SERMON SHORT FOR SEPTEMBER 13th, 2020

SERMON SHORT FOR SEPTEMBER 13th, 2020

A CELEBRATION OF DISCIPLINE

Deuteronomy  6:1-9, Matthew 7:21-29

            This Sunday we would normally be starting everything up again; the Rally Day Sunday dedications of teachers and volunteers for our fall and winter programs. The regathering of everyone from our summer hiatus and the excitement and promise of a new church year. But things are still far from normal.

            If this summer has taught us anything, it’s that our worship and witness are not dependent on getting everyone into the church building to do things. Our worship and witness are more about our personal relationship to God and to each other. And we have learned we can do and be church remotely and physically separate, but together in God’s spirit.

            I am afraid this physical separation will not be overcome soon. Although our Sunday services are open for you to come and join, we know many will opt to stay at home to participate. We will continue our live online services through YouTube. In fact, I encourage you to do this. Stay safe in your worship of God.

            Realizing this, I want to revisit a great book that will enrich our walk with God while we will not be walking with each other. Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster was first published over 40 years ago yet it remains the best modern book of Christian spirituality and described by Christianity Today as one of the best 10 books of the 20th century.

            Over the next few months we will focus on the chapters and practices that Foster lays out in this book. Some of them are about getting together. Most are about things you and I can do on our own. Being close to God is not dependent upon being close to each other.

            The book is still available to purchase if you wish your own copy, or check in with our weekly worship services, in person or online, as we explore this inspiring book.

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