1 Peter 3:8-9 Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or abuse for abuse; but, on the contrary, repay with a blessing. It is for this that you were called—that you might inherit a blessing.
Churches are interesting beasts. We are communities of healing and support for one another. We are communities of worship called to bear Christ's light into our world. And we are also human institutions. This is where lots of people's disillusionment with church (and with God) stems from... the way people treat one another in church too often. Because we are people and we have an institution to run together. Sometimes we disagree about the best ways to do that.
I think Peter's words above are good reminders for how we should do that institution-stuff. Living and working together is hard. It would be much easier to be the church if I could do it by myself. But that's not what the church is. We are people who live and work and dream together. So let's all remember to do it with sympathy and love and tender hearts and humble minds. And when someone else in the group doesn't do that and pays us with evil - that's not your concern. Your concern is to repay it with a blessing and with prayer. Let's give it a shot.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
This Sunday we return to our regular calendar with worship at 8:30 and 11 and Education Hour at 9:45. This Sunday is Youth Sunday worship where your High School youth have planned the music and messages throughout. We will still celebrate Holy Communion. Come one and come all. Full details are available at http://www.allsaintspalatine.org
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