The Fruit of the Spirit is Love

This week the elders had a chance to sit and talk with 3 young adults - candidates for baptism and membership, who have been going through a process of preparation and discernment for that this Spring. 

On of the things that we do in those conversations is listen for the work of God in the lives of people who desire to become members - disciples - of Jesus’ and his church. The question we are exploring together is - why do you want to be baptized? why do you want to join the church? In some ways their stories of faith are as different as they are. And yet, the common thread is that this is God’s doing. 

I was reminded of Psalm 107 in our conversation. If you’ve never read it, it’s a psalm about telling your story of faith. The psalm imagines a congregation gathered for worship. And The psalmist enjoins the community of faith to “let the redeemed of the lord tell their story”, and then it proceeds to tell the story of God who redeems Israel. But the really wonderful thing about it is, there are different versions of the story. 

Some wandered in desert wastelands....

Some sat in prison, in chains...

Some went away on the sea to a far country... .

The stories are as different as the people who live them. But in each story, God - the redeemer - finds, rescues, restores, delivers, or brings home those “some”. 

On Sunday, you will have a chance to hear some different versions of faith stories. And they will be as varied as ours are too. The common thread will be that the Lord is Good and God's love and faithfulness endure forever.  (v. 1)  And so, the redeemed of the Lord continue to tell that story. 

Which is of course the thing we are always remembering together each time we gather for a worship service whether it’s outside in the world, in the fellowship hall, or the sanctuary. 

This Sunday we invite you to join us for a worship service at Fairwoods Christian Recreation ground as we witness and celebrate God’s work in Baptism. 

Please join us as we witness the baptisms of two young adults, Mark & Grace,
and receive Henry’s profession of faith.  

Church starts at 10am. Come at 9:30am for coffee. 

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, 
his love endures forever.