Many of us live with the tyranny of measuring-up that keeps us weighed down. Questioning and resisting our busyness culture is hard work! It is definitely swimming against the current, and requires daily help from God and regular encouragement from each other. Perhaps this is what Jesus meant when He called us “salt and light”.
Lightening the load of expectations and “shoulds” is one way to lighten up as well as to literally lighten the clutter that crowds out our serenity. How do we create space to flourish in the ways God intends? How can we “minimalize” our possessions so that they do not possess us?

NOTE: This service also includes a special Minute for Mission about organ donation from COA Clerk Elect Tom Decker

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This week we come to a story of two sisters who approached time with Jesus very differently. Martha was busy. Mary chose to be still, to tune in to Jesus. The lesson here is not that it is bad to work, but that we also need times of connection to God. Tuning in to the holy may mean just taking time to notice things that are beckoning to dwell with us a while.
What contemplative practices can feed and nourish our active lives and help us be more in tune to the present moment? What distractions/addictions consume our attention?

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In this second week of this series, we take a deeper look at one of the most well-known and popular scriptures of all time: PSALM 23. The Twenty-third Psalm is a great comfort to us as we imagine the green pastures and still waters. It also recalls the dark valleys and calls us into the not-so-easy practice of sitting down at the table with our enemies. Think of who Jesus chose to spend time with and who to give His attention. An unhurried God is present with us in the good times and in the difficult times and invites us to be radically present to each other in the same way. Have we been too busy to be really present to one another?

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Come to me all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” —
Matthew 11:28-30
Jesus never promised that the yoke would literally be “easy.” This is a mistranslation. In this context of yoking oxen, the translation means “well fitting.” As we begin our “Busy” series, we discover that each of us has a tempo that fits well, that energizes us. What tempo gives you life and energy? What pace of life were we designed to live?

Join us on this journey!

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Today we welcome back a favorite guest preacher, Rev. Kimberley Copeland. Kim has been an ordained Baptist minister and certified yoga instructor for nearly 15 years. She leads spiritual retreats with a focus on holistic practices and indigenous rituals. She is also one of Pastor Jessie’s very best friends! She will be preaching about mystery and how we view time and how this all ties into the glorious story of Jesus’ transfiguration.

This is also a Communion Sunday, where we will reflect on the mystery of Jesus through this ritual passed on to us.