So Much Life
“Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” – John 12:24
When Jesus spoke these words he was telling his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and die on the cross which was not something that they understood or wanted to hear. On this side of the resurrection, we have a fuller understanding of the picture that Jesus was painting for them. In God, all is redeemed. Even that which seemed over or lost is brought to new and abundant life. I even hear an echo of the life and grace given to us through the grain of wheat becoming our Eucharistic feast in worship.
I feel that we have come out of the pandemic in anticipation of what God has in store for us. The wonderful picnic that Felecia and Pat organized this past Sunday was like our shared life of faith breaking forth in full bloom. Our whole year is before us with promise of growth and joy. Sunday school starts this week. Our Betweeners, SREN, DOK, and POLO groups will be gathering the next couple of weeks. Men’s Group, Small Group Supper Club, and Parent Dinner Group will be kicking off soon. Blessings in a Backpack has started delivering. First Sunday Breakfast, Blessing of the Animals, Thanksgiving Dinner Eucharist, School Sunday and all of our special Advent events will be here before you know it. All this and more has emerged from the slumber of two years of pandemic and it is going to be so wonderful.
I hope the list of some of the things we will share this fall isn’t too overwhelming. I suppose, by its very nature, abundant life is always beyond expectation and overwhelming. In all of this, though, I pray we can keep our hearts and minds aware that what we will share will be immersed in the love of God. Every joy is a glimpse of the Kingdom of God which God has prepared for our complete joy. All that we do is a celebration of the grace and peace that comes from having a God of resurrection who brings all things to the fullness of life through Jesus Christ. I hope you will celebrate this Good News with us.
We love you and God loves you,
Josh Condon+