MIDWEEK MUSINGS – October 26, 2021 – John Knox
Friends,
The Book of Order describes in F-1.103 the Church as the “body of Christ,” and states that the “mission of God in Christ gives shape and substance to the life and work of the Church.” It goes on to name 4 areas in which the Church strives to demonstrate the gifts given by Christ to be his body.
“A community of faith,…
A community of hope,…
A community of love,…
A community of witness.”
In G-1.0101 we read “the congregation is the church engaged in the mission of God in its particular context…. Through the congregation God’s people carry out the ministries of proclamation, sharing the sacraments, and living in covenant life with God and each other…. The congregation reaches out to people, communities, and the world to share the good news of Jesus Christ, to gather for worship, to offer care and nurture to God’s children, to speak for social justice and righteousness, to bear witness to the truth and to the reign of God that is coming into the world.”
I would ask that each of you think about these descriptive words and about John Knox in relation to them. How are we fulfilling this description and where are we falling short?
Remember this coming Saturday is our Trunk or Treat. If it is raining (I hope not) we will move into the Fellowship Hall, with safety protocols and masks, distancing as much as possible.
Your 2022 Estimate of Giving, or Pledge, should be returned to the church this week. We will dedicate them next Sunday, October 31, during worship. If you have not yet returned your card, I hope you will get it in or bring with you on Sunday. We need them to make a valid budget for Session to approve at its November meeting.
Please plan to be in person, if possible, on November 7. In addition to our observance of All Saints, our guest will be Rev. Dr. Craig Howard, who will lead us in the first workshop in a process of discernment about the future of John Knox. The workshop will follow worship and be held in the Sanctuary.
I look forward to seeing many of you on Saturday. Grace and peace, Pastor Carol