Scripture: 1 Samuel 16:1-13
Message: Looking with God’s Eyes
Most of you will understand that it is not unusual that I would open my email to a message from our beloved Sherwood Norton, including some tidbit of archival history that is interestingly relevant to our work and worship today. This morning, I received one of these messages. Included were two points…
First, during the late 1920s our newsletter, then called “The Greeting” included these words as a boiler plate on the bottom of each page: “Whosoever thou art that enters this church leave it not without one prayer for thyself, for those that worship, and those that minister here.”
Second, in one of her Monday Musings, our dear former pastor, Rev. Jean Alexander, wrote, “One of the strengths of this congregation is that you are an encouraging congregation. It’s okay to make mistakes here. It isn’t the end of the world. You want people to do well. I have seen that in the way you encourage the children and youth and I’ve seen it myself! Don’t ever lose that quality. It is a strength and a sign of hope for the future.”
The UPA has always been a kind, grace-filled, and inclusive congregation. These and other quotes from our past publications, prove that it is in our DNA. We require it by the grace we show one another and every individual who walks through our doors. And when there is a circumstance we are not confident how to support, we do the research, communicating in curiosity and wonder with the intention of learning. This congregation does now and has always loved in big ways. It is our priority above all else. I have had the blessing of receiving this gift of love over these past 6 months and I am deeply grateful for it.
I tell you this with a true and honest (and experienced) heart -UPA is a special place that is different in so many ways from so many other congregations. Thank you for this and for choosing me to lead you!
See you Sunday!
Peace,
Cheryl
Music:
Prelude: “Serenade in E Minor” Dietrich Buxtehude
Anthem: “Once more my soul” William Billings
Meditation: “The Wexford Song” Irish folk melody
Postlude: “Largo in E Minor” Dietrich Buxtehude