Fish Fry At Dawn

April 18, 2010
Third Sunday after Easter

Fish Fry At Dawn
Bishop Peggy Johnson, guest speaker

John 21

Jesus said to Peter, “Feed my sheep.”
– John 21:17

(the following summary was printed in the newsletter)

Bishop Johnson wandered seamlessly back and forth between the scripture and Jesus’ hope for the church today, even our church. Jesus comes to the disciples even when they’ve apparently given up hope, and he guides them. The same is true today: Jesus comes to us in our times of grief and despair, and offers us holy presence and guidance. Jesus and the disciples share a meal together, something which gatherings of disciples have done since that very meal. Indeed, we shared in a fine meal in our fellowship hall following the worship service (hats off to the many hands that put their labors into the meal’s preparation and service and clean up – y’all did terrific).

The bishop’s message concluded with Jesus’ exhortation, encouragement, and commission to his followers to care for the Lord’s beloved ones. She pointed out that we are in ministry to our community and more when we tithe faithfully as individuals and when our congregation carries out its pledge to support the Annual Conference with our offerings. We are in ministry to our community and more when we are feeding the hungry and offering presence to the lonely and hope to the hopeless. We are in ministry to our community when we go beyond our walls and comfort zones and discover and address the needs of our neighbors, who are part of God’s great flock. We are in ministry when we share the good news of the life-changing and saving love of Jesus Christ with a world that is desperately in need of his grace.

It was a message that was both encouraging and challenging, and I pray that as you read this blog (and your Bible!) that you may be motivated to pray about how you can be faithfully involved in ministry. Jesus comes to us, nourishes us, reconciles us, and sends us. Hallelujah and amen!

- Pastor Kerry

This Sunday: 72 in worship.