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“Who was I that I could hinder God?”

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SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, May 15, 2022

Dear Friends in Christ –

Table manners matter. At least they had an outsized significance in ancient Palestine, and around much of the world today.

I was in Pago Pago as a student in a program that traveled by ship around the world. The stop between Hawaii and Borneo was American Samoa. As a guest in the home of the Talking Chief, I was instructed that under no circumstance was I to stretch my legs toward him; offering the soles of my feet was more than discourteous so I kept my legs crossed. A position that was referred to as "criss cross applesauce" back in kindergarten. Who knew how useful it could be!

The point is this: I had no idea how powerful something I took for granted could be! An unwitting stretch of the legs could undo years of relationship building! You think an innocent snack of pork knuckles could undo generations of cultural dogma? Yes.

In the 10th and 11th chapters of the Acts of the Apostles, a Roman commander, his family and associates have visions, hear the story of the incarnate God, and are baptized into the community of believers, followers of "the way." It was that simple.

In chapter 11, Peter has a dream that upsets the cart, continues to challenge generational tradition, breaks barriers for him, and instructs who’s right it is to name who’s in and who isn’t. (Spoiler: everybody’s invited!)

This Sunday we welcome new members. We engage the Bible’s sweeping narrative of God’s love. Invite someone you haven’t seen in a while. Or if you haven’t been seen, get up and get out. Let’s worship Jesus together this Sunday.

In great anticipation,


Please worship from home if you are exhibiting any COVID-like symptoms, are aware of an exposure, or have been asked by a school or other institution to quarantine or isolate.

Interested in becoming a member of Second Presbyterian? Email Cress for more information and dates for upcoming new members classes.


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