SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, June 11, 2023

Dear Friends in Christ –

There was a time that I would suggest a phrase, something that I’d encountered in my reading or research that related to the theme of the day or what was happening in the life of the congregation. It seemed that so many of the phrases were attributable to the Greek philosopher, Plutarch, that Julia Harlow suggested we start referring to the quotation itself, regardless of author, as “the Plutarch”.

I offer a Plutarch this week that is attributable to a writer and church consultant, Tom Ehrich.

“We discover what it means to love Jesus by having the courage to love others. And then we receive God's love and learn more about Jesus. The cycle starts in a decision to love, not in a need to get.“

It may be foreign to us or counter-intuitive to imagine that love is a decision. We’re so used to the idea of falling in love or the premise that love is something we find or that happens to us. But I propose that the great gift Jesus gave to those who followed him is that he showed what it means, what it looks like, to love -- to offer love.

This Sunday we will engage again the gospel of John, chapter 14:15-21. We will encounter the incomparable and inexhaustible love of Jesus offered through prayer, proclamation, and God’s Spirit.

What a way to start the summer! Invite everyone you know. Why wouldn’t you?

Also, I will be away much of the summer, but back to preach July 16 as we ‘re-up’ in happy response to God’s call and God’s claim on our lives. You’ll find here in the Snapshot the roster of dynamic pulpit guests.

Best love in Jesus –