Rector’s Update: if you have the Spirit of God living in you…
There is therefore now no condemnation
for those who are in Christ Jesus.
For the law of the Spirit of life
has set you free in Christ Jesus
from the law of sin and death.
Romans 8:1-2
Dear Restoration,
Last Sunday, we brought our wrestling souls to Romans 8. I suggested that these opening verses are like the bud of a rose: extraordinary beauty packed into a small number of words. The implications of these sentences will unfold over the Sundays of November as we take our time walking upwards, through the chapter, to our glorious hope: nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. (Romans 8:38)
As the bud begins to open, we are asking (in small groups, across the table in coffee shops, and in text threads), “Are you ready to invite the Spirit of God to dwell in you? In ALL of you?”
You can choose where you ‘set your mind’- on the flesh or on the spirit. ‘To set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.’
I hope you have had good discussions about your heart as Christ’s home, where the Spirit dwells.
I hope the Lord is encouraging you with His acceptance of you, for in Him, there is no condemnation.
I look forward to watching the flower fully open!
-David
Praying for those who serve in the military.
Everyday we are aware of war and conflict that rages across our globe. It is unavoidable.
May the Lord give us endurance to keep praying for His will to be done, for His Kingdom to come.
May the Lord give us gratitude for those who protect our nation through military service.
May the Lord train us as disciples who are peace-makers and who love our enemies.
We live in a complex, difficult world that strains our ability to hope.
As we follow Jesus in it, I invite you to pray for our veterans.
O Judge of the nations, we thank you with grateful hearts for the men and women of our country who in the day of decision ventured much for the liberties we now enjoy. Grant that we may not rest until all the people of this land share the benefits of true freedom and gladly accept its disciplines.
This we ask in the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
November 19th, 5-6pm
A Service of Worship and Healing
I am so excited about this.
Isaac has invited excellent musicians to come create an environment of beauty and grace in our sanctuary. There will be special music from The Porter’s Gate, The Ars Nova String Quartet, and our own Restoration worship team. I believe this is something to which you could invite a friend who would not normally come to church. They will love the music.
And… they can ask for healing. As we prepare for the holiday season and all that comes with it, we AND our friends are carrying burdens that we want lifted. We all want relief and wholeness.
Beth and Isaac have created this opportunity for music and healing for you… AND your friends.
I am inviting you to take a moment and think about someone on your street, in your building, or at your work who needs to know that God loves them and would appreciate being reminded of that through music and prayer. Would you invite them to come with you? Want me to pray that they will say yes? Send me their name and I will pray with you.
Nursery will be available.
God heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds…
– Psalm 147:3
