In our reading today Jesus continues to warn his disciples that they will face challenges even from friends and the religious community they hold dear because of following Christ. Faithfulness isn't always easy. At our presbytery meeting yesterday one of our congregations, Bergen First Presbyterian Church, followed a calling they have long felt from God to leave the PC(USA). Sometimes following our call leads us away from what we have known. It was a sad moment, something like a divorce, because folks who have been linked by denomination for years are going a different way.
It was sad, and also joyful, because now both that congregation and the presbytery feel like they are following their call the right way. There is not always an obvious line that leads safely from here to our savior's call, but we are called and we can follow. We are not alone, and God is working with our church, our presbytery, our denomination and with the Bergen Presbyterian Church as they go their separate way, still serving God. Please keep our presbytery, denomination and the Bergen church in prayer for God's grace and guidance. Also, keep praying for you and for our congregation for that same guidance. God is doing something through each of us and through us together.
God bless,
Sam
John 16:1-6
”I have said these things to you to keep you from stumbling.
2They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, an hour is coming
when those who kill you will think that by doing so they are offering worship
to God. 3And they will do this because they have not known the
Father or me. 4But I have said these things to you so that when
their hour comes you may remember that I told you about them. “I did not say
these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you. 5But
now I am going to him who sent me; yet none of you asks me, ‘Where are you
going?’ 6But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has
filled your hearts.
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