A Congregational Letter to Morgan’s Point and Forks Road East United Churches
It was great to connect in with so many of you by phone and text this week. Folks from both congregations are doing well and keeping busy with a variety of activities. I know Ted and I will be putting up our Christmas Tree this week as we approach the 1st Sunday in Advent. Today, Nov. 22nd, is Christ the King Sunday. It is the last Sunday in our Church calendar year, and a day in which we celebrate Christ as our King. Next Sunday, Advent 1, begins a new liturgical year for us in the Christian tradition.
My sermon this week is based on Matthew 25: 31-46, and is entitled “Acts of Kindness”. There is a wonderful tradition in the Jewish faith called chesed (pronounced heh-sed). Chesed is a Hebrew word that is roughly translated as “acts of kindness.” It’s where the Hasidic Jews get their name. They believe faith is best known by what you do, not by what you say. So, they bear witness to the love of God by practising acts of kindness.
Chesed also lies at the heart of the Christian faith. What we believe, is best seen by what we do – acts of kindness - although as Christians we do good deeds, not to win brownie points, but to show gratitude for God’s grace and love. John said it best when he said: “We love him because he first loved us.” (1 John 4:19) As Christians we also believe that in serving others, we are actually serving Christ himself. In fact, if we look carefully, we can see a reflection of Jesus in the faces of all those we meet. Sharing the gift of kindness is well within our reach. It’s something each of us can do every day.
I like to think it’s the little acts of kindness that often go unnoticed that have the best chance of transforming the world around us into the kingdom of God. God calls us to share the gift of chesed – to practice random acts of kindness in Jesus’ name. To do so is to honour Christ, and help fulfill his mission of reconciling the world to God. As importantly, sharing the gift of kindness transforms us, and brings us together in a spirit of caring and compassionate community in thanksgiving for all God has done for us.
Remember, also, that as we pray for one another every morning at 10:30, God grants us wisdom, love and peace to hold each other in God’s infinite love and care.
Much love and care to you all. Keep well and safe.
God’s Blessings,
Pastor Laura
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