A Surprise for You
This Sunday we have a special treat for you that will be shared during the virtual 10:30 service announcements…I want to tell you all about, but it is a surprise. All I can say is that, since we are all in this together, I hope you will join us Sunday morning to see what it is! If you decide to attend in person worship at 9 in the church or at 3 on the field (which we will be offering every Sunday as long as weather permits), we will make it available after Sunday morning’s virtual service.
Surprising someone is the best. The surprise we brought you this past Easter with the bulb, candle, and confetti and the “I am loved and missed by Holy Spirit Episcopal Church” yard signs were an outpouring of God’s encouragement and inspiration. I think the experience of being surprised with goodness is such an essential part of the Christian faith. What a surprise that we have a God who created everything and created us out of the simple and complete desire to be in relationship with us and love us.
What an amazing surprise it was when Jesus appeared in the world! The shepherds were surprised when the heavens opened and angels proclaimed Jesus’ birth. What a surprise when the star appeared in the sky with its magnetic draw for those magi from the east. These are just those initial incarnational moments (which we will share in our annual Christmas pageant – stay tuned and get ready for a surprise!)! Remember when the steward at the wedding in Cana of Galilee was surprised when he tasted the wine that had been water just a short while before or when the disciples were surprised by nets overfull with fish after a simple suggestion from an unknown Jesus on the shore? And there is no greater surprise than the Easter resurrection!!
The story of God’s work found in the Holy Scriptures tells us one surprising account of God’s persistent love after another! Though I haven’t before considered it, every sermon is meant to surprise you with the amazing Good News of God’s grace and love. This love and grace is so unbelievable and incredible that it is always surprising. I suppose you could say that the heart of amazement is surprise. I pray we will all be amazed when we look back and contemplate how God has been caring for us and working in us this year. May God surprise us all with the unbelievable abundance of holy grace and love.
We love you and God loves you.