SERMON SNAPSHOT

Dear Friends in Christ –

A friend had met me at the church. We hopped in the car to head to lunch. 

First encounter: a pickup truck on Mary Street pulling out of a lot. Beefy arm comes out signaling let me in. ‘Sure,’ I think. The arm stays out the window, without a wave.

Second encounter: a young woman pulling out of the lot behind The Grocery. Easing out, looking both ways. Furtive. I flick the headlights she pulls out, turns in front of us – no acknowledgement.

Third encounter: huge truck maneuvering to position himself in front of the dumpster. We back up a quarter of the block to allow the driver to get where he needs. He pushes the lever to slide under the dumpster. Nary a "thank you."

Now with the chaos in the headlines, rampant incivility, I thought that Charleston, in the middle of the day, would offer a balm – an oasis. Courtesy met with gratitude. Nope. 

Now I know there are matters of import, global strife, lives in danger, friend, sickness and foe, but I know that grace may enter into any moment – as in our text for this Sunday.

Ten lepers, 10 healed, but only one takes the time to say ‘thanks’ and is not only healed, but saved. 

I had a friend in New York who in the grips of a disease – a disease that carried a death sentence – would remind me and others both by what he said and how he lived his life: Gratitude is the prince of the emotions! 

We’ll explore this on Sunday. Invite a friend. (Invite a member.) I hope to see you in worship!

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