This week, we kick off our Fall. It is Rally Sunday! All our programs are restarting now, we have a great big picnic after church thanks to our Deacons. We even have a baptism. It is a joyful day.
We also begin a short Fall sermon series based on the Revised Common Lectionary Texts. The series is called NO OFFENSE.
In our polarized world today, it takes almost nothing to light a spark of outrage that turns into a fire of division and hatred. It seems harder than ever to get past places where we disagree and misunderstand and find our way to genuine community with those who are different than us. Yet, Jesus operates differently too. Jesus was considered a stumbling block because His message was so counter to everything we have been taught. How can we meet offense head-on in our world with the grace that Jesus calls us to as His followers?