matthew 24:24). But with such warnings carry the promise of Christ's presence, even in the darkest of situations, where the vultures gather (24:28).

It all comes down to this: who will we trust? Who will we trust with our lives, our future, our well-being? Will we be faithful to God and God's promises or will we resort to ways that run counter to that of following Jesus? Will there be rejoicing from the heavens or will there be weeping and gnashing of teeth in the outer darkness? 

If in God's will, tomorrow comes, how prepared will we be to, first, recognize God's presence in Christ, and second, to be ready and alert to where it will be that Jesus leads and directs us to carry forth ways of love and care for God's gifts of creation and of one another? 

Stay strong in faith and be of good courage!   Pastor John

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

As we continue to battle this viral pandemic, many of us have grown weary over the illnesses and deaths and what best practices to put into place to keep us safe. Some want to deny, some want to retreat, others want to pursue ways to stop the virus, and still others are putting their own lives at risk to care for those infected or to provide access to the daily resources needed to nourish life.

And so we often find ourselves asking, what will tomorrow look like? And where might we find the activity of God in all this? In Matthew 23, Jesus warns against the hypocrisy that is formed when in challenging situations, some people turn to false premises and idolatrous practices and put a religious spin on it, when in reality it is merely political and built upon untruths and prejudices. It is the hypocrisy that develops when power is used to promote prestige and privilege, even in religious clothing, apart from an obedience to God's will. Jesus warns that swearing by money and might will only lead to disappointment. Drinking from such cups will reveal an inside of greed and self-indulgence (Matthew 23:25).

As Jesus entered the city of Jerusalem, he found it desolate in faith and mercy and justice, replaced with violence and division (Matthew 23:37f). What are we able to see when we peer into our place and time? Are we able to distinguish the truth from the lies, the signs of God's presence from the darkness of evil? Are we able to find the paths to healing and depart from the rhetoric of hate and divide? Can we see a way beyond the suffering of body, spirit, and relationship? Again, Jesus warns, "For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and produce great signs and omens, to lead astray, if possible, even the elect" (Matthew 24:24). But with such warnings carry the promise of Christ's presence, even in the darkest of situations, where the vultures gather (24:28).

It all comes down to this: who will we trust? Who will we trust with our lives, our future, our well-being? Will we be faithful to God and God's promises or will we resort to ways that run counter to that of following Jesus? Will there be rejoicing from the heavens or will there be weeping and gnashing of teeth in the outer darkness? 

If in God's will, tomorrow comes, how prepared will we be to, first, recognize God's presence in Christ, and second, to be ready and alert to where it will be that Jesus leads and directs us to carry forth ways of love and care for God's gifts of creation and of one another? 

Stay strong in faith and be of good courage!   Pastor John

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

As we continue to battle this viral pandemic, many of us have grown weary over the illnesses and deaths and what best practices to put into place to keep us safe. Some want to deny, some want to retreat, others want to pursue ways to stop the virus, and still others are putting their own lives at risk to care for those infected or to provide access to the daily resources needed to nourish life.

And so we often find ourselves asking, what will tomorrow look like? And where might we find the activity of God in all this? In Matthew 23, Jesus warns against the hypocrisy that is formed when in challenging situations, some people turn to false premises and idolatrous practices and put a religious spin on it, when in reality it is merely political and built upon untruths and prejudices. It is the hypocrisy that develops when power is used to promote prestige and privilege, even in religious clothing, apart from an obedience to God's will. Jesus warns that swearing by money and might will only lead to disappointment. Drinking from such cups will reveal an inside of greed and self-indulgence (Matthew 23:25).

As Jesus entered the city of Jerusalem, he found it desolate in faith and mercy and justice, replaced with violence and division (Matthew 23:37f). What are we able to see when we peer into our place and time? Are we able to distinguish the truth from the lies, the signs of God's presence from the darkness of evil? Are we able to find the paths to healing and depart from the rhetoric of hate and divide? Can we see a way beyond the suffering of body, spirit, and relationship? Again, Jesus warns, "For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and produce great signs and omens, to lead astray, if possible, even the elect" (Matthew 24:24). But with such warnings carry the promise of Christ's presence, even in the darkest of situations, where the vultures gather (24:28).

It all comes down to this: who will we trust? Who will we trust with our lives, our future, our well-being? Will we be faithful to God and God's promises or will we resort to ways that run counter to that of following Jesus? Will there be rejoicing from the heavens or will there be weeping and gnashing of teeth in the outer darkness? 

If in God's will, tomorrow comes, how prepared will we be to, first, recognize God's presence in Christ, and second, to be ready and alert to where it will be that Jesus leads and directs us to carry forth ways of love and care for God's gifts of creation and of one another? 

Stay strong in faith and be of good courage!   Pastor John

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

As we continue to battle this viral pandemic, many of us have grown weary over the illnesses and deaths and what best practices to put into place to keep us safe. Some want to deny, some want to retreat, others want to pursue ways to stop the virus, and still others are putting their own lives at risk to care for those infected or to provide access to the daily resources needed to nourish life.

And so we often find ourselves asking, what will tomorrow look like? And where might we find the activity of God in all this? In Matthew 23, Jesus warns against the hypocrisy that is formed when in challenging situations, some people turn to false premises and idolatrous practices and put a religious spin on it, when in reality it is merely political and built upon untruths and prejudices. It is the hypocrisy that develops when power is used to promote prestige and privilege, even in religious clothing, apart from an obedience to God's will. Jesus warns that swearing by money and might will only lead to disappointment. Drinking from such cups will reveal an inside of greed and self-indulgence (Matthew 23:25).

As Jesus entered the city of Jerusalem, he found it desolate in faith and mercy and justice, replaced with violence and division (Matthew 23:37f). What are we able to see when we peer into our place and time? Are we able to distinguish the truth from the lies, the signs of God's presence from the darkness of evil? Are we able to find the paths to healing and depart from the rhetoric of hate and divide? Can we see a way beyond the suffering of body, spirit, and relationship? Again, Jesus warns, "For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and produce great signs and omens, to lead astray, if possible, even the elect" (Matthew 24:24). But with such warnings carry the promise of Christ's presence, even in the darkest of situations, where the vultures gather (24:28).

It all comes down to this: who will we trust? Who will we trust with our lives, our future, our well-being? Will we be faithful to God and God's promises or will we resort to ways that run counter to that of following Jesus? Will there be rejoicing from the heavens or will there be weeping and gnashing of teeth in the outer darkness? 

If in God's will, tomorrow comes, how prepared will we be to, first, recognize God's presence in Christ, and second, to be ready and alert to where it will be that Jesus leads and directs us to carry forth ways of love and care for God's gifts of creation and of one another? 

Stay strong in faith and be of good courage!   Pastor John