The link to this week's live-streamed service is here.
one half our returned mission team |
We welcomed our DR mission team home this weekend. They were all in church on Sunday morning, a bit jet-lagged but glowing from their experience and full of stories to tell. We look forward to hearing their report, once they've settled into home.
For those of us who kept the homefires burning, the week included the company of friends. The Wednesday study group watched Luther on DVD. It is an excellent film. You can watch it on Youtube here I particularly enjoyed Peter Ustinov in the role of Frederick the Wise.
One of the most powerful scenes is Luther, standing before the church council, who demand that he recant his teachings against church doctrine. He replies "Unless I am convinced by Scripture and by plain reason and not by Popes and councils who have so often contradicted themselves, my conscience is captive to the word of God. To go against conscience is neither right nor safe. I cannot and I will not recant. Here I stand. I can do no other. God help me."
Protestant churches celebrate the Reformation as a moment when Scripture triumphed over abuses in the Roman Catholic church. Sadly, it also led to violent struggles between Catholics and Protestants throughout Europe as part of the 30 Years War. Millions of people died; a consequence Luther never intended and one he deeply mourned.
Friendship Coffee on Thursday settled the affairs of the world much more amicably. There was one table of men, another with women and knitting, and another, non-segregated. Thanks to Janet for sharing her pictures.
In Paul's letter to the Galations, he wrote:
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
As the country heads into an election, and feelings may run high, gathering around a table, sharing coffee and conversation reminds us that friendship is a gift to cherish.