Word Is Out

This coming Sunday, we will hear the opening of Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians, probably the earliest of his letters to survive. Around 50 CE, Paul wrote to the Christians of Thessalonica (today’s Thessaloniki in Greece), the community to whom he had brought the good news of Christ. He had sent Timothy back to check on them and had received a joyful report. This is Paul’s response. 

The opening is full of affirmation. Paul gives thanks for their “work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” He reminds them that they are “beloved by God” and “chosen.” Who wouldn’t long to hear those words?

As we prepare for our Annual Meeting on November 1, these words echo in my heart. I give thanks for your labor of love: the genosity of spirit you offer one another in true Christian fellowship. We have laughed and cried together. We have given ourselves to those beyond our walls. We raised $25,000 for AFAC in response to the government shutdown. We hosted another successful Nature Camp with 70 kids and built a nature trail. We opened the chapel for ongoing seating so we could welcome more than 300 people on Welcome Sunday weekend and the steady stream of newcomers since. Word is out about you. We are alive in Christ!  

It is my prayer that, like the people of Thessalonica, you will remain steadfast in your hope in Christ. Life will present challenges and hardships. We can face them because God has promised to be with us always. And we can face them with confidence, as bearers of God’s love and light to a world in need. 

May our witness to the living God ring out in ever-widening reverberations of love. May our lives become the very message of God’s love. 

As you read on, I invite you to choose one way to live out your “work of faith,” “labor of love,” or “steadfastness of hope” this week.

Faithfully,

Jenifer+