Introduction
Have you ever experienced an event in your life where, on paper, you knew what was going to happen but your reality felt more like navigating through a maze blindfolded, arms outstretched to protect your body only to turn a corner and run head first into a wall? That was my path to parenthood. (This Sunday I’ll share more about that experience along with the unexpected plot twist…cliff hanger!)
I can’t even begin to describe the roller coaster of emotions I went through during that minute after being told we weren’t expected. When I first read our text for today I immediately resonated with the Thessalonians not because my pregnancy journey was like the End Times, but because I experienced first hand how the expectations we have around a major life event don’t always pan out how we think they will. And this disjointed experience can cause both internal and external turmoil, especially if you’ve made the event, or the outcome of the event, a major part of your identity or perceived purpose.
Join us this week as we look at how the Thesselonians may have been responding to their understanding of the Apocalypse and how misplaced focus and missed expectations can impact individuals and our community.
I promise this won’t be a doom and gloom Apocalyptic teaching, in case you were worried.
Shannon Barrowcliff and the teaching team.
Communal Confession for Vine and Branch
Rejoice, Grace Church this time culminates our Sabbath day, our gift of rest and renewal.
We rejoice in this time for worship and wonder.
God gives us Sabbath as freedom from and freedom for.
God is worthy of worship, our Creator, Healer, and Inspiration.
Hang on Grace Church, we were never promised an easy road.
Jesus bids each and all of us to take up our cross and follow Him.
We have the promises and person of Jesus with us every step of the way.
Because we have this we will endure, even though we struggle.
We have the testimony of those who have gone before us to encourage and enlighten us.
Because we have this we will follow their example and receive their encouragement.
We have been given each other to rejoice with, grieve with, grow with and work with.
Because we have this community and all these things we will not lose heart or be forever discouraged.
Grace be to you now and forever in the Name of our Lord Jesus
Lord’s Prayer
Christ, who taught us to pray saying:
Our Father who is in heaven, hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come, your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread and forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who’ve sinned against us.
Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
For yours is the kingdom, and the power,
and the glory forever. Amen.
