All are welcome to join us for church on Sunday, August 11 at 10 am.  There is no Sunday School during the summer, but there is still time for coffee and fellowship after the service.  We hope to see you there!

Here are a few thoughts from Rev. Marlene about the upcoming service.

Marlene’s Rev. Notes:

“Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, for each word is a gift.” Ephesians 4:29

 This week we are exploring “kindness through communication.” In this passage from Ephesians, Paul uses dramatic imagery to communicate his lack of tolerance for “the empty-headed, mindless crowd,” who do not know God. Paul strongly insists “that is no life for you!” if the Ephesians truly want to be followers of Jesus.  But why is he saying this?

First, to follow Christ, their minds must be transformed. It is Christ who makes truth accessible; not the thoughts of some learned community or a philosophy only understood by a few select people. If the Gentiles continue to cling to the crowd, their minds cannot be changed to an entirely new way of living and being in Christ.

Secondly, their way of life must match their transformed minds. When they encounter the fullness of truth in Christ, it should lead to upright actions and ways of living. Baptized into Christ, they and we, become new creations. Made anew, we can follow God’s ways. We can live in truth in our thoughts and deeds. With transformed minds and wills, we cannot help but exhibit righteousness and holiness, and become signs of God’s ongoing work in the world.

This transformation also affects our verbal communication with others. By saying that “each word is a gift,” Paul challenges us to use our speech in a way that is beneficial, and uplifting, and reflects only love and respect. We are to be mindful in what we say, making a conscious effort to speak with kindness and purpose, using our words to spread God’s goodness and grace.

Rev. Marlene