June 16, 2023

Dear Friends in Christ,

“The church is not a select circle of the immaculate, but a home where the outcast may come in. It is not a palace with gate attendants and challenging sentinels along the entrance ways holding off at arm’s length the stranger, but rather a hospital where the broken-hearted may be healed, and where all the weary and troubled may find rest and take counsel together.” (James H. Aughey)

Early Saturday morning the high school and college students working from our church campus to repair homes on St. Helena Island will break camp and return to their respective homes and communities of faith. May the Lord bless and keep them as they enjoy more familiar surroundings Saturday night and worship in their local congregations on Sunday morning. Please know they are most appreciative of our Sea Island hospitality.

After their departure, Reggie and I and any other volunteers who might wish to help will begin the work of putting our house back in order as we sweep and mop, vacuum and re-set furniture and make ready for our 8:30 and 10:30 Sunday morning worship services.

Looking to Sunday, Jeff Reynolds and and Nancy Fu, members of the Diaconate, will lead us in the morning psalter and opening prayer while Elders John Partin and Sally Dalrymple will offer the Old Testament Lesson and a prepared litany offering thanksgiving for the many volunteer workers in the church. Refreshments and a special cake commemorating our volunteers will be available in the Gathering Room following both services.

It has been said that every child born into the world is a gift from God, an ever fresh and radiant possibility. It has also been noted that baptism is the door of the spiritual life and the gateway to the sacraments. We will celebrate the sacrament of baptism with Austin and Katie Hall at the 10:30 service as they present their son, Barrett, brother of Amelia, for the sacrament of baptism.  It is important to remember that in every baptism, we assume the responsibility for nurturing our children in the faith, for extending our Christian love, friendship, and prayers.

In response to a world that remains unsettled, youth liturgists Emma Brem and Lauren Holcombe will offer words of peace and invite us as a congregation to share the peace. The Summer Kirk Choir will also be with us as they lead us in songs of faith and the morning anthem, “Here I Am, Lord.”

The readings for Sunday include Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19; Genesis 18:1-15; Romans 5:1-8; and Matthew 9:35-10:8.  May the Lord bless us in the reading of his holy and sacred Word.

In closing, may we recognize that the concept of community was an important part of Jesus’ life and ministry. The gospel reminds us that Jesus gathered with people of faith on the Lord’s Day “as was his custom.” (Luke 4) I would merely suggest that if this was important for Jesus, it might also be important for us as we make our way in life seeking understanding about who we are in Christ, who we are in relationship with one another, and how all of this enables us to understand our place in the world. May the peace of Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. +