All are welcome to join us for service on Sunday, July 13 at 10 am. Stay for coffee and a visit. Hope to see you there.

Here are Rev. Marlene’s notes on the upcoming reflection.

Marlene’s Rev. Notes:

“Whoever serves must do so with the strength which God supplies.” 1 Peter 4:11

In this second Sunday of “Peter’s Path,” we will be exploring the gifts and the calling which God has given each of us. What is your strength?  What do you do well?  What do people ask you to do again?  What topics excite you?

“Fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you” (2 Timothy 1:6).  You be you.  Don’t be your parents or grandparents.  You can admire them, appreciate them, and learn from them.  But you cannot be them.

Jesus was insistent on this.  After the resurrection he appeared to some of his followers.  He gave Peter a specific pastoral assignment that included great sacrifice.  The apostle responded by pointing at John and saying, “Lord, what about him?”  Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?  You must follow me.” (John 21:21-22). In other words, don’t occupy yourself with another person’s calling; stay focused on your own.

Serving is easy when we are motivated and when we are using the gifts God has given us. to do what God has called us to do.  As believers in Christ, we are motivated to love and serve, because we know that Jesus loved and came to serve us.  Since he did so much for us, when none of us deserved it, how could we not do all we can for Christ?  Our best efforts at service represent the highest form of gratitude we can express to God for the gift of love and eternal life. So, the question remains: How are you using your unique, true self to serve God today?