Rector’s Update: That Times of Refreshing May Come
Dear Restoration,
“The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever.”
(Psalm 138:8)
Those words jumped off the page at me this morning.
Eventually.
The first time I read that sentence, I knew it was important, so I wrote it down in my journal with a note that said, ‘A comfort. God will do what He said.’ Seemed pretty pedestrian, kind of ho hum.
I got up, ready to move into my day, and that’s when the words jumped.
Wait! This is not just a reminder that God is faithful and follows through on His promises. This is very particular. To me!
First, God has a purpose FOR ME.
Second, God will fulfill HIS PURPOSE FOR ME.
(because) His steadfast love endures forever.
I sat back down. Closed my eyes.
‘Thank you, God. I needed to be reminded that you are so intimately involved in my life that you actually have a purpose for my life that is just for me. I know that my story is not the whole story but my story is a part of your story. It’s impacting me deeply that you are promising to fulfill this purpose that you have for me. I feel enormously seen, upheld, and confident as I head into my day. AND, I am not sure which particularities of my purpose you are intending to fulfill today, but I feel rock-solid trust that as you fulfill them, it will be for my great good. Thank you, God. I needed to be reminded. In Jesus’ name, Amen.’
Sometimes a verse grabs you by the arm and sits you back down.
New Sermon Series
Last Sunday we walked for 7 miles to Emmaus with Jesus and a couple disciples, chatting about all ‘the things.’ This week we turn to the book of Acts for a wild 4 month ride-along with the Holy Spirit and the first gatherings of Christians. It’s going to be a blast as we take a deep dive on Sundays and in our small groups.
One of the features of Acts are a number of public speeches given by the apostles where they describe who Jesus was, who Israel was intended to be, how we got to this moment, and how we should respond. It’s Peter in Acts 3 who says, (my paraphrase): You killed him. You had no idea who He was. Say you’re sorry. “So that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that He may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus…” (Acts 3:17-21).
I am praying that God uses this series to increase our knowledge of Him, to increase our fervent prayer for the power of the Holy Spirit, to increase the numbers of people who are returning to Christ, and to increase our refreshing. Come Lord and use your word to give us life!
Confirmation
Are you new to Anglicanism?
Were you baptized as a baby but haven’t publicly confirmed for yourself the promises your parents made on your behalf?
Do you wonder what your spiritual gifts are and how you can use them?
We have a GREAT set of classes for you at the end of May. You will learn more about Anglican history, theology, and polity. You will have an opportunity to consider your spiritual gifts and how you can use them. You will be prepared to stand before our congregation as our bishop lays hands and prays for you, “Strengthen, O Lord, with your Holy Spirit, your servant, empower him/her for your service; and sustain him/her all the days of their life.”
I hope that all of you who have not been confirmed or received into the Anglican Church will consider participating. Have questions, give Beth a shout.
Join us for four Sundays of adult confirmation class (12:30 – 2pm) + lunch! Sign up here.
Sunday, May 15
Sunday, May 22
Sunday, June 5
Sunday, June 12
The Bishop will be here on Sunday, June 19, to confirm you, lay his hands upon you and pray for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Awesome indeed! May the times of refreshing, come!
“I give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart; before the gods I sing your praise…” (Psalm 138:1)
Amen and Amen.
-David
