February 2, 2022
Happy February, church family and friends!
When my kids were little, there were Disney movies on repeat constantly. The Little Mermaid, Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, Snow White, and more…over and over and over. Alice and Wonderland and Mary Poppins, for whatever reason, were the go-to movies when they were sick. And when we weren’t watching them, we were singing the songs around the house. Sweet and simple messages, plenty of silliness, uncomplicated fun.
What am I saying, when they were little? No, we were still doing this when they were in high school and beyond. They still do it now, out on their own!
But since they’ve moved out, I’ve kinda lost track of the Disney stuff. The newer movies haven’t really drawn my attention. So when my clergy colleagues and friends started going on and on about Encanto, it took me awhile to actually turn it on and see what the fuss was all about. Til Sunday afternoon after worship, to be specific.
You guys.
I mean, I don’t want to over-sell it here. It’s just a movie, and in a lot of ways just typical animated Disney fare. But there are layers of meaning and messages that are far from simple and uncomplicated. Deep, and good, and healing, and important.
Like, that a person can make terrible, hurtful mistakes, and still be good and loving and worthy. That the same person who makes those mistakes can also do great good. That there is nothing so broken that it cannot be healed.
That people are more than what they can achieve or produce. That you don’t have to shoulder everything. Thannnt you don’t, ever, have to be perfect. That we can be honest when we are struggling, and lean on each other.
That everyone matters, and everyone belongs. Every one.
We don’t believe in the Gospel according to Disney, friends. But sometimes the Gospel sneaks an echo of truth where we least expect it. God uses even these things to touch our hearts and make himself known to us.
“Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6
“It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8
“For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” Psalm 139:13-14a
“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” 1 Corinthians 12:4-7
May God surprise you, beloved, with the inbreaking of the Holy Spirit where you least expect it, to strengthen your faith, confirm your hope, and perfect you in love.
Love and blessings,
Worship Any and Everywhere!
ROMANS: A Very Costly Gift
Some would say Paul’s letter to the Romans has done more to form Christian theology – that is, our understanding of who God is, who Jesus is, the meaning of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, the meaning of salvation, and more – than anything other than Christ himself. So we are taking our time with it, exploring Paul’s letter just a bit at a time. After swimming in the toilet last Sunday (that metaphor still seems so perfect to me) and reading the first 3 chapters of Romans, this week we will spend time in chapters 4-6 focusing on God’s promises fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
If you are worshiping with us from home, either via the radio broadcast or video, we are so glad!
If we can pray for you, or if there is anything you need, we would love to do that.
You can call the church office at 775-423-4714, or you can call Pastor Dawn on her cell phone any time,
775-671-5553.
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